Category: All News

  • Nvidia RTX Spark laptop prices, Surface Laptop Ultra, Dell XPS 16

    Nvidia RTX Spark laptop prices, Surface Laptop Ultra, Dell XPS 16

    Key Takeaway

    – RTX Spark laptops with N1x chip to start at $2,899; N1 models at $1,799
    – Pricing places them in MacBook Pro territory for base specs (16/32GB RAM, 512GB/1TB storage)
    – Actual retail prices will vary widely; premium models could be significantly higher
    – 8 laptop models announced at Computex 2026, expanding to 30 laptops and 10 desktops by fall
    – Additional devices from Acer and Gigabyte expected, but rivalry with MacBook Pro remains unproven

    Pricing Insights on Nvidia’s New RTX Spark Platform

    As the excitment builds around Nvidia’s new RTX Spark platform, fresh insights from a Morgan Stanley report, a firm widely respected for its deep market analysis, have shed light on potential pricing for upcoming RTX Spark laptops. According to the info, laptops (and presumably PCs) equipped with the N1x chip could carry a price tag of at least $2,899, while entry-level N1 models may start at $1,799, which points to potential MacBook Pro price territory. These estimates likely relate to base SKUs featuring closer to 16/32GB of RAM and 512/1TB of storage rather than a model with 128GB of RAM and a 4TB SSD.

    Real-World Pricing Variables

    It is important to note that actual retail pricing will (undoubtedly) vary widely, and some premium laptops powered by the RTX Spark could be significantly more expensive depending on manufacturer and the specs. Several laptop models featuring the Nvidia RTX Spark platform were announced at Computex 2026. Here are the RTX Spark laptops unveiled so far:

    • MSI Raider GE18 Spark
    • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Spark
    • Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Spark
    • HP Omen 17 Spark
    • Dell XPS 16 Spark
    • Samsung Galaxy Book5 Spark
    • Razer Blade 18 Spark
    • Framework 16 Spark

    Expanding Lineup and Competition

    While these eight models are the primary announcements from Computex, Nvidia has stated that the initial lineup is expected to grow to 30 laptop models and 10 desktop models by the time they become available this fall. Additional devices from brands like Acer and Gigabyte are also expected to follow. Whether Nvidia’s high-performance chips can truly challenge established rivals like the MacBook Pro remains to be seen. Morgan Stanley via Wccftech

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  • State of Play: GTA 6 Release Date Impact, Games Stacking September

    State of Play: GTA 6 Release Date Impact, Games Stacking September

    Key Takeaway

    – September and early October are packed with AAA game releases, many launching just weeks apart.
    – Publishers are actively avoiding the November 19th GTA 6 release date to prevent sales cannibalization.
    – Key September launches include Marvel’s Wolverine (Sept 15), Silent Hill: Townfall (Sept 24), and Onimusha: Way of the Sword (Sept 25).
    – Some developers, like Remedy, are confident enough to launch near GTA 6, but most are shifting schedules.
    – The crowded release calendar raises concerns about consumer spending power and market saturation.

    September’s Already Crazy Game Lineup

    September were already turning out to be a crowded month with fresh arrivals before the big show even started. But then the PlayStation State of Play decided to drop a whole barrage of additional AAA games that are shipping just days or sometimes weeks apart from each other. With a schedule that is unusually packed this autumn, it seems like publishers are actually dreading the fact that GTA 6 is coming out on November 19th and they have to compete with that giant.

    New Horror and Action Dates Confirmed

    Viewers sat there watching as one studio after another went ahead and confirmed either a September or an early October launch for their big projects. Konami’s brand new Scottish-set horror game called Silent Hill: Townfall will be emerging from the shadows on September 24th. By shifting it to a first-person perspective for this entry, the survival horror title is really hoping they can match the success that Capcom had with Resident Evil: Requiem which everyone loved.

    • Onimusha: Way of the Sword revives the Capcom franchise on September 25th
    • Rayman Legends Retold from Ubisoft returns on October 1st
    • Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve takes off on October 2nd

    Leaks Were Verified Before the Event

    The broadcast ended up verifying several leaks that had been floating around ahead of the actual State of Play presentation itself. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be reviving that beloved Capcom franchise on September 25th which is a good date for fans. Ubisoft’s classic platformer Rayman Legends Retold is coming back pretty soon after that on October 1st, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will also be trying to avoid the GTA 6 release date by taking off on October 2nd instead.

    Tough Choices for Gamers This Month

    Gamers also have to decide how they want to spend there money on a bunch of titles that already had announced dates before the show even happened. Marvel’s Wolverine actually headlined the entire PlayStation event and pre-orders are now live for it before its September 15th launch date arrives. Although some games weren’t featured in the show like Blood of Dawnwalker, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, and Hell is Us they are all still coming to stores in September regardless.

    Why Publishers Are Afraid of GTA 6

    GTA 6 is expected to absolutely dominate the entire holiday season this year and one analyst is predicting that it will sell around 40 million copies in its initial few months on store shelves. As a direct result of this massive hype, publishers have admitted that they are shifting their own schedules to avoid competing directly with that cultural phenomenon. Most recently, many observers believe that the Fable delay all the way to February was partly done because of the crime epic coming out.

    Some Developers Are Confident Enough

    Not every single company out there is afraid to take on Rockstar Games. Also attending the State of Play event, Remedy Entertainment is feeling confident enough in the appeal of their new title Control Resonant. The studio fully anticipates that the hype will attract buyers who are seeking a variety of new experiences this fall. Nevertheless they picked a September 24th date which provides them a little bit of breathing room away from November.

    Likely not by choice at all, S-Game just confirmed a unfortunate delay for Phantom Blade Zero all the way to October 29th. Regardless of the reasoning, it is debatable whether in this challenging economy bunching so many releases together was actually a wise decision for sales. Still publishers who are determined to introduce games this year have very few options to sidestep the GTA 6 release date. The title could easily dominate the entire market well into 2027.

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  • Microsoft unveils Android AI device with Qualcomm, 5G to rival iPhone

    Microsoft unveils Android AI device with Qualcomm, 5G to rival iPhone

    Key Takeaway

    – Microsoft’s Project Solara introduces a “chip-to-cloud” platform for AI agent-first experiences, moving beyond traditional app-based smartphones.
    – The key hardware is a wearable “badge” with an always-connected, agent-centric UI, designed to replace the app grid on current phones.
    – The device uses an Android-based OS (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform) tailored for active AI agents, not conventional app launchers.
    – Microsoft is internally testing the badge and smart display among hundreds of employees, with plans for enterprise pilots in healthcare, retail, hospitality, and more.
    – Purpose-built, lightweight hardware is seen as essential for reaching true “agent-first” potential, with AI generating UIs instead of requiring native apps for every form factor.

    Project Solara Unveiled at Computex 2026

    At Computex 2026, Microsoft has officially unveiled Project Solara, an ambitious new “chip-to-cloud” platform designed to shift the focus of computing from the apps we use on our phones to AI agent-first experiences that do things for you (and instead of you). While the company revealed a stationary desk-based smart display concept that looks like a smart speaker/display combo, the real standout announcement is a portable wearable device, that hints at a future where the smartphone as we know it might be rendered obsolete. And despite the fact that Microsoft doesn’t call the device a “phone”, it sure has all of the hardware and software to do what your iPhone 17 Pro or Galaxy S26 Ultra can do.

    The Badge Hardware and Agent-Centric UI

    The badge, a crucial hardware element of Project Solara, is not just a digital ID (which is what it looks like) but a dedicated, always-connected interface for AI agents, says Microsoft. Currently designed for frontline and information workers, this wearable replaces the traditional app-based grid (that we know from phones) with a streamlined, agent-centric UI. Reportedly utilizing an Android-based OS for the device (specifically the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), Microsoft says that the current “app-launcher” smartphone paradigm may be too cumbersome for the era of active AI agents.

    Internal Testing and Enterprise Pilots

    It’s important to note that even though they are still in their concept stage, the company is testing the badge and smart display devices internally among hundreds of employees, hoping to quickly move the wearable phone/computer from a concept to mainstream adoption. Having started internal testing, Microsoft prepares to begin enterprise pilot testing in the healthcare, retail, hospitality, financial services, legal, industrial, and field services. In related news, Qualcomm’s CEO said that “resistance is futile”, when it comes to adopting agentic AI-based devices and operating systems like the ones part of Project Solara.

    Strategic Timing and Competition with OpenAI

    Meanwhile, the timing of Project Solara likely isn’t a coincidence. With rumors swirling that OpenAI is fast-tracking its own AI-focused smartphone for a potential early 2027 launch, Microsoft is likely trying to position itself to be the dominant platform provider for this next hardware cycle. In case you’re wondering why today’s flagship smartphones can’t serve the same purpose as Microsoft and OpenAI’s upcoming AI agent phones/devices, the answer might be in the “stack”, according to Microsoft. While traditional phones rely on apps (as we know them), the company thinks that to truly reach “agent-first” potential, devices must be purpose-built, lightweight, and specialized for AI.

    Lowering Barriers for Hardware Ecosystem

    By lowering the barrier to entry for specialized hardware, using AI to handle UI generation rather than requiring developers to build native apps for every new form factor, Microsoft aims to make the hardware ecosystem as fluid as the software. All in all, whether Project Solara and the badge/phone/computer device (or its successor) can sucessfully disrupt the iPhone/Android space remains to be seen, but the message seems clear. The next battleground for AI might not be taking place in your browsers but in your pockets.

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  • Sony Reveals New Games Coming to PlayStation Plus

    Sony Reveals New Games Coming to PlayStation Plus

    Key Takeaway

    – Runescape: Dragonwilds coming to PS Plus Extra as a day-one release on PS5 in Fall 2026
    – Three new PS Plus Classics Catalog additions: Gitaroo Man (June), Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (July), Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams (August)
    – These games are not part of this month’s PS Plus Monthly Games, but will arrive over the next few months
    – Gitaroo Man, Psi-Ops, and Onimusha are only available to PS Plus Premium subscribers

    State of Play Highlights for PS Plus Members

    Sony hosted there latest State of Play event today, giving PlayStation fans a closer look at several upcoming games from both PlayStation Studios and third-party developers. The showcase featured new trailers, gameplay reveals, and release date announcements. For PlayStation Plus members, Sony also had some good news, as the company confirmed a handful of games that will be joining the subscription service in the coming months.

    Not Part of This Month’s Games

    It is important to keep in mind that these games are not part of this months PS Plus Monthly Games. Instead, they are scheduled to arrive over the next few months.

    The biggest announcement is Runescape: Dragonwilds. Sony confirmed that the game will join PS Plus Extra as a day-one release when it arrives on the PS5 in Fall 2026. This survival crafting game first launched on PC in April last year and has been well-received by players, and it currently holds a Very Positive rating on Steam with over 19,000 user reviews.

    Classics Catalog Additions for Premium Subscribers

    Sony also announced three new additons for the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog. These titles will only be available to PS Plus Premium subscribers.

    The first is Gitaroo Man, a rhythm game that originally launched in June 2001. The title is set to join the Classics Catalog later this month. Next is Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy. Originally released on PS2, Xbox, and PC, the game combines action, stealth, and psychic abilities, and it will be added to the Classics Catalog in July.

    Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams Joining in August

    The final addition is Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams. Originally released for the PS2 in 2006, this action RPG is the sixth installment in the Onimusha series, and it takes place decades after the events of Onimusha 3: Demon Siege. According to Sony, it will join the Classics Catalog in August.

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  • Aulumu G05 Pro: Magnetic Kickstand & EDC Tool

    Aulumu G05 Pro: Magnetic Kickstand & EDC Tool

    Key Takeaway

    – Combines smartphone kickstand with five EDC tools, replacing separate multi-tools like Swiss Army or Leatherman
    – Ultra-slim design (6.5mm thick, 38g) with aluminum alloy body and foldaway stainless steel tools
    – 360° rotating kickstand doubles as a protractor and ASMR fidget spinner
    – Strong 25N magnet for MagSafe and other magnetic phones, includes stick-on ring for non-magnetic phones
    – Priced at $35.98 in Midnight Black or Mechanical Silver

    New Magnetic Gadget Launches

    Aulumu has debuted the G05 Pro multi-function magnetic smartphone kickstand with built-in EDC tools and features for PC builders, 3D printing hobbyists, smartphone users, and ASMR lovers, helping eliminate the need to include a separate Swiss Army or Leatherman multifunction tool (such as the Micra sold on Amazon) in ones toolkit. This new device really changes how you carry everyday items.

    Dimensions and Weight Details

    The G05 Pro is just 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) thick and measures 95 x 57 mm (3.7 x 2.2 in.). The EDC tool weighs only 38 g (1.3 oz.) thanks to an aluminum alloy body coupled with five stainless steel tools—a pocket knife, a flathead screwdriver, a saw blade, a file, and a SIM ejector. When not in use, the tools fold into the kickstand, which flips out up to 80 degrees. Its really small and light to carry around.

    Protractor and Spinner Features

    The circular magnetic ring is engraved at 15-degree intervals, allowing the kickstand to be used as a protractor. Additionally, the kickstand is designed to rotate 360 degrees while producing a soothing ASMR sound for fidgety users who use it as a spinner. People who like to fidget will enjoy that sound alot when they spin it.

    Magnet and Phone Compatibility

    The mini tool comes with a 25N magnet to attach itself to Apple iPhones with MagSafe and other smartphones with a magnetic accessory mounting ring. It can also be used with other phones after the included stick-on metal ring has been applied. This makes it work with many different devices if you have the right setup.

    Price and Color Options

    The Aulumu G05 Pro is available in Midnight Black or Mechanical Silver on the Aulumu website and Amazon for $35.98. You can get it in two different colors to match your style, and the price is quite reasonable for what you get.


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  • HP Launches Compact Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and 32GB RAM

    HP Launches Compact Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – HP EliteBook 8 G2i 13 now available in Europe, featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake Core Ultra 7 355 processor.
    – The laptop includes a powerful Xe3 iGPU, superior to older Arrow Lake-based models.
    – Key specs: 13.3-inch 1200p IPS display (up to 800 nits, 100% sRGB), 62 Wh battery with 100W charging.
    – Weighs 1.31 kg and measures just 11.8–15.5 mm thick.
    – UK pricing starts at £1,537 (16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD); Eurozone starts at €2,497 but with a 400-nit display.

    A few months have passed since HP updated its EliteBook 8 series with new models. Now, the company has started selling the compact EliteBook 8 G2i 13 in Europe. Currently, we cannot find the new laptop on any of HP’s other regional stores, though.

    Exclusive Panther Lake Processor

    While we wait for those to arrive, HP is offering the EliteBook 8 G2i 13 exclusively with the Core Ultra 7 355 from Intel’s Panther Lake family. An 8-core processor, the Core Ultra 7 355 also features a 4-core Xe3 iGPU that easily outperforms the equivalent found in older Arrow Lake-based Elitebook 8 G1i models (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). Additionly, HP has paired this Panther Lake processor with a 62 Wh battery that supports up to 100 W charging.

    Dimensions and Display Details

    Moreover, the laptop measures 301.8 x 214.9 x 11.8~15.5 mm, weighs 1.31 kg and features a 13.3-inch IPS display that combines a 1200p resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 800 nits peak brightness and 100% sRGB colour space coverage. That screen offers solid brightness for outdoor use, making it a decent choice for professionals on the move whom need reliable visibility.

    Pricing and Configurations

    The EliteBook 8 G2i 13 starts at £1,537 in the UK with 16 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. At the time of writing, the same configuration runs to €2,497 in the Eurozone but with a 400-nit display. Alternativly, HP is selling essentially the same configuration with 32 GB of RAM for £1,889 in the UK. Please see the company’s website for more details.

    Additional Availability

    HP Germany & HP UK (1) (2) provide the primary sales channels for this model at launch. It remains unclear when other regional stores will list the device, but its likely they’ll follow soon given the products intial rollout. For now, European buyers have the best access to this compact business laptop with its advanced processor and premium build quality.


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  • Six Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass June 2026

    Six Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass June 2026

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox Game Pass adds new games monthly, but also removes titles regularly.
    – Most games stay on the service for 6 to 18 months, but some leave earlier.
    – Once a game leaves, it’s no longer available via subscription unless purchased separately.
    – Subscribers can buy departing games at a discount before they are removed.

    New Game Pass departures announced

    Microsoft realses a fresh bunch of games to the Xbox Game Pass library every month, giving subscribers lots of new titles to download and play. For instance, last month alone, the company added a total of 23 games across the Game Pass catalog. However, while new games continue to join Xbox Game Pass, a handful of titles also exit the service every month.

    Typical stay duration and recent removals

    In most cases, a game remains available on Xbox Game Pass for anywhere between six and 18 months, though some titles can leave even earlier depending on licensing agreements and publisher decisions. A few days ago, five games left the service, including popular titles such as Against the Storm and Persona 4 Golden. And now, Microsoft has revealed another batch of games that will be removed from the service in mid-June.

    What happens after removal

    Once a title leaves Xbox Game Pass, it can not longer be accessed through an active subscription unless it is purchased separately. And if you’re disheartened about any of the games leaving, you’ll be happy to learn that Xbox Game Pass members can grab these titles at discounted prices before they leave the platform. Microsoft offers special discounts on games that are about to be removed from the service, giving subscribers an opportunity to permanently add them to their library at a lower price.

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  • Amazon Luna June 2026: 15 Free Games Announced

    Amazon Luna June 2026: 15 Free Games Announced

    Key Takeaway

    – 15 free games are available for Amazon Prime members in June 2026.
    – Each game must be claimed before its specific deadline to keep forever.
    – Games are redeemed through Epic Games Store, GOG, or Amazon Games App (not Steam).
    – Prime members need accounts on multiple platforms to access the full lineup.

    Prime Member Benefits Expand with Monthly Game Giveaways

    Amazon Prime members get to enjoy a variety of benifits with their subscription, such as fast shipping on eligible products, exclusive discounts, access to Prime Video, and more. On top of that, Amazon also offers a free set of games every month to Prime members through Luna, formerly known as Prime Gaming. And now that June has started, Amazon has revealed the next batch of free games that subscribers can claim.

    Fifteen Titles Available for Download This Month

    This month, their are a total of 15 games available for Amazon Prime members to download and play. As usual, each game comes with its own deadline, and you must claim it before it expires. If you do, it will be yours to keep forever.

    Not Distributed Through Steam, Multi-Platform Redemption Required

    Another thing worth noting is that these games are not distributed directly through Steam. Instead, depending on the title, the games may be redeemed through the Epic Games Store, GOG, or the Amazon Games App. This means players will need accounts on multiple platforms to access the full June lineup.

    Complete June 2026 Lineup with Release Dates and Platforms

    That said, here is the complete Amazon Luna June 2026 lineup, along with the release date and platforms.

    • Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered (Very Positive – Steam) – June 2 – Epic Games Store
    • Mafia III: Definitive Edition (Mixed – Steam) – June 2 – GOG Code
    • XCOM: Chimera Squad (Mostly Positive – Steam) – June 2 – GOG Code
    • Tested on Humans: Escape Room (Very Positive – Steam) – June 11 – GOG Code
    • Sin Slayers: Reign of the 8th (Mixed – Steam) – June 11 – GOG Code
    • G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra (Mixed – Steam) – June 11 – Epic Games Store
    • Paradise Killer (Mixed – Steam) (Very Positive – Steam) – June 11 – GOG Code
    • Between Time: Escape Room (Very Positive – Steam) – June 18 – GOG Code
    • Sugardew Island (Mostly Positive – Steam) – June 18 – GOG Code
    • Wargame Construction Set III: Age of Rifles 1846-1905 (Positive – Steam) – June 18 – GOG Code
    • Space Grunts 2 (No rating yet – Steam) – June 18 – GOG Code
    • Space Grunts: Chrono Shard (No rating yet – Steam) – June 25 – Epic Games Store
    • Please Touch the Artwork (Very Positive – Steam) – June 25 – Epic Games Store
    • Terraforming Mars (Mixed – Steam) – June 25 – Amazon Games App
    • Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch (Very Positive – Steam) – June 25 – Amazon Games App
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  • Google Android June Feature Drop: Scam Detection, AirDrop

    Key Takeaway

    – Scam call detection uses RCS to verify contacts and block AI deepfake spoofing.
    – Circle to Search identifies clothing in images; Google Photos Wardrobe lets you virtually try outfits.
    – AirDrop support via Quick Share expands to select Android models (e.g., Pixel 8a+, Galaxy S24–S26).
    – Personal Safety app adds protections for kids under 13; Play Books gets a new reading companion.
    – Android 17 is launching soon for Pixels, focusing on polish and subtle user experience improvements.

    New Android Drop Brings Scam Spotting and Fashion Tools

    Google has released its June 2026 Android Feature Drop, and it comes with features that spot scammers, plan outfits, and improve iPhone integration. The update focuses on practical improvements that refine the daily user experience, adding tools for safety and creativity. Users can now access these features on compatible Pixel and Android devices.

    Call Verification Against Deepfake Scams

    With the June Feature Drop, users of the Phone by Google app (the default dialer on most Android phones) can now detect fake calls by scammers pretending to be your one of your contacts. This works even if the scammers spoof the phone number and use AI deepfake technology to sound just like them by using RCS technology to verify if the phone reaching out to you is really who they say they are. It works if your contact uses Phone by Google as well, though Google doesn’t say what happens if they’re using say, an iPhone. This safety layer is a significant addition for those concerned about voice mimicry fraud.

    Outfit Planning and Virtual Try-Ons

    For fashionistas, Google is debuting two new features. The first lets you find what outfits people are wearing using Circle to Search, while the second lets you try out new outfits virtually with Google Photos wardrobe. Wardrobe is only available to users in the U.S., India, and Brazil, while the Circle to Search feature is available for all Android 14 and above devices which have access to Circle to Search. This dual approach mixes discovery with experimentation, allowing users to identifiy clothing from images and then visualize themselves wearing similar items.

    Expanded AirDrop Support Across Brands

    Google also says its bringing AirDrop support via Quick Share to more devices. Xiaomi already announced it would be bringing it to the Xiaomi 17T Pro, and Google lists the current list of AirDrop capable Android phones as including every Pixel newer than the Pixel 8a, the Galaxy S24 – S26 series as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and newer, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and newer, Galaxy Z Trifold, Oppo Find X9 series, Oppo Find N6, Honor Magic V6, Vivo X300 series, and the OnePlus 15. The Oppo Find X8 series, Motorola razr fold 2026, and Honor Magic 8 Pro are coming soon. This interoperability aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS file sharing.

    Additional Updates for Safety and Reading

    Other new features include enhancement to the Personal Safety app aimed at kids under 13, a new reading companion in the Google Play Books app, and new emoji coming to Emoji Kitchen. These updates cater to younger users and reading enthusiasts alike, providing more engaging and secure interactions. The personal safety features are designed to give parents more oversight while still respecting child privacy.

    Looking Ahead to Android 17

    Google is preparing to launch Android 17 for Pixels soon, with other Android brands following shortly. With Android 17, users can expect further refinements and under-the-hood improvements. Smartphones have reached maturity, and this Google update shows it, with small changes aimed at polishing the user experience and adding features we didn’t know we needed. A fit check with circle to search? Thats certainly novel.

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  • New $29 Mini Controller Keypad for $249 Modular Sidephone

    New $29 Mini Controller Keypad for $249 Modular Sidephone

    Key Takeaway

    – Modular pogo-pin keypad with classic Game Boy/SNES button layout (D-pad, A/B/X/Y, Select, Start)
    – All buttons are fully remappable via Sidephone’s Key Mapper software
    – Ships with two built-in Mini Games (Asteroids & Blocks); future support for third-party games, emulators, and smart remote functions
    – Priced at $29; orders placed now ship in July 2026
    – Fourth tile in Sidephone’s modular ecosystem, reinforcing the SP-01 phone’s physical transformation capability

    Sidephone’s Newest Tile is Finally Official

    The Mini Controller Keypad has been relesed by Sidephone as there newest modular accessory. It is a gamepad-style tile that you can currently order from sidephone.com for only $29. The company has said that this tile will start shipping out to customers in July 2026.

    Design and Button Layout Details

    This new keypad uses the exact same modular, pogo-pin attachment system that all of Sidephone’s earlier tiles used. It includes a 4-way directional pad, four face buttons which are A, X, Y, and B, plus a Select button and a Start button. Anyone who grew up with a Game Boy or a SNES controller will find this classic layout instantly familar. Every single button on the keypad is remappable via the Key Mapper software, just like every other Sidephone keypad.

    Exclusive Mini Games and Future Plans

    Sidephone has also developed two special Mini Games to go with the hardware: Mini Asteroids and Mini Blocks. The company has future plans to open up a community development envrionment so that third-party developers can make games and apps. Some of the longer-term ideas they are thinking about include GBA and arcade emulators, as well as a universal smart remote control functionallity.

    Fourth Tile in the Lineup

    Since its debut back in April 2025, Sidephone has now relesed four unique keypad tiles. The first was the original T9 numeric keypad, then came the $29 Sundial media controller which was inspired by the iPod wheel for music playback, and then the compact QWERTY tile was unvealed last December. Having this wide range of input options is extremly important to Sidephone’s main idea: a single $249 device that can physically change its shape depending on what you are doing.

    About the SP-01 Phone Itself

    The SP-01 is a 2.8-inch Android phone that has a 12 MP camera and can last up to eight days on a single battery charge. It started shipping to US Founders Edition backers in January 2026. If you have a pending order, you can request that the Mini Controller be added and bundled into one single July shipment by getting in touch with [email protected].

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