Category: All News

April 3, 2025
Google Pixel 10 Series Camera Leak: Exciting Upgrades and Limits
Key Takeaways
1. The Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL have minimal design changes from their predecessors.
2. The standard Pixel 10 will feature a new third camera sensor, likely a telephoto lens.
3. The camera hardware for both front and back modules remains the same as in previous models.
4. Google is using the new Tensor G5 chip, but it still trails behind competitors in performance benchmarks.
5. The Pixel 10 series will prioritize AI-enhanced photography over raw performance.
Renders of the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL reveal almost no changes in design compared to their predecessors. In contrast, the standard Pixel 10 is expected to feature a third camera sensor, which many believe to be a telephoto lens. Thanks to Android Authority, we now have a wealth of new insights regarding these sensors.
Differences in Camera Features
The standard Pixel 10 is set to be quite distinct from its Pro and Pro XL and even Pro Fold versions this time around. Despite having three sensors, they may be significantly different from each other. Google has continued its trend of using the same camera hardware for both front and back camera modules, which has been carried over from the last generation. This means that the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will use the same sensors found in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Performance Insights
In essence, Google is utilizing the new Tensor G5, reportedly made by TSMC, to handle the demanding tasks. However, if its Geekbench results are any indication, there’s still a long journey ahead for Google’s in-house SoC to match up against competitors like Qualcomm and MediaTek. Nonetheless, the Pixel 10 series, similar to many of its predecessors, will not focus primarily on raw performance but instead aim to excel in other areas, such as AI-enhanced photography.
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Tags: AI-assisted photography, Google Pixel 10, Tensor G5
April 3, 2025
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Now Available on Sega Dreamcast
Key Takeaways
1. A team has released a beta version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for the Sega Dreamcast.
2. To create the Dreamcast image file, a retail copy of GTA 3 or GTA: VC is required, along with specific tools available on GitHub.
3. The gameplay is functional but may have graphical issues and an unstable framerate, typical of beta versions.
4. The beta includes features like 2x FSAA for smoother edges and a 24-bits-per-pixel frame buffer for enhanced color depth.
5. Players can access the beta version by visiting the project’s GitHub page.
We got Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the Dreamcast before we got GTA 6.
A team that worked on bringing Grand Theft Auto III (GTA 3) to the Sega Dreamcast released a beta version for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (GTA: VC) not long ago. This beta, shared on GitHub on April 1, can be played on actual hardware.
Requirements for the Port
According to the GitHub page, to make the Dreamcast image file, you need a retail copy of either GTA 3 or GTA: VC. It also notes that the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy can be used to build this file. Additionally, there are two other tools necessary for the image creation, and links to these tools are provided on the GitHub site.
Gameplay and Performance
Falco Girgis, one of the developers from the project, shared a brief gameplay video on X. The game is functional, but players might notice odd graphical issues and an unstable framerate. Nevertheless, these types of problems are common in beta versions. The team is actively working to fix these glitches and enhance features.
Notable Features
In the beta, you can find a feature for 2x FSAA that helps smooth the edges, along with a rendering option using a 24-bits-per-pixel (bpp) frame buffer that adds “extra depth and vividness to the colors,” as per Girgis’s statement.
You can explore the beta version of the Dreamcast port for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City by visiting the GitHub page for the project, which is linked in the Sources section below.
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Tags: Dreamcast, GitHub, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
April 3, 2025
April 2025: Epic Games Store Free Mystery Game Giveaway
Key Takeaways
1. Epic Games Store is offering Cat Quest II for free this week, valued at $14.99.
2. The game is also available in physical copies for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
3. Cat Quest II has average scores of 76/100 on Metacritic and 77/100 on OpenCritic.
4. Recommended system requirements include a Core i7-7500U CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 600 MB of storage.
5. The free offer is available until April 10 at 15:59 UTC.
The Epic Games Store has introduced a new free game this week, continuing its trend from last week’s feline-themed giveaway. Just to remind you, the store had been offering discounts on Cat Quest I and Neko Ghost, Jump! until earlier today, with the combined value reaching $27.98.
A New Free Game Awaits
This week, Epic Games has switched gears to offer a single game for free on PC. Cat Quest II, regularly priced at $14.99, can also be found in physical copies for consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Players can purchase it alone or as part of the Pawsome Pack, which includes the original Cat Quest for a current price of $35 on Amazon. Interestingly, the game has received average scores of 76/100 on Metacritic and 77/100 on OpenCritic, putting it on par with its predecessor.
System Requirements
Cat Quest II should be compatible with nearly any modern PC due to its recommended specs, which include a Core i7-7500U CPU, HD Graphics 620 iGPU, 8 GB of RAM, and just 600 MB of storage. Even if you have a Core i3-2100 and 4 GB of RAM, you should still be able to enjoy this week’s free offering. Known also as Cat Quest II: The Lupus Empire, this title can be added to your Epic Games library for free until April 10 at 15:59 UTC. More details on redemption can be found on the Epic Games Store listing.
Important Note
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price alterations made by retailers. The mentioned price or deal was accurate at the time of writing and may have time limits or limited availability.
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Tags: Cat Quest II, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 4
April 3, 2025
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch Update: Zepp OS 4.5 Now Available
Key Takeaways
1. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch has received a new update, version 3.6.5.9, enhancing its software to Zepp OS 4.5.
2. A new Real-time Performance metric for Trail Running activities allows users to monitor their physical status during workouts.
3. Improvements for HYROX races include tracking time spent in the Roxzone and enhanced map features with detailed terrain views.
4. GPS pacing has become more stable, benefiting runners in urban and wooded environments.
5. The update can be downloaded via the Zepp app by accessing Profile > Amazfit T-Rex 3 > System Update.
A new update for the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch has been released. The update, labeled version 3.6.5.9, is a 19.57MB file and is being rolled out to users around the globe in stages. The last update, version 3.5.7.1, came out in February and included changes related to HYROX for the smartwatch.
New Features and Improvements
The recent version 3.6.5.9 updates the T-Rex 3 to Zepp OS 4.5 from the earlier Zepp OS 4.0. According to the release notes, this update introduces a new Real-time Performance metric specifically for Trail Running activities. This feature lets users monitor their “physical status” in real-time, with additional analysis accessible in the workout record. To enable this feature, users can navigate to Trail Running > Assistant > More > Real-time Performance.
Enhancements for Users
In this update, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch, which is priced at approximately $234.99 on Amazon, also sees improvements for the HYROX race. Users can now keep track of the time they spend in the Roxzone, which is the area between the running track and other workout stations. Additionally, the map feature has been enhanced, as it now supports map downloads via Bluetooth and offers a more detailed view of the terrain, including glaciers, shrubs, and wetlands.
Better Performance
The GPS pacing is reportedly more stable, which is great news for city runners who are often surrounded by tall buildings or those who prefer running in wooded areas. Furthermore, the Readiness algorithm has been fine-tuned, but user feedback on this adjustment is still pending. As is customary, the version 3.6.5.9 update can be downloaded through the Zepp app. Users should navigate to Profile > Amazfit T-Rex 3 > System Update to access it.
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Tags: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Real-time Performance, Zepp OS 4.5
April 3, 2025
New Day One Titles on Xbox Game Pass: April 2025 Lineup
Key Takeaways
1. Nine New Games for Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft is launching nine new games for Xbox Game Pass in early April, including several day one releases.
2. Day One Release of South of Midnight: South of Midnight, an action RPG with a unique animation style, will be available on April 8, 2025.
3. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Included: The Ultimate Evil Edition of Diablo III, featuring the base game and the Reaper of Souls expansion, will also launch on April 8, 2025.
4. Commandos: Origins Launches on April 9: The next entry in the Commandos series, focusing on stealth-based tactics, will be available on April 9, 2025.
5. Hunt: Showdown 1896 Arrives on April 15: The PvPvE extraction shooter, Hunt: Showdown 1896, will be added to Game Pass on April 15, 2025.
Microsoft has revealed a lineup of nine games for Xbox Game Pass that will launch in the first week of April. Leading the pack is the day one release of South of Midnight. Other notable additions include Commandos: Origins, Blue Prince, and Hunt Showdown 1896.
South of Midnight (Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass) – April 8
Scheduled for release on April 8, South of Midnight is crafted by Compulsion Games, known for titles like Contrast and We Happy Few. In this game, you step into the shoes of Hazel, a young woman thrust into a bizarre realm where she must save her mother. It features a unique stop-motion animation style combined with a gritty Southern Gothic aesthetic, giving it a striking visual appeal. This action RPG will be available on its launch date – April 8, 2025.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard) – April 8
The much-debated sequel to the iconic Diablo II, Diablo III, initially faced a rough start when it launched. Luckily, after several updates and an excellent seasonal challenge system, Blizzard transformed the game into an enjoyable ARPG. The Ultimate Evil Edition includes the original game along with the expansion pack, Reaper of Souls. This title will also be added on April 8, 2025.
Commandos: Origins (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 9
Another exciting day one release is Commandos: Origins, the eagerly awaited next chapter in the Commandos series. The original Commandos titles are known for their stealth-based real-time tactics and their punishing difficulty. Players will experience gameplay from an isometric view, controlling a squad of elite commandos as they tackle various missions. The game is set to launch on April 9, 2025.
Blue Prince (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 10
Blue Prince is an immersive puzzle adventure that challenges players to navigate through a mysterious manor that continuously alters its architecture during your adventure. You’ll explore a shifting collection of 45 rooms to uncover the manor’s chilling secrets. This title is another day one release, arriving on April 10, 2025.
Hunt: Showdown 1896 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 15
Created by Crytek, known for the Crysis series, Hunt: Showdown is an open-world extraction shooter featuring online PvP and cooperative gameplay. This PvPvE extraction shooter pits you against a team of hunters vying for bounties, which involve hunting down and eliminating monsters. The twist is that you’ll also have to deal with other players who are after the same targets. You can choose to avoid them or eliminate them to steal their bounties. This game will be added on April 15, 2025.
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Tags: Commandos: Origins, South of Midnight, Xbox Game Pass
April 3, 2025
Starlink Standard Dish Offer Extended: $149 in Select States
Key Takeaways
1. SpaceX is extending its Regional Savings program for the Starlink Standard dish until April 30, offering a $200 discount.
2. Eligible customers can purchase the Starlink Standard dish for $149 by visiting Starlink.com/residential.
3. The promotion is available in 27 US states, but some specific locations may not qualify due to capacity restrictions.
4. If customers change service locations, plans, or cancel within the first 30 days without returning hardware, a $300 fee will apply.
5. The price gap between the Standard Kit and the portable Starlink Mini has increased significantly, with the Standard Kit now priced at $149 compared to the Mini at $499.
In an effort to attract more users to its Starlink satellite internet service, SpaceX has decided to prolong its Regional Savings program for the Starlink Standard dish in the United States until April 30. This program allows customers in specific US states to receive a flat $200 discount on the Standard Kit. It was announced last month and was originally scheduled to conclude on March 31.
Discount Details
Starlink.com has refreshed its landing page for the Residential plan, showing that users in selected areas can get the Starlink Standard dish for only $149 until April 30. To take advantage of this offer, simply visit Starlink.com/residential, input your eligible address, and the $200 discount will be automatically deducted at checkout. If you would rather purchase through retailers such as Best Buy or Walmart, you can still benefit from the promotion. However, instead of an immediate price drop, the $200 discount will be credited to your Starlink account as service credits after you activate the dish with either the Residential or Residential Lite plan.
Availability and Limitations
Currently, the Regional Savings promo is accessible in 27 US states, and you can find the complete list of eligible regions below. It’s important to remember that even within these states, some specific locations might not qualify due to network capacity restrictions.
Additionally, if you take advantage of the offer and then relocate your service address outside the eligible area, change your plan, or cancel within the first 30 days without returning the hardware, Starlink warns that you will incur a $300 fee.
Price Comparison
The choice to extend this promotion clearly indicates that SpaceX is focusing on the Standard Kit, even as the price gap between the Standard Kit and the portable Starlink Mini keeps increasing. As we discussed in our earlier articles, while the Mini was intended to be a more affordable option compared to the Standard Kit, it remains quite expensive in the US, and the difference between the Standard Kit and Mini has now reached a record high ($149 vs $499).
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Tags: SpaceX, Standard Kit, Starlink
April 3, 2025
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra Beats Razr 50 Ultra & Galaxy Z Flip 6
Key Takeaways
1. The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is expected to launch soon, potentially replacing the Razr 50 Ultra this month.
2. It will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising better performance compared to the Razr 50 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip6.
3. The design is similar to its predecessor but offers refreshed color choices and textures.
4. Key specifications include a 4,700 mAh battery, 12 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and 68 W fast charging.
5. The starting price is rumored to be €1,299 (~$1,440), positioning it as a strong competitor in the foldable smartphone market.
The Razr 60 Ultra’s official launch is said to be coming up soon. Even though Motorola hasn’t made any announcements yet, recent hints imply that they will be replacing the existing Razr 50 Ultra (currently priced at $428 – renewed on Amazon) sometime this month, maybe even this week.
Promotional Insights
Evan Blass has shared a bunch of content related to the Razr 60 Ultra on X, including a short promotional video that is linked below. The video doesn’t give much info, but it does reveal that Motorola plans to use a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset instead of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 that Qualcomm just announced. This means that the Razr 60 Ultra should be much more powerful than the Razr 50 Ultra, which comes with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 worldwide. Consequently, the Razr 60 Ultra will likely outperform the Galaxy Z Flip6, which is equipped with the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. Our benchmark tests suggest that the performance difference between these two devices could be as much as 40%.
Design and Specifications
The video also highlights the design of the new foldable phone, which is quite similar to last year’s version. However, Motorola has refreshed the color choices for the Razr 60 Ultra, now offering a range of textures. Additionally, it’s rumored that the device will feature a 4,700 mAh battery, 12 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, all starting at a price of €1,299 (~$1,440). This battery upgrade is expected to come with 68 W fast charging and a 165 Hz foldable display, along with two external cameras integrated into a 4-inch cover display.
Conclusion
Overall, the Razr 60 Ultra seems to be shaping up as an impressive device with significant improvements over its predecessor, despite the similarities in design. The new specifications and features could potentially make it a strong contender in the foldable smartphone market.
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Tags: Motorola, Razr 60 Ultra, Snapdragon 8 Elite
April 3, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 $100 Cheaper in Japan: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo announced the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2, 2025, with a global release set for June 5, 2025.
2. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on April 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store.
3. The standard price for the Switch 2 will be approximately $449 in the US and €469 in Europe, while Japan will feature two models, including a budget version.
4. The Japanese budget model will be priced at 49,980 yen (around $341) and is only available through local retailers, with restrictions on language and account registration.
5. The cheaper Japanese model can function outside Japan, but users will face limitations, such as a fixed Japanese language setting and access only to the Japanese eShop.
It finally occurred: On April 2, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event. The new gaming console is set to be released globally on June 5, 2025, with pre-orders beginning on April 8 solely through the My Nintendo Store. In the US, the standard version will be priced at approximately $449, while in Europe, it will be around €469. However, in Japan, Nintendo is opting for a different strategy by introducing a notably less expensive model.
Two Versions for Japan
Nintendo is launching two different models of the Switch 2 in Japan: the regular model priced at 69,980 yen (which is about $478), available through the My Nintendo Store Japan, and a more affordable version for 49,980 yen (around $341), which is only sold by local retailers. This budget-friendly model is limited to the Japanese language and requires a Nintendo account that is registered within Japan. Industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto mentioned to VideoGamesChronicle that Nintendo views Japan as its core market. To keep its dominant position there, the company seems to be intentionally lowering the price of the entry-level model. “Japanese customers generally don’t prefer multilingual hardware,” Toto remarked.
Importing the Cheaper Model
In theory, gamers from other countries could also obtain the Japanese Switch 2. Nevertheless, since the lower-priced version is exclusively available in physical shops, you would need someone in Japan to buy and send it to you. Be mindful that shipping costs and import taxes might greatly diminish your savings. If you’re still considering getting the economical model, it’s essential to be aware of the restrictions that come along with it.
The less expensive Japanese Switch 2 can function outside of Japan as long as you create a Nintendo account set to Japan – no need for a VPN. Physical games from different regions should work without issues, as the console isn’t region-locked for cartridges. However, the system language is fixed to Japanese and cannot be altered. Users will also have access only to the Japanese eShop, where much of the content is solely offered in Japanese. Furthermore, as of March 25, 2025, the Japanese eShop has stopped accepting foreign credit cards or PayPal accounts.
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Tags: gaming console, Japanese version, Nintendo Switch 2
April 3, 2025
Galaxy M56 Geekbench Listing Shows Exynos 1480 Performance Drop
Key Takeaways
1. The Galaxy M56 will feature the older Exynos 1480 chipset instead of the anticipated Exynos 1580, leading to performance concerns.
2. The M series typically mirrors the A series in processing power, but this downgrade has confused fans.
3. The M56’s Exynos 1480 has less powerful CPU cores and GPU compared to the A56 and M55, indicating a regression in performance.
4. Despite the downgrade, the Exynos 1480 may still outperform the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in certain scenarios, but overall, it may disappoint upgrade seekers.
5. The success of the M56 will depend on software optimization, pricing strategy, and marketing efforts to convince consumers of its value.
The Galaxy M56 is set to be a step back in performance, trading the anticipated Exynos 1580, which is seen in the Galaxy A56, for the older Exynos 1480. Generally, the M series models mirror the A series in processing power while cutting costs in other areas. However, this time, the downgrade in the M56 has left fans of Galaxy confused.
Galaxy M56 on Geekbench
Recently, the Galaxy M56 has appeared on Geekbench under the model number SM-M566B. According to the listing, this smartphone is equipped with the Exynos 1480, a 4nm chipset that was first used in the Galaxy A55 last year. It features four Cortex-A78 and four Cortex-A55 CPU cores alongside an Xclipse 530 GPU, along with 8GB of RAM and Android 15 for the new M series device.
Performance Comparison
When compared to the A56’s Exynos 1580, which has four Cortex-A720 and four Cortex-A520 cores with an Xclipse 540 GPU, or even the M55’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (with Cortex-A710, A510, and Adreno 644), it is clear that this is a regression. The M55 introduced improvements in performance and charging last year, but the chip choice for the M56 appears to be a backwards step. The M series is known for its budget-friendly options, but this decision could disappoint upgrade seekers who were hoping for enhanced power. The Exynos 1480 falls behind the 1580 in modern CPU cores and a more powerful GPU, and it even underperforms compared to the M55’s Snapdragon in areas like sustained gaming and energy efficiency.
Future Outlook
Interestingly, the A55’s Exynos 1480 outperformed the Snapdragon-powered M55 in practical scenarios, suggesting that the M56 could still be faster than its predecessor. Samsung now faces the task of persuading customers that this isn’t an upgrade worth passing on. Whether software improvements and smart pricing can turn the tide remains uncertain. The outcome will largely hinge on how well software is optimized, the pricing strategy, and effective marketing. We’ll have to wait for its release to see how this plays out, but as of now, this shift from the usual M series trend is quite intriguing.
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Tags: Exynos 1480, Galaxy M56, Samsung Galaxy A55
April 3, 2025
Caviar Launches $100K Notre Dame-Inspired iPhone 16 Pro Max
Key Takeaways
1. Caviar’s custom iPhone 16 Pro Max pays tribute to Notre Dame de Paris with a design inspired by the cathedral’s rose window.
2. The phone is made from 18-karat white gold and features a Gothic-style pattern with a gold Apple logo adorned with 59 diamonds.
3. Only 16 pieces of this exclusive iPhone are available, making it one of the rarest models produced.
4. The starting price for the limited-edition model is $104,490 for the 128GB version, while the 1TB version costs $115,490.
5. Caviar has a history of creating luxury smartphones, including their Horizon Collection inspired by global landmarks, with prices ranging from $8,900 to $13,700.
Caviar has unveiled its newest lavish offering—a custom iPhone 16 Pro Max that pays tribute to the famous Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. This opulent version is encased in 18-karat white gold and showcases a detailed design inspired by the cathedral’s renowned rose window. With only 16 pieces available, this is among the most exclusive iPhones ever produced.
Intricate Design Features
The back of the phone features a detailed Gothic-style pattern, highlighting a stained glass aspect that reflects the beauty of Notre Dame’s celebrated windows. It also includes a specially crafted gold Apple logo made from 18K white gold, adorned with 59 diamonds of various sizes to provide an added touch of sparkle. The phone is surrounded by a sturdy frame, also made from 18K white gold, giving the device a robust architectural aesthetic.
Caviar’s Notre Dame iPhone encapsulates the essence of the 12th-century architectural marvel, which took almost 200 years to finish and has remained a symbol of French culture and endurance. With its towering arches and the tragic fire in 2019, along with the ongoing restoration efforts, Notre Dame’s narrative continues to captivate. This unique edition seeks to preserve that heritage in a tangible form that can be appreciated.
Pricing and Availability
The limited-edition model begins at $104,490 for the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro, while the high-end 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max is available for $115,490.
This isn’t the first instance of Caviar indulging in extravagance—they have also recently introduced the Horizon Collection. Inspired by landmark cities around the globe, this series includes ultra-luxury custom smartphones made from materials such as 24K gold, aviation-grade titanium, natural stone, and vibrant enamel. Notable models include the London edition featuring a real mechanical clock, the Gibraltar model showcasing gold macaques and emerald enamel, and the Bahamas edition with floral designs on white stone. The Shanghai and Dubai editions highlight gold-laden cityscapes set on titanium bodies. Limited to just 10–99 pieces, prices vary from $8,900 to $13,700.
Tags: Caviar, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Notre Dame