Category: All News

  • 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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  • Activision & Infinity Ward: No Clowny Skins in COD MW4

    Activision & Infinity Ward: No Clowny Skins in COD MW4

    Key Takeaway

    – Modern Warfare 4 will have no celebrity cameos, cartoon crossovers, or cel-shaded skins.
    – All cosmetics will be realistic, grounded, and tied to the game’s narrative and heritage.
    – Activision/Infinity Ward promises “no clowny skins” at launch and in all post-launch seasons.
    – The community is invited to hold the developers accountable for any out-of-place content.
    – This move is a direct response to backlash from over-the-top skins in Black Ops 6 and 7.

    Community Backlash Forces Change

    Given the considrable backlash over post-launch skins in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, especially when contrasted with Battlefield 6’s grounded mil-sim skins, the community has had enough, and even Activision and Infinity Ward are drawing a line as they move forward with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will no longer feature celebrity cameos, cartoon crossovers, or cel-shaded crossover bundles that pull players out of the game’s immersion. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is going for a hard reset, and Infinity Ward has tripled down on this stance online.

    Infinity Ward’s New Promise

    Moving forward, including post-launch, Infinity Ward promises that skins like the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack will remain realistic and tied to the game’s story and rich heritage, with no silly or out-of-place cosmetics. Infinity Ward stated on X during the game’s announcement:

    “Every aspect of Modern Warfare 4 is anchored in the game’s narrative. Every feature, every decision needs to feel authentic to what Modern Warfare is, and that includes cosmetics and collaborations. We’re committed to keeping it grounded and transparent, and we want to hear from you about what you’d like to see in our game.”

    Direct Vows From Developers

    The official Call of Duty X handle went further, addressing gamers’ direct concerns and anyone still doubting Activision and Infinity Ward’s intentions, stating, “No Lady Gaga. No Omni-Man. No Teletubbies. No SpongeBob. Keep the receipts.” Gamers have been vocal about the recent seasons and collaborations in Call of Duty’s back-to-back Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 releases. Players were treated to AI-generated artwork and skins, Omni-Man, Snoop Dogg, an American Dad crossover, and even Beavis and Butt-Head, which many felt seriously tarnished the game’s core multiplayer identity and the experience in Warzone.

    Community Skepticism Remains

    Given the way Activision has handled the Call of Duty franchise, gamers continued to meme about post-launch content, prompting another response from the official Call of Duty handle: “We got the feedback. No BS. This is all about staying true to Modern Warfare. No clowny skins for launch and seasons beyond.” Infinity Ward now says that post-launch seasons will not feature any out-of-the-ordinary crossover skins. The developers seem to have listened. Still, many gamers are skeptical that Infinity Ward and Activision will honor these statements in future seasons. The devs are openly inviting the COD community to hold them accountable for any out-of-place post-launch content drops.

    • Call of Duty – X
    • Call of Duty CM – X
    • Infinity Ward – X
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  • New OnePlus leak: ~$221 price, 144Hz OLED display

    New OnePlus leak: ~$221 price, 144Hz OLED display

    Key Takeaway

    – OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro to feature a Samsung flat OLED with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate.
    – Turbo 6X Pro rumored to include an 8,000mAh battery, exceeding the flagship OnePlus 15’s 7,300mAh.
    – Standard Turbo 6X tipped to use an LCD panel with 144Hz refresh rate.
    – Turbo 6X Pro expected to be priced around CNY 1,500 (~$221) and launch in early June.

    OnePlus might be working on two new phones for China

    A recent leak suggested that OnePlus may introduce two new smartphones for the Chinese market. The Turbo 6X and the Turbo 6X Pro are expected to be budget-oriented devices, poisitoned below the Turbo 6 series that launched earlier this year.

    Turbo 6X Pro display and battery details

    According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro will use a flat OLED panel supplied by Samsung, featuring a “1.5K” resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Notably, the Turbo 6X Pro is said to have an 8,000mAh battery, surpassing the 7,300mAh capacity of the flagship OnePlus 15 (curr. $899 on Amazon). Meanwhile, the standard OnePlus Turbo 6X was previously tipped to feature an LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate.

    Standard Turbo 6X screen and unknown processor

    So the standard OnePlus Turbo 6X was previously tipped to feature an LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. The chipset and other details of the Turbo 6X Pro have not yet been revealed.

    Pricing and launch timeframe

    According to the leak, the Turbo 6X Pro will be positioned in the CNY 1,500 (~$221) price segment. The tipster also suggested that the phone may be announced in the first week of June. In other news, a new OnePlus OLED tablet has been leaked with a compact form factor.

    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: 1.5K Samsung OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: 8,000mAh battery
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: price around CNY 1,500 (~$221)
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X: LCD panel, 144Hz refresh rate
    • Possible launch in first week of June
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  • EcoFlow Launches 3 Pocket Power Banks with Built-In Cables

    EcoFlow Launches 3 Pocket Power Banks with Built-In Cables

    Key Takeaway

    – Three new 45W power banks: Rapid (10K), Rapid (20K), and Rapid 3-in-1 (10K)
    – Compact, portable designs with built-in retractable/built-in USB-C cables for tangle-free charging
    – 10K and 20K capacities deliver up to 45W output, charging iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50% in 20 minutes
    – LED display for battery status; capable of charging up to three devices simultaneously
    – Priced at $42, $46, and $70; available now via EcoFlow’s web store

    New Power Banks From EcoFlow

    EcoFlow has introduced a new lineup of 45 W all-in-one power banks, namely the Rapid power bank (10K), the Rapid power bank (20K), and the Rapid 3-in-1 power bank (10K). Their new power banks is said to be designed for modern and mobile lifestyles.

    Compact Design for Everyday Carry

    The Rapid power bank features a compact yet lightweight design, making it ideal for commuting, business trips, and travel. Plus, its pocket-friendly design easily fits into a small bag or jeans pockets for everyday carry. Speaking of dimensions, the power bank measures 90 x 49.9 x 39.17 mm (3.5 x 1.96 x 1.56 inches) and weighs around 230 grams (0.5 lb). On top of this, it have a built-in 70 cm (2.29 ft) retractable USB-C cable for tangle-free charging. The company says the retractable cable is durable enough for over 10,000 bends.

    Charging Capabilities and Battery Capacity

    Speaking of power things, the Rapid power bank boasts a 10,000 mAh battery capacity and offers a maximum of 45 W output across three ports. Two of these are USB-C and USB-A and an integrated, retractable USB-C cable. When used in single-port mode, each of these USB-C ports can deliver up to 45 W of power, and EcoFlow claims that it can charge the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50% in just 20 minutes.

    LED Display and Multi-Device Charging

    Furthermore, theres an LED display for clear battery status at a glance. Thanks to three outputs, you can charge up to three devices simultaniously. It also has broad compatibility with major charging protocols, making it suitable for iPhones, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Pixels, and more devices.

    Rapid Power Bank (20K) Features

    Like its sibling, the Rapid power bank (20K, 45 W) has a compact form factor, which easily slips into your bag without adding bulk. It has a built-in 24 cm (0.78 ft) USB-C cable that also works as a carry strap. As far as the battery capacity is concerned, it boast a 20,000 mAh battery capacity and offers a total of 45 W output across three ports, namely USB-A, USB-C, and a built-in USB-C cable. For context, it weighs slightly heavier than the Rapid 10K power bank, weighing around 360 grams (0.8 lb). Furthermore, the portable charging device has an LED display, which lets you check the remaining battery instantly.

    Durable Build and Safety Protection

    Nevertheless, it’s built with a durable aluminum alloy shell and offers advanced X-Guard protection, including inteligent temperature control, and multiple safety features.

    Rapid 3-in-1 Power Bank Details

    The Rapid 3-in-1 power bank is slighty different from the two mentioned above. It has a 3-in-1 design, which combines a power bank, built-in USB-C cable, and folding wall plug in one compact design. Though, specs-wise, it’s similar to the Rapid (10K, 45 W) power bank. It features the same 10,000 mAh capacity, 45 W power output, a built-in USB-C cable, an LED display, and USB-A and USB-C ports.

    Pricing and Availability

    As for price, the Rapid (10K, 45 W), the Rapid (20K, 45 W), and the Rapid 3-in-1 (10K, 45 W) power banks are priced at $42, $46, and $70, respectively. All three models are now available via EcoFlow’s web store.


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  • AMD claims 13% FPS boost, 15% better 1% lows with EXPO-ULL DDR5

    AMD claims 13% FPS boost, 15% better 1% lows with EXPO-ULL DDR5

    Key Takeaway

    – AMD EXPO Ultra Low Latency (EXPO-ULL) reduces DDR5 memory latency by 5-7 ns for smoother out-of-the-box gaming.
    – It delivers up to 13% higher average FPS and 15% better 1% low frame rates vs. standard JEDEC DDR5, with less stuttering.
    – Unlike Intel’s XMP, EXPO-ULL optimizes timings for Ryzen CPUs, which benefit more from tighter latencies than higher frequencies.
    – Certified kits (e.g., G.Skill, Kingston) launch June 2026, with motherboard support via AGESA updates for X870/B850 boards.
    – Best for Zen 4/Zen 5/X3D users, though gains may be slightly lower on X3D chips compared to non-3D CPUs.

    New Memory Tech From AMD

    At Computex 2026, AMD unveiled its latest take on memory overclocking with the launch of AMD EXPO Ultra Low Latency (EXPO-ULL). The ULL profile builds directly on the existing AMD EXPO standard and aims to extract better timings from already popular DDR5 memory modules at 6000 MT/s and 6400 MT/s, which are typically paired with Zen 4, Zen 5, and X3D-series processors.

    Casual Gamers Benefit Big Time

    For casual gamers, this means that DDR5 memory will deliver lower latency, i.e., a reduction of 5 to 7 nanoseconds and improved frame times without the hassle of manually tweaking memory settings in the BIOS, thanks to modules already rated to work at said latencies, essentially making high-end memory worth it right out of the box.

    Test Results Are Impressive

    AMD’s focus here is to further reduce latency and improve in-game responsiveness. To back up its new EXPO-ULL overclocking technology, AMD tested the new profile on a Ryzen 7 9700X setup in more than 30 games, resulting in a solid 13% higher average frame rate and a 15% improvement in 1% low frame rates compared to standard JEDEC-spec DDR5 memory. It is prudent to note that AMD’s choice of CPU, though understandable, might slightly skew the results compared with X3D CPUs, which reportedly exhibit lower performance gains than the former.

    Why This Matters Versus Intel

    What makes EXPO-ULL a solid alternative to Intel’s XMP is that it addresses a long-standing quirk of Ryzen setups. While Intel pursues ever-higher memory frequencies, AMD chips often see better performance gains when timings are dialed in tightly rather than simply increasing clock speed.

    Real-World Smoothness

    Real-world results with AMD EXPO-ULL include fewer instances of stuttering and improved frame times, which consequently lead to better reaction times in competitive titles. Overall gameplay will feel smoother, especially in CPU-intensive games or during sessions at very high frame rates.

    Many memory partners are already hopping on the EXPO-ULL train, with certified kits expected to ship from G.Skill, Kingston FURY, KLEVV, Lexar, TeamGroup, V-Color, XPG, and Origin Code.

    Availability and Compatibility

    AMD EXPO-ULL–supported DDR5 memory kits are expected to hit store shelves in June 2026, targeting AMD gamers with Zen 4–onward supported processors. Furthermore, motherboard support for EXPO-ULL is expected to roll out via AGESA updates, so many X870 and B850 boards will be able to handle the new EXPO-ULL profiles without issue before the kits even launch.

    Cost vs. Benefit

    Although these memory modules will be expensive, they could make the difference between “good enough” and noticeably smoother gameplay.

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  • Subnautica 2 Sales Trigger Potential $250M Krafton Bonus Payout

    Subnautica 2 Sales Trigger Potential $250M Krafton Bonus Payout

    Key Takeaway

    – Subnautica 2 sold 4 million copies in its first week, generating $120 million in gross revenue.
    – This triggered a $250 million milestone bonus from publisher Krafton, which it had tried to avoid in court.
    – The game launched in early access on May 14, 2026, with an incomplete story and bugs, but features seamless four-player co-op.
    – It peaked at 467,000 concurrent players on Steam and is predicted to be the fastest-selling indie game of 2026.
    – A Delaware court cleared the path for the early-access release by reinstating key developers and leadership.

    Deep Sea Hit Breaks Records

    Unknown Worlds’ long awaited deep sea survival exploration game, Subnautica 2, whcih released in early access on May 14, 2026, sold four million copies within a week, generating gross revenue of $120 million. As a result, publisher Krafton now has to hand over the $250 million milestone-specific bonus that the company spent months in court trying to avoid paying out.

    Multiplayer and Early Access State

    Subnautica 2 landed on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S on May 14, despite haveing an incomplete story and technical bugs that may persist for a year or two before its official 1.0 launch. This time, the game introduces seamless four-player co-op, alloweing friends and family to drop in without destroying your carefully built bases.

    Of course, the game is still unfinished but Unknown Worlds is keeping the hype going with improvements and announcement of content updates. So far, the game has reached an all-time peak of 467,000 concurrent players on Steam. While official sales figures arn’t out yet, Alinea Analytics has predicted the game has already generated more than $100 million in revenue, potentionally making it the fastest-selling indie game on the platform so far in 2026.

    Kraftons Costly Agreement

    This spells good news for the gaming community and Unknown Worlds, but bad news for publisher Krafton, as the revenue target was baked right into the publishers acquisition agreement for Unknown Worlds. According to The Korea Economic Daily, “Krafton agrees to pay $3.12 for every $1, or up to $250 million, to Unknown Worlds’ former shareholders every time the studio’s revenue tops $69.8 million in a month, since the South Korean game developer acquired the U.S. firm in 2021.”

    Leagal and Financial Impact

    The first month alone could trigger the cap and the full payout would be around 35% of Kraftons entire operating profit from the previous year. Everything is in the clear for Unknown Worlds, as a Delaware court has already cleared the path for the early-access release by reinstating the key developers, appointing Ted Gill president, and alloweing developer Charlie Cleveland more hands-on time with the game.

    With the game in early access, it has its bugs and missing features, but so far, the community seems patient, given the leagal battles Unknown Worlds has been going through while also working on Subnautica 2.

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  • New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leak Changes Everything for Global Buyers

    New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leak Changes Everything for Global Buyers

    Key Takeaway

    – iPhone 18 Pro has 4,056 mAh (physical SIM) and 4,288 mAh (eSIM-only)
    – eSIM-only support will expand to European markets for the first time
    – A20 Pro chip on TSMC’s 2 nm process will boost real-world efficiency beyond raw mAh gains
    – eSIM-only users automatically get the larger battery in new regions
    – Global drop of physical SIM could eventually eliminate regional battery gaps

    New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leaks Emerge From China

    With Apple’s September reveal window drawing closer, prolific Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station has shared what he claims are the iPhone 18 Pro’s battery figures, subsequently corroborated by Ice Universe — and while the raw numbers are a modest upgrade from the iPhone 17 Pro (curr. $1,061 for a renewed variant on Amazon), the more interesting story lies in who benefits most.

    Modest Capacity Increases Across Regions

    According to the leak, the iPhone 18 Pro will pack a 4,056 mAh battery in physical SIM variants and 4,288 mAh in eSIM-only models. That’s a roughly 68 mAh increase over the iPhone 17 Pro’s China model and a 36 mAh bump for eSIM units. All this is incremental on paper, sure, but paired with the A20 Pro chip on TSMC’s 2 nm process, real-world improvements are expected to outpace the raw capacity difference. Apple’s first 2 nm chip is expected to deliver much better power efficiency, which compounds the battery story beyond just mAh figures.

    Larger Battery Arrives For European Markets

    The bigger development here, however, is the reach of that larger eSIM battery. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to expand eSIM-only support to European markets for the first time — meaning buyers across the EU who previously received physical SIM variants with the smaller cell will now automatically land on the larger 4,288 mAh configuration. That’s a key upgrade for a large market that has been shortchanged on capacity in the past.

    Future Implications for Global SIM Support

    We also previously reported that the iPhone 18 lineup might drop physical SIM support altogether globally, which would eventually close the battery gap between regions entirely.

    • iPhone 18 Pro physical SIM: 4,056 mAh
    • iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only: 4,288 mAh
    • iPhone 17 Pro China model: ~3,988 mAh (estimated baseline)
    • iPhone 17 Pro eSIM: ~4,252 mAh (estimated baseline)

    Pro Max Lineup Shows Similar Pattern

    On the Pro Max side, past leaks from Digital Chat Station hinted at a 5,100-5,200 mAh cell for eSIM models and around 5,000 mAh for physical SIM variants — a similar regional split that now appears to be consistent across the entire Pro lineup. Apple has not confirmed any of these figures.


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  • Old School RuneScape bans 6.2 million bots, restoring fairness

    Old School RuneScape bans 6.2 million bots, restoring fairness

    Key Takeaway

    – Jagex banned over 6.2 million bot accounts in 2026, removing trillions of gold from the economy.
    – Previously bot-infested areas like Green Dragons and Black Chinchompa hunting grounds are now empty and peaceful.
    – Prices of heavily botted items have stabilized and climbed by 40–90%.
    – Some spam bots remain in free-to-play areas, and bot farmers have gone silent while holding backup accounts.
    – The overall community sentiment is that the game feels fair and improved for the first time in years.

    Old School RuneScape Finally Wins Against Bots

    Old School RuneScape is finally winning against the bot invasion. Scapers can finally breathe easy in 2026. RuneScape has made a big comeback. After once rising from the ashes in 2013, the game was invaded by automated bots farming gold and resources and hoarding spots where real Scapers should be.

    Empty Worlds and a Fairer Game

    Caves were crowded with bots, the in-game economy fluctuated wildly, and Ironman mode runners become pretty much the norm. However, things changed this year, as areas once hoarded by bots are now empty and peaceful. Scapers are now reporting empty worlds, and Old School RuneScape feels fair for once.

    RuneScape enthusiast and investigator SirPugger, who has been on the front lines exposing major bot operations, stated, “For the first time in 20 years of playing this game, I did not find a single bot here.”

    Economy Shifts Drastically

    Another RuneScape YouTuber and market watcher, FlippingOldSchool, also gave his two cents and shared his analysis of RuneScape’s shifting economy: “Since the beginning of this year, something has changed in how Jagex bans bots. This has caused major changes in the Old School RuneScape economy.”

    British video game developer and publisher Jagex, the company behind RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, has always been cracking down on botters, which has turned into a cat-and-mouse situation.

    Massive Ban Waves and Gold Removal

    Over the years, Jagex has aggressively improved its bot detection system, and in 2026 alone, it has banned over 6.2 million bot accounts, effectively burning trillions of gold from the in-game economy.

    As a result, prices of heavily botted items have stabilised back to where they once were, climbing by 40–90%. Areas like Green Dragons in the Wilderness and Black Chinchompa hunting grounds, which were once hotspots for bot farmers, are now empty.

    Spam Bots Persist but Farmers Adapt

    Despite all of this, a few spam bots are roaming the free-to-play areas like Misthalin, Asgarnia, Karamja, and the Wilderness, running basic scripts. Bot farmers haven’t vanished from OSRS and RuneScape altogether.

    • The remaining bot farmers have pivoted to other methods or gone completly silent, holding massive account backups ready for when the heat dies down.
    • Still, the feeling that OSRS and RuneScape have changed for the better is genuine.

    SirPugger – YouTube, FlippingOldSchool – YouTube

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  • Asus Ascent QN10 Mini PC: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite AI

    Asus Ascent QN10 Mini PC: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite AI

    Key Takeaway

    – 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite with 80 TOPS AI compute power
    – Up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and 4TB NVMe SSD storage
    – Runs Windows on ARM with native OpenClaw support
    – No Nvidia GPU, limiting AI model compatibility
    – Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5 GbE, and three USB4 ports

    Asus Ascent QN10 Mini PC Launches with Snapdragon Power

    The Asus Ascent QN10 mini PC has arrived targeting businesses and AI developers with an 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100 CPU offering 80 TOPS of AI compute power, up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x 9600 RAM, and up to 4 TB of M.2 2280 NVMe SSD storage. Developers have access to the Qualcomm AI Hub, a repository of select AI models and sample apps to use in training and developing customized ones, and can run OpenClaw natively on the CPU.

    Software and Compatibility Challanges

    The Ascent runs Windows on ARM, a variant of regular Windows 11 for x64 CPUs (AMD or Intel). The Snapdragon SoC offers performance at potentially less power than AMD or Intel offerings by using a design based on ARM CPUs commonly found in modern smartphones. The recently released MacBook Neo that Notebookcheck reviewed also uses a smartphone processor in a computer.

    Limitations Without Nvidia Graphics

    However, the AI mini PC does not have an Nvidia GPU, so it can’t run the much larger library of AI models, sample apps, and other AI services that Nvidia offers. Windows on ARM is also limited in its app, driver, and peripheral compatibility versus regular Windows 11 for x64 (AMD or Intel).

    Connectivity and Port Selection

    The QN10 comes with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5 GbE connectivity. It also has three USB4 ports, three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, one HDMI 2.1 FRL port, and a headphone jack.

    • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    • 2.5 GbE Ethernet
    • Three USB4 ports
    • Three USB-A 3.2 ports
    • One USB-A 2.0 port
    • One HDMI 2.1 FRL port
    • Headphone jack

    Dimensions and Weight Details

    The mini PC measures 130 x 130 x 40 mm (5.1 x 5.1 x 1.6 in.) and weighs 720 g (1.6 lbs.).

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  • Strava Betrays Developers: Reddit-Style Backlash

    Strava Betrays Developers: Reddit-Style Backlash

    Key Takeaway

    – Paid Strava subscription now required for all Standard Tier developers starting June 2026.
    – API changes target AI scraping and API abuse, but catch hobbyists and open-source projects.
    – Builders of free, self-hosted personal data tools now need a subscription to access their own data.
    – Wearable and device integrations (Garmin, Coros, etc.) are not affected.
    – Strava launched an official MCP for subscribers to analyze their data without coding.

    The fallout from the open-source community has been immediate after Strava quietly dropped a huge change to its developer program on June 1, 2026. The platform is introducing two developer tiers — Standard and Extended Access — effective today, with the primary change being that a paid Strava subscription will now be required for all Standard Tier developers. New developers are affected immediately, while existing active developers have until June 30 before the paywall kicks in, though Strava is offering three months free to smooth out the transition.

    Why Strava Claims This Change Is Necessary

    Strava is framing this move as a response to abuse — the company says that developer applications are up 448% year-to-date, with AI companies scraping the platform and abusing the API through intermediary layers, which has degraded performance for everyone. Apps routing data through third-party intermediary platforms are also no longer supported, effective immediately. The company insists this will protect user data and improve system stability for all subscribers.

    The Unintended Consequences for Hobbyists

    The problem is that the paywall catches everyone, not just bad actors. Developers building free, self-hosted tools for personal data analysis — the kind of hobby projects that have existed quietly and peacefully for years — now need a Strava subscription just to access their own data through the API. On Reddit’s r/selfhosted subreddit, the reaction was pretty harsh too. Comparisons are being drawn to Reddit’s own controversial API changes in 2023, and a user who maintains a popular open-source Strava dashboard said the announcement effectively kills the project.

    What Remains Unchanged for Most Users

    Strava was quick to clarify that wearable and device integrations — Garmin, Amazfit, Coros, and others — are not affected. For most users, day-to-day syncing between their watch and Strava will continue working exactly as before. Strava is also launching an official MCP, which is an AI-native tool for subscribers to slice and analyze their own Strava data without any any dev skills required, meaning casual athletes won’t notice any disruption in their regular fitness tracking workflows.


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