Category: All News

March 26, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra Launch Date Announced for 35mm Camera Flagship
Key Takeaways
1. Multiple ‘Ultra’-branded smartphones launched in early 2025, including Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
2. Oppo plans to release the Find X8 Ultra on April 10, accompanied by Find X8S and Find X8S Plus featuring MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ chipset.
3. Vivo will unveil the X200 Ultra smartphone in April, with an expected launch of the more affordable X200s.
4. There is uncertainty about whether Vivo’s launch event will be exclusive to China or global.
5. The X200 Ultra is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 200 MP telephoto lens with advanced camera capabilities.
The beginning of 2025 has seen the launch of a number of ‘Ultra’-branded smartphones hitting the market. For instance, Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is currently priced at $1,194.99 on Amazon. At the same time, Xiaomi has rolled out its Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Recently, Oppo confirmed its plans to debut the Find X8 Ultra on April 10, at least for the Chinese market. Additionally, the Find X8 Ultra will be accompanied by the Find X8S and Find X8S Plus, both of which are expected to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ chipset.
Upcoming Vivo Smartphone
In a similar vein, Vivo has hinted that it will unveil its next ‘Ultra’ smartphone next month as well. Various reports suggest that during the Boao Forum for Asia, the company revealed that April is the month set for the launch of the X200 Ultra, which is expected to be announced alongside the more affordable X200s. However, Vivo has yet to confirm a precise launch date.
Uncertain Launch Scope
Furthermore, it remains unclear if this April event will be exclusive to China or if it will have a global reach. Nonetheless, Yogesh Brar believes that the X200 Ultra could serve as a turning point that leads to significant ‘ecosystem changes,’ making the X300 Ultra available worldwide. The X200 Ultra is anticipated to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset combined with three advanced cameras housed in a large casing. Among these cameras will be an enhanced 200 MP telephoto lens utilizing the ISOCELL HP9 sensor, boasting an 85 mm equivalent focal length and a relatively wide f/2.27 aperture.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Vivo X200 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra
March 26, 2025
RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Gaming Benchmarks vs. RTX 4090 Performance
Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia has unveiled the RTX 5090 laptop variant at CES, but it is not yet available for purchase due to throttling issues affecting initial performance.
2. The RTX 5090 shows impressive gaming performance, with a 33% speed increase over the RTX 4090 in Black Myth: Wukong and a 69% advantage in Hogwarts Legacy.
3. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 only outperformed the RTX 4090 by 12%, while achieving a 48% gain in Marvel Rivals.
4. The RTX 5090 features significant upgrades, including 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM compared to the 16 GB in the RTX 4090, and benefits from Nvidia’s internal enhancements and optimizations.
5. As Nvidia refines the RTX 5090, there is anticipation for its real-world performance once officially launched.
Even though Nvidia has technically unveiled the RTX 5090 laptop variant at CES, it still hasn’t been available for purchase anywhere. The initial Geekbench results were not impressive due to throttling issues, which might explain Nvidia’s delay in the official launch. YouTuber Dave2D has recently shared some gaming benchmarks for the Blackwell flagship, which was likely running on the new Razer Blade 16, paired with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
Impressive Performance in Gaming
When testing Black Myth: Wukong, the GeForce RTX 5090 showed a 33% increase in speed compared to the RTX 4090 at 1600p with DLSS Balanced settings. In Hogwarts Legacy (Ultra Settings, RT on), the Blackwell managed an impressive 69% advantage. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 with RT overdrive, the RTX 5090 only outperformed the RTX 4090 by 12%. Lastly, in Marvel Rivals, it achieved a 48% performance gain over the Ada Lovelace with settings maxed out.
Significant Specification Improvements
These results align with expectations because the RTX 5090 boasts a significant spec upgrade over the RTX 4090, featuring 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM compared to the 16 GB found in the RTX 4090. Nvidia’s own tech demo at GDC showcased similar performance improvements. Coupled with Nvidia’s internal Blackwell enhancements and clever software optimizations, this should easily lead to substantial performance gains—potentially even doubling or tripling across generations. However, like most laptop components, the effectiveness of the GPU will depend heavily on the power it receives.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Dave2D has provided valuable insight into the RTX 5090’s capabilities, highlighting its potential in the gaming market. As Nvidia continues to refine the technology, gamers and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how this new GPU will perform in real-world scenarios once it officially launches.
Tags: NVIDIA, Razer Blade 16, RTX 5090
March 26, 2025
Trump Tariffs Could Cause RTX 5080 Price to Soar, AIB Warns
Key Takeaways
1. The initial stock for the RTX 50 series was very poor, with misleading MSRPs for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080.
2. Recent leaks suggest the price of the RTX 5080 could increase by 60% over its MSRP, with retail prices exceeding $1,400.
3. Anticipated US tariffs could further raise the price of the RTX 5080 by at least 35% if exemptions expire in June.
4. Gamers face a difficult situation with limited options, either waiting or paying significantly more for GPUs.
5. Nvidia and AMD are set to release more affordable GPU alternatives, the RTX 5060 and RX 9060, which may provide better options for gamers.
We have been discussing the terrible situation regarding the RTX 50 stock and pricing since the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 were introduced on January 30, 2025. It’s well-known that the initial stock for the RTX 50 launch was extremely poor, and the so-called “official” MSRPs for the RTX 5090/5080, along with the later RTX 5070/5070 Ti, were basically misleading.
Price Increases Ahead
As if the situation couldn’t get any worse, a recent leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead suggests that the price of the RTX 5080 might soar to as much as 60% over its MSRP. A “Major” AIB source disclosed to MLID that they are selling “5080s to our retail partners for more than $1,400 before any additional mark-up.” Despite this inflated cost, retailers are still purchasing the RTX 5080 at such high prices because the AIB has cautioned them that “things could get even worse soon.”
Potential for More Problems
Just how much worse could it get? The AIB source indicated that they anticipate the RTX 5080 to “stay over 35% above MSRP.” However, this number could potentially rise to 60% if the US Section 301 tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump in 2017 come back into play. The AIB noted that the exemptions for these tariffs are set to expire in June “as they are supposed to at this moment.” Thus, if these exemptions do indeed end and the tariffs are reinstated, the RTX 5080 produced by this “Major” AIB will become significantly pricier.
Uncertain Future for Gamers
Considering MLID’s recent findings and the fact that even system integrators are struggling to obtain the RTX 5090 at a fair price, it seems very unlikely that the situation will get any better anytime soon. Unfortunately for gamers, the only options available are to either wait and hope or spend a lot more money.
On a positive note, both Nvidia and AMD are preparing to introduce their more affordable GPU alternatives in the RTX 5060 and RX 9060, respectively. If these new GPUs avoid the same troubles as their larger counterparts, gamers might finally have some next-gen choices to explore.
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Tags: GPU Pricing, NVIDIA, RTX 5080
March 26, 2025
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i: Quiet Cooling with Key Compromises
Key Takeaways
– The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14 is a sleek, lightweight business laptop but sacrifices some features for its design.
– The laptop has a stylish aluminum body and a decent range of ports, but lacks an HDMI port and dedicated Page Up/Down keys.
– It features a stunning 120Hz OLED display and performs well in single-core tasks, although the Intel processor is not the best for multi-core performance.
– Compared to the Snapdragon version, the Intel model offers improvements like an enhanced webcam and Thunderbolt 4 support, along with a superior 2.8K OLED screen.
– Battery life is satisfactory, and competition includes Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9, which also makes compromises in its design.
We just took a look at the fresh HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14, a sleek and nicely built business laptop. Keeping up with the new naming system for the EliteBooks can be a bit tricky. The standard models are now called EliteBook X, while the EliteBook Ultra stands out as the top model in the updated range. However, to make it lighter, users will need to make some sacrifices and forgo certain features that are common in business laptops.
Design and Build Quality
The compact aluminum body comes in a stylish dark blue, leaving a good impression overall. It features a decent range of ports, but unfortunately, it lacks an HDMI port. When compared to the EliteBook X, you won’t find an optional smart card reader here, and the slimmer design also impacts the keyboard. The key travel is shorter, and the typing experience doesn’t quite meet the high standards usually associated with EliteBooks. Depending on what you like, this might be a significant drawback. It’s also worth noting that the dedicated Page Up/Down keys found on the EliteBook X are missing here as well.
Performance and Display
If these drawbacks don’t bother you, you’ll find a fast everyday laptop with a stunning 120Hz OLED display. Although Intel’s Lunar Lake processor isn’t the best for multi-core tasks, it performs reasonably well in single-core tasks. The integrated GPU is quick too, so you won’t face issues with regular office work. Additionally, the processor is designed for efficiency and is cooled by a dual-fan system, making this laptop super quiet, even when it’s working hard.
Comparison with Competitors
When you compare it to the Snapdragon-powered EliteBook Ultra G1q, the Intel version has quite a few improvements. Besides the enhanced webcam and support for Thunderbolt 4, it features the previously mentioned 2.8K OLED screen, which delivers excellent picture quality. In contrast, the IPS screen in the Snapdragon model is noticeably less impressive. The battery life isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still satisfactory.
Lenovo is currently marketing a closely related business laptop, the ThinkPad X9, which also makes some compromises when compared to the more conventional ThinkPads. We’ve already taken a look at the 15-inch model and are currently reviewing the 14-inch variant. We’re looking forward to seeing how HP and Lenovo stack up against each other. In the meantime, feel free to check out our extensive review for all the technical specifications and details regarding the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14.
Tags: Business Laptop”, HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14, OLED display
March 26, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Games Expected to Release in Three Phases
Key Takeaways
1. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release in three phases starting in June 2025.
2. The first phase will focus on first-party games like Metroid Prime 4 and PowerWash Simulator 2.
3. The second phase will feature third-party titles and is expected to launch in October or November 2025.
4. The final phase of releases will occur at the end of 2025.
5. More details about the games for the Switch 2 may be revealed on April 2, and it will support current and last-generation games with upgraded hardware.
There has been a lot of talk about the Nintendo Switch 2, mainly focusing on its cost and hardware capabilities, while not much has been said about the games that will be available for the new console. Insider Gaming has recently provided insight into Nintendo’s plans for the year 2025.
Launch Phases
The release will reportedly take place in three stages. The first phase is expected to begin in June when the Nintendo Switch 2 is said to be released. This phase will mainly feature first-party games, likely including Metroid Prime 4, PowerWash Simulator 2, among others. The second phase is anticipated in October or November and will focus on third-party titles. Finally, the last phase will wrap up at the end of the year.
Upcoming Titles
We could expect more details about the Nintendo Switch 2 games on April 2, or possibly even earlier if recent rumors hold some truth. So far, it seems that the Switch 2 will handle current and last-generation games quite well, thanks to its enhanced Nvidia GPU and AI upscaling technology similar to DLSS.
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Tags: Insider Gaming, Metroid Prime 4, Nintendo Switch 2
March 26, 2025
TCL V6C: Affordable 4K HDR TV Launches in More Countries
Key Takeaways
1. The TCL V6C (P6K) is a 4K LED TV available in five sizes: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, and 75″.
2. It features a direct LED backlight, 330 nits brightness, 60Hz refresh rate, 4K upscaling, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support.
3. The TV runs on Google TV, supports popular streaming apps, and includes Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control.
4. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi, and HDMI 2.1 ports; it has integrated 10W speakers with Dolby Atmos.
5. The V6C is available in Europe, starting at €339, with a launch price in the UK at £249.
TCL has introduced the V6C, also recognized as the P6K TVs, in various European nations. This model is a 4K LED TV that belongs to the lower end of the company’s 2025 TV lineup. The V6C is available in five different sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch.
Specifications and Features
The V6C features a direct LED backlight, achieving a standard brightness of 330 nits for the largest version. The 4K display operates at a native refresh rate of 60Hz, includes 4K upscaling, and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The HVA screen is designed to improve contrast, providing a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, minimizing the halo effect and featuring an anti-glare finish. Although it includes gaming options like Game Master, Game Mode, and a 1080p@120Hz Game Accelerator, it’s important to note this model does not have AMD FreeSync certification, unlike many other TCL TVs.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Similar to other models in TCL’s 2025 lineup, the V6C runs on Google TV, offering popular streaming applications like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. This also enables Google Cast for wireless content sharing, and users can manage the TV using voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Additional features include Apple AirPlay 2, Miracast support, and a sleep timer. Connectivity options feature Bluetooth 5.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), with HDMI 2.1 ports included. TCL describes this model as sporting a sleek, metallic design without a bezel, along with two integrated 10W speakers that support Dolby Atmos.
Availability and Pricing
The TCL V6C Ultra HD Smart Google TV, also known as the P6K, can now be purchased in countries such as France and Germany, with prices starting at €339. This model was launched in the UK in February, with the most affordable option priced at £249. Below, you can find a complete list of prices.
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Tags: 4K LED TV, Google TV, TCL V6C
March 26, 2025
Sony Launches Updated Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Key Takeaways
1. Sony has updated its WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N over-ear headphone models with new color options.
2. The WH-CH720N now includes a muted pastel pink variant, bringing its total color options to four.
3. The WH-CH520 has added a second soft, muted yellow shade, increasing its color options from four to six.
4. The pricing for both headphone models remains unchanged: WH-CH720N at $88.74 and WH-CH520 at $59.99.
5. New color choices for both models are available for pre-order globally, with deliveries expected soon.
Sony has updated two of its over-ear headphone models, just a bit over a month after news of their upcoming release surfaced online. The refreshed WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N are now available, together with the new WF-C710N. For further information on Sony’s recent TWS earbuds, check out our dedicated launch article.
New Color Options
To summarize, The Walkman Blog disclosed that Sony would introduce a pink variant for the WH-CH720N (currently priced at $88.74 on Amazon), which is now officially launched. In response to the “increasing demand for soft, muted tones,” the addition of this “muted pastel pink” makes the total color options for the WH-CH720N four. It’s worth noting that the pink version has the same hardware as the other three existing color choices.
Pricing Remains the Same
The WH-CH520 follows a similar pattern, keeping its MSRP at $59.99. However, its color palette has increased from four to six, thanks to the introduction of a second “soft, muted yellow” shade. Sony has also mentioned a new color called “Espresso” for the WH-CH520, but this is only available in Canada. All of the new color choices should be up for pre-order globally starting today. Deliveries are expected to commence either this weekend or early next week.
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Tags: sony, WH-CH520, WH-CH720N
March 26, 2025
Xbox Exclusives Top PlayStation Store Pre-Orders Thanks to Strategy
Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft is focusing on cross-platform game publishing as Xbox Series X sales plateau, with more games moving to the PS5.
2. Significant Xbox exclusives are launching on the PS5, contributing to high pre-order rankings on the PlayStation Store.
3. Bethesda’s acquisition by Microsoft is leading to multi-platform releases, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, which will be available on both Xbox and PlayStation.
4. Console exclusivity is declining in importance, highlighted by the competition between Microsoft and PlayStation for pre-order sales.
5. Microsoft is likely to rely on digital subscriptions and game publishing for revenue, as its hardware situation remains challenging until new consoles are released.
As the sales of the Xbox Series X have hit a plateau, Microsoft is shifting its attention towards cross-platform game publishing. With more games that were once exclusive to Xbox now making their way to the PS5, gamers on Sony’s platform are welcoming this change. Pure Xbox has reported that at least three Microsoft titles have made it into the top 12 pre-orders on the PlayStation Store in the U.S. A similar trend is observed in both European and Japanese markets.
Timing and Popularity
It’s worth noting that the timing plays a crucial role in the strong presence of Xbox games on the PlayStation Store. Several significant Xbox exclusives are expected to launch on the PS5 in the upcoming month. On the U.S. PlayStation Store, two versions of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are currently holding the first and second positions. Forza Horizon 5 is particularly noteworthy, as it’s not linked to Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda. MachineGames’ action-adventure game is set to release on April 17th, while Playground Games’ racer will hit the shelves on April 29th.
Bethesda’s Impact
Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda is also yielding results with Doom: The Dark Ages. This new installment in the beloved shooter series has managed to secure the 12th spot. Unlike other Bethesda titles, this new Doom game will be available simultaneously on both Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
Despite these developments, gamers are still eagerly pre-ordering PlayStation exclusives at a fast pace. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Days Gone Remastered are competing with Microsoft games in the pre-order rankings. However, the significance of console exclusivity seems to be diminishing, at least until Nintendo announces its first-party titles for the Switch 2.
Cross-Platform Dynamics
While Sony is embracing cross-platform gaming, it has not extended this to Microsoft’s consoles. Meanwhile, Microsoft may look to benefit from PlayStation games being ported to PC. There are rumors about a Microsoft-backed Asus handheld device that operates on Windows OS. It is expected that Steam will be compatible with Project Kennan, but some insiders speculate that Sony might try to prevent PlayStation titles from appearing on any Xbox consoles.
Until a new console is launched, the current situation for Xbox hardware remains challenging. The company will likely depend on digital subscriptions and game publishing for the majority of its gaming revenue moving forward.
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Tags: Bethesda, PlayStation Store, Xbox Series X
March 26, 2025
Insta360 Ace Pro & Pro 2 Upgrade with New Xplorer Grip Kit
Key Takeaways
1. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a compact action camera, measuring 72 x 52 x 38 mm, making it easy to attach to handlebars or tripods.
2. The new Xplorer Grip Kit improves handling and includes a wrist strap for secure one-handed use.
3. The Xplorer Grip Kit features a cold shoe shutter button, allowing the Ace Pro 2 to operate like a traditional camera, though settings must be adjusted via the touchscreen.
4. The Xplorer Grip Kit is priced at $84.99, while the Xplorer Bundle options are available for $419 (single battery) and $439 (dual battery).
5. The Xplorer Grip Kit is compatible with both the Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2.
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has been available for some time now, first introduced in October 2024. As we noted previously, the Ace Pro 2 is quite small, measuring 72 x 52 x 38 mm. This compact size makes it perfect for attaching to handlebars or a tripod, but it does leave little to hold onto when you’re using it by hand.
New Accessory for Better Grip
In response to this issue, the company has launched the Xplorer Grip Kit, which is also suitable for the Insta360 Ace Pro (currently priced at $279 on Amazon). As shown in the video below, either action camera fits into this new accessory, and a wrist strap is included to help keep it secure while shooting with one hand.
Enhanced Functionality
Insta360 has added a special cold shoe shutter button that enables the Ace Pro 2 to function like a traditional compact camera. However, to adjust any settings, users will need to go back to the Ace Pro or Ace Pro 2’s touchscreen. Additionally, the Xplorer Grip 2 comes with three mounting points for attaching extra accessories.
Pricing Options
You can purchase the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Xplorer Grip Kit separately for $84.99. Alternatively, Insta360 offers the Xplorer Bundle for $419 for the single battery version and $439 for the dual battery option. To give some context, these prices are just above the Standard and Get-Set bundles available for the Ace Pro 2’s configurations.
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Tags: action camera accessories, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, Xplorer Grip Kit
March 26, 2025
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller 20% Off on Amazon: Know the Catch
Key Takeaways
1. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is priced at $59.99 but is currently discounted to $47.99 during Amazon’s Prime Spring Sale.
2. The controller features TMR joysticks, Hall Effect and non-linear tactile triggers, and a 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz or wired modes.
3. The 20% discount is exclusively available to Amazon Prime members.
4. The controller includes two back paddles, programmable bumpers, 6-axis motion control, and RGB ring lights.
5. It is compatible with Android via Bluetooth and Windows through 2.4GHz and wired connections, and has a rechargeable 1,000mAh battery.
It has now been a full month since the announcement of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller. Thanks to Amazon’s Prime Spring sale, this controller is now seeing its first discount, but there is a small catch.
Price and Features
Starting at a price of $59.99, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 can’t be considered on the affordable side, though it does come loaded with impressive features. These include TMR joysticks, the option to toggle between Hall Effect and non-linear tactile triggers, plus a polling rate of 1000Hz when used in either 2.4GHz or wired modes.
Special Offer for Prime Members
During the Prime Spring Sale, Amazon is giving a 20% discount on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller, lowering the price to $47.99. However, this special deal is only available for those who have an Amazon Prime membership.
Ideal for Prime Subscribers
For anyone with a Prime account, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is a smart buy at this reduced price. Beyond the aforementioned features, the controller includes two back paddles, programmable extra bumpers, 6-axis motion control, and RGB ring lights.
The controller works with both Android (via Bluetooth) and Windows (using 2.4GHz and wired connections), and it comes equipped with a dongle for the 2.4GHz mode. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller has a 1,000mAh battery that can be recharged through the USB-C port or the provided charging dock.
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Tags: 8BitDo Ultimate 2, Amazon Prime discount, wireless controller