Category: All News

  • Canon PowerShot G Series Lives On: New Compact Camera by 2025

    Canon PowerShot G Series Lives On: New Compact Camera by 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Canon’s PowerShot V1 is praised for its compact size, powerful features, and wide-angle lens but criticized for ergonomics and lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
    2. A new Canon PowerShot G-series camera is anticipated to address concerns raised by serious photographers, including the absence of an EVF.
    3. The upcoming G-series camera is expected to feature a 22 MP, 1.4-inch sensor and advanced AI and autofocus technologies.
    4. Anticipated enhancements may include a revamped interface with more tactile controls and a zoom lens similar to the PowerShot G7X III.
    5. The new camera is expected to launch before the end of 2025, with a price around $1,000, similar to the PowerShot V1.

    Canon’s recent announcement of the PowerShot V1 brought mixed reactions. While videographers, social media enthusiasts, and everyday photographers appreciated its small size, powerful features, and wide-angle lens, there are concerns about the ergonomics and controls. Also, the absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) could be a deal-breaker for serious photography fans. However, Canon Rumors suggests that a new Canon PowerShot G-series camera is on the way to address these concerns.

    Anticipated Improvements

    Canon Rumors hasn’t detailed the specific enhancements that will be part of the updated PowerShot G camera. However, it is likely to feature the same 22 MP, 1.4-inch sensor and internal components as the Canon PowerShot V1, along with the latest AI and autofocus technologies. The emphasis on photography indicates that there may be a revamped interface, possibly with more tactile buttons and dials, plus the addition of an EVF. It’s probable that Canon will skip the built-in ND filter and instead include a zoom lens with greater reach, akin to the 24–100 mm equivalent lens found in the popular PowerShot G7X III.

    Launch Timeline

    Details about the new camera are limited, but it is expected to be launched before the end of 2025. This suggests that further information will emerge in the upcoming months, similar to the leaks we have observed from Fujifilm and Canon in the past.

    The Canon PowerShot V1 is currently listed at $979 on Amazon, so it wouldn’t be surprising for the new Canon PowerShot G camera to be priced around the $1,000 range as well.

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  • Free Tactical RPG Game Hits 8,000 Positive Ratings in 3 Days

    Free Tactical RPG Game Hits 8,000 Positive Ratings in 3 Days

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Details: Blue Archive, developed by Nexon Games, was released in Japan in February 2021 and globally in November 2021, with a Steam launch on July 4, 2025.

    2. Positive Reviews: The game has received over 8,700 reviews within three days of its Steam launch, with 93% being positive, indicating strong player satisfaction.

    3. Gameplay Mechanics: Players take on the role of the Sensei in a tactical RPG with automated combat, where they can activate character skills and strategically form their squad.

    4. Content Variety: Blue Archive features a main storyline, sub-stories, and side activities, showcasing the daily lives of student characters, enhanced by a gacha system for team improvement.

    5. System Requirements: The game is free to play on Steam, has lenient minimum system requirements, and is compatible with the Steam Deck.

    Developed by Nexon Games, Blue Archive first appeared in Japan in February 2021 and made its global entrance in November of that same year. Recently, this tactical RPG launched on Steam on July 4, 2025. In just three days, the game has received more than 8,700 reviews from players.

    Impressive Review Statistics

    What’s quite remarkable is that 93% of the reviews are positive. This indicates that over 8,000 player reviews are favorable. This trend implies that the game is definitely worth trying out, especially for fans of tactical RPGs.

    Gameplay and Features

    For those curious, Blue Archive features a distinctive anime-inspired art style and includes intricate character animations. Players assume the role of the Sensei, who works for the peacekeeping group SCHALE. The narrative unfolds as the teacher addresses challenges that emerge following the mysterious vanishing of the General Student Council president.

    While much of the combat is automated, players can activate character skills at pivotal moments during battles. The formation of the squad is also vital during combat. A positive aspect is that players can strengthen their team through upgrades to weapons and armor.

    Additional Content and Requirements

    In addition to the main storyline, this currently free game on Steam includes sub-stories and various side activities for players to enjoy. These elements highlight the club activities and daily routines of the student characters. Nexon Games has also implemented a gacha system that allows players to use in-game currency to enhance their teams.

    Apart from this, the free game has fairly lenient minimum system requirements and is tagged as Steam Deck Playable. Take a look at the video included below to gain a better understanding of this tactical RPG experience.

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  • Epson Launches EcoTank All-in-One Printers with 10,000 Page Cycles

    Epson Launches EcoTank All-in-One Printers with 10,000 Page Cycles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Innovative Ink Tank Design: The EcoTank printers use large refillable ink tanks, holding 127 mL of black ink and 70 mL for each color, reducing cartridge waste and extending ink maintenance cycles to 8,500 pages for black and 6,500 pages for color.

    2. High-Volume Printing: Designed for high-volume needs, these printers can handle a recommended monthly duty cycle of 1,600 pages, with a maximum capacity of up to 10,000 pages.

    3. Connectivity Options: Users can connect through USB, Ethernet, or 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, allowing easy printing from computers, tablets, and smartphones.

    4. Features and Specifications: Both models feature a 2.4-inch LCD screen, with the ET-4950 offering touch controls and fax capabilities; print speeds are 18 pages per minute for black and 9 for color.

    5. Pricing and Cost Efficiency: The EcoTank ET-3950 is priced at $419.99 and the ET-4950 at $499.99; a set of Epson 502 ink bottles costs $66.95, yielding about $0.01 per page.

    Epson has introduced two new all-in-one inkjet printers, the EcoTank ET-3950 and the EcoTank ET-4950, which feature large refillable ink tanks designed for high-volume printing needs.

    Innovative Ink Tank Design

    These Supertank printers replace traditional cartridge systems with ink tanks that can hold 127 mL of black ink, along with 70 mL for each color: cyan, magenta, and yellow. Epson claims this design reduces cartridge waste and extends ink maintenance cycles to 8,500 pages for black and 6,500 pages for color. To avoid mix-ups, the inks are dispensed from bottles that come with coded nozzles.

    Connectivity and Performance

    The printers are designed to handle a recommended monthly duty cycle of 1,600 pages, but they can manage up to 10,000 pages each month. Users can connect via USB, Ethernet, or 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, making it easy to print from various devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.

    Features and Specifications

    Both models are equipped with 2.4-inch LCD screens; however, the ET-4950 includes touch controls and fax features as well. They offer a print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi and can print from a 250-sheet paper tray at speeds of 18 pages per minute for black and 9 pages per minute for color, based on Epson’s ISO testing. The auto duplex scanner boasts a resolution of 2400 dpi and can process paper up to 8.5 x 14 inches using a 30-page auto document feeder. The EcoTanks can make copies at a rate of 11.5 copies per minute for black and 5.7 for color, according to Epson.

    Pricing Information

    The EcoTank ET-3950 is priced at $419.99 (check it out here on Amazon), while the EcoTank ET-4950 is available for $499.99 (also available here on Amazon). A set of Epson 502 ink bottles (T502120-BCS) retails for $66.95, yielding 6,500 pages, which breaks down to about ~$0.01 per page. For those looking for more economical options, third-party compatible inks are available at lower prices.

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  • Band Confirms Use of AI in Music on Spotify

    Band Confirms Use of AI in Music on Spotify

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Velvet Sundown has gained over a million monthly listeners on Spotify shortly after debuting in June with two albums and several singles.
    2. The band has been confirmed to be a creation of artificial intelligence, with music and visuals generated with AI tools under human creative direction.
    3. Their project challenges traditional ideas of authorship and identity in the music industry, prompting discussions about the future of music in the age of AI.
    4. The visual representation of the band consists of AI-generated images of four members, despite claims of human involvement.
    5. Upcoming releases include their third album, “Paper Sun Rebellion,” set for July 14, and the impact of their AI origins on listener engagement remains uncertain.

    The Velvet Sundown, a group that appears to have four members, has attracted significant interest on Spotify. They began sharing music on the platform in early June and have already launched two complete albums, along with several singles, and another album that’s set to release shortly. Unsurprisingly, listeners have begun to suspect that the band is a creation of artificial intelligence, which has now been confirmed.

    Impressive Growth

    The Velvet Sundown boasts over a million monthly listeners on Spotify. This is quite a remarkable achievement for a debut, especially since their first album, titled “Floating on Echoes,” was released on June 4. They followed up with their second album, “Dust and Silence,” on June 19. The upcoming week, July 14, will see the launch of their third album, “Paper Sun Rebellion.” Since their entrance into the music scene, many have been quick to label the band as AI-generated, prompting the creators to revise the Spotify biography to describe it as a “synthetic music project guided by human creative direction, and composed, voiced, and visualized with the support of artificial intelligence.”

    Challenging Norms

    The description further asserts that this project pushes the limits of “authorship, identity, and the future of music itself in the age of AI.” The creators assert that the characters, narratives, music, voices, and lyrics are “original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools,” although it’s not clear how extensively AI was involved in the creation process.

    The visual artwork of the band depicts four people, implying they are the creators of the project, but these images are likely generated by AI too. Interestingly, an individual named Andrew Frelon (a pseudonym) initially claimed to be the owner of this AI band but later admitted that was false. He stated he was only pretending to manage their Twitter account to add an “extra layer of weird into this story,” regarding this AI band.

    Future Outlook

    At this point, The Velvet Sundown’s music can be found on Spotify, with their new album set to drop next week. Whether this revelation will lead to an increase or decrease in their monthly listener count is still uncertain.

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  • iPhone 17 Lineup Could Have Updated Dynamic Island Feature

    iPhone 17 Lineup Could Have Updated Dynamic Island Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 17 series will receive updates to the Dynamic Island feature, primarily through software changes.
    2. A redesign of the Dynamic Island cutout is not expected until at least 2026.
    3. Specific details about the changes to the Dynamic Island’s user interface have not been revealed.
    4. iOS 26 is expected to introduce new features specifically for the iPhone 17 lineup, but older models may not receive these updates.
    5. The iPhone 17 series may feature “ultra-thin” bezels, with the launch event scheduled for September.

    According to the leak from Digital Chat Station, who has a pretty good history with iPhone leaks, the new iPhone 17 series is set to receive some updates for the Dynamic Island feature.

    Software Changes Ahead

    Still, these updates will be mainly software-based. This might be a bit of a letdown for those hoping for a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. Unfortunately, any such redesign isn’t expected until at least 2026. Moreover, a completely all-screen iPhone from Apple is rumored to potentially arrive by the end of this decade, but it’s still just speculation.

    Details Remain Unclear

    Interestingly, the specific changes that will come to the Dynamic Island’s user interface were not detailed in Digital Chat Station’s post on Weibo. For now, it appears that iOS 26 will introduce some exciting features specifically for the iPhone 17 lineup. Whether the iPhone 16 and older models will receive this updated user interface is still uncertain, but it seems unlikely at this point.

    Exciting Features on the Horizon

    Additionally, DCS predicts that the iPhone 17 series will feature “ultra-thin” bezels, a detail we discussed in a previous article. With just about two months remaining until the launch event in September, fans of the iPhone won’t have to wait too long to discover what changes Apple has in store for its next flagship devices.

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  • Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Update: New Features Unveiled

    Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Update: New Features Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is available for import in the US for $55 but has limitations compared to more expensive smartwatches.
    2. A software update (version 2.1.71) has been released, addressing bugs and improving stability and features.
    3. New vibration alarms allow for customizable vibrations, but some notifications still use standard tones.
    4. Xiaomi is introducing motion-controlled games for the Smart Band 10, similar to those on the previous Smart Band 9.
    5. The software update rollout is gradual to minimize user impact in case of issues.

    We’ve talked about the new Xiaomi Smart Band 10, which just launched globally a few days ago. For US customers, it can be imported for $55 on Aliexpress. While it’s a fitness tracker, it does have some limitations in terms of functionality and hardware. Because of this, it can’t stand up against pricier smartwatches that come with features like GPS.

    Software Update Released

    Recently, Xiaomi rolled out a software update labeled version 2.1.71. This update seems to have been essential, likely addressing bugs present in the earlier firmware. Additionally, it has broadened the range of features available. Although Xiaomi has not provided an exhaustive list of fixes, they did mention that stability improvements are included, which should help create a smoother experience for users.

    New Features for Users

    Users of the Smart Band 10 can now enjoy new vibration alarms. Similar to ringtones, you can now customize the type of vibration. However, it looks like not all notifications can be set up this way just yet. For example, standard tones will still be used for appointment reminders.

    Gaming Experience

    Moreover, Xiaomi is introducing games to the Smart Band 10. These games use arm and wrist movements as their controls. Typically, this motion detection feature is used to activate the display when you raise your wrist or to track your steps. Nonetheless, these motion games are not entirely groundbreaking, as they were already available on the previous Xiaomi Smart Band 9. As for the update’s rollout, there aren’t any specific details available, but it’s likely that Xiaomi is implementing it gradually across various regions to minimize the impact on users in case of significant issues.

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  • Asus ROG Ally Upgrade: 90Wh Battery Mod Risks Explained

    Asus ROG Ally Upgrade: 90Wh Battery Mod Risks Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit user improved battery life on the ROG Ally by installing an 80Wh battery, while Miner TechTips enhanced it further with a 90Wh battery from an Asus laptop.
    2. The 90Wh battery was modified to fit into the ROG Ally by reshaping cells and using Kapton tape for insulation.
    3. The original SSD was replaced with a 2TB Kingston KC3000, utilizing a custom 90° M.2 adapter.
    4. The modifications resulted in 3.5-4 hours of gameplay for AAA games and 7-8 hours for indie games, but added about 200 g in weight.
    5. Caution is advised against attempting similar modifications due to potential hazards, particularly regarding battery folding.

    It’s not surprising that people using the ROG Ally are keen on making their handheld gaming PCs last longer on battery. A user on Reddit shared that they had installed an 80Wh battery in their Asus ROG Ally running SteamOS and experienced better backup times. Now, an Indian YouTube channel called Miner TechTips has pushed things further by putting a 90Wh battery into the device.

    Sourcing and Modifications

    To begin with, they got a 90Wh C41N2013 battery from an Asus ROG Strix G15 laptop and took it apart to rearrange the cells. In order to make the bigger battery fit into the ROG Ally’s casing, they reshaped the cells into a smaller stack and wrapped them up with Kapton tape to avoid heat issues and short circuits.

    Upgraded Storage and Design

    They also swapped out the original SSD for a 2TB Kingston KC3000, using a modified 90° M.2 adapter which was insulated with Kapton tape. To accommodate the larger battery, they designed a custom backplate and tray using a 3D printer, a process that took them about 19 hours. They mentioned that this modification made the device a bit thicker but also more comfortable to hold.

    Performance and Warnings

    After setting up the SSD, the 90Wh battery, and custom backplate, they replaced Windows with SteamOS. As per their findings, the modified Ally now operates at 15–20 W for AAA games, providing between 3.5 to 4 hours of gameplay, and at 7–10 W for indie games, which gives around 7 to 8 hours. It takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to fully charge, and even though the device is about 200 g heavier, they find it much more user-friendly.

    While these improvements may seem appealing, the individual who initially made this change advises against attempting it. Recently, a Reddit user, known as u/Talaxin, shared an update after a month using the same 90Wh mod on the ROG Ally. Under that post, u/Kira980, the original mod creator, cautioned against folding the battery, mentioning it could be more hazardous than other battery modifications.

    If you’re curious about this ROG Ally modification, be sure to check out the Miner TechTips video below. They thoroughly explain every step, although it’s in Hindi, so you might want to turn on subtitles or use auto-translate features for better comprehension.

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  • New Sponge Material Converts Seawater to Drinkable Water

    New Sponge Material Converts Seawater to Drinkable Water

    Key Takeaways

    1. Many people rely on groundwater for drinking, but the process of drilling boreholes is largely unregulated, leading to serious consequences.
    2. Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University developed a new aerogel that significantly reduces reliance on groundwater and maintains high performance during desalination.
    3. The innovative aerogel features vertical holes of 20 micrometers, made using 3D-printing with carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofiber.
    4. Testing showed the aerogel can efficiently desalinate seawater at various sizes, demonstrating a scalable and energy-free method for clean water production.
    5. The aerogel system can produce fresh water through sunlight-driven evaporation, with a practical demonstration yielding about three tablespoons of purified water in six hours.

    In our current society, a vast number of people depend on groundwater for their drinking needs. The process of drilling boreholes remains largely unchecked and undocumented, despite the significant consequences these boreholes may have. Utilizing seawater desalination can be an effective way to manage and lessen the repercussions of excessive drilling practices.

    Advancements in Material Science

    Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have made an exciting discovery that could reduce human reliance on groundwater. As the size of the material increases, it only experiences a performance reduction of less than 5%, while conventional evaporators face a performance drop exceeding 40%.

    Innovative Aerogel Design

    This new aerogel is designed with vertical holes measuring 20 micrometers, which are evenly distributed across its surface. The researchers created this aerogel by 3D-printing a paste made of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofiber layer by layer onto a frozen substrate.

    Testing and Efficiency

    To evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative material, the scientists carried out both indoor and outdoor experiments at different scales. The tests utilized square-shaped aerogel pieces ranging from 1 to 8 centimeters (0.39 to 3.15 inches) in size.

    “Our aerogel enables full-capacity desalination at any size, presenting a straightforward, scalable method for energy-free desalination to generate clean water.” — Xi Shen, Lead Researcher.

    The method is quite straightforward — the carbon-based aerogel floats in a container of seawater. When sunlight hits it, the surface heats up, leading to the separation of water from salt and its subsequent evaporation. The vapor then condenses on the bottom of a transparent cover, collecting as purified drinking water. In a practical outdoor demonstration, the system managed to produce approximately three tablespoons of fresh water over a span of six hours.

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  • ViewSonic Launches 138-Inch Foldable LED Monitor with Android

    ViewSonic Launches 138-Inch Foldable LED Monitor with Android

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ViewSonic LDS138-151 LED monitor has a massive 138-inch display, designed to fold for easy transport.
    2. It features a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a contrast ratio of 6500:1, and a brightness of 600 nits.
    3. The monitor has an IP54 rating, making it resistant to dust and minor water splashes.
    4. It includes Android 9, 32GB of internal storage, and two 30-watt stereo speakers, allowing for direct content playback.
    5. The cost of the monitor is available only upon request, and it is designed for easy part replacement due to front access.

    The ViewSonic LDS138-151 LED monitor is a massive display with a screen that measures 138 inches, making it over 10 feet wide. To facilitate transport through doorways and elevators, ViewSonic designs the monitor with hinges on the left and right sections, allowing them to fold inwards. When the stand is collapsed, its dimensions reduce to 6.8 by 6.5 by 2.8 feet, but the monitor still carries a hefty weight of 551 pounds.

    Display Specifications

    This “Direct View” LED screen boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, yielding a pixel density of 16 PPI, which is on the lower side. The monitor features a contrast ratio of 6500:1 and can achieve a full-screen brightness of 600 nits. ViewSonic claims that the screen has a lifespan of 100,000 hours. If any defects arise, the panel can be accessed from the front for easy replacement of parts.

    Durability and Features

    With an IP54 rating, the monitor is safeguarded against dust and minor water splashes. The height is adjustable thanks to a motorized stand, and the wheels enable simple repositioning. ViewSonic promotes the LDS138-151 as an all-in-one device, incorporating Android 9 and 32GB of internal storage. This allows users to play content directly on the monitor without needing an additional media player. Additionally, the monitor comes with two 30-watt stereo speakers, four HDMI ports, Wi-Fi capability, and two 3.5mm headphone jacks.

    The cost of the ViewSonic LDS138-151 is available only upon request. For further information about this enormous foldable monitor, you can check the official product page.

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    ViewSonic Launches 138-Inch Foldable LED Monitor with Android
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  • ASRock DeskMini X600: Updated 1.92L Mini-PC with USB4 Connectivity

    ASRock DeskMini X600: Updated 1.92L Mini-PC with USB4 Connectivity

    Key Takeaways

    1. ASRock refreshed its DeskMini X600 series with a new model supporting AMD Socket AM5 for Ryzen 8000G APUs.
    2. The DeskMini X600 is available for under $225 as a barebones setup.
    3. The new models include USB4 connectivity and additional ports compared to last year’s versions.
    4. Both DeskMini X600 and X600W feature SATA3 and M.2 2280 slots, plus dual SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM.
    5. The mini-PCs have a compact case size of 155 x 155 x 80 mm, with a total volume of only 1.92 litres.

    ASRock has refreshed its DeskMini X600 series with a new model. This new device comes a year after the release of its previous version, which was known as the ‘first-ever’ Mini STX mini-PC that supported AMD Socket AM5. The latest DeskMini X600 is now available on Amazon for less than $225 as a barebones setup. In essence, the updated DeskMini X600 continues to support Socket AM5 and is designed for Ryzen 8000G APUs.

    Additional Model Information

    To complement the DeskMini X600, ASRock has introduced the DeskMini X600W, which features an Intel AC-3168 Wi-Fi kit. It’s important to note that these new mini-PCs shouldn’t be confused with earlier models, as they both include USB4 connectivity in addition to the ports available in last year’s versions. From what we understand, both the new ‘USB4’ variants, the DeskMini X600 and X600W, are equipped with the following ports:

    Hardware Specs

    Furthermore, ASRock’s latest mini-PCs come with SATA3 and M.2 2280 slots, as well as dual SO-DIMM slots that allow for a maximum of 128 GB of DDR5-6400 non-ECC RAM. The DeskMini X600 encapsulates all of this hardware within a compact case measuring 155 x 155 x 80 mm, which has a total volume of only 1.92 litres. For further information, please check ASRock’s official website.

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    ASRock DeskMini X600: Updated 1.92L Mini-PC with USB4 Connectivity
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