Category: All News

May 17, 2025
Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro: Upcoming Flagship Tablet with 120W Charging
Key Takeaways
1. The Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro is set to be a high-end tablet with impressive specifications, including 120W wired fast charging.
2. It features a tall 12.5-inch display, potentially using either OLED technology or a 2K+ resolution LCD.
3. The tablet is the successor to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, which had a 12.4-inch display with a 3.2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.
4. Speculation suggests the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro may be powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor.
5. As an alternative, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro is available, offering flagship performance and a bright display.
A new device from the Xiaomi Pad 7 series might be on its way. The Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro was first mentioned a few months ago, and now a recent leak has shown its high-end positioning. This gives hints about some impressive specifications and features, so let’s dive into what we know.
Upcoming Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro
The upcoming Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro was initially spotted on the 3C certification in March 2025. Although the listing didn’t reveal too many details, it did confirm that the tablet will support 120W wired fast charging and carries the model number 25053RP5CC. These specifications already suggest a premium tablet, but known leaker Digital Chat Station has shared additional information ahead of the official reveal.
What to Expect from the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro
According to a recent post on Weibo, Digital Chat Station stated that the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro is set to be a flagship model. He also mentioned that the tablet will feature 120W fast charging and a tall 12.5-inch display. The exact type of display technology hasn’t been disclosed yet, but it might be either an OLED panel or a 2K+ resolution LCD. As the name indicates, this new tablet is the direct successor to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro.
Previous Model Overview
To remind you, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro was launched in 2024 and came with a 12.4-inch display boasting a 3.2K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 900 nits. This model was powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. While it wasn’t the newest processor at that time, it still provided excellent performance. We can expect the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro might come with either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. However, this is just speculation, so keep that in mind.
Tags: 120W fast charging, Flagship Tablet, Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro
May 16, 2025
MSI Launches 500Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitors with AI at COMPUTEX 2025
Key Takeaways
1. MSI launched two 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitors at COMPUTEX 2025: MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50.
2. Both monitors feature Samsung’s 3rd-generation QD-OLED panels, offering a 500Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time with WQHD resolution (2560 x 1440).
3. The MPG 271QR includes an AI Care Sensor for user detection, energy conservation, and OLED protection against screen burn-in.
4. The MAG 272QP is targeted at esports, sharing core specs with the MPG 271QR but lacking the AI features.
5. The MAG 272QP is priced at CNY 5,999 (about $829) and will be available in China starting May 16, while pricing for the MPG 271QR is not yet announced.
At COMPUTEX 2025, MSI unveiled two new 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitors: the MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and the MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50. Both of these models utilize Samsung’s newest 3rd-generation QD-OLED panels, boasting an impressive 500Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time, and WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution.
MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 Features
The MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 comes equipped with an AI Care Sensor that incorporates a CMOS sensor along with an NPU-based chip to recognize if someone is present in front of the screen. It takes images every 0.2 seconds. When no user is detected, the monitor either powers down or activates its OLED protection features to mitigate the threat of screen burn-in while conserving energy. Additionally, it features MSI’s AI Navigator, which grants access to all AI settings from a single menu. This configuration aids in maintaining the screen and reducing energy consumption without the need for manual tweaks.
This monitor has received VESA ClearMR 21000 and DisplayHDR True Black 500 certifications. The WQHD resolution nearly doubles the pixel density of Full HD, ensuring clearer visuals. With true blacks, excellent contrast, and smooth motion handling, it’s designed for high-speed gaming like first-person shooters and racing games.
MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 Overview
The MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 is MSI’s initial esports-focused QD-OLED monitor. It shares identical core specifications: WQHD resolution, a refresh rate of 500Hz, and a 0.03ms response time. It also covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and holds the same VESA certifications. Although it lacks the AI Care Sensor, it still delivers superior motion clarity and rapid performance, making it ideal for competitive gaming setups.
Pricing and Availability
The MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 is set at a price of CNY 5,999 (approximately $829) and will be available in China starting May 16. However, MSI has yet to disclose the pricing or global release details for the MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50.
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Tags: MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50, MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50, QD-OLED gaming monitors
May 16, 2025
Wooting 60HE V2: Aluminum Gaming Keyboard with 8kHz Polling & Ergonomic Design
Key Takeaways
1. Launch and Pricing: The Wooting 60HE V2 is set to launch in Q4 2025, with pricing still unannounced, aiming for the festive shopping season.
2. Physical Upgrades: It features an all-aluminium case with sound dampening materials and an optional split space layout for enhanced ergonomics and customization.
3. Enhanced Interior Components: The new model includes improved sound dampening materials, a new plate material (FR4), and a friction fit pad for a better typing experience.
4. Advanced PCB Features: The 60HE V2 boasts an upgraded PCB with 8 kHz polling and 0.125 ms latency in Tachyon Mode, although it lacks wireless connectivity.
5. New Switch and Stabiliser Innovations: The introduction of the Lekker Tikken switches offers longer travel and pre-lubed design, complemented by updated screw-in stabilisers for improved performance.
Wooting has finally unveiled its highly anticipated next-gen compact Hall-effect gaming keyboard, which is an advanced iteration of the well-liked 60HE that changed the gaming keyboard landscape. While the company hasn’t revealed the pricing for the 60HE V2 yet, it has mentioned that this new model is set to launch in Q4 2025, perfectly timed for the festive shopping season.
Major Physical Upgrades
The most significant upgrades in the Wooting 60HE V2 when compared to the original model are its physical attributes. This new version sports an all-aluminium case filled with sound dampening materials, which made the Wooting 80HE quite enjoyable during our testing. An exciting feature is the optional split space layout, which splits the space bar into three keys, allowing for more customisation and making the 60% layout much more user-friendly, potentially enhancing ergonomics. Wooting has indicated that the 60HE V2 will come with both a complete space bar and a split space bar option, but it’s still uncertain whether these will involve different PCBs and plates or if the default setup will accommodate both versions.
Customisation Features
Apart from the alternative layouts, the Wooting 60HE V2 includes detachable attachment points for the well-known Wooting strap on both sides of the case, offering users additional customisation options. While Wooting hasn’t specified which keycaps will be included, they seem similar to the OEM-profile double-shot PBT shine-through keycaps that we appreciated on the 80HE model.
Enhanced Interior Components
A lot of the enhancements in the 60HE V2 are related to its internal components, featuring a new plate material and mounting style as well as improved sound dampening materials. For instance, this new model will include the same friction fit pad found in the Wooting X Optimum case, which is expected to offer a more cushioned bottom-out sensation compared to the traditional tray mounting of the original. Wooting has switched the plate material from steel to FR4 for the 60HE V2, which should create a slightly brighter, yet cleaner, sound compared to its predecessor.
Sound Dampening Innovations
Additionally, the Wooting 60HE V2 comes with a silicone case pad for sound absorption, along with an EPDM foam insert for users wanting to swap the silicone pad for a different sound experience. Similar to the previous models, the 60HE V2 will have a Poron foam sheet situated between the plate and PCB to refine the sound quality and reduce echo. A new feature is the tape mod, borrowed from the design of the 80HE and the enthusiast keyboard community, which is intended to minimize high-frequency sounds and further clarify the sound output.
Advanced PCB Features
Regarding the PCB, the 60HE V2 will boast the same occasionally game-changing features as the 80HE model, including an upgraded onboard MCU that enables 8 kHz polling, with an impressive latency of just 0.125 ms when Tachyon Mode is activated. However, wireless connectivity is not available for this version, as Wooting has previously stated to Notebookcheck that they are unlikely to release a wireless keyboard due to their focus on gaming performance.
New Switch Introduction
Alongside the revamped 60HE V2, Wooting will also introduce a new switch that draws inspiration from the Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which have become a popular recommendation for their clean sound and smooth operation (currently priced at $57.99 for 70 pieces on Amazon). The new Lekker Tikken switches—named after the Dutch word for “type”—feature an extended travel of 4.0 mm, contrasting with the 3.5 mm travel of the Gateron switches.
Innovations in Switch Design
Wooting asserts that the Tikken switch is a first in the industry due to its combination of long travel and closed-bottom design. Similar to the Lekker L60 V2 switches we tested, the Tikken switches have a starting force of 40 gf, a bottom-out force of 60 gf, and a transparent PC top for RGB lighting. Moreover, these new switches will come pre-lubed, eliminating the need for users to manually lubricate them.
Improved Stabiliser Mechanism
Along with the new switches, the Wooting 60HE V2 will feature updated pre-lubricated, screw-in, PCB-mount stabilisers. Wooting claims to have enhanced their lubrication process, using more lubricant in the stabilisers. These improvements aim to provide quieter and smoother stabilisers, although the space bar stabiliser from the Wooting 80HE was often criticized for being rattly and loud.
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Tags: Hall-effect keyboard, Lekker Tikken switches, Wooting 60HE V2
May 16, 2025
Nothing Launches New Over-Ear Headphones This Summer
Key Takeaways
1. Nothing is entering the over-ear headphones market, confirmed through a YouTube video.
2. The company has partnered with KEF, a British audio firm, to enhance product development.
3. The design aims for a unique aesthetic, with clearly marked buttons to improve usability.
4. Nothing plans to price their headphones competitively, targeting a balance between low-cost and high-end options.
5. The headphones will be launched this summer, although they currently do not have a disclosed name.
Nothing has shared that it will be stepping into a brand new product category, which shouldn’t come as a shock following a previous announcement. With a video posted on their YouTube channel, Nothing has confirmed that they are developing their very first pair of over-ear headphones.
Partnership with KEF
This announcement follows closely after the company disclosed a collaboration with KEF, a well-known British audio firm. In that revelation, it was shared that both brands will pool their skills for both new and existing products. In the nearly 4-minute video shared on YouTube, the design team at Nothing gives insights into the forthcoming headphones.
Design Insights
The design leads expressed their dissatisfaction with the current over-ear headphones available, particularly from an aesthetic viewpoint. This indicates that Nothing’s inaugural headphones are likely to have a unique appearance, consistent with their other offerings. An additional feature of these headphones will be clearly marked buttons, which should help avoid the issue of mistakenly pressing the wrong one.
Nothing also pointed out the steep prices of existing headphones, even referencing the $549 AirPods Max (currently listed on Amazon for $479.99) to illustrate their point. The London-based tech firm aims for their headphones to sit between the low-cost and high-end markets, striving to create a product that won’t feel like a downgrade for users transitioning from more expensive headphones.
Expertise in Earbuds
The company is also relying on its background in making earbuds, which have garnered numerous positive reviews. They believe that their expertise in earbud production will aid in their success within the headphones market.
As of now, the Nothing over-ear headphones do not have a designated name, or at least it hasn’t been disclosed yet. However, it has been announced that they will launch this summer, which suggests that we may see them as early as June.
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Tags: KEF, Nothing, Over-Ear Headphones
May 16, 2025
Lenovo Yoga Pad Pro: 14-Inch OLED Tablet with 16GB RAM
Key Takeaways
1. The Lenovo Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 AI is a versatile device that functions as both a tablet and a convertible laptop with a detachable keyboard case.
2. It features a 14.5-inch OLED display with 3000 x 1876 resolution, 107% NTSC color gamut coverage, and peak brightness of 1,600 nits, supporting touch input and stylus use.
3. The tablet includes 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and a large 12,300mAh battery, though the specific chipset is not disclosed.
4. Priced around $700 in China, it offers a competitive alternative to the Apple iPad Air 13, which is priced at $735.
5. The Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 AI can also serve as a secondary monitor via DisplayPort using USB Type-C, enhancing its functionality for users on the go.
The Lenovo Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 AI can be seen as both a tablet and a convertible device. Users can operate it with or without a keyboard, making it flexible for various tasks. The keyboard is part of a specific case that includes a backplate and a hinge, effectively transforming the tablet into something akin to a laptop. Additionally, the OLED tablet can function as a secondary monitor or screen, utilizing DisplayPort via USB Type-C, which could be handy for those on the go.
Display Features
With a size of 14.5 inches, the OLED screen is quite expansive and is expected to offer vivid contrasts. Lenovo claims that the Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 features an NTSC color gamut coverage of 107% and an impressive color accuracy with DeltaE<1. The display boasts a resolution of 3000 x 1876 pixels and can reach peak brightness levels of 1,600 nits. Besides traditional touch input and a keyboard, the tablet also has stylus support.
Specifications and Pricing
Lenovo hasn’t disclosed which chipset powers the new OLED tablet. Nonetheless, the Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 AI operates on Android, featuring 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. The battery is rated at a substantial 12,300mAh. In China, the tablet is priced starting at around $700. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding a global release date for this device. Therefore, consumers interested in a tablet in this price range may want to consider the Apple iPad Air 13, which also accommodates keyboards and styluses, currently listed for $735 on Amazon.
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Tags: Android tablet, Lenovo Yoga Pad Pro 14.5 AI, OLED tablet
May 16, 2025
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Review: A Dependable Daily Driver
Key Takeaways
1. Storage and Pricing: The Galaxy A26 5G offers 128 GB and 256 GB storage options with 6 GB of RAM, priced at $299 (often found under $250 online), and promises six years of updates until 2031.
2. Performance: Powered by the Exynos 1380 SoC and featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate, the device provides a smooth display experience suitable for gaming, though occasional stuttering may occur with demanding applications.
3. Display Quality: The smartphone has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080, delivering crisp visuals and a high brightness level, comparable to its predecessor.
4. Build and Features: Weighing 200 grams, the Galaxy A26 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+, an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and mid-range specs including Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3.
5. Missing Features: Compared to the Galaxy A25 5G, the A26 5G lacks stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy A26 5G, available in both 128 GB and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage options. Each variant comes equipped with 6 GB of LPDDR4x RAM. The smaller 128 GB option of this 6.7-inch smartphone, which we recently took a look at, has an official price tag of $299, but you can often find it online for under $250. Samsung promises six years of updates for this device, lasting until 2031.
Performance and Display
The Galaxy A26 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380, a mid-range SoC that was previously used in last year’s Galaxy A35 5G. Paired with a 120 Hz refresh rate, this SoC provides a mostly fluid display experience and makes the phone suitable for gaming. However, more demanding applications or updates may cause occasional stuttering, although we found this to be rare in our testing.
Size and Screen Quality
In comparison to its predecessor, the Galaxy A25 5G, the Galaxy A26 5G has gotten a bit bigger, as the display size has increased by 0.2 inches to 6.7 inches. The Super AMOLED display maintains the same resolution of 2340 x 1080, delivering crisp visuals with a pixel density of 385 PPI. With an average brightness of 731 cd/m² for SDR content and a peak of 1112 cd/m² for HDR, the display brightness is on par with its predecessor.
Build and Features
Even though it’s larger, the Galaxy A26 5G is only 3 grams heavier than the Galaxy A25 5G, weighing in at 200 grams, which feels quite light. It offers better materials than the earlier model, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back. It also carries an IP67 rating, providing good protection against dust and water.
With Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, hybrid dual SIM capabilities, and USB-C 2.0, the Galaxy A26 5G has impressive mid-range specifications. It comes equipped with Samsung’s Knox Vault for secure storage of passwords and sensitive data, along with some AI features from OneUI 7. Additionally, it includes a solid 50MP main camera and slightly improved battery life compared to the older model.
Missing Features
In comparison to the Galaxy A25 5G, two features have been removed: there’s now only one speaker instead of stereo speakers, and the 3.5mm audio jack is no longer included.
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Tags: Galaxy A26 5G, Mid Range Smartphone, Samsung
May 16, 2025
8BitDo Launches Affordable Leverless Fightdeck Arcade Controllers
Key Takeaways
1. 8bitdo is launching two new Fightingdeck arcade controllers on July 15, 2025, with prices of $89.99 and $99.99.
2. The first controller is compatible with Windows 10 (version 1903+) and Nintendo Switch (version 3.0.0+), featuring a 1,000 mAh battery and four programmable buttons.
3. The second controller, designed for Xbox, has a 3,000 mAh battery, Xbox branding, and includes RGB lighting, but lacks Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Both controllers are aimed at e-sports enthusiasts and professional gamers, designed for arcade genres like fighting games and brawlers.
5. Pre-orders are available through 8bitdo’s website and Amazon US for both models.
Hardware maker 8bitdo is set to launch two new Fightingdeck arcade controllers on July 15, 2025. The first model, priced at $89.99, is designed to work with Windows 10 (version 1903) or newer, as well as Nintendo Switch (version 3.0.0) or later. The second model, which has a few more features, is priced at $99.99 and sports Xbox branding, complete with an Xbox button. This model is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows 10/11, featuring a stylish green and black design. Both controllers are crafted specifically for e-sports enthusiasts and professional gamers who enjoy arcade genres like fighting games, brawlers, and shoot-em-ups.
Specifications of the First Controller
The controller designed for Windows and Nintendo Switch includes a 1,000 mAh battery, 2.4G WLAN for Windows connectivity, Bluetooth to connect to the Nintendo Switch, and a cable that allows usage on both platforms. It sports a classic arcade controller appearance and provides four programmable buttons (P1-P4). This model is leverless and comes with the flexibility to use different switches due to its 16 Kailh Wizard low-profile switches. Additional features include SOCD cleaning, a dynamic keypad, and a tournament lock. The 8bitdo Ultimate Software V2 can be used with it. Pre-orders for this controller are available for $89.99 through 8bitdo’s website and Amazon US.
Details of the Xbox Variant
The controller styled after the Xbox Series X features Xbox-specific button labels set against a black background and includes a built-in Xbox button. It packs a much more powerful 3,000 mAh battery. However, it does not have Bluetooth, relying solely on 2.4G Wi-Fi connectivity and a wired option. Unlike the first controller, it has only two freely programmable buttons (LSB and RSB), but it compensates with RGB button lighting that gives it the recognizable Xbox green glow. Furthermore, it has a 3.5 mm audio jack and a volume control switch. The 8bitdo Xbox Arcade Controller can be pre-ordered for $99.99 from 8bitdo’s online store and Amazon US.
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Tags: 8bitdo Fightingdeck, e-sports gaming, Xbox Arcade Controller
May 16, 2025
Nintendo Offers Free Switch 2 Upgrades for 12 Switch 1 Games
Key Takeaways
1. Enhanced Pokémon Titles: Pokémon Crimson and Pokémon Violet will receive graphical improvements and higher frame rates on the Switch 2.
2. Upgrades to Mario Games: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will have enhanced graphics and new GameShare capabilities, with HDR support for both games.
3. Other Game Improvements: Super Mario Odyssey will feature HDR support and GameShare functionality, while The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom will also be optimized with HDR.
4. ARMS and Big Brain Academy Updates: ARMS will get improved frame rates and HDR support, while Big Brain Academy will support up to four players and include a new GameChat function.
5. Captain Toad and Clubhouse Games Enhancements: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will have optimized visuals and GameShare capabilities, and Clubhouse Games will support 4-player gameplay for 34 games along with GameChat.
In addition to the paid expansion packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which are priced at $9.99 each, as well as Kirby and the Lost Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree, both available for $19.99, Nintendo is also improving well-known Switch 1 games at no extra cost for the upcoming Switch 2. A total of 12 titles will be ready for the console’s release on June 5, 2025:
Enhanced Pokémon Titles
Pokémon Crimson and Pokémon Violet are set to receive graphical improvements on the Switch 2, offering a higher frame rate that ensures smoother gameplay than before.
Upgrades to Mario Games
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe will get an update that enhances the graphics for both handheld and connected TV play. Furthermore, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will also be graphically upgraded, featuring HDR support and GameShare capabilities, making it possible for four players to join in Super Mario 3D World and for two players to enjoy Bowser’s Fury together (one as Mario and one as Bowser). Bowser’s Fury will benefit from HDR support as well.
Other Game Improvements
Super Mario Odyssey will see similar graphical upgrades with HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to experience the game simultaneously (one as Mario and one as Cappy). Both The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will be optimized for the Switch 2, gaining HDR support to enhance their visual experience.
ARMS will get a boost in frame rate and graphics, along with HDR support. Big Brain Academy will also feature GameShare support for up to four players, plus a new GameChat function.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will have optimized visuals, HDR support, and GameShare capabilities, enabling two players to tackle all courses together. The 51 games of Clubhouse Games will provide 4-player support for 34 of the games included, along with GameChat.
Lastly, Game Builder Garage will receive graphical enhancements and will support mouse controls on the new Joy-Con 2.
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Tags: Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Crimson and Violet, The Legend of Zelda
May 16, 2025
Acer Launches Aspire 16 AI Laptops: OLED, 32GB RAM, 27-Hour Battery
Key Takeaways
1. Processor Options: The Aspire 16 AI series offers three processor choices: Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, and Snapdragon X platforms, each with different performance levels.
2. Display Features: The Intel and AMD models feature 16-inch OLED WUXGA+ screens with a 120 Hz refresh rate, while the Snapdragon model uses LCD WUXGA displays.
3. Memory and Storage: All models support up to 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, with microSD expansion options available.
4. Battery Life: The Intel model offers up to 26 hours of battery life, the AMD model provides similar performance, and the Snapdragon model boasts 27 hours during video playback.
5. AI and Security Features: AI-driven functionalities like PurifiedVoice and facial recognition are included across all models, with additional security features in the Intel and AMD versions.
Acer has unveiled its latest Aspire 16 AI series, featuring three processor choices: Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, and Snapdragon X platforms. Each model comes with a spacious 16-inch design, LPDDR5X RAM, and AI-centered functionalities, yet they vary in performance, display types, and connectivity options.
Processor and Battery Specifications
The Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/52MT) powered by Intel includes Core Ultra 7 258V CPUs, combined with Arc Graphics, offering a battery life of up to 26 hours, optimized for thermal design power (TDP). The AMD version (A16-61M/61MT) is equipped with Ryzen AI 7 350 or AI 5 340 chips, alongside Radeon 860M or 840M graphics. The Snapdragon model (A16-11M/11MT) features the innovative Oryon CPU and Adreno GPU, boasting a claimed battery life of 27 hours during video playback.
Display Capabilities
Display choices differ among the models. Both the Intel and AMD versions are available with up to 16-inch OLED WUXGA+ screens that support a 120 Hz refresh rate and can reach 500 nits brightness. In contrast, the Snapdragon variant opts for LCD WUXGA displays, providing either 100% sRGB or 45% NTSC color support, foregoing OLED technology altogether.
Memory and Connectivity
All models support a maximum of 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, with options for microSD expansion. The I/O setups are similar across all models, including USB 3.2 Type-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD slot. However, the Intel version includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a dedicated headphone jack, adding to its connectivity features.
Battery and AI Features
Users will benefit from a 65 Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E or 7 (depending on the chipset), and Windows 11 across the range. Acer incorporates AI-driven features such as PurifiedVoice, LiveArt, and Copilot+ Hotkey into all versions. The Intel and AMD models also come with Microsoft’s Pluton security chip and facial recognition, while the Qualcomm version offers basic support for Windows Hello.
The Snapdragon version of the Aspire 16 AI will be available in July 2025, starting at €749 ($835). The AMD and Intel models are set to release in August, priced at €999 ($1,113) and €1,049 ($1,169), respectively.
Tags: Acer Aspire 16 AI, AMD Ryzen AI, Intel Core Ultra
May 16, 2025
DOOM: Dark Ages Crashes on ROG Ally Due to Old AMD Drivers
Key Takeaways
1. Launch Issues: DOOM: The Dark Ages has been launched after early access, but many players on devices like the Asus ROG Ally are experiencing crashes and performance problems.
2. GPU Driver Problems: Players often receive warnings about outdated GPU drivers, particularly affecting handheld systems, and updating these drivers is challenging due to slow manufacturer support.
3. Developer Acknowledgment: The developers are aware of the driver-related issues and are working on fixes, with some users noticing improvements after recent driver updates, though problems persist for many.
4. Performance Discrepancies: The game runs better on the Steam Deck due to Valve’s cohesive software and driver setup, highlighting differences in performance reliability between Linux and Windows handheld devices.
5. Market Impact: The situation illustrates a larger issue in the handheld PC market, where inconsistent driver updates can prevent users from accessing new game titles, limiting the potential of powerful hardware.
DOOM: The Dark Ages has finally been launched after an early access phase for Premium and Collector’s Edition players. The game is meant to work on various Windows 10 and 11 devices, including portable gaming PCs. However, many players are facing significant problems. For instance, on the Asus ROG Ally with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, reports suggest that the game crashes shortly after starting, even when it is set to low graphics and running at about 30 frames per second.
GPU Driver Challenges
As reported by PC Gamer, players might see a warning message when they try to start the game, which says that the GPU driver on their device is outdated for this game. The article also points out that updating GPU drivers for the ROG Ally is difficult, as Asus has been slow in providing updates, making users wait for the manufacturer. A user on Reddit mentioned that they also received a GPU driver warning when trying to play DOOM: The Dark Ages through Xbox Game Pass, followed by a black screen that caused their PC to freeze, requiring a restart.
Developers’ Response
The developers have recognized the issues related to drivers that affect handheld systems like the ROG Ally and Legion Go and are actively working to fix these problems. There have been recent graphics driver updates for the ROG Ally, and some users noticed improvements after installing the update. Nonetheless, community feedback indicates that certain players still face problems. For instance, a Reddit user reported struggling to find the latest AMD drivers in Armoury Crate, implying that the update might not be detected automatically for everyone.
User Experiences
Another Reddit user named StevWong shared their experience, stating that even with low settings, the game froze after just a few seconds. They reported, “Inside game I set most things to LOW and then I was inside the game, for 2 seconds. Because when I was trying to walk and turn, my Ally hang. It did not register any input from all the Ally buttons. The fan was running like crazy as well. I had to long pressed the Ally on off button to force turned off the Ally.”
In a recent YouTube video by Deck Wizard, the game starts for a moment on the ROG Ally before it freezes. Although it runs at 30 frames per second on low settings with FSR activated, the footage reveals the game crashing soon after launch, likely due to outdated GPU drivers. The video illustrates the difficulties faced by handheld Windows devices when the drivers provided by vendors lag behind game releases.
Performance Comparisons
While the Z1 Extreme chip is technically able to deliver solid performance for AAA games, as indicated in benchmarks by Tom’s Hardware, its performance is highly dependent on the quality of the software. If driver support is inconsistent or outdated, the hardware’s full capabilities cannot be realized.
On the other hand, DOOM: The Dark Ages performs more reliably on the Steam Deck, which benefits from Valve’s cohesive SteamOS software and driver setup, helping to prevent the performance issues seen on the ROG Ally. A quick SteamOS update resolved launch problems, showcasing Valve’s ability to provide fixes directly through its integrated operating system. This situation emphasizes a widening gap in handheld gaming reliability between Linux and Windows platforms. Valve’s integrated system has enabled the Steam Deck to avoid the fragmented support that devices like the ROG Ally face, where driver updates depend on multiple vendors.
Market Implications
This scenario sheds light on a broader issue within the expanding handheld PC market. Without a steady flow of OEM driver updates, users may be excluded from major new titles, regardless of how powerful their hardware might be. As game developers increasingly incorporate advanced technologies such as ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling, and real-time global illumination, outdated drivers are likely to pose a growing obstacle for otherwise capable systems.
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Tags: Asus ROG Ally, Doom: The Dark Ages, GPU driver issues