Shenzhou has introduced an enhanced version of its T8 Plus gaming laptop. This latest model boasts substantial improvements in performance with the addition of an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card.
Key Specifications
The T8 Plus is set at a price of 6,999 Yuan and is scheduled for release on August 6th. Tailored for gamers and content creators alike, the T8 Plus comes equipped with a 16-inch display featuring a 240Hz refresh rate, which guarantees smooth visuals and quick response times. To manage temperatures during demanding tasks, the laptop includes a cooling system with dual fans.
Connectivity and Launch Details
For connectivity, the T8 Plus offers Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless networking, along with a variety of USB ports, including USB-C and HDMI, to connect various peripherals. Additionally, the laptop has a standard Ethernet port for a stable wired connection.
The upgraded T8 Plus, priced at 6,999 Yuan, is currently available for pre-order and will officially be launched on August 6th.
Sony introduced the PlayStation Portal last year as a Remote Player for its PlayStation 5 gaming console. The company has now launched this handheld device in the Indian market. The PlayStation Portal allows you to play PS5 games using your home Wi-Fi and aims to deliver a console-level experience in a portable design.
Sony PlayStation Portal Specifications
The handheld device resembles a DualSense controller with an 8-inch LCD screen attached. It can connect to a PlayStation 5 effortlessly and remotely power on the console with a single button press. Users can then enjoy their favorite games on this device with minimal lag. The PlayStation Portal connects to your home Wi-Fi, enabling console gaming without the need for a TV.
PlayStation Portal Features
The display boasts a Full HD resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It supports both PS5 and PS4 games (as long as they are running on a PS5). However, the Portal does not support VR-specific games, games requiring additional peripherals, or PS Plus Premium streamed games. Similar to the standard DualSense Wireless controller, the handheld features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Note that your PS5 must be powered on or in Rest Mode to pair with the Remote Player.
Pricing and Availability
Sony’s PlayStation Portal Remote Player is priced at 18,990 INR (approximately 227 US Dollars). It will be available for purchase starting from 3rd August 2024. You can buy this device from Sony Centers, Flipkart, Amazon, Vijay Sales, Reliance, Croma, BlinkIt, and other partnered retailers.
Last year, I wrote an article about the PlayStation Portal, diving deeper into this handheld. Some features were unclear, and I hoped for PlayStation Plus support on this device, but that does not appear to be the case.
AOC has expanded its AGON Pro lineup with the introduction of the AG276QZD2 gaming monitor. This latest model features a 26.5-inch Samsung QD-OLED panel, representing a substantial upgrade from the previous LG WOLED display launched earlier this year in March.
AGON Pro AG276QZD2 Specifications:
The AG276QZD2 is equipped with a 2K panel (2560 x 1440) offering a high refresh rate of 240Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay, especially for fast-paced action games. It also boasts a remarkably low gray-to-gray (GTG) response time of 0.03ms, which reduces motion blur and ghosting, crucial for competitive gaming.
When it comes to color performance, the AG276QZD2 supports native 10-bit color, resulting in more accurate and vibrant color reproduction. It covers 99.1% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and features a color accuracy of ΔE<2, making it suitable for both gaming and professional content creation.
The monitor also offers a static contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1, delivering deep blacks and bright whites. It is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified, indicating its capability to display high dynamic range (HDR) content with excellent black levels and a typical SDR brightness of 250 cd/m².
Connectivity and Features:
For connectivity, the AG276QZD2 comes with various ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen1-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes dual built-in 5W speakers for basic audio output.
The monitor supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), PBP/PIP (Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture), and Adaptive-Sync technology, which is compatible with FreeSync to minimize screen tearing and stuttering during gaming sessions.
Ergonomics and Design:
Ergonomically, the AG276QZD2 features a stand that offers extensive adjustments, allowing users to rotate, tilt, and adjust the height to find their preferred viewing angle. The back of the monitor is crafted with a polygonal aesthetic and includes AOC’s Light FX RGB lighting, providing customizable ambient lighting with 14 effects and over 100,000 color options.
Pricing:
Regarding pricing, the monitor is listed on AOC’s website for $599.99. In China, it is available for 4299 Yuan through a third-party retailer.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Microsoft unveiled its latest creation, a special edition Xbox controller named Sky Cipher. This controller became available for pre-orders on July 31, 2024, and has now been officially released. It features a striking see-through design.
Xbox Sky Cipher Controller Launch
The Xbox Wireless Controller by Microsoft now comes in a transparent blue design, known as the Sky Cipher Special Edition. This version can be pre-ordered right now from the Microsoft Store for $69.99, with an official release date of August 13, 2024. The controller showcases a distinct cool blue hue with a transparent front, maintaining this aesthetic except for the back, grips, and buttons.
Microsoft’s Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller
The metallic triggers are also given a blue finish, extending to the D-pad and bumpers. According to an official blog post, the Sky Cipher Xbox Controller is the first to use environmentally friendly packaging. This new packaging eliminates single-use plastic and replaces the paper manual with a digital quick-start guide accessible via a QR code. Additionally, Microsoft has managed to reduce the packaging size by 22 percent and its weight by 21 percent, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint of the controller’s supply chain.
Aside from its unique design, the wireless controller remains identical to the standard one shipped with the Xbox Series X or Series S. Users will still get a 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C connectivity, and up to 40 hours of battery life. It’s worth noting that this release from Microsoft comes just days after Sony introduced its own special edition PS5 DualSense controller, inspired by the upcoming PlayStation exclusive game Astro Bot.
Red Magic has introduced the Glacier Silver version of its 16 Pro gaming laptop, which is equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card. These specifications ensure robust performance ideal for both intense gaming sessions and content creation.
Display and Visuals
The 16-inch screen features a 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness, and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum. This combination ensures vivid colors and smooth gameplay experiences. To handle the heat generated during high-demand tasks, the laptop includes a dual-fan cooling system and sophisticated thermal management technology.
Build and Connectivity
Constructed with an aluminum alloy chassis, the laptop also offers a variety of connectivity options such as Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1. These features make the Red Magic 16 Pro an attractive choice for both gamers and professionals.
Corsair has introduced the MM500 v2 gaming mouse pad, crafted from high-density mixed fabric and available in large and extra-large sizes. This mouse pad is designed to provide a smooth and consistent sliding experience for your mouse, both horizontally and vertically. It ensures advanced tracking accuracy across a full 360º range of motion.
Enhanced Gaming Control
The MM500 v2 allows gamers to fully manage their gaming area with a dependable surface. Its resilient construction ensures comfort during prolonged use. This gaming mouse pad offers precise mouse positioning, enhancing comfort and accuracy for gaming sessions. The top surface features a durable, splash-proof coating and anti-fray edges, safeguarding against accidents and moisture in tough conditions. The bottom layer is composed of 3mm thick natural non-slip rubber, providing both smoothness and cushioning for a stable gaming experience.
Durable and Spill-Proof Design
The MM500 v2’s edges are reinforced with anti-wear seams, significantly boosting the product’s overall durability. The large version of the mouse pad measures 450 x 400 mm, while the extra-large variant is 900 x 300 mm.
The Corsair MM500 v2 gaming mouse pads are priced at $29.99 and $39.99 respectively. For more information, you can visit the brand’s website.
TCL CSOT, a prominent name in display technology, introduced its groundbreaking 34-inch variable curvature gaming monitor at the 2024 ChinaJoy Expo held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. This display represents a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology, providing users with exceptional flexibility and visual engagement.
Named the “Xinghuan Curved Screen,” this monitor comes with an electric mechanism that allows users to effortlessly switch between a 1000R curved display and a completely flat screen at the push of a button.
In addition to its shape-shifting abilities, the monitor features impressive specifications. It is equipped with Mini-LED backlight technology, ensuring excellent color accuracy, contrast ratios, and peak brightness. The 165Hz refresh rate offers smooth gameplay and minimizes motion blur.
Competitive Edge in the Market
TCL CSOT’s entry into the variable curvature monitor market follows the trends set by industry leaders like Corsair and LG, who have launched similar products in recent years. However, TCL CSOT’s latest model distinguishes itself with its unique combination of features and potentially competitive pricing.
Additionally, TCL CSOT and Lenovo jointly unveiled the Lenovo HVA professional gaming monitor R25f-30, while TCL CSOT and TPV introduced the AOC 32″ UHD 240Hz gaming monitor U32G4ZMN.
TCL CSOT’s CEO, Zhao Jun, highlighted the shift in consumer preferences from performance-driven products to those focused on user experience. TCL CSOT is addressing this trend by concentrating on its HVA technology, which offers high contrast, high curvature, high refresh rates, and quick response times. This technology underpins the company’s mission to develop more enjoyable, dependable, and sustainable display solutions.
Sony is introducing a new Limited Edition version of its DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5. Known for its unique gadget variants, the company now presents the Astro Bot Limited Edition PS5 DualSense with a distinctive design.
Sony PS5 DualSense Astro Bot Controller
The Japanese tech leader revealed that the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense Controller boasts a Dual Speeder spaceship-inspired design. It features a blue and white body that aligns with Astro’s iconic color scheme. The character’s eye is prominently displayed on the touchpad, accompanied by sci-fi lines to enhance the character’s look. Sony has priced the DualSense Astro Bot limited edition controller at 79.99 US Dollars.
Sony PS5 DualSense Astro Bot Controller
Pre-orders for the Astro Bot controller will commence on 9th August 2024. Interested buyers should note that this special edition DualSense controller will be available in limited quantities in specific regions. These regions include the US, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Portugal. This new controller will be launched alongside the upcoming Astro Bot game on 6th September 2024. For those who don’t know, the new title is exclusively available on Sony PS5.
According to the official blog post, the controller is designed to let users experience different textures like water, sand, and grass for a more immersive gameplay experience. This is achieved by blending adaptive triggers and haptic feedback in the game. Speaking of the game, Astro Bot is the direct sequel to Astro’s Playroom, which debuted in 2020. The game includes 80 levels across six different galaxies with a total of 50 planets.
Lenovo has introduced its newest gaming laptop, the Legion R7000, exclusively for the Chinese market. This release coincides with the launch of the Legion R9000P 2024 gaming laptop.
Lenovo Legion R7000 Specifications
The Legion R7000 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745H processor and offers up to Nvidia’s RTX 4060 for graphics. To manage the heat from these high-performance components, Lenovo has equipped it with the Frost Blade Cooling System 5.0.
It features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, perfect for high-speed gaming. The display also covers 100% of the sRGB color spectrum and supports Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies for seamless visuals.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The laptop offers several USB ports and an HDMI 2.1 output for connectivity. Additional features include audio enhancements via Nahimic technology, fast charging capabilities, and a TrueStrike keyboard.
Pricing and Availability
In China, the Legion R7000 is priced between CNY 6699 and 6999, which is roughly $923 to $965. Lenovo has not yet disclosed any plans to release this laptop in other markets.
Meanwhile, Lenovo has also introduced the Legion Gaming Tablet to the Indian market. This tablet comes with an 8.8-inch 2.5K 144Hz display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) processor. Noteworthy features include two USB Type-C ports, one of which supports Display Port 1.4 connectivity, making it ideal for streaming. This tablet is also available in markets outside of India.
Asus has introduced the Tianxuan Air 2024, a 14-inch gaming laptop, to the Chinese market with a starting price of 7299 yuan ($1,006). This high-performance gaming laptop boasts a broad range of features and specifications aimed at both gaming enthusiasts and productivity users.
Asus Tianxuan Air 2024 Specifications:
The laptop is equipped with a 14-inch 2.5k display that offers a 165Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time. NVIDIA G-SYNC support ensures a seamless and immersive gaming experience. The display, with a brightness of 400 nits, covers 100% of the sRGB color spectrum for vibrant and precise colors.
Design-wise, the laptop is both practical and stylish. It includes a new square power connector and supports a 180° hinge design. Made with metal materials on both the A and D sides and featuring CNC-machined edges, the laptop weighs around 1.46kg and is 16.9mm thick.
The device includes up to 32GB of LPDDR5X dual-channel memory, running at 7500MHz, and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD for storage. Additionally, there are dual M.2 2280 slots for further storage expansion. The cooling system incorporates 89-blade liquid-bearing fans and an advanced rear exhaust design to ensure optimal performance under heavy workload conditions.
Advanced Hardware and Performance:
The Tianxuan Air 2024 is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, featuring a 12-core Zen 5 architecture. Graphics options include either the RTX 4060 or RTX 4050, both with AI Tensor Cores and support for advanced features like DLSS 3.5 and ray tracing. The laptop also supports Ryzen AI and includes NPU performance enhancements, boosting both computing power and efficiency.
The laptop is powered by a 73Wh large-capacity battery with 100W PD fast charging capability. It also includes dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, dual microphones, and a dual-camera module featuring an FHD main camera and IR face recognition for unlocking.
For connectivity, the laptop offers a full-function USB4 port, full-power HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It runs on Windows 11.
Configurations and Pricing:
The Asus Tianxuan Air 2024 is available in multiple configurations:
