Category: Gaming

November 4, 2024
RedMagic 10 Pro Launch Date Announced for Snapdragon 8 Elite
RedMagic has announced when its new gaming smartphone, the RedMagic 10 Pro, will be released. It is set to launch in China on November 13, with an international release possibly happening in December or early 2025. There are also whispers about an Ultra model, but details from the company are still missing on that front.
Specifications of the RedMagic 10 Pro
The RedMagic 10 Pro will be one of the first gaming smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. A recent teaser image shared by the company shows that it will come equipped with an active cooling system, similar to previous models. This design will help the new Qualcomm flagship SoC maintain consistent performance even during demanding tasks.
Design Features
The teaser also gives a sneak peek at the phone’s front design, revealing a full-screen display that includes an under-display selfie camera. When compared to the RedMagic 9S Pro (which can be found on Amazon), it looks like the bezels have been reduced a bit. If this is accurate, the new gaming phone may provide a richer viewing experience than its predecessors.
Possible Variants and Battery
Though not officially confirmed, it seems likely that the RedMagic 10 Pro+ will launch alongside the Pro version. It’s still uncertain how these two models will differ, but the speculated Ultra variant might come with a display of 7 inches or more. The Pro+ is expected to feature a substantial 7,050 mAh battery—much larger than the previous model—potentially made possible with a SiC battery. Additionally, it is rumored to support 120W fast charging.
RedMagic shared this information on Weibo.
Tags: Gaming Smartphone, RedMagic 10 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite
November 4, 2024
October 2024 Steam Hardware Survey Shows Stable Trends
Steam has released the findings from its October hardware survey. The hardware landscape remains mostly unchanged, with Intel processors leading the way over AMD, holding a 66%-33% advantage. Unlike GPUs, we don’t see a detailed breakdown of models, but it’s clear that Intel’s stronghold in the laptop sector plays a significant role in this dominance.
GPU Popularity
The xx60 series GPUs remain a favorite among gamers, as the GeForce RTX 3060 leads in desktops while the GeForce RTX 4060 takes the lead in laptops. The desktop variant is catching up quickly and should reach similar levels soon. Interestingly, the older GeForce RTX 1650 ranks fourth, surpassing the more robust RTX 2060.
AMD’s Position
As expected, AMD’s products are lower on the ranking. The first entry is an unlisted Radeon GPU, which is probably the 780M. Following that is the Radeon RX 6600, then the Radeon RX 580. Notably, Nvidia’s top-tier GeForce RTX 4090 ranks above AMD’s offerings, while the Radeon RX 7900 XTX is positioned below the aging GeForce RTX 1650 Super.
Operating System Trends
Windows 11 remains the most commonly used operating system, and 1080p is still the favored resolution for gamers. Despite the Steam Deck’s rise in popularity, Linux users represent a mere 2% of the total user base. These patterns are expected to persist until early 2025, when we might see a slow shift as new hardware from Intel, Nvidia, and AMD becomes available.
Tags: GeForce RTX 3060, Intel, Windows 11
November 3, 2024
Samsung to Bring Back Manual Thermal Throttling in One UI 7
Samsung Galaxy phone users who want the ultimate gaming experience might find a recent leak regarding the new One UI 7 update intriguing.
New Feature Discovery
Chuvn8888, a trusted source known for accurate info on Samsung updates, has revealed that One UI 7 might include a hidden feature allowing users to completely turn off thermal throttling. Thermal throttling is a safety measure that automatically reduces the processor’s speed when the device’s internal temperature rises too high. This process helps prevent overheating, which can harm parts of the phone and reduce its overall lifespan. However, this feature can also cause performance drops during graphically intensive tasks, like gaming.
Developer Options Insight
According to Chuvn8888, the forthcoming Samsung skin will feature a distinct “Disable Thermal Throttling” toggle located in the Developer Options menu. This section usually consists of advanced settings not designed for everyday users, as changing these options can result in unintended results. This isn’t the first time Samsung has explored such a feature. One UI 6 previously had a similar option but required users to access the Samsung Device Health Manager Service via a third-party application. Samsung eventually eliminated this workaround, indicating some reluctance to allow users to bypass the thermal throttling protections.
Uncertain Future
The leak indicates that One UI 7 might bring back this capability. However, it’s crucial to note that Developer Options are aimed at experienced users and contain settings that could negatively affect the phone’s stability if not managed correctly. Moreover, One UI 7 is still in the works, and there is no certainty that this specific feature will make it to the final version. Even if it does, users should be cautious about completely disabling thermal throttling.
While the temptation to enhance performance is easy to understand, skipping the phone’s built-in safety measures could result in overheating problems. This could, in turn, shorten the device’s lifespan and possibly lead to hardware issues.
Tags: One UI 7, Samsung, Thermal Throttling
November 3, 2024
Google Play Store Teases Upcoming New Android Device Category
Google is getting ready to broaden the reach of its Play Store to cover extended reality (XR) headsets, based on recent findings in the app store’s code. This development indicates that Google is setting the stage for a major entry into the XR market, possibly with its own devices or through collaborations with other companies.
Play Store Welcomes XR
The newest version of the Play Store app has a fresh icon showing an XR headset and mentions of “XR headset” in the app listings. This shows that Google is planning a special section for XR applications, much like the current categories for smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
In the past, Google has dabbled in XR with projects like Cardboard and Daydream, but these were mainly focused on mobile virtual reality. The new support for XR headsets marks a more serious dedication to this technology and a wish to compete with other significant players in this field.
Collaborations in the Works
The timing of this update lines up with Google’s current partnerships with Samsung and Qualcomm on a new XR headset. This joint project is designed to create a premium XR device powered by Android and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. By adding XR support to the Play Store, Google can build a strong ecosystem of applications and content for its forthcoming headset.
While the specific aspects of Google’s XR ambitions remain uncertain, the detection of these code alterations hints that we might witness a major announcement soon. This could mean the unveiling of Google’s own XR headset, collaborations with other manufacturers, or merely an extension of the Play Store to accommodate current XR devices.
Positive Outlook for XR
No matter the exact direction ahead, Google’s initiative to welcome XR is a promising indicator for the technology’s future. With the backing of a significant player like Google, XR could potentially evolve into a mainstream platform for gaming, entertainment, and productivity.
Tags: google, Play Store, XR headset
November 3, 2024
Xiaomi Launches G24i Gaming Monitor for $129.99 with 180Hz IPS
Xiaomi has recently pushed out the Gaming Monitor G24i, a compact gaming display that was first revealed back in September. At that time, the company shared a variety of information about the monitor but didn’t disclose its pricing details.
Availability and Specs
Now, the monitor is available for purchase in Europe, the UK, and the US. To summarize the features, the Gaming Monitor G24i includes an IPS panel with a diagonal measurement of only 23.8 inches. It has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and offers viewing angles of 178 degrees horizontally and vertically.
Performance Features
This monitor also boasts a peak brightness of 250 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, along with an impressive 99% coverage of the sRGB color space. Additionally, it features a refresh rate of 180 Hz, a 1 ms response time (GtG), and supports AMD FreeSync technology. For connectivity, there is one DisplayPort and one HDMI port for video outputs.
Pricing Information
Right now, the Gaming Monitor G24i can be found for £89.99 in the UK and €119.99 in the Eurozone when bought directly from Xiaomi. Alternatively, in the US, it is listed for $129.99 on Amazon. For further information, check out Xiaomi’s official website.
Tags: Gaming Monitor G24i, IPS panel, Xiaomi
November 3, 2024
PlayStation 5 Pro Specs Leak: 8-Core Zen 2 CPU & 16GB GDDR6
While Sony has not officially verified the specifications of the PlayStation 5 Pro, various leaks have given us a glimpse into what to expect. A spec sheet that looks credible has surfaced online, reportedly from an early recipient of the console. The document is in Portuguese and discloses a wealth of details about Sony’s next-gen gaming device.
Key Specifications
To begin with, the PlayStation 5 Pro is equipped with an AMD Zen 2 CPU featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. Additionally, it includes an RDNA GPU, which is said to deliver 16.7 TFLOPS. It seems that Sony chose not to specify the GPU’s generation since it incorporates some RDNA 4 technology that hasn’t been officially announced yet. Clearly, this new console is more powerful than the original PlayStation 5, which has a GPU rated at 10 TFLOPS, but that alone doesn’t provide a complete picture of performance.
Memory and Power Consumption
Furthermore, the PlayStation 5 Pro is said to have 16 GB of GDDR6 memory dedicated to graphics, along with 2 GB of DDR5 memory for other tasks. According to Sony, the console can draw up to 390 Watts of power when fully operational, a fraction of what a high-end gaming PC would consume. Most of the other features are already well-known, such as support for Wi-Fi 7, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports—one of which has a 10 Gbps rating. It also boasts a 2 TB SSD, along with an additional M.2 Slot for storage expansion.
Performance Expectations
At first glance, the hardware of the PlayStation 5 Pro might appear weak, especially considering its older Zen 2 CPU. While the new RDNA 4 GPU could enhance performance somewhat, there is a strong likelihood of facing a CPU bottleneck. However, there are rumors suggesting the console might be able to maintain a steady 4K at 60 FPS experience (possibly without PSSR), or even achieve 1440p at 120 FPS if recent leaks hold true. In any case, PSSR will play a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience this generation.
@videotechuk_on X
Tags: AMD Zen 2, PlayStation 5 Pro, RDNA 4 GPU
November 3, 2024
Razer Launches Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition Gaming Mouse
The Viper V3 Pro was awarded the title of Best Mouse for Valorant in August 2024, according to prosettings.net. This recognition may explain its selection as the foundation for the latest collaboration between Razer and Sentinels.
Features of the New Mouse
The co-branded mouse utilizes the same Razer HyperSpeed Wireless technology found in the regular V3 Pro. It also features the brand’s current fastest "true" 8,000Hz HyperPolling Technology, which provides a swift and smooth gaming experience.
Additionally, the Sentinels Edition comes equipped with the same Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 that other modern Razer mice have. It also includes in-house Gen-3 Optical Mouse Switches, ensuring high performance and reliability during gameplay.
Weight and Design
This mouse is one of the lightest options in the Viper series, weighing in at 54 grams. However, it is not the lightest of the Viper lineup. A unique aspect of this edition is that it’s the only Viper V3 Pro available in red right out of the box.
If you’ve been looking for a top-tier symmetrical right-handed wireless mouse from Razer that is free of RGB lighting and comes in an unusual color, the Sentinels Edition could be exactly what you need.
Pricing Information
However, it does come with a higher price tag, listed at $179.99 (or €189.99) on razer.com, while the standard V3 Pro is available for $159.99 in black or white on Amazon.
Tags: HyperPolling Technology, Razer Viper V3 Pro, Sentinels Edition
November 2, 2024
Dareu A950Air Gaming Mouse Series Launches 35g Flagship Model
Dareu has recently unveiled its latest A950Air gaming mouse series, as reported by Fast Technology. This series includes three unique models: the standard A950Air, the A950Air Cicada Wing Edition, and the A950Air Electric Power Edition.
Sensor and Performance Features
The standard A950Air and one of the Cicada Wing models are equipped with the Pixart 3395 sensor, which features a 26,000 DPI resolution, 50G acceleration, and 650 IPS tracking capabilities. On the other hand, the Cicada Wing Edition is enhanced with an AIM-750U sensor, which boasts a higher 30,000 DPI, 750 IPS tracking, and maintains the 50G acceleration.
Weight and Response Time
The standout model, the upgraded Cicada Wing Edition, is remarkably light, weighing only 35 grams. It is also packed with cutting-edge features, including an AIM-750U processor and a Nordic52840 controller that allows for dual 8KHz polling rates in both wired and wireless modes. This combination results in an impressive response time of just 0.125ms.
Connectivity and Battery Life
In terms of connectivity, the standard A950Air and the Electric Power Edition offer tri-mode operation, allowing users to switch between 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or wired connections easily. Contrarily, the Cicada Wing models only offer support for 2.4GHz wireless and wired connections. The standard A950Air weighs 58 grams, while the Electric Power Edition is slightly heavier at 62 grams due to its magnetic charging station.
Battery life varies among the models: the standard and Electric Power versions include a 500mAh battery, providing up to 65 hours of playtime. In contrast, the extremely lightweight Cicada Wing Edition has a smaller 210mAh battery to keep overall weight low.
The A950Air series has been launched with a promotional price of 100 yuan ($14) off, starting at just 99 yuan ($13.9).
Tags: Cicada Wing Edition, Dareu A950Air, gaming mouse
November 2, 2024
Panic’s Playdate New Game Season Delayed Stereo Dock Accessory
Panic, the company that makes the Playdate handheld gaming console, recently held an event to share some news about the device. This bright yellow gaming gadget, which made its debut in 2022, won’t see a new version just yet. However, there’s plenty to look forward to for current owners and potential buyers alike.
Exciting Game Sale
During a nearly 15-minute presentation, it was revealed that Playdate is having a sale on games available in its store, known as Catalog. Initially announced in May 2023, Catalog started with only 16 games, but it has since expanded to more than 200 titles. If you have a Playdate, you can check out the store, which is accessible on both the device and online, to find over 160 games on sale. This sale is set to continue until November 14.
New Game Seasons Coming
Panic also shared that a new season of games is planned for release in 2025. When the Playdate first launched, it came with a season that offered two free games each week for a total of 24 games over 12 weeks. The upcoming second season, slated for 2025, will have around a dozen games. However, it appears that these games won’t be free, as Panic mentioned that information regarding pricing, the exact number of games, and the developers involved will be released in 2025.
Upcoming Titles and Hardware News
In other news, the event highlighted a couple of new games that will be featured in the Catalog, including a platformer called Owlet’s Embrace, where players control a young owl using a grappling hook, and an adventure game titled Comet. Some of these titles are expected to launch this year, while others will be available in 2025.
On the hardware side, Panic announced that new units of the Playdate are now up for order on their website, with an estimated delivery date set for December 2024. Earlier this week, they also disclosed that the Stereo Dock accessory, a Bluetooth speaker dock shaped like a cube for the Playdate, has been temporarily halted. They cited production challenges, bugs, and rising costs as reasons for this suspension. Whether the Stereo Dock will eventually be released remains uncertain.
Tags: Catalog, Panic, Playdate
November 2, 2024
Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Surges Past 450,000 Players in 2 Hours
When Capcom revealed the free open beta test for Monster Hunter Wilds, the excitement was palpable, suggesting it would be a significant event in the gaming world. However, it seems to have gone beyond what was anticipated based on previous releases.
Player Count Surges
Data from SteamDB, which monitors the player count for games, indicates that Monster Hunter Wilds achieved a peak of 463,798 simultaneous players on Steam. This impressive number puts it more than 100,000 players ahead of Monster Hunter World. Furthermore, it has surpassed the newer title, Monster Hunter Rise, attracting over twice the amount of players on the platform.
Hype and Popularity
The buzz surrounding the free demo for this AAA action role-playing game (ARPG) is undoubtedly a significant factor in its success. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing appeal of the Monster Hunter series. Capcom has framed the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta as a test for server performance and game stability, but it also recognizes this as a key chance to draw in new fans to the franchise.
Tags: Capcom, Monster Hunter Wilds, SteamDB