All articles tagged with #technology and electronics
Intel says Pearl Abyss ignored offers to test and optimize Intel Arc GPU support for Crimson Desert, despite years of outreach and early hardware/engineering help. The game’s FAQ points Arc users to refunds, and Steam refunds remain available within two weeks of purchase.
Nikkei reports Nintendo is prepping a Switch 2 version for the EU with a user-replaceable battery (and redesigned Joy‑Con batteries) to comply with the EU’s 2027 right-to-repair rules. No launch date or regional plans are confirmed, and Nintendo hasn’t commented yet; the EU policy requires changes by 2027, with potential implications for other regions if similar laws spread.
Belkin's Pro Charging Case for the Nintendo Switch 2 packs a 10,000mAh battery, doubles as a stand, includes built-in game storage and a hidden AirTag pouch, and adds a front-edge USB‑C cutout plus an external port so you can recharge the Switch 2 without pulling a cable; it’s a more elegant, convenient solution than the non‑Pro but costs $100, is bigger and heavier, and the battery isn’t ideal as a standalone pack, so it’s worth it mainly if you want an all‑in‑one charging/media case.
Researchers reveal a new hack called DarkSword that can instantly access data on iPhones running iOS 18.4–18.6.2 simply by visiting a malicious webpage. It’s a fileless attack that can grab sensitive data (including messages, iCloud content, and crypto wallets) and then erase itself. Apple has patched related flaws in newer iOS releases (26 and 18.7) and recommends updating; Safari’s Safe Browsing can block some of the malicious URLs. While about 24% of iPhone users remain on iOS 18, applying available updates mitigates the risk.
Sony’s upgraded PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) AI upscaling arrives with a PS5 Pro system update, bringing a refined algorithm and neural network for more precise image reconstruction and smoother motion. The enhanced PSSR is enabled per game via a Screen and Video toggle and currently supports several titles (with more to come), including Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill f, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Control, Alan Wake 2, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Nioh 3, Rise of the Ronin, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Google is rolling out Gemini-powered AI tools across Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, enabling AI-generated drafts from context in Drive/Gmail/Chat, spreadsheet creation from natural-language prompts, slide design from prompts, and AI Overviews plus an Ask Gemini feature in Drive search. The updates began on March 10 in beta for Google AI Ultra/Pro subscribers and Gemini Alpha business customers, in English, with Drive features initially limited to US users.
Sonos announces the Play, a portable Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth speaker that channels the Era 100’s sound in a compact, IP67-rated chassis. It features twin tweeters, a mid‑woofer, USB‑C line‑in, Ethernet, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, plus Bluetooth‑based grouping with other Sonos speakers and a removable grab loop; it also ships with a wireless charging dock (charger not included). Alongside, Sonos introduces the Era 100 SL (mic‑free) at $189. The Play costs $299, and both new models ship March 31, 2026, with full ecosystem compatibility and stereo pairing options.
At GDC 2026, Samsung announced the Odyssey 3D Hub glasses-free 3D monitor platform will reach about 120 playable titles by year-end (roughly doubling today’s ~60). The lineup already includes Cronos: The New Dawn, Hell is Us, Stellar Blade, Lies of P and Psychonauts 2, with more releases planned. Samsung also teased HDR10+ Gaming integration with CD Projekt Red for Cyberpunk 2077, and its displays use head-tracking to maintain the 3D sweet spot across models up to 32 inches.
Qualcomm’s Arduino Ventuno Q fuses AI with robotics on a single board, pairing the Dragonwing IQ8 CPU/GPU with a dedicated STM32H5 MCU, 16GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, and an NVMe slot, plus Wi‑Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet. With Arduino App Lab offering offline pre‑trained models (vision, ASR, gestures, etc.), it targets edge AI robotics, autonomous sensing and education, and is slated to ship in Q2 2026 for under $300.
Engadget’s review roundup covers Samsung’s S26 Ultra (privacy-focused display, strong performance, long battery), Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (refined design with excellent sound), Dell XPS 14 (2026) (gorgeous, light but keyboard issues and high price), Google Pixel 10a (bright 120Hz display and value), and ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (top‑tier creator laptop but expensive and loud). It also notes offbeat gadgets and broader Engadget takes on recent releases.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a refined, privacy-forward upgrade with a built-in Privacy Display, stronger AI features and cameras, and faster charging, all wrapped in a familiar design and the same high price. It’s a subtle upgrade that emphasizes privacy and AI efficiency over dramatic changes.
Samsung Wallet now includes the Digital Home Key, using the Aliro standard to unlock compatible smart doors with your phone. It requires biometrics or a PIN, works with smart locks from brands like Nuki and Schlage, and can be managed or revoked remotely via Samsung Find; rollout starts in select regions with expansion as more locks become available.
NATO has certified the iPhone and iPad for NATO-restricted classified use after extensive testing by Germany's BSI, with Apple noting no special software or settings are needed for devices running iOS 26.
Microsoft is rolling out 1440p game streaming on Xbox consoles for Game Pass Ultimate members, delivering higher-bitrate streams on Series X/S and Xbox One X/One when displays support it; games you own outside Game Pass can be streamed as of 2025. The update also adds PC‑app navigation sounds, easier removable-storage formatting on ASUS ROG Xbox Ally devices with driver updates, and comes as Microsoft reshapes its gaming leadership with Asha Sharma taking over from Phil Spencer.
Ahead of MWC, Honor teases the MagicPad 4 at a claimed 4.8mm thickness (camera bump excluded), featuring a 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, 13MP rear and 9MP front cameras, eight speakers, and MagicOS 10 on Android 16; pricing and release details are not yet announced.