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index.feed.received.today — 14 mars 20251.3 🖥️ Tech. English

Calls for Tim Cook's resignation over Apple Intelligence miss that he has made Apple what it is

Apple's mistakes and even lies about Apple Intelligence are ultimately the responsibility of CEO Tim Cook, but he's not going anywhere — and nor should he.

Smiling person with glasses, clasped hands, wearing a dark shirt. Blurred background features large app icons, including Apple and Google, on a screen.
Tim Cook

It's true that the buck stops at the CEO, but without Tim Cook, Apple would not have so many bucks. So while there is much to criticize in how Apple has managed Apple Intelligence, there's also much we'll never know — and no justification for wild cries for his apologizing or being fired.

This is what we know was wrong. Apple should not have released that ad showing a woman using Siri to remind her of the name of someone she'd met before.


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ESR has a range of new iPad accessories ready, from the Flip Magnetic Case to Geo Digital Pencil

Elevate your new iPad experience with more versatile accessories from ESR, like the multi-angle Flip Magnetic Case, easy-application UltraFit Screen Protector, affordable Geo Digital Pencil with Find My, and productive Magnetic Keyboard Case.

Three iPads with ESR accessories, including ESR keyboards and screen protectors, showcasing versatility. Eye-catching text above promotes the concept: Unleash the Full Power of iPad.
ESR has a range of accessories ready for the new iPads

ESR has been making high-quality accessories for Apple products since 2009. Its range of iPad products fits Apple's newly unveiled iPad models, so don't go without these protective, creativity and productivity-increasing products.

There's no reason to stick with Apple's default set of expensive products. ESR has more protective cases with more viewing options, a feature-filled stylus, strong screen protectors, and magnetic keyboard options.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider

iPhone 17, Mac, iPad Pro: What to expect from Apple for the rest of 2025

Apple has already launched products in the early months of 2025, but it has many other plans for the year. Here's what's coming up between now and the end of 2025.

Person standing outdoors pointing, with large images of electronic devices like a computer tower, smartphone, and laptops in the background, near a modern circular building.
Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple Park, with an array of Apple hardware

As a company with a wide array of popular products and a tendency to keep to a regular schedule, Apple often introduces products throughout the year. Barring major incidents, such as a pandemic interfering with things, Apple is quite predicable about what it will be doing at which part of the year.

It seems 2025 is shaping up to be like the others, with launches set to occur at key times throughout the calendar.


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Apple, Intel, and others head to Vietnam to discuss tariff concerns

With President Trump imposing strict tariffs on goods coming from US trade partners, Apple is joining other top tech companies in a trip to Vietnam to discuss what comes next.

Stylized intertwining circles form a logo above the text 'US-ASEAN Business Council, Inc.' on a dark blue background.
Image Credit: US-ASEAN

For Trump's second term, the administration seems dead set on igniting yet another trade war with the Chinese government. While he seemed amenable to talks in January, he recently imposed an additional 10% tariff on goods coming from China on March 6, on top of the initial tariff that went into effect on February 4.

Now, more than 60 large US companies are headed to Vietnam for the annual United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) mission, and tariff talks will likely be front and center. The list, seen by Reuters, includes technology companies like Apple, Intel, Boeing, Amazon, as well as energy companies like Excelerate Energy and GE Vernon.


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It's official -- 'Ted Lasso' is getting a fourth season

On a rare podcast appearance, in conjunction with an Apple press release, series star Jason Sudeikis has confirmed without a doubt that there will be a fourth season of "Ted Lasso," and has also confirmed what the titular character is doing.

Man in blue jacket holding teacup with Union Jack design, blue background, large text reads Ted Lasso.
'Ted Lasso' will return for a fourth season.

Other stars have said that they were hearing whispers about a fourth season, and rumors have been pointing to it, but Sudeikis' remarks on the New Heights podcast eliminate any doubt. It's not clear who will be returning for a fourth season other than Sudeikis.

Despite the reveal, the star refused to respond to the Kelce brothers' questions about the new season. Some of the answers he just didn't have given the early stages of the production — but he was clear about what Lasso was doing after the events of season 3.


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iPhone 16e users report Bluetooth audio problems

Multiple reports from owners of the new iPhone 16e claim that Bluetooth audio keeps dropping out — but there appears to be a fix on the way.

Smartphone on white surface displaying a visual intelligence app with purple and blue blurred background.
Apple's iPhone 16e

In what appears to be a repeat of the 2018 issues with the iPhone XS, an unknown number of iPhone 16e users are consistently having audio connectivity issues with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It appears to be much more widespread than the iPhone XS issue, and may be related to having multiple Bluetooth accessories connected at the same time.

Some iPhone 16e users are experiencing Bluetooth audio issues, with audio stuttering or cutting out when streaming to a Bluetooth speaker. The problem persists after updating to iOS 18.3.2 and may be related to connecting to multiple Bluetooth accessories simultaneously. pic.twitter.com/X3a0739b7x

— Marius Fanu (@mariusfanu) March 13, 2025


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Apple Intelligence, Home Hub, and Sonos on the AppleInsider Podcast

Sonos has cancelled its streaming device, Apple has delayed the Home Hub, more iPhone 17 rumors, and Apple Intelligence is now being called an overhyped lie, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.

Smartphone screen showing a notification about a lunch reservation at Waterbar at 12:30 PM. Various app icons like Maps, Weather, and App Store are visible in the background.
Some day Apple Intelligence will do all that Apple promises

After last week's high with so many new devices from Apple, this week is a startling low with so many delays and cancellations. Only Sonos has outright cancelled anything, though, as its streaming Apple TV 4K rival has been dropped. That's got to be a shame for everyone who worked on it, since the device was reportedly in testing, but maybe Sonos is right to drop attempts to move into new areas when its core business needs attention.

But speaking of attention, sheer floodlights have been shone onto Apple this week after it quietly admitted to delays in Apple Intelligence and specifically Siri's personalization. It's been like the emperor's new clothes, but if criticisms of Apple and of its AI efforts are valid, there is still the strong chance that the company's Apple Intelligence may yet prove to be the best of them all.


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Inside Apple Music: how you can get the most out of Apple's music streaming service

Apple Music is a behemoth, offering millions of songs, music videos, and more — if you've ever felt like it's been a daunting task to figure it all out, we're here to help you with this useful guide.


When it comes to music streaming services, you've got a couple of choices to pick from — but if you're in the Apple ecosystem, it's worth taking a look at Apple Music. After all, it's already integrated into all your Apple devices and has a catalog of over 100 million songs.

So whether you're an Apple Music newbie or just looking for tips and tricks to make the most of your subscription, this guide is for you.

Apple announced Apple Music at WWDC 2015 as part of the company's signature "one more thing..." announcement. Musician Drake appeared onstage to help explain how convenient it was for artists to upload music to the platform using the Connect app. Apple pointed out that this would also mean it would be easy for smaller artists to share their music, perhaps even better than in the iTunes Store.


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Foxconn head predicts a surge in US manufacturing in the coming years

The CEO of Apple partner Foxconn has broken silence on President Trump's tariffs, and is predicting disruption and perhaps an expansion of US manufacturing by big tech in the coming years.

A Foxconn facility
A Foxconn facility

The remarks by Foxconn CEO Young Liu during an earnings call were uncharacteristic for the executive. When asked about the impact of tariffs, the executive didn't dance around the matter.

"The issue of tariffs is something that is giving the CEOs of our customers a big headache now. Judging by the attitude and the approach we see the US government taking towards tariffs, it is very, very hard to predict how things will develop over the next year," Liu said. "So we can only concentrate on doing well what we can control."


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RCS messaging will get end-to-end encryption on iPhone

Apple has announced that it will add support for end-to-end encryption to RCS messaging on iOS, although there are few details about when this will happen.

RCS support will be added to the iPhone sometime in 2024
RCS support will be extended to include end-to-end encryption

After years of bizarre pressure over how Messages has blue bubbles for iOS users and green for Android ones, and maybe a nudge from China, Apple finally added support for RCS messaging with iOS 18. Its implementation, though, did not support Google's implementation of end-to-end encryption.

Now as first spotted by 9to5mac, the RCS standards body GSM Assocation (GSMA) and Apple have announced new end-to-end encryption support on iOS.


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VAXEE Zygen NP-01S V2 Wireless Review

Par :pzogel
14 mars 2025 à 15:47
With the NP-01S V2 Wireless, VAXEE updates the right-handed ergonomic NP-01S across the board. Aside from featuring PixArt's latest PAW3950 sensor, the V2 also comes with a much lower weight of 57 g, improved clicks, and lower latency.

Disco Elysium is getting a pseudo-reimagining for Android

14 mars 2025 à 12:30

Disco Elysium was revered upon its release back in 2019 with the choice-based RPG being praised for its writing, atmosphere and freedom. In an interesting move, the game is now being adapted for Android – with quite a different take on the original game’s formula.

Making the announcement, the team at ZA/UM officially detailed this remake/reimagining of the Disco Elysium story but in a different medium, with them explaining:

“The world of Disco Elysium comes to you with new incredible handpainted art. The city of Revachol is yours to inspect one beautiful scene at a time. Seek out the details among the brushstrokes that will illuminate the truth.”

They continue: “Move your phone around in new 360-degree scenes that put you right in the middle of the investigation. New captivating audio helps you sink further into the world by appealing to your senses while full voiceover brings every character to life in your ears.”

Disco Elysium is set to come to Android sometime during the Summer of this year. Upon launch, players will be able to play the first two chapters for free, at which point you can then pay a single fee to unlock the remainder of the game.

While this adaptation for mobile does seem like an interesting concept, the legal and ethical controversies surrounding ZA/UM does put a bit of a damper on the announcement. Regardless, hopefully they managed to translate the experience to mobile well.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the trailer? Are you surprised by the approach they’re taking? Let us know down below.

The post Disco Elysium is getting a pseudo-reimagining for Android first appeared on KitGuru.

Powerwash Simulator 2 gets surprise announcement; coming later this year

14 mars 2025 à 11:45

Ever since its 1.0 launch back in Summer 2022, PowerWash Simulator has been able to keep fans captivated not only through its satisfying gameplay loop, but also thanks to a number of free and paid DLCs. With the team seemingly having achieved everything they could, FuturLab have now announced a sequel coming later this year.

Releasing a brief trailer onto YouTube, the developers of Powerwash Simulator (FuturLab) officially announced and unveiled Powerwash Simulator 2. While a brief teaser, the game’s Steam page is live, offering a bunch of additional details.

Alongside expected improvements to the power washing system itself, the sequel is set to take players outside of Muckingham as part of a larger expansion of the world.

In addition, players will now be able to “Kick back and relax in your home-base after a hard-days-cleaning. Put down your roots and make the place yours by collecting furniture and trinkets to spruce it up along the way, then invite your power wash pals over to check out your pad.”

Last but certainly not least, Powerwash Simulator 2 will include a bunch of enhancements to co-op, including full campaign progression and more surprisingly full local split-screen support.

Unlike the first game, Powerwash Simulator 2 is being self-published by FuturLab. As such, it will be interesting to see whether the team does anything differently this time round.

That said, with the first game selling millions of copies, perhaps keeping things exactly the same wouldn’t be too bad. We’ll have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: Were you surprised by the announcement? Is a sequel necessary or could they have just expanded the original game? Which of the new additions are you most looking forward to? Let us know down below.

The post Powerwash Simulator 2 gets surprise announcement; coming later this year first appeared on KitGuru.

Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction has sold 2 million copies in its first week

14 mars 2025 à 11:00

Earlier this week, the team at Hazelight Studios celebrated the launch of their latest title Split Fiction – revealing that the game had sold over 1 million copies in its first 48 hours. In the days following, momentum for the title has continued, having now surpassed 2 million copies.

Making the announcement on BlueSky, the team at Hazelight Studios wrote: “SPLIT FICTION has sold 2 MILLION copies in 1 WEEK!! Holy crap, we’re blown away! Simply amazing…Thank you to all of our new and old fans – we love how excited you are for our game!”

Split Fiction has received nothing but praise across the board since release, currently sitting as the highest rated game of 2025 so far.

Split Fiction Hazelight

For the uninitiated, Hazelight Studios is known for their work on co-op focused narrative experiences, with their two prior titles – A Way Out and It Takes Two – selling 11 and 23 million copies respectively.

As with the team’s prior titles, Split Fiction requires just one copy of the game to play, letting you buddy up with any of your friends no matter their system of choice, making the milestone even more impressive.

Both A Way Out and It Takes Two had long legs, selling millions of copies years after release. If Split Fiction winds up going down the same road, then Hazelight will have another monumental hit on their hands.

KitGuru says: Are you one of the 2 (4) million who’ve played Split Fiction? Is it Hazelight’s best work yet? How long will it take to hit 5 million copies sold? Let us know down below.

The post Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction has sold 2 million copies in its first week first appeared on KitGuru.

Mortal Shell is free on the Epic Games Store

14 mars 2025 à 10:15

Every week, the Epic Games Store gives away a title or two for free to all those with an EGS account. Available to claim right now, Epic is offering the action Souls-like Mortal Shell alongside bonus content for World of Warships.

Available to add to your library from now until the 20th of March at 3PM UK time, Mortal Shell is a Souls-like action title from developer Cold Symmetry in which you “Explore a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Your adversaries spare no mercy, with survival demanding superior awareness, precision, and instincts.”

Released back in 2020, the game received decent reviews from critics – though slightly less so from players. That said, the team did update the game quite substantially following its launch, including both paid and free content.

Mortal Shell Epic

Though not included with the free package, players can get their hands on the Virtuous Cycle DLC for just £3.99 which offers “an entirely new roguelike mode that brings random and repeatable savagery to Fallgrim” as well as the Rotten Autumn update – adding unique Shell shades; a new mini-quest; a new photo mode; and an alternative boss fight soundtrack.

Mortal Shell is available to add to your library for free from now until the 20th of March at which point it will be replaced by the management sim ‘Jurassic World Evolution 2’.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you given Mortal Shell a fair shake? What’s your favourite management sim series? Let us know down below.

The post Mortal Shell is free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

How to turn on Siri on macOS without sending your Contacts to Apple

To use Siri on macOS, there's a requirement to send Apple your contacts. Here's how to avoid handing that data over to Apple.

You can still use Siri without sending your Contacts to Apple.
How to enable Siri without sending your Contacts to Apple.

If you have enabled Siri in System Settings in macOS, you may have noticed an alert that warns you turning Siri on will result in macOS sending your contacts, location, and voice data to Apple.

This is a ridiculous requirement by Apple, and in fact it flies in the face of Apple's claims of respecting user privacy. For obvious reasons, you might not want all your contacts sent to Apple.


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Jabees Peace Speaker review: an inexpensive way to listen to audio while you sleep

March 9 kicked off sleep awareness week, and Jabees has an interesting tool for soothing you to sleep — an under-pillow speaker.

Gray and white electronic device with the text
Jabees Peace Speaker review

I have never, ever been what one would call "a good sleeper." Even as an infant, I had difficulty catching the required amount of sleep.

I've tried everything. Different beds, different pillows, yoga, breathing techniques, supplements — you name it, I've probably tried it. I can't take sleep medications like zolpidem as I'm one of the "lucky few" who tend to experience a wide swath of adverse reactions to drugs.


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index.feed.received.yesterday — 13 mars 20251.3 🖥️ Tech. English

OpenAI wants the US government to legalize theft to reach the AI promised land

OpenAI may have already crawled the internet for all the world's data to train ChatGPT, but it seems that isn't enough as it wants protection from copyright holders to allow it to continue stealing everything that both is and isn't nailed down.

Colorful, cartoon-style map of North America with exaggerated mountain illustrations and distorted country names. Generated by ChatGPT
OpenAI proposes freedom of intelligence in United States. Image source: ChatGPT

The latest manufactured goalpost OpenAI has set dubbed "AGI" can't be reached unless the company is free to do whatever it takes to steal everything good and turn it into AI slop. At least, that's what the latest OpenAI submission to the United States Government suggests.

An OpenAI proposal submitted regarding President Trump's executive order on sustaining America's global dominance explains how the administration's boogeyman might overtake the US in the AI race. It seems that the alleged theft of copyright material by Chinese-based LLMs put them at an advantage because OpenAI has to follow the law.


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Your existing AirPods could gain a new live translation feature in iOS 19

Apple's iconic AirPods are rumored to receive an entirely new feature that translates in-person conversations from one language to another.

Two wireless white earbuds with silicone tips resting on a textured black surface.
Apple is reportedly working on a new live translation feature for AirPods.

The rumored live translation capability will make it significantly easier for speakers of two different languages to communicate. The feature is expected to roll out in 2025 alongside the iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates. Beyond that, both operating systems are said to feature major design changes.

If an English speaker with AirPods is listening to a person speaking in another language, such as Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio of the Spanish speaker and translate it into English. The English translation will then be played via the AirPods.


Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely


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ViewSonic's new 5K monitor rivals Apple's Studio Display for half the price

ViewSonic's new 27-inch high-resolution monitor offers pro-level color accuracy for creatives without the premium Apple Studio Display price.

ViewSonic VP2788-5K 27-inch monitor displaying vibrant, abstract red and purple swirls, featuring 5K UltraHD, 99% DCI-P3 color, and Thunderbolt compatibility.
The VP2788-5K

The VP2788-5K marks an important step in ViewSonic's expansion into the premium creative display space. While the company has long been a player in the professional monitor segment, this is its first 5K-resolution display.

ViewSonic is positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple Studio Display and LG's UltraFine 5K.


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US lawmakers denounce UK's secretive attack against Apple encryption

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are coming to Apple's defense over the UK government's attempts to get backdoor access to users' iCloud data, demanding that the UK remove the cloak of secrecy surrounding the order.

A close-up of a large clock tower with intricate gold details against a cloudy sky, partially obstructed by two cylindrical structures.
Big Ben's clocktower - Image Credit: Amar Saleem/Pexels

Apple is in a battle with the government of the United Kingdom over iCloud privacy, with a secret hearing by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on Friday set to consider an appeal. However, the closed-door hearing at the High Court isn't being made public at all, something U.S. lawmakers are unhappy about.

A bipartisan letter from the U.S. Congress to the President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal published on Thursday demands that the IPT "remove the cloak of secrecy related to notices given to American technology companies by the United Kingdom.


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Underwhelming performance of Apple Intelligence will hit iPhone sales, Kuo claims

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo called the performance of Apple Intelligence "underwhelming," adding that it won't entice people to replace their older iPhones.

Smartphone with triple-lens camera, silver body, against a vibrant neon pattern background in yellow, orange, blue, and purple.
The delays Apple Intelligence has faced might impact iPhone sales negatively.

In a social media post on Thursday, Kuo reiterated his previous claims that Apple Intelligence would "contribute less than expected to shipment volumes." In October 2024, the analyst said more or less the same thing — that Apple's AI features would not facilitate a short-term boost in iPhone sales.

According to Kuo, the market has recently adopted a more cautious view of Apple Intelligence, presumably because of the debacle Apple faced with its planned Siri upgrades. We can already see signs of this, as Morgan Stanley decreased their expectations for Apple's stock prices, citing concerns regarding the current status of Siri and its postponed Apple Intelligence overhaul.


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Highway toll text scams are on the rise, and Apple can't completely stop them

Highway text scams are a big problem that's continuing to grow with the use of at least 60,000 domain names. There's little Apple can do about it, but you can protect yourself. Here's what's going on.

Toll booth with multiple lanes, overhead signs displaying slow or closed, a yellow car approaching, traffic cones, cloudy sky, speed limit signs indicating 25 miles per hour.
Cars at an automated toll - Image Credit: David McElwee/Pexels

Owners of iPhones and other smartphones across the United States are routinely plagued by text message scams. For scam messages about alleged automated toll road fees, the problem is getting worse.

According to Trend Micro, there has been a 900% increase in searches for "toll road scams," a sign that more people are being affected by the criminal activity.


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Apple's C1 modem is a quiet game-changer that's mostly flying under the radar

With the launch of iPhone 16e, we also saw the launch of something far more important — Apple's custom C1 modem. Here's what means and why you should care about it.

Close-up of a smartphone's internal circuit board with a prominent chip labeled 'Apple C1'.
The C1 modem debuted in iPhone 16e

To cover the basics, the modem a chip in your phone that connects you to your cell provider. The C1 modem chip is the fruit of Apple Silicon research. It is Apple's first modem that it has created entirely in-house, versus buying off-the-shelf components from Qualcomm.

There's discussion online that Apple's efforts to create their own modem are just a way to stop paying Qualcomm. That may be partially true, but it's got more to do with supply chain control and Apple's future plans.


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Thermaltake adds four new colour options to CT EX ARGB Sync fan lineup

13 mars 2025 à 18:15

Thermaltake has expanded its CT EX ARGB Sync PC cooling fan series with new colour options, allowing PC enthusiasts to inject a personal touch into their builds. Dark green, pastel brown, yellow, and pink join the existing colour palette, offering new options to complement any system aesthetic.

Thermaltake's commitment to blending design and technology is evident in this expansion, providing customers with bold and unique colour options. The CT EX ARGB Sync fan series now boasts eight distinct colours: black, white, pastel green, pastel blue, dark green, pastel brown, yellow, and pink. Furthermore, the series offers 120mm and 140mm sizes in standard and reverse blade configurations, providing PC builders with all the flexibility they need to create personalised systems.

The CT EX ARGB Sync fans feature Thermaltake's newly enhanced MagForce 2.0, a magnetic connection system designed for effortless installation. This innovative design minimises cable clutter, resulting in improved cable management and a cleaner interior. Performance remains a key focus, with the CT120 EX delivering up to 68 CFM airflow and a 2.95 mm-H₂O maximum static pressure, while the CT140 EX offers up to 90.3 CFM airflow and a 3.07 mm-H₂O maximum static pressure.

Designed for chassis and radiator applications, the CT EX fans feature anti-vibration rubber pads to minimise noise. Nine addressable LEDs provide 16.8 million colours, all of which can be controlled via most motherboard lighting software. The Thermaltake CT EX ARGB Sync fans can be acquired as a single unit or in a 3-fan pack.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of all the colour options available for the CT EX ARGB Sync fans, which one do you prefer?

The post Thermaltake adds four new colour options to CT EX ARGB Sync fan lineup first appeared on KitGuru.

Microsoft has reportedly teamed up with Asus for first ‘Xbox handheld’

13 mars 2025 à 17:55

Earlier this week, we learned more about Microsoft's plans for an Xbox handheld. Rather than building a bespoke device itself, Microsoft is partnering up with an OEM to produce an Xbox-licensed handheld. While initially we didn't know which OEM Microsoft has teamed up with, that has now changed.

According to The Verge, Microsoft has opted to team up with ASUS for its Xbox-themed handheld. With that in mind, the device is expected to be similar to the currently available (and expensive) Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft previously revealed that it had been working with handheld makers like Lenovo and Asus to put together a version of Windows 11 more fit for gaming.

While we will see Xbox-licensed products like the upcoming Xbox handheld from Asus, Microsoft is still expected to be working on its own custom handheld in-house. Whether or not that product sees the light of day remains to be seen. Microsoft has cancelled multiple Xbox hardware projects in recent years, including the Xbox Keystone, a streaming device intended to turn any TV into an Xbox, with full access to Game Pass via Cloud Gaming.

Aside from upcoming handhelds, Microsoft is also currently working on its next-gen home console. The next Xbox is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be more ‘PC-like' and could end up featuring a SteamOS style setup with a gaming UI set as the default boot screen, with access to an advanced desktop view hidden away in the options somewhere.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If the Asus Xbox handheld is indeed real, then I don't expect it to compete with the Steam Deck on price and at that point, I'm not sure there's much of a market left.

The post Microsoft has reportedly teamed up with Asus for first ‘Xbox handheld’ first appeared on KitGuru.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now support Steam Deck at launch

13 mars 2025 à 17:30

Prior to its delays, Assassin's Creed Shadows wasn't going to be available on Steam at launch and the game was not going to be verified for the Steam Deck. Fortunately, the developers have put the last few months to good use. The game is now coming to Steam on day-one and today, we also learned that the game has been submitted for Steam Deck verification. 

Previously, Ubisoft had ruled out Steam Deck verification for Assassin's Creed Shadows, as the game's minimum PC requirements were higher than what the Steam Deck offers. However, after diving into the files and tinkering around, Ubisoft has now announced that the game will support Steam Deck at launch.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

As is the case with many modern AAA titles with realistic graphics, we don't expect Assassin's Creed Shadows to look particularly, and it will no doubt require FSR upscaling to achieve a playable 30FPS even with the lowest settings. FSR doesn't add much in the way of visuals when trying to upscale to 720p from sub-HD resolutions.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is launching worldwide on the 20th of March.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up Assassin's Creed Shadows later this month? 

The post Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now support Steam Deck at launch first appeared on KitGuru.

Steelseries unveils new Qck Performance mousepads

13 mars 2025 à 17:00

SteelSeries has unveiled its new QcK Performance mousepad series, a line of premium mousepads designed to cater to the nuanced preferences of individual gamers. Recognising that every player's style is unique, SteelSeries has focused on providing three different surfaces, allowing users to choose the one that best matches their needs.

The QcK Performance Series departs from “one-surface-fits-all” mousepads, allowing players to choose between three distinct textures: speed, balance, and control. This granular approach allows gamers to select the ideal surface to complement their gameplay, whether prioritising rapid mouse movements, precise control, or a blend of both.

The series is built with a focus on consistency and durability. It features high-quality neoprene foam that provides a stable and reliable base for high-speed mouse movements, minimising sensor skipping. This ensures a smooth and consistent experience, which is crucial for competitive gaming.

Developed in collaboration with esports athletes, the QcK Performance Series aims to elevate gameplay by providing surfaces tailored to specific playstyles. Available in L (490×420 mm) and XL (900×400 mm) formats, all variants of the QcK Performance series have a 3.5 mm thick base for extra consistency and comfort and stitched edges to improve durability. The L models cost €44.99 while the XL costs €54.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Which format and variant of the QcK Performance mousepad series would you go for?

The post Steelseries unveils new Qck Performance mousepads first appeared on KitGuru.

The Oblivion Remake is reportedly releasing as soon as next month

13 mars 2025 à 16:29

Over the last couple of years, a recurring rumour has claimed that a remake of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is on the way. More has come to light on this remake in recent months, with sources claiming that the game has been completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. Now, it seems that a surprise release is just around the corner. 

According to two outlets, Nate the Hate and Video Games Chronicle, the Oblivion remake will be announced within weeks and will release well before the Summer. In fact, it is claimed that the game could release as early as April, so we could be looking at a very short wait between the reveal and eventual release date.

The Oblivion remake is reportedly being developed by Virtuos, a company that has primarily taken on support studio duties for the AAA games industry. Some notable franchises Virtuos has worked on include Call of Duty, Dark Souls, Bioshock, Uncharted, Tomb Raider and more. Virtuos is also working on the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.

With this being a remake of Oblivion in an entirely different engine, some areas of the game have seen extensive changes. According to MP1st, stamina, HUD elements and combat have all seen notable reworks, so expect something closer to Souls-like melee combat.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If gameplay has changed too much then my excitement for an Oblivion remake drastically reduces. Still, nothing has been announced yet so don't put too much stock into any early details. 

The post The Oblivion Remake is reportedly releasing as soon as next month first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO

13 mars 2025 à 15:30

Intel has appointed Lip-Bu Tan, former Cadence CEO and Intel board member, to lead the company as it navigates increasing losses within its foundry division.

This appointment follows Pat Gelsinger's recent departure as CEO, leaving a temporary leadership void filled by co-CEOs Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner. Tan is expected to assume his new role on March 18th.

A prominent figure in the semiconductor industry, Tan brings a wealth of experience to Intel. He founded venture capital firm Walden Capital and has served on the boards of numerous technology companies, including SMIC, Flextronics, Mindtree, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ambarella, Schneider Electric, Inphi, Nuvia, and Softbank.

Tan's relationship with Intel is multifaceted. He served on the company's board of directors from 2022 until his resignation in 2024, shortly after Intel announced significant workforce reductions and cost-cutting measures. However, his resignation was officially attributed to personal reasons.

Tan is known for his successful leadership at Cadence Systems, where he oversaw a remarkable 3,200 percent increase in the company's share price during his decade-long tenure as CEO. Wall Street appears optimistic that he can replicate this success at Intel, as evidenced by a surge in the company's share price following the announcement. This positive reaction came after Intel's stock lost more than half its value the preceding year.

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KitGuru says: Intel spent a lot of money setting up its Foundry Services business. Recent reports indicate that Intel 18A, the first Intel node to be offered to outside customers, is just around the corner. 

The post Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO first appeared on KitGuru.

SiFive HiFive Premier P550 Review: A True RISC-V Dev Kit Platform Emerges

13 mars 2025 à 17:21
SiFive HiFive Premier P550 Review: A True RISC-V Dev Kit Platform Emerges SiFive HiFive Premier P550 SiFive's latest development kit makes it easy to develop optimized software for the RISC-V platform, on real RISC-V hardware, while sporting lots of IO. Fastest RISC-V cores available for the edge Plenty of external and internal IO Standard form factor Multiple OS options Mesa driver available for graphics cards...

Apple Music Classical comes to the web before the Mac

It's still not rolled out to all Apple devices, but now subscribers to Apple Music Classical can listen online.

Red square with rounded corners, featuring a white treble clef symbol in the center, on a dark background.
Apple Music Classical

If it seemed a very long time between Apple buying Primephonic and finally releasing it as Apple Music Classical for the iPhone, it's now been about as long again. And still, the service is limited to just a few devices — but now its full catalog is available through a web browser.

Apple Music Classical is available online at classical.music.apple.com, and subscribers can log in to listen. New users are prompted to try a one-month free trial.


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Apple is lying about Apple Intelligence, John Gruber says -- and he's right

Long-time Apple pundit John Gruber has launched an uncharacteristically strident attack against what he says are Apple's lies over the Apple Intelligence roll-out. And, he's spot-on with his arguments and conclusions.

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John Gruber (far right) with Greg Joswiak (left) and Craig Federighi (center) after WWDC 2024 — image credit: John Gruber

For years, John Gruber has hosted "The Talk Show," an extended post-WWDC conversation with Apple executives such as Craig Federighi. He's also written about Apple extensively, and in recent months has been increasingly critical of Siri — as have others, including AppleInsider, but now he's gone further about what he calls the AI fiasco.

"The fiasco here is not that Apple is late on AI," he writes. "The fiasco is that Apple pitched a story that wasn't true, one that some people within the company surely understood wasn't true, and they set a course based on that."


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An iPhone 17 Pro Max metal frame image leak is more about cases

A leaker is hyping up the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the image being used shows something that is more likely to be part of case production, rather than a component of the smartphone itself.

Two smartphones, one black and one white, each with three large camera lenses, shown from the back against a gray background.
A render of what the iPhone 17 Pro could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsider

Since the start of the year, rumor sharers have repeatedly insisted that there will be a major change to the way Apple designs the camera bumps in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. However, while there have been renders of complete devices and early components, there's not been a believable one of a real-world component yet.

In an image shared by serial leaker Majin Bu on X, a selection of metal plates are displayed in a pile. The plates, at first glance, have holes and spaces that hint at being used somehow in connection to the rumored iPhones, complete with a space for MagSafe components and the camera layout.


Rumor Score: 🙄 Unlikely


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Don't worry if Apple claims you still need to send a trade-in device

An unknown number of users have had Apple Store emails erroneously saying they haven't sent in an iPhone they actually traded-in months ago.

Two sleek smartphones in dark gray with multiple camera lenses, Apple logo visible on the back, positioned against a neutral background.
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max could be bought for hundreds of dollars off after a trade-in

Apple heavily promotes trading in your old device to get money off a new one — and seriously profits when you do — but usually the process is straightforward. On March 13, 2025, however, an update to the Apple Store systems resulted in some users being emailed about allegedly failed trade-ins.

"Just letting you know that your device has not been received," says the email from the Apple Store. "In seven days your trade-in will be cancelled, so please ship your device soon."


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Amazon slashes Apple's MacBook Air to $699.99

Bonus coupons have slashed closeout MacBook Air models down to $699.99 at Amazon as the company makes room for new M4 inventory.

Two MacBook Air laptops displaying charts and a colorful magazine cover, with the word 'DEALS' in bold gradient letters above against a dark background.
Grab blowout prices on MacBook Air laptops - Image credit: Apple

The MacBook Air price drops offer savings of up to $300 off as the Apple Authorized Reseller clears out closeout models.

Save on MacBook Airs


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Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro Review

13 mars 2025 à 14:55
The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro is a great option if you need the extra bandwidth perks of X870E as well as an impressive set of features, without breaking the bank. At $360, the board is considerably less expensive than some competing offers.

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