id Software missed a chance to mess with people by announcing the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages will be on April 1st, but instead chose to wait a month and plan…
2025 is looking, amongst other things, to be the year of the botnet. Yesterday Cloudflare reported on a recent DDoS from 13,000 IoT devices infected by a variant of Mirai that peaked…
A private social media account has claimed the soon-to-release operating system updates will be preinstalled on inbound hardware that could arrive soon, including the fourth-gen iPhone SE and iPad refreshes.
The iPhone SE could gain the Dynamic Island
Apple entered the release candidate stage of its operating system updates on Tuesday, meaning the final releases to the public could happen soon. If a social media account is to be believed, new hardware may not be all that far behind.
A private X account with a good track record for accuracy as it pertains to operating system details claims that the 22D8062 build of iOS 18.3 will be preinstalled on the iPhone SE, the fourth-gen model that is anticipated to arrive soon. At the same time, it says build 22D2060 of iPadOS 18.3 will be preinstalled on the 11th gen iPad and iPad Air.
The Logitech Wave Keys is a near-full size ergonomic keyboard that uses membrane switches and offers only wireless connectivity. It uses easily replaceable AAA batteries giving as long as three years of battery life, offers both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, and even comes with software customization for a reasonable price.
Apple resellers continue to issue steep price drops on Apple devices, with the high-end M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro eligible for a $350 discount.
Save $350 on a premium M4 Max MacBook Pro.
The 16-inch M4 Max model is marked down at Amazon, B&H, and Adorama (the latter with the use of coupon code APINSIDER) and comes equipped with a 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU. It also has 36GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage, all of which are upgrades from the standard M4 Pro spec.
It’s late January, CES is behind us, and like clockwork, new Samsung flagship smartphones are here. In San Jose, California today, the company unveiled the Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1299), S25+ ($999). and S25 ($799). The good news is that the prices of these new handsets remain unchanged versus last year’s S24 series. However, these...
Apple's iPhone 16 lineup is shaking up buyer trends, with recent buyers favoring affordability and practicality over flashy upgrades.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
In the last month or so, more buyers have been opting for value-focused options instead of splurging on premium models. Data from the 2024 holiday quarter shows that while new Pro models perform well, base and older iPhones are gaining popularity.
According to data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) for the December 2024 quarter, the iPhone 16 models collectively held a 68% share of U.S. sales, slightly surpassing the 65% share of the iPhone 15 models in the previous year. However, a closer look reveals notable year-over-year shifts in model preferences.
Phanteks has officially launched the Evolv X2, a stunning ATX chassis that reimagines PC case design with a focus on airflow and aesthetics.
First unveiled at Computex 2024, the Evolv X2 features a striking tri-panel tempered glass design that showcases your system's components from multiple angles. Its aluminum interior and vertical cooling system enhance the visual appeal and optimise airflow, drawing cool air from the bottom and exhausting heat through the top.
Phanteks has paid close attention to detail, ensuring a clean and modern aesthetic. Integrated D-RGB lighting strips seamlessly blend into the design, while a large cover door conceals cables and drive bays, maintaining a clutter-free interior. The Evolv X2 also supports ATX rear-connect motherboards, further simplifying cable management and offering a cleaner-looking interior.
The Evolv X2 can accommodate up to seven 120 mm fans, including three at the top, one at the rear, and three at the bottom. The top also supports a 360 mm radiator for those who prefer liquid cooling. In addition, it supports up to 380-mm long GPUs, E-ATX motherboards (up to 280-mm wide), 170-mm tall CPU tower coolers, and 250-mm long PSUs. The Evolv X2 is now available in black for £129.90/$149.99/€149.90 and white for £139.90/$159.99/€159.90. A black/gold model is available exclusively at Overclockers UK and Caseking for £139.90/€159.90.
KitGuru says: What colour variant of the Evolv X2 do you prefer?
Tomorrow, Microsoft will be going live with its Xbox Developer Direct, in which the console maker is said to be showing off 4 titles in total – including DOOM: The Dark Ages and South of Midnight. According to one insider, Microsoft is keeping its cards close to its chest, with “a few other surprises” said to be announced during the event.
We won’t have to wait long to find out what exactly this is.
KitGuru says: Are you excited for the Developer Direct? Which of the 3 announced titles are you most interested in? What do you think this ‘surprise’ could be? Let us know down below.
Contrary to its prior release schedule, NetherRealm went straight from MK11 to Mortal Kombat 1 – skipping their previous cadence of breaking up Mortal Kombat releases with a new Injustice game. This seems to have worked against the series, as following the record-breaking release of MK11, Mortal Kombat 1 has so far ‘only’ managed to sell 5 million copies.
Making the announcement on Twitter, the head of NetherRealm Studios – Ed Boon – shared some details on future updates for Mortal Kombat 1. Alongside this, Boon also offered some details on the sales performance for MK1, stating:
“With over 5 million games sold, seeing Mortal Kombat 1 still in the top 15 most played Playstation 5 games makes us very grateful to Mortal Kombat fans. Thanks for continuing to support NetherRealm Studios games!”
While pitched as a positive, 5 million copies sold is a major drop-off when compared to the previous entry – Mortal Kombat 11 – which managed to break 15 million sales in its first 3 years on the market.
The general sentiment around Mortal Kombat 1 seems to be that NetherRealm was a bit premature with its release – and it seems the game’s sales are reflecting this fact.
It will be interesting to see what NetherRealm plans to work on next. Hopefully not another Mortal Kombat (at least for now).
KitGuru says: What do you think of Mortal Kombat 1? Is it a worthy sequel to MK11? What do you think NetherRealm’s next game will be? Let us know down below.
In a first of its kind promotion for Apple TV+, the cast of "Severance" appeared in character, working in a pop-up glass office at Grand Central Terminal.
L-R: Zach Cherry, Adam Scott, Britt Lower in the "Severance" popup in New York's Grand Central
"Severance" has been a critical and popular hit since it started, and is already talked about so much that it probably doesn't need promotion. But that's what it got with an all-star stunt at New York's Grand Central on January 14, 2025.
Apple has now released footage of the stunt, showing stars including Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry, working in a replica of their "Severance" office set. Placed in a glass cube, the pop-up was big enough for four cubicles and some room to walk around the edges.
Leveraging an attack vector that's been in play off and on for the last two decades, hackers are targeting Mac users with malware camouflaged as the popular Homebrew tool, and spreading it through deceptive Google ads.
Fake Homebrew Google ads target Mac users
Malicious actors are leveraging Google ads to distribute malware through a counterfeit Homebrew website. The campaign targets macOS and Linux users with an infostealer that compromises credentials, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets.
Homebrew, a widely-used open-source package manager, enables users to manage software through a command line. Hackers recently exploited its popularity by creating a malicious Google ad.
Apple Miami Worldcenter is opening on January 24, with the unique storefront designed for accessibility and the environment, complete with a plant-covered roof.
The outside of Apple Miami Worldcenter - Image Credit: Apple
Apple Stores often offer designs that incorporate the retail outlet aesthetic into interesting buildings and structures, beyond the typical mall locations. With Apple Miami Worldcenter, Apple is taking a very outlandish approach.
Photographs shared days ahead of its January 24 opening reveal Apple Miami Worldcenter to be an unusual store design, even for Apple. For a start, while it is a store that is surrounded by skyscrapers, it's a ground-level retail space without stairs or any additional height.
While the initial trailer for the first Sonic the Hedgehog film introduced a hideous character redesign sparking a ton of backlash, the final product proved to be a major success for SEGA and Paramount Pictures. Since then, we’ve gotten two sequels and a spin-off TV show – all of which have been received well both critically and commercially. It therefore comes as little surprise that a 4th Sonic film is now on its way – set to premiere in March of 2027.
For context, while none of the Sonic movies have been major box office blowouts, each film has been able to maintain a strong and consistent financial return.
2020’s Sonic 1 managed to bring in $320 million, followed up by 2022’s Sonic 2 ($405 million) – and last but not least Sonic 3 has so far earned $422 million (though the film is still currently showing in cinemas).
Given just how much backlash there was upon the initial announcement of the original Sonic the Hedgehog film, it is both surprising and welcome to see the series become a major and successful film franchise. Hopefully the quality of releases remain solid and consistent for all future titles.
KitGuru says: Have you watched Sonic the Hedgehog 3? What did you think of the film? What Sonic game do you hope to see the 4th film be inspired by? Let us know down below.
In a repeat of how it fumbled its costly and entirely failed COVID app, the UK is ignoring Apple Wallet and will instead develop its own digital wallet for documents such as driving licences.
UK Parliament
The move to digital driving licences, passports, and so on seems so inevitable that Apple has been working on it for years. So it's no surprise that the UK is following the US's lead and implementing the same idea, yet it's not the surprise it should be that the country is going it alone.
In the official announcement, the UK government says that it is simplifying digital documents and in doing so to save the equivalent of $55 billion. The UK's economy has yet to recover from 14 years of a Conservative government that split the country from the EU, so saving money is clearly a priority.
Alphacool shook up the DIY watercooling market with its Core 1 series of CPU blocks, and aims to do so again with its flagship Apex 1 lineup. These feature an intricate design both inside and out, with the goal of delivering top-class performance and eliminating wasted heat in the process.
Raijintek is hoping to make a statement in the keyboard market with its new MGA-68, a premium 65% aluminium keyboard with magnetic switches at a relatively affordable price.
This sleek keyboard, available in black or silver, has a CNC-machined aluminium body that provides a distinct sound profile. Raijintek has equipped the MGA-68 with south-facing LEDs and Heijin magnetic hall-effect switches, rated for 50 million keystrokes.
As with most 65% keyboards, this one lacks a dedicated function key row. To get around that, it uses the Fn (function) key and the number keys to access the various “F” keys. Raijintek has also implemented hotkeys to control RGB lighting, actuate switches, and reset default settings. To complement the customisation capabilities, the Raijintek Axion software allows users to adjust actuation distances, enable the Rapid Trigger mode, and customise dead zones and sensitivity.
The MGA-68 is available in three layouts (UK, DE, and Italy) and features PBT or PBT+SUB keycaps in an ISO format with an L-shaped Enter key. The hot-swappable PCB allows users to easily replace the existing switches with new ones, while a switch plate ensures proper alignment and stability. A spill-resistant PCBA and a robust bottom case further enhance the keyboard's durability.
The MGA-68 is a wired-only keyboard that connects via a 2-meter USB Type-C to Type-A + Type-C cable. The package also includes two extra switches and a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller. Although Raijintek hasn't officially announced pricing, online listings suggest a price tag of around €135, which seems reasonable for an aluminium keyboard with hall-effect switches.
KitGuru says: If you're looking for a keyboard with hall-effect switches that doesn't break the bank, the Raijintek MGA-68 might be worth looking at.
Apple's Mac mini with M4 can fit into a lot of use cases, especially because of its new, smaller size, and three months later, it's proven to be one of the most versatile Macs yet.
M4 Mac mini review
Redesigns can be fun and eye-catching, but they don't always lead to fundamental changes in what's possible or desired from a platform. The Mac mini with M4 is an exception, as it is now small enough to slot into some unique use cases.
It's not that the previous Mac mini was large by any stretch, and there are certainly smaller desktop-class PCs out there, so a Mac being this small shouldn't be a big deal. Except, portability in Macs is more important than ever thanks to one product in particular — Apple Vision Pro.
Gamdias is kicking off 2025 with a bang, introducing the Atlas P2 CG, a great-looking new PC case that blends panoramic views with impressive functionality.
The Atlas P2 CG offers a unique fish-tank-inspired design with a seamless one-piece curved glass panel that provides a 270º view of your internal components, while an integrated system display adds a touch of modern flair. Support for connector-hidden (BTF) motherboards further enhances the clean aesthetic, allowing cables to be routed to the rear for a clutter-free presentation.
Keeping your components cool is a priority, so four 120mm PWM ARGB fans (three intake, one exhaust) are pre-installed, along with an 8-port PWM ARGB fan hub for easy control and synchronisation. This ensures efficient airflow and quiet operation, even during demanding gaming sessions. The Atlas P2 CG features a built-in display for real-time system monitoring of the CPU, GPU, and ambient temperatures. Gamdias' Zeus Cast software provides further customisation options for the display.
The Atlas P2 CG offers an I/O panel with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB-A 3.0 port, fan LED controls, and audio connectivity. It supports high-end cooling solutions with space for a 360mm radiator and various fan configurations (including 120 and 140 fan support). With compatibility for ATX motherboards (BTF included), GPUs up to 430mm long, and PSUs up to 220mm long, the Atlas P2 CG accommodates a wide range of components. The Atlas P2 CG has an MSRP of $139.90.
KitGuru says: Looking for a new PC case? What do you think of the Atlas P2 CG?
The now almost four month-long ban on sales of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia may be lifted "very, very soon," according to a government minister.
iPhone 16 Pro models
Indonesia banned sales of the iPhone 16 in October 2024, just weeks after it was launched. It was because of the country's laws about locally-sourced components, and also because Apple had fallen short on its investment commitments.
According to Bloomberg, the long negotiation between Apple and the country may be about to be resolved. There are no specific details of any deal with Apple, and the company has not commented, but a local minister has said the conclusion is in sight.
Twice a month, Microsoft updates its Xbox Game Pass library with a line-up of new/returning titles. Following the addition of Diablo, UFC 5 and My Time at Sandrock, the second set of Game Pass titles dropping throughout the rest of January has now been announced.
Developed by a single person, Balatro is a unique poker-themed rogue-like deckbuilder which hooked many players upon its initial release back in February of this year. Since then, the game has only grown in popularity – with its Game of the Year nomination seemingly helping to push Balatro past 5 million total copies sold.
Following the announcement of its Game of the Year nomination during the 2024 Game Awards, Balatro saw a major spike in players – reaching new heights on mobile app stores while also continuing to sell more units across the board.
Just one month on from the announcement that the game had sold 3.5 million copies, the Balatro team have revealed that the title has already hit another major milestone of 5 million units, saying:
“The last few weeks have been pretty wild. To everyone who picked up Balatro after seeing it at @thegameawards, we hope you're having an amazing time with it! If this is your first time picking up an indie title, try to make it a habit! There's some amazing stuff out there!”
As noted by the developers themselves, much of the recent uptick in sales seems to be as a result of its aforementioned GOTY nomination – and so it will be interesting to see how the game continues to perform from this point onwards.
Regardless, Balatro is an excellent game and so it will likely have reached this milestone figure with or without the added attention from The Game Awards – but the accolades certainly do help.
KitGuru says: What do you think of Balatro? When did you pick up the game? Has the game peaked, or is 5 million copies sold just the beginning? Let us know your thoughts down below.
Corsair recently sent us some new power supplies to review and today we take a look at the Corsair RM1000e, a new gold rated ATX v3.1 PSU. This is a fully modular unit with native 12v-2×6 connectors to power the latest graphics cards. This is a supply slotting in below their higher end Corsair models and they come with a 7 year warranty. Let's take a closer look.
Corsair are releasing three power supplies in this range, a 750w, 850w and 1000W unit. They sent us several PSUs for review, but today we look at the RM1000e flagship model.
UK prices from Corsair directly indicate that only £10 price difference exists between the 750 watt and 850 watt models, while the 1000W model is £35 more expensive. As we previously mentioned, all models have a 7 year warranty in place which falls some way from the leading 12 years on some of the platinum models we have reviewed lately. This is one of the tradeoffs when you move down a companies product stack.
Making the announcement on the Xbox Wire Blog, Brianna Lowder – the Marketing Manager for Xbox Accessories – said “Introducing the newest iteration of the Cipher series, Xbox Wireless Controller – Pulse Cipher Special Edition! Like its predecessors, Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher, Pulse Cipher provides players with a nostalgic transparent look infused with a futuristic twist. Despite being third in the series, this controller is special in its own right.”
Of course for a relatively basic video game controller, £70 is a pretty penny to spend – especially as the accessory does not include gyro aiming, advanced haptics or anything of the sorts.
Still, for those who miss the classic days of transparent controllers during the PS2/Xbox era, the red Cipher special edition should more than scratch that itch when it arrives next month.
KitGuru says: What do you think of this latest controller? Do you like translucent tech? Are Xbox controllers worth their asking price? Let us know down below.
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