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Apple wants total control over distributing films like 'F1'

No one can say that Apple has taken a light touch in promoting, "F1: The Movie," but the film is being distributed theatrically by Warner Bros. — and Apple reportedly wants more power.

Close-up of a person wearing a racing helmet, their blue eyes looking intently forward with focused expression.
Brad Pitt in "F1"

It's perhaps a sign of confidence in how "F1" is going to fare at the box office, and it's definitely a turn around from when Apple said to be cutting back on both big-budget movies and theatrical releases of them. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple executives are now looking at moving into film distribution.

Apple does tend to prefer to own the whole stack in any field, and a lot of its iPhone success has been down to how it controls everything from the processors to the software. And unlike Netflix, Apple TV+ has also always pushed to have global rights to any production it shows.


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Latest iPhone Fold rumor revises dimensions, details camera system

Apple's expected iPhone Fold is said to be in testing, but its specifications undecided — and the latest version has a slightly smaller internal screen.

Foldable iPhone displaying time 19:32 and date Wednesday, 7 June with a colorful gradient background.
Render of a possible iPhone Fold - Source AppleInsider

The iPhone fold is believed to have been in development for years, with Apple coming late to the party but planning to do so with a markedly better device whose folded screen does not crease. Now the latest rumor says that Apple is testing a version that would have a smaller screen on the inside than previously reported.

According to leaker "Digital Chat Station" on Weibo (in translation), the latest screen is 7.58 inches diagonally. In March 2025, the same leaker reported that the internal screen was 7.74 inches, before amending it in April 2025 to 7.76 inches.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


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Microsoft offers free year of extended security updates to Windows 10 users

Microsoft's End-of-Life plans for Windows 10 have been known for years. The OS is hitting its end-of-life date this October, which typically means no more free security updates and no more feature updates. However, Windows 10 users will have the option of opting in for a year of ‘extended support'.

End of life and end of support are terms that refer to the end of technical support and security updates for Windows 10. After 10 years, this older version of Windows will no longer receive free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes. For consumers, end of support means that Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows for the latest critical updates.

On October 14th, Windows 10 will reach EoL status. However, the ESU programme, which provides extended support for legacy operating systems for an annual fee, will ensure additional support after this date. Typically, the ESU programme costs $30 a year to make use of, and for that price, Microsoft will still issue critical security updates and offer technical support, but there will be no additional ‘feature' upgrades.

You can opt into the ESU for Windows 10 for free for the first year by enabling Windows Backup to sync your backups to OneDrive. The catch is that you only get 5GB of OneDrive storage for free, which won't be enough to back up all of your files. So to take advantage of the ‘free' year of extended support for Windows 10, you'll need to pay Microsoft for extra OneDrive storage. The workaround for this is to use your Microsoft Reward points to pay for extended security instead.

The extended security programme for Windows 10 will end on October 13th 2026, but enterprise customers will have the option of paying for an extra three years of support.

KitGuru Says: Are you still running Windows 10 on your main PC?

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Epic Games is sending back $126 million to Fortnite players

Back in 2022, Epic Games reached a settlement with the FTC, agreeing to pay over $500 million in penalties for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act in Fortnite. The company was accused of designing its menus in such a way that players could easily make ‘accidental' purchases. Now, Epic Games has been forced to undergo another round of refunds to players. 

Epic Games will be refunding an additional $126 million to US-based Fortnite players. This is part of the earlier FTC settlement, as Epic Games set aside $245 million for refunds at the time, and sent out around $72 million of that in December 2024. Now, this second wave of refunds will see $126 million being sent back to consumers who made purchases in Fortnite between certain dates.

As reported by PCGamer, around 969,173 payments were sent back out over the last two days as part of this refund effort. This additional wave of refunds has also led to an extended deadline, so if you are in the US and think you may qualify to receive part of this settlement, you have until July 9th to fill out the claim form.

Each claim is valued differently, so it is unclear how much money you could get back in the settlement claim. Chances are, it will be a relatively small amount, as there are over a million claimants already.

KitGuru Says: The COPPA violation ultimately cost Epic Games over half a billion USD, but with Fortnite continuing to be one of the biggest games in the world, it is not going to make a dent in the company's short-term or long-term prospects. 

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Little Nightmares III gets official release date as series hits new sales milestone

The Little Nightmares series has grown to become a rather beloved franchise since its initial release back in 2017, spawning a sequel in 2021 – with the 3rd entry set to arrive this year. As part of a recent ‘Little Nightmares Showcase Event’ Bandai Namco officially announced multiple new projects alongside the long-awaited release date for Little Nightmares III.

Though the biggest news from the Little Nightmares showcase was the official announcement of the 3rd entry’s release date (launching on the 10th of October 2025), Bandai Namco also confirmed that the long-awaited Enhanced Edition of Little Nightmares I is scheduled to arrive on the same day.

In an odd move however, anyone who pre-orders the 3rd game will gain “Early Access” to this enhanced edition immediately – with the rest needing to wait until October.

Beyond this, the publisher also unveiled Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes. Said to be ‘Coming Soon’ little is known about this project, aside from the fact that it is being developed by Iconik Studio. Though far from the most well known VR studio, the team have released a number of games – most recently Hunting VR.

Finally, Bandai Namco also confirmed that the Little Nightmares series has sold over 20 million copies; not bad for a series which ostensibly consists of just two games so far.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the showcase? Which project are you most excited for? Do you have faith in SuperMassive Games handling Little Nightmares III? Let us know down below.

The post Little Nightmares III gets official release date as series hits new sales milestone first appeared on KitGuru.
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Almost two-dozen titles are leaving Netflix Games next month

Back in late 2021 Netflix officially launched their video games service, offering both original and partnered content to all subscribers ‘free’ of charge. In the years since, the service has grown nicely, adding many big-name titles including the GTA Trilogy; Hades; Sonic Mania and dozens more. Unfortunately, as with pretty much all subscription services, a whole host of games are set to leave – including the aforementioned Hades.

Following roughly a dozen games being removed from Netflix’s service late last year, the streaming giant has now unveiled a list of 22 games (collated by What’sOnNetflix) which are set to be “leaving soon” on the 15th of July:

  • Battleship
  • Braid, Anniversary Edition
  • Carmen Sandiego
  • CoComelon: Play with JJ
  • Death’s Door
  • Diner Out: Merge Cafe
  • Dumb Ways to Die
  • Ghost Detective
  • Hades
  • Katana ZERO
  • LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
  • Ludo King
  • Monument Valley 1, 2 and 3
  • Rainbow Six: SMOL
  • Raji: An Ancient Epic
  • SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
  • TED Tumblewords
  • The Case of the Golden Idol
  • The Rise of the Golden Idol
  • Vineyard Valley

Netflix Games

While some of these games are unlikely to be missed too badly, the likes of Hades; Katana Zero; Braid; Death’s Door and more leaving the service represents a big blow – especially with the GTA titles having been removed back in December.

Combine this with a bunch of their own first-party plans falling to the wayside, and Netflix may be distancing itself from the games industry somewhat.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Netflix's gaming efforts? Did they have a good thing going for a while there? Should the removed titles be offered to purchase separately though the iOS/Android app stores? Let us know down below.

The post Almost two-dozen titles are leaving Netflix Games next month first appeared on KitGuru.
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Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced gets official price and release date

Just over a month ago, Microsoft officially announced that the Xbox console-exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II would be coming to PlayStation 5 “this Summer” via an ‘enhanced’ release. While details remained light at the time, we’ve now gotten a breakdown on the game’s release date, price, features and bonus content.

Taking to the Xbox Wire Blog, Will Potter – the Senior Communications Manager at Ninja Theory – wrote: “We’re happy to announce that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced will arrive on August 12 as a free update for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam. A PlayStation 5 version will be released on the same day.”

The Standard Edition of this enhanced release will cost $49.99, with a Deluxe Edition available for $69.99. While somewhat pricey given the game’s relative length and age, the premium edition also includes the first game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice “optimized for PlayStation 5” – alongside a digital soundtrack.

It is currently unknown whether the first game’s PS5 version will be made available outside of this deluxe edition, but here’s to hoping.

Of course, being an ‘Enhanced’ version, the upcoming release/update introduces a bunch of improvements and additions, namely:

  • Performance Mode on PS5/Pro and Xbox Series X
  • New ‘Very High’ fidelity preset on PC
  • Official Steam Deck verification
  • Return of the Dark Rot mechanic from the first game as an “additional challenge”
  • Improved photo mode
  • 4 hours of developer commentary

While it seems as though much of the time taken with this update revolves around optimising the game, the Enhanced release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II should feel like a much more fleshed out overall package. Hopefully the PS5 version of Senua’s Sacrifice is offered as a standalone title later down the line.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the enhanced release? Are you surprised to see the game getting Steam Deck verified? Are there any missing features which you were hoping to see added? Let us know down below.

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Sony reaffirms first-party PlayStation games won’t join PS Plus day-one

Since Sony’s PlayStation Plus revamp a couple years back, the console maker has semi-regularly added day-one 3rd party titles to its subscription service. That said, Sony has yet to bring any of its own games day-and-date, claiming it to be infeasible back in 2022. Cut to 3 years later and unsurprisingly, PlayStation has no plans to alter its strategy in this regard.

In a recent interview with the publication GameFile, the VP of global services at PlayStation – Nick Maguire – was asked about the notion of Sony bringing its first-party games to PlayStation Plus day-and-date with its official launch.

Unsurprisingly, Sony’s strategy (which has been working well for them so far) will not change any time soon, with Maguire stating: “We've sort of stayed true to our strategy across the board, where we're not looking to put games in day and date.”

PlayStation Plus

They continued, “Our strategy of finding four or five independent day-and-date titles—and using that to complement our strategy of bringing games in when they're 12, 18 months old or older—that balance for us is working really well across the platform.”

Considering the fact that their current strategy – devised back in 2022 – has “surpassed [Sony’s] expectations” leading to “engagement in Plus [which] has never been higher than it is right now,” a change in tactics would make little sense.

That said, it will be interesting to see whether anything special is in the works for PlayStation Plus’ 15th birthday.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the current incarnation of PS Plus? Is it worth the asking price? Do you subscribe monthly, quarterly or yearly? Let us know down below.

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Diablo IV, Jusant and more join PlayStation Plus in July

Each month, Sony offers 3 titles for ‘free’ to all those with a PlayStation Plus subscription. In celebration of the service’s 15th birthday, Sony has announced the line-up for July’s PS Plus Essential tier – alongside a bunch of “celebratory activities we have planned this summer.”

Available to add to your library from the 1st of July until the 4th of August, all PlayStation Plus subscribers can look forward to the following:

  • Diablo IV | PS5, PS4
  • The King of Fighters XV | PS5, PS4
  • Jusant | PS5

PlayStation Plus PS Plus

As mentioned, beyond this, Sony also announced a bunch of 15th Anniversary Celebrations. Though more is planned to take place over the Summer months, a number of bonuses are available right now, including:

  • WWE 2K25 PS+ Premium Game Trial
  • Monster Hunter Wilds PS+ Premium Game Trial
  • Valorant PS+ Pack
  • PlayStation Store Exclusive Offer Weekend (27–29 June)
  • 15th Anniversary PS+ tournament (28th June)
  • Online Multiplayer Weekend (28–29 June)

While these various events are welcome, the biggest gift so far seems to be the aforementioned PS Plus Essential line-up for July. Hopefully Sony maintains this level of quality for the remainder of the year.

In case you missed it, a number of July’s PS Plus Premium classics were also confirmed earlier this month, the details of which can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of July’s offering? What’s your favourite fighting game franchise? How big is your PS Plus Essential library? Let us know down below.

The post Diablo IV, Jusant and more join PlayStation Plus in July first appeared on KitGuru.
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STALKER 2 update 1.5 overhauls the game’s A-Life system

Following years of waiting, the much-anticipated STALKER 2 finally launched late last year. While the title certainly received plenty of praise, the game was far from hitting its full potential. One of the biggest compromises was in the game’s famous A-Life system. Fortunately, with patch 1.5, this mechanic has been overhauled.

In the months following the launch of STALKER 2 late last year, the team at GSC Game World released a bunch of patches featuring thousands of fixes and improvements. One of the team’s biggest challenges was with its A-Life system – a mechanic which simulates and tracks all NPCs from across the map for a more lively and dynamic experience.

Previous patches brought significant improvements to the system. However, with this latest update, GSC have introduced A-Life 2.0; the improvements to which include:

  • Life in the Zone is now simulated for all characters, not just those in the player's view.
  • Characters continue to live their lives and pursue their goals in the Zone until they meet their end.
  • The player can meet the same stalkers after some time.
  • Players may encounter more A-Life characters resting or interacting in various locations, adding to the world's immersion.
  • Characters will no longer respawn directly in front of the player. When the player clears the mutants' lair, for example, those mutants won't simply reappear moments later.
  • A-Life Director will no longer respawn characters at the edge of visualization. Instead, respawn moved further away from the player, while maintaining the Zone's population.
  • Visualization range is slightly increased. Characters now appear in visualization range with relevant animations and equipped weapons. This reduces the ‘pop-in’ effect and contributes to a more seamless character visualization.

As with pretty much all previous STALKER 2 updates, the full list of changes is highly extensive. Available to view HERE, some of the other notable improvements include:

  • New weapons
  • Mutant part looting
  • New Anomaly
  • AI and Combat improvements
  • Balance changes
  • Improved mod support

The STALKER series became famous in-part due to its unique A-Life system, and so it is encouraging to see the much-lauded feature finally make its way into the sequel properly. That said, it will be interesting to see if/how it differs – even now – to the previous titles.

KitGuru says: What do you think of STALKER 2’s many updates? Did the game launch too early? Should more open world titles introduce an A-Life like system? Let us know down below.

The post STALKER 2 update 1.5 overhauls the game’s A-Life system first appeared on KitGuru.
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Heybike Alpha review: Off-road eBike fun

The Heybike Alpha is an e-bike that makes a good starter mid-drive e-bike for larger individuals looking to have a bit of off-road fun.

Black electric bike with fat tires, rear cargo rack, and visible branding, parked on grass beside a sidewalk.
Heybike Alpha

There are two main paths to e-bike ownership. You can either add a conversion kit to a bike you already enjoy or go with a purpose-built model that's ready to ride right away.

It's a tricky balance since every option comes with trade-offs. You might opt for a slim, more traditional-looking e-bike with minimal design compromises, but that usually means a higher price tag and surprisingly heavy weight.


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HDMI 2.2 arrives with 16K video and 96Gbps bandwidth support

The HDMI Forum has officially made the HDMI 2.2 standard available to manufacturers, with future-proof features such as 16K video support and an increase in maximum memory bandwidth of up to 96 gigabits per second.

Two black HDMI cables with gold connectors on a light background, displaying 'high speed' text along the cables.
The HDMI 2.2 standard is now available to manufacturers.

On Wednesday, a significant update to the ever-popular HDMI standard was released. Seven years after the arrival of HDMI 2.1, the HDMI Forum has unveiled the full specifications of the standard's successor, HDMI 2.2.

The headline feature of HDMI 2.2 is its support for higher video resolutions and faster refresh rates, including 16K at 60Hz and 12K video at 120Hz, which represents a significant improvement. For reference, the HDMI 2.1 standard only supported 8K video at 60Hz and 4K video at 120Hz.


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This MacBook upgrade program starts at just $33.28 per month

Buying a MacBook used to mean two things: picking your model and draining your bank account. But in 2025, that equation is changing. Apple users want more control, less hassle, and more flexible cash flow.

Upgrade program on MacBook Air.
MacBook upgrade program

With WWDC unveiling major updates to macOS, including features like Apple Intelligence, improved Continuity, and deeper ecosystem integrations, there's now even more incentive to upgrade, especially for users on older machines.

That's where Upgraded comes in: Now you can pay for your MacBook over 36 months and from 0% APR, with the option to upgrade every 2 years, hassle free.


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Trump Mobile drops false 'made in America' promise

The T1 "Trump" Phone won't launch in time to fight the iPhone 17 release, and more than a week after debut, claims of the device being made in America have been scrubbed from the website.

Gold-colored smartphone design with 'Trump Mobile' and 'Make America Great Again' text on screen, featuring an American flag. Back shows a large 'T' and dual cameras.
Photoshop of what the T1 Phone might look like. Image source: Trump Mobile

The so-called "Trump Phone" was announced by the Trump Organization on the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump announcing he was running for president. It is being marketed alongside Trump Mobile, a T-Mobile-powered MVNO, and was originally called a smartphone that is "made in America."

It was quickly proven that the T1 Phone was not only not made in America, it was likely a re-skin of the REVVL 7 Pro 5G, a $169 smartphone that's made in China and that has faced recalls.


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How to use or disable iOS Apple Mail's new categories feature

As of iOS 18.2, Apple's Mail app features categories to help users sort through their mail. Here's what it does, how to fine-tune it, and how to turn it off if you prefer.

Email inbox interface showing sections: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, each with descriptive text. Colors are blue, green, purple, and red. Text describes email organization and alerts.
The four pre-set categories in Mail starting with iOS 18.2.

After updating to iOS 18.2 or later, the Mail app now categorizes incoming email into four broad categories. These are Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.

The idea to automatically categorize incoming emails has been kicking around Apple for years. The feature was originally intended to debut in iOS 13, but awaited further development of Apple's machine learning and Apple Intelligence features in order to ensure the work was all done on-device.


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Apple buys out another Cupertino office complex worth $160 million

The large Tantau office complex near Apple Park and the Apple Fitness Center has been acquired by Apple, though the building was already in use by the company.

Aerial view of Cupertino, featuring Apple Park, nearby roads, and labeled locations like restaurants, hotels, and offices, with a map pin at 10200 N Tantau Ave.
An office complex near Apple Park has been purchased by Apple

Apple Park is a massive Cupertino campus with The Ring, a 2.8-million-square-foot circular building that can house 12,000 employees. However, even with that giant building, Apple still needs more space and occupies many buildings in the area around the main campus.

One of those buildings, referred to as Cupertino Gateway, is within shouting distance of the giant ring building, just off the same N Tantau Ave that leads to Apple's campus. According to a report from Mercury News, Apple has purchased the 220,700 square foot building for $160 million.


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watchOS 26 beta crashes Hermes Apple Watches, Apple urges users to hold off

The latest version of the watchOS 26 beta is reminding Hermes owners that elegance doesn't equal stability.

A stainless steel smartwatch with a brown leather band displays an intricate orange pattern and the words '41mm Stainless Steel Case Designed by Apple in California.'
Apple Watch Hermes Edition

Apple's second developer beta of watchOS 26 is causing major problems for owners of the premium Hermes edition Apple Watch. These issues include crashes, overheating, and pairing problems.

The company has confirmed the bug in its official release notes and is advising Hermes users not to install the beta.


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Retired Apple employee among victims of Lake Tahoe boat tragedy

Former long-time Apple employee Paula Bozinovich was among eight people who died on a Lake Tahoe boating trip over the weekend.

Three people dressed formally, two men in tuxedos and a woman in a blue dress, smiling outdoors among trees.
Paula Bozinovich [left] with son Josh Pickles [middle] and Terry Pickles [right]

On July 21st, a boat capsized on Lake Tahoe, causing the deaths of eight people. Among the group was Paula Bozinovich, formerly of Apple, who was celebrating her 71st birthday with the powerboat ride.

The boat passengers were caught up in a sudden storm while on the lake, reports The San Francisco Chronicle, resulting in eight-foot waves and gusts of up to 35mph. The 27-foot powerboat capsized, killing eight people with two survivors.


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Apple Vision Pro will help get to the bottom of colonoscopy cancer detection

In a research study, some doctors will wear Apple Vision Pro during colonoscopies to explore how spatial computing can support real-time cancer detection.

Apple Vision Pro and its battery
Apple Vision Pro tested in colonoscopy procedures

We've been hearing about potential case uses for the Apple Vision Pro in a medical setting for a while now — probably longer than it has existed as a purchasable product.

We've seen medical professionals suggest the Apple Vision Pro could be an invaluable tool for anesthesiologists, nursing managers, and general practitioners. Surgeons are already using it for keyhole surgeries in India.


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Bipartisan 'Open App Markets Act' resurrected to challenge Apple's App Store control

Big Tech's grip on the app economy is under fire again as lawmakers reintroduce the bipartisan "Open App Markets Act" aimed at breaking Apple and Google's app store dominance.

Close up photo of a device, App Store icon prominently featured
US Lawmakers reintroduce Open App Markets Act

On Tuesday, June 24, U.S. senators Marsha Blackburn, Richard Blumenthal, Mike Lee, Amy Klobuchar, and Dick Durbin introduced the Open App Markets Act. This bipartisan bill hopes to establish enforceable rules designed to "promote competition and strengthen consumer protections within the app market," according to Senator Blackburn's website.




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AirTags 2 rumors: greater Precision Finding range, better battery, and when it'll ship

With repeated rumors that a revised AirTag 2 is coming soon, there are also many claims about what will be different — and key areas where AirTags could be improved. Here's what to expect, and when.

Apple AirTag package with an open capsule, a keychain holder, and an AirTag featuring a silver Apple logo.
The expected AirTags 2 are believed to keep the same basic design as the current model

There's never a guarantee when Apple will release a particular product — other than the iPhone 17 range will be in September — but launches are such a large undertaking that there are always clues. Sometimes it will be new devices in regulatory filings, or this time in code snippets spotted in the developer betas of iOS 26.

Based on those snippets and a very long series of reports from variously reliable sources, AirTags 2 look almost certain to feature:


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ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Wi-Fi Review

With Intel dishing out price cuts and performance boosts left and right, Arrow Lake is starting to look attractive, at least at certain price points. If you want an overclocking motherboard with solid specifications and attractive aesthetics, then ASRock might just have the product for you.

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HP OMEN Max 16 Gaming Laptop Review: Beauty And Brute Force

HP OMEN Max 16 Gaming Laptop Review: Beauty And Brute Force HP Omen Max 16 RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop: Starting at $2599, $4639 as tested HP's fastest-ever gaming laptop impresses with sharp looks, a superior display, and bestial gaming performance. Killer Gaming Performance Surprisingly Compact For This Speed Awesome OLED HDR Contrast & Response Sturdy Solid Chassis & High Build Quality Nearly...
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Nvidia introduces the RTX 5050 GPU for desktops and laptops

Nvidia has officially revealed the GeForce RTX 5050, a new mid-range gaming GPU for desktop and laptop platforms. The desktop version will start at $249, with laptops featuring the RTX 5050 expected to begin at approximately $999. Both variants are slated for availability in the second half of July 2025.

The RTX 5050 is designed for 1080p AAA gaming at medium to high settings. It supports DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, allowing users to push framerates higher than expected from an entry-level gaming GPU.

The desktop RTX 5050 utilises the “GB207” silicon, which is fully enabled, featuring 20 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) for a total of 2560 CUDA cores, 80 Tensor cores, and 20 RT cores. It also includes 80 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) and 32 Render Output Units (ROPs). The GPU's base clock is 2.31GHz, with a boost clock of 2.57GHz. It has 8GB of VRAM (GDDR6 on desktop and GDDR7 on laptop) on a 128-bit memory bus. Nvidia did not specify the memory speed, but seeing the desktop version has a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s, we assume the memory will run at 20 Gbps. As for the laptop version, it has a memory bandwidth of 384 GB/s, meaning the memory will run at 24 Gbps.

The desktop GPU has a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 130W, allowing AIC partners to use 6-pin PCIe power connectors, though 8-pin PCIe is also expected. The laptop variant has a TGP up to 115W. Both models feature the latest NVENC and NVDEC video accelerators and a current display engine.

KitGuru says: Do you think the Nvidia RTX 5050 has what it takes to make a stand in the desktop market? What about its laptop version?

The post Nvidia introduces the RTX 5050 GPU for desktops and laptops first appeared on KitGuru.
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Skullcandy Crusher Plyr 720 headset brings wireless open-back audio to PC and console

Skullcandy is launching a new entry into the gaming headset market with the launch of the Crusher Plyr 720. This new headset is notable for being the first gaming-focused product to incorporate Skullcandy's patented Crusher multi-sensory bass technology, combined with an open-back design.

The Crusher Plyr 720 integrates Skullcandy's new multi-sensory bass with THX Spatial Audio and an open-back acoustic design. This combination seeks to provide a distinct auditory and tactile experience: explosions are designed to resonate more, engine sounds are deeper, and an opponent's approach can be pinpointed to a specific direction.

The open-back acoustics and positional audio tuning contribute to a spacious soundstage. The headset features dual Crusher drivers that, according to Skullcandy, allow gamers to perceive events in the game by feeling them before they are seen or heard. Unlike typical haptic headphones, the Crusher Plyr 720's drivers direct sound into the head and ears, rather than just around the latter. Skullcandy claims this results in a more visceral sensation akin to adding an adjustable subwoofer.

The Crusher Plyr 720 also offers audio management through the Skull-HQ app, allowing users to customise their sensory experience. For console and mobile gamers, THX Spatial Audio with head tracking is available via the Skullcandy Mobile App. The headset is designed for cross-platform compatibility and is available in two models: Multi-Platform, which offers wireless play on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, with wired support for Xbox, and “Designed for Xbox”, which provides support for wireless play on Xbox, as well as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. Both versions of the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 are priced at $259.99 and will be available through the company's website and Amazon.

KitGuru says: There are not many open-back wireless gaming headsets out there, so this is quite unique. 

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Before Wimbledon, Tennis finally gets some love in Apple Sports

Apple has released version 3.0 of the Sports app for iOS, with the new version introducing tennis for the first time, just in time for Wimbledon.

Smartphone displaying sports app with upcoming Wimbledon event, tennis ball on a sandy tennis court in the background.
Tennis is now represented in the Sports app

The Sports app covers quite a few different sports types, including soccer, ice hockey, Formula 1, and others, providing the latest scores and results to its users. In a Wednesday update, the app now supports tennis.

There are two new listings under My Leagues, with Men's Tennis accompanied by Women's Tennis. Each offers users the tennis scores for major events, including the upcoming Wimbledon tournament in the UK.


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iOS 26 battery & charging features: Hands on with adaptive power mode

Apple is doing even more to help you protect your battery life and overall health with iOS 26. Here's how.

Smartphone screen displaying battery widget percentages, including 30% and 91%, with various app icons like Calendar, Mail, Notes, and Twitter. Person's hand partially visible.
The battery widget shows the battery life on all your connected devices

Batteries are not eternal. They are a physical and chemical process that deteriorate over time, and will inevitably need to be replaced if you keep your device long enough.

For years, Apple has prioritized battery health and longevity with features built into iOS. The upcoming iOS 26 takes things even further.


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M5 OLED iPad Pro fall release more certain, screen production underway

The fall update adding the M5 chip to the iPad Pro is getting closer to reality, with OLED displays for the tablet reportedly entering mass production for a launch in October.

Colorful electronic device icons on a black screen, with a white stylus on top, set against a blurred light background.
13-inch M4 iPad Pro with an OLED display

Apple's fall updates tend to include some form of iPad change. One of the rumored launches is the upgrade bringing M5 to the iPad Pro, and a report seems to indicate it is on the way.

According to report sources of ZDNet Korea via DigiTimes, mass production of the OLED display used by the iPad Pro has commenced.


Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely


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Car makers reject CarPlay Ultra as an Apple overreach

Apple's CarPlay Ultra faces a long road to becoming a widely-used feature, as car makers are pushing back on supporting Apple's system in favor of their own solutions.

Car dashboard display showing 60 mph speed, fuel range of 200 miles, Sport mode at 3rd gear, and lane assist with car visualization.
CarPlay Ultra on Aston Martin - Image credit Apple

The shift from CarPlay to CarPlay Ultra is a big one for car manufacturers to make. Instead of occupying just the main infotainment system's screen, CarPlay Ultra spreads out to other areas of the dashboard, as well as having more direct control over the vehicle's various features.

While Apple introduced CarPlay Ultra as a concept three years ago, and finally became a reality in Aston Martin cars in May, consumers have even more of a wait before using it in other vehicles. To blame are the car makers themselves, resisting because they prefer their own creations.


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When more iOS 26 developer beta updates and public betas will release

Apple will not pre-announce when it will release iOS 26 beta updates, but over the years it has proven to has a mostly predictable schedule after the first one has rolled out. Here's when to expect new versions.

Various Apple products including a laptop, tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, wireless earbuds, speaker, remote, and streaming box on a white background with 'Coming Soon' text below.
Apple's beta test cycle has begun for developers and will soon start for the public — image credit: Apple

The only correct and truly sensible date for iOS 26 beta releases is to not pay any attention to them and wait for the official release in September. But as the second developer beta has just come out and the first public one is due in July, here's what is coming next, and roughly when.


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Gamesir SuperNova Controller Review: Aesthetics & Optimal Wireless Experience in One Package

Gamesir is one of the renowned companies offering an extensive portfolio of portable gaming products. One of their specialties is gaming controllers, especially the wireless ones. We have extensively reviewed several of their models in the past, but the SuperNova most likely exceeds them all, not just in the connectivity experience but also in the user-friendliness. Gamesir was kind enough to provide us with a review unit of the SuperNova controller. Compared to its "presumed" predecessor, the Cyclone 2, the company has integrated several new additions, including swappable faceplates, multi-platform connectivity, and much more, which we'll discuss. Here's an extensive […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/gamesir-supernova-controller-review-aesthetics-optimal-wireless-experience-in-one-package/

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Noctua launches next-gen NF-A12x25 G2 fans

Noctua has officially revealed its next-generation flagship 120mm fan, the NF-A12x25 G2. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the G2 introduces a refined blade geometry and a new motor design, promising a significant leap in performance-to-noise efficiency. 

The NF-A12x25 G2 is the successor to the NF-A12x25 and stands as the 120mm sibling to the already acclaimed 140mm NF-A14x25 G2. Like its forebear, this fan is crafted from Noctua's proprietary Sterrox LCP compound, enabling an incredibly tight tip clearance of just 0.5mm. However, the G2 version pushes the boundaries further with an enhanced progressive bend impeller featuring winglets, flow acceleration channels, and a redesigned centrifugal turbulator hub.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is designed as a versatile all-rounder, delivering superb results across various applications. It performs admirably in low-impedance, airflow-oriented scenarios like case cooling and in high-impedance, static pressure-demanding situations with heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimisation, the fan's Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame can be paired with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators. Enthusiasts can opt for the separately sold NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can enhance suction acoustics and improve flow rates in some “pull” configurations.

Noctua's ultra-low-loss etaPERF motor powers this fan, which uses its Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology to improve energy efficiency and running smoothness. The fans also feature SupraTorque, which allows the fan to leverage additional torque headroom. This ensures it maintains its desired speed even when operating against significant back pressure, leading to superior performance on heatsinks and radiators.

The NF-A12x25 G2 is available in three distinct versions. The standard PWM model offers a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. For those prioritising silence, a quiet LS-PWM variant tops out at 1100 RPM. Lastly, the Sx2-PP combination pack is also offered, bundling two fans with a slight speed offset of +/- ~50 RPM. This subtle offset is particularly beneficial in push-pull operations or multi-fan setups (like case cooling or radiators), helping to mitigate buzzing or other undesirable auditory interactions that can occur when fans run at perfectly synchronised speeds.

Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 establishes a new benchmark within Noctua's portfolio. The Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM, and NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP are priced at €/$34.90, €/$34.90, and €/$64.90, respectively.

KitGuru says: Although expensive, the first reviews suggest that it's indeed Noctua's best 120mm fan to date. However, other brands have strong alternatives for about the same price.

The post Noctua launches next-gen NF-A12x25 G2 fans first appeared on KitGuru.
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Marvel Rivals falls to ‘Mixed’ recent rating ahead of major Season overhaul

Marvel Rivals took the world by storm when it released late last year, going on to amass over 40 million players in under 3 months. Despite a peak concurrent player count of almost 650k on Steam back during the launch of Season 1, the game’s honeymoon period seems to have ended  – with both player counts and review scores falling.

A little over 6 months on from its initial launch, Marvel Rivals has started to see its popularity wane, with peak daily player counts on Steam (via SteamDB) consistently falling under 100,000 for the first since the game’s explosive arrival.

Beyond this, reviews for the title have also taken a turn for the worse, with recent Marvel Rivals reviews sitting at a ‘Mixed’ on Steam – with some of the concerns surrounding decreasing performance; EOMM issues; balancing and more.

Marvel Rivals

That said, with the upcoming launch of Season 3, Marvel Rivals is set to overhaul how its updates are rolled out, with a new character being released each month for a total of 3 a Season.

Whether the increased rate of new content will help improve the overall experience or exacerbate current issues we will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Marvel Rivals 6 months on? Are you still playing? If not, what caused you to stop? Let us know down below.

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SilverStone FLP01 – The 80s Called, They Want Their Case Back

We shall have to wait a while longer for the SilverStone FLP02 retro tower case that we saw at Computex 2025. In the meantime we were offered the new FLP01 which is also retro, but is HTPC instead of a tower. Whether you like it or not, there is no denying the FLP01 brings a breath of fresh air to the world of glass PC cases that are decked with RGB lighting.

Time stamps
00:00 Start
01:00 What's this all about?
01:36 A look inside / capabilities
03:45 Hardware and some limitations
08:51 Final fixes
09:15 It's built
09:35 Some testing
10:48 Closing Thoughts

Main features

  • Universal drive cage design compatible with 5.25″, 3.5″, and 2.5″ storage drives
  • Equipped with 1 x USB Type-C port
  • Retro floppy disk-style optical drive bay cover
  • Positive air pressure design ensures superior cooling performance, quieter operation, and effective dust prevention.
  • Includes quick-access filters for easy maintenance.

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: SSI-CEB, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
  • Power supply support: ATX.
  • Expansion slots: 7+1.
  • Included fans: 1x 120mm right side.
  • Fan mounts: 2x 120mm right side, 1x 120mm left side, 2x 80mm rear.
  • Radiator mounts: None:
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: 1x external bay.
  • Internal drive bays: 1x 3.5-inch, 1x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C, combo audio jack.
  • Dimensions: 170mm H x 362mm D x 440mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, Intel Arc B580 graphics card and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the SilverStone FLP01‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
  • CPU Cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth
  • Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi
  • Memory: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
  • Graphics card: Intel Arc B580 12GB
  • Power supply: Seasonic Focus GX-1000 Gold
  • SSD: Crucial T700 Gen5 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

For the first time in living memory we are not posting a chart showing temperatures at various fan speeds for the SilverStone FLP01. The reason is that this case puts a strict limit on the height of the CPU cooler, and this is especially true if you are using the optical drive bay. As we show in our video the drive mount over-shadows the CPU socket so your options are limited. We ended up using a lightweight Ryzen 5 9600X CPU which draws 88W and ran at 95 degrees C under load while our Intel Arc B580 graphics card ran at 78 degrees C.

Closing Thoughts

Let's make the obvious point that the SilverStone FLP01 is an oddball PC case that is unlikely to interest the mainstream user.

It has quirky traditional looks and an HTPC form factor that are fun for those of us with long memories, however they won't be much of a selling point to the younger generation. Having said that, if you like retro the SilverStone FLP01 will surely be right up your alley.

The other main feature of the FLP01 is it's support for a 5.25-inch optical drive and this also presents a small problem. You have to choose your CPU cooler carefully to ensure it fits inside the case and also clears the drive bay hardware. This shouldn't be an issue for the typical low power CPU you use in an HTPC but is a severe restriction in a gaming PC.

You can buy the SilverStone FLP01 for £135.99 HERE.

Pros:

  • Humorous retro styling.
  • Support for a 5.25-inch optical drive and 3.5-inch HDD.
  • Plenty of space for a full sized motherboard and PSU.

Cons:

  • Limited options for CPU cooling.
  • This case would look bizarre as an HTPC under your TV.
  • Pricing is a bit steep and only includes one 120mm fan.

KitGuru says: The SilverStone FLP01 is quirky and different but not really our cup of tea.

The post SilverStone FLP01 – The 80s Called, They Want Their Case Back first appeared on KitGuru.
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Dying Light celebrates 10th anniversary with free ‘Retouched’ update

If Techland is known for one thing, it’s supporting their titles for up to a decade after launch with a bunch of free and substantial updates. Despite its sequel now having been out for 3 years, the 10-years-old Dying Light from 2015 is set to receive a major update later this week.

Earlier in the year, Techland announced that Dying Light 1 would be receiving an update later in 2025 in celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary. Now, the team have fully detailed the update, taking to their blog to say:

“This week, we're not just looking forward – we're rolling out significant updates for both the original Dying Light and Dying Light 2: Stay Human. We promised to support our games for a long time, and we're committed to continuing that support, right through and beyond the launch of Dying Light: The Beast.”

Described as a ‘retouch’ and not a remaster, the patch – which is set to go live tomorrow on the 26th of June – brings with it some pretty notable visual improvements.

Dying Light Update

According to the team, textures have been enhanced across the board alongside better lighting and physics based rendering “improving how metallic surfaces reflect light or react physically to the world which makes them look a lot more realistic.”

Beyond these, the maximum level-of-detail range has been extended by almost 1/3rd and up-to 8K ‘Ultra’ shadow resolution options have been added – which in combination with the improved lighting makes “a lot of surfaces that previously looked rather flat now really pop out and get depth.”

Beyond visuals, the update also remastered all the game’s OST while also adding “brand new tracks and ambient sounds throughout the game”. All in all, an excellent update – especially for free.

Dying Light Retouched Update arrives on PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on the 26th of June. Full details on the listed improvements can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the Retouched release? Are you going to hop back into Dying Light? Let us know down below.

The post Dying Light celebrates 10th anniversary with free ‘Retouched’ update first appeared on KitGuru.
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Nintendo-published Drag x Drive launches this August with a modest price tag

Ahead of the Switch 2’s launch, Nintendo released a smartphone app called ‘Nintendo Today’ which has since offered various titbits of new information, tips and more. In an interesting move, the console maker chose to use its mobile app to announce the release date for their Basketball title Drag x Drive.

Making the initial announcement via the Nintendo Today app, the company confirmed that the 3v3 Rocket League-esque Basketball title Drag x Drive is set to come to Nintendo Switch 2 on the 14th of August.

First unveiled back during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, relatively little attention was given to Drag x Drive – with it seemingly being a somewhat smaller title in scope.

Sure enough, this seems to be the case, with the upcoming Nintendo published title available now to pre-order for just £16.99.

With the Switch 2, it is clear that Nintendo is covering all of its bases price-wise. From the £75 Mario Kart World to the £7.99 Welcome Tour (though that arguably should’ve been free), it seems we can expect a lot of variable pricing for Nintendo published games this generation.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Nintendo’s current price strategy? Are you more accepting of higher cost AAA games if smaller experiences are priced appropriately? Let us know down below.

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PS4 emulator ShadPS4 makes strides in bringing Driveclub to PC

As we move further into the PlayStation 5 generation, the PS4 emulator ‘ShadPS4’ has been taking strides in becoming a more fully-fledged and playable experience. Following a ton of great work on getting Bloodborne to work on PC, another title trapped on the PS4 – Driveclub – has reached its own progress milestone.

In the wake of the recent release of ShadPS4 version 0.9.1, one of the biggest games which was still trapped on Sony's last-gen system (Driveclub) has seen a ton of improvements.

As recent as version 0.8, the game was barely able to boot. Now however, players have been able to get in-game and mess around with various aspects of the racing title – at 60fps for the first time (though with many issues still present of course).

For context, Driveclub was released for the PS4 back in 2014, and while it received some criticism, history has been quite kind on the game – with many fans still mourning the title’s official shutdown back in 2020.

Unlike Bloodborne, which HAS to get a current-generation release at some point or another, Driveclub is likely to remain a relic of the PS4 era. As such, it is exciting to see so much progress being made to ShadPS4.

Of course, there is still a ton of work to be done, with the most recent report putting just under 10% of tested titles as being ‘playable’ on ShadPS4. As we’ve seen over the past year however, progress has been ‘progressing’ quite quickly, and so it’s only a matter of time before Driveclub is revived.

KitGuru says: What did you think of Driveclub back in the day? Would you like to see the series return in any official capacity? What PS4 exclusives would you want to check out? Let us know down below.

The post PS4 emulator ShadPS4 makes strides in bringing Driveclub to PC first appeared on KitGuru.
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