The next iPhone chip, the A19, could be as fast as Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, but Apple isn't pursuing that in favor of preserving battery life.


The chip inside a smartphone is a major component, as it is core to the performance of the mobile device. However, while the industry drives for the use of faster chips, Apple is doing so with an eye to battery consumption.

According to serial leaker "Fixed Focus Digital" in a June 21 Weibo post, it is believed that Apple's A19 chip could be as fast as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The Elite 2 is a yet-to-launch chipset that follows the Snapdragon 8 Elite, used in high-performance Android smartphones.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


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Earlier this month during the Xbox Games Showcase, Persona 4 Revival was officially announced. Despite plenty of leaks surrounding the project, we did not get much official information during this announcement. Currently, the remake lacks a release date, but recent documents point to a longer wait than fans may have expected. 

Following Sega's annual management meeting this week, a number of documents have been released online. In one such document, it was discovered that Persona 4 Revival is scheduled to release in the next fiscal year, putting its release date anywhere between April 1st 2026 and March 31st 2027.

Given how short the teaser trailer reveal was, there is a good chance that the game is planned for a later release, perhaps around the Fall season. This later-than-expected date also calls into question recent Persona 6 rumours. A few different sources have claimed that Persona 6 is in development for a 2026 release, but if Persona 4 Revival is coming next year, then there is little chance that we see Persona 6 within the same calendar year.

Persona 4 Revival was first announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, just like Persona 3 Reloaded. However, the game is not a console exclusive, so it will be coming to Xbox, PC, PS5 and potentially the Switch 2 as well.

KitGuru Says: Games take time to develop and unfortunately, the timelines are often longer than fans would like to see. 

The post Persona 4 Revival isn’t coming out anytime soon first appeared on KitGuru.

Adi Shankar has become a fan favourite TV producer amongst the gaming crowd. So far, Shankar has successfully put out fan-pleasing animated shows for Castlevania and Devil May Cry. Next, Shankar will turn his attention to Duke Nukem. 

Adi Shankar recently confirmed in an interview with Esquire that he will be continuing his streak of video game adaptations. He recently acquired the rights to make a Duke Nukem series from Gearbox. Better yet, he's already winning fans over with his comments on how he'll handle the IP.

“Duke Nukem can’t be made by a corporation, because the moment a corporation makes Duke Nukem, it’s no longer Duke Nukem. I don’t intend on having anyone tell me what to do on this one”, Shankar said.

There is no release date yet for Duke Nukem and work on it has barely begun, so it will be a couple of years before we get the first batch of episodes. In the meantime, the new Devil May Cry series will continue, with a second season planned to begin airing later this year.

KitGuru Says: Duke Nukem has struggled as a franchise over the years. For a long time, it has seemed that even Gearbox itself doesn't quite know what to do with it, so the studio has doubled down on its other shooter, Borderlands, instead. Given his previous successes with Castlevania and Devil May Cry, I'd put money on Shankar being the right guy for the task of adapting Duke Nukem. 

The post Castlevania and DMC producer is working on a Duke Nukem show first appeared on KitGuru.

Despite its mandate to safeguard intellectual property, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has inadvertently given us our clearest look yet at Logitech's upcoming MX Master 4 mouse. High-resolution photographs, presumably from a design filing, have leaked, revealing some notable departures from the familiar MX Master 3S while retaining the series' core identity.

Initial whispers surfaced weeks ago, and an official launch for the MX Master 4 is expected any moment now. The most obvious visual change seen in the images on the EUIPO entry (via Notebookcheck) comes at the front of the mouse. The two primary click buttons now span the entire width, creating a much cleaner aesthetic than the MX Master 3S, which featured a small plastic separation on the right side. These new buttons even appear translucent in the leaked renderings, though this might be a trick of the light or rendering style.

Another key highlight is the redesigned thumb rest area. The textured ridges from its predecessor have been removed, creating a smoother surface. The thumb rest “button” now seemingly encompasses the entire side surface, moving beyond just the bottom portion of the rest, suggesting expanded functionality or a larger actuation area. A circular pattern of dots on this thumb rest further suggests new capabilities, though their exact purpose remains unclear.

Adding to the array of controls, a third thumb button has been incorporated and positioned forward of the existing two. The thumb scroll wheel also appears to have undergone a subtle but significant change, now protruding slightly rather than being recessed as it was on the MX Master 3S. Finally, a small LED directly beneath the scroll-wheel lock button is visible, most likely serving as a battery or charging indicator.

These leaks suggest that Logitech is not just iterating on a successful design but actively refining it for improved ergonomics, aesthetics, and potentially, new levels of functionality for power users.

KitGuru says: Have you tried the current Logitech MX Master 3S? Are you interested in the upcoming MX Master 4?

The post Logitech MX Master 4 leaks first appeared on KitGuru.

Sega recently held its annual management meeting. Typically, when the presentations from these meetings are made public, specific sales data is redacted. However, someone at Sega forgot to do this, revealing the lifetime sales for key games like Persona 5, Sonic Frontiers, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and more. 

The document, spotted by IG, shows previously unseen sales data for 11 Sega titles over the past six fiscal years. The data confirms something we already knew – Persona 5 continues to be a massive hit for Sega, outselling franchises like Sonic, Yakuza and even its sibling franchise, Shin Megami Tensei.  Since 2020, Persona 5 Royal has sold 7.25 million copies and continues to be a top-selling game each year.

For comparison, Persona 3 Reload, which launched in early 2024, has amassed 2.07 million sales. Soon, Sega will also launch Persona 4 Revive, which is regarded as a fan favourite for Persona enthusiasts. Persona 6 has not yet been announced.

Shin Megami Tensei, the original franchise that birthed Persona, has also maintained relevance in recent years, with Shin Megami Tensei V shifting over 2.11 million copies since launch.

Sonic Frontiers is the next major game on the list, having sold 4.57 million copies since its launch in late 2022. Team Sonic Racing isn't too far behind, with the kart racer achieving over 3.5 million copies sold.

Creative Assembly appears to be in a good position with its Total War franchise.  Total War: Three Kingdoms is listed as having sold 3.21 million copies to date, and the studio has plans to unveil the next wave of Total War strategy games in a showcase later this year. Total War Warhammer 3 is a little further behind Three Kingdoms, having sold 2.34 million copies.

Yakuza 7, otherwise known as Like a Dragon, was a turning point for the franchise. With Yakuza 7, the series shifted from action combat to a turn-based system, reminiscent of classic JRPGs. The game has sold 2.86 million copies since 2020, and its sequel, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is closing the gap, reaching 1.66 million copies sold since its release in early 2024.

KitGuru Says: I anticipated Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Yakuza: Like a Dragon to be a bit further along in sales, but it seems to be doing similar numbers to the more recent Total War games. 

The post Persona 5 Royal is Sega’s highest-selling game since 2020 first appeared on KitGuru.

Asus Republic of Gamers has unveiled the ROG NUC (2025). This machine, touted as the world's first sub-three-liter gaming PC, is a compact powerhouse driven by Intel's Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) CPUs and features Nvidia's latest GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, complemented by up to 96GB of memory. Designed with both gamers and creators in mind, this compact system aims to redefine expectations for small form factor PCs, promising up to four times faster rendering performance than previous iterations. 

At the heart of the new ROG NUC (2025) lies an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. Featuring a 24-core hybrid architecture and an integrated NPU, it can boost speeds up to 5.4GHz and supports up to 96GB of DDR5-6400 memory. For graphics, the ROG NUC (2025) is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, with options also available for the RTX 5070 Ti, 5070, or 5060 Laptop GPUs.

Upgradability in this system is made simple, with tool-less access to both memory and storage components. Asus has also incorporated its signature ROG cooling technology to ensure optimal performance while maintaining minimal noise levels. Even under heavy loads, the ROG NUC (2025) is engineered to remain quiet, courtesy of its triple-fan system and dual-vapor chamber architecture. Connectivity is also a strong suit, featuring Intel Wi-Fi 7 for wireless speeds up to 46Gbps and speedy Bluetooth 5.4 support.

Physically, the ROG NUC (2025) measures a compact 282 x 187.7 x 56.5mm, resulting in a total volume just under 3 litres, and includes an integrated vertical stand for flexible placement. Its thoughtful modular architecture supports seamless updates, and a comprehensive array of I/O connections includes Thunderbolt 4 USB-C with fast charging capability and 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen2 Gbps ports in the rear and two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports and a single USB-C port at the front. To top it off, customisable Asus Aura Sync ARGB lighting lets users personalise the system to match any gaming setup. The Asus ROG NUC (2025) with the Core Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5080 Laptop GPU is now available for pre-order in the US for $2849, with initial shipments expected to begin on July 2nd.

KitGuru says: You can pack some pretty powerful hardware into a very small chassis nowadays. Do you think SFF systems and mini-PCs will become more common for gaming? 

The post Asus upgrades the ROG NUC mini PC for 2025 first appeared on KitGuru.

It looks like Microsoft has more licensed Xbox hardware products on the way. During the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this month, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld was announced and now, Meta is preparing an Xbox-branded version of the Quest 3S VR headset. 

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has surfaced online through retail leaks, as confirmed by Insider Gaming. The Xbox edition VR headset sports a black design, as opposed to the Meta Quest's traditional white colour scheme. The headset also has the Xbox logo placed front and centre, but aside from that, there does not appear to be any additional changes.

Microsoft had a relationship with VR headset maker, Oculus, prior to the company being acquired by Facebook (now Meta). Each original Oculus Rift headset shipped with an Xbox controller instead of the motion controllers VR platforms eventually moved to. In the years since then, Microsoft has continued to support Quest VR headsets with apps that enable Xbox game streaming to a home cinema screen inside the headset.

Microsoft has not developed any VR-specific games, nor has it implemented VR support on consoles, unlike its rival Sony, who has shipped two generations of PSVR headsets in the past eight years.

Chances are, the Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle will include a few months of Game Pass, so headset users can access a library of Xbox titles streamed over the cloud.

KitGuru Says: This partnership sounds weird on the surface, as Microsoft has had little involvement in the VR space compared to its competitors. However, given Microsoft's long-standing support of the Rift and Quest, it does make at least some sense. 

 

The post An ‘Xbox Edition’ Meta Quest 3S VR headset is on the way first appeared on KitGuru.

AMD appears to be putting the finishing touches on a compelling new mid-range CPU, the Ryzen 5 9600X3D. This CPU recently appeared accidentally in AMD's CPU support list for the newly released Radeon AI Pro R9700 graphics card. This quiet confirmation suggests AMD is gearing up to offer a potent option for gamers in the mid-range CPU market, potentially challenging Intel's Core i5-14600K and the newer Core Ultra 5 245K.

MelodicWarrior (via TechPowerUp) was the one who brought the Ryzen 5 9600X3D to our attention. It is expected to be a 6-core, 12-thread processor leveraging the latest Zen 5 microarchitecture and built on Granite Ridge silicon. As its “X3D” moniker suggests, the key differentiator is the inclusion of AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. This means an additional 64MB of stacked cache will sit atop the existing 32MB of on-die L3 cache, culminating in a formidable 96MB of L3 cache.

Early indications suggest that the 9600X3D's clock speeds might be similar to those of the standard Ryzen 5 9600X. This is attributed to an architectural change in how AMD stacks its 3D V-Cache die with the CCD. Unlike previous iterations where the 3D V-Cache sat on top, potentially impacting thermal dissipation and limiting clock speeds, the new method makes the die a base tile for the CCD.

The addition of 3D V-Cache has historically provided significant uplifts in gaming performance for AMD processors. Should this trend continue with the 9600X3D, it could emerge as a highly competitive option for gamers seeking maximum frame rates without investing in higher-core-count CPUs. This strategically positioned chip would offer a compelling alternative to Intel's offerings in the mid-range segment, where gaming performance per dollar is often a key factor for consumers.

AMD has not yet officially announced a release date for the Ryzen 5 9600X3D, but its appearance in official driver updates suggests a launch could be imminent.

KitGuru says: Do you think the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X3D will become the go-to processor for mid-range builds?

The post AMD might have confirmed plans for Ryzen 5 9600X3D first appeared on KitGuru.

A new initiative from Adobe aims to improve smartphone cameras and computational photography in general to give a more natural, SLR-like look to iPhone photography.


A new paper from Adobe Fellow Marc Levoy and Senior Scientist Florian Kainz discusses their latest project, which is embodied in a new Project Indigo app available for iPhones. In addition to what the inventors hope is a more "natural" look, the project aims for the highest image quality possible on a mobile device.

In the new research paper explaining the project, the pair detail their approach to achieving more authentic photo images. The app under-exposes more strongly than most camera apps, but also captures, aligns, and combines "more frames when producing each photo — up to 32 frames" in a single exposure.


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The headline is scarier that the reality, but since Microsoft made this announcement very quietly it's worth paying attention.  In a recent, relatively obscure blog post, Microsoft informed those who found it…

Perhaps in an acquihire to boost search, or to improve Siri, Apple executives have reportedly recently discussed buying or partnering with AI startup Perplexity.


The two executives linked to discussions are said to be the company's head of mergers Adrian Perica, and Eddy Cue. According to unnamed sources within Apple, internal discussions are in a very early stage, and there has not yet been an offer made.

Also a possibility is a team-up with Perplexity, rather than an outright buy. Any partnership would put Perplexity in Safari, and perhaps integrated into the long-delayed improved Siri project, that is now not expected to ship until 2026.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


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Apple shareholders are suing the company over AI rollout delays they claim cost them nearly a trillion dollars.


When it comes to artificial intelligence, it seems like Apple can't catch a break. Now, after facing repeated delays and misfires relating to the launch of Apple Intelligence, Apple's shareholders have finally had enough.

On Friday, Apple's shareholders launched a class action lawsuit against the tech giant. They claim that the Cupertino-based company has downplayed how long it would need to launch the new and improved AI-powered Siri.


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Apple makes it easy to move PDFs and eBooks from Messages into the Books app, so you can keep reading without missing a beat. Here's how to do it on iPad, iPhone, and Mac.


If you're an avid bookworm and you like reading on your iPhone, chances are you might be a fan of the Apple Books app. You can easily buy ebooks and sync them across multiple platforms, which is great if you're the type to start reading on one device and pick up on another later.

But what if you get an eBook or a PDF via Messages, it's easy to move that file to Books, though it does vary a little across platforms.


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Apple buyers in Europe will soon see repair scores, battery ratings, and energy labels on every new iPhone and iPad.


Starting June 20, 2025, the European Union will require smartphones and tablets to meet strict sustainability standards and display detailed energy labels at the point of sale. These labels will feature scores for battery life, durability, and repairability.

The move is part of the EU's Green Deal and is designed to reduce waste, extend product lifespans, and help consumers make more informed choices.


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Apple is making your AirPods and AirPods Pro even better in iOS 26, adding camera control, better CarPlay hand-off, and more. Here's a hands-on look at what's coming.


One of the best things about AirPods is that they aren't a static product. Apple has consistently bestowed new features upon them year after year with new firmware updates.

2025 is no different as Apple is bringing out many new features and enhancements for both AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro, in part thanks to iOS 26.


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Save $200 on Apple's latest MacBook Pro with a bump up to 1TB of storage during an early Prime Day price war between Amazon and B&H Photo.


The $1,599 price, which is available at Apple Authorized Resellers B&H and Amazon, reflects a $200 instant rebate off MSRP when ordered in the sleek Space Black finish.

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If you're tired of working out alone, Workout Buddy gives you real-time coaching from your Apple Watch running watchOS 26. Here's how it works.


Workout Buddy is a new feature in watchOS 26 that brings voice coaching to your Apple Watch. It gives you real-time feedback and encouragement during workouts, using your fitness history and live stats to keep you going.

If you've ever wanted a workout partner who talks to you while you run or lift weights, this is it.


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New reports suggest that AMD's upcoming generation of graphics cards (likely named RDNA 5) will embrace the newer HDMI 2.2 standard. However, don't expect a full doubling of bandwidth right out of the gate. Reports indicate these next-gen GPUs will support HDMI 2.2 speeds of up to 80 Gbit/s, a significant bump from HDMI 2.1's 48 Gbit/s, but fall short of the standard's theoretical 96 Gbit/s maximum.

According to Kepler, the RDNA 5 (or UDNA) GPUs, internally codenamed GFX13, are specified to support two modes: 64 Gbit/s and 80 Gbit/s. This implies that the highest 96 Gbit/s mode, which would demand the new “Ultra96” HDMI cables, will not be supported, at least initially. It remains unclear whether this is a hardware limitation of the upcoming GPUs or if full 96 Gbit/s support could be enabled later (for example, through driver updates).

The leaker also noted that there is currently no information regarding DisplayPort 2.1b compatibility for the GFX13 architecture. On the other hand, Nvidia's RTX Pro Blackwell and GeForce RTX 50 series already support this standard, putting them ahead in that specific aspect.

Kepler's report doesn't distinguish between the Radeon RX (consumer) and Radeon Pro (professional) series of GPUs. The update refers broadly to the GFX13 display engine, and historically, AMD has sometimes differentiated display output capabilities between its consumer and professional lines. Whether this trend will continue with the GFX13 remains to be seen.

KitGuru says: Would you rather see AMD pushing the DisplayPort standard further on its upcoming GPUs instead of HDMI?

The post AMD’s next generation GPU will reportedly support HDMI 2.2 first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermaltake Immersion Cooling, View 390 Air, Minecube Cooler, & TR200 / TR300 Casesjimmy_thang June 20, 2025

We take a look at Thermaltake’s full immersion cooling setup and several new cases that include the View 390 Air, TR200, TR300, and more

The Highlights

• Thermaltake’s full immersion cooling setup uses liquid and comically large hoses coupled with a massive radiator system
• Thermaltake’s upcoming View 390 Air case looks promising and offers a curved glass side panel
• The company’s TR200 and TR300 are budget friendly cases that include a TFT display panel on the front
• Thermaltake’s Mine Cube looks very reminiscent of another popular IP and offers a cooler block with 4 screens

Table of Contents

• AutoTOC

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Intro

We visited Thermaltake’s booth at Computex 2025 and the company showed off its Immersion Cooling system, View 390 Air case, “Minecube” cooler, and TR200/TR300 cases.

Editor's note: This was originally published on May 20, 2025 as a video. This content has been adapted to written format for this article and is unchanged from the original publication.

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Credits

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Host

Steve Burke

Camera, Video Editing

Mike Gaglione
Vitalii Makhnovets

Writing, Web Editing

Jimmy Thang

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Immersion Cooling

At the show floor, the company showed off a setup that offers 50 liters of “immersion cooling” within their new IX700 case. Immersion cooling means that the system is in liquid. The liquid is PA2, which is one of the more economical solutions, but is still expensive. Thermaltake tells us it's between $20 to $30 per liter.

The liquid is piped through 2 gigantic pipes, which Thermaltake tells us is rated for 20 bar. That’s insane. It then connects to a massive 4-radiator system. Overall, it’s a showcase for an enterprise solution, but it’s super cool. 

The PC had its CPU, an Intel Xeon w9-3495X, and GPU both at 100% load. CPU core temperature clocked in at about 60 degrees C and the GPU was about 64 degrees C. We estimate that the room the computer was in felt about 23 degrees C. 

The system is running 4 pumps and 4 radiators using a 4x420mm setup that are 64mm thick. Thermaltake is thinking that its immersion cooling setup will be a build-to-order enterprise solution. Taking a closer look at the radiators, they felt warm when we put our hands next to them.  

The system uses dielectric fluid, which means it’s non conductive. 

The hoses for the system seem overkill and we don’t know what industry they come from. 

View 390 Air

The View 390 Air is a $150 case. The company is thinking about including 2 fans for that price, but the company is still deciding between offering 2 fans in the front or in the back. In our opinion, Thermaltake should provide the 2x200mm fans in the front as users are less likely to already have those.   

The case’s glass side panel provides a solid wall all the way around the case. The glass measures 4-5mm thick, which is very large glass. Interestingly, closing off the top panel can work better for CPU thermals sometimes. The reason is that when you push air in, it’s not able to escape through the top.   

There is a screen that’s mounted above the motherboard, which is optional. If you don’t buy the screen version, there’s just a steel plate there instead. 

The case has spots for 3 sunken 120mm fans at the bottom and room for 3 fans on the side. We do like seeing the option for 2 fans in the back when there’s room for it, but it does make the case taller.   

TR100

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The company showed off several different color SKUs of the TR100, which is a case that’s already out on the market. 

TR200 and TR300

Thermaltake also showed off its TR200 micro-ATX case. It’s supposed to be $80.

The TR300, meanwhile, is a $100 case. 

Neither case has a riser, which means the GPU is normally installed. Both cases use a newer TFT display panel on the front, which Thermaltake says offers better brightness and sharper resolution than their prior panels. 

The company also showed off a prototype wood front panel. 

Looking inside the TR300, we can see a lot of Yeston-inspired marketing material on the pump block. In addition, the case also has a closed-off side near its front that tries to obscure the power supply and its cables because the PSU is mounted to the front and is rotated on its side. Unfortunately, this design does limit options for intake fans in the front. The case relies on bottom intake fans and some on the side. Again, unfortunately, the bottom of the TR300 is not that elevated though the TR200 does have more room to breathe, which we liked seeing. 

Thermaltake is looking at a Q3 launch for both cases. 

Mine Cube

The font and aesthetics of the Mine Cube might look familiar, but is legally distinct... The Mine Cube is a cooler block with 4-sided screens, which includes the top and 3 sides. It sits on top of a VRM fan and RAM fan. 

One feedback we offered was that there was no vent on the north side to allow air to hit the VRM from this angle.

Internally, the block cover has some slats. The unit we saw only was able to get in air through one side, but we looked at a really early prototype. Users can orient the Mine Cube to whatever position they want. 

There’s a couple challenges for Thermaltake to overcome here. The first of which involves software, particularly if you want to try and link the screens in any way. The unit we saw at Computex had a character moving from one screen to the next. The other main challenge pertains to cost, especially as it comes to controlling the screens. To address this, Thermaltake has gone to a single IC to control all 4 screens. Regardless, the 360mm model, which is the only one we know of at the moment, still ends up around $350. When we asked them about the technological challenges of trying to drive 4 screens through a liquid cooler, the company said it was “not making it $600,” which is a totally valid answer. 

Thermaltake is targeting an August release for the Mine Cube. 

Project Edge

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Thermaltake also showed off an early prototype of its Project Edge set of fans, which offers a series of progressing screens. The company thinks this is where the future of fans might be. To add some context here, Lian Li makes a bunch of money selling fans with LCDs on them. Now the direction might be LCDs on the side of fans.

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The Sapphire Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB sells close to MSRP, yet it features a factory overclock and higher power limit. In our testing, its cooler remained whisper-quiet even at full load. Interestingly, this model uses Samsung memory, whereas all other cards we've tested so far use Hynix.

During the VLSI Symposium in Japan, Intel shared some details on its new 18A process node, which is poised to enter full production in the latter half of 2025. This isn't merely an incremental step; Intel 18A represents a fundamental re-engineering of the silicon foundation, combining Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors with their innovative PowerVia backside power delivery network, all wrapped within a completely revamped metal stack design.

The integration of PowerVia is a game-changer. By routing power through the back of the chip, Intel has managed to tighten the connection pitches on critical front-side layers, while simultaneously relaxing spacing on the very top layers. This strategic shift not only promises to enhance manufacturing yield but also significantly simplifies the fabrication process itself. As shown by HardwareLuxx, the numbers speak volumes: in standardised power, performance, and area (PPA) tests conducted on an Arm core sub-block, Intel 18A showcased approximately 15% better iso-power performance than Intel 3. Pushing the voltage to 1.1V, clock speeds can increase up to 25% without incurring additional energy expenditures. Even at a lower 0.75V, performance can improve by 18%, or power consumption can be slashed by nearly 40%.

Under the hood, this process node achieves substantial reductions in cell height. Performance-tuned cells now measure a compact 180 nanometres, while high-density designs shrink further to just 160 nm, both notably smaller than their predecessors. The structure of metal layers has also been refined, as the front-side layers have been reduced from a range of 12-19 on Intel 3 to 11-16 on Intel 18A. To facilitate PowerVia, three additional rear metal layers have been added. Moreover, the pitches on the lower metal layers (M1 through M10) have been dramatically tightened, going from as much as 60 nm down to 32 nm, before intentionally increasing again in the uppermost layers. Adding to the manufacturing efficiency, low-NA EUV exposure is employed on layers M0 through M4, which slashes the number of masks required by an impressive 44%, further simplifying the overall production flow.

Intel intends to debut its 18A technology in key upcoming products. This includes the low-power Panther Lake, aimed at mobile platforms, and the efficiency-core-only “Clearwater Forest” Xeon 7 series for server applications. Recognising the diverse needs of different markets, Intel will offer multiple variations of the 18A process, including a cost-optimised 17-layer variant, a balanced 21-layer option, and a performance-focused 22-layer arrangement, ensuring flexibility for a wide range of applications.

KitGuru says: Can Intel recover its footing in the foundry business with its new 18A process node?

The post Intel 18A process node claimed to be 25% faster than previous generation first appeared on KitGuru.

A well-known leaker with a questionable track record claims that Apple could release the iPhone 17 in two new colors.


On Friday, Leaker Majin Bu announced that Apple is currently testing iPhone 17 base model colorways. This time around, it seems as though Apple may be planning on going with a pastel green and purple.

From the images shared by Bu, the purple appears to be pretty similar to what we saw with the iPhone 11 lineup. The green, however, is more saturated than the light green iPhone 15 and skews more towards yellow than the mint green iPhone 12.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


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The Liquid Glass look of the new macOS Tahoe is the first thing a user sees, but the appearance isn't only aesthetic, it comes with new features and improves existing ones.


In previous years, Apple has sometimes dialled back its macOS changes between the first developer beta and its eventual public release. But even the earliest look at a new macOS brings most of what it will be like to use as official operating system of the Mac.

So while details may change, and there are clear areas where improvement is needed, it's already possible to say that macOS Tahoe is a step forward for the Mac. It may not be the enormous leap that Apple claims, or as big an improvement as has come to iPadOS 26, but it's a definitely and marked improvement.


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It would appear that fans have turned on Monster Hunter Wilds. While the game launched to generally positive reviews earlier in the year, fans have grown frustrated with the gameplay changes made in the sequel, and now the game's Steam review score has dropped down to overwhelmingly negative. 

For Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom looked to make the game more accessible to a broader audience. As a result, new mechanics were introduced, like auto-pathing to targets, the ability to sharpen weapons and heal while riding, and a ‘focus mode' in combat that makes it easier for players to target monster weak points. This is all very different to Monster Hunter World, where hunts often required more careful planning and multiple chase attempts before taking a beast down.

Now, fans have begun putting all of these complaints front and centre under the Monster Hunter Wilds Steam page. The game's overall review score has dropped to Overwhelmingly Negative on Steam, and as pointed out by Windows Central, players have been dropping Wilds in favour of going back to Monster Hunter World on PC.

Aside from complaints around the ‘streamlined' experience in Monster Hunter Wilds, many PC players are also frustrated by the game's performance. Wilds runs quite poorly on mid-range PCs and older generation hardware, even on modern high-end systems, it is recommended that Frame Generation is enabled to bring an artificial boost.

KitGuru Says: Capcom has not yet responded to the rise in player complaints. However, a showcase is happening soon, so we expect to see some Monster Hunter Wilds related announcements.

The post Monster Hunter Wilds drops to ‘overwhelmingly negative’ Steam score first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple's latest back-to-school push has students making the case to their own parents with a Keynote or PowerPoint presentation about why they need a Mac for college.


It's graduation season, which means that Apple is kicking off its yearly back-to-school push. And, in a time when everything feels more expensive, it has come up with a new method for selling Macs — making the students do the work themselves.

A new seven-and-a-half-minute-long video walks students through the process of customizing free, Apple-designed slideshow. The slideshow features "45 customizable, parent-persuading reasons why Mac is crucial for college."


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The Nintendo Switch 2 has been off to a hot start, becoming the fastest selling console to date thanks to strong launch weekend sales. The Switch 2 also launched with a pretty strong line-up of third-party games, but so far, publishers are being disappointed by the results.

While Nintendo has already sold millions of Switch 2 consoles, and has observed strong sales for its launch game, Mario Kart World, third-party publishers have not yet benefitted from the boom in Switch 2 console sales. According to TheGameBusiness, analysis shows that the majority of Switch 2 game sales in the UK and US so far have been for first-party titles like Mario Kart World.

One third-party publisher told the outlet that Switch 2 sales have so far been “below our lowest estimates”. However, there is good reason to think that this is a temporary problem and not a sign that third-party publishers will struggle to find success on Nintendo's latest console.

So far, the majority of third-party Switch 2 games are ports of previously released games, and some of them were even available on the Switch 1. As the Switch 2 features backwards compatibility, many early adopters of the Switch 2 may be playing older Switch 1 games in their catalogue. As more brand-new titles land on the Switch 2, we would expect to see third-party performance lift up overall.

KitGuru Says: The line-up of brand-new games for the Switch 2 launch was underwhelming, but there are more games releasing every month.

The post Third party publishers report ‘low sales’ on Switch 2 so far first appeared on KitGuru.

NetEase has primarily focused its game development and publishing efforts on games with broad multiplayer appeal. However, for the first time, NetEase is now working on its first single-player game, and it is coming from the studio behind Naraka: Bladepoint.

Blood Message is a new game coming from NetEase and 24 Entertainment. The game's reveal today comes paired with a trailer, promising a cinematic story-driven action-adventure for both PC and consoles. Like most major AAA projects this generation, Blood Message is being developed using Unreal Engine 5.

Blood Message is set during the final years of the Tang dynasty. Players will go on a 1000-mile journey to Chang'an the centre of the Tang Empire. This lengthy journey will take players across the vast wilderness of East and Central Asia, all the while surviving brutal sieges.

The game promises a blend of stealth combat and survival mechanics, expansive landscapes, cinematic storytelling and a “deeply emotional journey exploring themes of family, honor, sacrifice and cultural identity”.

Blood Message does not yet have a release date.

KitGuru Says: What did you think of the announcement trailer? 

The post NetEase reveals its first AAA single-player game ‘Blood Message’ first appeared on KitGuru.

This week has been a bit of a wild one in rumour land. A previously reliable source made the bombshell claim that Microsoft had hired the developers behind the Xenia emulator to work on an official Xbox and Xbox 360 emulation tool for PCs and new devices like the Xbox Ally. Unfortunately, it turns out that this rumour may have been all smoke with no fire. 

Extas1s made a name for themselves online in recent years following a string of accurate leaks. However, this particular leak may be more fiction than fact. After claiming that Microsoft had hired developers behind Xbox 360 emulator, Xenia, for a push to bring the ‘Xbox Classics' library to more devices, one of the Xenia team members spoke out. According to Xenia developer ZoloKluk, Microsoft has not hired them and added that “Microsoft has their own Xbox 360 emulator” and would have no need to consult Xenia developers.

Another well known Xbox reporter, Windows Central's Jez Corden, also stated that while Microsoft is known to be looking at ways to bring more Xbox games to more devices, this emulation scenario “isn't a thing at the moment”.

As spotted by Insider Gaming, Extas1s did double down on his original report, claiming that Xenia project contributors were hired by Microsoft through an internal initiative that brings GitHub contributors into Microsoft for various projects. However, Microsoft just announced plans to let go of thousands of employees and has been actively shedding workers for the past 18 months, so it is unclear how reliable this claim really is.

KitGuru Says: At this point, I'd be putting my money against the idea that Microsoft is working on a new emulator destined for Windows. However, if Microsoft really does switch to a ‘gaming' version of Windows for the next Xbox, then I wouldn't rule it out in a few years' time. 

The post Xenia developer shoots down official Xbox emulator rumour first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple has pushed its iPad platform further than ever with iPadOS 26, and it goes well beyond a redesign. Here are five features that could make an iPad your next computer replacement.


There has been a lot of debate around iPad's place in Apple's lineup, especially since the iPad Pro first appeared in 2015. After a lot of updates tried to bring iPad closer to the Mac experience without replacing it with macOS entirely, iPadOS 26 takes the biggest step yet.

Here are five features that take iPad from a possible computer replacement to a definite option for many users.


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Asus has just revealed the Pro WS Platinum power supply line, which was announced at Computex 2025. Available in whopping 3000-watt, 2200-watt, and 1600-watt variants, these heavy-duty PSUs are engineered to drive multiple high-end graphics cards.

The PSUs incorporate PCIe connectors with gold-plated copper pins. This design choice promises to reduce connector temperatures by up to 10°C compared to standard 12V-2×6 connectors and improve power delivery efficiency by increasing contact between internal socket pins.

For thermal management and durability, the units use dual-ball fan bearings, which are designed for longer lifespans than sleeve-bearing alternatives. Extruded aluminium heatsinks are also integrated to dissipate heat from internal components. The PSUs are housed in a 175 mm-long chassis, shorter than some other 1600W units available.

These power supplies are compliant with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards. The cables are flexible and etched, with distinct colours for CPU and PCIe power connectors to aid installation and cable routing. Moreover, the Pro WS Platinum series carries an 80 Plus Platinum certification, indicating high power efficiency. This efficiency is partly attributed to the use of Japanese server-grade capacitors. A protective coating on the PCB is present to guard against moisture, dust, and debris. The power supplies come with a 10-year warranty.

The 3000W model is rated to support up to four GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, the 2200W model can power up to four GeForce RTX 5080 cards, and the 1600W variant can run two GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards.

KitGuru says: Regardless of your choice, a Pro WS Platinum PSU will provide plenty of power to feed your components.

The post Asus launches 3000W Pro WS Platinum PSU first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple is pushing its "F1" movie hard, but we're discovering ever more about the company's first macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26 betas, all on this week's episode of the AppleInsider Podcast.


Apple has never pushed a film as hard as it has "F1: The Movie," and just as this episode was recorded, that promotion included a new Apple Vision Pro experience. One of your hosts immediately took it for a ride, while the other got to listen to the sound of racing cars in the distance.

But both hosts are now up close with Apple's beta releases, particularly with macOS Tahoe. You only know what an OS is really like when you use it constantly — and it's also now that you find out so much more that Apple hasn't had time to promote.


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For the past six months, EA has been loudly playtesting Battlefield 6 with large pre-alpha gameplay sessions leading to numerous gameplay leaks. Now, Battlefield 6 has reportedly hit a new development milestone, and more content is hitting the Battlefield Labs testing platform. 

According to Battlefield Labs playtesters speaking with Insider Gaming, Battlefield 6 recently changed from pre-alpha to alpha, marking a major development milestone. Battlefield 6 does not yet have a release date, but we expect to see more playtests in the coming months, and EA has confirmed that the game will launch in the current fiscal year, ending in March 2026.

Leaks through Battlefield Labs have also revealed new assets for the game's single-player campaign, and assets for a Battle Royale mode. DICE did previously attempt to bring Battle Royale to Battlefield with the Firestorm mode in Battlefield V, but it did not achieve broad popularity. The Battle Royale idea has been put on ice in subsequent games but appears set for a return in Battlefield 6.

Apparently we'll be getting the first official Battlefield 6 trailer before the end of the Summer, which puts Gamescom as a likely reveal event.

KitGuru Says: If DICE could just get a launch right, we'd be having much more positive conversations around the Battlefield franchise right now. Hopefully these extra months of playtesting will pay off when Battlefield 6 hits the market. 

The post Battlefield 6 has reportedly hit a new milestone first appeared on KitGuru.

Expanding still further on its Indian manufacturing for Apple, Foxconn is reportedly looking to produce iPhone enclosures in the country.


Foxconn has already opened a new factory in India in 2025, and it's a continuation of years of expansion — even if that hasn't always gone as well as planned. Now according to India's The Economic Times, Foxconn is expected to open a further new facility in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu.

Neither Foxconn nor Apple have commented publicly, but citing unnamed sources said to be aware of the developments, the report says Foxconn wants to make iPhone enclosures, or chassis there. The report first describes Foxconn as looking at setting up a new unit in the ESR Industrial & Logistics Park at Oragadam in Tamil Nadu.


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Back in March, the team at FuturLab officially announced that a sequel to the much-loved PowerWash Simulator would be arriving at some point this year. Though a release date has yet to be shared, a new trailer has dropped for the sequel – detailing many of its new gameplay additions and improvements.

Releasing a new Gameplay trailer alongside a blog post, the team at FuturLab officially detailed some of the many changes and enhancements coming with PowerWash Simulator 2. Alongside previously-confirmed details (such as 4-player co-op with shared progression; a new home base; customisation and more), PowerWash Simulator is said to include:

• Multistage levels which unveil more to clean once you’ve completed the first stage
• ProRise AE-300 abseil rope for greater verticality
• ProRise SCF-5X scissor lift
• Customisable home base decor
• New ‘SwirlForce Surf Ace’ floor cleaning tool
• The ability to pet cats

FuturLab promises to be “taking a deeper dive into some of these in the coming weeks”. PowerWash Simulator was a huge hit which managed to take the ‘simulator’ genre of games in new directions when it launched back in 2022. Hopefully PowerWash Simulator 2 is even more satisfying and zen than the first.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of all the new features so far? Do you like the idea of the sequel expanding its scope? What was your favourite tool in the first game? Let us know down below.

The post PowerWash Simulator 2 gameplay enhancements detailed first appeared on KitGuru.

A couple days ago it was officially announced that Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled – the remake of Naughty Dogs classic PSOne kart racer – had sold over 10 million copies. This is despite the fact that the game was released exclusively for the PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Though it should be taken with a pinch of salt, a new ‘leaker’ has claimed that an enhanced port called the ‘Grand Prix Edition’ is set to come to current-gen consoles, and for the first time, PC.

Taking to the Crash Team Racing subreddit, a new user who claims to ”work for a small studio under Activision and Microsoft” has shared a ton of details for what is listed as ‘Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled – Grand Prix Edition’ alongside some blurry screenshots.

According to the leak, this enhanced version of the game is planned to come to PC platforms in 2026 (though they could not confirm whether Steam would be included) alongside the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 for $40.

Beyond this, the game is said to include “A few new characters,” a new track and the titular Grand Prix. Last but not least, the title will reportedly feature cross-play support for all current-gen platforms.

It is also worth noting that the leaker claims that Nitro-Fueled’s original developers Beenox had “absolutely no hands on what we did with this re-release” though gameplay remains entirely intact – “other than adding a reserve meter.”

Given the odd release of Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled in the first place, it would be highly appreciated if the game were to find its way onto current-gen systems – and more importantly PC. We will have to wait and see whether anything comes of this ‘leak.’

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the leak? Do you believe it? Why do you think a PC version was never made in the first place? Let us know down below.

The post Leaker claims a current-gen and PC remaster of Crash Team Racing is on its way first appeared on KitGuru.

Over the past half a decade or so, we have seen an influx in adaptations of various video game IPs. One of the more obscure announcements was for a live-action Netflix film based on the classic Dragon’s Lair arcade game. Announced all the way back in 2020, the Ryan Reynolds-led project has finally found its director.

As revealed by TheHollywoodReporter, James Bobin is confirmed to be helming directorial duties for the Netflix distributed Dragon’s Lair. As mentioned, Ryan Reynolds is also attached to the project, said to be starring in the film while also serving as producer.

Announced back in 2020, Netflix offered few details at the time, aside from the fact that the plot will revolve around Ryan Reynolds starring as “noble Knight Dirk the Daring, on his quest to rescue Princess Daphne from the titular dragon.”

For the uninitiated, James Bobin is a rather interesting choice for director, having been a major part of the classic 2000s British comedy ‘Da Ali G Show’ while also co-creating the Australian comedy ‘Flight of the Conchords’. Beyond this, Bobin also directed 2011’s The Muppets film as well as 2014’s Muppets Most Wanted.

Given the fact that the film was announced half a decade ago, it is surprising to see the project is still alive and finally finding its footing.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this latest update? Do you have any hopes for the Dragon’s Lair film? What’s your favourite project from Bobin? Let us know down below.

The post 5 years after its announcement, Ryan Reynolds’ Dragon’s Lair film has found its Director first appeared on KitGuru.

Following a year of PlayStation 5 exclusivity, Stellar Blade (from studio SHIFTUP) launched on PC last week to huge numbers – selling over 1 million copies almost immediately and breaking records for Sony on Steam. It therefore comes as little surprise that according to new reports, a Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade appears to be on its way.

As reported by the Korean site PlayForum, Stellar Blade studio SHIFTUP are said to be prepping for a Switch 2 version of the PS5/PC title, writing (as translated from Korean):

“ShiftUp has recently secured an official developer kit for Switch 2 and has begun initial work”. According to the report, this upcoming release is said to be “closely linked to ShiftUp's IP expansion strategy.”

Though far from proof of its existence, in celebration of the game selling 3 million copies, Stellar Blade studio SHIFTUP did gift all of its employees with Switch 2s – which does tie in nicely to this rumour.

Of course, as with all rumours, this should be taken with a pinch of salt. That said, with Stellar Blade no longer tied down to the PS5, and the PC version officially out of the way, it makes sense for the team to move on to another platform.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Did you pick up Stellar Blade on Steam? How do you think the Switch 2 would handle the game? What do you think the team is working on next? Let us know down below.

The post Reports claim SHIFTUP is bringing Stellar Blade to more platforms first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple Intelligence can make calls to ChatGPT, so you can use Siri to get AI answers from OpenAI's service. Here's how.


We previously covered how to use the ChatGPT extension in Apple's Notes app. That article described how to install, set up, and enable Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT - and how to use them together in the Notes app.

If you've also enabled Siri and the ChatGPT extension in Apple Intelligence system settings you can now use Siri itself to prompt ChatGPT for answers. There's also an additional feature in which you can type prompts directly into Siri and have it use ChatGPT for responses.


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Apple Intelligence went into a perpetual update loop for many users on Thursday, causing the old Siri animation to appear and on-device tools to stop working.


Issues surrounding Apple Intelligence have been cropping up throughout the day Thursday, and it may be due to a botched backend push from Apple. Users began noticing the lack of on-device Apple Intelligence early Thursday, and issues have continued propagating across devices and regions.

There's nothing on Apple's system status page that would indicate there are any issues, though there isn't a section for Apple Intelligence. AppleInsider reached out to Apple about the issue and has been told they are looking into it.


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Seenda's colorful, quirky peripherals offer a fun and affordable alternative to typical monochrome accessories, including an iPad-compatible ergonomic mouse.


In 2025, the market for Bluetooth and wireless peripherals is fairly saturated. There's something for just about everyone. Whether you're looking for a basic input device for your iPhone and iPad or something for an advanced gaming setup, the options are endless.

The Seenda CBD 2 (CTU-301) wireless keyboard and mouse set won't wow you with an endless array of customization options or expensive materials, but it will with its bright colors and bold design choices.


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