Hardware and Accessories

According to a source close to Microsoft, the company has begun internal testing of Steam integration within its app store. The experiment could lay the groundwork for the next generation of Xbox consoles, which, according to rumors, will resemble PCs more than traditional gaming systems.

Upgrading your laptop to rival a gaming rig or workstation just got a whole lot easier. At Computex 2025, GIGABYTE introduced a powerful new external GPU that combines desktop-class graphics performance with the portability of Thunderbolt 5. It’s more than just a performance booster — it also doubles as a docking station, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for users who value flexibility.

Meizu is shaking up the gaming peripheral scene with its new PANDAER gaming mouse — a sleek, featherlight device that breaks the mold. Weighing in at just 58 grams, it features a CNC-machined magnesium-aluminum body, swappable panels for customization, and high-end internals like the PixArt PAW3395 sensor and StarFlash NearLink wireless tech with an ultra-low 0.125 ms latency.

The release of the GeForce RTX 5060 has sparked controversy, as NVIDIA imposes unprecedented limitations on independent testing
— allowing only pre-approved reviews. Experts suggest the company may be trying to hide weaknesses in the card, from outdated memory specs to artificially inflated FPS figures.

At Computex 2025, Intel pulled back the curtain on several new graphics cards aimed at AI workloads and professional graphics applications. Among the highlights are the Arc Pro B50 and B60 GPUs, which come with expanded memory capacity, and the unique Battlematrix platform that features a dual-GPU setup on a single board.

Rumors of Sony’s return to the handheld gaming market are gaining momentum, as multiple insiders claim the company is developing a fully standalone portable device. Its release may coincide with the launch of the PS6.

The CPU market is undergoing a major shift. Arm architecture — long associated primarily with mobile devices — is making serious inroads into the laptop and server segments. Analysts aren’t just seeing a growth in market share; they’re pointing to signs of a long-term power shift that could reshape the industry landscape.

Android developers are getting new tools to integrate generative AI directly into apps — no internet required. Google has updated its ML Kit to support Gemini Nano, a lightweight model that runs entirely on-device. This paves the way for features like text summarization and image analysis with enhanced privacy, though early versions will face limitations — from language support to hardware constraints.

TexHoo has unveiled its latest mini PC, the QN15 — one of the most budget-friendly systems powered by Intel’s Twin Lake processor. Starting at under $100, the compact device supports dual displays, includes an SSD slot, and offers gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

Acer has unveiled its first AI-driven wearable devices: earbuds with real-time two-way translation across 15 languages and a smart ring designed for 24/7 health tracking.

At Computex 2025, Intel pulled back the curtain on its upcoming Panther Lake processors, set to power laptops and PCs starting in 2026. Built on a hybrid architecture, the chips feature an upgraded AI accelerator and support for the latest memory standards, aiming to deliver a strong balance between performance and energy efficiency. Mass production kicks off in the second half of 2025, with the first devices expected in early 2026.

Bethesda and NVIDIA are back with another over-the-top custom PC inspired by Doom: The Dark Ages. This time, they’ve showcased a rig modeled after the game’s Skullcrusher shotgun — complete with moving parts and high-end components.

One-Netbook is bringing its latest portable hybrid, the OneXPlayer G1, to market — a device that combines a modular keyboard with a top-tier AMD processor. Designed for both work and play, this compact powerhouse aims to deliver ultimate versatility.

German scientists have conducted a large-scale experiment to finally put to rest the debate over 5G radiation’s impact on the human body. In a controlled lab setting, skin cells were exposed to electromagnetic waves at levels dozens of times higher than safety limits. The results, published in May 2025, challenge widespread fears about the “invisible threat” of next-gen wireless tech.

Netflix has found a new way to make ads almost invisible to viewers. The streaming giant is rolling out AI-powered technology that seamlessly embeds promotional content directly into scenes from its shows and movies. While some hail this as a breakthrough in personalization, others worry it could blur the line between storytelling and advertising.

Rumors about Xbox switching to ARM architecture have stirred the gaming community, but sources say the main consoles will stay on x86. Microsoft is reportedly focusing on a handheld Snapdragon-powered device — possibly its answer to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Portal.

For the first time in years, NVIDIA is overhauling its graphics card release strategy in response to new U.S. export restrictions. At the center of the shift are two new models: the memory-boosted RTX 5080 Super and a scaled-down RTX 5090D tailored specifically for the Chinese market. But with reduced specs and production delays, the success of these GPUs remains uncertain.

Xiaomi is taking a big step toward tech independence with the reveal of its XRING O1 processor — the company’s first smartphone chip since 2017. Developed entirely in-house, the new SoC is expected to go head-to-head with offerings from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

GameSir has announced the T7 Pro Floral — a striking wired controller that blends vibrant aesthetics with gamer-focused tech for those tired of the same old look. With its floral pattern, magnetic joysticks, and customizable settings, the T7 Pro Floral aims to prove that style and performance can go hand in hand — even in the mid-range segment.

ASUS continues to push the boundaries of user-friendly, clean-looking GPU designs. The new white edition of the RTX 5070 Ti not only brings a refreshed aesthetic but also introduces a redesigned power delivery system that hides cables within the case. The standout feature? A removable GC-HPWR connector that eliminates the need for custom motherboards and makes cable management much easier.