chipset Archives

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is everything I wanted the Game Boy Micro to be

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is a modern handheld device inspired by the Game Boy Micro, featuring a premium metal body, large shoulder buttons, and a 3.5-inch IPS display perfect for GBA emulation. It runs on Android 13 and is powered by a Helio G99 SoC, allowing it to emulate some PS2 titles. The device is designed for discerning gamers and is priced starting at 9.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11 Update Issues and What To Do About Them

Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced significant issues, including blue screens of death (BSOD) and device bricking associated with update KB5043145. Users have reported problems such as black screens, corrupted boot sectors, and non-functional system restore points. Businesses are facing complications like failed domain join operations, group policy errors, and stalled WSUS updates. Specific issues include Remote Desktop disconnections after update KB5050094, the removal of the Windows Copilot app in March 2025, blocked BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad users, and gaming performance problems for titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft is aware of these issues but is slow to provide solutions. Users are advised to use built-in troubleshooters, roll back problematic updates, pause updates, manually update drivers, and back up their systems before major updates.

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2025

Android Circuit: Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaks, Pixel 9 Pro On Sale, Epic’s Free Android Games

Google's Pixel 9a has the best battery life of any Pixel available today, with over 30 hours of battery life and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Windows 11 config tool improves 24H2 updates compatibility, returns key activation, and more

NTLite has received updates that enhance its functionality and security features, including support for Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificates and Microsoft Pluton. The update improves compatibility with Windows 11 24H2 and reintroduces the unattended Windows product key activation option, with caution advised against using generic keys. Key components added include the Image Mastering API (IMAPIv2), InstallShield WOW64, and various tools for 32 and 64-bit systems. The update also includes enhancements to the downloader and cumulative update compatibility. The latest version, 2025.03.10349, is available for download on Neowin and the official NTLite website.

BetaBeacon

March 7, 2025

This quirky new handheld might be the best way to play Nintendo DS games

The MagicX Zero 40 is a handheld device that offers a new approach to Nintendo DS emulation by featuring a tall screen that displays the two screens from the Nintendo DS on top of each other.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2025

This gorgeous Game Boy Micro clone hits all the right buttons

AYANEO has unveiled the Pocket Micro Classic, a handheld device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch 3:2 IPS display, a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and 6 or 8GB of RAM. The device is capable of upscaling GBA games and emulating some PS2 games. It has a premium build quality with an aluminum alloy frame and borderless glass panel, available in three color options. The Pocket Micro Classic is priced starting at 9 and pre-orders are currently open on the official AYANEO website.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

I get to play with the world’s most powerful gaming tablet, and it’s totally awesome

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 2-in-1 convertible device designed for gaming and creative tasks, featuring a Windows-powered tablet with a large touch-enabled display, an adjustable kickstand, and a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It includes the Ryzen AI MAX platform, which integrates a powerful CPU, NPU, and advanced integrated GPU, allowing for exceptional performance without additional components. The device starts at ,099.99, with configurations and pricing that can be complex, but broader availability is expected. The unboxing experience is premium, featuring a sleek design and a substantial 200W charger. The tablet has a 13.4-inch display, a solid kickstand, and a responsive keyboard cover. It is equipped with a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, a Radeon 8060S GPU, 1TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage, and can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM. Battery life is decent, with a 70Whr battery allowing several hours of use, even while gaming. The ROG Flow Z13 caters to a niche audience seeking innovative hardware in a portable form factor, though potential buyers may find traditional gaming laptops offer better value.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2025

Retroid is resurrecting the Game Boy design with a colorful new handheld

Retroid has unveiled the Retroid Pocket Classic, a new vertical handheld device with a nostalgic Game Boy-like design.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Qualcomm’s next-gen ARM chip for Windows to add 50% more cores

Qualcomm is developing the Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs, featuring up to 18 Oryon V3 cores and designated as SC8480XP. It will utilize a system-in-package (SiP) design, integrating RAM and flash storage to enhance data transfer speeds and energy efficiency. Potential configurations may include up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The Snapdragon X2 is expected to be a high-TDP variant, with thermal management innovations including an all-in-one liquid cooling solution. It is branded as “Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium” and aims to compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple's M-series chips. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 will incorporate the Oryon v3 CPU, following the Oryon v2, which offers a 30% performance boost and 57% increase in power efficiency. The Snapdragon X2 could impact the Windows on ARM ecosystem, although challenges with software compatibility and market adoption remain.