connectivity options Archives

Winsage

April 21, 2025

I got my hands on the redesigned successor to 2024’s best gaming laptop for most people — I’m confident that I’m going to love it, but there is ONE downside

Lenovo has introduced the Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10), a gaming laptop featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, a 24-core processor, and NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs, including the RTX 5090 with 24GB of VRAM. It supports upgradeable DDR5 RAM and SSD storage, with plans for PCIe Gen5 options. The laptop has a redesigned CNC-milled aluminum chassis and a QHD+ OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. The charging adapter has increased from 330W to 400W to support a peak TDP of 250W. The Legion Pro 7i is slightly larger but about 8% lighter than its predecessor. It features improved thermal management and retains essential connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, gigabit Ethernet, USB Type-C, and a new Thunderbolt 4 port. Initial gameplay tests show performance improvements, achieving 158 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 and 134 FPS in Gears 5. The starting price is ,599.99.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

I set out to see if the Razer Blade 16’s redesign, AMD, and RTX 50-series put the laptop back on top

The Razer Blade 16 (2025) starts at a price of ,999.99 and features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. The fully upgraded version costs ,899.99 and includes a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, RTX 5090 graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of SSD storage. The laptop is approximately 21-32% thinner and 13% lighter than its predecessor, with a CNC-milled unibody aluminum chassis. It has a 16-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. The Blade 16 features five USB ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a full-sized SD card slot. Battery life is limited, draining significantly in one hour of standard usage, and performance throttling occurs when unplugged. The keyboard has been redesigned for deeper key travel, while the touchpad has issues with palm rejection. It includes a FHD webcam, dual-array microphones, and a six-speaker system with THX Spatial Audio, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Intel Unison, a powerful free app bridging Android phones and PCs, is shutting down

Intel Unison will cease operations on June 30, 2025. The app has been recognized for transforming Android tablets into external displays and allowing users to make calls, send texts, and transfer files from Windows PCs. While some features can be replicated with Microsoft Phone Link, many users prefer Intel Unison for its comprehensive experience. Lenovo Aura platforms will continue to support Intel Unison until the end of 2025. The app requires Windows 11 machines with at least version 22H2 and a minimum of a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but it is also compatible with non-Intel machines. Certain Intel Evo 13th-generation and later devices came pre-installed with Intel Unison. Users will need to switch to Microsoft Phone Link for connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs after the discontinuation.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Streamline your Windows 11 upgrade with these versatile yet compact mini PCs

The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality. MSI offers commercial desktops optimized for Windows 11, featuring powerful processors and enhanced security. Selected models come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which includes IT management tools and improved productivity features, such as faster multitasking and better malware resilience. MSI's desktops, including the compact MSI Cubi NUC and the MSI Pro DP21 14MQ, provide extensive connectivity options and commercial-grade security features. These systems are designed to meet various business needs and enhance productivity while ensuring data protection.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out new AI-powered scam detection feature in Messages app

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

I couldn’t take my eyes off this laptop’s premium 4K, 120Hz OLED display for the entire review period

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 (Gen 10) is priced at ,899.99 and features a 14-inch PureSight Pro OLED display with a 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,400), 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 support. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU (8 cores, 8 threads, up to 3.7GHz) and an Intel Arc Graphics 140V GPU with 16GB of memory. The laptop includes 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD, and a 75Whr battery with a 65W USB Type-C charger. It weighs 1.25kg (2.76lbs) and has a unique glass lid design, though it offers limited port options with only two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. The display is noted for its exceptional color accuracy and vibrancy, with a peak brightness of 750 nits. The laptop runs on Windows 11 and has a battery life averaging around six hours. The keyboard is redesigned for comfort, but the touchpad is small. It features quad speakers, a microphone array, and an under-display webcam that lacks quality. The base model starts at ,759.99 with an Intel Core Ultra 256V, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, with upgrade options available.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

I’ve been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

The Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC has an MSRP of 9.00, with sales prices around 9.00 on platforms like Amazon. It features Windows 11 Pro, an Intel Core Ultra processor, and Intel Arc graphics. Specifications include options for Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, 32GB of RAM (expandable to 64GB), and 1TB SSD storage. The package includes the mini PC, a VESA mount, screws, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user manual. The design is compact with a sturdy aluminum casing, and it has a variety of ports: two USB-C 4.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and five USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Performance is solid for everyday tasks, with a performance rating of 5/5, and thermal performance is commendable with minimal fan noise. The overall score for the GT1 Mega is 5/5, highlighting its value, design, connectivity, and performance. Alternatives include Geekom's A8 and A7 models, as well as offerings from Beelink and ASUS.