The 8BitDo FlipPad is a portrait-mode controller for your phone that plugs into the USB-C port on the bottom of the device and covers the bottom half of the phone screen.
Windows 11 is experiencing issues with unfinished AI features and bugs, while its user interface lacks refinement. It offers touch support, unlike macOS. At CES 2026, Intricuit introduced the "Intricuit Magic Screen," an attachable display for MacBooks that provides touch capabilities and stylus input, connecting via USB-C. The anticipated price is , with a Kickstarter launch planned. Users have long requested touchscreen support on macOS, but Apple has not yet responded. Speculation about a touchscreen MacBook continues, while Microsoft has offered touch support in Windows PCs for over a decade.
8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a at CES 2026, a keyboard that integrates a mini PC powered by AMD's Ryzen AI 300 PRO mobile processors, featuring a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS. It is designed to cater to hybrid workers using external monitors with laptops closed. The internal components include upgradeable DDR5 SODIMM RAM and M.2 NVMe solid-state drives.
Key specifications include:
- OS: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 PRO
- GPU: Up to AMD Radeon 860M integrated
- RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM
- Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 512GB encrypted PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 32GB eMMC v5.0 (Ryzen AI 7 350 only)
- Ports: 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (detached cable); 1x tethered USB4, 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (attached cable)
- Connectivity: MediaTek RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3, MediaTek MT7925 Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 6.0
- Audio: Stereo speakers, Stereo microphones
- Power: Configurable 32Whr battery (3.5+ hours), 65W USB-C GaN power adapter
- Dimensions: 358mm x 118mm x 17mm, weight 1.49 - 1.69 lbs
The design includes a spill-resistant keyboard that can be replaced in about ten minutes and a removable bottom panel for easy access to internal components. Both models support up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz and offer around 3.5 hours of usage on a full charge. The EliteBoard G1a has received a CES Innovation Award.
Asus is introducing the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, which are the first-ever 240Hz gaming glasses, providing a viewing experience equivalent to a 171-inch screen from four meters away. They feature a vision-filling display, portable design, and a higher refresh rate with a distinctive ROG aesthetic. The glasses include "optical engines" for simultaneous real-world and projected display experiences, with outer lenses that use electrochromic technology to enhance contrast and image quality. Each arm has a Bose speaker system for audio without earbuds, and connectivity options include a USB cable, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB-C inputs. They have a 57-degree field of view, covering up to 95% of the focused viewing area, but the resolution is capped at 1080p. A now-removed webpage suggested a launch in the first half of 2026, with a price range similar to current Xreal glasses, which start at 9.
The Microsoft Teams platform has received several updates during December, including the ability to pop out core functions into separate windows, and the integration of third-party ISV compliance recording at the call queue level. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now generates meeting summaries, highlights key discussion points, and suggests actionable tasks. A new security feature protects Teams messaging by identifying external users attempting to impersonate a tenant's domain. A Frontline Hub has been established for IT administrators to manage frontline Teams experiences more efficiently. Additionally, several new devices have been certified for Teams, including various EPOS headsets, Lenovo webcams, and Yealink devices, ensuring quality and compatibility.
A dual monitor setup enhances productivity by allowing users to multitask efficiently without the need for constant tab-switching. It enables activities such as participating in virtual meetings while taking notes or editing photos with previews. Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs significantly improve performance, being faster than older devices. Users can optimize their workflow by using the laptop screen for communication tasks and the second monitor for focused work. Setting up a second monitor on Windows is simple, involving connections via HDMI, USB-C, or DisplayPort, and adjusting display settings. Suggestions for monitors include budget-friendly options, portable monitors, and accessories like stands and docking stations. Windows 11 features like Snap layouts help organize windows effectively on dual screens.
Microsoft has begun a public preview for native support of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in Windows 11 Insider builds, specifically in build 26220.7344, available to Windows Insiders on the Dev and Beta channels. The MCP is an open standard that allows AI agents to connect with various applications and services. The update includes built-in connectors for File Explorer and Windows Settings, enabling agents to navigate files and modify settings with user consent. Microsoft aims to transform Windows into an agentic operating system but faces user skepticism about its AI initiatives. The update also features Quick Machine Recovery for non-domain-joined Windows Professional devices and the production release of Windows MIDI Services for MIDI 2.0. There is no timeline for when native MCP support will be generally available.
The Secretlab Magnus Pro is a desk designed to improve cable management, featuring a full-width cable management area with a flip-up panel and a solid sheet metal trough to keep cables organized. It includes an integrated power strip for streamlined power management and allows for the use of magnetic cable management accessories. The desk also offers a Desk Riser attachment for monitor elevation and a Premium PC Mount for securing a PC case. While it has some limitations, such as the tray size not accommodating all mounts, it is considered a valuable investment for those struggling with cable clutter. The price can exceed ,000, which is significantly higher than standard desks.
The HyperX Cloud III is a gaming headset known for its comfort, audio quality, and microphone performance, currently available at a 61% discount. It is ranked as the top wired headset and offers both analog and USB inputs, with the USB connection enabling DTS Spatial Audio virtual surround sound. The headset features cushioned earcups, a customizable headband, and 53mm drivers for balanced audio. It includes a removable boom mic with sound clarity and an LED indicator for mute status. The main cable has a 3.5mm analog jack and comes with adapters for USB-C and USB-A connections. The headset is priced at .99, frequently discounted to .99, making it an affordable option for gamers. The current deal is available only in light gray and red.
