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Pegasus infections on iPhones more common than previously believed

Pegasus may have been more widely used than first believed, after an iPhone app used to detect infestations uncovered multiple undiscovered instances of the spyware.

An iPhone with a thematic binary wallpaper.
An iPhone with a thematic binary wallpaper.

Pegasus, created by NSO Group, is known to be spyware used by governments and security agencies around the world. While the spyware has previously been discovered on devices owned and used by prominent political figures, people of interest to governments, and journalists, it was probably more widely used than anyone expected.

In May 2024, iVerify released a $1 app for people to scan their iPhones for any signs of compromise. On Wednesday, iVerify said that, of the approximately 3,000 people who downloaded and used the app, there were seven verifiable detections of Pegasus.


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Core design: How chip binning helps Apple offer A18 variants

The A18 in the iPhone 16e is not the same as the A18 in the iPhone 16. Here's why the act of chip binning helps Apple while also creating variants of the same chip for different products.

Smartphone screen showing reminders alongside an Apple A18 chip being discarded into a trash can, set against a gradient background.
Apple may be using chip binning for the iPhone 16e's A18 chip

The launch of the iPhone 16e was a thorough modernization of what is practically the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE 3. It's an upgrade that brought many areas of the budget iPhone option up to speed with the flagship range, the iPhone 16.

However, while it is stated as having an A18 chip powering things, it's not the same A18 chip as used by its stablemate, the iPhone 16. They are labeled the same, but they're certainly different.


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iPhone 15 Pro set to get Visual Intelligence in a future iOS update

While initially launched exclusively for the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple plans to expand Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro.

A hand holds a smartphone displaying bakery information, including photos and accessibility details, in front of a pastry shop on a cloudy street.
Visual Intelligence identifying a bakery

Visual Intelligence a handy feature that allows you to point your camera at an object in the real world to learn more about it. It's essentially Apple's answer to Google Lens.

Previously, if you wanted to use Visual Intelligence, you'd have to be someone who purchased a device in either the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro lineup. However, Apple has confirmed to Daring Fireball that the feature will roll out to the iPhone 15 Pro in a future update.


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How the iPhone 16e mostly improves the Action Button

The new iPhone 16e moves Visual Intelligence to the Action Button, making that immediately more useful and also giving faint hope that the button will be improved further.

A hand presses the button on the side of a silver smartphone, with camera lenses visible in the background.
The Action Button as introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro

Apple's Action Button was first introduced on the original Apple Watch Ultra, where users could decide what it would actually do when pressed. It's a function button, really, and it worked the same when it then came to the iPhone 15 Pro.

Now it's come to the iPhone 16e, and it's a little different. You still have to press and hold before it does anything, and the Action Button can still only do one of a series of actions that you choose.


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Kandji & Backblaze team up to simplify Mac IT management & data protection

Apple-focused IT teams can now automate device management and data backup through a single platform with a new integration.

Red background with a white flame icon above the word 'Backblaze' in bold black text.
Backblaze

Backblaze and Kandji have integrated their services to provide unified Apple device management and cloud backup capabilities. The partnership enables automated deployment of Backblaze's backup service through Kandji's device management platform.

The integration brings together automated Backblaze deployment across company Apple devices, centralized management of devices and backups, combined security policy enforcement and data protection, and single dashboard control for IT teams.


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MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio Review: Hot-Clocked Blackwell GB203

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio Review: Hot-Clocked Blackwell GB203 MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio Review: MSRP $799 The MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio takes NVIDIA's GB203 GPU and gooses up its clock speeds to improve performance over standard cards. Blackwell Architecture Hot-Clocked From The Factory Easy Overclocker Relatively Power Friendly Cool And Quiet DLSS 4 + RTX Neural Rendering Upgraded...

How to use your first iPhone, for beginners

If you've never used an iPhone before, there steps you have to go to set it up, and then there are things you need to know about how to get the most from it. Here's what Apple doesn't tell you.

Hand opening a box containing a new smartphone on a decorated metal table outdoors.
Unboxing the iPhone 16 Pro Max

It is true that Apple devices tend to just work, and it's certainly true that the iPhone is ultimately incredibly easy to use. But when you first hold that piece of glass and metal in your hand, it's a mystery.

And it's a mystery that Apple assumes you will figure out. While there are support pages on Apple's website, those are useless until you're online.


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iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3: A quantum leap forward

The iPhone 16e brings the iPhone SE kicking and screaming to modern times. Here's what's new about the spiritual successor versus the outgoing budget-friendly model.

Two smartphones displayed side by side; left phone in white with notch, right phone in red with home button. Background: gradient from green to red.
iPhone 16e [left], iPhone SE Gen 3 [right]

Apple has consistently kept the design of the iPhone SE behind the rest of the iPhone range throughout its life. With the introduction of the iPhone 16e as a rebranded replacement, the budget model is now a thoroughly modernized smartphone.

It's not just the design that's been given a boost, as its specifications have also been upgraded to match its appearance.


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Trump's tariffs could drive up iPhone prices by about 10%

Estimating the cost to Apple of paying President Trump's import tariffs, Bank of America believes that a 9% price hike for the iPhone and all other devices, would prevent losses.

Three men closely examine a large black circuit board in a brightly lit industrial setting.
Apple CEO Tim Cook [left] with Donald Trump [right] at a Mac Pro factory

It's a fiction that other countries will pay tariffs, as instead all such costs will always be borne by US companies. In the case of Apple, it has previously earned an exemption — though not consistently — and it has tried to reduce the impact of tariffs by moving manufacturing to different countries.

According to CNBC, this time that spreading of the manufacturing around various locations is not going to help. Bank of America now estimates that whatever Apple does with manufacturing, and wherever it does it, the company will face a minimum of a 10% tariff.


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ASUS GeForce RTX 5070 Ti TUF OC Review

The ASUS GeForce RTX 5070 Ti TUF OC comes with a fantastic all-metal cooling solution that is built like a tank. During testing in our review, the card ran whisper-quiet at full load with the Quiet BIOS, and super cool with the default BIOS. The only problem is the high price of $1000.

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Vanguard SOC Review

The MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Vanguard comes with the most powerful cooling solution tested today. It's also the quietest card and runs at lower temperatures than any other model—out of the box, no BIOS switch required. Performance is excellent, too, but pricing is very high.

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio OC+ Review

The MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Trio OC+ is a custom-design variant with a triple slot, triple-fan cooling solution. Testing in our review confirms, this card runs whisper-quiet and at good temperatures. Overclocking potential was fantastic, achieving 12% extra FPS in real-life testing.

Palit GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GameRock OC Review

The Palit GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GameRock OC is built around a great-looking triple-fan cooling solution with fantastic RGB lighting effects. In our testing the card ran very quietly no matter what we threw at it and the factory overclock helps unlock additional performance.

Nvidia fights scalpers with ‘Verified Priority Access’ program for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080

There have been many disappointed enthusiasts who have been unable to get hold of an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 graphics card since launch last month. In an effort to avoid scalpers buying up Founders Edition graphics cards, Nvidia has now set up a Verified Priority Access program. 

In a statement shared on the Nvidia forums today, Nvidia confirmed plans for the Verified Priority Access program, saying that it will give “a limited number of verified GeForce gamers and creators” an opportunity to buy one RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card from the Nvidia Marketplace.

To be eligible, you have to A) be in the US. B) have a registered Nvidia account from before January 30th. You can sign-up to be considered for it by filling out a form where you simply select which graphics card you are looking to buy and then tick a box to say that you agree to Nvidia verifying participation “based on region, configuration, games and app usage”. From the sounds of it, Nvidia will be targeting power users who have spent time engaging with Nvidia's services.

There is no word on whether or not this program will roll out worldwide, or if Nvidia will have plans to put something like this in place for future Founders Edition launches. It certainly would have helped a lot of enthusiasts avoid the stress of retail queues and scalpers driving prices up.

KitGuru Says: Do you think something like this should be in place for enthusiasts looking to upgrade moving forward? Do you want to see this program open up in Europe and other regions?

The post Nvidia fights scalpers with ‘Verified Priority Access’ program for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 first appeared on KitGuru.

World War Z: Aftermath is free on the Epic Games Store

As they have done for years now, each week a new game or two are given away for free via the Epic Games Store for all those with an EGS account. From today, users can get their hands on the cute indie RGP Garden Story as well as Saber Interactive’s World War Z: Aftermath.

Available to add to your library from today until the 27th of February at 4pm, this week’s free titles are being headlined by World War Z: Aftermath. While this has been given away on the Epic Store in the past, in case you missed it back then, this Saber Interactive-developed co-op shooter functions similarly to that of the iconic Left4Dead series but with a 3rd-person perspective.

As expected, the game throws massive swarms of zombies all clumped together at you with intent to kill. Featuring a number of different and unique classes, you and three other friends can buddy up and take on its co-op story driven campaigns which take you all across the world.

World War Z: Aftermath is the complete version of the game, and so if you aren’t one of the 15 million who've already experienced this title, now is as good a time as any.

Garden Story meanwhile is a cute indie RPG in which you must “unify a broken community as the newly-appointed Guardian of The Grove”. Think of it kind of like Stardew Valley except you play as a grape.

Both World War Z: Aftermath and Garden Story are available to claim from today at 4PM UK time.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you tried World War Z: Aftermath in the past? What’s your favourite fruit? Let us know down below.

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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 reportedly launching this June

Just yesterday, we reported on the possibility of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series returning, thanks to one professional skater who let slip that he is in an upcoming ‘remaster’ of the series. It seems as though this will indeed be the case, as following his claims leakers have now revealed that THPS 3+4 is set to be officially announced this June.

As reported by known industry insider eXtas1s, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is planned to be shadow dropped by Microsoft during the company’s Xbox Games Showcase in June. According to the insider, this release will launch simultaneously on PC, Xbox and PlayStation 5 – marking another first-party Xbox title headed to PlayStation.

For the uninitiated, following the success of 2020’s Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 (which went on to become the fastest-selling entry in the franchise), studio Vicarious Visions were working on a similar remake for the 3rd and 4th entries…until it was cancelled by Activision.

Pro Skater Tony

Given the fact that Vicarious Visions has since been absorbed and renamed to Blizzard Albany, it is unknown which studio has been tasked with this remake – though hopefully the Albany team were involved in some way.

As mentioned, just yesterday professional skater Tyshawn Jones revealed that “I’m in a Tony Hawk coming out, that’s cool. They got a new one they remastering so that’s about to come out, I was in the last one”. With collaborators and now leakers reporting on this remaster, it seems as though we might finally be getting the previously-ill-fated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for the return of THPS? Which game in the series is your all-time favourite? Which studio do you think is working on the remake? Let us know down below.

The post Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 reportedly launching this June first appeared on KitGuru.

10 titles are leaving PlayStation Plus in March

Each month, Sony updates its PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium libraries with a new line-up of titles. Similarly, every month a number of games are also removed from the service. With February’s line-up now available to claim, the console maker has revealed that 10 titles are set to leave the service in a month’s time.

In going to the PlayStation Plus tab on your PS5, you’ll find a list of 10 titles under the ‘Last Chance to Play’ section. Leaving the service at some point in March (likely around the 18th) are the following:

  • Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
  • Resident Evil 3 Remake
  • DBZ Kakarot
  • Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
  • Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
  • Life is Strange True Colors
  • Life is Strange 2 Complete Season
  • Final Fantasy Type-O HD
  • Street Fighter 5 Champion Edition
  • Mortal Kombat 11

PlayStation Plus

Fighting game fans might be disappointed to see 3 major titles leaving PS Plus, with Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R stinging particularly hard. In addition, it is interesting to see two Life is Strange titles being removed given the fact that the brand new Lost Records: Bloom and Rage has been added as a day-one release onto the service.

If you have not yet caught up with the Life is Strange series, you might want to give the two departing titles a go before they’re removed. Fortunately, both entries are relatively short affairs, and so you should have plenty of time to complete them.

In case you missed it, February’s PS Plus Extra/Premium titles are now available on the service, including the likes of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor; TopSpin 2K25 and Patapon 3. The full list can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of February’s PS Plus additions? What about the games set to leave? Will you try to finish any of these games before they’re gone? Let us know down below.

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Hades II gets second major patch with ‘Warsong Update’

Back in May of last year, the team at Supergiant Games surprise-dropped the early access launch of Hades II. Since then, the game has seen one major content update alongside a bunch of smaller patches. Finally, Supergiant Games are back with Hades II’s 2nd major update – bringing new levels, gods, boons, revamped menus and a whole lot more.

Making the announcement, the team at Supergiant Games officially released and detailed their latest ‘Warsong Update’ writing:

“Our second Major Update has arrived, featuring the final confrontation of the surface route, one last Olympian and all his Boons, a new Animal Familiar to bond with, streamlined resource gathering, plenty of new music and artwork, and more! We're excited to know what you think, and will be monitoring feedback in the coming weeks to ensure these latest additions are working properly.”

The full list of patch notes can be found HERE, but some of the more interesting/notable changes include:

  • More than 2,000 new voice lines and new events
  • New final confrontation
  • New Olymian (Ares) plus boons
  • Revamped boons
  • Revamped Altar of Ashes
  • New and reworked keepsakes
  • New enemies
  • Revamped special encounters
  • Much much more

In case you haven’t been keeping up with Hades II’s early access release, each major update has been huge for the game, not only in terms of new content, but how the currently available content is dished out and used.

Weapons and boons in particular have seen a great deal of changes over the months, and so it will be interesting to see how the Warsong Update switches up the gameplay formula. If you have yet to give Hades II a chance, now might be the best time to do so ahead of its full 1.0 release.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this update? Will you be heading back into Hades II? What’s been your favourite weapon to use thus far? Let us know down below.

The post Hades II gets second major patch with ‘Warsong Update’ first appeared on KitGuru.

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 gets official premiere date

HBO’s The Last of Us was a huge hit when it released back in early 2023, amassing 10s of millions of viewers and winning a ton of awards. Though it was known that Season 2 is planned to arrive sometime in April of 2025, we’ve now gotten a concrete premiere date.

Making the announcement with the release of 3 new character posters (alongside the tagine ‘Every Path Has A Price’) HBO has now confirmed that Season 2 of The Last of Us will premiere on the 13th of April – meaning it'll be here in under two months’ time.

The character posters released show Joel, Ellie and Abby walking down a path away from the camera while standing on items which are significant to each’s story (Joel’s broken watch; a guitar for Ellie and a Firefly pendant for Abby).

The Last of Us Season 2

Whether for the right or wrong reasons, The Last of Us Part II was a highly controversial game when it released back in 2020, and so it will be both exciting and somewhat scary to see how HBO and Naughty Dog plan to adapt this narrative for the show.

That said, given just how excellently the team managed to translate the first game, HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 is bound to be a gut-wrenching and highly evocative series when it premieres this April.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to Season 2? Do you think any changes will be made for the show? How do you think Season 2 will be formatted when compared to the game? Let us know down below.

The post HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 gets official premiere date first appeared on KitGuru.

How to measure your Mac's network performance with iPerf3 in Terminal

iPerf3 is a network throughput tool used to measure the performance of the network your Mac is using. Here's how to use it in the macOS Terminal app.

iPerf3 running on macOS.
Use iPerf3 on macOS to test network bandwidth and throughput.

iPerf (sometimes simply called "iperf") is a UNIX memory, network throughput, and bandwidth tool first developed at the NCSA of the University of Illinois. iPerf is a fully compatible rewrite of the older Test TCP (ttcp) app originally written at the US Army's Ballistic Research Lab for DARPA in around 1983.

There are also modern versions for Windows and Linux.


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More than a name change: iPhone 16e isn't the iPhone SE 4

Apple didn't simply change the expected iPhone SE 4 name to iPhone 16e — they're distinct product lines and all the data points to a strategy shift.

Smartphone with a white frame, horizontal orientation, displaying a dark screen featuring a glowing orb in the center against a black background.
iPhone 16e is here, and it's not the iPhone SE

We should have seen this coming. Every Apple-focused website saw Tim Cook's post on February 13 and assumed that it was an iPhone SE 4 reveal.

After all, almost all of the rumors for the last 18 months have called it the iPhone SE 4.


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Steeper price drops hit Apple's M4 & M4 Pro Mac mini

Apple retailers are competing for your business by knocking triple digits off the M4 Pro Mac mini, while the standard M4 model has dropped to $549.

Silver Apple Mac mini on a blue-lit desk, highlighted by a gold 'Limited Time Offer' banner, next to a plant in a copper pot.
Apple's M4 Pro Mac mini is on sale for $1,299.

The M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is a popular configuration due to its blend of affordability with the performance of the 12-core CPU/16-core GPU chip. Normally $1,399, the retail configuration is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon, B&H and Adorama.

Shop M4 Mac mini sale


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'Severance' tops 'Ted Lasso' as Apple's most-watched series for good reasons

"Severance" has officially become the most-watched Apple TV+ series, beating out former champion "Ted Lasso" — but you're probably not surprised.

Severance, Apple TV+
"Severance" — image credit: Apple

Apple can tell when it has a good thing going. While every show it picks up doesn't become a hit, it certainly makes it known when it's found something special.

"Severence" is no exception. If you've read our site at all in the last two months, you've probably noticed we've covered quite a bit, from a star-studded pop up in New York to the series' surprising jump to Roku for a limited time.


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iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: A new Apple Intelligence-powered entry-level option

Apple's update to the iPhone SE adds a new design and Apple Intelligence, as well as a new name: iPhone 16e. Here's how it compares to yesterday's budget option — the iPhone 16.

Two smartphones side by side on a gradient background showing front and back views, featuring circular patterns on screens.
iPhone 16e [left], iPhone 16 [right]

Arriving just shy of three years after the third-generation iPhone SE, the newly-rebranded iPhone 16e has arrived as the new entry-level model for consumers. This is a major modernization effort, with a new design and a considerable specifications bump to match modern smartphones.

With the introduction of a new low-cost smartphone on Apple's roster, this leaves consumers wondering if they should get it instead of the slightly more expensive iPhone 16.


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Ubisoft and Lexip unveil Assassin’s Creed Shadows-themed peripheral collection

Ubisoft is teaming up with gaming peripheral manufacturer Lexip to equip Assassin's Creed Shadows fans with a collection of co-branded gaming accessories. This collaboration features six custom-designed items, each reflecting the game's feudal Japan setting. These peripherals will also be available in unique bundles with the game itself upon its release on March 20th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, macOS, and PC.

Starting with the Engraved Wireless Headset, it has an ancestral Japanese-inspired design. Enjoy cross-platform compatibility, connecting wirelessly to a wide range of devices via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle. For those seeking enhanced control and precision, the Programmable Mouse with Thumb Joystick offers a unique programmable analogue thumb joystick, four buttons, a clickable wheel, and an optical sensor.

The Ergonomic Controller provides a comfortable and customisable gaming experience across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. It features four programmable rear paddles, a D-pad, two joysticks, vibration feedback, and 14 buttons. The AC: Shadows-themed mechanical keyboard uses red mechanical switches and customisable RGB backlighting. It's available in QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY layouts to suit different regions. Complete your setup with the Rigid Mouse Pad, with a customisable backlight, or an XXL Flexible Mouse Pad, made from washable neoprene with a non-slip latex base.

These accessories are available in various bundles, including the standard edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Assassin's Creed Shadows launches on March 20th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, macOS, and PC via Steam, the Ubisoft Store, and the Epic Games Store.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of the Assassin's Creed Shadows-themed peripherals?

The post Ubisoft and Lexip unveil Assassin’s Creed Shadows-themed peripheral collection first appeared on KitGuru.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Part 1 Review – And… Action!

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Diving into Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Part One "Bloom," I had a lot of high hopes. I love story-based games where you have to make decisions that will have consequences later down the line. The aesthetic of this game also really pulled me in. I love games that have that retro feel and are full of neon vibrancy that is reminiscent of the 90s. Despite being neon, it has a beautiful muted feel to it at times and really provides the grittiness and dated feel to help you travel back in time. Loading the game for the first time, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/lost-records-bloom-rage-part-1-and-action/

Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix will reportedly halt production of DDR3 and DDR4 memory in late 2025

The DRAM market is facing a potential upheaval as leading manufacturers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are considering halting the production of DDR3 and DDR4 memory by the end of the year. According to industry sources, this move is driven by a combination of lower memory prices and declining demand. While this could lead to a shortage of DDR4 memory, which is still widely used in entry-level PCs and consumer devices, the situation is more nuanced than it first appears.

As per Digitimes' report (via Tom's Hardware), the root cause of this potential shift lies in the aggressive pricing strategies of Chinese DRAM manufacturers, like Changxin Memory Technology (CXMT) and Fujian Jinhua. These companies have significantly ramped up DDR4 production while slashing prices, undercutting their South Korean rivals. In some cases, Chinese DDR4 memory ICs are reportedly cheaper than reconditioned chips, making it increasingly difficult for major DRAM manufacturers to maintain profitability in the DDR4 market. This has led them to consider phasing out DDR4 production in favour of more lucrative options like DDR5 and HBM.

However, demand for DDR4 remains strong, and whether Chinese manufacturers can meet this demand alone is unclear. If Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix exit the DDR3 and DDR4 markets, a supply shortage could emerge as early as mid-2025. While Taiwanese companies like Nanya Technology and Winbond Electronics could potentially fill the gap, their focus on specialised DRAM with lower production volumes and higher prices might not fully address the broader market needs. Moreover, some clients hesitate to use Chinese-made DRAM.

Nanya Technology predicts the DRAM market will bottom out in early 2025 before recovering in the second quarter. AI-related cloud computing is expected to remain a key driver, while overall consumer demand is projected to see only a modest increase. Anticipating the decline of older DDR memory versions, Winbond Electronics plans to transition to a more advanced 16nm manufacturing process in late 2025. This move from 20nm will enable the company to produce higher-capacity 8Gb DDR chips, better positioning them for current and future market demands.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you still have a system using DDR3 or DDR4 memory? If you're planning to upgrade your memory, it might be a good idea to do it soon, or you might end up paying more for the same.

The post Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix will reportedly halt production of DDR3 and DDR4 memory in late 2025 first appeared on KitGuru.

Phil Spencer confirms plans for more multiplatform games in Xbox showcases

Phil Spencer has been doing the rounds in headlines again this week thanks to a newly published interview. We've already heard that Microsoft is no longer interested in convincing gamers to switch to Xbox from competing platforms. Spencer has now confirmed that future Xbox game showcases will feature more multi-platform titles.

Typically, a Nintendo Direct, PlayStation State of Play or an Xbox Games Showcase focuses primarily on first-party games, releasing exclusively for each platform holder's console. As Microsoft takes on this more SEGA-like multi-platform approach, we will start to see the focus shift more from exclusives in showcases to multiplatform titles. While multiplatform games shown during these showcases often only appear with one console logo or splash screen, Microsoft plans to include PlayStation and Nintendo logos on trailers for its multiplatform games during showcases.

Speaking with XboxEra, Spencer confirmed the shift in strategy saying:

“I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are, and we actually even had this discussion last year for the June showcase, and by the time we kind of made our decision, we couldn’t get all of the assets done and it felt weird to have some of them in and some of them out.”

“But I just want to be transparent with people – for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re going to put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam… People should know the storefronts where they can get our games”.

If you needed any further confirmation that Microsoft plans to lean more into multiplatform games and do away with true exclusives, this should be it. We're still not a point where Xbox has ‘no exclusives', and for now, a lot of games are still coming to PlayStation and Nintendo months, or years after the original Xbox and PC release. However, as we've seen with Sony and its quicker pace of PC releases, those lengthy gaps are only going to get smaller.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I know Microsoft thinks it can still sell Xbox console hardware after all of this, but this weird in-between position they've taken cannot last. Eventually, the masses will notice that they don't need to own an Xbox to play Xbox games and from that point, they will invest in other platforms. 

The post Phil Spencer confirms plans for more multiplatform games in Xbox showcases first appeared on KitGuru.

Avowed launches to ‘Very Positive’ reviews on Steam

The Pillars of Eternity series was incredibly well received but due to the top-down, CRPG nature of the game, it wasn't as widely accessible to the gaming masses as something like an Elder Scrolls or Fallout. Obsidian is opening up the world of Eora to a new audience today with the launch of Avowed, which has released to a very positive reception on Steam. 

Avowed is now available and sits at a ‘Very Positive' rating on Steam, based on close to 3000 user reviews at the time of publishing. Prior to release, Obsidian talked a lot about how the team wanted to perfect combat in this game, especially for those who prefer to cast spells over swinging swords. The developers will be pleased to see that many of the top-rated reviews absolutely rave about the combat in this game, from the dual-wielding functions to meaningful spells, destructible environments and all of the animations in-between.

Avowed 60fps

As Avowed isn't meant to be on the same scale as a Skyrim or a Starfield, players get smaller open zones to explore rather than a sprawling map. That means that Obsidian is able to hide treasure in all sorts of interesting places across the map, making exploration rewarding and interesting. We've all had that moment of disappointment when reaching an out of place platform, or going behind a waterfall, only to find absolutely nothing there. Based on reviews so far, it sounds like that won't be a problem for those playing Avowed.

This is a nice change from last week. When Avowed first released to Premium Edition buyers last week, the game had a ‘mixed' reception based on early Steam reviews, but over the last few days, as the game has opened up to millions of new players, that overall review score has improved significantly.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: As a big fan of Obsidian RPGs, I've been looking forward to Avowed for years and I'm looking forward to finally diving in. Have any of you picked up Avowed already? What do you think of the game so far? 

The post Avowed launches to ‘Very Positive’ reviews on Steam first appeared on KitGuru.

GameSir unveils the new Super Nova wireless controller

GameSir is raising the bar for multi-platform gaming controllers with its latest release, the Super Nova. This controller prioritises comfort, precision, and customisation, offering a single device to play across PC, Switch, Android, and iOS devices. The Super Nova's standout feature is its focus on silent operation. Noise-free ABXY buttons and cutting-edge GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth, precise feedback without distracting clicks or stick drift.

One of the Super Nova's key selling points is its connectivity, with tri-mode connection options ensuring seamless integration with various platforms. Whether you prefer Bluetooth, a wired connection, or a wireless dongle, the Super Nova has you covered. Incorporating GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks guarantees exceptional durability and responsiveness, with a lifespan of up to 5 million cycles. Anti-friction glide rings further enhance the experience, eliminating stick grinding and ensuring smooth, precise movements.

The Super Nova also features precision-tuned Hall Effect analogue triggers, offering a smooth and responsive operation. Trigger stops allow for customisation, enabling players to switch to a short pull position for rapid-fire action. Additionally, a hair-trigger mode can be activated for lightning-fast responses. A 1000Hz polling rate further enhances responsiveness by minimising latency. Dual asymmetric rumble motors provide haptic feedback, while the built-in 6-axis gyroscope enhances motion control. Moreover, it also has a one-press wake-up feature.

Customisation options abound with two back buttons that support single button mapping and macro recording, putting complex commands at your fingertips. Customizable RGB light strips and a detachable center faceplate allow you to personalise the controller, while the ABXY configuration can be physically altered to suit individual playstyles. Thanks to a 1000 mAh battery and an intelligent auto start-stop charging station, charging is effortless. Simply pick up the controller to start playing and return it to the station for automatic recharging when you're finished.

The GameSir app and GameSir Connect app unlock even more customisation options, allowing for firmware updates, stick and trigger dead zone adjustments, vibration intensity control, and button testing. Many of these settings can also be accessed through on-the-fly key combinations. The Super Nova is available in white-pink and black-blue for £37.00.

KitGuru says: If you were to buy a new controller, would you consider the GameSir Super Nova?

The post GameSir unveils the new Super Nova wireless controller first appeared on KitGuru.

Google Lens-powered Screen Search arrives for Chrome on iPhone

Google has announced that it's bringing a new feature to iPhone that enables users to quickly search while browsing the web or watching videos.

Two smartphones displaying Google Lens, one shows ramen, the other a gramophone. Floating icons and search results related to these items are visible around the phones.
Circle to Search comes to iOS

Screen Search is, effectively, the iOS version of Circle to Search, which was released to select premium Android smartphones over a year ago.

The feature is designed to give users a much more convenient way to search content they're actively engaging with. Instead of switching screens to open up a search engine, users can simply circle the thing they're interested in to launch a Google search.


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Apple Intelligence language extensions to Chinese, French & more coming in April

Apple has regularly stated what languages its Apple Intelligence will support over the course of 2025, but it has now confirmed which ones are coming in April.

Person presenting Apple software features, including Siri, Cloud Compute, writing tools, Genmoji, memory movie creation, photo cleanup, message summaries, audio recording, and natural language search on a colorful screen.
Apple originally introduced Apple Intelligence only for US English

Right at its launch, Apple said that Apple Intelligence would initially require US English, but then would expand to many other languages. While it later listed a selection of those, Apple has now stated which ones are coming next.

Specifically, in a note on its iPhone 16e launch press release, Apple says that:


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Apple's iPhone 16e announcement takes a familiar approach

The iPhone 16e announcement video sticks to Apple's signature style, making a mid-cycle product feel just as important as a major launch.

Tim Cook with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a dark blue sweater, black pants, and a watch, standing in a light-colored room.
Tim Cook announcing the iPhone 16e

The company unveiled the iPhone 16e in a press release and a short video that looks and feels like a keynote presentation. The video features Tim Cook and other Apple employees introducing the product in a structured format, just like they would at WWDC or a September iPhone event.

The pacing, transitions, and scripted delivery all mirror Apple's signature keynote style.


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Why the iPhone 16E doesnt truly fit the iPhone SE's shoes

The new iPhone 16e is surely the right combination of prices and features to be a hit, but the iPhone SE range that it has replaced will always be special.

Two iPhones on a green grid cutting mat; one is red, and the other is silver and black.
The original and second generation iPhone SE

Here's how significant the iPhone SE was — I actually remember what I was doing when it was announced back in 2016.

I wasn't working here yet. I was supposed to be going into a meeting, but instead, I stayed in my car reading AppleInsider for the latest coverage.


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Apple has officially killed off the Home Button

With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple has officially ended the nearly two-decade run of the Home Button.

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The iPhone SE 3 was the last of Apple's products to feature the Home Button

On Wednesday, Apple announced the iPhone 16e. Designed to replace the budget-friendly iPhone SE, it offers a lower price point for new and returning iPhone owners — or anyone who isn't looking to drop $800 on a mainline release.

All three generations of the iPhone SE featured a home button. However, we had already expected that the newest budget model would move to Face ID.


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iPhone 16e lacks Ultra Wideband tracking and Thread radio

To keep the cost down, Apple's new iPhone 16e isn't just missing MagSafe, it also lacks Ultra Wideband, and a Thread radio.

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Ultra Wideband first shipped in the iPhone 12, HomePod mini, and more

MagSafe wasn't the only omission from the iPhone 16e. Probably because of the new Apple-designed cellular modem, Ultra Wideband isn't included, nor is a thread radio.

Ultra Wideband (UWB) is a wireless protocol for communications, which functions using radio waves. At its most basic, it can be used to transmit messages between devices, making it somewhat analogous to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.


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New iPhone 16e offers Apple Intelligence at a low price point

Apple's new iPhone 16e is the heir apparent to the iPhone SE, with the new model delivering Face ID and Apple Intelligence at a lower price point.

Two iPhones, one showing its back with a white finish and Apple logo, the other displaying a vibrant abstract wallpaper on its screen.
iPhone 16e - Image Credit: Apple

Launched on Wednesday, the iPhone 16e is a massive rebranding of the iPhone SE, both in terms of name and specification. While it's unclear at this time what the "e" specifically means, it does at least denote it as possibly an "essential" version of the main iPhone family.



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iPhone SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus are all retired with iPhone 16e launch

Apple introduced iPhone 16e on Wednesday, but since it replicates much of the functionality of existing devices, the iPhone 14 lineup and iPhone SE have been discontinued in its wake.

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iPhone 16e replaces iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the lineup

Out with the old, in with the slightly new. iPhone 16e is a half step from iPhone 14 to iPhone 16, but its lower price and improved specs should be enough to entice many upgraders.

iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE as the new entry option, though at a higher price. The iPhone 14 design with a 6.1 display and A18 processor is enough to make the older devices redundant, so Apple has removed them from sale.


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iPhone 16e is clearly targeted at iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 owners

Apple's iPhone 16e marketing and trade-in pricing is designed specifically to get iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users to upgrade.

Five smartphones overlapping, showing backs with dual cameras in colors: red, black, white, yellow, and green.
The iPhone 11 from 2019

It's not as if Apple will turn any buyer away, but it is very clearly setting out its stall that the iPhone 16e is for people who last bought an iPhone in 2019 or 2020. Six years on from the iPhone 11 and five years on from the iPhone, this is the best iPhone to upgrade to and Apple is aiming to sweeten the deal.

The first clue of the market Apple is aiming for with the new iPhone comes in the comparisons.


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iPhone 16e doesn't have MagSafe

The iPhone 16e appears on the surface to be an excellent addition — assuming you don't want to use MagSafe charging or accessories.

Exploded view of a smartphone showing internal components: copper-graphite shield, magnet array, alignment magnet, charging coil, polycarbonate housing, and e-shield.
How Apple's MagSafe works

It's an interesting omission — while the iPhone 16e has Qi wireless charging, it lacks the magnet ring for MagSafe accessories. Practically, that means that old-style car mounts are the order of the day.

For those not familiar, MagSafe appeared with the iPhone 12 family. It is the combination of a mounting system and a charging system. Apple started with its Qi wireless charging coil and added several new components to create a proprietary type of wireless charging as well as allow the mounting of different accessories.


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