Category: 4. Technology

Intel will launch a refreshed lineup of its Intel Core Ultra 200 CPUs later this year, with the chips based on a refreshed variant of the Intel Arrow Lake architecture that powers its current flagship gaming CPUs, according to a new report. These so-called Intel Arrow Lake refresh chips are expected to come with increases in clock speed as well as AI number crunching, for modest all-around gains in performance.

The new Intel CPU lineup could help bolster the company’s efforts to attract gaming PC users to once again buy its chips, after several years of AMD’s X3D CPUs proving dominant in gaming performance and topping our best gaming CPU charts. However, the new report also suggests the performance gains will be modest, so this is far from a nailed-on certainty.

The Intel Arrow Lake refresh data comes from ZDNet Korea, which according to a machine translated version of the page, states that “Intel is set to release ‘Arrow Lake Refresh’, a desktop PC processor that slightly improves the performance of its Core Ultra 200S processor, in the second half of this year.”

The site doesn’t cite any source for this, so this is all just rumor for the time being. However, crucially, it goes on to say that “the prevailing opinion is that the performance improvement is not that great compared to the previous generation (14th generation, Raptor Lake Refresh).”

In other words, while Intel may be bringing a little more general performance to the table with its Intel Arrow Lake refresh chips – expected to arrive with model names based on the Intel Core Ultra 200 schema – they won’t be expected to take either the general performance crown from the Intel Core i9-14900K or the gaming performance crown from the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

Instead, the biggest boost is expected to be in AI. Intel’s current Core Ultra 200 desktop chips aren’t Microsoft CoPilot+ certified thanks to their AI-processing NPU not being quite powerful enough, so a slight increase would allow them to tick that box.

For most gaming PC builders, though, it’s looking much more like future AMD Zen 6 CPUs will be the next big leap in gaming CPU performance. Though those aren’t expected to arrive until 2026.

Meanwhile, despite its gaming performance not being chart-topping, our Intel Core Ultra 7 265K review shows Intel’s latest is still a very capable CPU. What’s more, recent price drops mean it’s currently far cheaper than the 9800X3D, at well under $300.

Whatever model of CPU you’re rocking, if you’re looking to get the most from your system, a RAM upgrade could be ideal. If you’re stuck on 8GB or even 16GB, a move to 32GB could allow your system to spread its wings. Check out our best gaming RAM guide to find the best upgrade for your needs.

You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We also have a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.

Amazon, Google, and Samsung are all working on an exciting way to bring AI to smart homes – and Apple risks being left behind.

Samsung is first to launch the new feature: the ability to use natural language to simply tell your smart home app what it is you want it to do …

Samsung Smart Things is effectively the Korean company’s equivalent of HomeKit. All compatible devices can be controlled through a single app on the company’s smartphones, in exactly the same way the Home app can be used on iPhones.

Currently, configuring a new automation in Apple’s Home app isn’t a very user-friendly experience for non-techy users. What Samsung has just announced, and The Verge reports is available now in its app, is a Routine Creation Assistant to automate scene-creation.

This lets you type a phrase describing what you want your home to do in the SmartThings app — like “turn off all the lights whenever I leave the house” — and it will set it up without you needing to configure each device or setting.

While that particular example is easy enough to do in Apple’s Home app, as there’s a specific “when the last person leaves home” trigger, other routines can be trickier for normal people.

For example, I have a timed automation for when I start work. This closes my office blind, switches on lighting to a cool color temperature for concentration, and switches off lights in other rooms.

Configuring this required me to create a scene, add accessories, specify their state, and then create an automation to activate that scene at a certain time on certain days (I do it this way so that I also have the option of manually activating the scene). For someone who isn’t used to the kind of flow and logic involved, creating this kind of thing can definitely be intimidating.

If Samsung’s app lets you create arbitrary automations as easily as telling the AI what you want, that’s a huge step forward in making smart home tech appealing to mass-market consumers.

And it’s not just Samsung: both Amazon and Google are already beta-testing exactly the same type of natural-language functionality. So pretty soon, Apple – once the leader in making smart home tech friendlier – could be the only major platform not to offer this.

Another area where Samsung is pulling ahead is by adding time delays.

Another update to SmartThings routines is the option to schedule multiple timed steps using a Delay Actions feature. For example, Samsung says, “Users can now create a ‘Good Morning’ routine that turns on bedroom lights at 7:00 a.m. [and] starts the coffee maker 15 minutes later.”

I’ve often wanted that ability, for example a goodnight routine that switches on the bedroom lights and turns off the rest, but waits 30 seconds before switching off the hallway lighting to show the way to the bedroom.

Finally, Samsung also lets you opt for a notification you tap to confirm you want something to run, which could be useful where you can anticipate potential clashes between timed automations and manually-activated scenes, depending on things like when people get up in the morning.

Shortcuts would be one way of doing this kind of thing, but that’s a lot clunkier than being able to do everything in one simple app. Apple has some catching up to do here.

Photo by Đức Trịnh on Unsplash

Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.

Breakout Growth Across Live Games

After four years of development and $25 million invested, Revolving Games’ latest title, War of Nova, has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing strategy games in its category. The real-time 4X strategy MMORPG is:

• Tracking toward $30 million in annualized revenue
• Seeing 40% that revenue generated by players on App Store and Google Play
• Showing strong player retention and engagement with D1/D3/D7 retention rates of 45/38/26, respectively and 30 minute average session lengths
• Launching Season 2 with improved social features in August

In parallel, HatchKings, Revolving Games’ social slots game, set a new on-chain gaming revenue record by generating $1.4 million in just 10 days, outperforming previous benchmarks set by leading Web3 games.

These numbers are more than just proof points. They signal what many have questioned – that Web3 games can, in fact, break into the mainstream. With nearly half of War of Nova’s revenue coming from everyday mobile players, Revolving Games is closing the gap between traditional mobile gaming and next-generation, player-powered infrastructure.

A Growing Player Community and Publisher Ecosystem

With four launched games, a robust live service operation, and a loyal player base investing into its infrastructure, Revolving Games is laying the groundwork for a scalable, player-first publishing platform. The company’s upcoming roadmap includes:

• The launch of Skyborne: Phoenix Flight, a casual invest-express RPG reminiscent of Animal Crossing, set to debut in Limited Access later this year
• Continued updates and seasonal content for War of Nova, HatchKings, and Hatchlings
• Onboarding IP Partners into the Publisher Ecosystem
• The rollout of the RCADE Network, a player-powered infrastructure layer designed to connect games, studios, and players through real rewards and shared growth

“With the traction we’re seeing across our live games and Skyborne: Phoenix Flight on deck, we believe Revolving Games is positioned to reach $60 million in ARR by the end of the year,” added Ammar Zaeem, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Revolving Games. “It’s a reflection of years of quiet work and our belief that building for real players — not hype — is what drives long-term growth.”

Building for the Long Term

Backed by industry giants Pantera Capital, Animoca Brands, Polygon, and Rockstar Games’ co-creator Dan Houser, Revolving Games has shown through its commercial success and rapid growth that it’s leading the way for next-gen gaming.

“Four years ago, we set out to build games that people actually want to play and it still remains the mission,” said Saad Zaeem, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Revolving Games. “Seeing War of Nova and HatchKings take off proves that when you focus on gameplay and community first, everything else follows.”

Revolving Games has been recognized as #27 Forbes’ Best Startup Employers and Newsweek’s Greatest Startup Workplaces in 2025. The company continues to scale globally with studios in North America, Europe, and Asia.

About Revolving Games

Revolving Games is a global game developer and decentralized publisher creating scalable, player-owned gaming experiences through high-quality gameplay and connected infrastructure. With teams across North America, Europe, and Asia, the company has launched multiple titles spanning strategy, social simulation, and RPG genres.

Backed by prominent investors including Pantera Capital, Animoca Brands, Polygon, Dapper Labs, Permanens Capital Partners, and others, Revolving Games is setting new standards for what’s possible in Web3 gaming, and has been recognized by Forbes and Newsweek as one of America’s Best Startup Employers (https://www.forbes.com/lists/americas-best-startup-employers/) and Greatest Startup Workplaces (https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-startup-workplaces-2025) in 2025.

Revolving Games is dedicated to building decentralized, long-lasting, and seriously fun games that rival the best of traditional AAA gaming. For more information, users can visit:

Contact

Revolving Games
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2725593/Revolving_Games_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2725594/Revolving_Games_2.jpg

SOURCE Revolving Games

The General Road Test Royale is a custom-built map that is being unveiled as its own universe in The Glitch on July 7. The game is a direct reflection of The General’s commitment to showing up where its customers already are — and in a space where they’re having fun, connecting and competing.

“At The General, we’re constantly looking for ways to meet our customers where they are and, increasingly, that’s in gaming environments like Fortnite,” said Kale Sligh, AVP of marketing at The General. “With The Glitch, we’re going beyond a logo placement to create a true experience that reflects our brand, connects with players’ passion points, and gives them a break by offering an escape from the everyday.”

In The General Road Test Royale, players are invited to navigate obstacles quickly and efficiently with an equal amount of strategy and caution to earn in-map currency that help unlock new challenges and rewards in-game. Three city maps are available for players to race and practice safe driving on some of the nation’s most iconic driving locations: Miami, New York City and San Francisco. The game is paired with fun branded components — such as The General mustache shaped monument and The General helmet map marker — and is open to multiple players, but can also be experienced solo.

Created in partnership with Twitch and Look North World, The General Road Test Royale is unlike any other game, as it rewards players for smart, efficient driving — like staying on course, avoiding obstacles, and maintaining control under pressure. Developed in consultation with National Driving Training (NDT), the game incorporates real-world principles of safe driving in a way that’s fast-paced, fun, and engaging.

“I’m proud that Look North World and Twitch are partnering to bring The General Road Test Royale to life — it’s a smart, immersive way for the brand to show up in Fortnite with purpose,” said Alexander Seropian, Founder and CEO of Look North World. “Fortnite is the perfect platform to connect with young, aspirational drivers — and as a parent of newly licensed teens, I know how powerful and timely this message really is. And oh my gosh, turning the typical racing game mechanics on their ear is so much fun!”

The General will be hosting a streamer tournament between sixteen of the top Fortnite streamers on Twitch to generate excitement and fun. As part of this brand collaboration and activation, The General has partnered with a number of popular streamers, including T-Pain — Grammy-winning artist, beloved gamer and Twitch personality — who will be livestreaming playthroughs of the experience in July and competing in The General’s tournament on Twitch in August.

“Being a part of The General’s new commercial was pretty cool, and getting to take that energy into Fortnite is even better,” said T-Pain. “I can’t wait to stream my experience of The General Road Test Royale and show the community what the brand built. It’s creative, it’s chaotic, and it’s truly one of a kind.”

To drive additional excitement around The General’s tournament streams on Twitch, viewers can participate in two separate giveaways: one for a chance to win a 2025 Honda Civic, and another featuring prizes like a PlayStation 5, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Headphones, and Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Glasses. No purchase is necessary to enter either giveaway. Each giveaway is sponsored and administered by The General’s promotional partners. Full details, including official rules and eligibility requirements, will be available by early August.

Gamers can find The General on Twitch and can use Island Code 9524-2023-3031 to access The Glitch on Fortnite. To learn more about The General, visit www.thegeneral.com and follow the brand on TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Legal Disclaimer: This is an independently created Fortnite island and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Epic Games, Inc.

About The General Insurance 
The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc. (The General®) is a licensed auto insurance agency and a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance Company. For over 60 years, The General has served under-served drivers who may find it difficult to secure coverage. The General takes an empathetic approach to insurance—ensuring all drivers have a flexible and reasonably priced option available when they need it most. Visit www.thegeneral.com or follow The General on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media Contact:
Tommy Derken
[email protected]

SOURCE The General® Insurance

Ready to upgrade to a new phone? Now is the perfect time to take the leap. The Google Pixel 9A just dropped back down to its all-time lowest price. It has a lot to offer, which is why it’s among the best Pixel phones on the market and our favorite Android phone for the value. 

If you’re looking for a Pixel 9A deals to save you some cash on your upgrade, there are several options out there. But for an unlocked model that doesn’t lock you into a multi-year contract Amazon has a Prime Day deal you won’t want to miss. Right now the already-affordable Pixel 9A has been slashed to just $449. That’s a $50 savings and a return to the lowest price we’ve seen on this model. Not a fan of Amazon? This deal is also available at Best Buy and directly from the Google Store.

There have been some design changes with the Pixel 9A, but change doesn’t have to be bad. Some highlights are its bright screen and solid camera performance. It has a lower RAM than the baseline Pixel 9, but it has the same display size, processor and AI features. It’s also worth noting that this particular phone lacks Satellite SOS connectivity, which is available on the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup. We have a breakdown to help you compare the 9A with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. 

CNET expert Patrick Holland also found the Pixel 9A cameras to be the clear winner against Apple’s budget phone, the iPhone 16E, in large part to its three camera setup featuring a wide, ultrawide and selfie cam. He noted that, “the Pixel 9A really pushes the dynamic range in its images. The phone captures more details in the shadows but really aggressively brightens them too.” 

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.  

In his review, Patrick Holland also observed that, “the Pixel 9A’s 5,100-mAh battery is the largest on any Pixel phone. But compared with the Pixel 8A, it also has a bigger screen that maxes out at 2,700-nits brightness, a more powerful processor and onboard AI processing. The result is just an OK battery life that was almost the same as last year’s Pixel 8A. Typically, I got around a single day’s use on a charge.” 

That probably works for a lot of buyers, but you can decide which specs are the most important to splurge on. That said, at under $500 you’ll get a lot of value for the price — especially in the age of impending tariffs. 

Why this deal matters

For a budget-friendly phone, Google’s Pixel 9A has a lot to offer. We love the phone at full price, so nabbing it for under $450 is a great deal. It’s currently back down to the lowest price we’ve found on this model so far, and we don’t anticipate it will drop lower any time soon. With AI features, solid camera performance and plenty of other goodies, this phone is packed with value. But this deal could end at any time, so we recommend making your purchase soon to lock in this low price. 

In partnership with Tecno

There was a lot of excitement and hype when Tecno released the new Camon 40 smartphones at MWC earlier this year. Members of the UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG) took to the streets of Camden, one of London’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, to test the phone’s camera capabilities in a busy real-world setting.

From graffiti-covered walls to crowded market stalls, Camden provided a strong testing ground with its mix of colours, textures and moving subjects. There were plenty of opportunities for the photographers see how well the Camon 40 smartphones handled contrast, detail and dynamic range.

Here’s what the photographers had to say about Tecno’s latest offering.

Funmi

I was using the Camon 40 Premier on the photowalk and I found the phone easy to use. The double-tap feature with the side button that opens the camera was really handy when I wanted to capture a quick photo. I really loved the quality of the images, they were sharp and I was able to zoom in without compromising on the quality.

Camille

The two features I tried were the portrait and flashsnap modes. Given how busy Camden is, it was a real challenge to try and capture movement in the street and crowds and the flashsnap feature was made for situations like this. I was able to get some sharp photos during the walk.

Adele

I was wowed by the super-macro mode – the detail was impeccable and there was seamless transition when I was focusing on the subject. The colours were vibrant without being over-saturated and the photos were sharp.

Andrea

For a first-time user, the Camon 40 Premier was easy to navigate and use. I was impressed by the quality of the photos and videos even when you zoom in. The photos were sharp and had good contrast.

Dionne

This phone is awesome for photographers, especially for street photography. The AI features in the Camon 40 Premier camera are great because you don’t have to do much to get a great photo, you can just shoot and post without any editing.

Read more:

Follow AP on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

A new 3DMark Port Royal world record has been set by ‘OGS’, a member of Greek team Hellas Overclocking. And, yes, before you ask, competitive hardware overclocking is indeed a thing. Just last week, we saw a ROG Astral RTX 5090 ‘smashing’ the Port Royal world record, something which ASUS was keen to boast about.

The previous record was set by well-known world champion overclocker Allen ‘Splave’ Golibersuch, who pushed the record to 47,375. Now, the record has been beaten by none other that the RTX 5090D, the cut-down version of Nvidia’s flagship graphics card. OGS’s new record brings the new high score up to 47,469.

OGS sets new Port Royal record with RTX 5090D

The new record was uploaded to HWBot on July 4th, with proof of the new high score and an image of the Frankenstein setup used to achieve it.

• Processor: Intel Core i9 14900KF
• Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090D
• Memory: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
• Power Supply: Corsair HXi series 1500W

Source: OGS via HWBot

Source: OGS via HWBot

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