The 8BitDo Pro 3 is a highly customizable gaming controller praised for its versatility and comfort, featuring swappable face buttons, arcade-style joystick caps, and advanced trigger and stick technology. It supports multiple platforms including Switch 2, PC, and more, with extensive customization options via the Ultimate V2 app. However, it has some drawbacks like imprecise rumble effects and inability to wake the Switch 2 from standby, making it less ideal as a primary Switch 2 controller despite its many features.
The Ploopy Knob is an open-source, customizable control dial for PCs, powered by a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, designed for functions like volume control and media scrubbing. It is available fully assembled for around $37 CAD, with design files and software open for DIY customization, though high-resolution scrolling may be limited on macOS.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series will feature seven new, highly customizable watch faces, including designs like Circle Info Board, Heritage Classic, and Minimal Digital, which have been leaked ahead of the official launch on July 9. These watch faces will likely be available on older Galaxy Watches compatible with the One UI 8 Watch update shortly after the launch.
Ploopy has introduced the Ploopy Knob, an open-source, highly precise, compact control device featuring a magnetic encoder with 4096 positions, customizable firmware, and a 3D-printed case, emphasizing transparency and user modification.
YouTube TV is testing a customizable 2x2 multiview feature, allowing users to select which four channels they want to watch, addressing the previous limitation of pre-made choices. The feature, currently being tested by some users on Reddit, is expected to roll out to all devices that support multiview, although a specific timeline has not been provided. This development comes after YouTube TV's promise of customizable multiview since the feature's launch last March, and the company's previous pledge to allow mixing and matching of content types.
The Framework Laptop 16 is a highly customizable and repairable 16-inch laptop, offering a 6-slot Expansion Card system for customizability, attachable GPU module for gaming, and customizable keyboard deck. While it may not feel as sturdy as some gaming laptops, it provides unparalleled freedom to customize and repair. However, the DIY version requires additional components and parts, and its performance, while solid, may not match that of other gaming laptops.
The Framework Laptop 16 debuts with a detachable Radeon RX 7700S GPU, offering a larger 16-inch form factor with customizable and upgradeable components, including LED Matrix modules and an RGB Macropad module. The highest-end configuration features a Ryzen 9 7940HS and 100 W Radeon RX 7700S for around $2400 USD, targeting a broad audience of multimedia users, content creators, and gamers. The environmentally-friendly laptop boasts six USB-C ports, but lacks an audio jack or Kensington lock. Its IPS display offers fast response times, DCI-P3 colors, and a variable 165 Hz refresh rate with FreeSync support, making it suitable for editing and gaming. The laptop's repairability is emphasized, with detailed maintenance guides available, but accessing the motherboard requires removing the keyboard and clickpad.
Instagram has introduced new customizable Story templates, allowing users to personalize their Stories with different layouts, fonts, and colors. The update aims to enhance user creativity and engagement on the platform.
The highly customizable Arc browser has launched its beta version for Windows, offering users an enhanced browsing experience with a range of customization options.
The Ploopy Adept Trackball is an open source and customizable input device that can be pre-ordered for $60 USD. It features a 3D-printed case, a smaller trackball, and additional buttons compared to similar trackballs. The design files, schematics, and firmware are available on the company's GitHub page, allowing users to modify the trackball to their preferences. The DIY kit includes a 3D-printed case, ball, sensors, a mainboard, and a Raspberry Pi Pico running QMK firmware. The trackball is expected to ship to customers by early December.
The Monokei Standard mechanical keyboard offers a delightful design, hot-swappable switches, Bluetooth connectivity for up to 4 devices, long battery life, and a pleasing typing experience. While it lacks backlighting and programming software, it is a relatively affordable option for those looking to explore customizable mechanical keyboards. Available in multiple colors, the Monokei Standard is small and lightweight, making it suitable for travel.
The Hex Evo Left Hand Gaming Controller offers a no-compromise solution for gamers by combining the precision of a mouse with the flexibility and comfort of a gaming controller. It replaces the keyboard with 22 customizable buttons and allows users to perform all in-game actions with a true analog stick. The controller is fully repairable and compatible with consoles, PCs, and Macs. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to take anywhere, and its customizable features make it appealing to both gamers and productivity enthusiasts.
Keychron, known for customizable keyboards, has launched its gaming division, Lemokey, with the crowdfunded L3 keyboard. The L3 features a tough, customizable aluminum body and supports a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a 1,000Hz polling rate. It offers three keycap color schemes, key remapping, and macro creation. The L3 can pair with up to three devices over Bluetooth 5.1 and has a wired option for low latency. The keyboard is expected to be delivered in October, with a starting price of $189 for the barebones kit. The L3 aims to strike a balance between personalization and performance for gamers.
8BitDo has announced a new Xbox-licensed arcade stick that is wireless and customizable, with moddable controls and swappable arcade buttons. The accessory connects wirelessly with a bundled 2.4G dongle adapter or wired via the included USB-C cable, and has a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones. It is compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, and costs $120, undercutting its highest-profile competitor by $80. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox officially launches on June 30th and will be available for pre-order on Amazon.
Sony has unveiled its new PlayStation 5 controller, Access, which is designed for maximum accessibility and allows players to create different layouts and button-mapping that will best work for them. The Access kit includes various button caps and swappable button cap tags for easy marking. In addition to the physical hardware capabilities of the controller, the Access will also let players customize UI settings. The controller is a catch-up move by Sony, as Microsoft created the Adaptive Controller back in 2018 for Xbox and Windows PC.
