All articles tagged with #hardware upgrade
The new PlayStation 5 Pro CFI-7121 model offers improved power efficiency (2-3%), runs cooler, and is quieter than the original, with minor hardware changes like a lighter heatsink and different fan. The DualSense controller saw minimal updates, mainly removing the back microphone to reduce costs. Overall, these small upgrades enhance performance without significant changes or cost increases.
Apple is expected to release a second-generation Pro Display XDR with a built-in camera, likely supporting features like Center Stage and ultra-wide perspectives, along with potential hardware upgrades such as 7K resolution, Thunderbolt 4/5 ports, and embedded Apple silicon.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, announced at IFA, features a large 14.6-inch display, upgraded chipset, slimmer profile, lighter weight, and increased battery capacity, with a focus on design improvements and stylus enhancements, awaiting a full review.
Google announced the Pixel Watch 4 with significant hardware improvements including a domed glass design inspired by water droplets, a brighter and more immersive display, faster charging, and enhanced health tracking features. It features a new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, longer battery life, and introduces LTE with Satellite SOS. The watch also runs Wear OS 6 with a major UI redesign and AI-powered features, priced at $349-$399, available from October 9.
Nintendo explains how the upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2 allowed the development team of Donkey Kong Bananza to enhance the game by adding more objects, improving destruction effects, and achieving a smooth 60 fps, overcoming previous hardware limitations.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7, featuring a significantly thinner design, larger displays, and a new 200MP camera, with a starting price of $2,000, marking a major hardware update since 2020.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be the thinnest and lightest foldable yet, potentially challenging Chinese competitors with a near 4.54mm unfolded design, and may introduce an 'Ultra experience' featuring advanced camera and AI capabilities, signaling a significant upgrade in hardware and software for Samsung's foldable lineup.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a safe but solid upgrade over the original, retaining its core hybrid design while improving hardware features like controllers, screen, and online store, but it lacks significant innovation or new exclusive games, making it a reliable but somewhat predictable successor.
Netflix will end support for second- and third-generation Apple TV boxes on July 31, urging users to upgrade to newer models to maintain service.
Asus has announced the ROG Ally X, an updated version of its PC gaming handheld with significant quality-of-life improvements based on user feedback. The device retains the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but features upgraded storage, RAM, battery life, and a redesigned chassis for better ergonomics and cooling. Available for preorder at $799.99 / £799, it launches on July 22, 2024, and aims to compete with the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go.
Sony is reportedly instructing developers to prepare their games for the rumored PS5 Pro, emphasizing improved ray tracing support. The new hardware is expected to feature a "Trinity Enhanced" label for games with significant enhancements, similar to Microsoft's optimization label for the Xbox Series X. Leaked specifications suggest improved CPU and GPU performance, including a "High CPU Frequency Mode" and a PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling feature. This technology aims to enhance performance without requiring additional horsepower, potentially addressing concerns about running demanding games like GTA 6 at 60FPS. While an official release date for the PS5 Pro has not been announced, analysts suggest a potential launch later this year.
At the Game Developers Conference 2024, developers expressed skepticism about the need for a PS5 Pro, with many feeling they haven't fully utilized the current PS5 hardware. Challenges from the pandemic and lengthy development times have hindered the release of new IPs that fully leverage the current generation. Despite this, Sony has not officially announced the PS5 Pro or its plans for the future.
Sony has reportedly started sharing PS5 Pro specs with a wider circle of industry insiders, with analysts predicting a potential launch in 2024. A midsize third-party publisher claims to have received a presentation on the upgraded hardware, and reports suggest that first-party and second-party developers already have access to PS5 Pro details. The news comes amid growing anticipation for the release of highly-anticipated games like GTA 6.
Sony is rumored to be launching an upgraded PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024, positioning it as the optimal platform for playing GTA 6, set to release in 2025. Despite concerns over PlayStation's financials, the new hardware is anticipated to offer optional performance upgrades, potentially at a higher cost, without any expected price cuts for the current PS5 model. Analysts are curious to see the advantages the PS5 Pro will bring and whether consumers will find it worthwhile.
Rumors suggest that Sony is planning to release a PlayStation 5 Pro in late 2024, featuring a beefed-up CPU and GPU. The console, internally dubbed Project "Viola," is rumored to have an overclocked AMD Zen2 CPU and access to the AMD RDNA3 architecture with accelerated ray tracing from RDNA4. The supposed "trinity" design philosophy focuses on ray tracing enhancements, fast storage, and upscaling. While the rumors indicate a marginal improvement over the current PS5, specific details such as GPU clock, storage capacity, and price are still unknown. Microsoft's response to a mid-gen console refresh remains uncertain, as they focus on supporting third-party games on Game Pass.