All articles tagged with #hardware upgrades
The M5 iPad Pro offers small hardware upgrades like faster charging, improved wireless chips, and external display support, but largely remains similar to the previous model with some software limitations affecting its AI and gaming potential. Reviews highlight its powerful performance, especially with iPadOS 26, but note the ecosystem's current inability to fully leverage the M5 chip's capabilities.
Peloton has launched a major hardware overhaul across its Bike, Tread, and Row machines, featuring new screens, AI-powered form-checking cameras, personalized workout plans, and collaborations with health organizations, all at higher prices and requiring a subscription.
Apple launched the iPhone 17 lineup with notable hardware improvements but remained silent on AI advancements, emphasizing reliable, polished devices over unproven AI features amid industry competition.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a significant upgrade for Google's flagship line, featuring a refined design, a brighter OLED display, the new Tensor G5 chip with better gaming and thermal performance, native Qi 2 wireless charging, increased storage options, and improved cameras, making it a compelling choice despite some limitations like battery life and charging speed.
Apple's September 9 event will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup with major design updates, new smartwatches, and peripherals, as the company focuses on hardware innovations to stay competitive amid AI advancements and maintain its ecosystem dominance.
The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to offer significant hardware improvements and new watchOS features not supported on Ultra 1, such as wrist flick, smarter Smart Replies, Live Translation, and automatic volume adjustment, which may motivate Ultra 1 owners to upgrade, especially when combined with rumored hardware enhancements like a larger screen and 5G support.
The upcoming Pixel Watch 4 is expected to feature a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip, a new co-processor called M55 for enhanced AI performance, larger batteries, and side charging. It will have brighter displays, a range of sensors, and be available in five colors, with launch anticipated next month during Google's hardware event on August 20.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to launch later this year with significant upgrades including satellite connectivity, 5G support, a faster chip, improved display, and faster charging, although some features like blood pressure monitoring may not be ready in time.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is an iterative but well-executed upgrade over the original, offering better performance, a larger and brighter screen, improved controllers, and exclusive access to Nintendo's latest games, making it a compelling choice for handheld and couch multiplayer gaming despite some restrictions and hardware limitations.
Samsung teases the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a focus on AI-enhanced camera features, including potential hardware upgrades like a 200MP main camera, marking the most significant camera update in three generations of Samsung foldables.
Samsung may delay major camera hardware upgrades until the Galaxy S28, focusing instead on thinner, lighter designs and software enhancements, potentially skipping significant improvements in the upcoming Galaxy S26 and S27 Ultra models due to design constraints and cost-cutting strategies.
Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro feature a higher IP57 rating, offering improved dust and water resistance compared to previous models. Both versions now provide better protection against solid particles and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water. However, the carrying/charging case is not water-resistant. Pre-orders are available with attractive trade-in options.
Asus has officially announced the ROG Ally X, a revised version of its handheld gaming PC, available for preorder at $799 and shipping on July 22nd. The new model features significant upgrades including double the battery life, storage, and USB-C ports, improved ergonomics, and enhanced internal components for better performance. Despite these enhancements, it retains the same AMD Z1 Extreme chipset and 7-inch VRR screen as its predecessor. The ROG Ally X aims to be the best Windows handheld gaming device, boasting a larger battery without a significant increase in weight, and numerous design improvements.
Analysts are skeptical about the iPhone 16 launch, predicting that a lack of extensive AI features may negatively impact sales, with some foreseeing up to a 15 percent decline in shipments. While rumors suggest hardware upgrades for improved AI capabilities, such as increased RAM and larger NPUs, analysts believe these enhancements will likely be seen in the iPhone 17 lineup instead. Apple's iOS 18 update is expected to bring generative AI features, and the company may also upgrade the microphones for better voice command processing by Siri. The official iPhone 16 launch later this year will reveal the extent of AI features in the new flagship family.
Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson confirms leaked specs and performance upgrades for the rumored PlayStation 5 Pro, including a 45% rendering performance increase and up to 4x higher ray tracing performance compared to the PS5. The PS5 Pro is rumored to launch later this year with significant hardware upgrades, such as an AI accelerator supporting Sony's new upscaling solution. Sony aims to address performance issues at 4K resolutions, offering smooth 4K performance and 8K gaming through aggressive upscaling.