battery life
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Dell: Consumers Uninterested in AI PCs
Read Full Article: Dell: Consumers Uninterested in AI PCs
Dell has acknowledged that consumers are not prioritizing AI features when purchasing PCs, despite the company's efforts to incorporate AI capabilities into its devices. Kevin Terwilliger, Dell's head of product, noted that AI often confuses consumers rather than aiding them in understanding the benefits. While Dell has integrated Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Cloud AI chips into its laptops to enhance AI performance, the primary consumer benefits have been improved battery life and performance rather than AI-specific features. This admission highlights a disconnect between tech companies' AI ambitions and consumer priorities, suggesting that the focus may need to shift towards more tangible benefits for users.
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Dell Revives XPS Brand with New Laptops
Read Full Article: Dell Revives XPS Brand with New Laptops
Dell is reviving its XPS brand, introducing the XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops at CES 2026, after a brief rebranding to names like Premium and Pro. These new models feature sleek, thin designs, improved battery life, and Intel’s latest Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors, aiming to recapture the "Extreme Performance System" reputation. They come with enhanced features such as proper function keys, subtle trackpad boundary lines, and the option for bright OLED displays, though they lack discrete graphics. The XPS 14 and 16 start at $1,649.99 and $1,849.99 respectively, with configurations available in early 2026, and a new XPS 13 is teased to be the thinnest yet, set to arrive later in the year. This matters as Dell's return to the XPS brand could strengthen its position in the competitive laptop market by appealing to users seeking high-performance Windows alternatives to MacBooks.
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HP’s OmniBooks Get AI Boost with New Chips & OLED
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HP has unveiled a refreshed lineup of OmniBook laptops, including the AI-focused OmniBook Ultra 14, which now features Intel’s Panther Lake and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors for enhanced AI performance. The Ultra 14 offers up to 64GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and a new OLED display with improved resolution, while maintaining a lightweight and slim design. Battery life has been extended to up to 20 hours, or even 30 hours on some configurations, and the laptop includes a compact vapor chamber cooling system to manage heat from intensive tasks. Additional models like the OmniBook 7, 5, 3, and X offer a variety of processor and display options, with some featuring next-gen AMD processors and OLED screens. This matters because the advancements in processing power and display technology enhance productivity and user experience, especially for AI-related tasks.
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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Chips Challenge Intel & AMD
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Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Plus chips, aiming to challenge Intel and AMD with claims of superior performance and efficiency for Windows PCs. The X2 Elite targets high-end laptops, while the X2 Plus is designed for budget machines, both expected to hit the market by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Despite fewer CPU cores, the Plus chips promise competitive performance against low-power Intel chips, and both chipsets boast impressive AI capabilities with an 80 TOPS NPU. While gaming performance might not be groundbreaking, Qualcomm is enhancing graphics driver support, and both chips offer significant power efficiency improvements, potentially leading to multi-day battery life. This development matters as it could shift the competitive landscape in the laptop market, offering consumers more choices and potentially driving innovation and cost-effectiveness.
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Anker’s AeroFit 2 Pro: Open-Ear or ANC Earbuds
Read Full Article: Anker’s AeroFit 2 Pro: Open-Ear or ANC Earbuds
Anker has introduced the AeroFit 2 Pro headphones, which offer versatility with an adjustable ear hook design that allows them to function as both open-ear headphones and ANC earbuds. The headphones feature sensors that adjust the EQ for optimal sound performance in both modes and use six microphones with Adaptive ANC 3.0 for dynamic noise cancellation. However, the new model has a reduced battery life compared to its predecessor, offering up to 7 hours in open-ear mode and 5 hours in ANC mode. Anker also announced the Sleep A30 Special, which integrates ANC and Calm Sleep Stories, and the Boom Go 3i Bluetooth speaker with a 4,800mAh battery. These innovations highlight Anker's focus on providing flexible audio solutions for various user needs.
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Neo Headphones: From Personal Listening to Shared Sound
Read Full Article: Neo Headphones: From Personal Listening to Shared Sound
A new company, TDM, has introduced the Neo, a multifunctional pair of wireless headphones that transform into a Bluetooth speaker by rolling up the flexible headband. Unlike previous models that either rotate ear cups outward or use an open-back design, the Neo features two sets of 40mm drivers: one for private listening and another for sharing music in speaker mode. With Bluetooth 6 connectivity, user-replaceable batteries, and support for voice assistants, the Neo offers up to 200 hours of battery life in headphone mode, though it lacks active noise cancelling, relying instead on memory foam ear cushions for passive sound blocking. Set to be launched via Kickstarter in January 2026, the Neo will be available in black or white for $249, targeting the high-end market without the common noise-cancelling feature. This matters because it highlights innovation in multifunctional audio devices, offering consumers more versatile listening options.
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Belkin’s New Charging Case Pro for Switch 2
Read Full Article: Belkin’s New Charging Case Pro for Switch 2
Belkin's new Charging Case Pro for the Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a more convenient charging solution with its 10,000mAh internal battery that can now be charged without removing it from the case. The case features a USB-C port for easy charging, a small display for battery life, and an integrated adjustable stand for better usability. Additionally, it includes a flap for game cartridges, a mesh pocket for accessories, and a hidden compartment for trackers, enhancing its functionality. Despite a $30 price increase, the new design offers improved convenience and utility for gamers on the go.
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Motorola’s Razr Fold and Signature Unveiled
Read Full Article: Motorola’s Razr Fold and Signature Unveiled
The Motorola Razr Fold, a new book-style foldable phone, is reportedly on the horizon, with limited details available beyond a marketing slide highlighting its camera system, display, and AI capabilities. Meanwhile, the upcoming Motorola Signature, previously known as the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra, will feature three 50-MP cameras, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, and options for 12GB or 16GB RAM. It boasts a 6.8-inch "Extreme AMOLED" screen, a 5,200mAh battery, and advanced charging options, all in a slim profile. The Motorola Signature is set to launch on January 7th, promising to answer any remaining questions about its features. Why this matters: The introduction of new foldable and flagship smartphones by Motorola signifies advancements in mobile technology and provides consumers with more diverse options in the competitive smartphone market.
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Framework Laptop 16 Review: Customizable Gaming Power
Read Full Article: Framework Laptop 16 Review: Customizable Gaming Power
The Framework Laptop 16, equipped with the RTX 5070, offers a customizable and repairable gaming experience, starting at $2,449. While it is more expensive than high-end competitors like the Razer Blade 16, the price reflects the ability to upgrade components such as the CPU, memory, and storage. The laptop delivers solid gaming performance, allowing for native resolution gameplay in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, though it faces limitations with its 8 GB VRAM in some AAA games. Despite the trade-off of reduced battery life due to the discrete graphics card, the laptop still achieves around 25% more battery life than cheaper gaming laptops, with the option to remove the graphics module for extended battery life when not gaming. The Framework Laptop 16 appeals to those seeking a sustainable and powerful laptop, albeit at a premium cost. Why this matters: The Framework Laptop 16 sets a new standard for customizable, sustainable laptops, offering gamers the flexibility to upgrade and maintain their systems over time.
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Pebble Round 2: Affordable Smartwatch Reboot
Read Full Article: Pebble Round 2: Affordable Smartwatch Reboot
Pebble is launching the Pebble Round 2, a reboot of its thinnest smartwatch with a rounded screen, priced at $199. The updated design features a larger, 1.3" color e-paper display with a backlight, offering improved readability and a more upscale look. While the watch provides basic health and activity tracking, it lacks advanced features like a heart rate monitor, allowing for an extended battery life of 10 to 14 days. The device runs on the open-source Pebble OS, supports speech input on Android, and offers customizable bands in different colors, maintaining Pebble's focus on affordability and simplicity. This matters because it highlights Pebble's strategy to offer stylish yet affordable smartwatches with essential features, appealing to consumers who prioritize battery life and simplicity over advanced functionalities.