Cooler Master has announced the full specifications and pricing for its new MasterFan A and M Series cooling fans for the European market. Featuring engineering transferred from its enterprise AI computing division, these fans use a three-phase industrial-standard motor and an enterprise-grade Magnetic Dynamic Bearing (MDB) with active lubricant recycling.

The product lineup is divided into two distinct variants based on blade composition. The MasterFan A Series uses aluminium blades paired with a full-aluminium frame, which the company says is a first for the consumer category. As for the MasterFan M Series, it uses Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) blades within its full aluminium frame. Both variants feature a 30mm thickness, 4-point rack-mount-derived corner pads for vibration isolation, and center-hub ARGB lighting.

Performance specifications indicate a maximum speed of 4,000RPM, delivering up to 121.73CFM of airflow and 13.15mmH₂O of static pressure. A separate silent variant is also detailed, operating at a maximum speed of 2,500RPM to deliver up to 76.9 CFM of airflow.

The fans will be available in both 120mm and 140mm sizes through authorised retailers and distribution partners. The MasterFan M120/140 ARGB will be available for €17, the MasterFan A120 for €24, and the MasterFan A120 FC for €32.

KitGuru says: It will be interesting to see how well these perform in real-world scenarios. 

Arctic has announced the release of its new TP-4 high-performance thermal pad line, designed for components such as RAM, chipsets, ICs, graphics cards, laptops, and gaming consoles. According to the manufacturer, the product features an optimised material composition that reduces thermal resistance and improves heat dissipation compared to the previous TP-3 generation.

The TP-4 line is constructed from electrically insulating, non-adhesive materials to prevent electrical shorts and assist installation. The pads combine compressibility with thermal conductivity, allowing the material to adapt to uneven surfaces and variations in component height.

Arctic specifies that the pads can be cut to custom sizes and are available in thicknesses of 0.5mm, 1.0mm, and 1.5mm, with the ability to stack multiple sheets to a maximum thickness of 2.0mm.

The product lineup is divided into two distinct sizes, with temporary launch prices tracking below their standard retail values. The 100x100mm pads are available in 0.5mm thickness for €8.09 (MSRP: €13.49), 1.0mm thickness for €10.19 (MSRP: €16.99), and 1.5mm thickness for €12.29 (MSRP: €20.49). As for the 120x20mm pads (4 packs), they are available in 0.5mm thickness for €9.29 (MSRP: €15.49), 1.0mm thickness for €11.09 (MSRP: €18.49), and 1.5mm thickness for €13.49 (MSRP: €22.49).

KitGuru says: Do you go through the effort of replacing thermal pads on your hardware? 

LG has introduced the UltraGear 25G590B, which it claims is the world's first Full HD (1920×1080) gaming monitor featuring a native 1000Hz refresh rate. Aimed at competitive esports and first-person shooter titles, the display delivers default 1000Hz performance at its native resolution without requiring dual-mode adjustments or resolution reductions. 

The monitor is built around a 24.5-inch Full HD IPS panel outfitted with a low-reflection film to reduce glare. LG has integrated its Motion Blur Reduction Pro technology to improve the tracking clarity of fast-moving objects.

On-device AI functionality for gaming is also built into the hardware. LG states that the monitor includes AI Scene Optimization, which automatically adjusts picture settings based on the game genre, and AI Sound, which processes spatial audio and enhances voice clarity when paired with compatible headsets.

The monitor features a minimalist stand with a reduced footprint and calibration indicators to adjust and replicate height, swivel, and tilt configurations. Additional aesthetic features include customisable UltraGear Emblem ambient lighting.

The LG UltraGear 25G590B is scheduled to launch in select markets during the second half of 2026, with further regional availability rolling out through the end of the year.

KitGuru says: Would you buy a 1000Hz monitor knowing it's limited to a Full HD resolution?

Einarex has officially announced the Pulse PM300, a microATX case designed for high-performance setups that require a smaller footprint. Expanding the company's airflow-focused Pulse series, the new enclosure is engineered to reduce unnecessary volume while maintaining compatibility with modern hardware standards.

The Pulse PM300 supports both microATX and Mini-ITX motherboard form factors. According to the manufacturer, the internal space is optimised to accommodate graphics cards up to 340mm long, standard ATX power supplies up to 150mm long, 240mm radiators (top only), and tower air coolers up to 175mm tall. There's also space for up to 6x 120mm fans, 2x 2.5-inch drives, and another 2x 3.5/2.5-inch drives.

To address the thermal challenges common to smaller enclosures, the Pulse PM300 features a mesh-focused ventilation design that maximises continuous airflow over critical system components. The ventilation design accommodates multiple fan configurations and radiator placements, along with a dedicated routing structure for organised cable management.

According to Einarex, the case is intended for gaming setups, creator workstations, and portable systems that require frequent transport.

KitGuru says: Einarex might not be as well-known as other case brands, but the new Pulse PM300 sure looks like an interesting competitor in the compact case market.

The Intel Core i9-14900KF has become the first processor to break past the 9.2GHz clock frequency barrier, setting a new world record. Achieved by Chinese overclocker wytiwx, the processor reached 9,206MHz, surpassing the previous record in the HWBOT database.

As noted by Wccftech, the record-breaking entry was achieved using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling. To maintain stability during the validation, the processor was configured with only seven cores and seven threads enabled. Validation data shows the Core i9-14900KF was running at a core voltage of 1.348V. The test platform used an Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboard alongside 16GB of DDR5 memory operating at 5792MHz with CL32 timings.

Image credit: HWBOT

Out of the box, the Intel Core i9-14900KF features a 24-core, 32-thread configuration with eight P-cores and 16 E-cores. It includes 36MB of L3 cache, 32MB of L2 cache, a base TDP of 125W, a maximum turbo power of 253W, and a stock maximum turbo frequency of 6.00GHz.

The HWBOT database shows that only two CPU submissions have broken the 9GHz threshold. The new 9,206MHz submission holds the top spot, followed by a 9,117MHz achievement on an Intel Core i9-14900KS by Elmor. The highest-ranking AMD entry currently sits in seventh place, achieved with an FX-8370 pushed to 8722MHz.

KitGuru says: How long do you think it will take for overlockers to break the 10GHz barrier?

An open-source project called low_latency_layer has introduced hardware-agnostic support for Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 on Linux. Developed by Korthos Software, the C++23 implicit Vulkan layer implements the VK_NV_low_latency2 and VK_AMD_anti_lag device extensions, enabling Linux gamers to access these latency-optimisation technologies on all GPUs.

The software (via Noteboocheck) operates as a workaround for driver support, meaning it functions without requiring official graphics driver enablement from AMD, Nvidia, or Intel. This configuration allows users to run applications with Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag on hardware platforms that lack native support. For example, an Intel GPU could use Reflex or Anti-Lag, or an AMD GPU could use Reflex.

In official internal benchmarks, Korthos Software evaluated the layer using a test system equipped with an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and 64GB of system RAM. Testing was conducted across several titles, including The Finals, Counter-Strike 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil Requiem, Marvel Rivals, and Overwatch 2. Data from these evaluations indicates that the layer delivers click-to-photon latency reductions of a few milliseconds, yielding performance comparable to native Windows implementations on identical hardware. In Counter-Strike 2, which runs as a Linux-native application, latency with Anti-Lag 2 was lower on Linux than under Windows.

Installation of low_latency_layer requires manual compilation from source, using dependencies such as CMake, Vulkan Headers, and the Vulkan Utility Libraries. For non-native games running via the Proton translation layer, users must enable NVAPI support. This requires configuring specific environment variables, such as PROTON_FORCE_NVAPI=1, LOW_LATENCY_LAYER_REFLEX=1, and LOW_LATENCY_LAYER_SPOOF_NVIDIA=1, as outlined in the project's GitHub documentation.

KitGuru says: Unfortunately, using this new layer on Linux isn't as simple as installing and being done with it. However, if you follow the guide on GitHub, you should be able to get it working pretty easily. 

AOC has introduced the U27V6RL/WW, a 27-inch Fast IPS monitor aimed at the Chinese market. Aimed at office work and gaming, the display stands out for its dual-mode capability and the inclusion of BOE's hardware-level Circular Polarization technology to enhance eye protection.

The U27V6RL/WW (via DisplaySpecifications) features a flexible native resolution configuration, enabling users to choose between 4K at 80 Hz and dropping the screen to full HD (1920×1080) at 311 Hz for smooth frame pacing. The display panel boasts a typical brightness of 400 nits and carries a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. Regarding colour coverage, it covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum and 96% of the DCI-P3 wide colour gamut, with a factory-calibrated average Delta E of less than 2 in standard sRGB mode.

By embedding BOE's Circular Polarization hardware directly into the display layer, the screen minimises reflections. It maintains clean readability when users operate it in bright ambient environments or view the panel through polarised sunglasses. Visual safety is further reinforced with hardware-based low-blue-light protection that shifts light wavelengths without distorting colour accuracy, granting the display official TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certifications.

Gamers are supported by response speeds reaching 0.5ms MPRT and 2ms grey-to-grey, alongside Adaptive-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility to eliminate screen tearing. Connectivity is versatile, including an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 interface, a USB-C port supporting DisplayPort Alternate mode, and a dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub with a high-speed peripheral charging port. The included stand offers 150mm of height adjustment, along with full pivot, swivel, and tilt angles.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: If you play games and work in the same setup, monitors such as the U27V6RL/WW are a good option, especially if you don't like the typical ‘gamer' aesthetic.

Microsoft has expanded its Advanced Shader Delivery public preview to desktop and laptop PCs equipped with AMD RDNA 3, RDNA 3.5, and RDNA 4 graphics architectures. Initially introduced last year as an optimisation feature exclusive to Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds, the technology bypasses local shader compilation by matching and downloading precompiled shaders directly from a cloud-based registry at launch time.

The primary objective of the framework is to address first-launch wait times and in-game micro-stutters, two common pain points caused by on-device shader compilation following fresh game installations or GPU driver updates. By decoupling the shader compilation loop from local hardware routines, the system delivers tailored assets aligned specifically with the user's exact game version, operating system configuration, and graphics card family.

Playground Games' recently launched racing title, Forza Horizon 6, serves as the primary showcase for the expanded PC preview, with tests showing a 95% reduction in initial startup times with Advanced Shader Delivery enabled.

To use the feature during the current validation phase, users must meet multiple system and platform requirements. The target system must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or higher with AMD Adrenalin graphics driver 26.5.2 or newer installed. Furthermore, because Microsoft manages the Precompiled Shader Database through its own deployment network, the feature is available only to titles downloaded via the official Xbox PC app or the Microsoft Store. Participants are also required to enroll in the Xbox Insider program to toggle the feature under the PC Gaming Preview menu tier.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: While Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery only works with AMD RDNA 3 and 4 GPUs, Intel (Precompiled Shader Distribution) and Nvidia (Auto Shader Compilation) also have similar solutions within their respective software suites. Microsoft has stated it is working to unify these manufacturer-specific channels into the DirectX 12 Agility SDK, which should happen later this year.

MSI has announced the upcoming debut of the MAG OLED 271QPX32 gaming monitor, scheduled to be officially unveiled at Computex 2026. The 26.5-inch display is the first in its size class to incorporate Samsung Display's 4th-generation QD-OLED panel featuring Penta Tandem technology, which uses a specialised 5-layer organic light-emitting diode (OLED) structure.

The monitor delivers a WQHD resolution of 2560×1440, a 320Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms grey-to-grey response time. By moving from previous 4-layer designs to the 5-layer Penta Tandem stack, the panel disperses energy more effectively, resulting in improved luminous efficiency and a longer overall lifespan compared to conventional OLED alternatives. The screen is also coated with DarkArmor Film technology, which increases surface hardness from 2H to 3H for 2.5 times better scratch resistance while simultaneously enhancing pure black levels by 40%.

Architectural improvements within the panel aim to address common OLED limitations such as grey banding, screen non-uniformity, and “black crush”. The MAG OLED 271QPX32 features specialised low-grey processing designed to maintain a consistent gamma curve when switching refresh rates or using variable refresh rate. Furthermore, the monitor has received QuantumView verification from UL Solutions, confirming an 83% luminance retention at a 60-degree viewing angle with minimal colour shift.

The display carries VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and VESA ClearMR 15000 certifications and supports MSI's custom Uniform Luminance feature. For hardware longevity, it includes the MSI OLED Care 2.0 suite of burn-in prevention mechanisms. Connectivity on the rear IO includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4a port, and one USB Type-C port supporting DisplayPort alternate mode and 15W power delivery. MSI has not yet disclosed finalised pricing or availability details.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Although the move from a 4- to 5-layer QD-OLED panel shouldn't massively improve picture quality, it should still offer a noticeable upgrade in areas such as panel longevity, text clarity, and luminous efficiency. For those looking for a top-notch QD-OLED monitor for their setup, the upcoming MSI MAG OLED 271QPX32 might be worth considering once it becomes available.

Images and technical details of two unannounced Xbox controllers have leaked through Anatel, Brazil's telecommunications regulatory agency. The filings reveal a next-generation flagship gamepad, presumably the Xbox Elite Series 3, as well as a compact controller designed specifically for Xbox Cloud Gaming. 

First reported by the Tecnoblog, the leaked Xbox Elite Series 3 represents Microsoft's first major refresh of its premium controller line since 2019. The most notable design change is the addition of two physical scroll wheels on the bottom edge of the controller, flanking the 3.5mm headphone jack. While early speculation points to potential implementation for simulation titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator or on-the-fly hardware adjustments, their exact in-game functionality remains unconfirmed.

The Elite Series 3 also marks a shift in power design, transitioning to a removable, rechargeable 1,528mAh battery pack, down from the non-removable 2,050mAh battery found in the Elite Series 2. The front layout retains swappable thumbsticks and a refined dish-style D-pad but adds a new dedicated pairing toggle underneath the Xbox button.

The second leaked peripheral is a pocket-sized, rectangular gamepad designed for the cloud and mobile ecosystems. Drawing immediate design comparisons to third-party retro controllers like the 8BitDo SN30 Pro, the device features short grips and a streamlined chassis. According to regulatory documentation, it is powered by a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 Realtek chipset and includes a built-in 500mAh battery.

Both the Elite Series 3 and the compact cloud controller feature integrated dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities. This architecture allows peripherals to bypass a phone, tablet, or PC and connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers over a home network, similar to Google's defunct Stadia controller. Switching between standard and low-latency cloud mode is done via the button below the Xbox button.

Microsoft has not commented on the leaks, though a formal reveal is widely anticipated for the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7th.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Even though pricing isn't known, an Elite Series 3 controller will never be priced accessibly. As for the unnamed compact Xbox controller, it might be more affordable for most gamers.

Unknown Worlds has released the initial Early Access roadmap for Subnautica 2, following the survival sequel surpassing two million copies sold within 12 hours of its launch. The development plan outlines two targeted system improvement updates designed to address player feedback before the studio deploys its first major world expansion.

The news regarding the new sales milestone comes from IGN, which also shared some concurrent player data. Across all platforms, which include Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S, Subnautica 2 exceeded 651,000 concurrent players. On Steam alone, it peaked at over 467,000 concurrent players, about 9 times the all-time peak of the original Subnautica.

The first scheduled update, labelled Early Access 1.1, will centre strictly on core quality-of-life refinements. Key areas slated for optimisation include the Biomods framework, Blight encounters, exploration within wrecks, and the mechanical flow of vehicle docking and fabrication. It will also add several highly requested baseline features to the game, including a dedicated sprint function, a unified storage cache option, and additional passive slots for the player's Biomod loadout.

Following the first big update, Early Access 1.2 will pivot entirely toward enhancing the game's newly introduced multiplayer infrastructure. The cooperative-centric update plans to improve user interface HUD signals, base building precision tools, and the pinned recipe system for groups. New mechanics arriving in this second wave include native in-game voice chat, player-to-player item trading, character emotes, a revive mechanic for downed teammates, and additional visual customisation choices.

Longer-term developments are categorised under a broader future expansion bucket, which will introduce substantial content additions rather than basic system overhauls. These milestones will expand the playable oceanic map with entirely new alien biomes, unique resources, fresh tools, an unannounced vehicle tier, and subsequent narrative chapters of the central story campaign. Unknown Worlds has not attached specific calendar dates to the updates, reiterating that the Early Access phase is projected to last between two and three years.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you tried Subnautica 2 already? What's your review of it?

Asus has entered the enthusiast computer memory market with the launch of its first ROG-branded RAM modules, the ROG DDR5 RGB Edition 20. Developed in partnership with Biwin, the special-edition memory kits feature a black-and-red aesthetic with gold accents to mark the 20th anniversary of the ROG brand.

According to VideoCardz, the kit is sold in a 48GB configuration, consisting of two 24GB DIMMs, each using SK Hynix M-Die integrated circuits. Out of the box, the memory operates at a base speed of DDR5-6000 with tight primary timings of CL26-36-36-76 at 1.45V. For universal hardware compatibility across current AMD Ryzen and Intel Core desktop platforms, the modules support both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP memory profiles.

A defining feature of this kit is the “ROG Mode” dual-profile configuration extension that unlocks advanced performance metrics when paired with Asus ROG Crosshair, ROG Maximus, or ROG Strix motherboards. Through this BIOS-level implementation, users can alternate between the low-latency 6000 MT/s gaming configuration and a high-bandwidth 8000 MT/s profile running at CL36-48-48-110 at 1.40V. Also, the modules have a top-edge addressable RGB light bar that can be integrated with Asus Aura Sync profiles.

Alongside the launch, the company formalised the “ROG Certified Memory Program”. Under this initiative, 14 major third-party memory vendors, including Corsair, G.Skill, Kingston, and TeamGroup, can manufacture and badge their own consumer kits with official ROG certification. These approved modules will natively support Aura Sync RGB lighting and gain access to custom ROG Mode sub-timing profiles.

The ROG DDR5 RGB Edition 20 is launching first in China, priced at 5,999 yuan, which converts to roughly £661, and carries a lifetime product warranty.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: As expected in the current memory market, this memory kit isn't cheap, especially given its special edition status.

MSI has announced a limited-edition GeForce RTX 5080 16G The Mandalorian and Grogu Edition OC, inspired by the upcoming film. The card is restricted to a production run of 500 units for the European market and is scheduled for release on May 22nd, coinciding with The Mandalorian and Grogu's theatrical debut.

Built on the Nvidia Blackwell architecture, the card features 16GB of GDDR7 memory and 10,752 CUDA cores. The “Mandalorian Edition” features MSI's Tri Frozr 4 thermal design, with Stormforce fans featuring claw-textured blades and a nickel-plated copper baseplate.

The collector's edition has several aesthetic changes compared to the standard Gaming X Trio, on which it is based. That includes a brushed-metal finish designed to mimic Din Djarin's Beskar armour, as well as a magnetic backplate system. Users can personalise the card using four interchangeable plates featuring the Mandalorian helmet, Grogu, the New Republic signet, and the Imperial Remnants emblem. Additionally, the package includes a custom VGA support bracket shaped like Grogu.

The card is equipped with three DisplayPort 2.1b outputs and one HDMI 2.1b port, supporting resolutions up to 8K at 120Hz. For power, the unit requires a single 16-pin connector and consumes a total of 360W.

For an even closer look at this limited-edition graphics card, watch our unboxing HERE.

KitGuru says: Would you like to put one of these inside of your PC? 

New rumors suggest that Intel's upcoming “Razor Lake-AX” processors will utilise on-package memory and high-core-count integrated graphics. If confirmed, this would mark a strategic shift for Intel, which previously stated that the on-package memory design seen in Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 200V) was a “one-off” due to cost and margin complexities.

According to Jaykihn (via VideoCardz), Razor Lake-AX is being designed as a high-performance APU featuring two primary GPU configurations: 16 or 32 Xe3 cores. While these core counts are substantial, they fall short of the 48-core Xe setup previously rumoured for the now-uncertain Nova Lake-AX project.

As for the on-package memory design, the report is from Haze (via VideoCardz). The decision to return to on-package memory could be due to the bandwidth requirements of a 32-core iGPU. Integrating LPDDR5X or a similar high-speed memory directly onto the package would help minimise latency and maximise throughput, thereby improving overall performance.

Razor Lake-AX is expected to use the BGA4326 socket, indicating it is not a standard desktop product but rather a specialised solution (e.g., high-end laptops, small-form-factor workstations, or handhelds).

As it stands, Intel's Razor Lake-AX is positioned as Intel's response to “Halo-class” products, such as AMD's Strix/Medusa Halo APUs and Apple's M-Series Pro/Max silicon. A release is not expected until late 2027 at the earliest, placing it in direct competition with AMD's next-generation architectures and Apple's future M-series iterations.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think Intel Razor Lake can stand toe-to-toe with what AMD and Apple are preparing as their next-generation Halo and M-series Pro silicon?

Team17 and Expression Games have finally nailed down a release date for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. The game will become available this Summer, for PC, PS5 and Xbox, offering six large-scale maps and massive 50v50 battles. 

The tactical shooter transitions from its World War II setting to the jungles of Vietnam, offering six large-scale maps at launch. Players can expect authentic 50v50 combat where teamwork and strategy remain the priority. New era-specific mechanics include the ability to build tunnels as NVA forces, pilot US helicopters, and engage in riverine combat using heavily armed patrol boats. The game aims to deliver high levels of authenticity through recreations of real-world locations and historically accurate weaponry.

A free-to-play Open Beta weekend is scheduled from May 29th to June 1st on the Thanh Hóa Bridge map. This beta is exclusive to PC via Steam and requires registration through the FirstLook platform. The trial period begins at 10 AM BST on May 29th and concludes at the same time on June 1st.

Pre-orders are currently live, featuring a Standard Edition for £34.99/$39.99/€39.99 and a Deluxe Edition for £54.99/$59.99/€59.99, the latter of which includes a “2026 Field Supplies” pass for seasonal uniform packs. Both editions include the US Army Boat Crew Uniform as a pre-order bonus.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of the original Hell Let Loose? Will you try the beta before deciding whether to pre-order the game?

AMD has announced six new additions to its Ryzen PRO 9000 Series processor lineup, introducing 3D V-Cache technology to the professional segment for the first time. The new AM5 processors target managed business deployments and high-performance workstations, expanding the Zen 5-based family with higher 120W and 170W TDP options.

The flagship Ryzen 9 PRO 9965X3D features 16 cores, 32 threads, and a boost clock of up to 5.5GHz. It includes 128MB of L3 cache, serving as the professional-grade equivalent of the consumer Ryzen 9 9950X3D. A non-X3D variant, the Ryzen 9 PRO 9965, shares the same core count and 170W TDP but utilises a standard 64MB L3 cache pool.

AMD has also extended 3D V-Cache to the 8-core tier with the Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D, which offers a 5.2GHz boost clock, 96MB of L3 cache, and a 120W TDP. The lineup is rounded out by three additional 120W processors: the 12-core Ryzen 9 PRO 9955, the 8-core Ryzen 7 PRO 9755, and the 6-core Ryzen 5 PRO 9655. This marks a shift for the PRO series, which was previously restricted to 65W power envelopes to prioritise efficiency. The full Ryzen PRO 9000 lineup with the latest additions can be found below:

The processors are scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026.

KitGuru says: Most workstation users won't benefit much from the 3D V-Cache, but those who do will be pleased to learn they now have a Ryzen PRO alternative that meets their demands.

Intel has confirmed it is collaborating with Google to provide the hardware foundation for the newly announced Googlebook laptops. The devices are expected to feature Intel's latest Core Series 300 “Wildcat Lake” processors, built on the Intel 18A process node. While Intel will provide the x86 platform, Google VP John Maletis confirmed that the ecosystem will also include Arm-based solutions from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

In an interview with Chrome Unboxed, John Maletis outlined that Google will enforce strict hardware guidelines for its OEM partners (Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo). These requirements cover minimum specifications for CPUs, memory, and storage to ensure a consistent premium experience. While Intel-powered models will target high-performance productivity, the inclusion of Qualcomm and MediaTek suggests a diverse range of devices.

Although Maletis didn't confirm which Intel platform would be used in Googlebooks, given the rumours surrounding Intel's upcoming CPU architectures, the Wildcat Lake is the most likely to be featured. According to reports, the “Wildcat Lake” architecture features a hybrid configuration with up to 6 CPU cores, including 2 “Cougar Cove” P-cores and 4 “Darkmont” low-power E-cores. The platform integrates an NPU 5 capable of 40 platform TOPS and up to two Xe3 integrated graphics cores, all with a 15-35W TDP.

The first generation of Googlebooks is scheduled to arrive this fall. Notably, AMD isn't listed as a launch partner. Devices will be identifiable by a standardised “glowbar” hardware element on the lid.

KitGuru says: For this type of laptop, do you think Intel Wildcat Lake is the go-to CPU, or do you think Qualcomm and Mediatek can come up with something more interesting?

Nvidia has partnered with IO Interactive to bundle the upcoming 007 First Light with qualifying GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards. For the first time, the game bundle extends further down the product stack, including RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards. Some previous bundles in the current generation have only applied to RTX 5070 and up. 

The offer applies to desktop GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards and higher, including both the 8GB and 16GB variants. For the mobile segment, the promotion starts with the GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. Previously, Nvidia game bundles for the current generation typically began at the RTX 5070 tier.

007 First Light is currently listed for pre-order at $69.99 on Steam and is scheduled for release on May 27th. The game will support Nvidia-exclusive technologies at launch, including DLSS 4.5 and Frame Generation.

The promotion is already underway and will continue through June 10th, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. Customers who purchase a qualifying GPU during this window will be eligible to receive a digital code that must be redeemed via GeForce Experience or the Nvidia App by July 8th, 2026. The bundle is available through participating global retailers and system integrators.

KitGuru says: Are you planning to take advantage of this bundle?

Google has announced Googlebook, a new category of laptops designed to succeed the Chromebook by integrating Android and ChromeOS into a single operating system. Revealed during “The Android Show: I/O Edition”, these laptops are built around Gemini Intelligence and feature premium hardware specifications from partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

The headline feature of the Googlebook is the Magic Pointer, a collaborative effort with the Google DeepMind team. This redesigned cursor triggers Gemini-powered contextual suggestions when “wiggled” or hovered over screen elements. Examples provided by Google include automatically generating calendar invites from email text or visualising furniture placement by selecting multiple images.

Software integration includes “Create Your Widget”, allowing users to generate custom desktop dashboards via natural language prompts that pull data from the web, Gmail, and Calendar. The new OS also enables “Cast my Apps”, a feature that allows users to run and control Android phone apps directly on the laptop screen. Furthermore, “Quick Access” provides native file browser integration with connected Android smartphones, eliminating the need for manual file transfers.

Google confirmed that all Googlebook devices will feature a distinctive “glowbar” on the lid, a functional lighting element intended to signal the platform's identity. While specific processor and memory specifications were not detailed, Google stated the laptops will use premium materials and hit retail shelves in fall 2026. Official hardware reveals are expected at the upcoming Google I/O conference.

KitGuru says: Do you think Googlebooks will have a bigger impact than Chromebooks?