Earlier this year, Microsoft and Asus announced the ROG Xbox Ally, an update to the first-gen ROG Ally, now adorned with Xbox branding. Along with the new name came new specs, but more importantly, the Xbox partnership wasn’t just a token collaboration — rather, a deeply integrated experience finally meant to "fix" Windows on handheld devices. Hence, the ROG Xbox Ally would ship with a new full-screen Xbox app that it would boot into by default, superseding Windows 11 entirely. This was exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally and was supposed to come to other handhelds later; however, it seems the opposite has happened. The Verge's Tom Warren reports that the full-screen Xbox experience meant for ROG Xbox Ally devices has leaked early, and can now be installed on any handheld running Windows. The actual ROG Xbox Ally is set to launch next month, which means that everyone else will get to enjoy Microsoft's new handheld gaming mode before the very device that was set to debut it. There's a full guide on Reddit that breaks down how to install it, and it's relatively easy to follow as long as you know your way around Windows. If you have a regular Ally, Lenovo's Legion Go, or the myriad of PC handhelds out there, you should be eligible. The only requirement for this to work is the 25H2 Windows 11 update, for which you need to be part of the Windows Insider program. The build resides in the Release Preview channel, so once you've got that going, there are a few registry edits you need to make if you don't see the "Enter full-screen experience on start up" toggle right away. After all is said and done, a restart should boot you directly into the new Xbox experience, where all your favorite games should be consolidated into one place — including stores like Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net. It's important to note that you're not locked into the full-screen experience either; the ability to Alt-Tab out of apps and go into the regular desktop environment is still there. That being said, Microsoft itself recommends using mouse and keyboard for that since it's not designed for handhelds https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/microsofts-new-handheld-gaming-mode-exclusive-to-rog-xbox-ally-has-just-leaked-for-every-handheld-running-windows-11-all-you-need-is-the-25h2-update-and-a-few-registry-tweaks  

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected in early 2026, and the handset will showcase a blend of innovative hardware upgrades and bold design choices. As the flagship model in the Galaxy S26 series—which also includes the S26 Pro and S26 Edge—the Ultra aims to redefine standards in performance and photography. However, its design, particularly the prominent camera bump, has sparked debate among users and critics alike. If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s a detailed exploration of what the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its siblings could bring to the table when they launch next year.Design: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design has become a focal point of discussion, largely due to its large camera bump. While this design element accommodates advanced camera technology, it disrupts the phone’s otherwise sleek and modern profile. For some, this trade-off is justified by the enhanced functionality, while others view it as a step back in smartphone aesthetics. The Galaxy S26 Pro adopts a similar design language but in a more compact form factor, making it a practical choice for users who prefer smaller devices. On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Edge takes a different route with flat edges and a minimalist design, drawing comparisons to the iPhone 17 Pro. This approach may appeal to Android users seeking a familiar aesthetic, but it has also raised questions about Samsung’s originality in design. Across the lineup, Samsung’s design choices reflect an effort to balance innovation with user preferences, though not without controversy. Performance: The Power of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 At the heart of the Galaxy S26 Ultra lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, a chipset that delivers exceptional performance across various tasks. This global standard ensures faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and an enhanced gaming experience. For regions where Samsung offers the Exynos variant, performance may vary slightly, though Samsung continues to refine its in-house processors to remain competitive in the global market. The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge also feature the Snapdragon and Exynos split, depending on regional availability. While these models don’t match the Ultra’s top-tier specifications, they still offer reliable performance for everyday tasks, making them suitable for users with moderate usage needs. Whether you’re a power user or someone who values efficiency, the Galaxy S26 lineup provides options tailored to different performance requirements. Camera: Redefining Low-Light Photography The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera system is designed to excel in low-light photography, a feature that sets it apart from its predecessors. While it doesn’t introduce a completely new sensor, the wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, resulting in brighter and more detailed images in dim conditions. This enhancement is particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts who frequently capture nighttime or indoor shots. Across the Galaxy S26 lineup, Samsung maintains its reputation for imaging excellence. The S26 Pro and S26 Edge feature capable cameras that perform well in most scenarios, but they lack the Ultra’s advanced capabilities in challenging lighting conditions. For users who prioritize photographic versatility, the Ultra stands out as the clear leader in the series. Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs The Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed for users who demand top-tier performance and advanced camera features. If you’re upgrading from an older model like the Galaxy S24 or S25, the Ultra offers a significant leap in hardware and functionality. However, its bold design may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. For users seeking a compact and affordable option, the Galaxy S26 Pro delivers solid performance without the premium price tag of the Ultra. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Edge caters to Android users who appreciate a design reminiscent of the iPhone, offering a blend of familiarity and functionality. Each model in the Galaxy S26 lineup is tailored to meet specific user preferences, making sure there’s an option for everyone. Balancing Innovation and User Preferences The Samsung Galaxy S26 series represents a thoughtful balance between technological innovation and user-centric design. The Ultra leads the lineup with its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor and enhanced low-light photography capabilities, but its bold design choices may polarize opinions. The S26 Pro and S26 Edge provide alternatives for users with different priorities, whether it’s a compact form factor or a more familiar aesthetic. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize innovative performance, advanced camera features, or a design that aligns with your personal style, the Galaxy S26 series offers a range of options to suit diverse requirements. With its combination of innovation and versatility, the Galaxy S26 lineup continues Samsung’s tradition of delivering smartphones that cater to a wide audience. https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-leaks-4/

It's been four years since Facebook renamed itself Meta in celebration of, or misguided enthusiasm for, the onrushing metaverse revolution. Except that the revolution failed to materialize. Turns out that while people were intrigued by the growing number of virtual reality headsets, consumers weren't enthused about living inside them, and even Meta now seems to admit that early experiences weren't great. "VR is evolving in new ways...It's tough to navigate, and we at Meta have a lot to learn as well, " said Samantha Ryan, Meta VP and Head of Metaverse Content, on Thursday during the Meta Connect developers keynote.Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, who opened the session, echoed those comments, saying, "It's been a pretty choppy few years there," then he added with a smile, "but AI is gonna help level us up."Aside from all the new smart AI glasses (like the stunning Meta Ray-Ban Display that also gets a big lift from AI), the last two days have been somewhat surprising for their renewed focus on the Metaverse and Horizon Worlds, the vast environment Meta and its partners have been building in the virtual space. First, there are major updates coming to the programming platforms that developers use to build metaverse environments: Meta Horizon Engine & Meta Horizon Studio. Horizon Engine is notable because it replaces the widely used Unity engine for rendering these worlds. These tools are allowing for far more complex and realistic environments that support concert-numbers of people as virtual participants. An example shown more than once over the last two days was a virtual Sabrina Carpenter concert. She appears live on a video screen, and the audience is made up of thousands of VR avatars.Still, no advancement made me prick up my ears more than the new prompt-driven Build with AI world programming interface. It will let developers start with basic, foundational worlds and then, through prompts, add and adjust elements. Obviously, this is drastically simpler than writing code. It's the kind of AI tool that could speed up not only the creation of new worlds, but the ability to adjust them in positive ways based on user feedback. AI doesn't solve all of the Metaverse's ills. The Metaverse is still a proprietary environment you can only enter through a VR headset like Quest 3s. It's mostly boring unless you are engaged in a directed activity. In fact, gaming still remains the chief VR-based activity. One 2023 study found 72% of VR headset users are in it for immersive gameplay. Outside the Metaverse, I tried Deadpool VR in the Quest 3s. It's a fantastic demonstration of the gaming possibilities inherent in a virtual, interactive space. The game, by the way, is just as chaotic, bloody, and funny as the franchise. https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/the-metaverse-is-not-dead-and-ai-may-be-its-new-savior

Intel and Nvidia have been working on the jointly developed processors for client and data center products for about a year now as both companies see huge opportunities behind their Intel x86 RTX SoCs and custom Nvidia x86 data center processors. Although the Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a press call that the Trump administration was pleased with the collaboration between two leading U.S. companies, it had nothing to do with it. Trump not involved "The Trump administration had had no involvement in this partnership at all," said Nvidia's Huang said, during the joint press conference with Nvidia on Thursday. "They would have been very supportive, of course. Today I had the opportunity to tell Secretary [of Commerce Howard] Lutnick and he was very excited and very supportive of seeing two American technology companies working together." The work began around a year ago, and preliminary agreements were reached by Intel's then-CEO Pat Gelsinger and Nvidia's Jensen Huang even before that. (A year ago, Joe Biden was president, though no one suggested his administration was involved, either.) Intel and Nvidia are working on custom data center CPUs that Nvidia will integrate into its AI platforms as well as GPU tiles that Intel will integrate into its upcoming client processors. In both cases CPUs and GPUs will use Nvidia's NVLink technology as an I/O interface. By now, there are three teams working together on the joint projects."The two technology teams have been discussing and architecting solutions now for probably coming out to a year," said Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia. "The two architecture teams… Well, it is three architecture teams are working across... the CPU architecture, as well as product lines for server and PCs. The architecture work is fairly extensive, and the teams are really excited about the new architecture. The teams have been working for a while and we are excited about the announcement today." As Huang mentioned teams working on a CPU architecture as well as client and data center product lines, we figure out that Nvidia wants rather deep customizations of Intel's Xeons to meet the needs of its AI platforms. The involvement of a CPU architecture team highlights the depth of the partnership between Intel and Nvidia as well as indicates that the CPU company is implementing rather deep optimizations required by next-generation AI platforms. Given Nvidia's history with Grace and Vera CPUs (custom Arm) and the high bandwidth needs of its next-gen GPUs (e.g. Rubin, Feynman, post-Feynman, etc.), it is reasonable to expect tailored cache structures, memory IO, and coherency protocols on these x86 CPUs. Such a deep collaboration probably means that custom Intel processors will be used by Nvidia sometimes in the post-Vera Rubin platform era. We would certainly expect Nvidia's data center GPU team to work with Intel as well, but Huang never mentioned one during the call, probably because Feynman GPUs have already been defined by now. Yet, he mentioned that there are two more teams working on product lines for server and PC products, which probably points to data center system level architecture team on Nvidia's side as well as client CPU/system level architecture team on Intel's side. https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/teams-at-nvidia-and-intel-have-been-working-in-secret-on-jointly-developed-processors-for-a-year-the-trump-administration-has-no-involvement-in-this-partnership-at-all