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The Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve’s Steam Deck are both impressive handheld gaming devices with distinct advantages. Nintendo’s latest portable console hybrid has garnered attention for its surprisingly robust hardware, while the Steam Deck continues to be praised for its straightforward approach to PC gaming, effectively addressing game backlogs.

By 2026, the components within the Steam Deck are approximately five years old. It features a custom processor and graphics unit amalgamation, referred to as an “APU,” or Accelerated Processing Unit. Unique to Valve’s device, the APU is derived from AMD’s Zen 2 series chips, which were in production from Ryzen 3000 to Ryzen 7000. Given its age, more tech-savvy users are exploring various methods to enhance performance on the Steam Deck through clever (and cost-free) modifications.

In contrast, the Nintendo Switch 2 also utilizes older technology, but it incorporates more powerful software to bridge any performance gaps. This is due to Nintendo opting for Nvidia, integrating DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), the company’s upscaling technology. With a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 GPU, the Switch 2 can manage much newer games by utilizing Nvidia’s advancements.

Steam Deck vs Switch 2 – it boils down to the software

Currently, the Switch 2 and Steam Deck are fairly similar in terms of performance. Some games may perform better on the Steam Deck, primarily because it functions as a low-powered PC. With realistic expectations, acquiring a Steam Deck in 2026 is still a worthwhile endeavor – provided you can find one.

Nevertheless, the features that the Switch 2 offers, such as DLSS, provide it with slightly more flexibility in games compared to the Steam Deck. DLSS processes the game at a reduced resolution before upscaling it to the intended output using algorithms. For example, “Pragmata” on the Switch 2 operates at 540p, but still yields a 1080p image when docked. In handheld mode, pixel-analysis experts Digital Foundry estimate it runs at about 360p to ensure smooth performance.

Another benefit is the dock for the Switch 2. The console requests a certain voltage and then activates an overclocked mode to extract more power from the hybrid. This capability allows the Switch 2 to reach up to 120Hz at a maximum resolution of 1440p or 4K at 60 frames per second (fps). Meanwhile, the Steam Deck can output up to 4K60 or 1440p120 using Valve’s dock, although it may require third-party docks to exceed those specifications.

Players are discovering methods to optimize the Steam Deck’s capabilities

One approach players are taking to enhance performance on the Steam Deck, which the heavily restricted Switch 2 cannot replicate, is through modifications. The Steam Deck’s chip can utilize AMD’s DLSS alternative, FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is officially supported up to version three. Modders have succeeded in backporting FSR 4, which is exclusive to the latest AMD GPUs, following a leak of a version. Additionally, Lossless Scaling, a paid program, has provided a significant performance boost at the expense of visuals or latency.

It’s essential to remember that the Switch 2 will have specially designed versions for its ports despite similar performance figures. Transferring a game from a PC development environment to a highly specific hardware platform like the Switch 2 will inevitably necessitate certain features to be tailored for the system. Once again using “Pragmata” as an example, hair is not rendered in a strand-based manner, but rather utilizes a more rigid card-based technology.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that Valve and the Steam Deck’s “Verified” system leaves much to be desired. Games may receive the “Verified” label only for their performance to be subpar. For instance, “Death Stranding 2” needed a mod to alleviate processor strain and make it playable, despite the badge being present. On the Switch 2, some ports have faced delays, like “Borderlands 4,” while “Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition” encountered notable performance issues.

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consumer technology items that the majority of people no longer utilize. Numerous gadgets from the early 2000s, which were marketed as “the next big thing,” have turned into mere tokens of nostalgia.

The various reasons for the absence of these devices today can differ. At times, a gadget’s primary appeal is its “coolness,” which diminishes once its intended users realize that it isn’t particularly practical. Other times, a relatively obscure company launches a product that gets eclipsed by a stronger offering from a major competitor. No matter the reason these 2000s gadgets are no longer available, they will always occupy a special place in our memories, as long as we are inclined to reminisce through a nostalgic lens.

**9 Innovative Devices to Watch for in May 2026**

As technology progresses, staying updated with the newest gadgets can be a task. This May, a range of thrilling new devices are making their debut, featuring cutting-edge capabilities and improvements. Here are nine devices to keep on your radar:

1. **Google Fitbit Air Fitness Tracker**: Google’s newest screen-free fitness tracker emphasizes health without interruptions. It connects with the Google Health app for tracking activities and sleep while providing tailored advice via the Google Health Coach. Priced at $99.99, it’s up for pre-order with a release date set for May 26.

2. **Asus Zenbook A16 (2026) Laptop**: Released in April, this laptop is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, boasts 48GB RAM, and comes with a 1TB SSD. Its 16-inch OLED display features 3K resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. At $2,199.99, it’s perfect for creative professionals.

3. **HyperMegaTech! Rare Super Pocket Handheld Gaming Console**: This nostalgic gaming console includes 15 beloved titles from Rare. Available for pre-order at $69.99, it is set to launch in June and is compatible with Evercade cartridges for extra games.

4. **Samsung Galaxy A57 5G Smartphone**: Released in April, this mid-tier smartphone boasts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, an Exynos 1680 processor, and provides six years of updates. Priced at $549.99 for the 128GB version and $609.99 for the 256GB version.

5. **Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1 Laptop (14-inch)**: Revealed at CES 2026, this versatile 2-in-1 device presents five modes and is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processor. Starting at $899.99, it comes bundled with a Yoga Pen Gen 2 stylus.

6. **Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker**: Part of the Bose Lifestyle Collection, this wireless smart speaker delivers an expansive soundstage and a variety of connectivity options. Launched on May 15 for $299, it incorporates TrueSpatial technology for an immersive audio experience.

7. **Steam Controller (2nd Gen)**: Released on May 4, this gaming accessory features magnetic thumbsticks, haptic feedback, and Grip Sense for gyroscopic controls. Priced at $99, it offers an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours.

8. **Sony Inzone H6 Air Gaming Headset**: Unveiled in April, this wired headset boasts an open-back design and 360 Spatial Sound technology. Available for $199.99, it includes a flexible microphone for enhanced communication clarity.

9. **reMarkable Paper Pure Digital Notebook**: The follow-up to the reMarkable 2, this digital notebook provides a distraction-free writing experience with its 10.3-inch display. Priced at $399, it features a quicker refresh rate and improved battery longevity.

These devices, suited for fitness, gaming, or productivity, cater to diverse preferences. Discover these selections to find the ideal addition to your technology collection.

**Star Wars Did Not Cast Jodie Foster As Princess Leia For A Simple Reason**

There was a period when the protagonists of “Star Wars” could have appeared quite different from Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. As George Lucas was planning what would turn into a cornerstone of ’70s fantasy cinema, Al Pacino nearly flew the Millennium Falcon. Luke Skywalker (who almost had a much grimmer name) was close to being played by Kurt Russell. Furthermore, before Carrie Fisher received the offer for Princess Leia, Jodie Foster, renowned for “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Contact” — one of the most accurate sci-fi films ever — was considered for the role.

It makes sense that, while taking on one of the largest risks in blockbuster history, Foster’s reputable name was seen as a means to add credibility to “Star Wars”. A burgeoning star who had already featured in “Taxi Driver” and “Freaky Friday,” she appeared well-suited for a journey in space. According to the film’s producer, Gary Kurtz, many names were examined in addition to Fisher and Foster.

“We had a multitude of candidates, hundreds, that we reviewed. It was a fast and straightforward process. You speak to each individual, jot down a comment or two,” Kurtz informed the L.A. Times. Are they rated a ‘five’ or higher? Should they receive a callback? On those lists were numerous intriguing candidates — John Travolta, Sly Stallone — who were excellent but simply not suitable. For example, I traveled to New York to interview Jodie Foster, but she was just too young for Leia. A lot of it hinges on luck and timing.”

**Princess Leia Was No Match For Foster’s Packed Schedule**

As later articulated by wise Master Yoda in “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Do or do not. There is no try.” This is pertinent to why, when it came to Foster being considered for Princess Leia, she simply did not have the availability to confront the Empire. During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Foster mentioned auditioning for the role that ultimately went to Carrie Fisher.

It turns out that her age was a significant consideration in the film’s early drafts. Additionally, there were simple scheduling issues. “They were looking for a younger Princess Leia, but I had a scheduling conflict. I was working on a Disney film, and I didn’t want to back out of the Disney project because I was already under contract.” Foster felt no resentment about missing out and was pleased that Fisher secured the role in the end.

Her sole worry was that she might not have successfully executed the iconic hairstyle that Fisher sported with those famous side buns. “And they did an incredible job,” Foster remarked. “I’m not sure how well I would have done. I might have had different hair. I might have gone with a pineapple.” Who knows? In another timeline, Foster could have been our Leia, but it might have been Fisher being confronted by Hannibal Lecter years later, instead.

numerous Reddit users agree that the optimal phone for voice-to-text is Google’s Pixel line. This agreement likely isn’t surprising to anyone who has been tracking the search behemoth’s entry into the smartphone arena, as Google invests substantial development resources into enhancing text-to-speech functionalities. In 2021, Google introduced an “enhanced voice typing” feature for Android devices, which aimed to improve the performance and precision of its voice-to-text system, alongside incorporating several user-friendly enhancements. These enhancements featured automatic punctuation recognition and the capability to erase text by merely stating “clear.”

Google fine-tunes the Pixel’s whole ecosystem through bespoke hardware, on-device AI algorithms, software unification, and language analysis, instead of merely treating text-to-speech as a secondary keyboard attribute. Moreover, Google has pledged to continuous, progressive improvements in speech-to-text technology to ensure user satisfaction. As an illustration, Google referred to more recent speech recognition models in 2023 as part of an “almost eight-year journey that necessitated significant research, implementation, and refinement to deliver the highest quality features across various applications, noise scenarios, acoustic settings, and vocabularies.”

A Reddit user remarked, “get the pixel, you won’t regret it,” while another commented, “all Pixels have exceptional speech to text. It’s the finest in my experience.”

electronics prohibited by TSA for carry-on luggage encompass stun guns and tasers, power tools, and beauty devices like hair straighteners or curling irons if they utilize gas cartridges or butane. Furthermore, you may be required to remove chargers and power banks for TSA, shifting them from your checked baggage to your carry-on, assuming they adhere to the capacity guidelines. What about RFID wallets? Crafted with specialized radio frequency blocking liners, they inhibit the wallet or small bag from being read by malicious entities. In other words, these wallets safeguard your chip-enabled cards, payment options, identification cards, and passports.

Could this pose an issue for airport security that needs to inspect everything in a bag or storage container? Yes and no. It’s not genuinely a problem; TSA actually permits RFID wallets and handbags to pass through security. You will need to clear your pockets, which entails placing RFID-protected bags or wallets in a bin. That’s where delays might occur. It’s not about the bag or wallet itself, but rather the contents. If you’re keeping prohibited or restricted items, you will most likely be detected. The straightforward answer is to avoid placing anything unauthorized within.

While there’s no assurance, most often it’s permissible to carry your RFID wallet along while traveling by air. If you can pass through airport security with a Flipper Zero in your carry-on, which you can, then an RFID wallet or handbag shouldn’t pose a problem.

The RedMagic 11 Air is a smartphone tailored for gaming that merges elegant design with practicality. With dimensions of 163.82 x 76.54 x 7.85mm and a weight of 207 grams, it presents a thinner silhouette than typically expected from a gaming phone. Built using an aluminum alloy frame, the device has a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i front and a transparent Gorilla Glass 5 back panel, ensuring both strength and a distinctive look. While it carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash protection, it does not offer the superior water resistance found in some rival products.

The smartphone’s design features a gamer-oriented rear panel, displaying streamlined thermal elements and RedMagic branding beneath the glass surface. An RGB ring surrounding the internal fan introduces a customizable aspect, appealing to gaming fans. Notably, the RedMagic 11 Air has removed the physical slider present in earlier versions, substituting it with a red button to engage Game Space, the dedicated gaming mode of RedMagic.

Controls and ports are thoughtfully positioned, with a power button and volume rocker on the right side and a USB-C port located at the bottom. The camera module aligns flush with the back panel, promoting comfort during lengthy gaming sessions by reducing wobble and disruptive edges.

Offered in Black Phantom and White Prism, the RedMagic 11 Air incorporates subtle yet striking design features, including RedMagic branding and a red button. Touch surfaces along the sides function as trigger buttons, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Although the rear panel may attract fingerprints, the design remains visually pleasing. The RedMagic 11 Air stands out as a comprehensive option for gamers looking for a fashionable yet practical device.

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adding a soundbar or setting up a dedicated speaker system.

Both of these audio solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice that suits you best will depend on several factors such as your intended TV use (e.g., streaming services, gaming, watching classic DVDs), the size of your room, the arrangement of your furniture, and the level of “cinematic” experience you desire for your films and shows. In general terms, a soundbar aims to improve speech, overall clarity, and volume, whereas a dedicated speaker system offers a broader, more immersive soundstage, making you feel as though you’re part of the film or show you are viewing.

If you prefer a more “set it and forget it” approach, the easy-to-use design of numerous soundbars will be a significant advantage. Most systems connect to your TV using HDMI ARC/eARC or digital optical; this guarantees that all audio-visual devices connected to your TV route sound to the soundbar, including the TV’s integrated apps. Features like HDMI-CEC should also let you manage the soundbar’s volume through your TV remote, and many soundbars are equipped with a dedicated center speaker to enhance dialogue and vocal clarity.