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Four years after Valve launched the Steam Deck, the portable gaming device continues to enjoy considerable popularity, often selling out online despite its time on the market. At present, three hardware variants are available: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. The first model features an LCD screen, while the latter two come with OLED displays and minor internal enhancements.

The Steam Deck combines the versatility of a handheld with the capability typical of PC gaming, prompting competitors to venture into that sector with their own offerings. As the hardware ages and more powerful alternatives emerge, gamers deliberating between acquiring the Steam Deck or a competing device have more considerations to evaluate. While individual gaming preferences vary, several factors such as power and cost position the Steam Deck as the preferred choice for most users, making it a worthwhile purchase in 2026.

How does the Steam Deck’s power compare to other options?

It’s accurate that the Steam Deck is surpassed by stronger handheld consoles like the ROG Xbox Ally. Valve’s current model utilizes a custom AMD APU with six cores (down from the previous model’s seven cores to enhance efficiency) and 16 GB of RAM. In comparison, the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts a more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and 24 GB of RAM, providing a significantly superior experience when engaging with demanding games such as “Cyberpunk 2077” or “Microsoft Flight Simulator.”

As time progresses, it’s likely that fewer major releases, especially those featuring cutting-edge technology, will be available on the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, power isn’t the sole factor in gaming. If your goal is to play the latest AAA titles with high visual fidelity and performance, you may need to explore other avenues. Otherwise, you might want to check out higher-end handheld alternatives.

Nonetheless, the Steam Deck has consistently been more suited for casual gaming experiences like “Stardew Valley,” or grinding in RPGs such as “Elden Ring” or “Persona 5 Royal.” You’ll likely not find a better choice at a comparable price.

Steam Deck offers exceptional value in handheld PC gaming

The Steam Deck isn’t inexpensive, priced at $549 for the 512GB model and $649 for the 1 TB variant. This represents an increase from the original 256 GB model’s $399 price point, which is now out of production and seems to have sold out for good. That said, the Steam Deck is priced significantly lower than newer, more powerful machines. The ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999, making it less appealing for the average buyer. There is a budget-friendly option in the ROG Xbox Ally, but at $599, it still exceeds the cost of the comparably powerful Steam Deck. Other handhelds are priced even higher; for instance, the OneXFly F1 Pro starts at $1,099, and the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM retails for $1,299.

Additionally, there’s the intrinsic value of the Steam platform itself. Steam stands as the largest marketplace for PC games, enabling you to purchase and enjoy nearly any title that isn’t exclusive to a console. If you’re a gamer who has invested a considerable amount into Steam, you’ll already possess a substantial library to download and enjoy on your Steam Deck. Even if you haven’t, Steam is well-known for hosting significant sales throughout the year, making it easier to build your library.

You also needn’t worry about the Steam Deck becoming outdated anytime soon, as Valve has indicated that a successor isn’t on the immediate horizon. In November 2025, software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais told IGN that while the team has concepts in mind, they desire the next generation to represent a much larger jump forward, exceeding the capabilities of current chips. It’s clear that we’re several years away from the Steam Deck 2, which means purchasing the current model when available remains a sound investment.

rules you should understand prior to purchasing an Android device. Nonetheless, after you’ve navigated through brand and model choices and have settled on a particular device, there are multiple outlets from which you can acquire it. You may obtain it through the various carriers in your locality, from online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Best Buy, or you can simply visit a large electronics shop.

Moreover, you have the option to purchase the phone directly from the manufacturer, as many companies do sell their devices straight to consumers. Android smartphone brands like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and Google maintain sections on their websites for this purpose. You can conveniently place an order for any of the available models, and it will be shipped to your home. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional retail experience, numerous manufacturers operate physical stores at various locations, allowing you to test out their different devices before making a purchase.

Even though you might find that the prices for the devices are approximately the same across all available avenues, buying directly from the manufacturer offers additional advantages that may be lost if you go through other channels. Manufacturers sell unlocked devices, provide exclusive offers, allow for more personalization, and give you direct support, among other benefits.

At the yearly Mobile World Congress (MWC) event taking place in Barcelona, Spain, numerous firms within the mobile sector presented an array of devices and ideas. Among the key attractions were Chinese smartphones, 6G technology, and dancing robots. One fascinating gadget was a phone that may evoke a feeling of déjà vu.

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Tecno introduced more than 10 concept devices at the exhibition. Among these was the Atom, a concept phone characterized by a sleek design that distinguishes itself by providing modular components that can be added or removed according to your requirements. These components include a telephoto lens, an action camera, a stackable battery module, and a speaker for enhanced audio. The phone utilizes magnets to link the components together, a system Tecno terms Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology.

If this concept rings a bell, you might recall the LG G5 smartphone from 2016, which included modular components that allowed for hardware customization — although not with magnets. It emerged during a period when Android was exploring its modular phase, with Google’s own Project Ara promising similar degrees of hardware personalization. While the LG G5 was among the more widely available modular phones, sold through carrier outlets and Best Buy, it ultimately proved to be a failure, as LG reverted to a more conventional design the following year.

The modular phone concept is not a recent development. LG unveiled its flagship G5 phone in April 2016, featuring a modular design that allowed users to purchase accessories and attach them for added functionality, such as a 360-degree camera and a wide-angle lens. Intended to rescue the company’s ailing mobile division at that time, the G5 ultimately appeared and disappeared without much excitement, and LG officially closed its mobile division a few years later. According to The Wall Street Journal, the brand “struggled to persuade consumers to invest in extra modules for the G5.” However, LG’s modular device was not as practical as Tecno’s Atom concept since it necessitated powering off the phone just to swap battery modules — unlike the Atom, where you simply connect the battery to the back, and you can even add more than one if desired.

Following disappointing sales results for the G5, LG eventually reduced its focus on modularity. While the Atom evokes memories of LG’s unsuccessful endeavor, it remains uncertain whether Tecno is committed to turning this concept into a tangible device available for purchase. After all, the brand is recognized for displaying various concepts at trade shows that do not always reach widespread market availability, so you might want to temper your expectations regarding a spiritual successor to the LG G5 appearing on retail shelves.

AppleCare One plan provides coverage for up to three devices at a reduced rate.

Among the most famous and widely acknowledged advantages of AppleCare+ are the extended warranty and unlimited repairs for any accidental damage, including those resulting from drops and liquid exposure. These features prevent you from incurring a large repair bill and ensure that an unfortunate incident won’t force you to purchase a new device. Besides these advantages, AppleCare+ includes several additional benefits that can aid in determining whether an AppleCare+ subscription justifies the expense. Here are some AppleCare+ benefits that might surprise you.

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Back in 2023, Netflix unveiled intentions to pour a staggering $2.5 billion into Korean content over the next four years. Consequently, the platform has been delivering a consistent flow of outstanding K-dramas in recent times, featuring some genuinely gripping horror series, such as “Parasyte: The Grey,” and “Kingdom.” However, if you’re a dedicated horror enthusiast who has already consumed these shows, there’s another binge-worthy Netflix series that is definitely worth diving into.

Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting an 89% Tomatometer score, Netflix’s “All of Us Are Dead” is a 12-episode Korean-language horror series that chronicles a group of students who find themselves trapped when their high school becomes the epicenter of a lethal zombie virus outbreak. Although this series isn’t brand new, having premiered back in January 2022, now is an ideal time to start viewing if you haven’t done so yet, as its highly anticipated second season is officially on the horizon.

What is All of Us Are Dead about?

Inspired by a Webtoon of the same title, “All of Us Are Dead” portrays a group of South Korean high school students striving for survival when a highly contagious zombie virus erupts in their school after a student receives a (seemingly innocuous) bite from a rat in the science lab.

It turns out that the bite was far from harmless, and it swiftly becomes apparent that their classmates begin transforming into flesh-hungry beings. While the school serves as the epicenter for this deadly outbreak, the virus rapidly spreads to the adjacent city of Hyosan, where governmental authorities struggle to comprehend and control it.

The remaining survivors, including Nam On-jo (played by “House of Hummingbird”‘s Park Ji-hu) and Lee Su-hyeok (played by “Sweet Revenge”‘s Lomon), are compelled to rely on their instincts to combat their zombified classmates, escape the school, and reach a quarantine camp.

The first season of “All of Us Are Dead” consists of 12 gruesome episodes, each lasting about an hour, and is accessible for viewing on Netflix.

All of Us Are Dead Season 2

Netflix confirmed its renewal of “All of Us Are Dead” for a second season in June 2022, which wasn’t particularly surprising, given that viewers reportedly consumed 362,643,000 hours of the first season within 30 days of its release on the streaming service.

Nevertheless, the wait for “All of Us Are Dead” has been lengthy. In April 2024, Park Chul-soo, the CEO of the series’ production company, Film Monster, announced that filming for the second season would commence that year and would debut in the latter half of 2025. However, in May 2024, it was revealed that Netflix had delayed the production of the show by one year.

Season 2 of “All of Us Are Dead” officially completed filming in February 2026, though a release date is yet to be confirmed. This new season reportedly introduces new cast members, including Roh Jae-won (“Squid Game”), Lee Min-jae (“Hide”), Kim Si-eun (“Voice”), and Yoon Ga-i (“Undercover High School”), and is anticipated to delve into the aftermath of the virus beyond the high school setting.

Your New Monitor Might Be Concealing a Multitasking Enhancement You Were Unaware of

If you regularly alternate between a work laptop and a gaming setup or a personal desktop, it’s easy to picture your workspace being overwhelmed with wires. Whether it’s the link between your laptop and monitor or the devices attached to your desktop, those cable connections can accumulate rapidly. Although you can tackle the mess using inexpensive tools or this stylish Amazon DIY kit, you won’t be able to lower the number of cables unless you utilize a concealed multitasking enhancement found in numerous contemporary monitors.

Today’s monitors frequently feature built-in support for a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) Switch. While KVM switches are also available separately and enable you to effortlessly switch your monitor and peripheral connections among several computers, manufacturers have been incorporating them into monitors for some time to streamline things for users. Here’s how a KVM switch in your monitor can improve your setup and elevate your multitasking capabilities.

How does a KVM switch function?

A KVM switch fundamentally allows you to connect multiple computers using a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor, letting you toggle between them effortlessly. This is particularly useful if you wish to utilize the same set of monitors and peripherals with both your laptop and your desktop, or any mix of two or more computers, without needing to disconnect cables from one device and reconnect them to another every time you want to switch. Monitors with an integrated KVM switch simplify matters even further, as you can have all your peripherals plugged into your monitor, which is then connected to two different computers.

When it’s time to switch computers, you merely change the source on the monitor, and all connected peripherals and devices will seamlessly transition their connection to the second computer without needing manual changes. However, some monitors may require you to access an option in the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu or press a physical KVM switch button to alternate the connected USB devices. KVM-capable monitors usually accommodate two computers, though some may support more. Beyond making the switching of the monitor and peripherals more straightforward, the inclusion of the KVM switch keeps your desk arrangement neater, as you aren’t constantly relocating cables, and everything can be organized neatly.

Additional advantages of monitors with KVM switch support

While the name might imply that this feature is only usable with your keyboard, mouse, and monitor, you can actually utilize your monitor’s USB ports as part of the KVM to connect any peripherals, such as a webcam, microphone, and headphones, and toggle them between computers with a single button press. This is excellent for maintaining an orderly workspace and not complicating things when you suddenly need to use a dedicated webcam or USB microphone with your laptop.

Monitors that feature a built-in KVM switch sometimes include functions like picture-by-picture (PBP) or picture-in-picture (PIP), which let you view video input from both computers simultaneously. Some also support seamless input switching as you engage with different computers while using PBP. For instance, it will shift the mouse input from one computer to the other as you move the mouse across the “border” of the two distinct video outputs on the monitor, known as “mouse roaming.” All these functions can prove very useful during multitasking. So when you’re next in the market for a new monitor, remember to check the product listing to determine if it includes a KVM switch.

Google is entirely overhauling its Google Maps experience starting this week, as the company incorporates Gemini into one of the most well-known internet services available. With this announcement, the company is exploring new methods for users to receive recommendations with a simple prompt, in addition to a completely fresh driving experience. This means an updated map experience that resembles what Apple Maps has been providing with a 3D perspective of the route, but enhanced with AI and Google’s community data accessible on the move.

These updates include the new “Ask Maps” feature and four new enhancements aimed at assisting drivers in reaching their destinations, whether it’s their first visit to that spot or a familiar route or commute. These features will begin to roll out this week for users in the U.S., and Ask Maps will also be available for users in India. Global expansion is planned throughout the remainder of 2026, or when the company is ready to share further details.

Ask Maps may be one of the most beneficial features Google has ever launched.

Have you ever been in a new city, or maybe you’re organizing a date, but you don’t typically keep track of all the interesting places you’ve visited using Google Maps, and you’re unsure of where to go? Well, Ask Maps should assist with that: By posing a straightforward question to Google Maps, like “I’m dining with three friends, and I need a vegetarian place between work and midtown that has a table available for 7 p.m.,” Gemini will provide several suggestions based on user experiences and information submitted by restaurant owners, allowing you to quickly book a table at one of the locations with just another tap.

The same applies if you’re planning a trip and want Gemini to create an itinerary featuring a few hidden gems, specific criteria, and so on. Google showcased the experience to BGR, and from what we’ve observed, it appears highly promising. Google informs us that, currently, Gemini won’t consider sponsored content from Google Maps, nor will companies be able to pay for sponsorship within that experience, as the team is focused solely on delivering the best possible experience. Consequently, Google will only consider user reviews and information from merchants to generate suggestions.

Driving with Google Maps will significantly differ, yet remain familiar.

With the new driving experience, Google aims for users to quickly orient themselves, provide more natural navigation, explain why Maps has selected a specific route, and assist them in confidently moving from door to door.

A brand-new 3D view enhances the driver’s understanding of what they need to do next by emphasizing buildings, landscapes, different lanes, crosswalks, traffic signals, and more. It has a distinctly Apple Maps-like appearance, and Google asserts that this update is not merely about aesthetics but actual utility. One of the most exciting aspects of this update is how natural language will aid drivers in situating themselves. Instead of just instructing to turn left in 200 meters, Google will advise the driver to turn left after the upcoming traffic light.

Google Maps will also provide more noticeable alerts regarding changes to the route in real-time, clarify the trade-offs of opting for an alternative path, in addition to any real-time disruptions that might occur while driving. Immersive Navigation is being rolled out across the U.S. on iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, and Android Auto. Google also mentions that this experience is currently tailored for drivers, as the company has no announcements for pedestrians and cyclists; which aligns with Apple, as it continues to face challenges regarding those who depend on public transit or walk frequently.

streaming devices available today, and among the most favored options is the Amazon Fire TV Stick. With a starting price of just $35, you can connect a Fire TV Stick to any TV that has an HDMI port in your home, granting you access to leading entertainment services like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and others. If you’ve contemplated purchasing a Fire TV Stick but are feeling hesitant, it’s important to realize that you can actually link these devices to more than just your television in the living room.

As long as you are inserting a Fire Stick into an HDMI input (not an output), and it’s also connected to a USB port for power, the device should operate correctly, barring a few unusual cases. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to compile a brief list of devices — besides TVs — that you can attach your Fire TV Stick to.

You might already possess multiple devices from this list, or perhaps you have thought about buying one or two to enhance your daily tasks or entertainment area. No matter the situation, we aimed to showcase typical gadgets found in a home theater or PC environment.

For this iteration of the MacBook Pro, performance is paramount. Everything else about the device mirrors last year’s model. However, the M5 series chips aren’t the primary highlight regarding performance. While they are remarkable and an upgrade over the M4 series, the true enhancement is attributed to Apple’s quicker SSDs.

The entry-level MacBook Pro comes with a standard M5 chip, which is likely more than adequate for most users, particularly those who mostly utilize web-based applications or productivity software. The series ranges up to the M5 Pro, and at the top tier, the M5 Max. Our test unit is armed with the M5 Max, featuring an 18-core CPU consisting of six efficiency cores and 12 performance cores, a choice between a 32-core or 40-core GPU, and a memory bandwidth of 614GB/s. This setup results in a laptop priced at $3,599 with a standard 2TB SSD.

This device is overkill for routine productivity tasks, yet it executes them seamlessly. For activities such as web applications and document editing, the M5 Max and even the MacBook Pro might be excessive, and a MacBook Air could represent a better option.

The M5 Max-equipped MacBook Pro is tailored for users who require substantial 3D rendering or graphics capabilities. Graphic artists, video producers, and creatives needing swift rendering will benefit from the M5 Max. The new SSDs, which offer up to double the read and write speeds of the M4 counterparts, facilitate quicker handling of large files. The M5 Max comes with three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, differing from the Thunderbolt 4 ports found on the M5 Pro models.

The M5 Max MacBook Pro boasts impressive speed. In a test using the HandBrake video transcoder, it converted a large file in approximately 30 seconds, a process that would have taken even the most powerful laptops several minutes a few years prior.

For gamers, the laptop is highly competent, aside from issues with gaming compatibility on macOS. If your favorite games are accessible on macOS, the MacBook Pro handles them at high settings effortlessly while sustaining high frame rates. Although some premium Windows laptops with superior discrete GPUs may manage gaming workloads slightly better, Apple’s in-house GPUs perform exceptionally well.