<![CDATA[ Laptopmag ]]> https://www.laptopmag.com Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:36:41 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Meta Quest 3 beats Apple Vision Pro as first mixed-reality headset to adopt AI ]]> The already formidable Quest 3 mixed-reality headset is set to reach all-new heights. Yesterday, Meta announced plans to bring its 'supercharged' Meta AI assistant to the device in August — racing ahead of Bloomberg reports that Apple has similar plans to bring Apple Intelligence to Vision Pro headsets in the near future.

First unveiled in Sept. 2023, Meta AI has been a core pillar in the company's push to bring AI into its services and hardware over the last ten months. The multimodal large language model (LLM) is similar in scope to OpenAI's ChatGPT, capable of natural language interactions with users across text, voice, and more recently visual inputs.

In a nutshell, Meta AI can understand and reply to anything it reads, sees, or hears, and has already begun to feature in services like WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Facebook, the Meta.AI web portal, and within the company's Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

The world's first AI assistant for AR/VR headsets

In a post to the Meta Quest blog, Meta revealed that its AI assistant's next destination would be Quest 3 headsets — making use of the platform's mixed-reality abilities to showcase its multimodal capabilities, especially that of translating and understanding real-time video and visuals.

Meta AI will begin rolling out to Quest 3 headsets next month, with the assistant available to users in the US and Canada first. To access Meta AI, you'll need to enable it in the Horizon OS Experimental panel, found within the main Settings panel.

Initially, users will be able to interact with Meta AI through voice prompts, where you can quiz the AI on any topic you're interested in, or even ask for more contextual information about places to eat or visit nearby, as well as using your visual surroundings as part of prompts.

However, Meta state that it will improve the experience over time, which could lead to an explosion in use cases for its AI assistant.

Meta AI on Quest headsets: What we'd love to see

While not everyone is keen to see Meta's AI pop-up in their messaging and social media platforms, there's a boatload of untapped potential in seeing the assistant interact with the world around you.

In one video shared by Meta, the Quest 3's upcoming AI assistant recommends nearby spots to play basketball, another shows it passing out wardrobe advice based on an item of clothing it can see.

However, the potential applications of Meta AI within the Quest headset could stretch far beyond these more advanced Siri/Alexa-like interactions — with the AI gaining an entirely new arsenal of mixed-reality tools and features.

Let's look at some of the ways we'd love to see Meta AI use these tools to transform the Quest experience. 

  • In-game assistance: We saw the potential for AI to collide with gaming in a unique way during Microsoft's 2024 Build event, with the company's Copilot AI getting involved in a game of Minecraft to instruct users how to play or what actions they should take next.

    Meta AI's ability to "see" what the wearer sees could extend beyond its passthrough lenses and reach into the virtual domain, where it could, in theory, recognize certain games and provide similar assistance.

    With a lot of Quest titles following an escape room-like format (like the impossibly fun I Expect You to Die 3), having a little mental assistance from time to time could be a great way to make use of the headset's new AI wingman.
     
  • Room setup: The Quest 3 has the capability of scanning its surroundings and identifying key pieces of furniture within your play space already. However, combine that with Meta AI and you could automate things even further.

    Imagine taking your Quest 3 headset with you on a trip, ready to break it out in your hotel room to enjoy a cinema-like, large-screen movie night in AR. Now imagine asking Meta AI to set up everything for you while you go about unpacking.

    Meta AI could load up your favorite streaming service, prime the film you're waiting to watch, and even position the virtual display in the perfect place for you — meaning all that's left for you to do is crash out and hit play.
     
  • Automatic passthrough: Meta AI's ability to recognize items, landmarks, locations, animals, and people could be used to give you a heads-up as people or pets enter the room, preventing them from catching those hands as you swing your way to victory in Creed: Rise to Glory.

    Better still, Meta's assistant could enable passthrough if it notices someone enter the room, pausing your play session and letting you interact with them without ever having to fiddle with controls or remove the headset.
     
  • Hands-free navigation: The Quest 3 has a solid pairing of control methods. The Quest Touch Plus controllers offer incredible accuracy in fast-paced games, while hand tracking gives you a more natural interaction with AR and VR apps.

    However, Meta's assistant could unlock a hands-free way of navigating the headset's many menus and interfaces — letting Meta AI do the work for you as you prompt it with voice commands.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses close up

(Image credit: Meta)

A vision of of the future

After seeing the videos accompanying yesterday's announcement, it's hard not to see a vertical slice of Meta's vision of the future when it comes to the merging of wearable tech and AR/AI.

The company is dead-set on its VR/AR ambitions, and a recent sighting of a strange pair of smart glasses in a months old Mark Zuckerberg post to Threads has ignited rumors that the company is preparing to showcase its long-rumored 'true' AR glasses later this year.

Could this new Quest experience be an early example of what Meta hope to achieve in the smart glasses market over the coming years? It's highly likely. However, while CEO Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that there'll be news to share about future frames this year, Meta's AR smartglasses are still said to be in the prototype stage.

More from Laptop Mag

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/vr/the-meta-quest-3-will-be-the-first-ai-mixed-reality-headset sfcbCTJnrJzNQim8y6dSSC Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:26:16 +0000 <![CDATA[ 15 best gaming laptop deals in July 2024 ]]> It's late-July and the best gaming laptop deals so far are impressive long after Prime Day. Amazon and its competitors are holding Back-to-school sales featuring solid discounts on top-rated gaming notebooks. 

So if you're looking for a price break on a gaming laptop, there are plenty of summer savings to take advantage of. Hefty iscounts on Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 and AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series laptops are afoot. As expected, older model gaming laptops with RTX 30 and AMD RX 6000 hardware seeing the biggest markdowns.

You'll find the best gaming laptop deals at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Smaller retailers like B&H and Newegg also offer stellar discounts on laptops at the moment. Direct manufacturer discounts coming from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Razer aren't too shabby either. 

Our curated list of gaming laptop deals will save you money and precious time. Whether you're an entry-level gaming or pro-level competitor, we've covered all the bases. 

From the best gaming laptops under $1,000 — to beastly machines for intensive graphics handling, see today's best gaming laptop deals below. 

Best gaming laptop deals right now

Quick links

Best gaming laptop deals under $1,000

HP Victus 15 RTX 2050 (2024): $699 $599 @ Amazon
Lowest price! Now $100 off, the 2024 HP Victus 15 is at its best price yet. Don't let the modest cost fool you, it's configured to deliver a solid gaming experience without you having to spend a small fortune. Ideal for casual gamers and students who want a laptop that can handle light gaming, the HP Vicutus is a budget-friendly choice.

Features: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display, Intel Core i5-12450H 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, RTX 2050 GPU w/ 4GB VRAM, 512GB SSD. Windows 11 Home

Price check: Newegg $738View Deal

MSI Bravo 15 RTX 4050: $999 $749 @ Best Buy
Save $250 on the MSI Bravo 15 RTX 40 Series laptop. We didn't get to test the Bravo 15 however, we reviewed its sibling, the MSI Katana 15. We gave it a 4 out of 5-star rating for its solid gaming and productivity performance. We expect the laptop in this deal to be on par and more than adequate for handling AAA games and video editing applications.

Features: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080)144Hz display, AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS 6-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB VRAM., 512GB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Acer Nitro V RTX 4050: $949 $799 @ Best Buy
One of the best gaming laptop deals right now takes $150 off the Acer Nitro V. Released in May 2024, this marks a new all-time low price for this gaming PC. Though we didn't test it, early reviews from happy customers rated the Nitro V 4.2 out of 5 stars. Owners praise the laptop's amazing battery life, customizable audio setting specific to RPG, FPS games, and content streaming. At just under $700, it's a sensible choice if you're looking for an entry-level gaming notebook. 

Features: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display, AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS 6-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Dell G15 RTX 4060: $1,199 $809 @ Dell
Save $390 on the Dell G16 with this Dell gaming laptop deal. Dell G16 series laptops are known for impressive gaming performance, sturdy build quality, and outstanding productivity potential. 

Features: 15.6 (1920 x 1080) 360Hz display, Intel Core i7-13650HX 14-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU w/ 8GB VRAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home

Price check: Best Buy $899View Deal

Best gaming laptop deals under $1,500

Asus TUF Gaming A15 RTX 4060: $1,399 $1,049 @ Amazon
Lowest price! Save $350 on the Asus TUF Gaming A15 RTX 4060 Gaming laptop. Although we didn't review it, Asus TUF Gaming A15 reviews from Amazon customers average 4.5 out of 5 stars Proud owners praise the laptop's sleek design, speed, gaming performance, and great battery life, 

Features: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display, AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS 8-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB VRAM, 1TB SSD, Windows Home 11View Deal

Gigabyte Aorus 15 RTX 4070: $1,399 $1,249 @ Newegg
Take $150 off the RTX 4070 graphics-toting Gigabyte Aorus 15 and get a free game download of Black Myth: Wukong (valued at $60). We didn't get our hands on it for testing, however, sister site Tom's Hardware took the RTX 4070 Gigabyte Aorus 15X for a spin. They gave it an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars for its overall strong performance, quality build, and customizable RGB lighting. 

Features: 15.6-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz display, Intel Core i7-13700H 14-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Razer Blade 14 RTX 4070: $2,699 $2,499 @ Razer +  Freebies
For a limited time, save $200 on the Razer Blade 14 and get a free game download of Black Myth: Wukongworth (valued at $60) and a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (valued at $17). We reviewed the 16-inch model and gave it a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its strong overall performance and bright stunning display with dual-mode functionality. 

Features: 14-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz display, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS 8-core CPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU w/ 8GB of VRAMView Deal

Best gaming laptop deals under $2,000

Gigabyte G6X 9KG (2024): $1,499 $1,399 @ Amazon
Amazon knocks $100 off the Gigabyte G6X 9KG, a laptop that runs games with ruthlessly sharp speed. In our Gigabyte G6X 9KG review, we gave it a 3 out of 5-star rating for its bright display, strong performance, and graphics. Although battery life and sound could be better, it makes up for it in gaming prowess. 

Features: 16-inch (1920 x 1200) 165Hz display, Intel Core i7-13650HX 14-core CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Asus ROG Strix G16 RTX 4060: $1,699 $1,529 @ Amazon
Lowest price! Amazon knocks $170 off the 2024 Asus ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop. We rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its powerful performance, long battery life, and solid audio. Although we thought the display could be brighter, it's one beast of a gaming rig with customizable RGB lighting and lengthy gameplay. 

Features: 16-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz display with Dolby Vision, Intel Core i9-14900HX 24-core CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Razer Blade 15 RTX 4070: $2,799 $1,799 @ Amazon
One of Amazon's best gaming laptop deals takes $1,000 off the Razer Blade 15 with RTX 4070 GPU. Plus, get the upcoming game Black Myth: Wukong for free. This epic discount puts it at just $30 shy of its all-time low price. Launched in Feb. 2023, we reviewed the 16-inch model Razer Blade notebook and gave it a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its strong overall performance and bright stunning display with dual-mode functionality. 

Features: 14-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz display, Intel Core  i7-13800H 14-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU w/ 12GB VRAM, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Asus ROG Strix G18 RTX 4070: $2,199 $1,899 @ Best Buy
Save $300 on the Asus ROG Strix G18 with this stellar gaming laptop deal. Reviews agree that Asus ROG Strix laptops tend to focus more on substance over beauty, it's one powerful beast of a gaming rig with customizable RGB lighting and lengthy battery life.

Features: 18-inch WQXGA QHD (1920 x 1200) 240Hz OLED ROG Nebula display with Dolby Vision, Intel Core i9-13980HX 24-core CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB VRAM, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home

Price check: Asus $1,899View Deal

MSI Pulse 15 RTX 4070: $1,899 $1,699 @ Newegg + Freebie
Save $200 on the MSI Pulse 15 and get a free game download of Black Myth: Wukong (valued at $60). We didn't get to test the MSI Pulse 15, however, in our MSI Katana 15 review, its RTX 4070 GPU-toting sibling earned a solid 4 out of 5-star rating for its solid gaming and productivity performance. We expect the laptop in this deal to be on par and more than adequate for handling AAA games and video editing applications.

Features: 15.6-inch (2560 x 1440) 165Hz display, Intel Core i9-13900H 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 8G VRAM, 1TB SSD. View Deal

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 RTX 4090: $3,499 $2,999 @ Best Buy
Save $500 on the excellent Asus ROG Zephyrus M16, one of the best laptops for gamers and creators alike. In our Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 review, we were floored by the laptop's drop-dead gorgeous display, sleek form factor, and mind-blowing gaming performance. 

Features: 16-inch (2560 x 1440) 500-nit 240Hz display, Intel Core i9-13900H 14-core CPU, 32GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU w/ 16GB VRAM, 2TB SSDView Deal

Asus ROG Strix G16 RTX 4070: $1,999 $1,649 @ Amazon
Save $350 on the Asus ROG Strix G16 with this stellar gaming laptop deal. Reviews agree that Asus ROG Strix laptops tend to focus more on substance over beauty, it's one powerful beast of a gaming rig with customizable RGB lighting and lengthy battery life.

Features: 16-inch (1920 x 1200) 165Hz display with Dolby Vision, Intel Core i9-13980HX 24-core CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Best gaming laptop deals over $2,000

Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 RTX 4080: $3,839 $3,455 @ Lenovo
This gaming laptop deal from Newegg takes $384 off the new Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9. If you want a laptop that can play AAA games at high frame rates and seamlessly power through graphics-intensive tasks, the Legion 9i may be worth the splurge. 

Features: 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) 1,200-nit 165Hz Mini-LED display, HDR 1000 support, Intel Core i9-14900HX 24-core CPU, 32GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU w/ 12GB VRAM, 1TB SSD, 1080p camera with dual mic and privacy shutter, fingerprint reader, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Razer Blade 16 RTX 4070: $2,999 $2,199 @ Amazon
This RTX 40 series Razer Blade 16 is $800 off in this epic gaming laptop deal. In our Razer Blade 16 Mini LED review, we gave it a solid rating of 4 out of 5-stars and our hard-to-get Editor's Choice Award. We loved its strong overall performance and bright stunning display with dual-mode functionality. 

Features: 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz Mini-LED display, Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU w/ 8GB of VRAMView Deal

Gigabyte Aorus 17X RTX 4080: $2,499 $2,249 @ Newegg
Save $250 on the Gigabyte Aorus 17X gaming laptop, powered by Windows 11 Pro. In our hands-on Gigabyte Aorus 17X review, we liked its all-black sleek, eye-catching metallic design. We also liked the razzle-dazzle of the programmable RGB keys and light strip. 

Features: 17.3-inch (2560 x 1440) 240Hz display, Intel Core i9-13900HX 24-core CPU, 16GB of RAM, RTX 4080 GPU with 12GB of VRAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro

Price check: Amazon $2,299View Deal

Razer Blade 14 RTX 4070: $2,699 $2,099 @ Razer
Razer takes $600 off the Razer Blade 14 with RTX 4070 GPU. We reviewed the 16-inch model and gave it a solid rating of 4 out of 5-stars for its strong overall performance and bright stunning display with dual-mode functionality. 

Features: 14-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz display, AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS 8-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU w/ 8GB of VRAMView Deal

Lenovo Legion Pro 7 RTX 4090: $3,299 $2,699 @ B&H
In this deal, B&H takes $600 off the Lenovo Legion Pro 7 16-inch Gaming Laptop. In our hands-on Legion Pro 7 review, we called it a stellar gaming laptop with beastly performance and a premium aesthetic. Beyond gaming, this powerful hardware combo is great for video editing, photo editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. 

Features: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 240Hz 500-nit display, Intel Core i9-13900HX 24-core CPU, 32GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU w/ 16GB VRAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Razer Blade 16 RTX 4080: $3,599 $2,999 @ Razer
Save $600 on the Razer Blade 16 Mini-LED gaming laptop with RTX 4080 GPU. In our Razer Blade 16 Mini LED review, we gave it a solid rating of 4 out of 5-stars and our hard-to-get Editor's Choice Award. We loved its strong overall performance and bright stunning display with dual-mode functionality. 

Features: 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz display, Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU w/ 8GB of VRAMView Deal

Gaming laptop deals at retailers

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/deals/best-gaming-laptop-deals Z2sgXqJftbGEPGLcV4g2wH Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:31:51 +0000 <![CDATA[ Best gaming deals in July 2024 ]]> The best gaming deals of the season are here as retailers continue to roll out epic summer savings. This is welcome news for any gamer on a tight budget.

While Black Friday tends to offer the best end-of-year discounts, there are plenty of noteworthy gaming deals going on right now. 

I found some fantastic deals on gaming laptops, game consoles, and video games. Retailers are also letting gaming essentials go for the cheap like controllers, headsets, and comfy gaming chairs. 

So if you want to take your gameplay to new heights, there are plenty of opportunities to save. 

Browse today's best gaming deals below. 

Best gaming deals right now

Best gaming deals — Quick links

PC gaming

HP Victus 15 RTX 2050 (2024): $699 $599 @ Amazon
Lowest price! Now $100 off, the 2024 HP Victus 15 is at its best price yet. Don't let the modest cost fool you, it's configured to deliver a solid gaming experience without you having to spend a small fortune. Ideal for casual gamers and students who want a laptop that can handle light gaming, the HP Vicutus is a budget-friendly choice.

Features: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display, Intel Core i5-12450H 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, RTX 2050 GPU w/ 4GB VRAM, 512GB SSD. Windows 11 Home

Price check: Newegg $738View Deal

Acer Nitro V RTX 4050: $949 $799 @ Best Buy
One of the best gaming laptop deals right now takes $150 off the Acer Nitro V. Released in May 2024, this marks a new all-time low price for this gaming PC. Though we didn't test it, early reviews from happy customers rated the Nitro V 4.2 out of 5 stars. Owners praise the laptop's amazing battery life, customizable audio setting specific to RPG, FPS games, and content streaming. At just under $700, it's a sensible choice if you're looking for an entry-level gaming notebook. 

Features: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display, AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS 6-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Dell G15 RTX 4060: $1,199 $809 @ Dell via code, "SAVE10"
Take $390 off the Dell G16 via coupon, "SAVE10" with this Dell gaming laptop deal. Dell G16 series laptops are known for impressive gaming performance, sturdy build quality, and outstanding productivity potential. 

Features: 15.6 (1920 x 1080) 360Hz display, Intel Core i7-13650HX 14-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU w/ 8GB VRAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home

Price check: Best Buy $899View Deal

Gigabyte Aorus 15 RTX 4070: $1,399 $1,249 @ Newegg
Take $150 off the RTX 4070 graphics-toting Gigabyte Aorus 15 and get a free game download of Black Myth: Wukong (valued at $60). We didn't get our hands on it for testing, however, sister site Tom's Hardware took the RTX 4070 Gigabyte Aorus 15X for a spin. They gave it an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars for its overall strong performance, quality build, and customizable RGB lighting. 

Features: 15.6-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz display, Intel Core i7-13700H 14-core CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 HomeView Deal

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Dream Vapor Special Edition): $69 $59 @ Best Buy
Lowest price! Save $10 on the Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller. By design, the Dream Vapor Special Edition's pink and purple color swirl is unique to every controller. It easily pairs and switches between multiple devices. It works with PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, and iOS.View Deal

HyperX Pulsefire Haste: $49 $39 @ Amazon
Save $10 on the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse. This lightweight 6-button mouse features a honey-comb design, Pixart 3335 optical sensor with customizable DPI settings of up to 16,000 DPI. That's just techy talk for this mouse is fast, precise, and has smooth tracking. View Deal

Nintendo Switch

Pre-order Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition: $209 @ Best Buy
The Nintendo Switch Lite is now available in this incredible Hyrule Edition to commemorate the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, available on September 26th. 

If you like the base Nintendo Switch but want it for cheaper and are willing to give up the detachable Joy-Cons, look no further. It also comes with a 12-month membership for Nintendo Switch Online (valued at $50).View Deal

Nintendo Switch OLED Model: $349 @ Best Buy
Best Buy currently has the Nintendo Switch OLED in stock. Play at home on the TV or on the go with the Nintendo Switch OLED. In addition to the screen with vivid colors and sharp contrast, the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model includes a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port for TV play, 64GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio.View Deal

Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) Animal Crossing: New Horizons: $199 $159 @ Walmart
Save $41 on the Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) Animal Crossing: New Horizons console.

This bundle includes: A Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition console and a download code for a full download of Animal Crossing New Horizons (valued at $60). View Deal

SanDisk 256GB Memory Card:$53 $25 @ Amazon
Save $28 on this officially licensed 256GB SanDisk MicroSD card for Nintendo Switch. It delivers incredible read and write speeds of 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively for faster game transferring. View Deal

SanDisk 512GB Memory Card: $130 $53 @ Amazon
Save $77 on the 512GB SanDisk MicroSD card for Nintendo Switch offers high-capacity storage for games. This high-speed memory card delivers incredible read and write speeds of 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively for fast file transfers. 

Price check: B&H $53 View Deal

Xbox

Pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: $69 @ Best Buy + FREE Beta Access
Get Free Beta Access when you pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for Xbox Series X, Xbox One. From the manufacturer: Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 preorders ship to arrive by its October 25, 2024 release date. 

Price check: Amazon $69| Walmart $69View Deal

Microsoft Xbox Series X: $499 @ Dell+ Free $50 GC
Get a free $50 gift card when you buy the Xbox Series X from Dell. The excellent Microsoft Xbox Series X is the world's most powerful gaming console. It features 12 teraflops of processing might (the PS5 has 10.28 teraflops) supports 4K gaming at up to 120fps, and is 8K ready future-proof. 

Features: Blu-Ray disc player, 8-core 3.8-GHz AMD Zen 2-based CPU, 12 teraflops of power, supports 4K at up to 120fps (8K ready future-proof), backward compatibility, 1TB custom SSD

Price check: Best Buy $499 | Microsoft: $449 | Dell $499View Deal

Microsoft Xbox Series S: $299 @ Best Buy
Buy the Xbox Series X for just under $300 at Best Buy. This next-gen system offers 4K gaming and lightning-fast load times in a small, compact design. We recommend you grab it while it's still in stock.  View Deal

Xbox Series S Starter Bundle: $299 $249 @ Walmart
Walmart takes $50 off Microsoft's Xbox Series S Starter Bundle. This bundle includes: an Xbox Series S console, a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, and a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.View Deal

Madden NFL 24 Xbox Series X |One: $69 $21 @ Amazon
Save 70% on Madden NFL 24 for Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles. This latest installment to the football game franchise features new responsive and realistic player motion. Increased control, AI enhancements, and cross-play provide a Madden experience unlike ever before. View Deal

NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition: $69 $19 $14 @ GameStop
Save 80% on NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition, where you can make your mark amid scenic views and fierce competition. Pick from today’s All-Stars and all-time legends to form a squad capable of dominating single player and multiplayer modes.

Price check: Amazon $19View Deal

NBA 2K24 Black Mamba Edition Xbox Series X (Digital): $99 $19 @ GameStop
GameStop knocks $80 off NBA 2K24 Black Mamba Edition for Xbox Series X and Xbox One. NBA 2K24 Black Mamba Edition includes: NBA 2K24, 100K VC, 15K MyTEAM Points, 2K24 Option Pack Box (3x Option Packs), 10 Box MyTEAM Promo Packs and so much more. View Deal

Seagate Storage Expansion Card: $219 $149 @ Amazon
Amazon takes $70 off the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S. It adds 1TB of storage to your game drive without compromising graphics, latency and load times. If you're on the brink of maxing out your storage or want to prevent it, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is a must. 

Price check: Best Buy $149View Deal

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S: $44 $39 @ Amazon
Amazon takes $5 off the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra. Featuring multi-zone RGB lighting including 4 lighting zones and 3 lighting modes, this controller is super customizable. 

Features: Multi-zone RGB lighting, integrated IR, share button, 2 mappable buttons, 3-way trigger locks, dual rumble motors, analog sticks, 3.5mm stereo headset jack View Deal

Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle: $559 $469 @ Walmart
Save $90 when you buy. This bundle includes an Xbox Series X Game Console, Diablo IV game, an Xbox Wireless Controller, and an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Diablo IV is a great title for anyone who loves RPGs.View Deal

PlayStation

Sony PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle Digital: $399 @ Best Buy
At $399, the Sony PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle (Digital Edition) is an excellent value. This bundle includes: PlayStation 5 Slim disc-less console, DualSense wireless controller, and a full game download for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (valued at $70). 

Features: New slim disc-less design, ray-tracing, 4K gaming at up to 120 fps, HDR supportView Deal

Sony PS5 Slim Console (Digital): $449 $399 @ Walmart
Lowest price! If you prefer disc-less gaming, save $50 on the Sony PS5 Slim digital console. It supports 4K graphics, backward compatibility, and affords you 1TB of storage. Expect lightning-fast load times thanks to a high-speed SSD as well as deeper immersion haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D audio. View Deal

Sony PS5 Slim Console (Disc): $499 $449 @ Walmart
Lowest price! Now $50 off, the Sony PS5 Slim console packs powerful components, stunning 4K graphics, backward compatibility, and 1TB of SSD storage. Expect lightning-fast load times thanks to a high-speed SSD as well as deeper immersion haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D audio. View Deal

Sony PlayStation Portal: $199 @ Walmart
Sony's PlayStation Portal Remote Player lets you play games on your PS5 console over your home Wi-Fi. Or, pick up where you left off when you're on the go using your unlimited mobile hotspot. 

Features: 8-inch LCD screen, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, supports 1080p resolution gaming at 60fps, PS5 console required

 Price check: Amazon $199 | Best Buy $199 | Target $199 | antonline $199 | Newegg $199View Deal

Sony PlayStation VR2: $549 $449 @ Walmart
Lowest price! At $100 off, the Sony PlayStation VR2 is cheaper than its ever been. Step into the world of virtual reality with the PlayStation VR2's sense technology: Eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio. and intuitive controls featuring haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger touch detection.View Deal

Pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: $69 @ Best Buy + FREE Beta Access
Get Free Beta Access when you pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Due to release on Oct. 25, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Steam PC.

Preorders ship to arrive by October 25, 2024.

From the manufacturer: Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower.

Price check: Amazon $69| Walmart $69View Deal

The Last of Us Part II: $49 $39 @ Walmart
At $10 off, The Last of Us Part II is worthy addition to your PS5 game collection. From Sony: When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure. Confront the devastating physical and emotional repercussions of Ellie's actions.View Deal

EA Sports FC 24: $59 $24 @ Best Buy
Lowest price! Save $45 on EA Sports FC 24. This latest release from the popular sports game franchise among soccer fans marks a new era for The World’s Game. It features more than 19,000 fully licensed players, over 700 teams, and 30+  leagues. View Deal

Sony PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle: $499 $449 @ Walmart
Save $50 with Sony's PS5 Slim Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Console Bundle. This bundle includes: a PlayStation 5 Slim console, DualSense wireless controller and a full game download for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (valued at $70). View Deal

WD Black SN770 SSD (1TB): $129 $72 @ Best Buy
Save $57 on the 1TB WD Black SN850X Internal M.2 2880 SSD. For most people, 1TB is the sweet spot in terms of expanded storage size. It hits speeds of up to 7,300MB/s for seamless gameplay. It works with PC and PS5 consoles. View Deal

Elden Ring PS5: $59 $39 @ Walmart
Save $20 on Elden Ring for PS5,  the best open world game we've played. In our Elden Ring review, we found the game's striking, open-world environment, and breathtaking sense of scale impressive. We were also fond of the game's challenging bosses. We gave Elden Ring an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars and our hard to get Editor's Choice award. Walmart also offers Elden Ring for Xbox Series X for the same price.

Price check: Best Buy $43View Deal

NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition: $69 $19 @ Best Buy
NBA 2K24: Kobe Bryant Edition for PS5 is currently $50 off Mamba Moments mode lets players replicate Bryant's signature skills. Rise from his days as a young, up and coming phenom to one of the greatest NBA players of all time. 

Price check: Target $25View Deal

WD Black 1TB SN850X SSD: $179 $79 @ Newegg
Save $100 on the 1TB WD Black SN850X Internal M.2 2880 SSD. For most people, 1TB is the sweet spot in terms of expanded storage size. It hits speeds of up to 7,300MB/s for seamless gameplay. It works with PC and PS5 consoles. View Deal

Sony PS5 HD Camera: $59 @ Best Buy
The Sony PS5 HD camera features dual lenses for capturing yourself in smooth, sharp 1080p imagery. It lets you quickly create a recording or live broadcast of your gameplay via your DualSense wireless controller’s dedicated Create button. View Deal

VR headsets

Meta Quest 2: $249 $199 @ Best Buy
Lowest price! Save $50 on the Meta Quest 2 VR Headset. Formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, the Meta Quest 2 is the best VR headset for the price. It enhances everything we loved about the original Oculus Quest with its lightweight, comfortable fit, crisp graphics and expanded social and sharing features. 

Price check: Amazon $199View Deal

Meta Quest Pro VR Headset: $1,499 $989 @ B&H
The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is now $500 less than when it first released and B&H takes an extra $10 off. The Meta Quest Pro features dual LCD panels with 1800 x 1920 pixel resolutions, Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Platform SoC, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It you want to jump into the world of mixed reality, the Quest Pro may be worth the splurge. 

Price check: Meta $999View Deal

Acade1Up

Arcade1Up Pac-Mania Legacy Edition: $499 $399 @ Best Buy
Save $100 on the Pac-Mania Legacy Edition arcade cabinet with 14 retro games. It includes Pac-Mania, Pac-Man Pac & Pal, Super Pac-Man, Pac-Man, Plus Pac=Land, Galaga, Galaxian, Galaga '88, Dig Dug, Dig Dug II, Rompers, and Rolling Thunder. This arcade cabinet features a 17-inch color LCD screen, molded coin door, matching riser, and light-up marquee.View Deal

Arcade1Up NFL Blitz Legends: $599 $499 @ Amazon
Upgrade your game room with the Arcade1Up NFL Blitz Legends 3-in-1 arcade machine. It includes NFL Blitz, NFL Blitz ‘99, and NFL Blitz 2000: Gold Edition. Originally released by Midway in the late ‘90s and officially licensed by the NFL, this was the iconic, showboatin’ football title that featured every pro team during that time and legendary players in their over-the-top best. View Deal

Handhelds

Backbone One PS Edition: $99 $68 @ Amazon
The Backbone One is an alternative to the elusive PlayStation Portal. Transforming your phone into a gaming handheld with access to PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and others. 

Price check: Best Buy $99 | Walmart $99View Deal

MSI Claw: $699 $649 @ Best Buy
Save $50 on the MSI Claw for a limited time. We went hands-on with the MSI Claw and liked its ergonomic grip, Intel-powered gaming performance, and dedicated software. 

Features: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 500-nit 120Hz touchscreen, Intel Core CU5 135H CPU, Intel Arc graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GBSSD  View Deal

Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) Animal Crossing: New Horizons: $199 $179 @ Walmart
Get a free game (valued at $69) with this Nintendo Switch Lite holiday deal. This bundle includes: A Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition console and a download code for a full download of Animal Crossing New Horizons.View Deal

Asus ROG Ally: $499 @ Best Buy
In our Asus ROG Ally review, we gave it a solid 4 out of 5-star rating for its smooth gaming performance, bright, vivid 120Hz 1080p touch screen, and lightweight, comfortable design. Simply put, the Asus ROG Ally is an exciting addition to the handheld gaming world.View Deal

Valve Steam Deck: $399 @ Steam
Purchase the Valve Steam Deck, one of the best handheld gaming consoles around. The base model features a 2.4-GHz AMD Zen 2 quad-core CPU, 8-core RDNA 2 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. If you require more storage, you can get the Steam Deck with 256GB SSD or 512GB SSD for $529 and $649, respectively. View Deal

Logitech G Cloud: $349 $299 @ Best Buy
Save $50 on the Logitech G Cloud gaming handheld. It supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link. Access libraries of AAA of PC and console game titles from the cloud — anywhere. View Deal

Lenovo Legion Go: $699 $629 @ Best Buy
Lowest price! Save $70 and enjoy console-level gaming on the fantastic Lenovo Legion Go. One of the best PlayStation Portable alternatives, it supports remote play, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net and more. To get you started, it includes 3 free months of Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming service which affords you access to more than 100 games.

Features: 8.8-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) 500-nit 144Hz touch screen, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11

Price check: Lenovo $629 via coupon "LEGIONGOPROMO"View Deal

Gaming Chairs

Razer Enki Gaming Chair: $499 $449 @ Best Buy
For a limited time, save $50 on the Razer Enki Gaming Chair. The Razer Enki is premium- built to provide comfort for gaming and study marathons. It features a unique 110-degree extended shoulder arch and a 21-inch ultrawide seat base for long-lasting comfort. The chair's lumbar curve gently supports your lower back to help you maintain good posture and eliminate fatigue.View Deal

Homall Gaming Chair: $123 $95 @ Amazon
The Homall Gaming Chair has a high back, and contours to provide support through hours-long adventures and writing papers. The chair has a steel frame and uses high-density shaping foam covered by Pu Leather. Its wheels swivel 360 degrees, the lumbar support is height adjustable, and the chair reclines between 90 and 180 degrees. It can even rock back and forth. The seat's height is adjustable between 17.3 and 21.5 inches from the ground. Not all colorways are on sale.View Deal

GTPlayer Gaming Chair: $190 $119 @ Amazon
Lowest price! Amazon knocks $70 off the GTPlayer Gaming Chair for a limited time. Designed for optimal comfort, it features a 90-135 degree tilt, headrest, footrest, and massage lumbar pillow. The lumbar pillow uses power via USB, so you can take it off your chair and use it wherever you want when you need a massage. The cushion uses a combination of PU leather and PVC dual mesh. View Deal

Gaming retailers

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/best-gaming-deals jDD6zrE6GgiuHuV3FCHdhT Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:27:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Meta to unveil new smart glasses this year after Threads post outs its AR frames ]]> While VR/AR headsets have yet to enjoy their center-stage moment, Meta is already banking on smart glasses as another product bound for glory. It would seem that Google may think similarly, having shown interest in purchasing a stake in the Ray-Ban parent company Essilor Luxottica with a potential view to releasing a similar AI smart glasses product to Meta's, powered by its Gemini AI model.

However, as Laptop Mag exclusively revealed yesterday, one former department lead believes Google's smart glasses goals may not be so ambitious. That same can't be said about Meta, as a resurfaced Threads post from CEO Mark Zuckerberg earlier in the year may have revealed the next step in its smart glasses journey.

The success of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses caught many by surprise, including Meta itself. While face-worn wearables like these are gaining popularity, smart glasses are still a fringe accessory and have yet to emerge into the mainstream.

However, when it comes to pushing new products into the public limelight, Meta is an unwavering force. As seen with its Quest VR/AR headsets, the company is willing to spend big and take the kind of risks others won't to ensure they're at the forefront of the tech they believe will mold the future.

Post by @zuck
View on Threads

Eye spy: Have Meta's new smart glasses been hiding in plain sight?

Over the weekend, an overlooked element of an image shared by Mark Zuckerberg on Threads from February was brought to light by Boston Globe general manager Matthew Karolian.

Scanning the background of the image, Karolian noticed a pair of smart glasses that didn't fit the profile of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses' luxury frames. These glasses were much chunkier and showcased a hinge design that folds mid-way down the temple.

While the front of the glasses retains a similar aesthetic to Meta's popular AI smart glasses, adopting the same Wayfarer-esque frame shape, its temples more resemble current AR smart glasses options like the VITURE Pro XR or XREAL Air 2.

This has led many to believe that Meta's next pair of smart glasses could go all-in on AR, 

More interestingly, after Karolian messaged the Meta CEO publically asking for more information, Zuckerberg seemed to confirm as much by responding "Will be ready to share more later this year." The ideal time to do so may be during Meta's upcoming AI/AR/VR-focused Connect event in September.

Meta AR smart glasses: What we know so far

During a recent interview with YouTuber Kallaway, Zuckerberg claimed that Meta is "almost ready to start showing the prototype version of the full holographic glasses." This is something mirrored by reports from Business Insider that suggest Meta's AR team is pushing to unveil its Orion AR glasses later this year.

In a blog post shared in April, Meta spoke further about their AR glasses ambitions, stating "We’re building a new kind of computing platform that will help you better connect with the people and things you care about in a way that’s much more natural and intuitive than what’s possible with today’s 2D screens."

Speaking on the progression from Meta's current glasses to their new AR glasses, the blog continues "Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses give you access to the utility and entertainment of Meta AI, AR glasses will deliver the best of both worlds as these two technological paths converge."

Outlook

Interestingly, this wouldn't be the first time that objects in the background of pictures or videos have revealed future Meta products.

In June, Meta seemingly revealed the upcoming Meta Quest 3S in a video showcasing passthrough improvements for v66 of its VR/AR Horizon OS. The long-rumored headset has been subject to several leaks, though this would be the first glimpse of it through official sources.

Meta's Andrew 'Boz' Bosworth (who posted the original video) replied to users on X who were pointing out the cameo of the headset, taking a moment to cheekily plug the company's own social media platform by directing users on where to go for a better look in saying "Love that higher quality video over on Threads..."

Post by @boztank
View on Threads

Clearly, Meta isn't worried about audiences gaining brief glimpses of products in the pipeline. In fact, it may be a part of their marketing campaign. Especially seeing as its higher-ups have no issue replying to or interacting with eagle-eyed folk who catch these background Easter eggs.

The sighting of these Meta smart glasses in an older post doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be the ones featuring in one of Meta's showcases later in the year, but it has given us direct confirmation from Zuckerberg himself that something is, at least, ready to be announced.

To know exactly what that might be, it seems we'll have to wait until this year's Meta Connect 2024 event, which takes place September 25-26.

More from Laptop Mag

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/vr/meta-to-unveil-new-smart-glasses-this-year-after-threads-post-outs-its-ar-frames 67AWNT2FWLu8wuCYtBNmkK Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'Google has no real vision or ambition in driving the XR space': Former department lead pours cold water on Google Glass 2 rumors ]]> Google may be making moves to revive one of its most lauded products to date after reports recently surfaced via The Financial Times that the company was interested in purchasing a stake in Essilor Luxottica with a view to launching a wearable similar to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses that make use of Gemini AI instead of Meta AI.

Google's interest in the eyewear giant has left much speculation about the potential revival of its Google Glass smart glasses, especially after the company showcased its Project Astra demo at this year's Google I/O.

However, not everyone believes that a Google Glass revival is inbound, with one former Google senior department lead previously involved with the company's XR/AR division revealing to Laptop Mag their outlook on Google's plans for smart glasses.

Google Glass 2: Don't get your hopes up just yet

Speaking to Laptop Mag, a former senior department lead overseeing Google's XR/AR device development has thrown cold water on the notion of Google reviving its AR smart glasses.

When asked if Google has any real desire to bring its Project Astra smart glasses to market as a complete product, they replied "No. They want a partner to bring it to market ... Google does not want the glasses to be Pixel Glasses. That's what Iris was."

Iris was the codename of an unreleased pair of AR (augmented reality) smart glasses Google worked on for many years before eventually being canceled in 2023. We saw a brief glimpse of Iris as Google I/O 2022, where the real-time language translation and AR subtitling capabilities of the prototype glasses were revealed.

Following Iris' cancellation, Google branched its efforts into Projects Moohan (which sees Google partnering with Samsung to develop an XR/VR headset that could rival the Apple Vision Pro) and Betty (which is dedicated to developing Micro XR software to be used in smart glasses).

While the former is expected to result in a product that will launch "by the end of the year." Project Betty is positioned similarly to how Meta views Horizon OS — as a partner model software platform available for third-party hardware.

Both projects see Google taking a relative backseat in terms of product delivery, and that's something further confirmed by our source stating, "Google has no real vision or ambition in driving the XR space."

A pair of North Focals Smart Glasses showing a

Google purchased North, a manufacturer of smart glasses, in 2020. However, despite claims of heavy investment, the company has yet to release a consumer-facing pair of smart glasses since 2014's Google Glass. (Image credit: North Glasses/Google)

Our source continues, "They [Google] had ample opportunity to assert a leadership role with AR+AI Glasses. They purchased North in 2020, assembled a team in 2021, built custom silicon and prototype devices, [and] built up manufacturing capabilities ... Then flushed it all down the toilet in exchange for pivoting to a partner model where Google supplied software and a reference design."

Divulging why Google would suddenly deviate from its smart glasses plans, they reveal, "Google doesn't want to be responsible for making a product. They want someone else to take on that risk."

That risk is palpable, as even in the face of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses selling "way better" than Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected, Reality Labs (Meta's AR/VR and Metaverse division) still lost more than $16 billion in 2023 alone.

Outlook

Essilor Luxottica is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of spectacles and sunglasses who recently partnered with Google's AI rival Meta to create the popular Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

In 2014, Google had previously worked with Luxottica (pre-merger with Essilor) to develop its initial smart glasses efforts through the release of Google Glass — a not-so-successful attempt at popularizing the wearable computer in spectacle form.

However, modern efforts to bring smart glasses into the mainstream are proving more successful, and wearables like the Ray-Ban Meta collaboration and Solos AirGo 3 smart glasses are showcasing the possibilities of this form factor to wider audiences.

Countering Googles interest in Essilor Luxottica, Meta is also debating buying a stake of the company, potentially to prevent being shut out from its Ray-Ban partnership in future.

While that may seem hasty, our source did have one final reveal to share with Laptop Mag regarding Google's position on Meta. Pointing to Project Moohan and the upcoming Samsung XR/VR headset, they claim "The only reason Google is in the game is because Samsung decided they want to build something. And Google stepped in to block Samsung from doing the deal with Facebook/Meta."

Should this be the case, it would indicate that Google see Meta's AR and AI potential as an attractive alternative to its own offerings. As such, if we ever do see Project Astra manifest into an actual product, it may be less about Google's own ambitions, and more about stemming Meta's.

More from Laptop Mag

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/vr/google-has-no-real-vision-or-ambition-in-driving-the-xr-space-former-department-lead-pours-cold-water-on-google-glass-2-rumors cYVTdxjztWW5vh3w2TzCaT Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:30:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ I tested Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail on two gaming laptops and a PS5 — I was surprised by the results ]]> When I learned my favorite time-sink MMO, Final Fantasy XIV, was getting a graphics overhaul with the new Dawntrail expansion, I decided I needed to find out exactly what hardware would give me the best experience with the updated textures.

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the 7th iteration of the Square Enix MMO, though the 1.0 version of the game is no longer playable, and for good reason. However, the revamped 2.0 base game and five subsequent expansions are all still playable. And as the 7.0 iteration begins its post-launch life cycle, we're looking at the hefty graphic update that came alongside the Dawntrail launch.

While I would have loved to test absolutely every possible system I could get my hands on, I decided to stick to the more common configuration options out of deference to you, dear readers. I'm not writing for an audience made up exclusively of my own clones, after all.

So we're pitting the PlayStation 5 graphics against the Nvidia RTX 4080 and the RTX 4060 to see just what platform has the best graphics. To keep things as close to repeatable as possible, I ran the same level 85 dungeon, "The Skydeep Cenote," on the same character, on the same job, with the same party of NPC companions. Outside of a benchmark, this is as close as I could get to scientific evaluation of the game. 

The results may surprise you.

PlayStation 5 graphics

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail graphics comparison

(Image credit: Future)

Sony's PlayStation 5 may have older hardware compared to brand new gaming PCs, but the 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 processor, 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 graphics card, and 16GB of memory still manage to provide a seamless gaming experience. Sure, you may be capped at a 120Hz refresh rate, but most games don't manage to push that number that high.

The graphics update for FFXIV: Dawntrail is mainly centered around character hair and face textures, the appearance of skin and hair on characters, the appearance of metallic material on specific gear, the appearance of fog, the appearance of water and waves, the appearance of distant terrain, soft shadows, shadows used in the background of some cutscenes, and changes in lighting due to the passage of time. So, a lot of the tweaks are subtle, but when you take a moment to look at characters in closeups, it becomes obvious how much more detail is captured in the 7.0 graphics update.

The PS5 version of the game has never looked so stunning.

Nvidia RTX 4080 graphics

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail graphics comparison

(Image credit: Future)

I used the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9) for my RTX 4080 laptop. With an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, and 32GB of memory the Pro 7i should be more than powerful enough to handle a game that re-launched in 2013. And it is, don't get me wrong. The game plays smoothly even with the graphics settings toggled to Desktop (High) settings, though I primarily played with the Laptop (High) preset enabled on the Legion Pro 7i.

While you still get those nice lighting and texture changes with the 4080-powered laptop running the game, there isn't much here that isn't available in the PS5 version.

Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail graphics comparison

(Image credit: Future)

I used the Dell XPS 14 OLED as my RTX 4060 machine. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, and 32GB of memory, the Dell XPS 14 may not be a gaming laptop, but it can do some basic gaming. One thing I noticed with the XPS 14 was that I had to toggle my graphics settings down to the Laptop (Standard) preset to avoid some stuttering, especially as the laptop got hotter after a lot of use or in high-traffic areas where server connection issues could easily crop up.

The revamped facial animations and textures in the RTX 4060 version are certainly still gorgeous, but they lack a bit of depth compared to the RTX 4080 and PS5 versions.

Bottom line

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail graphics comparison

(Image credit: Future)

Everyone is going to game on the platform they like best, whether that's a fully future-proof desktop PC with an Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, a premium laptop with a discrete graphics card like the XPS 14, a high-end gaming laptop with an RTX 4080 like the Legion Pro 7i, a PS5, or even a MacBook Pro. 

But if, like me, you have options, it's always good to know what the best version of a game is. And for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, you can't beat the combination of top-tier graphics and low price-point of the PlayStation 5. After all, a $499 console is a bargain compared to a $3,000+ gaming laptop or custom desktop PC. And despite the extra power of the RTX 4080 in the Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9), there isn't much visible difference between the 4080 and the PS5's RDNA 2 GPU.

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/i-tested-final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail-on-my-gaming-laptops-and-a-ps5-and-i-was-surprised-by-the-results qznGa4oH7ryDfy9c9ca6mc Sun, 21 Jul 2024 08:00:48 +0000 <![CDATA[ Save an extra 10% off 5 fantastic Alienware gaming monitors with this coupon code ]]> A great monitor is essential to your gaming setup. With a higher resolution and refresh rate (especially on a larger screen), your favorite games will instantly become more immersive.

Luckily for you, Dell is offering some amazing discounts on premium Alienware gaming monitors right now. Through Dell's website, you can save an extra 10% on select monitors with the code SAVE10.

My absolute favorite pick from this sale is Alienware's AW2723DF 27-inch monitor for just $499. It's a great size and offers QHD resolution and a 280Hz refresh rate at a relatively affordable price.

If that doesn't sound like your vibe, read on to see the other 4 top monitor deals we rounded up from Dell's extra savings event. Or, check out our best gaming laptop deals if you're looking to upgrade your entire setup.

Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor: $1,199 $999 @ Dell
If you're looking for a monitor that will truly upgrade your gaming setup, look no further than the Alienware AW3225QF. With its 4K resolution, 0.03ms response time, smooth 240Hz refresh rate, and vibrant 31.6-inch OLED curved panel, it's no wonder this monitor earned 4 out of 5 stars in our review.View Deal

Alienware AW3423DWF 34" QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor: $899 $699 @ Dell
Save $200 on Alienware's beautifully curved AW3423DWF gaming monitor, featuring a 34.1-inch QD-OLED display panel with WQHD (3440 x 1440) resolution, 0.1ms response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate. With this ultrawide monitor, you'll feel more immersed than ever in your favorite games.View Deal

Alienware AW2723DF 27" QHD Gaming Monitor: $579 $499 @ Dell
In my experience, a 27-inch gaming monitor tends to be the best choice for most gamers. It's large enough to be immersive, but not insanely expensive like 32- or 24-inch monitors. The AW2723DF monitor features a Fast IPS Nano Color display panel, QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, 1ms response time, and an incredibly smooth 280Hz refresh rate. View Deal

Alienware AW2724DM 27" QHD Gaming Monitor: $379 $329 @ Dell
If you want the immersive benefits of a large 27-inch monitor and a lighter hit to your wallet, check out this AW2724DM monitor from Alienware. It features a vibrant Fast IPS display panel and offers QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a speedy 1ms response time.View Deal

Alienware AW2523HF 25" FHD Gaming Monitor: $349 $298 @ Dell
The 24.5-inch AW2523HF monitor is perfect for smaller spaces, and it's a great pick for those who care more about a fast refresh rate than a high resolution. This monitor's FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution on a Fast IPS panel might not provide the crispest picture, but your games will feel buttery smooth with its 360Hz refresh rate.View Deal

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/gaming-monitors/save-an-extra-10-off-5-fantastic-alienware-gaming-monitors-with-this-coupon-code ohkbJQPN3EqgrNtwpyacj Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:00:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ I review gamer tech for a living. Here are the top 7 Best Buy Black Friday in July deals I found under $50 ]]> I can't believe some of the deals Best Buy is offering on top PC gaming gear right now — trust me, you don't want to miss out on this sale. 

I review gaming peripherals for a living, so I know a great deal on mice, keyboards, and headphones when I see one. Gaming gear can be seriously pricey, so Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale is the perfect time to upgrade your battle station without breaking the bank. 

Right now, you can snag gear from top brands like Razer, Logitech, and Corsair for under $50! 

For example, you can get one of my favorite wireless gaming mice, the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED, for just $30. If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly gaming mouse that looks great, too, this one is tough to beat. 

You can also level up your audio experience with a set of Razer BlackShark V2 X wired headphones for just $35, slashing $25 off the usual price of $60. 

That's just the tip of the iceberg. I scoured Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale for the best deals on PC gaming gear and hand-picked these top seven deals so you can give your gaming setup a makeover at a great price. 

Top 7 gaming gear deals for Best Buy Black Friday in July 2024

Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED: was $50, now $30 

Save $20 on one of the best budget-friendly wireless gaming mice with this killer deal from Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale.

Features: You really can't go wrong with the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED. This affordable gaming mouse gets all the basics right, offers great performance and stellar build quality, and provides a stellar wireless gaming experience without breaking the bank. View Deal

Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset: was $60, now $35 

Best Buy slashes $25 off this essential gaming headset from Razer, bringing it down to just $35 for Black Friday in July! 

Features: The Razer BlackShark V2 X is a solid gaming headset that balances price, style, and features. It's compatible with PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch so that you can use it with your favorite consoles and gaming laptops. It even features a detachable microphone and sound isolation. 

Laptop Mag gave the Razer BlackShark V2 a shining 4-star review. The BlackShark V2 X takes that same stellar design and improves it even more for a great audio experience. View Deal

Corsair MM350 PRO Extended XL Mouse Pad: was $40, now $25

Score $15 off on this top-tier extended gaming mouse pad from Corsair during Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale

Features: An extended mouse pad is a great way to level up your desk's look and feel; the Corsair MM350 PRO can help you do that while also improving your gameplay. The spill-proof, stain-resistant, micro-woven fabric offers a smooth, friction-free surface to maximize mouse performance. It can also help round out the sound of your mechanical keyboard. View Deal

Logitech G502 HERO wired gaming mouse: was $50, now $35 

Snatch up one of Logitech's most popular gaming mice for just $35 with this epic deal from Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale

Features: If you're looking for a great wired gaming mouse at an affordable price, the Logitech G502 HERO is a steal. It features an optical sensor with a max DPI of 25600, 11 programmable buttons, and RGB lighting. It's on the heavier side at 121 grams, but the contoured design is perfect for right-handed palm grip players. View Deal

Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Optical Gaming Mouse: was $70, now $40 

Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale slashes $30 off this top-tier esports mouse from Razer! 

Features: The Razer Basilisk V3 is a stellar gaming mouse for all genres, from esports to MMOs. It balances weight and features for solid all-around performance, all wrapped in a sleek design with RGB to boot. It features a max DPI of 26000, 11 programmable buttons, an ergonomic palm-grip design, and a relatively low weight of 100 grams. 

Laptop Mag gave the Razer Basilisk V3 an Editor's Choice award, so you know you're getting a fantastic gaming mouse. View Deal

Glorious Coiled USB Keyboard Cable: was $50, now $25 

Snag this premium coiled keyboard cable for 50% off during Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale! 

Features: A coiled keyboard cable is one of the secrets to my sleek PC gaming setup. It adds a unique, premium touch to your setup and makes your gaming keyboard pop even more. This coiled cable from Glorious Gaming is a great place to start if you want to take your desk aesthetic up a notch. It even comes in a few different colors! View Deal

Glorious GPBT Dye-Sub Keycaps Set: was $100, now $50 

Score a colorful, premium keycaps set for your gaming keyboard for 50% off with this epic deal from Best Buy's Black Friday in July

Features: Make your gaming keyboard unique with colorful, premium keycaps from Glorious Gaming. This vibrant set (available in a handful of fabulous colorways) is made of high-quality PBT to look, feel, and sound great. Keycaps are one of the easiest and most fun ways to customize your gaming keyboard and add your style to your gaming setup. You can't go wrong with this set at 50% off! View Deal

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/gaming-keyboards-mice/i-review-gamer-tech-for-a-living-here-are-the-top-7-best-buy-black-friday-in-july-deals-i-found-under-dollar50 nRQMAtdgphqG62KNfp6oU3 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 21:16:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Nintendo is notoriously bad at discounting its games — here are 9 Switch games that are actually great deals during Prime Day ]]> Amazon Prime Day is here, which normally means huge discounts on some of the biggest games and tech. Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch titles can be notorious for their lack of actual discounts while a deals season is underway. If you're like me, it's immensely frustrating to see some of the company's biggest titles remain near full price years upon years into their existence.

Just look at titles like Super Marios Bros Wonder for $56.99 at Amazon, Super Smash Bros Ultimate for $54.99, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons for $54.99, all of which are discounted by $5 or less. Considering some of these games are many years old, it's sometimes shocking how little Nintendo cares to discount its game titles.

As a result, this list is exclusively focused on titles that actually give you great discounts on Nintendo Switch titles. We're not going to allow anything in here that's only discounted by $10 or less, and excluding one exception, everything here is at least discounted by $20.

Best Nintendo Switch game deals today

Sonic Superstars: $59 $22 @ Amazon
Save $37 on Sonic Superstars, the latest 2D side-scrolling game in the franchise featuring four-player local co-op for a jolly time with friends. Play as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, or Amy and see how your different abilities allow you to explore and traverse the world in unique ways.View Deal

Pokémon Legends Arceus: $59 $39 @ Best Buy
Save $20 on Pokémon Legends: Arceus at Best Buy for a limited time. A must-have for Pokemon fans, Pokémon Legends: Arceus combines RPG with action gameplay. Your journey takes you through the glorious Hisui region where you embark on missions to study, and catch various species of Pokémon. View Deal

Immortals Fenyx Rising: $29 $9 @ Best Buy
Immortals Fenyx Rising is now heavily discounted down to just $9.99 during Prime Day, taking away $20 from its original price. As someone who played this game and reviewed it at launch, I was pretty impressed by its puzzles, combat, and world, all of which immersed and kept me invested as I explored its playground.View Deal

Mario Strikers: Battle League: $59 $39 @ Best Buy
Mario Strikers: Battle League, the latest legendary entry in the Nintendo soccer game franchise, is $20 off during Prime Day and makes for a great purchase for those who want a nice, fun family game. It features classic Mario characters like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Rosalina, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, Shy Guy, Daisy, Pauline, Diddy Kong, Bowser Jr., and Birdo. View Deal

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: $59 $39 @ Best Buy
While you might have mixed feelings about spending this much money on a game that launched back on Wii, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now $20 off during Prime Day. It's far from the most beloved title in the franchise by most, but it's still a great game to play if you want to re-explore its world and enjoy its heavily focused motion control gameplay once again.View Deal

Super Mario Maker 2: $59 $39 @ Best Buy
Super Mario Maker 2 is a legendary game to play if you're even remotely a fan of 2D Mario titles. It features a practically endlessly collection of fan-made Mario levels to enjoy. And if you have a creative side to you, you can create your own 2D Mario levels and go as far as you'd like in perfecting your own little adventure.View Deal

Super Mario RPG: $59 $39 @ Amazon
Super Mario RPG is a remake of the N64 classic, and it's currently $20 off. If you were looking for an excuse to return to this iconic moment in history, or even play it for the first time, now's your chance to experience Mario's first adventure into the RPG genre.View Deal

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: $49 $29 @ Amazon
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown came out and took the world by storm, solidfying itself as one of the best 2D Metroidvanias you could play. It received phenomenal critical scores and is now $20 off during this discount. If you're a fan of titles like Metroid, Castlevania, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Ori and the Blind Forest, and other similar games, we absolutely recommend giving this a try.View Deal

Pokémon Scarlet: $59 $45 @ Amazon
Pokémon Scarlet might not necessarily be the most beloved entry in the franchise, but if you're a Pokémon fan who has been looking to get into the latest entry and don't want to buy it for full price, this $15 discount is pretty solid. This is the only entry in this list that isn't discounted by $20 or more, but we felt it was still a decent enough sale to add it to this list.View Deal

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/console-pc-games/nintendo-is-notoriously-bad-at-discounting-its-games-here-are-9-switch-games-that-are-actually-great-deals-during-prime-day NeMFszG7qyNr27bxTxRuzf Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:42:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ I'm choosing one of these 5 PS5 SSDs for Prime Day ]]> Prime Day is ripe with deals, and we've seen the greatest on gaming laptops, but if your main gaming rig is your PS5, you might want to consider an expansion to your storage.

My PS5's storage is always filling up, and it's especially a struggle because I play so many online multiplayer games that would be incredibly inconvenient to uninstall, so it's time to turn toward another SSD solution.

There are plenty of PS5 SSDs currently on sale, including the internal Samsung 990 PRO w/ Heatsink 2TB SSD for $149 ($115 off) and the external Samsung 4TB SSD for $284 (50% off). You need to figure out how much storage you need and how much you're willing to pay for said storage.

Here's a better look at the best PS5 SSD deals for Prime Day.

Today's best PS5 SSD deals

WD BLACK 1TB SSD (7,300MB/s): $129 $88 @ Amazon
The WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X SSD isn't specifically licensed for the PS5, but considering WD holds the license for the nearly identical drive, you shouldn't worry. This is a great option if you're looking for the most affordable internal SSD that keeps up with the PS5's native speeds. It supports up to a 7,300MB/s transfer rate.View Deal

WD BLACK 2TB SSD (7,300MB/s): $229 $160 @ Amazon
The WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P SSD is an officially licensed storage expansion for the PS5. This doesn't really mean a lot in terms of quality of compatibility, but that PlayStation logo is easier to spot when you're shopping for a storage solution. It supports up to a 7,300MB/s transfer rate.View Deal

Samsung  990 PRO 2TB SSD (7,450MB/s): $249 $149 @ Amazon
Some of the fastest SSDs in the industry come straight from Samsung. And the SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD offers 2TB of storage and speeds up to 7,450MB/s. It does not offer a heatsink, however, which is meant to redirect heat away from the SSD in order to enhance performance.View Deal

Samsung 990 PRO w/ Heatsink 2TB SSD (7,450MB/s): $264 $149 @ Amazon
It seems like the difference between the SAMSUNG 990 PRO and the PRO with Heatsink is just the Heatsink. This model starts at a higher price, but it's on sale for the same exact price ($149). That makes this a better deal, but the Heatsink does add bulk to it. This is a 2TB drive and it offers speeds up to 7,450MB/s.View Deal

Samsung T9 Portable 4TB SSD (2,000MB/s): $549 $284 @ Amazon
The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD offers a ton of storage, at 4TB, and it's external, so you can transport it with you wherever you go. However, it features only a 2,000MB/s transfer rate. The transfer rate is important because that accounts for loading times and overall performance of your games. If you don't mind less storage, consider an internal SSD.View Deal

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/deals/gaming/playstation/im-choosing-one-of-these-5-ps5-ssds-for-prime-day mfEUWVhymvvsVBf9bK6vnK Wed, 17 Jul 2024 18:46:08 +0000