Reviews
• Key takeaways: * AirPods Pro 3 sharpen sound and Spatial Audio using H2 refinements and repositioned internals. * New foam ear tips boost Active Noise Cancellation but may need a break-in period for some ears. * Built-in infrared heart-rate sensor improves workout tracking and complements Apple Watch data. * Battery life per earbud increases
Games
* Readers submitted their votes for Eurogamer’s top 50 games of 2025, producing a wide-ranging list across AAA and indie titles. * The readers’ winner scored more points than the No.2 and No.3 entries combined, a decisive margin noted in the tally. * Standouts include Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Elden
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Samsung will sell the Galaxy A17 5G in the US for $199 beginning Jan. 7; the Galaxy Tab A11+ arrives Jan. 8 for $250. * Galaxy A17 5G uses the Exynos 1330, a 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display and a 5,000mAh battery with fast-charging. * Storage starts
Games
• GTA 6's November 19 release is the year's biggest wild card — delays remain possible. • Major 2026 launches include Resident Evil Requiem, Saros, Wolverine and Fable. • RAM shortages driven by AI data-centers could push hardware costs up, affecting consoles. • Generative AI debates and EA's $55bn
Gadgets
• Some iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners report a static or hissing noise when the phone is charging. • Reports appear on Reddit, MacRumors forums and Apple Support Communities; severity varies across users. • Some users fixed it by swapping devices; others see the issue across multiple units and iOS 26.
AI
* Apple has been criticized for holding back on the large AI investments its peers made. * Wall Street, pundits and media have flagged Apple’s apparent lack of urgency in the AI arms race. * Analysts and commentators now predict Apple could reverse that slump in 2026 by leaning on silicon, integration
Gadgets
• Key takeaways: • Samsung introduces the Galaxy A17 5G (starts Jan. 7) and Galaxy Tab A11+ (starts Jan. 8) as affordable additions to the Galaxy ecosystem. • Galaxy A17 5G packs a 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED 90Hz display, Exynos 1330 chipset, 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, OIS camera
AI
Key Takeaways: * Apple’s restrained AI spending leaves it with >$130B in cash and marketable securities. * A redesigned Siri, expected in spring 2026, will lean on Google’s Gemini LLM for conversational upgrades. * The Information argues a cooling AI investment cycle could make Apple’s cautious approach advantageous. * Leadership
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Samsung launches the Galaxy Tab A11+ at $249 with an 11" 1920×1200 90Hz display. * Base model now ships with 6GB RAM (8GB option available) and MediaTek MT8775 chipset. * Features Android 16, IP52 dust/water resistance, microSD slot, 7,040mAh battery and 25W USB‑C charging. Overview
Games
• Key Takeaways: * 2025 delivered a diverse slate: roguelikes, narrative RPGs, platformers, and experimental indie hits. * Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the Game of the Year for its storytelling, score, and character ensemble. * Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Absolum refreshed roguelike and beat ’em up design. * South of Midnight and
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * LG has revealed a new Gallery TV aimed at the lifestyle market, offered in 55- and 65-inch sizes with white or lightwood bezels. * It's an LCD set with a Mini LED backlight, powered by LG's Alpha 7 AI processor — not OLED or Micro RGB
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Leaked dummy units attributed to the Galaxy S26 Ultra show a raised, island-style camera module similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. * The module places three main lenses on a small raised island along the left edge, which likely increases the familiar “wobble” when the phone sits on
