Inspired Enterprise: How NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Aerospace Community Helped Launch Star Trek by Glen E. Swanson and Foreword by Margaret A. Weitekamp of the Air and Space Museum; 2025; 288 pages (Hardcover); $35.00 Put aside the issue of cranky sliding doors on the USS Enterprise. Level out those pointy Spock ears and discount […]
The Oscar- and Emmy-nominated documentarist Nanette Burstein working with co-screenwriter and editor Tal Ben-David, brings to life the story of Carl Sagan. The new National Geographic documentary film, Carl Sagan: We Are Made Of Star Stuff, made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. The 53rd Telluride Film Festival was held September 4 through […]
The BenQ MA320UG combines a spacious 32-inch 4K panel, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and extensive Thunderbolt connectivity to deliver a compelling Studio Display alternative.
In the August 2026 MacVoices Update, Chuck outlines how a little time off slowed down some projects, reviews new episode artwork designed to better communicate each show’s subject, discusses why feedback is so important to what you hear and see, and delivers the Support Report form the month. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26245.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices […]
If you’re a MacBook Air or MacBook Neo owner, there’s one accessory that I consider an absolute must-have; a USB-C hub. Why? Because it considerably expands the port options available to you, it’s not cumbersome, and the good news is that they’re also pretty cheap at around $25. What’s not to like? A good USB-C ... Read More
I dove into Big Walk with no expectations at all. I’d seen trailers leading up to the launch and knew that it was a co-op puzzle game from House House, the makers of Untitled Goose Game, but that was about it. And because most of my gaming is done solo, I initially tuned out most of the game’s post-launch headlines. Still, Big Walk is published by Panic, which has a great track record for finding and publishing great indie games, so I decided to give it a try earlier this week. And you know what? I love it.
Big Walk is about as low-key as a puzzle game gets in the best possible way. Co-op is the only mode, so you’ll need to coordinate a time to play it with a friend or group. One person takes the lead, setting up the session and inviting the others. The process is far simpler than trying to find a time that works for everyone in your group.
As players join, you’re dropped into a space to wait for the others and explore a little. This lobby space is where you’ll learn the game’s controls, too. Big Walk supports keyboard and mouse input as well as a controller, which is what I used, playing on an M4 Max MacBook Pro.
Once you get your bearings, it’s time to exit the lobby and start exploring. That exploration is core to what Big Walk is all about. You aren’t told what to do, but there are just enough clues to push you forward, figuring out the goals on your own without too much trouble.
I played using AirPods Pro 3, and the game made great use of their mics and speakers, simulating the environments we were in. Closed spaces were echoey, and speech was distant and faint when we were separated. Sound even becomes part of the mechanic in some puzzles, such as an early one where you have to look through an open window to hear each other properly and help guide the other player’s actions.
That cooperation is the key part of the game’s loop. You may see how to solve Big Walk’s puzzles on your own, but implementing the solution will require you and a companion to work together.
The togetherness of it all extends beyond the puzzles, too. Big Walk’s environment (at least in the early stages) is mountainous with large rocks and trees that make it possible to get separated from others. Add to that day and night cycles where it’s almost impossible to see where you’re going at night without a light, and you have every incentive not to wander off on your own without a plan for how to reconnect.
I’ve played through Big Walk’s first couple of sections, and it was a blast. The puzzles were clever and challenging without being frustrating, but most of all, I enjoyed working through them with someone else. There’s no time pressure or monsters lurking around corners – just puzzles and a chance to chat.
Ultimately, that’s what makes Big Walk work. It’s a good hang built against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape and low-key, fun challenges. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Samsung has largely defined the foldable phone category, but it's no longer alone in releasing flexible devices. Google, Motorola, and a raft of Chinese OEMs have their own take on this form factor. Is the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra really "ultra" enough to remain on top?
This phone doesn't have the wide frame of the new Z Fold 8, instead matching the approximate size and shape of the company’s last few tablet-style foldables. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a big leap, but it continues Samsung's pattern of iterative foldable improvements. At this point, there's very little left to improve. The compromises of going with a foldable over a regular flat phone have largely been erased with the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Well, except for the price.
Flatter and a little better
Foldables used to be real pocket-busters, almost like carrying two phones glued together. Samsung has successively shaved a few millimeters off every year, taking a leap last year with the Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is even a bit slimmer than that phone, but the difference is basically imperceptible. It still has the same buttons in the same places, including a fingerprint sensor in the power button.
1. Introduction: Cooling Is Usually Reserved for Gaming Flagships, But Mid-Range Phones Need It More
There are plenty of smartphones in the 2,000-yuan price range that focus on stacking specifications, but very few invest in advanced cooling systems.
Looking across the market, phones in this price segment are usually competing on performance, cameras, and fast charging. Cooling solutions are often mentioned only briefly—or ignored completely.
It is not because cooling is unimportant. The reason is simple: with limited costs, manufacturers usually spend their budget on features that users can immediately notice.
However, overheating and performance throttling are exactly the problems that trouble mid-range smartphone users the most.
Examples include:
A phone becoming too hot to hold while navigating outdoors in summer
Gaming frame rates dropping from 60fps to 40fps after half an hour
The device overheating while charging and being used at the same time
Reduced battery lifespan caused by long-term heat exposure
OPPO K15 is a practical all-round smartphone that brings an active cooling fan system into the 2K price segment.
OPPO K15 Review: 8000mAh Battery + Active Cooling Fan Makes It the Most Practical 2K Phone
The OPPO K15 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor, OPPO’s Tidal Engine optimization system, an 8000mAh large-capacity battery, and IP69 flagship-level water resistance.
It also features:
Three 50MP cameras
A large 5000mAh-class imaging system
Active cooling fan
Long-lasting battery performance
The phone aims to solve two of the biggest complaints among mid-range smartphone users:
Overheating
Running out of battery
Honestly, I did not have very high expectations for cooling performance on a 2K-range smartphone. With cost limitations, simply keeping temperatures under control is already considered good enough.
However, OPPO added an active cooling fan this time, making me curious:
Is the cooling fan just a marketing gimmick, or can it actually reduce temperatures?
Active Cooling Fan: More Than Just a Marketing Feature
The OPPO K15 uses a new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, featuring a built-in micro cooling fan.
According to OPPO, the cooling system can:
Reduce temperature by 5°C within 5 minutes
Keep fan noise as low as 30dB during full-speed operation
The fan is integrated with the rear camera module design. Thanks to this approach, the back cover remains completely flat without a large camera bump.
The entire phone is only:
8.27mm thick
This means the cooling system does not negatively affect the grip or overall feel.
After completing temperature tests, I found that the fan performed better than expected.
Adding a cooling fan to a 2K-range smartphone reminds me of installing a turbocharger on an economy car—not to make it a racing machine, but to ensure it does not lose power when climbing uphill.
For flagship gaming phones, cooling is about achieving peak performance.
For mid-range phones, cooling is about maintaining stable performance during daily use.
Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Designed for All-Day Use
The OPPO K15 features an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, providing enough endurance for heavy daily usage.
It supports:
80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
UFCS universal fast charging protocol
PPS charging protocol
Bypass charging
Wired reverse charging
The bypass charging feature allows power to directly supply the motherboard instead of continuously charging the battery during gaming sessions.
This helps:
Reduce heat generation
Protect battery health
Improve long-term durability
The reverse charging function also allows the phone to act as an emergency power source for accessories such as:
Earbuds
Smartwatches
Other small devices
Camera System: Three 50MP Cameras in the 2K Segment
The OPPO K15 features three 50MP cameras:
Rear main camera
Ultra-wide-angle camera
Front selfie camera
The main camera includes:
1/2-inch large sensor
f/1.88 aperture
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
The ultra-wide-angle camera offers:
143.3° ultra-wide field of view
The front camera supports:
50MP resolution
Autofocus (AF)
For a phone in the 2K price segment, this camera configuration is quite generous.
Durability: IP69/IP68/IP66 Protection and Military-Grade Testing
The OPPO K15 focuses heavily on durability.
It supports:
IP69 waterproof rating
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP66 protection
Eight military-standard durability tests
The phone also features:
Crystal Shield glass protection
Metal middle frame
The combination makes it more resistant to:
Drops
Water exposure
Dust
Extreme environments
2. Design Review: Cloud Pattern Back Cover with Hidden Cooling Fan
The OPPO K15 features a 6.59-inch centered punch-hole flat display.
The rounded corners and narrow bezels provide a comfortable viewing experience.
The display supports:
1.5K resolution
120Hz refresh rate
Daily activities such as:
Watching videos
Switching apps
Scrolling webpages
all feel smooth and responsive.
The front panel uses high-strength Crystal Shield glass, while the back cover has a smooth texture that reduces fingerprints.
Colors and Rear Design
The OPPO K15 comes in two colors:
Speed White
Wind Gray
The review unit is the Speed White version, featuring a unique cloud-pattern texture.
When light reflects across the surface, it creates a flowing storm-like visual effect.
At the bottom of the back panel is the text:
“ACTIVE COOLING, MASTER THE WIND”
This highlights the phone’s cooling identity without making the design look aggressive.
Camera Module and Cooling Fan Integration
The rear camera module is one of the most distinctive parts of the phone.
It uses:
A square silver camera base
Four corner screws
Industrial-style design elements
Layout:
Top left: Main camera
Top right: Ultra-wide camera
Bottom left: Cooling fan air intake
Bottom right: Flash
The fan and camera system are integrated into one flat module.
Despite including an internal fan, the phone remains:
8.27mm thick
Comfortable to hold
Free from a large camera bump
This design is clever because many flagship phones now have large protruding camera modules, while the OPPO K15 maintains a cleaner back design.
3. Cooling Test: The Active Fan Actually Works — Overheating and Throttling Become Less of a Concern
When people think of smartphones with built-in cooling fans, gaming flagships usually come to mind.
However, for users in the 2K price segment, long-term stable performance is arguably more important.
Common scenarios such as:
Outdoor navigation under strong sunlight
Long gaming sessions
Recording videos for extended periods
Using the phone while charging
can easily cause mid-range phones to heat up and reduce performance.
The OPPO K15 features the new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, which uses a three-layer cooling solution:
Large-area VC vapor chamber
The VC cooling plate quickly spreads heat away from the processor area.
High-conductivity graphite layer
The graphite material helps transfer heat more efficiently throughout the body.
Built-in micro cooling fan
The active fan pulls hot air away through the exhaust outlet, actively accelerating heat dissipation.
The key difference is that this is active cooling, not traditional passive cooling.
The fan is physically running, and heat is actively being removed.
Temperature Reduction Test
First, we used the AnTuTu stress test to push the OPPO K15 into a high-load state.
After continuous full-load operation:
Front temperature reached: 45.5°C
Rear temperature reached: 46.5°C
At this point, the phone felt noticeably hot in the hand.
Then we activated the cooling fan.
After 7 minutes:
Front temperature dropped to 40.9°C
Rear temperature dropped to 40.2°C
The phone changed from hot to only slightly warm.
After waiting 12 minutes:
Front temperature: 38.8°C
Rear temperature: 36.5°C
Compared with the peak temperature of 46.5°C, the rear temperature dropped by approximately 10°C.
The thermal imaging results clearly showed that heat was being transferred away through the fan system.
The temperature around the cooling fan area was noticeably lower than other parts of the phone, proving that the fan was actively removing heat.
High-Energy Outdoor Mode
The OPPO K15 also includes a High-Energy Outdoor Mode, which can be enabled through the accessibility settings.
Once activated, the system automatically:
Starts the cooling fan
Optimizes temperature control
Keeps the phone operating within a stable performance range
This mode also includes several practical outdoor improvements:
Enhanced Screen Brightness
The display automatically increases brightness, making it easier to see under direct sunlight.
Improved Voice Volume
When Bluetooth devices are disconnected, the phone automatically switches to the speaker and increases volume.
Extended Screen Timeout
The display stays active longer, preventing interruptions during:
Navigation
Outdoor work
Long-term map usage
Quick Access Optimization
Frequently used applications can be pinned to a shortcut bar for faster switching.
There are also desktop shortcut cards that allow one-tap access to important functions.
The combination of cooling assistance and outdoor optimization makes the OPPO K15 more convenient for real-world use.
The purpose of active cooling in a 2K smartphone is not chasing the highest benchmark score.
It is about maintaining stable performance during long gaming sessions, navigation, and video recording.
Other phones compete for peak performance.
The OPPO K15 focuses on staying stable for longer.
4. Performance Test: Dimensity 7360 SUPER + Tidal Engine Focus on Stability
The OPPO K15 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor.
Although positioned as a mid-range chipset, OPPO has added its own Tidal Engine optimization system to improve long-term performance.
The phone also features:
4950mm² VC vapor chamber
High-conductivity graphite cooling layer
Built-in active cooling fan
This combination provides a strong thermal foundation for a phone in this price category.
To evaluate real-world performance, we tested two popular mobile games.
Gaming Test 1: Honor of Kings
For Honor of Kings, we set:
Frame rate: Ultra-high
Graphics quality: HD
Performance mode: Enabled
During a full 5v5 match:
Results:
Average frame rate: 90.72 FPS
Frame fluctuation index: 0.22
The phone maintained smooth performance throughout the match.
Whether during:
Large team fights
High-density skill effects
Tower battles
there were no obvious frame drops or visible lag.
Average power consumption:
3.34W
Energy consumption per frame:
36.8mW
After enabling the cooling fan in smart variable-speed mode, temperatures remained well controlled.
Gaming Test 2: PUBG Mobile
For PUBG Mobile, settings were:
Graphics: Smooth
Frame rate: Extreme (60 FPS)
Mode: Classic Squad Battle
During the entire match:
Landing
Rotating zones
Fighting enemies
Final circle battles
the frame rate remained around 60 FPS.
There were no common mid-range phone issues such as:
Sudden frame drops when entering the zone
Delayed aiming response
Stuttering during combat
Average power consumption:
2.84W
Energy consumption per frame:
47.5mW
The cooling fan helped maintain stable temperature during the gaming session.
5. Camera Review: Three 50MP Cameras Deliver Strong Image Quality
The OPPO K15 represents a major improvement in imaging for the K series.
It features three 50MP cameras:
Main camera
Ultra-wide camera
Front camera
The main camera includes:
1/2-inch large sensor
f/1.88 aperture
OIS optical stabilization
The ultra-wide camera provides:
143.3° ultra-wide field of view
Unlike many mid-range phones where secondary cameras are mainly for marketing, the OPPO K15 gives more attention to practical photography.
Main Camera Experience
The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight scenes.
Strengths include:
Good detail retention
Natural colors
Strong dynamic range
Stable handheld shooting thanks to OIS
Photos maintain good clarity even when zooming into details.
The large sensor also helps improve:
Low-light performance
Background separation
Night photography quality
Ultra-Wide Camera Experience
The 143.3° ultra-wide camera is useful for:
Architecture photography
Landscape shots
Group photos
Travel scenes
The wider perspective allows users to capture more content in a single frame.
Night Photography
The main camera’s large sensor and optical stabilization help improve nighttime shooting.
Night photos show:
Better light control
Reduced motion blur
Improved shadow details
For a mid-range smartphone, the camera performance is above average.
6. Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Easily Lasts a Full Day, 80W Flash Charging Keeps You Going
Battery life is one of the strongest selling points of the OPPO K15.
The phone comes with an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, which is significantly larger than the batteries commonly found in mainstream smartphones.
For users who rely heavily on their phones every day, such as:
Outdoor workers
Travelers
Navigation users
Mobile gamers
Video streamers
the large battery capacity provides a clear advantage.
Battery Life Test
To evaluate real-world endurance, we used the Battery Dog testing tool developed by Kuai Technology.
The test simulated typical daily usage scenarios, including:
CPU high-load operation
Multi-thread processing
AI recognition
Image browsing
Video playback
Web browsing
Testing conditions:
Screen brightness: 50%
Auto brightness: Disabled
Volume: 30%
The results showed:
The OPPO K15 lasted:
14 hours and 33 minutes from 100% battery down to 20%.
Based on this result, the theoretical full battery endurance is approximately:
18 hours of continuous usage.
This result matches the expectations of an 8000mAh battery and demonstrates the phone’s excellent endurance.
For normal users, the OPPO K15 can easily handle:
A full day of heavy usage
Long outdoor navigation
Extended gaming sessions
Continuous video playback
without worrying about battery anxiety.
80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging Experience
The OPPO K15 supports:
80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
UFCS universal fast charging
PPS fast charging protocol
We tested charging with the included 80W charger.
Starting from:
1% battery
Charging results:
Charging Time
Battery Level
5 minutes
11%
10 minutes
18%
30 minutes
43%
60 minutes
81%
80 minutes
100%
Although the phone uses a large 8000mAh battery, it can still reach a full charge within around 80 minutes.
This provides a good balance between battery capacity and charging speed.
Bypass Charging: Better for Long Gaming Sessions
The OPPO K15 supports bypass charging, which is especially useful for gamers.
When enabled:
Power goes directly to the motherboard
Battery charging is reduced
Heat generation is lowered
Battery aging is minimized
This means users can keep playing games while connected to power without constantly stressing the battery.
For people who often:
Play games while charging
Watch videos for long periods
Use the phone as a stationary entertainment device
this feature is very practical.
Wired Reverse Charging
The OPPO K15 also supports wired reverse charging.
The phone can temporarily act as a power bank for devices such as:
Wireless earbuds
Smartwatches
Other smartphones
When traveling, this feature provides an emergency power solution without carrying an additional charger.
7. Special Features: IP69 Protection, Breathing Light, NFC and Infrared
Beyond cooling, performance, and battery life, the OPPO K15 also includes many practical features that improve everyday experience.
IP69 Protection: Designed for Tough Environments
The OPPO K15 supports:
IP69 waterproof protection
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP66 protection
It also passed eight military-standard durability tests covering:
High temperature
Low temperature
Rain exposure
Dust environments
Drop resistance
This makes the phone suitable for more demanding environments.
Water Resistance Test
During testing, we played Douyin videos on the OPPO K15 while placing it under running water.
The results:
Video playback continued normally
Touch controls remained responsive
Wet fingers could still operate the screen
The phone remained fully functional after exposure to water.
While IP69 protection does not mean users should intentionally abuse their devices, it provides additional confidence for:
The rear panel includes OPPO’s Mist Shadow Breathing Light system.
Users can customize:
Full lighting area
Strip lighting
Fan lighting
Lighting effects include:
Flowing effects
Breathing effects
Always-on mode
Flashing effects
The fan lighting also supports:
Breathing mode
Constant lighting
Flashing mode
Multiple colors are available.
At night, the lighting can synchronize with music, creating a gaming-style atmosphere.
Unlike inexpensive RGB lighting effects, the implementation feels more refined.
Users can also configure:
Activation time
Lighting behavior
Automatic disabling when the phone is in a pocket
Mountain-Sea Communication Technology: Better Signal in Weak Areas
The OPPO K15 includes OPPO’s self-developed Mountain-Sea Communication Technology.
The system uses:
360° surround antenna design
Multi-source signal optimization algorithms
It is designed to improve connectivity in difficult environments such as:
Underground parking areas
Elevators
Buildings with weak signals
During testing in an underground parking area:
Network results:
Ping latency: 37ms
Download speed: 8.37Mbps
Upload speed: 16.12Mbps
The phone maintained stable connectivity without obvious disconnections.
Dual-Frequency GPS: Faster and More Accurate Positioning
The OPPO K15 is equipped with:
Dual-frequency GPS
Flagship-level sensors
Multi-source positioning algorithms
During navigation testing with Amap:
Location locking was fast
Navigation started quickly
Position accuracy remained stable
The real-time navigation interface showed:
26 BeiDou satellites assisting positioning
Even in complex environments such as:
Urban streets
Tunnels
Underground parking areas
the positioning performance remained reliable.
8. Final Verdict: A Smartphone That Solves Real Problems
At the beginning of this review, the question was:
Is the cooling fan on a 2K-range smartphone just a gimmick, or does it really work?
After testing, the answer is clear:
It works.
During the AnTuTu stress test:
Rear temperature reached 46.5°C
After activating the fan for 12 minutes, it dropped to 36.5°C
A temperature reduction of around 10°C was confirmed through thermal imaging.
The active cooling fan is the feature that truly separates the OPPO K15 from other phones in the same price range.
Many smartphones offer:
Large batteries
Water resistance
Fast charging
But fewer combine these features with an integrated cooling fan.
OPPO K15 Key Strengths
The phone delivers:
8000mAh large battery Active cooling fan IP69/IP68/IP66 protection Stable gaming performance 80W fast charging Three 50MP cameras 120Hz 1.5K display Dual-frequency GPS Strong signal performance
Who Should Buy the OPPO K15?
The OPPO K15 is especially suitable for users who care about:
Long battery life
Stable performance
Outdoor usage
Gaming without overheating
Durability
Practical everyday features
However, users who want:
Maximum gaming frame rates
Flagship-level processor performance
may prefer higher-end gaming smartphones.
The Dimensity 7360 SUPER is not designed to chase extreme benchmark records. Instead, it focuses on delivering stable performance over long periods.
Final Conclusion
Many smartphones in the 2K price range compete by making their specification sheets look impressive.
Instead of only chasing higher numbers, it focuses on solving real user problems:
A phone that does not become uncomfortable when hot
A battery that lasts all day
A device that remains reliable outdoors
A smartphone that can handle daily challenges
The built-in cooling fan is like adding a turbocharger to an economy car—not for racing, but to prevent losing power when climbing a hill.
After testing, the OPPO K15 proves that it can:
Stay cool under pressure
Maintain stable performance
Last through demanding usage
Survive tougher environments
For users looking for a practical, durable, and reliable smartphone in the 2K price segment, the OPPO K15 is one of the most complete choices available.
OPPO K15: A truly practical smartphone built for real-world use.
Taking LEO Off the Board: Russian Thinking About Anti-Satellite Warfare is authored by Aaron Stein, President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI). “The Soviet Union and Russia have invested in anti-satellite weapons to ensure that their nuclear deterrent remains credible. For both the Soviet Union and Russia, the destruction of American satellites was (and is) […]
Studio OUTLINE's reimaigining of Osamu Tezuka's 'The Princess Knight' is a kick-ass anime film whose heart makes up for its whimsically off the rails final act.
Cute name, especially if it were a wookiee. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Finding a good laptop under $500 was hard enough before RAMageddon. They nearly always had cheap hardware and underpowered, often outdated chips. That's what made the MacBook Neo so disruptive: It offered great build quality and good-enough performance starting at $599. Windows laptops couldn't touch it. Even though it's gone up to $699, it's still the laptop to beat.
So when little-known Chinese brand Chuwi announced a $450 Windows laptop with an aluminum build and a brand-new Intel Wildcat Lake processor, it sounded too good to be true.
It is.
Chuwi UniBook
Score: 3
Pros
Cons
It's $450
Tons of ports for a small laptop (though none are very …
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