Major TV networks were notified on Friday that the department was examining whether they violated antitrust laws when they suspended pool coverage of President Trump.
Christopher Nolan's engrossing take on The Odyssey dominated at the box office and spurred a newfound interest in classic literature among filmgoers. But a new retelling of the story made entirely with AI is so bad that it might just make viewers hate the original tale altogether.
The new film, called Odysseus: The Fall, comes via AI firm Fountain 0 and is written and directed by company cofounder Ash Koosha, who also lent his likeness to the title character and created all of the music. (The film's credits are very short.) The studio's only previous work is an AI film called Dreams of Violets that made it into Tribeca earlier this year. Th …
iPhone 18 Pro is at the center of What Holds Us, a new photography exhibition built around three very different approaches to image-making. Alex Prager, Jack Davison, and Jimmy Chin shot the entire project on Apple’s latest Pro iPhone, using the device in environments ranging from a Los Angeles soundstage to a London warehouse and the high-altitude terrain of British Columbia.
Curated by Kathy Ryan, the former longtime director of photography for The New York Times Magazine, the exhibition examines connection through touch, shared experience, physical environments, and human relationships.
It also gives Apple a more ambitious showcase for the iPhone 18 Pro camera than a conventional product demonstration. Rather than presenting standardized comparisons or individual sample images. What Holds Us asks three established photographers to work within their own visual languages while using the phone as their sole camera.
The exhibition opens in New York City on September 18 and runs through September 20 before traveling to London and Shanghai in the coming months.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
iPhone 18 Pro takes three very different photographic approaches
The project works partly because the three photographers have little stylistically in common.
Jimmy Chin took iPhone 18 Pro into the Bugaboo Mountains of southeastern British Columbia, working around snow, ice, steep climbing terrain, and winds reaching as high as 70 miles per hour.
His series focuses on trust and connection within climbing, with veteran mountaineer Conrad Anker appearing throughout the photographs. Some images place Anker as a small figure against vast mountain landscapes, while others move much closer to rock, snow, and glacial textures.
Chin used both the 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras to shift between those extremes. The practical appeal was also straightforward: carrying a phone instead of a full conventional camera setup reduced the equipment required in an environment where weight and mobility affect every decision.
Jack Davison took almost the opposite approach. Shooting inside a former sugar warehouse in London, he created intimate portraits built around people interacting with clay and chalk.
Davison is known for high-contrast black-and-white imagery, and his contribution emphasizes texture, shadows, highlights, skin, and physical contact with the material. Some subjects appear partly covered in clay, while others manipulate it directly, leaving fingerprints and marks across the compositions.
For Davison, the smaller camera changed the relationship between photographer and subject. Without a large camera constantly positioned in front of his face, he could maintain more eye contact and work at closer range.
His use of slower shutter speeds, RAW capture, and multiple lenses also illustrates how Apple increasingly wants the Pro iPhone camera to function as a configurable photographic tool rather than simply a computational point-and-shoot system.
Alex Prager pushes the phone into large-scale production
Alex Prager’s section places iPhone 18 Pro inside a much more elaborate production environment.
Working on a Los Angeles soundstage, Prager created color-heavy scenes filled with crowds, confetti, staged city elements, costumes, and loosely choreographed movement. Some images use high viewpoints to turn groups of people into a continuous visual pattern, while tighter photographs isolate individual figures within the same constructed world.
The visual approach resembles film production more than spontaneous mobile photography, which gives the project another test for the phone. The camera has to preserve detail across numerous faces, costumes, props, highlights, and areas of movement while operating within scenes deliberately designed for large-format presentation.
Prager also treated the camera’s immediacy as part of the creative process rather than simply a convenience. The ease of moving between perspectives and capturing repeated moments allowed the scenes to evolve through improvisation instead of being locked into a single carefully prepared frame.
That approach aligns with a recurring theme across the exhibition: the phone becomes less intrusive without requiring the photographers to abandon their existing visual standards.
For Apple, it is a useful distinction. Professional photography campaigns built around smartphones can easily become exercises in technical proof, where the central question is whether a phone can imitate equipment already available to photographers. What Holds Us is more interested in how a smaller camera changes the way an artist works.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
Variable aperture gives the project a new technical foundation
The exhibition arrives alongside one of Apple’s most significant physical camera changes in years.
iPhone 18 Pro introduces variable aperture on its 48MP Fusion Main camera. The lens can operate at ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8, or ƒ/4.0, changing both light intake and depth of field.
A wider ƒ/1.48 aperture is designed for stronger low-light performance, while narrower settings can retain more detail across different planes of an image. Apple also lets photographers select aperture settings manually through new Pro controls in the Camera app.
Those controls extend to shutter speed and white balance, with a histogram available for monitoring exposure. ProRAW remains available for photographers who want greater flexibility during post-production.
The rear camera system also includes 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide and 48MP Fusion Telephoto cameras, providing focal lengths from 13mm at the wide end through an optical-quality 8x option.
What Holds Us does not reduce the exhibition to those specifications, but the technical changes help explain why Apple chose photography, rather than video, for this particular campaign. Variable aperture affects choices that photographers traditionally make during capture, especially around available light and how much of a scene remains in focus.
What Holds Us extends the Shot on iPhone idea
Apple has spent years using Shot on iPhone campaigns to demonstrate camera quality through finished work rather than charts and controlled tests. What Holds Us pushes that format closer to a conventional curated exhibition.
Ryan connects the three bodies of work through the idea of human presence, but each artist interprets it differently. Chin finds it through dependence between climbers in hostile landscapes. Davison uses physical contact between people and clay. Prager builds populated fictional environments in which individual expressions emerge from larger crowds.
The images therefore function as an exhibition first and a hardware showcase second, even though the production is closely tied to the launch of iPhone 18 Pro.
That balance may be the most effective part of the campaign. Apple does not need to demonstrate that a modern iPhone can produce a technically competent photograph. The more interesting challenge is showing where its smaller size, computational processing, lens flexibility, RAW workflow, and new manual controls can alter the photographer’s decisions.
New York visitors will get the first opportunity to see how those images hold up away from a phone or computer display when What Holds Us opens September 18. After its three-day New York run, Apple says the exhibition will continue to London and Shanghai, giving the iPhone 18 Pro photography project a physical life beyond the launch campaign.
When Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil hit theaters in 2002, video game movies were largely seen as a niche. Films like Mortal Kombat and Tomb Raider had proven that big-screen game adaptations could be successful, but the commercial and critical failure of projects like the 1993 Super Mario Bros. still cast a long shadow. And while Anderson's vision of Raccoon City might have captivated audiences on the whole, many hardcore fans of Capcom's games were left disappointed by the way the original movies wildly deviated from the source material.
Weaponsdirector Zach Cregger's new take on Resident Evil is a return to the franchise's fundamenta …
Nintendo has gotten quite good at making open-ended games. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild upended the idea of what a Zelda game could be by giving the player free rein to tackle any part of the map, a philosophy iterated upon with Tears of the Kingdom. On the Switch 2 this idea expanded to Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Now, Nintendo has brought this philosophy to Fire Emblem with Fortune's Weave. It works really well; with its many ways to progress through the game and tailor teams to your liking, Fortune's Weave has become my favorite game on the Switch 2 so far.
Fortune's Weave's structure is a big reason why it feels …
AYN Thor is not trying to win attention simply by putting a faster processor inside a conventional handheld. Its defining feature is the clamshell design: a large 6-inch AMOLED screen sits above a second display, giving the device a layout that is much closer to a portable dual-screen gaming system than a traditional Android game console.
The Banggood configuration covered here pairs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the wider Thor lineup also includes higher-memory versions. AYN’s own current product information lists the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 configurations alongside a 6-inch AMOLED main display, a 3.92-inch secondary AMOLED screen, Android 13 and a 6000mAh battery.
That makes the Thor interesting for a very specific reason: the second screen can change how certain games and emulators are played, rather than merely adding another display to the specification sheet.
The Second Screen Is the Real Story
Most Android gaming handhelds use a single display and place all controls around it. The Thor takes a different route.
Its upper panel is a 6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the lower section provides a smaller 3.92-inch AMOLED touchscreen. The primary display runs at 1920 × 1080, while the secondary panel uses a 1080 × 1240 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.
The difference in refresh rate is actually useful to understand. The top screen is optimized for the main gaming experience, while the lower screen is better thought of as a companion interface.
That opens up several possibilities. In dual-screen emulation, one display can show the main game while the second handles maps, menus, touch controls or other information. For games designed around two screens, the physical arrangement can also feel considerably more natural than trying to reproduce the same layout on a single panel.
This is where the Thor has a clearer identity than another Android handheld with similar processing hardware.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Gives the Thor Plenty of Headroom
The 8GB/128GB configuration uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the same platform used by several other high-performance Android handhelds. AYN’s specifications identify the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 versions as the Base, Pro and Max models, with RAM and storage increasing depending on configuration.
For the Thor, the processor is less interesting as a headline number than what it enables.
Android gaming, retro emulation and game streaming can all benefit from additional processing headroom, but the dual-screen design is where the hardware becomes more purposeful. The system has to manage two displays and the associated touch input while still maintaining a responsive gaming interface.
The 8GB configuration therefore makes sense as the entry point for users who want the Thor’s unusual hardware without necessarily moving to one of the larger storage variants.
Android 13 Keeps the Platform Flexible
The Thor runs Android 13, which gives it access to the broader Android gaming and emulation ecosystem rather than locking it into a proprietary game library. AYN’s product information also confirms that games are not preinstalled, meaning buyers should think of the device as an Android gaming platform rather than a ready-made retro library.
That distinction matters.
The real value of an Android handheld is often determined by how well its software environment fits the user’s preferred games and emulators. With the Thor, there is an additional consideration: configuring software to take advantage of two physical screens.
For example, a dual-screen setup can be particularly useful for systems and games that were originally designed around separate gameplay and information displays. Retro Game Corps’ setup guide specifically covers the additional considerations involved in configuring dual-screen Android handhelds such as the Thor.
Hall-Effect Sticks Are a Practical Hardware Choice
The Thor also uses Hall-effect joysticks, which detect stick movement magnetically rather than relying on traditional mechanical contact for position sensing. AYN lists Hall sticks among the device’s hardware features.
For an Android gaming handheld, this is more relevant than it might initially appear.
The controls are likely to see much more use than many of the device’s headline specifications. Precise analog input matters for action games, racing titles and 3D emulation, while the absence of conventional contact-based sensing can help reduce one common source of stick-position problems over long-term use.
It also reinforces the idea that the Thor is designed as a serious gaming device rather than simply an Android tablet folded into a portable shell.
A 6,000mAh Battery Balances the Dual-Screen Hardware
A 6,000mAh battery sits inside the Thor, according to AYN’s current specifications. The device also supports 27W charging.
Battery capacity alone does not tell the whole story, especially on a dual-screen handheld.
The actual runtime will depend heavily on brightness, refresh rate, emulator workload, wireless connectivity and how frequently the secondary display is active. More demanding games will naturally place a greater load on the Snapdragon platform than lightweight retro titles.
For this reason, the Thor’s battery should be viewed as part of a larger power-management equation rather than judged only by the 6000mAh figure.
The Flip Design Solves a Portability Problem
There is another advantage to the clamshell construction that has little to do with gaming performance: screen protection.
When the Thor is closed, the two displays face inward. That gives the handheld a natural protective position when it is placed inside a bag or carried between locations.
The closed form also makes the Thor visually distinct from the large number of slab-style Android gaming handhelds now available.
However, the hinge introduces its own design considerations. Users who want the device primarily for traditional single-screen Android gaming may not need a second display or a clamshell mechanism. The dual-screen architecture becomes much more valuable when the software can actually make use of it.
8GB + 128GB Is the More Straightforward Configuration
The Banggood listing specifically covers the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version.
That capacity should be enough for a focused Android gaming setup, but storage requirements can grow quickly once users begin adding large game files, emulator libraries and multiple applications.
AYN’s wider lineup includes a 12GB/256GB model and higher-end 16GB configurations with substantially more storage.
This makes the 8GB/128GB model easier to understand as an entry configuration rather than the only version of the Thor. Buyers who plan to maintain a large local game library should pay particular attention to storage before choosing between variants.
Who Actually Benefits From Two Screens?
The Thor makes the most sense for users whose gaming habits can take advantage of its unusual layout.
Dual-screen emulation is an obvious example. Systems that originally used two displays can be represented more naturally when the handheld itself physically provides two panels.
The secondary display can also be useful for touch-based controls, menus or supplementary information while the main display remains dedicated to gameplay.
For ordinary Android games that only need one screen, however, the second panel becomes less important. In that situation, the Thor’s main advantage is its unusual form factor rather than a fundamental change in gameplay.
That distinction is worth keeping in mind when comparing it with conventional single-screen Android handhelds.
A Different Kind of Android Gaming Handheld
The AYN Thor gaming handheld ‘s most interesting feature is not the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 by itself, nor is it simply the 120Hz AMOLED display.
It is the combination of a 6-inch 120Hz AMOLED main screen, a secondary AMOLED touchscreen, Hall-effect controls, Android 13 and a 6000mAh battery inside a foldable chassis.
That combination gives the Thor a specific purpose.
For users who mainly want a standard Android gaming handheld, its dual-screen construction may be more hardware than they need. But for players interested in DS/3DS-style emulation, dual-screen interfaces or experimenting with different Android gaming layouts, the second display provides a capability that conventional handhelds simply cannot reproduce in the same physical way.
The result is a device that stands apart not because it has the longest specification sheet, but because its hardware is built around a different idea of what a portable gaming console can be.
Small RC cars often have to make a compromise between portability and driving performance. The ZLL SG616 PRO/MAX takes a different approach, packing four-wheel drive, proportional controls and a relatively aggressive power system into a 1:24-scale chassis.
1:24 scale also changes where the car makes the most sense. Rather than requiring a large dedicated driving area, its compact dimensions make it easier to use on driveways, compact outdoor spaces and other locations where a larger 4WD RC car would be inconvenient.
What makes this model particularly interesting is that buyers can choose between a brushed version and a brushless version. The brushed model is rated for up to 30 km/h, while the brushless configuration raises the claimed top speed to 38 km/h.
A Compact RC Car With Serious Speed
At 208 × 113 × 80 mm, the SG616 is small enough to transport easily, but its specifications are closer to what enthusiasts expect from a performance-oriented RC vehicle than a basic toy-grade car.
The 1:24 scale also changes where the car makes the most sense. Rather than requiring a large dedicated driving area, its compact dimensions make it easier to use on driveways, compact outdoor spaces and other locations where a larger RC truck would be inconvenient.
The 12 mm ground clearance is modest, so the SG616 is not designed to behave like a full-size crawler. Its appeal is instead centered on quick acceleration, directional control and short off-road runs.
Brushed or Brushless: The Important Buying Decision
The biggest difference between the SG616 PRO and MAX configurations is the power system.
The brushed version uses an RC180 motor and has a claimed maximum speed of 30 km/h. The brushless version moves to a 2030 4500KV motor and is rated for up to 38 km/h. Both configurations use an integrated 35A ESC.
That distinction matters because the brushless model is not simply a cosmetic upgrade. Its higher claimed speed makes it more suitable for users who want a faster RC driving experience, while the brushed version may make more sense for someone who values a simpler setup.
The brushless configuration also gets an all-metal driveshaft, giving it a mechanical upgrade beyond the motor itself.
Four-Wheel Drive and Independent Suspension
The SG616 uses a 4WD drivetrain with planetary differential gearing and independent suspension. Combined with a 45-degree steering angle, these features are intended to give the small chassis more flexibility when changing direction or dealing with uneven surfaces.
The car also uses ball bearings throughout, while an aluminum motor heatsink helps manage heat around the power system.
This combination is more important than the headline speed. A fast RC car is only enjoyable when the chassis can translate that power into controllable movement. The SG616’s proportional throttle and four-wheel-drive layout are therefore two of its more meaningful features.
Full-Proportional Control Makes a Difference
The included 2.4GHz transmitter provides four control channels and a claimed control distance of around 80 to 100 meters, depending on the configuration or listing specification.
More importantly, the car supports full-proportional control. Instead of limiting the vehicle to simple forward, reverse and steering commands, proportional control allows the driver to vary throttle input more precisely.
That is useful when moving through tighter spaces. It also gives the SG616 a more controllable feel when approaching corners or transitioning between slower technical driving and high-speed runs.
Battery Life Is Designed Around Short Sessions
The SG616 uses a 7.4V Li-ion battery, with the brushed and brushless versions using 500mAh and 800mAh capacities respectively according to the current listing. Charging takes approximately 1.5 hours, while the advertised running time is around 30 to 40 minutes.
These numbers suggest that the car is better suited to several relatively short driving sessions than continuous long-distance running.
The included USB charging cable also keeps the package straightforward. Buyers receive the car, battery, transmitter, charging cable, manual, spare R-clips and screwdriver, so there is no need to assemble a separate basic control system before getting started.
Designed for Outdoor Driving
The SG616 has several details aimed at reducing the limitations of a compact RC chassis.
Its circuit board and steering servo are listed as waterproof, while the front bumper integrates LED lights for a more distinctive appearance during low-light driving. The 47 mm tires and independent suspension also help the car deal with surfaces that are less predictable than a smooth indoor floor.
However, waterproof electronics should not automatically be interpreted as a license for deep-water driving. The practical advantage is better resistance to splashes and wet conditions rather than treating the car as a fully submersible vehicle.
What Kind of RC Driver Is It For?
The ZLL SG616 PRO/MAX occupies an interesting middle ground.
It is substantially more performance-focused than a basic toy RC car, yet its 1:24 scale keeps it much easier to carry and deploy than a larger hobby-grade truck. The brushless version is particularly notable for its claimed 38 km/h maximum speed, while the proportional controls and 4WD system give the driver more control than a simple entry-level model.
For buyers deciding between the two versions, the choice largely comes down to driving priorities. The brushed model provides a lower-speed configuration, while the brushless model targets users who specifically want more speed and the additional mechanical hardware that comes with that configuration.
Final Takeaway
ZLL SG616 PRO/MAX is interesting because it does not rely on one headline specification. Its appeal comes from how several features work together: a compact 1:24 chassis, 4WD, independent suspension, proportional throttle, 2.4GHz control and two different motor configurations.
The brushless version’s 38 km/h claim is certainly the attention-grabbing number, but the proportional controls, drivetrain design and compact dimensions may ultimately have a greater impact on everyday usability.
For shoppers comparing small off-road RC cars, the SG616 is therefore worth looking at as a performance-focused compact model rather than simply another inexpensive remote-control toy.
AULA F75 MAX keyboard is designed for users who want more than a basic compact mechanical gaming keyboard. Instead of focusing on a single headline feature, it combines a space-saving 75% layout with a dedicated TFT screen, rotary knob, hot-swappable switches, gasket mounting and three connection modes.
That combination makes the F75 MAX interesting for both gaming and everyday desktop use. Its design also reflects a broader trend in mechanical keyboards: smaller layouts are becoming more feature-rich without completely sacrificing the controls that PC users rely on.
Why the 75% Layout Makes Sense
The F75 MAX uses an 80-key 75% layout, keeping the function row and arrow-key cluster while removing the large gaps and dedicated number pad found on full-size keyboards.
For a gaming setup, this layout can free up more desk space for mouse movement. At the same time, it remains practical for productivity because users do not have to give up the dedicated arrow keys and function row.
The trade-off is the missing number pad. Anyone who regularly enters large amounts of numerical data may still prefer a full-size keyboard, but for gaming, general typing and compact workstations, the 75% format is a useful middle ground.
The TFT Screen Is More Than Decoration
One of the F75 MAX’s most noticeable design elements is its built-in TFT screen. Instead of relying entirely on RGB lighting for visual customization, the keyboard adds a small display that gives the top section a more personalized appearance. Banggood specifically lists a GIF-capable TFT screen interface.
This feature does not fundamentally change typing performance, but it gives the keyboard a distinct identity. For users who enjoy customizing their desktop setup, the screen can make the F75 MAX feel more like a configurable gadget than a conventional mechanical keyboard.
The separate metal knob also adds a practical control point, giving users a physical way to interact with supported functions instead of relying entirely on keyboard shortcuts.
Gasket Mounting Targets a Softer Typing Feel
The keyboard uses a gasket-mounted structure with multiple layers of sound-dampening material. AULA lists five layers of dampening, while the product listing describes a six-layer sound-absorbing structure, so the exact terminology varies between listings.
The important part is what this construction is intended to achieve. A gasket-mounted keyboard isolates the plate from parts of the case, allowing slightly more flex while reducing some of the direct vibration transferred through the chassis.
Combined with the F75 MAX’s foam and silicone layers, the design is aimed at producing a deeper and less harsh typing sound than a basic rigid keyboard.
That makes the keyboard potentially more appealing to people who care about typing acoustics as well as gaming performance.
Hot-Swappable Switches Make Future Upgrades Easier
Another useful feature is the hot-swappable PCB, which supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches according to AULA’s specifications.
This means owners are not necessarily locked into the factory switch configuration. Users who prefer a lighter linear feel, a different actuation characteristic or another sound profile can experiment with compatible switches without replacing the entire keyboard.
The F75 MAX comes with LEOBOG Reaper linear switches. AULA lists them as factory-lubed, while EPOMAKER’s specifications give the switch a 45±3gf trigger force and 3.6±0.3mm total travel.
For someone buying a mechanical keyboard as a long-term platform, this upgradeability may be more meaningful than RGB effects alone.
Tri-Mode Connectivity Covers Different Setups
The F75 MAX supports USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connections.
That gives the keyboard three distinct use cases. Wired mode is suitable for a desktop gaming setup, 2.4GHz wireless keeps the desk cleaner while maintaining a low-latency connection, and Bluetooth is convenient when switching between compatible computers or mobile devices.
AULA rates the keyboard at up to 1000Hz polling through USB and 2.4GHz, while Bluetooth is listed at 125Hz. The manufacturer also lists latency of around 3ms over USB, 7ms via 2.4GHz and 18ms through Bluetooth.
For competitive gaming, the wired and 2.4GHz modes are therefore the more relevant choices.
4000mAh Battery Gives Wireless Mode Some Flexibility
The built-in 4000mAh battery is another reason the F75 MAX works well as a wireless desktop keyboard. AULA rates battery life at approximately 30.5 hours with the RGB backlight enabled and up to 80 hours with the lighting switched off.
Actual endurance will depend on lighting brightness, connection mode and usage patterns, so these figures should be treated as manufacturer ratings rather than guaranteed real-world results.
Still, the option to turn off RGB lighting when maximum battery life matters gives users more control over how they use the keyboard.
PBT Keycaps and South-Facing RGB
The F75 MAX uses double-shot PBT keycaps and south-facing per-key RGB lighting.
PBT is commonly chosen for mechanical keyboards because it generally resists the glossy wear that can develop on frequently used ABS keycaps. The south-facing RGB arrangement also works well with the keyboard’s overall enthusiast-oriented design.
AULA lists support for more than 16 million RGB colors and multiple lighting effects, although the visual customization is ultimately secondary to the keyboard’s typing and connectivity features.
A Compact Keyboard With Room to Experiment
AULA F75 MAX is best understood as a feature-rich 75% mechanical keyboard rather than simply another RGB gaming board.
Its strongest combination is the compact layout, gasket construction, hot-swappable PCB and tri-mode connectivity. The TFT display and rotary knob then add a layer of customization that separates it from more conventional 75% keyboards.
For gamers, the 2.4GHz connection and 1000Hz polling rate give the keyboard a performance-oriented side. For enthusiasts, the hot-swap PCB and gasket structure leave room for future customization. And for everyday users, the 75% layout provides a useful balance between desk space and functionality.
The main compromise is straightforward: users who need a dedicated number pad will need a larger keyboard. But for anyone comfortable with the 75% format, the AULA F75 MAX offers a combination of customization, wireless flexibility and enthusiast-style construction that makes it worth considering.
For the latest specifications and software information, buyers should also check the official AULA product page before ordering, since configurations and regional listings can vary.
TRIMUI Brick Pro TG4040 is aimed at players who want a dedicated retro gaming handheld without carrying a bulky modern console.Its appeal comes from the combination of a compact vertical design, a high-resolution IPS display, physical controls designed for longer sessions, and a Linux-based gaming environment.
The 256GB configuration also targets users who want a large game library available locally. Banggood lists this version with more than 17,000 games, although the actual titles and availability can depend on the included software and storage configuration.
A Small Handheld With a Surprisingly Detailed Display
The Brick Pro uses a 3.95-inch IPS panel with a 1024 × 768 resolution, giving it a 4:3 aspect ratio that suits many classic games particularly well. The official TRIMUI specifications also list a 60Hz refresh rate and full lamination.
That resolution is more important than simply looking at the screen size. Retro games were generally designed around lower-resolution displays and 4:3 layouts, so the Brick Pro’s screen can preserve that traditional presentation without requiring an oversized handheld.
The relatively compact display also keeps the device portable, making it easier to use during travel, commuting or short gaming sessions.
Dual Hall Joysticks Focus on Long-Term Control
One of the more practical hardware choices is the inclusion of dual Hall-effect joysticks. Unlike conventional analog sticks that rely on physical contact for position sensing, Hall-effect controls use magnetic sensing technology.
For a retro handheld, the benefit is less about chasing headline specifications and more about control consistency. Players who frequently switch between arcade titles, platformers and games that require analog input can benefit from having two proper sticks instead of relying entirely on a directional pad.
The official TRIMUI specification lists the Brick Pro with JF15 dual Hall-effect joysticks, along with L3 and R3 click functions.
The 256GB Version Is Built Around a Large Game Library
Storage is another major reason to consider this particular configuration.
The 256GB TRIMUI Brick Pro is advertised with more than 17,000 games, while other Brick Pro configurations are sold with different storage capacities and game counts. Banggood’s product listings show 64GB, 128GB and 256GB versions, giving buyers several ways to configure the handheld around their preferred library size.
For users who mainly want a ready-to-play retro machine, the larger storage option reduces the need to constantly manage space. At the same time, buyers should check exactly what game content is included with their chosen package rather than assuming that every version contains the same library.
The official hardware also supports a TF card, with storage expansion listed up to 1TB.
CNC Metal Construction Gives the Handheld a Different Character
The Banggood 256GB listing highlights a CNC metal body, which gives this configuration a more substantial positioning than lightweight plastic retro consoles.
This matters particularly for a device intended to be used frequently. A metal exterior can provide a more rigid feel in the hands, although it may also add weight compared with an all-plastic design.
It is worth noting that TRIMUI’s official Brick Pro specification describes the standard product body as ABS+PC plastic, so buyers should pay attention to the exact TG4040 variant and listing configuration when comparing materials.
5,000mAh Battery Makes It Better Suited to Portable Play
The Brick Pro carries a 5,000mAh battery, which is substantial for a compact retro handheld. TRIMUI rates battery life at around 5 to 10 hours depending on workload, while charging is handled through USB-C at up to 10W.
Actual endurance will naturally vary according to the emulator, screen brightness, wireless connectivity and other usage conditions. Still, the battery capacity makes the Brick Pro better suited to longer sessions away from a charger than many smaller retro handhelds.
Linux Keeps the Experience Focused on Gaming
The Brick Pro runs TrimUI’s Linux-based software environment rather than Android. The official specifications list Trim-UI Linux and Trimui OSD, along with support for a broad range of classic gaming systems and arcade platforms.
That approach keeps the device closer to the traditional retro-handheld experience. Instead of functioning as a general-purpose Android tablet, the Brick Pro is primarily designed around emulation, physical controls and quick access to games.
Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n wireless networking, Bluetooth 4.2 and USB-C, while the system also provides a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers.
Who Is the TRIMUI Brick Pro TG4040 For?
The Brick Pro makes the most sense for players who want a dedicated retro handheld rather than a general-purpose gaming device.
Its strongest combination is the 3.95-inch 4:3 display, dual Hall-effect controls, 5,000mAh battery and large-storage option. The 256GB model is particularly interesting for users who prefer having a substantial library available without frequently swapping storage.
However, its Linux-based design also tells you what the device is not trying to be. This is primarily an emulation-focused handheld rather than a replacement for a modern Windows gaming PC or high-end console.
For retro enthusiasts, that focused approach can actually be the main attraction: the Brick Pro puts the screen, controls and game library at the center of the experience while keeping the overall device compact enough to take almost anywhere.
Note: Game counts, included software, storage contents and package configurations can vary by seller and version. Buyers should verify the exact 256GB configuration before ordering.
iPhone Duo gives Apple its first foldable iPhone and introduces a hardware format that required considerably more than adding a hinge to an existing handset. The device combines a 7.6-inch inner display with a compact 5.4-inch outer screen, while iOS 27 has been adapted around the different positions, orientations, and multitasking possibilities created by the folding design.
Apple unveiled the device on September 9, positioning it above the conventional iPhone lineup with a starting price of $1,999 in the U.S. Preorders open October 16, followed by availability on October 23 in more than 70 countries and regions.
The pricing puts iPhone Duo firmly into premium-device territory, but the more significant distinction is how much of the underlying iPhone experience has been reconsidered around the larger display.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
iPhone Duo turns one phone into two screen formats
When closed, iPhone Duo uses a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR outer display intended to work much like a compact conventional smartphone. Apple says it provides more than 90% of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro despite the smaller physical footprint.
Opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch OLED Super Retina XDR panel. The inner display is 50% larger than the screen on iPhone 18 Pro Max and uses a nano-texture finish intended to reduce reflections and make the crease less visually prominent.
Both displays support ProMotion refresh rates up to 120Hz, Always-On functionality, HDR, and peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. Apple has also retained the same display aspect ratio between the inner and outer screens, allowing interfaces and content to resize proportionally when the phone is opened or closed.
The design results in some unusual dimensions for an iPhone. Duo measures 5.2mm thick when open and 11.3mm when folded, with a weight of 254 grams. Its frame and hinge cover use grade 5 titanium, while Ceramic Shield 2 protects the outer display, while Ceramic Shield covers the back of the device. The device carries an IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating.
Touch ID is built into the side button rather than relying solely on Face ID, giving users a consistent authentication point regardless of how the phone is positioned.
iPhone Duo makes iOS 27 part of the folding design
iPhone Duo would have limited value as a larger iPhone if applications simply stretched across the inner screen. Apple instead adapted iOS 27 to treat the additional space as a new working area.
Split View brings two applications side by side on an iPhone for the first time. Users can also open two windows from the same app, save pairs of applications for repeated use, and switch between tasks without collapsing everything back into a single full-screen view.
Interface elements have moved as well. Navigation controls, Lock Screen elements, and the Dock can appear along the side of the display to preserve vertical space, while Dynamic Island has been reworked for both screens. When the device is open, the Home Screen can display two pages alongside Today View.
Several physical positions have their own uses. The phone can sit partially folded on a surface for video playback, FaceTime calls, workouts, photography, or StandBy. Apple has also confirmed future support for Apple Pencil with USB-C on either display, extending the inner panel toward note-taking, markup, and sketching.
Third-party developers will determine how useful that larger canvas becomes over time. Netflix, Zoom, and Slack are among the companies already adapting their apps for the folding interface.
Image Credit: Apple Inc.
A20 Pro and dual batteries address foldable compromises
Foldable phones create difficult thermal and battery constraints because internal space is divided across two halves. Apple’s response is a custom hardware layout centered on A20 Pro, the same chip used in the iPhone 18 Pro family.
The 2-nanometer processor combines a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the chip can deliver up to 35% better sustained performance than iPhone 17 Pro when paired with Duo’s vapor-chamber cooling system.
A custom package connects A20 Pro directly to the vapor chamber, an arrangement designed to manage heat during gaming, AI processing, and prolonged multitasking on the larger display.
Battery capacity is similarly divided. iPhone Duo places a high-energy-density battery in each half of the enclosure and manages them as a single power system. Apple rates the phone for up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display or up to 44 hours on the outer screen. With both displays used equally, the company estimates up to 24 hours of use per charge.
Wired fast charging can reach 50% in about 20 minutes, while MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging can reach the same level in approximately 30 minutes.
The worldwide eSIM-only design also frees internal volume for battery capacity. Connectivity includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, alongside the C2 cellular modem.Cameras use the iPhone Duo displays in new ways
Cameras use the iPhone Duo displays in new ways
The camera system consists of a 48MP Fusion Main camera and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide. The main sensor also provides an optical-quality 2x option, while video recording reaches 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 frames per second on the primary camera.
The folding design also gives the cameras capabilities that go beyond their conventional specifications. Users can shoot a selfie with the rear cameras while framing themselves on the outer display, while Duo Preview lets a subject see the live composition from the opposite side of the phone.
Smart Take uses on-device models running on A20 Pro to recognize when people appear ready for a group photo and automatically capture the image. Kid Cue can display Peanuts animations on the outer screen to attract a child’s attention toward the camera.
An under-display FaceTime camera sits beneath the inner panel, while the outer screen uses a 12MP Center Stage camera. Duo FaceTime can also place another participant on the outer display when people are gathered around the device.
Siri AI brings personal-context understanding and onscreen awareness to iOS 27, while the broader Apple Intelligence experience includes new photo-editing tools and other capabilities across apps. On the inner display, users can keep a Siri conversation visible alongside another app.
iPhone Duo will ship in Night Sky and Star White with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options. iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 when it becomes available on October 23, while Apple says USB-C Apple Pencil support will arrive later in the year.
Apple has released iOS 26.7 for iPhone and iPadOS 26.7 for iPad as security focused software updates for users who are not yet ready to jump onto iOS 27 or iPadOS 27. Over 100 security fixes are included in the iOS 26.7 update, but no new features or other changes are along for the ride. ... Read More
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