Computers

All new Mac mini M4, M4 Pro now official

First carbon neutral mac

Published

October 29, 2024

Rodneil Quiteles

The Week of Mac continues! Following the release of the new M4 iMacs is the all-new Mac mini. Predictably, it’ll be powered by M4 chips: specifically, the M4 and the M4 Pro. Other than being powered by the latest M-series processors, it also has the distinction of being the first carbon neutral mac.

Pint-sized Powerhouse

For the unfamiliar, the Mac mini is Apple’s take on a mini-PC that you can connect to different peripherals. You can think of them as tiny desktop PCs, but they’re Mac.

This one in particular measures at just 5×5 inches — 1/20th the size of its predecessor. Some might say that’s not very sizable. And that’s the point. Don’t be discouraged because even at this size, it’s a powerhouse when it comes to performance.

The Mac mini with M4 features a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU. It now starts with 16GB of unified memory. What does that mean for you? Breezy multitasking across everyday productivity apps to creative projects like video editing, music production, or writing and compiling code.

When compared to the Mac mini with Intel Core i7, Mac mini with M4:

Applies up to 2.8x more audio effect plugins in a Logic Pro project.
Delivers up to 13.3x faster gaming performance in World of Warcraft: The War Within.
Enhances photos with up to 33x faster image upscaling performance in Photomator.

When compared to the Mac mini with M1, Mac mini with M4:

Performs spreadsheet calculations up to 1.7x faster in Microsoft Excel.
Transcribes with on-device AI speech-to-text up to 2x faster in MacWhisper.
Merges panoramic images up to 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic.

Naturally, the M4 Pro is even more powerful. It has up to 14 cores, including 10 performance cores and four efficiency cores. With up to 20 cores, the M4 Pro GPU is up to twice as powerful as the GPU in the M4. Both chips bring hardware-accelerated ray tracing to the Mac mini for the first time.

It also has Apple Intelligence with its Neural Engine being 3x more powerful (as it ought to be) than the Mac mini M1. On-device Apple Intelligence models run at blazing speed. M4 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory and 273GB/s of memory bandwidth — twice as much bandwidth as any AI PC chip — for accelerating AI workloads. And M4 Pro supports Thunderbolt 5, which delivers up to 120 Gb/s data transfer speeds on Mac mini, and more than doubles the throughput of Thunderbolt 4.

When compared to the Mac mini with Intel Core i7, Mac mini with M4 Pro:

Performs spreadsheet calculations up to 4x faster in Microsoft Excel.
Executes scene-edit detection up to 9.4x faster in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Transcribes with on-device AI speech-to-text up to 20x faster in MacWhisper.
Processes basecalling for DNA sequencing in Oxford Nanopore MinKNOW up to 26x faster.

When compared to the Mac mini with M2 Pro, Mac mini with M4 Pro:

Applies up to 1.8x more audio effect plugins in a Logic Pro project.
Renders motion graphics to RAM up to 2x faster in Motion.
Completes 3D renders up to 2.9x faster in Blender.

Ports Galore

Due to its reduced size, some ports had to move up front. But that also means a little more convenience. The ports in front are: two (2) USB-C ports that support USB 3, and an audio jack with support for high-impedance headphones.

The rest of the ports are at the back. They differ for the M4 and the M4 Pro.

M4: Three (3) Thunderbolt 4 ports, can support up to two 6K displays and up to one 5K display,

M4 Pro: Three (3) Thunderbolt 5 ports, can support up to three 6K displays at 60Hz for a total of over 60 million pixels.

The rest of the ports at the back are the same: Gigabit Ethernet, configurable up to 10Gb Ethernet for faster networking speeds, and an HDMI port for easy connection to a TV or HDMI display without an adapter.

First Carbon Neutral Mac

The Mac mini is made with over 50 percent recycled content overall. This includes 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled gold plating in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards, and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets.

The electricity used to manufacture Mac mini is sourced from 100 percent renewable electricity. And, to address 100 percent of the electricity customers use to power Mac mini, Apple has invested in clean energy projects around the world.

Apple prioritized lower-carbon modes of shipping, like ocean freight, to further reduce emissions from transportation.

Together, these actions have reduced the carbon footprint of Mac mini by over 80 percent. For the small amount of remaining emissions, Apple applies high-quality carbon credits from nature-based projects, like those generated by its innovative Restore Fund.

Price and availability

Mac mini with M4 starts at $599 (U.S.) and $499 (U.S.) for education. Additional technical specifications are available at apple.com/mac-mini.

Mac mini with M4 Pro starts at $1,399 (U.S.) and $1,299 (U.S.) for education. Additional technical specifications are available at apple.com/mac-mini.

Customers can pre-order the new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro starting today, Tuesday, October 29, on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will start arriving to customers, and in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, beginning Friday, November 8.

Computers

AMD launches Radeon RX 9050 graphics card

Affordable GPU option for AAA titles

Published

July 30, 2026

GadgetMatch

AMD has launched the new AMD Radeon RX 9050 graphics card, expanding the Radeon RX 9000 series with an affordable option.

This brings AMD RDNA 4 gaming technologies to mainstream gamers with a retail price of US$ 279.

The particular GPU is designed for responsive gameplay at 1080p. That’s for esports and modern AAA titles.

Some popular titles it can run at high frame rates on a 1080p resolution include: Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 6, Pragmata, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Valorant, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, to name a few.

This highly efficient, drop-in upgrade features a 92W TBP and fully supports the latest AMD FSR technologies, next-gen raytracing, and high-quality AV1 video streaming.

Key specs:

Architecture: AMD RDNA 4
Compute Units: 16
VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
Game Clock / Boost Clock: 1.92 GHz / Up to 2.60 GHz
TBP: 92W

In line with the Radeon RX 9050 launch, AMD has also released AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.7.1.

This driver introduces official day-one support for Radeon RX 9050, alongside early multiplayer access for Gears of War: E-Day.

Users can download the software here.

Accessories

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

Published

July 29, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Other camera features include:

4K video recording / 30fps
1080p recording / up to 60fps
HDR support for challenging lighting
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
4x digital zoom
f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

Directional Mode / solo calls
Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

Computers

AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 2026 AI gaming laptop launches

For AI-powered performance, immersive gameplay

Published

July 26, 2026

GadgetMatch

GIGABYTE has announced the availability of the AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 2026 flagship AI gaming laptop.

This machine combines desktop-class performance, advanced cooling, and an exclusive AI agent in an ultra-thin 19mm portable design.

It is configurable up to an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU. Together, these work to provide close to desktop-level power.

The model also supports MUX Switch to simplify integrated GPU or discrete GPU selection with fast mode.

Beyond gaming, with an advanced GPU AI capability of up to 1824 AI TOPS, the AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 2026 is built for next-gen AI-assisted creation and accelerated workflow.

The entire system also leverages the flagship WINDFORCE INFINITY EX thermal solution, featuring a vapor chamber design and the integrated Frost Fan 2.0.

In front is a 16-inch 16:10 2.5K 240Hz OLED display with creator-grade color accuracy. It has up to a 0.2ms response time, 100% DCI-P3, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

Furthermore, it is Pantone Validated, TÜV Rheinland Certified, and VESA DisplayHDR 1000. Complementing this is Dolby Atmos and four dual-force speakers with Smart Amplifier.

At the center of the experience is the GiMATE exclusive AI agent. It is designed for more flexible and intelligent system control, streamlining performance management and introducing tools for modern workflow.

For instance, GiMATE Creator integrates generative image models into a manageable local workflow.

Meanwhile, GiMATE Coder supports natural-language code generation, correction, and optimization with Visual Studio Code auto-completion.