Computers

Apple debuts macOS 11 Big Sur

Redesigned UI, better Safari, and more features to expect

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macos macbook

At WWDC 2020, Apple introduced new software coming to its users this fall. On the iPhone front, the company announced the iOS 14. Meanwhile, iPad users can expect an improved iPadOS to come to their devices. Then, there’s macOS 11 Big Sur — an entirely new version to mark a big change to Apple’s beloved OS.

Redesigned from the ground up

macOS didn’t simply bump up to version 11 for nothing. This fall, macOS users will welcome a brand-new version with a redesigned interface. Everything from the dock up to the persistent menu bar gets a redesign that reminds users of iOS.

At first boot, users can expect redesigned icons with new consistent shapes. All apps get a refresh too, and Apple says that the new design will help users find content faster and easier.

The Control Center is also coming to the macOS. Users can now tweak the brightness, volume, and other system settings on the fly.

Apple reworked the Notification Center to mimic the Today View present in iOS and macOS. Notification widgets are also customizable now, and users can select from three sizes.

Safari and other apps get a revamp

Safari got its biggest update in years with macOS 11. It now has a revamped design that falls in line with macOS 11’s design language. The new tab page is now customizable, and users can set their own backgrounds. Tabs also show a preview when a user hovers above the tab list.

Under the hood, Apple says that they have improved the performance of Safari. The company touts 50 percent faster performance than Chrome. Battery run times have also been improved, and users can expect three more hours of battery life compared to other browsers.

Extensions also got a revamp with the new Safari. Users can expect a wider range of extensions with support for WebExtensions API. Plus, the browser also gets a language translation feature. And for the privacy-conscious users, there’s a new privacy report which shows all the trackers blocked by Safari.

Other apps that get a significant revamp include Messages and Maps. Apple is bringing inline replies, Memoji stickers, and message effects right into the app. Search is much more powerful, and users can now pin their existing conversations.

As for Maps, Apple is bringing its “Guides” feature which is also present in iOS 14. Look Around — Apple’s alternative to Google Street Maps — is also landing on the Maps app for macOS 11. Plus, users can get the most out of their commute with new cycling and EV route options.

Under the hood, macOS 11 introduces new performance features that shall allow for faster software updates. Users can also expect new privacy labels on the macOS App Store.

Transition to in-house silicon design

Perhaps the biggest change coming to macOS 11 Big Sur is the one that users can’t directly see. The new macOS marks a paradigm shift for Apple as it undertakes a major transition from using Intel-based silicon to in-house silicon designs.

As such, macOS 11 also introduces new utilities under the hood to help users in the transition. For developers, they will now be able to build apps that target the iPhone, iPad, and Macs without much effort. Also, this means that users will be able to run iOS apps on a Mac for the first time.

Apple announced a two-year transition period from Intel to its own silicon design. During that time period, users can still expect the company to ship new Intel-based Macs. For those eager to try Apple’s silicon on a Mac, they can do so with new hardware coming by the end of 2020.

Availability

macOS 11 Big Sur is coming this fall for all Macbook and Mac users. It will support a lengthy list of devices, and users can try it out on their system with a public beta this July.

Computers

AMD launches Radeon RX 9050 graphics card

Affordable GPU option for AAA titles

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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.

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Accessories

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

Fold the Flip for further protection

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OBSBOT Meet Flip
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.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

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.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

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.

Video Call

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.

Video Call

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.

Conference Meeting

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 Meet Flip

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.

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Computers

AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 2026 AI gaming laptop launches

For AI-powered performance, immersive gameplay

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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.

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