Computers

A gaming monitor made me more productive

My kind of Odyssey

Published

July 30, 2025

You know how you don’t really want something until you actually try it for yourself? That’s exactly what happened between me and the Samsung Odyssey G9. This beast of a monitor has been around for a few years, but I never gave it much thought until Samsung graciously let me try one.

Spoilers: I don’t know what I’ll do once they take it away.

The Odyssey G9 is billed as a gaming monitor, but I mostly used it for work. I genuinely didn’t expect a widescreen display to make a difference — but after spending a few weeks with it, I can’t imagine going back to a non-ultrawide setup. Not just for the visual real estate, but for how it quietly reshaped my workflow.

My usual PC workspace

For years, I’ve relied on the multiple desktop feature on both PC and Mac to organize how I work. One desktop is strictly for writing, research, and productivity. Another is reserved for the multiple chat apps I use on the daily: Telegram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and even Viber. And then there’s one for quick social breaks — Twitter, Instagram, or whatever flavor of distraction I need at the time.

It’s a neat, compartmentalized system that works well on smaller displays, and I was convinced this was the only way I could stay focused. Anything else, I thought, would only slow me down or break my rhythm.

Enter the Samsung Odyssey G9

To test the Odyssey G9, I had to fully rearrange my workspace just to make room for it. This thing is massive — and not in a gimmicky way. It’s a 49-inch ultrawide monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio and an immersive 1000R curvature that wraps around your field of view. The model I tested was the LC49G95TSSNXDC, which runs on a QLED VA panel, supports HDR1000, and pushes a crisp 5120×1440 resolution at up to 240Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time.

Specs aside, it’s one of those devices that just looks absurd… until you sit in front of it.

I didn’t even use the entire ultrawide screen for this one.

Having a larger and wider screen also rejuvenated my interest in video editing. Being able to see your canvas and timeline feels so refreshing. That’s especially true for someone who has mostly worked on a 13-inch display for the better part of a decade. Seeing everything clearly — layers, preview windows, audio tracks — without constantly zooming in and out felt like a game-changer.

I quickly discovered that with this much screen space, I didn’t need to isolate workspaces across desktops. Everything I needed could now exist in a single view. I still use multiple desktops, but not for segmentation — now they’re just extensions.

A productivity powerhouse

I can’t really show you what I usually work on so just think of this division as how I usually split my screen. STAYC Isa on the left for extra work things and sometimes YouTube. TWICE Momo in the middle for my main work things. And LE SSERAFIM Chaewon on the right for the multiple chat apps and socials.

Technically speaking, a 5120×1440 display is the same as having two 1440p monitors fused together — but without the physical bezels or the mess of dual-monitor cable management. That alone already makes it a more elegant solution.

Compared to a traditional two-monitor setup, the Odyssey G9 felt more cohesive and far less chaotic. I didn’t need to turn my head as much, and the 1000R curve actually helps reduce eye strain because it matches your natural field of vision.

You can split the monitor screen in many different ways.

Whether I was writing, editing timelines, cross-checking documents, or responding to messages, everything felt fluid. It’s one of those quality-of-life upgrades that doesn’t shout for attention but gradually seeps into your muscle memory — until it just feels wrong to go back.

Gaming

Stellar Blade on PC with ultrawide screen support

The Odyssey G9 was made for gaming, so of course I had to put that to the test. I primarily game on consoles, but thanks to PC ports with ultrawide support, I gave titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Stellar Blade a spin — the latter being my main obsession for a while.

At first, I didn’t know what to do with all that extra horizontal space. My attention stayed mostly in the center, and I ignored the wingspan of visuals stretching out to either side.

That changed once I loaded up RoboCop: Rogue City — a first-person shooter where I ditched the controller for a mouse-and-keyboard setup. That format, combined with the monitor’s wide field of view, took me right back to Counter-Strike LAN days. Only now, I could see so much more.

Peripheral vision matters in FPS games, and the Odyssey G9 gives you more of it. Enemies that would normally be out of sight pop into your awareness just enough to make a difference. Paired with the 240Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro support, motion stays buttery smooth even during intense firefights.

Not a game but here’s what the pillarbox looks like. Watching Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix.

Not all games support ultrawide, though. Some titles pillarbox to 16:9 or stretch awkwardly, so it’s worth checking compatibility if your primary use is gaming. But when games do support it? It’s like discovering an extra layer of immersion.

A second HDMI? Yes, please

Here’s what it kind of looks like with an even split of the screen. ITZY Ryujin on the left and ARTMS Heejin on the right.

One feature I didn’t fully take advantage of — but can totally see the value of — is the second HDMI port. The Odyssey G9 supports Picture-by-Picture (PBP), which means you can connect two devices and view them side-by-side on the same screen.

For most people, that could mean a PC and a console, or a laptop and a streaming box. For content creators or streamers, it might be monitoring a live chat on one side while editing or gaming on the other. And since the monitor auto-detects active inputs, it doesn’t take much fiddling to switch or toggle between them.

My workspace didn’t let me make full use of this, but it’s the kind of utility feature that can make a real difference for multitaskers and hybrid setups.

Is the Samsung Odyssey G9 your GadgetMatch?

I went into this expecting a cool gaming monitor — something flashy and impractical that I’d enjoy briefly and then move on from. Instead, I found myself rethinking how I work and how I play.

The Samsung Odyssey G9 isn’t a monitor for everyone. It’s large, pricey, and overkill for casual use. But if your time is split between work and play — especially if your work involves content creation, video editing, research-heavy tasks, or heavy multitasking — this is the kind of upgrade that can change how you see your workflow.

After spending time with it, even the idea of returning to a flat 16:9 panel feels limiting. Once you’ve had a taste of this kind of immersion, it’s hard to unsee it.

The Odyssey G9 didn’t just make gaming better. It made everything better. And now that I’ve had it in my space, I know one thing for sure: I’m going to miss it when it’s gone.

Related Topics:Odyssey G9 Samsung Samsung Odyssey G9

Computers

Apple unveils new iMac with M6 chip

M6 brings faster AI performance

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple has unveiled its new iMac powered by the M6 chip, bringing faster performance, enhanced on-device AI capabilities, and improved connectivity to its all-in-one desktop computer.

Announced on October 27, the new iMac retains its slim design and 24-inch display while introducing hardware upgrades for everyday productivity, creative workflows, and AI-powered applications.

Apple claims the M6-powered iMac delivers up to 18 times faster performance than the most popular Intel-based iMac. It also offers up to five times faster on-device AI performance than the previous-generation M4 model.

The new iMac comes in seven colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and silver.

M6 brings faster performance and AI capabilities

The new iMac features Apple’s M6 chip, with configurations offering either a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU or a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU.

The 12-core CPU delivers improved performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and demanding workloads. Meanwhile, the GPU now features Neural Accelerators in every core to accelerate AI processing and graphics-intensive tasks.

Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the graphics performance of the M4 model. Users can expect improvements in photo editing, video production, and gaming, including titles that use ray tracing.

The M6 also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which delivers up to twice the AI computing performance of the previous generation. Combined with memory bandwidth of up to 170GB/s, the chip can handle demanding on-device AI workloads, including running large language models.

Apple highlights several performance improvements over previous generations:

Up to 2.5 times faster performance in Microsoft Excel compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance in applications such as Affinity compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to 12 times faster on-device AI prompt processing in LM Studio compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to twice the gaming performance with ray tracing compared to the M4 iMac.

These improvements make the iMac a more capable desktop for professionals, students, and creators who need additional computing power without moving to a separate desktop tower.

A desktop built for AI

Apple is positioning the new iMac as a platform for its expanding AI ecosystem.

Running macOS 27, the desktop supports Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI, Apple’s next-generation assistant. Users can ask questions, search for information across their messages and emails, and perform actions across supported applications.

Siri AI is also integrated into Spotlight, allowing users to search for information and ask follow-up questions. Visual Intelligence lets users interact with content on their screen, whether it’s a chart in a spreadsheet or an image in a browser.

Other AI-powered features extend to everyday applications. Safari can automatically organize tabs into topics and notify users about website changes, including product restocks and price drops. Users can also create Shortcuts automations by describing what they want to accomplish.

For creative professionals, Apple Intelligence adds tools for photo editing and other productivity tasks. The iMac also supports third-party AI applications optimized for Apple silicon, including LM Studio and Topaz Studio.

Apple says these capabilities allow users to run supported AI workloads locally, helping preserve privacy by processing certain tasks directly on the device.

Siri AI is available in beta in macOS 27.2, with language and regional availability restrictions applying to some Apple Intelligence features.

24-inch 4.5K Retina display

The new iMac retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, which offers a resolution of 4,480 x 2,520 pixels and 500 nits of brightness.

The display supports the P3 wide color gamut and more than one billion colors, making it suitable for photo editing, video production, and everyday entertainment.

Apple also offers an optional nano-texture display finish on supported configurations to reduce reflections and glare in challenging lighting conditions.

For video calls, the iMac features a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk View. Its three-microphone array and six-speaker sound system deliver an integrated audiovisual setup without requiring additional peripherals.

The speakers feature force-cancelling woofers and tweeters, with support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and faster storage

Connectivity receives an upgrade with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

The higher-end configuration can also be equipped with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, offering up to 2.5 times faster wired connectivity than the previous generation.

Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the SSD read and write performance of its predecessor, helping applications launch faster and large files load more quickly.

Port availability depends on the configuration. The higher-end model includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to connect external storage, docks, and other accessories.

The iMac also supports up to two external 6K displays, providing additional screen space for demanding workflows.

Apple continues to bundle color-matched accessories with the desktop. Depending on the configuration, these include a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and either a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. The accessories feature USB-C charging ports.

macOS 27 and sustainability

The new iMac runs macOS 27, which brings refinements to the Liquid Glass interface, system performance, and search.

Users can adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass through a new setting, choosing an appearance that ranges from clearer to more tinted. Apple has also refined app icons and other interface elements.

The iMac continues Apple’s sustainability efforts. Its stand uses 100 percent recycled aluminum, while its magnets use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. Apple-designed printed circuit boards also use 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder.

Apple says the new iMac is manufactured using renewable electricity across its supply chain. The company continues working toward its goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.

iMac with M6 pricing and availability

In the United States, the new iMac with M6 starts at US$1,499 for the configuration with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Education pricing starts at US$1,449.

The higher-end configuration, featuring a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, starts at US$1,699, with education pricing starting at US$1,599.

Pre-orders in the United States and 34 other countries and regions begin on October 28, 2026. Availability starts November 6.

In the Philippines, the new iMac with M6 starts at PHP 109,990 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration. Eligible students and educators can purchase it for PHP 105,990.

The higher-end configuration with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at PHP 124,990, with education pricing at PHP 117,990.

Apple says the new iMac will be available soon through the Philippine Apple Store online and Apple Authorized Resellers. Local availability dates have yet to be announced.

In Singapore, the new iMac starts at SGD 2,099 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, with education pricing at SGD 2,029.

The 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration starts at SGD 2,399, with education pricing at SGD 2,259. Pre-orders in Singapore begin on October 29, with availability starting November 6.

Computers

Lenovo tech behind DreamWorks Animation hit ‘Forgotten Island’

Partnership powers modern demands of animation production

Published

October 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island has definitely become a big screen hit, debuting with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and being well received particularly by a large Filipino fanbase.

And behind the movie is DreamWorks Animation’s partnership with tech giant, Lenovo. The collaboration is helping power the former’s production slate, including the studio’s animated feature inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, and experiences.

In 2025, DreamWorks expanded its relationship with Lenovo by naming the company its preferred compute services, workstation, and solutions provider.

Such partnership brings together Lenovo workstations, high-performance infrastructure, data center technology, and services to support the demanding needs of modern animation production.

It is a collaboration that builds on years of work between the two companies. DreamWorks has used Lenovo workstations as part of workflows across the studio.

Lenovo infrastructure has also supported the large-scale computing requirements involved in creating animated worlds and characters.

Still in cinemas, Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano.

As the two prepare to take different paths after high school, they unexpectedly find themselves transported to Nakali, a fantastical island populated by magical and mythological creatures rooted in stories from their Filipino families.

The film is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Its voice cast also includes Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.

Computers

ROG brings out the ultra-stylish G1000 gaming desktop

Plus, here’s a couple of sleek transport options from ROG.

Published

September 29, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Despite how much higher prices are going today, there are still so many options if you want a PC for yourself. However, only a handful of brands will offer you quite as much style doing so as ASUS. Today, ROG has revealed the new G1000 gaming desktop.

For the first time ever in a prebuilt PC, the ROG G1000 comes with a built-in AniMe Holo, a holographic fan with customizable visuals using Armoury Crate and Aura Sync. Additionally, the holographic fan is inside its own chamber, preventing it from interfering with the main system. Instead, the desktop uses the ROG Thermal Atrium, which uses three fans to channel fresh air through a 420mm AIO liquid cooler.

Now, the ROG G1000 isn’t just a pretty face. Inside, the 104L desktop comes with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. It also comes equipped with the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080, up to 128GB DDR5 memory, and 1TB SSD for storage. New purchases will also come with a gaming keyboard and mouse, a year of Microsoft 365 Basic, Office Home 2024, and an ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service warranty.

The ROG G1000 will be available from ROG Exclusive Stores and will start at PhP 399,995.

Celebrating ROG at 20

Besides the new desktop, ROG is also launching a couple of storage and transport options for your prized gaming possessions. The ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 is a sleek backpack that can fit an 18-inch laptop with enough room for peripherals and accessories. It also comes with a custom FIDLOCK Magnetic quick-release, black-and-translucent-gold buckle. It will be available next quarter for PhP 10,995.

Meanwhile, the ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage Edition 20 is designed specifically for transporting your hard-earned gaming devices. The light-but-durable aluminum frame comes with a specialized compartment for laptops, handhelds, and accessories. It also has removalbe foam dividers to better customize the case for your needs. Finally, it has 360-degree silent skate wheels for smoother rolling. The luggage will be available starting next quarter for PhP 15,995.