Gadgets

Gadgets

What Does a Preamp Do? An audio signal needs plenty of attention before it's ready to be amplified-so ultimately the question "what does a preamp do?" broadly contains its own answer. A preamplifier takes care of everything that needs to be done before the audio signal (sent from the music source) is amplified and sent onwards to the system's speakers.

A recent leak suggested that the Realme Neo8 will debut in China in January. Now, another leak hints that Realme may also introduce a Neo8 Infinite edition alongside it. The Realme Neo8 Infinite edition's retail box image has surfaced online. According to the tipster who shared the image, the box notes that the phone will feature a Samsung screen. Meanwhile, leakster Digital Chat Station has revealed that the Neo8 series will come with a Samsung-made display that will offer a refresh rate of 165Hz.

Retro gaming has mostly split into two camps: ROMs and emulators on one side, original cartridges and aging consoles on the other. A lot of people have boxes of SNES games they love, but end up playing downloaded copies on a laptop because it is easier. The Epilogue SN Operator tries to bring those physical carts back into the loop without dragging a CRT out of storage or rewiring your living room.

With unbridled expansion of AI data centres, that require large amounts of high-performance memory, the consumer hardware market is facing a dire shortage of RAM globally. Consequently, amidst dwindling supplies, the prices of RAM have skyrocketed. An Insider Gaming report Monday claimed that the increasing RAM prices could delay the next generation of consoles. According to the publication's sources, RAM prices and availability have become a concern for platform holders like Sony and Microsoft.

Realme recently confirmed several key specifications of the 16 Pro, and now it has revealed details about the 16 Pro+ model. The Realme 16 Pro series is set to launch on January 6. The company has updated the online listing for the Realme 16 Pro+ with new details. As per the website, the phone is confirmed to be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC.

That rotating zoom is only included in the new Leica edition of the phone, which also packs touches like the Leica red dot logo and a textured finish on the phone's sides. The ring can be reprogrammed for exposure or focus if you prefer, and the Leica version has a few custom software touches too, like unique film simulation effects, and physical accessories like a lens cap and branded cleaning cloth.

Honor has finally confirmed the launch date of the Power 2 and has also revealed its rear design and color options. The upcoming smartphone will pack a massive 10,080mAh battery. In a Weibo post, Honor announced that the Power 2 will debut in China on January 5. The company also showcased the phone's rear design, which closely resembles the iPhone 17 Pro.

Vijay Sales has announced its Apple Days Sale in India, offering a range of discounts on the latest iPhone 17, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 models. The sale, which began on December 28, offers discounted prices on new iPad models, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods as well. For example, the MacBook Air M4 iPad (2025) are confirmed to see price cuts during the sale.

vivo seems to be getting ready to launch the upcoming X300 Ultra outside of China as well, which is very welcome news since that hasn't been the case for its predecessors. The global version of the X300 Ultra, with the model number V2562, has been certified in Europe ahead of its release.

There are now several Linux distributions that offer outstanding gaming experiences. These distros not only include the software required to play games from services like Steam, but also vastly simplify the setup process, so you start playing your favorite games after just a few clicks. With a user-friendly installer, you won't even have to touch the command line.

Like the company's GB Operator that debuted in early 2021, the SN Operator is a standalone USB cartridge slot that lets you play and archive old Nintendo console games on PCs, Macs, or handhelds like the Steam Deck using their original carts. But where the GB Operator was built for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA games, the SN Operator instead supports any Super Nintendo and Super Famicom game.

One especially interesting product from Elevation Lab is the -- a battery pack for an AirTag that replaces the with two lithium AA batteries , boosting battery life from months to a decade. The problem with the 10-year TimeCapsule is its size. It's a bit chunky, about the size of a candy bar. It's great for putting into a vehicle or luggage, but rather bulky for smaller items.

At just 0.12 inches thick - about the width of three stacked credit cards - it's the thinnest AI recording device on the market and easily fits in a wallet or attaches magnetically to the back of your phone. The company provides a wallet-like pouch and a magnetic ring accessory that attaches to MagSafe-enabled phones, allowing you to mount the Note Pro on the back of your iPhone or compatible Android device.

This is the Orgdot N200 Bluetooth desktop speaker that bears a tell-tale industrial design influence and a pinch of steampunk vibe. Designed by Shu Zhang and his team, the wireless speaker is mindful of the design sense of modern users. The primary motive is to create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere for the user, while keeping the practical functionality intact.

The resonant, abrasive drone of an electric can opener was a staple sound in kitchens around the country. Perplexingly loud, this innovative kitchen tool let you power through cans of any size by holding down a lever, assuming the cutting blade was lined up correctly. But they've fallen out of style in recent years, and if you still use one, there's a good chance you're a Boomer or a member of Gen X raised by can-opener diehards.

Pedego issued a recall on several hundred fat tire electric trikes after multiple reports of frame breakage. Pacific Cycle also released a safety notice regarding slipping child-seat buckles. At Rad Power Bikes, Kathi Lentzch has stepped down after taking over as CEO in March. Former CFO Angelina Smith is now stepping into the role to guide the company through its Chapter 11 process.

The iMac G3 was discontinued in 2003, around the same time Apple began pivoting to its clean, color-free aesthetic. Cut to a few years later and Apple transitioned entirely to aluminum for its devices, ushering in an era of sleek, and a few more years later, Apple built a computer small enough for your wrist. That means there was a little over a decade between Apple's era of color, and the Apple Watch.

It's easy to see how the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case), a portable and lightweight wireless microphone system will help your video, vlog, interview, and live streaming have professional-quality sound. No longer do you need to be bothered by having cables getting in the way of capturing your best shots; the DJI Mic Mini has got you covered by bringing clear, top-notch sound directly to your smartphone, camera, or laptop.

With the new smart mist planter, growing plants becomes something you can constantly see, touch, and truly enjoy day in a day out, while the plants grow right in front for your eyes. The system comprises a transparent chamber, a planting panel, and an adjustable light. It permits the plant to grow floating in mid-air, without soil or water; just with nutrient-rich mist, keeping the roots hydrated to grow life beautifully, right at your desk, without you having to even move a muscle.

At first glance, Sula resembles a decorative candle that's been reimagined for the 21st century. Its organic, rounded form sits comfortably in your hand, and the warm wood finish gives it that luxurious, handcrafted quality that makes you want to keep it on display even when it's not lit. But flip it over or lay it on its side, and you'll discover its secret: a hidden solar panel that soaks up sunlight and stores energy in its lithium battery.

After the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there's little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port -- likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel -- offers more potential than you might expect. USB ports are easy to overlook, but they're a standard feature on most TVs -- and more useful than you might think.

For a few years now, I've been more and more tempted by foldables. It started with a Galaxy Z Fold4 back in the day, and has only gotten stronger. I want a foldable in my pocket, but one with great cameras. At the end of 2025, I feel like foldable camera systems are nearly at the level I want them to be.

LG unveiled a whole new line of gaming monitors ahead of CES on Friday. The UltraGear evo line are all high-end monitors covering a range of technologies, but united by 5K resolution and AI upscaling. The three flagships under the new branding are the 39GX950B, the 27GM950B, and the 52G930B. The first number in the model name indicates the size. The rest of the letters and numbers, well, I'm sure they mean something to someone.

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. I cover a lot of solar generators here, and they are all the rage. I've tested dozens of devices over the past few years and seen the technology go from strength to strength. But I often get asked, "What happens when the clouds roll in, and the sun vanishes?" Living in the UK, the sun can be in short supply for much of the year.

Watching a dog struggle to walk is quietly heartbreaking. Movement, for animals, is not just mobility. It is freedom, confidence, and joy. The Pet Power Assistive Exoskeleton was born from this understanding, blending emotional insight with advanced engineering to create a rehabilitation solution that truly listens to the animal it supports. The project's inspiration traces back to a news report on prosthetic limbs designed for disabled pets.

Ballpoint pen springs probably weren't on your list of unofficial-yet-essential LEGO Technic parts, but this bobber MOC (My Own Creation) makes a compelling case for raiding your desk drawer. The twin coiled springs flanking the front forks and tucked behind the rear wheel handle suspension duties with surprising visual authenticity. They compress and extend just like real motorcycle shocks, adding functional movement to a build that already nails the stripped-down bobber aesthetic.