Devindra Hardawar
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Immigrant. Tech/movie 🇬🇾 guy. @Engadget Editor. @thefilmcastpod co-host @atlfilmcritics member. Find me at @Devindra on Bluesky, this account is dead.
Articles by Devindra Hardawar
ASUS ProArt P16 review: A sleek showcase for NVIDIA's RTX Spark Original
But it's really only meant for AI fanatics. RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Incredibly fast hardware Strong graphics Support for up to 128GB RAM Glorious OLED screen Cons Expensive Some games and software may have compatibility issues Case is a serious fingerprint magnet ASUS's first laptop featuring an RTX Spark chip confirms what I originally thought: NVIDIA's new PC platform really isn't meant for everyone.
NVIDIA's RTX Spark is good for Windows, even if you don't need local AI
Windows PCs may finally catch up to Apple Silicon. Last week, I spent two days hearing how Microsoft and NVIDIA are "reinventing the PC" with RTX Spark, the new system-on-a-chip powering the Surface Laptop Ultra and several other Windows PCs this fall. It's the first time we've seen powerful Arm CPUs joined together with NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU technology and up to 128GB of ultra-fast unified memory on a single chip.
NVIDIA's RTX Spark Is Good For Windows, Even If You Don't Need Local AI
NVIDIA's RTX Spark is meant for AI fiends, but it could end up helping Windows PCs in general Last week, I spent two days hearing how Microsoft and NVIDIA are "reinventing the PC" with RTX Spark, the new system-on-a-chip powering the Surface Laptop Ultra and several other Windows PCs this fall. It's the first time we've seen powerful Arm CPUs joined together with NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU technology and up to 128GB of ultra-fast unified memory on a single chip.
Surface Laptop Ultra hands-on: A beautiful beast powered by NVIDIA's RTX Spark
When we first caught a glimpse of the Surface Laptop Ultra back in June, I was struck by how normal it seemed. Even though Microsoft claimed it was the most powerful Surface Laptop ever, it really looked like a straightforward MacBook Pro clone, even more so than the Surface Laptop (or the Laptop Studio, which nobody talks about anymore). There aren't any weird hinges or flashy Surface features — it appeared to be just pure premium laptop.
Surface Laptop Ultra Hands-On: A Beautiful Beast Powered By NVIDIA's RTX Spark
When we first caught a glimpse of the Surface Laptop Ultra back in June, I was struck by how normal it seemed. Even though Microsoft claimed it was the most powerful Surface Laptop ever, it really looked like a straightforward MacBook Pro clone, even more so than the Surface Laptop (or the Laptop Studio, which nobody talks about anymore). There aren't any weird hinges or flashy Surface features — just pure premium laptop by the looks of it.
The Social Reckoning is a timely reminder that we shouldn't trust Meta Original
The Social Reckoning isn't really a straightforward sequel to The Social Network, despite its title and similar marketing push.
Microsoft Windows and Surface event 2026: Live updates as Satya Nadella and Jensen Huang take the stage Original
Microsoft is expected to unveil more details about the Surface Laptop Ultra at its Windows and Surface event in San Francisco. The company has also teased "latest innovations across Windows, NVIDIA RTX Spark, Surface and the broader PC ecosystem." In its invitation, Microsoft said we would hear from CEO Satya Nadella and Windows and Devices chief Pavan Davuluri, as well as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.
Microsoft Windows and Surface event 2026: Live updates on the Surface Laptop Ultra and NVIDIA RTX Spark
Thank you all for joining us today. We're glad you were here, and appreciate your readership! Stay tuned, we'll have more from Microsoft for you later today, and a whole bunch of stuff from the tech industry 24/7-365! Karissa was able to snap some quick shots of the Surface Laptop Ultra while they were being ushered out of the presentation area.
What to expect at Microsoft's Windows, Surface and AI event on October 7 Original
We'll definitely hear about the NVIDIA RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra, but what else? It's been two years since Microsoft launched Copilot+ AI PCs, its first major attempt at fostering AI-ready hardware, and the results have been mixed, to say the least. This month, the company is again gearing up to espouse the virtues of agentic AI, the latest trendy topic in the tech world, in San Francisco on October 7.
Freckle's smartphone aims to get kids back outside on their own
It's been nearly two decades since the iPhone debuted, and we've yet to see a truly viable smartphone option for kids. For most parents, the wisest choice is to avoid smartphones until the teenage years, or rely on a less capable device (like a cellular Apple Watch) for location tracking and emergency calls.
Freckle's Smartphone Aims To Get Kids Back Outside On Their Own
It's been nearly two decades since the iPhone debuted, and we've yet to see a truly viable smartphone option for kids. For most parents, the wisest choice is to avoid smartphones until the teenage years, or rely on a less capable device (like a cellular Apple Watch) for location tracking and emergency calls.
OpenAI Dev Day 2026: Live updates on the latest ChatGPT and Codex announcements
All eyes are on OpenAI today as the company prepares to host its annual developer conference. Typically, these sort of events can be boring affairs, especially when an AI lab is involved, but OpenAI is not your average company and recent industry developments have been anything but normal. Unless you been living under a rock, you probably saw OpenAI recently disclose that its models had hacked LLM database Hugging Face.
Microsoft's Copilot app adds Office, natural coding and automation
Microsoft may be taking a step back from shoving AI and Copilot features into Windows, but the company is still trucking along with upgrades for its dedicated Copilot app. Following a minor refresh earlier this year, the Copilot app will debut a new tabbed interface, as well as direct integration of Office apps. It's all part of a move towards making Copilot more useful for consumers and businesses, alike.
Microsoft's Copilot App Adds Office, Natural Coding And Automation
Microsoft may be taking a step back from shoving AI and Copilot features into Windows, but the company is still trucking along with upgrades for its dedicated Copilot app. Following a minor refresh earlier this year, the Copilot app will debut a new tabbed interface, as well as direct integration of Office apps. It's all part of a move towards making Copilot more useful for consumers and businesses, alike.
Meta's $1,300 VR Glasses look like the Vision Pro sequel Apple should be making Original
After a few leaks, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg finally revealed the company's next-generation Meta VR Glasses at its Connect event tonight. Arriving in Spring 2027, they look like oversized sunglasses (similar to display frames from Xreal and other), paired with an external power and computing pod, like the Apple Vision Pro. The Meta VR Glasses also have onboard cameras to detect the wearer's hands for gesture-based controls.
Meta's $1,300 VR Glasses Look Like The Vision Pro Sequel Apple Should Be Making
After a few leaks, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg finally revealed the company's next-generation Meta VR Glasses at its Connect event tonight. Arriving in Spring 2027, they look like oversized sunglasses (similar to display frames from Xreal and other), paired with an external power and computing pod, like the Apple Vision Pro. The Meta VR Glasses also have onboard cameras to detect the wearer's hands for gesture-based controls.
The new Resident Evil movie captures the survival horror magic of the games
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Microsoft's new Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13 feature Snapdragon X2 Plus chips Original
Microsoft's hardware business seems to be in disarray on all fronts, especially Xbox, but it's still trucking along with refreshed versions of its smaller Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13. The big change is the new Snapdragon X2 Plus chip, which aims to be a solid update from the slower Qualcomm chips powering those devices last year. As Microsoft's smallest PCs, the key for both the Surface Pro 12 and Laptop 13 is portability over raw power.
Sonos Beam Ultra review: A huge Atmos upgrade for $699 Original
It's basically just a mini Sonos Arc. RATING : 9 / 10 Pros Excellent sound quality for movies and music True Dolby Atmos upward-firing speakers Less obtrusive than the Arc Ultra Slides right into a Sonos system Cons Expensive Dolby Atmos works best with flat ceilings The Sonos Beam Ultra is a Beam speaker in name only. It may look like the company's previous mid-range speakers, but it sounds more like the high-end Arc, and it has a much higher $699 price to boot.
Sonos Beam Ultra Review: A Huge Atmos Upgrade For $699
The Sonos Beam Ultra is a Beam speaker in name only. It may look like the company's previous mid-range speakers, but it sounds more like the high-end Arc, and it has a much higher $699 price to boot. The Beam Ultra justifies that increase with the addition of two upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, which can bounce overhead surround sound off of your ceiling, as well as provide more hardware for richer sound and deeper bass.
Apple Mac mini (M6) review: The best compact desktop is no longer a great deal
At $899, the new Mac mini loses the fun factor of the previous models. RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Powerful M6 chip Sturdy and compact design Useful ports Cons Much more expensive than previous gens Power button on the bottom Pricey memory and storage upgrades When we last reviewed the Mac mini in 2024, Apple was sitting pretty with a compact redesign and a surprisingly affordable $599 starting price. And then, the AI frenzy begat the RAMaggedon.
Apple Mac mini (M6) review: The best compact desktop is no longer a great deal
At $899, the new Mac mini loses the fun factor of the previous models. RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Powerful M6 chip Sturdy and compact design Useful ports Cons Much more expensive than previous gens Power button on the bottom Pricey memory and storage upgrades When we last reviewed the Mac mini in 2024, Apple was sitting pretty with a compact redesign and a surprisingly affordable $599 starting price. And then, the AI frenzy begat the RAMaggedon.
Apple Mac Mini (M6) Review: The Best Compact Desktop Is No Longer A Great Deal
When we last reviewed the Mac mini in 2024, Apple was sitting pretty with a compact redesign and a surprisingly affordable $599 starting price. And then, the AI frenzy begat the RAMaggedon. Mac minis flew off the shelves (we never got an M5 version), while storage and memory prices exploded. Now we have the M6 Mac mini, which still has a wonderfully small case, but starts at $899. That's not so adorable, is it?
The new Resident Evil movie captures the survival horror magic of the games Original
Despite touting the name "Resident Evil," the movie adaptations of Capcom's series have mostly ignored the best elements of survival horror games: the sense of dread as you creep into a new location; the desperation you feel when you're running low on ammo and health items. The six Resident Evil movies starring Milla Jovovich were more interested in bombastic action.
The New Resident Evil Movie Captures The Survival Horror Magic Of The Games
Despite touting the name "Resident Evil," the movie adaptations of Capcom's series have mostly ignored the best elements of survival horror games: the sense of dread as you creep into a new location; the desperation you feel when you're running low on ammo and health items. The six Resident Evil movies starring Milla Jovovich were more interested in bombastic action.
Valve Steam Frame review: Solid standalone VR that's too little, too late
A $1,059 VR headset today is just madness. RATING : 6.5 / 10 Pros Solid standalone-VR performance Very comfortable without glasses Stable PC streaming Cons Exorbitantly expensive Awful speakers Limited new VR content Tight fit with glasses Much like the Steam Machine, Valve's Steam Frame VR headset feels like a device that should have shipped five years ago.
Valve Steam Frame Review: Solid Standalone VR That's Too Little, Too Late
Much like the Steam Machine, Valve's Steam Frame VR headset feels like a device that should have shipped five years ago. As a standalone wireless headset, it's directly competing with Meta's Quest lineup, even though that company has seriously scaled back its VR ambitions. The ability to play many Steam VR games right within the Steam Frame would have been cool several years ago, but in 2026 there aren't many developers left building ambitious new virtual reality experiences.
Where should Apple go after the iPhone Duo? Bring on smaller and larger foldables
iPhones 14 hours ago I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most. Mashable • 14h Bridget Carey goes hands-on with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro and shares what surprised her most. Spending time with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro has Bridget Carey rethinking what’s important in an iPhone upgrade.
Where should Apple go after the iPhone Duo? Bring on smaller and larger foldables Original
No matter how you feel about the iPhone Duo and its exorbitant $1,999 price, its existence proves that Apple has finally figured out how to make a foldable. And on a broader level, it also shows that Apple isn't too proud to follow in the footsteps of Samsung and other Android phone makers. If that's the case, I'm hoping Apple also isn't afraid to copy Samsung's smaller Z Flip phones, which flip down horizontally, and larger devices like Lenovo's X1 Fold and ASUS's ZenBook Fold 17.
Engadget Podcast: Diving into the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's new hardware
Consumer Tech 20 hours ago Hands-on with the foldable iPhone Duo The Verge - Allison Johnson, Dominic Preston • 20h We’ve tried the first foldable iPhone at Apple’s launch event. The first foldable iPhone is finally here, and following its announcement, we got the chance to try the phone for ourselves.
Engadget Podcast: Diving Into The iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro And Apple's New Hardware
We're back with a recap of Apple's iPhone Duo launch event! In this episode, Devindra and Engadget Senior Reporter Karissa Bell break down their thoughts on Apple's first foldable, and how the company is building on a form factor that Samsung pioneered. Also, we dive into the curious case of the iPhone 18 Pro, which has a new variable aperture camera, but will likely be overshadowed this year by the Duo.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has an A20 Pro chip and smaller Dynamic Island
While all eyes are on Apple's first foldable, the company hasn't forgotten about its most capable mobile lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max . They look almost exactly like the previous models (save for a new burgundy color option), but they feature a slightly smaller Dynamic Island cutout.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has an A20 Pro chip and smaller Dynamic Island
8 hours ago Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' iPhone Event: Follow along with our live blog. Apple today announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with pricing starting at $1,199 for the Pro model and $1,299 for the Pro Max, both with 256GB of storage as the base configuration. The increase amounts to $100 …
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has an A20 Pro chip and smaller Dynamic Island
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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has an A20 Pro chip and smaller Dynamic Island
While all eyes are on Apple's first foldable, the company hasn't forgotten about its most capable mobile lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. They look almost exactly like the previous models (save for a new burgundy color option), but they feature a slightly smaller Dynamic Island cutout.
NVIDIA's DLSS 5 adds subtle details to NBA 2K27, but demands a lot more power Original
The juice isn't worth the squeeze, as they say. The first game to use NVIDIA's controversial DLSS 5 AI upscaling, NBA 2K27, thankfully doesn't go overboard with the technology. We've seen leakers use DLSS 5 to deliver some horrific imagery from games like Control and Final Fantasy VII Remake, a clear sign that the tech could be overcranked far beyond what the original developers and artists intended.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 review: A classic design in a lighter package
It won't win over new fans, but it should delight the ThinkPad faithful. RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Slim and light design Fast for office work Gorgeous OLED screen Great keyboard and trackpad Surprisingly solid speakers Cons Expensive No SD card slot No 16GB RAM option There's something special about using a ThinkPad, even one that's been completely modernized.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 review: A classic design in a lighter package
It won't win over new fans, but it should delight the ThinkPad faithful. RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Slim and light design Fast for office work Gorgeous OLED screen Great keyboard and trackpad Surprisingly solid speakers Cons Expensive No SD card slot No 16GB RAM option There's something special about using a ThinkPad, even one that's been completely modernized.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Review: A Classic Design In A Lighter Package
There's something special about using a ThinkPad, even one that's been completely modernized. Their distinctive black cases with hints of red — especially the TrackPoint nub right in the middle of the keyboard — distinguish them from every other laptop on the market. More than two decades after Lenovo took over the iconic ThinkPad brand from IBM (something Engadget covered in 2004), the Chinese computer maker still honors its legacy as a premium notebook for business users.
Microsoft announces Project Zenith, a clutter-free Windows experience meant to entice developers Original
Continuing the trend of trying to make Windows 11 suck less, Microsoft today announced Project Zenith, a new "ready-to-code distraction free Windows experience" for powerful developer hardware with 64GB of RAM and gobs of memory bandwidth. Project Zenith will first be available on AMD's Ryzen AI Halo mini-desktop at first, with more devices to follow. Clearly, the focus is on local AI development — a timely move as cloud AI token costs start to rise.
The new Street Fighter movie trailer looks fun in all the right ways
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The new Street Fighter movie trailer looks fun in all the right ways
I've been unreasonably hyped for the upcoming Street Fighter film since we saw its teaser trailer at the Game Awards. Set to the infectious energy of "Punk Tactics," it gave us a glimpse at a vibrant live0-action rendition of Street Fighter 2, complete with all of favorite characters kicking butt in a variety of ways. The latest trailer makes it clear that this movie is leaning full tilt into the cheesiness of the franchise. Do you want to see a real-life hadouken?
The New Street Fighter Movie Trailer Looks Fun In All The Right Ways
I've been unreasonably hyped for the upcoming Street Fighter film since we saw its teaser trailer at the Game Awards. Set to the infectious energy of "Punk Tactics," it gave us a glimpse at a vibrant live0-action rendition of Street Fighter 2, complete with all of favorite characters kicking butt in a variety of ways. The latest trailer makes it clear that this movie is leaning full tilt into the cheesiness of the franchise. Do you want to see a real-life hadouken?
NVIDIA's DLSS 5 launches with NBA 2K27 on September 3, but there's little reason for excitement
It's hard to recall a feature that's been as instantly reviled as NVIDIA's DLSS 5, a new version of its AI upscaling technology that can modify character models and environments to chase the specter of "photorealism." NVIDIA calls it progress, but the initial examples from Resident Evil: Requiem and Starfield were uncanny misfires. Now, NVIDIA is gearing up to finally launch DLSS 5 alongside NBA 2K27 on September 3.
NVIDIA's DLSS 5 launches with NBA 2K27 on September 3, but there's little reason for excitement
It's hard to recall a feature that's been as instantly reviled as NVIDIA's DLSS 5, a new version of its AI upscaling technology that can modify character models and environments to chase the specter of "photorealism." NVIDIA calls it progress, but the initial examples from Resident Evil: Requiem and Starfield were uncanny misfires. Now, NVIDIA is gearing up to finally launch DLSS 5 alongside NBA 2K27 on September 3.
The downsides of switching from Windows to Mac Original
It's not an entirely smooth jump to macOS. Last year, I considered one of the most common questions I get from readers, friends, family and anyone who learns I'm a gadget nerd: Is it a good time to jump to Macs from Windows? Short answer: absolutely. Macs typically perform better than equivalent Windows PCs; they're far more durable; and they actually live up to Apple's lengthy battery claims. If you want a deeper look at my reasoning, go read that previous piece.
Alienware 39 5K review: The ultrawide gaming monitor sweet spot
Finally, a large ultrawide monitor with tons of vertical screen space. RATING : 9.4 / 10 Pros Incredibly bright OLED panel Tons of screen space Bold and accurate colors Multiple resolution modes Tons of ports Cons Expensive Basic case design If I had to pick one monitor to use for the next ten years, it would be Alienware's new 39-inch 5K ultrawide display. Imagine taking a standard 32-inch widescreen monitor, stretching the sides out a bit, and you've got the basic idea of what this screen holds.
Alienware 39 5K review: The ultrawide gaming monitor sweet spot
Finally, a large ultrawide monitor with tons of vertical screen space. RATING : 9.4 / 10 Pros Incredibly bright OLED panel Tons of screen space Bold and accurate colors Multiple resolution modes Tons of ports Cons Expensive Basic case design If I had to pick one monitor to use for the next ten years, it would be Alienware's new 39-inch 5K ultrawide display. Imagine taking a standard 32-inch widescreen monitor, stretching the sides out a bit, and you've got the basic idea of what this screen holds.
Apple refreshes Mac mini and Mac Studio with new M6 and M5 Ultra chips Original
Apple hasn't forgotten about the Mac mini, after all. The company's popular diminutive desktop is getting refreshed today with a brand new M6 chip, while the Mac Studio is getting bumped up to the M5 Max and new M5 Ultra chips. Curiously, the Mac mini didn't get an upgrade to the M5 chip last year, but you'll be able to upgrade the newer model to an M5 Pro if you need more power.
RayNeo is going both minimalist and maximalist with its latest AR smart glasses Original
The new iO SMart Glasses and GT Series specs target very different audiences. RayNeo's new AR specs range from the incredibly subtle, to the gloriously nerdy. The RayNeo iO Smart Glasses look like an everyday pair of frames, but they hide a small display, intelligent voice capture and a slew of AI features to help you throughout the day. On the other end of the design spectrum, there's the new GT-series glasses, which offer "cinema-grade spatial viewing," according to the company.
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