Tony Polanco
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Senior Staff Writer, @tomsguide. Host, @ThrowdownShow. 💯 🇩🇴
Articles by Tony Polanco
October Prime Day monitor deals: Save up to $300 on Samsung, LG, Dell and more
3 hours ago Free is our favorite price. Don't say Amazon never gave you anything. Aside from the usual perks of being a Prime member (free delivery, exclusive deals, Prime Video access, Grubhub+, etc.), Amazon also offers subscription services for music and reading: Amazon Music Unlimited and Kindle Unlimited. …
I tested the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for a week — and it’s the best Android tablet yet
3 hours ago Apple plans to introduce a series of new smart home products on Tuesday, October 13, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple reportedly plans to debut its long-awaited smart home hub device, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV on the date. The new HomePod mini and Apple TV are set to …
I checked out the new Samsung SmartTag3 — here’s why this tracker could be a game-changer
The Samsung SmartTag3 will soon be here to give Apple AirTags a run for their money. This is especially true since Samsung’s upcoming smart trackers now offer cross-OS support. That level of universality should make them more appealing no matter your preferred platform. During a recent Samsung event, I went hands-on with the SmartTag3 and was impressed by its new features and compact design. It also didn’t hurt that a cute dog was at the event to show how the tags benefit pet owners.
I checked out the new Samsung SmartTag3 — here’s why this tracker could be a game-changer
Shopping 2 hours ago The best early October Prime Day gaming deals: PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox deals worth grabbing now Mashable - Ben Williams • 2h We're seeing lowest-ever prices on gaming essentials.
This premium PC controller does something I've never seen before — and it’s a game-changer
21 hours ago Earlier this week, Hideo Kojima revealed Kojima Productions' upcoming Physint had been dropped by PlayStation and found a new home at Xbox. In a post on X, he explained PlayStation had canceled Physint in June, leading the company to search for a new partner. "Please rest assured that development of …
Best iPad cases in 2026
Apple's iPads are some of the finest tablets you can buy, which is why you need a good case to keep yours looking its best and protected. Cases come in a variety of different styles, but the best ones offer peace of mind and additional features. If you need more protection than the standard Apple Smart Folio case, we recommend the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro because it's an elegant safeguard that protects your iPad without getting in the way.
Apple reveals the new Mac Studio — and it will be a local AI powerhouse
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PlayStation’s 27-inch gaming monitor is perfect for PS5 and PC gamers — here’s why
2 hours ago Rockstar Games finds itself in a familiar position this week. Just like in 2022, an unscrupulous hacker is leaking Grand Theft Auto 6 by posting a series of unauthorized video clips from Rockstar's next big crime epic. Similar to the dozens of gameplay videos leaked four years ago, the newest leaks …
I just got invited to the Googlebook September 15 event in NYC — this is what I expect to see
Googlebook image. Googlebooks will have a major unveiling on September 15, and Tom’s Guide has been invited. I'll be there to check out the company's new laptop line, which will run on Android and be manufactured by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Details are scarce at the moment, but as a laptop reviewer, I find this exciting.
Steam Frame unboxing and tutorial videos just leaked — release could be imminent
Valve Steam Frame VR headset. Steam Frame tutorial videos just got leaked on Reddit, potentially hinting at an imminent release. The videos in question show an unboxing, how to sign in, how to adjust the device’s strap, what accessories it comes with, and more. For the uninitiated, the Steam Frame is Valve’s answer to headsets like the Meta Quest 3.
I’ve played fighting games for 35 years — and Marvel Tōkon is now one of my all-time favorites
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a game that feels specifically made for me. This is the same sentiment I had when I first played X-Men vs. Street Fighter 20 years ago. Like that classic Capcom title, Marvel Tōkon combines my two biggest passions—video games and comic books—and delivers a thoroughly satisfying fighting game experience. If you’re like me, you’re in for a Galactus-sized treat. Beyond the superheroic cast of Marvel characters, the main draw of Tōkon is that it’s a 4v4 tag fighter.
The Asus ROG Swift OLED is a powerful gaming monitor for hardcore gamers — here’s why
Asus ROG Swift OLED (2026). The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN is one of the loveliest gaming monitors I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. Not only does it look great on a desk, but its curved OLED panel makes games feel more immersive. Though it’s pricey at $1,299, it’s a worthwhile investment that’ll enhance your gaming experiences for years to come.
I spent a week with the Razer Seiren V3 Pro — here’s how it stacks up to my Elgato Wave 3
Razer Seiren V3 Pro. I’ve been podcasting for the better part of 14 years, and the one piece of gear I’ve invested in more than anything else is one of the best microphones. After all, people will forgive so-so or even boring visuals as long as the audio is solid. I ran a Samson C01U Pro for years before switching to my current Elgato Wave 3, and I’m still happy with it. That said, I’ve been testing a pretty strong rival lately — the Razer Seiren V3 Pro.
I tested the new Dell XPS 13 for two weeks — here's 3 things I love (and 1 I hate)
Dell XPS 13 (2026). The $699 Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the best budget Windows laptop ever and a serious rival to the similarly priced MacBook Neo. Dell’s machine packs in many premium features and proves that the best budget laptops don’t have to feel cheap or have poor performance and battery life. I’ve tested the entry-level model featuring an Intel Core 5 “Wildcat Lake” CPU, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.
I test gaming laptops and this is how I get better performance without plugging them in
Alienware Area-51 gaming laptop. A core reason you’d want one of the best gaming laptops is to play your favorite PC games on the go. However, your experience with AAA games won’t be great on battery power. Not only will you generally get less than two hours of gameplay, but you'll suffer severe drops in frames per second (FPS). This is why most users keep their gaming laptops plugged in during use. But what if you’re itching to play a game and there’s no wall outlet in sight?
I’m a PC hardware reviewer — here are the 3 best ways to get into PC gaming in 2026 without spending a fortune
Maingear MG-1 gaming PC review unit in action. As a computing writer for Tom’s Guide, part of my job is helping readers save money on PCs and components. That has become much harder thanks to RAMageddon, which has driven up the cost of memory and, by extension, most electronics. PC gaming has been hit especially hard. It was already a relatively expensive hobby, and price increases have made the barrier to entry even higher. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get into PC gaming in 2026.
I test gaming laptops and this is how I get better performance without plugging them in
Laptops 1 day ago Save a whopping $850 on Lenovo’s 2026 Legion 5a RTX 5060 gaming laptop while it’s 40% off 9to5Toys - Karthik Iyer • 1d We are now tracking a deal at Walmart, which drops this 2026 Lenovo Legion 5a RTX 5060 gaming laptop down to $1,249.99 shipped. This model normally carries a $2,100 price tag, so today’s deal takes a massive $850 off its usual price.
Dell XPS 13 vs. MacBook Neo: Which $699 laptop is right for you?
While you won’t go wrong with either the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Neo, one could be better for you than the other. Below, I’ll detail everything you need to know about these laptops to help you decide which is worth your money. Dell XPS 13 vs. MacBook Neo: Specs Apple A18 Pro (6-core CPU Apple A18 Pro (5-core GPU) 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch display 13-inch (2408 x 1506) Liquid Retina 11.69 x 7.90 x 0.50 inches 11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches Dell XPS 13 vs.
I just tested the new Dell XPS 13 — here’s why it’s the best budget Windows laptop right now
The 13.4-inch display is also extremely impressive for a $699 laptop, thanks to its sharp 2.5K resolution and vivid image quality. This is certainly a departure from the dull, dim panels found on most budget laptops. The fact that it’s also a touchscreen adds even more value and functionality. Inside, the XPS 13 features the new Intel “Wildcat Lake” CPU. Though a lower-end chip compared with other Intel Core Series 3 chips, it has more than enough power to handle everyday workloads.
While PC gamers fight for 16GB of VRAM, AMD just unveiled a rack with 31,000 Gigabytes
AMD Instinct MI455X. It’s getting harder to ignore the widening silicon inequality gap in the tech world right now thanks to RAMageddon. On one side, you have consumer PC gamers dealing with overpriced PC components, wondering if a standard 8-core CPU and 16GB of VRAM is enough to handle modern AAA games. On the other side, you have enterprise AI machines operating in a whole other universe of compute.
New report details huge Mac overhaul for MacBooks, iMacs and Mac Studio
MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro on a desk. Apple’s Mac lineup will get a major overhaul starting later this year. That’s according to Bloomberg reporter and Apple tipster Mark Gurman, whose sources gave him a rundown of the upcoming Macs. Things will kick off with a refreshed entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the new M6 chip, along with a new iMac that will also sport the yet-to-be-announced processor.
"DLSS 5 is fully controllable from the developer": Nvidia’s upscaler might be better than expected
Nvidia DLSS 5. To say that people weren’t impressed when Nvidia DLSS 5 was announced would be an understatement. Gamers and critics alike expressed concerns over heavy-handed “beauty filters” smoothing out character faces and AI overwriting developer art direction. The initial requirement of a second GPU for rendering also didn’t go over well. At SIGGRAPH, Nvidia held a follow-up keynote that was practically built to address the concerns folks have with DLSS 5.
I tested the Dell XPS 13 for 48 hours — the MacBook Neo is officially on notice
Dell XPS 13 (2026). Watch out, MacBook Neo! The new Dell XPS 13 is here, and it could arguably be the best budget laptop available. With a starting price of $699, it packs many of the features you’d find in higher-end XPS laptops. Given the ongoing RAM crisis, this notebook is seriously worth considering for what it offers. Unlike most budget Windows laptops, the XPS 13 has a CNC aluminum chassis built to the same standards as its more expensive XPS counterparts.
Sorry, Kindle — but I still prefer reading comic books on my iPad
Comic books on an iPad Pro 2024. The best Kindles have been my primary way to read books for the better part of a decade. Thanks to Amazon’s e-reader, I’ve read more books in the past seven years than in the nearly four decades prior. Not only is the device easy to hold and read on, but its integration with the Kindle app and store gives me more books than I could read in a single lifetime. Though I adore my Kindles, I don’t read comic books on them.
If PlayStation wants to succeed with all-digital, it needs to follow the Steam model — 5 ways it can win over gamers like me
The PlayStation logo on a PS5 Pro. PlayStation is officially killing physical discs, and gamers aren’t happy. The company’s social media accounts can’t post anything without being slammed with negative comments, and even websites and influencers who are usually fans of PlayStation are taking them to task. Sony has yet to respond to any of this, which is likely making the situation worse. In short, this whole no-disc situation is a mess.
The Razer Huntsman V3 just became my go-to PC gaming keyboard — here’s why
Razer Huntsman V3 Tenkeyless 8KHz. I haven’t used a Razer gaming keyboard for a while, so testing the new Razer Huntsman V3 TKL 8KHz feels like reuniting with an old friend. Since the company uses proprietary switches, its keyboards feel different from competitors that use third-party parts. This remains true for the Huntsman V3.
First OLED iPad mini tipped for October launch — here's why I'm excited (and worried)
IPad mini 7. Apple will reportedly launch the first OLED iPad mini. That’s according to Bloomberg reporter and Apple tipster Mark Gurman, whose sources claim this updated iPad mini could arrive as early as this October. If true, this would be the biggest upgrade for the company’s smallest tablet. This has me both excited and worried. The iPad mini was last updated in October 2024 with the iPad mini 7. Besides the A17 Pro chip, it retained the same design introduced in 2021.
iPadOS 27 hands-on preview: Siri AI and all the big features
IPadOS 27. Apple is expected to launch iPadOS 27 this Fall, but you can try the upcoming operating system right now via the public beta. While the OS is still a work in progress, it has most of the essential new features coming to the best iPads. Like iOS 27 and macOS 27, iPadOS 27 is focused on overall system refinements and deeper AI integration. That last bit is especially noteworthy, as there is now a dedicated Siri AI app that functions like a standard chatbot.
iPadOS 27 public beta: How to download it right now
IPadOS 27. You don’t have to wait to try iPadOS 27, as you can try it out now via the public beta. Even if this version of the operating system isn’t groundbreaking, its emphasis on AI should make for a more personal and customized experience. As with iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, the main attraction is the reinvented Siri, which finally lives up to its potential. Siri AI, as it’s now called, is context-aware and understands what’s on your screen.
How to download the macOS Golden Gate public beta right now
MacOS 27. Expected to launch this Fall, macOS Golden Gate primarily focuses on updating Apple Intelligence and Siri, with the latter now officially called Siri AI. You don’t get many new features, but improvements to Liquid Glass’s readability, easier customization, and smoother performance make for an overall better experience. While Apple’s public betas are generally more stable than the developer builds, it might still be buggy and could cause issues for your Mac.
macOS Golden Gate public beta hands-on preview: Apple Intelligence is finally useful
MacOS 27. The public beta for macOS 27, also known as macOS Golden Gate, is here! While this update isn’t as monumental as macOS Sequoia, it delivers a slew of AI features and smoother overall performance, making the best MacBooks more personal and streamlined. I’ve had the developer beta of macOS Golden Gate installed for a month, with the latest version close to what the public beta is offering.
I just tested the new Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED — and it’s about as perfect as gaming monitors can get
Alienware AW3426DW. I’ve been a big fan of the Alienware 34 QD-OLED gaming monitor series since its launch in 2022. Subsequent models have introduced subtle but necessary improvements over the years, maintaining the line’s sterling reputation. Now, we have the best iteration yet — the new Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED (AW3426DW). Like the AW3425DW before it, this latest model features an immersive 1800R curved panel with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio.
3 cloud gaming services I recommend if gaming platforms are too expensive
GeForce Now on Dell XPS 16. Thanks to RAMageddon driving up the cost of consoles and PC components — not to mention $80 games potentially becoming the standard — gaming is now more expensive than it has been in ages. If you already own a (functional) gaming console or PC, then you’re largely unaffected. But for those looking to get into the hobby or who just want lower-cost options, it’s not as simple as it used to be. One alternative is cloud gaming.
3 cloud gaming services I recommend if gaming platforms are too expensive
Technology 16 hours ago The 5 apps I delete from a new smart TV before I watch a single thing makeuseof.com - Pankil Shah • 16h Smart TVs don’t exactly come with loads of storage. We’re talking about as little as 8GB or 16GB. And between the OS, system apps, and everything … Apple TV 16 hours ago 3 Disadvantages Of Buying An Apple TV AOL - Gaurav Shukla • 16h Apple TV 4K is often recommended as one of the best streaming devices, and for good reason.
Steam Machine vs. PS5 Pro — there’s a clear winner (for most gamers)
PS5 Pro vs Steam Machine. The Steam Machine promised to bring the PC experience to the living room at an affordable cost. While it has certainly lived up to the former, it has absolutely not lived up to the latter. Sure, it can play the best Steam games, but it’s going to cost you at least $1,049 to buy Valve’s system — or it will cost that much when you’re next up on the waitlist. In fairness to the Steam Machine, the price of all gaming hardware has increased dramatically thanks to the RAM crisis.
'The average person expects something marketed as a physical copy of something to be physical': Stop Killing Games on PlayStation killing discs
PS5. In case you didn’t know, PlayStation is officially killing physical discs. The company says this is a natural step that aligns with how most players buy and play games. Considering how 85% of PlayStation games (via PlayStation's financials) are bought digitally, this move isn’t all that surprising — though that fact doesn’t ease the concern of many who see this as a wrong move.
I'm a laptop reviewer — and these are 9 laptop deals I recommend for 4th of July
Shopping 4 hours ago Best Buy's 4th of July Sale is live: Save up to 50% on Hisense TVs, Bose headphones, Windows laptops, and more Mashable - Christina Buff • 4h Some of the best Prime Day deals rolled right into the 4th of July weekend. The best 4th of July deals from Best Buy: best speaker deal Sony ULT Field 7 $348 (save $151.99) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED 4K TV $999.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi …
Steam Machine vs. PS5 Pro — there’s a clear winner (for most gamers)
Steam 1 hour ago Valve just open-sourced its e-ink screen for the Steam Machine. The Verge - Sean Hollister • 1h The e-paper display that Valve internally built for the Steam Machine. Photo by Everything Time Studio / The Verge Gaming 9 hours ago GTA 6 Would Probably Run on the Steam Machine IGN - Jacqueline Thomas • 9h If only Rockstar would release a PC version.
PlayStation is officially killing physical discs — here's when they disappear and what that means for you
How to watch Super Bowl with your PS5. Not a rumor or speculation. PlayStation is officially ending physical disc production. That news comes directly from Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications. On the PlayStation Blog, Shuman says the company made this decision because customers have continued to shift away from physical discs to digital.
MacBook Neo at $699 — is it still worthwhile, or should you get the new XPS 13 instead?
MacBook Neo on a desk. Apple price hikes are official for all of the company’s devices, and the MacBook Neo is no exception. Originally starting at $599, Apple’s budget laptop now starts at $699. Though still the most affordable MacBook available, the $100 price bump might make folks consider other options. In our latest TikTok video, we ask whether the MacBook Neo is still worth considering at $699. We detail what you still get for that price and discuss alternatives you might want to consider.
PS6 price could be in the same stratosphere as the Steam Machine, based on new leak
The PlayStation logo on a PS5 Pro. If you hoped the PS6 would cost less than $1,000, I have some potentially bad news for you. According to a new leak, the PS6 currently costs $960 in materials to manufacture. Unless Sony is willing to sell the yet-to-be-announced next-generation consoles, the PS6 could cost about as much as the equally pricey Steam Machine. The leak in question comes from Kepler_K2 (via Insider Gamer), who has a decent track record of hardware leaks.
Steam Machine reviews are here: 'Even Valve is disappointed'
Valve Steam Machine . The first reviews for the highly anticipated Steam Machine have gone live… and the verdict is decidedly mixed. The SteamOS-powered mini PC is Valve’s latest attempt to deliver a premium, console-like experience for your Steam library. It starts at $1,049 / £879 / AU$1,609 for the 512GB model and jumps to $1,428 / £1,208 / AU$2,228 for the 2TB model with a controller. Yes, this is one expensive piece of kit! What are reviewers saying about the Steam Machine?
'We wanted to have the same approach, but in reverse' — Control Resonant Creative Director details what to expect from the ambitious new game
Mikael Kasurinen, Creativer Director at Remedy Entertainment. Control Resonant is one of this year’s major releases and a game I’m personally looking forward to playing when it releases on September 24. As a direct sequel to Control, it builds on the established lore while also featuring new gameplay mechanics and some trippy environments. It’s the kind of mix-up we didn’t know we needed.
Latest Microsoft Surface devices are more expensive — but there’s some good news
Microsoft Surface Laptop 8. Microsoft’s latest Surface devices won’t be cheap. As Windows Central reports, consumer versions of the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 powered by Snapdragon X2 chips have just been unveiled. Though these models are more affordable than the current enterprise models powered by Intel, they still cost significantly more than their respective predecessors. The Surface Laptop 8 starts at $1,599, while the Surface Pro 12 starts at $1,499.
7 games I’m looking forward to this year that aren’t GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto VI screenshot. Grand Theft Auto 6 is undeniably the gaming juggernaut of the holiday season. The fact that we have so many titles releasing in September proves that no one wants to be near that behemoth’s November 19 launch. While Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster will get all the attention, there are still a slew of amazing titles to look forward to, as we now know thanks to all the announcements made before, during, and after Summer Game Fest.
7 games I’m looking forward to this year that aren’t GTA 6
Xbox 22 hours ago Microsoft Reportedly Considering Selling Xbox, Call of Duty Partly To Blame gamingbible.com - Jack Marsh • 22h Xbox is rapidly evolving under its new leadership, and its new saviour has come just in time for Microsoft, who were reportedly 'floating' the idea … 007 First Light 1 hour ago 007 First Light's Best Easter Egg Was Discovered By Accident, Developer Says gamingbible.com - Olly Smith • 1h The opening hours of 007 First Light’s story depicts the iconic James Bond...
I spent 48 hours with Siri AI on macOS Golden Gate — here’s what I like (and what I don’t)
Siri AI on macOS 27. Apple has lagged behind its competitors in the AI space, but the company is set to change that with its Apple Intelligence-powered Siri AI. Instead of just handling one-off voice commands, the digital assistant now functions like a true chatbot, in the vein of ChatGPT or Claude. Even if Apple is late to the AI party, the new Siri AI could prove useful for anyone deeply embedded in the company’s ecosystem.
I spent 48 hours with Siri AI on macOS Golden Gate — here’s what I like (and what I don’t)
Siri AI 6 hours ago Can Apple Stock Double to $600 in 5 Years? The Motley Fool - Neil Patel • 6h After shares posted a 134% trailing five-year gain, investors are now focused on what the next half decade will bring. Apple (AAPL 1.52%) is certainly … Siri AI 18 hours ago Amazingly, Apple may emerge unscathed from its AI mess Fast Company - BY Harry McCracken • 18h After two embarrassing years in limbo, Siri is looking good. And Apple Intelligence finally seems poised for additional progress.
I just tested the macOS Golden Gate developer beta — here are my early thoughts
Describe an Extension in Safari at WWDC 2026. The macOS 27 or macOS Golden Gate developer beta is now live, and I’ve begun testing out some of the available features that this upcoming (and unfinished) operating system has to offer. We don’t get a substantial update as we did with last year’s macOS 26. Instead, this year’s update is mostly focused on Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. While I’ve yet to try the former, the latter offers nifty tricks for Mac users to try out.
The macOS Golden Gate developer beta is live — here’s how to download it
MacOS 27. Apple announced macOS Golden Gate at WWDC 2026, which means developers are already working hard to update their apps for the upcoming operating system. The developer beta is now live, but it’s open to anyone who signs up for Apple’s Beta program and is willing to deal with potential headaches associated with in-development code. This year, Apple has placed most of its focus on updating Apple Intelligence and Siri, which it now calls Siri AI.
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