Позначка: gaming

  • Xiaomi Reveals Enhanced Mini LED TVs: Up to 100 Inches with 288Hz and 2000 Nits Brightness

    Xiaomi has introduced an updated lineup of its S Mini LED TV series for 2026, featuring notable upgrades compared to the models recently released in Europe.

    The new models come equipped with a 2.1 audio system supporting Harman AudioEFX. For gaming enthusiasts, a dedicated Game Mode is available along with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ensuring smoother visuals without screen tearing or lag during gameplay.

    Xiaomi has yet to disclose the pricing details for the updated S Mini LED TV 2026 series. This information will be shared on April 8, once the pre-order period concludes in China.

    The revamped Xiaomi S Mini LED TV 2026 series is available in five screen sizes, ranging from 55 inches to a massive 100 inches. The flagship model boasts 1920 local dimming zones, achieving peak brightness levels of up to 2000 nits and a refresh rate of up to 288Hz. The entry-level variant differs only in the number of local dimming zones, featuring 576 zones, while retaining all other capabilities of the top-tier version.

    An innovative anti-reflective coating with just 0.5% reflection has been applied to this updated TV lineup to enhance viewing comfort in brightly lit rooms. Additionally, the series utilizes Xiaomi’s proprietary Master Quality Engine for superior contrast, sharper images, and more accurate color reproduction.

    For comparison, the models available in Europe currently offer screens up to 98 inches, with up to 880 local dimming zones and peak brightness of only 1200 nits.

    Samsung has also launched affordable Mini LED TVs, starting at $350.

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  • Xbox Games Showcase 2026: Прем’єра Gears of War E-Day і святкування 25-річчя Xbox

    Microsoft офіційно визначила дату для найголовнішої події року в світі ігор: Xbox Games Showcase 2026 пройде 7 червня, і одразу після цього відбудеться спеціальна презентація Gears of War: E-Day Direct.

    Спеціальний Direct, присвячений одній грі, одразу після основного шоу, є важливим знаком. E-Day Direct дозволить гравцям зануритися в початок Дня Появи, надаючи нову інформацію, геймплей та інсайти, що розкриють передісторію саги Gears of War. Це приквел, що описує події до оригінальної гри 2006 року.

    Червень 2026 року для Microsoft — не просто черговий показ. Компанія святкує 25-річчя Xbox, і в рамках цієї події повертає Xbox FanFest — живий захід для шанувальників, де можна озирнутися на чверть століття історії консолі і зазирнути в майбутнє. Квитки розігруються безкоштовно на офіційному сайті.

    Трансляція Xbox Games Showcase 2026 відбудеться в неділю, 7 червня, о 10:00 за тихоокеанським часом, що відповідає 20:00 у Києві — зручний час для перегляду в прямому ефірі. Подія буде доступна більш ніж 40 мовами з підтримкою американської та британської жестових мов і аудіодескрипцією. Програма дня почнеться з перших геймплейних демонстрацій і великих оголошень як від власних студій Xbox, так і від партнерів — від великих франшиз до перспективних інді-проєктів. Одразу після основного показу відбудеться Gears of War: E-Day Direct від студії The Coalition.

    Серед очікуваних анонсів на основному шоу — розгорнуті демонстрації Fable і Halo: Campaign Evolved, а також анонси проєктів, про які ще не було нічого відомо. Але найбільшу увагу привертає E-Day: серія Gears вже давно не мала значних релізів, і Microsoft, здається, серйозно націлена на цю гру.

    Нагадаємо, новий CEO Microsoft Gaming, Аша Шарма, вже зробила сміливі кроки — зокрема, завершила скандальну маркетингову кампанію “This Is An Xbox” і визначила три основні пріоритети: великі ігри, “повернення Xbox” і майбутнє геймінгу. Showcase 7 червня стане першим значним публічним тестом цієї стратегії. Шоу відкриє тиждень матеріалів на Xbox Wire, Official Xbox Podcast і YouTube-каналі Xbox з оновленнями та поглибленими розглядами ігор, представлених під час показу. Один день переростає в цілий тиждень анонсів.

    Xbox Partner Preview 2026: Hades 2, STALKER 2 DLC та ще 17 ігор.

  • Micron’s GDDR Acquisition: A New Challenge for Gamers

    Amid a memory shortage, Micron is taking steps to acquire GDDR modules for gaming graphics cards to develop an alternative to HBM. According to a report from ETNews, Micron is exploring the potential of combining GDDR modules to create a solution with significantly increased capacity.

    The report highlights that initially, a multi-layer GDDR architecture will be employed, consisting of approximately four layers. Prototypes are anticipated to emerge as early as next year. While the multi-layered GDDR assembly is a novel concept, the report does not delve into technical specifics. Previously, Micron had investigated multi-layer DRAM assembly, including LPDDR5X up to 16-Hi, achieving a capacity of 256GB per module.

    Earlier, it was reported that Google’s TurboQuant caused a reduction in DDR5 prices, whereas gaming PCs are expected to see a price increase of 15-30%. This development could exacerbate the market crisis, much to the dismay of gamers. Currently, major manufacturers are striving to meet the demands of AI infrastructure development. Although traditional HBM technologies have sufficed for training advanced LLMs, the focus on memory is becoming increasingly crucial.

    There are several potential solutions for Micron to address multi-layered GDDR configuration challenges by sacrificing clock frequency. The company, however, is committed to pioneering innovative solutions. Micron previously faced setbacks with HDM4 after NVIDIA’s certification delays. Despite presenting modules for Vera Rubin, shipments were reduced while competitors like Samsung expanded their supplies. A multi-layered GDDR configuration could have market potential if it proves economically more viable than HBM.

    The report reiterates that while GDDR-based solutions will lag behind HBM in performance, they will offer greater memory capacity to support modern inference tasks. GDDR has not been as heavily impacted by the AI boom as LPDDR or DDR, as these memory modules have traditionally been limited to graphics processors. Considering Micron’s plan to vertically integrate GDDR for a new AI industry solution, the company might possess sufficient production capacity. Instead of alleviating the video card market shortage, Micron seems focused on meeting corporate demand.

    However, the multi-layered design of LPDDR5X is considerably simpler compared to GDDR, given that the former is an energy-efficient module with acceptable heat dissipation. In the case of GDDR, Micron may face challenges in maintaining thermal integrity and signal integrity if wired connections are used.

    Market turmoil might be averted as Google has developed a quantum algorithm that reduces AI memory requirements by six times.

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  • У соцмережах з'являються відео роботи Gaming Copilot від Microsoft: більше питань, ніж відповідей

    У соцмережах викладають відеозаписи роботи ШІ-помічника Gaming Copilot від Microsoft, які демонструють, як цей агент може допомагати гравцям у іграх. На перший погляд. як стверджують користувачі, враження так собі.

  • Valve Unveils SteamOS 3.8 Beta with Enhanced Steam Machine Support

    Desktop Mode and KDE Updates

    Third-Party Application Enhancements

    Valve has launched the beta version of SteamOS 3.8, introducing initial support for the forthcoming Steam Machine hardware, codenamed “Second Clutch.”

    This release addresses updates to the Arch Linux architecture, the graphics driver, and provides a host of stability and compatibility improvements. Users can enable the update within the “Settings” — “System” — “System Update” section.

    One key fix resolves the issue where dropdown menus failed to display in certain games. The update also improves VRR frame synchronization and enhances support for games that attempt to open PDF files in external viewers.

    A progress indicator now appears on the Steam Deck controller splash screen during firmware updates. A specific issue on some versions of the Steam Deck, which could result in the left controller malfunctioning during a gaming session, has been fixed.

    Another bug related to switching input devices when connecting a wired headset has been resolved. Additionally, an error causing sound disruptions after sleep/resume cycles has been addressed. A new option has been added to force mono sound output.

    The update includes graphics driver enhancements that boost performance and stability. A bug where application-specific performance settings occasionally failed at game launch has been fixed. Video stream recording support in gaming mode, particularly in OBS and Discord, has been improved.

    The Bluetooth activation function for the Steam Deck LCD, previously problematic, is now restored. Prior errors that led to false activations have been corrected. SteamOS will now identify the number of HDMI channels and display surround sound configurations. Support for Bluetooth microphones has also been added.

    KDE Plasma has been updated to version 6.4.3, with Wayland now set as the default. Cases of reduced performance in desktop mode compared to gaming mode have been corrected. Image scaling on televisions has been enhanced, and support for external HDR displays and VRR has been added. Each display now supports individual scaling mode.

    Compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD platforms has been enhanced. Video memory management on platforms with discrete GPUs has been improved. A compatibility issue with the SteamOS bootloader that could cause boot failures on certain desktop systems with the latest UEFI firmware has been fixed.

    Controller support has been upgraded for various models including OneXPlayer F1, GPD Win 5, GPD Win Mini, Anbernic Win600, OrangePi NEO, and Lenovo Legion Go. New support for OneXPlayer X1 and Lenovo Legion Go 2 controllers is available. Firmware updates for the system and controller for Lenovo Legion Go 2 are now supported. The update also adds control over TDP and audio through speakers for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally series. SD card functionality for several third-party portable devices, such as ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, Legion Go 1, Legion Go S, Legion Go 2, and MSI Claw, has been improved.

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    Previously, it was reported that Valve confirmed the release of Steam Machine and related devices set for 2026. In addition to the Steam Machine, Valve is developing an updated Steam Controller with a design closer to Steam Deck and a wireless VR headset called Steam Frame, intended to compete against Meta’s products.

    Valve also warns that users not connected to the preview mode might revert to a limited mode when trying to connect. This can be resolved by enabling the “Advanced Update Channels” option in the developer settings. This issue is expected to be addressed in a future update.

    USB controller support, commonly used in racing and other USB devices booting in atypical modes, has been enhanced. These devices often appear as USB drives with driver installers and need to be switched to standard operation mode by the OS.

    Firmware changes affect the LCD model, which now uses BIOS version 133 with preliminary support for hibernation mode and a new “Memory Power Off” feature. Valve has also added Bluetooth headset microphone support in gaming mode, HDMI surround sound recognition, monophonic audio output, and several sound fixes related to suspension mode and input switching.

    The Steam Machine is anticipated to be costly: retailers have revealed the price.

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  • Microsoft Unveils DirectStorage 1.4: Enhancements with Zstandard Compression

    Microsoft has introduced the beta version of DirectStorage 1.4, which includes the Zstandard feature aimed at accelerating game load times and data streaming.

    Previously, Microsoft announced the gradual implementation of a full-screen Xbox interface for Windows 11 PCs starting in April. Recently, there have been hints about the possible addition of Cyberpunk 2077 to the Xbox Game Pass subscription.

    Zstandard is a new compression algorithm utilized for game assets on Windows. According to Microsoft, this new feature offers an open standard designed to improve compression ratios, speed up loading, and ensure smooth resource streaming in games. The DirectStorage 1.4 Zstandard compression protocol is being developed by Microsoft in collaboration with leading GPU manufacturers, including AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.

    The latest DirectStorage 1.4 release supports the Zstd codec, which meets all essential modern requirements such as compression ratio, decompression performance, and availability on both hardware and software levels, as well as widespread use. The source code for the Zstd compute shader has also been published on GitHub under DirectStorage.

    Playing for You: Microsoft’s Ambition for an AI Assistant in Xbox Games

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    Intel’s corporate vice president of software, Lisa Pierce, stated that the company is working with Microsoft to optimize Zstandard decompression via DirectStorage across all GPU architectures.

    NVIDIA’s lead engineer, Patrick Neill, confirmed that support for Zstandard and decompression optimization will be available for GeForce RTX graphics cards in the latter half of this year. Qualcomm has promised to introduce this standard on its platforms by year’s end.

    Currently, the shader is under development and initially optimized for content split into blocks of 256 KB or smaller, aligning with modern game packaging patterns for streaming workloads.

    “We aim to release optimizations for AMD GPUs in a publicly available driver by the second half of 2026 and are eager to see how developers leverage these investments to enhance the gaming experience,” noted AMD’s vice president of software development, Daniel Staheli.

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