GoKawiil
Tech News
Following President Trump’s directive to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, Google and Apple updated their maps accordingly. The controversy has led to increased downloads of alternative map services like MapQuest, which is gaining traction among users dissatisfied with Big Tech’s map modifications. This shift highlights growing interest in non-mainstream mapping options amid privacy concerns and map label disputes.
The MSI Claw (A1M), MSI's first handheld gaming device featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, is now available at a clearance price of $562.99 at Best Buy. The device has a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a single USB-C port, and expandable storage via microSD or internal SSD replacement. Despite its competitive price, the Meteor Lake chip's high power consumption limits gaming performance and battery life.
Author Tim Waggoner has written a novelization tied to 'Crystal Lake,' the upcoming 'Friday the 13th' prequel series set to premiere next week. The book accompanies the show's launch as a companion release for fans of the franchise.
MapQuest has launched beta support for Android Auto, extending its mapping app to in-car displays on the platform. The move follows a surge in MapQuest's popularity after it kept the name 'Lake Ontario' unchanged while Apple and Google altered references under pressure from President Trump, with MapQuest saying usage rose 50-fold and downloads topped 1.5 million.
Amazon has cut the price of Intel's Core Ultra 5 250K Plus by 34%, bringing it to $145, its lowest price yet. The 18-core, 18-thread chip originally launched at $200 before its MSRP rose to $220, and it was part of Intel's revamped Arrow Lake lineup alongside the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus.
During Amazon's Prime Big Deals Day, Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh processors, including popular models like the Core i7-14700KF and Core i9-14900KF, are available at their lowest prices ever. These CPUs, supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, remain relevant for gaming and upgrade options despite newer generations being available. The sale marks a rare opportunity to purchase these high-performance chips at substantial discounts, with some models saving over $100.
An unconfirmed SKU table for Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs lists seven models, three carrying a 'BFC' tag believed to denote a big last-level cache feature. The flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC reportedly has 28 cores (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, 4 LPE-cores), a 125W TDP, and a 32-EU integrated GPU, with most other models sharing that same iGPU except the Core Ultra 5 4650KF, which has none. The table omits the rumored 52-core model, which other reports suggest will launch later for high-end desktop users.
HP unveiled the OmniBook 5 14, a Windows laptop starting at $699.99 with an Intel Core 5 315 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and an OLED display on every configuration. The base model weighs 2.56 pounds and measures 0.46 inches thick, making it slightly lighter and thinner than Apple's MacBook Neo, though its base display resolution is capped at 1920x1200 with 300 nits brightness. HP also announced the ProBook 4 G2iS, billed as its thinnest business notebook at 0.47 inches, launching in December with Wildcat Lake chips.
Aaeon has released the Up Xtreme PTL Edge Air, an industrial mini PC powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and cooled by Frore's solid-state AirJet technology instead of a fan. The company says the system runs under 21 dBA and is 35% thinner and 43% lighter than a heatsink-and-fan version, while supporting up to 128GB DDR5 RAM, two M.2 SSDs, and four simultaneous displays.
HP has unveiled the OmniBook 5, a 14-inch laptop using Intel's Wildcat Lake chips, available in four colors and starting at $699.99. Every configuration includes an OLED display, with the entry models offering a 1920x1200 touchscreen rated at 300 nits, and HP claims up to 42 hours of battery life based on local video playback. The laptop weighs 2.56 pounds and launches in October 2026, with some storage and RAM configurations expected to roll out later due to component shortages.
HP unveiled the 2026 OmniBook 5 14, a thin, light laptop positioned against Apple's MacBook Neo, starting at $699.99 with an Intel Core 5 315 'Wildcat Lake' chip, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Every configuration includes an OLED display, though the base model's panel is capped at 1920x1200 resolution and 300 nits brightness; a higher-resolution 2560x1600 OLED touch version with 400 nits won't arrive until March 2027.
Universal Studios Hollywood has agreed to build another sound barrier around its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster after residents of the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood complained about riders' screams. At a meeting with over 350 attendees, park executives also agreed the ride will not operate between 8AM and 9AM for the rest of the year. The ride, which opened September 16th, already includes noise-reduction measures such as an existing sound barrier and cars designed to turn away from homes during loud moments.