As Valve's Steam Deck loses its affordable appeal, the ROG XBOX Ally is an unexpected candidate for the smartest handheld gaming PC purchase you could make in 2026

windowscentral.com Sep 21, 2026

As Valve’s Steam Deck loses its affordable appeal, the ROG XBOX Ally is an unexpected candidate for the smartest handheld gaming PC purchase you could make in 2026

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The ROG XBOX Ally, priced at $599.99, offers a compelling alternative to Valve’s Steam Deck, whose base model starts at $789. Built on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A, the Ally matches the Deck’s performance while delivering a 120 Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support. It has earned a 4.4/5 rating from over 900 Best Buy customers, highlighting its strong price‑to‑performance ratio. The device’s Windows‑based OS allows users to install SteamOS, expanding compatibility. The price stability contrasts sharply with rising costs of other handheld PCs amid a memory‑crisis‑driven supply squeeze.

💡 Why It Matters

· The Ally’s affordability reshapes the handheld market, proving that high‑performance gaming can remain accessible even as component prices surge.
· It forces competitors to reconsider pricing strategies and encourages broader OS flexibility for gamers.

Read full article on windowscentral.com

New PS5 DualSense Controller Revealed, It’s Not What You Expect

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a limited‑edition DualSense controller featuring Thai singer Lisa of Blackpink, slated for October 30, 2026. The “Lisa Limited Edition” controller, priced at $84.99 USD, will be available for preorder from October 2. Alongside the controller, PlayStation will release a range of Lisa‑themed merchandise, including apparel, hats, tote bags, keychains, stickers, and a controller case. Lisa highlighted the collaboration as a creative outlet, noting her enjoyment in adding details for fans.

💡 The partnership blends gaming with pop culture, expanding PlayStation’s appeal to Blackpink’s global fanbase and showcasing cross‑industry collaboration.

9to5google.com · Sep 21

Googlebook hands-on: What makes a laptop, a laptop? [Video]

Google has officially released its first wave of Googlebooks, five laptops running Googlebook OS. Prices start at $899, with models from Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and Acer. All feature 120 Hz touchscreens, 16 GB of RAM, and either Intel Core Ultra or Snapdragon X Elite processors. The lineup shows improved build quality and performance compared to past Chromebooks, with standout models from Dell XPS and HP. The devices lack expandable storage and carry a premium price tag, but deliver a responsive Android experience.

💡 The launch signals Google’s push to redefine the laptop market with high‑end Android hardware, offering a touch‑centric alternative to traditional Windows and macOS machines.

9to5mac.com · Sep 21

Security Bite: iOS 27 now lets apps ask your iPhone if you’re…

Apple released iOS 27, adding several security upgrades after a weak iOS 26. A standout addition is Impersonation Risk Detection, which allows apps to query the device about potential scams. The feature aims to identify phishing or fraudulent attempts by checking if the user is interacting with a deceptive interface. Apple’s update follows industry pressure for stronger mobile security, and the new tool could help users recognize scams before they act. The rollout is available to all iPhone users immediately.

💡 By giving apps a direct line to flag suspicious interactions, iOS 27 could reduce the success rate of phishing attacks, offering a proactive layer of protection that was previously absent on the platform.

appleinsider.com · Sep 21

Sensitive camera blades and thermal chainmail surface in iPhone 18 Pro teardown

iFixit’s teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max reveals a new variable‑aperture camera that uses six ultra‑thin polymer blades driven magnetically, making repair impractical despite modular access. The front‑entry design mirrors the iPhone 17, with a glued display and a metal battery tray that can be released electrically. The logic board now hosts the A20 Pro on its outer layer and a thermal chainmail for cooling, while NAND storage is buried deeper, complicating data recovery. The device scores 7/10 for repairability, with the display as the main drawback.

💡 The camera’s magnetic blade system signals a shift toward more complex, less serviceable optics in flagship phones, raising concerns for repair technicians and consumers alike. The new thermal chainmail design also reflects Apple’s ongoing push for higher performance cooling in compact form factors.

9to5google.com · Sep 21

Motorola teases high-end ‘Signature 27’ with a wild-looking design

Motorola unveiled a preview of its upcoming high‑end “Signature 27” smartphone on Instagram, revealing a bold new design that departs from the brand’s previous models. The teaser shows four camera lenses arranged in two rows on the top, curving into a slimmer profile below, a configuration unseen in current market offerings. The company claims the device is engineered to the highest standards and hints it will run a new Snapdragon chip, tying the reveal to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. The post signals Motorola’s intent to re‑establish itself in the premium segment.

💡 By showcasing a radically different camera layout and hinting at cutting‑edge Snapdragon hardware, Motorola signals a strategic pivot toward high‑end innovation, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in the premium smartphone market.

9to5mac.com · Sep 21

iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug causing system to crash and reboot…

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a new, smaller Face ID sensor hidden beneath the display. A software glitch in iOS 27 causes some devices to freeze and reboot after a failed Face ID attempt, particularly when unlocking protected apps such as Passwords or private Safari tabs. 9to5Mac replicated the issue on a European model, and users report the problem does not trigger from the lock screen. Apple has not yet confirmed a fix, but a software update is expected.

💡 The bug threatens user security by disrupting biometric authentication, a cornerstone of Apple’s privacy strategy. It also signals potential reliability gaps in the company’s latest hardware-software integration.