ASUS’s ProArt P16 RTX Spark sets a new bar for creator laptops

windowscentral.com Oct 24, 2026

ASUS’s ProArt P16 RTX Spark sets a new bar for creator laptops

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 24, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

ASUS has unveiled the ProArt P16 RTX Spark, a high‑end laptop aimed at professional creators. The device combines a 16‑inch mini‑LED display with NVIDIA RTX graphics, positioning it as a workstation‑class portable. ASUS highlights a modular design that allows users to upgrade the GPU and storage, while maintaining a thin chassis and robust thermal solution. The ProArt line’s focus on color accuracy and media‑grade performance is reinforced by factory‑calibrated panels and support for multiple external monitors. Pricing starts in the upper‑mid‑range segment, reflecting the premium components and target audience of video editors, 3D artists, and photographers. Early reviews praise the balance of power and portability, noting the laptop’s potential to replace bulkier desktop rigs for on‑the‑go workflows.

💡 Why It Matters

· By delivering desktop‑level GPU performance in a portable form factor, ASUS gives creators the flexibility to work from any location without sacrificing rendering speed.

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How to make an old iPad as close to a HomeView as…

Apple’s HomeView offers a dedicated smart‑home controller, but many users find an older iPad can deliver a comparable experience with added flexibility. The author explains how to repurpose a spare iPad—ranging from a 2013 iPad Air to a 2021 M1 iPad Pro—by mounting it with inexpensive plastic brackets and using it as a kitchen hub for recipes, video streaming, and smart‑home control. Key steps include setting up an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, or HomePod mini as the required home hub (iPads lost hub capability with iPadOS 16), selecting appropriate mounting hardware, and choosing a unified controller app. While the HomeView costs $299, an iPad can be more expensive initially but offers portability, superior speakers, and longer hardware lifespan, making it a versatile alternative for households that already own a device.

💡 Repurposing an old iPad turns a dormant gadget into a multifunctional control center, extending its useful life and saving households the expense of buying a dedicated HomeView.

androidcentral.com · Oct 24

Battery drain in One UI 9? Some Galaxy S24 users are having…

Reports from Samsung Galaxy S24 owners indicate severe battery drain after installing the One UI 9 update. A user of the S24 Ultra logged a 95 % loss of charge in five hours and twenty minutes under “heavy use,” with just over three hours of screen‑on time. Another user claimed a 40 % drop while the phone sat idle for eleven hours. Similar complaints have surfaced for the newer S25 series, though some users see no change. A Korean Galaxy S26 user also encountered a “webpage unavailable” bug that locked the device after the update, prompting Samsung to advise updating the browser and using stable Wi‑Fi. Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 across current and legacy devices, but early feedback suggests the older models are more affected, and the company has not yet confirmed a fix.

💡 The drain threatens user confidence in Samsung’s flagship line just as the company pushes a major UI overhaul across its portfolio.

9to5google.com · Oct 24

This clever USB-C cable doubles as a stand for your phone [Gallery]

Statik has released the PowerStand, a USB‑C cable that incorporates a fold‑out kickstand, allowing phones to be positioned vertically for charging or horizontally for media playback. The 6.6‑foot braided cable supports up to 240 W power delivery and USB 2.0 data rates, and its right‑angle connector sits on a raised base that clears most cases. Two swivel‑out “feet” lock into place, providing a stable stand that remains balanced unless deliberately knocked. Reviewers note the cable feels sturdy, fits both iPhone and Android devices, and adds minimal bulk to travel kits. Priced at $20, the PowerStand joins Statik’s existing magnetic cable lineup and is marketed as 20 times tougher than typical USB‑C cords.

💡 By merging a high‑power charging cable with a reliable phone stand, Statik eliminates the need for separate accessories, streamlining travel and desk setups. This dual‑function design could set a new standard for minimalist mobile accessories.

9to5mac.com · Oct 24

Report: Apple gains ground in China as smartphone shipments hit 14-year low…

Apple boosted its share of China’s smartphone market in Q3 2026 despite a 10% drop in shipments, lowest in 14 years. Counterpoint Research reported Apple captured 19.5% of shipments, up 4.8 percentage points, moving from sixth to second place behind Huawei’s 21.3% share. The rise is linked to a strong launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series, which posted 23.5% higher sales in its first three weeks than the previous‑generation model. IDC data showed a 15.4% decline in total Chinese shipments and a 4.3% fall in iPhone volumes, but Apple’s decline was the smallest among the top five manufacturers worldwide, at 4%. Rising memory costs and phone prices are suppressing demand and prompting consumers delay upgrades or buy refurbished devices.

💡 Apple’s surge shows premium devices can still grow market share even as overall demand collapses, reshaping brand hierarchies in China’s toughest smartphone market.

appleinsider.com · Oct 24

Testing iPhone Duo: Apple nearly solved my biggest concerns

Apple’s iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, expands to a display 50 % larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max when opened. The reviewer tested three personal concerns—MagSafe compatibility, Face ID reliability, and software adaptation—and found each largely addressed. MagSafe accessories work when the device is closed, and new, slimmer wallets and battery packs are already emerging to fit the Duo’s compact form. Face ID functions without noticeable delay, and the software introduces a versatile StandBy mode, live‑animation weather widgets, a modular clock face, and seamless split‑screen multitasking that feels native. While some third‑party accessories still need redesign, the Duo’s hardware and UI refinements meet the reviewer’s expectations for a practical, productivity‑focused foldable iPhone.

💡 The Duo proves Apple can integrate its ecosystem into a foldable chassis, turning a novelty form factor into a viable productivity tool for existing iPhone users.

9to5google.com · Oct 24

Pixelated 122: Seven years late, same foldable problems

The episode reviews Apple’s inaugural iPhone Duo, marking the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market after a seven‑year delay. Hosts Abner, Damien, and Will analyze the device’s design, performance, and how it compares to existing Android foldables. They highlight the Duo’s shortcomings, such as limited software optimization and high price, and discuss lessons Android manufacturers can draw. The discussion underscores Apple’s late move and the broader implications for the competitive foldable landscape.

💡 Apple’s late arrival reshapes expectations for foldable innovation, forcing competitors to accelerate development and rethink pricing strategies.