Laptops
Asus New ROG Strix Scar 17 SE and Flow X16 2-in-1 Laptops Announced
Asus has introduced two new premium laptops, after the relaunch of its ROG Strix and TUF gaming laptops with the newest Intel and AMD components earlier this year. The new ROG Flow X16 and Strix Scar 17 SE (Special Edition) have the newest AMD and Intel processors, as well as RTX GPUs and other features. So, letâs have a look at the specifics.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 SE: Specifications and Features
At CES earlier this year, Asus unveiled the ROG Strix Scar 17 2022 Edition. In comparison to the previous model, the Strix Scar 17 SE or Special Edition has even more powerful internals and upgraded features.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 SE
Starting with the design, Asus has always been innovative with the exteriors of their premium laptops, and the Strix Scar 17 SE is no exception. On the top lid, there is a text-based design created by Asus using a spot of special invisible ink. The pattern appears muted in normal lighting, but it shines in a green-blue colour theme when exposed to a blue LED or UV light. The special edition Strix Scar 17 will also come with a little UV torch from Asus. Users can also find a secret message for a mini-game called SCAR Runner by looking at the design closely.
It has a 17.3-inch Full HD 360Hz display or a QHD 240Hz panel when it comes to the display. The Strix Scar 17 is powered by Intelâs latest 12th-Gen Core i9-12950HX processor, which was announced earlier this month for multimedia makers. It has a TDP of 55W and 16 cores and 24 threads, allowing it to give a tremendous performance with up to 175W of power.
Asus has also included a more powerful RTX 3080 Ti GPU, which can now use up to 175W of power when utilising Dynamic Boost, as well as a MUX switch to switch to the discrete GPU and disable the CPUâs integrated graphics processor. Up to 64GB of DDR5 4800 MHz RAM and 4TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage are supported.
Asus had to come up with a new cooling solution for the Strix Scar 17 SE because of all the strong and power-hungry components within. As a result, it collaborated with Thermal Grizzly to develop a unique thermal compound called âConductonaut Extreme.â This substance is administered to the deviceâs CPU and GPU to keep them cool during intense tasks. When compared to the regular Thermal Grizzly paste, Asus claims that the new thermal paste can save up to 15 degrees.
Furthermore, the 330W power adapter of the gadget has been revamped by the business to be 34% smaller and 27% lighter than the adapter of the Strix Scar 17 2022 Edition. The laptopâs battery lasts 90 minutes. A Thunderbolt 4 port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack are among the ports. It also has four Dolby Atmos speakers, a backlit keyboard, and other features.
The ROG Strix Scar 17 will run Windows 11 Pro and have Asus software such as the feature-rich Armory Crate software and Asus support. The base model will cost ÂŁ4,000 (Rs 3,84,250) and will be available in the third quarter of 2022.
Asus ROG Flow X16: Specifications and Features
The ROG Flox X16 is the successor to the ROG Flow X13 from last year, and it has a larger 16-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Itâs a 2-in-1 gadget with a 360-degree hinge and a variety of physical modes, including tent mode, tablet mode, and regular laptop form.
Asus ROG Flow X16
Starting with the display, Asus has fitted the new Flow X16 with its ROG Nebula HDR display, which is the companyâs name for a Mini-LED panel. Itâs a QHD+ panel with a refresh rate of 165Hz and a brightness of 1,100 bits. The panel also offers 512 local dimming zones, a DCI-P3 colour gamut of 100 percent, and is Pantone-validated. Touch and stylus input is also supported. Thereâs also a 16-inch QHD 165Hz variant with the Mini-LED component and 500-bit brightness support.
The Flow X16 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU. Users can also use Asusâ ROG XG mobile eGPU to boost the deviceâs graphics performance. Thereâs also a MUX switch that disables the integrated GPU and shifts all graphics rendering work to the separate GPU.
To keep the Flow X16 cool during intense operations and long-session gaming, Asus has included a new âFrost Forceâ cooling system with a Thermal Grizzly-made liquid metal thermal compound. Three cooling fans, a big heatsink that runs the length of the laptop, and many heat pipes all work together to keep the heat away from the internal components.
To keep the Flow X16 cool throughout intense activities and lengthy sessions of gaming, Asus has included a new âFrost Forceâ cooling system with a Thermal Grizzly-made liquid metal thermal compound. Three cooling fans, a big heatsink that runs the length of the laptop, and various heat pipes that direct heat away from the internal components are all included.
The laptop also includes up to 64GB DDR5 4800 MHz RAM, up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, four Dolby Atmos speakers, a backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 90Whr battery. USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, HDMI compatibility, a 3.5mm audio connector, and a microSD card reader are among the I/O ports. It is powered by Windows 11 Pro.
The price and availability of the new ROG Flow X16 have yet to be announced by Asus. We anticipate receiving the equipment by the end of the year.
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Introduction
Google Pixel Tablet Android Desktop Mode is set to bring a major productivity upgrade to Android devices. Google is reportedly working on a desktop-style interface that allows Pixel devices to function more like a traditional computer when connected to an external display. The feature aims to improve multitasking, window management, and overall productivity for users who want a PC-like experience from their Android devices.
This development signals Googleâs effort to compete with existing mobile desktop platforms such as Samsung DeX and to make Android more capable for work and multitasking.
Desktop-Style Interface for Pixel Devices
The upcoming desktop mode introduces a familiar computer-style interface when a Pixel device is connected to an external monitor through USB-C. Instead of simply mirroring the phone or tablet screen, the system launches a dedicated desktop environment.
Users will see a taskbar at the bottom of the display along with resizable app windows. Applications can run simultaneously in overlapping windows, allowing users to move, resize, and manage them similar to a traditional desktop operating system.
This feature is expected to work particularly well with the Google Pixel Tablet, as the larger display and tablet-focused software make it ideal for productivity tasks.
Improved Multitasking and Productivity
Androidâs desktop mode focuses heavily on multitasking improvements. Users will be able to open multiple apps at the same time and switch between them quickly using the taskbar.
The system also supports external accessories including a mouse and keyboard, enabling a full workstation-like setup. This means tasks such as document editing, browsing, and media management can be handled more efficiently.
The interface is designed to maintain Androidâs flexibility while offering a more structured desktop environment when needed.
A Step Toward a More Powerful Android Ecosystem
The introduction of desktop mode highlights Googleâs long-term strategy of making Android more versatile across devices. By enabling a PC-like environment on Pixel hardware, Google could expand Androidâs role beyond smartphones and tablets into productivity-focused computing.
If fully implemented, the feature could transform devices like the Pixel Tablet into compact productivity machines capable of replacing a basic laptop for many everyday tasks.
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NVIDIA ARM laptop chips are finally poised to enter the consumer notebook market after years of speculation, and the company is aiming straight at the heart of x86 dominance. According to industry reports, NVIDIA plans to debut its long-awaited N1 and N1X system-on-chips (SoCs) for laptops by Q1 2026, with retail availability expected by Q2. This move marks NVIDIAâs most serious attempt yet to challenge Intel and AMD in mainstream computing.
NVIDIA ARM Laptop Chips Aim to Redefine Windows on ARM PCs
The upcoming N1/N1X chips are ARM-based SoCs designed specifically for consumer laptops and are expected to play a major role in expanding the Windows on ARM ecosystem. NVIDIAâs strategy aligns with its broader ambition to control the full AI computing stack, from data centers to edge devices and now personal computers. With AI workloads increasingly moving on-device, NVIDIA is positioning these chips as high-end AI computing platforms rather than conventional laptop processors.
The project reportedly faced delays last year due to design challenges and a still-maturing Windows on ARM software ecosystem. Instead, NVIDIA introduced DGX Spark with the GB10 chip, which is widely seen as a precursor to its consumer laptop silicon. Now, with the ecosystem in a better place, NVIDIA appears ready to move forward aggressively.
hat to Expect From NVIDIA ARM Laptop Chips N1 and N1X
While detailed specifications remain under wraps, reports suggest the N1/N1X SoCs will be manufactured on TSMCâs advanced 3nm process and will follow a design philosophy similar to the GB10. This points to strong AI acceleration capabilities combined with high efficiency, an area where ARM platforms have traditionally outperformed x86 chips.
NVIDIA is also planning. Next-generation N2 and N2X ARM chips are reportedly in development, with a possible consumer launch window around Q3 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to the laptop CPU market.
NVIDIA ARM Laptop Chips Roadmap Extends to N2 and N2X
If the Q1 2026 timeline holds, NVIDIA could formally unveil its laptop chips at GTC 2026 in March, followed by partner devices showcased at Computex later in the year. Rather than selling chips directly, NVIDIA will rely on OEMs using reference designs, supported by approved and recommended vendor lists to ensure quality and performance consistency.
With Intel preparing Panther Lake and AMD pushing Gorgon Point, NVIDIAâs ARM laptop chips could significantly reshape the competitive landscape if performance and software support meet expectations.
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Best of CES 2026 sets the benchmark for innovation in consumer technology, and this yearâs winners clearly show how fast the industry is evolving. The International Consumer Electronics Show remains the most influential technology trade show in the world, where brands unveil roadmap-defining products and groundbreaking ideas. After extensive on-ground coverage and hands-on evaluation of over 110 brands, TechPowerUp has announced its Best of CES 2026 award winnersâproducts that truly push boundaries in design, performance, and real-world usability.
Best of CES 2026 Highlights: PCs, Laptops, and Graphics Innovation
Small form factor computing took a giant leap forward with the Alphacool Drip H1 Case, a console-sized Mini-ITX enclosure capable of housing extreme hardware through an advanced liquid cooling âmonocoqueâ loop. Packing support for flagship CPUs and GPUs, it redefines what portable high-performance PCs can achieve.
On the graphics front, the MSI GeForce RTX 5090 LIGHTNING Z stood out as a no-compromise GPU designed for enthusiasts and professional overclockers. With a reinforced PCB and premium liquid cooling, it represents the pinnacle of custom GPU engineering in 2026.
Equally innovative was the Good Way Thunderbolt 5 Graphics Dock, which eliminates the need for bulky external graphics processing unit (eGPU) enclosures. By combining open-air GPU mounting with a built-in 700 W power supply and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, it delivers desktop-class graphics flexibility to laptops.
Best of CES 2026 Showcases Breakthrough Displays and Creator Gear
Gaming laptops saw a major leap with the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo (2026). Featuring dual 3K OLED touch displays, cutting-edge cooling, and flagship Intel and NVIDIA hardware in an ultra-slim chassis, it showcases how innovation can coexist with portability.
At the other end of the spectrum, the LG Gram Pro 16Z90U Dual AI impressed with its remarkable 1.2 kg weight while still delivering powerful next-generation processors and long battery life, making it one of the most compelling ultraportables showcased this year.
ASUS also highlighted ecosystem-driven design with its ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial Build, demonstrating how visually cohesive, high-end components can seamlessly work together for enthusiasts seeking both performance and aesthetics.
Why Best of CES 2026 Awards Matter for Future Technology
For creators and streamers, the Corsair GALLEON 100 SD Keyboard merges a high-quality mechanical keyboard with a fully integrated Elgato Stream Deck, simplifying workflows without sacrificing desk space.
Meanwhile, the Hisense XR10 Tri-Laser Projector blurred the line between home cinema and professional theatres, delivering 6,000 ANSI lumens, advanced optical systems, and intelligent image correctionâmaking it one of the most impressive display technologies at CES 2026.
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