• 🤔 The verification logo for Steam Frame games has disappeared from Steam completely

• 🤷‍♂️ It had only been in a beta stage, but it seems like an odd setback considering how close we thought the headset’s release was

• 🤞 Steam Hardware Updates on X has posited that it could be while Valve waits for more games to be verified, and then it’ll return

• 🔜 All the other indicators point to an imminent launch, especially as the headset has cleared one of its final regulatory hurdles in recent days

Valve is giving some mixed signals when it comes to the Steam Frame release, as a key verification logo has disappeared.

As spotted by Steam Hardware Updates on X, Valve has removed the Steam Frame verification icon from games, which was only available in beta, but has now fully disappeared.

All hope is not lost, though, as in a follow-up post, the account noted that this isn’t “necessarily a bad indicator” as it’s possible Valve is waiting for more games to have verified labels.

As it stands, “only 40-50 games actually had a label at all”, as per Steam Hardware Updates, and some of those games were unsupported.

Valve has been steadily verifying more games for the Steam Frame as part of its extensive back-end updating, which had signalled that an announcement for a price and the long-awaited Steam Frame pre-order could come at virtually any moment.

We’re also now up to 25 verified games for the new ‘Great on Frame’ category Valve recently launched on Steam, plus the headset has received Steamworks support and recently cleared one of its final regulatory hurdles, suggesting a launch is very close.

Lots of Steam Frame accessories have also been showing up on Amazon in recent weeks, suggesting that brands are getting ready for when the device eventually launches.

Valve recently received one of its biggest Steam Frame shipments yet, with nearly two tonnes of headsets and controllers coming into Valve’s US warehouse, as the Steam Hardware Updates account on X had noted.

Some of Valve’s more recent shipments have also included an adapter for the Steam Frame and ergonomics kits as it seeks to have packages of the devices, perhaps with and without accessories, as it has with the Steam Machine bundles that come with the option to have a Steam Controller bundled in.

While this is a bit of a minor setback in theory, it could just be one of those things – after all, the verification icon was only present in a beta stage, and it could simply be Valve waiting for more games before the badge returns. The rest of the signs up to this point have been nothing but positive, of course.

Up next: GTA 6 trailer 3 might be just weeks away – here’s why

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🆕 Nintendo is bringing two previously unreleased Virtual Boy titles, Zero Racers and D-Hopper, to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on August 4, 2026

• 😲 Originally slated for 1996, both games were cancelled following the discontinuation of the Virtual Boy console

• 👍 Players can access these titles by using a Virtual Boy accessory and maintaining a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription

• 🙌 These releases offer a unique opportunity for both video game preservationists and fans to experience long-lost titles

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Walmart: 12 months Switch Online

It’s easy to forget that you can now enjoy Virtual Boy games on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, but that hasn’t stopped Nintendo from bringing two previously unreleased titles to its online service.

Zero Racers and D-Hopper never saw the light of day, but they’ll be playable on August 4, 2026, for those who purchased the dedicated Virtual Boy accessory or the more affordable cardboard version.

Zero Racers, an F-Zero spin-off, was planned for a late 1996 release but was cancelled by Nintendo after it discontinued the Virtual Boy because of its poor sales. However, roughly 30 years after it was finished, it will be available to players for the first time.

Like Zero Racers, D-Hopper was also cancelled shortly before it was scheduled for release in August 1996. The action-adventure game developed by Intelligent Systems sees you navigate multi-layered stages that take advantage of the Virtual Boy’s stereoscopic 3D.

The release of two previously cancelled titles will please video preservationists and those who have invested in the Virtual Boy add-on. It’s also kind of amazing that we’re getting two new Virtual Boy games in 2026 – who’d have thought that would ever happen?

To access Virtual Boy games, you need to be a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber. Nintendo’s top-tier subscription also gives you access to GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis games, and select DLC packs.

Up next: Nintendo Switch Online finally gets the GameCube game we’ve all been waiting for

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📅 Super Mario Sunshine arrives on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on August 13, 2026

• ⏳ The release follows a long-awaited GameCube addition, originally teased over a year ago

• 👏 Players on Switch 2 can enjoy the game with improvements like higher resolution, save states, and a CRT filter

• 🎮 The game joins a library of nine other GameCube titles already available through the Nintendo Classics service

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Nintendo Switch Online subscribers – or more specifically, those who subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – can look forward to replaying Super Mario Sunshine on August 13, 2026.

Super Mario Sunshine was one of the first games Nintendo showed off when it announced that GameCube was coming to Nintendo Switch Online, but we’ve had to wait over a year for it to arrive.

Released in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine is often overshadowed by later 3D Mario games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey. However, it remains a huge fan favorite and became one of the best-selling GameCube titles, with around six million copies sold.

Super Mario Sunshine was part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars release for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, but this was a limited-time release. Now, though, Switch 2 owners can enjoy Super Mario Sunshine at a higher resolution, and with other Switch Online perks such as save states and a CRT filter.

Again, you’ll need to be a member of Nintendo’s highest Switch Online tier to access Super Mario Sunshine, as GameCube games are only available on Nintendo Switch 2 and to those who are Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.

As of writing, there are nine GameCube games available via the Nintendo Classics (Switch Online) service. Chibi-Robo!, F-Zero GX, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi’s Mansion, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Soulcalibur II, Super Mario Strikers, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Wario World are all playable now.

Up next: ModRetro M64 Smoke Edition is exclusive to GameStop – preorder yours here

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🙌 The Steam Frame has received a very important piece of certification, paving the way for an impending release

• 👍 The headset has received FCC certification, which is a very big deal and usually one of the last hurdles a product clears before it can reach the market

• ⚒️ Valve has been constantly updating its own backend for the Steam Frame to get everything ready

• 📦 It has also received a huge number of devices into its US warehouse as it readies stock for an inevitable pre-order

We’re edging ever closer to the Steam Frame’s release date, and the device has just cleared a big hurdle by securing some key certification.

As per Steam Hardware Updates on X, the Steam Frame has secured FCC certification, which the account describes as being “a big deal” and probably “the biggest thing that needs to happen for launch and is a great sign”.

The certification covers 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 6 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other low-power wireless transmissions, with multiple grants issued for the device’s various radios. It also confirms the headset uses a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system.

While FCC certification doesn’t guarantee the Steam Frame is going to launch any time this week, it’s usually one of the last regulatory hurdles a product clears before it reaches the market.

For reference, the Steam Machine received FCC certification in December, and then was released the following June, although with all of what’s going on with the Frame, waiting a further six months for release doesn’t seem like it’s on the agenda.

With this in mind, Valve has been relentlessly working on backend updates for the device, signalling an announcement for a price and the long-awaited Steam Frame pre-order could come at virtually any moment.

Valve recently deployed one of its biggest backend updates yet, which could signal it’s readying review samples for the Steam Deck, meaning an actual announcement on pre-orders and availability could be very close.

Lots of Steam Frame accessories have also been showing up on Amazon in recent weeks, suggesting that brands are getting ready for when the device eventually launches. Some of Valve’s more recent shipments have also included an adapter for the Steam Frame and ergonomics kit.

We’ve also surpassed 25 verified games for the new ‘Great on Frame’ category Valve recently launched on Steam, plus the headset has now received Steamworks support, which all point to a release potentially coming very soon.

Up next: Keychron G3 review: a super-lightweight gaming mouse with premium features

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🤞 We could just be weeks away from the elusive third trailer for GTA 6

• 🔜 Leakers have suggested something could be happening with GTA next month

• 👀 Likewise, one GTA 6 content creator has found three backend updates to the Rockstar website

• 📅 Take-Two’s next investor call is August 7, and Rockstar has announced GTA 6 news in and around the dates of previous ones

According to the latest fan theory, we could just be weeks away from the seemingly elusive GTA 6 trailer 3.

As per Kotaku, fans think the third trailer for GTA 6 could be coming very soon. This reportedly started when leaker NateTheHate held a Q&A on X and was asked if he knew anything about GTA 6.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

His answer teased that he expects “to see a fair bit of GTA 6 next month”, and later clarified he meant August. What this could be is anyone’s guess, especially as we’ve now got news of the game’s preorder and therefore GTA 6’s price. More game details, such as a third trailer, seem like an ideal next step.

This was then backed up by iGrandTheftAuto, a content creator and resource website in the GTA community, who reported they had spotted some backend changes to the GTA 6 section of the Rockstar website.

The account posted on X that “There’s now been 3 minor updates to the website today” and that “It certainly looks like something might be happening soon”.

They noted that what had occurred looked “unusual” and advised folks to “keep a close eye on Rockstar and the GTA 6 site tomorrow”.

The last time iGrandTheftAuto noticed changes out of the blue came a day before the cover art and pre-order announcement dropped, and while it isn’t clear what these updates could be, the account has concluded Rockstar is “definitely working on something”.

The GTA community has gone haywire with these announcements on Reddit and the like, with the assumption that Rockstar is doing something. The next Take-Two investor call is August 7, and it’s been the case that GTA 6 announcements have coincided with these, so we could expect something in and around that date.

Rockstar itself has remained tight-lipped about what to expect from the next GTA title so far, although we recently got some new GTA 6 gameplay details from a surprising source.

All that remains now is to sit and wait for the next day or two, or even a few weeks, and we could have that third trailer to watch.

Up next: Best Steam Machine settings for Cyberpunk 2077

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🆕 ModRetro’s brand new M64 is available in an exclusive colorway from GameStop

• 🚬 The Smoke Edition offers a gray and black translucent shell and costs $229.99 from the retailer

• 💰 That’s the same price as the normal console, and it releases in just under a month

• 👉 You can pre-order it now, and it’s the only place you’ll be able to get this color from

GameStop: Smoke ModRetro M64

GameStop: Smoke M64 Pro Controller

ModRetro: M64

If you’ve been after the special Smoke Edition of ModRetro’s shiny new M64 console, it’s exclusive to GameStop and you can pre-order one right now.

GameStop posted on X to let everyone know it’s available to order with a short trailer showing its smoky translucent finish that runs across the console and associated M64 Pro controller. It means there are five M64 colors to choose from.

The GameStop listing page mentions a release date of August 21, giving you less than a month to wait until this exclusive colorway launches.

Apart from cosmetics, this is the same ModRetro M64 FPGA console that launched yesterday, and it carries an identical $229.99 price tag, assuming you don’t snag the standard model with an exclusive $30 discount if you signed up for the early bird waitlist.

In our ModRetro M64 review, we said the console feels like a premium product with excellent build quality. It’s also more affordable than the Analogue 3D and has the ability to output N64 games at 720p, 1080p, and 4K.

Our review also noted that it plays games exactly as you remember, although there are also different display and scaling modes available.

The M64 is compatible with Bluetooth and wired N64 controllers, plus it’ll also work with the brand’s own Pro controller. This is a separate purchase, but brings extras such as an aluminium shell, Bluetooth and wired connectivity, plus a TMR joystick for increasingly accurate inputs without the worry of stick drift.

We didn’t have many criticisms of the M64, though the software on the competing Analogue 3D is more mature and therefore has more features like save states. However, it is some $70-$100 more expensive, depending if you got the deal above, or you’re considering purchasing the M64 at retail.

Up next: Steam Machine update from Valve will please those in the reservation queue

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 👏 Valve has provided a promising update for those waiting for a Steam Machine

• 🔜 It says it’s fulfilling orders daily and expects everyone in the reservation queue to be able to purchase a device by the end of the year

• 👍 In some regions and for some devices, it’s even moved to invite those on the waitlist, as it’s exhausted the reservation queue

• 🙌 Valve’s post also says that FSR 4.1 is now available for games that support it with Proton Experimental, and it has released CAD files for the Steam Machine’s external geometry

Valve has provided a promising update for any folks in the reservation queue waiting for the opportunity to purchase a Steam Machine.

As posted on the Steam Community page, Valve says that it’s fulfilling orders “daily” for the device, sending out emails to reservation holders, and expects everyone in the queue to have the option to purchase the Steam Machine “by the end of the year”.

Valve also says that the reservation queue and corresponding waitlists can move at different paces depending on region, given that they’ve been individually compiled by product and region.

This means that for some products in some regions, the reservation queue is already at an end, and Valve has begun inviting people on the waitlist. It had skipped a step by automatically sending some on the waitlist the option-to-order email, but has now said that you’ll first receive a message saying you’ve been added to the reservation queue and that you can expect an option-to-purchase email “sometime after that”.

With this in mind, Valve is quick to stress that no one on the waitlist is going ahead of those in the reservation queue. It’s only going to the waitlist once the reservation queue is at an end for that product and region.

Valve had implemented a reservation queue for the Steam Machine after the Steam Controller restock, and the chaos that followed when the controller first went on sale.

A previous update from Valve explaining the queue noted that it thought a randomized system was fairer, as the older system tended to reward “bots, people with fast internet connections, talented gaming fingers for quick F5/refresh reactions, and those who can schedule their life around that moment.” By implementing a random system, Valve is aiming to take away some of the “friction”.

At the end of that post, it also provided an interesting tidbit about recommendations if you don’t get a Steam Machine right away, stating that with the latest SteamOS 3.8 update, users can “run the same code and operating system as Steam Machine on your own living-room PC using whatever PC parts you want”.

The only caveat is that it has to be with an AMD GPU, but Valve says it’s “working on expanding support for the future”.

With this in mind, the latest update has seen Valve add support for FSR 4.1 on Proton Experimental for titles supporting the latest version of AMD’s upscaler, while the CAD file for the Steam Machine’s external geometry is now available for download.

Valve releasing the CAD file for the Steam Machine opens up the opportunity for a multitude of third-party accessories, including custom faceplates and more.

We’ve already seen dbrand launch an array of new Steam Machine skins, and Valve previously released the CAD files for its unique e-ink display faceplate option to open up even more personalization options, so it’ll be exciting to see what happens next.

Up next: Best Steam Machine settings for Monster Hunter World

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🍎 Apple is gearing up to launch its first smart home display very soon

• 🧑‍🔬 A new report suggests that it’s nearing completion

• 🎃 It could arrive as early as this October

• 🔊 Apple is also reportedly releasing a new HomePod mini and Apple TV

• 🤷 It’s unclear what kind of upgrades will be in tow for them

Apple’s long-awaited entry into the smart home display category could arrive by the end of the year. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that the company’s first smart home hub, regularly dubbed the “HomePad,” is almost ready to launch. Behind the scenes, the device is on track to be released as early as October, or by early next year. In addition, a new HomePod mini and Apple TV will also be released around the same time.

• More: The next Apple Watch will be faster but look the same, says new rumor

The HomePad has been rumored for quite some time, regularly surfacing in leaks and future product roadmaps from Apple. The device is said to look mostly like a HomePod with a 7-inch square display attached to the top. This display would give you visual responses when you talk to Siri, sort of like how the Amazon Echo Show works with Alexa. It’ll use a camera system to identify who’s looking at the screen to show contextual answers, relying on personal data that only you can access.

It would support apps like Calendar, Music, and even FaceTime. It would use some new operating system based on tvOS, while relying heavily on Siri AI for all of its functionality. Gurman says that there are two versions of the device being tested: one is the speaker and display combo I just described, while another is just a display that can use magnets to hang from your wall.

It’s not clear which version will come first, or if both will wind up hitting the market at the same time. We also don’t know much it’ll cost yet, but we expect those details to arise in the near future, if this launch timeline is to be believed.

Meanwhile, Gurman also notes that Apple is gearing up to launch a new HomePod mini and Apple TV. Both will reportedly look the same as their current versions, but will be faster with new chips and support for Siri AI. These products could be released between October and early 2027 as well, indicating that Apple has big plans for the smart home market in the near future.

If we hear anything else, we’ll let you know.

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• Up next: Apple will reportedly unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC 2027

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 👀 Numerous third-party Steam Frame accessories have appeared on Amazon

• 👍 We’ve got cases from Spigen and Fosmon, and controller adapters

• 📦 Valve has also received shipments of its own accessories, such as the Steam Frame adapter and the headset’s ergonomic kits

• 🔜 The launch of the Steam Frame could be very soon, especially with an update suggesting Valve is readying review units

We just got our first look at some more third-party Steam Frame accessories that have begun showing up on Amazon as we await an official release date announcement for the headset.

As X user @coah80 noted, there has been a vast array of accessories across Amazon and Walmart for the Steam Frame, such as a head strap and case from Spigen, more cases from Fosmon, plus VR gun accessories for the headset’s controllers. There’s also a hard case from EJGAME.

Some of these accessories have been listed since March 2026, and it’s possible we could be getting even more as we get ever closer to the headset’s release.

This isn’t the first we’ve heard about Steam Frame accessories, as recent shipments of the headset to arrive at Valve’s US warehouse have included ergonomic kits for the headset, plus “Fabric Foam Rubber” and an adapter.

The presence of such accessories on Amazon suggests that a launch is coming soon, especially in conjunction with all of Valve’s recent backend updates corresponding to the device.

We’re also now have more than 25 verified games for the new ‘Great on Frame’ category Valve recently launched on Steam, plus the headset has now received Steamworks support, which all points to a release potentially coming very soon.

Likewise, Valve recently got one of its biggest Steam Frame shipments yet, with nearly two tonnes of headsets and controllers coming into Valve’s US warehouse, as the Steam Hardware Updates account on X had noted.

After all, we’ve been anticipating a Steam Frame pre-order announcement for some time now, especially with Valve’s vast array of backend updates for the headset and the huge quantity of devices it has received into its US warehouse.

Furthermore, with one of its biggest backend updates yet, it might signal Valve is readying review samples for the Steam Frame, meaning an actual announcement on pre-orders and availability could be very close.

In a bit of a blow, though, the Steam Frame’s price might be higher than we anticipated due to price hikes from chip maker Qualcomm that may affect the headset.

Up next: ModRetro M64 launches today – here’s how to get $30 off

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 💰 ModRetro’s M64 has launched today, and you can already get $30 off

• 👍 If you signed up for ModRetro’s Early Bird Waitlist for the M64, you should have an email with a purchase link and an exclusive $30 discount code

• 📅 Orders will begin shipping immediately, although you should allow a week for processing due to demand

• 👏 The M64 plays your original N64 titles at up to 4K resolution, looks the part, and is more affordable than the Analogue 3D

ModRetro: M64

We’ve been waiting a long time for ModRetro’s M64 FPGA emulation console, but it’s finally been released today, and you can already snag a $30 discount.

If you signed up for ModRetro’s Early Bird Waitlist for the M64, you should receive an email today with a link to purchase the console on the brand’s website, plus an exclusive $30 discount code.

ModRetro also says that orders will begin shipping immediately, although it advises folks to wait a week for processing due to high demand.

It says that the ModRetro M64 Console, Pro Controller, and the first four M64 games – Xeno Crisis, Xibalba 64, Extreme-G Turbo Fusion, and the iconic Buck Bumble – will be available for purchase today.

We’d been anticipating the M64 to be released at this point for some time, as an April update from ModRetro noted that the hardware would be “shipping at the end of July from our warehouse in Southern California”.

At the time, ModRetro’s update also went into detail about why folks should consider the M64 over rivals such as the Analogue 3D, as it provided a deeper dive into some of the console’s features.

For instance, ModRetro says the console offers a 5-second boot to game, features wireless OTA updates available out of the box, and has a fanless thermal design.

In addition, it’s built on a 16nm process node with one of AMD’s Spartan UltraScale FPGA+, and its PSRAM architecture allows the console to unlock higher overclocking than rivals to potentially eke out more performance.

In our ModRetro M64 review, we noted that it already feels like a premium product with a translucent shell and quality build. Plus, it’s more affordable than the Analogue 3D and has the ability to output N64 games at 720p, 1080p, and 4K.

Our review also noted that it plays games exactly as you remember, although there are also different display and scaling modes available, as well as a new overclocking feature to boost the performance.

The M64 is compatible with wired and Bluetooth controllers, plus ModRetro’s wireless Pro Controller that has a TMR joystick, an aluminium backshell, Bluetooth and wired USB connectivity. It’s compatible with the M64 and original N64, too.

As it stands, though, it’s going to be a separate purchase, and even though the M64 is more affordable than Analogue’s FPGA N64 console, we felt the Analogue 3D’s software is more mature and feature-rich. Whether that’s worth it, though, is your call.

Up next: ModRetro Chromatic review: a perfect retro revival of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 👓 The first pair of smart glasses from Apple could arrive in mid-2027

• 📆 A new report says that the company will unveil the glasses at WWDC next year

• 🧑‍💻 This’ll give developers time to work on apps and other experiences before launch

• 🔐 Apple is reportedly taking its time with the glasses to ensure privacy is in tact

• 🛍️ The glasses are expected to go on sale by the end of next year

Apple’s upcoming smart glasses might be announced in June of 2027. That’s according to Mark Gurman who, in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, claims that the company is preparing to introduce the glasses during WWDC, its annual developer conference. This would follow in the footsteps of the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled during WWDC 2023 before launching later in the year.

• More: The next Apple Watch will be faster but look the same, says new rumor

By announcing the smart glasses at WWDC, developers would have more time to work on apps and experiences for them before they launch. This’ll give early adopters a library of things to try right when they get them, which’ll hopefully encourage more people to pick them up and give them a shot.

The glasses are expected to rely on AI much like other smart glasses do, with Apple’s revamped Siri AI at their core. Developers could tie their apps directly into Siri AI and implement new voice commands, experiences, and visuals (depending on whether Apple’s glasses have a screen, of course).

One thing that isn’t quite clear is how versatile the cameras will be on the glasses. Gurman says that Apple is trying to ensure privacy remains at the core of the experience, in order to give customers a more comfortable experience than what the Meta Ray-Bans, for example, afford you. Gurman reports that Apple has considered no cameras at all, or cameras that are strictly limited to AI functionality with no photo or video capability. It would be similar to what the upcoming camera-equipped AirPods Pro could do.

Either way, the glasses are shaping up to be one of Apple’s most-anticipated product launches in its history, perhaps right before this year’s iPhone Fold which arrives in September. The first Apple glasses are expected to ship by the end of 2027, likely in the fall if current plans stick.

• Up next: Galaxy Z Fold 8 review in progress: five days with Samsung’s best foldable phone

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• ⌚️ Apple is reportedly keeping the designs of its current Apple Watches around

• 📐 The Ultra 4 and Series 12 will look the same as last year, according to a new report

• ⚙️ However, there will finally be a new chip inside for faster performance

• ❤️ Health tracking is also expected to get an upgrade

• 🫆 Touch ID and other big upgrades have reportedly been delayed

• 📆 Apple is expected to announce its next watches in September

Apple is expected to announce two new Apple Watches later this year, and it doesn’t look like a whole lot will be changing. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 will look more or less identical to the Ultra 3 and Series 11 from last year, according to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. Instead, Apple is focusing on what’s inside both devices to help improve the experience.

• More: iPhone Fold rumors: what the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reveals about Apple’s foldable

That includes a brand-new chip. Gurman says that Apple will introduce a faster processor in both watches, which will likely be the S11. It’s unclear how much faster the chip is going to be compared to the S10, but it’s been years since Apple announced a meaningful performance upgrade for the Apple Watch, so any change is welcome.

The new chip will also enable improved health tracking. Again, it’s not clear what this’ll entail, but the improvement will certainly be welcome.

The lack of a new design means that your current Apple Watch bands will still work with the next generation, although the more that leaks come out, the less likely it seems that this’ll be the case forever.

Apple is still working on a redesigned Apple Watch with features like high blood pressure warnings, cameras for Visual Intelligence, and Touch ID, with a new magnetic band system to boot. While it doesn’t seem like that’s coming this year, it does sound like it’s an inevitability. Gurman says a bigger upgrade to the Apple Watch is likely a year or two out.

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 in September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and much-anticipated iPhone Fold. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more leaks and rumors, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our coverage.

• Up next: Galaxy Z Fold 8 review in progress: five days with Samsung’s best foldable phone

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 😮 Valve has deployed a huge backed update for the Steam Frame

• 🤔 We now have references to the headset’s guided tour and numerous localizations and UI polishes

• 👀 It’s assumed these are being rolled out for press reviews first, suggesting the headset could be in the hands of journalists and influencers very soon

• 📆 If that is the case, we may well see coverage in mid-August, assuming the same two-week window Valve allowed for Steam Controller and Steam Machine reviews

Valve has recently deployed a huge backend update for the Steam Frame that suggest reviews for the device are imminent.

As Steam Hardware Updates on X has noted, we’ve now got references for the Steam Frame’s guided tour with specific setup instructions for playspace boundaries, plus the fact it isn’t considered a work in progress anymore.

Insider Bradley Lynch, AKA SadlyItsBradley, noted that all of these localizations and UI polishes were also pushed to the Steam Frame’s Steam client for the first time.

He suggests that it’s likely these updates would be pushed for “Press Reviews first”, suggesting products could be in the hands of journalists and influencers very soon.

If the same timeframe is taken for the Steam Frame as it was for Steam Controller and Steam Machine reviews, then it allows two weeks with the device, which could suggest an announcement for the Steam Frame pre-order or price in the middle of August to coincide with review coverage.

This all comes at a time when Valve hasn’t stopped delivering backend updates for the Steam Frame over several weeks now, as it readies the product for its full release, with this latest update a huge step forward.

We’ve been anticipating a Steam Frame pre-order announcement for some time now, especially with Valve’s vast array of backend updates for the headset and the huge quantity of devices it has received into its US warehouse.

Valve recently got one of its biggest Steam Frame shipments yet, with nearly two tonnes of headsets and controllers coming into Valve’s US warehouse, as the Steam Hardware Updates account on X had noted.

We also know Valve has been working on the headset’s “Gamepad Mode” with a new SteamVR update, which is designed primarily for using standard gamepads with the headset’s window manager and for playing non-VR games.

We’re also now up to 25 verified games for the new ‘Great on Frame’ category Valve recently launched on Steam too, plus the headset has now received Steamworks support.

With reviews potentially imminent, it looks like we’re approaching the home straight for the Steam Frame’s release date.

Up next: Steam Frame price set to increase as Qualcomm hikes headset chip prices

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 📈 The Steam Frame’s final price could be set to increase due to chipmaker Qualcomm announcing its own price hike

• 😬 The chipmaker has said a “double digit” price rise will be implemented on products shipped after September 1, 2026

• 🤦‍♂️ This could affect later Steam Frame shipments, depending on the release date, and could mean its price rises soon after the headset releases

• 🤷‍♂️ Qualcomm cited the usual memory crisis reasons we’ve seen before, and that it could no longer absorb higher costs from its own suppliers

We could be set for a nasty shock when the Steam Frame’s price is announced, as it could be higher than initially expected, owing to an increase in chip prices.

As reported by Bloomberg, Qualcomm has told its customers that it is putting chip prices up by “double digits” for products shipped after September 1, 2026.

Qualcomm justified these price rises by saying it had exhausted its ability to absorb higher costs from its suppliers and said it had made attempts to secure alternative components from new sources.

The interesting thing relative to the Steam Frame is that Qualcomm’s price rises are for products it ships beginning in September.

It may be the case Valve already has stock of the Qualcomm chips it’s putting inside the Steam Frame, so it can sell the headset at an MSRP that’s less gouging than we may expect.

However, with future units produced once the Qualcomm price rise comes in, consumers could be in for a nasty shock.

We already thought the Steam Machine’s price was too high for the specs on offer, but its reflective of the current market conditions for RAM, storage, and how difficult it is to get those components at a more affordable rate.

Valve said at the time that it may see further price rises for the Steam Machine in the future when it explained the price and pre-order system for the device, given the volatility of the price for memory components, and it looks like that could be the case again.

We’ve been anticipating a Steam Frame pre-order announcement for some time now, especially with Valve’s vast array of backend updates for the headset and the huge quantity of devices it has received into its US warehouse.

Valve recently received one of its biggest Steam Frame shipments yet, with nearly two tonnes of headsets and controllers coming into Valve’s US warehouse, as the Steam Hardware Updates account on X had noted.

We’re also now up to 25 verified games for the new ‘Great on Frame’ category Valve recently launched on Steam, plus the headset has now received Steamworks support, which all points to a release potentially coming very soon.

Up next: Best Steam Machine settings for Resident Evil Village

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 📱 Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 just dropped, and it’s giving heavy iPhone Fold vibes

• 👀 A lot of rumors point to the two phones sharing a lot of similarities

• 🤳 After going hands-on with it, it’s made the iPhone Fold seem even more intriguing

• 🧠 Here are some thoughts on how the Fold 8 could be revealing the iPhone Fold before our very eyes

I spent the first half of this week covering the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, yet all I could think about was the inevitable iPhone Fold. After getting to go hands-on with the Z Fold 8 and the new Fold 8 Ultra, I kept making mental comparisons to a device that doesn’t even exist yet, all because we know the second Apple enters the foldable market, the industry will change forever.

See, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 leaked out months ago with this weird design that’s much shorter and wider than previous Galaxy Z devices. We reported on the leaks and covered them extensively on The Shortcut Live, and we all knew that at least part of the reason Samsung switched things up; it needed a direct iPhone Fold competitor.

Apple’s first foldable device has been rumored to come with a stout, passport-style shape for quite some time, complete with two cameras on the back and a wide foldable screen. Samsung beat Apple to the market with its Fold 8 to establish its place and offer a similar device first, and after getting to play with it and witness public reactions to it, it’s clear that the iPhone Fold will send even bigger shockwaves - and surprise us in a few ways.

Here’s what the Galaxy Z Fold 8 tells us about the upcoming iPhone Fold, and what we can expect when it’s eventually released.

📐 It’s gonna be smaller than you might think

When I held the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and compared it to my Galaxy S26 Ultra, I was legit shocked at how much taller the S26 Ultra was. At 4.88 inches, the Fold 8 is roughly 2.5 inches shorter than the S26 Ultra, which makes it a lot more pocketable and easier to stow away in your bag. It’s almost on the same playing field as the Galaxy Z Flip 8 in terms of its size and portability.

Given that Apple is expected to give the iPhone Fold a very similar passport-esque form factor, it’s best to anticipate a phone that’ll look way smaller in person than you might think. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is probably going to be at least a couple inches taller, if the S26 Ultra and Fold 8 are any indication, which will make for a much different experience than a lot of people are used to on the iPhone.

❌ The crease could actually be gone

Samsung impressed us with how small the crease is on the Fold 8. The device uses Samsung’s new Flex Titanium hinge, which strengthens the phone and reduces the depth of the crease in the middle. It’s definitely still there - our hands-on will tell you that - but it’s far more shallow than the crease on the Fold 7.

Apple has reportedly been holding back on releasing a foldable iPhone because it doesn’t want a crease in the middle of the phone at all. The company has apparently achieved this with a new “Liquid Metal” hinge, and considering Samsung is supplying the displays for the iPhone Fold, it would make sense that the technology is there to pull this off. Even though Samsung couldn’t quite get rid of the hinge, Apple might actually swoop in and remove it entirely.

📱 The screens will be great for entertainment

Samsung’s big pitch with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s new design is how great it is for consuming content. With the 10:16 aspect ratio on the front and the 4:3 aspect ratio inside, each display gives you more room for YouTube videos, movies, e-books, and more to stretch out and feel more spacious than on a candy bar-style phone. You’ll also get much smaller black bars when watching videos on the foldable screen than you do on, say, the Fold 8 Ultra.

The iPhone Fold will follow suit. Rumor has it that the phone will have a very similar aspect ratio setup, which means content should feel more like it does on a tablet than on a smartphone.

🤳 Apps are gonna be funky for a while

That being said, while content may look great on the screens, apps are going to take a second to adapt. A lot of the apps we got to play with on the Fold 8 weren’t exactly optimized for the different aspect ratios, leaving black bars and misplaced UI elements everywhere.

Apple has much greater success getting developers to fix their apps for new screen sizes on its devices, as opposed to the extremely fragmented Android market, so these headaches may not be around forever. Still, it’s an entirely different kind of device, one that’ll require a lot of work from the app world to help make the transition for early adopters easy.

💰 The price tag is gonna be… oomph

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 costs $1,899 to start, which is technically $100 less than the Fold 7 but still very expensive. Despite its similarities, the iPhone Fold is expected to cost as much as $600 more, starting at around $2,499.

Why the big price difference? We don’t quite know. Apple has certainly poured a lot of research and development into the device, with the hinge design and the layout of the internal components reportedly complicating matters significantly behind the scenes. The phone is also expected to get brand-new modems, the A20 Pro chip, dual rear cameras, and two batteries that total around 4,800mAh. It’s a lot to jam into such a compact device, and coupled with the fact it’s Apple’s first foldable ever, we assumed it would be expensive. Just, y’know, maybe not this expensive.

🏆 Apple will likely set a new standard

Yes, Samsung did beat Apple in shipping a passport-shaped folding phone. Yes, other Chinese brands have been offering similar devices for years, and even Google dabbled in the space a few years ago. But there’s no question that when Apple does it, nothing else will matter

The amount of chatter around the Fold 8 from both tech enthusiasts and general consumers has been surprising, to say the least. A lot of the people I’ve spoken to already love the design of the Fold 8, despite seeing it from afar through social media. The second Apple ships something like this that ties into its ecosystem, not only will iPhone loyalists raise their brows, but the rest of the industry will likely react with their own takes on the passport foldable. There’s no doubt about it: things are going to get interesting, fast.

📆 iPhone Fold release date

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone Fold (or the iPhone Ultra, whatever it decides to call it) in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. We’ll be covering all the leaks and rumors leading up to then, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our coverage.

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• Up next: Samsung’s iPhone Fold Competitor Is Here | The Shortcut Live Ep. 51

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 📈 Valve has verified seven additional games for the Steam Frame, bringing the total number of supported titles to over 25

• 👀 Steamworks SDK 1.65 now includes support for the Steam Frame, alongside new controller action origin enum values

• 📦 Two new hardware shipments, including foam components and an adapter, bring the total number of recorded shipments to 20

• 📅 A potential announcement could follow the Steam Train Fest sale on July 27, with possible pre-orders in July and shipments starting in August

It’s been gathering pace for a while, but it feels like the Steam Frame release date is almost here based on a flurry of activity behind the scenes.

Not only has Valve verified seven more games for the Steam Frame, bringing the total to over 25 titles,

New ‘Great on Frame’ titles include Ink Inside, Blast Brigade, Vacation Simulator, Deer & Boy, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Nikoderiko: The Magical World, Vengeance Hunters, Racket Fury: Table Tennis VR, and Hard Bullet.

Support for the upcoming VR headset has also been added to Steamworks, the tools and services Valve provides to developers.

Steamworks SDK 1.65 specifically mentions the Steam Frame and also adds “Steam Frame Controller action origin enum values”.

If these backend additions weren’t enough of a clear indication that a launch is almost upon us, two more shipments of the Steam Frame have been spotted, including “Fabric Foam Rubber” and the Steam Frame adapter (thanks, Steam Hardware Updates). This brings the total number of shipments up to 20, meaning Valve likely has plenty of initial stock on hand.

There’s a chance that the Steam Frame could be announced after the Steam Train Fest sale ends on July 27, 10am PT, though we’ve been disappointed before. It would free up the Steam store homepage for an announcement, and the next major Steam sale event isn’t until October.

However, work is clearly still being done, as it also seems like Valve is hard at work finishing ‘Gamepad Mode’ on the Steam Frame.

It would make sense for Valve to announce the Steam Frame pre-order date in July and begin fulfilling reservations and shipping the device in August.

Up next: Best Steam Machine settings for Resident Evil Village

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🆕 Lenovo is launching a brand new cloud gaming handheld

• 👀 The Legion C700 will feature a 7.82-inch 120Hz IPS screen and goodies such as TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers

• 🤔 We don’t know its processors, RAM, storage, or battery capacity, though

• 📅 The device releases in August as a collaboration with Tencent, which may indicate it’s a Chinese exclusive handheld

Lenovo is launching a new cloud gaming handheld, and the specs we’ve got so far look rather tasty for a more humble device.

Named the Lenovo Legion C700, the device has been made in collaboration with Tencent and will be released in August.

As per NotebookCheck, Lenovo has shared more details of the device on the official Legion Weibo account, noting that the handheld has a large 7.82-inch 120Hz IPS screen, which is slightly smaller than the 8-inch screen on the Legion Go S.

Furthermore, we know the device will feature TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, plus four customizable buttons with two further shoulder buttons and two back buttons. There will also be an omnidirectional D-pad.

We don’t know anything else just yet, such as its processor, RAM, storage, and battery capacity, and it seems like the device is being released in white only at first.

With this in mind, Lenovo is positioning the Legion C700 as a cloud gaming device, similar to the Logitech G Cloud. The collaboration with Tencent means it’ll come with Tencent’s Start cloud gaming service that allows users access to a vast library of games without the need for downloading them.

It seems like this is going to be a China-exclusive handheld as a result, as Tencent Start is only available in China.

However, as NotebookCheck points out, if the device runs Android underneath and has a powerful enough SoC, then running emulation apps could make it viable as a more traditional gaming handheld.

Cloud gaming handhelds are a different beast compared to more fully fledged PC handhelds, such as a Steam Deck, MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, Lenovo Legion Go 2, or Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, as they can only play games from the cloud via Wi-Fi from supported services, be it something like Tencent’s Start or Nvidia GeForce Now.

It means these handhelds tend to be more affordable, as powerful hardware isn’t needed, since no games are running on the device itself, though cloud services are often pay-walled behind monthly subscription costs.

By contrast, PC handhelds are more powerful and expensive, as games are designed to run natively on the hardware. There’s also the option to run games via the cloud, but they aren’t reliant on a constant Wi-Fi connection or subscription.

Up next: dbrand Steam Machine skins turn Valve’s mini PC into a basketball or a grass cube

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• → Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals

• → Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals

• → Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals

• → Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 deals

• → Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 deals

• 👍 Valve has now certified 20 games for the Steam Frame headset

• 📈 It comes as part of a large verification program for games for the device

• 👏 Games certified so far range from Portal 2 to Balatro and Valve’s own VR showcase titles

• 🙌 Valve is positioning the headset to be just as adept as playing VR games as it is your entire Steam library

It’s become increasingly evident that the Steam Frame is almost ready to be released based on the sheer amount of work Valve has been putting in to certify games for its VR headset.

As per Steam Hardware Updates on X, more games are being verified each day for the headset, and with the latest batch, it takes the running total to 20 games in Valve’s ‘Great on Frame’ category.

The recently launched ‘Great on Frame’ category denotes games Valve has certified for the headset, whether that’s being played standalone or 2D over streaming.

The rush of verified Steam Frame games started a few weeks ago when the headset got its first verified game – Portal 2 – and Valve then verified its own VR showcase games for the headset with Aperture Hand Labs and The Lab.

Valve also verified three more games for the headset as part of its seemingly ever-increasing total, and we’ve also seen one of the best flat screen games come to Steam Frame with the recent certification of Balatro.

The interesting thing about these games is that Valve has certified both traditional VR games and flat-screen 2D titles, such as Portal 2 and Balatro, signifying that the headset will be just as adept at playing both.

We know Valve has been working on the headset’s “Gamepad Mode” with a new SteamVR update, which is designed primarily for using standard gamepads with the headset’s window manager and for playing non-VR games.

With this revelation, data miners concluded that “Gamepad Mode” has its own UX, plus that the Steam Controller can also be fully tracked, and it works optionally for the Steam Frame’s own motion controllers.

We’re now up to 18 shipments as Valve imported a further 19 metric tonnes of the device into its US warehouse as part of one of the more recent updates, which Steam Hardware Updates thought equated to “tens of thousands of Steam Frame units in box ready for shipment”, as it keeps getting stock ready for the hotly anticipated Steam Frame pre-order.

It seems the headset could launch at virtually any moment in the next few weeks, given that we’ve got a healthy array of games certified and Valve is putting further finishing touches to the operating system.

Up next: Best Steam Machine settings for Palworld

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🎥 The Sony FX5 finally answers our prayers for a video camera with open gate

• 📸 16.6MP full-stacked sensor pumps out 4K120p and 5K60p video

• 🌙 Triple base 800, 4000, and 12800 ISO speed maintian low-light performance

• 🎨 New X-OCN RAW format adds extra flexibility with up 280 trillion colors

• 🧠 Bionz XR2 processor adds AI subject tracking, enhanced low-light AF, and Dynamic Active stabilization

• 👁️ Detachable OLED viewfinder is bright, sharp, and tilts 90° for a painful $698

• 🔋 Larger and longer-lasting battery promises up to 130 minutes of uninterrupted recording

We’ve been clamoring for a Sony camera that would finally let us record Open Gate video, and it’s finally here with the Sony FX5.

Admittedly, this isn’t the consumer camera we were hoping for; rather, the Sony FX5 is a new cinema camera designed to bridge the gap between the compact FX3 and the larger camcorder-style FX6. It sports a slightly higher-resolution 16.6MP full-stacked Exmor RS image sensor that allows it to record 4K120p and 5K60p videos.

Thankfully, low-light performance hasn’t been sacrificed for resolution, as the FX5 supports three base ISO settings: 800, 4000, and 12800. Dual Gain Shooting, another first for Sony’s FX cameras, should also give users more latitude to make smooth gradiations without losing shadow detail or introducing noise.

The new sensor is also Sony’s first ever that can record video in both Open Gate and in Sony’s new RAW format called X-OCN RAW. Short for E(x)tended tonal range (O)riginal (C)amera (N)egative, Sony promises its 16-bit linear X-OCN RAW files can capture 280 trillion colors and 1,000 times more color data than a 12-bit RAW file. Color is becoming ever more important as RGB TVs, including the new Sony Bravia 7 II, are adopting higher color spectrum standards, going from DCI-P3 to BT.2020.

The FX3 also adopts Sony’s Bionz XR2 image processor, granting it Dynamic Active stabilization, AI-based subject recognition, enhanced low-light autofocus, and Clear Image Zoom.

The Sony FX5 also sees the introduction of an incredible add-on OLED viewfinder accessory. It clips onto the same smart shoe as the camera’s XLR handle, and it offers up a 7.07-million-dot OLED display and 2,500 nits of brightness. Like the built-in viewfinder on the recent Sony FX2, this detachable EVF can tilt up to 90° to make shooting below your eyeline more comfortable. Unfortunately, this excellent detachable EVF comes at a great expense of $698 on its own.

Even without the new detachable EVF, filmmakers might still find it easier to shoot video on the Sony FX5 thanks to its 4-axis multi-angle tilt-screen, which both tilts vertically and swings out sideways to act as a forward monitor or selfie screen.

Unfortunately, this larger screen has pushed out the rear control dial and only left space for a few shortcut buttons. The good news is the Sony FX5 has a Sony Venice-style Multi-Function Dial and interface dial that should allow you to more quickly tweak multiple settings at a time. Some other physical changes on the camera include more tally lights and a thicker grip that’s both more comfortable and accommodates Sony’s longer-lasting NP-SA100 batteries that promise up to 130 minutes of recording.

The Sony FX5 is available for preorder now as a $4,898 body-only camera or in an XLR handle kit for $5,498. The handle is also available for a $798 separate purchase. The Sony FX5 will arrive in mid-August.

• Up next: Sony RX10 V hands-on review: 24 hours with Sony’s newest travel camera

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Kevin Lee is The Shortcut’s Creative Director. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

• Samsung just unveiled two new designs for its upcoming smart glasses

• The glasses were designed in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster

• They’re similar to the ones we saw back in May during Google I/O

• Samsung also detailed some of the glasses’ specs

• The rumored “Galaxy Glasses” will be unveiled in full this fall

On top of all the new foldables and smartwatches, Samsung had one more surprise left at Galaxy Unpacked: new smart glasses.

At the tail end of the event, the company debuted two new styles that its upcoming smart glasses will be sold in. The frames were designed in collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, two brands that were previously confirmed to be working on Android XR-powered smart glasses back at Google I/O in May.

While these likely aren’t the exact glasses we’ll see hit the market, they do give us a good idea of the direction Samsung wants to head with its rumored Galaxy Glasses. The company put it like this in its press release:

Built for these moments, intelligent eyewear brings AI directly into the user’s line of sight, providing timely information and assistance while allowing them to stay engaged with the people, places and tasks around them. Clear controls and safeguards support responsible and secure use, while hands-free access delivers assistance naturally without requiring users to stop what they are doing or turn to another screen.

Privacy and easy access to information seem to be the highest priority for Samsung, which is important. Smart glasses have been under heavy scrutiny lately due to privacy concerns involving the cameras, but it sounds like Samsung will be taking steps to ensure user privacy is at the core of the experience.

Samsung says that the glasses will be offered in different styles and colors, with various lens options available as well. The frames are lightweight and slim, according to the company. From afar, I’d say the glasses look surprisingly normal, but we’ll have to get our hands on them to get a better sense of that.

Samsung also shared some early specs for its upcoming “intelligent eyewear,” which leaks have all but confirmed will be called Galaxy Glasses. They’ll use a Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset to power all the AI features, interactive components, and more. Battery life is said to last nine hours on a full charge, with up to seven additional full charges from the carrying case. The glasses will be powered by Android XR and rely on Gemini integration.

In addition, Samsung says that the glasses will include a camera that can take pictures, they’ll support live translations, real-time directions, context-aware assistance, and even live visual sharing so people on a video call can see what you’re seeing.

The first pair of Samsung smart glasses is expected to hit the market this fall.

🛍️ Samsung Galaxy Z8 preorder deals

• → Preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

• → Preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

• → Preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

• → Preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

• → Preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

⬇️ More Galaxy Z8 Unpacked coverage

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 hands-on review: $100 cheaper? In this economy?!

• Galaxy Z Flip 8 hands-on: $100 extra for a speed bump

• Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 hands-on

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 colors: hands-on with all 4 snazzy new finishes

• Galaxy Z Flip 8 colors: hands-on with all 4 fun new finishes

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Z Fold 8: which foldable is the right fit for you?

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Z Fold 7: should you upgrade to the latest version?

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.