Well, this is it: After a series of delays, Apple is finally nixing support for its old Home architecture, meaning those still relying on the previous version of Apple’s Home framework have some decisions to make—quickly.  The moment of truth arrives February 10, 2026, less than a week away. If you don’t update, you face “interruptions with your accessories and automations,” Apple warns in a support article. In other words, you may lose control of your Apple HomeKit-connected smart devices.  Up until now, the new Home architecture has remained optional, meaning that Apple Home users who were either still using an iPad as their home hub or simply leery of making the switch could stick with the old framework.  But Apple announced last year that it would finally pull the plug on the old Apple Home app, first giving a fall 2025 deadline before settling on the new cutoff date of February 10, 2026. If you don’t jump ship on the legacy Home architecture, you’ll be locked out of your smart home.  So if you’re still using the old Apple Home app, here’s what you need to do before Apple finally drops support.  Make a home hub decision  Still using your iPad as a home hub? As I previously mentioned, the new Apple Home architecture only allows an Apple TV 4K or a HomePod (either the full-sized HomePod or a HomePod mini) to act as a home hub. That means you’ll need to make some tough decisions.  One option is simply to not use a home hub in your Apple Home setup. You’d still be able to control your HomeKit devices while you’re at home, but without a home hub, you’ll lose out-of-home control, and you also won’t be able to share Apple Home control with others or set up Home automations.  The other option is to cough up for a new home hub device. The cheapest way to go is a HomePod mini, which retails for $99 (discounts are relatively rare, but you can occasionally find one in the $80 ballpark). The full-size HomePod costs a lofty $299 but offers upgraded audio performance.  Meanwhile, a new Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for 64GB of storage, while a $149 model doubles the storage to 128GB while adding an ethernet port.  Update your Apple devices  Next, you’ll need to update your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and Apple Watch to at least iOS 16.2. Any apple devices that aren’t updated to iOS 16.2 or better will lose access to an Apple Home environment that’s using the new architecture.  Also, keep in mind that anyone else who wants access to your Apple Home devices will need to update their devices, too.  Update the Apple Home app  Finally, the last step. Open the Home app, tap the More button in the top-right corner (it’s the small circular one with three dots in the middle), tap Home Settings, then Software Update.  Follow the prompts, and voilà—you’ve updated the Home app, meaning you Apple Home is now running on the new architecture. Congrats, and good luck.  The 411 on the Apple Home upgrade Apple’s move to ditch its old Home app has been a long time in coming. The new Apple Home architecture made its debut back in December 2022, bringing with it the promise of “more reliable and efficient” operation of HomeKit-compatible smart home products.  The new Home architecture also landed with a key change—namely, that you could no longer use an iPad as your “home hub.” Instead, you had to switch either to an Apple TV 4K or a HomePod. That’s a key reason why many Apple Home users never switched to the new Home architecture.  Another reason many Home users hesitated to switch was that the transition to the “new” Home architecture was a rocky one. As soon as the revamped architecture arrived as part of iOS 16.2, Home users began reporting a variety of problems, including frozen home hubs and HomeKit devices stuck in an “Updating status” loop.  Apple ultimately pulled the new Home architecture for retooling, before finally reintroducing it in February 2023 with the release of iOS 16.4. I’ve been using the new architecture since its re-release and haven’t had any serious issues.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Innovative concept High-quality workmanship and materials 8,000 hertz polling rate Hot-swap sockets (3- and 5-pin) Removable wrist rest Cons High price No dedicated (but switchable) numpad Requires a lot of space Wired only Our Verdict The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is a high-quality, all-in-one gaming keyboard with integrated Stream Deck features, excellent typing performance, and versatile controls, but it’s bulky, wired, and best suited for users who will actually use its many extra functions. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Galleon 100 SD Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With the Galleon 100 SD, Corsair is trying something new: for the first time, a mechanical keyboard integrates Elgato’s Stream Deck technology. The result is a full-size gaming keyboard that replaces the number pad with 12 freely assignable LCD keys, two rotary controls, and a 5-inch display. The concept is aimed at gamers, streamers, and creative professionals alike–in other words, anyone who needs comprehensive control and information at a glance while gaming, producing, or live streaming, without taking their hands off the keyboard. Our test report clarifies whether this innovative hybrid input device lives up to those expectations and justifies its price of $349.99. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Design and workmanship At first glance, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD makes a solid impression. The housing is made of milled aluminum (CNC metal) and weighs in at a considerable 3.08 pounds, ensuring that the keyboard sits firmly on the desk. Corsair uses black PBT double-shot keycaps, which promise durability and abrasion-resistant lettering–a quality feature that’s appreciated in professional environments. Visually, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD combines classic gaming elements such as per-key RGB lighting and a discreet light bar (“mood bar”) along the upper edge of the housing with the eye-catching Stream Deck module on the right-hand side. An ergonomic palm rest with memory foam padding attaches magnetically, significantly improving long-term comfort. Corsair’s layout decisions are likely to spark discussion. Where the number pad would normally be located, the Stream Deck unit now takes pride of place, meaning the number pad has been completely omitted. Standard keys such as the arrow and navigation blocks, on the other hand, remain in their usual places. For many gamers, a keyboard without a numpad is nothing unusual, but typists will have to rethink their approach. Although the 12 LCD keys can be assigned as a numeric keypad when needed, for example, for entering numbers in Excel, this remains only a limited substitute for a physical numpad. In addition, some users may find the placement of the macro keys on the right-hand side to be a potential design disadvantage. In the heat of the moment, you have to take your right hand off the mouse to reach them. Standard gaming keyboards tend to place additional macro keys on the left-hand side, where they can be accessed with the keyboard hand. Friedrich Stiemer However, Corsair argues that the Stream Deck keys are integrated “within natural reach” and were designed as part of the keyboard from the outset. In practice, this will depend heavily on the user: right-handed users who use the mouse may find reaching the display keys on the right awkward, while streamers can easily access them with their left hand during breaks. Ultimately, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD impresses with its first-class workmanship and thoughtful design, which doesn’t feel overloaded despite the many extras. Rather, the keyboard stands out as an eye-catching feature on the desk. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Technology and features The heart of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is undeniably its full-fledged Stream Deck integration. A total of 12 freely programmable buttons with small LCD displays allow you to trigger complex actions, launch applications, or switch entire profile sets at the touch of a button. Sitting above the 3×4 key matrix is a five-inch (12.7 cm) color display with a resolution of 720×1280 pixels. The mini screen is topped by two multifunctional rotary controls with pressure function, which can be used as volume controls, media control, or creative fine adjustments. This entire control unit is seamlessly embedded in the keyboard, making separate macro pads or external Stream Deck devices virtually redundant. Particularly elegant is the fact that each LCD button adapts in real time to the active application or game, dynamically displaying user-defined icons or text. This effectively turns the buttons into next-generation macro keys, similar to those already familiar from Corsair’s Elgato Stream Deck product lineup. Friedrich Stiemer An entire article could be devoted to the possibilities offered by the Stream Deck keyboard combination. The range of applications is enormous: in games, predefined profiles allow you to trigger special abilities, use inventory shortcuts, or start complex command chains (“multi-actions”) at the touch of a button, without having to open menus or memorize cryptic hotkeys. Ready-made profiles and icons are already available for many popular games in the Elgato Marketplace. But the Galleon module also has a lot to offer beyond gaming: it can be used to control Spotify, operate chats or messengers, and accelerate creative workflows. Meanwhile, the integrated display provides helpful real-time information. For example, system monitoring data such as CPU/GPU load and temperatures, audio levels, or even the weather. Streamers will also appreciate having chat messages, Twitch status, timers, or viewer counts directly on the keyboard in their peripheral vision, eliminating the need to constantly look at a second monitor. Overall, Corsair’s approach is to minimize context switching: all important commands and information should be where “your hands and eyes belong,” namely on the keyboard. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: High-end technology and mechanical switches Of course, all this would be of little value if the basics weren’t done right. But the manufacturer also positions the Corsair Galleon 100 SD as an uncompromising high-end gaming keyboard. Inside, the in-house Axon chip with hyper-polling up to 8,000 hertz is at work, which, according to the manufacturer, forwards inputs to the PC up to eight times faster than standard keyboards with 1,000 hertz. Professional gamers benefit from ultra-low latency and FlashTap SOCD technology, which ensures that when opposite direction keys are pressed simultaneously, the last direction pressed is always prioritized. In plain terms, this allows for more precise movement such as lightning-fast counter-straffing in shooters without inputs blocking each other. N-key rollover with 100 percent anti-ghosting is also included, ensuring that any number of simultaneous keystrokes are reliably recognized. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair uses MLX Pulse switches. These linear mechanical switches actuate after just two millimeters and require only about 45 grams of force, giving them as a smooth feel similar to Cherry MX Red switches–exciting for enthusiasts! The switches are pre-lubricated from the factor, ensuring a smooth typing experience without scratchiness. They are also designed to offer a deliberately “thocky” sound profile, i.e. a rich, duller keystroke instead of the usual high-pitched click. To further suppress annoying ping noises, the entire key matrix rests on gaskets and six layers of sound-absorbing foam. In practice, this results in an extremely high-quality typing experience: each keystroke sounds muffled and full, while the keyboard remains highly responsive. Friedrich Stiemer Those who prefer to use their own switches in the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can swap the MLX Pulse for other 3- or 5-pin switches at any time thanks to hot-swap sockets – Corsair has also thought of the DIY community here. The technical features are rounded off by a detachable, sleeved USB-C cable (1.8 meters) and a USB pass-through port in the form of an easily accessible USB-C socket on the keyboard. This allows you to conveniently connect a headset, gamepad, or USB stick to the front without having to crawl under your desk. However, the Galleon 100 SD is a purely wired gaming keyboard. Given the power-hungry displays and 8 kHz technology, Corsair has consistently opted against wireless, which we find understandable for this device concept. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Software As innovative as the hardware is, the software approach of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is equally unusual. Surprisingly, the keyboard does not support the usual Corsair iCUE software; instead, two alternative solutions are employed. Corsair has developed a new web application called “Corsair Web Hub” for all classic keyboard functions (lighting, macros, profiles, polling rate, etc.). This is a browser-based configuration tool that requires no installation and accesses the keyboard directly when needed. Changes to lighting or key assignments are set via the web interface and then stored on the Galleon’s 8-megabyte onboard memory. The advantage? No permanent background software is required after setup. Web Hub can be closed, yet the settings remain in the device and even continue to function on another PC. We were able to easily adjust the RGB color for each key in Web Hub, define effects, and deactivate the Windows key in game mode. Macro recording and special features, such as the FlashTap SOCD settings, can also be adjusted through the Hub. Corsair’s approach of conserving system resources while still allowing extensive personalization is fundamentally commendable. Friedrich Stiemer The downside is that Elgato’s Stream Deck app must be running in parallel for the Stream Deck functions to work. The LCD buttons and display are configured entirely via the established Stream Deck software, including drag-and-drop assignment of actions, installation of plug-ins from the Marketplace, and management of profile pages. In principle, Galleon owners get the same powerful range of functions here as with a separate Stream Deck. However, the separation of the software is likely to be a thorn in the side of many Corsair fans: the recently released Corsair Vanguard keyboard (which pursued a similar special concept) was already criticized for fragmenting Corsair’s ecosystem. Users note that it’s “stupid to have to install a second piece of software just for the display.” Others ask in frustration whether Corsair is giving up on iCUE, as this is now the second product to be released without iCUE support. The fact remains that lighting synchronization or central control with other Corsair devices via iCUE is not possible with the Galleon 100 SD. If you want to control your Corsair mouse, headset, or PC lighting in sync with your keyboard, separate solutions must be used for the time being. Corsair could address this shortcoming in the future by integrating the systems more closely. For example, an iCUE plug-in that displays basic information on the keyboard display, similar to what the external iCUE Nexus display offers, would be desirable. Friedrich Stiemer On a positive note, Corsair does not require a user account or cloud access thanks to Web Hub. The settings remain local and the tool is very resource-efficient. Streamers and power users will appreciate the established Stream Deck software workflow anyway, as it offers an unrivalled range of options in its category such as plug-ins for Twitch, OBS Studio, YouTube, Discord, Philips Hue, and many other apps. In everyday use, however, this means that the Corsair Galleon 100 SD requires some initial configuration effort, as two interfaces have to be used. But once you’ve set up your profiles and settings, everything runs reliably. Thanks to onboard memory, the keyboard even starts in hardware mode with a basic profile on a foreign computer, and the Stream Deck app can automatically load profiles as needed once it’s running. Overall, Corsair’s software strategy for the Galleon 100 SD is unconventional, but it reflects the company’s focus on delivering performance without unnecessary overhead and on leveraging proven software (Elgato) rather than pushing iCUE onto the new hybrid concept. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Gaming, streaming, and productivity In everyday use, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD proves to be a real all-rounder. For gamers, it offers everything you would expect from a modern premium keyboard: precise, responsive keystrokes, no ghosting or input lag, and, thanks to its solid construction, a stable foundation even when gameplay gets intense. The new features fit surprisingly organically into the gameplay. Take MMORPGs or MOBAs, for example: instead of memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts, you can simply assign potions, skill combos, or chat messages to the LCD keys and see the corresponding icon at a glance. Ready-made profile presets for many games make it easy to get started–for instance, you can operate instrument buttons in Flight Simulator or purchase equipment kits in Counter-Strike at the touch of a button without leaving the main game. We immediately triggered healing in a battle royale game using the Stream Deck button, giving us a slight time advantage by bypassing the inventory menu. Switching between game-specific lighting profiles (such as highlighting the WASD keys) also worked flawlessly via Web Hub and was clearly indicated on the display. Friedrich Stiemer The strengths are even more evident in everyday streaming. Here, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD transforms into a full-fledged studio deck: press two or three buttons, and the intro sequence starts, the microphone goes live, and the facecam fades in. During the stream, you can use the controls to mix the sound or switch between scenes without ever moving your fingers far from WASD or the chat keyboard. The small display is especially helpful, allowing us to constantly keep an eye on our live chat and viewer numbers. This made it easy to notice new questions in the chat and respond without taking our eyes off the game. Another practical feature: system resource indicators on the keyboard informed us if GPU usage became critical while streaming. A quick glance was all it took. For streamers who frequently switch between the game and streaming tools with Alt-Tab, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD provides noticeable relief and saves time. Everything is at your fingertips, as the keyboard becomes the command center for the entire live session. But the Galleon 100 SD also shines in productive workflows. In video and image editing programs, for example, we assigned important shortcuts to the LCD keys: a single press could control tools in Photoshop or start an export process in Adobe Premiere, among other things. The rotary knobs are ideal for continuous zooming on timelines or scrolling through long documents. If you make a lot of calls from your home office, a key can be assigned to mute your microphone in Teams or Zoom, with a red status indicator on the LCD key. Friedrich Stiemer For music lovers and frequent listeners, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD offers complete media control: skip tracks, fine-tune the volume, play and pause–all without reaching for the mouse. Even classic office users benefit. A Stream Deck plug-in, for example, can be used to execute predefined macros in Excel at the touch of a button or to control presentations in PowerPoint. In short, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can increase productivity if you’re willing to adapt your working environment a little. Of course, there are also use cases where the Galleon concept reaches its limits. For example, anyone who spends hours every day hammering away at columns of numbers in spreadsheets will miss the real number pad, as the virtual number keys are only a makeshift solution here since you first have to switch to a suitable profile. In addition, it takes a little getting used to at first to exploit the full potential of the many extra control options. However, once you have set up your personal workflow, many things are much smoother than with separate devices or pure software control. In the test run, after a short time we couldn’t work without the additional displays and buttons, because you quickly get used to the luxury of having everything under control. The typing and writing performance of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD itself is excellent. The MLX switches feel linear and very smooth; thanks to the factory lubrication, there is no scratching or jumping. The muffled typing noise is striking: a rich “thock” with every keystroke, far removed from the sharp click of a blue switch or the hollow echo of some cheaper keyboards. Colleagues in the room found typing on it to be much more pleasant than on conventional gaming keyboards. Corsair’s efforts with seals and foam have paid off here. At the same time, we also registered every keystroke precisely, even in hectic gaming situations, no matter how fast the inputs were. The extremely high polling rate of 8,000 hertz may hardly be noticeable to the average player, but in combination with the robust construction, the keyboard feels absolutely direct and responsive at all times, which is a decisive factor for e-sports players and demanding gamers. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Criticisms As impressive as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is in terms of features and performance, there are a few points of criticism that cannot be ignored. Firstly, the price: $349.99 is a hefty sum for a keyboard. Objectively speaking, you do get two devices in one, i.e. a professional keyboard plus a Stream Deck, but the investment needs to be carefully considered. In fact, for the same money, you could buy a separate high-end keyboard and a larger Stream Deck (such as the Stream Deck XL with 32 keys) and still have some money leftover. The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is therefore clearly aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate the added value of integration and are willing to dig deep into their pockets for it. For casual gamers without streaming ambitions, the price-performance ratio is rather unfavorable, as they would leave many features unused. Secondly, the software situation: as described, Corsair is currently forcing users to use a dual setup consisting of Web Hub and the Stream Deck app. This means more configuration effort and potentially two applications running in parallel. Compared to the familiar “everything under one roof” philosophy of iCUE, this is a step backwards in terms of convenience and ecosystem. Those who already own several Corsair devices in particular will miss having centralized control. Although the setup runs stably in testing, the fragmentation remains a drawback. Especially since Corsair itself initially relied on Web Hub only for the Vanguard keyboard series and only later promised iCUE support. They could have learned from past feedback here. On a positive note, however, Corsair is taking an interesting approach with its resource-saving web configurator, which may even be more attractive to purists than the iCUE software, which is often criticized for being bloated. Friedrich Stiemer Thirdly, the lack of a wireless option. While technically understandable, the absence of wireless functionality could be a drawback for some users. In an age where even many high-end keyboards offer Bluetooth, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is strictly tied to its USB cable. This may not be a problem on a desk with a stationary PC–on the contrary, the fixed connections (including the USB hub) have their advantages. But anyone hoping to position the keyboard more flexibly or switch quickly between multiple devices will always need to reconnect the cable. Fourthly, the space requirement. Despite the omission of the numpad, the Galleon 100 SD isn’t a space saver. Its width is roughly the same as a standard full-size keyboard, as the Stream Deck module occupies the space that would otherwise be freed up. The palm rest, combined with the height added by the display and controls, further contributes to the keyboard’s overall profile. In cramped setups, the keyboard could feel a bit bulky, though the palm rest can be removed if space is limited. Weighing 3.08 pounds, the keyboard doesn’t budge on the desk, but its heft makes it far from travel-friendly. LAN party goers, in particular, may hesitate to carry this battleship. Friedrich Stiemer Fifthly, the concept itself. As ingenious as the idea of an “all-in-one” input solution is, it’s aimed at a very specific target group. After all, a Stream Deck, whether separate or integrated, only makes sense if you actually use it. If you’re not interested in automating processes or optimizing your streaming or work setup with macros, you’ll be paying a lot for buttons and functions that may go unused. Not everyone will make full use of the keyboard’s expensive array of features in everyday life. That said, this risk is inherent to any specialized tool. Corsair at least provides everything you need to reap long-term benefits, including a large community of existing profiles and plug-ins. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Slim design and sturdy yet compact monitor stand Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with 96 watts of power Super-sharp 6K image with 224 pixels per inch Wide color gamut and great color accuracy Cons Frustrating menu system LG offers calibration software, but monitor doesn’t ship with a colorimeter No USB-A or Ethernet connectivity Our Verdict The LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is a 6K monitor with great color performance and high-speed Thunderbolt 5, though it’s hampered by lackluster software and image quality configuration. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S Retailer Price $1,996.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The ranks of 6K monitors remain slim, but LG’s Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S adds another option. It separates itself from the alternatives with support for Thunderbolt 5, which includes a downstream port that can daisy-chain the connection to downstream displays or storage devices. It’s a good pick if you want to use Thunderbolt as a way to minimize cable clutter on your desk, but LG’s software support doesn’t stack up to the alternatives. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best monitors for comparison. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S specs and features The highlight of the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is rather obvious. It’s the resolution. The 31.5-inch Nano IPS Black panel delivers a pixel count of 6144×3456. That’s a total of over 21 million pixels. Display size: 31.5-inch 16:9 aspect ratio Native resolution: 6144×3456 Panel type: Nano IPS Black Refresh rate: 60Hz Adaptive sync: None HDR: Yes, VESA DisplayHDR 600 Certified Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C with DisplayPort and 96 watts of Power Delivery, 1x Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C DisplayPort MST-out (daisy chain), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream Audio: Yes, speakers included Extra features: LG Calibration Studio Supported OS: Windows, MacOS Price: $1,999.99 MSRP It’s not all about resolution, though. The LG 32U990A-S also includes Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and a few downstream ports, which include DisplayPort-out and two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. As you might expect, 6K resolution doesn’t come cheap, though your view on pricing may depend on your past experience with 6K displays. The LG 32U990A-S has a retail MSRP of $1,999.99 and so far has not received a significant discount. That’s a lot of money, and you can find some less expensive 6K alternatives, like the Asus ProArt PA32QCV. But other 6K monitors, such as the Dell U3224KB and of course the Apple Pro Display XDR, are much more expensive. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S design The LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S makes a good first impression. It’s constructed primarily from silver plastics that have a smooth, premium finish, though the stand includes metal elements for weight and durability. While the back of the display panel is simple, smooth plastic, the rear of the stand has an attractive art-deco finish. It’s unusual and helps the monitor stand out from its competition. The stand also has a compact flat base keeps the monitor upright. Though it’s small, the stand felt stable on my desk. It allowed even less wobble or shake than most monitors in this price category. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, and rotates (pivots) 90 degrees for use in portrait mode. It doesn’t swivel, though, which is a downside. The monitor has a 100x100mm VESA mount for using with third-party monitor arms and stands. Matthew Smith / Foundry However, the stand is not a tool-free design. Two screws must be installed with a screwdriver to assemble it. That’s unusual, though not unheard of, and it makes setup ever-so-slightly more complex than normal. LG also ships the monitor with an external power supply. This too is not unusual for a high-end monitor, but the power supply is large and bulky (at roughly 8 x 4 x 1.5 inches), so beware if you have a tight spot below or beneath your desk for the power supply. On the plus side, keeping the power supply external helps LG deliver the monitor’s slim, sleek look. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S connectivity While the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is a 6K monitor, it’s also a Thunderbolt 5 monitor, and for some shoppers that could be just as important. The LG 32U990A-S has three video inputs. One is the Thunderbolt 5 port with DisplayPort and 96 watts of Power Delivery. That 96-watt figure makes the display capable of powering all MacBook Pro models, though only mid-range Windows laptops. The Thunderbolt 5 port is flanked by an HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 port. The monitor also has a Thunderbolt 5 downstream port with DisplayPort MST. Because of this, the monitor is capable of daisy-chaining connections to multiple downstream devices, including monitors and storage.This is useful because it turns a single Thunderbolt 5 connection into several Thunderbolt 5 connections. You can, for example, make a Thunderbolt 5 connection from your laptop to the LG 32U990A-S, then daisy-chain from the LG 32U990A-S to a second Thunderbolt monitor, and then continue the chain from that second monitor to external Thunderbolt storage (or another peripheral).However, the monitor’s connectivity is otherwise so-so. It has two downstream USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connections, but no downstream USB-A and no Ethernet. Matthew Smith / Foundry The Dell U3224KB is otherwise a better all-in-one hub for connectivity, as it has many USB downstream ports, Ethernet, and more power delivery (140 watts). But, in fairness to LG, the Dell is $1,000 more expensive, and sticks to Thunderbolt 4. The LG 32U990A-S also has a KVM switch and picture-by-picture features for managing multiple connections. That, however, is standard for this type of monitor. Finally, you should know that all the monitor’s ports face towards the rear. This is in contrast to most monitors, which usually have ports that face down. Rear-facing ports are more accessible for connecting and disconnecting ports, and I generally like them, but they also make wall mounting difficult. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S menus and features Unfortunately, the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is saddled with a bad menu system, and it left me frustrated. The on-screen menu system is controlled with a responsive joystick tucked behind the center bezel. So far, so good. However, the menus themselves are not adequate. While the monitor does provide some decent image quality presets, including DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB modes, it doesn’t provide fine-grain, precise control of color temperature and gamma settings. That’s a disappointment. Annoyingly, the menu system appears vertically on the right side of the display. It feels rather odd when using the controls, as they are centered. It’s a system that would make more sense with a remote control, but the 32U990A-S doesn’t have one. Matthew Smith / Foundry LG also provides software utilities. This includes LG Switch, which is used to control some monitor settings and to switch between displays, including LG webOS displays. It’s okay, but not as feature rich (in terms of image quality features) as similar software from BenQ, Dell, and Asus. Calibration can be handled in LG’s Calibration Studio software. The LG 32U990A-S does not ship with a hardware calibrator, though, so you have to provide your own. That in turn makes the usefulness of the software suspect. After all, colorimeters ship with their own software, and I really can’t think of a reason to use the LG Calibration Studio software instead of the software shipped with your colorimeter of choice. And to add insult to injury, the LG Calibration Studio software was finicky about detecting a connected PC, so I found it unreliable in practice. Competitors like Dell and BenQ justify their own calibration software with additional features including built-in colorimeter hardware and the ability to manage multiple monitors remotely, which is useful if you need to calibrate all monitors on your desk or in a studio. But the LG 32U990A-S doesn’t provide these features. The LG 32U990A-S includes a light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment. This is a good feature to have, however, it doesn’t work well here. I found the automatic brightness adjustment was often too dim, and I couldn’t find a feature to manually adjust how the automatic brightness functioned. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S audio A pair of speakers are bundled in the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S, though LG’s specifications don’t say anything specific about their capabilities. To me, they sound like a basic pair of speakers in the 2- to 3-watt range. Audio quality is passable for podcasts or ambient music played at low volume, but the speakers lack the bass and volume to provide real impact. External speakers or headphones are recommended. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S SDR image quality The LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is a 31.5-inch 6K monitor which, of course, means it provides superior sharpness. However, there’s more to the monitor than that. LG touts the display as a go-to choice for prosumers and creative professionals, and while the monitor’s menu system and software don’t live up to that, the monitor’s image quality certainly does. Matthew Smith / Foundry First up is brightness, and here the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S delivers a strong maximum SDR brightness result of 480 nits. Although this is not the brightest, it’s extremely bright, and it is also far more than what would ever normally be required for a computer monitor. Still, this is good news if you were planning to use the monitor in a bright environment. What’s less encouraging, though, is the monitor’s display finish. It’s a sort of semi-gloss coat that diffuses reflections, but the presence of reflections on the screen is still more noticeable than I’d like. It’s not on par with the matte finish of BenQ’s DesignVue monitors, or close to Apple’s Nano-Texture finish. Matthew Smith / Foundry Next we have contrast, where the LG 32U990A-S delivered a contrast ratio of 1500:1. That’s a bit lower than I had expected, given that the monitor has a Nano IPS Black panel. Still, it’s a mid-pack result and not bad for a modern IPS display. As with most LCD monitors, the LG 32U990A-S will show backlight glow when dark scenes are viewed in a dark environment. This is most noticeable when watching movies, streaming shows, or playing games. For that reason, people looking for a monitor that’s great for both work and play should consider an OLED alternative (though, unfortunately, no 6K OLED monitor is available to date). Matthew Smith / Foundry Now we come to color gamut, and this is where the LG 32U990A-S really comes through. The monitor delivered a color gamut that spans 96 percent of DCI-P3 and 100 percent of AdobeRGB, as well as 82 percent of Rec.2020. As the graph shows, these are excellent results even when compared to other prosumer and professional monitors, which already tend to deliver excellent color performance. Indeed, only a handful of monitors I’ve ever tested deliver a wide color gamut. This translates to a vivid, saturated image, and it also means you can work in wide color gamuts with confidence that you’re seeing a very wide swath of the colors that gamut is supposed to provide. Matthew Smith / Foundry In addition to a wide color gamut, the LG 32U990A-S has great color accuracy with an average color error of only 0.73. Importantly, no error was over a value of 2, so all of the colors tested were extremely accurate.While some other monitors are even more accurate, all the monitors in this comparison are leaders in color accuracy. It’s a tough crowd. In actual use, I found the LG 32U990A-S delivered color that appeared realistic. My only complaint about the LG’s color performance concerns its default color temperature, which I recorded at 7000K. That’s quite a bit off the preferred default target of 6500K, and it results in a color temperature that skews blue and sterile. The monitor does provide color temperature modes, but as mentioned earlier, these don’t claim to hit specific color temperature values in degrees Kelvin. You may need software calibration to dial it in. The monitor doesn’t have gamma settings that claim specific gamma values, either, but the monitor was able to provide a default gamma curve of 2.2, which was where I like to see it. Of course, sharpness is also a major strength of the LG 32U990A-S. The monitor’s 6144×3456 resolution, spread across a 31.5-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, translates to a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch. For comparison, a 27-inch 4K monitor has about 163 pixels per inch—so the 6K monitor’s leap in sharpness is quite significant. Whether the added sharpness is visible or significant will depend on your needs, however. Personally, I can tell a difference in sharpness from 4K to 6K, and I do like it—but I wouldn’t call it a must-have.However, the added resolution can have benefits besides sharpness. If you work with 4K video, for example, a 6K monitor makes it possible to view a 4K preview in your video editing software without entering a full-screen mode. Similarly, it helps photographers work with very high resolution photos with less use of zoom. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S HDR image quality The LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S supports HDR and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. Testing the monitor’s HDR performance quickly showed that certification is earned, as the monitor reached a maximum HDR brightness of 748 nits—a great result. Keep in mind, however, that this monitor lacks a way to effectively control dynamic contrast across the display panel. Bright objects in a scene tend to up the brightness of the whole scene, even if they occupy only a small portion of it. The lack of contrast is a major limitation and degrades HDR image quality. HDR can be bright, but won’t necessarily show all the luminance detail expected of an HDR display. As such, I wouldn’t recommend using the HDR for movies and games. I also wouldn’t recommend it if you primarily create content in HDR. If you only need to occasionally view HDR to get a general idea of how it looks, though, the LG 32U990A-S is acceptable. LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S motion performance Given its 6K display resolution, it shouldn’t come as a shock to hear the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S sticks to a 60Hz refresh rate. While a higher refresh rate might be nice, it would prove impractical in many situations. The IPS panel also provides modest quoted pixel response times of 5 milliseconds (the best IPS panels quote a millisecond or less). In short, the monitor’s motion performance is mediocre. Fast moving objects show a lot of ghosting and fast camera pans across scenes can make details in the scene hard to discern. Scrolling text is also difficult to read. None of this is a mark against the monitor, because it’s true of all 6K monitors at present. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re also considering 4K alternatives, as you can find 4K monitors with far better motion clarity. Is the LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S worth it? The LG Ultrafine Evo 32U990A-S is a competitive choice in the increasingly crowded arena of 6K monitors. It provides great color performance and color accuracy, as well as Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. The monitor makes some mistakes in usability, as it has a poorly implemented menu system, and LG’s software utilities are not on par with the competition. Still, if you want a 6K monitor with great image quality and plan to rely on Thunderbolt for connectivity, the 32U990A-S is a solid choice. 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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros High CPU and iGPU performance for a mini PC Good RAM and SSD expandability despite compact design Stable continuous performance thanks to good cooling system Modern connections including USB4 and dual 2.5G LAN Powerful AI acceleration for local AI workloads Cons At full load in 45-watt mode, the fan noise is clearly audible The built-in SSD limits the maximum possible transfer rates of the system Our Verdict The Alliwava GH8 is a good example of how much performance is possible today in the smallest of spaces. With the Ryzen 9 8945HS, it not only offers powerful CPU performance, but also added value for AI applications thanks to the improved NPU. It bridges the gap between a compact office computer and a powerful gaming station. In doing so, it leaves many competitors behind in terms of connectivity and cooling management. A real powerhouse for demanding users. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Alliwava GH8 Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8 cores / 16 threads, up to 5.2 GHz, Zen 4 architecture) GPU: AMD Radeon 780M (12 cores, up to 2.8 GHz) RAM: 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM (dual channel, expandable to 64 GB) Storage: 1 TB NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (second slot available, up to 4 TB total capacity) Connectivity: Dual 2.5G LAN (Realtek RTL8125BG), WiFi 6 (Intel AX200), Bluetooth 5.2 Ports: 1 × USB 4.0 (Type-C), 1 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × DisplayPort 2.1, multiple USB 3.2 ports Operating system: Windows 11 Pro pre-installed Cooling: MSC 2.0 system with vapour chamber and dual fans Dimensions: 13 × 12.7 × 5.2 cm (L × W × H) Weight: approx. 580 grams The Alliwava GH8 aims to provide powerful notebook hardware in a compact mini PC case. It uses the latest high-end AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor from AMD’s Hawk Point series, which is specially designed for performance-oriented, space-saving systems. Does the Alliwava GH8 prove itself in our test, compared to similar devices? In testing, the Alliwava GH8 proves to be a high-performance solution for users who need a lot of computing power in a minimal footprint. Alliwava GH8: Design The Alliwava GH8 dispenses with large plastic elements and instead features a metal case with integrated mesh grilles. This choice of material primarily serves passive heat dissipation and gives the device a technical, functional aesthetic. The build quality is impressive, with precise gap dimensions and mechanically resilient sockets. Christoph Hoffmann With compact dimensions of 13 × 12.7 × 5.2 centimeters (L × W × H) and a weight of around 580 grams, the GH8 is less bulky overall than, for example, the models from Geekom (A7 Max and A9 Max) and Miniforum’s AI X1 Pro. It should fit easily on any desk, in the living room or in the home office. Thanks to the included VESA mount, it can also be mounted on the back of a monitor to save space. A key focus of the GH8 is its cooling design. Compared to earlier models such as the H90 Pro, Alliwava has visibly revamped the design. It features an efficient cooling design with large heat dissipation and an optimized dual fan system. The side ventilation grilles support even air circulation, which is particularly relevant during prolonged CPU and GPU loads. In noise-reduced operating modes, the system remains pleasantly quiet at around 35dB. This makes it significantly quieter than older, less thermally efficient mini PC generations. Christoph Hoffmann Alliwave GH8: Features The processor is the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (Hawk Point), a further development of the 7940HS used in the Geekom A7 Max, for example. With 8 cores and 16 threads at up to 5.2 GHz, the system covers demanding multitasking and content creation scenarios. The integrated Ryzen AI NPU is optimized for local AI processes such as image filters, audio noise reduction and on-device language models. Graphically, the GH8 relies on the Radeon 780M (12 CUs), which enables Full HD gaming at moderate quality settings and is thus expected to outperform the Intel competition in terms of frame stability. Our benchmark results below show whether this is indeed the case. Christoph Hoffmann Three performance profiles between 25 and 45 watts can be selected via the UEFI BIOS. This allows users to choose between maximum performance and quiet operation. The processor is flanked by a whopping 32GB of DDR5 RAM (manufacturer: Micron) with a clock speed of 5,600 MT/s. One critical point is the installed 1 TB NVMe SSD: measurements of 3,572 MB/s (read) and 2,029 MB/s (write) confirm a PCIe 3.0 standard connection, which falls short of the system’s capabilities. On the positive side, however, is the second free M.2 slot, which allows memory expansion up to 4 TB. Christoph Hoffmann The variety of connections is impressive for a device of this size. The interfaces for direct access are located on the front, with the USB4 port in Type-C format being particularly noteworthy from a technical point of view. This operates with a bandwidth of up to 40 Gbit/s and supports PCIe tunnelling. This makes the port not only suitable for transferring large amounts of data, but also for video output or connecting external graphics cards (eGPU). The front is complemented by two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, which provide a data transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s. Christoph Hoffmann The rear of the case is designed for permanent cabling. Here, two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports are available, which are also specified at 10 Gbit/s. For devices with lower data throughput, such as keyboards, mice or printers, two additional USB 2.0 ports are available. Christoph Hoffmann This separation according to USB standards allows the processor’s fast data lines to be kept free for high-performance storage solutions, while the slower interfaces take care of the basic peripherals. In combination with the dedicated video outputs, this USB configuration allows multiple screens to be operated and integrated into complex working environments. Together with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, up to four screens can be controlled simultaneously with 4K resolution at 60 Hz. This makes the GH8 a good choice for professional multi-monitor setups. On the network side, the compact computer boasts two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports. This also makes it interesting for special applications such as soft routing or as a responsive media server in the home network. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 round off the modern connectivity package. Alliwava GH8: Operating System The Alliwava GH8 comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which is activated with a local user account. On our test device, the operating system was Windows 11 25H2 Build 26200. Therefore, you may need to update when necessary after setup. We downloaded and installed various drivers via Windows Update, as well as the AMD drivers for the Radeon graphics card and the chipset. Although we are not looking at Windows 11 Pro in isolation, the synergy between the operating system and the GH8’s hardware is a decisive factor. The architecture of the Ryzen 9 8945HS is tailor-made for the modern Windows environment, as the system accelerates the new AI functions natively and efficiently in many areas. Instead of burdening the CPU cores with background tasks such as Windows Studio effects (background blur or eye contact correction in video calls), the system delegates these processes directly to the NPU (Neural Processing Unit). This not only ensures a smoother user experience, but also conserves the thermal reserves of the mini PC. The seamless integration is also evident in the automatic allocation of AI workloads within Creative Cloud or local Copilot applications, underscoring the GH8’s role as a future-proof AI workstation. Alliwava GH8: Performance With the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, the Alliwava GH8 positions itself as a powerful representative of the current mini PC upper class. It delivers a balanced result in benchmarks in terms of computing power, graphics performance and memory throughput. The installed processor is based on the Zen 4 architecture (“Hawk Point”) and integrates the Radeon 780M graphics unit. This puts it in the same performance range as demanding compact workstations. Compared to the newer Zen 5 generation, as found in the Sapphire Edge AI 370, for example, the 8945HS built into the GH8 offers an already established platform that has been supplemented by an optimized NPU for AI calculations. In combination with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a PCIe 4.0 SSD, the result is a system that not only handles classic office and productivity tasks, but is also designed to be stable for computationally intensive applications such as multitasking scenarios and local AI workloads. The hardware configuration is designed to make efficient use of the thermal capacities of the compact chassis. We determined the desktop computing power using the PCMark 10 benchmark test. The software gives us realistic values by processing everyday tasks one after the other. Christoph Hoffmann The benchmark sub-sections Essentials (9,814 points) and Productivity (9,066 points) show that everyday tasks, office work or multitasking run practically without delay on the GH8. The Digital Content Creation score of 7,810 points is somewhat weaker, leaving the mini PC almost 3,000 points behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and even 4,000 points behind the Geekom IT15 with Intel Core Ultra 9. In 3DMark’s CPU profile, the GH8 underscores its versatility: with 6,284 points at maximum threads and 956 points in the single-thread test, it achieves scores on par with the mobile Ryzen 9 8945HS. However, this places it around 20 percent below the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in the market environment. Nevertheless, the multithread scaling shows that even demanding computing operations or parallel AI processes are handled stably. Christoph Hoffmann The Time Spy score of 2,573 points is dramatically lower than the 4,244 points achieved by the IT15 with Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. The CPU points (10,150), on the other hand, are in the upper performance segment, which pays off in simulations, renderings or AI tasks. The results in benchmarks such as Steel Nomad (375 points) and Solar Bay (9,826 points) confirm that the GH8 translates its theoretical nominal performance into measurable results in 3D and ray tracing scenarios. These values illustrate the potential of the Radeon 780M within the Zen 4 architecture. The system delivers stable performance, especially with modern graphics interfaces. The Geekbench AI Pro values (2,941 single precision / 6,831 quantised) indicate solid AI acceleration, which is particularly relevant for on-device AI applications, edge computing or local LLM inference. Here, the GH8 even outperforms the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Christoph Hoffmann Less convincing is the SSD performance in Crystal Disk Mark: with 3,572 MB/s read and 2,029 MB/s write, the data storage is comparatively slow. Competitor models achieve values of 6,000 to 7,000 MB/s in read performance and more than twice the write performance. The SSD in the GH8 slows down the system in some areas. Interestingly, however, it’s in a similar speed range to the Alliwava H980 Pro. Christoph Hoffmann Is the Alliwava G8G worth it? In testing, the Alliwava GH8 proves to be a high-performance solution for users who need a lot of computing power in a minimal footprint. The decision to use the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS pays off especially in multi-core scenarios and with modern AI workloads, where the integrated NPU shows its strengths. While the CPU performance is beyond reproach, the integrated Radeon 780M positions itself as a solid basis for casual gamers and content creators, even if it lags behind dedicated graphics solutions or AMD’s latest Zen 5 generation, as expected. A clear plus point is the revised cooling concept, which reliably dissipates waste heat even in 45-watt mode, although a clearly audible background noise is generated under full load. The USB4 and dual 2.5G LAN equipment is future-proof. Only the factory-installed SSD detracts from the overall picture with its below-average transfer rates. Those who are willing to take matters into their own hands—which is easily possible thanks to the excellent expandability—will find the GH8 to be a versatile powerhouse. It confidently bridges the gap between a compact office computer and a powerful workstation, leaving many competitors behind in terms of connectivity. Read...

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Windows recognizes two network types for networks without a domain server: private and public. On a private network, other users can see your computer, and you can enable file and printer sharing. If the computer is set to a public network, sharing is disabled, the computer is invisible on the network, and the firewall allows fewer exceptions. By setting the network type, you can enable more functions in a secure, private environment. Higher security requirements are taken into account for a Wi-Fi network in a public space (like on a train or at an airport). For each new network connection, Windows selects the network type “Public,” which you can change to “Private.” The system remembers this setting when you reconnect to this network. However, due to a bug, Windows sometimes changes the classifications of Wi-Fi networks that are already known to the system, automatically switching private networks to public ones and vice versa. This is dangerous because a Wi-Fi network on a train, for example, could be classified as private, making your computer visible to fellow passengers. Hackers could then monitor your data traffic or launch targeted attacks on your computer. There are various methods to counter this unintentional change of network profile. The most radical is to delete all saved Wi-Fi networks in Windows. To do this, open “Settings” and go to “Network and Internet” –› “Wi-Fi” –› “Manage Known Networks.” Click on “Do not Save” for each individual network to remove it. When your computer reconnects to a previously known network, it treats it as a new one and you can select the appropriate network profile. It’s also possible to change the network type of a Wi-Fi network from private to public or vice versa. You can do this in the registry database: type regedit in the search field of the start bar and click through to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\NetworkList\Profiles.” Here you’ll find a list of subfolders with names consisting of cryptic character combinations in curly brackets. Each folder represents a saved Wi-Fi network. Click on the folders one after the other to view the data stored in the keys. The Wi-Fi name is listed under “Description,” and next to “Category” you can see whether it’s a private or public network. If it says “0x00000000 (0),” it’s a public network. The value “0x00000001 (1)” indicates a private network. To change this value and the network type, double-click on “Category,” enter 0 or 1 as the new value, and confirm with “OK.” It also helps to reinstall the driver for the network adapter. In some cases, Windows uses an outdated driver that causes the problem. To update the driver, right-click on the Start button and then left-click on “Device Manager.” Now click on the small arrow in front of “Network Adapters” and then right-click on the adapter you’re using. Select “Uninstall Device” –› “Uninstall.” Once the process is complete, close all windows and let Windows restart. The driver should be reinstalled. If it doesn’t reinstall and you’re unable to find the Wi-Fi entry in “Settings,” open Device Manager again, select “Network Adapters,” and click on “Action” –› “Scan for Hardware Changes” at the top. Another helpful measure is to reset the stored network settings in Windows. Open “Settings” in the Windows Start menu and click on “Network and Internet” –› “Advanced Network Settings” –› “Reset Network” –› Reset Now.” Finally, check the startup type of the Wi-Fi service. Type services in the search window, click on the “Services” result, double-click on “Automatic Wi-Fi Configuration,” and make sure the startup type is set to “Automatic.” Read...