The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived.

The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived.

      HKC / Videocardz

      Initially, I thought it might be a mistake, but the Chinese display manufacturer HKC has truly announced the world's first 1,080Hz monitor, just days after Samsung introduced the Odyssey G6 with a 1,040Hz refresh rate. It's evident that monitor manufacturers are competing to achieve faster refresh rates, benefiting consumers like you and me in the process.

      The HKC ANTGAMER ANT275PQ MAX is not officially released yet, but the brand intends to unveil it at CES 2026. Nevertheless, HKC has disclosed several key features of the monitor, including its capability to refresh 1,080 times per second at 720p and up to 540 times per second at 2K (1440p) resolution (lower than the Odyssey G6's 600Hz).

      BenQ

      Is a 1,080Hz refresh rate suitable for everyone?

      For years, high-refresh-rate gaming monitors were limited to 240Hz or a maximum of 360Hz, making the 1,080Hz HKC gaming monitor sound extraordinary. While this advancement doesn't mean that everyone needs this technology right away, it certainly highlights how far display technology has progressed.

      Although there are few instances where users can fully utilize the maximum refresh rate, competitive esports players, particularly those engaged in first-person shooter games, can take advantage of this feature.

      More than anything else, I view today’s announcement of 1,080Hz as a stepping stone towards more affordable 480Hz or 600Hz monitors in the future, allowing a broader audience to experience the ultra-smooth motion and incredibly low latency they offer.

      Digital Trends / Digital Trends

      The HKC monitor boasts an LCD panel with low motion blur (characteristic of high-refresh-rate displays) and remarkably low input latency. Furthermore, the company has confirmed support for DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), which enables such impressive refresh rates.

      While HKC has kept other specifications undisclosed, I suspect the monitor may feature a 27-inch display (based on its model designation). Additionally, the company has not yet revealed the pricing or release schedule for the monitor. However, HKC appears eager to take the spotlight at CES 2026, where it plans to showcase three high-end gaming monitors.

      For over five years, Shikhar has continuously simplified advancements in consumer technology and presented them…

      8 great gifts for the audiophile in your life

      Here are 8 products that utilize DTS technology to deliver exceptional audio.

      When setting up a home theater system, it's easy to grab the largest, brightest screen and call it a day. However, an excellent audio setup is just as important, if not more so, than the screen. Therefore, it's crucial to select something that guarantees high quality. Poor sound quality can quickly become irritating if it fails to present movies or music at the level you or a loved one anticipates. Get it right, and you can feel as though you're in a cinema, even while at home—plus, you’ll have plenty of software options and hardware improvements for various devices.

      Read more

      Xbox brings cloud gaming fun to Amazon Fire TVs

      Xbox pushes gaming beyond consoles

      Xbox is introducing cloud gaming directly to Amazon Fire TVs, enabling users to play console-style games without needing an Xbox. Starting this week, the Xbox app is now available on select Fire TV smart TVs and streaming devices, allowing users to stream hundreds of games via the cloud with only a compatible controller and internet access. The Xbox app is being rolled out to newer Fire TV models, including the Fire TV 4-Series and Fire TV Omni QLED smart TVs, as well as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Amazon has indicated that support for additional Fire TV models is planned for the future.

      Sony’s Next Earbuds Just Popped Out Early Online

      New WF-1000XM6 leaks indicate colors and a near-future arrival for Sony’s flagship earbuds.

      Sony’s long-awaited WF-1000XM6 truly wireless earbuds have surfaced in new leaks that provide a clearer understanding of what’s next for the audio giant. Fans have been waiting since the WF-1000XM5 was launched over two years ago, and recent appearances in retailer listings and parts catalogs suggest that Sony’s flagship earbuds are closer to release than ever. The latest leak comes from The Walkman Blog, which discovered replacement part listings on Encompass Parts’ website, featuring components for the WF-1000XM6 in both black and silver. While parts listings don't always reflect final retail decisions, the consistency across various sources increases the likelihood that Sony will offer at least these two color options at launch. A shipping date of February 27, 2026, mentioned in the listing aligns with speculation that Sony might unveil the earbuds soon after significant early-year tech events like CES.

      Read more

The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived. The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived. The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived. The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived. The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived. The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived.

Other articles

A recent report discusses the potential for sponsored placements in ChatGPT responses, while OpenAI emphasizes the importance of trust and product quality.

OpenAI continues to investigate the idea of “ChatGPT ads,” despite earlier indications that it was reconsidering this approach in order to enhance response quality. According to The Information, the company is thinking about introducing sponsored content that could be prioritized for inclusion in ChatGPT answers.

This is significant for a straightforward reason: if paid placements appear alongside advice, it may influence your clicks and purchases. However, this does not guarantee that ads will definitely be implemented. Companies are perpetually testing features, and this is more about concepts and prototypes than an actual rollout.

In a statement to The Information, OpenAI acknowledged this direction, stating that it is “exploring what ads in our product could look like,” while reiterating its commitment to maintaining user trust.

Prototypes indicate ad placement

The report suggests one concept where the model would prioritize sponsored content to ensure it shows up in responses. Another design proposed would feature sponsored information displayed in a sidebar next to the main ChatGPT response area.

Sidebar placement is easier to interpret quickly since it resembles traditional advertising space. In contrast, incorporating sponsored suggestions directly into an answer is more complex, as the user interface may create the impression of a unified recommendation.

Shifts in the timeline

This situation seems to fluctuate between "not at this moment" and "still being considered." After ad-related terms appeared in the Android beta, a subsequent report indicated that OpenAI had stalled ad development as leadership concentrated on quality, influenced by ongoing advancements with Gemini.

The Information now reports new advertising concepts again, implying that the notion remains alive, albeit temporarily deprioritized.

What to look for next

If “ChatGPT ads” progress beyond the prototype stage, the first indication will be disclosure: clear sponsorship labels, uniform placement across platforms, and settings that clarify personalization. The second indication will be the location of paid content, whether it remains in a sidebar or begins to integrate into the main responses.

However, there is currently no set date for implementation. Until OpenAI shares specific product details, consider this as testing and pay attention to its reactions to Google’s Gemini initiative.

---

Paulo Vargas is a reporter and technical writer who previously studied English, with a career that has continually returned to…

---

Maximize your after-Christmas sales shopping with these essential tips

These shopping strategies will aid you during the Christmas sales.

Once the mince pies are stored away and the wrapping paper is being removed, consider the neglected gadgets, clothing, and snacks that went unwrapped this holiday season. The Christmas sales begin right after the main day and offer a chance to snag a variety of items at appealing discounts. 

While not as widely anticipated as Black Friday or Prime Day, the post-Christmas sales still present an excellent opportunity to find bargains, whether on a gift you desired but didn’t receive or on leftover stock of popular items from the year. Now is the perfect time to purchase that sought-after phone, discover an affordable GPU to enhance gaming in 2026, or finally get the best TV you’ve been waiting for.

---

I compared the image generation capabilities of ChatGPT with those of Nano Banana, and only one proved to produce usable stock photos.

This involves testing stock image creation with two distinct chatbots.

One of my personal hobbies is querying two different chatbots with the same question to see which one yields the best answer. Much like a professor evaluating students (which I occasionally do as a volunteer), I assess whether the bot creates hallucinations or provides intelligent, coherent responses that are genuinely useful. 

“Intelligence” and “coherence” aren’t the descriptors I would typically assign to the images generated by chatbots. Often referred to as AI slop, these bizarre creations — featuring aspects like blurred backgrounds, impeccably styled humans, and sometimes even extra thumbs — abound on social media and even appear as feature images in articles like this one.

---

LG introduces its new UltraGear evo monitors, emphasizing resolution and AI upscaling.

With a focus on AI-driven upscaling and addressing Mini-LED blooming, LG's UltraGear evo monitors suggest that the future of gaming displays is about refinement rather than excess.

LG has launched a new series of UltraGear evo gaming monitors that heavily focus on two main themes: enhanced resolutions and advanced AI upscaling. The lineup includes three models: a 39-inch 5K2K OLED gaming monitor, a 52-inch 5K2K 240Hz gaming monitor, and a 27-inch 5K mini-LED monitor. 

To start, the 39-inch GX9 (39GX950B), a curved OLED monitor, delivers "5K-class clarity without necessitating GPU upgrades," indicating the brand's commitment to AI upscaling. With real-time upscaling, AI Scene Optimization, and AI Sound, this monitor not only enhances visuals but also improves audio quality. A recent report discusses the potential for sponsored placements in ChatGPT responses, while OpenAI emphasizes the importance of trust and product quality. OpenAI continues to investigate the idea of “ChatGPT ads,” despite earlier indications that it was reconsidering this approach in order to enhance response quality. According to The Information, the company is thinking about introducing sponsored content that could be prioritized for inclusion in ChatGPT answers. This is significant for a straightforward reason: if paid placements appear alongside advice, it may influence your clicks and purchases. However, this does not guarantee that ads will definitely be implemented. Companies are perpetually testing features, and this is more about concepts and prototypes than an actual rollout. In a statement to The Information, OpenAI acknowledged this direction, stating that it is “exploring what ads in our product could look like,” while reiterating its commitment to maintaining user trust. Prototypes indicate ad placement The report suggests one concept where the model would prioritize sponsored content to ensure it shows up in responses. Another design proposed would feature sponsored information displayed in a sidebar next to the main ChatGPT response area. Sidebar placement is easier to interpret quickly since it resembles traditional advertising space. In contrast, incorporating sponsored suggestions directly into an answer is more complex, as the user interface may create the impression of a unified recommendation. Shifts in the timeline This situation seems to fluctuate between "not at this moment" and "still being considered." After ad-related terms appeared in the Android beta, a subsequent report indicated that OpenAI had stalled ad development as leadership concentrated on quality, influenced by ongoing advancements with Gemini. The Information now reports new advertising concepts again, implying that the notion remains alive, albeit temporarily deprioritized. What to look for next If “ChatGPT ads” progress beyond the prototype stage, the first indication will be disclosure: clear sponsorship labels, uniform placement across platforms, and settings that clarify personalization. The second indication will be the location of paid content, whether it remains in a sidebar or begins to integrate into the main responses. However, there is currently no set date for implementation. Until OpenAI shares specific product details, consider this as testing and pay attention to its reactions to Google’s Gemini initiative. --- Paulo Vargas is a reporter and technical writer who previously studied English, with a career that has continually returned to… --- Maximize your after-Christmas sales shopping with these essential tips These shopping strategies will aid you during the Christmas sales. Once the mince pies are stored away and the wrapping paper is being removed, consider the neglected gadgets, clothing, and snacks that went unwrapped this holiday season. The Christmas sales begin right after the main day and offer a chance to snag a variety of items at appealing discounts. While not as widely anticipated as Black Friday or Prime Day, the post-Christmas sales still present an excellent opportunity to find bargains, whether on a gift you desired but didn’t receive or on leftover stock of popular items from the year. Now is the perfect time to purchase that sought-after phone, discover an affordable GPU to enhance gaming in 2026, or finally get the best TV you’ve been waiting for. --- I compared the image generation capabilities of ChatGPT with those of Nano Banana, and only one proved to produce usable stock photos. This involves testing stock image creation with two distinct chatbots. One of my personal hobbies is querying two different chatbots with the same question to see which one yields the best answer. Much like a professor evaluating students (which I occasionally do as a volunteer), I assess whether the bot creates hallucinations or provides intelligent, coherent responses that are genuinely useful. “Intelligence” and “coherence” aren’t the descriptors I would typically assign to the images generated by chatbots. Often referred to as AI slop, these bizarre creations — featuring aspects like blurred backgrounds, impeccably styled humans, and sometimes even extra thumbs — abound on social media and even appear as feature images in articles like this one. --- LG introduces its new UltraGear evo monitors, emphasizing resolution and AI upscaling. With a focus on AI-driven upscaling and addressing Mini-LED blooming, LG's UltraGear evo monitors suggest that the future of gaming displays is about refinement rather than excess. LG has launched a new series of UltraGear evo gaming monitors that heavily focus on two main themes: enhanced resolutions and advanced AI upscaling. The lineup includes three models: a 39-inch 5K2K OLED gaming monitor, a 52-inch 5K2K 240Hz gaming monitor, and a 27-inch 5K mini-LED monitor. To start, the 39-inch GX9 (39GX950B), a curved OLED monitor, delivers "5K-class clarity without necessitating GPU upgrades," indicating the brand's commitment to AI upscaling. With real-time upscaling, AI Scene Optimization, and AI Sound, this monitor not only enhances visuals but also improves audio quality. A report on Reddit states that the flashlight lens of a Pixel 10 Pro has melted, resulting in a dark, crater-like mark around the LED. While this information is unverified, it is simple to inspect, document, and raise concerns if you notice any similar damage. Bose QuietComfort headphones are now available for $199, giving you a $160 discount on regular noise cancellation. Bose QuietComfort headphones are now available for $199, giving you a $160 discount on regular noise cancellation. If you've been anticipating a genuine discount on a trustworthy set of noise-canceling headphones, this offer is definitely worth considering. The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones are now priced at $199.00 (down from $359), giving you a savings of $160. This significant price drop shifts these headphones from being a "consider for the future" option to a "purchase immediately if you commute." The year 2026 might be significant for televisions, but I have concerns about the software. The year 2026 might be significant for televisions, but I have concerns about the software. Here are our forecasts for television in 2026, featuring RGB LED technology, 8K displays, and AI assistants. Samsung's latest Music Studio speakers provide clear sound while fitting seamlessly with your decor. Samsung's latest Music Studio speakers provide clear sound while fitting seamlessly with your decor. Samsung's latest Music Studio speakers offer clear sound along with a stylish, minimalist design. Welcome to Greatest Hits Week – five days, five episodes from our archive, spelling out F-I-I-R-E. Today’s second letter, I, represents Investing. This episode first aired in April 2022, but the framework we discuss remains among the most practical guides we've provided for accumulating wealth at any age.

Nick Maggiulli is with us to explain why many young investors fixate on the wrong metrics and to introduce his Save-Invest Continuum, which illustrates precisely when savings outperform investment returns and when that shifts.

_____
In his twenties, Nick Maggiulli spent a considerable amount of time fixating on his investment portfolio, adjusting his asset allocation, estimating net worth projections, and creating complex spreadsheets. At the same time, he was spending $100 every weekend partying in San Francisco. 

It took him years to recognize the absurdity of this behavior. His annual investment returns on his modest $1,000 portfolio might yield him $100, which is equivalent to what he would spend in one night out. 

Maggiulli joins us to clarify why young investors concentrate on the wrong aspects and provides his framework for determining when to focus on saving versus investing. He introduces the Save-Invest Continuum, which compares your projected annual savings to your anticipated investment returns. 

When starting out, your saving capacity greatly exceeds any investment gains. For instance, a $6,000 annual saving potential surpasses a $100 investment return every time.

We delve into the mathematics of saving 50 percent of future raises, not out of guilt or deprivation, but to achieve lifestyle balance while growing wealth. This guideline only applies to actual raises above inflation. If you receive a 3 percent raise concurrently with a 3 percent inflation rate, you have not truly made any progress.

The discussion shifts to unconventional income-generating assets. Aside from stocks and bonds, Maggiulli explores investing in farmland, which provides returns that are uncorrelated with standard markets. He recounts a story about someone who purchased the royalty rights to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ "Empire State of Mind" for $190,000. The song earned $32,733 in royalties the prior year, indicating an 11 percent return if that income remains stable.

We investigate why 85 to 90 percent of your portfolio should generate income via dividends, rent, interest, or business profits. Maggiulli keeps his speculative investments, including cryptocurrency, art, and individual stocks, to less than 10 percent of his net worth. He admits that his two selected individual stocks have declined by 60 to 70 percent, illustrating his point about steering clear of stock picking.

The episode underscores that time is your most valuable asset. Warren Buffett would likely be willing to trade his entire fortune—and even incur debt—to be 35 again. 

This viewpoint influences every financial decision, from selecting income strategies to choosing between assets that simply appreciate versus those that provide income while you sleep.

Resources: 
Afford Anything podcast episode #375

Timestamps: 
Note: Timestamps may vary across different listening devices due to dynamic advertising durations. The provided timestamps are approximate and may differ by a few minutes based on changing ad lengths. 
(0:00) Nick’s regret over focusing on investments while neglecting returns from partying 
(4:20) Explanation of the Save-Invest Continuum 
(7:00) When savings are more crucial than investment returns 
(11:20) Balancing both saving and investing in midlife 
(12:00) Crossover point: when investment returns surpass spending 
(13:00) The 2X Rule for guilt-free spending 
(14:20) Save 50 percent of future raises 
(19:30) Five strategies to increase income 
(21:20) Selling time versus selling skills 
(23:00) Teaching and product creation for income 
(25:00) Advancing the corporate ladder 
(26:00) Transforming human capital into financial capital 
(27:20) Income-generating vs. speculative assets 
(31:00) Allocation for individual stocks and cryptocurrency 
(34:40) Basics of farmland investing 
(36:20) Example of royalty investing 
(40:20) Art and non-income-generating assets 
(42:00) Strategies for inflation and debt

Thanks to our sponsors!

Boldin: Model your retirement scenarios, test every "what if," and confidently take control of your financial future. Start planning at go.boldin.com/afford. Welcome to Greatest Hits Week – five days, five episodes from our archive, spelling out F-I-I-R-E. Today’s second letter, I, represents Investing. This episode first aired in April 2022, but the framework we discuss remains among the most practical guides we've provided for accumulating wealth at any age. Nick Maggiulli is with us to explain why many young investors fixate on the wrong metrics and to introduce his Save-Invest Continuum, which illustrates precisely when savings outperform investment returns and when that shifts. _____ In his twenties, Nick Maggiulli spent a considerable amount of time fixating on his investment portfolio, adjusting his asset allocation, estimating net worth projections, and creating complex spreadsheets. At the same time, he was spending $100 every weekend partying in San Francisco. It took him years to recognize the absurdity of this behavior. His annual investment returns on his modest $1,000 portfolio might yield him $100, which is equivalent to what he would spend in one night out. Maggiulli joins us to clarify why young investors concentrate on the wrong aspects and provides his framework for determining when to focus on saving versus investing. He introduces the Save-Invest Continuum, which compares your projected annual savings to your anticipated investment returns. When starting out, your saving capacity greatly exceeds any investment gains. For instance, a $6,000 annual saving potential surpasses a $100 investment return every time. We delve into the mathematics of saving 50 percent of future raises, not out of guilt or deprivation, but to achieve lifestyle balance while growing wealth. This guideline only applies to actual raises above inflation. If you receive a 3 percent raise concurrently with a 3 percent inflation rate, you have not truly made any progress. The discussion shifts to unconventional income-generating assets. Aside from stocks and bonds, Maggiulli explores investing in farmland, which provides returns that are uncorrelated with standard markets. He recounts a story about someone who purchased the royalty rights to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ "Empire State of Mind" for $190,000. The song earned $32,733 in royalties the prior year, indicating an 11 percent return if that income remains stable. We investigate why 85 to 90 percent of your portfolio should generate income via dividends, rent, interest, or business profits. Maggiulli keeps his speculative investments, including cryptocurrency, art, and individual stocks, to less than 10 percent of his net worth. He admits that his two selected individual stocks have declined by 60 to 70 percent, illustrating his point about steering clear of stock picking. The episode underscores that time is your most valuable asset. Warren Buffett would likely be willing to trade his entire fortune—and even incur debt—to be 35 again. This viewpoint influences every financial decision, from selecting income strategies to choosing between assets that simply appreciate versus those that provide income while you sleep. Resources: Afford Anything podcast episode #375 Timestamps: Note: Timestamps may vary across different listening devices due to dynamic advertising durations. The provided timestamps are approximate and may differ by a few minutes based on changing ad lengths. (0:00) Nick’s regret over focusing on investments while neglecting returns from partying (4:20) Explanation of the Save-Invest Continuum (7:00) When savings are more crucial than investment returns (11:20) Balancing both saving and investing in midlife (12:00) Crossover point: when investment returns surpass spending (13:00) The 2X Rule for guilt-free spending (14:20) Save 50 percent of future raises (19:30) Five strategies to increase income (21:20) Selling time versus selling skills (23:00) Teaching and product creation for income (25:00) Advancing the corporate ladder (26:00) Transforming human capital into financial capital (27:20) Income-generating vs. speculative assets (31:00) Allocation for individual stocks and cryptocurrency (34:40) Basics of farmland investing (36:20) Example of royalty investing (40:20) Art and non-income-generating assets (42:00) Strategies for inflation and debt Thanks to our sponsors! Boldin: Model your retirement scenarios, test every "what if," and confidently take control of your financial future. Start planning at go.boldin.com/afford. According to a recent report, OpenAI is still considering the introduction of ads in ChatGPT, highlighting the potential for sponsored content to be featured prominently in responses. While this isn't a launch yet, it indicates that the concept is very much in consideration. A leak suggests that the battery life of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will improve, which may make your wait worthwhile. A leak suggests that the battery life of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will improve, which may make your wait worthwhile. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have recently passed through the FCC, indicating that a launch is imminent. A disclosed battery capacity of 57mAh per earbud, up from the previous 48mAh, suggests that improved battery life might be the key enhancement.

The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived.

The first gaming monitor in the world featuring a 1080Hz refresh rate has arrived.