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Razer Blade 16 Review: Powerful Specs; First Alert Launches Google Home-Compatible Smoke Alarm

1020 words · 5 mins read

Key Takeaways

  • Razer Blade 16 features AMD Strix CPU, Nvidia Blackwell 5000 GPU, and 240Hz OLED display.
  • First Alert launched a Google Home-compatible smart smoke alarm for $129.99.
  • Kidde launched a Ring-compatible smart smoke alarm starting at $54.97 at Home Depot.
  • Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS ships May 25, starting at $549.99.
  • Firefox and Chrome patched actively exploited security vulnerabilities that allowed code execution.

Gadget Mania

Razer Blade 16 review: RTX 5090, AI-centric, thinner design.

On March 28, 2025, reviews of the Razer Blade 16 highlighted its powerful components, including an AMD Strix Point CPU and Nvidia Blackwell 5000 series GPU, making it AI-centric. The laptop features a 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate, six speakers, and a smart AMP, though the speakers lack volume. Battery life lasted 3 hours and 36 minutes in the PCMark 10 Modern Office test and 1 hour and 24 minutes in the gaming test.

First Alert launches Google Home-compatible smart smoke alarm.

On March 28, 2025, First Alert launched a new smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compatible with Google Home, priced at $129.99, following Google's discontinuation of its Nest Protect alarm. Google Nest has stopped selling its smoke detectors and is now collaborating with First Alert.

Kidde launches Ring-compatible smart smoke alarm at CES.

On March 28, 2025, Kidde launched a smart smoke alarm compatible with Ring at CES. The Kidde Smart Smoke Alarm with Ring ($54.97) and the Kidde Smart Smoke and CO Alarm with Ring ($74.97) are hardwired alarms with battery backup, launching this April at The Home Depot and connecting exclusively to the Ring app via Wi-Fi.

CNET publishes guides: phones, TVs, routers, Switch 2, speakers.

On 2025-03-28, CNET published a guide for buying a new phone, along with deals and recommendations for various tech products. CNET also published articles on the best budget TVs for 2025, Wi-Fi routers for kids, the unknown aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2, and the best Bluetooth speakers for 2025.

Engadget recommends TP-Link, Netgear Wi-Fi extenders.

On 2025-03-28, Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor at Engadget, published an article recommending Wi-Fi extenders. The TP-Link AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender (RE705X) is considered the best overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender (RE315) is the best budget option, and the Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX80) is the best premium Wi-Fi extender.

Gaming Zone

Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS ships May 25.

On March 28, 2025, it was reported that the Lenovo Legion Go S handhelds with SteamOS will ship on May 25, 2025, according to a new Best Buy listing, starting at $549.99. The higher-end model with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 32GB of RAM will cost $749.99.

Android Auto 14.1 to include parked-only games.

On 2025-03-28, it was announced that Android Auto 14.1 will include select games playable only when parked, such as Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing.

Nintendo announces Zelda movie date via News App.

Cyber Watch

Firefox, Chrome patch actively exploited security vulnerabilities.

On 2025-03-28, Mozilla released updates for Firefox (versions 136.0.4, Firefox ESR 115.21.1, and Firefox ESR 128.8.1) to address a critical security vulnerability on Windows that allows malicious actors to escape the sandbox and execute harmful code. Google released a security update for Chrome on 2025-03-27 to patch a vulnerability in the Mojo component that was being actively exploited, allowing attackers to escape the sandbox and execute malicious code; Kaspersky discovered the attacks.

AI Breakthroughs

Apple considers integrating camera data into Siri's AI.

On March 28, 2025, it was reported that Apple is considering integrating camera data into Siri's AI to enhance its functionality, suggesting a shift towards visual information processing.

CoreWeave IPO opens at $39, below expectations.

On 2025-03-28, AI infrastructure company CoreWeave had its IPO, opening at $39, below the expected $47-$55 range, despite a $250 million investment from Nvidia. Concerns exist regarding its financial performance, Microsoft's reduced AI infrastructure spending, and declining GPU prices.

Mobile World

Google introduces user choice billing in the UK.

Google announced on Friday, March 28, 2025, that starting March 29, 2025, it will introduce user choice billing in the UK, allowing Android developers to offer alternative billing systems for in-app purchases.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G launched with trade-in savings.

On 2025-03-28, Samsung launched the Galaxy A36 5G, offering up to $150 savings with a trade-in, bringing the price down to $249 from $399, and up to 60% off on Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy BudsFE, or Galaxy Watch FE. The Galaxy A36 5G features a 5,000mAh battery and supports 45W charging but lacks wireless charging.

Apple has no plans to resurrect the iPhone Mini.

Software Central

Microsoft tests Quick Machine Recovery for Windows 11.

Microsoft is testing Quick Machine Recovery, a feature designed to prevent widespread outages, rolling out in the latest Windows Insider Preview build (6120.3653) as reported on March 28, 2025. This feature allows IT professionals to remotely recover Windows 11 devices that won't boot, prompting devices to enter the Windows Recovery Environment and enabling network access for remote fixes via Windows Update; it's enabled by default for home users.

Microsoft launches public Windows roadmap.

On 2025-03-28, Microsoft launched a public Windows roadmap to provide transparency on the development status of new Windows 11 features for IT professionals, developers, and interested parties.

Microsoft is testing an AI Chatbot for Xbox.

Microsoft removes bypass script for Windows 11 setup.

Microsoft is removing the bypass script (bypassnro.cmd) from the Windows 11 Insider Preview build, which allowed users to skip the internet connection and Microsoft account requirement during initial setup, according to a report on March 28, 2025. Microsoft cites security and user experience as the reasons for this change.

YouTube tests turning off notifications for unwatched channels.

On March 28, 2025, it was reported that YouTube is testing turning off push notifications for channels that users don’t watch frequently.

Instagram rolls out double-speed Reels playback.

On 2025-03-28, Instagram rolled out a feature allowing users to watch Reels at double speed by long-pressing the screen's edge, and this feature is now available to all users.

Deals & Savings

Amazon Spring Sale: Deals on Anker, Sonos, Beats, Sony, Bose.

On 2025-03-28, Engadget reported that the Amazon Spring Sale is ongoing, focusing on tech deals and running through March 31. Some deals include: Anker 321 MagGo Battery Pack for $20, Sonos Ray for $179, Beats Studio Pro for $180, Beats Fit Pro for $169, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $318, Bose QuietComfort headphones for $249, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $349.

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