Tag:

premium

Saylor’s Strategy Premium Not ‘Unreasonable’

by admin June 22, 2025

Blockstream CEO Adam Back says Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) stock premium is within reason, considering how quickly the firm doubles its Bitcoin per share, which reduces risk for investors.

“It turns out in the case of MicroStrategy it’s been 16 months, 18 months,” he told Bitcoin podcaster Stephan Livera at BTC Prague on Saturday, referring to the typical time it takes for Strategy to double its Bitcoin (BTC) per share, noting that the stock has traded at a 2x multiple “on and off.”

MSTR’s track record justifies its premium, says Back

“So you can see that that’s not an unreasonable premium,” he said. Back explained that if Strategy’s Bitcoin per share keeps growing at the same rate, after about a year and a half, investors “would be at an equivalent” of the market net asset value (mNAV) — meaning the stock price would align with the value of its underlying Bitcoin holdings.

“So, you’re derisked actually,” he said.

“It’s got a hard currency base at that level,” he added. MSTR’s net asset value premium is currently about 1.7x based on basic shares and around 1.9x when calculated on a diluted share basis, according to MSTR Tracker. Strategy uses leverage, using financial instruments such as at-the-market equity offerings (ATM) and convertible senior notes to increase its Bitcoin holdings.

Saylor Tracker data shows the firm holds 592,100 Bitcoin at the time of publication, worth approximately $60.89 billion.

MSTR is down 7.45% over the past month. Source: Google Finance

MSTR closed the trading day on Friday at $369.70, down 7.45% over the past 30 days, according to Google Finance data.

Back reiterated that when investing in Bitcoin treasury companies, it’s important for investors to consider whether the premium “is reasonable.” He added:

“One way to think about the premium is how many months does it take to overcome the premium.”

Back said that investors face a higher risk when the mNAV is elevated. “It can be a bit speculative when you get higher mNVAVs, but the treasury companies with high mNAVs also have a very high yield,” he said.

MNAV significant fluctuations are going to be “a nervous experience”

Back said that although Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has experienced more volatility with its mNAV, it has generally managed to recover each time so far.

Related: Nakamoto Holdings secures $51.5M to expand Bitcoin treasury strategy

“Metaplanet has fluctuated generally between 10 and 5 mNAV, then of course, if you hold it at 10, then it quickly drops to 5, that’s going to be a nervous experience,” he said.

“But so far, it’s tended to bounce back after that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Metaplanet’s latest 1,112 Bitcoin purchase on June 16 has tipped its total Bitcoin holdings to 10,000 BTC, surpassing Coinbase as the seventh-largest publicly traded company with a Bitcoin treasury.

Magazine: Arthur Hayes doesn’t care when his Bitcoin predictions are totally wrong

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June 22, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Samsung Odyssey 3D G9 gaming monitor review: Premium 4K gaming in 2D and glasses-free 3D

by admin June 16, 2025

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3D video is often touted as “the new thing,” but in fact, it has been around for many decades. Those of us old enough might remember those cardboard glasses at the theater with red and blue filters and the cheesy B-movies that went with them. After a long hiatus from the cinema, DLP projectors made it possible for shutter glasses to grace IMAX theaters today.

3D in consumer displays has followed a similar path, but the one constant has been those glasses. Though they take different forms, they all involve what is essentially a pair of goggles sitting on your head while you watch. Many would say this is why the format has never really caught on.

Glasses-free 3D is not new, but I haven’t seen any of the best gaming monitors in the genre until recently, when Samsung offered a test drive of its Odyssey 3D G9. It utilizes real-time eye tracking along with some slick software to create a 3D experience from dedicated content and conversion of 2D material as well. It’s also a premium gaming monitor featuring a 27-inch IPS panel, 4K resolution, 165 Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, HDR10, and a wide gamut color. Let’s take a look.

Samsung Odyssey 3D G9 Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Panel Type / Backlight

IPS / W-LED, edge array

Screen Size / Aspect Ratio

27 inches / 16:9

Max Resolution and Refresh Rate

3840×2160 @ 165 Hz

Row 3 – Cell 0

FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible

Row 4 – Cell 0

3D compatible w/conversion

Native Color Depth and Gamut

10-bit / DCI-P3

Response Time (GTG)

1ms

Brightness (mfr)

350 nits

Contrast (mfr)

1,000:1

Speakers

2x 5w

Video Inputs

1x DisplayPort 1.4

Row 11 – Cell 0

2x HDMI 2.1

Audio

3.5mm headphone output

USB 3.1

1x up, 1x down

Power Consumption

34.8w, brightness @ 200 nits

Panel Dimensions

WxHxD w/base

24.2 x 16.4-21.1 x 8 inches

(615 x 417-536 x 203mm)

Panel Thickness

1.8 inches (46mm)

Bezel Width

Top/Bottom: 0.7 inch (18mm)

Row 18 – Cell 0

Sides: 0.3 inch (8mm)

Weight

16.5 pounds (7.5kg)

Warranty

3 years

Today’s best Samsung 27″ Odyssey 3D G90XF 165Hz Gaming Monitor deals

The 3D G9 is first and foremost, a premium gaming monitor. Without its 3D technology, it still competes with the best 4K gaming monitors currently available, featuring 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, and a precise overdrive that delivers smooth motion resolution and quick responses. Accurate out-of-box color, wide gamut coverage, and high brightness ensure an excellent image that will satisfy gamers from casual to hardcore.

The 3D part adds a significant price premium. The 3D G9 currently retails for $1,800. And since you can find other gaming monitors with similar performance for less money, you have to know going in that you’re paying extra for that glasses-free 3D experience.

I first encountered this tech during my review of Acer’s SpatialLabs portable monitor about two years ago. Samsung uses the same technique of sensors that track the user’s eye and head movements to maintain a stereo image as you change your viewpoint. To this, the 3D G9 adds spatial audio that moves with the image, creating the illusion of surround sound. Not only does the 3D G9 play 3D-enabled games, but its companion app, Reality Hub, can convert 2D videos on the fly into 3D content.

When you’re not marveling at the 3D image or playing games, the 3D G9 is an extremely capable all-around display with wide gamut color that covers just under 90% of DCI-P3. Accuracy is spot-on without calibration, so you don’t need to do much to set it up. There’s plenty of brightness available for both SDR and HDR content, with 482 and 510 nits peak, respectively. A field dimming feature triples the contrast for both formats, up to around 2,600:1.

What do you need to make this magic happen? The hardware requirements for an optimal 3D experience are an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 1700X processor and a GeForce RTX 3080 or RTX 4080. You’ll also need 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. If you have an AMD GPU, only side-by-side 3D formats are supported. You can do this over DisplayPort or HDMI, and you’ll need a USB connection to enable the sensor package.

If you have the budget and the will, the 3D G9 delivers a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else, at least until I review the Acer SpatialLabs View 27, which will be very soon.

Assembly and Accessories

The 3D G9 comes in a slim box with its contents protected by crumbly foam. It resembles any other Odyssey monitor, wrapped in a plain brown box. Only the “3D” in the model name hints at what’s inside. The panel snaps onto a substantial stand with a wide upright and solid metal base. A small external power supply with right-angle plugs is included, along with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB cables.

Product 360

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Samsung)(Image credit: Samsung)(Image credit: Samsung)(Image credit: Samsung)(Image credit: Samsung)

The 3D G9 doesn’t look vastly different from other Samsung monitors, or other monitors for that matter. It integrates its cutting-edge technology neatly with a slightly wider-than-normal top bezel and a small bulge at the bottom. These parts house the eye and head tracking sensors, which maintain the 3D effect. It’s important to note that this only works for a single user sitting directly in front of the monitor. If you are more than 25 degrees off-center, the image won’t look right. Also, since you’re seeing two phased images per frame, each one is 1920×1080 pixels at 60 Hz.

The screen is covered in a very shiny front layer, which is optically sharp but picks up every stray reflection. You’ll want to be thoughtful when placing the 3D G9 by avoiding windows and overhead light sources. It’s best used in dim or indirect light. Across the bottom of the panel is a bright LED band that can display one of 48 colors, or a series of moving effects, or sync with what’s happening on screen.

The tracking sensors are cleverly hidden in the bezel and are barely visible. This element means you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the 3D G9 from a regular monitor. You can just see them in the third photo above.

From the sides and back, all you see is silver plastic and smooth surfaces with no visible texture or style lines. The back has a single vent across the top and a small logo offset to the left. The stand is unique in my experience with a wide upright featuring a small cable management hole. It includes full ergonomics with 3/15 degrees tilt and 4.7 inches of height plus a 90-degree portrait mode. There is no swivel adjustment. Movements are firm, almost too firm, but keep the 3D G9 in place without wobbling.

Input face rearwards and include two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and USB 3.1, one upstream and two down. You’ll need the former for 3D operation. There is no headphone jack, but the internal speakers produce clean sound with decent volume from their five-watt op-amps. Also on the input panel is the OSD joystick, which controls all monitor functions.

OSD Features

The 3D G9’s OSD resembles that of any Samsung gaming monitor, featuring a dashboard-style interface that displays status information at the top and a menu tree. There are five sub-menus with everything needed for calibration, gaming aids, and 3D operation.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Game menu has all video processing options and the sole 3D control, which is an input selector. You can bind either HDMI or DisplayPort to the 3D function with equal capability. There is no advantage to one over the other. 3D doesn’t work with Adaptive-Sync or HDR and tops out at FHD 60 Hz. The only gaming aid is a selection of aiming points. The Edge Lighting feature is here as well with 48 colors, six effects, and a sync option.

In the Picture menu, you’ll find 10 picture modes. Eco is the default and unlike most monitors, it does not limit brightness. And it’s blessed with perfect color, no calibration needed. You can tweak it if you want with fixed color temps, gamma presets and single-point white balance sliders. A gamut selector toggles between Native (full gamut) and Auto which switches between sRGB for SDR and P3 for HDR. Also here is local dimming, which is a bit misleading. The 3D G9 only employs field dimming to increase contrast but it’s available for SDR and HDR and gets you up to around 2,600:1. For HDR, you can turn on dynamic tone mapping which improves the look of HDR10’s static metadata.

The 3D G9 included Picture-in-Picture (PIP) to display two video sources simultaneously. The window can be sized and moved, you can play sound from either input, or change the aspect ratio.

Samsung Odyssey 3D G9 Calibration Settings

Calibrating the 3D G9 is unnecessary in its default Eco mode. If you want auto color gamut switching, change that option to Auto from Native, which shows the full gamut all the time, around 90% coverage of DCI-P3. If you do want to tweak, reduce gamma and green by one click each for a tiny drop in error values, but you won’t see a significant visual difference to the image. Those settings are below. The dimming can be used in SDR and HDR modes and works well when set on High to stretch contrast to 2,600:1. Though it’s called local dimming, it is in fact a field dimming feature.

For HDR content, you can adjust any image parameter, but that too is unnecessary. I recommend engaging the dynamic tone mapping, Active versus the default Static setting. My SDR settings are shown below.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Picture Mode

Eco

Brightness 200 nits

Brightness 120 nits

Brightness 100 nits

Brightness 80 nits

Brightness 50 nits

5 (min. 22 nits)

Contrast

Gamma

-1

Color Temp User

Red 0, Green -1, Blue 0

Gaming and Hands-on

Diving first into the 3D G9’s 3D operation, I downloaded and installed the Reality Hub app. You’ll need to specify which input, HDMI or DisplayPort, is used for 3D, and make a USB connection to get it working. Reality Hub is the central point for all 3D content and video conversion. You can register games and use it to apply AI processing to 2D video that’s playing full screen.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

In practice, the 3D effect is extremely deep. The third axis is as realistic as I’ve ever seen from any 3D display. There’s no sacrifice to going glasses-free. In fact, I found it deeper than what I’ve seen using DLP Link with a projector. Gaming is something that should be savored. You won’t want to play fast-paced shooters because they go by too quickly to enjoy the scenery. That’s just as well because the resolution is halved to FHD, and the refresh rate maxes at 60 Hz. But as I explored a virtual world, I took my time to enjoy the effect. The 3D G9’s eye tracking is precise and responds instantly to changes in viewpoint. I could move my eyes and head, and the 3D effect never wavered. I could only compare it to the Acer SpatialLabs 3D portable monitor I reviewed two years ago, and Samsung’s version is definitely superior.

Of the 3D G9’s tricks, my favorite is the video conversion. Once you’ve installed Reality Hub, it’s always running in the system tray and when you play a full screen video, a pop-up asks if you’d like to convert it to 3D. Answering yes makes the screen shift for a few seconds while the AI does its thing and then you’re presented with perfect 3D video. There’s no visible crosstalk and the effect stays solid if you move your head up to 25 degrees off-center. You also need to stay within 22-37 inches (55-95cm) for optimal viewing.

I played content from YouTube as well as Netflix, Discovery+ and Disney+. 3D doesn’t work with HDR, but all the SDR streams I played were rendered perfectly. The effect is almost mesmerizing and definitely addictive. Watching 3D without glasses removes the gimmick vibe it always had for me. If you’re a fan of desktop TV watching and you want 3D, the 3D G9 will be your jam.

For regular games like Doom Eternal, I enjoyed the 3D G9’s bright and colorful HDR rendering. Though it doesn’t have the contrast of a Mini LED or OLED screen, it does have higher peaks than most edge-lit monitors. Color and tone mapping were spot-on as well.

Gaming response is on par with the best 4K LCD panels I’ve reviewed. Input lag is low enough that I couldn’t perceive it, and motion processing is super smooth. You won’t get 4K frame rates much higher than the 3D G9’s 165fps unless you play on a 240 Hz OLED.

For everyday use, the 3D G9 excels with a sharply detailed image. 4K at 27 inches means the highest pixel density short of an 8K screen at 163ppi. It was perfect for Photoshop, Word and Excel, which all benefit from high resolution. The screen’s front layer was a little challenging to place being so shiny, but optically, it was a cut above the norm.

Takeaway: The 3D G9 is an extremely competent 4K gaming monitor with quick response and a colorful, sharp and bright image. It’s expensive, but you’re getting glasses-free 3D, which is superbly done and will upconvert any full-screen 2D video. The effect is incredibly lifelike and deep, and unlike anything else you’ve seen before. It’s a huge leap over the Acer SpatialLabs 3D portable I saw two years ago. If 3D is the future, the 3D G9 is ahead of its time.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

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June 16, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Here’re your PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games for June

by admin June 12, 2025

In case you hadn’t noticed, what with Switch 2’s launch and the annual Summer Geoffs causing all sorts of distractions, June is well and truly upon us. And Sony is marking the occasion – much as it does every month – with a fresh batch of additions to its PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogue, which this time include Control spin-off FBC: Firebreak, Battlefield 2042, and more.

Sony’s latest catalogue refresh takes place next Tuesday, 17th June, bringing a total of eight new games for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, alongside one further addition exclusive to the latter tier. You’ll find the full list of June’s titles below:

PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra:

FBC: Firebreak (PS5)
Battlefield 2042 (PS4, PS5)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 (PS5)
theHunter: Call of the Wild (PS4)
We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie (PS4, PS5)
Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes (PS4, PS5)
Train Sim World 5 (PS4, PS5)
Endless Dungeon (PS4, PS5)

PlayStation Plus Premium:

Deus Ex: The Conspiracy (PS4, PS5)

So there’re some decent arrivals, then, with highlights including Alan Wake developer Remedy Entertainment’s promising co-op Control spin-off FBC: Firebreak, and the ever-delightful We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie. RPG fans, meanwhile, might get a kick out of Suikoden spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes, and Amplitude’s tower defence roguelike Endless Dungeon is also a good old time.

As for those forking out for Sony’s top-tier membership, June’s retro addition comes in the form of Deus Ex: The Conspiracy – the PlayStation 2 adaptation of developer Ion Storm’s cyberpunk immersive sim classic Deux Ex, which first hit the console back in 2002.

And that’s your lot! All the above don’t arrive until next Tuesday, 17th June, meaning you’ve still got some time to focus on last month’s PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra additions before your attention is yanked elsewhere.

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June 12, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Marvel Snap Players Can Grab A Free Premium Card Right Now

by admin June 11, 2025

Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner is now the official publisher of the free-to-play card game, and to celebrate, the studio will be giving out a few freebies through its newly launched Web Shop.

The game was previously published by Nuverse, and Second Dinner says that the new digital storefront will give players more control over their purchases and offer bonus rewards not available in the iOS, Android, and PC in-game shops. To kick things off, players can log into the Web Shop and claim the following free items with the promo code WEBLAUNCH.

1 x Premium Mystery Variant
1 x Premium Mystery Border
3 x high-value one-time purchase bundles
Daily Free Claim Boost: 200 Credits per day

The freebies available here are pretty good, as these items normally cost quite a bit when using the in-game “Gold” currency. A Premium Mystery variant on its own costs 800 Gold, and that’s a sum that typically takes around a month to earn in the game if you don’t buy the monthly season pass. Also on the horizon is a weekly promotional event called Web Shop Wednesdays, and players will be able to claim a free Common Mystery Border for one of their cards. A $5 bundle will also be offered, and this includes a Common Mystery Border and 600 Gold.

Second Dinner has made several big changes to Marvel Snap since it first launched in 2022, with one of the biggest being a complete overhaul of how cards are acquired. Players can now earn Collector’s Tokens that can be used to purchase cards, and regular play makes it easy enough to unlock at least one of the older cards every week. The newer cards require more grinding, but earning them is still much easier compared to the older system that was in place.

Marvel Snap’s current season, Masters of the Arcane, also began earlier this month, and it focuses on several of Marvel’s mystical characters like Merlin, Morgan Le Fay, and Nicholas Scratch.

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June 11, 2025 0 comments

GameFi Guides

American Whales Back Bitcoin Rally: Coinbase Premium Surging

by admin June 11, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Data shows the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap has recently been going up, a sign that large US-based entities may be backing the price surge.

Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap Has Recently Been Green

As explained by an analyst in a CryptoQuant Quicktake post, the Coinbase Premium Gap has been following a gradual rise during the past few weeks. The “Coinbase Premium Gap” is an indicator that measures the difference between the Bitcoin price listed on Coinbase (USD pair) and that on Binance (USDT pair).

When the value of this metric is positive, it means the cryptocurrency is trading at a higher price on Coinbase than Binance. Such a trend implies the buying pressure is higher (or the selling pressure is lower) on the former as compared to the latter.

On the other hand, the indicator being negative suggests Coinbase may be facing a net higher selling pressure as the coin is going for a lower price on there than Binance.

Now, here is a chart that shows the trend in the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap over the last few months:

The value of the metric appears to have been heading up in recent days | Source: CryptoQuant

As displayed in the above graph, the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap was negative earlier, indicating that users on the platform were potentially applying more selling pressure than Binance traders. Alongside these red values, the asset’s price witnessed a decline.

Then, in mid-April, the indicator registered a reversal into the positive zone and interestingly, what accompanied this buying pressure on Coinbase was a rally in the cryptocurrency.

As such, it seems the price of the asset has recently been showing some correlation with the Coinbase Premium Gap. This isn’t a particularly new trend, as the pattern was in fact witnessed a lot throughout the last year.

Coinbase is the preferred platform of the US-based investors, particularly the large entities like institutional traders. Binance, on the other hand, hosts a global traffic. Thus, the metric can be looked at as a representation of how the behavior of the American whales differs from the rest of the sector.

Recently, the Coinbase Premium Gap has been trending up inside the positive zone, which may be a sign that the US-based large holders have been participating in accumulation.

The increase has only furthered as the price has recovered to levels near the all-time high (ATH). Considering the relevance that the American institutional investors have held for Bitcoin in the past year, this backing from them can naturally be a bullish sign for the rally’s sustainability.

That said, while there has been an extended period of buying on Coinbase lately, the premium can still be to monitor in the near future, as things can sometimes take a quick turn in the cryptocurrency sector.

BTC Price

Bitcoin has seen some pullback since its high above $110,500 as its price has returned to $108,900.

The trend in the BTC price during the past five days | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured image from Dall-E, CryptoQuant.com, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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June 11, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Roku adds more premium features to its own line of midrange TVs

by admin June 10, 2025

It’s been two years since Roku first introduced its in-house TVs to the market and the streaming-device-turned-TV-maker isn’t slowing down. For 2025, Roku refreshed its entire TV lineup and added more features to its midrange Roku Plus models that were previously reserved for its higher-end TVs.

The latest Roku Plus Series TV gets Smart Picture Max, a feature that automatically adjusts your TV’s picture settings on a scene-by-scene basis and was exclusive to the company’s Pro Series TVs. To make the Plus Series an even better deal, Roku added mini-LED backlighting for better picture quality, a remote finder button on the back of the TV and an integrated cable management system, which are all features also pulled from Roku’s Pro models. To round out the Plus Series, Roku added a built-in subwoofer and a new processor for faster navigation throughout the interface.

To ensure the Pro Series TVs still feel pro, Roku upgraded them with the next generation of its Smart Picture Max. The latest software improves motion clarity, corrects compression artifacts, and automatically selects the best picture mode based on what you’re watching. Roku is also claiming a 75 percent increase in dynamic contrast thanks to its re-engineered mini-LED backlighting for its most expensive models. Roku is introducing hands-free voice controls without a remote with the Pro Series TVs, but they also come with the updated and rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro that has backlit buttons and customizable shortcuts. The most affordable models, Roku’s Select Series, are mostly getting software upgrades that are available across the lineup, but now have size options going up to 85 inches. However, all of Roku’s refreshed TVs can support its Bluetooth Headphone Mode and Dolby Audio.

Roku’s expanded Select Series offerings are available in sizes ranging between 24 and 85 inches, starting at $130, while the Plus and Pro Series still only have the 55-, 65- and 75-inch options. The upgraded Roku TVs are out now at retail partners including Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Amazon.

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June 10, 2025 0 comments

Razer Basilisk Mobile on plinth with pink background

Product Reviews

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: a small gaming mouse with a premium feel and performance

by admin June 9, 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar

We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Razer Basilisk Mobile: Two-minute review

The Basilisk Mobile is a wireless gaming mouse in Razer’s line of ergonomically focused peripherals, but with a smaller form factor than usual. Its looks stay true to the brand’s current design language, with minimal gamer stylings, appearing more understated than its past peripherals. There’s a small and subtle logo at the back that allows the RGB lighting to shine through, which is quite inconspicuous compared to other examples.

It has a sleek form that is aided by the matte finish of its soft-touch material, which also makes it pleasant to hold, thanks to the slightly grainy texture it provides. There’s a more prominent texture on the sides, although this doesn’t provide as much traction as some of the best gaming mouse grips.

Although it’s quite short, the Basilisk Mobile is still reasonably wide and tall, especially at the rear, which makes it more of a satisfying handful than I was expecting. This somewhat calls into question its portability credentials, as in reality I didn’t find it any easier to transport than your typical gaming mouse. Still, its smaller profile may well be a boon for those with smaller hands.

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Price & availability

$89.99 / £89.99 / AU$169.95
Available now in black only
Cheaper than rivals

The Basilisk Mobile costs $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$169.95 and is available now in black only. It comes with a 2.4GHz USB dongle and a USB cable, but no spare skates.

This is cheaper than many other gaming mice with multiple wireless options. It’s close to the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which is a full-size mouse that’s more basic and focused on gaming performance rather than features, but in the former department, it excels.

If you’re looking for a considerably more budget offering, though, the Cooler Master MM311 is just about the best wireless gaming mouse in this category. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery or Bluetooth, but in all other regards it’s an incredible pointer for the money.

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Interface

Wired (USB-C-to-A), wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Ergonomics

Right-handed asymmetrical

Buttons

DPI

Up to 18,000

Switches

Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3

Weight

2.68 oz (76g)

Should I buy the Razer Basilisk Mobile?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Basilisk Mobile is cheaper than quite a few rivals with similar specs, making it good value in comparison.

4 / 5

Design

The Basilisk Mobile is built to Razer’s typically high standards, and the soft-touch finish is great in the hand – but I’m not sure it’s any more portable than a standard gaming mouse.

4 / 5

Performance

The Basilisk Mobile glides as smooth as silk, and all the buttons are responsive and very satisfying. Some performance-enhancing features are missing, though.

4 / 5

Overall

The Basilisk Mobile is a good value gaming mouse compared to its rivals, and its terrific build quality and enjoyable performance make it a great choice for any gamer, whether you’re on the go or not.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Razer Basilisk Mobile review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Razer Basilisk Mobile

Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed

Cooler Master MM311

Price

$89.99 / £89.99 / AU$169.95

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95

$39 (about £31 / AU$59)

Interface

Wired (USB-C-to-A), wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Wireless (2.4GHz), wired (USB-C-to-A)

Ergonomics

Right-handed asymmetrical

Right-handed symmetrical

Buttons

DPI

18,000

26,000

10,000

Switches

Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3

Mechanical switches

Weight

2.68 oz (76g)

1.9oz (55g)

2.7oz (77g)

How I tested the Razer Basilisk Mobile

Tested for several days
Used for gaming and working
Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Basilisk Mobile for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played games such as Counter-Strike 2, which provides the ideal environment for putting peripherals through their paces, as it reveals just how fast and accurate they truly are in battle.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I’ve gained experience of using a great number of mice. I’ve also reviewed many across a broad spectrum of brands, form factors, features, and price points.

Razer Basilisk Mobile: Price Comparison

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June 9, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Bitcoin Demand In US Grows: Coinbase Premium Index Back In Positive Zone Amid BTC’s Rally

by admin May 29, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Even with Bitcoin’s price experiencing waning performance or growing bearish pressure, bullish sentiment continues to increase strongly in the broader crypto market. Following the recent rally to a new all-time high, there has been a notable improvement in the BTC’s Coinbase Premium Index.

Positive Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Index

Bitcoin’s price may have experienced a slight pullback, but several key aspects still indicate a potential continuation of its recent upward trend. As the flagship digital asset gears up for an extended rally, Alphractal, an on-chain data analytics platform, mentions that a key market indicator is flashing signs of renewed investors’ interest.

In its post on X, the platform announced that Bitcoin’s Coinbase Premium Index has returned to positive territory after rallying to a new all-time high. This bullish shift has ignited newfound optimism in the market, generating more interest in the crypto giant.

Specifically, the Coinbase Premium Index is a crucial market indicator that calculates the difference in Bitcoin’s price on the Coinbase exchange and other international crypto exchanges. The index’s move into positive territory implies that many traders in the United States are once again paying more to purchase BTC. “During Bitcoin’s latest rally, the Coinbase Premium Index turned positive again, signaling significant buying pressure from the U.S. market,” the platform stated.

Coinbase premium resuming its bullish course | Source: Alphractal on X

Alphractal noted that when the metric is positive, as it is now, it indicates that BTC is trading at a premium on the Coinbase exchange, which represents stronger demand from US-based markets. Such a pattern is frequently linked to institutional accumulation and an increase in local demand. According to the on-chain expert, the shift is a signal worth paying close attention to in the recent market trends.

Presently, the development provides Bitcoin’s ongoing upward trend an additional boost and may support the current bullish market sentiment. With the growing adoption and interest in BTC from US investors, the flagship asset could be poised for another major rally as seen in past scenarios, suggesting that the bull market is not yet over.

A Resurgence Of BTC’s Whale Investors

Heightened interest has gained steam among major BTC investors. While prices have briefly declined, the number of whale wallet addresses holding 1,000 BTC or more has started to climb once again, a trend that signals renewed conviction in the asset.

A recent report from Glassnode shows that these large investors have begun increasing after dropping in late April. From late April till now, this cohort rose to 1,455 even as BTC’s price surged to a new all-time high days ago.

This increase amidst the current consolidation phase raises the possibility that long-term investors and institutional players are capitalizing on recent price swings and preparing for a future change in the market. Since growing whale accumulation has historically led to major moves, this development could be a bullish indication of a sustained uptrend.

BTC trading at $109,065 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com

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May 29, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Get one year of Premium for only $25

by admin May 27, 2025

A full year of Peacock Premium is on sale right now for $25 as part of a Memorial Day promotion. This is $55 off the typical price of $80. Just enter SPRINGSAVINGS at checkout. The promotion is live until May 30. This is the ad-supported version.

Peacock is a decent platform and made our list of the best streaming services. It doesn’t get the attention of Netflix or Disney+, but it’s home to several nifty original shows. There’s the AI-adjacent tomfoolery of Mrs. Davis and the Rian Johnson-made whodunnit Poker Face. It also airs several video game adaptations, like Knuckles and the surprisingly-decent Twisted Metal.

NBC Peacock

This is a discount of $55, but remember to enter the code at checkout.

Save $55 with code

SPRINGSAVINGS$25 at Peacock

The big draw here, however, is likely the long-awaited spinoff of The Office, which is called The Paper. That one premieres in September and is a Peacock exclusive. The platform also signed an 11-year agreement with the NBA and that goes into effect this fall. The mobile app could be getting minigames and short-form vertical videos (like TikTok) in the near future.

There’s one caveat. This subscription will automatically renew for $80 after the year runs out. Stay on top of scheduling if you want to cancel before then.

Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

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May 27, 2025 0 comments

Thrustmaster T128 on desk with pink background

Product Reviews

Thrustmaster T128 review: a very capable wheel for the price, but don’t expect a premium design

by admin May 26, 2025

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Thrustmaster T128: One-minute review

The Thrustmaster T128 is a budget racing wheel designed for those after a beginner-friendly experience. Its looks are fairly underwhelming, with its outdated gamer stylings failing to make a great impression. The wheel itself is quite small and has a thin rim, which will suit some hands more than others.

In terms of premium design, the T128 falls short of what some rivals have to offer. While it’s certainly not flimsy, it’s hardly a premium feeling unit, with cost-saving materials employed all over.

It is at least quite light and small, which helps make installation and setup easier compared to some of the best racing wheels. I also found the clamping mechanism much better than those used on other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Price and availability

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)
Available now
Cheaper than many rivals

The T128 costs $‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312) and is available now. A PlayStation compatible edition is also available. This makes the T128 one of the cheapest in Thrustmaster’s line-up, and one of the best Xbox racing wheels for those on a budget. I was more impressed with it than the T300RS, for instance, which is considerably more expensive yet underperforms by comparison, although its design is more premium.

If you’re looking for another great value racing wheel, the Logitech G920 is another very capable option. It’s still considerably more expensive than the T128, but the build quality is far superior, and the performance is excellent in all aspects.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

Peak torque

2Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Connection type

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Software

Thrustmaster Control Panel

Thrustmaster T128 review: Design and features

Cheap but functional
Light and easy to install
Software tool more advanced than it looks

The T128 doesn’t make a great first impression. Its material feels cheap, and the styling is quite outdated, with a few touches that pander to the gaming crowd, harking back to a bygone era.

The wheel itself is small and the rim quite thin, which would make it ideal for younger players and those with smaller hands. As a whole, the unit is also very light, which makes it easy to install and move around, and yet it feels surprisingly sturdy at the same time.

It’s a similar story with the T2PM pedal set, which is also very light and small, meaning the layout might be a little too cramped for some. However, it managed to stay planted on the carpeted surface I used it on, and appears more durable than you might expect.

One gripe I have with the pedal set, though, is its length. It’s too short, which meant I couldn’t trail it behind my desk; instead, I had to let it dangle right beside me, which isn’t ideal.

Another drawback of the T128’s design is the poor port placement. When the wheel base is clamped to a desk, the ports are inaccessible, which means you have to attach the various cables prior to installation, making the process a little more awkward. It also means you have to unclamp the wheel any time you want to unplug or reconnect them.

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, the clamping system is easy to use, and much better than those of other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried. The screw has a plastic handle, which is easy to turn and lock into place, as well as being readily accessible.

There’s a pleasing selection of buttons on the T128 and they’re almost as tactile as what you’d find on the best Xbox controllers. You get a close to full Xbox layout with a few extra inputs thrown in, such as two handbrake buttons and an RSB and LSB buttons, which are compatible with certain games only.

The T128 also features paddle shifters, which are better than I was expecting. They curve slightly to help secure your fingers, and their positioning is ideal, if placed a little too far inwards, which can make them a stretch to reach at times.

Setting up the T128 is a simple process, especially for Xbox users, who only have to plug it into their console. However, as with other Thrustmaster wheels, be sure to keep well out of the way as soon as you power the T128 on, as it immediately fires up its self-calibration feature. Thankfully, this isn’t as violent as with other Thrustmaster wheels, but still worth noting all the same.

To update the firmware, you’ll need to download the PC tool for this purpose. There’s also a tweaking tool, known as the Thrustmaster Control Panel, which looks rather rudimentary and lacks refinement, but is deceptively capable.

It functions well and provides a pleasing amount of tweaks, including multiple parameters for the force feedback. Again, this is all very welcome on a budget racing wheel such as the T128.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Performance

Fun and accurate steering
Plenty of force feedback settings
Brake pedal’s a little too light

The T128 acquits itself very well when racing. Steering is accurate and responsive, with plenty of feel and capable of offering smooth and rapid movements in equal measure.

As with other Thrustmaster wheels, the force feedback is very strong – too much so on its maximum setting, although perhaps still less than on other models. But once adjusted appropriately, the T128 provides surprisingly nuanced immersion, although there’s a buzzing sensation that’s a little overbearing at times.

The paddle shifters are solid and snappy, with just enough dampening to make them satisfying to flick. They also provide sufficient feedback, and I was surprised at just how capable they were on this budget wheel.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the T2PM pedal set. I found them quite fun and easy to use, owing to their light actuation. The cramped layout didn’t cause an issue for me either, despite having grievances with similarly tight designs on other pedal sets.

(Image credit: Future)

However, the brake pedal is lacking in feedback somewhat, which can make it hard to judge how much pressure to exert. But overall, both the throttle and the brake provide enough control for modulated inputs.

The T128 also features a gear change indicator in the form of multicolored LEDs, known as the 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs, although I found this quite imprecise in practice. For instance, when playing Forza Motorsport, their progress wasn’t all that smooth, and seemed to reach their peak before the in-game indicator did. Still, it’s a welcome feature to have for a basic visual cue, especially if you like to play with a camera angle that omits the steering wheel from view.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T128?

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Thrustmaster T128 review: also consider

If you’re on the hunt for other budget racing wheels, here are some alternatives to the Thrustmaster T128:

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Thrustmaster T128

Logitech G920

Thrustmaster T248

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312)

$299.99 / £349.99 / AU$549.95

$399.99 / £299.99 / AU$599.99

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

12lbs / 5.4kg

6lbs / 2.7kg

Peak torque

2Nm

2.3Nm

3.5Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Stainless steel paddle shifters, three-pedal base

Hybrid FF system, 2 dual-position encoders, three-pedal base

Connection type

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

How I tested the Thrustmaster T128

Tested for a day
Played racing sims
Experience reviewing racing wheels

I tested the T128 for a day, clamping it to a desk. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with certain racing stands, such as the GT Omega Apex that I have, as there’s no way to affix the wheel with screws or bolts.

It should also be noted that the wheel isn’t compatible with cloud gaming or other streamed games; it only works with games downloaded onto your console or drive.

I played Forza Motorsport on an Xbox Series S, which is a competent racing sim on the console that provides a sterling test for racing wheels. I set the in-game steering setting to simulation mode and turned all driving assists off.

I’ve been gaming for decades and racing sims are one of my favorite games to play. I have experienced a number of different racing wheels and reviewed various models as well, including others made by Thrustmaster.

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May 26, 2025 0 comments