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Discord customer service system breached by "unauthorised party", gaining access to "a small number of government-ID images"
Game Reviews

Discord customer service system breached by “unauthorised party”, gaining access to “a small number of government-ID images”

by admin


A third-party customer service system used by Discord’s support teams has been hacked, compromising some user personal data, including government IDs.

Discord has written to some users confirming that on 20th September, personal data was obtained by “an unauthorised party” which gained limited access, including “a small number of government‑ID images such as driver’s license and passports from users who had appealed an age determination”.

Discord – which is used by millions of gamers across the world – says information shared by users with its Customer Support or Trust and Safety teams was “exposed”, including real names, Discord name, email, contact address, limited payment information – including payment type, last four digits of credit cards, and purchase history – IP addresses, and messages and attachments sent to customer support. Limited corporate data, including training materials and internal presentations, was also exposed.

Full credit card numbers or CCV codes, Discord activity or messages, and passwords or authentication data were reportedly not compromised, but Discord has not revealed how many of its millions of users may have been impacted.

In a blog post, Discord insisted that just “a limited number of users who had communicated with customer support” were impacted, and the authorised party did not gain access to Discord directly. It also claimed to have taken “all appropriate steps” by notifying data protection authorities, law enforcement, and “reviewed our threat detection systems and security controls for third-party support providers”.

“Looking ahead, we recommend impacted users stay alert when receiving messages or other communication that may seem suspicious. We have service agents on hand to answer questions and provide additional support,” Discord said. “We take our responsibility to protect your personal data seriously and understand the inconvenience and concern this may cause.”

An earlier edition of this story referred to the breach as “authorised”, not “unauthorised”. This has been amended. Apologies for any confusion.



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Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault isn't closing up shop, but it has received a small delay out of a busy October
Game Updates

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault isn’t closing up shop, but it has received a small delay out of a busy October

by admin



There just doesn’t seem to be a good time to release a game right now, does there? We all saw the way that Hollow Knight: Silksong scared away plenty of games, even games with completely different genres. And sometimes it’s just a case of a particular month being stacked – just this month alone there’s Ghost of Yotei, Battlefield 6, Pokemon Legends Z-A, Ninja Gaiden 4, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Dispatch, Arc Raiders, the list truly goes on. So, I really can’t blame developer Digital Sun, who’ve announced that Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has been delayed.


The developer shared word of said delay in a Steam news post earlier today, as the game was originally slated for release October 23rd, later this month. But, as they note, “the month has filled up with so many other great releases that we feel it has become too crowded for us. And as every wise shopkeeper knows, even the most precious gem can be overlooked in an overstuffed showcase.” So now, you can expect the game to launch on November 19th, a little more than a month later.


As a little bonus to make up for the delay, Digital Sun will also be running some closed playtests to let you try the game out, in particular to get a feel for some of the changes made based on community feedback. More details on that are coming soon, apparently.


Moonlighter 2 looks like it’s picking up where the original game left things off, gameplay wise at least, having now been transported to the realm of 3D. Based on an interview between the devs and TheGamer earlier this year, you can also expect it to fully lean into being a roguelike, which admittedly is a bit of an oversaturated genre right now. Fingers crossed the still fun concept of having to plunge into dungeons to stock your own shop is strong enough to find success this time around too!



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Small but perfectly formed, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine
Product Reviews

Small but perfectly formed, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine

by admin



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.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: two-minute review

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine that looks great and performs extremely well, despite its modest price tag.

It has a similar appearance to its predecessor, the De’Longhi Dedica Style, but with some key improvements – including a wider drip tray that can accommodate two espresso cups. The steam wand has been upgraded with a cool-touch handle and a knurled control dial for better grip, and the machine is available in a choice of four colors (including three gelato-inspired pastel shades).

The Dedica Duo’s accessories, such as the color-coordinated portafilter handle, feel robust. It comes with two pressurized portafilter baskets, a coffee scoop, a pin tool, a descaler pack, a tamper, and a stainless-steel milk pitcher. The water tank is easily accessible at the back, with a hinged lid to keep water fresh, and it can be fitted with an optional water filter.

(Image credit: Future)

The machine is operated by illustrated buttons on top for single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Colored lights on these buttons indicate the machine’s status, requiring reference to the manual for full understanding.

  • De’Longhi Dedica Duo at Amazon for $249.95

Although it takes a little while to heat up, the Dedica Duo delivers a good shot with a fine grind consistently. There is some minor dripping after the pump finishes due to the absence of a three-way solenoid valve.

The Dedica Duo’s cold-extraction mode, while slower than preparing hot espresso, is much faster than traditional overnight cold-brewing and produces a full, mellow flavor. This cold brew is versatile, suitable for drinking straight, with milk and ice, or in blended drinks and cocktails.

My only real complaint is that the system of lights to indicate the machine’s current status and any problems (such as scale, or air in the system) can be confusing, and you’ll find yourself having to refer back to the manual quite regularly while you’re getting a handle on things. Other than that, though, this is an easy machine to recommend and worthy of a full five stars.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: price and availability

  • Released in August 2025
  • List price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600)
  • Sold in the UK and US, but not yet in Australia

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo launched in August 2025 with a list price of $299.95 / £279.99. At the time of writing (September 2025), it isn’t yet available in Australia, but hopefully that will change soon.

At that price, it’s one of the most affordable espresso machines I’ve tested in the past year. The Casabrews 5418 Pro is in the same entry-level bracket with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460), but it’s clear that Casabrews has cut quite a lot of corners, and it can’t compete with the Dedica Duo for build quality and performance.

Today’s best De’Longhi Dedica Duo deals

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: design

  • Updated design with refined details and new colors
  • Wider drip tray to accommodate two espresso cups
  • Accessories feel substantial and well made

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is a compact, smart-looking espresso machine. At first glance it bears a strong similarity to its predecessor, the Dedica Style. It’s almost exactly the same size, but on closer inspection you’ll notice lots of refinements and improvements.

Most noticeably, the Dedica Duo comes in an updated range of colors, with classic stainless steel accompanied by soft shades of white, pink and green, which De’Longhi says were inspired by different flavors of gelato. Candy-colored appliances have become increasingly popular in 2025, and they look good, with a satin finish rather than gloss.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

For me, one of the most notable updates is to the drip tray, which is now considerably wider, making it easier to fit two espresso cups underneath the portafiter when pulling a double shot. If you have a particularly tall cup, you can remove the stainless steel grille and place the cup directly on a removable ridged plate at the bottom of the tray. A nice touch, and one that helps make clean-up easier.

The steam wand now has a cool-touch handle, which is a nice upgrade, and its control dial sports a knurled texture that looks good and provides extra grip. The wand doesn’t bend, but it does pivot, and its angle makes it easy to achieve a good whirlpool movement when texturizing your milk.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

All of the Dedica Duo’s accessories feel robust in the hand, unlike those of some other entry-level coffee machines I’ve tested recently (I’m looking at you, Casabrews). The portafilter handle is satisfyingly weighty, with a textured end that matches the steam wand dial, and is colored to match the body of the machine.

You get two pressurized portafilter baskets (one for single shots and one for doubles), a coffee scoop, a pin tool for clearing the hole of the steam wand if it becomes blocked, a pack of descaler, a weighty tamper that makes it easy to put sufficient pressure on your ground, and a stainless steel milk pitcher (with a fine spout ideal for pouring latte art).

(Image credit: Future)

The machine’s water tank slides onto the back, and has a sturdy-feeling hinged lid to keep water fresh. It can also be fitted with an optional water filter, but this needs to be purchased separately. The tank lifts out easily and is simple to slot back into place. You’ll need to pull the machine away from the wall to do this, but it’s so small and light, this shouldn’t present a problem.

The Dedica Duo has a power switch on its right-hand side, and is operated using a set of illustrated buttons on top: single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Pressing combinations of these buttons, or pressing and holding, provides access to certain menus, and the colored lights on them give you information about the machine’s current status, so it’s useful to keep the manual on hand for reference. For example, a solid white light on only the steam button means there’s probably air in the system that needs clearing.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: performance

  • Steady pressure for consistently extracted hot espresso
  • Cold-extraction works well, too, producing a smooth flavor
  • System of indicator lights can be confusing

The Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine, providing the steady pressure necessary for preparing consistently good coffee. The Casabrews 5418 Pro I reviewed a few weeks ago was so variable, it had me questioning whether I actually knew how to make espresso at all; the Dedica Duo has restored my faith in my own abilities. It takes a little while to heat up, but once it does, and the espresso buttons on top are illuminated, you can be confident that you’re going to get a very good shot. I’ve been using a fairly fine grind for my coffee, and the results have been faultless.

There’s no three-way solenoid, so you can expect a little dripping after the pump has finished, but that certainly isn’t the end of the world.

(Image credit: Future)

The Dedica Duo’s star feature is cold extraction, and it works very well. Whereas some other espresso machines I’ve tested recently create “chilled” drinks by asking you to fill a cup with ice and then dumping a shot of hot espresso on top, the Duo’s cold brew mode bypasses the Thermoblock heater and uses ambient-temperature water direct from the tank.

This takes longer than brewing hot espresso (measured in minutes rather than seconds), but it’s still a lot faster than preparing cold-brewed coffee in the traditional way (by infusing the grounds in the fridge overnight), yet the resulting flavor profile is very similar. The flavor is full and rounded, but more mellow than the same coffee extracted hot. Whether you drink it straight, add milk and ice, or use it in blended drinks and cocktails, it’s very tasty.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that the Dedica Duo isn’t a quiet machine. Unlike some advanced machines from the likes of KitchenAid or Jura, the Duo has no space in its compact chassis for sound-deadening material, so you’ll be able to hear its pump working away at full volume. Pumping water doesn’t take very long, though; but if you’re sensitive to noise then it’s something to be aware of.

For me, the only disadvantage of the Dedica Duo is the system of lights that change colour and/or blink to indicate your machine’s status or any problems. These aren’t always self-explanatory, and until you’ve learned what they all mean, you’ll find yourself referring back to the manual regularly. Perhaps it would be better to have a small row of status lights for common issues in the interest of clarity.

Should you buy the De’Longhi Dedica Duo?

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDe’Longhi Dedica Duo score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Very reasonably priced, squarely in the “budget” bracket for an espresso machine of this type.

5/5

Design

Modern and stylish, with thoughtful touches such as a wide, adjustable drip tray and cool-touch steam wand.

5/5

Performance

Brews consistently well hot or cold, with steady pressure from the pump. Status lights can be confusing, though.

4.5/5

Buy it if

Don’t buy it if

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: also consider

If the De’Longhi Dedica Duo doesn’t sound like quite the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives in the same price bracket, both of which come highly recommended.

How I tested the De’Longhi Dedica Duo

I used the De’Longhi Dedica Duo for three weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of fresh Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans, freshly ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro grinder. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with chilled, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing to make sure it was clean, and purged the steam wand and wiped it with a damp cloth after making each drink.

For more information, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: Price Comparison



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Three-quarter view of Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) open on desk with green wall in background
Gaming Gear

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: a small but mighty gaming laptop with plenty of heat

by admin



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.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025): Two-minute review

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is a thin and lightweight gaming laptop with a small design but a large spec, allowing it to perform as well as its bigger rivals.

To look at, it seems more like an everyday machine than a gaming powerhouse. The only giveaway is the diagonal LED strip across the lid, which does little to add interest.

It has an impressively compact form, though, making it a contender for the best gaming laptop that’s practical to carry around. It lacks the bulk usually associated with such devices, being exceptionally thin and light by gaming laptop standards.

The lid is especially lightweight, and it opens easily yet remains stable once in place. Also, the bezel around the display is about as thin as it could possibly be, which helps to maximize screen space.

For such a compact device, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) has a generous selection of ports, even putting much larger gaming laptops to shame. There are two USB-C and two USB-A connections, as well as an HDMI port, a headset jack, and a microSD card reader.

More importantly, though, the performance of the Zephyrus G14 (2025) is also impressive. The 5070 Ti in my review unit provided very high frame rates, even with maximum graphics settings.

The 120Hz OLED display contributed to the smoothness, and also rendered scenes with plenty of vibrancy, brightness, and contrast. What’s more, the 3K resolution offered a super sharp image, which was great for gaming as well as other tasks.

(Image credit: Future)

  • Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) (14-inch 1TB) at Amazon for $1,579

However, you’ll have to contend with a fair amount of fan noise and blistering heat in the pursuit of this high-end performance. Temperatures around the keyboard are kept to reasonable levels, but the rear and underside of the unit can get uncomfortably hot, even at the slightest provocation.

The keyboard of the Zephyrus G14 (2025) is another highlight. The switches are deep and tactile, offering enough resistance to provide feedback without being onerous to use. The large size of the key caps and their comfortable spacing also makes them good for typing.

The touchpad is similarly excellent, thanks to its large area and smooth surface, although you probably won’t be using this while gaming. What’ll deter you even more is the fact that it can get in the way when using the WASD keys. Thankfully, there’s a shortcut to easily disable its functionality.

Battery life is poor, though. It only managed a little over two and a half hours in our movie playback test, which is short even by gaming laptop standards. The Razer Blade 14 (2025) and the Acer Nitro V 15 can both outlast it by a considerable margin.

At over $2,000, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) doesn’t come cheap. It’s close to more premium models, such as the Razer Blade 14, which is about the best compact gaming laptop we’ve tested. For some – or perhaps many – it may be worth spending that bit more for the Blade, but the Zephyrus G14 (2025) remains a fine pick if you’re after a compact and capable gaming machine.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Price & Availability

(Image credit: Future)

  • Starts from $2,099.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$3,899
  • Available now
  • Premium end of the market

The Zephyrus G14 (2025) starts from $2,099.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$3,899 and is available now. Various models are available with varying Ryzen 9 CPUs and RTX GPUs, from the 5060 to the 5080. RAM and storage capacities alternate between 16GB and 32GB, and 1TB and 2TB, respectively.

It’s cheaper than the Razer Blade 14 (2025), even though both base models get an RTX 5060. However, the price gap isn’t huge, and the Blade 14 is one of the best gaming laptops around right now, impressing us with its incredible performance, design, and display.

If you’re looking for the best budget gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro V 15 is a fine choice. You’ll have to settle for an RTX 5050, but it can still game with aplomb. In fact, when I reviewed the Nitro, I was impressed with its 1080p performance. Like the Zephyrus G14 (2025), it can get quite hot in certain areas, but not to the same degree.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Base Config

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Review Config

Price

$2,099.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$3,899

$2,499.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,999

CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 270 (8 cores, 4.0GHz)

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 cores, 2.0GHz)

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 8GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 12GB

RAM

16GB LPDDR5X

32GB LPDDR5X

Storage

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Display

14-inch (2880 x 1800) OLED, 16:10, 120Hz, G-Sync / Adaptive-Sync

14-inch (2880 x 1800) OLED, 16:10, 120Hz, G-Sync / Adaptive-Sync

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-C (1x 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 4), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combo audio, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-C (1x 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 4), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combo audio, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

Battery

73Wh

73Wh

Dimensions

12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 ~ 0.64in (311 x 220 x 15.9 ~ 16.3mm)

12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 ~ 0.72in (311 x 220 x 15.9 ~ 18.3mm)

Weight

3.31lbs / 1.50kg

3.46lbs / 1.57kg

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

  • Non-gaming looks
  • Remarkably small and light
  • Surprising number of ports

One of the most impressive aspects of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is that it looks like a normal laptop, lacking the bulk and brash aesthetic of those designed for gaming. This is also helped by the light silver colorway of my review unit, which I found to be an uplifting antidote to the dour shades of many of its rivals (although such a finish is available).

What marks the Zephyrus G14 (2025) out as a gaming device is the diagonal LED strip across the lid and the small shiny embossed logo in the corner. Both are relatively subtle, although the strip is quite incongruous.

Not only is the screen size small for a gaming laptop, but so are all of its dimensions. The lid is especially thin, even beating some of the best MacBooks in terms of how sleek it is. The bezel around the display itself is also about as thin as I’ve ever seen in this class of laptop.

However, the chassis is thicker than you’ll find on many other laptops, and there are a few juts and sharp angles, as well as the thick rubber bars underneath, that sully the smooth planes somewhat. But all things considered, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) remains impressively elegant for its class.

Build quality is also quite good. All the materials feel premium and solid, and there’s only a small amount of wobble to the lid. Crucially, it remains stable once set in position.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite its small size, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) has a generous keyboard layout. There are some useful shortcut keys, including those for disabling the touchpad and toggling performance modes, and even four customizable M buttons. However, some peripheral keys are truncated in size, with the arrow keys being the worst casualty in this regard from a gamer’s perspective.

The LED backlighting on the keyboard is a nice touch, although it can be hard to make out at times, especially when certain colors and RGB patterns are displayed. This appears to be caused by the narrow openings of the key markings and a lack of overall brightness.

The touchpad on the Zephyrus G14 (2025) stretches right from the back edge of the space bar to the very end of the chassis, offering a larger surface area than you’ll find on other laptops this size.

Another surprise is just how many ports there are on the Zephyrus G14 (2025), putting many gaming laptops much larger to shame. It features two USB-C ports, which both support Power Delivery and DisplayPort standards each, although only one supports G-Sync/ Adaptive Sync displays. There are also two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a headset jack, and even a microSD reader.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

  • Great gaming at max resolution
  • Fantastic OLED display
  • Gets very hot in places

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) benchmarks

Geekbench 6
(Single Core): 2,939 (Multi Core): 15,680

Cinebench R23
(Single Core): 2,017 (Multi Core): 20,803

Cinebench R24
(Single Core): 117 (Multi Core): 1,192

Crossmark Overall: 1,974

3DMark
Fire Strike: 32,113 Steel Nomad: 3,488 Solar Bay: 71,022 Speed Way: 4,031 Port Royal: 10,119

BlackMagicDisk
Read: 4125MB/s Write: 4015MB/s

25GB Copy Test: 1,729MB/s

Civilization VII
(1080p, Medium): 193fps
(Max Resolution, High): 123fps
(Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, High): 94fps

Shadow of the Tomb Raider
(1080p, Medium): 168fps
(Max Resolution, Highest): 118fps
(Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Highest): 158fps

Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness
(1080p, Medium): 119fps
(Max Resolution, Ultra): 47fps

Cyberpunk 2077
(1080p, Medium): 371fps
(Max Resolution, Ultra): 143fps
(Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Ultra): 133fps

F1 2024
(1080p, Medium): 256fps
(Max Resolution, Max Quality, No RT): 127fps
(Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Max Quality with RT): 93fps

I found the performance of the Zephyrus G14 (2025) to be excellent. My review unit was equipped with an RTX 5070 Ti, and it handled the AAA titles I threw at it very well. When I played Cyberpunk 2077, I got between 200-230 frames per second on average. This was with the Ray Tracing: Ultra preset selected (which the game chose by default for the laptop) and DLSS Auto scaling and Frame Generation enabled.

This was also with the Zephyrus G14 (2025) running in Turbo mode. As you might expect, this causes the fans to produce a fair amount of noise, but it was nothing the best PC gaming headsets couldn’t drown out.

Dropping down to Performance mode didn’t seem to make much difference to frame rates, and only marginally decreased fan noise. Despite the raucous, though, the fans weren’t able to disperse heat as effectively as I would’ve liked.

During my sessions with the Zephyrus G14 (2025), it became very hot in places. The keyboard and front section of the chassis only remained tepid (thankfully, since this is where you’ll be making the most contact), but the area above the keyboard became too hot to handle.

(Image credit: Future)

The same was true of the underside of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025). Despite the aforementioned ground clearance created by the rubber bars, there’s still not enough for optimal cooling it seems; this is certainly a laptop I’d recommend using with one of the best laptop cooling pads if you can.

The OLED display is pleasingly sharp and vibrant, which makes it great for all kinds of tasks, not just gaming. That aforementioned ultra-thin bezel means the 14-inch display projects a bigger image than you might expect, too.

The keys are tactile, thanks to their surprising resistance and deep travel relative to those of other laptops, even ones designed for gaming. This makes them well suited to the task, while still being light and snappy enough for comfortable typing.

The touchpad is great as well. Its impressive size, along with its very smooth surface, makes navigation easier. However, this will likely be irrelevant for most gamers, since it’s still no match for the best gaming mouse.

What’s more, it gets in the way when you’re using the keyboard, even if you stick to the WASD position. This means you’ll likely want to disable it when gaming, but you’ll be more reluctant to do so while typing, given its usefulness for productivity purposes.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

  • Poor battery life
  • Quick to charge

The battery life of the Zephyrus G14 (2025) is quite poor. When we ran a movie on a continuous loop, its battery lasted just over two and a half hours. This is way down on its key rivals, such as the Blade 14 and the Nitro V 15, both of which manage over twice that duration.

Thankfully, the Zephyrus G14 (2025) is quick to charge, taking about 90 minutes to fully replenish via the included power adapter.

Should I buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)?

Swipe to scroll horizontallyAsus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Zephyrus G14 (2025) is at the higher end of the market, and there are slightly better rivals for not much more.

3 / 5

Design

The Zephyrus G14 (2025) is surprisingly compact and elegant for a gaming laptop. It also seems built to a high standard.

4.5 / 5

Performance

The RTX 5070 Ti in my review unit handled AAA titles brilliantly, and the display rendered them in their full glory. There’s a worrying amount of heat in places, though.

4.5 / 5

Battery Life

Poor even by gaming laptop standards; there are plenty of rivals that can outlast it. At least it’s quick to charge.

2.5 / 5

Total

The form factor, performance, and display are all excellent, but the heat, noise, and steep price mean you’ll have to assess your priorities before determining whether it’s the right gaming laptop for you.

4 / 5

Buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) if…

Don’t buy it if…

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review: Also Consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)

  • Tested for a week
  • Used for gaming and other tasks
  • Plentiful gaming laptop experience

I tested the Zephyrus G14 (2025) for a week, using it for gaming, working, and general browsing. I also connected various peripherals to it.

I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 with various graphics settings, and conducted our series benchmark tests designed to test multiple facets of gaming laptops. I also ran our battery test, playing a movie continuously until the battery depleted.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used numerous machines in that time, both desktop and laptop. I’ve also have plenty of experience reviewing gaming laptops, as well as those made for productivity and everyday use.

  • First reviewed: September 2025
  • Read more about how we test

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025): Price Comparison



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Decrypt logo
GameFi Guides

Quantexa Launches Platform to Reduce Stablecoin Strain on Small Banks

by admin



In brief

  • Quantexa designed an AML solution for mid-size and community banks.
  • It can help them identify crypto-powered crime, according to Quantexa’s Christopher Bagnall.
  • Stablecoin legislation is expected to unlock new competitors.

Quantexa, a data and analytics software firm, introduced a product on Wednesday that’s intended to help smaller financial institutions fight crypto-powered crime in the U.S.

The London-based company is now offering a cloud-based, anti-money laundering (AML) solution through Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, which is “designed specifically for U.S. mid-size and community banks,” according to a press release.

Quantexa said the pre-packaged product allows teams investigating financial crimes to make faster decisions with less overhead while maintaining accuracy, noting that banks are held to the same compliance standards across the U.S., despite what resources they may have. The product, dubbed Cloud AML, is also meant to reduce “false positives.”



A company survey published earlier this month found that 36% of AML professionals think digital assets will have the biggest impact on the AML industry within the next five years.

The product’s debut follows the passage of stablecoin legislation in the U.S. this summer that’s expected to unlock competition from the likes of Bank of Ameerica and Citigroup. With federal rules in place, stablecoins are expected to become more mainstream.

Some banks are taking a forward-looking approach toward their products, but most are more concerned about the ability to monitor inflows and outflows within the context of financial crime, Chris Bagnall, Quantexa’s head of financial crimes solutions for North America, told Decrypt.

“They’re just trying to find a way to monitor it, and that’s pretty much it,” he said. “Only the most innovative banks, which is a small handful in this space, are focused on making it a business.”

Banks may be able to see that a customer received or sent cash from a cryptocurrency exchange, but where the funds came from beyond that could be a blind spot, Bagnall said. If stablecoins become more common in everyday payments, then infrastructure providers could also emerge as common touch points, as funds flow between digital and traditional rails.

In some ways, stablecoins are prompting banks to take a more comprehensive view of their exposure to crypto-related risks, Bagnall said. In the past, banks knew what they were getting into if approached by a crypto-native firm, but those same factors can apply to individuals.

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Ripple Pledges $25 Million RLUSD via XRPL for Small Businesses: Details
GameFi Guides

Ripple Pledges $25 Million RLUSD via XRPL for Small Businesses: Details

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Fintech company Ripple has committed $25 million to boost small businesses in the United States as well as veteran career success.

Today, Ripple announced a $25 million commitment to two nonprofits, Accion Opportunity Fund and Hire Heroes USA. This funding, delivered in Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin, will increase access to capital for small business owners and create career pathways for veterans and military spouses and also equip entrepreneurs with digital payment tools.

When small businesses and veterans thrive, so do communities.
We’re proud to announce a $25M donation in $RLUSD on XRP Ledger to Accion Opportunity Fund and @HireHeroesUSA: https://t.co/sS1jwD03tl

This investment highlights how stablecoins can drive real-world impact by…

— Ripple (@Ripple) September 15, 2025

This builds on Ripple’s May $25 million RLUSD donation to DonorsChoose and Teach For America, bringing the company’s philanthropic acts in the U.S. to over $50 million in 2025.

$1 billion impact targeted

According to the announcement, Ripple and its partners, in this case, Accion Opportunity Fund and Hire Heroes USA, will launch new initiatives intended to increase access to capital and create new career pathways.

Ripple’s grant is expected to generate $125 million in lending impact for small businesses in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund, and the new Ripple Digital Leap Forward accelerator program will equip underserved entrepreneurs across the U.S. with training and $500,000 in immediate funding.

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In partnership with Ripple, Hire Heroes USA expects to generate 14,000 employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses, and launch a new Fintech Pathways program to build careers in financial technology, entailing over $900 million in annual economic impact. Combined, these partnerships are estimated to create $1 billion in total impact.

In the past week, Ripple announced an agreement with BBVA to provide its digital asset custody technology to the Spanish bank.





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Biwin Mini SSD
Gaming Gear

The shockingly small Mini SSD threatens microSD dominance yet depends on Biwin seeking SDA or PCI-SIG approval to succeed worldwide

by admin



  • Biwin Mini SSD risks obscurity without SDA or PCI-SIG standard approval
  • SanDisk’s early SDA submission made microSD a universal storage success
  • Mini SSD hits 3,700MB/s reads, crushing MicroSD Express’s 985MB/s ceiling

Chinese storage maker Biwin has introduced the “Mini SSD,” a format far smaller than a US penny yet offering capacities up to 2TB.

Measuring just 15mm x 17mm and 1.4mm thick, it targets laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras.

Sequential read speeds are listed at 3,700MB/s with writes at 3,400MB/s through a PCIe 4×2 connection, placing it closer to full-size SD Express performance than traditional microSD speeds.


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Why universal standards matter for adoption

Despite achieving such speed, Mini SSD may never reach its full potential unless Biwin follows SanDisk’s example.

When SanDisk launched microSD in 2005, then called T-Flash, it promptly submitted the format to the Secure Digital Association (SDA), the industry body overseeing SD card standards.

That move enabled “a ton of companies” to manufacture compatible cards, cementing microSD’s near-universal adoption.

Without taking a similar step, Biwin’s format risks remaining exclusive and failing to gain widespread support.

To truly replace microSD, Biwin must submit the Mini SSD to either the SDA or PCI-SIG, the two leading organizations currently setting removable storage standards.

If it is adopted, members of both SDA and PCI-SIG could then seriously consider this SSD for their devices.

Mini SSD has strong potential; it is faster than microSD Express cards, which top out at about 985MB/s, and can match SD Express cards at 3,940MB/s, which are nearly twice the size.


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The Mini SSD’s slot functions like a SIM tray, allowing users to eject it with a pin, making swaps or upgrades straightforward.

It boasts IP68 water and dust resistance and can withstand three-meter drops, qualities that might suit mobile hardware exposed to rough handling.

While this may not be the fastest external SSD on the market, its tiny form makes it relevant for space-conscious and highly portable devices.

Currently, M.2 drives remain quicker, with some reaching 14,000MB/s, and still dominate the largest SSD category, although Mini SSD is closing the gap with portability.

Two Chinese gaming handheld consoles, the GPD Win 5 and OneNetbook’s OneXPlayer Super X hybrid, have already adopted dedicated Mini SSD slots.

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GENIUS Act
Crypto Trends

Alabama Lawmaker Raises Alarm On GENIUS Act’s Impact On Small Banks

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

Alabama State Senator Keith Kelley has warned that the GENIUS Act, signed into law on July 18, 2025, could trigger a wave of deposit outflows that would hurt rural community banks.

According to reports, Kelley set out his concerns in an op-ed for 1819 News, arguing that a perceived gap in the law could let crypto platforms offer yields or rewards that pull funds away from local lenders.

The warning comes as public comment periods have already opened at the US Treasury, and regulators are expected to write the rules that make the new law operational.

GENIUS Act: Senator Warns Of Deposit Flight

Financial experts say the worry centers on how “comparable supervision” will be defined. If foreign or nonbank stablecoin issuers are treated as having comparable oversight when regulators’ rules are loose, depositors could be tempted to shift cash to higher returns offered by crypto firms.

🏦 Alabama’s Sen. Keith Kelley warns the GENIUS Act could devastate rural banks by shifting deposits. Is stablecoin regulation hurting communities? #GENIUSAct #Stablecoin #CryptoLawhttps://t.co/tHAibq6EMg pic.twitter.com/BDhqoFNif5

— 4C by 360Trader (@4cby360) September 11, 2025

One estimate cited by banking groups puts potential deposit outflows as high as $6.6 trillion if the law is interpreted broadly. That number has made small bank leaders uneasy. They fear losing the stable deposits they use to lend to families, farmers, and local businesses.

A Rural Banking Crisis In The Making

Many community banks operate on thin margins. They rely on local deposits to underwrite loans for crop seasons, equipment purchases, and small shops.

Based on reports, Kelley warned that those lifelines could be weakened if large sums move to new digital products outside the traditional banking system.

Farmers and small business owners were named as especially vulnerable, because local lenders often offer terms tailored to seasonal needs.

Total crypto market cap currently at $3.9 trillion. Chart: TradingView

GENIUS Act & Regulatory Path Ahead

The GENIUS Act is not yet in force in any operational sense. Implementation will depend on rulemaking by the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve, and those agencies have already asked for public input on the risks and anti-money laundering safeguards.

Reports have disclosed that some banking groups and lawmakers want tighter definitions and clearer guardrails before the rules are finalized. Supporters of the law argue it could bring more clarity to stablecoin markets, but opponents say that the details matter most.

If deposits start to leave, small banks could be forced to cut back on loans or raise rates to retain customers. That outcome would likely shift credit away from local borrowers toward larger financial centers.

Featured image from Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector, chart from TradingView

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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Search bar of internet browser and businessman working on modern laptop at table indoo
Gaming Gear

AI search catapults Hostinger past GoDaddy and AWS while Wix leads effortless website creation for millions of small businesses

by admin



  • Hostinger’s AI visibility leaves AWS trailing with less than half
  • Wix captures small businesses by keeping website creation incredibly simple
  • AI search rankings are becoming the new measure of relevance

The growing reliance on AI-driven search has begun to reshape how users discover web hosting services and website-building platforms, new research has claimed.

The latest Similarweb data found, Hostinger leads the field in AI search visibility, recording more than 1.6 million interactions, surpassing much larger competitors, including AWS and GoDaddy.

This performance places Hostinger not only ahead of traditional giants but also above other prominent digital service providers such as Namecheap and DigitalOcean.


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AI-Driven Momentum for Hostinger

The numbers show that Hostinger’s profile is rising rapidly, with its visibility nearly tripling that of AWS, which recorded under 500,000 interactions.

Such dominance underscores the role of AI tools in shaping consumer awareness.

This trend suggests that Hostinger’s brand is becoming closely linked with AI website builders and related services, an area where search interest continues to grow rapidly.

Although traffic figures do not directly confirm higher sign-ups or revenue, they clearly show that the company has secured broad mindshare in an increasingly competitive sector.

Google Trends data also reflects a consistent pattern. Wix, GoDaddy, and Hostinger regularly occupy the top three positions, while Squarespace and Ionos alternate between fourth and fifth place.

When attention shifts from hosting visibility to site creation, Wix emerges as the strongest performer.

The company secured more than 450,000 interactions, a figure that outpaced rivals Weebly and Squarespace.

This demonstrates Wix remains recognized for its intuitive website builders, many of which are integrated with design automation and user-friendly deployment features.

Wix’s advantage lies in attracting individuals and small businesses who prioritize simplicity over technical depth.

Its platform offers a balance of drag-and-drop tools, automated design systems, and e-commerce features that allow non-technical users to build functional, professional websites without relying on coding expertise.

Meanwhile, competitors such as Squarespace and Weebly are holding steady but do not match Wix’s scale of interaction.

Squarespace, for example, generated under 82,000 interactions, almost one-fifth of Wix’s reach, illustrating the gap between leaders and secondary players in this segment.

The data reveals that AI search is a critical measure of digital relevance.

Hostinger’s rise in hosting and Wix’s dominance in builders suggest that market leaders are now defined not only by infrastructure or user base but also by how often they appear in AI-driven discovery tools.

Still, the question remains whether higher AI visibility leads to lasting customer relationships.

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Elon Musk Randomly Drops in on Small Town; Reminds Everyone He Is Still Canadian
Gaming Gear

Elon Musk Randomly Drops in on Small Town; Reminds Everyone He Is Still Canadian

by admin


British Columbia and a tiny fishing village is now atwitter after the world’s wealthiest man made an unannounced appearance over the weekend.

Elon Musk, the controversial and now apparently political CEO of Tesla and X, touched down in Bella Bella—an isolated town nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest—before departing again by helicopter.

His visit to the town with approximately 1,500 residents was a surprise.

Local resident Seán Carter told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that the area is no stranger to high-profile visitors.

He added that Musk was possibly passing through en route to James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who is a board member at Tesla, where Musk serves as CEO, and who owns a property off the coast.

“It’s not every day the richest man in the world comes through town,” he said. “That’s going to be a tough one to top.”

CBC News confirmed that Musk’s private jet touched down in Vancouver late Friday night and departed Monday afternoon. Visual evidence viewed by the CBC reportedly aligns with flight data tracked online and show Musk arriving and departing.

Wait, Elon Musk is Canadian?

If you follow the lore of Musk, he was born in South Africa and is a Canadian citizen through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Regina, according to official biographies. Musk moved to Saskatchewan and then Vancouver as a teen, and attended college in Canada.

In recent months, Musk’s visits and Canadian ties have fueled debate. Earlier this year, a petition circulated calling for the government to revoke his citizenship over his role in President Trump’s White House, exactly as Musk was getting heavy handed in tariff talks between the two countries.

In Ontario and Western Canada, Musk’s tempestuous influence has also complicated political relationships.

Quebec, B.C., and other provinces have debated decisions to exclude Tesla from EV rebate programs in response to U.S. tariffs, with B.C. Premier David Eby citing “retaliation” as the reason. In a move that showed at least one of Musk’s businesses still matters to Canadian communities, more than half of Canadian rural areas are buying services from Musk’s Starlink satellite internet to improve connectivity.

Musk has gone back and forth on his own complicated feelings about Canada.

In 2023, he posted a photo wearing a “I Love Canada” T-shirt and declared himself “half-Canadian.” But in February 2025, in response to the citizenship revocation petition, he tweeted, “Canada is not a real country” before deleting the message.

Carter told the CBC that, politics aside, Musk’s passage through Bella Bella was one for the history books. “No matter what your opinion of him is, it’s something to follow,” he said.

Locals have mixed feelings about Musk

The town’s residents clearly had mixed feelings about Musk’s drop-in.

Emily Lowan, a candidate for the B.C. Green Party leadership, posted images of Musk’s arrival on social media, writing, “yet another reason to tax billionaires out of existence.”

But in typical Canadian fashion, Carter said that Musk did not get any special treatment at the local airport and then had to walk for a bit.

“It was quite busy,” Carter said. “The plane landed on one side, the helicopter on the other, and he had to walk a long way. He probably hoped to come in and out quietly, but there are no secrets in this town.”



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