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Charles Proteus Steinmetz: Electric Vehicle Visionary

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Charles Proteus Steinmetz was a towering figure in the early decades of electrical engineering, easily the intellectual equal of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla—men he considered his friends. One of Steinmetz’s most significant achievements was to quantify and characterize the phenomenon of magnetic hysteresis—the behavior of magnetism in materials—and then devise a simple law that allowed for predictable transformer and motor design. He also established a revolutionary framework for analyzing AC circuits, which is still taught today in power engineering. And from 1893, he served as chief consulting engineer at General Electric at a pivotal moment for the young company and for the U.S. effort to expand its power grid. For these and other accomplishments, he was well known in his time, even if he’s not exactly a household name today.

Steinmetz was also an evangelist for electric vehicles. In March 1920, he typed out his thoughts, comparing the pros and cons of EVs to the gasoline-propelled alternative. Among the advantages: low cost of maintenance, reliability, simplicity of operation, and lower cost of operation. The disadvantages: dependence on charging stations, limited range on a single charge, and lower speeds. More than a century later, his list remains remarkably pertinent.

Steinmetz could often be seen decked out in a suit and top hat, smoking his trademark BlackStone panatela cigar while riding around Schenectady, N.Y., in his 1914 Detroit Electric sedan. According to John Spinelli, emeritus professor of electrical and computer engineering at Union College, in Schenectady, sometimes both Steinmetz and his chauffeur sat in the backseat—you could control the car from both the front and the rear—so that it would appear to be a driverless car. With a top speed of 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour), the car ran on 14 six-volt batteries and could go about 48 km between charges.

Photo of a black car from the early 20th century. Steinmetz’s 1914 Detroit Electric car is now at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., where Steinmetz had founded, chaired, and taught in the department of electrical engineering.Paul Buckowski/Union College

In 1971, the car was purchased by Union College, where Steinmetz had founded, chaired, and taught in the department of electrical engineering. The car had been discovered rotting in a field, so it needed some work. Over the next decade, faculty and engineering students restored it to its former glory. Still in running condition, it’s now on permanent display at the college.

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Steinmetz’s Contributions to Electrical Engineering

Karl August Rudolf Steinmetz was born in 1865 in Breslau, Prussia (now known as Wrocław, Poland). He studied mathematics, physics, and the burgeoning field of electricity at the University of Breslau. He also joined a student socialist club and edited the party newspaper, The People’s Voice. He completed his doctoral studies, but before receiving his degree, Steinmetz fled to Switzerland in 1888, after his socialist writings came under the scrutiny of the Bismarck government.

Steinmetz immigrated to New York the following year, anglicized his first name, dropped his two middle names, and added Proteus, a nickname he had picked up at university (after the shape-shifting sea god of Greek mythology). Eventually, he became a U.S. citizen.

Black and white photo of a man with wire-rim spectacles smoking a cigar and writing at his desk. Charles Proteus Steinmetz solved a number of important problems that helped the power grid expand.Bettmann/Getty Images

In January 1892, Steinmetz burst onto the engineering scene when he read his paper “On the Law of Hysteresis” before the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, a forerunner of today’s IEEE. I can’t quite imagine sitting through the delivery of its 62 pages, but those assembled recognized its groundbreaking nature. The ideas Steinmetz outlined allowed engineers to calculate power losses in the magnetic components of electrical machinery during the design phase. Prior to this, the design process for transformers and electric motors was largely trial and error, and power losses could be measured only after the machine was built, which greatly added to the cost.

Steinmetz was not just an equations and theory guy, though. He loved working in the lab and building things. In 1893, General Electric acquired the small manufacturing firm of Eickemeyer & Osterheld, in Yonkers, N.Y., where Steinmetz had worked since shortly after his arrival in the United States. So Steinmetz began his new life as a corporate engineer, an interesting turn for the socialist. During his first few years with GE, he mostly designed generators and transformers. But he also created an informal position for himself as a consultant, giving expert opinions on various problems across divisions. He eventually formalized this role, becoming GE’s chief consulting engineer, and he maintained a relationship with the company for the rest of his life, even after joining the faculty of Union College in 1902.

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By the time Steinmetz died in 1923 at the age of 58, he had been granted more than 200 patents and had made major contributions to various subfields in electrical engineering, including phasors and complex numbers (for steady-state AC analysis); electrical transients, switching surges, and surge protection (based on his research on lightning); industrial research (including how to run a corporate lab); and engineering methods (by writing textbooks that standardized practice).

Why Steinmetz Believed in Electric Cars

By 1914, Steinmetz was convinced that the future of transportation was electric. In June, he addressed the National Electric Light Association convention in Philadelphia with a bold prediction: I have no doubt that in 10 years, more or less—rather less than more—we will see the field of the pleasure and business vehicle covered by such an electric car in large numbers. And I believe I underestimate when I say that 1,000,000 or more will be used.”

As we now know, Steinmetz was overly optimistic. At the time, there were about 1.2 million gasoline-powered cars in use in the United States, and only about 35,000 EVs. It would take until 2018 for the number of EVs (including plug-in hybrids) on U.S. roads to surpass a million. Worldwide, there are now about 60 million electric vehicles in use.

But Steinmetz had his reasons. He firmly believed that electric vehicles would flourish in urban areas, where most rides involved short distances at low speed. He also thought EVs would be a boon for power companies, which were eager to drum up more business, especially at night. With 1 million electric cars being charged about 5 kilowatt-hours on most nights, and at a rate of 5 cents per kilowatt-hour, Steinmetz predicted US $75 million (about $2.5 billion today) of new business for central power stations each year.

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Black and white photo of a professor and students doing work on a disassembled old car. In 1971, Union College purchased Steinmetz’s car, which had been found rotting in a field, and faculty and students restored it to working condition.Special Collections & Archives/Schaffer Library/Union College

Steinmetz went to work to improve the electric car. He developed a double-rotor motor that was integrated into the rear axle, which did away with the need for a mechanical differential or drive shaft and drastically reduced the overall weight, which improved the mileage. Dey Electric Corp. incorporated Steinmetz’s design into its electric roadster and priced it under $1,000. Unfortunately, an internal combustion engine Ford Model T cost about half as much, and the Dey roadster flopped, ending production within a year.

Undeterred, Steinmetz formed the Steinmetz Electric Motor Car Corp. in 1920 with the initial goal of bringing to market an electric truck for deliveries and light industrial use. The first truck debuted on a cold February day in 1922 with a publicity stunt of climbing the steep Miller Avenue hill in Brooklyn, N.Y. According to a report in The New York Times, the vehicle went up the 14.5 percent grade between Jamaica Avenue and Highland Boulevard in 51 seconds. During a second climb, it stopped a number of times to show how easily it restarted. The truck had a range of 84 km (52 miles).

The company planned to manufacture 1,000 trucks per year and 300 lightweight delivery cars, plus a five-passenger coupe, but it made a total of only 48 vehicles. After Steinmetz died in 1923, the company soon ceased operation.

Steinmetz wasn’t only bullish on the electric car, but on electricity in general. A New York Times article recorded his belief that by 2023, we would work no more than 4 hours a day, 200 days a year because electricity would have eliminated the drudgery and unpleasantness of labor. He also predicted that electricity would bring about an end to urban pollution: “Every city would be a spotless town.” With an expansion of leisure time, people would be healthier, engaging in gardening (especially growing their own food) and pursuing educational interests to become “much more intelligent and self-expressive creature[s].”

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Steinmetz’s Chosen Family

I decided to write about Steinmetz last year, after IEEE Spectrum published an essay I wrote about why engineering needs the humanities. The article contains this line: “In 1909, none other than Charles Proteus Steinmetz advocated for including the classics in engineering education.” I had been impressed to learn of Steinmetz’s recognition of the value of a liberal arts education. But my copy editor didn’t know who Steinmetz was or why he merited the qualifier “none other.” More people should know about this remarkable man, I decided. And so I went looking for a museum object associated with him, so I could include him in a Past Forward column.

Black and white photo of two men in suits, sitting close to each other on a porch. Steinmetz [left] was easily the intellectual equal of Thomas Edison [right], whom he considered a friend.Corbis/Getty Images

The electric car is only one avenue into Steinmetz’s life. I could instead have looked into Steinmetz solids (the geometric shapes that form when two or three identical cylinders intersect at right angles), Steinmetz curves (the edges of a Steinmetz solid), or the Steinmetz equivalent circuit (a mathematical model that describes a transformer using resistors and inductors). But none of those concepts could be easily captured in a picture-worthy object. His love of his electric car, on the other hand, was a fun and fitting entry point for this most unusual engineer.

I also saw an opportunity to highlight how Steinmetz became a family man. Steinmetz had dwarfism—he stood just 122 centimeters tall—as well as kyphosis, a severe curvature of the spine, as did his father and grandfather. He didn’t wish to pass along those traits, and so he never married or had children of his own. But that didn’t mean he didn’t want a family.

In 1903, Steinmetz’s favorite lab assistant, Joseph LeRoy Hayden, told his boss that he was getting married. Steinmetz invited the couple to dinner, and then invited them to live in his large home. They agreed to this unusual living arrangement, with Corinne Rost Hayden running the household and cooking for her husband and Steinmetz. She forced the men to set aside their work for regular family meals.

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Eventually, the Hayden family expanded, welcoming Joe, Midge, and Billy. Steinmetz legally adopted the elder Hayden, thereby gaining three grandchildren as well. Steinmetz, whom The New York Times had named a “modern Jove” who “hurls thunderbolts at will” (from a high-voltage lightning generator), delighted at entertaining the grandkids with wondrous tricks of electricity and chemistry.

In writing about the history of electrical engineering, I sometimes fall into the trap of focusing too much on the technology. But it’s just as important to recognize the people behind the technology—their personalities, their frailties, their feelings, their challenges. Steinmetz faced adversity for his political beliefs, for being an immigrant, and for his physical stature, yet none of that ever stopped him. In word and deed, he showed that he had a generous heart as mighty as his intellect.

Part of a continuing series looking at historical artifacts that embrace the boundless potential of technology.

An abridged version of this article appears in the March 2026 print issue as “Charles Proteus Steinmetz Loved His Electric Car.”

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Chip crunch to hit smartphone, PC shipments in 2026 by more than 10pc

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Both IDC and Gartner are warning of declines of more than 10pc in smartphone and budget PC shipments in 2026 due to memory chip shortages.

Global smartphone shipments could decline by nearly 13pc year-on-year in 2026 to 1.1bn units, IDC warns in its quarterly mobile phone tracker, representing the biggest decline in more than 10 years.

Meanwhile, Gartner is warning that “soaring memory costs” could see a decline of 10.4pc in PC shipments worldwide, and it estimates smartphone shipments could fall by 8.4pc year-on-year.

Gartner is forecasting a 130pc surge in combined DRAM and solid-state drive (SSD) prices by the end of 2026, which it says could raise PC prices by 17pc and smartphone prices by 13pc compared to 2025.

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“This is the steepest contraction in device shipments witnessed in over a decade,” said Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner. “Higher prices will narrow the range of devices available, prompting buyers to hold on to devices for longer, fundamentally altering upgrade cycles.”

Indeed, Gartner expects PC lifetime to increase by 15pc for business buyers and 20pc for consumers by the end of 2026, and warns that the challenge of managing older devices could increase security vulnerabilities. It also warns that any projected surge in AI PCs will now be delayed.

IDC points out that its current forecast sees a sharp decline from its November forecast amid the “intensifying memory shortage crisis”.

“What we are witnessing is not a temporary squeeze, but a tsunami-like shock originating in the memory supply chain, with ripple effects spreading across the entire consumer electronics industry,” Francisco Jeronimo, VP for worldwide client devices at IDC, warned. “The global smartphone market, particularly Android manufacturers, faces a significant threat.”

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Jeronimo goes on to say that it is the vendors at the lower end of the market that will suffer most, particularly in the Android space, while higher end makers like Apple and Samsung are better positioned to navigate the crisis. In fact, it could even allow them to expand their market share while others struggle, he said.

“We expect consolidation as smaller players exit, and low-end vendors face sharp shipment declines amid supply constraints and lower demand at higher price points,” said Nabila Popal, senior research director with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

“Ultimately, we expect the sub-$500 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028,” said Gartner’s Atwal. “In addition, rising AI PC prices will delay the projected 50pc market penetration of AI PCs until 2028.”

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.

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The new Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi, Honor’s ultra-thin MagicPad 4 and more

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MWC 2026 officially gets underway on March 2 and will continue through March 5, but the announcements are already coming ahead of its start. We can always count on the annual tech event to bring tons of new phones, laptops and tablets, and we’re expecting to see some robots and other gadgets too — plus plenty of AI news, of course. In addition to the announcements, MWC is our chance to get hands-on time with some of the most interesting new devices, like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Engadget’s Mat Smith is on the ground in Barcelona, and we’ll be updating this story as the week goes on to keep you in the loop on everything that caught our attention. Keep checking back here for the latest MWC news.

Xiaomi x Leica

Mat Smith for Engadget

Xiaomi kicked off MWC this year by announcing the global launch of its 17 Ultra smartphone, which debuted first in China back in December. It’s unclear if the phone will ever come to the US, but it’s now rolling out in Europe. Xiaomi teamed up again with Leica to make a photography-focused smartphone, and the 17 Ultra sports a 1-inch 50-megapixel camera sensor with a f/1.67 lens, a telephoto setup with a 200MP 1/1.4-inch sensor, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. There’s also a manual zoom ring around the camera.

Check out our hands on for our first impressions of what it’s like shooting with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. And there’s more to it than just the camera. The 17 Ultra has a 6.9-inch OLED 120 Hz display that peaks at 3,500 nits of brightness, and a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at £1,299 (roughly $1,750).

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Leica also announced a new phone made in partnership with Xiaomi at MWC. It looks a whole lot like Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra, but isn’t the 17 Ultra, exactly.

Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi hands-on at MWC 2026§

Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi hands-on at MWC 2026 (Image by Mat Smith for Engadget)

Like the 17 Ultra, Leica’s Leitzphone by Xiaomi has a 1-inch camera sensor and physical controls for zoom and other settings, using a mechanical ring around the camera unit. It features a Leica-designed intuitive camera interface with the option to show just the essentials when you’re shooting, hiding all the modes and labels. There’s a monochrome shooting mode and Leica filters.

The Leica branding is splashed all over it in design and wallpapers, but it’s otherwise pretty similar to the 17 Ultra, with the same specs. Like the 17 Ultra, it has a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.9-inch 120Hz display. This one’s priced at €1,999 (roughly $2,362).

The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro (Xiaomi)

In addition to the 17 Ultra, Xiaomi announced two new tablets at MWC this year: the Xiaomi Pad 8 and Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro. There’s nothing revolutionary here, but they’re lightweight and thin, with both being 5.75mm thick and weighing 485g, and have a 9200mAh battery. The Pro model is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, while the regular Pad 8 uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.

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Xiaomi also unveiled a new 5000mAh powerbank, the UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 15W. The 6mm thick power bank comes in three colors with an aluminum alloy shell: orange, silver and charcoal gray. Along with that, the company introduced the Xiaomi Tag, its own take on the Bluetooth item tracker. The Xiaomi Tag has a built-in hanging loop so it can be attached directly to a keyring, and the company says it will work with both Apple Find My and Google’s Find Hub for Android.

Honor MagicPad 4

Honor

Ahead of MWC, Honor announced what it claims is the thinnest Android tablet in the world: the 4.8mm thick MagicPad 4. We’re expecting to hear more about this at Honor’s press conference on Sunday, but so far we know it features a 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display and weighs just 450g. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The thinness doesn’t count the camera bump, Honor notes. The MagicPad 4 has 13MP rear and 9MP front cameras. It also boasts spatial audio, with eight speakers.

Just as the display is slightly smaller than the previous MagicPad, the MagicPad 4 has a smaller battery at 10100 mAh. It comes with a 66W fast charger. The MagicPad 4 will run Honor’s MagicOS 10. We don’t yet know how much it will cost, but we’ll update this after Honor’s press conference (where we’re also expecting to see the company’s robot) with any new details.

Tecno

Tecno

We can always expect to see some wild phone concepts at MWC, and this year we’re starting with one from Tecno. The company unveiled a modular concept smartphone design that can be as thin as 4.9mm in its base configuration. There’d be 10 modules to choose from based on the announcement, including various camera lenses, a gaming attachment and a power bank, relying on magnets to keep it all together — or Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, as Tecno is calling it.

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Xiaomi’s Pad 8 Pro is as close to an Android iPad Pro as we’ve seen

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Xiaomi has unveiled the Pad 8 Pro, and on paper at least, it looks like one of the strongest Android answers to Apple’s iPad Pro yet.

With a high-end Snapdragon chip, a 3.2K 144Hz display and a redesigned productivity-focused OS, this is clearly more than just a media tablet.

The headline upgrade is performance. The Pad 8 Pro runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, built on a 3nm process with clock speeds reaching 4.32GHz. Xiaomi claims major gains across the board, including an 81% CPU boost and 103% GPU uplift compared to the previous generation.

In practical terms, that should translate to smoother multitasking and more stable frame rates in demanding games.

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It’s also impressively slim. At just 5.75mm thick and weighing 485g, the all-metal tablet remains portable despite housing a sizeable 9,200mAh battery. Fast charging comes via 67W HyperCharge, while Wi-Fi 7 and fingerprint unlocking round out the flagship credentials.

The 11.2-inch 3:2 display is another standout. It offers a sharp 3,200 x 2,136 resolution, up to 144Hz refresh rate, 800-nit peak brightness and Dolby Vision support. TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker-free viewing suggest Xiaomi is also targeting longer work and reading sessions.

Software is where Xiaomi is pushing hardest. The tablet runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3, which introduces PC-style multitasking features including a 5:5 vertical split-screen view and a new 1:9 layout option. There is also an upgraded Workstation Mode and a desktop-style browser complete with tabbed browsing and right-click support.

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There’s also a new Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro, featuring a button-free design, hover preview and gesture controls. It is designed for note-taking and creative work. Optional keyboard accessories further underline its productivity ambitions.

Audio comes via quad speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res support. Meanwhile, cameras include a 50MP rear sensor and 32MP front-facing camera for video calls.

With this level of performance, display quality and software refinement, the Pad 8 Pro positions itself firmly at the premium end of the Android tablet market. It sits closer than ever to Apple’s top-tier iPads.

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Why did Netflix back down from its deal to acquire Warner Bros.?

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Netflix stunned the entertainment world this week when it declined to raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, setting the stage for Paramount Skydance to win ownership of the Hollywood studio.

At the time, Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said they were being financially disciplined. Now reporting in Bloomberg offers more details about why Netflix executives backed down from a bidding war that it seemed to win back in December

For one thing, the streaming giant’s shareholders appeared deeply skeptical that the acquisition was a good deal — Netflix’s share price declined 30% since announcing the deal, while the subsequent news that it was backing down sent Netflix stock up nearly 14%.

For another, Netflix’s commitment to the deal reportedly wavered after Paramount came in with an increased offer and seemed willing to go several more rounds in a bidding war.

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By the time Sarandos met with Trump administration officials on Thursday, he may already have decided to concede. In fact, since President Donald Trump had previously warned him not to overpay, Sarandos reportedly told him, “I took your advice.”

Meanwhile, employees at Warner Bros. now worry about major studio layoffs and conservative political pressure on CNN.

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review – Trusted Reviews

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Verdict

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an excellent all-rounder with incredible cameras, speedy performance, an excellent screen and speakers, solid battery life, and speedy charging. There’s something for everyone here, but photographers are sure to love it the most.


  • Brilliant cameras

  • Lightning quick

  • Great display and speakers

  • Not so good for macro photography

  • On the pricey side

Key Features


  • Top-of-the-line cameras


    With three 50MP cameras, including a 1-inch main camera and an innovative new spin on the 200MP telephoto, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera system is second to none.


  • A real optical zoom

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    Rather than relying on two separate telephoto cameras, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra sports a real optical zoom that can mechanically shift from 3.2x to 4.3x.


  • Super speedy


    With the latest flagship Qualcomm silicon at its core, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the fastest phones around. Whether you’re interested in gaming or productivity, this handset has the muscle for it.

Introduction

Xiaomi’s top-of-the-line camera-focused flagship for 2026 has finally arrived. It’s time to get acquainted with Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

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To save any confusion, you haven’t missed anything. Xiaomi decided to skip 16 and jump straight to 17 for this series. It seems the brand finally got tired of Apple having the larger model number.

Other than the naming oddity, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra brings with it plenty of goodies. There’s a brand new optical zoom and selfie camera, an improved screen, the latest Snapdragon chip, and a bigger battery.

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It’s aiming to best the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Honor Magic 8 Pro, and Oppo Find X9 Pro as the ultimate camera phone, and on paper, it just might. I’ve spent the last few weeks with it to see how it stacks up.

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Design 

  • 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.5mm, 230g
  • Aluminium frame, glass-fibre back
  • IP68/IP69 rated

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra doesn’t look too dissimilar to its predecessor. The overall shape is similar, and you still get the same large centrally-placed camera hob on the rear panel. 

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - rearXiaomi 17 Ultra - rear
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

What’s changed this time, though, is that it’s much less curvy. The micro curves on the edge of the display and rear panel are both gone, replaced with completely flat panels. This is great when it comes to screen-protector compatibility, and I think I prefer it generally speaking, but some are sure to miss those curves.

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It’s a sizable and fairly weighty device, but this is an “Ultra” after all, and that tends to come with the territory. It’s less than 2 grams heavier than its predecessor, and while that was no featherweight, I appreciate that it hasn’t bulked up further.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - in handXiaomi 17 Ultra - in hand
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

This time around, the IP rating has been bumped up to dual IP68/IP69K, rather than just IP68. Supposedly, it can now withstand immersion at up to 6m for 30 mins, rather than just 1.5m. It’s also immune to blasts from jets of hot water, which could prove useful for hot tub-related mishaps.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes with a basic clear case in the box, but it’s not the usual flexible TPU number. This one’s much more rigid and shouldn’t turn yellow quite as readily. I suspect scuffs might be an issue in the long term, though.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - phone and caseXiaomi 17 Ultra - phone and case
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

Unlike some rivals, there are no extra buttons on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, just the usual power button and volume combo. However, that changes if you spring for the Leica LeitzPhone edition, which adds a rotary control around the camera island that can be used to control your zoom.

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I have the standard model in for testing, so I can’t speak to how well this control wheel works. In theory, it seems like a great idea, but in practice, I can imagine it being quite easy to knock it accidentally.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available in three colours for the global market: black, white, or green. I have the white model in for testing, and it’s rather understated, with a uniform matt finish on the rear and matt aluminium side rails. The black model takes a similar approach, only with dark colour-matched side rails and a subtle red ring around the camera housing.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - volume and power button close-upXiaomi 17 Ultra - volume and power button close-up
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

If you want to make a statement, though, you’ll certainly want to check out the green model. It has a flecked finish on the rear panel that makes it stand out from the pack, and matching siderails to finish it off.

If you opt for the Leica edition, you’ll be able to choose between black and white versions, both featuring a vegan leather rear panel, two-tone detailing, and the iconic circular red Leica badge. There’s also an optional photography grip kit, which looks to be quite similar to the previous generation.

Screen 

  • 6.9-inch 120Hz 1200×2608 OLED
  • Flat screen, 2160Hz PWM
  • 3500 nits peak brightness

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The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a spacious 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3500nits, up from 3200 on the previous model.

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The other big change is that the panel now supports 2160Hz PWM dimming, up from 1920Hz. I’m not someone who is sensitive to flicker, so I can’t say I noticed the difference, but for some, that could be a big deal.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - lock screenXiaomi 17 Ultra - lock screen
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

What made more of an impact, for me, is the change from curved edges to a fully flat display. It seems to be the general trend at the moment, and I think I’m on board. I do like the way gesture controls feel on curved displays, but the durability, lack of glare, and screen protector compatibility might make flat displays the outright winner in my eyes.

Otherwise, the screen is as fantastic as you’d expect with specs like these. The colours are vivid and accurate, it’s plenty bright enough to see outdoors, and HDR content really pops. There are plenty of options if you prefer to tweak the colour balance, too, but I was fine with the default settings.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - video playing full-screenXiaomi 17 Ultra - video playing full-screen
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

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Cameras 

  • 50MP main camera (1-inch sensor)
  • 50MP ultrawide (1/2.76-inch)
  • 200MP 3.2x – 4.3x telephoto (1/1.4-inch sensor)
  • 50MP selfie camera (AF)

Xiaomi has shaken things up in the camera department. Instead of four separate sensors on the rear, you now get three. Rather than two separate periscope telephotos, you now get a single 200MP unit that can optically zoom between 3.2x and 4.3x.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - rear camera close-upXiaomi 17 Ultra - rear camera close-up
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

We’ve seen similar tech from Sony and its Xperia flagships, but the difference here is with the sensor size and resolution. This zoom camera has a massive 1/1.4-inch sensor and a 200MP resolution, matching the likes of the Vivo X300 Pro and Honor Magic 8 Pro.

It’s super impressive technology, but I was a little disappointed when I realised how small the zoom range is. In full-frame terms, you can zoom from 75mm to 100mm, and honestly, that’s not a dramatic difference in framing.

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Beyond that, you’ll be digitally cropping, but a combination of the extremely high-res sensor and very clever image processing means that you get shockingly good results when doing so.

What I found really disappointing, though, were the telemacro capabilities. This optical zoom configuration means that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra telephoto can’t focus as close as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could – and it lags behind the rivals like the Magic 8 Pro and X300 Pro, too. You can still get decent macro shots, but you’ll need to digitally crop more to achieve the results, whereas with the previous model, you could just get closer.

Aside from the new telephoto setup, the main camera and ultrawide have similar specifications to their predecessors. That’s no bad thing, as they both produce fantastic results. Especially the main camera, which excels in low-light conditions and produces lovely bokeh with its 1-inch type sensor.

Around the front, the selfie camera has been upgraded, too. It’s now 50MP, up from 32MP, and it has a larger sensor, which makes it more usable in dim conditions. Selfies on this phone are sharp, detailed, and have excellent dynamic range.

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Overall, I have been really pleased with the images I was able to take with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. It feels like Xiaomi has refined its image processing with this generation, and I’m no longer seeing the slight overexposure or heavy-handed sharpening that I normally associate with the brand. Images from this phone look wonderfully natural, more like what I would expect from a professional mirrorless camera.

Video performance is also excellent. You can shoot at up to 4K 120fps on both the main and telephoto cameras, while the selfie camera and ultrawide shoot at up to 4K 60fps. There’s a very decent Log profile, and the ability to record in Dolby Vision HDR, too.

I have no doubts that this is one of the best smartphone camera systems on the market right now. Whether it’s portraits, sports, landscapes, or long-range zooms, you name it, the 17 Ultra can hang with the best. It’s really only the lack of telemacro capabilities that holds this phone back – and how much that matters will depend on what you like to shoot.

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Accessories

  • Slimmed-down Photography Kit
  • Full-featured Photography Kit Pro
  • Tactile buttons, Wirst Strap, and 67mm filters compatibility

Xiaomi’s Ultra phones have come with optional photography grips for the last few years, so it’s not too surprising that Xiaomi has released anequivalent accessory for the 17 Ultra. What surprised me, though, is that there are now two different kits to choose from.

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The design that we’re most familiar with, featuring a removable battery grip and separate phone case is now called the Photography Kit Pro, while the standard Photography Kit is a much slimmer all-in-one package.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - standard photography kitXiaomi 17 Ultra - standard photography kit
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

Starting with the new addition, it’s basically a phone case with a sculpted grip towards the base. It has a two-stage shutter button and a video record button, and it connects to the phone via Bluetooth. There’s a built-in battery, but that’s only to power the Bluetooth buttons; it doesn’t charge the phone itself.

The video record button can be programmed to activate almost anything within the camera app, but the shutter button is limited to single photo or burst mode. It’s a two-stage button, though, so you can half-press to focus before taking your shot.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - standard photography kit buttonsXiaomi 17 Ultra - standard photography kit buttons
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

The styling is similar to the Leica edition phones, with a two-tone textured vegan leather lower and smooth upper. It looks great, in my opinion, but it’s not as functional as the Pro grip. For instance, you can’t attach filters over the lenses, and there’s no way to access the control ring on Leica edition handsets.

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Other than some aesthetic tweaks, the Pro grip functions almost identically to the last few generations, incorporating a 2000mAh battery that charges the phone in use, as well as a tactile shutter button, video button, zoom rocker, and control dial. 

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - photography kit proXiaomi 17 Ultra - photography kit pro
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

What’s new this time, though, is that the case has MagSafe-compatible magnets built in (and it works with Qi chargers). There’s also a clever new 67mm filter mounting ring that rotates, so you can add something like an ND filter or a mist filter, and still be able to use the zoom ring on Leica edition phones.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - changing lenses with photography kit proXiaomi 17 Ultra - changing lenses with photography kit pro
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

The Pro kit is definitely superior in terms of functionality, but if you never use filters, and you want something cheaper and more compact, it’s really nice that Xiaomi is providing an additional option.

Performance 

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
  • 12GB/16GB RAM, 512GB/1TB storage
  • Dual stereo speakers

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The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has Qualcomm’s latest and greatest flagship SoC at its core, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, along with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage. I’m testing the 16GB+512GB version.

As you might expect, with specs like these, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a bit of a rocket. Whether you want to edit complex videos, run AI models, or play the most graphically demanding games, this phone will take it in its stride.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - gamingXiaomi 17 Ultra - gaming
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

I played a couple of hours of Genshin Impact with the settings maxed out, and of course, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra took it in its stride. After a good 45 minutes of playing, the phone barely heated up, and there wasn’t a frame drop in sight. This phone clearly has a very impressive cooling system on the inside.

There’s a fairly full-featured game overlay built in, too. You can use it to boost performance, block notifications, lock your screen brightness, and even open messaging apps as a floating window.

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The speakers on this phone are also very impressive. The bass is much stronger than that of most Android flagships, and it’s more controlled and less boomy than the Honor Magic 8 Pro. There’s plenty of detail and a decent stereo effect, too.

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Software & AI 

  • HyperOS 3, based on Android 16
  • 4 OS upgrades, 6 years of security patches
  • Loads of AI features

The 17 Ultra runs HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s latest custom software built on top of Android 16. Functionally, it’s very similar to HyperOS 2, but this version comes with some significant aesthetic changes, and the iOS influence is more apparent than ever.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - home screenXiaomi 17 Ultra - home screen
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

There are some very iOS-looking lock screen options, including the ability to have a massive clock, depth effects, so that the clock interacts with your wallpaper, and even the ability to animate your wallpaper with generative AI.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - Hyper IslandXiaomi 17 Ultra - Hyper Island
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

There’s also a fresh new Dynamic Island clone, which Xiaomi calls Hyper Island. It’s nothing particularly creative or new, but it’s super handy. Personally, I love having a way to quickly access the music that’s playing, my timers, or navigation.

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Of course, there are plenty of AI features littered throughout the system, including the usual translation tools and writing assistance.  One that I found particularly handy is the ability to add AI-generated subtitles to anything you’re watching, regardless of the app it’s playing in.

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra - quick controlsXiaomi 17 Ultra - quick controls
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

There are plenty of AI features for photo editing, too, and they all work quite well. There’s outpainting, which I always find useful, as well as object removal and the ability to add background blur to a photo without having to have shot it in Portrait mode. 

Xiaomi is promising 4 major OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches for this model. It fails to match the likes of Google and Samsung, but it’s not a bad commitment.

Battery life 

  • 6000mAh battery
  • 90W wired charging
  • 50W wireless charging

The battery situation with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a bit of a strange one. The global model gets a 6000mAh cell, which is a healthy increase over last year’s 5410mAh battery, but pales in comparison to the Chinese version of this phone, which gets a 6800mAh battery.

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra - USB-C portXiaomi 17 Ultra - USB-C port
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

There’s nothing too strange about that; shipping regulations in Europe often mean the global versions of Chinese phones have their batteries nerfed. What makes this so peculiar, though, is that the global version of the smaller and cheaper Xiaomi 17 sports a larger 6300 mAh battery.

Regardless, for my needs, the battery life of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been more than sufficient. It’ll get me through the day with ease. I’ll usually end the day with around 30% or more remaining, but it’s not a two-dayer like the Oppo Find X9 Pro is.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra - charging the phoneXiaomi 17 Ultra - charging the phone
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

When it comes to charging, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is lightning quick. It supports up to 90W speeds with a wire and 50W wirelessly. There’s no charger in the box, though, so you’ll need to budget for an appropriately quick wall adapter.

I found that just 30 minutes on the charger would take me well over 60% charged, while a full charge took just over an hour. I should note, though, that I was using a third-party charger; it may be even quicker using an official Xiaomi adapter.

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Should you buy it?

You want one of the best camera phones around

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is pretty great at everything, but the cameras steal the show. If you’re looking for a device that blurs the lines between smartphone and professional camera, look no further.

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You love macro photography

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The only letdown with this camera system is that the telephoto isn’t as good for close-up shots. It’s still decent, but the competition fares better in this area.

Final Thoughts

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a well-rounded flagship that has something to offer in every area. Whether you’re looking for high-end gaming performance, a superb screen and speakers, solid battery life and speedy charging, or an incredible camera system, the 17 Ultra has you covered.

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It’s really those who are into photography and videomaking that will enjoy this phone the most, though. The camera system is truly excellent, and at times, this feels more like a camera than a phone.

Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few areas where Xiaomi is bested by the competition. For instance, both the Oppo Find X9 Pro and Honor Magic 8 Pro have better battery life (in my experience), and they’re better for macro photography, too.

But does that mean they’re better choices? Not necessarily. Xiaomi’s image processing and filter selection mean I often prefer the shots from the 17 Ultra, and it has plenty to offer elsewhere, too. One thing’s for certain, this is among the best camera phones available right now.

How We Test

We test every mobile phone we review thoroughly. We use industry-standard tests to compare features properly and we use the phone as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.

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  • Used as a main phone for over a week
  • Thorough camera testing in a variety of conditions
  • Tested and benchmarked using respected industry tests and real-world data

FAQs

Does the Xiaomi 17 Ultra support eSIM?

Yes, the global version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has full eSIM support.

Does the global version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra have a smaller battery?

Yes, the global version has a 6000mAh battery, rather than a 6800mAh battery.

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Test Data

  Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Geekbench 6 single core 3617
Geekbench 6 multi core 10936
Geekbench 6 GPU 24342
AI performance 20317
AI efficiency 46.6
1 hour video playback (Netflix, HDR) 6 %
30 minute gaming (light) 8 %
Time from 0-100% charge 64 min
Time from 0-50% charge 23 Min
30-min recharge (no charger included) 64 %
15-min recharge (no charger included) 33 %

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Full Specs

  Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review
Manufacturer Xiaomi
Storage Capacity 512GB, 1TB
Rear Camera 50MP + 200MP + 50MP
Front Camera 50MP
Video Recording Yes
IP rating IP69K
Battery 6000 mAh
Wireless charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Size (Dimensions) 77.6 x 8.3 x 162.9 MM
Weight 218 G
Operating System HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
Release Date 2026
First Reviewed Date 28/02/2026
Resolution 1200 x 2608
HDR Yes
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Ports USB-C
Chipset Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM 12GB, 16GB
Colours Black, White, Starlit Green
Stated Power 90 W

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An Android rival to the iPad Pro is here, and it looks just like the iPad Pro

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Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro, and it’s immediately clear that this is the company’s boldest attempt yet to compete with the iPad Pro. With a design unmistakably inspired by Apple’s premium tablet and a strong focus on keyboard-centric productivity, Xiaomi is signalling that the Android tablet segment is ready to take pro-level computing more seriously.

At the core of the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro is the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform

A chipset that brings the kind of performance usually reserved for high-end smartphones and some laptops. This makes the tablet capable of handling demanding apps, complex multitasking, heavy design workloads, and high-frame-rate gaming without hesitation. HyperOS provides the accompanying software layer, giving the interface a level of speed and fluidity that matches the hardware’s ambitions.

The display is an immediate standout. The 3.2K resolution combined with a 144Hz refresh rate creates a fluid and visually rich experience that supports everything from entertainment and reading to design work and motion graphics. The screen’s brightness and color accuracy further elevate its appeal for artists, students, and professionals who depend on visual clarity. Powering this is a 9,200mAh battery that provides enough endurance for long working hours, extended travel use, and continuous content consumption without frequent recharging.

A keyboard and stylus that reshape how the tablet is used

What makes the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro a genuine iPad Pro challenger is not just its hardware but the ecosystem around it. Xiaomi’s new magnetic keyboard case turns the tablet into a laptop-style machine, complete with a comfortable key layout and a responsive touchpad. This accessory transforms the character of the tablet, allowing it to handle more serious tasks such as long writing sessions, office work, productivity apps, and messaging with far greater ease.

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Alongside the keyboard is the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro, which introduces low-latency writing, improved pressure sensitivity, and more natural tilt recognition. Together, these enhancements make the stylus feel accurate and responsive, enabling everything from precise sketching and illustration to handwriting and markup work. This combination of tools positions the Pad 8 Pro as a versatile device that can shift between creative expression and productivity without effort.

A meaningful shift in the premium tablet landscape

The Pad 8 Pro arrives at a time when Android tablets are rapidly evolving. For years, the premium space has been dominated by Apple, but Xiaomi’s approach shows that an Android tablet can offer a polished, pro-grade experience if the company commits to performance, display quality, and accessory support. Users who prefer Android now have an option that does not force compromise and integrates smoothly with their existing ecosystem of phones, wearables, and laptops.

The tablet’s appeal extends further to students, hybrid workers, and creators. Anyone who wants a powerful but portable device will find the Pad 8 Pro compelling because it merges laptop-like typing, stylus precision, fast processing, and an immersive display in one device. It also serves as an option for users who want more openness and flexibility than what Apple’s closed ecosystem offers.

Cross-device integration is the future

Xiaomi’s direction with the Pad 8 Pro suggests a future where its tablets will receive deeper cross-device integration and more productivity-oriented features within HyperOS. As the company continues refining its ecosystem, the Pad 8 Pro stands as one of the clearest signals that Android tablets are entering a new era—one where performance, accessories, and software all work together to create a true alternative to the iPad Pro.

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$4.8M in crypto stolen after Korean tax agency exposes wallet seed

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$4.8M in crypto stolen after Korean tax agency exposes wallet seed

Someone jumped at the opportunity to steal $4.4 million in crypto assets after South Korea’s National Tax Service exposed publicly the mnemonic recovery phrase of a seized cryptocurrency wallet.

The funds were stored in a Ledger cold wallet seized in law enforcement raids at 124 high-value tax evaders that resulted in confiscating digital assets worth 8.1 billion won (currently approximately $5.6 million).

When announcing the success of the operation, the agency released photos of a Ledger device, a popular hardware wallet for crypto storage and management. 

Wiz

However, the images also showed a handwritten note of the wallet recovery phrase, which serves as the master key that allows restoring the assets to another device.

Images released by the South Korean tax authority
Images released by the South Korean tax authority
Source: mk.co.kr

The authorities failed to redact that info, allowing anyone to transfer into their account the assets in the cold wallet.

Reportedly, shortly after the press release was published, 4 million Pre-Retogeum (PRTG) tokens, worth approximately $4.8 million at the time, were transferred out of the confiscated wallet to a new address.

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“On-chain data (Etherscan) analysis shows that the attacker first deposited a small amount of Ethereum (ETH) into the wallet to pay transaction fees (gas fees), and then meticulously transferred the 4 million PRTG tokens to their own wallet in three separate transactions,” reports Korean media.

Blockchain data analysis expert Cho Jae-woo, a professor at Hansung University in Seoul who observed the transfer, commented on the authorities’ blunder by comparing it to leaving a wallet open and advertising it to the entire nation for people to take the money.

The professor attributed the mistake to the tax authorities’ “lack of basic understanding of virtual assets,” which effectively cost the national treasury tens of billions of won that had been successfully confiscated.

The press release has now been removed from the NTS website, and it is unclear if authorities started an investigation to determine where the stolen funds ended.

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The case is a reminder for hardware wallet owners that their seed phrase gives complete access to their wallet without any additional protections. Anyone who has it can recreate the wallet anywhere without their device, PIN, or permission.

It is recommended to avoid digitizing seed phrases, store them in electronic notes, photos, in email messages, cloud storage, or send them over messaging apps. If a seed is exposed, all funds should be moved to a new wallet as soon as possible.

Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.

In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.

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How to watch Knights vs Cowboys: FREE NRL 2026 live streams

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  • Knights vs Cowboys: Saturday, February 28 at 9.15pm ET / 2.15am GMT (Sunday) / 1:15pm (Sunday) AEDT
  • 7-day FREE trials – Fox One (US) / Fox Sports via Kayo Sports (AUS)
  • Access your usual streaming services with NordVPN (save up to 74% today)

Watch Knights vs Cowboys live streams as the NRL 2026 season kicks off with a Newcastle vs North Queensland banger from Allegiant Stadium in first of the season-opening Rugby League Las Vegas games. Plenty has changed in the off-season, too, with Kiwi star Dylan Brown joining the former, and Tom Chester returning for the latter after a serious knee injury.

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This retro-inspired handheld comes with Banjo-Kazooie and Battletoads built in

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Who would’ve guessed we’d get to play the original Banjo-Kazooie on a handheld with just a D-pad in 2026. HyperMegaTech!’s latest release is a collaboration with Rare Ltd., the legendary game developer known for the Banjo-Kazooie franchise and, more recently, Sea of Thieves, called the Super Pocket Rare Edition.

The vertical handheld features 14 classics from the British developer, including two Battletoads titles, Conker’s Pocket Tales and many more. While most of the games were released on 8- or 16-bit consoles, Banjo-Kazooie will be the headliner since it was originally released on the Nintendo 64. It may sound weird to control Banjo and Kazooie with a D-pad, but HyperMegaTech! assured that the game has been enhanced and optimized specifically for the Super Pocket handheld.

Since HyperMegaTech! and Evercade share Blaze Entertainment as a parent company, that means the Rare Edition handheld will be compatible with Evercade cartridges. Once you’re done with the 14 included games, you can expand your Super Pocket’s library with cartridges that feature collections from Taito, NeoGeo or Atari. HyperMegaTech! said the Rare Edition handheld will be available for $69.99 in June 2026, but has already opened preorders.

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How to Watch the 2026 MotoGP Season Live From Anywhere

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When to watch MotoGP 2026 races

  • The 2026 season runs from March 1 until Nov. 22.

Where to watch

  • The MotoGP season will stream in the US on Fox Sports.
73% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months). Now only $3.49/month


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The new MotoGP season kicks into gear this weekend, with familiar rivalries set to be renewed and a number of exciting new riders joining the grid. 

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Spanish star Marc Márquez clinched last season’s Riders’ Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix with five races to spare, but the Ducati star’s recovery from a shoulder injury that ended his season early last term could factor into the new season’s opening races.

The biggest storyline of the new season might be the brotherly rivalry between Márquez and his younger sibling. Álex Márquez will be looking to build on his runner-up showing last term with Gresini Racing, while there are high hopes for Turkish three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu as he joins Pramac Yamaha alongside Aussie star Jack Miller.  

The new season sees some significant changes to the calendar, with Brazil making a long-awaited return to the schedule, replacing Argentina as the second round, while the stop off at Silverstone in the UK has moved from May back to its traditional August slot.

A full list of Grand Prix for the 2026 season can be found at the bottom of this page. Check Fox Sports for race times.

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Side on view of MotoGP star Marc Marquez riding a Ducati bike.

Marc Márquez finished his superb 2025 MotoGP championship-winning season early due to a fractured right collarbone and ligament injury sustained at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Alessandro Giberti/Anadolu/Getty Images

How to watch the 2026 MotoGP Season online from anywhere using a VPN

If you can’t view the races locally, you may need a different way to watch this match; this is where a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic. It’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

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With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Australia, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now. 

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Price $13 per month, $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $100 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsJurisdiction British Virgin IslandsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries

ExpressVPN is our best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN that works on a variety of devices. Prices start at $3.49 a month on a two-year plan for the Basic tier. Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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73% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months). Now only $3.49/month

Livestream the 2026 MotoGP season in the US

Fox Sports is set to show every grand prix and every sprint race this season. Coverage will span across Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, with every race set to be available to watch on the Fox Sports app.

Both channels are available on most of the major live TV streaming services. The least expensive service is Sling TV Blue.   

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Sling TV’s Blue plan includes FS1, while its Sports Extra add-on includes FS2. Enter your address here to see which local channels are available where you live. 

The Bue plan currently costs $46 per month, while adding the Sports Extra package is an additional $11 per month. 

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Numerous other live TV streaming services carry Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, and Fubo. They all cost far more than Sling, but they also carry a full complement of live channels. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.  

Sarah Tew/CNET

For $65 a month, YouTube TV’s Sports Plan gives access to FS1 as well as FS2. Plug in your ZIP code on YouTube TV’s welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area. YouTube TV’s genre plans are slowly rolling out and are not yet available in all areas. If that’s you, it’s $83 monthly for the full service package.

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Fubo

Fubo Sports plus News package costs $46 for the first month and $56 thereafter and includes FS1 and FS2. Click here to see which local channels you get in your region with Fubo. Read our Fubo review.

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Hulu Plus Live TV includes Carries FS1 and FS2 in most markets. On its live news page, you can enter your ZIP code under the “Can I watch local news in my area?” question at the bottom of the page to see which local channels you get. Read our Hulu with Live TV review.

All the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.  

Watch the 2026 MotoGP season in the UK

Motorsports fans in the UK can watch the MotoGP season unfold on TNT Sports, which has live broadcasting rights in the UK.

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TNT Sports

TNT Sports will be broadcasting every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live. You can access TNT Sports via Sky Q as a TV package, as well as the option of streaming online. It costs £31 either way and comes in a package that includes the Discovery Plus library of documentary content.

Stream MotoGP 2026 races in Australia

MotoGP races can be watched Down Under on Fox Sports via Foxtel. If you’re not a Fox Sports subscriber, your best option is to sign up for the streaming service Kayo Sports. 

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Kayo Sports

A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$30 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$46 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.

The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts. 

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Better still, if you’re a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial.

Stream the 2026 MotoGP season in Canada

If you want to stream MotoGP live in Canada, you have two options. REV TV will be broadcasting every race live on linear TV and is available via most cable operators. All races will also be broadcast live on Sportsnet.

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Sportsnet’s standalone streaming service Sportsnet Plus will be showing races live online, with a subscription starting at CA$30 for the Standard tier and CA$43 for its Premium offering.

MotoGP 2026: Full race schedule

  • March 1: Thailand (Chang International Circuit, Buriram) 
  • March 22: Brazil (Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, Goiânia) 
  • March 29: Americas (Circuit of the Americas, Austin) 
  • April 12: Qatar (Lusail International Circuit, Lusail) 
  • April 26: Spain (Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Jerez de la Frontera) 
  • May 10: France (Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans) 
  • May 17: Catalonia (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló) 
  • May 31: Italy (Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Scarperia e San Piero) 
  • June 7: Hungary (Balaton Park Circuit, Balatonfőkajár) 
  • June 21: Czech Republic (Automotodrom Brno, Brno) 
  • June 28: Netherlands (TT Circuit Assen, Assen) 
  • July 12: Germany (Sachsenring, Hohenstein-Ernstthal) 
  • Aug. 9: Great Britain (Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone) 
  • Aug. 30: Aragón (MotorLand Aragón, Alcañiz) 
  • Sept. 13: San Marino (Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano Adriatico) 
  • Sept. 20: Austria (Red Bull Ring, Spielberg) 
  • Oct. 4: Japan (Mobility Resort Motegi, Motegi) 
  • Oct. 11: Indonesia (Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Mandalika) 
  • Oct. 25: Australia (Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island) 
  • Nov. 1: Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit, Sepang) 
  • Nov. 15: Portugal (Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão) 
  • Nov. 22: Comunitat Valenciana (Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia)

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