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With reports that Tesla's Optimus robots were human-aided at the company's We, Robot event, we take a look at the Optimus Gen-2 and the rival Unitree G1.

• CPU and RAM could match the iPhone 16
• Specs will support Apple Intelligence
• Old Touch ID design is going to be retired

It looks as though we're going to know pretty much everything there is to know about the iPhone SE 4, by the time Apple gets around to launching it early next year: a full specs sheet has now leaked out, covering everything from the amount of RAM to Wi-Fi support.

This leak comes from well-known tipster @Jukanlosreve, which means it's more likely than not to be accurate – although nothing is certain until the phone is actually official. Some of these specs have leaked before, though others are new.

As previously rumored, the specs sheet lists the A18 chipset as the one powering the iPhone SE 4 (the same processor as in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus). That's apparently going to be combined with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Having the same chipset and RAM as the flagship iPhones is important for one key reason: it means the iPhone SE 4 will be able to run all the AI tricks and features that are going to start to roll out next week as part of Apple Intelligence.

Screen and cameras

The current iPhone SE (Image credit: Future)

This specs sheet suggests we're looking at a 6.06-inch OLED display, running at a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. That's quite a step up from the 4.7-inch LCD panel on the 3rd-gen iPhone SE (2022), and (as previously predicted) matches up with the iPhone 14.

It means the iPhone SE 4 is going to be the first in the series to ditch the home button and Touch ID, and adopt the more modern look of the latest flagship iPhones. The phone apparently weighs in at 165 grams, a little heavier than the 144 grams of its predecessor.

Other specs listed here include a single 48MP rear camera, a 12MP selfie camera, support for Wi-Fi 6, IP68-rated water and dust protection, and a battery capacity of 3,279mAh (a notable bump from the 2,018mAh on the current model).

This leak lists the starting price of the iPhone SE 4 as $499, so we might have to expect a rise from the $429 / £419 / AU$719 price point last time. The handset, together with more new iPads, is expected to show up early in 2025 (March is the month mentioned in this leak).

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Movies with killer computers are nothing new. From Hal 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to M3GAN, computers, dolls, and robots that become sentient and turn sinister make for a bloody good time at the cinema. It's also the basis for many of the best sci-fi horror movies.

Nowadays, however, AI is everywhere, from inside the Mac I’m writing this article with to the smartphone you’re reading it on, it’s impossible to hide from it. And what happens when there’s a new buzzword or trend in town? Hollywood flocks to it and doubles down. Enter AfrAId, a movie about an AI that wants to kill you, and the horror film you probably shouldn't watch this Halloween Week.

AfrAId tells the story of a family whose lives are turned upside down after the father, Curtis, brings AIA, an Alexa-esque voice assistant, into their home. For AIA to work, “eyes” are installed throughout the house, small smart home cameras, tracking everything the family does and feeding the information back to the AI assistant. It’s a pretty unsettling vision of the smart assistant future, but it’s also incredibly corny. If, like me, you spend most of your time on the internet, then you’ll have been inundated with AI information over the last few years, and because of this, AfrAId feels like AI bingo, trying to fit as many buzzwords from pop culture in as possible in just 84 minutes.

AIA can do everything, from pay the family’s bills, teach the children, and even bribe them with points to use on rewards in exchange for doing house chores - It’s all a bit ludicrous, but then again did you expect deepfakes to be as realistic as they are now just a couple years ago?

Was this written by AI?

Horror films strive on the surreal, right? So criticizing AfrAId for being unrealistic would be unfair, but when bad writing, a silly plot, and poor acting combine with a tired premise, it makes the film a genuine chore to watch.

I got about 20 minutes into the movie before I couldn’t help but sigh at every reference thrown into the mediocre script. ChatGPT, Alexa, Minecraft, Cordyceps from The Last of Us, Atrial Fibrillation, and even The Emoji Movie makes an appearance. Honestly, AfrAId is exhausting, as if a group of writers (or an AI) decided to write a movie just to tick the boxes.

You know exactly how this film goes: AIA infiltrates the home, becomes sinister, bribes the kids, and causes mayhem - it’s a simple premise, and an incredibly tired one.

So why am I writing about AfrAId? I hear you ask. Well, considering there are AI horror films being churned out faster than the next AI image generator, I thought it was my duty to watch this one, so you don’t have to. My favorite quote from AfrAId comes in the form of a sales pitch from AIA’s creators, “We want to understand people then ask their permission to tell them stories they can believe in and feel a part of. That’s how you cut through the chatter of the internet and the millions of mouths whispering at you, the millions of eyes watching you. Because that is what people want, not a product, they want empathy, connection, community.”

This quote is incredibly ironic because the film completely misses the mark on giving people what they want. AfrAId is a quick cash grab without any of the thrills you want from a horror, and even if you’re interested in AI you should just avoid it completely.

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ASRock Rack's TURIN2D48G-2L+ is a sizable new server motherboard designed to handle the most demanding needs of high-performance computing.

Supporting dual AMD EPYC 9005/ 9004 series processors, including the top-tier 192-core EPYC 9965, this motherboard is engineered for maximum power and memory capacity.

With 48 DIMM slots - 24 per CPU socket - it can support up to 96GB per RDIMM and up to 512GB per RDIMM-3DS module (for a total of 24.6TB), offering substantial memory scalability. The board also supports DDR5 memory with frequencies of up to 5200MHz for single DIMMs per channel (1DPC), or 4400MHz when utilizing two DIMMs per channel (2DPC).

For the most demanding workloads

The TURIN2D48G’s layout has been designed specifically to accommodate these massive memory and processing requirements. Measuring 18" x 16.9", the board can support CPUs with a TDP of up to 500W, ensuring that even the most power-hungry processors are adequately managed. To fit the 48 DIMM slots the CPU sockets have been offset.

In addition to offering more memory capacity than many competing platforms, the motherboard offers impressive PCIe and storage capabilities. It supports 12 MCIO slots (PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 x8), along with up to 34 SATA 6Gb/s connections, and two M.2 slots also provide further storage options, each supporting either PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA 6Gb/s drives.

Networking is handled by two RJ45 1GbE ports powered by Intel’s i350 controller, and remote management is available via integrated IPMI with a dedicated management LAN port.

The TURIN2D48G is designed to shine in environments where massive memory and high core counts are critical. Its support for CXL 2.0 and PCIe 5.0 promise fast communication between processors, memory, and peripherals, while the integrated cooling options, with support for high-powered CPUs, make it suitable for the most demanding workloads like AI training and large-scale data analysis.

ServeTheHome got a firsthand look at the motherboard during AMD's AI event following the launch of the EPYC 9005 Turin and noted, “Something neat about this motherboard is that beyond supporting a huge number of cores and DIMMs, it is also offers something Intel does not have. The Intel Xeon 6900P also has 12 channel memory, but can only support 1 DIMM per channel. As a result, the 12-channel 2DPC offering from AMD offers something beyond just the maximum raw core count for AMD EPYC Turin platforms over Intel Xeon platforms. It is also cool to see such a large motherboard!”

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Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro hopes to distill the brand’s sonic pedigree into a gaming headset, by adopting a minimal design in every sense, devoid of extra features, and focusing completely on audio quality and comfort.

The appearance is certainly spartan. The total-black design is only offset by a few dashes of orange, but that’s about the only giveaway as to its intended gaming audience. Overall, I think it is a smart-looking headset that doesn't draw attention to itself.

This minimalism extends to its overall form, as the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro cuts a rather slender profile, at least compared to some of the best wired gaming headsets. It also feels quite light, and the thick cable surprisingly doesn’t weigh it down.

The whole headset feels premium and engineered to a high standard, but as I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets, the mechanism for adjusting the driver position feels clunky. Also, the strain reliefs on the cable fail to reassure me that they’ll prevent fraying over time.

As you would expect from Beyerdynamic, the MMX 300 Pro has excellent sound, with all frequencies coming through clearly. However, the bass is a little weak compared to headphones designed for music, so the headset wouldn’t be my go-to choice for audio playback alone. However, compared to other gaming headsets, it’s still among the best in this regard – it’s a shame, though, that there are no listening modes to choose from or EQ adjustments to make.

The microphone is well-made and very sturdy, yet the gooseneck design still allows for flexible adjustments. This makes getting it in the optimal position easy. While it doesn't detach or retract, it does fold out of the way quite well. The vocal quality is excellent, and it does a great job of blocking unwanted sounds coming through.

As for comfort, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro excels in this department too. Although the fit is tight, the ear cups and headband provide enough cushioning for extended use. However, the inside of the drivers did make slight contact with my ears, which can cause fatigue after a while – but this takes a very long time to manifest.

The connectivity and usability flaws found on the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless are non-existent here, with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro making for a slimmer, easier-to-use headset with arguably even better sound. However, given its hefty price tag, it’s hard to recommend it over other wired gaming headsets, as the competition is so fierce in this sector, making for better value alternatives than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Case in point: the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which is the best wireless gaming headset in our view, is cheaper but still has great sound and packs in more features. Meanwhile, the Epos H3, our pick as the best wired headset, is considerably cheaper and performs brilliantly in most areas.

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Price and availability

• $299 / £259 / AU$499
• Available now
• Black only (unless customized)

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro costs $299 / £259 / AU$499 and comes in one stock color: black. If you order from the company’s website, you can customize the look of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro in a variety of ways, with intricate patterns and engraving options available.

Beyerdynamic’s wireless gaming headset, the MMX 200 Wireless, is considerably cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, despite its multiple connectivity options and extra features. However, by keeping things simple with wired connectivity, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro avoids many of the pitfalls of the MMX 200 Wireless. It’s also less bulky and more comfortable, yet still offers Beyerdynamic’s trademark audio quality, albeit with less low-end impact than you might expect. Whether these advantages of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro justify the steep price increase, I’m not so sure – especially when you consider the lack of features.

For those looking for more out of a gaming headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro could fit the bill: not only does it come with software to adjust various parameters, but it’s also wireless and cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro. And if you’re after one of the best PC gaming headsets specifically, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top pick in this sector: although it’s considerably more expensive than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, it does feature multiple connectivity options and a long battery life, in addition to great sound.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro reviewed: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Design and features

• Austere looks
• Thin, light and comfortable
• Lacking features

Much like Beyerdynamic’s other gaming headsets and headphones, the MMX 300 Pro cuts an understated figure. The black finish is enlivened slightly by some orange accents, but these are the only concessions to its gaming audience. Most aspects of the headset look and feel premium. The hard plastic shells of each driver have a smooth matte finish, while the headband and ear cups are plush yet durable.

The drivers are supported by heavy-duty metal hooks which again are solidly built. However, the mechanism used to adjust their position fails to match the same level of engineering, as it feels clunky to operate – an issue I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets and headphones.

However, the form factor of the MMX 300 Pro represents an improvement over other Beyerdynamic models. It has a relatively slim profile, being less wide and unwieldy than the MMX 200 Wireless. The divers and ear pads are thinner, and the whole headset feels lighter too.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is also more comfortable to wear, offering plenty of cushioning around the ears and the headband. The materials used here feel durable, but both the headband and the ear pads are replaceable should they perish.

I’m usually not fond of circular driver designs, preferring an oval shape, but here, thanks to the lack of bulk, I had no trouble wearing them, even with glasses. Unlike the MMX 200 Wireless, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro didn’t get in the way when I leaned back in a chair or sofa. However, I did notice the inside of the drivers touching my ears slightly, which can cause aches after very long sessions exceeding two or three hours. They also don’t swivel, which means hanging them around your neck or storing them isn’t as easy as with other headsets.

(Image credit: Future)

The analog cable is thick and strong, yet it doesn’t weigh down the headset; I could barely tell it was there, which is exactly what you want from a headphone cable. There’s some strain relief around the jacks, but these don’t seem to be the strongest, so I’m not completely confident they’ll prevent fraying in the long run. Another drawback is the rubber material on these reliefs, as it picks up dust and debris far too easily.

The jack secures tightly into the left driver, which is deeply recessed. However, it doesn’t offer an audible click when inserted, which can make it tricky to know if it’s inserted all the way. The instructions say to twist it slightly when inserting, but there is no feedback indicating how much this needs to be done, and it didn’t seem to make a difference whether I twisted it in or not.

The inline control module, which features output and input volume controls and a mute mic slider, is chunky but unobtrusive. The buttons and wheel feel premium here too and are easy to operate, although perhaps a touch too small for my liking.

The microphone on the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is similarly well-built. The swivel function is smooth yet sturdy, and the cloth tip cover is thicker than on some other gaming headsets, which bodes well for its longevity. The gooseneck is easily adjustable and stays in position once fixed, making for the perfect blend of flexibility and security.

One drawback of the mic, however, is that it still can’t be detached or folded away completely, although it can be rotated upwards to keep it out of the way. In contrast, the MMX 200 Wireless has a detachable mic, and the PlayStation Pulse Elite, one of the best PS5 headsets, has a retractable mic for an even more elegant solution.

In focusing on high-quality audio, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro appears to have sacrificed features. There are no options to adjust the sound, other than volume, either via buttons or software. For a wired headset at this price, you would expect more; even the cheaper MMX 200 Wireless has an Augmented Mode for ambient noise passthrough, but the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro gets no such endowments.

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Performance

• Superb gaming audio
• Great mic clarity
• Low-end lacking slightly

The sound produced by the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is impressive. The STELLAR.45 drivers render all frequencies with clarity, especially the highs and upper mids. The closed-back design helps to improve the sense of space and immersion as well.

However, while there is some punch to the low end, it still lacks the depth of bass you would expect. This isn’t such a problem for gaming, but it’s more disappointing when listening to music. Other headsets feature different modes for different scenarios, but this isn’t an option with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro – you get what you are given.

The integrated microphone claims to maximize vocal clarity thanks to the high-quality condenser capsule, and during my tests, this did indeed prove to be the case. Voices come through with a high degree of fidelity, and unwanted noises, such as coughs and other plosive sounds, are all but eliminated.

However, as with the output of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, there are no adjustments for the microphone, save for the standard volume controls. The closed-back design and natural noise isolation mean that you can barely hear your own voice, which some gamers, including myself, may find a little disconcerting, so the option to allow some sort of input monitoring would’ve been welcomed.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro? Buy it if...

You want stellar gaming audio
There’s no denying the sound quality of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, and although the bass may be a tad weak, it’s still excellent for a gaming headset.

You want something comfortable
The ear pads and headband provide hours of wearing comfort – only extremely long sessions will cause fatigue.

Don't buy it if...

You want to cut the cords
There’s only wired connectivity here, which, at this price, is a shame.

You want multiple features
There are no adjustments you can make to the sound, and no feature to allow you to hear your own voice through the mic.

You’re on a budget
For a wired gaming headset, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro sits right at the top end of the market. Whether the excellent sound quality alone is worth this much, I’m not sure.

Also consider...

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
If you want to ditch the cables, then the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is our pick as the best wireless gaming headset around. As a renowned peripheral maker, it’s no surprise this headset from Razer offers high build and audio quality, and we were especially impressed with its battery life too.

Read our Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review

Epos H3
As our best wired headset, the Epos H3 is perfect for those who want an ultra-reliable connection and aren’t worried about a trailing cable. A wireless version is available in the form of the H3Pro Hybrid. Naturally, this is more expensive, but its amazingly still cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Read our Epos H3 review

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Used with multiple platforms
• 20+ years gaming experience

I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro for several days, using it on a Windows 11 PC, a PS5, and a Nintendo Switch. I played a variety of games, including Silent Hill 2 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Sea of Thieves – the latter of which I played online to test the microphone. I also recorded my own voice via the mic and played it back to hear how I sounded.

As well as playing games, I also used the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro to listen to music and watch video content on YouTube and Netflix.

I have been gaming for over twenty years, and have experienced many headsets and headphones during this time. These include various Beyerdynamic models, such as the DT 770 Pro, and I have previously tested the MMX 200 Wireless gaming headset.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024.

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