Hardware · Top stories
Withings launches Body Scan 2 scale with advanced health monitoring features
Withings has launched the Body Scan 2, an ultra-premium scale now available for $600 in the US. It offers enhanced health monitoring with 60 biomarkers compared to 40 in the previous model, including features like Impedance Cardiography and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy.
CXMT aims to match Micron's DRAM capacity by 2026, boosting China's production capabilities
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) is projected to reach 350,000 wafer starts per month (WSPM) by 2026, nearing Micron's capacity. This advancement positions China as the potential second-largest DRAM producer globally, driven by government initiatives and domestic technology transfers.
Nothing Watch 3 Pro smartwatch price drops to $69 on Amazon
The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is now available on Amazon for $69, down from its typical price range of $79 to $99. This budget smartwatch features a 1.43-inch OLED display, dual-band GPS, and up to 13 days of battery life, making it a competitive option in the budget fitness tracker market.
Penn State develops paintable e-tattoos for enhanced biomonitoring
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have created a conductive ink that can be painted onto the skin to form functional biomonitoring electrodes. This innovation potentially overcomes existing limitations of traditional e-tattoos, such as sensitivity to surface irregularities and movement during physical activity.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 to feature 20W wireless charging upgrade
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will support 20W wireless charging, a significant upgrade from the previous model's 25W wired rate. This change is critical for staying competitive in the foldable market. Wireless charging improvements have not occurred in several generations of Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Asus to sell standalone OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld
Asus will release a standalone version of the OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld, previously only available bundled with AR glasses. The new handheld features a superior 7.4-inch OLED screen that offers better clarity and brightness compared to competitors, making it a strong option for gamers.
Samsung teases Galaxy Watch 9 features ahead of July 22 launch
Samsung has released teasers for the Galaxy Watch 9, highlighting new health features, a titanium design, and a Snapdragon processor. The watch aims to enhance personalized health tracking and activity monitoring, addressing both fitness and wellness.
Razer Blade 16 Review: Strong Performance and Battery Life for Gaming
The Razer Blade 16 achieves competitive gaming performance and class-leading battery life, but lacks in multi-threaded workloads. Priced nearly $5,000, it targets high-end gaming users but faces stiff competition from peers in productivity tasks.
das_POD launches CD-ROM PLAYER 01 for repurposing IDE optical drives
das_POD has released the CD-ROM PLAYER 01, allowing users to convert old IDE optical drives into standalone audio players. The kit is designed for self-assembly and encourages the upcycling of unused drives from previous computers.
Hisense A10 E Ink phone features detachable color LCD
Hisense announced the A10 E Ink phone featuring a 6.13-inch E Ink display and a detachable color LCD screen. This design allows users to opt for a lightweight experience focused on reading or add a vibrant interface for multimedia applications.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 launches with new features and higher price
Microsoft has released the Surface Laptop 8, featuring Snapdragon processors, longer battery life, and a price increase to £1,449. The model offers improved performance and haptic signals through its new trackpad technology, enhancing user interaction with Windows 11.
UMC begins mass production of silicon photonics in Singapore
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) has started mass production of silicon photonics wafers in Singapore to meet demand in AI and data centers. This expansion positions UMC amid growing regional semiconductor activities and anticipates improved financial performance in the coming quarters.
Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones on sale for $109, lowest price since January
The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are available at a discounted price of $109, matching their all-time low. This bone-conduction model allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Twelve South PowerBug: Cable-free Qi2 Charger for MagSafe
Twelve South launched the PowerBug, a Qi2 charger that plugs directly into wall outlets without cables. It supports 15-watt wireless charging and includes a USB-C port for additional device charging, addressing common clutter issues.
Tesla's AI5 Chip Tapes Out at Samsung for Production Using 2nm-class Technology
Tesla's AI5 chip has been taped out at Samsung Foundry, set for mass production using 2nm-class technology. This development follows an earlier tape out at TSMC, and AI5 is expected to be integrated into Tesla's products, enhancing performance significantly over its predecessor.
Intel unveils Starfire chip for space applications with advanced capabilities
Intel has introduced the Starfire space-grade SoC, featuring eight high-performance CPU cores and a dedicated NPU, designed for the U.S. government. With capabilities up to 75 TOPS and a focus on AI inference in orbit, Starfire positions itself as a significant upgrade over legacy space processors.
Benchmarking Decommissioned NVIDIA GPUs for Modern Use
A project evaluated 15 decommissioned NVIDIA enterprise GPUs to assess their performance with current workloads. The findings may guide users in configuring affordable GPU nodes for homelabs, despite concerns about software support and power efficiency.
Cooler Master HAF II 500 Case Released with Enhanced Airflow Features
Cooler Master launched the HAF II 500 case, featuring two 220mm fans and improved thermal performance. The spacious chassis accommodates various components, catering to enthusiasts and gamers seeking high airflow setups.
AMD tests FSR Multi Frame Generation with experimental 8x mode in driver
AMD is testing FSR Multi Frame Generation with up to 8x ratios for existing Radeon GPUs, as found in the latest Adrenalin driver. This could potentially increase frame rates significantly, although the settings are currently non-functional and meant for testing. The experiment hints at future improvements in AMD's FSR technologies, possibly aligning with FSR Diamond on Xbox.
Flashforge Creator 5 Review Highlights Pros and Cons of Budget 3D Printer
The Flashforge Creator 5, priced at $699, is noted as the most affordable tool changer in the market. While it features a Core XY design and supports multiple materials, it faces criticism for excessive filament purge and a challenging nozzle change process.
Valve to fix premature overheating warning on Steam Machines with BIOS update
Valve confirmed that the Steam Machine's red light overheating warning is activating too early, due to a bug in the BIOS. A fix will raise the CPU/GPU temperature warning thresholds from 95/90°C to 100/100°C, improving user experience during gaming sessions.
Kode Dot Launches Programmable Pocket Device for Makers and Pentesters
Kode Dot has introduced a pocket-sized programmable device featuring an AMOLED touchscreen and dual MCU (ESP32 P4 + C5). This device aims to streamline project development by eliminating setup hassles and providing extensive connectivity and sensor options for users.
Apple's self-driving car program informs advanced AI chip development
Apple's self-driving car initiative, though ultimately unsuccessful, contributed to the creation of its powerful Neural Engine for on-device AI processing. This foundation has allowed Apple to position itself as a leader in hardware for AI, as seen in its upcoming M7 Ultra chip.
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 power supply features 80 PLUS Gold efficiency
The Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 power supply offers verified 80 PLUS Gold efficiency and ATX 3.1 compliance, featuring a native 12V-2x6 connector and a ten-year warranty. Priced at $119, this model targets mainstream gaming, presenting a robust option for builders seeking reliability without premium costs.
Open-source RISCBoy console designed with RISC-V technology unveiled
The RISCBoy is a new open-source portable games console utilizing a RISC-V compatible CPU and designed via Verilog 2005. It enables hobbyists to build a 32-bit gaming experience on FPGA technology, contributing to the growing trend of open-source hardware development.
Nopia synth nearly ready for launch at £550, features unique harmonic design
Nopia synth creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal announced the product will launch in a couple of months at approximately £550. The synth features a unique design that allows users to blend multiple modules for complex harmonies with minimal finger movement.
Razer Introduces Soma Chroma Gaming Chair with RGB Integration
Razer has launched the Soma Chroma gaming chair, featuring extensive RGB lighting and a racing-style design. Priced at $200 more than its predecessor, the Iskur V2 X, it lacks some adjustability features, raising questions about its value.
Apple Avoids Semiconductor Tariffs via Intel Chip Agreement
Apple secured a tariff exemption on semiconductor imports by agreeing to use Intel for Mac and iPhone chips. This move prevented potential price increases for Apple products, crucial in maintaining profit margins amid supply chain challenges.
Google develops constant recalibration method for quantum processors
Google has discovered a method for constant calibration of superconducting qubits during quantum computations. This innovation uses data from error correction processes to adjust settings in real-time, addressing calibration drift in long algorithms.
LNDU HK01W Smart Lock Offers Affordable Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi Features
The LNDU HK01W smart lock now offers Apple Home Key support for approximately $100, providing a budget-friendly option for Apple users. This lock features multiple unlocking methods, including biometric, keypad, fob, and traditional key access, while offering Wi-Fi connectivity.
Intel Raises Prices on Core Ultra 200S Plus Processors by Up to $50
Intel has increased recommended customer prices for its Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, including the 270K Plus and 250K Plus models, by $30 to $50. This adjustment reflects high demand and increased supply chain costs. Meanwhile, the midrange Core Ultra 5 245K is heavily discounted, highlighting mixed pricing strategies in the industry.
QuadRF: A New Phased-Array Radio Tracking Drones and WiFi Signals
The QuadRF, a phased-array radio utilizing a Raspberry Pi 5 and FPGA, can track drones and detect WiFi signals through walls. Its advanced signal processing capabilities allow users to analyze RF traffic, raising concerns about security practices while showcasing potential for innovative research applications.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 Review Highlights Display and Performance Shortcomings
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop features a vibrant mini-LED display and powerful hardware but has key shortcomings such as missing PCIe 5.0 SSD and single-channel RAM. Priced at $4,999.99, it competes closely with Razer’s Blade 18 but presents notable limitations.
Baseus launches PicoGo Air magnetic power bank compatible with Pixel 10
Baseus has launched the PicoGo Air, a thin 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank designed for the Pixel 10. Its slim profile, measuring under 7mm thick, enhances portability while offering a lower charging limit of 22.5W compared to Qi2 standards. This product expands the options for Pixel 10 users seeking compact charging solutions.
Rapidus to Offer Lower Wafer Prices than TSMC for 2nm Class Silicon
Japan’s Rapidus aims to attract customers by pricing its 2nm-class wafers at $18,550-$21,635, well below TSMC's estimated $30,000. The company plans to begin high-volume manufacturing in 2027, providing competition in the semiconductor market but facing TSMC's established advantages in technology and ecosystem.
Mini PCs Can Run Large AI Models with Unified Memory, Outpacing High-End GPUs
Mini PCs with unified memory can run 70-billion-parameter AI models, unlike high-end GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 5090, which lack the necessary capacity. This development highlights the advantages of unified memory architecture, enabling more efficient use of RAM for AI applications in compact systems.
Intel Reveals New Cross-Batch Memory Architecture in Patent Filing
Intel has filed a patent for a new memory architecture called Cross-Batch Memory (XBM), which replaces traditional HBM silicon interposers with back-end-of-line transistors and UCIe links. This aims to reduce costs and address memory bottlenecks in AI applications. This development highlights Intel's efforts to innovate in high-bandwidth memory, potentially altering AI hardware design.
Samsung samples Gaia AI accelerator for PCs with HP and Lenovo validation
Samsung is sampling its Gaia AI accelerator, a dedicated neural processing unit, for next-gen PCs. Major manufacturers HP and Lenovo are currently validating the chip's performance as they consider integrating it into upcoming systems due in late 2027 or early 2028.
iVANKY Launches FusionDock Ultra for High-Performance Mac Workflows
iVANKY has introduced the FusionDock Ultra, a Thunderbolt 5 dock designed for Apple Silicon MacBook users. It features a dual-chip architecture to optimize bandwidth and support for multiple high-resolution displays, making it particularly useful for demanding professional workflows.
Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 get RAM upgrade, price increases after July 14
Retroid is upgrading its Pocket 5 and Flip 2 handhelds to 12GB of RAM at no extra cost for orders made before July 14. After this date, the prices will increase by $10, reflecting rising RAM costs in the tech industry.