Hardware · Top stories
Sony launches $120 IER-M500 in-ear monitors for professional use
Sony has launched the IER-M500 in-ear monitors designed for musicians and sound technicians. Priced at $120, these earphones offer comfort and noise isolation suitable for stage performances, marking Sony's return to high-end IEMs.
TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB SSD Offers High Performance at Affordable Price
The TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB SSD is released, showcasing excellent random read latency and competitive pricing. Its performance makes it suitable for various applications, although poor power efficiency limits its use in laptops.
Meta to begin production of new AI chips in September
Meta plans to start production of its latest AI-specific chips in September to reduce GPU costs amid a component shortage. These chips, developed under the Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) program, will help the company optimize its AI workloads and deployments.
iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs may rise nearly $300, report finds
Counterpoint Research estimates that the component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max could increase significantly, primarily due to rising NAND and DRAM prices. This rise is likely to impact Apple's profit margins and retail pricing strategy for different storage variants.
Ruf unveils new flat-eight B8 engine at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Ruf introduced its new 4.8 L flat-eight B8 engine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The engine produces over 1,000 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, marking a significant move in Ruf's evolution from Porsche tuner to a standalone manufacturer of original vehicles.
AMD revives Ryzen 7 4700LE for budget PCs in prebuilt gaming systems
AMD has launched the Ryzen 7 4700LE in a new prebuilt gaming PC priced at $799.99, featuring an RTX 3050 GPU. This move allows AMD to leverage the aging AM4 platform and offer cost-effective options for budget-conscious gamers.
India removes tariffs on smartphone manufacturing parts to boost local production
India has eliminated 7.5% and 5% tariffs on key components for smartphones, aiming to enhance local manufacturing. This policy supports India’s goal of growing its electronics sector to $500 billion by 2026 and may accelerate Apple's iPhone production in the country.
Initial benchmarks show limited gains for AMD EXPO ULL memory kits
AMD's EXPO Ultra Low Latency (ULL) memory kits are available, but initial tests show only a 4% performance improvement at a high price. While there are slight benefits in specific games, the overall gains do not justify the significant price increase.
Valve Steam Machine review highlights drawbacks compared to modern gaming consoles
The Valve Steam Machine, priced at $1,049, is found lacking compared to current-gen gaming consoles. It features AMD hardware and runs SteamOS, but struggles with demanding games and fails to impress overall.
Rapidus targets 2027 for 2nm fab production amid customer uncertainty
Rapidus plans to mass produce 2nm chips at its IIM-1 facility in Chitose, Hokkaido by 2027, but has yet to secure any volume commitments from customers. The company aims to ramp up production capacity significantly, counting on a collaborative initiative to foster a semiconductor ecosystem in the region.
Apple scraps lower-cost Vision Pro component development with Samsung Display
Apple has discontinued the development of a lower-cost panel for its Vision Pro headset, known as G-VR. This decision follows a strategic shift towards AI smart glasses, signaling a potential delay in the release of more affordable XR devices.
JEDEC introduces SPHBM4 standard to reduce costs of high-bandwidth memory
JEDEC has released the SPHBM4 standard, which enables cheaper high-bandwidth memory (HBM) by allowing the use of organic substrates and eliminating the need for costly interposers. It utilizes a narrower 512-bit interface while maintaining high data transfer rates, potentially lowering memory costs in AI processors without addressing the DRAM shortage.
Mondo Robotics launches Beni, a $800 jumping robot camera dog
Mondo Robotics is crowdfunding Beni, a two-legged robot dog that can follow and film users. Priced at $600 on Kickstarter and $800 retail, it boasts features like speed up to 18 mph and 4K recording.
SiPearl Rhea CPU enters testing phase, set for late 2026 launch
SiPearl's Rhea CPU, designed for high-performance computing, has entered the testing phase. Scheduled for availability by the end of 2026, Rhea aims to be Europe's first sovereign HPC CPU.
Cooler Master launches V4 and V8 3DHP air coolers with innovative technology
Cooler Master has introduced the V4 Alpha and V8 Ace air coolers featuring groundbreaking 3D heatpipe (3DHP) technology, which enhances thermal efficiency by increasing fin utilization to over 95%. While these coolers show strong performance and low noise levels, their effectiveness in gaming scenarios and higher price point for the V8 Ace may limit their appeal.
Valve releases Windows drivers for Steam hardware but won't provide support
Valve has launched a resource page with Windows drivers for Steam hardware, allowing users to install Windows more easily. However, the company has explicitly stated it will not offer support for users running Windows on Steam devices, emphasizing the limitations of SteamOS and ongoing anti-cheat compatibility issues.
Honor's foldable aims for 7,000 mAh battery, the highest for the form factor
Honor is developing a wide foldable smartphone with a 7,000 mAh battery, surpassing Samsung's Z Fold 8 battery. This push reflects a broader industry trend towards larger batteries in foldable devices. Additionally, Honor's 'Robot Phone' featuring a gimbal camera is set to launch in August 2024, showcasing new imaging technology and AI capabilities.
Intel's Nova Lake CPUs to Support AVX-512 Across P-cores and E-cores
Intel's upcoming Nova Lake CPUs will reintroduce AVX-512 support for both P-cores and E-cores, allowing 512-bit instruction processing. This change resolves prior complications where tasks would crash when moved between core types, enhancing the performance capabilities of the hybrid architecture introduced with Alder Lake.
Beats launches new Power Pink USB-C cable in multiple variants
Beats has introduced a new USB-C cable in Power Pink, expanding its product lineup. The cables support various charging capabilities and data transfer rates, emphasizing durability with a woven design.
Solos unveils lighter AirGo A6 smart glasses without cameras
Solos introduced the AirGo A6 smart glasses, reducing weight to about 19 grams by omitting cameras. The new model supports voice-activated AI features, catering to users seeking a lighter, hands-free device.
Corsair launches compact 2800X RS-R ARGB MicroATX PC case with ample features
Corsair has launched the 2800X RS-R ARGB, its first MicroATX case since 2024's 2500X. This more compact design retains spacious internals for large components, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Kioxia and Sandisk unveil new 332-layer 3D NAND for data centers
Kioxia and Sandisk have begun sampling their 10th Generation BiCS 3D NAND, featuring 332 active layers which deliver a 59% increase in bit density. This new NAND is targeted at data center applications to enhance performance and reduce energy consumption.
Modder creates 8,192-core GPU with RISC-V microcontrollers at home
Matthias Balwierz has constructed a home-built GPU using 8,192 RISC-V microcontrollers, drawing over 2,000 watts. This project highlights the potential for DIY hardware innovation despite high commercial GPU prices.
OpenWrt One Router Features MediaTek Filogic 820 SoC and WiFi 6
The OpenWrt One router features a MediaTek Filogic 820 SoC, supporting WiFi 6, and includes multiple connectivity options. This development enhances the open-source router landscape by providing more powerful hardware for community projects.
Open Tools reveals working prototype of open-source, user-repairable printer
Open Tools has unveiled a working prototype of its DRM-free 'Open Printer', which utilizes refillable HP cartridges. The printer aims to provide user-repairability and operates without vendor drivers across multiple operating systems, although it lacks pricing, shipping dates, and speed details.
Apple's switch to in-house radio chips delayed until after 2031 due to Broadcom deal
Apple's shift to its own cellular modems for iPhones is now projected to extend past 2031 due to an extended partnership with Broadcom. This deal suggests continued reliance on third-party chips for the foreseeable future, highlighting challenges in fully transitioning to in-house technology.
Huawei to Enter South Korean AI Chip Market with Atlas SuperPods in 2026
Huawei plans to enter the South Korean AI accelerator market in late 2026 with its Ascend 950 processors and Atlas SuperPod platform. This move aims to challenge Nvidia's dominance by offering superior inference performance at significantly lower prices, appealing to customers seeking alternatives.
Valve Engineers Discuss Steam Machine Pricing and Design Challenges
Valve engineers discuss the Steam Machine's $1,049 pricing, design process, component shortages, and Windows support in a recent interview. They emphasize that while the price reflects current market conditions, the compact design offers unique features not found in traditional gaming PCs.
Czinger 21C: A Hybrid Hypercar with Record-Setting Performance
The Czinger 21C, a hybrid hypercar, features a bespoke twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, producing 1,250 hp. It boasts impressive performance metrics including a 0-60 mph time of 1.92 seconds and a top speed of 253 mph, positioning it alongside other hypercars in its price range.
Bigme launches 25.3-inch color e-ink monitor with 60 FPS refresh rate
Bigme has launched the B251 Pro, a 25.3-inch color e-ink monitor with a resolution of 3200 x 1800 and a claimed 60 FPS refresh rate. This model challenges previous e-ink monitoring capabilities, although practical applications may still be limited due to inherent display technology issues.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Headphones Launch with Enhanced Sound and Battery Life
Sennheiser has introduced the Momentum 5 Bluetooth headphones, featuring improved noise cancellation and a user-replaceable battery. Priced at £330, they compete with Bose, Sony, and Sonos, offering 57 hours of battery life and robust sound quality.
Openprinter Launches Repairable Open Source Paper Printer
Openprinter has unveiled a new paper printer designed for easy maintenance and cost-effectiveness. Its open-source nature allows users to refill cartridges independently and customize the device, promoting sustainability by reducing electronic waste.
Test of RTX 4080M graphics card shows lower performance than RX 9070 GRE
A Chinese reviewer tested a modified RTX 4080 graphics card, using a mobile core. It underperformed against similarly priced GPUs, especially in AAA games, raising questions about its value amid component shortages.
Sourdough Sidekick Launches to Automate Starter Management for Home Bakers
The Sourdough Sidekick automates sourdough starter management, allowing bakers to schedule feedings. Priced at $179.99, it simplifies the process for those who bake frequently while introducing some design challenges.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 launched with notable features and design
Lenovo has launched the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14, featuring Intel's Panther Lake silicon, an OLED display, and a lightweight design. This ultraportable aims to uphold Lenovo's reputation in the business laptop market while facing competition from models like the Dell XPS 14.
Matic raises robot vacuum price by $250, effective September 9
Matic will increase the price of its robot vacuum by $250, from $1,245 to $1,495, starting September 9. The hike is attributed to a tenfold rise in component costs, although Matic is providing incentives like a free year of replacement bags and an extended return policy to mitigate the impact on consumers.
Lenovo sells laptops with YMTC SSDs despite performance criticisms
Lenovo has begun selling the ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL laptop in the U.S. with a 512GB YMTC PCIe 4.0 SSD, marking the first instance of a major OEM using YMTC drives despite the company being on the U.S. Entity List. Despite criticism regarding the SSD's below-average performance, the laptop is positioned for everyday office use and could encourage broader adoption of Chinese storage solutions among consumers.
The Epomaker RT98 Offers Customizable Numpad for Mechanical Keyboards
Epomaker has launched the RT98, a mechanical keyboard featuring a modular number pad that can be positioned on either side. This design caters to users who prefer a number pad but want customization options, providing an alternative to traditional left-hand or right-hand options.
iOS 27 beta 2 reveals details about AirPods Pro with cameras
iOS 27 beta 2 indicates that Apple is developing AirPods with cameras, codenamed B790. This functionality could enhance interactions with Siri and introduce Visual Intelligence features, improving user experience by providing contextual information without needing an iPhone.
AOC U27G4XM Review Highlights Gaming Monitor's Price-Performance Ratio
The AOC U27G4XM gaming monitor delivers exceptional value with 4K resolution and a 160 Hz refresh rate at a competitive price. Its features, including a Mini LED panel and high peak brightness, cater to gamers seeking performance without excessive cost.