Hardware · Top stories
Spanish Museum Builds Cray-1 Supercomputer Replica Using 30 Mac Minis
The Museo de Historia de la Computación in Spain created a 1:1 visual replica of the 1976 Cray-1 supercomputer, powered by 30 networked 2012-era Mac Minis. This project demonstrates the evolution of computing power and architecture by re-creating a historical supercomputer with consumer hardware.
Google Japan unveils Gboard Conveyor Belt Version keyboard with moving keys
Google Japan introduced the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version, a keyboard with keys that move on four conveyor belts to reduce finger and arm movement during typing. This release continues Google Japan's tradition of showcasing unique keyboard designs annually on October 1st.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On leak reveals open-ear design, 'Auto Volume,' and gesture controls
Official-looking renders and app details for Samsung's "Galaxy Buds On" have leaked, showing an open-ear clip design and features like "Auto Volume," head gesture controls, and voice memo integration. This leak suggests an upcoming release for the new earbuds.
Leaked Images Show New Colors and Design for Amazon's Next Entry-Level Kindle
Leaked images suggest Amazon's upcoming entry-level Kindle will feature a minor redesign and new color options, including light blue, green, and mauve. The power button's relocation to the top right edge aims to prevent accidental sleep mode activation.
Amazon Disables Alexa Voice Control for AUX Input on Older Echo Speakers
Amazon has removed the ability to control the AUX input on select older Echo smart speakers using Alexa voice commands. This change affects models such as the Echo Plus 2nd Gen, Echo 3rd Gen, Echo Studio 1st Gen, and Echo 4th Gen, which still feature a 3.5 mm port. Users can still physically connect devices and control them via the Alexa app, but voice commands like "Alexa, play from line in" no longer function.
Figure Decommissions F.02 Robot Fleet by Melting Them in Finland
Figure decommissioned its F.02 robot fleet by melting the units in an electric arc furnace in Imatra, Finland. This method was chosen to protect proprietary hardware as the company transitions to its F.03 fleet and prepares for F.04.
Vivo X Fold 6 foldable phone launches globally with a 200-megapixel main camera
Vivo's X Fold 6, a foldable smartphone, is launching internationally after its initial release in China. The device features a 200-megapixel main camera and a 6,900mAh battery, but its aspect ratio and visible screen crease are noted as older design choices.
Sony Japan implements lottery system with 60-hour playtime requirement for PS5 Pro purchases
Sony Store Japan introduced a lottery system for PS5 Pro purchases, requiring a Japanese PSN account and at least 60 hours of PS4/PS5 playtime within the last two years. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure consoles reach active gamers amidst device shortages and rising demand.
Boox Picco ereader, a playing card-sized device, is now available for preorder
Boox has opened pre-orders for its new Picco ereader, a compact device with a 3.94-inch monochrome ePaper display, weighing 58 grams. This product marks Boox's entry into "Boox Tiles," a line of ePaper devices with unusual form factors.
Una Watch, a $199 open-source, modular, and repairable GPS sports watch, is available
The Una Watch, a new GPS sports watch, is now available for $199, featuring a modular, repairable, and open-source design. It includes fitness tracking capabilities and encourages user-developed applications and hardware modifications.
WiCi One external GPU box features Wi-Fi 7, 4TB SSD for local AI processing
The WiCi One is a new external GPU enclosure that uses Wi-Fi 7 for wireless connectivity and includes a built-in 4TB PCIe 5.0 SSD. It is designed for running local AI models, allowing multiple devices to share a single GPU over a network.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Glasses Feature Longer Battery Life, New Styles, and Price Increase
Meta released its third generation of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, introducing new Aviator and Zena frame styles, increased battery life up to 9 hours, and an additional microphone for improved audio. The new models start at $449, marking a price increase from previous versions.
Microsoft launches new Surface Mouse with haptic feedback and customizable action button
Microsoft is releasing a second-generation Surface Mouse on October 13th, featuring haptic feedback and a customizable action button. This update introduces new tactile interactions within Windows 11 and specific applications, and allows for quick access to functions like Copilot.
Samsung smart fridges bricked by firmware update, spoiling food for owners
A firmware update for Samsung's Bespoke AI smart fridges caused devices to stop functioning, leading to spoiled food for owners. The issue primarily affects 2024 and later four-door models in Korea, with hundreds of cases reported.
Oppo Find X10 "Pro Max" model rumored to feature three 200MP cameras
A leak suggests the upcoming Oppo Find X10 "Pro Max" smartphone will include three 200MP cameras, a significant increase from previous models. This development indicates Oppo's continued focus on high-megapixel camera systems in its flagship devices.
Raspberry Pi 5 firmware update blocks RAM chip modifications
A recent firmware update for the Raspberry Pi 5 prevents users from replacing the default RAM chip with a larger capacity one. This change impacts hobbyists who previously upgraded their devices for more memory-intensive projects.
MediaTek Dimensity CX C10 Max SoC to power new Googlebooks, shares specs with Kompanio Ultra
MediaTek announced its Dimensity CX C10 Max processor will be used in Google's new Googlebook laptops, launching on September 21. The 3nm SoC features an 8-core CPU, 11-core GPU, and NPU 890, but its specifications are largely similar to the existing Kompanio Ultra 910, with the main difference being increased memory speed.
Clicks Communicator smartphone to ship in December with 12GB RAM, free data
Clicks has upgraded the Communicator smartphone's specifications to 12GB RAM and a 4,350mAh battery, launching with Android 17. The company will ship the device in December, offering two months of free data via its new MVNO service, Clicks Mobile.
Lenovo unveils Project Swan, a 14-inch expandable screen laptop concept at IFA 2026
Lenovo introduced Project Swan, a concept laptop with a 14-inch screen that expands to 17 inches, at IFA 2026. This concept demonstrates progress in expandable display technology for productivity notebooks, offering increased screen real estate in a portable form factor.
Packard Bell brand relaunches in Europe with DotBook 14 laptop and Dot series products
The Packard Bell brand, now under Acer, has relaunched in Europe with the DotBook 14 laptop and a range of Dot series peripherals and electronics. This marks the brand's return after 13 years, focusing on affordable and colorful products for the European market.
Neo Geo AES+ Console Remake Delayed to September 2027 Due to AI-Induced Memory Shortage
The Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System+ (AES+) console remake has been delayed from November to September 16, 2027. Manufacturer Plaion Replai cited increased consumer demand and a global memory chip shortage, driven by AI infrastructure investment, as reasons for the significant delay.
Insta360 Releases Luna Pro Gimbal Camera with 4K Portrait Video Support
Insta360 released the Luna Pro, a new single-lens gimbal camera priced at $600, which offers 4K shooting in 9:16 portrait mode. This feature distinguishes it from competitors like the DJI Pocket 4 and Insta360 Luna Ultra, which currently only support 3K in portrait mode, making it relevant for social media content creators.
Trump T1 Phone price increases by $250 to $749
The Trump T1 Phone's price increased by $250 overnight, raising its cost from $499 to $749. This change follows previous statements from Trump Mobile executives calling the launch price "introductory" and "promotional."
Google discontinues Pixel Tablet, removing it from its official store
Google has discontinued the Pixel Tablet, removing its listing from the Google Store and making it unavailable from third-party retailers. This marks the end of Google's only tablet offering, though software updates will continue until 2028.
Honor Robot Phone Integrates Gimbal for Camera Stabilization, Launches in China
Honor has released its experimental Robot Phone in China, featuring a built-in three-axis gimbal for its 200-megapixel primary camera. This device integrates stabilization technology directly into the phone, aiming to reduce the need for external gimbal peripherals for content creators.
Boox Picco e-reader with 3.97-inch touchscreen and Linux OS to launch in November
Boox will release its Picco e-reader in November, featuring a 3.97-inch touchscreen, physical page-turn buttons, and a Linux-based operating system. This device offers an alternative to the Xteink X4 with its own set of features and limitations.
TP-Link and JMGO Unveil New Hardware at IFA 2026
TP-Link introduced new Wi-Fi 8 routers and mesh systems, while JMGO released a 4K 120Hz projector outside China at IFA 2026. These announcements showcase early adoption of upcoming wireless standards and advancements in projector technology.
Lexar Introduces Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD with Proprietary SnapLink Cable
Lexar has announced the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD, which measures 3.8mm thick and offers 512GB and 1TB capacities. The drive achieves its thin profile by using a proprietary magnetic SnapLink cable with pogo-pin connectors instead of a standard USB-C port. It provides read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s, supporting 4K Apple ProRes video recording at 120fps.
Hohem Introduces Eyepic Gimbal Camera with Detachable Action Camera Module
Hohem has launched the Eyepic, a new handheld stabilized camera that features a detachable magnetic camera module. This module can function independently as an action camera, allowing for both stabilized 4K video capture and flexible, hands-free dynamic footage. The Eyepic records 4K video at 60fps and includes a 2.5-inch rotating touchscreen display.
Philips Hue "Sync Box Lite" and "Sync Camera" leak, offering cheaper light synchronization
Details have emerged about two new Philips Hue products, the "Hue Play Sync Box Lite" and a "Sync Camera," which aim to provide more affordable options for syncing smart lights with TV content. The Sync Box Lite features a single HDMI input and a lower price point, while the Sync Camera uses a TV-mounted camera to process lighting effects directly from the screen.
Working Apple I Computer, Signed by Steve Wozniak, Heads to Auction
A rare, working Apple I computer, known as the "Hatfield" Apple I, is going up for auction again, with an expected sale price between $500,000 and $800,000. This event matters as it highlights the enduring value of early computing artifacts and the historical significance of Apple's foundational products.
Soundcore Expands Audio Lineup with Thus Chip Integration in New Headphones and Earbuds
Soundcore, an Anker brand, announced new audio products at IFA 2026, including the Space 2 Pro headphones, AeroClip 2 and AeroClip 2 Pro open clip earbuds, and Liberty Buds 2. All new devices integrate the Thus processing chip, previously introduced with the Liberty 5 Pro series, to improve call quality and active noise cancellation.
Samsung introduces new $799 Galaxy Book 6 model with Intel Core 3/5 processors
Samsung has released a new, more affordable model in its Galaxy Book 6 laptop lineup, starting at $799. This expansion provides a budget-friendly option compared to previous models, making the series more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
HyperX Launches Cloud Alpha Air, its First Open-Back Gaming Headset
HyperX released the Cloud Alpha Air, its first open-back gaming headset, priced at $150. This new model features a Bass Tube design to maintain low-end audio response, addressing a common characteristic of open-back headphones. The product launch expands HyperX's gaming accessory lineup with a new audio form factor.
Acer Introduces Swift Blade 14 and Swift Air 16 Laptops with Intel Wildcat Lake Processors
Acer has unveiled two new laptops, the Swift Blade 14 and the Swift Air 16, both powered by Intel Wildcat Lake processors. The Swift Blade 14 weighs 1.76 pounds (799g) and is 0.51 inches (12.95mm) thin, making it lighter than Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air. These releases expand Acer's mid-level laptop offerings, with availability in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in December, and North America in Q1 2027.
Razer Launches Prio, a Compact Foldable USB-C Mobile Gaming Controller
Razer has released the Prio, a new USB-C mobile gaming controller for Android and iOS devices. The Prio features a foldable design that reduces its size to roughly that of a credit card when not in use, making it more portable than previous models. It includes tactile low-profile thumbsticks with contactless sensors to prevent drift, a D-Pad, ABXY buttons, and dual bumpers and triggers, and is available for $99.99.
TP-Link announces Archer 8 Ultra Wi-Fi 8 router for September 30 preorder, Deco 8 Ultra in Q1 2027
TP-Link will launch its first consumer Wi-Fi 8 router, the Archer 8 Ultra BN19000, for preorder on September 30. The company also detailed the Deco 8 Ultra BN22000 mesh router, expected in Q1 2027, and future Wi-Fi 8 products.
Panic refunds Playdate customers for illegal US tariff fees
Panic, the creator of the Playdate console, is refunding customers for US tariff fees previously paid on their purchases. This action follows a Supreme Court decision in February 2026 that deemed the Trump administration's tariff regime illegal, leading Panic to return funds rather than retain them.
Commodore and CD Projekt Red Partner for Cyberpunk 2077-Themed Commodore 77
Commodore has partnered with CD Projekt Red to release the Commodore 77, a special edition of the Commodore 64 Ultimate. This version features a Cyberpunk 2077 aesthetic, an upgraded AMD Artix-7 XC7A100T FPGA, and an exclusive 2MB demo cartridge, marking Commodore's first franchise hardware partnership.
Pebble Time 2 Smartwatch Relaunches with E-Paper Screen and Long Battery Life
The Pebble Time 2 smartwatch has been relaunched by its original founder, featuring a $225 price point, a color e-paper screen, and a 21-day battery life. This refresh emphasizes a casual design and community-driven software, differentiating it from other smartwatches.