Hardware · Top stories
Wyze Releases New Indoor Cam Pan with Retracting Lens for Privacy and 2K Resolution
Wyze has launched a new Indoor Cam Pan, an indoor security camera priced at $39.98. This model features a lens that retracts into the camera body for physical privacy, 2K video resolution, and AI-powered motion tracking, offering an updated option for home surveillance.
Framework Laptop 12 updated with Intel Core Series 3 chips and hardware upgrades
Framework updated its Laptop 12 with Intel Core Series 3 chips, Thunderbolt 4 support, DDR5 RAM, and optional backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader. These changes improve battery life and performance, making the modular laptop more competitive.
Robot Lawn Mowers Show Improved Navigation and User-Friendly Features
Recent robot lawn mower models demonstrate advancements in navigation and maneuverability, addressing previous issues with getting stuck. The TerraMow V1000 uses a camera-based TerraVision 2.0 system for automatic mapping, while other models show improvements in RTK and NetRTK navigation, making them more reliable for yard maintenance.
Researcher Identifies x86 Instruction Taking 62 Seconds to Execute
Hardware researcher Christopher Domas created the "CPU Deoptimization" project, also known as the "Assembly Hall of Shame," to find the slowest possible single x86 instruction. The instruction `fxrstor64` on an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor was found to take 62 seconds, or 198 billion cycles, to complete under specific high-latency conditions. This research explores the inverse of typical performance optimization by intentionally maximizing instruction latency.
HP Releases HyperX Omen 15 and Omen Max 16 Gaming Laptops
HP has released two new gaming laptops, the HyperX Omen 15 and the HyperX Omen Max 16. The Omen 15, starting at $1,200, replaces the budget-friendly Victus 15 and features an RTX 5050 Laptop GPU and a 16:10 display. The Omen Max 16, priced at $4,699, includes a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and an RTX 5090 GPU, but its performance does not align with its cost.
Dolby Vision 2 Launches on Select 2026 Hisense TVs, Expanding HDR Capabilities
Dolby Vision 2, a new dynamic HDR format, is now available on select 2026 Hisense TV models, including the UX, UR9, UR8, and U7, with availability by September 2026. This update introduces a more powerful image engine, expanded metadata, and features like Content Intelligence and Light Sense 2, aiming to optimize picture quality across various viewing conditions.
Viture Launches Pro 2 Smartglasses and Mobile Dock Mini, Focusing on Comfort and Clarity
Viture has released its Pro 2 smartglasses, priced at $299, and a more compact Mobile Dock Mini for $99. The Pro 2 model is 20 percent lighter and 16 percent thinner than its predecessor, featuring diopter adjustments and UltraClarity 3.0 technology for improved visual comfort and image clarity. This release aims to make advanced clarity features more accessible to consumers at a lower price point.
Placing Overheating Phones in Refrigerators Causes Device Damage, Repair Shops Report
A social media trend advising users to cool overheating phones by placing them in refrigerators is leading to device damage, including condensation and thermal shock. Repair shops in Europe and the UK have observed an increase in phones damaged by this method, which contradicts manufacturer recommendations to cool devices naturally.
Shark's ChillPill Fan Debuts with Versatile Cooling Features at Reduced Price
Shark has launched the ChillPill handheld fan with a three-in-one cooling system. Priced at £129.99, it features a rechargeable fan with a dry-touch evaporative mister and flexible design options. The device is currently available at a discounted price of $99.99 on Amazon and Costco.
Nintendo Switch 2 Discounts: $399 at Woot and $449.99 with Free Game at Amazon
The Nintendo Switch 2 console is currently available at a discounted price on different platforms. Woot offers it for $399 for new customers and $427 for returning customers, while Amazon sells it at $449.99, including a free digital game. This is significant as the console's price is set to rise to $499.99 in September.
Affordable Kodak EC35 Film Camera Released at $35
Reto Project has launched the Kodak EC35, a 35mm film camera priced at $34.99. Designed to be beginner-friendly, it has a fixed 25mm f/10 lens and basic manual controls. Available in seven colors, this camera offers an affordable entry into film photography.
2026 EVs Vary in Range Despite Improving Charging Infrastructure
Research indicates that several 2026 electric vehicles will have ranges under 250 miles, with the Fiat 500e being the lowest at 149 miles. Concurrently, recent experiences on a 600-mile road trip suggest significant enhancements in EV charging infrastructure. This split is crucial for buyers to consider both range and charging availability when selecting an EV.
Skullcandy Launches Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones with Bose ANC Technology
Skullcandy has released its Crusher 1080 ANC headphones, incorporating Bose's QuietControl ANC technology and haptic bass system. Priced at approximately $270, they offer adjustable bass and clear audio with new drivers, challenging established competitors in the headphone market. The integration of Bose's technologies marks a significant enhancement in audio quality and experience.
Xtra Muse Camera Undercuts DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in Price Wars
Xtra Muse portable camera is now priced at $329, offering a $50 price advantage over the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Both cameras target the vlogging market with features like Bluetooth mic compatibility. Price competitiveness in the portable camera segment intensifies, reflecting shifts in market strategies.
XGIMI Launches Elfin Flip 4K Projector with Portable Features, Lacks Battery Power
XGIMI introduced the Elfin Flip 4K, a 4K laser projector equipped with Google TV, priced at $999. While marketed as portable with features like automatic keystone correction and a 3.4-pound design, it lacks an internal battery, limiting outdoor use. This projector includes a built-in Harman-Kardon speaker and a tiltable design, making it suitable for various indoor placements.
Asus ROG Flow Z13 Price Reduced by $900 at Best Buy
Best Buy has reduced the price of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet from $2,999.99 to $2,099.99. This 2-in-1 device features an AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 chipset, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it appealing for gaming and AI applications. The price drop makes this hybrid device a compelling purchase in the current market.
Open-Source Beavis Ultrasound PnP ISA Sound Card Replica Released
The Beavis Ultrasound PnP, an open-source replica of the Gravis Ultrasound PnP sound card, has been released on GitHub. This project offers complete schematics and reverse-engineered source code but requires a rare AMD InterWave chip. Such developments cater to retro computing enthusiasts seeking to recreate or customize classic hardware.
Samsung Launches Budget 990 SSD Amidst Criticism Over High Prices and Lower Speeds
Samsung has released its 990 SSD, a budget-friendly Gen 4 QLC drive available at $530 for 2TB and $270 for 1TB. It provides full Gen 4 throughput but exhibits slower performance compared to the 2022 Pro model and suffers from mediocre power efficiency. Despite these drawbacks, it remains noteworthy due to the increased prices and its budget positioning, serving users seeking lower-cost SSD options.
Slate EV Partners with Crayola for Customizable Colorful Truck Wraps
Slate EV has collaborated with Crayola to offer truck wraps in five iconic Crayola colors: Cerulean, Dandelion, Fern, Razzmatazz, and Jersey Tomato. This initiative enhances customization for its electric trucks, encouraging individual expression among buyers. The wraps are part of Slate's customizable offerings, aligning with its strategy to allow buyers to personalize their vehicles.
Amazon Updates Fire HD 10 Tablet with Increased RAM
Amazon has refreshed its Fire HD 10 tablet, increasing RAM in the 32GB model from 3GB to 4GB, with a price rise to $154.99. The 64GB version remains at 3GB RAM. The update, possibly influenced by memory supply issues, maintains other core specs like the 2GHz octa-core processor and 10.1-inch display.
Bose Recalls 670,000 S1 Pro Speaker Battery Packs Due to Fire and Overheating Risk
Bose has issued a recall for approximately 670,000 lithium-ion battery packs used in its S1 Pro and S1 Pro+ portable PA speakers in the US and Canada. The recall is due to reports of batteries overheating, melting, smoking, or catching fire, posing fire and burn hazards. Users are advised to stop using affected battery packs immediately and seek a free replacement from Bose.
Razer Launches Hammerhead V3 Chroma USB-C Wired Earbuds with ANC and RGB for Mobile Gamers
Razer introduced the Hammerhead V3 Chroma, new USB-C wired earbuds featuring active noise cancellation (ANC), RGB lighting, and a right-angle connector optimized for mobile gaming. These earbuds are a successor to the Hammerhead V2 and are also compatible with PC, supporting THX Surround Sound 7.1.
Samsung Galaxy A38 to Feature 6,000 mAh Battery, Exceeding Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung's upcoming mid-range Galaxy A38 smartphone is reported to include a 6,000 mAh battery, a 20% increase over previous A-series models and the current Galaxy S26 Ultra. This indicates Samsung's effort to increase battery capacity in its devices, potentially debuting in early 2027.
AAWireless launches new active-cooled Qi2 car charger, expanding beyond Android Auto adapters
AAWireless, known for its Android Auto wireless adapters, released a new product called "AAWireless Charge." This is a Qi2 25W wireless car charger with active cooling, compatible with MagSafe and Pixelsnap, and costs $50.
Aina Launches Smart Ring with Screen, Joystick, and Microphone for AI Interaction
Hardware startup Aina released a new smart ring featuring a screen, joystick, and microphone, priced at $399. The device is designed for interacting with AI agents, taking notes, and controlling applications, building on the company's previous controller hardware.
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Features New V8 Engines and Android-Based Infotainment
The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduces new, larger V8 engine options and an Android-based infotainment system with multiple displays. While offering increased power, towing capacity, and advanced cabin technology, the vehicle is noted to have some unrefined features in its current state.
Explosion at Panasonic PCB Factory in Taiwan Kills Two, Injures Five
An explosion and fire at a Panasonic Industrial Devices Materials PCB factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan, resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. The incident occurred in a facility that manufactures printed circuit boards and semiconductor packaging materials, with the cause currently under investigation.
Meta Connect 2026 to feature new AI glasses and mixed reality headset
Meta's upcoming Connect 2026 event will likely showcase new smart glasses, including a camera-free model, and potentially a mixed reality headset. This event is significant as it outlines Meta's hardware and AI strategy, addressing privacy concerns with new designs.
Hybrid solar-plus-battery systems offer more savings than pure plug-in solar
Hybrid solar systems that combine solar panels with batteries provide greater potential for energy savings compared to pure plug-in solar setups. This is because batteries can store solar-generated power or cheap off-peak electricity, addressing the mismatch between peak solar generation and household energy consumption.
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe EV features axial flux motors and active aerodynamics
Mercedes-AMG introduced its first all-electric GT 4-Door Coupe, featuring a new AMG.EA sports-car architecture and axial flux motors. The vehicle incorporates active ride control suspension, rear-axle steering, and active aerodynamics to manage the weight of its batteries and deliver performance.
Qualcomm Introduces Cloud AI 100 Ultra AI Accelerator Card
Qualcomm has released the Cloud AI 100 Ultra, an AI accelerator card designed for data centers. This new card operates at 150W and includes 128GB of memory with a bandwidth of 548GB/s, targeting high-performance AI inference workloads.
Apple Design Eliminates Need for Webcam Covers, Avoids Damage to Screens
Apple's 2008 MacBook webcam design, with an indicator light, negates the need for webcam covers, as these covers risk damaging screens. This design aims to assure users of privacy without additional accessories, impacting how users approach device security.
Apple forecasts 16 million MacBook Neo 2 shipments for 2027, doubling 2026 Neo sales
Apple has provided suppliers with a shipment forecast of 16 million MacBook Neo units for 2027, which is double the nearly 8 million units expected in 2026. This forecast suggests Apple anticipates the MacBook Neo 2, expected in early 2027, to be a significant success.
Logitech Releases G Pro X3 Superstrike Mouse with New Chipset and Higher Price
Logitech has released the G Pro X3 Superstrike mouse, an upgrade to the G Pro X2 Superstrike, featuring a new NxLOGI chipset for improved performance and efficiency. The new model supports 8,000 Hz polling and is 2 grams lighter, but comes with a $200 price tag. This update offers incremental improvements to an existing product line at a premium cost.
Thermal Grizzly Releases PhaseSheet PTM Pro with Improved Thermal Conductivity and Installation
Thermal Grizzly launched the PhaseSheet PTM Pro, an updated phase-changing thermal pad with increased thermal conductivity and an easier-to-install carrier film. This new version aims to improve cooling performance and simplify application compared to its predecessor and other thermal interface materials.
Repurpose an Old iPod as a USB Flash Drive for File Storage
Old iPods can be converted into basic USB flash drives by enabling a "Disk Use" feature, allowing them to store and transfer files between computers. This offers a way to reuse discontinued devices, though storage capacity and transfer speeds are limited compared to modern flash drives.
PC Processors Can Last a Decade or More, Obsolescence is Primary Replacement Driver
PC processors typically last a decade or more under normal use, with obsolescence due to performance demands being the main reason for replacement. Early failures are usually due to manufacturing defects, while later issues like freezing or random restarts can indicate a failing CPU, though these are rare.
OpenStick Homelab Setup for $10 Device
A user details their homelab setup on a $10 OpenStick device, highlighting its capabilities despite limited hardware specifications. The setup includes services like CastSponsorSkip for ad blocking and a custom fork of AdGuard Home for DNS-level content filtering.
Peak Design Releases New Qi2 Wireless Charging Station, 65W Travel Charger, and Power Bank
Peak Design has launched three new charging accessories, including a 2-in-1 Mobile Charging Station with dual Qi2 wireless charging, a 65W travel charger, and a 5,000mAh Qi2 kickstand travel battery. These products offer updated charging capabilities for mobile devices, supporting Qi2 25W wireless charging and 65W wired fast charging.
Flipper One, an open Linux computer with Wi-Fi 6E and Gigabit Ethernet, prepares for Kickstarter
Flipper One, an open Linux computer featuring an ARM processor, Wi-Fi 6E, and Gigabit Ethernet, is preparing for a Kickstarter campaign and opening pre-orders. The device uses a co-processor architecture with a low-power MCU and a high-performance CPU, running an open-source Linux firmware with mainline kernel support.