Hardware · Top stories
Telo MT1 Electric Pickup Truck Prototype Tested, Features Compact Design and High Towing Capacity
Telo, a California-based startup, is developing the MT1 electric pickup truck, which features a compact design similar to a Mini Cooper but offers an 8,000lb towing capacity and a 96-inch bed. The prototype was test-driven, demonstrating quick acceleration and a stable ride, aiming to introduce a smaller electric truck option to the US market.
Original Apple TV 4K (2017) Designated 'Vintage' by Apple
Apple has added the original Apple TV 4K (2017 model) to its 'vintage' products list. This designation means that repair services for the device will become dependent on parts availability, potentially limiting future support.
New Amazon Kindles Reportedly Have Light Leak Issues, Especially in Dark Mode
Users are reporting light leak issues, including shadows and visible LEDs, on the new base-model Amazon Kindles, particularly when using dark mode at high brightness. Amazon acknowledged that a manufacturing issue may be responsible for defects in the current batch of devices.
Googlebook Glowbar Lacks Chromebook Pixel's Battery Gesture
Googlebook's new Glowbar feature revives the light bar from the Chromebook Pixel but omits the 'knock-knock' gesture that previously displayed battery status without opening the laptop. While the Glowbar still indicates charge when plugged in and offers more granular status, it loses a distinctive user interaction from its predecessor.
Researchers entangle a light beam with a glass bead
Researchers successfully entangled a light beam with a glass bead, demonstrating quantum correlations between disparate objects. This achievement expands the understanding of quantum entanglement beyond typical photon-photon interactions.
Razer launches Basilisk V4 Pro gaming mouse with new tilt wheel and extended battery life
Razer released the Basilisk V4 Pro gaming mouse, featuring a new HyperScroll Tilt Wheel Gen 2, 14 customizable controls, and up to 275 hours of battery life. The company also introduced the Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed mouse and the Mouse Dock V2 Pro charging accessory.
Natura launches Interface, a $99 smart ring for AI agent interaction and health tracking
Natura, an AI and hardware startup, announced Interface, a $99 smart ring that allows users to interact with AI agents and track health metrics. The device aims to provide continuous access to AI for tasks and information without requiring a phone.
Microsoft Introduces Magnetic USB-C Charging Port on Surface Laptop Ultra
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Ultra features a magnetic USB-C charging port, named "Magnetic Connect." This design allows the included charger to magnetically attach, similar to Apple's MagSafe, while the port still functions with standard USB-C cables.
Refreshed Stylophone Mini Synthesizer Released in Three Colors for $30
The Stylophone Mini, a compact synthesizer, has been re-released with updated color options, including pink, and is available for $30. This refresh brings back a portable version of the classic instrument, aiming for simplicity in a modern tech landscape.
Keurig Smart Coffee Maker Reported to Send 1TB of Data Over Wi-Fi in 10 Days
A Keurig K-Supreme SMART coffee maker reportedly sent 1TB of data over a home Wi-Fi network in 10 days, causing network slowdowns. The issue was resolved by rebooting the device and placing it on a segregated VLAN, suggesting a potential flaw in the device's network stack.
iFixit Teardown: Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 Show Mixed Repairability
iFixit's teardown of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 revealed that the Ultra 4 maintained its 4/10 repairability score, while the Series 12 saw a slight improvement to 4/10 due to easier battery removal. Both models still require prying off the glued display for internal access, which remains a significant repair challenge.
Wi-Fi Alliance Certifies Two New PlayStation Devices, Possibly an OLED Portal
The Wi-Fi Alliance certified two unannounced PlayStation devices, CFI-Y2000 and CFI-Y2105, which run Android 15 and are classified as "Gaming Console/Peripherals." These models suggest an update to the PlayStation Portal, potentially an OLED version, based on model number progression and OS. This indicates Sony may be preparing a refresh for its game streaming handheld.
Modder runs Doom on Vectrex console using a custom cartridge
A modder successfully ran Doom on a 1982 Vectrex console, utilizing a custom cartridge that acts as a small plug-in PC. This project showcases Doom with a unique vector-art visual style, distinct from typical pixel-based displays.
New CD Players Offer Modern Features Amidst Surging Sales
CD player sales increased by 58.6% in the U.S., leading to new models with modern features like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and improved DACs. Companies like Fiio and Fosi Audio are releasing devices that combine traditional CD playback with contemporary connectivity and design elements.
JBL Releases PartyBox Ultimate 2 Speaker with 1,500 Watts and Integrated Light Show
JBL launched the PartyBox Ultimate 2, a new speaker offering 1,500 watts of sound, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, and a built-in light show. This model replaces the 800-watt PartyBox 720 and includes features like AI vocal removal for karaoke and touch controls.
Glimpse Launches Explore Product to Speed Up CT Scanning for Quality Control
Glimpse introduced a new product called Explore, which allows manufacturers in various industries to accelerate quality control checks using existing CT scanners. This development aims to help companies detect defects faster and reduce costly recalls by significantly increasing the throughput of CT scanning processes.
Trettitre Launches Retro Ambient Sound System with Wall-Mountable Physical Media Players
Trettitre introduced the Retro Ambient Sound System (RASS), a wall-mountable hi-fi system featuring a vinyl turntable, CD player, and cassette player. The system aims to provide a tactile physical media experience with a compact, wireless design.
TechTuber creates modern VHS-based FMV game system for Doom and Super Mario Bros.
A TechTuber developed a modern VHS-based Full Motion Video (FMV) gaming system using a DE1-SoC FPGA board and a Raspberry Pi RP2350 MCU. This system plays custom versions of Doom and Super Mario Bros., inspired by the limitations of a 1980s VHS-connected console.
Xbox Elite Controller 3 specifications leak via Xbox Design Lab backend
Specifications for the unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3, codenamed "Edessa," have leaked through the backend of Xbox's Design Lab, revealing features like Hall-effect or TMR joysticks and voice-coil haptics. This leak suggests an upcoming refresh for Xbox's premium controller line, addressing common issues like stick drift and enhancing haptic feedback.
BougeRV DuneRover Remote-Controlled Wagon Prototype Shows Capability for Hauling Gear
BougeRV's DuneRover, a remote-controlled wagon, demonstrated its ability to carry over 200 pounds and traverse difficult terrain like hills and soft sand during prototype testing. Production units are expected to ship in February 2027, with a Kickstarter campaign offering early-bird pricing.
Matic Robot Vacuum Receives FCC Ban Waiver for Existing Models
The FCC granted a ban waiver for Matic robot vacuum models 4MA0001 and 4DK0008, allowing their import, marketing, and sale. This waiver is largely symbolic as these models were already approved and Matic manufactures its robots in the US, but it could offer protection against future component-based restrictions.
Pixel 12 series leak reveals model numbers and display specifications
Leaked information from the GSMA database details model numbers and display resolutions for Google's upcoming Pixel 12 series, including a Pixel 12 Pro Fold. The leak suggests minor display resolution changes for the standard models and a resolution increase for the Fold's inner display, maintaining its near-square aspect ratio.
Original Xbox Emulator Xemu Ported to Jailbroken PlayStation 5 Consoles
Reddit user u/Yzenxam ported the Xbox emulator Xemu to jailbroken PlayStation 5 consoles, naming it XPSemu. This allows PS5 users to play original Xbox games, expanding the console's emulation capabilities beyond PlayStation titles.
Russian firm completes first 130nm-capable chipmaking tool, trails modern equipment by 25 years
Russia's Zelenograd Nanotechnology Center (ZNTC) has completed the third R&D stage of its first lithography tool, capable of processing 200-mm wafers using a 130nm process technology. This development marks a milestone for Russia's microelectronics industry, demonstrating domestic engineering expertise in chipmaking equipment, though the technology is significantly behind current global standards.
Russia's Shturm Uncrewed Tank Fails During Debut Military Display
Russia's new Shturm uncrewed tank failed during its debut display at the Tsentr-2026 military exercise, losing its command-and-control link and getting stuck in mud. This incident highlights potential technical flaws and operational limitations of the system, particularly its reliance on a close-range radio link.
Apple's Next Entry-Level iPad Rumored to Feature A19 Chip and Wi-Fi 7
Apple's upcoming entry-level iPad is rumored to include the A19 chip, N1 networking chip, and C1X modem, bringing Wi-Fi 7 support and 8GB of memory. This update would allow for Siri AI functionality, though it will not support the most advanced local AI models.
Vessev develops electric hydrofoil ferry for efficient water transport
Vessev has developed the VS-9 electric hydrofoil ferry, which uses underwater wings to lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag and increasing efficiency. This design allows for smoother rides and is particularly beneficial for electric boats where energy conservation is critical.
Nacon Launches Revolution 5 Unlimited PS5 Controller with Built-in Screen and Audio Mixing
Nacon released the Revolution 5 Unlimited, a PlayStation 5 controller featuring a built-in screen for settings adjustments and the ability to mix audio from a phone and console simultaneously. This controller offers extensive customization options for joysticks, D-pad, triggers, and weight, and is compatible with PS5, PC, and Android devices.
Nothing relaunches 'Community Review Program' for early product testing
Nothing has revived its "Community Review Program," allowing selected users to test unreleased products and provide feedback. This initiative aims to gather user input and generate online content before official product launches.
Texas School District Replaces Chromebooks with iPads and MacBook Neo in $11M Deal
The Beaumont Independent School District approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to replace its existing Chromebook fleet with 14,585 Apple devices, including iPads and MacBook Neo units. The decision was based on reliability, lower long-term costs, and performance compared to other options.
BiWin Releases CL 100 Mini NVMe SSD for Portable Gaming Handhelds
BiWin has released the CL 100 Mini NVMe SSD, a 15 x 17 mm storage solution designed for specific portable gaming consoles. This drive offers NVMe speeds in a form factor similar to a microSD card, addressing the need for faster, more convenient storage expansion in compatible handhelds.
Micro Center requires ID and no-export pledge for RTX 5090 purchases
Micro Center is requiring customers purchasing an RTX 5090 GPU to provide photo identification and sign a declaration form prohibiting its export from the United States. This new policy follows recent U.S. government efforts to prevent the illicit export of high-end GPUs, particularly to China.
TCL Sues Samsung Over Misleading "Mini LED" TV Advertising
TCL has filed a lawsuit against Samsung, alleging that Samsung falsely advertises its M-series TVs as "Mini LED" displays. TCL claims Samsung's M-series models lack the technological advancements associated with Mini LED technology, such as full array local dimming (FALD). This dispute highlights the lack of industry-wide standards for defining "Mini LED" technology.
Maingear Launches Instant Trade-In Program for Gaming PCs with SELLIT9 Partnership
Maingear, a custom PC seller, has introduced an instant trade-in program in collaboration with SELLIT9, allowing customers to receive immediate credit for used electronics towards new Maingear desktops or laptops. This initiative aims to make purchasing new gaming hardware more accessible by utilizing the value of old tech.
Neurable Launches Neurable One Brain-Scanning Headphones Independently
Neurable has launched its third generation of brain-scanning headphones, the Neurable One, independently without previous partners. These headphones monitor focus levels, brain waves, and provide metrics like brain age and mental processing speed.
Amazon Redesigns Kindle Lineup with Flush-Front Display and Thinner, Lighter Bodies
Amazon has redesigned its Kindle e-readers, removing the raised bezel for a flush-front display and making devices thinner and lighter. This change aims to create a more seamless look and improve portability, while new capacitive touch technology prevents accidental screen interactions.
Legato launches AI-powered hearing glasses, Legato Frames, for purchase starting at $999
Legato, a hearing tech startup, has launched its AI-based hearing glasses, Legato Frames, for purchase. These glasses integrate hearing assistance technology into eyewear frames, aiming to provide a more accessible alternative to traditional hearing aids for individuals with up to moderate hearing loss.
PS3 Emulator Developers Warn of Fake Blu-ray Drives Sold on Newegg and AliExpress
Developers of the RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator issued a warning about counterfeit Blu-ray drives being sold, particularly on Newegg and AliExpress. These fake drives use older, incompatible optical mechanisms with spoofed firmware and packaging to appear as higher-end models, impacting users seeking compatible hardware for the emulator.
NanoPing enables real-time video streaming over multiple Wi-Fi networks simultaneously
Researchers demonstrated NanoPing, a system that uses multiple Wi-Fi networks concurrently to maintain real-time video streaming. This approach prevents video stuttering and packet loss in environments where single Wi-Fi access points are insufficient, by dynamically switching between available networks.
Fujifilm Releases Instax Pal 2 Digital Camera with Direct Smartphone Connectivity
Fujifilm launched the Instax Pal 2, a compact digital camera that features tactile controls, downloadable color filters, and direct USB-C connectivity for image transfer to smartphones. This device caters to users seeking a retro shooting experience, prioritizing a fun and tactile process over high-resolution smartphone photography.