Hardware · Top stories
xTool M2 Color Craft Laser and Engraver Released with Improved Features and Lower Entry Price
xTool released the M2 color craft laser and engraver, featuring an improved print head, twin positioning cameras, and integrated air assist at a lower starting price of $599. This new model removes the cutting blade and pen options from its predecessor, the M1 Ultra, focusing instead on enhanced laser and printing capabilities.
Thieves swap RTX 5080 GPUs for RTX 3060s in Chinese gaming hotels, stealing $12,000
Two individuals in China swapped high-end RTX 5080 and 5070 GPUs with lower-end RTX 3060s in gaming hotel PCs, going undetected until a power outage led to the discovery of tampering. The thieves were apprehended, having stolen approximately $12,000 worth of GPUs over multiple incidents.
ESP32-based FM Radio Project Moves to Custom PCB Design with Enhanced Components
A project to build an FM radio using the TEA5767 tuner is progressing to a custom PCB design, replacing an Arduino UNO prototype with an ESP32 development board and integrating improved audio and display components. This update aims to create a more compact and functional device, addressing power compatibility issues discovered during development.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Introduces Antioxidant Index Feature
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 now includes an Antioxidant Index feature that estimates carotenoid levels in the skin via a five-second thumb scan. This feature provides a score from 0 to 100, indicating estimated fruit and vegetable intake, though it is not intended for medical diagnosis.
Photon Matrix Laser Mosquito Air Defense System Enters Mass Production and Sales
The Photon Matrix Infrared and Blue Laser Mosquito Air Defense system has begun mass production and is now available for purchase, with initial shipments expected this month. This device uses lasers, LiDAR, mmWave radar, and AI vision to detect and eliminate mosquitoes within a six-meter radius, offering a chemical-free alternative for mosquito control.
Optical disc shattering linked to cleaning chemicals and foam storage
Optical disc collectors report compact discs (CDs) shattering due to chemical degradation of their polycarbonate substrates. This degradation is attributed to cleaning substances or off-gassing from foam padding in storage cases, adding new concerns to existing issues like bit rot and laser rot for data preservation.
G.Skill Launches Trident Z5 NeoX RGB DDR5-6000 C30 Memory Kit with AMD EXPO ULL
G.Skill released the Trident Z5 NeoX RGB DDR5-6000 C30 memory kit, featuring AMD's EXPO Ultra Low Latency (ULL) technology. This memory kit is designed to optimize performance for AMD Ryzen processors by fine-tuning memory sub-timings.
Hoto Introduces Cordless Soldering Iron with 3-Second Heat-Up Time
Hoto has launched its first soldering iron, the I-A06 Cordless Soldering Iron, which heats to over 200 degrees Celsius in approximately three seconds and offers an adjustable temperature range of 100 to 450 degrees Celsius. This release expands Hoto's modular Snapbloq toolkit line, providing a portable soldering solution that can also be plugged in for higher power output.
Modder attaches desktop CPU coolers to ZTE phone for sustained performance, runs games at 1080p
A hardware enthusiast modified a ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra smartphone by attaching two desktop CPU air coolers to its internal components, creating a miniature desktop PC. This modification allowed the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC to sustain peak performance, achieving high stability scores in benchmarks and running demanding games like The Witcher 3 at 1080p ultra settings. The project demonstrates the potential for mobile chip performance when thermal throttling is eliminated.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra camera misidentifies Sun as Moon during eclipse photography
During an eclipse, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone camera applied lunar photographic enhancements to images of the Sun, resulting in an inaccurate depiction with crater-like reliefs. This incident highlights how smartphone AI-driven image processing, designed to enhance moon photos, can misinterpret celestial objects.
Czinger 21C Spyder Debuts with Organic-Looking Brake Assemblies
Czinger unveiled its new 21C Spyder at Monterey Car Week, featuring brake assemblies created with direct-metal laser-sintering technology. This technology, originally from Divergent 3D, produces topology-optimized shapes that are lighter than traditional designs, showcasing an alternative manufacturing approach for automotive components.
Apple Designates iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro as Obsolete Products
Apple has moved the iPhone X and the 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro from its vintage to its obsolete products list. This change means Apple will no longer provide hardware service or parts for these devices, impacting users who rely on official support channels for repairs.
Keychron Releases C100 8K Macro Pad with 100 Customizable Keys and Apex Switches
Keychron has launched the C100 8K macro pad, a device featuring 100 customizable keys, exclusive Keychron Apex tactile switches, and an 8K polling rate. This product offers extensive customization for users needing dedicated macro controls in gaming, productivity, and specialized applications.
Pixel 11 Series in US Remains eSIM-Only, Except for Pro Fold Model
Google's Pixel 11 series in the United States continues to be eSIM-only, following the Pixel 10 series, meaning physical SIM cards are not supported on most models. This decision aligns with the broader industry trend towards eSIM adoption, which Apple initiated years prior. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is an exception, retaining a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM support.
Google announces software updates for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a, including Gemini integration
Google is releasing software updates for its Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a earbuds, adding features like dynamic active noise cancellation, deeper Gemini integration for voice commands, and enhanced live translation. These updates aim to improve functionality and user experience for existing Pixel earbud owners.
JCB Hydromax Sets New Hydrogen-Powered Car Land Speed Record
The JCB Hydromax, powered by two hydrogen-burning engines, achieved a new land speed record for hydrogen-powered cars on the Bonneville Salt Flats. This development highlights JCB's continued investment in hydrogen combustion technology as an alternative to diesel engines for heavy equipment.
Pixel Watch 5 Introduces 2nd Gen Active Band Made from HNBR to Reduce PFAS
Google's Pixel Watch 5 features a new "2nd Gen Active Band" made from Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) with a soft-touch coating. This material change aims to reduce the presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" by over 99% compared to the previous fluoroelastomer bands, aligning with industry efforts to move away from these substances.
Pixel Watch 5 Introduces New Strength Training Feature
Google has integrated a new strength training experience into the Pixel Watch 5, a feature not commonly found in mainstream smartwatches. This addition aims to provide users with guided workouts and rep tracking directly from their wrist, potentially reducing reliance on separate smartphone applications.
Commodore re-releases TAC-2 joystick with enhanced durability and new color options
Commodore has re-released the TAC-2 joystick, originally from 1983, after 40 years of being out of production. The new version features a strengthened internal assembly, five color options, and LEDs in some models, retailing for $49.99.
Modder creates 'SteamBoy' by fitting Steam Deck components into a Game Boy-sized shell
A modder named PhyFawkes has integrated Steam Deck components into a custom 3D-printed Game Boy-sized shell, creating a device called 'SteamBoy.' This project demonstrates the feasibility of miniaturizing the Steam Deck's core hardware, with plans to incorporate a high-resolution AMOLED display.
Avidrone Wins DARPA Lift Challenge with 3.84:1 Payload-to-Weight Ratio
Avidrone Inc. won the DARPA Lift Challenge with its Katana helicopter, achieving a 3.84:1 payload-to-weight ratio by carrying 51 kg with a 13.3 kg drone. This result, while the best in the competition, did not reach DARPA's 4:1 target, leading to a reduced prize payout for the winners. The competition highlighted the performance of conventional single-rotor designs for heavy-lift applications.
Razer Releases Naga V3 Pro Gaming Mouse with Upgraded Sensor and More Buttons
Razer has released the Naga V3 Pro, an updated version of its multi-button gaming mouse, featuring up to 23 programmable buttons and Razer's Focus Pro 50K gen-3 optical sensor. This update provides gamers with a new option for a versatile, high-performance mouse, particularly for MMOs and other games benefiting from extensive button customization.
GuliKit ES Max Controller Features New Anti-Drift TMR Thumbsticks and Multi-Platform Support
GuliKit released the ES Max wireless controller, which incorporates an improved tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbstick technology designed to prevent stick drift. This new controller offers broader compatibility and additional features compared to its predecessor and Nintendo's official Switch Pro Controller.
Modder connects Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU to Steam Machine, achieves over 100 FPS in Crimson Desert
A Redditor successfully connected an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU to a Steam Machine using an M.2 to OCuLink adapter and an external dock, relocating the boot drive to a USB-C port. This modification allowed the Steam Machine to run Crimson Desert at over 100 frames per second on high settings, demonstrating a method to significantly upgrade the graphical performance of the compact gaming PC.
DIY Modder Creates Stirling Engine-Powered Computer Running Tetris on 150mW
A Reddit user developed a microcomputer powered by a miniature Stirling engine, capable of running simple games like Tetris, Snake, and Pong. This project demonstrates an off-grid computing device operating on a minimal power budget of 150 milliwatts.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE specifications and higher price leak ahead of expected September launch
Specifications for Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE have leaked, showing largely unchanged hardware compared to its predecessor, the S25 FE. Despite the minimal upgrades, reports indicate a price increase of €50, bringing the starting cost in France to €799.
Clicks Technology ships Power Keyboard, bringing physical typing to smartphones
Clicks Technology has begun shipping its $99 MagSafe-compatible Power Keyboard, which adds a physical keyboard to smartphones. The device aims to provide an alternative to onscreen keyboards for users who prefer tactile typing, despite potential issues with phone balance.
iPhone 18 Pro rumored to feature new burgundy color, replacing Cosmic Orange
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will introduce a burgundy/dark cherry color as its new flagship option, replacing the Cosmic Orange from the iPhone 17 Pro. This change indicates Apple's continued move towards bolder color choices for its Pro models.
Parametron, a 1954 Japanese computer logic element, recognized as a milestone
The Parametron, a logic element invented in 1954 by Eiichi Goto at the University of Tokyo, has been recognized as a milestone. This technology, which used ferrite cores and parametric oscillation instead of vacuum tubes or transistors, was central to Japan's early computer development, including the PC-1 computer.
NovelKeys Releases Preassembled Classic-TKL Underscore Edition Mechanical Keyboard
NovelKeys has released a preassembled version of its Classic-TKL mechanical keyboard, called the Underscore Edition, priced at $189. Previously available only as a kit, this new offering targets users who want a retro-styled keyboard without the need for self-assembly. This makes the Classic-TKL more accessible to a broader audience who prefer ready-to-use peripherals.
Japanese Patent Office invalidates Red's key Raw video patent after Panasonic challenge
The Japanese Patent Office has invalidated one of Red's core Raw video patents, following a challenge initiated by Panasonic. This decision could affect licensing fees related to Raw video codecs, though the full impact is unclear given Red's acquisition by Nikon and widespread internal Raw video capture capabilities in modern cameras.
Noctua finds over half of tested PC cases misstate CPU cooler clearances
Noctua conducted its own measurements of over 100 PC cases and found that 56 of them had significant deviations from officially listed CPU cooler clearance specifications. These inaccuracies can lead to either missed opportunities for larger coolers or compatibility issues where components do not fit as expected.
Micron initially offered low reimbursement for Crucial RAM warranty claim, later improved offer
Micron initially offered a customer a refund based on the original purchase price for a faulty Crucial RAM module, which amounted to only 37% of the current market value. After further communication, Micron provided an improved offer, addressing the customer's concerns about the low payout.
Owner of Intel 8080 Rubylith mask seeks restorer for historical artifact
The owner of an original Intel 8080 Rubylith mask, a pre-production layout of the 2 MHz CPU, is seeking a restorer for the artifact. This hand-crafted item represents a significant piece of computing history, showcasing the manual design process before CAD tools.
Musician Tom Vek launches new, smaller version of Sleevenote digital music player
Musician Tom Vek has released a new, smaller, and cheaper version of his Sleevenote digital music player, which aims to integrate digital audio with the visual experience of album art and liner notes. This device offers an alternative to traditional physical media like CDs and cassettes for an offline music experience.
Pulsar Releases Feinmann F01 Noctua Edition Gaming Mouse with Integrated Hand Cooler
Pulsar has released the Feinmann F01 Noctua Edition, a gaming mouse featuring a built-in 40mm Noctua fan designed to cool the user's hand. This collaboration with Noctua integrates a unique cooling feature into an eSports-oriented mouse, offering a distinct design and functionality at the same price point as the original F01.
Perseverance Rover to Break Martian Driving Distance Record with Autonomous Navigation
NASA's Perseverance rover is set to surpass the Martian driving distance record, exceeding 45.16 km, largely due to its advanced autonomous navigation system. This achievement highlights the impact of improved onboard processing capabilities on extraterrestrial exploration efficiency.
NASA Modified ISS Laptops with Standardized Power Connectors to Reduce Weight and Failure Points
NASA modified laptops for the International Space Station (ISS) by replacing modem ports with a standardized 'cannon plug' power connector. This standardization eliminated the need for multiple chargers, reducing weight and potential failure points on the ISS.
Modder converts Steam Controller haptic motors into stereo speakers using custom HID tool
A modder named Pixel1011 developed "Steam Haptics Player," a tool that repurposes the haptic motors in a Steam Controller to function as stereo speakers. This project demonstrates an unconventional use of existing hardware components, offering a novel way to produce audio from a device not designed for it.
Nitecore Releases NB10000 Gen 4 Power Bank, Featuring Lighter and More Compact Design
Nitecore has launched the NB10000 Gen 4 power bank, which is lighter and more compact than previous models due to a silicon-carbon anode battery. This update offers improved portability and energy density for users needing a lightweight charging solution.