Hardware · Top stories
Pokémon Emerald Ported to Raspberry Pi Pico 2, Running Natively at 60 FPS
Pokémon Emerald has been successfully ported to run natively on a $6 Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350B) microcontroller, achieving 60 frames per second with HDMI output and persistent saves. This was accomplished by recompiling the game's decompiled ARMv4T code to Cortex-M33 and implementing the Game Boy Advance's video hardware in software on the second core.
Lutron Caseta integrates Sonos Voice Control for hands-free smart home device management
Lutron Caseta now supports Sonos Voice Control, allowing users to manage lights and shades via voice commands through Sonos speakers. This update expands existing integration, enabling hands-free control of Lutron devices from Sonos for the first time.
Nothing plans to release six smartphones in 2027, doubling its 2026 output
Nothing announced plans to launch six new smartphones in 2027, which is double the three devices released in 2026. This expansion aims to offer a wider range of smartphones and increase sales volumes by 50% next year.
User develops tool to shut down PC if GPU power connector pin exceeds 9.5A for 15 seconds
A Reddit user developed a free tool called "12VHPWR Guard" that monitors per-pin power draw on specific NVIDIA GPUs and shuts down the system if any pin exceeds 9.5A for more than 15 seconds. This tool addresses concerns about the reliability of high-density 12+4-pin power connectors on high-end graphics cards, which have been prone to melting issues.
Abode Releases New Apple Home-Compatible Garage Tilt and Outdoor Contact Sensors
Abode has launched two new smart home sensors, a Garage Tilt Sensor and an Outdoor Contact Sensor, which are compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant. These sensors are designed to monitor entry points like garage doors, gates, and sheds that traditional indoor sensors often miss. The release expands Abode's smart home security offerings for monitoring outdoor and less conventional access points.
Samsung Releases New Magnetic Accessories Despite Lack of Built-in Qi2 in Galaxy Phones
Samsung has introduced new magnetic accessories, including the "Dual Magnet Holder Slim" and "360 Stand Magnet," for its Galaxy phones. This release occurs even though recent models like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy S26 series do not feature built-in Qi2 magnetic charging technology, requiring users to purchase compatible cases to utilize these accessories. The design of Samsung's camera bump also creates compatibility issues with square magnetic accessories, which some case manufacturers are addressing.
SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C drive offers up to 1TB storage in a compact form factor
SanDisk released the Extreme Fit, a small USB-C flash drive offering up to 1TB of storage. This device provides a compact and portable storage option for users seeking alternatives to more expensive SSDs.
Infinite Machine's Olto electric scooter designed to operate within bicycle regulations
Infinite Machine released the Olto, an electric scooter designed to technically qualify as a bicycle, allowing it to use bike lane infrastructure. This product addresses the increasing use of electric personal transport in urban bike lanes, offering a scooter experience while adhering to bicycle regulations.
Modder Converts ZimaCube 2 NAS into Gaming PC with External RTX 5060, Achieves Significant Performance Boost
A PC enthusiast modified a ZimaCube 2 NAS into a gaming PC by adding an external RTX 5060 graphics card and a dedicated power supply. This modification resulted in an 828% frame rate improvement in some tests and set a Time Spy world record for the integrated Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, demonstrating unconventional hardware repurposing.
Google Home to restore Familiar Faces alerts on Walmart Onn cameras via firmware update
Google Home is preparing a firmware update to fix a bug that temporarily disabled Familiar Faces alerts on Walmart's Onn cameras. This fix will restore a advertised feature for users of these Google Home-integrated devices.
New Lawsuit Alleges Micron's New York Fab Permits Allow "Forever Chemicals" Discharge
Environmental groups have filed a new lawsuit against Micron, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Onondaga County, claiming that permits for Micron's Clay, New York manufacturing complex are inadequate and will allow the discharge of PFAS "forever chemicals" into the Oneida River. This legal action challenges the validity of approved wastewater and air permits, arguing they lack sufficient controls for hazardous contaminants essential to semiconductor manufacturing. The lawsuit could delay or alter the construction and operation of Micron's planned four-fab complex.
OnePlus 15 and most other products sell out in US following shutdown announcement
OnePlus has sold out of the OnePlus 15 and most other products on its US website, following an earlier announcement that it would cease operations in major markets. This marks the effective end of direct sales for most OnePlus devices in the United States, though some products remain available through third-party retailers.
Anbernic Announces RG SP Handheld, a Modern Interpretation of the Game Boy Advance SP
Anbernic is releasing the RG SP, a new retro gaming handheld that updates the design of the Game Boy Advance SP with a thinner chassis, higher resolution screen, and dual hinges. This device aims to provide a modern experience for playing older retro titles while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
Galaxy S27 Ultra reportedly to ship with one less telephoto camera due to cost-cutting
A new report indicates the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra will remove one of its telephoto camera sensors, specifically the 3x zoom lens, leaving it with a single 5x telephoto camera. This change is attributed to efforts to reduce manufacturing costs, potentially impacting the device's photographic versatility.
Apple acquires PlasmaSolve, a company specializing in plasma simulation software for manufacturing
Apple has acquired PlasmaSolve, a company that develops plasma simulation software for optimizing plasma-based manufacturing processes. This acquisition could assist Apple in developing new hardware designs that require precise application of ultra-thin coatings to complex 3D objects.
TinyGPU v2.0 silicon passes real-world testing, renders 3D graphics at up to 15 FPS
Pongsagon Vichit's TinyGPU v2.0, a 240,000-transistor GPU, has successfully passed real-world testing, demonstrating 3D graphics rendering capabilities at 7.5 to 15 frames per second. This development showcases progress in compact GPU design, with a more advanced TinyGPU v3.0 featuring a programmable pixel shader already in preparation for a 2026 release.
ArcBox Labs Addresses UniFi PPPoE Performance Issues with PPPoE Half-Bridge Solution
ArcBox Labs developed a PPPoE Half-Bridge solution to mitigate slow PPPoE performance on UniFi gateways, which often struggle to achieve rated line speeds due to a lack of hardware acceleration for PPPoE and NAT. This solution allows UniFi users to bypass the performance limitations imposed by the gateways' CPUs when using PPPoE-based ISP connections.
Bent AX Gaming RTX 5060 Ti GPU repaired after car crash due to short PCB design
An AX Gaming RTX 5060 Ti graphics card, bent in a car crash, was successfully repaired by resoldering a single memory chip. The card's short PCB design prevented more extensive damage, allowing a technician to restore full functionality and performance.
Ayaneo Unveils Konkr Pocket Advance Handheld, a Game Boy Advance-Inspired Device
Ayaneo introduced the Konkr Pocket Advance, a new horizontal handheld gaming device inspired by the Game Boy Advance, featuring a higher resolution screen, additional buttons, and modern connectivity. This release provides a contemporary option for fans of the classic handheld design, updating its features for current gaming needs.
Autonomous Key Releases $9 NFC Device to Physically Lock Distracting Apps
Autonomous Key has launched a $9 NFC key designed to physically lock distracting smartphone applications. This device requires a physical scan to regain access to locked apps, offering an alternative to software-only screen-time solutions. Each unlock session lasts up to 60 minutes before apps relock, aiming to reduce screen time by adding a physical barrier to app access.
Bondtech admits Prusa CORE One+ INDX kits shipped with mislabeled, softer steel nozzles
Bondtech acknowledged that the nozzles included in the Prusa CORE One+ INDX 3D printer kits were advertised as "hardened steel" but are actually nitrocarburized steel, which is softer. This discrepancy means the nozzles will experience accelerated wear when printing with abrasive filaments, contrary to customer expectations for hardened steel components.
Sharge Disk Pro 2 Ultra combines portable SSD, 4K HDMI dock, and USB-C hub
Sharge released the Disk Pro 2 Ultra, a portable device that functions as an SSD enclosure, a 4K HDMI dock, and a USB-C hub. This multi-functional gadget aims to consolidate several peripherals for users of laptops, phones, and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
iPhone 17 Pro survives 1.1 km fall from airplane in Saskatchewan
An iPhone 17 Pro fell 1.1 kilometers from an airplane in Saskatchewan and was found in pristine condition. This incident demonstrates the device's durability, which Apple highlighted during its launch.
Nothing reportedly shifts focus to AI devices, reducing smartphone emphasis
Nothing is reportedly prioritizing the development of AI-centered products, including a leaked smartwatch, and plans to reduce its focus on Android smartphones. This strategic shift is supported by CEO Carl Pei and follows recent company reorganizations and layoffs.
Tom's Hardware Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Retrospective Series on PC Hardware
Tom's Hardware is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since its founding by Dr. Thomas Pabst. The publication is launching a series of articles looking back at PC hardware evolution, starting with CPUs, and reflecting on its history of unbiased testing.
MSI Introduces High-Efficiency Mode for DDR5 Memory to Reduce Latency
MSI has released High-Efficiency Mode, a new feature that optimizes memory sub-timings on existing DDR5 RAM kits to reduce latency, similar to AMD's EXPO ULL technology. This allows users without EXPO ULL-compatible memory to achieve comparable performance improvements through motherboard-level tuning.
Modder der8auer passively cools Ryzen 7 9800X3D by 19C using 110cm 3D-printed chimney
Modder der8auer constructed a 110cm 3D-printed chimney to passively cool an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, reducing its temperature by 19 degrees Celsius without fans. This experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the "stack effect" for PC cooling, offering an alternative to traditional fan-based systems.
Qualcomm-powered NEURA Robotics 4NE-1 humanoid robot collapses during Computex 2026 demo
A NEURA Robotics 4NE-1 humanoid robot, powered by Qualcomm's Dragonwing IQ10 RRD, malfunctioned and collapsed on stage during a Qualcomm keynote at Computex 2026. The incident, reminiscent of past tech demo failures, highlighted potential issues with the robot's stability and performance.
Keychron Launches Nape Pro Wireless Trackball Mouse with Customizable Buttons
Keychron, known for its mechanical keyboards, released the Nape Pro wireless trackball mouse, designed to fit under a keyboard's spacebar. This device offers six customizable buttons and a control dial, providing an alternative input method for users who prioritize keyboard-centric workflows.
Tecno to showcase a concept smartphone with a zero-millimeter bezel display at IFA 2026
Tecno, a Chinese phone manufacturer, will present a concept smartphone at IFA 2026 featuring a display with a zero-millimeter border. This development aims to achieve a truly bezel-less screen by reengineering the display structure and using advanced internal stacking techniques.
Sony secures sufficient RAM for projected PS5 sales through fiscal year 2026
Sony announced it has secured enough memory to meet its projected PlayStation 5 sales volume for fiscal year 2026, which ends in April 2027. This assurance addresses investor concerns regarding potential memory shortages and aims to support anticipated demand, especially with upcoming game releases.
Tim Cook states more memory suppliers may not reduce Apple product prices
Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that increasing the number of memory suppliers might improve supply availability but would not necessarily lead to lower product prices. This statement suggests that recent price increases for Apple products, driven by memory costs, may not be temporary.
Sonos to host product event in September, focusing on AI integration in smart home audio
Sonos announced plans for a product event in September, where new products are expected to be unveiled with a focus on AI integration within its smart home audio ecosystem. This move follows a challenging period for the company after a 2024 app redesign and aims to position Sonos's hardware and system as central to AI in the home.
Razer Introduces New Huntsman V3 HE Keyboards and Discounts Huntsman V3 Pro TKL
Razer has launched two new wired keyboards, the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Mini and Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless, which utilize Hall effect switches and offer features like programmable actuation points and Rapid Trigger. Concurrently, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, featuring analog optical switches, is available at a discounted price of $124.99, down from $159.99.
Maingear launches new 'Zero' pre-built PCs with hidden cables and NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs
Maingear has introduced a new lineup of 'Zero' pre-built PCs featuring hidden cable management and NVIDIA's latest RTX 50-series GPUs. These systems utilize Maingear's patented rear-connection technology, requiring compatible motherboards to route cables to the back of the case for a cleaner aesthetic.
The Peaceful Outcome Releases $21 Wii U SSD Upgrade Kit for M.2 or SATA Drives
The Peaceful Outcome (TPO) released an SSD upgrade kit for the Nintendo Wii U, allowing users to add M.2 or SATA drives for increased internal storage. This kit enables Wii U owners to expand console storage beyond the original 8GB or 32GB, offering a permanent internal solution for game storage, though it requires console modification and custom firmware.
SwitchBot Releases Battery Circulator Fan 2 Pro with Matter Support and Extended Battery Life
SwitchBot launched the Battery Circulator Fan 2 Pro, featuring native Matter-over-Wi-Fi support, increased battery life, and improved wind performance. This new model integrates directly into smart home ecosystems without a separate hub and offers enhanced portability.
New Quantum Dot and Diamond Vacancy Qubit Technologies Emerge
Two new developments in quantum computing qubit technology have been announced, involving quantum dots and diamond defects. These advancements offer alternative approaches to qubit scaling, a critical challenge in quantum computation.
Keychron announces ZGM, an open-source firmware for gaming mice, planned for 2027 release
Keychron announced ZGM, an open-source firmware for gaming mice, with a planned release in Q1 2027 for its G6 HE hybrid magnetic switch gaming mouse. This initiative aims to provide users with customization options and advanced functionality similar to QMK and ZMK for mechanical keyboards, which could set a new standard in the gaming mouse market.
reFrame: An Open-Source Experimental Camera with Color ePaper Display
reFrame is an experimental camera featuring a color ePaper display that captures and displays one photo at a time, with each image taking 15 seconds to appear. The camera's hardware and software are open source, allowing users to build their own using off-the-shelf components like a Raspberry Pi Zero and a 4-inch eInk Spectra 6 display.