Hardware · Top stories
Multi-primary color display technology showcased at Shanghai conference
The ‘Multi Primary Color Display Ecosystem Conference’ introduced multi-primary color display technology as a major advancement in the display industry. This technology aims to enhance color reproduction beyond conventional RGB systems, addressing limitations in color gamut and accuracy, which could shift industry focus towards new standards for displays.
Redmagic Astra 2 Android tablet priced at $699, launching in August
The Redmagic Astra 2 tablet launches in August, priced starting at $699 for the 12GB/256GB model. With a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and 9-inch AMOLED display, it competes against high-end options like Lenovo's Legion Tab.
Intel Prepares New Nova Lake-S CPUs with 22-Cores, Big Last Level Cache
Intel is reportedly developing two new Nova Lake-S CPUs with 22 cores and significant Big Last Level Cache (bLLC), enhancing gaming performance. These processors, part of Intel's Core Ultra 5 tier, aim to compete with AMD's offerings. Rumored specifics suggest one 125W unlocked and one 65W locked variant, improving Intel's midrange desktop CPU competitiveness.
MSI releases MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wi-Fi II motherboard with reduced features
MSI launched the MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wi-Fi II motherboard, optimizing it for Intel’s Core Ultra 200S Plus processors but removing some connectivity options. It features a single Thunderbolt 4 port instead of two and reduced Wi-Fi 7 speeds, yet is priced similarly to the original Tomahawk at $229.99.
Pebble Time 2 Shipping Updates and Software Enhancements Announced
Pebble has shipped over 23,000 Pebble Time 2 watches and expects to fulfill remaining pre-orders by the end of July. The company also reported significant software updates, improving battery life to over 30 days for the Pebble 2 Duo and enhancing developer features in the Pebble SDK.
2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts Plug-in Hybrid with Enhanced Battery Capacity
Toyota has unveiled the 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrid with a 22.7 kWh battery, allowing it to operate on all-electric power for daily drives. This model features a new powertrain with significant improvements over its predecessor, maintaining Toyota's strong market presence in the SUV sector.
Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum hits new low price of $699
The Ecovacs Deebot X11 has dropped to $699, a $400 reduction from its previous price. This discount positions it as a competitive option for consumers seeking a hybrid vacuum/mop solution with advanced features.
Lenovo releases first laptop with TCL's inkjet-printed OLED technology
Lenovo has launched the Legion R9000P, the world's first laptop utilizing TCL CSOT's inkjet-printed OLED technology. This development underscores a potential shift in display manufacturing towards more cost-effective and efficient methods, impacting future consumer electronics, particularly in the gaming segment.
Satechi launches color-matched accessories for MacBook Neo
Satechi has introduced a trio of color-matched accessories for the MacBook Neo, enhancing its functionality without compromising aesthetics. The new accessories include a multiport hub and a Snap hub, both designed to expand connectivity options for users.
Ninja introduces first microwave with air fryer functionality at $449
Ninja has launched the Crispi Microwave, its first microwave that also functions as an air fryer. This dual capability allows users to reheat food quickly while achieving a crispy finish, potentially replacing multiple kitchen appliances.
Prusa Research ships limited 1,000-unit INDX Founders Edition toolchanger mod
Prusa Research has begun shipping 1,000 units of its INDX toolchanger Founders Edition, designed for the CORE One printer. This toolchanger allows for multi-material printing without the typical waste associated with color swaps, which is significant for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals.
Walmart Adjusts Google TV Hardware Lineup Amid Stock Changes
Walmart is shifting its Google TV streaming stick production from SDMC to Skyworth, as indicated by an FCC listing. The $29.98 FHD Google TV stick, which disappeared briefly from Walmart's website, signals potential changes. Additionally, the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box, priced at $59, has been restocked for in-store purchases but remains elusive online. These shifts indicate potential restructuring in Walmart's streaming hardware strategy.
Samsung investigates reddish tint issue on Galaxy S26 Ultra screens
Some Galaxy S26 Ultra users report screens developing a red tint, prompting an internal investigation by Samsung. The issue, which may relate to the device's Privacy Display feature, could indicate potential defects affecting user experience and device reliability.
Nvidia's CEO denies Vera Rubin delays, confirms large production volumes
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang denied reports of delays for the Vera Rubin AI platform, stating that production is robust and ongoing. The company reassured investors that they are on track to launch next-generation CPUs and GPUs despite rumors about a complex PCB midplane causing delays for the Kyber NVL144 rack-scale systems.
CXMT DDR5 RAM Gains MSI Validation but Faces Performance Criticism
CXMT's DDR5 modules achieved validation for speeds of up to 8200 MT/s on MSI's motherboards after new BIOS updates. However, early tests suggest CXMT RAM underperforms compared to SK Hynix, particularly in overclocking capabilities, which could affect its competitive standing.
ASRock launches Phantom Gaming and Steel Legend 360 LCD liquid coolers
ASRock has introduced its Phantom Gaming and Steel Legend 360 LCD AIO liquid coolers, featuring 3.4-inch LCD displays. These coolers offer strong thermal performance and low noise levels, targeting PC enthusiasts looking for effective cooling solutions.
8BitDo announces FlipPad, a portable gamepad for smartphones
8BitDo introduced the FlipPad, a $30 USB-C gamepad designed to turn smartphones into Game Boy-like devices. Its compact design and direct connection offer portability and ease of use, positioning it as a competitor to GameSir's Pocket Taco.
Google opts for Intel's EMIB-T packaging for next-gen TPUs over TSMC technology
Google will use Intel's EMIB-T packaging for its upcoming Ninth-Generation TPUs, marking a shift from TSMC's CoWoS technology. This decision reflects potential supply constraints with TSMC, indicating a growing preference for Intel's packaging solutions in AI and HPC applications.
Silicon Motion confirms PCIe Gen7 development is underway
Alex Chou of Silicon Motion announced that development of PCIe Gen7 has commenced amid growing focus on enterprise SSDs. This move aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its position in the increasingly competitive market for cloud service providers and hyperscalers.
Nvidia RTX 3060 Graphics Card Returns Amid AI Component Crunch
Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3060, a graphics card with 12GB of VRAM initially released in 2021, has been reintroduced as a response to AI-driven component shortages. MSI's Ventus 2X OC model is now available at Newegg for $329.99, a reduction from its previous near-$400 price. Palit has also launched a new Infinity 2 OC variant. This move aims to address the scarcity of GPUs vital for gaming and AI applications.
Intel Invests $5.7 Billion in Irish Facility to Enhance Chip Production
Intel is investing $5.7 billion to upgrade its Leixlip, Ireland facility, focusing on increasing output for Xeon 6 and next-generation Xeon processors using the Intel 3 process. This move is part of Intel's strategy to meet rising demands in server and AI markets, and follows the recent cancellation of its planned German fab project.
Weathergotchi: Open-source climate data logger launched
The Weathergotchi is an open-source temperature and humidity data logger featuring an e-paper display. It is designed for low power consumption and can operate for over a week on a small Li-Po battery, making it beneficial for environmental monitoring projects.
Withings launches Body Scan 2 scale with advanced health monitoring features
Withings has launched the Body Scan 2, an ultra-premium scale now available for $600 in the US. It offers enhanced health monitoring with 60 biomarkers compared to 40 in the previous model, including features like Impedance Cardiography and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy.
CXMT aims to match Micron's DRAM capacity by 2026, boosting China's production capabilities
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) is projected to reach 350,000 wafer starts per month (WSPM) by 2026, nearing Micron's capacity. This advancement positions China as the potential second-largest DRAM producer globally, driven by government initiatives and domestic technology transfers.
Nothing Watch 3 Pro smartwatch price drops to $69 on Amazon
The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is now available on Amazon for $69, down from its typical price range of $79 to $99. This budget smartwatch features a 1.43-inch OLED display, dual-band GPS, and up to 13 days of battery life, making it a competitive option in the budget fitness tracker market.
Penn State develops paintable e-tattoos for enhanced biomonitoring
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have created a conductive ink that can be painted onto the skin to form functional biomonitoring electrodes. This innovation potentially overcomes existing limitations of traditional e-tattoos, such as sensitivity to surface irregularities and movement during physical activity.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 to feature 20W wireless charging upgrade
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will support 20W wireless charging, a significant upgrade from the previous model's 25W wired rate. This change is critical for staying competitive in the foldable market. Wireless charging improvements have not occurred in several generations of Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Asus to sell standalone OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld
Asus will release a standalone version of the OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld, previously only available bundled with AR glasses. The new handheld features a superior 7.4-inch OLED screen that offers better clarity and brightness compared to competitors, making it a strong option for gamers.
Samsung teases Galaxy Watch 9 features ahead of July 22 launch
Samsung has released teasers for the Galaxy Watch 9, highlighting new health features, a titanium design, and a Snapdragon processor. The watch aims to enhance personalized health tracking and activity monitoring, addressing both fitness and wellness.
Razer Blade 16 Review: Strong Performance and Battery Life for Gaming
The Razer Blade 16 achieves competitive gaming performance and class-leading battery life, but lacks in multi-threaded workloads. Priced nearly $5,000, it targets high-end gaming users but faces stiff competition from peers in productivity tasks.
das_POD launches CD-ROM PLAYER 01 for repurposing IDE optical drives
das_POD has released the CD-ROM PLAYER 01, allowing users to convert old IDE optical drives into standalone audio players. The kit is designed for self-assembly and encourages the upcycling of unused drives from previous computers.
Hisense A10 E Ink phone features detachable color LCD
Hisense announced the A10 E Ink phone featuring a 6.13-inch E Ink display and a detachable color LCD screen. This design allows users to opt for a lightweight experience focused on reading or add a vibrant interface for multimedia applications.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 launches with new features and higher price
Microsoft has released the Surface Laptop 8, featuring Snapdragon processors, longer battery life, and a price increase to £1,449. The model offers improved performance and haptic signals through its new trackpad technology, enhancing user interaction with Windows 11.
UMC begins mass production of silicon photonics in Singapore
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) has started mass production of silicon photonics wafers in Singapore to meet demand in AI and data centers. This expansion positions UMC amid growing regional semiconductor activities and anticipates improved financial performance in the coming quarters.
Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones on sale for $109, lowest price since January
The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are available at a discounted price of $109, matching their all-time low. This bone-conduction model allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Twelve South PowerBug: Cable-free Qi2 Charger for MagSafe
Twelve South launched the PowerBug, a Qi2 charger that plugs directly into wall outlets without cables. It supports 15-watt wireless charging and includes a USB-C port for additional device charging, addressing common clutter issues.
Tesla's AI5 Chip Tapes Out at Samsung for Production Using 2nm-class Technology
Tesla's AI5 chip has been taped out at Samsung Foundry, set for mass production using 2nm-class technology. This development follows an earlier tape out at TSMC, and AI5 is expected to be integrated into Tesla's products, enhancing performance significantly over its predecessor.
Intel unveils Starfire chip for space applications with advanced capabilities
Intel has introduced the Starfire space-grade SoC, featuring eight high-performance CPU cores and a dedicated NPU, designed for the U.S. government. With capabilities up to 75 TOPS and a focus on AI inference in orbit, Starfire positions itself as a significant upgrade over legacy space processors.
Benchmarking Decommissioned NVIDIA GPUs for Modern Use
A project evaluated 15 decommissioned NVIDIA enterprise GPUs to assess their performance with current workloads. The findings may guide users in configuring affordable GPU nodes for homelabs, despite concerns about software support and power efficiency.
Cooler Master HAF II 500 Case Released with Enhanced Airflow Features
Cooler Master launched the HAF II 500 case, featuring two 220mm fans and improved thermal performance. The spacious chassis accommodates various components, catering to enthusiasts and gamers seeking high airflow setups.