Hardware · Top stories
Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face launch Microduck, an open-source, retrainable robot
Pollen Robotics, in collaboration with Hugging Face, has launched Microduck, a small, open-source robot designed for reinforcement learning. Users can retrain its behaviors in simulation and deploy them on the physical robot, with all software components available under an Apache-2.0 license.
User details self-repair of bricked Framework Laptop after failed BIOS update
A Framework Laptop user encountered a bricked device after a failed BIOS update to version 3.20 and was told by support to purchase a new motherboard due to an expired warranty. The user opted to self-repair the laptop by manually flashing the BIOS chip, documenting the process due to reported widespread issues with Framework BIOS updates.
Humanoid robots are impractical for home use, despite increased presence at tech shows
Humanoid robots are increasingly featured at tech events like CES and IFA, with some companies like 1X deploying them in homes. However, their practicality for general household tasks is questioned due to the unpredictable nature of home environments and the difficulty of creating multi-functional robots.
Mammotion Luba 3 robot lawnmower uses NetRTK and LiDAR for precise navigation
The Mammotion Luba 3 AWD robot lawnmower utilizes NetRTK satellite positioning and LiDAR for navigation, addressing common issues with perimeter wires or RTK base stations. This technology allows for accurate boundary adherence and simplified setup, improving the user experience for robot lawnmowers.
Drop BMR1 V2 speakers discounted to $23 from $130
Drop's BMR1 V2 desktop speakers are on sale for $23.99, down from $130, due to a limited-time deal. This represents a significant 82% discount and offers improved cooling and performance features compared to the original model.
SANDISK Phone Drive for iPhone addresses storage limitations
SANDISK launched the Phone Drive for iPhone, providing an external storage solution to expand iPhone storage. It supports direct video saving and fast file transfers, enhancing user flexibility and accessibility.
Twelve South AirFly Pro on sale for $39.99, enhances in-flight audio experience
The Twelve South AirFly Pro is now available for $39.99, making it an ideal accessory for travelers. It allows users to connect wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems and offers additional features like dual headphone support and Bluetooth transmitter/receiver modes.
NOCO XGrid XDS3 Premium MagSafe Charger Offers High-Quality Design and Functionality
The NOCO XGrid XDS3 is a premium 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, designed for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It features a die-cast metal chassis, Qi2 certification, fast charging, and includes a USB-C wall charger with international plugs, making it a versatile charging station for Apple devices.
Dell and Alienware Hold July 4th Flash Sale on Gaming PCs and Laptops
Dell and Alienware are offering steep discounts on gaming PCs, laptops, monitors, and gaming chairs for July 4th. The sales include select products equipped with the latest Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs and special coupon codes to further reduce prices.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera performance criticized; Z Fold 9 expected to retain similar sensors
The camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is considered a significant drawback after three months of use, primarily due to a lack of quality zoom and framing issues. Reports suggest the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 9 may not feature camera sensor upgrades, maintaining the current 50MP main and ultra-wide setup.
SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 on Sale for $98
The SanDisk 512GB GamePlay microSD Express card, officially licensed for Nintendo Switch 2, is available for $98 at Walmart, a reduction from its usual price over $120. This card uses a PCIe interface and NVMe protocol, offering significantly faster speeds than traditional microSD cards, making it compatible with the Switch 2's requirements for game storage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Discounts Ahead of Galaxy Z Fold 8 Launch
Samsung is offering substantial discounts on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with Amazon selling models for $500 off and Best Buy offering up to $750 off open-box units. These discounts align with the upcoming release of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is part of Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. The promotion offers consumers significant savings on last-generation models as they prepare for new releases.
Shure MV7 Plus Microphone Discounted by Nearly $50 at Multiple Retailers
The Shure MV7 Plus microphone, popular for podcasting and streaming, is currently available for $255 at various retailers, including Amazon and Guitar Center. This price represents a nearly $50 reduction from its standard cost, with bundles including a desktop stand also discounted.
Soundcore Space 2 Noise-Canceling Headphones on Sale for $106.49
Soundcore Space 2 noise-canceling headphones are currently on sale for $106.49, a new low price. These headphones offer improved active noise cancellation and sound performance over their predecessor, the Space One.
Crkd Nitro Deck 2 for Nintendo Switch has design flaws despite multi-console compatibility
The Crkd Nitro Deck 2, an accessory for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, introduces design issues with its button layout and console grip mechanism. These changes make the accessory less comfortable and secure compared to its predecessor, despite offering broader compatibility.
Apple's HomeView Smart Display Emphasizes Simplicity and Fixed Placement
Apple introduced HomeView, a new smart display designed as a communal, always-on interface for smart home control. This device aims to provide a consistent, fixed-location control panel, addressing limitations of using personal devices like iPhones or iPads for shared home management.
Mechanical Keyboards Offer Customization and Improved Typing Experience
This article discusses the benefits of mechanical keyboards, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and customizable features. It focuses on Keychron models, noting their range of designs and price points, and the ability to swap keycaps.
The Pixel 3a is Google's most important smartphone due to its market success
The Pixel 3a, launched in 2019, is identified as Google's most important smartphone because it achieved significant market success and boosted US smartphone sales for the company. This success ensured the continuation of Google's Pixel project and led to subsequent successful A-series devices.
The Case for Firmware Freedom in Hardware Ownership
This opinion piece argues that hardware manufacturers prioritize software features and menus over the underlying hardware's potential, limiting user control through restrictive firmware. It highlights that many users only utilize a few core functions, making extensive software features less relevant than hardware flexibility.
Driver assistance systems can be intrusive, impacting driver autonomy and experience
Modern driver assistance systems (ADAS) are criticized for being overly intrusive and patronizing, with features like lane-keeping assist and speed warnings overriding driver input. While ADAS contributes to improved road safety, the current implementation can negatively affect the driving experience by reducing driver autonomy.
Google Pixel's Tensor chip needs a significant performance leap, similar to AMD's Ryzen
The Google Pixel's Tensor chip is criticized for its incremental gains and performance issues, drawing parallels to AMD's Bulldozer era. For the Pixel line to reach its full potential, the Tensor chip requires a substantial architectural improvement, akin to AMD's shift from Bulldozer to Ryzen.
Apple should develop a dedicated smart home computer for local processing and privacy
This article argues that Apple should create a dedicated smart home computer, similar to an "intelligent personal hub" for the home, to manage connected devices locally. Such a device would enhance speed, reliability, and privacy by processing data on-device rather than relying solely on cloud services, addressing the growing need for local AI processing in smart homes.
Projectors offer larger screen sizes for less cost compared to large TVs
Projectors provide a larger image size for a lower cost than televisions, with models capable of displaying images up to 300 inches. While TVs offer brighter images and better performance in ambient light, projectors deliver superior color fidelity and a more discreet presence. This makes projectors a more cost-effective option for consumers prioritizing screen size.
The benefits of dual USB-C charging ports on laptops and why some models lack them
This article discusses the practical advantages of laptops having two USB-C charging ports, highlighting how it allows simultaneous charging and peripheral connection. It also explains that the absence of a second port is often due to increased manufacturing costs for Power Delivery controllers, circuit board space, and engineering complexity.
iPhone Cinematic Mode shows limitations in video experiment, despite hardware advancements
An experiment with iPhone Cinematic mode on an iPhone 16 Pro Max revealed visual artifacts and focus issues, particularly with background elements. This highlights that the feature has not significantly improved since its iPhone 13 launch, despite increased processing power in newer models.
Apple should introduce a new low-cost desktop Mac to replace the increasingly expensive Mac mini
The Mac mini's starting price has increased to $899, moving it away from its original role as an affordable entry-level Mac. This price increase is attributed to demand from AI developers utilizing Apple Silicon's local AI model capabilities. A new, lower-cost desktop Mac is proposed to fill the void left by the Mac mini's shift in pricing and target audience.
GuliKit's Switch 2 TV Dock Offers Integrated Stand for Travel
GuliKit has released a new TV dock for the Nintendo Switch 2 that includes a built-in stand, addressing a common user need for travel. This dock provides a stable platform for the console while connected to a TV, offering a feature not present in some smaller travel docks.
Digital Cameras Remain Relevant in 2026 for Specific Photography Needs
Digital cameras continue to offer advantages over smartphones for users seeking greater control, depth, and intention in their photography, despite advancements in smartphone camera technology. These cameras provide better image quality due to larger sensors and specialized features for various scenarios, from high-resolution landscapes to action sports.
Google's Pixel 11 Clear Case criticized for high price and design flaws
Google's official Pixelsnap Clear Case for the Pixel 11 series is priced at $50, which is considered overpriced compared to third-party alternatives. The case offers minimal protection, particularly at the bottom, and shows yellowing straight out of the box, issues not present in cheaper options.
HP OmniBook 3 offers 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for $520, challenging current laptop value
The HP OmniBook 3, priced around $520, provides 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is noted as a strong value proposition in the current laptop market. This configuration is highlighted as more practical for everyday use than more expensive laptops with less RAM, despite the OmniBook's basic build quality and screen.
Whisker Litter-Robot 5 Pro's AI features found ineffective in six-month review
A review of Whisker's Litter-Robot 5 Pro, priced at $899, found its AI-powered features for cat monitoring to be ineffective over a six-month testing period. The device, which includes a dual camera system and sensors, failed to accurately track individual cat habits as advertised, leading to a recommendation against its premium cost for these features.
Critique of RISC-V's Universal Applicability and Design Limitations
An article argues against the idea that RISC-V can be optimal for all use cases, from supercomputers to tiny microcontrollers. The author contends that the diverse requirements of different computing environments necessitate distinct architectural choices, making a single ISA universally suboptimal.
Elektron's Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes offer accessible electronic music creation
Elektron's Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes are recommended for beginners in electronic music due to their affordability and streamlined interface. These instruments provide a less intimidating entry point to Elektron's sequencing capabilities compared to their higher-end offerings.
MSI Claw EX AI Plus handheld offers performance and battery life but has significant drawbacks
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus handheld PC introduces a next-gen Intel chip, offering improved performance and battery life, and reliable sleep/wake functionality for a Windows device. Despite these advancements, its high price point of $1,800 and remaining Windows annoyances make it a questionable purchase for consumers.
Wacom Movinkpad 11 reviewed as a mid-priced entry point for digital artists
The Wacom Movinkpad 11, an Android tablet designed for digital art, was reviewed as an accessible option for new digital artists. Priced at $500, it offers a balance between budget and high-end devices for those interested in digital creation.
Apple's Cinematic Mode for iPhone 13 appears neglected, unlike improved Portrait Mode
Apple introduced Cinematic Mode with the iPhone 13 in 2021, a video feature simulating shallow depth of field, but has not significantly improved it since its release. This contrasts with Portrait Mode, which has seen continuous enhancements and now offers realistic computational photography effects. The lack of development for Cinematic Mode is seen as a missed opportunity, as its initial implementation was considered a beta version despite being a headline feature.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition reviewed as capable but overpriced
A review of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition highlights its lightweight design, OLED screen, and Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor as positive attributes. However, the laptop's price, exceeding $2,000, is deemed too high, attributed to current memory and SSD costs.
Boox Go 10.3 Gen II e-reader reviewed for minimal design and note-taking capabilities
The Boox Go 10.3 Gen II e-reader is reviewed as a device that excels in note-taking and reading due to its minimal design and Android 15 operating system. Its thin profile and e-paper display are highlighted as key features for users seeking a focused digital experience.
Sandbar's Stream Smart Ring Offers Device Dictation
Sandbar is developing a smart ring called the Stream, scheduled to ship later this year, which features dictation capabilities for connected devices. This device focuses on capturing the user's voice for tasks like writing emails or messages, distinguishing it from other AI gadgets designed for recording conversations.
Samsung's foldable phone price hikes reflect broader industry trend
Samsung increased prices by $100 across its new foldable phone lineup, a move seen as part of a wider industry trend of rising device costs. This trend is attributed to factors like the AI bubble's impact on component pricing and general economic pressures. Other manufacturers like Google and Apple are also anticipated to raise prices on their upcoming devices.