Hardware · Top stories
AMD tests FSR Multi Frame Generation with experimental 8x mode in driver
AMD is testing FSR Multi Frame Generation with up to 8x ratios for existing Radeon GPUs, as found in the latest Adrenalin driver. This could potentially increase frame rates significantly, although the settings are currently non-functional and meant for testing. The experiment hints at future improvements in AMD's FSR technologies, possibly aligning with FSR Diamond on Xbox.
Flashforge Creator 5 Review Highlights Pros and Cons of Budget 3D Printer
The Flashforge Creator 5, priced at $699, is noted as the most affordable tool changer in the market. While it features a Core XY design and supports multiple materials, it faces criticism for excessive filament purge and a challenging nozzle change process.
Oppo Watch X3 offers strong battery life and versatility in smartwatch design
Oppo launched the Watch X3, featuring a battery nearly twice the size of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8. The smartwatch offers a combination of durability and functionality under Wear OS 6, positioning it as a competitive alternative in the market.
Valve to fix premature overheating warning on Steam Machines with BIOS update
Valve confirmed that the Steam Machine's red light overheating warning is activating too early, due to a bug in the BIOS. A fix will raise the CPU/GPU temperature warning thresholds from 95/90°C to 100/100°C, improving user experience during gaming sessions.
Kode Dot Launches Programmable Pocket Device for Makers and Pentesters
Kode Dot has introduced a pocket-sized programmable device featuring an AMOLED touchscreen and dual MCU (ESP32 P4 + C5). This device aims to streamline project development by eliminating setup hassles and providing extensive connectivity and sensor options for users.
Apple's self-driving car program informs advanced AI chip development
Apple's self-driving car initiative, though ultimately unsuccessful, contributed to the creation of its powerful Neural Engine for on-device AI processing. This foundation has allowed Apple to position itself as a leader in hardware for AI, as seen in its upcoming M7 Ultra chip.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks: August Launch, Higher Prices, No 128GB Option
A leak reveals Google Pixel 11 will launch in August, with increased prices and no 128GB model. Offering 256GB as the base storage, prices rise by €100, placing them in flagship territory. This shift hints at intensified competition with high-end smartphones.
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 power supply features 80 PLUS Gold efficiency
The Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 power supply offers verified 80 PLUS Gold efficiency and ATX 3.1 compliance, featuring a native 12V-2x6 connector and a ten-year warranty. Priced at $119, this model targets mainstream gaming, presenting a robust option for builders seeking reliability without premium costs.
Open-source RISCBoy console designed with RISC-V technology unveiled
The RISCBoy is a new open-source portable games console utilizing a RISC-V compatible CPU and designed via Verilog 2005. It enables hobbyists to build a 32-bit gaming experience on FPGA technology, contributing to the growing trend of open-source hardware development.
Nopia synth nearly ready for launch at £550, features unique harmonic design
Nopia synth creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal announced the product will launch in a couple of months at approximately £550. The synth features a unique design that allows users to blend multiple modules for complex harmonies with minimal finger movement.
Razer Introduces Soma Chroma Gaming Chair with RGB Integration
Razer has launched the Soma Chroma gaming chair, featuring extensive RGB lighting and a racing-style design. Priced at $200 more than its predecessor, the Iskur V2 X, it lacks some adjustability features, raising questions about its value.
Apple Avoids Semiconductor Tariffs via Intel Chip Agreement
Apple secured a tariff exemption on semiconductor imports by agreeing to use Intel for Mac and iPhone chips. This move prevented potential price increases for Apple products, crucial in maintaining profit margins amid supply chain challenges.
Google develops constant recalibration method for quantum processors
Google has discovered a method for constant calibration of superconducting qubits during quantum computations. This innovation uses data from error correction processes to adjust settings in real-time, addressing calibration drift in long algorithms.
LNDU HK01W Smart Lock Offers Affordable Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi Features
The LNDU HK01W smart lock now offers Apple Home Key support for approximately $100, providing a budget-friendly option for Apple users. This lock features multiple unlocking methods, including biometric, keypad, fob, and traditional key access, while offering Wi-Fi connectivity.
Intel Raises Prices on Core Ultra 200S Plus Processors by Up to $50
Intel has increased recommended customer prices for its Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, including the 270K Plus and 250K Plus models, by $30 to $50. This adjustment reflects high demand and increased supply chain costs. Meanwhile, the midrange Core Ultra 5 245K is heavily discounted, highlighting mixed pricing strategies in the industry.
QuadRF: A New Phased-Array Radio Tracking Drones and WiFi Signals
The QuadRF, a phased-array radio utilizing a Raspberry Pi 5 and FPGA, can track drones and detect WiFi signals through walls. Its advanced signal processing capabilities allow users to analyze RF traffic, raising concerns about security practices while showcasing potential for innovative research applications.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 Review Highlights Display and Performance Shortcomings
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop features a vibrant mini-LED display and powerful hardware but has key shortcomings such as missing PCIe 5.0 SSD and single-channel RAM. Priced at $4,999.99, it competes closely with Razer’s Blade 18 but presents notable limitations.
Baseus launches PicoGo Air magnetic power bank compatible with Pixel 10
Baseus has launched the PicoGo Air, a thin 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank designed for the Pixel 10. Its slim profile, measuring under 7mm thick, enhances portability while offering a lower charging limit of 22.5W compared to Qi2 standards. This product expands the options for Pixel 10 users seeking compact charging solutions.
Rapidus to Offer Lower Wafer Prices than TSMC for 2nm Class Silicon
Japan’s Rapidus aims to attract customers by pricing its 2nm-class wafers at $18,550-$21,635, well below TSMC's estimated $30,000. The company plans to begin high-volume manufacturing in 2027, providing competition in the semiconductor market but facing TSMC's established advantages in technology and ecosystem.
Mini PCs Can Run Large AI Models with Unified Memory, Outpacing High-End GPUs
Mini PCs with unified memory can run 70-billion-parameter AI models, unlike high-end GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 5090, which lack the necessary capacity. This development highlights the advantages of unified memory architecture, enabling more efficient use of RAM for AI applications in compact systems.
Intel Reveals New Cross-Batch Memory Architecture in Patent Filing
Intel has filed a patent for a new memory architecture called Cross-Batch Memory (XBM), which replaces traditional HBM silicon interposers with back-end-of-line transistors and UCIe links. This aims to reduce costs and address memory bottlenecks in AI applications. This development highlights Intel's efforts to innovate in high-bandwidth memory, potentially altering AI hardware design.
Samsung samples Gaia AI accelerator for PCs with HP and Lenovo validation
Samsung is sampling its Gaia AI accelerator, a dedicated neural processing unit, for next-gen PCs. Major manufacturers HP and Lenovo are currently validating the chip's performance as they consider integrating it into upcoming systems due in late 2027 or early 2028.
iVANKY Launches FusionDock Ultra for High-Performance Mac Workflows
iVANKY has introduced the FusionDock Ultra, a Thunderbolt 5 dock designed for Apple Silicon MacBook users. It features a dual-chip architecture to optimize bandwidth and support for multiple high-resolution displays, making it particularly useful for demanding professional workflows.
Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 get RAM upgrade, price increases after July 14
Retroid is upgrading its Pocket 5 and Flip 2 handhelds to 12GB of RAM at no extra cost for orders made before July 14. After this date, the prices will increase by $10, reflecting rising RAM costs in the tech industry.
Sony launches $120 IER-M500 in-ear monitors for professional use
Sony has launched the IER-M500 in-ear monitors designed for musicians and sound technicians. Priced at $120, these earphones offer comfort and noise isolation suitable for stage performances, marking Sony's return to high-end IEMs.
TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB SSD Offers High Performance at Affordable Price
The TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB SSD is released, showcasing excellent random read latency and competitive pricing. Its performance makes it suitable for various applications, although poor power efficiency limits its use in laptops.
Meta to begin production of new AI chips in September
Meta plans to start production of its latest AI-specific chips in September to reduce GPU costs amid a component shortage. These chips, developed under the Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) program, will help the company optimize its AI workloads and deployments.
iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs may rise nearly $300, report finds
Counterpoint Research estimates that the component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max could increase significantly, primarily due to rising NAND and DRAM prices. This rise is likely to impact Apple's profit margins and retail pricing strategy for different storage variants.
Ruf unveils new flat-eight B8 engine at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Ruf introduced its new 4.8 L flat-eight B8 engine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The engine produces over 1,000 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, marking a significant move in Ruf's evolution from Porsche tuner to a standalone manufacturer of original vehicles.
AMD revives Ryzen 7 4700LE for budget PCs in prebuilt gaming systems
AMD has launched the Ryzen 7 4700LE in a new prebuilt gaming PC priced at $799.99, featuring an RTX 3050 GPU. This move allows AMD to leverage the aging AM4 platform and offer cost-effective options for budget-conscious gamers.
India removes tariffs on smartphone manufacturing parts to boost local production
India has eliminated 7.5% and 5% tariffs on key components for smartphones, aiming to enhance local manufacturing. This policy supports India’s goal of growing its electronics sector to $500 billion by 2026 and may accelerate Apple's iPhone production in the country.
Initial benchmarks show limited gains for AMD EXPO ULL memory kits
AMD's EXPO Ultra Low Latency (ULL) memory kits are available, but initial tests show only a 4% performance improvement at a high price. While there are slight benefits in specific games, the overall gains do not justify the significant price increase.
Valve Steam Machine review highlights drawbacks compared to modern gaming consoles
The Valve Steam Machine, priced at $1,049, is found lacking compared to current-gen gaming consoles. It features AMD hardware and runs SteamOS, but struggles with demanding games and fails to impress overall.
Rapidus targets 2027 for 2nm fab production amid customer uncertainty
Rapidus plans to mass produce 2nm chips at its IIM-1 facility in Chitose, Hokkaido by 2027, but has yet to secure any volume commitments from customers. The company aims to ramp up production capacity significantly, counting on a collaborative initiative to foster a semiconductor ecosystem in the region.
Apple scraps lower-cost Vision Pro component development with Samsung Display
Apple has discontinued the development of a lower-cost panel for its Vision Pro headset, known as G-VR. This decision follows a strategic shift towards AI smart glasses, signaling a potential delay in the release of more affordable XR devices.
JEDEC introduces SPHBM4 standard to reduce costs of high-bandwidth memory
JEDEC has released the SPHBM4 standard, which enables cheaper high-bandwidth memory (HBM) by allowing the use of organic substrates and eliminating the need for costly interposers. It utilizes a narrower 512-bit interface while maintaining high data transfer rates, potentially lowering memory costs in AI processors without addressing the DRAM shortage.
Mondo Robotics launches Beni, a $800 jumping robot camera dog
Mondo Robotics is crowdfunding Beni, a two-legged robot dog that can follow and film users. Priced at $600 on Kickstarter and $800 retail, it boasts features like speed up to 18 mph and 4K recording.
SiPearl Rhea CPU enters testing phase, set for late 2026 launch
SiPearl's Rhea CPU, designed for high-performance computing, has entered the testing phase. Scheduled for availability by the end of 2026, Rhea aims to be Europe's first sovereign HPC CPU.
Cooler Master launches V4 and V8 3DHP air coolers with innovative technology
Cooler Master has introduced the V4 Alpha and V8 Ace air coolers featuring groundbreaking 3D heatpipe (3DHP) technology, which enhances thermal efficiency by increasing fin utilization to over 95%. While these coolers show strong performance and low noise levels, their effectiveness in gaming scenarios and higher price point for the V8 Ace may limit their appeal.
Valve releases Windows drivers for Steam hardware but won't provide support
Valve has launched a resource page with Windows drivers for Steam hardware, allowing users to install Windows more easily. However, the company has explicitly stated it will not offer support for users running Windows on Steam devices, emphasizing the limitations of SteamOS and ongoing anti-cheat compatibility issues.