From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
$5 ESP32 microcontroller builds ad-blocking DNS filter for 537,000 domains
A developer has created a DNS filter using a $5 ESP32-C3 microcontroller that blocks over 537,000 domains. This solution offers an efficient and cost-effective method of ad blocking with minimal latency, appealing to users seeking budget-friendly tech solutions.
AGI AI828 SSD Review Highlights Strong Specs with Budget Limitations
The AGI AI828 SSD offers a wide range of capacities but exhibits sluggish performance and poor efficiency. It is positioned as a budget-friendly option, though not recommended for best performance in typical scenarios.
1.44MB Game Development Contest Launched by Korean Culture Site
A new game development competition invites submissions of original games that must fit within a 1.44MB limit of a floppy disk. Hosted by Korean site 2P_Game_Arcade, the contest promotes creative coding skills, offering a ₩1.14 million prize pool (around $750).
Tornyol micro-drone achieves first air-to-air insect kill, targeting mosquitoes
Tornyol Systems' micro-drone has completed its first air-to-air insect kill, using advanced sonar and DSP technology to locate targets. The drone aims to contribute to efforts in eradicating mosquitoes, which pose serious health risks globally.
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.
Mario Kart Wii recompiled for PC using AI offers 4K and supports over 200 tracks
A developer has created a static recompilation of Mario Kart Wii for PC, utilizing AI coding. This project promises 4K resolution and an uncapped frame rate, while supporting over 200 tracks via Retro Rewind compatibility, marking a milestone in the static recompilation of Wii games.
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.
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.
Ex-Sega engineer develops realistic CRT monitor emulator for macOS
An ex-Sega engineer has launched a CRT emulator for macOS that mimics vintage monitor behavior, including a screen tapping feature to stabilize the image. This emulator utilizes software-defined radio technology to enhance the display of RF modulated video from older gaming consoles.
Sony to Close PS3 Store in 2027, Prompting Preservation Efforts
Sony will close the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita in 2027, prompting efforts to preserve game data. The RPCS3 emulator, compatible with over 2,600 PS3 titles, is leading the preservation push, significant as Sony plans to end physical disc production by 2028.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PS5 emulation advances with new projects after Sony ceases physical game production
Sony's decision to stop producing physical PS5 games has led to a surge in PS5 emulation projects, with emulators like SharpEmu and KytyPS5 making significant strides. Notably, recent developments allow some PS5 games to boot and run, highlighting a rapid evolution in the emulation scene.
ZTE gains US approval to purchase Nvidia H200 AI chips amid Sino-American trade tensions
Chinese telecom firm ZTE has received U.S. approval to purchase Nvidia's H200 AI chips, joining companies like Alibaba and Tencent. This development highlights ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China concerning technology access amid protectionist policies on both sides.
China's chip exports surge to $177 billion in H1 2026 amidst memory price boom
China exported integrated circuits worth $177 billion in the first half of 2026, a 96% increase year-on-year. The rise is largely due to inflated memory prices, driven by shifts in AI hardware demand and global supply constraints.
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.
DIY 'OpenPuck' enables Steam Controller to emulate multiple gamepads without Steam Input
An enthusiast has developed 'OpenPuck,' a DIY firmware for the Steam Controller that allows it to emulate Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo controllers without requiring Steam. The project provides real-time on-device emulation and offers flexible configuration through a web interface, impacting how gamers utilize the Steam Controller.
Counter-Strike clone runs at 60 FPS on original PSP using Rust-based engine
Yifeng Wang has developed OpenStrike, a Counter-Strike clone for the PSP using a custom Rust-based engine. The game runs at 60 FPS on the original PSP and is also compatible with the PS Vita, showcasing significant capabilities of retro system modding.
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.
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.
MSI Afterburner to Add Heatmap Feature in Upcoming Update for GPU Overclocking
MSI Afterburner is set to introduce a heatmap feature in the upcoming version 4.6.7 beta4, designed to enhance GPU overclocking precision. This feature visualizes the most-used voltage/frequency points, allowing users to better understand and adjust their GPU's boosting behavior based on real workload data.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sega Dreamcast input driver updates added to Linux 7.2-rc3 kernel
Updates for Sega Dreamcast drivers have been merged into the Linux 7.2-rc3 kernel, improving stability for mouse, keyboard, and joystick inputs. This maintains support for the Dreamcast, even as older architectures like the i486 lose kernel backing.
Sotheby’s to auction working Apple-1 computer serial number 01-0033
Sotheby’s will auction a working Apple-1 computer, serial number 01-0033, as part of its upcoming History of Science & Technology sale. Estimated at $300,000 - $500,000, this unit is notable as one of the first batch of Apple computers sold. The auction highlights the significance of such artifacts in tech history and collectors' markets.
Windows 95's installer detection relied on filename heuristics, says Microsoft engineer
Windows 95 identified setup programs by matching executable names against a list of keywords, as revealed by Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen. This heuristic aimed to protect system files from being overwritten by installers, which was a common issue during that era.
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.
Ivan Miranda releases design files for foldable 3D-printed electric motorbike
Ivan Miranda has announced design files for the Mirandetta, a foldable 3D-printed electric motorbike. The design allows users to print and assemble the bike using a standard 300mm x 300mm printer, catering to makers interested in personal builds.
Bambu Lab partners with Insta360 for Luna Ultra design contest with $11K in prizes
Bambu Lab and Insta360 launched the 'Let’s Make It' Luna Ultra Design Challenge on MakerWorld, inviting creators to design 3D-printed accessories for Insta360's new Luna Ultra camera. The competition offers over $11,000 in prizes, including cameras, 3D printers, and a potential development prize for the best concept.
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.
Police detain car reviewer due to Flock system error about stolen tags
A data entry mistake in Flock’s tracking system led to the wrongful detention of car reviewer Joel Feder, who was surrounded by police due to a vehicle plate misidentification. This incident highlights potential flaws in AI surveillance technologies and their implications for privacy and safety.
SK hynix and TetraMem develop memristor-based SoC for AI edge devices
SK hynix and TetraMem have created a memristor-based in-memory computing SoC aimed at optimizing energy efficiency for AI edge devices. The architecture enhances performance for depthwise convolution while drastically reducing power consumption compared to traditional GPUs and NPUs, though it faces challenges in achieving competitive performance metrics.