From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Half-Life 2 port launched for browser play at over 100 FPS with new features
An unofficial browser port of Half-Life 2 has been released, allowing full gameplay without downloads. Developed using WebGL 2, it supports save states, console commands, and runs natively on devices, achieving over 100 FPS on desktop setups.
Enthusiast Builds Custom Steam Machine with Long HDMI and Steam Controller 2
Matthew Brunelle created a custom gaming setup using NixOS, a 50-foot HDMI cable, and the Steam Controller 2 instead of buying Valve's Steam Machine. This approach offers flexibility and avoids latency issues commonly associated with wireless setups, catering to tech-savvy gamers who prefer DIY solutions.
Sony's PlayStation Puga prototype was canceled due to licensing issues
Sony's PlayStation Puga prototype, a PS1 integrated into a controller for the Brazilian market, was canceled due to issues with game licensing and low potential royalties. The device, which could run for 20 hours on four AA batteries, faced challenges negotiating game royalties, with Sony expected to earn only 10 cents per unit sold.
Lenovo sells laptops with YMTC SSDs despite performance criticisms
Lenovo has begun selling the ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL laptop in the U.S. with a 512GB YMTC PCIe 4.0 SSD, marking the first instance of a major OEM using YMTC drives despite the company being on the U.S. Entity List. Despite criticism regarding the SSD's below-average performance, the laptop is positioned for everyday office use and could encourage broader adoption of Chinese storage solutions among consumers.
AOC U27G4XM Review Highlights Gaming Monitor's Price-Performance Ratio
The AOC U27G4XM gaming monitor delivers exceptional value with 4K resolution and a 160 Hz refresh rate at a competitive price. Its features, including a Mini LED panel and high peak brightness, cater to gamers seeking performance without excessive cost.
Memory price increases to moderate as consumer demand reaches limits
Memory prices are projected to rise through Q3 2026, but growth will slow as consumers hit affordability limits. While demand for AI and server memory remains strong, consumer electronics manufacturers are struggling with higher costs, leading to a distinct divide in the market.
Alienware Area-51 gaming desktop discounted to $5,999 from $8,580
Dell has reduced the price of the Alienware Area-51 gaming desktop to $5,999.99, a 30% discount from its original price of $8,579.99, making high-end 4K gaming more accessible. This system features top-of-the-line components, including the Core Ultra 9 285K processor and GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card.
Ampera launches 3D-printed thorium nuclear reactor for AI data centers
Ampera has unveiled a 3D-printed nuclear reactor module designed to power AI data centers. This subcritical, solid-state reactor, constructed using additive manufacturing, promises safer operations and quicker production for mass deployment.
Japan tests Starlink antennas on fire hydrant signs for emergency Wi-Fi
Fire Hydrant Sign Co., Ltd. tested a Wi-Fi network using Starlink antennas attached to fire hydrant signs in Japan. This initiative aims to provide connectivity during natural disasters, leveraging existing infrastructure for emergency communication.
New DRAM price-fixing lawsuit targets Samsung, SK hynix, Micron's coordination
Seventeen plaintiffs have sued Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron for allegedly coordinating supply cuts that inflated DRAM prices by 700% from 2016 to 2020. This lawsuit follows two previous high-profile legal cases against the companies, with challenges in proving collusion under antitrust laws.
SEMI group opposes government intervention in memory chip market
The SEMI industry association, representing major memory chip manufacturers, has advised against government intervention in the memory chip market, arguing it could worsen shortages. The group proposes tax deductions on consumer electronics instead, as demand, driven mainly by AI, is expected to exceed supply until at least 2027.
Intel resolves yield issues in 18A process, production ramps to 15,000 wafers monthly
Intel has addressed wafer-to-wafer yield variability issues in its 18A process technology, leading to expected yield improvements. The resolution is anticipated to enhance production consistency at Intel's fabs in Oregon and Arizona, supporting a ramp-up of 12,000 to 15,000 wafers per month.
GitHub offers CD-ROM copies of public repos amid Sony's move away from physical media
GitHub has introduced a limited run of 1,000 CD-ROM copies of public repositories for developers. This initiative emerges as a response to Sony's announcement to cease physical media production for PlayStation games by 2028, highlighting a contrast in the digital and physical media ecosystems.
Singaporean team develops 3D-printed cyborg cockroach for underwater rescue operations
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have created a remote-controlled cyborg cockroach that can breathe underwater for up to three hours using a 3D-printed scuba suit. This development aims to enhance search and rescue operations in disaster-stricken areas by utilizing the cockroaches' ability to navigate difficult terrains and locate survivors.
Supermicro denies Taipei office raid in Nvidia GPU smuggling investigation
Supermicro refutes claims that its Taipei office was raided by Taiwanese authorities amid an Nvidia GPU smuggling investigation. The company asserts that it is cooperating with the investigation and voluntarily provided access to workstations and devices of suspected employees.
Montech NX600 Air Cooler Review Highlights Budget Efficiency and Performance
Montech launched the NX600 air cooler, priced under $30, featuring dual towers and six heatpipes. It provides good thermal performance but is noted for being loud and having compatibility issues with taller RAM DIMMs.
Asus B850-Creator Wifi Neo Motherboard Lacks Key Features for Creators
The Asus B850-Creator Wifi Neo motherboard targets creators with dual 5 GbE ports and PCIe 5.0 sockets but falls short in USB connectivity. It lacks 40 Gbps ports and has only six USB Type-A ports, which may hinder users needing high-speed external storage.
Valar Atomics activates nuclear microreactor for Nvidia-powered AI factory
Valar Atomics initiated its Ward 250 nuclear microreactor during a live event to power an Nvidia RTX PC. This marks a collaboration with Nvidia for a closed-loop AI factory designed to minimize local water use, amidst growing public concerns about data center energy consumption.
Prototype AMD RX 7900 XTX engineering sample with custom VBIOS surfaces
An engineering sample of the AMD RX 7900 XTX has surfaced that reveals significant hardware differences from retail models. Purchased secondhand, this prototype features a custom VBIOS and unique connectors for testing, indicating its status as a pre-production unit rather than a commercial product.
Intel expands photomask production in California to support advanced chips
Intel has begun expanding its Bowers Campus in California to produce more photomasks, essential for its advanced chips. The new facility will manufacture photomasks for cutting-edge technologies, solidifying Intel's capabilities in in-house production as market demands for EUV and High-NA EUV processes grow.
Google tests webcam-based reCAPTCHA that can be bypassed with stock photos
Google is trialing a webcam-based reCAPTCHA that requires users to show hand gestures. However, testers quickly circumvented it using stock photos, highlighting potential weaknesses in its implementation.
Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM price drops to $314, lowest in months during Woot sale
Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32GB RAM is available for $314 after discounts, marking a significant price drop. This offers consumers a competitive option in a currently high-priced market for RAM, making it attractive for gaming builds.
Tesla hires Intel veteran Gary Jiang for semiconductor project
Tesla has hired Gary Jiang, a 17-year Intel veteran, to lead efforts at its semiconductor project, Terafab. Jiang's experience includes managing advanced fabrication processes and equipment at Intel, which may bolster Tesla's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Peer-Reviewed Study Ranks HGST Most Reliable Hard Drive Brand, Toshiba Least Reliable
A new IEEE study re-analyzed 12 years of Backblaze hard drive data, covering over 443,000 drives, and found that HGST drives had the lowest failure rates, while Toshiba drives had the highest. This analysis adjusted for factors like drive age, capacity, form factor, and operating temperature, providing a more refined comparison of reliability across brands.
Intel VP Predicts PC Market Split Between Mainstream and Enthusiast Platforms
Intel's Robert Hallock suggests the PC market is dividing into distinct mainstream and enthusiast segments due to rising costs, with mainstream platforms experiencing significant challenges. This split could lead to different socket designs across the industry to address varying consumer budgets.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop Discounted at Best Buy
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop is discounted by $300 at Best Buy, now priced at $1,899.99. This laptop features a 16-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. The discount offers a compelling option amidst rising component costs affecting gaming laptop prices.
Maker compresses 2.9MB song to 21KB using AI codec, prints it on paper as QR codes
A maker named Makestreme used Meta's EnCodec neural audio codec to compress a 2.9MB MP3 song to 21KB, then printed it across eight QR codes on paper. This project demonstrates extreme audio compression using AI and explores novel data storage and transfer methods, though playback relies on the specific neural network decoder.
Delta Investigates Fake Wi-Fi Network Incident on Flight from Las Vegas
Delta Air Lines is investigating an incident on Flight 591 from Las Vegas to Atlanta where an unauthorized Wi-Fi network, allegedly created by a passenger, appeared mid-flight. The network, named "Delta WiFi Fast," reportedly spoofed the legitimate in-flight Wi-Fi and may have attempted to phish for credentials, leading pilots to alert air traffic control and temporarily disable the aircraft's Wi-Fi.
Xreal Releases Budget-Friendly A01 Plus AR Glasses for $299
Xreal has launched the A01 Plus AR glasses for $299, aimed at cost-conscious consumers seeking an affordable AR experience. These glasses, designed for media consumption, offer dual-layer Micro-OLED displays with 1,600-nit brightness and weigh 62 grams. While they lack some features of pricier models, the A01 Plus provides a budget option for portable gaming and movies.
Elon Musk Denies Reports of SpaceX Handheld AI Device Prototype
Elon Musk has denied reports that SpaceX is developing a handheld AI device, calling the claims "utterly false." Despite this, several outlets reported a prototype, allegedly shown to investors, that was thinner than an iPhone and featured technology from xAI. The reports have raised questions about SpaceX's potential in AI hardware and mobile services, but Musk's denial leaves the company's plans uncertain.
Newegg Bundles Feature AMD Processors and DDR5 RAM with Substantial Discounts
Newegg has introduced various component bundles featuring AMD Ryzen processors and Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM, offering notable savings. These bundles include the Ryzen 5 9600X with 16GB RAM and a B650M motherboard for $519.99, along with a free AIO cooler. Such offers help mitigate high RAM prices, making them attractive for budget-conscious gaming PC builders.
EPFL Researchers Develop 3D-Printed Sound-Powered Engines for Silent Micro-Drones
Researchers at EPFL's MICROBS lab have developed 3D-printed sound-powered engines that use resonant frequencies to generate thrust, enabling silent micro-drones and a boat. This technology demonstrates a novel method for propulsion using acoustic resonators, potentially leading to new types of robotic matter and silent flying devices.
Modern OLED TVs show similar burn-in to 2017 models after 10,000 hours, but are brighter and more efficient
A longevity test by Rtings.com found that OLED TVs from 2020-2023 exhibit similar burn-in to a 2017 model after 10,000 hours of simulated news channel usage. While burn-in susceptibility remains, newer OLEDs offer significantly higher brightness and improved power efficiency, which can extend their effective lifespan by mitigating burn-in effects in typical use.
xTool M2 Color Craft Laser and Engraver Released with Improved Features and Lower Entry Price
xTool released the M2 color craft laser and engraver, featuring an improved print head, twin positioning cameras, and integrated air assist at a lower starting price of $599. This new model removes the cutting blade and pen options from its predecessor, the M1 Ultra, focusing instead on enhanced laser and printing capabilities.
Thieves swap RTX 5080 GPUs for RTX 3060s in Chinese gaming hotels, stealing $12,000
Two individuals in China swapped high-end RTX 5080 and 5070 GPUs with lower-end RTX 3060s in gaming hotel PCs, going undetected until a power outage led to the discovery of tampering. The thieves were apprehended, having stolen approximately $12,000 worth of GPUs over multiple incidents.
Kentucky Family Rejects $26 Million Offer for Farmland to Become AI Data Center
A Kentucky family declined a $26 million offer from an anonymous AI company to purchase half of their 1,200-acre farmland for a data center. The family, who has owned the land for generations, cited concerns about food production, land preservation, water depletion, and environmental impact. This highlights growing tensions between agricultural land use and the expanding infrastructure needs of the AI industry.
iOS app "Carrier Pidge" simulates message delivery via carrier pigeon at 110 mph
Developer Noah Larrobino released "Carrier Pidge," an iOS app that sends messages at a simulated speed of 110 mph, mimicking carrier pigeon delivery. Messages can take up to 22 hours for cross-continental travel, and virtual pigeons can experience delays, get lost, or "die" en route, impacting message delivery reliability.
Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) Gains Traction as Interim Solution Before Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)
Near-packaged optics (NPO) is emerging as an interim solution for data center networking, bridging the gap between traditional pluggable transceivers and future co-packaged optics (CPO). Analysts predict NPO silicon photonics products will see volume adoption through the end of the decade due to advantages like field-replaceable modules and simpler assembly compared to CPO.
Developer Ports Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a to Native x64 for Modern Systems
Developer Justin Marshall has created a native x64 port of Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a, codenamed Opus, allowing the 1990 application to run on modern Windows 10 and 11 systems. This project involved rebuilding the original source code and replacing 16-bit assembly and Win16 platform boundaries with modern equivalents, making a historical software version accessible without emulation.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Upper Stage Expected to Crash into Moon in August
An upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is projected to crash into the Moon near the Einstein Crater on August 5. This event provides astronomers with a rare opportunity to observe an artificial impact in real-time, allowing for studies on dust plume movement and space debris hazards.