Hardware · Top stories
Wyze Releases BodyScan Plus Scale with Eye-Level Display and Google Health Sync
Wyze launched the BodyScan Plus scale, an updated version of its Ultra Bodyscan model, featuring a display moved to an eye-level bar for improved readability. The new scale also adds synchronization with Google Health and Android Health Connect, alongside existing Apple Health support.
COROS Releases Suguru Osako Edition Pace 4 Smartwatch with Extended Battery Life
COROS launched a special edition Pace 4 smartwatch named after marathon runner Suguru Osako, featuring a 19-day battery life and over 41 hours of GPS tracking. This version includes unique styling and maintains the Pace 4's existing fitness features, positioning it as a strong alternative to Wear OS devices due to its battery performance.
Engineer develops single-motor 3D-printed drone using hinged propeller and rapid motor speed changes
A software engineer designed and built a single-motor drone that achieves stability and control through a hinged propeller and rapid motor speed adjustments. This design eliminates the need for traditional torque-counteracting mechanisms like swashplates or secondary propellers, simplifying the aircraft's structure. The custom flight controller and motor controller firmware enable motor reactions in under 0.2 milliseconds for precise control.
Slate Truck Receives Software Updates Via Smartphone USB Connection
The Slate electric truck, which lacks built-in cellular connectivity and infotainment, receives over-the-air software updates by connecting a smartphone to its USB port. This method allows the minimalist vehicle to get bug fixes and small improvements without integrated tech, aligning with its sub-$25,000 base price business model.
Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS discounted, offers upgraded specs over Steam Deck OLED
The Lenovo Legion Go S, featuring SteamOS, is now available at a discounted price of $999.99. This model includes a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, and an 8-inch 1080p 120Hz IPS screen, positioning it as a competitive alternative to the Steam Deck OLED.
Overclocker Breaks 12-Year-Old Cinebench R11.5 Record with Intel Core i5 4670K
Overclocker Luumi achieved a new HWBot world record for the Intel Core i5 4670K in Cinebench R11.5, scoring 10.8 cb. This feat was accomplished using a 12-year-old CPU cooled with liquid nitrogen, demonstrating that older hardware can still set performance benchmarks.
MIT Engineers Develop Soft 3D Shape-Sensing Skin for Gaming and VR
MIT engineers have developed a soft, wearable sheet capable of tracking its own 3D shape using embedded optical fibers. This technology maintains an error below half a centimeter in lab tests and can sense external pressure, offering potential applications in gaming, virtual reality, and physical therapy.
Open MicroManipulator Releases Updated Hardware for Sub-Micrometer 3D Motion Control
The Open MicroManipulator project released an updated hardware version for its open-source, low-cost motorized XYZ motion control platform. The update addresses several design issues, including self-collision during homing and ball joint connection stability, to improve precision and ease of assembly for sub-micrometer applications.
UGREEN Releases New 25W MagSafe Battery with Liquid Cooling for iPhone
UGREEN introduced a new 25W 10000mAh MagSafe battery bank for iPhone that features liquid cooling. This design aims to keep the battery cooler during operation compared to other MagSafe battery banks.
Anbernic announces RG DDS dual-screen handheld with Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chip
Anbernic unveiled the RG DDS, a new dual-screen handheld device featuring a Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chip and displays optimized for 3DS emulation. The device includes a 4.7-inch main screen with a 5:3 aspect ratio and a 4-inch secondary screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, along with an extra analog stick and a 6,000mAh battery.
HyperX Releases Cloud Alpha Air Open-Back Gaming Headset for $149.99
HyperX launched the Cloud Alpha Air, a new open-back gaming headset priced at $149.99. This headset features a lightweight design, 40mm drivers, and an open-back acoustic design, aiming to offer comfort and sound quality in the budget-friendly open-back market.
Ember Releases Mug 3 with On-Device Temperature Controls and Spill-Resistant Lid
Ember has launched its third-generation temperature-controlled smart mug, the Mug 3, which introduces on-device temperature adjustments via a button on the mug's base. This update allows users to change drink temperatures without the companion app and includes a new spill-resistant lid.
MOZA AY210 Force Feedback Base and MFY Yoke Reviewed for Flight Simulators
MOZA Racing released the AY210 Force Feedback Base and MFY Yoke, a new hardware bundle for flight simulators. The system offers force feedback, high precision, and customizable settings through MOZA Cockpit Software, though it carries a premium price.
Bose Releases New USB-C Wired Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
Bose introduced new Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds that connect via USB-C, marking its return to wired audio with ANC capabilities. These earbuds draw power for active noise cancellation directly from the USB-C port, eliminating the need for an external battery pack.
Modder uses $4 Raspberry Pi Pico to perform Xbox 360 voltage glitch hack
A modder successfully performed an Xbox 360 CPU force-reset exploit using a $4 Raspberry Pi Pico, completing a nine-year effort. This method allows custom code execution by precisely timing a signal to the CPU's reset pin, bypassing Microsoft's security measures.
Simulation App Optimizes Electric Truck Battery Design for Lifetime and Robustness
A consortium including Volvo Group Trucks Operations and Resolvent developed a simulation app to optimize electric truck battery packs. The app, part of the LaserBATMAN project, helps improve battery lifetime and robustness by simulating laser welding processes. This development addresses the challenge of battery longevity in electric heavy-duty vehicles.
Veritas expands anti-counterfeit chip to jewelry, trophies, and fragrance bottles
Veritas released a second version of its anti-counterfeit chip, which now works on metal surfaces and can be scanned through glass. This expansion allows the chip to be integrated into luxury items like jewelry, trophies, and fragrance bottles, broadening its application beyond garments to combat "superfakes."
Technics EAH-A1000 Headphones Offer Superior Sound and ANC in Premium Package
Technics released the EAH-A1000 over-ear wireless headphones, featuring magnetic fluid drivers and three-device multipoint Bluetooth. These headphones compete in the premium market against models like Sony's WH-1000XM6, offering high-end audio and noise cancellation.
Sony Introduces New High-End Walkman Models, Including a $5,899 Gold-Plated Version
Sony released three new Walkman portable media players, with prices ranging from $1,899.99 to $5,899 for the gold-plated NW-WM1ZM3 model. These devices target the audiophile market with features like DSD Remastering and specialized internal components for audio quality.
Apple TV 4K and HomeView Pre-Order Ship Dates Slip to Late November
Pre-order shipping estimates for Apple's new Apple TV 4K and HomeView devices have extended into late November, past their official November 13 launch date. This indicates high initial demand or limited supply for the new hardware releases.
Apple-1 computer sells for record $1.148 million at auction
An Apple-1 computer, known as the "Hatfield" Apple-1, sold for $1,148,200 at a Bonhams online auction. This sale sets a new record for the model, significantly surpassing its 2013 sale price of $686,000.
Russian Chipmakers Showcase RISC-V and Arm Processors at ME26 Forum
Russian chipmakers demonstrated new homegrown RISC-V and Arm-based processors at the Microelectronics 26 forum in Sochi, using retro games as a public demonstration. These chips, including Baikal Electronics' BE-U1000 and Elvis Hypercom-U, are intended for applications such as robotics, IoT, multimedia, and single-board computers. The event highlights Russia's continued development of domestic chip architectures amidst geopolitical restrictions.
ElevationLab discontinues AirTag Silencer due to stalking concerns
ElevationLab has removed its AirTag Silencer accessory from sale following criticism that it could facilitate misuse, such as stalking. The product was designed to disable the AirTag's speaker, and the company acknowledged the potential for aiding malicious tracking.
Sony Launches ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone Kit with 32-bit Float Recording
Sony released the ECM-W5, a new $400 wireless microphone kit featuring two transmitters and a receiver, supporting 32-bit float recording and 500-meter range. This kit offers direct camera integration, particularly with Sony Alpha cameras, and aims to simplify audio post-production for creators.
Hiyd Launches Wearable Health Tracker Attaching to Existing Watches
Hiyd introduced a slim disc that attaches to the back of any watch using microsuction technology, collecting biometric data without replacing the user's timepiece. This device aims to provide health tracking for watch enthusiasts who prefer not to wear traditional fitness trackers.
Sprout Pi Motherboard Replaces iPod Internals, Adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico are new motherboard replacements for older iPods, adding modern features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and FLAC playback without requiring soldering. The Sprout Pi also supports streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, though this feature may contradict the original appeal of iPods.
Xbox unveils Nano Controller, a compact gamepad for smaller hands
Xbox released the Nano Controller, a new gamepad measuring five inches long and weighing 3.5 ounces. This smaller controller is designed for players with smaller hands and offers Bluetooth support for various devices beyond Xbox consoles.
LG Sound Suite adds DTS:X, Google Cast, and Wi-Fi 6 GHz support
LG updated its Sound Suite home theater system with DTS:X surround sound, Google Cast streaming, and Wi-Fi 6 GHz network compatibility. These additions provide users with more audio format options, content streaming capabilities, and flexible speaker configurations.
8BitDo Releases Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller with Hall Effect Sticks for $30
8BitDo launched the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller, priced at $30, featuring Hall effect thumbsticks, haptic feedback, and six-axis motion control. This controller aims to provide essential gamepad features at a lower cost by omitting elements like RGB lighting and rear-grip buttons.
Apple Launches HomeView Smart Home Hub in Two Models, Wall-Mounted Version Requires Additional Purchases
Apple has introduced HomeView, a new smart home hub available in two models: a standard version with a domed base and a wall-mounted version. Both models are priced at $299, but the wall-mounted HomeView does not include a mount or a power adapter, requiring separate purchases. Additionally, the wall-mounted model has a less powerful speaker system compared to the standard HomeView.
Framework Laptop 12 (Wildcat Lake) Review: Repairable Budget Laptop with Price and Feature Trade-offs
Tom's Hardware reviewed the Framework Laptop 12 (Wildcat Lake), noting its repairability and decent performance for single-channel DDR5. However, it faces challenges with a higher price point when fully configured and lacks features compared to competitors, despite its budget positioning.
Nintendo Confirms Continued Support for Physical Game Cartridges on NS2
Nintendo's VP and General Manager for Latin America, Bill van Zyll, stated the company has no plans to abandon physical game cartridges for the Nintendo Switch 2. This decision contrasts with a broader industry shift towards digital-only distribution, offering consumers both physical and digital options.
Developer enables Xbox Cloud Gaming on jailbroken PS5s using PSBox Cloud Gaming homebrew
Developer RafaelNGP released PSBox Cloud Gaming, a homebrew application for jailbroken PS5s that allows native Xbox Cloud Gaming. The mod, partially created with Claude, enables PS5 users to access Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Remote Play directly on their console, expanding its functionality beyond Sony's intended use.
Reddit User Buys Used Crypto Mining Rig with 54GB VRAM for $35
A Reddit user purchased a used crypto mining rig containing nine Nvidia P106-100 GPUs, totaling 54GB of VRAM, for $35. The rig, found in a damp garage, successfully ran a 35-billion-parameter AI model at over 30 tokens per second, demonstrating a low-cost option for accessing significant VRAM for AI tasks.
Steam Frame Teardown Reveals Cooling Fan is Difficult to Access for Repairs
iFixit's teardown of the Steam Frame VR headset found that the cooling fan is buried deep within the device, making it hard to reach for cleaning or replacement. This design choice complicates future maintenance for a component prone to dust accumulation and wear, despite other aspects of the headset being repairable.
Modder Attaches 360mm AIO Radiator to Laptop, Reduces Temperatures by 60 Degrees Celsius
A YouTube modder integrated a 360mm AIO radiator, waterblocks, and a pump into a Metabox laptop, resulting in a 60-degree Celsius temperature drop for both the CPU and GPU. This modification allowed for a 14% performance gain through overclocking, demonstrating extreme cooling solutions for portable devices.
SanDisk NAS 800 NVMe SSD offers high endurance and performance for NAS applications
SanDisk released the NAS 800 NVMe SSD, designed for Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliances, offering high endurance and sustained write performance. The drive is based on the Optimus GX Pro 8100 and features increased overprovisioning to improve endurance, making it suitable for demanding server environments.
GameBoy Emulator Achieves 30FPS on E-Paper ESP32 Display
A developer successfully demonstrated a GameBoy emulator running at 30 frames per second on an ESP32 microcontroller connected to an e-paper display. This achievement showcases the potential for low-power, high-refresh-rate e-paper applications in embedded systems.
PSPi 6 Project Transforms PSP 1000 into Modern Handheld with Raspberry Pi
The PSPi 6 project provides hardware designs, firmware, and software to convert a classic PSP 1000 into a modern handheld device powered by a Raspberry Pi. This allows the PSP to run various operating systems and emulators, expanding its functionality beyond its original design.
Fairphone 6 Plus and Framework Laptop 12 Released, Emphasizing Repairability
Fairphone has launched its 6 Plus smartphone directly in the US, featuring improved specifications and a 10/10 repairability score from iFixit. Framework also released the second generation of its 12-inch Laptop, offering Intel Core Series 3 processors and a lower starting price, continuing its focus on user-upgradable and repairable devices.