Hardware · Top stories
Acer unveils Predator Atlas 7 handheld gaming device with smaller form factor
Acer announced the Predator Atlas 7, a new handheld gaming device that offers the same performance as the larger Atlas 8 but in a more compact design. This release provides consumers with an additional option for portable gaming, focusing on improved ergonomics for extended use.
Ford Explains Decision to Integrate Apple Maps Natively in New Fathom EV
Ford's VP of Advanced Vehicle Projects, Alan Clarke, stated the company chose Apple Maps for its upcoming Fathom EV due to performance, cost, quality, and a close working relationship with Apple. This integration focuses on EV-specific mapping needs like range estimation and charger availability, and will be native to the car's software, not CarPlay Ultra.
Google Meet Hardware Transitions from ChromeOS to Android
Google is migrating its Google Meet hardware portfolio from ChromeOS to Android to offer more device variety and hardware flexibility. Existing ChromeOS devices will continue to receive full software support, including security patches and ChromeOS releases, until at least 2030 for recent models.
Homey Launches Portal Touchscreen Smart Home Controller with Tactile Dial
Homey, owned by LG, launched the Homey Portal, a desk or wall-mounted touchscreen controller with a tactile dial for smart home devices. This device aims to simplify smart home control by offering a dedicated physical interface that supports a wide range of protocols and devices.
Pixel 11 Pro Video Boost feature causes static audio in recordings
Pixel 11 Pro users are reporting static audio issues when using the Video Boost feature, which processes video footage on Google's servers to improve quality. This bug, observed by multiple users, introduces static bursts every few seconds in recordings. Clearing the Google Camera app cache or disabling Audio Zoom may offer temporary relief.
Shelly Launches $50 Security Camera with Optional Subscription for Cloud Features
Shelly released a new $49.99 security camera that operates without a subscription, offering 1080p resolution and local storage. An optional subscription adds cloud recording and smart object detection, positioning it as a budget-friendly home security option.
Atlas Launches Brain-Monitoring Wearable to Track User Presence and Focus
Atlas has launched pre-orders for Atlas 1.0, a wearable EEG device designed to monitor brain waves, electrodermal activity, movement, and voice patterns to quantify a user's presence and focus. This device aims to help users identify situations that promote engagement and improve mental well-being by understanding their cognitive states.
Sonos unveils new Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones at product launch event
Sonos introduced new hardware, including the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones, at its "Open House" product launch event. The company also discussed its "operating environment for AI in the home" and the concept of custom agents with multiple third-party and first-party models co-existing. This launch expands Sonos's hardware offerings and integrates AI concepts into its home audio ecosystem.
RotaryCell Project Enables Unmodified Rotary Phones to Function Over LTE with ESP32-S3
The RotaryCell project developed a method to convert a traditional rotary telephone into a portable, battery-powered cellular phone using an ESP32-S3 and LTE modem without altering the original phone's components. This allows vintage telephones to operate on modern cellular networks, making them usable in new contexts.
JMGO Iris Ultra Max 4K 120Hz Projector with Dual-Iris System Now Available Globally
JMGO has released its Iris Ultra Max all-in-one Google TV projector outside China, featuring 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a new dual-iris system for 10,000:1 native contrast. This projector aims to deliver high brightness and improved contrast for home entertainment, particularly for gaming and sports viewing.
Modders Install Windows NT 4.0 on Nintendo GameCube Consoles
Modders have successfully installed Windows NT 4.0, an operating system from 1995/1996, onto Nintendo GameCube consoles. This achievement demonstrates the capabilities of console modding communities to push hardware limits through experimental projects.
G.Skill Launches Flare X5X DDR5 Memory Kits with AMD EXPO ULL Optimization
G.Skill introduced its new Flare X5X series of DDR5 memory kits, which incorporate AMD's EXPO ULL (Ultra Low Latency) technology for optimized subtimings on Ryzen processors. This release provides another option for users seeking performance enhancements on AMD platforms, particularly those without 3D V-Cache.
Nvidia Driver Update Disables mVolt+ GPU Overclocking for RTX 50-Series Cards
Nvidia's driver version 615.56 has disabled the mVolt+ overclocking utility for RTX 50-series GPUs, preventing users from adjusting core power limits. This change impacts enthusiasts who used mVolt+ to exceed standard power limits and achieve higher overclocking results through software modifications.
Asus customer initially denied warranty for headset receiver, then offered replacement after social media post
An Asus customer was initially denied a warranty replacement for a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver for his ROG Delta II KJP gaming headset, despite the headset being under warranty. Asus support stated accessories were not covered, but later escalated the issue and offered a replacement after the customer posted on social media. This incident highlights potential inconsistencies in warranty policy application for bundled accessories.
LG UltraGear 25G590B 1080p 1000Hz Gaming Monitor Now Available for Preorder at $999.99
LG has opened preorders for its UltraGear 25G590B gaming monitor, which features a 1080p resolution and a 1,000 Hz refresh rate, priced at $999.99. This monitor is notable for achieving a 1,000 Hz refresh rate at 1080p, differentiating it from other high-refresh-rate displays that reach this speed at lower resolutions.
Apple prototyped a stylus for a foldable iPhone, unlikely to be released
Apple prototyped a "stubbier" Apple Pencil for a potential foldable iPhone, but its release is unlikely due to design challenges and screen delicacy. This indicates Apple is exploring accessories for future form factors, even if they don't reach production.
Poor liquid metal application corrodes Asus Zephyrus M16 CPU heatsink, causes performance issues
A 2022 Asus Zephyrus M16 laptop experienced severe overheating and crashes due to poorly applied liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) that corroded the CPU heatsink and nearly reached the silicon. Replacing the liquid metal with phase change material resolved the issues, tripling framerates and eliminating crashes. This incident highlights potential risks associated with factory-applied liquid metal in laptops.
Anbernic RG 55G1 Handheld Gaming Device Launches August 31 Starting at $150
Anbernic will release its RG 55G1 handheld gaming device on August 31, with prices starting at $150. This device runs Android 14, uses a Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip, and is designed for retro game emulation, offering an alternative to Nintendo's Switch Lite.
NASA and General Atomics collaborate on bimodal nuclear engine design for Mars travel
Kurt Polzin of NASA and Robert Schleicher of General Atomics are collaborating on a bimodal nuclear engine design for space propulsion. This engine aims to reduce travel time to Mars by half, addressing challenges of radiation exposure and microgravity for human missions.
Magnetic Core Memory USB Drive Transfers Text and Image Files Between PCs
A Japanese researcher successfully used a dinner-plate-sized magnetic core memory USB device to transfer a text file and a monochrome BMP image between PCs. This demonstrates the functional application of archaic memory technology in a modern sneakernet context, despite severe limitations in storage capacity and data retention.
Linkind Releases Smart Light Stick with Flame Effects and Matter Support
Linkind has released a new Smart Light Stick, an E26 bulb featuring dynamic flame simulation effects and over 120 presets, with Matter support for integration into smart home ecosystems. This product offers specialized lighting effects beyond standard color bulbs, providing advanced customization through its dedicated app while maintaining basic functionality via Matter.
Panasonic releases Lumix L10 compact camera with 24-75mm zoom lens
Panasonic has released the Lumix L10, a 20.3-megapixel compact camera featuring a 24-75mm equivalent Leica zoom lens. This model succeeds the LX100 II and aims to provide more versatility for casual users compared to fixed-lens compact cameras.
MSI Katana 15 HX C14 Gaming Laptop Offers DDR4 Support Amidst Rising DRAM Prices
MSI introduced the Katana 15 HX C14 gaming laptop, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, in response to increasing DRAM prices. This allows for more affordable configurations for gamers seeking to manage costs during the current component price increases.
Google Store trade-in error rejects Pixel 10 devices for Pixel 11 upgrades
The Google Store is experiencing an issue where trade-in credits for Pixel 10 devices are being rejected for users upgrading to Pixel 11, leading to unexpected charges. This problem appears to stem from Google's trade-in partner incorrectly identifying Pixel 10 devices as "Unknown or unsupported phone." The issue impacts customers who relied on the trade-in value for their Pixel 11 purchase.
Modder creates overclocked PS3 'Pro' v3 with custom 3D-printed cooling and server heatsinks
A hardware modder developed a third iteration of a PlayStation 3 'Pro' console, featuring a 3D-printed case, dual Noctua fans, and server heatsinks to enable significant overclocking of the console's processors. This modification results in improved frame rates in most games while maintaining low operating temperatures and quiet fan operation. The project demonstrates advanced hardware customization for older gaming consoles.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold Fails Bend Test, Showing Durability Issues Persist
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold did not survive a bend test, breaking at the antenna line, despite Google's efforts to improve durability. This indicates a recurring design flaw in Google's foldable phone line, impacting user confidence in the device's physical resilience.
Soundcore Releases Nebula X1S Projector with 6,000 Lumens Brightness
Soundcore has released the Nebula X1S projector, an upgraded version of its Nebula X1, featuring a brightness of 6,000 lumens. This increased brightness allows the projector to be used in daylight conditions, addressing a common limitation of consumer projectors.
Sonnet Releases Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDock with Increased Bandwidth
Sonnet has released the Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDock, an updated docking station that features Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering double the bandwidth of its predecessor. This upgrade provides faster data transfer speeds and improved support for high-resolution displays, benefiting users who require extensive I/O expansion for their Mac setups.
Micron initially offered a $200 refund for a faulty 4TB SSD, then provided a replacement after customer persistence
Micron, which exited the consumer SSD market, initially offered a customer a $200 refund for a faulty 4TB Crucial X9 portable SSD, despite its current market value exceeding $500. After the customer refused the refund and cited potential legal action, Micron provided a 1:1 replacement, raising questions about its warranty fulfillment practices.
Legato emerges from stealth with $12M funding and AI hearing glasses
Legato, a new hearing tech company, has emerged from stealth with $12 million in funding and unveiled its AI hearing glasses, Legato Frames. The company aims to make hearing assistance more accessible by integrating patented technology into eyewear, targeting individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
DIY Semiconductor Enthusiast Creates Blue LEDs from Sapphire Wafers in Backyard Lab
Matthew Hartensveld, known as Dr. Semiconductor, successfully fabricated blue LEDs from gallium nitride on sapphire wafers using homemade equipment, including an eBay laser. This project is part of his open-source Semiconductor.DIY initiative, demonstrating advanced semiconductor manufacturing outside industrial settings.
Apple Updates Mac mini and Mac Studio with Full Wi-Fi 7 Support
Apple updated its Mac mini and Mac Studio models to include full Wi-Fi 7 support. This update means these devices, along with select future MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhone, and iPad models, will support Wi-Fi 7 features like 320 MHz channels, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation.
BenQ Launches ScreenBar Max, a Dual-Monitor Desk Lamp with Bias Lighting
BenQ has released the ScreenBar Max, its first monitor light bar designed for dual-monitor setups, which includes both a bias light and a desk lamp. This product aims to reduce eye strain for users who spend extended periods in front of multiple computer screens. The ScreenBar Max is priced at $289, making it BenQ's most expensive ScreenBar product to date.
Pebblebee Launches LÔC8 Tracker for Bikes and Golf Clubs with 3-Year Battery
Pebblebee released LÔC8, a new cylindrical tracker compatible with Android Find Hub and Apple Find My, designed to be concealed within bike handlebars and golf clubs. This device offers a discreet way to track personal gear, addressing the common issue of theft for items like bicycles.
Hyte Launches Y50 RGB PC Case with Panoramic Design and $99.99 Price Point
Hyte released the Y50 RGB PC case, a panoramic design featuring four RGB fans and a $99.99 MSRP. This new model removes the vertical GPU riser found in previous Hyte cases, aiming for a more budget-friendly option.
Apple updates Magic Keyboards to replace text labels with icons on keys
Apple has updated its Magic Keyboard lineup, removing text labels from keys like Tab, Caps Lock, and Return, and replacing them with icons. This change aligns the Magic Keyboards with recent MacBook models that also adopted icon-only key labels, standardizing the visual interface across Apple's keyboard products.
Apple Increases Mac Mini and Mac Studio Prices, Base Mac Mini Now Starts at $899
Apple has increased the prices for its Mac mini and Mac Studio models, with the new M6 Mac mini starting at $899, a $100 increase from its previous M5 version. These price adjustments follow earlier increases in June for other Apple computing devices, excluding iPhones and AirPods.
Sony launches Xperia 10 VIII with minimal upgrades and a significant price increase
Sony has released the Xperia 10 VIII, a midrange Android phone for markets outside the US, which features few specification upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VII. The new model carries a substantially higher price tag, costing £150 more in the UK than the previous version.
CompuLock Introduces Cable Lock Adapters for Modern MacBooks
CompuLock has released new adapters that allow modern MacBook models, including the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, to use cable locks. These adapters revive a security feature previously built into older MacBooks, providing a deterrent against opportunistic theft.
Scientists develop quantum battery prototype that charges faster with increased size
Scientists have created the first quantum battery prototype, which exhibits a counterintuitive property: it charges more quickly as its size increases. This development challenges conventional battery limitations and could potentially power future quantum computing or everyday devices, though the technology is in its early stages.