Hardware · Top stories
Logitech to offer user-replaceable batteries only in European mice due to new regulations
Logitech will implement user-replaceable batteries in its wireless mice sold in Europe to comply with a new law effective February 2027. The company will not extend this feature to other markets, citing low anticipated demand and design trade-offs like increased weight and cost.
Ozlo launches Sleepbuds 2 with improved battery life, connectivity, and sound quality
Ozlo, a startup founded by former Bose engineers, released Sleepbuds 2, an updated version of its sleep earbuds. The new model features extended battery life, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and improved sound quality, addressing key areas for improvement from the original device.
Honor Robot Phone camera specifications and launch date confirmed
Honor has confirmed the camera specifications and August 12 launch date for its upcoming Robot Phone. The device will feature a triple-camera system with a 200MP main sensor and integrate ARRI professional cinema workflow elements, including ARRI LogC3 and ARRI Wide Gamut 3.
Nothing rumored to launch its first self-branded smartwatch in September for under $300
Nothing is reportedly preparing to launch its first self-branded smartwatch in September, priced under $300. This marks Nothing's direct entry into the smartwatch market, distinct from its CMF sub-brand's budget offerings.
Researchers Repurpose Old Google Pixel Phones into Data Center Clusters for Education
Researchers at the University of San Diego, in collaboration with Google, are repurposing discarded Google Pixel phone motherboards into computing clusters for educational use. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste and provide affordable computing resources to schools, with a pilot program launching this fall.
Logitech Halts Plans for G Cloud 2 Handheld, Citing Market Challenges and Low Adoption
Logitech's new gaming boss, Robin Piispanen, confirmed that the company has no immediate plans to release a successor to its G Cloud streaming handheld. The decision stems from the original G Cloud's low user retention and the slow growth of cloud gaming infrastructure, despite Piispanen's personal interest in handhelds.
MacBook Ultra May See Higher Prices Due to Single Display Supplier Decision
Apple has reportedly decided to use only Samsung as the display supplier for the upcoming MacBook Ultra, foregoing its usual multi-supplier strategy. This decision, driven by LG's inability to meet volume requirements for advanced tandem OLED touchscreen panels, could lead to higher manufacturing costs and increased consumer prices for the new MacBook.
Trump Administration Exempts SpaceX Starlink Routers from FCC Foreign-Made Ban
The Trump administration granted SpaceX's Starlink an exemption from an FCC ban on foreign-made routers until February 1, 2028. This exemption allows Starlink to continue using routers manufactured outside the US, despite the FCC's updated Covered List targeting national security risks from foreign-made networking products.
Galaxy S27 Ultra rumored to feature larger battery, potentially near 6,000 mAh
Rumors suggest the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra will receive a significant battery capacity upgrade, moving from the long-standing 5,000 mAh to a potential 5,700-5,800 mAh. This change would mark the first battery capacity increase for Samsung's Ultra flagship line since the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
OnePlus 16 Leaked with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, Will Not Be Available Globally
Leaked specifications for the OnePlus 16 detail a device with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processor and a 9,000 mAh battery. This model will reportedly be unavailable in the US and European markets, as OnePlus focuses on China and India.
Gamer creates booby-trapped Steam Deck with 3D-printed spikes and taser to deter family
A Steam Deck owner modified their device with a 3D-printed spiky case, a Raspberry Pi-powered camera, speaker, and taser to prevent family members from using it and draining its battery. The modifications successfully stopped others from touching the handheld without permission. This DIY project demonstrates an extreme solution to a common personal tech sharing issue.
Nanoleaf Releases Smart LED Monitor Stand with Ergonomic and Lighting Features
Nanoleaf has launched the Smart LED Monitor Stand, a new product combining a monitor riser with adjustable LED lighting and accessory mounting options. This stand aims to improve desk ergonomics and provide customizable ambient lighting for users.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 to receive spec upgrades, no design change this year
Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models will feature internal specification upgrades and performance improvements, but will not include a major design overhaul. A significant redesign for the Apple Watch is anticipated in one to two years, potentially alongside a non-invasive blood sugar detection feature.
FPGA Recreation of F-14 Tomcat's CADC, Featuring MP944 Microprocessor, Released Open Source
Alan Taylor has recreated the F-14 Tomcat's Central Air Data Computer (CADC), including the MP944 microprocessor, in an FPGA and released the VHDL source code as open source. This project allows for the study and testing of the historically significant MP944 chip, which some argue predates Intel's 4004 as the first microprocessor, and its role in controlling the F-14's sweep-wing system.
Enthusiast Integrates Nvidia Tesla V100 into Gaming PC for LLM Inference
An enthusiast added a used Nvidia Tesla V100 GPU to a gaming PC, increasing total VRAM to 32GB for $266, enabling local inference of a 27 billion parameter LLM at 32 tokens per second. This modification demonstrates a cost-effective method for enhancing local AI model processing capabilities using older enterprise hardware.
Amazon Basics Matter Smart Plug Offers Apple Home Support for Under $10
Amazon has released a new Basics smart plug with Matter support, allowing direct integration with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home ecosystems without requiring a separate Amazon app. This product provides an affordable option for smart home automation, particularly for Apple Home users, by leveraging the Matter standard.
Meirro Pro 6K Monitor Offers 32-inch 6K Display as Apple Studio Display Alternative
Meirro has released the Pro 6K, a 32-inch 6K monitor, positioned as an alternative to Apple's Studio Display. This new monitor provides a larger, higher-resolution option for Mac users at a lower price point than Apple's offerings. It matters as it introduces a competitive display option for users seeking retina-class sharpness and a larger screen size without the premium cost of Apple's professional monitors.
Printed Solid Rebrands to Prusa USA, Expanding US 3D Printer and Filament Production
Printed Solid, a US-based filament manufacturer acquired by Prusa Research in 2022, has rebranded to Prusa USA, Inc. This change formalizes Prusa Research's expanded US presence, including 3D printer and filament production in Delaware, to better serve the American market and address supply chain challenges.
Two individuals arrested in China for stealing 16 RAM sticks from eSports hotel PCs
Two men, Li and Cheng, were arrested in China for stealing 16 RAM sticks from gaming PCs in eSports hotels, selling them for approximately $1,950. The thefts led to hotel guests complaining about non-functional computers, prompting police investigation.
AAWireless Android Auto Adapters See Price Increases on Company Website and Amazon
AAWireless has increased the prices for its AAWireless TWO and TWO+ adapters on its website and Amazon. The price adjustments are attributed to rising component costs affecting even low-powered devices.
Xtra Technology Halts Preorders and Refunds Deposits for Muse 2 Pro Camera
Xtra Technology has stopped preorders and is refunding deposits for its new Muse 2 Pro camera, citing an inability to confirm a reliable launch timeline. This action follows recent FCC crackdowns on companies, including Xtra, for allegedly helping banned DJI technology enter the United States without proper authorization.
Snake Robots Deployed in Venezuela Earthquake Search and Rescue Operations
Snake robots were used to search for survivors in collapsed buildings following two earthquakes in Venezuela. These robots can navigate tight spaces, extending the visual reach of rescue workers in dangerous environments.
Handheld breathalyzer developed to measure fat burning by detecting breath acetone
Scientists have developed a handheld breathalyzer, now commercialized as Nutrion, that accurately measures when the body is burning fat by detecting acetone levels in breath. This device offers a portable method for tracking ketosis, traditionally measured by blood tests or laboratory-controlled breath analysis, and could be useful for health monitoring and metabolic fine-tuning.
RTX 3090 and RTX 3050 achieve 144 FPS at 4K using Lossless Scaling for frame generation
A gaming enthusiast combined an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 and an RTX 3050 with Lossless Scaling software to reach 144 FPS at 4K resolution. The setup offloads frame generation to the secondary RTX 3050, allowing the RTX 3090 to focus on rendering, effectively doubling the frame rate.
Lunar Outpost to use Nvidia Jetson chips for LiDAR control on moon rover
Lunar Outpost announced its next moon rover will use Nvidia Jetson chips to control its LiDAR system, marking a potential first for GPUs on the lunar surface. This deployment is part of NASA's initiative to fund private companies for lunar exploration, aiming to map terrain and locate resources.
Framework Desktop to offer AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 processor and 192GB memory
Framework Desktop will soon offer a new configuration featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 processor and 192GB of LPDDR5X memory. This update provides increased processing power, AI compute capabilities, and memory bandwidth within the compact 4.5L desktop form factor.
BMW/Harman IDC23H Infotainment Unit Teardown Reveals New Features
A teardown of the new BMW IDC23H infotainment unit, manufactured by Harman Becker, reveals its internal components and connectivity options. This unit, a joint venture with Garmin, integrates control for the driver camera system and directly drives the vehicle's instrument cluster, consolidating functions previously handled by separate modules.
Schlage Launches UWB-Powered Sense Pro Smart Lock with Apple Home Key
Schlage has released the Sense Pro smart lock, integrating ultra-wideband (UWB) for hands-free unlocking and supporting Apple Home Key for iOS interoperability. Notably, it's the first Schlage lock to support Matter-over-Thread and lacks a physical keyhole. This development illustrates the trend towards advanced, keyless smart lock solutions.
Wireless Android Auto Connects Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for Improved Functionality
Wireless Android Auto utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Bluetooth for initial pairing and calls, Wi-Fi for data transmission. This approach ensures effective media access and functionality without cables. Wireless adapters can upgrade wired systems to wireless, enhancing convenience.
Google Store Slashes Pixel 10 Pro Prices Ahead of New Model Release
The Google Store has reduced the Pixel 10 Pro by up to $300 and Pixel Watch 4 LTE by $100 in a clearance strategy. Best Buy offers open-box Pixel 10 Pro XL discounts of up to $365. These discounts may clear inventory ahead of the anticipated Pixel 11 launch.
64BITDOCK for Nintendo Switch mimics N64 design, starts at $89
The 64BITDOCK accessory transforms the original Nintendo Switch dock into a design reminiscent of the Nintendo 64. It includes an optional Game Card holder and is available for purchase on Etsy starting at $89, although it offers no additional docking hardware.
Ninja launches the Slushi Twist slushie machine with dual-vessel design
Ninja has released the Slushi Twist slushie machine, featuring dual mixing chambers for creating two different frozen drinks simultaneously. This upgrade allows for a variety of beverages, including slushies, frappés, and cocktails, catering to larger gatherings.
iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Increase Thickness and Weight Significantly
The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be 2mm thicker and heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro. This increase in size is believed to accommodate a redesigned camera system with potentially a variable aperture. The changes follow a data breach at Apple's supplier Tata, which released design details online. The adjustments could affect consumer choice, particularly with the removal of black as a color option.
Father Repairs Dead RTX 3070 Using Salvaged Capacitor, Saves $120
A father fixed a broken RTX 3070 graphics card using a salvaged capacitor from an old radio, saving his son $120 on repair costs. This improvised fix, while temporary, highlights resourcefulness and engineering skills in practical repairs within the gaming community.
Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' Fixed by Clearing CMOS
Users reported GPU failures in the new Steam Machine, described as a 'red line of death', reminiscent of Xbox 360's issues. Valve provided a solution: clearing the CMOS restores functionality. This update addresses concerns about early device reliability.
Ugreen offers 10-port PoE+ switch at record-low price of $37.97
Ugreen has reduced the price of its 10-port PoE+ switch to $37.97, a record low. This switch provides eight PoE+ ports with up to 30W of power per port, making it suitable for smart home devices like cameras and Wi-Fi extenders.
Turtle Beach Releases KP7 Keypad and KB7 Keyboard with Novel Features
Turtle Beach has launched the KP7 modular keypad and KB7 keyboard, retailing at $99.99 and $199.99 respectively. The KP7 functions as both a standalone numberpad and gaming keypad but has integration issues with the KB7 keyboard. The KB7, featuring a 4.3-inch touchscreen, demands significant power and improved software to reach its potential.
PC concealed in Dreo fan using 3D-printed components for cooling
Zac Builds created a hidden mini-PC using a Dreo tower fan, integrating the AtomMan G7 within. The setup improves cooling with airflow reaching 28 feet per second while maintaining a discreet appearance in the living room.
HP Offers Major Discounts on Omen Gaming PCs During July 4 Sale
HP has slashed prices on its Omen gaming PC series, with a notable discount of $1,075 on the Omen 35L, dropping the price to $1,724. This discount is part of a broader July 4 sales event, offering up to 71% off on gaming desktops, laptops, and accessories. These deals enhance the affordability of high-spec PCs in the current market.
Kobo Libra Colour e-reader returns to $229.99 after price increase
Kobo's Libra Colour e-reader price has dropped to $229.99 across major retailers, reversing a recent price increase. This sale makes it a competitive alternative to the Kindle for consumers not invested in Amazon's ecosystem.