Hardware · Top stories
Sony Bravia Theater Trio offers three-piece audio system for large TVs
Sony released the Bravia Theater Trio, a three-piece audio system designed as an alternative to traditional soundbars for large televisions. This system aims to provide better audio immersion and dialogue clarity for TVs 85 inches or larger, addressing the issue of soundbars appearing small and less effective with ultra-large displays.
Nintendo's Virtual Boy identified as its least successful console
Nintendo's Virtual Boy, released in 1995, sold only 770,000 units, making it the company's worst-selling console. This system's failure was due to its awkward design, limited game library, and short market presence, significantly underperforming compared to other Nintendo consoles like the Wii U.
Nintendo Switch hardware sales to end in Europe by 2027, services to continue
Nintendo will cease supplying original Switch hardware to European retailers by mid-February 2027 due to battery regulations, though manufacturing will continue through 2026. Existing consoles and online services will remain supported "for the foreseeable future," indicating a phased retirement rather than an abrupt end.
xTool F2 Ultra UV Laser Engraver Reviewed: Fast UV Laser for Wood, Plastic, Glass
The xTool F2 Ultra UV, a UV laser engraver, was reviewed for its ability to engrave and cut materials like wood, plastic, and glass using a photochemical reaction rather than burning. This device offers clean cuts and engravings, including etching the inside of glass, and is noted for its speed and accuracy across its work area.
Matrox Founded in 1976, Launched First Video RAM Product
Lorne Trottier and Branko Matić founded Matrox in 1976, launching their first product, the MTX-1632 Video RAM, the same year. This initial product, which provided 32x16 ASCII display output, generated $20,000 in orders and made the company profitable immediately, enabling rapid product development.
A look at the core memory module from a 1980 Spacelab computer
An analysis details the magnetic core memory system used in the Mitra 125 MS minicomputer aboard the 1980 Spacelab. This system provided 128 kilobytes of RAM using ferrite rings, a common storage solution before silicon memory became prevalent.
The Origin and Meaning of the "4K" Display Resolution Term
The term "4K" originated from Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standards for digital film in the early 2000s, where it referred to a resolution of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels. For consumer displays, "4K" typically refers to 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which is exactly four times the pixel count of 1080p, making the name applicable despite the slight difference from the DCI standard.
Adata Urban Tapsafe 2TB SSD Features NFC Unlocking and Shareable Access
Adata released the Urban Tapsafe external SSD, which offers NFC-based unlocking via a smartphone app and allows sharing drive access with up to nine other users. The device prioritizes unique features and design elements over raw speed, positioning it as an option for users valuing convenience and physical security features.
Deco Gear DG49OLED240 49-inch OLED Gaming Monitor Reviewed
The Deco Gear DG49OLED240 is a new 49-inch 32:9 OLED gaming monitor designed to replace dual 27-inch QHD setups, offering a seamless display for productivity and gaming. This monitor provides a high refresh rate and color accuracy, addressing the common issue of a dividing line between multiple screens.
Fire TV Stick Lifespan Extends Beyond Amazon's Security Update Guarantee
Amazon guarantees security updates for Fire TV Sticks for at least four years, but the devices can remain functional longer. The practical lifespan is often limited by aging apps, evolving video standards, and hardware demands rather than a strict expiration date.
Fitbit Air users are taping the tracker to their bodies for alternative wear
Fitbit Air owners are using kinesiology tape to attach the device to their upper arms and other body parts, moving beyond the intended wrist placement. This alternative wearing method reportedly offers more accurate data by reducing wrist motion, similar to dedicated bicep bands available for other trackers.
USB Flash Drives Face Practicality Challenges Due to Limited Capacity and Speed
USB flash drives are becoming less practical for handling large files and require faster data transfer speeds, leading to a decline in their favor. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are emerging as a more suitable alternative due to their larger capacities, faster speeds, and increased durability.
Three Top Global Android Brands Absent from US Market Due to Carrier Gatekeeping and Geopolitics
Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, which rank among the top five global smartphone vendors, have minimal official presence in the US market. This absence is attributed to carrier gatekeeping, geopolitical friction, and business model misalignment with US sales practices.
Apple updates Mac mini and Mac Studio with faster chips, pre-orders available
Apple released updated versions of its Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop computers, featuring new, faster chips. These updates provide consumers with options for different performance needs and price points in Apple's desktop lineup.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS Review: Interchangeable Lenses Introduce New Capabilities and Challenges
A review of the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS highlights its new interchangeable Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens system, a significant departure from GoPro's traditional fixed-lens cameras. This feature offers enhanced image quality and creative control but introduces complexities like manual focus and exposure, which differ from the typical GoPro user experience.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen offer good sound and noise canceling but lack innovation
Bose released the second-generation QuietComfort Headphones, priced at $359, which feature strong noise canceling and improved sound quality compared to previous Bose models. While competent, these headphones do not significantly differentiate themselves from competitors or earlier Bose products, indicating a lack of innovation in a competitive market.
Survey: 25% of US adults interested in a foldable iPhone, but willing to pay less than expected price
A CNET survey found that 25% of US adults are interested in a foldable iPhone, with interest highest among younger generations. However, the average amount respondents were willing to pay was $781, significantly less than the anticipated starting price of $2,000.
Xtracycle's Swoop ASM e-bike features Shimano's automatic transmission system
Xtracycle's new Swoop ASM cargo e-bike incorporates Shimano's automatic transmission system, allowing the bike to shift gears electronically. While the system's intelligence in determining optimal gears is noted, its actual shifting execution is described as less smooth, though the feature can be disabled. This integration represents an advancement in e-bike technology, offering a new user experience for cargo bike riders.
Evolution of Xbox Controllers Over 25 Years
Xbox controllers have undergone significant changes across four generations, starting with the original "Duke" in 2001 to the current Xbox Series X/S controller. Key developments include the introduction of wireless connectivity, refined button layouts, and haptic feedback, while maintaining core elements like the asymmetrical stick layout and ABXY buttons.
Thunderbolt 5 Doubles Bidirectional Data Transfer and Power Delivery Compared to Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 5 offers double the bidirectional data transfer speed of Thunderbolt 4, reaching 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other, and provides 240 watts of power delivery. This upgrade primarily benefits users with demanding workflows, such as those running multiple high-resolution displays or moving large files regularly, while Thunderbolt 4 remains sufficient for most typical uses.
Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming Wifi Neo Motherboard Reviewed
The Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming Wifi Neo motherboard is a well-equipped B850 refresh board, but its $319.99 price point places it in competition with X870 boards. It offers premium features like a BCLK generator for overclocking and two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots, blurring the lines between mainstream and enthusiast platforms.
Nintendo GameCube Used Proprietary MiniDVDs for Specific Design and Business Reasons
Nintendo's GameCube console utilized proprietary miniDVDs, measuring 3.15 inches in diameter, instead of standard DVDs. This decision was driven by anti-piracy measures, avoidance of licensing fees, and the ability to manufacture a smaller, cheaper console.
Cooler Master Q300L V3 MicroATX Case Offers Value with Sub-$45 MSRP
Cooler Master released the Q300L V3, an updated MicroATX case with an MSRP of $44.90, featuring improved airflow, flexible I/O placement, and a 20 Gbps USB Type-C port. This budget-friendly chassis aims to provide an accessible option for PC builders seeking a compact and versatile case.
Solar Panel Efficiency Peaks at Lower Temperatures, but Total Output Varies
Solar panel efficiency is typically higher at lower temperatures, with 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) being the standard test condition. However, total electricity production can be higher on hot, sunny days due to increased sunlight, despite reduced efficiency per panel. This distinction is crucial for understanding real-world solar energy generation.
Analysis of Digital Car Key Downsides and Security Considerations
Digital car keys offer convenience but introduce risks such as phone loss, malfunction, or theft. Understanding how these keys work and implementing security measures can mitigate these potential issues. The technology uses UWB or NFC and adheres to standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium.
Asus ZenScreen OLED (MQ16FC) Portable Monitor Offers Strong Color Performance and Design
Asus has released the ZenScreen OLED (MQ16FC), a new 16.1-inch portable monitor featuring an OLED panel, 1920 x 1200 resolution, and an integrated kickstand. This monitor is noted for its color performance and design, positioning it as a competitive option in the portable monitor market.
Analogue 3D Upscales N64 Games to 4K, Clarifying Output vs. Native Resolution
The Analogue 3D outputs a 4K HDMI signal for N64 games, but it does not render them natively in 4K; instead, it upscales the original lower-resolution content. This process improves visual clarity on modern displays by removing blur and enhancing textures, offering a better experience than standard N64 emulation.
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE13000 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Offers Value Pricing with Mixed Performance
A review of the TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE13000 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router found it offers competitive hardware pricing and strong 6 GHz wireless performance, but its 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz performance lags behind competitors. The router also requires subscriptions for features that are often free with other devices and has an unusual assortment of LAN/WAN ports.
Razer HyperFlux V2 Wireless Charging Mat Reviewed
The Razer HyperFlux V2, a wireless charging mouse pad, was reviewed for its functionality with compatible Razer mice. The review notes its effective wireless charging but points out limitations such as a non-detachable cable and incompatibility with certain mouse lines, making it a niche product for specific Razer users.
Analysis of GPU Memory Read Path on NVIDIA RTX 4090
This analysis details the hardware path a global load instruction takes when a GPU reads memory, specifically focusing on an NVIDIA RTX 4090. It traces the journey of a vector-add kernel's memory access from the instruction level through various hardware components to understand the underlying mechanisms. This provides insight into GPU architecture and memory access patterns, which is relevant for optimizing high-performance computing applications.
Memory Stocks Micron, Sandisk, Seagate, and Western Digital See Significant Gains from AI Demand
Four memory and storage companies—Micron, Sandisk, Seagate, and Western Digital—have experienced substantial stock growth due to increased demand for memory and storage in AI data centers. These companies specialize in different memory technologies, including DRAM, NAND flash, and hard disk drives, all of which are necessary for modern computing infrastructure. Despite recent pullbacks, their stock performance since 2025 highlights the impact of AI spending on the hardware sector.
Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer Reviewed: A Budget-Friendly Core XY Machine
The Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo is a stripped-down, more affordable version of the Centauri Carbon 2, offering a four-color Core XY printing system. It lacks features like a camera, lighting, and an enclosure, which limits its filament range but makes it less expensive.
Tom's Hardware Innovation Awards 2026 Recognize Key PC Hardware Advancements
Tom's Hardware announced its 2026 Innovation Awards, highlighting products like the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU and Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Duo X motherboard. These awards acknowledge advancements in PC hardware despite industry challenges such as AI-driven shortages and pricing increases.
Electric landscaping equipment gains traction, with aerospace firm Whisper Aero entering the market
Cities are increasingly banning petrol-powered landscaping tools due to noise and emissions, driving a shift towards electric alternatives. This transition is attracting new companies, including aerospace startup Whisper Aero, which is adapting its quiet propulsion technology for leaf blowers.
Quantum-Augmented Applications Integrate QPUs as Coprocessors for NP-Hard Subroutines
Quantum-Augmented Applications propose using Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) as specialized coprocessors to handle NP-hard subroutines within classical software stacks, rather than as standalone replacements for classical hardware. This approach focuses on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) architectures to address specific computational bottlenecks in existing applications. It matters because it outlines a practical, near-term integration strategy for quantum computing, moving beyond the expectation of full-scale quantum supremacy for immediate utility.
AirPods with Visual Intelligence delayed to 2027; current AirPods 4 and Pro 3 models compared
Apple's camera-equipped AirPods with Visual Intelligence are now expected in 2027, not 2026, according to Bloomberg. This clarifies the timeline for a new AirPods generation, while current AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 models offer distinct features and price points for consumers.
Pixel 11 Reviews Highlight Incremental Updates and Rising Costs
Reviews for Google's new Pixel phones and smartwatches indicate minor hardware upgrades, with many new features expected to arrive on older Pixel devices via software updates. Reviewers note rising prices and hardware that lags behind competitors, making the Pixel 11 a difficult recommendation at launch.
Google's Vision for Wearables Focuses on Broader Market Beyond Health Enthusiasts
Google's Vice President of Health and Home, Rishi Chandra, outlined the company's vision for the future of wearables, emphasizing a shift from hardcore health enthusiasts to a wider consumer base. This strategy aims to expand the wearable market beyond its current 30% penetration by integrating AI coaches and preventive health alerts, despite current technological and regulatory challenges.
ASRock Releases X870E Taichi White Motherboard with 10 GbE and Updated Aesthetics
ASRock has released the X870E Taichi White motherboard, an updated version of its X870E Taichi model, featuring an all-white design, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and native support for the 9950X3D processor. This iteration provides aesthetic changes and minor feature upgrades to the existing Taichi lineup.
Analysis: Why curved TVs failed while curved gaming monitors succeeded
Curved TVs, once marketed for immersive viewing, largely disappeared by 2020, even from major manufacturers like Samsung. This failure is attributed to their inability to deliver true immersion in typical living room settings and significant viewing angle limitations for multiple viewers. In contrast, curved gaming monitors have thrived due to their closer viewing distances and single-user focus, which mitigate these issues.