Hardware · Top stories
Even Realities Secures $150M Funding, Hits $1B Valuation for Display-First Smart Glasses
Even Realities, a smart glasses startup founded by former Apple engineers, has raised $150 million led by Meituan and Tencent, reaching a $1 billion valuation. The company focuses on developing display-first smart glasses prioritizing privacy, competing with Meta and Snap's AI and camera-equipped offerings. The funds will support further platform development and global expansion.
Sony to Transform PlayStation Disc Factory to Microlens Production by 2028
Sony's Thalgau factory in Austria will shift from manufacturing 600,000 discs daily to producing optical microlenses by 2028, cutting disc production by 90%. This strategic move aligns with Sony's pivot to digital PlayStation content, with a €30 million ($34 million) investment to retrain 300 employees.
EssilorLuxottica Releases Nuance Audio Plus Hearing Aid Glasses with Improved Features
EssilorLuxottica launched Nuance Audio Plus, an updated version of its discreet hearing aid glasses, featuring enhanced voice boosting, better clarity in noisy environments, and extended battery life up to 10 hours. The new model also adds more on-device controls and style options, aiming to improve user experience and accessibility for over-the-counter hearing solutions.
India Aims to Develop Homegrown GPU Within Two Years, Commercialize SHAKTI and VEGA Processors
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced plans to develop an indigenous GPU within two years as part of its India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign chip suppliers and build a domestic hardware and software ecosystem to support AI development. The country also intends to commercialize its existing SHAKTI and VEGA processors.
Micron Taiwan Awards 700 Employees Bonuses Equivalent to Five Years' Salary Amid Union Disputes
Micron Taiwan is distributing significant bonuses to its employees, with 700 workers receiving a payout equivalent to five years' salary, while other staff will also receive three bonuses in October. This action occurs as Micron faces ongoing union disputes and worker demands for increased pay, driven by record profits from the AI-driven memory chip boom.
Micron's $50 Billion Boise Expansion Transforms Local Economy and Demographics
Micron's $50 billion investment in new chip manufacturing facilities in Boise, Idaho, is driving significant economic and demographic changes in the city. This expansion, fueled by the AI boom, is creating thousands of jobs and increasing wealth for Micron employees, but also leading to rising housing costs and traffic congestion for residents.
Altera Introduces Agilex 2X FPGA and SoC Portfolio
Altera announced the Agilex 2X, a new portfolio of FPGAs and SoCs. This release provides a complete range of devices for various applications, marking a significant update to their product offerings.
Pixel Watch 5 Leak Shows No Chip Upgrade, But Increased RAM
A Google Play Console listing for the Pixel Watch 5, codenamed "godric," indicates it will retain the Qualcomm SW5100 chip, similar to previous models. However, the device is expected to feature 3 GB of RAM, an increase from 2 GB, which could support new Gemini Intelligence features.
Analysis of Smart Refrigerator Disadvantages: Cost, Privacy, and Obsolescence
Smart refrigerators, while offering advanced features like temperature control and content tracking, introduce significant drawbacks including higher costs, potential privacy and security risks, and eventual obsolescence. Consumers should consider these factors before purchasing smart appliances, as basic smart features add minor costs, but advanced models carry substantial price premiums and data collection practices.
iPhone Air 2 Needs to Address Shortcomings to Justify its Price and Position
The upcoming iPhone Air 2, expected next spring, will reportedly add a second camera and larger battery. However, it faces pressure to improve other areas like speaker quality, connectivity, charging speeds, and camera features to appeal to a broader audience beyond enthusiasts, especially given its price point close to Pro models.
Amazon's Entry-Level Kindle Offers Value Despite Price Hikes and Fewer Features
Amazon's refreshed entry-level 6-inch Kindle, priced at $169.99 for the ad-free version, remains a viable option for new e-reader buyers despite increased pricing across the Kindle lineup. This basic model features a lighter, thinner design and a flush-front screen, offering a more comfortable reading experience compared to its predecessor, though it lacks premium features found in higher-end Kindles.
US Army Flies VICTOR Hybrid Electric Drone with 3D-Printed Heavy-Fuel Rotary Engine
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) successfully flew the VICTOR hybrid electric drone, which uses a 3D-printed heavy-fuel rotary engine. This engine design allows the drone to operate on JP8 military fuel, improving performance and reducing the need for a liquid cooling system.
Orbital Matter 3D Prints First Rigid Beam in Space Vacuum from Free-Flying Satellite
Orbital Matter's Replicator 2 satellite successfully 3D printed a half-meter rigid beam from custom plastic in the vacuum of space. This marks the first instance of a free-flying spacecraft constructing such a structure in orbit, demonstrating a method for building larger spacecraft components that exceed rocket fairing dimensions.
Intel Foundry releases 14A process design kit 0.9, moving closer to production
Intel Foundry released its 14A process design kit (PDK) version 0.9, a step in the development of its next-generation manufacturing technology. This PDK is based on actual silicon measurements, allowing chip designers to develop products with greater confidence in performance and power consumption. Intel plans for PDK 1.0 in Q1 2027 and mass production in 2028.
Bambu Lab to Launch H3C Tool Changer 3D Printer on November 3rd
Bambu Lab will release the H3C 3D printer on November 3rd, featuring a 9-tool changer system. This new model is part of the H-line of flagship printers and aims to offer faster color switching and less material waste compared to previous systems.
Ukrainian startup CODE380 develops D·Vision SDR to intercept Russian drone video feeds
Ukrainian startup CODE380 developed the D·Vision SDR, a pocket-sized receiver that intercepts live camera video from Russian drones. This device allows Ukrainian units to view drone feeds, including those from newer Molniya drones, providing intelligence on drone movements and targets. The D·Vision SDR is lighter than competing models and addresses new frequencies used by Russian drones.
Intel Shifts Foundry Capacity to Older Node Amid PC Market Downturn and Supply Constraints
Intel's stock dropped 45% in October due to a worsening PC market outlook and supply chain issues. The company is reallocating some advanced 18A chip manufacturing capacity to its older Intel 3 node to meet demand for data center products, which could impact its foundry business goals.
Tachyum, developer of Prodigy processor, files for bankruptcy in Slovakia
Tachyum, the company developing the Prodigy universal processor, has filed for bankruptcy in Bratislava, Slovakia, following missed development and production milestones. While the Slovak subsidiary is bankrupt, the ultimate parent company in the Cayman Islands, which holds the intellectual property, is also facing liquidation proceedings. This situation could lead to the sale of Prodigy's patents to repay creditors, potentially ending the processor's development.
Raspberry Pi 5 16GB Model Price Increases to $385 Due to Memory Costs
Raspberry Pi has increased the price of its 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 by $80 to $385, and the 16GB Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 by $40, citing rising memory costs. This marks a significant increase from the original launch prices of these 16GB models, which were $120 and $135 respectively. The price adjustment reflects broader industry trends in memory component pricing and follows previous price hikes on other Raspberry Pi models.
John Deere Demonstrates Self-Repair Service for Tractors Amidst Right-to-Repair Scrutiny
John Deere showcased its Operations Center Pro Service, a self-repair software designed to assist owners in diagnosing and fixing issues on their agricultural machinery. This demonstration comes as the company faces criticism from the right-to-repair movement regarding its historical restrictions on product repairs.
Meta develops humanoid robot prototype for household chores, codenamed Max
Meta has reportedly developed a humanoid robot prototype, codenamed Max, designed for household chores, with assistance from Chinese robotics company Fourier. The prototype weighs 106 lbs, is 1.5 meters tall, and uses NVIDIA Jetson Thor chips. Meta is already working on a second version, Max 2, with design updates and additional sensors.
Seoul Viosys Begins Mass Production of Rare-Earth-Free White Micro-LEDs
Seoul Viosys has started mass production of WICOP 3, a white light-emitting micro-LED chip that does not use rare-earth materials. This development eliminates dependence on rare earths for white LEDs and offers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional white LEDs.
PlayStation 5 Prices Increase Significantly Since 2020 Launch
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition now costs $599 and the Disc Edition costs $649 in 2026, representing increases of $200 and $150 respectively since their 2020 launch prices. This marks the first time a Sony console has increased in price over its lifespan, bucking the industry trend of price reductions later in a console generation.
Intel shifts production capacity from consumer to server CPUs due to AI demand
Intel is reallocating manufacturing capacity from consumer PC processors to data center CPUs to address high demand from the AI industry. The company is expanding facilities in Ireland, Arizona, and New Mexico, and converting some Oregon capacity to Intel 3 for Xeon production. This shift aims to meet the "unprecedented demand for Super Intelligence" despite a shrinking consumer PC market.
Automakers Rivian and Ford Increase Use of 3D Printing for Cost Reduction and Speed
Automakers like Rivian and Ford are expanding their use of 3D printing across operations, from vehicle parts to assembly tools. This adoption is driven by the technology's ability to reduce costs, accelerate production times, and streamline logistics.
Intel Stock Drops 28% After Weak Q4 Outlook, Reducing Government Stake Value by $12B
Intel's stock fell approximately 28% after the company issued a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue forecast of $15 billion to $16 billion, below analyst expectations of $17 billion. This decline reduced the value of the government's 10% stake in Intel by $12 billion, and was attributed to rising PC prices due to AI industry component demand and increased investment costs impacting profit margins.
Akai to release open-source MPC Sample Key, supporting community-developed mods
Akai is developing the MPC Sample Key, an open-source 37-key version of its MPC Sample, and is providing early access to modding communities. This initiative aims to integrate community-developed firmware and software, including new synths, into the device and potentially the broader MPC Sample platform.
Global Rocket Launch Shortage Projected to Worsen Through 2030s
A Quilty Space report indicates a significant global rocket launch shortfall of approximately 150 launches by 2030, excluding China. This deficit could double if US military demand is included and SpaceX does not extend its Falcon programs, impacting satellite operators and civil space agencies.
PsiQuantum develops low-loss optical switch for AI data center GPU networks
PsiQuantum, a quantum computing company, has developed an 8x8 optical switch using low-loss silicon photonics for AI data centers. This switch achieves a typical signal loss of 1.2 dB, which is lower than many existing optical switches, and operates without converting optical signals to electrical signals. The technology aims to address data transfer bottlenecks in growing AI clusters by improving communication bandwidth between GPUs.
Runware Plans Factory for Mass Production of Modular AI Data Centers
Runware announced plans to mass-produce its modular AI data centers, aiming for 30 megawatts of capacity per day by 2028 from its factory in Romania. This initiative seeks to accelerate data center deployment, contrasting with traditional construction and other prefabricated solutions by focusing on factory-line assembly.
Intel Fab 28 Explosion Causes Two-Week Shutdown, $600M Loss, and Server Chip Delays
An explosion at Intel's Fab 28 in Israel caused a two-week shutdown, resulting in an estimated $600 million loss in revenue over two quarters. This disruption will affect shipments of server processors manufactured on 10nm-class technologies in Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, impacting Intel's ability to meet demand during a period of high server chip demand.
Intel's Wildcat Lake Laptop Chips Sold Out Amid High Demand; Memory Shortage to Continue
Intel's budget-focused Wildcat Lake laptop chips are currently sold out, with demand exceeding supply. The company anticipates the memory shortage affecting PC components will persist through 2027.
Intel Stock Plunges 16% on Weak Q4 Forecast Due to PC Market Slowdown
Intel's stock dropped 16% after the company issued a lower-than-expected fourth-quarter forecast, attributing it to a continued slowdown in the global PC market. While Q3 revenue met expectations, client computing revenue declined, and the company anticipates reduced earnings and revenue for Q4, partly due to a fab incident in Israel.
LE Audio brings improved voice quality and battery life to Bluetooth headphones
LE Audio, now supported by new headphones from JBL, Sony, and Bose, improves voice call quality and earbud battery life. It replaces Bluetooth Classic's dual-profile system with a unified codec and enables independent audio streams to each earbud.
AI Demand Causes PCB Shortage, Leading to Price Hikes and Extended Lead Times for PC Makers
The AI industry's demand for PCBs is creating significant shortages and price increases for PC and smart device manufacturers. Lead times for some PCB orders have doubled, with some suppliers reporting order books full until 2030, impacting future product planning for PC makers.
Apple executives discuss decision to add touchscreens to MacBooks
Apple executives, including CEO John Ternus, discussed the company's decision to integrate touch functionality into MacBooks, reversing a long-standing policy. The change was enabled by hardware and software advancements that allow touch without compromising the Mac's design or user experience.
PC Makers Return Manufacturing to China Due to AI-Driven Component Cost Hikes
HP, Asus, and Acer are shifting some PC manufacturing back to China, reversing a trend of diversification. This move is driven by rising component costs, particularly memory and storage chips, which have increased significantly due to AI demand, making China's established supply chain and workforce more attractive.
Beta Technologies Advances Electric Aviation with Alia CX300 Flight and Production
Beta Technologies conducted a successful flight of its Alia CX300 electric aircraft, demonstrating reduced operating costs and noise compared to traditional planes. The company is also producing the Alia A250 and has a backlog of nearly 1,000 aircraft orders, indicating progress in electric aviation development and adoption.
Chinese Spaceplane Photographed in Orbit by Commercial Satellite
A US-owned commercial satellite photographed a Chinese spaceplane in low-Earth orbit in 2024. The image, released by the Pentagon, confirms the Chinese spaceplane's design similarities to the US X-37B, indicating China's continued development of reusable orbital vehicles.
Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and Pi 4 Model A Spotted in Linux Kernel Tree
Device tree files for a Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and a Raspberry Pi 4 Model A have appeared in the Raspberry Pi Linux kernel tree. The Zero 3 W is expected to feature the Broadcom BCM2711 SoC, the same chip used in the Raspberry Pi 4, indicating a significant performance upgrade for the Zero line.