Hardware · Top stories
Cerebras stock falls 20% after report of Nvidia powering OpenAI's GPT-6.1 Sol
Cerebras stock dropped nearly 20% this week, reaching a post-IPO low, following a report that OpenAI's "Ultrafast" mode for GPT-6.1 Sol will use Nvidia GPUs instead of Cerebras hardware. This news, coupled with the expiration of insider share lockup periods, contributed to the decline, despite OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's statement affirming Cerebras as a close partner.
US Army Unit Deploys In-House Assembled Drone with 3D-Printed 'Dragoon Bombs'
The U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Bavaria, Germany, successfully deployed an Orqa MRM2-10 drone assembled by its soldiers and equipped with 3D-printed 'Dragoon bombs'. This marks the first time the unit has built and flown an attack drone without external support, indicating a shift towards in-house drone capabilities within the conventional Army.
US Navy deploys anti-drone lasers controlled by Xbox-style controllers on warships
The U.S. Navy is deploying anti-drone laser systems on warships, controlled by Xbox-style controllers. This approach leverages sailors' familiarity with game controllers for targeting precision and rapid input, and offers a cost-effective solution for neutralizing drone threats in active conflict zones.
Original PlayStation 2 Security Chip SPC970 MechaCon Reverse Engineered
A developer named DiscoStarslayer, with collaborator Libby, successfully extracted firmware from the SPC970 MechaCon chip in the original PlayStation 2, a component responsible for disc authorization and security. This reverse engineering effort, which took four years, completes the dumping of the last unmapped part of the fat PS2, providing insights into its security mechanisms.
Linux Successfully Booted on Apple M4 Mac Mini, Overcoming SPTM and Hardware Locks
A developer successfully booted Linux on an Apple M4 Mac mini, navigating new hardware security features like Secure Page Table Monitor (SPTM) and locked CPU registers. This development is significant for the Asahi Linux project, as it extends Linux compatibility to the latest generation of Apple Silicon, which previously posed challenges due to increased security measures.
Toshiba invests $380M to double HDD production capacity by 2027, targeting 30TB+ drives
Toshiba invested ¥60 billion ($380 million) to expand its hard drive assembly capacity in the Philippines, aiming to double nearline HDD production by fiscal 2027. This expansion prepares Toshiba for the launch of 30TB-class HDDs in 2027 and future 65TB and 100TB drives, addressing high demand from the AI sector.
Amazon and Synopsys Announce Multi-Year AI Chip Design and IP Licensing Deal
Amazon and Synopsys have signed a multi-year deal, reportedly worth over a billion dollars, to deepen cooperation on AI chip design. Amazon will license Synopsys' IP and expand its use of EDA tools, while Synopsys will optimize its solutions for Amazon's chips and adopt AWS cloud services. This collaboration aims to accelerate Amazon's custom AI chip development and optimize chip design processes for Amazon hardware, positioning both companies to benefit from the growing demand for AI-optimized hardware.
Raspberry Pi Increases Prices on 2GB Models of Pi 4 and Pi 5 by up to 23%
Raspberry Pi has raised prices for the 2GB versions of the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 due to ongoing increases in memory costs. The Raspberry Pi 5 2GB now costs $77.50, a 19% increase, and the Raspberry Pi 4 2GB is $67.50, a 23% increase. This marks a second round of price hikes for the company, driven by persistent LPDDR4 and LPDDR5 memory shortages.
Aaeon launches fanless mini PC with Intel Panther Lake and AirJet cooling
Aaeon released the Up Xtreme PTL Edge Air, a fanless mini PC for industrial use, featuring Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processors and Frore's AirJet solid-state cooling technology. This design allows the device to operate silently at under 21 dBA and reduces its size by 35% and weight by 43% compared to traditional fan-cooled models.
ESP32 Microcontrollers Found to Have Undocumented SDR Capabilities
Researchers discovered that several ESP32 microcontrollers possess an undocumented feature allowing them to bypass fixed WiFi/Bluetooth functions and capture raw IQ baseband samples, enabling their use as internal Software Defined Radios (SDRs) covering 2.2–2.7 GHz and 4.8–6.0 GHz. This finding expands the utility of ESP32 chips for spectrum analysis and direction finding, with the ESP32-S31 model capable of continuous streaming for full SDR functionality.
Germany rules YMTC's 3D NAND patent infringement claims against Micron are valid
A German court issued injunctions against Micron, ruling it infringed on two of YMTC's 3D NAND technology patents. This decision could impact Micron's supply in Germany and the broader European NAND market, escalating a multi-year global legal dispute between the two memory manufacturers.
Georgia Tech develops SWANS system for in-body implant communication using body tissue
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed SWANS (Smart Wireless Autonomous Networking System), a new communication system for medical implants that uses body tissue for signal transmission instead of radio waves. This system addresses the power consumption and signal attenuation issues associated with current radio-based methods like Bluetooth Low Energy and NFC, potentially enabling more coordinated and efficient implant networks.
Asus receives exemption from US router ban without confirming US manufacturing plans
Asus obtained an exemption from the US ban on foreign-made consumer routers, allowing it to sell Wi-Fi 8 routers in the US. The company has not publicly committed to or confirmed submitting a plan for US manufacturing, which was a condition for exemption, raising questions about the ban's enforcement and purpose.
TP-Link launches global preorders for first Wi-Fi 8 router, unavailable in US due to ban
TP-Link has opened preorders for its first Wi-Fi 8 router, the Archer 8 Ultra, in global markets including the UK, Germany, and Australia. The device is not available in the US due to an ongoing ban by the FCC on new wireless hardware from TP-Link.
Apple embeds Face ID module beneath iPhone 18 Pro display
Apple has integrated the Face ID module under the display in the iPhone 18 Pro, a step towards its goal of a full-screen device. This engineering change required a new pixel layout to allow infrared light passage without visible display degradation, enabling a smaller Dynamic Island.
Nuvacore unveils 'Core First' CPU design strategy, developing IP before ISA selection
Nuvacore, a new CPU startup, announced its 'Core First' development approach, designing core CPU IP independently of a specific instruction set architecture (ISA). This method aims to optimize microarchitecture for performance and power efficiency before committing to an ISA like Arm, RISC-V, or x86, targeting data centers and AI infrastructure.
Intel Patent Details MicroLED Integration in Chip Packaging for Optical Interconnects and Aesthetics
Intel has been granted a U.S. patent for embedding MicroLEDs directly into chip packaging, utilizing glass substrates and Through-Glass-Vias (TGV). This technology is described for potential applications in optical signaling, diagnostic testing, and aesthetic lighting for processors, offering an alternative to current co-packaged optics and new visual feedback options.
University of Delaware team develops battery-based carbon capture device
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new electrochemical carbon-capture technique using a battery-like device. This method aims to reduce energy consumption and cost compared to existing reversible-filter designs for carbon dioxide capture.
NASA Investigates Issues with International Space Station's Canadarm2 Robotic Arm
NASA is troubleshooting communication errors affecting the mobile transporter for the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm following a routine maneuver. This issue prevents the transporter from moving and is being investigated for potential software or hardware causes, with teams also checking for GPS interference with the Dragon spacecraft.
Virginia Tech Lab 3D Prints Liquid Metal Composite for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to 3D print a liquid metal composite using eutectic gallium-indium mixed into silicone, achieving a 40x increase in thermal conductivity compared to unfilled silicone. This innovation allows for the creation of custom heat sinks and stretchable wearable devices that can efficiently guide heat.
Nissan unveils third-generation e-POWER powertrain with 5-in-1 modular unit
Nissan introduced its third-generation e-POWER hybrid powertrain, featuring a new purpose-built engine and a "5-in-1" modular electric unit. This update aims to improve fuel efficiency, quietness, and acceleration compared to the previous generation.
BYD to launch first EV with solid-state battery in 2027, targets high-end models
BYD announced plans to release its first electric vehicle featuring a solid-state battery in 2027, with mass production anticipated around 2030. This move positions BYD among companies developing solid-state battery technology, which offers higher energy density and improved safety compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
Apple reportedly developing new Vision Pro models, exploring lighter designs and external compute
Apple is reportedly working on a new Vision Pro project, codenamed N224, which could be a successor to the current model. The company is exploring different form factors, including lighter materials and potentially offloading compute to an external puck, with a possible release between late 2028 and early 2029.
Weber shuts down June Oven cloud services, rendering smart features inoperable
Weber discontinued cloud services for June Oven, an appliance it acquired in 2021, leaving existing ovens without smart functionalities like app control and AI food recognition. This event highlights the vulnerability of smart home devices reliant on cloud infrastructure, as many connected products cease to function as intended when their supporting services are terminated.
US and UK Navies Launch Torpedo from Robotic Drone Submarine
The U.S. Navy and British Royal Navy successfully launched a U.S. Mk 48 torpedo from the Royal Navy's uncrewed submarine, XV Excalibur. This test demonstrates the interchangeability of weapons and platforms between allied forces, increasing flexibility and combat power.
New Satellite Engine Concept Uses Atmospheric Gases for Indefinite VLEO Orbit
A new satellite engine concept, developed as part of PhD research, proposes using atmospheric gases as fuel for a plasma engine, potentially enabling satellites to remain in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) indefinitely. This approach could eliminate the need for conventional onboard propellant, addressing the challenge of atmospheric drag in VLEO.
Contact Lens Measures Serotonin in Tears for Stress Monitoring
Researchers developed a contact lens that can detect serotonin levels in tears, offering a non-invasive method for stress analysis. This technology could provide continuous biochemical monitoring, moving beyond traditional blood draws or subjective questionnaires.
Geely unveils new EV battery capable of 10-70% charge in 4.5 minutes
Geely has introduced a new electric vehicle battery that can charge from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes, reaching up to 2.2 MW. This development addresses a key challenge for EV adoption by significantly reducing charging times, potentially influencing future battery technology and infrastructure globally.
Keychron Releases Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 14 Ports and 140W Power Delivery
Keychron, known for its mechanical keyboards, has released a Thunderbolt 5 Dock featuring 14 ports, 80Gbps data transfer, dual 8K monitor support, and 140W upstream power delivery. This product marks Keychron's entry into the high-end dock market, offering comprehensive connectivity for modern PCs and laptops.
Tower Semiconductor to Invest $4 Billion in Japanese Optical Connectivity Semiconductor Production
Tower Semiconductor and the Japanese government will co-invest $4 billion to expand the company's Japanese operations, aiming to establish a major manufacturing hub for optical-connectivity semiconductors. This expansion involves repurposing an idle fab, increasing output at an existing 300mm facility, and building a new 300mm fab, targeting a capacity of 45,000 300mm wafers per month by 2029.
Noctua and Forced Physics DCT Partner to Adapt 2000W Micro-Channel Air Cooling for PCs
Noctua is collaborating with Forced Physics DCT to research adapting JouleForce micro-channel air cooling, capable of dissipating over 2000W, for desktop PCs and workstations. The partnership aims to overcome the high pressure requirements of the technology to enable quieter operation suitable for consumer hardware.
Intel's 14A Process Expected to Perform Within 5% of TSMC's A14 Node
Intel Foundry's chief technology officer stated that Intel's upcoming 14A process technology is projected to deliver performance within 5% of TSMC's A14 production node. This indicates Intel's competitive positioning in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, potentially narrowing the performance gap with its primary rival.
Nvidia RTX 5090's 16-pin power connector runs hotter than GPU die with DLSS 5 enabled
Tests by QuasarZone indicate that enabling DLSS 5 on the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition causes the 16-pin (12VHPWR) power connector to reach temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Celsius, which is hotter than the GPU die itself. This finding is significant because it highlights a potential thermal issue with high-power GPUs and their connectors, especially as reports of 16-pin connector melting incidents persist across different graphics card brands.
Qualcomm and Apple Renew Global Patent Licensing Agreement
Qualcomm and Apple have renewed their global patent licensing agreement, which was previously set to expire in 2027. This extension continues their intellectual property relationship following a past legal dispute over licensing practices and royalty payments.
NASA's X-59 Experimental Jet Aims to Mitigate Sonic Booms for Supersonic Flight
NASA is testing the X-59 experimental aircraft to develop technology that reduces sonic booms to a quieter "thump." This research aims to enable commercial supersonic flight over land by addressing noise restrictions that previously limited aircraft like Concorde.
Inmo Recalls Air3 Smart Glasses Due to Overheating Temples Causing Burns
Inmo has recalled over 1,600 Air3 smart glasses in the US and Canada because the left temple can overheat during extended use, posing a burn hazard. The company is offering a free software update to address the issue, following 10 reports of users experiencing burning sensations.
Analyst Alleges AMD Chips Sold in China at Discount, AMD Denies Direct Sales
A semiconductor analyst claims AMD's export-controlled Zynq UltraScale+ XCZU47DR RFSoC chips are available in China at significantly reduced prices, suggesting a violation of export regulations. AMD denies direct sales into restricted regions and states it investigates suspected cases of illegal diversion.
Micron discontinues 2GB GDDR7 chips, shifts focus to higher-density memory for AI
Micron has discontinued production and sales of its 2GB GDDR7 memory chips, including 28 Gbps and 32 Gbps variants. The company is pivoting to higher-density 3GB GDDR7 chips, which are more profitable and used in AI-focused GPUs, reflecting a broader industry trend of prioritizing AI memory solutions.
Espressif's new ESP32-S31 microcontroller features gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 host
Espressif released the ESP32-S31, a new microcontroller that includes a gigabit Ethernet MAC, a USB 2.0 High-Speed host controller, and an SD card interface. These features, along with a real Memory Management Unit (MMU) and dual RISC-V cores, blur the lines between microcontrollers and single-board computers, enabling more complex embedded Linux applications.
IonQ Develops Single-CPU Quantum Error-Correction Decoder for Real-Time Operation
IonQ developed a quantum error-correction decoder that operates in real time on a single conventional CPU. This development aims to reduce the classical computing overhead that typically slows larger quantum systems, potentially improving the efficiency of fault-tolerant quantum computing.