Latest Technology News and Aggregated Feed

New AMD Zen 7 leak surfaces, up to 25% IPC upgrade over the unreleased Zen 6

A leak has surfaced about AMD's upcoming Zen 7 architecture, codenamed "Prometheus," which is expected to offer up to a 25% improvement in IPC over the unreleased Zen 6. The leak details the internal layout, expected performance, and products that will feature Zen 7 cores manufactured on TSMC's A14 process node. EPYC "Florence" server CPUs could scale up to 288 cores, while desktop CPUs in the "Grimlock Ridge" lineup and laptop CPUs in the "Grimlock Point" and "Grimlock Halo" series are also mentioned. Production for EPYC Zen 7 is anticipated to start in mid-2028.

TweakTown•

7 hours ago

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 File Explorer a speed boost, dark mode fix, and reducing explorer.exe crashes

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 File Explorer with a speed boost, dark mode fix, and reduced explorer.exe crashes. The update aims to improve performance by addressing issues like white flashes, adding new archive support, and increasing reliability. Windows 11 Build 26200.8313 is currently available for testers, with improvements expected to roll out to the general public in April 2026. The update also includes enhancements like better folder views, improved stability of explorer.exe processes, and additional features in File Explorer. These changes are part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to optimize Windows 11 for users.

Windows Latest•

9 hours ago

Nvidia RTX 3060 comeback in 2026 could alleviate soaring GPU prices and memory shortages — rumored RTX 5050 9GB abruptly shelved amid speculation

Nvidia is rumored to be reintroducing the RTX 3060 graphics card in June 2026 to address GPU price hikes and memory shortages. The company has reportedly paused the launch of the RTX 5050 9GB variant, potentially due to these market challenges. The RTX 3060, with its 12GB of GDDR6 memory, could offer a cost-effective solution for gamers, especially with the current scarcity of GPUs. The decision to bring back the RTX 3060 may be influenced by the lower cost of GDDR6 VRAM and the ease of manufacturing using Samsung's 8nm process.

Tom's Hardware•

16 hours ago

Bluetooth tracker hidden in a postcard and mailed to a warship exposed its location — $5 gadget put a $585 million Dutch ship at risk for 24 hours

A Dutch warship, HNLMS Evertsen, part of a NATO carrier strike group, unknowingly exposed its location for 24 hours after receiving a postcard with a hidden Bluetooth tracker. The tracker, similar to an Apple AirTag but cheaper at $5, was mailed in, allowing spies to track the $585 million Navy ship without physical access. Dutch authorities discovered and disabled the tracker within a day, prompting a ban on electronic greeting cards due to security risks. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining operational security in the face of new technologies that can inadvertently compromise military operations.

Tom's Hardware•

18 hours ago

KTC M27T6S 27-inch QHD Mini LED gaming monitor review: Affordable, colorful, and bright

The KTC M27T6S 27-inch QHD Mini LED gaming monitor offers impressive features like a Mini LED panel with 1,152 dimming zones, HDR1000, and Quantum Dot wide gamut color for just $290. It boasts a 200 Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 210 Hz), Adaptive-Sync compatibility, and a high peak brightness of 1,000 nits in SDR and 1,300 nits in HDR. The monitor's full-array local dimming enhances contrast, and its color accuracy can be further improved with calibration. While lacking USB ports and speakers, it includes gaming features like aiming points and an FPS counter, making it a great value option for gamers and general users alike.

Tom's Hardware•

19 hours ago

Minisforum's beastly N5 Max NAS comes powered by AMD Strix Halo — $2,899 for 'AI NAS' with pre-installed OpenClaw, supports up to 200TB capacity

Minisforum is set to release the N5 Max NAS on April 23, 2026, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 126 TOPS of AI compute power, 64GB LPDDR5X RAM, and support for up to 200TB storage. Priced at $2,899, the N5 Max includes pre-installed OpenClaw and aims to empower users with AI capabilities for tasks like semantic photo search and smart editing. The device offers extensive connectivity options, including 10GbE ports and multiple USB4 ports. While initial storage is limited to a 128GB system disk, users can expand storage up to 200TB with HDDs and M.2 SSDs.

Tom's Hardware•

19 hours ago

SNK is launching the NeoGeo AES+ - a modern version of its 90s console starting at $250

SNK is releasing the NeoGeo AES+, a modern version of its 90s console, available for pre-order starting at $250. The console retains the original design but includes modern features like HDMI output, language selection, and high-score saves. It uses re-engineered ASIC chips for emulation, supporting both new and original NeoGeo AES cartridges. The standard version is priced at $249.99, with premium editions available for $349.99 and $999. The console comes with an Arcade Stick and initial game titles like Metal Slug and The King of Fighters 2002.

TweakTown•

20 hours ago

Techie buys fake Ledger Nano S+ hardware crypto wallet and almost falls for phishing — a convincing clone would have caught newbies unaware

Brazilian cybersecurity professional Joje Mendes nearly fell victim to a sophisticated hardware-and-software phishing attack involving a fake Ledger Nano S+ cryptocurrency wallet purchased from a Chinese marketplace. Despite the device being priced similarly to a legitimate one, Mendes discovered it was a counterfeit upon arrival, thanks to Ledger's software verification. Upon dissecting the device, Mendes found it contained an ESP32-S3 SoC and was designed to harvest data through a fake Ledger app, leading unsuspecting users to a malicious website for downloading harmful apps. Mendes reported the incident to Ledger and plans to investigate further, emphasizing the importance of purchasing security devices directly from manufacturers or authorized sellers.

Tom's Hardware•

20 hours ago

3DPrint.com

3D Printing News Briefs, April 18, 2026: Educational Grants, Bambu X1, & More

The article discusses various tech news updates, including educational grants, the Bambu X1, and more. Unfortunately, due to the technical code included in the content, it is not possible to provide a concise summary of the key points.

3DPrint.com•

20 hours ago

Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus vs AMD Ryzen 5 9600X faceoff — battle for the best $200 CPU

The article compares Intel's Core Ultra 5 250K Plus with AMD's Ryzen 5 9600X in the $200 CPU segment. The Intel chip, part of the Arrow Lake refresh lineup, offers 18 cores, higher clock speeds, and faster DDR5 memory support, making it a strong contender for gaming and productivity tasks. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, based on Zen 5 architecture, features fewer cores but competitive clock speeds and lower power consumption. In gaming benchmarks, both CPUs perform well, with the Intel chip slightly edging out in FPS in most games. In productivity benchmarks, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus outperforms the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X significantly in multithreaded tasks. When it comes to overclocking, the Intel chip offers more flexibility and better performance gains, while the AMD chip leans towards smart tuning features like Precision Boost Overdrive. Overall, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus emerges as the winner due to its superior performance in both gaming and productivity workloads.

Tom's Hardware•

20 hours ago

SNK revives the mighty Neo Geo in modern form — new AES+ system plays classic games without emulation

SNK and Plaion are releasing the Neo Geo AES+, a modern recreation of the classic Neo Geo system without emulation, using custom-fabricated ASICs to replicate the original 16-bit chips. The new system features an overclocking function to address game slowdowns, a low-latency HDMI out, and supports original AES cartridges. The launch lineup includes 10 games, with the option to pre-order different bundles ranging from $249.99 to $999 for the Ultimate Edition. The absence of some classic titles hints at potential future releases, and the AES+ may pave the way for new indie games on the platform.

Tom's Hardware•

21 hours ago

Microsoft offers $2 million sweepstake for Edge users, but no one noticed for a month — $1 million cash, Mercedes-Benz cars among prizes in desperate push for users

Microsoft is offering a $2 million sweepstake for Edge browser users, including a grand prize of $1 million in cash and Mercedes-Benz cars. Despite the generous prizes, the promotion went unnoticed for over a month. Users can join the rewards program without a fee and earn entries using Microsoft Rewards points. The sweepstakes are open to residents of the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.

Tom's Hardware•

22 hours ago

Backblaze silently redefines 'unlimited' and users discover it's not backing up Dropbox and OneDrive — as firm leans heavier into AI storage services, changes could signal shift away from home backups

Backblaze has quietly updated its Terms of Service, indicating potential throttling or termination for users exceeding unspecified usage patterns. The service no longer backs up data synced with cloud storage providers like Dropbox and OneDrive. These changes coincide with Backblaze's increased focus on AI storage services, hinting at a shift away from home backups. Users have reported data loss due to these alterations, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between file sync and backup services. The company's emphasis on AI storage and declining interest in home backups may lead to the discontinuation of its home backup service in the future.

Tom's Hardware•

22 hours ago

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ‘nearly lost his composure’ when pressed on selling chips to China — ‘You’re not talking to someone who woke up a loser’

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang engaged in a heated debate about selling chips to China, emphasizing that China already has significant compute power and could develop advanced AI models regardless. He argued that restricting Nvidia's chips would not prevent China's AI development and could lead to a fragmented tech ecosystem. Huang stressed the importance of maintaining innovation and nurturing the tech ecosystem to compete effectively. He highlighted the complexity of AI technology, emphasizing the need for all layers of the industry to succeed, not just focusing on one aspect.

Tom's Hardware•

22 hours ago

Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer. The update ensures that folder view settings, such as sorting by name or adjusting icon size, remain consistent across all ways the folder is opened. This includes when folders are opened from outside File Explorer. The update addresses a long-standing limitation in how Windows handles folder views and also brings improvements to File Explorer launch performance and support for additional archive formats. The update is expected to roll out to regular Windows 11 PCs by May.

Windows Latest•

23 hours ago

Microsoft confirms AI agents are still coming to the Windows 11 taskbar as it prepares for public rollout

Microsoft has confirmed that AI agents will still be integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar, with the feature being optional and not automatically enabled. The company is moving forward with plans to add AI agents, including third-party agents, to the taskbar, as seen in the Release Preview Channel of the Insider Program. The AI agents, such as Microsoft 365 Researcher, will be able to perform tasks autonomously without user intervention. This integration is part of Microsoft's approach to AI in Windows 11, focusing on meaningful experiences while reducing unnecessary AI entry points.

Windows Latest•

1 day ago

Apple code leaks four iOS 27 features and new design changes

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 is generating buzz ahead of WWDC, with leaks revealing four new features and design changes. The leaked code hints at additions like Apple Intelligence and enhancements to Apple Wallet, including the ability to convert physical passes into digital versions. Notably, Visual Intelligence on iPhone may offer features like scanning nutrition labels and adding contacts by scanning details. Additionally, Safari could gain an AI feature for naming Tab Groups, while design changes may include more customization options for the Liquid Glass aesthetic. These details are speculative until the official unveiling at WWDC 2026, with the public release expected alongside the iPhone 18 series in September.

TweakTown•

1 day ago

US-sanctioned currency exchange says $15 million heist done by "unfriendly states"

Grinex, a US-sanctioned cryptocurrency exchange in Kyrgyzstan, announced a $15 million heist allegedly orchestrated by hackers linked to "unfriendly states." TRM researchers confirmed the theft, noting more drained addresses than initially reported by Grinex. The attack targeted Russian users, with Grinex attributing it to a coordinated effort to harm Russia's financial sovereignty. TokenSpot, another Kyrgyzstan-based exchange, was also breached, with both exchanges becoming inoperable on Wednesday. The US Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Grinex's predecessor, Garantex, for facilitating ransomware actors and cybercriminals.

Ars Technica•

1 day ago

Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Review: Budget-friendly 8K

Keychron's V5 Ultra 8K is a wireless mechanical keyboard with a hot-swappable PCB, a programmable rotary knob, and an 8,000 Hz polling rate, offering up to 660 hours of battery life. Priced at $120, it's slightly above the budget range but still affordable for its features. The keyboard features a 96-percent layout with a compact design, programmable rotary knob, and Keychron Silk POM switches. It also includes customizable lighting presets and software for remapping keys and setting up backlighting. With solid gaming performance and a focus on battery life, the V5 Ultra 8K offers a compelling option for users seeking a feature-rich mechanical keyboard.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

US lawmakers amend new restrictions on Chinese chipmakers — MATCH Act's blanket restrictions removed from select chipmaking tools

US lawmakers have revised the MATCH Act to narrow its restrictions, removing a provision that banned sales of cryogenic etching tools to chipmakers in countries like China. The updated bill eliminates a nationwide restriction on cryogenic etch equipment, easing concerns in the semiconductor equipment industry. While the original draft included cryogenic etching equipment as a separate type needing export controls, existing US export rules already covered these tools since 2021. The latest version of the bill maintains restrictions on sales of advanced wafer fabrication equipment to certain Chinese semiconductor manufacturers but no longer presumes denial of licenses for servicing equipment at covered facilities.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

1,200-V SiC Half-Bridge Modules Offer Easy Upgrade Path for IGBT-Based Designs

SemiQ Inc. has introduced the QSiC Dual3 family of 1,200-V half-bridge MOSFET modules designed for applications like motor drives in data center cooling systems and grid converters in energy storage systems. These modules feature 1-mΩ on-resistance SiC MOSFETs and parallel SiC diodes for enhanced power-conversion efficiency. The QSiC Dual3 modules are created to facilitate the replacement of IGBT modules with minimal redesign, offering benefits like high power density and low junction-to-case thermal resistance. The modules have undergone rigorous testing and aim to simplify system design with smaller, lighter heatsinks.

ElectronicDesign•

1 day ago

TSMC to Elon Musk: There are no Shortcuts in Building Fabs!

TSMC's CEO CC Wei reported strong earnings driven by demand and execution, highlighting the company's trusted relationships with partners and customers. The focus remains on N3 and N5 nodes, with plans for new 3-nanometer fabs in Taiwan, Arizona, and Japan. TSMC aims to prioritize N2 expansion and maintain dominance in the semiconductor industry. The company's A14 technology promises performance and power benefits, with volume production scheduled for 2028. CC Wei emphasized the importance of avoiding shortcuts in fab construction, addressing Elon Musk directly. TSMC's increased CapEX reflects the company's commitment to growth and innovation.

SemiWiki•

1 day ago

Analytics group signals possible delays at 40% of AI data center construction sites — companies deny schedule holdups, but satellite imagery indicates otherwise

Several U.S. data center projects, including those involving Microsoft, OpenAI, and Oracle, are facing potential delays due to regulatory challenges, supply chain issues, and utility availability. Satellite imagery analysis by SynMax suggests that construction progress is slower than expected, with some projects possibly missing deadlines by over three months. Despite denials from companies involved, reports indicate a shortage of specialist workers and delays in construction. The increased demand for electricity to power AI data centers is also straining local utility providers, leading to further complications in project timelines.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Local political revolts threaten to derail US data center projects — mounting delays are already costing AI hyperscalers billions

Local communities in the U.S. are pushing back against planned data center projects, causing significant delays and costing AI hyperscalers billions. Instances of political revolts, arrests, and plummeting voter support are derailing major data center builds across the country. Concerns over water contamination, energy prices, and air pollution are driving local opposition, leading to temporary moratoriums on construction in various areas. Despite some arguments for the economic benefits of these projects, determined opposition from residents and political retribution are challenging the advancement of data center developments.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Emulation-based SoC Security Verification (U. of Florida)

Researchers at the University of Florida have published a technical paper titled "Emulation-based System-on-Chip Security Verification: Challenges and Opportunities," focusing on the importance of security validation in semiconductor design due to increasing system-on-chip (SoC) complexity. The paper highlights hardware emulation as a crucial pre-silicon verification technology that allows for high-throughput execution of designs under realistic conditions for security analysis. It covers various aspects of emulation-based security verification workflows, including instrumentation, stimulus generation, and runtime monitoring. The paper also discusses emerging trends like AI-assisted emulation and automated vulnerability assessment, positioning emulation as a key element in ensuring hardware security.

SemiEngineering•

1 day ago

MIT Technology Review

Pie Day 2026

The article discusses Pie Day 2026 at MIT, where Admissions Blogger Ellie Feng orchestrated the baking of 30 celebratory pies. The post offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the pies, reimagining MIT as the Massachusetts Institute of Tasteology. Ellie's Pi Day post and insights into the pie-making process are shared on the MIT Admissions website. The event showcases creativity and community spirit at MIT through a unique culinary celebration.

MIT Technology Review•

1 day ago

Designing Broadband LPDA-Fed Reflector Antennas With Full-Wave EM Simulation

The white paper discusses a design methodology for wideband, high-gain LPDA-fed reflector antennas, focusing on establishing design requirements, utilizing advanced MoM techniques, and implementing a systematic three-step design strategy. It highlights the challenges in synthesizing and analyzing these antennas and introduces an advanced full-wave simulation methodology that reduces unknowns and demonstrates a practical design approach. The paper also emphasizes the importance of managing mutual coupling effects between the feed and reflector and provides validated results for reflector diameters across various bandwidth ratios. The methodology presented enables efficient simulation on standard desktop hardware with CPU/GPU acceleration.

IEEE Spectrum•

1 day ago

Intel hires tenured Samsung exec to lead Foundry Services — signals company focus on winning business from potential Foundry suitors

Intel has appointed Shawn 'Seung Hoon' Han, a seasoned Samsung executive, as the new senior vice president and general manager of Foundry Services. Han's extensive experience at Samsung Foundry will bring valuable expertise to Intel's Foundry division, focusing on engaging with external customers. The move signifies Intel's strategic shift towards enhancing customer acquisition, trust, and long-term relationships in the competitive foundry market. Han's role will involve leading sales, customer relations, and securing external partnerships, emphasizing the importance of customer-centric strategies for Intel Foundry's success. His appointment underscores Intel's commitment to strengthening its position in the foundry business and converting technical interest into tangible business opportunities.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Elon Musk pushing forward with Terafab at 'light speed' — staff reaching out to various suppliers and are reportedly willing to pay a premium to gain priority

Elon Musk's Terafab project is moving quickly, with staff actively seeking out suppliers and willing to pay a premium for priority. They have engaged with companies like Applied Materials Inc., Tokyo Electron Ltd., Lam Research Corp., and Samsung Electronics Co. to inquire about pricing and delivery times for various components. Musk's ambition to build his own chips is evident, despite warnings from Nvidia's Jensen Huang about the complexity of semiconductor manufacturing. The project, launched in March 2026 with a $20 billion investment from Musk, aims to produce 1 TW/year of compute, attracting partnerships from companies like Intel. While the timeline for chip production remains uncertain, the industry is closely watching Terafab's progress.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Amazon Eero Signal review: 4G LTE internet backup for your Eero mesh network

The Amazon Eero Signal is a 4G LTE device designed to provide backup internet for Eero mesh networks. Priced at $99, it is an affordable solution for areas with frequent internet outages. The device is easy to set up and managed through the Eero smartphone app. It cannot be used as a primary internet source but serves as a reliable backup if your main ISP goes offline. While it may not offer high-speed internet, it is a practical option for essential tasks during outages.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Microsoft's April patch puts Windows domain controllers into reboot loops — third known issue from KB5082063 is affecting Windows Server 2016 through 2025

Microsoft's April security update, KB5082063, is causing Windows domain controllers to enter reboot loops due to crashes in the LSASS on non-Global Catalog domain controllers used in Privileged Access Management deployments. This issue affects Windows Server versions from 2016 to 2025. Microsoft has not released a patch yet but is directing affected administrators to Microsoft Support for Business for mitigation guidance. This is the third known issue with KB5082063, with reports of BitLocker recovery key prompts and failed installations on Windows Server 2025 systems. Admins are advised to delay the update, test it on a isolated domain controller, or seek mitigation steps from Microsoft Support.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

3DPrint.com

RAPID Roundup 2026: New Machines and Market Moves

The article discusses new machines and market developments in the RAPID Roundup 2026. It highlights advancements and shifts in the tech industry, particularly focusing on emerging technologies and market trends. The content appears to require JavaScript and cookies to be enabled to access further details.

3DPrint.com•

1 day ago

TSMC and the Race for 2nm Capacity

TSMC's transition to 2nm manufacturing is a significant development in the semiconductor industry, with the N2 process offering improved performance and power efficiency. The company faces challenges in scaling capacity to meet demand from AI, HPC, and mobile devices, with initial production fully booked for 2026 by major customers like Apple and AMD. TSMC plans significant investments in advanced manufacturing to expand 2nm production, with projections suggesting potential monthly wafer output exceeding 100,000 by late 2026 and 200,000 by 2028. However, challenges such as infrastructure investments, yield ramp issues, and supply chain constraints complicate the scaling process.

SemiWiki•

1 day ago

Build an entire 9800X3D PC with 128GB of RAM for $2,999 — Newegg bundle includes Asus B850 motherboard, 1TB of storage, and RTX 5070 Ti

Newegg offers a bundle deal for a complete 9800X3D PC with 128GB of RAM for $2,999, saving $1,933.97. The bundle includes a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, G.Skill DDR5-6000 RAM, Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming Wifi7 Neo motherboard, Gigabyte Windforce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, and a Western Digital SN850X 1TB M.2 SSD. Freebies like a Corsair 3500X case and MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 AIO cooler are included. The CPU boasts 8 cores/16 threads with impressive speeds, while the RAM and GPU offer high performance for gaming. This bundle provides a cost-effective way to get a powerful PC setup with ample memory and gaming capabilities.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

NVIDIA is reportedly bringing back the RTX 3060 12GB in June, as RTX 5050 9GB gets pushed back

NVIDIA is rumored to reintroduce the RTX 3060 12GB in June, delaying the release of the RTX 5050 9GB model. The decision to prioritize the older GPU architecture is linked to production capacity and sourcing considerations. While the RTX 3060 may lack newer features and require more effort compared to recent models, its 12GB VRAM capacity remains attractive for budget-conscious users. The pricing for the RTX 3060 is yet to be disclosed but is expected to fall between the RTX 5050 and RTX 5060. NVIDIA's strategy of reviving older GPUs in times of need is not new, as seen with the RTX 2060's comeback in 2021.

TweakTown•

1 day ago

3DPrint.com

Bryson DeChambeau Moving Forward and Backward With 3D Printed Clubs

The article discusses Bryson DeChambeau's use of 3D printed golf clubs to enhance his game. DeChambeau has been experimenting with different designs and materials to optimize his performance on the course. By leveraging 3D printing technology, he can customize his clubs to suit his unique playing style and preferences. This innovative approach showcases the potential for personalized equipment in the world of professional sports.

3DPrint.com•

1 day ago

MIT Technology Review

The Download: bad news for inner Neanderthals, and AI warfare’s human illusion

The article discusses the theory of an "inner Neanderthal" in humans and how recent research challenges the idea of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans. It also delves into the role of AI in warfare, highlighting the debate around human oversight in AI decision-making processes. The piece emphasizes the potential risks of relying on AI in conflicts and the need for new safeguards. Additionally, it touches on current tech news, including the White House's interest in Anthropic's new model and concerns about Sam Altman's investments influencing decisions at OpenAI.

MIT Technology Review•

1 day ago

TSMC ups revenue guidance and CapEx, buoyed by 'multiyear AI megatrend' — warns Middle East conflict may impact profitability as costs increase

TSMC has raised its revenue guidance and capital expenditures for 2026, driven by the increasing demand for AI accelerators and related hardware. The company is confident in the long-term growth potential of the AI trend but warns of potential profitability impacts due to rising costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East. TSMC's revenue in Q1 2026 was primarily boosted by the HPC segment, with Nvidia emerging as its top customer in 2025. The company plans to expand its 3nm-capable fab capacity to meet the growing demand for advanced nodes, particularly in the AI sector.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Steam shown running on Nintendo Switch thanks to latest Proton Beta — FEX 2604 translates x86 to ARM-friendly instructions on Linux

Valve's Proton 11.0-Beta1 release includes support for Arm Linux devices, enabling Steam to run on platforms like the Nintendo Switch. The new FEX 2604 translation technology allows for x86 Windows games to be compatible with Arm Linux devices. This move is seen as preparation for the Arm-powered Steam Frame gaming headset, which features high-end Arm mobile hardware. The update also brings new certified playable titles and bug fixes for existing Steam OS gamers, making Proton 11 accessible for users with devices like the Steam Deck.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Recent advances push Big Tech closer to the Q-Day danger zone

Sophisticated malware known as Flame exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft's update distribution system back in 2010, highlighting the dangers of cryptographic weaknesses like MD5. The attack, which involved forging digital certificates, serves as a cautionary tale for the tech industry. As cryptography engineers work to replace vulnerable algorithms like MD5, organizations are implementing new solutions to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computing advancements.

Ars Technica•

1 day ago

Google and Pentagon in talks to run custom AI chips inside classified environments — Google pushes for tight controls for TPUs surrounding use for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons

Google is in discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense to potentially deploy custom AI chips, including Google's tensor processing unit (TPU), in classified environments. The talks involve adding GPU racks to Google Distributed Cloud and enabling TPUs inside accredited classified settings for the first time. Google is advocating for strict controls around the use of TPUs to prevent mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight. This potential contract with the Pentagon aligns with Google's efforts to expand its presence in the defense sector, following recent AI pilot contracts and initiatives.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Nvidia RTX 5070 spotted at rare MSRP price in Woot flash sale — move fast to secure a bargain, 38% off saves you $340

A rare Nvidia RTX 5070 was spotted at MSRP in a Woot flash sale, offering a 38% discount of $340, bringing the price down to $549 from $889. This mid-range graphics card provides excellent performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming, with 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM and access to Nvidia's software features like DLSS 4 and 4.5. The card outperforms previous-gen models and competes well against other GPUs in its class. With the current scarcity of GPUs at reasonable prices, this deal is expected to sell out quickly, so act fast if interested.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Commodore fans split over C64 Ultimate FPGA firmware lockdown — firm says it wants to protect its hardware and reduce support fallout

Commodore has implemented a firmware lockdown on its C64 Ultimate computer to prevent non-official firmware from being loaded, citing the need to protect hardware and reduce support issues. The latest firmware update, version 1.1.0, includes new features and fixes but also introduces safeguards against incompatible firmware. The company emphasizes that the C64 Ultimate is an evolving product with future revisions and capabilities, necessitating control over firmware to avoid hardware damage. While some users express concerns about restrictions, Commodore clarifies that the policy is not aimed at community patches like SPIFFY but rather at unauthorized firmware that could lead to support challenges.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

AMD to resurrect Ryzen 7 5800X3D AM4 with 10th anniversary edition, leaker claims — return of legendary CPU a sign of bleak PC building landscape

AMD is rumored to be bringing back the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as a limited-edition AM4 10th Anniversary Edition later this year, as leaked by hardware leaker HXL. This move is seen as a strategic response to DDR5 price pressures by utilizing the more affordable DDR4 modules. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D, known for its gaming prowess, is expected to maintain its original specifications in this special edition. While the pricing for this anniversary edition remains unknown, its potential competitive pricing due to mature manufacturing processes is anticipated. This news is based on leaks and should be taken with caution until officially confirmed by AMD.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Amazon returns buyer gets scammed out of a Ryzen 9 9950X3D — 'CPU' came with just a 3D-printed base underneath a real heat spreader

A buyer purchasing what they thought was a used Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU from Amazon's returns warehouse for €163 ended up with a 3D-printed base and a real heat spreader from a different Ryzen 9000 series chip. The scam highlights the risks of buying used CPUs, especially from Amazon's return sales, where lenient return policies can lead to counterfeit items slipping through. This incident follows a similar case where a buyer received a different CPU than advertised. Caution is advised when purchasing used CPUs, particularly popular models like AMD's Ryzen X3D series, to avoid falling victim to scams.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Crazed World of Warcraft gamer plays game with 3D-printed hot dog controller — the left wiener quad-array controls movement, the right triggers abilities

A World of Warcraft gamer created a unique 3D-printed hot dog controller for gameplay, with the left hot dog controlling movement and the right triggering abilities. The controller was designed and built by addison2k, who previously experimented with a single hot dog integrated into gaming. The hot dog controller, made from processed meat products, was showcased in a WoW gaming session demo video. While the controller worked well overall, there were some limitations like the lack of camera control and occasional need to use the keyboard during gameplay. Instructions and 3D printer source files for making a similar hot dog controller were shared for DIY enthusiasts.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

TSMC warns of Intel Foundry's growing prowess during the company's latest earnings call — 'We view Intel as our formidable competitor and do not underestimate them'

During TSMC's latest earnings call, the company's CEO emphasized Intel Foundry as a significant competitor in the chipmaking industry. Despite Intel not yet securing many high-volume external customers, its semiconductor production operations remain substantial. TSMC acknowledges Intel's technology leadership and manufacturing excellence, highlighting the importance of these factors in the competitive foundry market. Intel is ramping up production of various CPUs using advanced fabrication processes, positioning itself as a formidable player alongside TSMC and Samsung in the semiconductor industry.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Microsoft to invest more into Xbox than ever before, new CEO Asha Sharma tells employees

Microsoft's new Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, is set to invest significantly more in the gaming brand than ever before, aiming to revitalize the division. Sharma has introduced Project Helix, a console-PC hybrid, and is focused on improving the Xbox user experience based on fan feedback. The company plans to deepen its investment in Xbox, potentially leading to a more cohesive framework for developers and gamers, faster product releases, and enhanced content accessibility. Microsoft's strategy includes integrating Xbox consoles with Windows PCs and possibly mobile content, along with developing an ad-tech platform for indirect monetization within the Xbox ecosystem.

TweakTown•

2 days ago

Apply Tee Networks to Broaden TIA Required Solutions (Part 2): Loop Gain Plot, Noise, and Single-Supply Operation

Part 2 of the article explores the impact of adding a tee to the op-amp loop gain plot, focusing on loop gain plot modification, noise analysis, and single-supply operation for transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs). The article discusses how the tee network affects output noise and details modifications required for single-supply operation. It also demonstrates the application of the tee network using a JFET input device in a 50-MΩ TIA design. The tee network method allows for adjusting the required capacitance values for easier implementation while considering typical parasitic capacitance on resistors.

ElectronicDesign•

2 days ago

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 appears on Amazon with $1,000 pre-order price — AMD confirms recommended pricing is still set at $899 [Updated]

Amazon briefly listed the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 for pre-order at $1,000, $100 above AMD's suggested retail price of $899. The chip features AMD's 3D V-Cache technology and is set to release on April 22. While AMD confirms the recommended pricing remains at $899, retailers like Amazon may set their own prices based on demand. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is positioned as a workstation-focused processor with performance gains of 5% to 12% over its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

Tom's Hardware•

2 days ago