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The Sub-2nm Paradox

The Sub-2nm Paradox

The article discusses the challenges faced in semiconductor manufacturing at 2nm and below. It highlights the impact of process variation and physics on design, manufacturing, and economics. The focus is on faster data movement and more efficient computing rather than just increasing transistor density. The article also touches on the complexities of achieving performance, power consumption, and transistor density promises at these advanced nodes. Additionally, it mentions the shift towards multi-die assemblies of chiplets to address the limitations of single-die designs.

SemiEngineering•
Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung has been granted a court injunction in South Korea to limit an upcoming strike by employees, prompting a return to negotiations. The strike, scheduled to start on May 21, is driven by worker dissatisfaction over bonus caps and profit sharing. The court order mandates normal staffing levels and prohibits union members from obstructing facilities, with fines for non-compliance. Talks between Samsung and the labor union have resumed to prevent the strike, which could cost the company billions in revenue.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung's internal wage negotiation transcripts reveal a significant bonus disparity, with memory chip division workers offered bonuses worth 607% of their annual salary, while logic chip staff were offered as little as 50-100%. This imbalance has led to internal tensions and is a key driver behind Samsung facing its largest strike in history. The union argues that this misbalance is creating a retention crisis for the company. Samsung has since made changes in its bargaining team and issued a public apology in response to the dispute. Additionally, workers have been leaving Samsung's foundry operations for competitors like SK hynix, which has set a market benchmark for employee bonuses.

Tom's Hardware•
First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

A new memory exploit, the first for Apple M5 chips, has been discovered using Anthropic AI, granting root access on MacOS by bypassing Memory Integrity Enforcement. The exploit, discovered by security researchers at Calif, allows a standard user to gain administrator access on the machine. The vulnerability was disclosed to Apple in advance and is part of a series of security findings aided by AI tools. The exploit chain successfully evades MIE, a security feature on M5 chips that enforces memory integrity checks at the hardware level. This discovery highlights the ongoing challenges in securing operating systems against evolving threats.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Samsung has begun reducing chip production ahead of an 18-day strike by employees over bonuses, leading to potential daily losses of $2 billion. The company is implementing "emergency management mode" by limiting new wafer input and adjusting production lines to focus on high-value chips. The pre-strike slowdown could extend to six weeks, with potential total losses estimated in the billions. The strike, with over 43,000 workers signed up, could disrupt global DRAM and NAND supply, impacting Samsung's reputation in the long term. Talks between Samsung and the union have collapsed, with negotiations potentially resuming after the strike ends on June 7.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung's critical union negotiations break down eight days before planned 18-day chip factory strike that's projected to cost $700 million per day — Korean PM calls emergency meeting as strike looms

Samsung's critical union negotiations break down eight days before planned 18-day chip factory strike that's projected to cost $700 million per day — Korean PM calls emergency meeting as strike looms

Samsung's critical union negotiations have broken down just eight days before an 18-day chip factory strike, which could cost the company $700 million per day. The breakdown has led to an emergency meeting called by the Korean Prime Minister as the strike looms. The union and Samsung failed to reach an agreement on bonus payments, with the union demanding changes to bonus calculations and profit allocations. The potential strike could result in significant financial losses for Samsung, impacting its semiconductor division's annual sales. The union, representing over 90,000 members, has warned of the economic impact of the strike on South Korea's exports, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

Tom's Hardware•
Google's new laptop platform, 'Googlebook,' leaks ahead of reveal event — new laptops powered by Android and Google Gemini, meant to succeed Chromebook

Google's new laptop platform, 'Googlebook,' leaks ahead of reveal event — new laptops powered by Android and Google Gemini, meant to succeed Chromebook

Google's new laptop platform, 'Googlebook,' has leaked ahead of its reveal event, set to feature laptops powered by Android and Google Gemini, aiming to succeed Chromebooks. The platform integrates Android OS with Gemini AI, offering features like deeper integration with Android devices and AI-powered widgets. The leaked images also showcase a "Magic Pointer" and a unique "Glowbar" feature. Googlebook laptops will be manufactured by PC vendors like Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, hinting at a potential unification of Android and ChromeOS into a single platform.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung holds desperate final talks with union over 18-day chip factory strike that could cost $20 billion — government-mediated summit seeks to avert industrial action that could hit HBM production

Samsung holds desperate final talks with union over 18-day chip factory strike that could cost $20 billion — government-mediated summit seeks to avert industrial action that could hit HBM production

Samsung is engaging in final negotiations with its largest labor coalition to avert an 18-day chip factory strike that could cost the company $20 billion. The talks, mediated by the South Korean government, aim to prevent a shutdown of the world's largest memory chip operation. The union has threatened a general strike from May 21st to June 7th if an agreement is not reached. The dispute centers around the union's demand to uncap performance payouts at 15% of operating profit, with management offering industry-leading compensation but refusing to remove the cap permanently. Fractures within Samsung's workforce, particularly between divisions, are adding complexity to the negotiations.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung chip workers reject $340,000 one-time bonus, demand annual payouts like SK hynix's $900,000 — workers want share of AI windfall, impending 18-day strike could cost Samsung up to $11.7 billion

Samsung chip workers reject $340,000 one-time bonus, demand annual payouts like SK hynix's $900,000 — workers want share of AI windfall, impending 18-day strike could cost Samsung up to $11.7 billion

Samsung chip workers have rejected a $340,000 one-time bonus offer and are demanding annual payouts similar to SK hynix's $900,000 bonuses. The impending 18-day strike could cost Samsung up to $11.7 billion. The National Samsung Electronics Union and management are close to agreeing on a 13% operating profit allocation as a bonus, but the union wants it guaranteed annually. The workers seek a share of the AI windfall and are pushing for a larger bonus, citing the significant profits from the AI infrastructure build-out. The strike threat looms as negotiations continue.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Apple has quietly removed the option for a 128GB memory capacity in the Mac Studio due to supply constraints and increased demand for AI applications. The highest memory capacity now stands at 96GB, down from the initial 512GB offering. This reduction comes after the discontinuation of the 512GB model two months ago. The global chip shortage has also impacted the availability of Mac Mini models, with the maximum memory capacity now capped at 48GB. Despite increased prices and reduced memory options, delivery times for these devices remain lengthy, with some configurations taking up to 10 weeks to ship.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Apple is in talks with Intel and Samsung to produce processors amid chip shortages, aiming to diversify its supply chain. While discussions are in early stages and no orders have been placed yet, Apple is exploring options beyond its current supplier, TSMC. Considering Intel's 18A process for future M-series chips and revisiting partnerships with Samsung and Intel, Apple seeks to reduce reliance on a single supplier. If successful, this move could benefit Intel's foundry business and bolster Samsung's position, ultimately addressing Apple's advanced chip supply challenges.

Tom's Hardware•
Why Reddit blocked my daily visit to its mobile website

Why Reddit blocked my daily visit to its mobile website

Reddit has started a test where frequent mobile users who are logged out are prompted to download the app instead of accessing the site. The new overlay does not allow users to skip or close it, only offering a button to get the app. Reddit claims that the app provides a more personalized experience and easier access to communities matching users' interests. This move is in line with other platforms like X and Instagram, which also push users towards using their apps.

Ars Technica•
Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group

Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group

Apple appears to have faced challenges with its Vision Pro product, with reports suggesting the company has all but abandoned it due to high cost and weight issues. Despite efforts to improve the device with a faster M5 chip and redesigned features, sales did not meet expectations. There are conflicting reports about the future of the Vision Pro, with some claiming Apple has reassigned the team to other projects while job postings hint at ongoing development. The uncertainty surrounding the Vision Pro has led to speculation that Apple may be focusing on developing lighter, more advanced smart glasses instead.

Tom's Hardware•
Union rally causes Samsung fab production to plummet by 58% during night shift as workers demand up to $400,000 bonuses — updated figures show over 40,000 people attended rally for better pay and bonuses

Union rally causes Samsung fab production to plummet by 58% during night shift as workers demand up to $400,000 bonuses — updated figures show over 40,000 people attended rally for better pay and bonuses

Samsung's production took a hit during a one-day strike by the labor union, with memory fab output dropping by 18% and contract chip foundry by 58.1% on the night shift. The union demands up to $400,000 bonuses, a 7% pay increase, and removal of the 50% bonus cap, while Samsung management offered a 10% operating profit bonus and 6.2% wage increase. The union plans an 18-day labor action if an agreement isn't reached, potentially costing Samsung over $20 billion. A general strike on May 21 involving 40,000 members could disrupt operations and impact the global memory chip supply.

Tom's Hardware•
More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

Samsung union members, with over 30,000 rallying in South Korea, are demanding a $400,000 average bonus per worker, totaling $27 billion. The union seeks 15% of the company's operating profit for chip-division workers, a bonus cap removal, and a 7% pay increase. Samsung management offered a 10% profit allocation, a 6.2% wage hike, and benefits, but the union rejected it, citing SK hynix's higher bonuses. If unresolved, a strike starting May 21 could lead to significant losses for Samsung.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple completes its transition to Apple Silicon by dropping support for Intel-based Macs

Apple completes its transition to Apple Silicon by dropping support for Intel-based Macs

Apple is finalizing its transition to Apple Silicon by discontinuing support for Intel-based Macs in the upcoming macOS release. The last macOS version to support Intel-based Macs will be macOS 26 "Tahoe." Products like the 16-inch MacBook Pro 2019 and 27-inch iMac 2020 will not receive support for macOS 27 but will continue to get security updates for the next 3 years. Apple's move away from Intel marks a significant shift in its hardware strategy, with the M-series SoCs now powering its Mac lineup. Rosetta, a program aiding the transition to Apple Silicon, will be available for the next two major macOS releases to assist developers.

TweakTown•
Samsung engineer sentenced to 7 years in prison for selling chipmaking trade secrets to Chinese chipmaker — ex-employee supplied 10nm DRAM data to CXMT for $2 million

Samsung engineer sentenced to 7 years in prison for selling chipmaking trade secrets to Chinese chipmaker — ex-employee supplied 10nm DRAM data to CXMT for $2 million

A Samsung engineer has been sentenced to seven years in prison for selling chipmaking trade secrets to Chinese chipmaker CXMT. The engineer, known as "Jeon," supplied detailed steps on DRAM manufacturing to CXMT for $2 million, causing potential trillions in losses for South Korea. Jeon's low compensation at Samsung was considered a mitigating factor in the sentencing. The stolen information allegedly helped CXMT advance its technology, leading to concerns about lost sales for Samsung and potential national security implications. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting intellectual property in the tech industry.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple’s Pippin console launched 30 years ago today — shunned by the public as too expensive and too slow, only 42,000 units were sold

Apple’s Pippin console launched 30 years ago today — shunned by the public as too expensive and too slow, only 42,000 units were sold

Apple's Pippin console, launched 30 years ago, failed to gain traction due to being expensive and slow, with only 42,000 units sold. Initially seen as an open standard for home entertainment, the collaboration between Apple and Bandai resulted in a device that couldn't compete with the gaming consoles of the time like the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. The Pippin, based on PowerPC architecture, lacked custom chips for graphics and audio processing, and its OS and software library were subpar. Priced at $599, it was significantly more expensive than its competitors, leading to its discontinuation in 1997.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple CEO Tim Cook steps down, company names Ternus as incoming CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook steps down, company names Ternus as incoming CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down to become executive chairman of the board, with John Ternus set to take over as CEO on September 1. Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011, oversaw significant growth during his tenure. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, has been instrumental in hardware engineering and product development. Under Cook's leadership, Apple saw substantial financial success but faced challenges in areas like artificial intelligence. Ternus will be Apple's eighth CEO, with other executive leadership changes also taking place.

Tom's Hardware•
Non-functioning counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are circulating in Europe — Despite convincing packaging, blue PCB easily gives away the dupe

Non-functioning counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are circulating in Europe — Despite convincing packaging, blue PCB easily gives away the dupe

Counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are being circulated in Europe, with a customer in Austria receiving a non-functioning fake drive despite convincing packaging. The fake drives have a blue PCB instead of the original black, making them easily distinguishable upon closer inspection. These counterfeit SSDs are not recognized as genuine products by Samsung's software and lack proper firmware naming conventions. The affected buyer also received a third suspicious drive, prompting the vendor to investigate the matter. Samsung advises consumers to purchase its products only from certified retailers to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft’s VP brings macOS-style click to reveal desktop feature to Windows with new tool

Microsoft’s VP brings macOS-style click to reveal desktop feature to Windows with new tool

Microsoft's VP, Scott Hanselman, has developed a new tool called PeekDesktop that brings macOS-style "click to reveal desktop" functionality to Windows. This tool allows users to click on the desktop wallpaper to instantly minimize all open windows, providing a clean workspace for organizing files or icons. PeekDesktop is lightweight, easy to use, and can be downloaded from GitHub without any setup process. The tool uses Windows APIs to manage window states efficiently and restores windows to their original positions when needed. It aims to enhance user experience by incorporating small features like this into Windows.

Windows Latest•
Apple's MacBook Neo's 2027 model will reportedly include the A19 Pro chip and 50% more memory

Apple's MacBook Neo's 2027 model will reportedly include the A19 Pro chip and 50% more memory

Apple's MacBook Neo has exceeded expectations, leading to potential production challenges due to high demand. The current model uses leftover A18 Pro chips from the iPhone 16 Pro, resulting in limited availability. To meet demand, Apple may need to produce more A18 Pro chips, which are in high demand due to their 3nm N3E process. The company may need to increase prices or offer higher-priced models with more storage to offset production costs. Apple is already planning a 2027 model with the A19 Pro chip, featuring a 50% increase in memory to 12GB of LPDDR5X.

TweakTown•
macOS has a 49.7-day networking time bomb built in that only a reboot fixes — comparison operation on unreliable time value stops machines dead in their tracks

macOS has a 49.7-day networking time bomb built in that only a reboot fixes — comparison operation on unreliable time value stops machines dead in their tracks

A networking time bomb in macOS causes machines to fail after precisely 49.7 days of uptime, requiring a reboot to fix. The issue stems from a bug in Apple's XNU kernel related to a networking-related timer that overflows after the specified time. This bug leads to the TCP stack becoming unresponsive, impacting network connections. The problem has been identified by the team at Photon, who are working on a solution to address the issue. The issue has been observed in Macs used as servers and has been linked to various bugs reported in Apple Community forums.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple approves drivers that let AMD and Nvidia eGPUs run on Mac — software designed for AI, though, and not built for gaming

Apple approves drivers that let AMD and Nvidia eGPUs run on Mac — software designed for AI, though, and not built for gaming

Apple has approved drivers for Nvidia eGPUs to work on Mac devices, particularly for AI processing, not gaming. Tiny Corp, known for its AI accelerator tinybox, faced driver issues with AMD but now offers high-end GPUs like the red v2 and green v2 Blackwell. The company plans to launch the exabox in 2027 with 720 RDNA5 AT0 XL GPUs for powerful computing. The custom driver from Tiny Corp is tailored for AI LLMs, not gaming, making it a significant advancement for AI work on Macs.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple turns 50 — one of the world's biggest tech companies started with hobbyist computers

Apple turns 50 — one of the world's biggest tech companies started with hobbyist computers

Apple, now 50 years old, started as a hobbyist computing company with the Apple-1. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple's journey from hobbyist PCs to consumer tech giant includes iconic products like the Apple II, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and MacBook Air. The company's evolution from its roots in hobbyist computing to its current status as a global tech leader is highlighted, with milestones like the introduction of the App Store and the transition to Apple's own silicon. Celebrations for Apple's 50th anniversary include museum exhibitions and special programming, showcasing the company's rich history and impact on the tech industry.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple's foldable iPhone is the 'most significant overhaul' of the iPhone ever

Apple's foldable iPhone is the 'most significant overhaul' of the iPhone ever

The article discusses Apple's rumored development of a foldable iPhone, which is speculated to be the most significant redesign in the history of the iPhone. This new device is expected to feature a foldable display, potentially revolutionizing the smartphone market. While details are scarce, industry experts anticipate that Apple's entry into the foldable phone segment could have a major impact on the tech industry. The foldable iPhone is rumored to be in the testing phase, with a potential release date in the coming years.

TweakTown•
Museum opens doors to ‘World’s largest collection of Apple products’ on April 1 to celebrate Apple’s 50th anniversary — 2,000 artifacts spread across 20,000 sq ft in Roswell, GA

Museum opens doors to ‘World’s largest collection of Apple products’ on April 1 to celebrate Apple’s 50th anniversary — 2,000 artifacts spread across 20,000 sq ft in Roswell, GA

A museum in Roswell, GA, will open an exhibition called iNSPIRE: 50 Years of Innovation from Apple on April 1, featuring over 2,000 Apple artifacts spread across 20,000 square feet. While not the largest Apple hardware exhibit, it is still significant in celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary. The exhibit will showcase rare collector's items, documents, and immersive installations inspired by Apple's campaigns. Admission prices range from $16 to $22, with discounts for certain groups. Another Apple museum in the Netherlands will also open its doors on April 2, offering unique exhibits like a wall of iMac G3s and a replica of Steve Jobs' garage.

Tom's Hardware•
Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

Samsung has introduced the BM9K1 SSD, a PCIe 5.0 drive with QLC NAND that boasts sequential read speeds of up to 11.4 GB/s, targeting 'personal AI computing' workloads. The drive features a controller based on the open-source RISC-V architecture, offering improved energy efficiency and firmware optimization for QLC NAND management. Samsung plans to launch the BM9K1 in 2027 in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This move puts Samsung in competition with Micron's 3610 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, with Samsung's drive offering higher sequential read speeds but lower capacities.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple’s Mac OS X turns 25, has prospered across three hardware architecture changes — from PowerPC, through Intel x86, to Apple Silicon

Apple’s Mac OS X turns 25, has prospered across three hardware architecture changes — from PowerPC, through Intel x86, to Apple Silicon

Apple's Mac OS X celebrates its 25th anniversary, having navigated three hardware architecture shifts from PowerPC to Intel x86 and now Apple Silicon. Despite initial challenges during its launch in 2001, the operating system has evolved with features like protected memory and preemptive multitasking. The transition to Intel architecture was smoother due to prior experience and the UNIX foundation of OS X. The latest macOS version, Tahoe, has faced criticism for gatekeeper restrictions on running unsigned apps.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft says, for once, Windows update isn't to blame for Galaxy Book4 laptops losing access to C: drive — the Galaxy Connect app was the culprit, and it's been taken down from Microsoft Store

Microsoft says, for once, Windows update isn't to blame for Galaxy Book4 laptops losing access to C: drive — the Galaxy Connect app was the culprit, and it's been taken down from Microsoft Store

Microsoft clarified that a recent issue causing Galaxy Book4 laptops to lose access to their C: drive was not due to a Windows update but was caused by the Galaxy Connect app. This app, used for screen sharing with Samsung Galaxy phones, interfered with Windows, leading to permission revocation and drive access problems. Microsoft and Samsung have addressed the issue by removing the app from the Microsoft Store and providing recovery steps for affected users. The problem was identified before the February 2026 Windows 11 security update, and Microsoft has marked it as "externally resolved."

Tom's Hardware•
Tim Cook says Apple had its best launch week for first-time Mac customers with the MacBook Neo — entry-level device now out of stock, with orders taking two to three weeks to ship

Tim Cook says Apple had its best launch week for first-time Mac customers with the MacBook Neo — entry-level device now out of stock, with orders taking two to three weeks to ship

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the MacBook Neo had the best launch week ever for new Mac customers, with the entry-level device now out of stock and orders taking two to three weeks to ship. Despite criticisms about its specs, the MacBook Neo is proving popular among consumers looking for an affordable and user-friendly option for everyday tasks. Priced below $600, the MacBook Neo is seen as a significant competitor to Microsoft in the sub-$600 laptop market, potentially shifting market dynamics in favor of Apple. As Apple gains more market share, PC manufacturers may need to offer alternatives matching the MacBook Neo in price and quality to stay competitive.

Tom's Hardware•
Cyberpunk 2077 runs on MacBook Neo at over 30 FPS — PC gaming is possible with A18 Pro iPhone chip

Cyberpunk 2077 runs on MacBook Neo at over 30 FPS — PC gaming is possible with A18 Pro iPhone chip

The MacBook Neo, Apple's budget-friendly laptop, surprisingly performs well for PC gaming due to the iPhone 16 Pro SoC it houses, as demonstrated by YouTuber ETA Prime. The Neo can run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at playable frame rates, with other games like Hades 2 and Drive Rally hitting 60 FPS at high resolutions. Despite some limitations in image quality, the MacBook Neo showcases the gaming potential of Apple's A18 Pro chip. This highlights the capability of modern iPhones to handle PC games and the growing trend of PC emulation on Android devices like the Red Magic 11 Pro.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft and Samsung scramble to fix a major C: drive lockout bug on Galaxy devices — faulty Galaxy Connect app leaves users with 'limited' recovery options following recent Windows 11 update

Microsoft and Samsung scramble to fix a major C: drive lockout bug on Galaxy devices — faulty Galaxy Connect app leaves users with 'limited' recovery options following recent Windows 11 update

Microsoft and Samsung are addressing a critical bug that locks out the C: drive on Galaxy devices after a recent Windows 11 update. The issue, caused by the Samsung Galaxy Connect app, hinders users from accessing apps, files, and performing administrative tasks. While the app has been temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store and Samsung has reverted to an older version, recovery options for affected devices are limited. Reports suggest the bug may stem from broken Access Control Lists triggered by app updates. Users of specific Samsung models are advised to remove the app or revert to a recommended version to avoid potential data loss.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple’s brand new M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are already discounted on Amazon — shave $50 off nearly the entire 2026 lineup

Apple’s brand new M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are already discounted on Amazon — shave $50 off nearly the entire 2026 lineup

Amazon is offering a $50 discount on Apple's new M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from the 2026 lineup, just a day after their release. The MacBook Air with the M5 chip now starts at $1,049.99, down from $1,099.99, while the MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is available for $2,149.99, reduced from $2,199.99. These laptops come with upgraded performance, storage, and connectivity features, including faster SSD speeds and increased base storage. The refreshed MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer improved CPU and GPU performance, increased memory options, faster storage, and other enhancements like a better webcam and display. Despite the modest discount, it's a good opportunity to save on these newly launched MacBooks.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple's 18-core M5 Max destroys 96-core Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX in Geekbench — GPU performance is much less impressive

Apple's 18-core M5 Max destroys 96-core Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX in Geekbench — GPU performance is much less impressive

Apple's new 18-core M5 Max processor excels in both single-thread and multi-thread workloads, surpassing even the 96-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX in Geekbench 6 benchmarks. The M5 Max features enhanced CPU cores and a revamped memory subsystem, offering superior performance improvements over its predecessor, the M4 Max. However, in terms of GPU performance, the M5 Max's integrated GPU falls short compared to high-end discrete graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. Despite this, the M5 Max's GPU still outperforms previous Apple models and some non-Apple GPUs, showcasing significant advancements in integrated graphics technology.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple pulls $4,000 512GB Mac Studio upgrade option as AI RAM squeeze continues, raises 256GB upgrade price — M3 256GB upgrade now costs $2,000

Apple pulls $4,000 512GB Mac Studio upgrade option as AI RAM squeeze continues, raises 256GB upgrade price — M3 256GB upgrade now costs $2,000

Apple has removed the 512GB RAM upgrade option for the Mac Studio, now capping at 256GB and raising the price of the 96GB-to-256GB upgrade to $2,000. This change is likely due to the ongoing memory shortage, impacting commodity prices and supply across the industry. The memory shortage is driven by manufacturers reallocating production capacity to high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators, leading to increased prices and constrained supply. Apple has secured long-term DRAM supply agreements but may still face challenges, with the 512GB tier disappearing due to scarcity. Apple is expected to release M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions of the Mac Studio in 2026, with uncertainty on the return of the 512GB option depending on DRAM supply conditions.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple promotes Microsoft Office to lure Windows 11 users to its $599 MacBook Neo

Apple promotes Microsoft Office to lure Windows 11 users to its $599 MacBook Neo

Apple is promoting Microsoft Office on its $599 MacBook Neo to attract Windows 11 users. The MacBook Neo product page and promo video highlight Microsoft Office apps like PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Apple's move to showcase Microsoft's Office suite could be seen as acknowledging its popularity or aiming to appeal to users accustomed to these apps. While Apple has its own productivity apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, it chose to emphasize Microsoft Office on the MacBook Neo. This strategy may help Apple draw in budget-conscious PC buyers but could lead to limitations compared to the Windows versions of Office apps.

Windows Latest•
M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM plunges to lowest-ever price following M5 announcement — $300 off is a steal on Apple's highest-spec RAM configuration

M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM plunges to lowest-ever price following M5 announcement — $300 off is a steal on Apple's highest-spec RAM configuration

The M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is now available at its lowest-ever price of $1,299 on Amazon following the announcement of the M5 model. Despite the M5's advancements, the M4 still offers strong performance, especially in terms of battery life and efficiency. The M4 features a 15-inch display, 512GB of storage, and similar specs to the M5, making it a compelling option at a $200 discount. While the M5 boasts some improvements in AI tasks, the performance gap between the two models is not significant in other areas. This discounted M4 deal presents a great value proposition compared to the newer M5 model.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple to produce Mac Minis in Houston for the first time — US chip sourcing tops 20 billion units

Apple to produce Mac Minis in Houston for the first time — US chip sourcing tops 20 billion units

Apple will start producing the Mac Mini in Houston, Texas, for the first time, as part of its $600 billion U.S. manufacturing commitment. The decision follows threats of tariffs on Apple products made overseas. The Houston facility will focus on serving domestic demand, with some production continuing in China and Vietnam. Apple sourced over 20 billion U.S.-made chips last year and is aggressively building a domestic semiconductor supply chain. The company is also constructing an Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Houston campus for training in Apple's production techniques.

Tom's Hardware•
Computer History Museum unveils comically large-scale rendition of the 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus — 'Big Mac' celebrates 50th Apple anniversary towering all-in-one's keyboard looks disproportionately huge today

Computer History Museum unveils comically large-scale rendition of the 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus — 'Big Mac' celebrates 50th Apple anniversary towering all-in-one's keyboard looks disproportionately huge today

The Computer History Museum has revealed a large-scale rendition of the 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus, dubbed "Big Mac," to celebrate Apple's 50th anniversary. The oversized replica features a disproportionately large keyboard, reflecting the design trends of the time. The museum acquired this massive Macintosh Plus, likely created for exhibition purposes, showcasing the iconic machine from the past. While technical details are scarce, the focus is on the novelty of the keyboard, appealing to enthusiasts interested in ASMR. The Macintosh Plus, known for its 1MB RAM and 800KB floppy drive, was a significant machine in its era, catering to graphic artists with its GUI-driven software library.

Tom's Hardware•
Several PC games run on Snapdragon 8 Elite Android device with 16GB RAM and emulation — The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Cyberpunk 2077 playable at 720p

Several PC games run on Snapdragon 8 Elite Android device with 16GB RAM and emulation — The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Cyberpunk 2077 playable at 720p

PC emulation on high-end Android devices like the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB RAM has reached a point where games like The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Cyberpunk 2077 are playable at 720p resolution. The YouTuber ETA Prime demonstrated the performance of various Android devices running PC games through emulation, showcasing smooth gameplay for titles like GTA V, Left 4 Dead 2, and more. The use of apps like GameHub and Game Native enables this emulation, with advancements in translation technology making it possible to run x86 and Windows code on ARM-based Android devices. While PC emulation on Android is not flawless, it has become more accessible with apps like GameHub available on the Google Play Store, simplifying the process of running PC games on Android devices.

Tom's Hardware•
27 years after launch, Apple's decades-old iBook lineup can still get legacy updates from the company's servers — 21-year-old iBook G4 seamlessly connects to Wi-Fi, downloads updates with no mods

27 years after launch, Apple's decades-old iBook lineup can still get legacy updates from the company's servers — 21-year-old iBook G4 seamlessly connects to Wi-Fi, downloads updates with no mods

Apple's iBook lineup, launched 27 years ago, can still receive legacy updates from Apple's servers, as demonstrated by a 21-year-old iBook G4 seamlessly connecting to Wi-Fi and downloading updates without modifications. While the iBook G4's security support ended in 2011, the availability of these updates showcases Apple's legacy software support. Despite being outdated, the iBook's ability to connect to modern Wi-Fi networks without modifications highlights its lasting impact on laptop technology, particularly as one of the first mainstream consumer laptops with Wi-Fi. This enduring functionality serves as a testament to the iBook's significance in shaping Apple's image and the laptop industry as a whole.

Tom's Hardware•
High-end Android phones are now powerful enough to emulate the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 — YouTuber gets 2020's hottest PC game running at playable frame rates on Red Magic 11 Pro

High-end Android phones are now powerful enough to emulate the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 — YouTuber gets 2020's hottest PC game running at playable frame rates on Red Magic 11 Pro

A YouTuber successfully emulated the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 on a Red Magic 11 Pro Android phone, achieving playable frame rates of 30 to 40 FPS. By utilizing GameSir's GameHub platform and the phone's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset with internal cooling features, the emulation delivered smooth performance even at low settings. With frame generation enabled, the phone reached up to 50 FPS, showcasing the advancements in PC emulation on smartphones. The demonstration highlights the potential for high-end Android devices to handle AAA PC games through emulation, hinting at future possibilities for mobile gaming performance.

Tom's Hardware•
OpenClaw-fueled ordering frenzy creates Apple Mac shortage — delivery for high Unified Memory units now ranges from 6 days to 6 weeks

OpenClaw-fueled ordering frenzy creates Apple Mac shortage — delivery for high Unified Memory units now ranges from 6 days to 6 weeks

Apple Mac models with upgraded Unified Memory quotas are facing order lead time surprises, potentially due to the popularity of OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent. While base models are still available for immediate purchase, upgrading memory can lead to delivery waits of up to three weeks. High-end models with maximum memory capacity, like the M3 Ultra Mac Studio with 512GB of Unified Memory, can take five to six weeks for delivery. The demand for high-memory Mac models is increasing as more individuals seek to run their own local AI agents, contributing to the shortage. Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the challenge of meeting high customer demand for memory supply.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple's next-gen iPhone 18 Pro with C2 5G modem will treat satellites like far away cell towers

Apple's next-gen iPhone 18 Pro with C2 5G modem will treat satellites like far away cell towers

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a C2 5G modem that will enable the device to connect to satellites as if they were distant cell towers. This technology could potentially improve connectivity in remote areas where traditional cell towers are scarce. The integration of satellite communication into the iPhone could mark a significant advancement in mobile technology.

TweakTown•
Apple might not use TSMC's new N2P node for M6 chip, stick to N2 to save on manufacturing costs

Apple might not use TSMC's new N2P node for M6 chip, stick to N2 to save on manufacturing costs

Apple is considering not using TSMC's new N2P node for its M6 chip, opting to stick with the N2 node to save on manufacturing costs. The decision is driven by the potential cost savings associated with using the existing N2 node instead of transitioning to the newer, more expensive N2P node. This move could help Apple maintain its profit margins while still delivering high-performance chips in its future devices. TSMC's N2P node offers enhanced performance and power efficiency, but Apple's focus on cost-effectiveness may lead to a different choice for its upcoming M6 chip.

TweakTown•
Apple-1 ‘Prototype Board #0’ sells for $2,750,000 at auction, blows past estimates — sells for 5x anticipated value, obliterates previous record

Apple-1 ‘Prototype Board #0’ sells for $2,750,000 at auction, blows past estimates — sells for 5x anticipated value, obliterates previous record

An Apple-1 'Prototype Board #0' recently sold for $2,750,000 at auction, surpassing estimates by 5 times and setting a new record. This rare motherboard was used by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to validate the Apple-1 design before commercial production. The winning bidder not only received the motherboard but also a vintage keyboard, power supply, TV, and signed manuals. Additionally, Apple Computer Inc's first check and a Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible were part of the auction, with the check selling for $2.41 million.

Tom's Hardware•
Apple chasing memory supply to meet high customer demand — CEO Tim Cook says shortage will have a greater impact on its Q2 earnings

Apple chasing memory supply to meet high customer demand — CEO Tim Cook says shortage will have a greater impact on its Q2 earnings

Apple is facing a memory chip shortage due to high demand for its latest iPhones, impacting its Q2 earnings. CEO Tim Cook mentioned that the company is currently in a supply chase mode to meet customer demand after exiting the December quarter with low channel inventory. Despite the shortage, Apple has not raised its prices, unlike other companies like Dell and Asus. The memory chip shortage is expected to lead to an 8% increase in PC prices in 2026.

Tom's Hardware•
Windows 11 KB5074105 25H2 adds Android Resume feature, direct download links for .msu (offline installer)

Windows 11 KB5074105 25H2 adds Android Resume feature, direct download links for .msu (offline installer)

Windows 11 KB5074105 update for version 25H2 or 24H2 introduces the Android Resume feature, allowing users to seamlessly continue tasks from their Android devices on their Windows PCs. The update also enables the option to disable or enable Smart App Control without needing to reinstall the OS. Microsoft has shared direct download links for offline installers (.msu) for this update, which is optional and requires manual installation. Additionally, improvements to Windows MIDI Services and the ability to toggle Smart App Control are included in this update.

Windows Latest•
How to setup an Android smartphone as a webcam — Camo Studio unlocks new uses for old smartphones in Windows 10 or 11 and OBS software

How to setup an Android smartphone as a webcam — Camo Studio unlocks new uses for old smartphones in Windows 10 or 11 and OBS software

Camo Studio allows users to repurpose old Android smartphones as webcams for Windows 10 or 11 and OBS software. The setup process involves installing Camo Studio on a PC and the Camo Camera app on the Android device, then connecting the two over Wi-Fi. Users can adjust camera settings, apply filters, and use templates for a customized video stream. Additionally, the article provides steps for integrating Camo with OBS to create a multi-camera setup for streaming or recording videos.

Tom's Hardware•

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