[HARDWARE]
STORIES FROM THE HARDWARE DESK ■ LAST 14 DAYS ■ RSS
■ HARDWARE
100 STORIESCXMT Corp. reported nearly 10-fold revenue growth in the first half of 2024, driven by surging demand for memory chips used in AI hardware. The company's profit also climbed sharply, making it China's most valuable chipmaker.
Nvidia delivered a bullish earnings report this week, with CEO Jensen Huang confirming sustained demand for AI accelerators. The positive outlook is expected to drive increased investment in AI infrastructure globally.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy S26 FE, its budget-friendly flagship alternative, now priced at $700 and up—a $50 increase from its predecessor. The device features an Exynos chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a scaled-back camera system.
Plaud Inc. has unveiled wireless earbuds with 4G connectivity that enable on-the-go conversation recording and AI-powered task completion. The device marks the company's expansion into a growing category of AI-native gadgets.
Sony has announced the Bravia 6 OLED TV, a more affordable entry into its OLED lineup positioned to compete directly with LG's C6 OLED and Samsung's S90H QD-OLED models.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy S26 FE, a more affordable alternative to the S26+ with reduced specs. The device carries over last year's hardware while adding software features from earlier 2026 flagship models.
Humanoid robots at Beijing's Robot Games demonstrated sprint speeds exceeding Usain Bolt's record, but their most significant achievement was mastering delicate manipulation tasks requiring advanced processing capabilities.
GoPro's new Mission 1 Pro ILS introduces interchangeable lenses to the action camera lineup. The system marks a significant departure from the company's traditional fixed-lens design.
Volvo is equipping three of its electric vehicles with connected safety features that allow cars to alert one another about animals and vulnerable road users ahead. The system relies on real-time data sharing between Volvo's fleet rather than crowdsourced alerts.
Apple's Quick Start feature makes transferring data from an old iPhone to a new one straightforward. The built-in tool handles the process with minimal manual setup.
Ikea and Xbox have launched a nine-piece gaming collection this fall, featuring furniture and accessories designed around the iconic controller thumbstick as a central design element.
Navitas Semiconductor is acquiring Claros, a McLean-based developer of data center power management hardware and software, for approximately $232.8 million. The deal comes just months after Claros secured $30 million in seed funding.
Thunderbolt 5 delivers significantly faster data transfer speeds and increased power delivery compared to Thunderbolt 4. However, most current devices lack the capability to leverage these improvements.
Sony has updated its midrange Xperia 10 smartphone with the new Xperia 10 VIII, but the refresh comes with a significant price increase despite offering limited improvements.
Intel has announced its next-generation Xeon 7 processor for high-performance computing, featuring up to 256 cores across 22 chiplets. The platform will leverage Intel's advanced 18A-P process node for 16 of its chiplets when it launches in 2027.
Garmin unveiled its Fenix 9 smartwatch line with OLED displays reaching 3,000 nits—twice as bright as the previous generation. The rugged timepiece starts at $999.99 for the 43mm model.
Competing humanoid robots set new speed records at the World Humanoid Robot Games, though some units caught fire during competitions. The event highlighted both advances in robotics performance and ongoing reliability challenges.
The FDA has authorized the first wearable device capable of continuously monitoring both ketone and blood sugar levels. The device enables real-time metabolic tracking for users managing diabetes and metabolic conditions.
Apple's new M6 chip shows respectable performance improvements built on a 2nm process, but existing M5 users face no pressing reason to upgrade.
Chinese vacuum manufacturer Dreame is shutting down its automotive division after government funding ceased. Project Starry Sky, which once employed over 1,000 people, is winding down operations.
Life360 has introduced scannable pet tags priced at $7.99 that alert families when lost pets are found and display their last known location. The company also rolled out new care-tracking features to monitor feeding, walks, and medication schedules.
Nokia's new 300 Charge smartphone doubles as a 10W powerbank, allowing users to charge other devices while maintaining their own battery capacity.
IBM is developing a processor for its Z and LinuxONE systems capable of natively executing both z/OS workloads and Arm applications. The company announced the advancement at the Hot Chips conference.
Nothing OS 5.0 introduces a new Glyph Interface app and enhanced home screen customization, featuring adaptive colors that sync with your wallpaper while maintaining the system's minimalist design.
SiFive, the RISC-V chip design company, has announced its first server-class processor platform. The move marks a significant expansion beyond embedded and mobile markets into enterprise infrastructure.
Wyze launched a new Indoor Cam Pan with a retracting lens mechanism that tucks completely inside the device body when privacy is needed. The camera is available now for $39.98.
Apple has released a new Mac Mini powered by its M6 chip. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Nearly six years after selling Fitbit to Google, the company's co-founders are launching a new wearable device. The screen-free wristband targets continuous health monitoring for elderly family members.
Apple has released updated Mac Mini and Mac Studio models with new AI-optimized chips. The M6 Mac Mini starts at $899 with a $200 price increase, while the M5 Ultra Mac Studio begins at $2,499.
TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper tablet features a low-glare matte display and stylus designed to replicate the writing experience of pen on paper. The device aims to reduce screen fatigue while delivering traditional tablet functionality.
The creators of Fitbit have launched Luffu Link, an LTE-connected health and safety band that operates independently of a smartphone. The device combines health monitoring, voice logging, location tracking, and emergency contact features.
Tsu-Jae King Liu, President of the National Academy of Engineering and former dean of UC Berkeley's engineering school, discussed the semiconductor industry's critical role in powering AI infrastructure.
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, a new Android 17 feature designed to reduce motion sickness when using phones in moving vehicles. The feature mirrors Apple's Motion Cues, launched in 2024.
Fairphone upgraded its sustainable flagship with a faster processor and more RAM while maintaining its modular design and ethical sourcing standards. The Dutch cooperative's 2026 model keeps full compatibility with previous Fairphone devices.
Chuwi's Unibook laptop mimics MacBook design at a fraction of the price, starting at $449. The entry-level machine targets budget-conscious buyers willing to accept compromises.
Lenovo has confirmed problems with its Legion Go handheld gaming device after users reported bricked units following software updates. The company faces criticism over repair costs, with at least one customer presenting a nearly $300 bill.
Solid-state transformers are emerging as the primary use case for modernizing data center power infrastructure. The technology could also reshape EV charging networks and eventually reach residential applications.
After infiltrating smart TVs, advertisers and data brokers are pushing into the monitor market. Manufacturers are beginning to embed ad and tracking technology into displays designed for computers.
Shokz has released the OpenFit Air 2 earbuds, reducing weight by nearly 20 percent compared to the previous generation. The lighter design pairs with an open-ear form factor that minimizes pressure and heat buildup.
General Motors is under federal investigation following hundreds of reports involving its eBoost brake-by-wire system, which has been linked to at least 22 crashes.
Raspberry Pi has published an official tutorial for building cyberdecks, acknowledging the viral trend of portable computers assembled from repurposed items like purses and jewelry boxes.
Android apps crashing repeatedly? Restarting your phone isn't the answer. Several troubleshooting steps can resolve the issue faster.
The Birdfy Nest Duo camera system uses dual lenses and environmental sensors to capture bird nesting activity in detail. Users can monitor an entire breeding cycle from nest building through fledgling departure.
Xiaomi has developed its own mobile processor for flagship devices, reducing reliance on Qualcomm and MediaTek. The move signals the Chinese manufacturer's push into chip design.
Multiple fast charging standards coexist under the USB-C connector, creating confusion for consumers. Understanding the differences is essential to avoid buying incompatible chargers.
Using a USB-C laptop charger on your phone is generally safe, thanks to standardized power delivery protocols. Modern devices communicate to negotiate appropriate charging speeds.
Apple's AirPlay lets you stream content from your iPhone or MacBook directly to your television. The process requires just a few steps and works with most modern Apple and compatible smart TVs.
Google Pixel phones include a built-in troubleshooting tool designed to resolve Bluetooth connection issues. The feature provides a straightforward starting point for diagnosing and fixing common wireless problems.
The Analogue 3D upscales retro Nintendo 64 games effectively, though it doesn't deliver native 4K resolution. The device uses sophisticated scaling technology with important limitations worth understanding.
Several popular smartwatch models will receive their final software updates this year, signaling the end of their support lifecycle. Manufacturers are phasing out these devices as newer models take over.
Asus has released the ROG Swift PG27UCWM, an OLED gaming monitor featuring a novel RGB Stripe sub-pixel arrangement. The new design delivers measurable improvements in display clarity and performance.
Wi-Fi 8 marks a significant shift in wireless standards, focusing on reliability and power efficiency rather than chasing faster data rates. The upgrade addresses practical home network challenges that have accumulated over years of speed-focused iterations.
Apple's redesigned Shortcuts app in iOS 27 allows users to build custom automations without coding. A developer created seven functional shortcuts ranging from productivity tools to environmental monitoring.
Nvidia's high-end AI servers powered by Vera Rubin and Grace Blackwell chips will cost approximately 15 percent more, driven by a DRAM shortage from major suppliers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.
The HP OmniBook 3 demonstrates that adequate RAM matters more than premium materials in today's laptop market. At $520, this mid-range device undercuts competitors while offering practical specifications.
Waymo's vehicles operate at Level 4 automation, handling most driving tasks independently. Level 5 represents full autonomy across all conditions—a threshold that remains significantly harder to cross.
The World Humanoid Robot Games have launched in Beijing with 666 international teams competing using over 2,000 humanoid robots.
Apple's device trade-in program accepts older iPhone models than most users realize, potentially offering credit toward new purchases for phones sitting in drawers for years.
A developer successfully executed Adobe Photoshop on a microcontroller costing £0.60, demonstrating unexpected capability in minimal hardware.
Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL delivers faster camera performance and AI features like Rambler, but the upgrade cycle remains largely iterative for existing Pixel owners.
Kobo e-readers can now run third-party applications through Cobalt, a new framework that enables app functionality on the devices. The development comes as e-reader makers explore expanding beyond traditional reading.
Two newly released devices are designed with user repairs in mind, moving against industry trends of sealed, unrepairable products.
GrapheneOS has announced its initial partnership focus with Motorola will center on a traditional non-folding smartphone rather than a foldable device.
RayNeo is releasing a new AI-powered headset that eliminates cameras and speakers, instead focusing on text-based overlays as its primary interface.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has granted Geely a two-year permit to operate the country's first private satellite Internet of Things trial. The approval marks a significant step in opening China's space connectivity market to private companies.
Waymo published technical details about the computing hardware and software powering its self-driving vehicles, offering rare transparency into the systems managing real-world autonomous operations.
HoverAir has stopped accepting US orders for its Versa modular drone just three days after launching on Indiegogo. The device, which combines a camera with snap-on propeller wings, now faces shipping restrictions due to FCC regulations.
Pebble's $225 Time 2 smartwatch combines physical buttons, e-paper display technology, and multi-week battery life with a playful approach to wearables that stands apart from mainstream competitors.
Motorola will release phones running GrapheneOS in 2027, marking the private Android variant's first expansion beyond Google Pixels. The devices will carry premium pricing above comparable Pixel models.
Google's Pixel 11 introduces Camera Looks, a new suite of photography features designed to reduce over-processing and restore the softer aesthetic of older smartphone photos.
Walmart will accept contactless payments via phone and smartwatch by the end of 2026. Sam's Club will also enable tap-to-pay functionality during the same timeframe.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 delivers solid performance and design but launches with notable feature gaps. The device shows promise but requires software updates to reach its full potential.
Rising demand for Meta's AI-enabled glasses has sparked privacy backlash, prompting users to adopt detection apps like Zuckoff to identify when they're being recorded.
Google's Pixelsnap wireless charger and stand combo is available at half price. The Qi2-enabled device offers fast magnetic charging for compatible devices.
Nyrius has unveiled the Phoenix Home True 4K60, a wireless transmission device that streams games, TV, and movies throughout homes without physical cables. The 2026 model transmits signals through walls, addressing the persistent problem of cable management.
Japan's government is investing an additional ¥150 billion ($944 million) in chip startup Rapidus Corp. as part of its strategy to compete in the global AI semiconductor market against established players like TSMC.
RayNeo has unveiled two distinct AR smart glasses models targeting opposite user preferences: one emphasizing discretion and another prioritizing advanced features for power users.
Samsung Electronics is expected to regain the top position in the global smartphone market this year, according to Counterpoint Research. The company's stronger ability to weather elevated memory-chip costs gives it an edge over competitors during the market downturn.
Genki unveiled its first independently designed gamepad today, the Manta, featuring a large LCD screen and extensive customization options for buttons and thumbsticks.
RoboStore, the US distributor of China's leading humanoid robots, is accelerating domestic manufacturing plans following an FCC ban on foreign-made robots.
A recent Windows 11 update is causing widespread game crashes and system instability. Microsoft has launched an investigation into the issue.
Google's new HiLight notification LED on the Pixel 11 Pro ships with severely limited functionality. A developer has created an app to expand its capabilities beyond the stock two-use limitation.
Chinese robotics firm Unitree predicts commercial viability for humanoid robots within two years, as the industry shifts focus from entertainment to industrial and household applications.
Sennheiser's new Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds feature user-replaceable batteries in both the earpieces and charging case, addressing a major sustainability concern for wireless audio devices.
LG Display introduced FLiPP, a new OLED manufacturing process that promises brighter, longer-lasting, and more efficient panels. The technology was unveiled at IMID 2026 on August 19th.
LeadShine Technology's strategic investment director says China has dramatically accelerated humanoid robot development cycles, compressing timelines from years to mere months.
HoverAir is marketing its latest device as a camera rather than a drone to potentially bypass the FCC's December 2025 ban on foreign drone imports. The classification could determine whether the product reaches US consumers.
Framework is replacing some out-of-warranty AMD mainboards after a BIOS update rendered Ryzen 7040 laptops unusable. The company acknowledged the issue and committed to replacements despite warranty limitations.
The FDA has cleared an automated blood draw robot for use in outpatient medical settings, marking the first approval of its kind. The device could eventually replace manual blood draws in doctor's offices and clinics.
Amazon and Best Buy are discounting Apple's latest iPad Air M4, offering the 11-inch model at $649—$100 below the June retail increase.
Valve accidentally published setup and unboxing videos for its Steam Frame VR headset on the ARM Steam client before quickly removing them. The leaked footage provides the first detailed look at the device's physical setup process and accessories.
The smartwatch industry faces an uncertain future as manufacturers experiment with AI and new features without clear direction. The Google Pixel Watch 5 exemplifies the current state of wearables: functional but caught between competing visions.
Google's Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL deliver compelling AI-driven software features, particularly advanced voice typing, but offer limited hardware improvements over their predecessors.
Nvidia is connecting companies with its GPUs to Nordic data center operators who have available deployment capacity, according to sources speaking with CNBC.
The Mova V70 robot vacuum reaches tight spaces under kitchen stools and chairs where most competing models fail, addressing a persistent cleaning gap in common dining areas.
Home battery systems are rapidly becoming affordable and accessible, with companies like Tesla and Base Power competing in a surging market. A breakthrough in battery technology has made widespread adoption possible.
The Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Neo both offer premium builds at $700, but testing reveals meaningful differences in performance and value despite identical 8GB RAM configurations.
Comcast has introduced Xfinity Shield, a home protection system that combines motion detection via Wi-Fi with family and cybersecurity features. The service integrates multiple security layers into a single platform.
HP's latest Omnibook X delivers solid performance across the board without pursuing flashy features. The 2026 model prioritizes reliability and functionality over novelty.
Starlink's Mini satellite dish can technically work at home, but pricing makes it an expensive choice for residential customers compared to standard plans.