Technology

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is already shaping up to be a beast of a GPU, given the specs unveiled at CES 2025, but if a new report is correct, it could have been even more of a monster.

A well-regarded rumor miller, HXL, shared a post on the Chinese hardware forum ChipHell that claims to show the PCB for an early prototype RTX 5090, along with some rather eye-watering specs well beyond those for the production model RTX 5090 due out next week.

According to the poster, the prototype was an engineering sample produced in mid-July 2024 and was sent to AIB partners to help them prepare their own versions of the GPU. How the user got their hand on the prototype – assuming it's real, which is not at all certain, so take everything with a heap of salt – they did not say, but they did provide some of the supposed specs on the sample.

This includes the GPU SKU of GB202-200-A1, a CUDA core count of 24,576 (or about 13% more than the 21,760 in the production RTX 5090), a slightly higher clock speed of 2,100MHz base and 2,514MHz boost, and slightly faster GDDR7 memory modules clocked at 32Gbps (compared to the 28 Gbps chips in the production RTX 5090). These would have pushed the card's memory bandwidth to 2TB/s rather than 1.79TB/s for the production 5090.

Given the CUDA core count, we can also extrapolate that there would have been 192 SMs for the GPU, so 192 ray tracing cores and 768 Tensor cores for AI workloads.

The most incredible spec, however, is the 800W TDP, which is almost double the power draw of the RTX 4090 and about 40% more than the RTX 5090. As such, it would require two 12VHPWR connectors to supply enough power for the card.

Could it be a Blackwell Titan RTX?

As our buddies over at Tom's Hardware note, this card could also fit the specs of a Titan RTX card built on Blackwell or an RTX 5090 Ti. We haven't seen a Titan RTX since the Turing era, though the argument can be made (and has) that the RTX 3090 and RTX 4090 graphics cards are the successors to the Titan RTX cards of old, and it's definitely possible that an RTX 5090 TI could sport these kinds of increased specs.

Personally, if the GPU posted to ChipHell is legitimately an early engineering sample of the RTX 5090 that has made its way to production, I think it is simply that: a sample. It'd be analogous to a first- or second-draft GPU before refining the architecture down to the RTX 5090 that will go on sale next week.

While it's interesting to see some behind-the-scenes engineering compared to the actual production model, ultimately, it probably isn't much more than that.

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• Microsoft is testing AI-powered search for Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs.
• The new feature lets users find local files using casual language.
• Microsoft is also testing AI-powered 'Click to Do' rewriting tools.

Microsoft is testing an AI-powered search feature for Windows 11 that promises to end the days of organizing and naming your files well to find them later. Currently only available to testers with Copilot+ PCs, this new search tool uses semantic indexing to locate files with a conversational twist.

So, instead of wracking your brain for precise filenames, you can now type casual queries like, “Where’s that presentation I made last week?” With any luck, the AI will find it.

The feature works across Settings, File Explorer, and the taskbar, covering standard file formats for images, documents, and spreadsheets. Since it relies on built-in AI models, there is no need for an internet connection. That said, the search will only work in locations you’ve chosen to index. You can index everything by switching to the new "enhanced" mode, but that might require more trust in Microsoft than is comfortable.

Still, for those who feel their digital lives are scattered across desktops, downloads, and who-knows-where, the feature is definitely going to be helpful, even if it's limited to the computer for now. That means you can't search your cloud-stored OneDrive files yet, though Microsoft says that capability is on the way. Still, if you’re not on a Copilot Plus machine, you’re out of luck for now.

Copilot+

The feature is a logical extension of Microsoft’s AI agenda, which aims to weave AI tools across the company's products. On Copilot+ PCs, those tools include other features undergoing testing, like Click to Do, which lets users perform AI-powered tasks with a simple keyboard-and-mouse shortcut. You just highlight a chunk of text, hold the Windows key, and click to access a menu of options, including “Rewrite” and the grammar-correcting “Refine.”

Microsoft’s AI ambitions are clearly all about making life easier for people, provided you’ve invested in the proper hardware. Shifting from rigid commands to a more human approach has obvious appeal. The days of typing exact filenames or endless keywords could be numbered. And it's a relatively small step from helping find your PowerPoint deck to helping you write it.

Whether this is the killer app that gets people to buy a Copilot+ PC as Microsoft wants is still debatable. But if it can save you from renaming files with “final_final_v2” for the millionth time, it might just be worth it.

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Aside from the possible introduction of artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI agents, autonomous processes that you can instruct to perform complex tasks for you on your computer, will be perhaps the biggest new AI feature in 2025. Agents could be essential for turning your mobile phone into a true AI assistant, capable of doing whatever you ask it without you needing to get involved.

OpenAI has been teasing us with the release of its first AI agent, called Operator, for a while now, but the latest code leak suggests that it could arrive very soon and on the Mac.

A new leak on X from Tibor Blaho claims to have revealed evidence that OpenAI’s Operator agent is coming to the ChatGPT Mac app. Tobor has discovered hidden options to define shortcuts for the desktop launcher to “Toggle Operator” and “Force Quit Operator,” which might indicate that you might need a quick way to shut it down if it gets out of control!

Confirmed - the ChatGPT macOS desktop app has hidden options to define shortcuts for the desktop launcher to "Toggle Operator" and "Force Quit Operator" https://t.co/rSFobi4iPN pic.twitter.com/j19YSlexASJanuary 19, 2025

Tobor also claims to have found code in the browser version of ChatGPT that references Operator with references to an “Operator System Card Table,” “Operator Research Eval Table,” and “Operator Refusal Rate Table.” The last entry indicates that perhaps the Operator fails to perform the tasks it is asked to do enough to require a refusal rate.

OpenAI website already has references to Operator/OpenAI CUA (Computer Use Agent) - "Operator System Card Table", "Operator Research Eval Table" and "Operator Refusal Rate Table"Including comparison to Claude 3.5 Sonnet Computer use, Google Mariner, etc.(preview of tables… pic.twitter.com/OOBgC3ddkUJanuary 20, 2025

Automating daily tasks

Recently, one of the founders of OpenAI, Wojciech Zaremba, slammed rival Anthropic in a post on X for releasing its AI agent without the necessary safety precautions in place. His post read:

“Anthropic — just released a computer-using agent without any safety mitigations. I can only imagine the negative reactions if OpenAI made a similar release”.

Where does the gap between perception and reality on AGI company safety come from?https://t.co/hu2UBxwkSW — Elon is very vocal about safety, but so far, no one at https://t.co/hu2UBxwkSW works on safety.Anthropic — just released a computer-using agent without any safety…December 14, 2024

It's an AI agent's ability to integrate into your daily computer tasks that makes it such a big step forward for AI and has the potential to change how we interact with our devices entirely. Just imagine if you didn’t have to book hotel rooms yourself, pay bills, or even write code.

Obviously, a lot of work is going to need to be done before people will trust an AI agent to perform such tasks autonomously, and privacy will be a key issue.

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• President Trump has signed an executive order to introduce a new advisory group
• The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be spearheaded by Elon Musk
• The department is tasked with modernizing government software and digital infrastructure

The newly-inaugurated President Trump has signed a slew of executive orders after being sworn in, including announcing the US Digital services (USDS) will be renamed as the US DOGE Services (also the USDS).

The advisory group known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has been tasked with restoring, "competence and effectiveness to our federal government," Trump confirmed in his inaugural speech.

DOGE has already made its first efficiency cut in its co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy, who was previously tipped to join Tesla CEO Elon Musk in heading up the department, but sources have since announced he will instead run for Governor of Ohio.

Not quite a department

To create an official federal executive department, a President must introduce an Act of Congress, so this newly created group doesn’t have the powers of an executive department - which would be required to carry out the reorganization and extensive job and budget cuts proposed by Musk and Ramaswamy.

The executive order instead established plans for "software modernization" to advance government network infrastructure and IT systems, as well giving the USDS access to "unclassified" agency records, IT and software systems "consistent with law".

As well as modernization plans, the executive order has created a temporary organization, the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization, set to terminate on July 4, 2026, which will look to advance Trump’s "18-month DOGE agenda."

Musk has previously suggested that DOGE will facilitate $2 trillion in cuts by downsizing the workforce and reducing waste, although experts have warned this would not be possible.

Three lawsuits have been filed in federal court since the executive order was signed, alleging that the department violates transparency requirements, as well as emphasizing the lack of balance in its membership, and proper advisory committee procedures.

Via TechCrunch

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• Getac ZX10 rugged slate is aimed at professionals working in challenging outdoorenvironments
• It uses a Qualcomm CPU with a NPU, making it ready for AI workloads
• It has hot swappable batteries and is IP66 certified - but you can't use it underwater

Rugged phones and tablets are increasingly providing features beyond just durability. Some rugged devices include thermal scanners, camping lights and even laser projectors, while many now come with giant batteries that can last for weeks between charges.

Getac, which has been making rugged computer products for over 30 years, has unveiled its latest tablet, the ZX10, a 10-inch fully rugged Android device built specifically for professionals who work in tough environments, so it’s all about strength and reliability rather than non-essential features.

Designed for industries like public safety, utilities, and logistics, the tablet is built to last with MIL-STD-810H and IP66 certifications, protecting it from drops, dust, and water. It works in temperatures from -29°C to 63°C, and in heavy rain (but not underwater) and weighs only 906g, making it the lightest rugged tablet of its size.

Hot swappable batteries

The ZX10 is powered by Qualcomm’s QCS6490 processor and NPU, which should provide strong performance and support for advanced AI tasks without using too much power. It comes with 8GB LPDDR5 memory and up to 256GB of storage. The bright 1,000 nits LumiBond screen can be used in sunlight, rain, or with gloves. There is also an option for a stylus and digitizer for more accurate input.

Connectivity is provided in the form of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, and it has dual SIM support (Nano SIM and eSIM) and optional dual-band GPS for quick data transfer and precise location tracking. Other options include 4G LTE, 5G Sub-6, NFC, and barcode scanning.

The ZX10 comes with two batteries that can be swapped during use to avoid downtime, and customers can choose a single-battery setup for use in vehicles or a high-capacity battery.

Running Android 13, the ZX10 is Android Enterprise Recommended, with security updates and feature improvements for five years. Getac says it will support three Android OS upgrades for the device.

“For field-based professionals, device weight can have a significant impact on productivity, particularly when carrying and/or operating it for extended periods of time,” says James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation.

“Not only is the next generation ZX10 the lightest 10-inch fully rugged tablet currently available on the market, but its powerful combination of AI-ready performance, extensive configurability, fully rugged reliability, and intuitive Android OS makes it one of the most versatile as well.”

The ZX10 works with Getac’s Essentials Suite for improved productivity and it is available to buy now, with pricing available on request.

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• Leak teases Asus Tarius VR headset
• Tarius will boast eye-tracking and high-end displays
• Likely to be one of the first third-party Horizon OS headsets to ship

Since the announcement that Asus, Lenovo, and Xbox would be partnering with Meta to create third-party Horizon OS VR headsets – that’s the operating system Meta’s Quest devices use – we’ve heard next to nothing about them, leading me to worry that maybe the plans had fallen through like the Meta-LG Collab seemingly did.

Thankfully, that does not appear to be the case, at least for Asus. We finally have our first details about its Tarius Horizon OS headset – and it’s already proving exactly why these collaborations need to happen.

Part of the Asus ROG family of devices (suggesting it’ll have a heavy gaming focus) Tarius is reportedly the device’s codename, with the details being leaked by Lunayian – who was spot-on with Meta Quest 3S leaks. Luna adds that Tarius will include eye-tracking and face-tracking, and it will either use micro-OLED or QD-LCD with local dimming screens – presumably to achieve high contrast for stunning visuals.

NEW: Details on the upcoming ASUS ROG VR headset running Meta Horizon OS.It is codenamed Tarius, and will likely be one of the first 3P Horizon OS HMDs to ship.It is planned to include Eye Tracking and Face Tracking. The displays will be QD-LCD with local dimming or µOLED. pic.twitter.com/K5pYxcBK4hJanuary 12, 2025

While this isn’t a lot to go on, these specs alone would suggest the ROG headset will be a high-end (and high-priced) VR gaming headset. You don’t see eye-tracking on low-end machines, and the same goes for those displays – which could rival the impressive screens we got from the Apple Vision Pro.

As always, remember that leaks should be taken with a pinch of salt as nothing is official yet, though Luna’s track record means these leaks are still well worth our attention.

A high-end hybrid?

Unless the Asus Tarius headset packs some kind of next-gen chipset rather than the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 we have in the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, its displays could be overkill for standalone experiences. That said, they would be ideal for PCVR – powered by a high-end Asus PC like the 5090-packing laptops it showcased at CES 2025.

The HTC Vive Focus Vision (Image credit: Future)

This could mean Tarius aims to do what the HTC Vive Focus Vision tried and (unfortunately) failed to: be a full-on VR headset hybrid for both superb standalone and PCVR.

Thanks to Horizon OS, Tarius already has a significant leg-up on the standalone front over the Focus Vision thanks to the operating system's best-in-class suite of software exclusives.

If it can also manage its weight and comfort – and throw in features like DisplayPort connectivity for a lossless video connection to a PC – Tarius could be the high-end hybrid headset we’ve been waiting for.

And this is precisely what I wanted from these collaborations.

A golden age of VR approaches

Meta’s more mass-market Quest headsets are fantastic, but because they have to be a middle-of-the-road product to appeal to as many as possible, they can’t specialize in appealing to one specific segment, like high-end gamers.

This means these specialized customers have had to make do either with pricey headsets that lack Horizon OS and therefore feel decidedly second-place or a Quest headset, which is great value for money but isn’t outputting the visuals they want and deserve – essentially forcing us to choose software or hardware superiority.

Tarius is already shaping up as the ideal VR enthusiast device as it looks set to deliver in terms of both software and hardware. There’s plenty more we still need to learn about it from a price and specs perspective before we can declare it a VR champion, but if Asus can stick the landing its device could rocket to the top of our best VR headsets list – and I can’t wait to find out more about it.

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