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Subsea internet cables can now ‘listen’ for sabotage using irregular pulses of light

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 05:05
  • Subsea cables can detect disturbances in the light pulses they carry
  • These can be used to locate potential sources of sabotage or damage
  • Acoustic sabotage detection will become more common for subsea cables

Following several recent incidents of sabotage against undersea internet cables, many European countries, the European Union, and NATO, are looking for ways to detect attacks as and when they happen.

AP Sensing has now developed a way to ‘listen’ for irregular light pulses travelling through undersea fiber optic cables caused by acoustic energy, such as a diver touching a cable, or a ship dragging its anchor towards one.

Over 95% of the world's internet traffic travels using undersea cables, with damage to these cables being the leading cause of internet disruptions in early 2024.

Detecting sabotage

During a diver detection demonstration shown to the BBC, Daniel Gerwig, global sales manager at AP Sensing, said, “He stops and just touches the cable lightly, you clearly see the signal. The acoustic energy which travels through the fiber is basically disturbing our signal. We can measure this disturbance.”

In addition to the disturbances created by the acoustic energy of a diver touching the cable or a ship passing by, the light signals travelling through fiber optic cables can also be disturbed by changes in temperature, potentially indicating that a section has become unburied.

The technology developed by AP Sensing can also provide some approximate insight into a vessel’s size, location, and even direction of travel. The technology does not require brand new cables to be installed, as the system can use ‘dark’ or unused fibers, or live fibers with free channels.

The system is not perfect however, and requires listening stations to be installed on the cables around every 100km or so, with Gerwig noting that its systems can pick up vibrations up to hundreds of meters away, but “usually not several kilometers away.” The detection distance also varies on how much acoustic energy is transmitted into the cables.

Many other telecommunications and subsea cable companies are developing novel ways of detecting potential damage or sabotage of undersea cables following damage to a number of cables in the Baltic Sea that evidence suggests was deliberately caused by Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.

Russia’s shadow fleet is made up of incognito commercial shipping vessels that appear to be engaged in maritime trade, but in reality often conduct reconnaissance, espionage, and, in this case, subsea cable sabotage. The vessels often have complex ownership structures and obscured or unknown insurance.

In 2024, the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) in response to increasing geopolitical tensions and the targeting of subsea cables by groups in the Red Sea area.

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Categories: Technology

AI innovation in business: moving beyond scale to drive real results

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 04:45

The Paris AI Summit brought global leaders together to discuss pressing topics such as AI safety and governance. However, one key takeaway from the summit was the ongoing divide between policy makers and their goals versus the everyday challenges businesses face when it comes to integrating AI and maximizing its results.

While global discussions on AI tools often focus on increasing compute power, the real question for businesses is not just about capacity, but how effectively AI is utilized.

Speed Over Scale: The True Competitive Advantage

In the race to leverage AI, businesses often focus on scaling up their technology—purchasing more powerful software, adopting advanced algorithms, and increasing computational resources. While these efforts provide short-term improvements, the true competitive advantage lies in how quickly AI can deliver actionable insights. As opposed to simply aiming to expand AI’s capabilities, businesses should focus on how AI can help drive faster, data-driven decision-making.

The real differentiator is speed. In an AI-driven landscape, latency can substantially impact the agility of a company. Organizations that optimize their AI systems to deliver faster results will have the ability to respond more quickly to market changes, customer demands, and emerging opportunities, which all impact upon business successes. The faster a business can act on data insights, the more likely it is for the business to stay ahead of the competition.

Optimizing AI for Workforce Productivity

Treating AI as a supplementary tool or a “nice-to-have” often results in missed opportunities. The most successful AI deployments are those that embed the technology into the core of the organization, where it can seamlessly integrate with business workflows across teams and drive real value.

The key to unlocking productivity gains is ensuring that AI works in tandem with other systems within the organization. It’s not enough to simply apply AI to individual tasks; companies need to focus on integrating it into key areas like customer service, supply chain management, and fraud detection, where its impact can be maximized. By aligning AI with core business processes, organizations can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the speed at which they make decisions.

Beyond operational efficiency, AI is also transforming workforce productivity. Businesses are now using AI-driven automation to enhance employee workflows, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks and allowing staff to focus on higher-value work. AI-powered tools can streamline project management, improve collaboration, and enhance decision-making across departments.

The future of AI in business lies with organizations that leverage AI to empower their workforce both horizontally and vertically to ensure all levels and all teams are using the technology to their advantage. This will see gains in efficiency and improvements in employee satisfaction and innovation.

Achieving AI Maturity: Strategy, Implementation, and Growth

To fully realize AI’s potential, businesses must approach its adoption as a long-term strategy rather than a quick technological fix. A structured AI roadmap—focused on clear business objectives, continuous optimization, and workforce enablement—can help organizations unlock sustained value.

The companies that succeed with AI will be those that not only integrate it into their operations but also cultivate an AI-first mindset. By embedding AI-driven insights into everyday decision-making, businesses can build resilience, accelerate growth, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As AI continues to evolve, businesses that prioritize strategic integration, real-time insights, and measurable impact will be best positioned for long-term success. The key is not just adopting AI, but using it intelligently to drive agility, efficiency, and innovation. Now is the time for organizations to move beyond theoretical discussions and take actionable steps toward AI-driven transformation.

We list the best IT infrastructure management service.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Categories: Technology

What time is Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 going to be released on Disney+?

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 04:00

It's hard to believe we're already a third of the way through Daredevil: Born Again season 1. But, even though we're three episodes down on the latest Marvel TV show, there are still six more to go. We won't be bidding farewell to Matt Murdock and company just yet, then.

So, when will Born Again's fourth episode be available to stream on Disney+? In this article, I'll reveal when it'll launch in the US, UK, and Australia. I've also included a full episode release schedule at the bottom of this guide, so you can commit it to memory and work out when new episodes will be released.

When can I watch Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 on Disney+ in the US?

"What do you mean we have to wait until Tuesday night to watch episode 4?" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Just like its three predecessors, Daredevil: Born Again's fourth chapter will be available to watch at 6PM PT and 9PM ET. It'll air on Tuesday, March 18 on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services, too, for those wondering.

What is Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 going to come out in the UK?

"Vanessa, the wait for episode 4 is even longer for our UK fans" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

UK viewers will be reunited with Matt Murdock and his superhero alias Daredevil (well, if the latter shows up this week) on Wednesday, March 19 at 1AM GMT.

New episodes of the Marvel Phase 5 TV series will drop at that time next week as well. After that, though, the clocks will go forward in the UK, so the Disney+ UK release time will change from April 2 onwards. But, those of us who live on British shores will worry about that closer to the time.

When will Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 get released in Australia?

Looking through the Disney+ Australia schedule to find out when episode 4 will air like... (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Born Again's fourth entry is set to make its Disney+ debut in Australia on Wednesday, March 19 at 12PM AEDT.

Like the UK, the episodic release time will change Down Under soon. The clocks will go back on Sunday, April 6, so you'll need to take that into account once it happens. I'll let you know when new episodes of this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will launch on Disney+ in Australia once that takes effect.

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When will new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again be released where I live?

Will Muse finally show his face – I mean, mask – in episode 4? (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

New chapters of Daredevil: Born Again, which is one of the best Disney+ shows around, will arrive every week. There is one exception to that rule, though. In February, it was revealed that Born Again will have an unusual Disney+ launch schedule.

The reason? The forthcoming release of Andor season 2. The highly-anticipated Star Wars show's second and final season will be released on April 22. To stave off a clash between it and Born Again, the latter's first season needs to end before the first three episodes of Andor's sophomore outing are with us.

In short: Daredevil: Born Again has to wrap up by April 15. Here, then, is when new entries will air on Disney+:

  • Episode 1 – out now
  • Episode 2 – out now
  • Episode 3 – out now
  • Episode 4 – March 18 (US); March 19 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 5 – March 25 (US); March 26 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 6 – March 25 (US); March 26 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 7 – April 1 (US); April 2 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 8 – April 8 (US); April 9 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 9 – April 15 (US); April 16 (UK and Australia)
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Categories: Technology

Dealing with the issue of CISO stress

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 02:32

Across Europe the role of the CISO has become increasingly demanding in recent years, as the scope of the role has expanded to include more C-level interactions, more direct alignment with broader business strategy, and as cybersecurity threats and technical environments have become bigger and more complex. CISOs oversee teams that are on the front lines of a constant battle against evolving attack vectors, and the CISO themselves often have quite a high seat at the business table.

The pressure to maintain airtight security while navigating complex regulations and internal business priorities is taking a toll. According to a recent survey 35% of UK CISOs experience regular stress and overwork, highlighting a growing crisis that threatens not only individual well-being, but also the security posture of businesses. Can businesses effectively protect themselves from cyber threats when the leaders responsible for their security are stressed out?

Business Impact of Burnout

The challenge security teams face is compounded by an increasingly complex threat landscape. Beyond traditional (but still incredibly prevalent and effective) threats such as phishing and malware; teams are facing sophisticated ransomware attacks that can cripple entire organizations, extortion, supply chain attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in third-party software, and possibly (in the coming years) AI-powered attacks (though the jury’s still out on that one).

This isn't just an issue of retention: burnout on the security team can translate into increased vulnerability to cyberattacks. Exhausted security professionals can be more prone to make mistakes, miss critical alerts, and struggle to implement effective security strategies. In fact, companies with burned-out security teams are more likely to experience a data breach, with the average cost of such breaches now exceeding millions.

Additionally, high CISO turnover due to burnout exacerbates the existing cybersecurity skills shortage, making it even harder for organizations to build and maintain strong security teams. Replacing a CISO represents a significant investment, not to mention the prospect of disruption and loss of in-house knowledge.

A Reactive vs. Proactive Approach

CISO burnout threatens to prevent security leaders from focusing on strategic initiatives, such as building a robust security culture or implementing proactive threat-detecting programs. When CISOs are constantly putting out fires, they don't have time to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that aligns with business goals. This inability to strategically plan and implement can hinder innovation and growth, as businesses become hesitant to adopt new technologies or expand into new markets due to security concerns.

A Multi-Pronged Approach

So, what can businesses do to address the issue of CISO stress (and, for that matter, stress within the wider security team)? There's no silver bullet, but a multi-pronged approach is key. I would recommend:

1. Cultivating a culture of cybersecurity awareness: Cybersecurity needs to be recognized as a core business imperative, not just an IT issue. CISOs need direct and meaningful engagement with boards to ensure security priorities align with business objectives. This requires a cultural shift that empowers CISOs to effectively communicate the risks and needs of their teams.

2. Realistic resource allocation: Boards need to provide adequate funding and resources for cybersecurity teams. This includes not only financial investment in technology and personnel but also realistic expectations regarding workload and responsibilities. CISOs cannot be expected to be on-call 24/7. Organizations should create structured downtime policies and distribute security responsibilities more effectively.

3. Prioritizing work-life balance: Promoting work-life balance for CISOs and their teams is crucial. This includes encouraging mandatory vacation time, offering flexible work arrangements where possible, and providing access to mental health resources and support programs. A healthy and rested security team is a more effective security team.

4. Technology that enables, rather than overloads: AI and automation have the potential to ease the workload, but they should be implemented strategically. The focus should be on tools that reduce noise and improve efficiency, not add to the existing overload. Adopting the right technology can free up CISOs and their teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

5. Investing in wellbeing programs: Investing in mental health, exercise, and broader wellness initiatives, including peer support networks, and leadership coaching for cybersecurity professionals is not just about retention - it's about ensuring that cybersecurity teams can function at their best. These programs demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, helping CISOs and their teams manage stress and burnout.

The Future of Cybersecurity Leadership

If businesses continue to push CISOs while offering insufficient support, they risk not only losing key talent but also compromising their own security resilience. Without a concerted effort to create a sustainable working environment, businesses will continue to face high turnover rates, increased security risks, and ultimately, a weakened ability to protect their assets. Now is the time for corporate leaders to take meaningful action before more CISOs succumb to the pressures of an already demanding profession.

Checkout our list of the best identity management software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Categories: Technology

Viewsonic's 5K monitor finally goes on sale, but is it already too little too late to make a splash?

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 21:05
  • ViewSonic VP2788-5K enters the growing 5K space, but does it justify its premium price tag?
  • ASUS ProArt PA27JCV offers pro-level color accuracy without breaking the bank
  • Samsung ViewFinity S9 redefines what a 5K monitor can be with built-in smart TV capabilities

The growing market for 5K and 8K monitors has seen more brands introducing high-resolution monitors for photo editing and video editing, with ViewSonic becoming the 10th vendor to enter this space by unveiling its VP2788-5K at the Pepcom Digital Experience in January 2025.

ViewSonic had announced the VP2788-5K would launch in Q1 2025, but scepticism arose due to the fate of its previous 8K monitor, the VP3286-8K, which was announced but never reached the market, raising concerns about potential delays.

However, the VP2788-5K has broken this trend, and it's now officially available on Amazon.

ViewSonic VP2788-5K: A professional-grade 5K monitor

(Image credit: ViewSonic)

The ViewSonic VP2788-5K is a 27-inch monitor with a 5120 x 2880 resolution, making it one of the smallest 5K displays available, and specifically designed for Mac users and creative professionals, offering 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage to ensure precise and accurate visuals.

It has Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, which supports data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, 100W power delivery, and daisy-chaining for dual-monitor setups, while HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB-A ports enhance compatibility with a variety of devices.

With Pantone validation and HDR400 certification, the VP2788-5K delivers vibrant colors and deep contrast, while its matte screen minimizes glare, and the ergonomic stand allows users to adjust height, tilt, and swivel for greater comfort.

At $1,041.66 on Amazon, the ViewSonic VP2788-5K is positioned as a premium option, but with alternatives offering similar features at lower prices, it remains to be seen whether it can still make an impact in the growing 5K monitor market.

Here are some other popular options that we spotted on Amazon, which sell for almost half the price of the Apple Studio Display.

ASUS ProArt PA27JCV: A budget-friendly 5K option

(Image credit: Amazon Product Review)

The ASUS ProArt PA27JCV is another 27-inch 5K monitor, priced at $799 on Amazon. Like the ViewSonic VP2788-5K, it offers 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB color accuracy, making it ideal for design and editing work.

It's Calman Verified, meaning it has been factory-calibrated for high color accuracy. The USB-C port provides 96W power delivery, supporting MacBooks and other USB-C devices.

The standout feature is Auto KVM, which enables seamless switching between multiple devices using a single keyboard and mouse, while LuxPixel technology reduces glare for better visibility in bright environments.

Samsung ViewFinity S9: A smart 5K alternative

(Image credit: Amazon Product Review)

Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 (LS27C900PANXZA) is another contender in the 5K monitor market, priced at $848 on Amazon. Unlike the other two monitors, it includes smart features, making it a hybrid between a monitor and a TV.

It has 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and a matte display to reduce reflections. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity supports up to 90W charging, making it a convenient choice for Mac users.

It includes a detachable business webcam, a remote control, and a two-year warranty, setting it apart from traditional monitors. However, it lacks Pantone validation and Calman certification, which may be important for professional designers.

The increasing availability of affordable 5K monitors suggests that they're now a practical choice for professionals who need more detail than 4K but don’t require an 8K monitor — which remain rare and expensive.

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Amazon's Panos Panay teases future Alexa+ devices from speakers to possible wearables

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 21:00
  • Amazon's devices chief, Panos Panay, chatted Alexa+ hardware with Bloomberg
  • Panos teased new hardware across its entry, core, and signature categories
  • We'll likely see new speakers and smart displays, but also new device types, including wearables like smart glasses and 'wrist-worn devices'

Since October 2023, we’ve seen Panos Panay's arrival usher in changes within Amazon Devices group – think Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, and Alexa – at the broader shopping giant. Most recently, though, we saw Panos and his team at Amazon introduce a new Alexa, Alexa+, which reinvigorates the classic assistant with a ton of AI.

In a new interview with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Panay teases the next part of evolution and that he wants “perfection in every single product that we ship.”

He teased that he plans to re-engineer hardware across the lineup for more affordable, mid-range, and premium devices – dubbed ‘entry, core or signature.’

Better yet, Panos says battery life will be longer for portables, that the speakers will sound better – maybe even setting a standard higher than the first generation Echo Studio with a squeal – and, potentially taking a page from his time as Surface’s lead, promises ‘the best security available.’

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

It’s said that the first devices featuring Alexa+ that Panos has touched, beyond the Kindles and even the Echo Show 15 or 21, will arrive in the fall – think August to October of 2025.

Indeed, Panos is setting a high level for future Echo smart speakers and smart displays, as well as its lineup of Fire TV sticks and televisions, Fire HD tablets, and various other devices. We already saw the next generation of Kindle debuted in the last quarter of 2024, and in this wide-ranging interview, Panay stated: “There won’t be a corner cut. It won’t matter if we tried it before. It won’t matter what you thought it used to be.”

This could lead to a sharper focus for Amazon’s entire devices team, which is still starting at the customer and working backwards but also putting out future devices with more polish. It could also be a device type that Amazon has tried. However, this does not mean Amazon is bringing back the short-lived Fire Phone – Panos made it clear he doesn’t have plans to do that, though it’s not entirely off the table.

More likely, it could mean reinvestment in robots for the home, like the Ring Always Home Cam – a flying security drone – and Amazon Astro. The latter is still an invite-only Day One product, but Panos summed up a big part of the vision as giving folks a reason or a better one to use Alexa.

On Astro and robots as a whole, Panos said, “if a robot is part of that, then I’ll make sure we have a great robot.” He also hinted that augmented reality glasses and new wrist-worn devices could be part of a future lineup. This might mean future versions of Echo Frames could feature cameras, much like Ray-Ban Metas, but also be more full-featured devices with access to Alexa+. Panos confirmed that hardware upgrades are coming to Amazon’s current wearables, Echo Frames and Echo Buds.

It also makes more sense why Alexa+ had to be unveiled first. It will be the central feature of these future devices, essentially serving as the new platform on which they can hopefully excel. I still bet Amazon wants a screen in everyone’s house.

(Image credit: Future)

Like Panos’ strategy at Microsoft for Surface, Amazon’s forthcoming devices will likely have the utmost attention to detail and not just offer speeds for the sake of going fast but rather be there to provide some sort of functionality and genuine helpfulness for whoever is using it.

Panos stated, “We’re envisioning what’s the next thing for a customer when it comes to AI devices and we have some incredible ones.” It’s doubling down on Amazon’s devices lineup, and I’m just keen to see if Amazon will flood the market with new devices in the fall like its previous events or if it will be a more tempered approach. At the minimum, I hope for a few new Echo speakers across the entry, core, and signature lineup.

You can read the full interview with Panos Panay at Bloomberg here.

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New rumors predict a foldable iPhone will launch next year – and cost almost twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 18:00
  • The folding iPhone is again tipped to launch in 2026
  • A starting price of $2,300 has been predicted
  • It's unlikely that it will be unveiled this year

While rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, there's a growing pile of evidence that Apple is finally about to put a folding phone out into the world. Two fresh leaks give us a better idea of when it'll arrive and the high price tag that will accompany it.

First, analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities (via 9to5Mac) has suggested that 2026 will be when the folding iPhone breaks cover. It matches previous predictions from other sources and means a launch this year is now very unlikely.

Then there's an entirely separate report from analyst Tim Long from Barclays (via MacRumors), estimating that the foldable iPhone will set you back $2,300 or higher, depending on storage. That's almost twice the $1,199 starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Assuming the same percentage price jump in other countries, we'd be looking at £2,300 in the UK and AU$4,120 in Australia. If the launch is indeed happening within the next 18 months or so, you might want to start saving up.

The foldable cost

Oppo has also beaten Apple to a foldable (Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)

One useful comparison point to that folding iPhone price rumor would be the cost of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: the book-style foldable launched last July and is available at a starting price of $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,749.

It's quite a jump from there to the rumored price of Apple's foldable, but we've seen in the past that some consumers are prepared to pay premium prices for premium devices – and for devices with the Apple badge on them.

This high price rumor isn't necessarily a surprise either: previous predictions have hinted that the foldable iPhone will cost significantly more than $2,000. For that kind of money, we're hoping for an invisible crease and a self-healing screen.

Of course, none of this is official: analysts like Pu and Long make predictions based on sources working in the industry and supply chain, but it's only when Apple makes its announcement that we can be sure about what's coming.

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This fanless PC looks like a giant heatsink and has one incredible feature: five, yes five, 4K-capable HDMI ports

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 17:05
  • The Maxtang SXRL-20 mini PC's aluminum chassis doubles as a heatsink for stable operation
  • Five HDMI ports enable multi-display, digital signage, and surveillance setups
  • Fanless design ensures silent, efficient operation in industrial settings

The Maxtang SXRL-20 is a passively cooled mini PC powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Core processors, featuring an Intel Core i5-1235U with a thermal envelope of 12W to 55W TDP, while more powerful configurations with the Core i7-1255U and Core i3-1355U offer flexibility for high-performance computing in industrial and commercial settings.

Per Androidpc (originally in Spanish), this device offers dual NVMe/SATA 2280 slots, supporting up to 8TB of high-speed storage and memory configurations of up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM.

One of its standout features of this business computer is the inclusion of five HDMI ports, with four HDMI 2.0 outputs supporting 4K at 60Hz for digital signage, surveillance, or multi-display setups, while select models add an HDMI input for video capture.

No, it's not a giant heatsink

The Maxtang SXRL-20 features an array of aluminum fins designed to dissipate heat efficiently without the need for fans as its extra-flat aluminum chassis doubles as a large heatsink, eliminating the need for active cooling.

This passive cooling system ensures reliable operation in industrial and commercial environments where dust, vibration, or temperature fluctuations could impact conventional PCs.

The SXRL-20 also comes with a range of connectivity options, including two USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C port, dual Ethernet ports (one 2.5G), and a COM port for legacy systems, giving it the potential to be one of the best workstations available for industrial and commercial needs.

For wireless connectivity, an M.2 slot supports Wi-Fi or modem expansion and can accommodate up to six external antennas for enhanced network performance. This level of expandability makes it suitable for networking applications, remote monitoring, and IoT solutions.

The SXRL-20 supports Windows 11 Pro and is compatible with Linux distributions while features such as RTC-based scheduled power-on and automatic boot enhance its application in industrial automation and embedded computing.

The Maxtang SXRL-20 mini PC is available on AliExpress starting at €544, with free shipping to some regions.

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Categories: Technology

There's no need for a monitor with this Ryzen AI-powered mini PC

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 17:02
  • The Aoostar G-flip 370 is going to be released in "mid-March" 2025
  • It features an AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 APU and a 5-inch 1080p flip-up display
  • No pricing has been announced, but it's expected to retail for $700-800

Mini PC manufacturer Aoostar has announced its new G-Flip 370 model which features the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 SoC with 12 cores (24 threads) and a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz. It's billed as the "first AI370 mini PC with removable memory" and seeks to challenge what we typically expect from all-in-one machines. It launches in "mid-March".

Announced in a blog post, the Aoostar G-Flip 370 utilizes the HX 370 chip, featuring RDNA 3.5 architecture integrated graphics with the Radeon 890M baked onto the silicon. The company claims that this new mini PC will be able to play demanding games such as Black Myth: Wukong with a "frame rate of 70 to 80" whereas other titles, such as Naraka: Bladepoint and Genshin Impact should hit the 60fps mark in 1080p.

It claims that the Radeon 890M should be roughly in line with what the 45W RTX 2060M discrete graphics solution could do, even going as far as to promise 4K output in lesser-demanding releases like League of Legends (when hooked up to an external monitor). With some calling the Radeon 890M the "world's fastest iGPU", the claims are not entirely unfounded, but other sources have cited performance closer to a GTX 1070 instead (via Tom's Hardware). It can hold its own against an RTX 3050M, however, the performance is nowhere near as consistent (via Hubwood).

That's because the Aoostar G-Flip 370 features a 5-inch 1080p touchscreen display with a refresh rate of 60Hz that's billed as a "secondary screen". While the advertising suggests using it for system monitoring, it's fully functional as a small monitor that you could use for gaming or media playback - provided you're really close to it. This is similar to the old PS1 flip-up screens from the early 2000s as if you mounted one to a machine (roughly) the size of a Nintendo GameCube.

Arguably more interesting than the built-in display of the G-Flip 370 is the claim of being the "first AI370 mini PC with removable memory". There are two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots you'll have access to for storage expansion, as well as DDR5 memory modules that can be swapped out. The company was clear in citing people who were "tired of LPDDR memory" can "look forward to it" so the machine will have dedicated DDR5 sticks instead of the traditional LPDDR5 of many mini PCs in this form factor.

More than just another mini PC with a neat gimmick?

The Aoostar G-Flip 370 is an interesting device with a pleasing small footprint and some powerful hardware underneath. While its namesake and USP may point to the screen, it may not be something you get all that much use out of unless you're wanting to have it as a kind of desktop replacement for the likes of a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally X. You won't necessarily be gaming on a machine like this, but the practicality of having a secondary screen could be useful for a few different things, such as reading stream chat or diagnostics information.

At a time where more mini PCs are hitting the market, many backed by Ryzen AI hardware, it's becoming harder to standout. The G-Flip 370 certainly does, however, arguably more so for its M.2 ports and DDR5 RAM than a bolted-on display. The price is going to dictate whether a machine like this will catch on with consumers, and while no MSRP has been provided, some market estimates position it around the $700-800 mark. This is consistent with some of the company's other products, such as the Aoostar Gem12 Pro (max configuration) and the Aoostar Aoostar GT37).

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Categories: Technology

This prototype mini PC demonstrates a massive leap forward for integrated graphics in a console form factor

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 17:01
  • GMKtec's new prototype mini can run demanding games at 1440p above 60fps
  • It features an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU with a Radeon 8060S iGPU
  • No pricing or release date has been announced at this time

A new prototype mini PC from GMKtec is boasting what's been called the "best iGPU performance" ever seen with hardware that appears to play demanding titles at 1440p and over 60fps across the board.

Spotted by Tweak Town, GMKtec's latest mini PC prototype features an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU with 16 cores (32 threads) and a Radeon 8060S (with 40 RDNA 3.5 GPU CUs) baked onto the silicon. The result is a console-sized machine that boasts impressive figures all without the need for one of the best graphics cards inside.

YouTuber ETA Prime, featuring more than one million subscribers, had exclusive access to this prototype machine, being so locked down that the rig itself was pixelated throughout the video.

The results speak for themselves. The new mini PC was able to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 80fps average in the High preset at 1440p, with the recently released Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition (featuring new ray tracing functionality and lighting) running at 90fps in the Very High preset. It's a similar story for Marvel Rivals at 65fps natively with High settings, and 77fps in God of War Ragnarök maxed out, too.

Where we start to see the limitations of the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU's graphics performance is in the cutting-edge PC ports, as can be seen with Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Insomniac Games' latest superhero open-world title runs at a staggering 90fps in High settings, but this is with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) turned to Quality mode, meaning some upscaling had to be done to achieve ideal performance.

Well-optimized titles have no problem running to a high standard on the GMKtec machine, as can be observed with how it handles Doom Eternal in 1440p in Ultra Nightmare, with an average framerate of 140 without upscaling. This machine can handle some of the more demanding titles on the market without compromising on the performance or visuals despite lacking a desktop GPU.

It's a demonstration of what's possible from a higher-end APU when running at 140W compared to a lower wattage which could be seen from an all-in-one or laptop configuration. Ultimately, the price of a rig like this will make or break it for most people, as this could (hopefully) be an affordable way to bring PC gaming to the living room or as an out-an-out replacement for the Xbox Series S.

A step forward for integrated graphics

While an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU isn't going to make the best processors and graphics cards sweat with what it can do, considering it's an SoC running at 140W, we're impressed by the claimed level of performance on display. We've seen several other manufacturers have a level of success with previous-generation mini PC configurations, such as the Misinforum AX A1 Pro and the Beelink SER9 AI PC, however, this "Strix Halo" rig goes to show that the hardware can stand up to discrete solutions in an otherwise impossible form factor.

The SoC itself is billed by AMD as facilitating the "ultimate next-gen AI PCs" as it's primarily used in some of the best ultrabooks on the market, such as the Asus ROG Flow Z13. We don't typically think of Ryzen AI chips as gaming hardware, given the lack of discrete graphics (whether that's in laptop or desktop form). However, the chip inside the laptop has a default TDP of 55W and not the 140W that's claimed in the prototype testing footage.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 supports a configurable TDP range of between 45 and 120W, meaning the prototype mini PC would have been overclocked slightly, benefitting from additional airflow of the chassis and cases inside. As such, we're seeing what can happen from the latest Ryzen AI pushed beyond its limit and not necessarily what the final consumer product (if it is released) could do from GMKtec. The result could likely feature a 120W TDP, and lose up to 16% of its performance potential at the cost of stability and longevity, but this is yet to be confirmed.

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I reckon the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch with Metroid Prime 4 – here’s why

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 16:15
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is tipped to get a showcase at April's Nintendo Direct
  • If this tip is correct, we could finally see the game in action
  • This has me thinking Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be a launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2

We’re a little more than two weeks away from the next Nintendo Direct, where we expect to hear much more about the Nintendo Switch 2, and Metroid Prime 4 has been tipped to make a big impression at that showcase.

That is according to the host of the Kiwi Talkz podcast, Reece Reilly, who on Bluesky posted that the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will “blow everything else in the Direct out of the water.”

Reilly also took to X to note: “Nintendo are constantly tweaking Directs right down to the last minute but as of now I am 90% certain it will be in the Direct.”

Nintendo are constantly tweaking directs right down to the last minute but as of now I am 90% certain it will be in the Direct.March 14, 2025

As someone with a strong presence in the gaming industry, there’s weight behind Reilly’s worlds.

After last year’s tease of Metroid Prime 4 and the introduction of its ‘Beyond’ suffix along with a confirmed launch year of 2025, it would seem logical that the game would get revealed as part of a Switch 2 deep dive, especially as a way to show off the performance of the new hardware.

A launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2?

Going by this tip and what looks like an open-world Mario Kart game in the Switch 2’s reveal trailer, I’d cautiously predict that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Mario Kart will be launch titles for the second-generation Switch.

That would give the Switch 2 two big games to kick it off, especially given Metroid Prime 4 has been long-anticipated. And a new Mario Kart game would pretty much be a slam-dunk for the Switch 2, given the massive popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch.

I’ve not seen many other tips or leaks touting other first-party Switch 2 games, and there’s no hint of a next-gen Mario or Zelda game in the works.

However, we can expect Switch 2 to support a range of third-party titles that are too demanding for the current Switch hardware and backward-compatible games that could tap into AI upscaling on Switch 2 to look better without needing a direct remaster.

We’ll find out more on April 2 at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT / 3pm CEST at the Nintendo Direct, which could be one of the most exciting events of the gaming year so far; rest assured TechRadar will be here to bring you all the latest news and thoughts on the Switch 2.

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Tiny Mac Mini rival can power four 8K monitors, and is the first mini PC to receive AMD's powerful Ryzen 7 260 APU

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 15:33
  • Minisforum AI X1 excels in AI tasks with 38 TOPS of machine learning processing power
  • Supports four 8K monitors via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and USB4 ports
  • Offers fast connectivity with dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4

Minisforum has introduced the AI X1, a compact mini PC powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 260 APU, capable of supporting four 8K displays.

The AI X1 features the AMD Ryzen 7 260, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, integrated with the Radeon 780M GPU running at 2700MHz, delivering strong performance for gaming and creative workloads.

This business computer also boasts a peak AI processing capability of 38 TOPS, making it well-suited for machine learning and AI-driven tasks.

High-performance processing with Ryzen 7 260 CPU

The AI X1 supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM at 5600MHz, ensuring smooth multitasking even with demanding applications. Storage options include two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, allowing for a total capacity of up to 16TB.

The standout feature is its ability to drive four 8K monitors simultaneously through HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and two USB4 ports, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, making it one of the best workstation options available.

The AI X1 features two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an OCuLink port, a 3.5mm combo jack, a Copilot button, and dual microphones (DMIC), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.

There are dual 2.5G RJ45 Ethernet ports with link aggregation, delivering up to 10 Gbps speeds, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast and stable wireless connectivity.

Despite its powerful capabilities, the AI X1 remains portable, weighing just 0.6kg and measuring 128×126×52mm. It also incorporates an advanced cooling system with phase-change materials, a large fan, and copper heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation, maintaining optimal performance during intensive workloads.

The Minisforum AI X1 starts at $439, down from its original price of $549, offering a $110 discount. Shipments are expected to commence from April 8.

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AMD powers the world's fastest all-in-one PC, and yes, I've probably overstretched the definition of AIO PC just a tiny bit

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:33
  • Aoostar G-FLIP mini PC sports a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen display
  • OCulink’s 64 Gbps bandwidth enables seamless external GPU connectivity
  • Expandable memory up to 96GB RAM and 8TB SSD storage

Aoostar has introduced the G-FLIP, a mini PC featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD touchscreen with a 1920×1080 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a hinged design that tilts between 0 and 65 degrees for system monitoring, quick controls, and secondary tasks.

Per Aoostar (via Androidpc, originally in Spanish), the G-FLIP is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a high-end Zen 5 processor built on a 4nm process with 12 cores, 16 threads, and a 5.1GHz boost clock, delivering smooth performance for tasks from office work to demanding creative applications like 3D modeling and video editing software.

A major advantage of this chip is its 80 TOPS AI engine, which enhances AI-driven workloads and automation, while the Radeon 890M GPU, running at 2.9GHz with RDNA 3.5 architecture, delivers strong gaming and graphical performance, allowing the G-FLIP to handle modern AAA games at 1080p with solid frame rates, rivaling entry-level discrete GPUs.

Expanding storage and memory options

This business computer supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM via dual SODIMM slots and includes two M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots with a total capacity of up to 8TB, delivering fast read and write speeds and positioning it as a capable workstation for professionals.

The standout feature of the G-FLIP is its OCulink interface, a 64Gbps high-speed connection for external GPUs, offering superior performance and stability over USB4’s 40Gbps bandwidth, particularly for gaming and content creation.

It features dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB4, four USB-A 3.2 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1 with 8K HDR at 60Hz, supporting three external displays alongside its built-in screen.

Despite its compact size, the G-FLIP features a large vapor chamber cooling system and a bottom-mounted fan, ensuring optimal thermal management for sustained high performance.

While the G-FLIP pushes the boundaries of an all-in-one PC, its reliance on external peripherals and lack of an integrated battery, keyboard, or trackpad keep it desktop-bound rather than a fully portable solution.

The Aoostar G-FLIP will be available soon through AliExpress and Amazon, with pricing yet to be revealed.

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Western Digital introduces 26TB WD Red Pro HDDs for RAID and NAS systems at a surprisingly low price

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 13:32
  • Western Digital unveils 26TB Red Pro NAS drive, priced at $569.99
  • Built for RAID-optimized systems it promises 6Gb/s and 287MB/s transfer speeds
  • Supports 550TB/year workloads and has a 5-year warranty

Although some companies believe the end is nigh for hard disk drives, makers like Seagate and Western Digital disagree. In February 2025, we reported on WD’s roadmap to the future of HDD technology which includes targeting over 100TB capacities in the not-so distant future.

Western Digital says that by 2026, its HDD capacity will reach 36TB–44TB thanks to HAMR, but before we see those drives arriving, the company has launched a new 26TB model at a surprisingly affordable price.

Designed to address the growing storage demands of NAS environments, the 26TB WD Red Pro HDD promises improved performance, scalability, and reliability in multi-bay RAID-optimized systems. The company is pricing the new NAS drive at $569.99 - for context, the same as it's charging for the 26TB WD Gold Enterprise Class model.

Capacity and reliability

“At Western Digital, we are constantly redefining what’s possible to meet the evolving storage demands of creatives and professionals, from 4K and 8K video production to AI analytics and critical workload storage,” said Nitin Kachhwaha, Director of Product Management at Western Digital.

“With the introduction of our expanded 26TB-based Professional lineup and WD Red Pro HDDs, we’re offering the capacity and reliability that today’s consumers and businesses need to stay ahead in an increasingly data-driven world. These solutions represent our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative storage solutions that empower creativity and drive digital transformation.”

The 26TB WD Red Pro HDD (WD260KFGX) helium-based CMR drive is designed specifically for NAS environments and promises a maximum interface transfer rate of 6Gb/s and an internal transfer rate of 287MB/s. It’s rated for up to 550TB/year workloads and boasts 2.5 million hours MTBF.

The drive comes with OptiNAND technology (which uses integrated iNAND embedded flash to perform key housekeeping functions) for improved data tracking and efficiency, and WD says the new model is built for 24/7 multi-user environments, supporting everything from creative workflows to enterprise-level NAS systems.

It comes with a whopping five-year warranty, but still no free data recovery, unfortunately.

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Is YouTube auto-playing Shorts when you open the app? Well, you’re not alone - here’s how to fix it

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 13:00

Since its inception in 2020, YouTube Shorts has been TikTok’s fierce competitor in the short-form content sector, but as of recently YouTube has been having a bit of run-in with issues that many users have picked up on. As reported by people on Reddit (see below), a new bug auto-plays the Shorts tab as soon as you open the YouTube app.

YouTube app opens to shorts from r/youtube

This issue has been quite on and off for YouTube and has somehow resurfaced for more and more people over the past few weeks. For many users, the app will automatically open to show its Shorts tab if it was the last thing viewed/ used, as opposed to opening the YouTube homepage as it usually would.

However, according to 9to5Google, it’s noticed a growing trend where YouTube automatically launches Shorts no matter what was previously viewed - and this is the case for both free users and paying subscribers of YouTube Premium. As it stands, it’s not certain if this issue is cropping up for iOS users, however 9to5Google has noticed that Android devices - notably the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold - have fallen victim to this annoying bug.

There’s no doubt that YouTube has contributed a substantial amount of attention to launching its answer to TikTok’s popular short video feed, and even gained an edge over it with a music video remix feature last year. But it’s hard to tell if this bug is a minor fault in the system, or a tactic to get more users to ride the YouTube Shorts train.

How you can fix the YouTube Shorts bug

If you’re an Android user who’s having issues with YouTube playing you Shorts as soon as you launch the app, then there’s a way you can change this. As recommended in 9to5Google’s report, opening and force-stopping the app won’t be enough to solve the issue, but clearing your storage/ cache will help.

Though this is the trick to getting YouTube to stop auto-playing the Shorts tab when you open the app, 9to5Google says that the issue will return when Shorts are opened again. YouTube has yet to comment on its efforts to fix the issue, but we’ll update this story if any new information surfaces.

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Adolescence is the best show on Netflix right now, and you can watch it in one evening

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 12:02

This weekend was one of the first days of sunshine I'd experienced in 2025 so far – after all, living in Scotland doesn't lead to many days of sun in the winter and spring takes a long while to come.

So for me to pass up on Edinburgh's first day of sunshine in maybe five months, there had to be a good reason, and that reason was Netflix's brand new drama Adolescence, which was one of seven new movies and shows released this past weekend.

Staying inside and binge-watching four hours of deeply emotional and harrowing television instead of sitting in the sunshine is the best compliment I can give for a TV show or movie, and while it might sound like I'm exaggerating, anyone who's experienced a Scottish winter will know exactly what I mean.

You see, I'm a huge fan of the 2021 movie, Boiling Point, directed by Philip Barantini, and starring Stephen Graham. It's a one-shot anxiety-inducing kitchen drama that showcases the stress of hospitality throughout one eventful evening based on a short film of the same name.

The pair collaborated again in 2023 with a four-part mini-series titled, you guessed it, Boiling Point, which is set after the events of the movie. Adolescence is the pair's fourth collaboration (fifth if you include both as actors in Band of Brothers), and the new Netflix drama might be the best use of the one-shot production yet.

Adolescence is one of the best shows of 2025

(Image credit: Netflix)

Adolescence is a four-part limited series with each episode filmed as one single shot. It's an incredibly impressive filming technique that highlights the outstanding acting from the ensemble cast as well as inducing anxiety due to the sheer pace of the show.

Following a 13-year-old who is accused of murder, Adolescence highlights the impact of crime on a whole family and the wider community, with its frantic pace meaning you don't have a second to take a breath or check your phone.

With only four episodes you could realistically watch Adolescence in one evening, and that's an amazing selling point for one of the best pieces of television you'll see all year. I'm a huge fan of limited series that don't overstay their welcome and I think due to its originality, Adolescence has a significant chance of picking up awards at the Emmys in November

Graham and Barantini have already showcased they have the secret sauce to one-shot success, and with Netflix’s wild one-take mystery thriller Adolescence I'm completely sold on the format.

I don't want to say much more because spoiling any of the story of one of the best Netflix shows would ruin the experience. Just know episode 3 is one of the best TV episodes I've ever seen, up there with Breaking Bad's fly episode, and Succession's funeral.

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Samsung's best Dolby Atmos soundbar is being bricked by a new update – here's what we know so far

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 11:41
  • An over-the-air update has "bricked" many Samsung HW-Q990D soundbars
  • The update has been pulled by Samsung
  • It's unclear what those affected can do

Owners of Samsung's five-star soundbar, the Samsung HW-Q990D, are having a less than five-star experience right now. In what appears to be a faulty firmware update, many users are reporting huge problems that are effectively turning their Samsung soundbars into little more than long black bricks.

If you have a Samsung soundbar and you're not currently affected by this, it would be wise to turn off its auto-update feature (if it has it) for the time being. According to The Verge, the same issues may be affecting the Samsung HW-Q800D and HW-S801D – albeit in significantly smaller numbers so far.

So far, all a Samsung spokesperson had to say about the issue is: "Samsung is investigating the cause of the issue, and is taking immediate action to resolve the firmware error."

That leaves a lot of unanswered questions, so here's what we know so far.

What's going wrong with Samsung's soundbar firmware?

The firmware update, version 1020.7, has rendered some soundbars completely unresponsive: you can turn them on, but they appear to freeze and cannot be adjusted via Samsung's SmartThings app. Right now there's a 31-page (and growing) thread on the Samsung support site, with unhappy owners also turning to AV forums and Reddit.

Towards the end of that thread there's a screenshot apparently of a UK Samsung moderator, who says that "we have received feedback from our AV product specialists that this issue is a result of an OTN (Over The Network) software update... the OTN is now suspended, and customers that have updated via USB are not affected."

The post continues: "if your issue is the result of an OTN update, then it will be necessary to arrange an engineer's inspection and repair in order to get this resolved." The customer is then asked to contact Samsung support directly.

As yet we don't know if that's the only solution, or if there's a way for Samsung to use an OTN update to fix the last one. We've followed up with Samsung to request instructions for those affected as soon as possible.

Whatever the fix, this is a bad look for Samsung: this is a soundbar with a launch price of $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, not some cheap buy from a no-name brand. And as we've seen from the Sonos app disaster, if issues aren't resolved quickly they can do serious damage to brands among the early adopters and big spenders they work so hard to attract. Especially with the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar that replaces the Q990D due for release in a matter of weeks…

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Intel's Panther Lake processors won't arrive until Q1 2026 - corroborates previous delay rumors despite former Intel CEO's promise of 2025 launch

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 11:39
  • Intel's Panther Lake lineup won't come to consumers until Q1 2026, according to a leaked presentation slide
  • This comes after the expected full launch in late 2025, but that is only for the Early Enablement Program
  • Rumors suggest the delay is due to Intel's 18A production process

Intel's Lunar Lake Core Ultra 200 processors are already here, present across powerful laptops (such as the MSI Prestige EVO AI+ lineup) and handhelds (notably the MSI Claw 8 AI+). Now, it's time to look forward to Team Blue's Panther Lake lineup - but it may not come as soon as initially promised.

As reported by VideoCardz, a leaked slide from a special event in China has seemingly revealed that Intel's Panther Lake processors won't launch until Q1 2026, while its EEP (Early Enablement Program) will start later this year in preparation. This is contrary to former interim CEO Michelle Holthaus' previous confirmation of the lineup's launch and availability in the second half of 2025, indicating a delay. Ultimately, it means consumers may have to wait until 2026 to get their hands on Intel Panther Lake-powered products.

Reasons for the delay reportedly stem from difficulties with managing Team Blue's 18A manufacturing process in terms of the original production schedule. It's not exactly clear why this delay is in place, but if the setback is significant enough, it could have an impact on Intel's placement in the market (especially up against AMD).

We know that AMD still has its Ryzen AI 400 series processors set to be announced, and we still don't know if it will launch around the same time as Intel's Panther Lake.

It's also worth noting that Team Red's Ryzen AI 300 series APUs have already made huge leaps in processing power, notably the Ryzen AI 395+ Max - so if its new lineup does arrive in Q1 2026, it will be interesting to see how it fairs against the Panther Lake chips using the Xe3 architecture.

(Image credit: Tester128 / Shutterstock) What does this mean for handheld gaming PCs?

With Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor, we've seen the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ (the same chip is also used in Dell's XPS 13 laptop) work wonders at providing huge improvements in gaming - especially in comparison to the previous MSI Claw A1M. Spoiler: it wasn't good.

With Panther Lake processors now on the (somewhat distant) horizon, I'm hopeful that we can get even stronger gaming ultrabooks and handheld gaming PCs based on these new chips. Intel's Technical Marketing Vice President, Robert Hallock, confirmed Team Blue's plans to support gaming handhelds (as reported by LaptopMag) and this could work perfectly for competition.

AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme is slated for 'early 2025' as a part of the Ryzen AI 300 series family - it will be used for handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 (still a prototype), but it's still not clear when that will launch. It also seems as though it will rival the Core Ultra 7 258V processor, which may end up being a good indication of how both Team Red and Team Blue's upcoming lineups could perform against each other.

I hope that both lineups provide drastic leaps in power for handhelds across the board, further placing handheld gaming within the limelight where it belongs - let's just hope that these delays don't make it a long wait...

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Security issue in open source software leaves businesses concerned for systems

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 11:27
  • A popular tool for automated software updates was compromised via GitHub
  • A piece of malicious code was added, exposing user secrets
  • Dozens of organizations were harmed already, researchers said

Tens of thousands of organizations, from SMBs to large enterprises, were at risk of inadvertently exposing internal secrets after a supply-chain attack hit a GitHub account.

A threat actor compromised the GitHub account of the person(s) maintaining tj-actions/changed files, a tool that is part of a larger collection called tj-actions, which helps automate software updates, and is reportedly used by more than 23,000 organizations.

Once in the account, the hacker silently modified the software so that instead of working as intended, it also stole sensitive information from the computers running it. Many developers apparently trusted the tool without checking for changes, executing the malicious code and exposing sensitive credentials. The report claims AWS access keys, GitHub Personal Access Tokens (PATs), npm tokens, private RSA Keys and more, were added to a plaintext log and thus exposed.

Dozens of victims

The stolen credentials could allow attackers to access private systems, steal data, or compromise the services mentioned above, which means that the effects of this attack are yet to be seen in the weeks and months to come.

GitHub addressed the incident, saying that the company and its platform were not compromised in the attack, but it still helped remedy the problem.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we suspended user accounts and removed the content in accordance with GitHub's Acceptable Use Policies," GitHub was cited saying.

"We reinstated the account and restored the content after confirming that all malicious changes have been reverted and the source of compromise has been secured."

Users should "always review GitHub Actions or any other package that they are using in their code before they update to new versions," GitHub concluded.

Ars Technica noted security researchers from Wiz already found “dozens of users” who were harmed in this attack.

“Wiz Threat Research has so far identified dozens of repositories affected by the malicious GitHub action, including repos operated by large enterprise organizations. In these repositories, the malicious payload successfully executed and caused secrets to leak in workflow logs,” they concluded

If your system is using tj-actions, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of compromise.

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Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 11:20
  • Pebble is teasing a major smartwatch announcement
  • A countdown timer on its website confirms there's a reveal coming on March 18
  • The company has previously confirmed its iconic smartwatches could make a comeback

Just weeks after confirming its iconic smartwatch would make a return, Pebble is teasing a major announcement for March 18 with a countdown timer on its website.

9to5Google reports that the company sent an email to those who signed up for updates on the company's anticipated new project which states:

Time to get excited!

Set your alarm for March 18 (tomorrow!) at 9am PDT – 12 noon EDT – 4pm GMT – 9:30pm IST – Midnight CST – 1am JST

If you want to keep track , you can watch the countdown timer here.

Pebble teases major announcement

(Image credit: Pebble)

As to what Pebble is going to announce on March 18, it's impossible to say, but we do have some ideas based on what the company has already said this year.

In January, Google Made Pebble's source code available for download, and founder Eric Migicovsky confirmed he was working on a new smartwatch using PebbleOS soon after.

In February, he confirmed that his latest project would be "a Pebble and almost exactly as you remember it." He's also confirmed it'll feature the always-on e-paper display, long battery life, buttons, simple user experience, and hackability that made the original Pebble line so iconic.

"Please don’t get your hopes up that the new watch will have X/Y/Z new feature," he said in February. "It’s going to be a Pebble and almost exactly as you remember it, except now with open-source software that can you can modify and improve yourself. More hardware details will be shared in the future."

With Pebble's announcement just hours away, we don't have long to wait and find out what the company has in store.

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