The two month ceasefire in Gaza has come to an end with Israel conducting airstrikes, killing five Hamas officials along with over 400 others, including many children. The Israeli military has also restarted ground operations in Gaza, sending troops back to areas they had withdrawn from. They say they want Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire deal and release more hostages. But many Israelis are opposed to this return to war. We hear what this resumption of fighting sounds like in Gaza from our producer there. Warning, this episode contains graphic descriptions of war.
Experts say the verdict has relevance for free speech issues nationwide.
(Image credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Puget Systems has announced a partnership with Comino to provide advanced liquid-cooled multi-GPU servers optimized for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing workloads.
The collaboration will expand access to high-density GPU computing with its Comino Grando Server, delivering extreme performance, efficiency, and reliability at a more affordable price.
Featuring dual CPUs and up to eight GPUs, it competes with the most powerful computers for intensive computing tasks.
Optimized for AI, research, and rendering workloadsThe Puget Systems Comino Grando Server is engineered for AI research, deep learning, and scientific simulations, supporting high-performance, high-reliability RAM featuring Micron 8x 32GB DDR5 5600 for high-speed data processing.
This makes it one of the best computers for running video editing software, complex visualizations, handling large datasets, and running real-time simulations.
The small business server is also designed for high reliability, with a redundant power supply system featuring up to 4x 2000W hot-swap CRPS modules that support multiple redundancy modes, allowing for continuous operation even in demanding scenarios.
One of the key advantages of the Puget Systems Comino Grando Server is its ability to operate efficiently in air-cooled and water-cooled racks, handling ambient temperatures up to 40°C ensuring compatibility with both legacy infrastructure and modern energy-efficient data centers.
The system offers scalable fan options, allowing configurations from ultra-performant, high noise level with up to 5.5 kW cooling capacity to low-performant, silent operation with up to 2.5 kW cooling capacity.
Additionally, its liquid cooling system supports up to 5.5kW of thermal dissipation, ensuring consistent performance across demanding computational tasks.
By combining Puget Systems’ expertise in custom computing solutions with Comino’s liquid cooling technology, this partnership delivers a high-performance server solution at a lower cost. Additionally, businesses can install up to 8 hot-swap SSDs (SATA or NVMe) for expanded storage flexibility making it one of the best workstations available.
The Puget Systems Comino Grando Server is set to debut at GTC 2025 and will be available for configuration across a wide range of applications.
You may also likeStability AI's videos have infused text and images with movement and life for a few years but are now literally adding a new dimension by turning two-dimensional images into three-dimensional videos.
The company's new Stable Virtual Camera tool is designed to process even a single image into a moving, multi-perspective video, meaning you could rotate around and view the film from any angle.
It's not entirely a new concept, as virtual cameras have long been a staple of filmmaking and animation, letting creators navigate and manipulate digital scenes. But Stability AI has taken that concept and thrown in a heavy dose of generative AI. The result means that instead of requiring detailed 3D scene reconstructions or painstakingly calibrated camera settings, Stable Virtual Camera lets users generate smooth, depth-accurate 3D motion from even a single image, all with minimal effort.
What makes this different from other AI-generated video tools is that it doesn’t just guess its way through animation and rely on huge datasets or frame-by-frame reconstructions. Stable Virtual Camera uses a multi-view diffusion process to generate new angles based on the provided image so that the result looks like a model that could actually exist in the real world.
The tool lets users control camera trajectories with cinematic precision, choosing from movements like zoom, rotating orbit, or even a spiral. The resulting video can be in vertical form for mobile devices or widescreen if you have a cinema. The virtual camera can work with just one image but will handle up to 32.
Stability AI has made the model available under a Non-Commercial License for research purposes. That means you can play with it if you have some technical ability by grabbing the code from GitHub. Going open-source as Stability AI usually does also means the AI developer community can refine and expand the virtual camera's capabilities without the company needing to pay.
3D AIOf course, no AI model is perfect, and Stability AI is upfront about the kinks still being worked out. If you were hoping to generate realistic people, animals, or particularly chaotic textures (like water), you might end up with something that belongs in a low-budget horror film.
Don't be surprised if you see videos made with it featuring perspectives that awkwardly travel through objects or have perspective shifts leading to flickering, ghostly artifacts. Whether this will be a widely adopted tool or just another AI gimmick ignored by dedicated filmmakers remains to be seen.
Not to mention how much competition it faces among AI video tools OpenAI's Sora, Pika, Runway, Pollo, and Luma Labs' Dream Machine. Stable Virtual Camera will have to show it performs well in the real world of filmmaking to go beyond just another fun demo video.
You might also likeNPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Rep. Greg Landsman, a lawmaker who signed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking whether a database of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia had been deleted.
(Image credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Elecom has introduced the world’s first sodium-ion mobile batteries, the DE-C55L-9000BK and DE-C55L-9000LGY, featuring a 9,000mAh capacity and prioritizing safety, longevity, and sustainability over traditional lithium-ion alternatives, making them a strong contender for the best portable power station.
Per PC Watch (originally in Japanese), the battery features a USB Type-C port with 45W output and 30W input, an 18W USB Type-A output, support for USB PD / PPS fast-charging protocols, a low-current mode, and a simultaneous charging function that allows users to charge both the power bank and their devices at the same time, offering performance that rivals those in the best laptops for all day computing.
The downside is its bulkier design and heavier weight of approximately 350g, comparable to that of an average 20,000mAh lithium-ion mobile power bank, which may limit its appeal despite its potential to rival the batteries in the best business smartphones.
More expensive and bulkier - but safer and last longerElecom's sodium-ion battery operates in extreme climates temperatures ranging from -35°C to 50°C, while its design incorporates sustainability by using recycled plastic for the casing and paper-based packaging to minimize waste.
This reduces reliance on environmentally damaging mining operations and supports sustainable resource management, as its sodium-ion battery eliminates the need for rare metals like cobalt and lithium, unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Currently, the battery does not fall under Japan’s PSE certification due to the novelty of sodium-ion technology, but Elecom has conducted similar safety tests to ensure compliance with existing standards.
However, disposal remains a challenge as it is not yet part of standard electronic recycling programs, requiring users to contact local authorities, Elecom’s support center, or designated drop-off locations.
This new battery offers several advantages over lithium-ion technology, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway, a common safety concern, by remaining stable even in extreme conditions and lowering the chances of fires or explosions.
Another key benefit is its lifespan, lasting up to ten times longer than conventional lithium-ion cells, with daily use potentially extending its life to over a decade, making it a durable solution for users needing reliability.
Nevertheless, the limited adoption of sodium-ion technology makes the battery expensive, with a retail price of 9,980 yen (around $67), and even with a limited-time discount lowering it to 8,980 yen ($60), it remains costly compared to lithium-based alternatives.
You may also likeIf you’ve ever wished you could charge multiple devices simultaneously, the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W (I know, quite the name) is a practical solution.
This charger packs in three USB-C ports, a maximum output of 67W and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) tech, which adjusts the model’s power automatically to fit the needs of your devices, enabling an “optimum” charge. That’s a pretty comprehensive package, especially given this model has a fairly moderate list price of $44.99 / £39.99 /AU$89.95. Some may still want access to a USB-A port, but fear not, there are alternatives – see the ‘Also consider’ section for more.
But can it keep up with some of the best iPhone chargers and best Android phone chargers when it comes to performance? Well, in my experience, yes. I tried charging the Samsung Galaxy 24 FE alongside the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro and LG Tone Free T90S and was pleased with the results. The Samsung phone went from 0% to 100% in 80 minutes – exactly what I’m used to from my everyday charger, the UGreen Uno Charger 100W.
For reference, this charger can supply 67W charging in single-port mode, 45W from Port 1 and 20W from Port 2 in double mode, and 25W from Port 1 as well as 20W from remaining ports when triple-charging. That will likely be enough for most people, but there are some devices, like the OnePlus 13 phone, for instance, that support 80W charging – so make sure 67W will be enough juice to go around for your phones, laptops, tablets and more.
Unfortunately, though, I did have to use my own cables to charge my devices. There are no USB-C cables included in the box for UK buyers – something you get with a handful of similarly priced models. And although this is still a solid-value charger overall, that really would’ve taken it up a notch for me.
One more thing I would’ve liked to see from the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port is foldable prongs – at least for the UK model. The US model has this, so if you’re on the other side of the pond, expect ultimate portability. But the lack of foldable prongs in the UK is a little frustrating, as if you want to slide the charger into your pocket, for example, it might end up poking into you. Ultimately, it is still very small though, making it ideal for use in tight spaces – a huge plus in my book.
Otherwise, the design is solid here. This Belkin charger doesn’t do anything fancy, there are no exciting colors like you’d get from the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) and no display. Still, its tiny form, elegant finish and curved look makes it a hit, all things considered. And overall, I’d say this is a good multi-port charger, worth your consideration. The lack of a USB-C cable and foldable prongs is a bit of a blow, but otherwise, this model’s small size and strong performance had me feeling satisfied.
(Image credit: Future) Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W review: Price & specs (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W? Buy it if…You’re on a budget
Thankfully, this Belkin charger isn’t too expensive considering its tri-port configuration. If you wanted the slightly fancier UGreen Nexode Pro 65W, for instance, you’d have to shell out $55.99 / £44.99 – ouch!
You’re working with a tight space
Thanks to this charger’s small size, it can easily slot into those small spaces behind desks, drawers, beds, shelves…OK, you get the idea. Considering its 67W max power output, this is a pleasingly compact charger – especially when you compare it to the likes of Apple’s 70W USB-C power adapter, for instance.
You need bags of power
If you need tons of power for charging the latest MacBook and smartphone at once, for example, this model might not cut it. For me, though, 67W was enough to charge the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and another device, like my Soundcore Space One Pro headphones or LG Tone Free T90S earbuds.
You’re short on USB-C cables
Unfortunately, there’s no USB-C cable included in the box with this Belkin charger, at least in the UK. That’s a bit of a shame, especially if you’re someone that is yet to amass three cables already. Sure, you can purchase some at a fairly low price, but there are alternatives, like the Anker charger listed below, that sort you out with a fresh new cable from the offset.
Anker 335 Charger (67W)
If you want a slightly cheaper alternative to this Belkin charger that also boasts three charging ports and 67W of power, the Anker 335 Charger (67W) is the ideal option for you. I tested the UK edition out and loved its foldable prongs, speedy performance and inclusion of a USB-C to USB-C cable – it’s a great value product. It does swap out one USB-C port for a USB-A port – which may not be for everyone. It’s also chunkier than this Belkin charger. But all in all, it’s still an alternative well worth considering. Read our full Anker 335 Charger (67W) review.