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The MSI Cubi NUC 1M is an intriguing compact computer. It features two Ethernet ports rated at 2.5GbE, yet it is small enough to fit comfortably in my hand. Although the Cubi desktops have been available for some time, the NUC designation is a newer addition to MSI's line-up.

As with many of the best mini PC units we've reviewed, the MSI Cubi NUC 1M is designed to be an excellent business desktop, offering a wide range of ports in a small, efficient device. But what this little desktop may be best at is remaining undetected.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Price and Availability

The base price for the MSI Cubi NUC 1M is $649.99 and swings up to $999.99 for the Core 7 model with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Depending on what you plan on using this device for, it's probably worth a bit more to get this guy "spec'd" out, but that's just me.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Unboxing and First Impressions

The MSI Packaging I've seen has always been minimalist and focuses on sustainability since they utilize recyclable and other materials that are supposed to be better to use than others. Regardless, I also noticed that everything was packaged well; nothing was falling around or too loose. Every component had its place, and I got my computer in one piece -- that's the goal.

The computer, a power adapter, some documentation, and an optional VESA mount were within the packaging, which I found super interesting. It could be because I don't usually see VESA mounts with computers, or maybe it's because my mind was already going there when I knew my Cubi NUC 1M was on its way to me. Since this computer is so tiny and has such a robust port selection, my mind didn't jump to "this computer will replace my powerhouse laptops." Still, instead, it jumped to "this could so easily be a server or a display manager, or a front desk computer, or a business desk setup, or a doctor's office setup, etc."

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Design and Build Quality Specs

Processor: Up to Intel Core 7 150U (10 cores, 12 threads)
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5 (dual-channel)
Storage: Support for two M.2 SSDs (PCIe 4.0) and one 2.5-inch HDD/SSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4, dual HDMI 2.1
OS: Windows 11 Pro supported.

The compact design is small but mighty, and I think it's because this computer has some power under its casing that I would consider using this machine as a media server, as a way to display content in the lobby of a business, as a way to log important information in a consultation office, or even have a front desk rely on this machine to capture valuable client information. That is why it makes sense that there is an optional VESA mount. Because this computer can be easily tucked away behind a monitor, it can go on a monitor arm and be forgotten about, or it can be mounted behind a TV, under a desk, or anywhere out of sight and out of mind. At the same time, it continues to perform just as needed.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) MSI Cubi NUC 1M: In use

Now, I'll start this off honestly: I wouldn't expect this computer to game or edit 4k video in DaVinci Resolve. I'm not picking this computer up so it can be a photo editing machine, nor am I grabbing it to be my coding powerhouse to run my most complex scripts.

I want to use this as my Plex media server since I can hide it away and utilize the 16GB and 1TB of storage and the ethernet line to keep things running smoothly. I want to use this at the front desk of my office thanks to the multi HDMI out and other ports, ease of use, and the ability to hide and mount easily. I want to awkwardly hand this to those doctors with ancient technology so they can retire the 23" Dell tower strapped to a cart that they roll around. I want to utilize this as a display tool, pushing two different TVs in the lobby of my local businesses.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

There are a thousand ways I would use this; however, the question then circles back to quite simply: what can this device do?

One of, if not the single greatest, features of this computer is its port offering. On the back, there are dual HDMI ports, two Thunderbolt ports, two 2.5G ethernet lines, two USB-A ports, and a power supply port. On the front, there is a headphone jack, two USB-A ports, a microSD Card reader, and a power button.

It handles basic administrative tasks and even light multimedia well. It's a great machine to catch up on emails with, log your recent findings in a spreadsheet, run your accounting software on, or even as a middleman for a file server.

The multi-output lends itself to use as a multi-display desk setup, either at a desk or even as a digital display. The redundant network port shows reliability, even during a network outage (assuming the second network is from a different ISP).

So, I put this computer to the test. I wired up two networks and simulated an outage by disconnecting the modem power to one. For me, there was no noticeable outage or downtime for what I was working on, making me think this computer could make an excellent VIP station for just about anything. It could hold vital patient data, it could be servers (though not crazy powerful, it could hold vital information), or a display server utilizing the dual network and the dual HDMI.

Another test I ran was how this computer could handle my day-to-day workflow, managing systems for multiple businesses, massive Chrome windows due to so many admin tabs being open, research articles for product reviews pulled up, and plenty of project management tools running at once, all through two displays. During my couple of days of testing this computer as a true setup, I was shocked to have no issues. The only problem was that I personally was moving from a laptop to a desktop, meaning I lost the portability, but performance-wise for my business side of tasks was doing just fine, showing that this computer can handle a decently heavy day of work without a problem -- though, again, I wouldn't use this for creative tasks like video editing, nor would I use it to run scripts

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Final verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M offers a compelling mix of sustainability, compact design, and robust connectivity. While it excels in these areas, its performance and pricing make it less competitive against similar offerings in its class. However, if you are looking for a mountable device at a reasonable price, this setup might be for you.

For more workplace computing, we've tested the best business computers.

Nvidia’s GeForce Now is operating on a limited basis right now, and many of the choices for the streaming service are completely unavailable – including the free tier.

German tech site ComputerBase picked up on this problem, which is not just happening in Europe, but it’s apparently a global issue.

Checking from the UK corroborates this, with the GeForce Now ‘Free’ plan (featuring a basic rig, a service that’s ad supported) marked as sold out. (Of course, it isn’t sold at all, but you get what Nvidia means – it’s at full capacity).

The mid-tier ‘Performance’ plan is also sold out for the 1-month pass, but you can get this on the 6-month option. As for the ‘Ultimate’ subscription, that remains available across the board.

However, the day passes (introduced a year ago) for both Performance and Ultimate are also fully sold out. (Note that all of this is correct currently, as this article is being written, but that could change by the time you read this).

Why is this happening? ComputerBase heard from Nvidia’s customer support that these plans are temporarily on ice due to high demand on GeForce Now, to keep existing subscribers from suffering at the hands of overloaded servers and performance dips.

(Image credit: Nvidia) Analysis: RTX 5000 stock shock for streaming dream?

In short, the supply end at the GeForce Now servers can’t cope with the demand across much of the streaming service.

As to the obvious follow-up question – how come the servers are struggling like this suddenly? – Nvidia has thus far not answered that query.

It won’t surprise you to learn that there are various theories floating around online (aren’t there always?) as to what’s going on with GeForce Now. One of these is that there might be a rush on the free plan due to the popularity of Marvel Rivals (an online ‘Overwatch with superheroes’ affair launched last month).

That seems like a fair enough point, and clearly enough, there are problems with the number of those playing for free that are affecting the experience of paying subscribers in some way. This extends more broadly even to those paying given the situation with the day passes, too.

Given that, a further thought occurs here: could this be anything to do with disappointment around the next-gen GPUs in general, which is hovering like a cloud over some PC gamers at the moment? I’m talking specifically about the rumors that RTX 5090 and 5080 stock will be seriously thin on the ground – which is bound to provoke concern about RTX 5070 models too. And furthermore, the news that AMD has declared that RX 9070 graphics cards won’t launch until March 2025, much later than expected (albeit still within Team Red’s announced launch window of Q1 2025).

With those kind of worries dampening enthusiasm around next-gen graphics cards across the board, are gamers speculatively checking out whether cloud gaming might work for them? Which could explain why the levels of activity around free accounts, and day passes, are causing grief for Nvidia in particular.

Is that conclusion a stretch? Yes, maybe, but whatever the case, presumably Nvidia will be working behind the scenes to smooth things over and add capacity. Or there’s another possibility raised by Tom’s Hardware (which spotted the ComputerBase article). Namely that some servers have been taken offline for upgrades, and so this isn’t a rush of gamers, but a temporary lack of hardware that’s causing the supply-demand imbalance. Although if this was the case, I really think Nvidia’s statement would have clarified that.

Another factor coming into play here is the need to defend the experience for full-time subscribers on GeForce Now, considering the 100-hour time limit has now been brought in (for new members, as of January 1, 2025), causing a good deal of controversy and unhappiness for some (that any danger of choppy gameplay would double-down on).

We’re not short of speculation on this one, but for now, the main point of interest is – how long will these streaming service shortcomings last for GeForce Now?

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• Security researchers from CloudSEK observed hackers running pig butchering scams
• They're impersonating legitimate businesses through Zendesk's services
• The researchers said Zendesk's vetting system isn't thorough enough

A new report from cybersecurity researchers CloudSEK has found that cybercriminals are abusing Zendesk to run brand impersonation scams, with hackers abusing simple Zendesk features to engage in “pig butchering” scams and trick people out of their money.

Zendesk is a customer service and engagement platform that helps businesses manage customer interactions across various communication channels.

The platform allows users to register free trial accounts which, in turn, grant the ability to create subdomains, unfortunately allowing criminals to abuse it at scale.

Pig butchering

First, they would create a fake subdomain, mimicking a legitimate company, which would be used to send phishing emails pretending to be actual customer support communication.

Since Zendesk is a legitimate company, the emails often make it past spam filters and, disguised using accurate branding, land right into people’s inboxes. The emails apparently carry an image hyperlinked to a phishing page, where the scam continues.

The goal of the scam is to get people investing in a fake investment platform or support page - a staple of pig butchering scams. The ruse is designed to last as long as possible, draining money from the victim until they realize they’ve been defrauded.

The problem, according to CloudSEK, is that Zendesk doesn’t perform thorough email validation when adding users to subdomains. “This oversight allows attackers to target employees or customers with phishing attempts masked as legitimate ticket assignments,” the researchers said.

Zendesk has been informed of the flaw and its potential for misuse, following CloudSEK's responsible disclosure policy, CloudSEK concluded. We have reached out to the company and will update the article if we hear back.

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• Resident Evil 6 could be getting a re-release on modern consoles
• An ESRB rating for the game has been assigned for 'Xbox Series' platforms
• If real, it's more likely to be another remaster and not a full-blown remake

It's looking like an older Resident Evil game is going to be getting the current-generation re-release treatment. And this time it's what many fans would consider to be far and away the worst mainline game in the series - Resident Evil 6.

An ESRB rating spotted by VGC has assigned an M (Mature 17+) rating to Resident Evil 6, specifically for 'Xbox Series' consoles. If it's the real deal, then it's likely the 2012 action horror game could also make the jump to PS5 and potentially the Nintendo Switch 2.

Of course, this wouldn't be the first time Resident Evil 6 has been ported to more modern systems. Originally a PS3 and Xbox 360 title, it later received re-releases on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch alongside the original Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. Oddly, there don't appear to be accompanying ESRB ratings for these games for current-generation systems.

And no, this latest version of Resident Evil 6 probably isn't going to be a remake along the lines of Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 4. Not only because we'd be skipping Resident Evil 5 here, but also because there probably isn't much appetite for a remake of a game that's largely regarded as one of the franchise's weakest entries.

Instead, it's more likely to be another remaster, perhaps adding 4K support at up to 120Hz. I'd also expect online co-op to be included for each campaign, as well as a likelihood of all previous DLC being included at no extra cost.

Of course, it is nice to see Capcom future-proofing its older games like this. The developer has been excellent for this recently, preserving classics in collections like Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and the upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2. However, with the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Resident Evil 6 being playable on modern hardware via backwards compatibility, this one would be a bit more of a damp squib.

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• A new Xbox Wireless Controller will reportedly be announced this month
• The new controller will be part of the 'Cipher' series
• The Red Cipher will reportedly cost $69.99 / £64.99 / €69.99

Microsoft is reportedly going to announce a new Xbox Wireless Controller later this month.

That's according to dataminer 'Billbil-kun' for the French outlet Dealabs ( via VGC), who claims that another 'Cipher' variant controller for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is on its way.

Billbil-kun, who has a record for accurately reporting on unreleased hardware in the past, said that the new controller will be named the 'Red Cipher Special Edition'. It will be the third device in Microsoft's ongoing Cipher series after Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher, which were released in August and October 2024 respectively.

It will presumably be similar in style to the previously released Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher controllers but will instead feature a bright red design and transparent case, showcasing the inside of the device, with garnet red buttons on the back.

There's no estimated release date for the controller at this time, but Dealabs believes it will be announced later this month and be available exclusively on Microsoft's official store.

As for the price, the Red Cipher will cost the same as those in the Cipher series at $69.99 / £64.99 / €69.99.

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• Gartner study says moving from VMware could take 18-48 months
• 7-10 staff could have to scope out solutions for a whole month
• If you want to migrate, consider doing it now

Experts have revealed the costly and risky journey involved with migrating away from VMware as unhappy customers continue to seek alternative solutions.

Changes brought on by Broadcom since its acquisition of the virtualization firm a little over a year ago have left many customers with bigger bills following the bundling of certain products and the discontinuation of others.

However, moving away from the company comes with its own risks, and it might not be cheaper than VMware after all.

Moving away from VMware won’t solve your woes

A new report entitled ‘Estimating a Large-Scale VMware Migration’ published by Gartner found that migration projects could take 18-48 months for large organizations (2,000+ employees) with more than 100 servers. It also found that each virtual machine could cost between $300 and $3,000 to change.

Moreover, just the initial scoping process could cost companies around seven to 10 workers for up to a month.

The problem stems from the need to disentangle VMware services – it offers networking, storage and management tools as well as security and disaster recovery solutions that aren’t always offered as full ecosystems by other providers.

Given the scale of the work involved, many VMware users have not started planning their migrations despite intentions to do so. In September, we reported that more than half (52%) of VMware customers were looking to switch providers, however apprehension around security and support was already noted then.

Earlier in the year, VMware was called a solution “for those who can afford it.” Seven in 10 customers looking to jump ship were seeking KVM-based and Xen-based hypervisor alternatives.

Despite the challenges, Gartner advises those who wish to do so to start planning for migrations sooner rather than later in order to avoid further price hikes.

Via The Register

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• More British CEOs have adopted AI than in other countries
• UK companies more likely to invest in AI this year
• Results are still less evident among British firms

New PwC research has revealed that Britain’s leaders are more prepared to use artificial intelligence than their global counterparts, with 93% of UK CEOs stating that their business has adopted AI compared with 83% globally.

Sentiments towards the technology have progressed significantly in recent years, with only 42% of UK CEOs having adopted AI in January 2024 – an increase of more than double in the space of 12 months.

Leaders are increasingly seeing the positive effects of AI on their companies, too, with more than half (56%) of CEOs globally noticing improved employee efficiency.

British CEOs are on board with AI

The recent surge in AI tool adoption among British companies could be the cause for a delay in results, though. Fewer British CEOs have seen employee efficiency improvements (53%), and only 40% report better time management compared with 53% globally.

Furthermore, only 14% are seeing profitability gains from generative AI compared with 34% globally.

Still, the optimism continues and more than half (55%) plan to invest in artificial intelligence, generative AI, cloud and data analytics in the next year. In fact, Britain ranks higher than the US (48%), France (54%) and Germany (35%).

PwC UK Senior PArtner Marco Amitrano commented: “UK business has begun to move beyond the initial hype of GenAI to the reality of making it work - but that shouldn’t detract from its huge unrealised potential. That more than a third of business leaders expect to see some financial gain from GenAI within the next year is very significant, and indeed encouraging.”

Still, some obstacles remain, such as the skills gap noted by nearly half (47%) of UK CEOs to be a primary challenge.

PwC UK CTO Umang Paw said that UK CEOs should continue to develop AI literacy and proficiency in order to realize the untapped potential of AI in their companies.

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• Grand Theft Auto 6 could cost between $80 and $100, according to an industry analyst
• They claim there are those in the games industry who "hope" GTA 6 is priced higher so others can raise their prices
• GTA 6 could be the first game to break the "$70 barrier"

An analyst has claimed that there are those in the games industry who are hoping Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost up to $100,

That's according to Epyllion's Matthew Ball (via IGN), who recently released his State of Video Gaming in 2025 report. In it, he said that there are some developers and publishers in the industry that "hope" Take-Two will raise GTA 6's price from the current standard of $70 to between $80 and $100.

Ball reported that if Take-Two were to break the "$70 barrier", $50 games could "move up to $60, $60 to do $70, $70 to $80 etc."

AAA video games are already quite pricey nowadays, but the analyst says that a $70 GTA 6 would be the "cheapest" Grand Theft Auto game ever released.

"Packaged game prices have never been lower in real terms than they are today - even though budgets are at all-time highs and player growth is stalled," Ball explained. "GTA 6 could re-establish packed video game prices after decades of deflation despite rampant cost growth."

Following the publishing of the report, Michael Douse, publishing director at Larian Studios, responded by saying, "You’re not supposed to say this out loud!"

"A good company raises salaries in line with inflation so that their staff don’t die or something, but games prices haven’t risen with inflation," Douse added.

"This isn’t the reason the industry is in the sh*t for now, but it is an uncomfortable truth. On the other hand, the responsibility for a game developer is to make sure that the game they show lives up to that promise, and that investment from the player."

Regardless of the price point, GTA 6, which is expected to launch in Fall 2025, is predicted to hit a total revenue of $3.2 billion in its first 12 months, which is around double what Grand Theft Auto 5 achieved in the same amount of time.

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