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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite chips have been the star of many AI PCs released to market in 2024, greatly enhancing performance and battery life compared to their previous gen iterations. However, the manufacturer’s recent endeavor to improve on one of its negative points hasn’t panned out.

Qualcomm has canceled its dev kit, a Snapdragon mini-PC powered by Windows on Arms. Originally, it was planned for a June 2024 release window but missed that entirely. Now, as part of an official announcement, Qualcomm has stated that the kit has been canceled because it “has not met our usual standards of excellence.”

Interestingly enough, The Verge spotted that multiple developers had already received the mini-PC including YouTuber Jeff Geerling, who reviewed the product and performed a detailed hardware teardown of it. Despite Qualcomm not providing any specific reasons for why the PCs had been canceled, the conclusions from Geerling’s review are that despite it matching the Apple M3 Pro’s performance, it lacks Linux support and had restrictions around reselling the device.

There’s another theory for the cancellation as well, which comes down to the HDMI port — or lack thereof. Though the shipped mini-PCs all came with the chips for internal DisplayPort to HDMI conversion, the actual port was missing for some reason.

According to Richard Campbell, founder of DEVIntersection, the HDMI port could have been the cause of the massive delays if it failed FCC compliance testing. This seems to be supported by the fact that Qualcomm emailed anyone who ordered the PC in September that they would be sent a USB-C to HDMI dongle with their dev kit.

But what does this mean for the consumer?

One of the most well-known drawbacks to anything Qualcomm is that Windows on Arms still has compatibility issues with some Windows programs, tools, and apps. The manufacturer has improved this by leaps and bounds to the point that the average user wouldn’t know the difference, but for gamers and others using specialized programs, those compatibility problems can be quite difficult to parse.

In comes the Qualcomm mini-PC dev kit, which would have been the perfect tool for developers to port their apps to Windows on Arms. This potentially could have introduced a large amount of apps to the OS that otherwise would have never seen the light of day on Arm chips. This is especially important for the consumers who have been left in the dark due to the lack of app support for tools that they need themselves, limiting Qualcomm’s sales of its AI PCs to them in turn.

And with fellow industry rivals Intel and AMD teaming up to form the “x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group,” in response to Qualcomm and other competitors, the latter must figure out either how to fix the issues with the dev kits or figure out another way to resolve these app compatibility issues if it wants to see Arms continue to thrive.

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Not only can you save on the 90,000-mAh power bank, but you'll also get a free carrying strap and USB-C cable included.

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Earlier this month, Japanese electronics company Casio was hit with a cyberattack that led to the shutdown of parts of its digital infrastructure. Now, almost a week on from the incident, Casio is struggling to overcome the damage.

Ransomware group ‘Underground’ claimed responsibility for the attack, and shared samples of alleged stolen data on its dark web site. A spokesperson for Casio told TechCrunch that the firm sees no end to the outage in the near future and that several systems are still unusable after servers were disconnected to prevent damage spreading.

“This countermeasure is affecting our receiving and placing orders with suppliers and schedule of product shipments,” said Casio's Ayuko Hara. “There is no prospect of recovery yet, but we are prioritizing our customers as we move forward with recovery."

Long road to recovery

Casio is said to have lost sensitive data in the attack belonging to employees, business partners, job applicants, and contractors. Thankfully, the company confirmed no customer credit card information was taken.

As of yet, Casio have not confirmed the ransom amount or if contact has been made with the cybercriminals. The difficulties seem to primarily be affecting Japanese customers, as shipping has been indefinitely delayed, but internal systems failures seem to be the biggest concern.

It’s not uncommon for recovery from a ransomware attack to be a lengthy and expensive process, with the average incident costing $3 million and almost a month to recover from. At a ransomware simulation hosted by Orange Cyberdefense and attended by TechRadar Pro it was explained that “recovery is a marathon, not a sprint”, and that while paying a ransom may provide the victims with a decryption key, it can take months to fully recover data, and longer still to return to business-as-usual

Advice from law enforcement and cybersecurity experts is generally for organizations to refrain from paying the ransom, as it emboldens cybercriminals and adds fuel to the fire, but it is certainly not an easy choice to make.

By always having contingency plans in place and robust cybersecurity measures is the most that firms can do to protect themselves from attacks. Being vigilant and ensuring all employees are trained and aware will help protect potential points of entry.

Via TechCrunch

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One-minute review

The Razer Iskur V2 is an excellent seat, with many compelling features that put it right up there with some of the best gaming chairs and most comfortable gaming chairs today. Its flagship innovation is its 6D lumbar support, offering six directions of adjustment which the manufacturer claims is a world first.  

This is effectively an in-built lumbar pillow, with an adjustable height and depth that can be easily tweaked via knobs on each side of the backrest. It’s a similar system to that found with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the original Razer Iskur model but has the unique ability to swivel and pivot alongside your body rather than just being a static part of the chair.

If you’re like me and frequently shift around while you sit, the additional comfort that this brings will be immediately noticeable. The 6D lumbar support system keeps the lumbar pillow pressed up against your back as you lean, ensuring that you always maintain the correct posture. The feeling definitely took some getting used to at first and might be a poor fit for those who prefer a more relaxed sitting position, but I found that it offered some of the best support that I have ever experienced in a chair at this price.

The 4D armrests are also a standout inclusion. They’re constructed with plenty of durable metal elements and feel completely stable and solid while still offering all of the adjustability that you could feasibly need. That’s not to say that the rest of the chair isn’t uniformly high-quality though. I tested the stylish Black / Green colorway and the upholstery was flawless across the board. The casters are also superb, as is the thick metal chair base.

My only complaint is more of a nit-pick than anything else and relates to the included head pillow. It’s a nice bonus and is very comfortable and soft, but I found that it was quite difficult to keep attached to the chair. It uses a rather unwieldy strap which, despite my best efforts, sometimes allowed it to slide right off the top of the backrest and onto the floor. 

This is not a complete dealbreaker of course, as many prefer to avoid head pillows entirely, but it is the one area where the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 takes a clear lead. That chair’s magnetic neck pillow is simply better and would make it my choice if you know that you really need one.

(Image credit: Future) Price and availability

• $649.99 / £599.99 
• Available via Razer and Amazon 
• EPU leather and fabric options 

The Razer Iskur V2 costs $649.99 / £599.99. This is about $130 / £185 more than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which is going to be its biggest competition in this price range. Although I think the build quality and features of the Razer Iskur V2 are great even when factoring in the cost, the question of which you should choose is going to come down to your usage habits.

If you often use a dedicated lumbar pillow, the Razer Iskur V2 is the clear winner. A lumbar pillow is not included with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro is sold separately for $79 / £69, taking a decent chunk out of that price difference. I also found the 6D lumbar support system to be superior to a conventional pillow, which definitely justifies the added expense.

The Razer Iskur V2 comes in two finishes: EPU leather and fabric. EPU leather is available in both a striking Black / Green and a more plain Black, while the fabric only comes in a dark gray. All of these options should pair nicely with many of the best gaming desks, which tend to come in darker colors.

Specs Design and aesthetics

• Very attractive design
• Lovely EPU leather finish
• Feature-rich 6D lumbar support system

The Razer Iskur V2 follows quite a conventional gaming chair design, with that recognizable racing seat look. Although it's nothing revolutionary, the overall aesthetic is elevated by some excellent little details. My Black / Green model features some bright green stitching which adds some pleasant contrast to the chair’s silhouette. There’s also quite a subtle carbon-fiber-like texture on its trim, adding another visual element to keep things interesting.

It's a little different on the seat itself, though, which has an almost scaly look. This extends to the 6D lumbar support system, which sits at the bottom of the backrest where you would normally position a traditional lumbar pillow.

(Image credit: Future)

On the right-hand side of the backrest, you’ll find an adjustment knob, which increases or decreases the depth of the 6D lumbar support system. It offers a fantastic range of adjustability, increasing the support system’s curvature by quite a large degree. As someone who has always preferred quite a firm lumbar pillow, I was able to find the absolutely perfect setting in a matter of minutes. There is an adjustment knob on the other side of the backrest too, designed to raise or lower the 6D lumbar support system. The effects of this knob are much less pronounced, but it does let you raise or lower its position on your back by a few centimeters.

The armrests are generously sized and topped with quite a soft rubber material. Plenty of metal is used across the chair’s construction, from the armrests to the chair base, and everything feels impressively durable.

While the 6D lumbar support is built-in to the chair and can't be removed, a separate head pillow is included in the box. It’s very soft with a plush exterior and an adjustable strap that attaches it to the top of the backrest. 

(Image credit: Future) Comfort and adjustability

• Very spacious
• Brilliant levels of comfort
• Head pillow is a bit annoying

The Razer Iskur V2 is fantastic in terms of comfort. It has a generously sized seat, with much more space than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 but doesn’t feel overly large. The same is true of the backrest, which I found almost perfectly followed the overall curve of my back and shoulders without ever seeming too tight or cramped. The 6D lumbar support system is seriously comfortable, especially after you spend a few moments finding your ideal settings. I sat on the chair for hours at a time throughout my testing period and never found it to cause any kind of stiffness or discomfort.

The included headrest is also pleasant but, unfortunately, no matter how much I tightened the strap I found that it would end up all over the place. It would loosen itself and slide further down my back over the course of a few hours or even end up on the floor as I repositioned my shoulders to sit upright. It’s a bit of a shame, as this one setback stops the Razer Iskur V2 from offering a simply perfect level of comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, you have the option to tweak the depth and position of the 6D lumbar support system on top of everything that you would expect from a premium gaming chair. This includes gas lift height adjustment up to 90mm, a backrest recline up to 152 degrees (which can be locked at your desired angle), the ability to enable a seat title and determine its tension, plus 4D armrests.

Each of these armrests is controlled via three buttons, one allows you to twist it or move it inwards and outwards, another lets you twist or move it from front to back, while the last lets you adjust its height. All of the adjustments are intuitive to use and detailed extensively on the Razer support website.

(Image credit: Future) Assembly

The assembly of the Razer Iskur V2 is absolutely flawless and is easily among the smoothest that I’ve experienced with a gaming chair. All the required tools are included in the box, alongside a nifty pair of gloves to protect your hands. Every important screw is already in the right position when the chair arrives, making the process extremely straightforward. You simply have to take each set of screws out, slot the chair together, and then put them back in.

The armrests come pre-attached, though you might want to tweak their position out of the box, and an exceptionally clear instruction sheet is included too. The process took me just under 20 minutes and, while I am very experienced with putting chairs together, I would have no qualms recommending this to someone who has never built a gaming chair before.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Razer Iskur V2? Buy it if...

You love lumbar support
The standout feature of the Razer Iskur V2 is its excellent 6D lumbar support system. It’s superior to a conventional lumbar pillow, offering greater comfort if you frequently shift around in your seat.

You want a great looking chair
The Razer Iskur V2 looks superb, with a sleek design that has plenty of subtle details to help set it out from the crowd. If you’re a fan of Razer’s aesthetic, this would be a great addition to your setup.

Don't buy it if...

You need a more secure head pillow
The head pillow can be a bit of an annoyance, especially if it comes loose while you’re playing. Consider something like the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which uses magnets in its pillow, if you’re a big head or neck pillow user.

Also consider...

If you’re not completely on board with the Razer Iskur V2, then these two alternatives are worth considering.

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is definitely the Razer Iskur V2’s biggest competition. It comes in cheaper and offers a similarly high quality build, though does not include any lumbar support out of the box.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Razer Fujin Pro
If you’re after a Razer chair but have an even more generous budget, then the Razer Fujin Pro is the absolute cream of the crop. It’s highly adjustable and very comfortable.

For more information, check out our full Razer Fujin Pro review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Razer Iskur V2

• Tested for a month
• Used for work and gaming
• Compared against other gaming chairs

I tested the Razer Iskur V2 for over a month, using it every day in our London office. During that time I sat on the chair for extended periods and tested it with a mix of productivity tasks and gaming via cloud streaming services such as Amazon Luna.

In my time with the chair, I endeavored to test all of its available features and carefully compared the experience with my hands-on testing of other chair models including the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, AndaSeat Phantom 3, Herman Miller Sayl, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Ferrari has lifted the lid on the most powerful road-going supercar it has ever built, cramming the carbon fibre-laden F80 with a three-liter twin-turbo six cylinder engine that develops 900hp on its own.

The combustion engine is then paired up with three electric motors (all developed in house) that throw an additional 300hp into the mix. That’s 1200 horses in total from a propulsion system that is essentially derived from its 499P Le Mans race car, but is equally as happy popping to the shops for a pint of milk.

Far from an attempt to reduce Ferrari’s overall carbon emissions, this is instead an exercise in extracting maximum performance. The diminutive 800V/2.3kWh battery that is stashed behind the seats, for example, uses F1 technology to ensure it can charge and discharge in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

That means customers won’t be able to drive the F80 in an all-electric mode, but will instead be able to rocket from a standstill to 62mph in 2.15 seconds, reach 124mph in just 5.75 seconds and max out at 217mph. Mind-melting stuff.

(Image credit: Ferrari)

The F80 is engineered for raw performance, using a carbon-fiber chassis that is as narrow as engineers could get away with to ensure less aerodynamic drag. Inside, there’s just about enough room for the driver and one very small passenger.

Ferrari calls it a "1+" vehicle, seeing as the second seat is slightly staggered to allow the controls to envelope the driver. To highlight that this isn't some romantic grand tourer, the driver’s seat is bright red, while the poor passenger has to make do with black... and race harnesses.

There’s so much tech trickery going on underneath the spaceship-style body and butterfly wing doors that engineers from Maranello could easily fill an entire Netflix documentary series with content. The motor-controlled active suspension system, for example, negates the need for anti-roll bars and allows the vehicle to transform from hunkered down track monster to a pliant road ride with ease.

Ferrari has harnessed 3D printing technology to create the suspension wishbones, and also used copious amounts of carbon fiber for its five-spoke alloys wheels and has also introduced some serious software trickery to squeeze the most out of race circuit lap times.

Boost Optimization, which race fans can access in the two high performance driving modes (Performance and Qualify), maps warm-up laps of a favored circuit and then automatically delivers additional horsepower in the section that it deems need it most, such as when accelerating along a straight.

A technological powerhouse

(Image credit: Ferrari)

The Ferrari F80 won’t actually go into production until 2025 – from then, the 799 lucky customers that are selected to receive one will have to wait until 2027 to experience it. Handily that's Ferrari’s 80th anniversary, hence the name.

It will cost around €3.6million, which is over $4million and almost AU$6million, by far the most expensive Ferrari road car ever built and up there with some of most expensive production super cars of all time.

But it moves the game on for the Italian automaker, not just in the raw figures when compared to the LaFerrari it usurps but also in the active aerodynamic technology, track-focussed features and extensive use of e-motors in everything from the turbochargers to the suspension system.

The proof is in the pudding, as the marque claims the F80 posted a new lap record of its Fiorano test track of 1min 15.3secs – that’s 4.4 seconds faster than the LaFerrari.

This might sound like marginal gains, but the numbers are huge in the cutthroat world of low-volume but hideously expensive super cars.

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Intel’s new Xeon 6900P "Granite Rapids" CPU family is here, and the first reviews say it provides solid competition for AMD’s EPYC processors. The top-of-the-line model, the 6980P, has 128 high-performance cores and 256 threads, with a 2.0 GHz clock speed and 504MB of L3 cache.

We know a lot about the 6980P processor, but until now what we didn’t know how much it was going to cost.

Based on other processor estimates and some educated guesswork, The Next Platform suggested it would come in at around an eye-watering $24,980. Intel has since added the costs for its new Xeon 6 6900-series CPUs to its Ark database, and it’s actually more affordable than expected. That’s not to say it’s cheap - far from it.

Not cheap

The flagship Xeon 6980P is priced at $17,800, making it the most expensive modern x86 CPU currently available. In comparison, AMD’s EPYC 9754 “Bergamo” processor, with 128 cores, has a list price of $11,900 - a substantial difference of almost $6,000 and if you shop around you can easily get it for $8500, half the price of Intel’s processor.

We have pricing for the other models in the 6900-series lineup as well. The 120-core Xeon 6979P is listed at $15,750 ($131 per core), and the 96-core Xeon 6972P comes in at $14,600 ($152 per core), which, as Tom’s Hardware points out, is $2,795 more than AMD’s 96-core EPYC 9654 ($123 per core). The 72-core Xeon 6960P is priced at $13,750 ($191 per core), making it one of the most expensive options per core in the range despite its lower core count.

Interestingly, Tom’s Hardware notes that Intel’s 96-core Xeon 6952P, priced at $11,400 ($119 per core), is the only Granite Rapids CPU currently cheaper than AMD’s EPYC 9654.

Historically, Intel has not priced its processors as highly as AMD’s multi-threaded performance has led the market. This shift may indicate a new pricing strategy from Intel in a bid to position itself as a premium option, but it could also be indicative of the high production costs involved in creating this new generation of CPUs.

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Infamous ransomware group BianLian has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack which recently targeted Boston Children's Health Physicians (BCHP).

It’s not yet clear how much the ransom demand is, or the group’s deadline. The BCHP confirmed on September 6 it identified unusual activity and by the 10th, systems had been shut down due to unauthorized access detected within the network.

The compromised information is said to contain patient, employee, and guarantor information, including social security numbers, medical record numbers, health insurance, and billing information, as well as personally identifiable data like full names and dates of birth.

BianLian crosses the line

The threat actor claims to have an unspecified amount of finance and HR data, as well as the health records, insurance details, and email correspondence relating to children treated by the organization.

Healthcare organizations have not been off the cards for cyberattacks and have become one of the most popular targets for ransomware due to the sensitive nature of the data they hold and the high stakes of their operations.

Whilst hospitals are not off the cards, targeting an organization that exclusively deals with children is pretty rare, as most ransomware groups would consider that particularly morally egregious.

In fact, last year infamous group Lockbit issued a formal apology for targeting a children’s hospital in Canada, admitting the attack violated its rules of engagement. After the incident, the group said in a statement that it removed the affiliate and blocked them from the group.

Lockbit gave back the decryptor for free and affirmed that it forbids affiliates from encrypting endpoints whose operations are crucial to save patient’s lives.

Via BleepingComputer

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