Western Digital unveils new HDD storage options for businesses
32TB UltraSMR and 26TB ePMR CMR are the world's highest capacity ePMR HDDs
Built for scalability, efficiency, and long lasting with 5 year warranty
Western Digital has unveiled new advancements in hard drive technology which it says align with the burgeoning needs of AI and data-intensive applications.
The company has recently launched the new 32TB UltraSMR HDD and 26TB ePMR CMR HDD.
These new hard drives, equipped with innovative features like OptiNAND and ArmorCache offer scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for hyperscalers, cloud service providers (CSPs), and enterprises.
Cutting-edge 11-disk design for maximum efficiency
The 32TB Ultrastar DC HC690 SMR HDD is the industry’s highest-capacity HDD to date, using cutting-edge UltraSMR technology to support deep content storage at scale. On the other hand, the 26TB Ultrastar DC HC590 CMR HDD offers a drop-in replacement for enterprises looking to grow their data capacity without compromising on performance or reliability.
The 32TB UltraSMR HDD offers up to 257 MiB/s sequential performance and using just 5.5W of power while idle making it ideal for "warm" and "cold" data storage tiers, helping businesses optimize their energy consumption while scaling their storage needs. Meanwhile, the 26TB CMR HDD features a sustained transfer rate of up to 288 MiB/s and consumes just 5.6W in idle mode, making it a reliable option for mission-critical environments.
Their 11-disk design is the first of its kind to be commercially available and increases the storage capacity without increasing the physical size of the drives, making them highly efficient for modern data centers.
Western Digital integrates the new HDDs into the Ultrastar Data60 and Data102 hybrid storage platforms which can accommodate up to 102 drives, offering up to 3.26 petabytes of raw capacity. The company also uses IsoVibe and ArcticFlow to reduce vibration and optimize cooling.
The 26TB WD Gold SATA HDDs offer a decent balance for system integrators and resellers. Drawing from the Ultrastar HDD platform, these drives are tailored for small and medium businesses who require reliable, high-performance storage, and feature up to 2.5 million hours mean time between failure (MTBF) and a five-year warranty.
“Our CMR and UltraSMR technology isn't just breaking records—it’s giving customers the efficiency and TCO benefits they’ve been asking for, and we’re not done yet,” said Ravi Pendekanti, SVP of Product Management, HDD Business Unit, Western Digital.
“By delivering the industry’s highest ePMR capacities available today, we are ensuring that our customers have the storage efficiency, scalability, reliability and unmatched value they need to stay ahead."
VPN usage in Pakistan has never been so high, the government is set to introduce a new policy that could potentially ban the use of "unregistered" services starting today, November 30, 2024.
People in Pakistan have been turning en masse to VPN services throughout 2024 as they look for a way to bypass growing censorship online. WhatsApp is just the latest social media platform currently blocked in the country. The block came two days after authorities restricted Bluesky amid a surge in popularity worldwide. X, Facebook, and Instagram also can't be accessed without a VPN.
I've spoken with some experts to understand what's at stake and discover everything you might need to know to retain internet freedoms in the country.
How to avoid disruption in Pakistan
Set up a manual VPN
Contact VPN support teams
Rotate VPN providers
If you experience some issues downloading or using your VPN app in the next days or weeks, Gytis Malinauskas, Head of Legal at Surfshark suggests setting up a manual VPN connection. You'll likely find the details on how to do this on specific devices on your provider's website such as this step-by-step guide from Surfshark. Remember, you'll still need a VPN account to do this.
If this doesn't work, contact your provider's support team for assistance. "Our team is continuously working to provide our users with privacy and security solutions even in regions with challenging internet landscapes," Malinauskas explains.
Both Malinauskas and Simon Migliano, Head of Research at Top10VPN, also recommend rotating through multiple VPN providers.
Are free VPNs a solution?
Potentially. I suggest checking out our best free VPN page to get all the most secure freebies – PrivadoVPNand Proton VPN are today's top picks.
"It's likely to be a bit of a lottery, at least at first," Migliano told TechRadar. "Based on the recent test runs of Pakistan's new firewall, I'm expecting VPN blocks to be much more widespread from November 30. But as we've seen in countries with a much more mature internet censorship regime, such as China and Iran, it's near-impossible to block all the VPNs, all the time."
It's worth keeping in mind that the legal grounds for using a VPN to bypass restrictions in Pakistan after November 30 aren't yet clear. Commenting on this point, Migliano said: "Using an unregistered VPN in Pakistan after the deadline will be a risky proposition, depending on how strictly the authorities enforce the new rules."
Alternatives to using a VPN in Pakistan
Tor Browser
Proxy Services
SmartDNS service
VPNs may be the most widespread and easy-to-use circumventing tools out there, but certainly aren't the only way to bypass internet blocks, bans, and other geo-restrictions.
Tor Browser is probably the best VPN alternative you could use. Completely free to use, Tor is even considered a more secure option as it reroutes your internet connections (and data in transit) through at least three encrypted layers. This boosted encryption, however, can considerably slow down your connection speed.
It's near-impossible to block all the VPNs, all the time
Simon Migliano, Top10VPN
Proxy services are another effective method of spoofing your IP address to trick your ISP (internet service provider) into thinking you're browsing from a completely different country within a couple of clicks.
The downside here is that, unlike VPNs, proxies don't encrypt your internet connections, making them less secure overall. As Pakistan's firewall is expected to boost online surveillance, too, I recommend keeping this method as a last resort – especially now as it's not clear the risk of bypassing the government's imposed online restrictions.
You can also use a SmartDNS service to bypass geo-restriction online with ease. Again, these services do not offer the same level of protection as VPNs, meaning they don't encrypt your data. Worse still, a SmartDNS doesn't even change your IP but simply reroutes information about your location instead.
Why is Pakistan restricting VPN usage?
The government first shared plans to regulate the use of VPNs back in August to curb VPN misuse. Authorities later deemed unregistered VPNs a "security risk" for Pakistan as they can be used to access "sensitive data."
Under the new policy, using a VPN is still permitted for legitimate purposes such as banking, foreign missions, corporate enterprises, universities, IT companies, call centers, and freelance professionals.
This is why the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been urging businesses and freelance workers to register their VPN services by the November 30 deadline to avoid disruption.
The debate is still ongoing, however, on whether or not commercial VPN usage should also be blocked. That said, VPNs have often been a target during the year, with residents facing temporary connectivity issues starting in February (when the ex-Twitter was first restricted).
Do you know?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The best VPN apps are security software that encrypts your internet connections to prevent snooping. They also spoof your real IP address location to boost anonymity and grant access to otherwise geo-restricted content.
Not only a new stringent policy, VPN censorship is also expected to worsen as the government beefs up its filter technology.
As Al Jazeera reported, Pakistan's government has implemented a China-like firewall, which was first tested in mid-July. This system not only can allow authorities to better monitor online traffic but also control the use of popular apps more efficiently.
Most notably, the new Pakistan firewall "has the ability to block VPNs" – a Ministry of Defence official, familiar with the new deployments, told Al Jazeera.
At the time of writing, it's still early to determine the full impact all this has on people using VPNs to keep accessing the free web. Experts, however, are worried by this surge in internet censorship.
"Attempts to tighten online surveillance always raise concerns about digital privacy and freedom of expression," Gytis Malinauskas, Head of Legal at Surfshark, told TechRadar. "This could also worsen the digital divide and inequalities between those who can access unfiltered information and those who cannot."
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Microsoft introduces Azure Boost DPU to handle data-centric workloads
Specifically for Azure, integrates compute, storage, and networking
Custom hardware-software design boosts efficiency, lowers power needs
Traditional CPUs excel at general-purpose tasks but struggle to manage multiplexed streams from millions of network connections. GPUs, while effective for AI computations, are similarly not well-suited to these specialized workloads. To address this, the Data Processing Unit (DPU) was developed as a new class of silicon to complement CPUs and GPUs in large-scale data centers and efficiently handle high-volume processes.
At its recent Ignite event, Microsoft announced the Azure Boost DPU, a new SoC created in-house specifically for Azure.
The company’s new DPU is designed to tackle challenges in cloud and AI environments, improve security, and efficiently manage large-scale workloads across networks. Its introduction marks a key step toward the disaggregation of the data center, a growing trend that separates compute, storage, and networking functions into specialized hardware to improve efficiency and scalability.
Hardware and software co-design
“As part of our comprehensive approach to optimizing Azure infrastructure, we are working hard to remove infrastructure constraints that stand in the way of delivering customer value - whether from performance bottlenecks or resource limitations,” said Pradeep Sindhu, Corporate VP Silicon at Microsoft.
"We are innovating at every layer of the stack, from silicon to systems to software, to enhance the security, efficiency, performance, agility, and scale of our infrastructure."
Azure Boost DPU integrates high-speed Ethernet, PCIe interfaces, storage engines, and security features into a single, fully programmable SoC. Its custom hardware-software co-design delivers higher performance and lower power consumption, enabling the DPU to handle cloud storage workloads with three times less power and four times the performance of traditional CPUs, according to Microsoft.
By addressing key bottlenecks, Azure Boost DPU can meet the evolving demands of cloud and AI applications, while improving security through its tightly integrated data protection, and cryptography engines.
“Azure Boost DPU is the newest addition to our family of infrastructure enhancements through hardware innovation. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we remain committed to delivering innovations that make our infrastructure more capable, efficient, and scalable to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Sindhu said.
You've probably never heard of QCY, but its H3 Pro ANC headphones are being discounted to $53, or 20% off their list price. And we've got a few other Black Friday budget headphone deals for you to check out.
Elon Musk seeks $6 billion for xAI’s Memphis data center
Funding to purchase 100,000 Nvidia chips for AI projects
Data center will power Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities
Elon Musk knows that staying competitive in the AI space requires deep pockets - back in February 2024, the world’s richest man said Tesla would spend "over a billion dollars" on Nvidia's H100 and AMD's Instinct MI300 hardware, adding, “The table stakes for being competitive in AI are at least several billion dollars per year at this point.”
More recently, the controversial billionaire gave us a tour inside the massive AI supercluster, dubbed Cortex, being used by X (formerly Twitter) and followed that up with news that Colossus, a new 100k H100 training cluster for Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, is now up and running.
According to CNBC’s David Faber, Elon Musk has raised up to $6 billion (at a $50 billion valuation) to purchase 100,000 Nvidia chips for xAI’s Memphis data center, which will - among other things - power Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) capabilities.
Musk's government role
Sources familiar with Musk’s plans told Faber that the $6 billion funding comes from $5 billion of sovereign funds in the Middle East and $1 billion from other investors who will have the option to increase their investment.
Following Donald Trump’s election victory and the announcement that Elon Musk will lead the new Department of Government Efficiency within the president-elect’s administration, we can expect to see sizable government changes regarding AI regulation.
Musk’s future role, despite potential conflicts of interest, is to "dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies."
However, no one believes for a second that this will be the limit of his involvement in wider policy decisions.
As CNBC reports, “Trump plans to repeal President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, according to his campaign platform, stating that it 'hinders AI innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas on the development of this technology,' and that 'in its place, Republicans support AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing.'”
Dash Pro Flash Drive delivers up to 4TB storage with high speeds
Achieves 1050MBps on USB 3.2; supports USB-C and Thunderbolt
Includes adapters, and features durable aluminum housing
Despite the rise of cloud storage, a USB flash drive remains a practical and reliable tool for data storage and transfer.
Their portability, ease of use, and ability to operate without an internet connection make them invaluable for creatives and professionals, whether sharing large files, backing up critical data, or accessing information on the go. If there’s a drawback to flash drives, it might be capacity, but the Dash Pro from Oyen Digital solves this by offering sizes up to 4TB.
Measuring just 3.1 x 0.97 x 0.33 inches and weighing 2 ounces, the drive supports USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 & 4 connections and the internal NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, powered by the Phison E21 controller, offers speed and reliability.
Heat protection
Pre-formatted with exFAT, the drive is ready to use with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
By using 3D TLC NAND, the USB 3.2 Gen2 Dash Pro achieves speeds of up to 1050MBps when connected via USB-C, USB 3.2, or Thunderbolt 3 & 4 (it is not compatible with Thunderbolt 1 or 2), and up to 525MBps with USB 3.0.
The Dash Pro has a durable aluminum housing that effectively absorbs and dissipates heat, preventing the internal components from overheating. With an operating temperature range of 32°F to 158°F, the drive promises dependable performance even in harsh conditions.
Included with the Dash Pro are a USB-A to USB-C adapter, a USB-A extender, and a lanyard, which should hopefully prevent you from losing the drive. Certified by CE and FCC, Dash Pro is backed by a three-year warranty.
The Dash Pro is available for purchase from B&H in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, with the largest drive priced at $439. Whether you need fast transfers, secure data storage, or wide compatibility, the Dash Pro Flash Drive is a versatile and high-performance option.
Thanks to Punirunes, we can finally know what it's like to touch a digital pet. If you're looking for gift ideas for kids or kids at heart, CNET's Bridget Carey shows off some of her favorite tech toys for the 2024 holiday.
New Chinese mini PC supports Intel 12th-14th gen CPUs
Can take high-performance GPUs including the Nvidia RTX 4090M
Apple Mac Studio-inspired chassis has multiple ports
FEVM isn’t a brand many outside of China will have heard of - established by Hefengyi Electronics, it manufactures and sells a range of high-performance mini PCs, the latest being the FN60G WE, an upgrade of the previously released FN60G.
As you can see from the photo above, the device bears more than a passing resemblance to the Apple Mac Studio - but runs either Windows or Linux.
The compact mini PC supports Intel’s 12th to 14th generation desktop processors, including the high-performance Core i9-14900KF, which boasts 24 cores and 32 threads. This makes it well-suited for professional workloads and content creation.
Drives up to five screens
The upgraded FN60G WE features an improved design with a 3.8-liter chassis that measures 168 x 168 x 137mm (6.6 x 6.6 x 5.4 inches) and can accommodate high-performance GPUs, such as the top-tier Nvidia RTX 4090M. The system supports up to 96GB of DDR5-5200 memory and includes dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots for fast data transfer speeds and ample storage.
The FN60G WE offers a welcome selection of ports, including 2 x HDMI (4K/60Hz), 2 x DisplayPort (8K/60Hz), 1 x USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode (8K/60Hz) and 15W USB Power Delivery, 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 3 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2 x 2.5 Gb Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an SD card reader.
The mini PC can drive up to five screens, making it ideal for multitasking or complex workflows.
If you're worried about it overheating, don't be - the FN60G WE features an advanced cooling system with independent fans for the RAM and storage, coupled with a Thermalright AIO water cooler for the GPU, which should keep things running smoothly during intensive tasks.
Currently, the FN60G WE is not available in the United States, with its release limited for now to China, with pricing starting at $380 for a barebones model. There’s a Chinese-language video showing off the mini PC, which you can watch below - but remember to turn on the English subtitles.
If you want to cut ties with Twitter, you can deactivate and delete your account in just a few steps. And yes, you can change your mind if you decide to come back.
AMD's 192-core EPYC 9965 CPU now a third cheaper than at launch
5th-gen Turin chip has seen stellar reviews from the tech press
Half the price of Intel's 128-core Granite Rapids Xeon 6980P
AMD’s new 192-core CPU monster, the EPYC 9965, launched last month, four months after its initial announcement. The CPU, which uses the Zen 5c core architecture, boasts 192 cores and 384 threads and competes (almost) directly with Intel’s recently launched 128-core Granite Rapids Xeon 6980P.
In addition to being AMD’s most complex microprocessor to date, the EPYC 9965 was also its most expensive, at nearly $15,000.
Fast forward to today however, andWiredzone is currently selling the chip for a more modest $10,034 - a significant discount. Unlike some online deals that disappoint with limited stock or long delivery times, Wiredzone has the processors in and ready to ship, with volume discounts also available.
What's behind the price cut?
The reason for this surprise price drop isn’t entirely clear. It could be that AMD has been able to produce more processors than first anticipated, or perhaps demand hasn’t been as high as expected (which seems very unlikely).
By comparison, Intel’s Xeon 6980P launched at $17,800, but its price has since increased. Newegg is currently selling it for $18,900, and Connection lists it for $20,527 - though neither retailer has the product in stock at the moment. That could suggest another reason for the sudden price drop.
At the lower cost, AMD might see an opportunity to appeal to budget-conscious enterprises or organizations seeking high-performance processors without paying a premium.
By undercutting Intel’s prices and ensuring ample stock availability, AMD could strengthen its position in the competitive server CPU market while attracting new customers who might otherwise consider Intel’s offerings.
Reviewers previously declared that with the Xeon 6900P family, Intel was finally a contender again in the server CPU arena.
However, the arrival shortly afterwards of AMD’s 5th generation Turin products quickly rained on that parade, comfortably putting AMD back on top. As Phoronix noted in its gushing review, “The new top-end AMD EPYC Turin processor performance can obliterate the competition in most workloads and delivers a great generational leap in performance and power efficiency."
MSI launches two business laptops powered by Intel’s Core i7-13620H CPU
Includes Microsoft Office 2024 and Microsoft 365 Basic software
Both models have limited battery life
MSI has released two new business-oriented notebooks in Japan, the Modern 15 H B13M 5039JP and Modern 14 H D13MG 5029JP. These laptops, designed with productivity in mind, are powered by Intel’s Core i7-13620H.
Both models come pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 and a year's subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic, giving business users access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with 100GB of OneDrive storage.
This offer is currently only available in Japan, and MSI isn’t the only company providing it; Dynabook has included the same software package with two of its new laptops, suggesting a possible trend. It’s certainly something we’d like to see rolled out globally.
Why Windows 11 Home?
The Modern 15 H B13M 5039JP offers a 15.6-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) non-glare LCD, 32GB of memory, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and runs Windows 11 Home.
Connectivity options include USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with video output and USB PD compatibility, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, HDMI, a 920,000-pixel webcam, an audio combo jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It measures 359 x 241 x 19.9 mm, weighs about 1.9 kg, and its 53.8Whr battery lasts just four hours during video playback (up to eight hours when idle), so you won’t want to stray too far from a power outlet.
The Modern 14 H D13MG 5029JP is the smaller counterpart, featuring a 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) non-glare LCD, with the same memory and storage configuration as the 15.6-inch model.
It includes Thunderbolt 4, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a 920,000-pixel webcam, HDMI, an audio combo jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It measures 313.7 x 236 x 18.6 mm, weighs approximately 1.6 kg, and has the same battery but with a longer life - up to six hours during video playback and 14 hours when idle.
Interestingly, although Microsoft’s productivity software is included for free with these two laptops, they ship with Windows 11 Home. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business, so it’s surprising the firm didn’t upgrade the default OS to suit the productivity package. Both laptops come In any color you like, so long as it’s Classic Black. No word on pricing or availability yet.
Using dual screens is an effective, and proven way to boost productivity for many of us - and now, Espresso Displays, an Australian company specializing in portable monitors, has introduced a new product that simplifies adding a second screen to any laptop.
The bundle features a magnetic stand that will allow you to position the display alongside your laptop, or above it.
The espresso Display 15 features a 15.6-inch LCD screen with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with 16.8 million colors and 99% sRGB color coverage. With a brightness of 300 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, the screen should provide consistent image quality, suitable for work tasks and content viewing. The display is super-slim, measuring only 0.2 inches (5.3 mm), and weighs 865 grams, making it highly portable. It comes with two USB-C ports.
Portrait and landscape modes
Stand+ is built from durable aerospace-grade aluminum and includes rubber pads to ensure stability on various surfaces.
The magnetic stand (which is compatible with other espresso displays) offers variable height adjustment and will allow the screen to be used in both portrait and landscape modes, providing flexibility for different workspace setups. Stand+ is also designed for easy attachment and detachment, which espresso says will help users transition seamlessly between tasks.
In addition to the new hardware, espresso Displays has introduced a software tool called Glide, which is part of its multi-screen management system, espresso Flow.
Glide offers automatic digital screen arrangement by detecting the physical location of the espresso Display in relation to a laptop. This removes the need for manual adjustments, as users can simply move their cursor across screens.
espresso Display 15 and Stand+ are available for $299 and currently come with a free case and protector. If you want to buy just the Stand+ that will set you back $69. We reviewed an earlier version of espresso Displays' portable monitor, and you can see what we thought of it here.
Dynabook X8/Y and X6/Y powered by Intel Core processors
Features self-replaceable battery system, extending battery lifespan
Lightweight, durable design with MIL-SPEC standards; 26-hour battery life
Dynabook has introduced two new models to its premium laptop lineup, both powered by Intel’s 13th-generation Core P processors.
The X8/Y is equipped with the Intel Core i7-1360P, while the X6/Y features the Intel Core i5-1340P.
Weighing approximately 937 grams, the laptops are designed for portability while also meeting MIL-SPEC standards, featuring a magnesium alloy body. JEITA 3.0 testing estimates battery life at up to 26 hours, and there's the option for users to swap in a new battery when performance declines.
Microsoft productivity software included
Both laptops offer a self-replaceable battery system, allowing users to change the battery as needed. Battery performance naturally drops over time, especially with extensive use and frequent charging, so Dynabook has designed an easy-to-replace battery setup that involves removing two screws on the battery cover and inserting the replacement.
Dynabook aims to minimize the need for battery replacements, as the X-series laptops are configured to "Auto mode" by default. This mode adjusts charging between "100% charge mode" and "80% charge mode" based on usage patterns to preserve battery life, especially when the device is frequently plugged in.
The X8/Y and X6/Y both come with 16GB LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe SSD. They feature a 13.3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080, and the screen can open to a full 180 degrees.
The Dynabook X series includes productivity tools such as PC Transfer Navigator 2 for data migration, Dynabook Smartphone Connection, and Dynabook Color Adjustment Utility for display customization.
Additional features like AI noise cancellation and a one-touch microphone mute support online meetings, and Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 is included with both models. A one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription is also provided, offering 100GB of OneDrive storage and ad-free Outlook mail.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, gigabit Ethernet, USB Type-A, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, HDMI, a microSD slot, and fingerprint recognition.
Available in Dark Tech Blue and Dark Tech Silver, the X8/Y is expected to retail in the mid-270,000 yen range (around $1,800), while the X6/Y will set you back around 250,000 yen (approximately $1,650).
Dual 13.3-inch OLED screens create an 18-inch equivalent display
Available for $2,000 through Links International, releasing mid-December
Powered by Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU with 64GB RAM
We've covered the GPD Duo laptop several times this year - first when GPD, best known for its compact gaming laptops and handheld consoles, initially teased it, and later when the company officially unveiled its full specifications - and now we finally have all the information, and as expected it's not cheap.
The GPD Duo was made available to back on Indiegogo earlier this month, where it pulled in $337,057 in pledges from 190 backers, well above the $2,571 flexible goal the creators were seeking. There, the laptop was offered for $1,860. If you missed your chance to back it then, you can now buy it through Links International, priced at approximately $2,000.
Set to be released in mid-December 2024, it features two 13.3-inch OLED displays with a 2.8K resolution and a high refresh rate of 60Hz. The displays are versatile, with options to mirror, extend, or use as a standalone screen. When used together, the screens offer an expansive viewing area equivalent to an 18-inch monitor, making it ideal for multitasking, content creation, and even gaming.
OCuLink support
Under the hood, the GPD Duo is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. With 12 cores, 24 threads, and a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz, this CPU is optimized for performance across various demanding applications. Paired with 64GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 2TB M.2 SSD, the GPD Duo should be more than capable of handling pretty intensive tasks.
The laptop's connectivity options include USB4, HDMI 2.1, SD/microSD slots, and an OCuLink port which allows users to connect an external GPU.
OCuLink compatibility is a rare feature in laptops, so this is a very welcome inclusion allowing the GPD Duo to handle a range of graphics-heavy workloads. The GPD Duo features an 80Wh battery that provides up to 14 hours of usage and supports 100W USB PD fast charging, reaching 50% capacity in about 30 minutes.
Weighing around 2.3 kg, the laptop has an integrated fingerprint sensor compatible with Windows Hello, a 5-megapixel camera, dual microphones, and wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Audio-Technica’s SQ1TW2 earphones have a battery overheating issue
The problem is with the charging case which can produce smoke
The manufacturer assures us that no one has been harmed by the issue
Audio-Technica has issued a warning for its new SQ1TW2 wireless earphones, with some versions suffering from a fault with the battery which can overheat with alarming consequences.
In an email, Audio-Technica advised TechRadar that one batch of stock of these earphones are affected by a problem which means a “few of the charging cases are faulty due to an overheating battery that can produce smoke.”
If you want to check, the potentially affected models have serial numbers between 2322 and 2426 – you can see the number on the inside of the charging case, as shown in the image below. Also, if your case has no serial number, then it could be hit by the issue, too.
If you have one of the affected models of SQ1TW2 earphones, you should contact Audio-Technica, and the company will arrange a replacement, and for the safe disposal of the faulty product.
As you might guess, you should also not use the charging case with the earphones while you’re waiting for your faulty model to be swapped out.
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
A precautionary recall
Clearly, this is an unfortunate affair, so be sure to check the serial number if you have bought the SQ1TW2 earphones.
They’re likely to have been a popular budget model, given that they’re the sequel to the original SQ1TW, earphones that we heaped tons of praise on in our five-star review (sporting a sound with a far higher quality than others in its price bracket). The SQ1TW2 was launched in August 2024, at an even cheaper price point than the original earphones, with a more compact nature.
So, this is a rather unsightly blot on an otherwise exciting budget pair of earphones, but of course, the impact is limited to a (hopefully) small number of models, going by the communication from the company. Audio-Technica makes it clear that no one has been harmed by this issue to date, and the recall is a precautionary measure.
Still, it isn't the first issue it's had of this nature – a couple of years ago, it issued a product safety notice for its ATH-CK3TW earbuds, due to a similar overheating problem with its charging case. We've asked Audio-Technica if it's going to publish a similar notice for its SQ1TW2 earphones and will update this story if we hear back.
COFO JSF Table serves as adjustable desk, dining table, or low table
Height adjusts smoothly from 62.5cm to 99.4cm with LED display
Includes magnetic storage, USB ports, and solid wood options
The best standing desks undoubtedly offer numerous health and productivity benefits, promoting better posture, reducing sedentary time, and boosting energy levels throughout the day.
Built by Japanese design firm COFO, the JSF Table provides a versatile four-legged height-adjustable desk that seamlessly transitions between standing and sitting modes while also serving as a dining table and low table.
Created in collaboration with Journal Standard Furniture and funded through Makuake, a popular Japanese crowdfunding platform similar to Kickstarter or Indiegogo, this multifunctional desk brings both style and adaptability to modern spaces.
Choice of sizes and colors
The COFO JSF Table’s height adjustment ranges from 62.5cm to 99.4cm, and once a comfortable position is found, it can be easily returned to using the built-in LED display, which shows the desk's current height. Equipped with a quad motor, the table provides smooth and stable height changes at a quiet 32mm per second, ensuring that drinks and other items remain undisturbed during adjustments.
In addition to its ergonomic design, the desk includes COFO’s magnetic storage system, allowing users to arrange items according to their needs.
Alongside magnetic hooks, a new slim drawer offers storage for small items like stationery, smartphones, tablets or thin laptops. This drawer can also be used to store placemats and cutlery when the desk is used for dining.
The design features three built-in USB ports - two Type-C (10W) and one Type-A (18W) - located close to the desktop for easy charging of devices.
Crafted from solid wood and offered in two colors, “Medium Brown” and “Natural,” with Matte White or Matte Black legs, the COFO JSF Table is available in 120cm and 140cm widths, allowing it to fit comfortably and aesthetically into most home or work offices.
The COFO JSF Table is priced from 159,999 yen (approximately $1,045) for the 120cm model and from 169,999 yen (approximately $1,110) for the 140cm version. COFO sells the desk globally, with shipping to the United States costing 60,000 yen (approximately $390).
These chicken thighs are quick to make, healthy and useful in many other dishes -- the perfect culinary trifecta. Here's how to fry up this tasty treat.
Vaio SX14-R is a new lightweight 14-inch laptop with advanced connectivity options
Powered by Intel Core Ultra H-series, up to 64GB memory
Elegant color options: Deep Emerald, Urban Bronze, Fine Black, Bright Silver
Vaio has launched the SX14-R, an upgraded, higher-end model of its popular 14-inch business notebook.
Aimed at professionals, the new device weighs just under 1kg (2.2 pounds), 100g heavier than the smaller SX12 laptop.
The SX14-R is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra H-series processors (Ultra 5 125H or Ultra 7 155H). While the newer Series 2 Lunar Lake architecture would have been preferable to the previous generation Meteor Lake, the SX14-R - paired with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory and up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage - is still highly capable.
Striking color options
The laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and an HDMI port. Additionally, a Gigabit Ethernet port provides a reliable wired internet connection, ideal for stable networking in office environments.
On the wireless side, the SX14-R supports both 5G and Wi-Fi 7. Like the recent SX12 model, it can take a SIM and an eSIM simultaneously, allowing users to seamlessly switch between networks - a welcome feature for frequent travelers and remote workers alike.
It comes with stereo front-facing speakers, an optional 9.2MP webcam with HDR video support, and a sensing feature which can automatically turn off the display when you step away from the screen. There's a choice of two battery options: a high-capacity model that provides up to 16 hours of video playback or 38 hours of standby, and a standard battery that lasts up to 11/27 hours. The actual capacity of both isn't known.
Probably the most striking aspect of the Vaio SX14-R is the choice of colors it comes in. The laptop is available in attractive Deep Emerald and Urban Bronze hues, as well as the classic Fine Black and Bright Silver.
For now, the SX14-R is available exclusively in Japan, with pricing starting at 259,800 yen (approximately $1,730), although we wouldn't be surprised to see it become available globally in 2025.
Apple reportedly seeking Foxconn support for AI servers in Taiwan
Foxconn is already the primary manufacturer of Nvidia AI servers
Limited Foxconn capacity prompts partnerships with other suppliers
Apple has reporterdly approached long-term Foxconn about building artificial intelligence servers in Taiwan as part of its efforts to boost its AI computing capabilities.
A report from Nikkei Asia claims Apple is reportedly keen on using its in-house Apple M-series silicon chips for these servers, which will power Apple Intelligence features on its latest generation of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
Although Foxconn has been a long-time supplier for Apple’s iPhones, sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia that Foxconn’s capacity to accommodate Apple’s request may be limited due to existing commitments. Foxconn is a primary manufacturer of Nvidia’s AI servers.
Engaging other partners
"One of the reasons Apple wants Foxconn to make servers in Taiwan is in the hope to tap the engineering talent and R&D resources that work for the Nvidia projects," a source told the news site. Because Apple intends to produce these servers for its own needs, the volume required would be relatively low compared to the large-scale demand for Nvidia’s powerful GB200 AI servers.
Apple’s limited experience in server design, particularly for data centers, means it would likely require additional engineering and design support from its suppliers. In light of this, the firm is reportedly talking to other partners, including Lenovo’s subsidiary LCFC, to assist with certain server designs.
Nikkei Asia reports that these negotiations include exploring new production capacities outside China, specifically in Southeast Asia, and collaborating with smaller suppliers like Universal Scientific Industrial for production services.
While companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are ramping up investments in AI data centers, Apple is working to catch up as its Apple Intelligence features roll out to new devices. This push to boost its AI capabilities underscores the company’s increasing need for expanded data center infrastructure.
Nikkei Asia notes that Foxconn and Universal Scientific Industrial declined to comment on the story, while Apple and Lenovo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Active 10 Pro from Blackview is a durable tablet for extreme environments
Equipped with a 30,000mAh battery and 55W fast charging
Features include 108MP camera, glove mode, and camping light
You may not be too familiar with Blackview, but this Hong Kong-based technology brand has been producing rugged smartphones and tablets for over 11 years. The company’s BV9900 Pro is one of our favorite rugged smartphones, notable for its FLIR thermal imaging camera, among other features.
Now, Blackview’s new Active 10 Pro rugged tablet is (on paper at least) an equally impressive piece of tech, designed specifically for demanding environments.
The Active 10 Pro is available in black and orange and weighs 1214g. With dimensions of 267.6 x 179 x 19.5 mm, it’s a solidly built device rated IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions.
30,000mAh battery
Running on DokeOS_P 4.0 based on Android 14, the tablet features a 10.95-inch FHD+ IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 , along with a 90Hz dynamic refresh rate for smooth visuals.
The Active 10 Pro is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, reaching speeds up to 2.5GHz. It offers 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, expandable up to 2TB via TF card.
The Active 10 Pro boasts a substantial 30,000mAh battery with 55W fast charging, far surpassing most tablets, including Apple’s iPad lineup. For example, the iPad Pro 13-inch model, Apple’s most advanced tablet, has a 10,340mAh battery - significantly smaller than the Active 10 Pro's.
The tablet’s camera setup includes a 50MP Samsung JN1 front camera and a 108MP Samsung HM6 rear camera, plus an additional 20MP Sony night vision camera, promising high-quality imaging in various lighting conditions.
Audio is provided by dual Harman Kardon stereo speakers, and for connectivity it supports dual SIM cards and covers a wide range of network bands, from 2G to 5G. The device also offers NFC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and compatibility with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou navigation systems.
The tablet includes an upgraded glove mode with 30% higher sensitivity, making it easier to use in harsh environments (the tablet can operate in temperatures from -40°C to +60°C). Additionally, it’s equipped with a 400lx super-bright camping light, providing illumination in low-light or outdoor situations.
There's no word on cost or availability for the Active 10 Pro yet, but Blackview's rugged products do tend to be competitively priced, offering good value for those seeking durability, functionality, and a really big battery.
Essential building material contributes 6% of emissions globally
Tech giants prioritizing sustainable construction with "green concrete"
Tech giants are increasingly exploring ways to make data centers not only more energy-efficient but also more environmentally responsible in their construction.
Concrete production remains a significant source of carbon emissions, primarily due to cement, which is responsible for roughly 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite ambitious carbon-neutral goals, IEEE Spectrum reports Microsoft's emissions surged by over 30% in 2023, while Google’s emissions have risen nearly 50% over the past five years.
Concrete plays a critical role
Nearly a thousand companies are reportedly developing low-carbon concrete mixes and piloting carbon capture technologies to store CO₂ emissions generated during cement production.
This includes efforts by firms like Holcim and Heidelberg Materials, which are adapting technologies traditionally used in the oil and gas industry to capture and store CO₂ from cement plants.
The demand for data centers - and consequently for concrete - is rising, driven in part by the growth of AI. While the OCP has recently launched an initiative to deploy low-carbon concrete in data centers, the availability of sustainable concrete still falls short of global demand.
The versatile building material plays a critical role in the tech industry’s infrastructure, supporting everything from telecommunications to manufacturing. As tech-driven growth continues to increase demand for concrete, advancements in sustainable concrete production are essential. With a concerted shift toward low-carbon concrete, both hyperscale tech companies and governments have the power to drive the construction industry toward greater sustainability.
As IEE Spectrum sums up, “With a pivot to sustainability, concrete’s unique scale makes it one of the few materials that could do most to protect the world’s natural systems. We can’t live without concrete - but with some ambitious reinvention, we can thrive with it.”
Bluesky has seen a million new users join since the US election
Twitter (now known as X) is losing hundreds of thousands of users
A Chrome extension lets you to find your friends from Twitter on Bluesky
Bluesky may become the micro-blogging social media app of choice for disillusioned Twitter users, if current trends continue.
Hundreds of thousands of people are seemingly fleeing X (formerly Twitter) in the wake of the US election, according to The Economic Times.
It’s possible X chairman Elon Musk’s subsequent appointment to a new position in Donald Trump’s incoming government has pushed some politically conscious users away from the site.
The Verge reports that Bluesky Social has attracted more than a million new users to its decentralized micro-blogging service since the presidential election took place on November 4, suggesting some level of migration between the two social media services is possible.
After all, Bluesky is a remarkably similar platform to X, having begun as an experimental spin-off of what was then Twitter in 2019 under the leadership of founder Jack Dorsey.
As TechCrunch reports, Dorsey no longer sits on the board at Bluesky, and the company is now an independent public benefit corporation with CEO Jay Graber at the helm.
The Bluesky user base now stands at more than 15 million total users – a fair few less than the 586 million monthly active users on X, but still impressive for a platform that is technically independent of major social media companies.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky offers a decentralized social media platform – that means the platform is not entirely controlled by one server or corporation.
When you log on to Bluesky, you also choose which instance you're signing in to.
Like fellow Twitter-like platform Mastodon, Bluesky can exist in multiple instances – meaning a version of the site can be set up to cater to certain communities.
(Image credit: Bluesky)
Otherwise, it’s essentially very similar to X, with short text-based posts, image and video sharing, liking and reposting, and individual profiles.
Its former relation to Twitter and ease of use have made Bluesky a prime candidate for those looking for X alternatives post-election.
How do I switch to Bluesky from Twitter?
You can join Bluesky by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or heading to bsky.app, and setting up an account with an email address.
Migrating an X account to Bluesky is a larger task that takes a bit more work – and there are no official channels that enable this.
The Sky Follower Bridge extension for Chrome and Firefox enables users to find the users they previously followed and were followed by on X on Bluesky.
Adding the extension, and then running it while signed in to Bluesky and with Twitter open to either the Following, Followers, List or Blocked pages, returns a list of matched Bluesky accounts, produced by scraping information from the Twitter page.
As ZDNet reports, Twitter has taken action to block apps and processes from using screen scraping, so there's no saying how long Sky Follower Bridge will actually work for.
There’s no simple way to import X posts (tweets) to Bluesky, but Wikihow details a rather complex method to import posts by using Python and Terminal on a Linux or Mac computer. There doesn’t seem to be a way to import posts to Bluesky on mobile yet.
Bluesky seems poised to become an important player in the social media space as users, and even news outlets, leave X. For the latest updates as we hear them, be sure to keep up with our social media coverage.
8849 TANK Pad: rugged tablet with 10.95-inch FHD, 120Hz display
Equipped with 21000mAh battery, 66W charging, dual-SIM 5G support
Features laser projector, waterproof speakers, durable build for outdoors
Earlier in 2024, I wrote about the 8849 TANK3 PRO, a rugged smartphone with a massive battery, DLP projector, 200-megapixel camera, and camping light. Now, 8849 by Unihertz is expanding its rugged device lineup with a tablet version, the 8849 TANK Pad.
The TANK Pad boasts a 10.95-inch IPS display with FHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The rugged tablet has IP68 and IP69K ratings, as well as MIL-STD-810H certification, enabling it to withstand drops, extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, and water.
Like the TANK3 PRO, the tablet’s rear shell includes a large camping light, ideal for outdoor use, and a pair of waterproof speakers rated at 105 dB, providing decent sound output in challenging environments. The camera system features a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor on the rear, with a 32MP Sony IMX616 sensor on the front.
Large 21000mAh battery
The massive 23800mAh battery was arguably the main feature of the TANK3 PRO, and while the TANK Pad can’t match that, it does come with a large 21000mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging, offering extended use on a single charge.
The tablet runs Android 14 and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, with the option for an additional 16GB in virtual memory, and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD.
Connectivity includes dual-SIM 5G support, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 5. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a USB Type-C port with OTG, an IR blaster, and a classic headphone jack.
As with the TANK3 PRO smartphone, the TANK Pad features a built-in DLP laser projector with an 854 x 480-pixel resolution, 100 lumens of brightness at the center, and 94% brightness uniformity. Its manual focus can be adjusted via a physical dial, with a range of 0.5 to 3 meters. For cooling, the device incorporates two waterproof outlets to vent hot air when the projector is in use.
With its waterproof speakers, powerful projector, and rugged durability, the TANK Pad, which retails for $799, has the potential to serve as a portable entertainment hub. We’ll be testing a review sample soon to find out if this device truly lets you create your very own mini outdoor cinema - even in the pool.
With hacking and data theft becoming common, it's important to keep all your most precious documents, photos and videos safe in one of the best cloud storage services available.
High-performance mini PC with AMD Ryzen 9 and RTX graphics
Supports up to 64TB storage with lightning-fast 10,000 MB/s speeds
Features triple monitor support, Wi-Fi 7, and dual 10Gb Ethernet
The Falco Prime A2 is a high-performance, budget-friendly mini PC currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.
Designed for content creators, media enthusiasts and gamers, this compact powerhouse is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX processor, optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or 4070 mobile graphics, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and dual NVMe SSDs for the operating system.
The main selling point of the Falco Prime A2 is the 8x M.2 SSD bay that supports up to 64TB storage with read speeds up to 10,000 MB/s, allowing users to handle massive media libraries and high-speed data access. It also supports up to three monitors for a customizable multi-screen setup suited for different tasks, and network support comes in the form of Wi-Fi 7 and dual 10Gb Ethernet.
RAID
The mini PC offers two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (one front, one back), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports (one front, one back), and four USB 4 ports in the back for high-speed data transfer, along with a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and SD card and microSD slots for additional storage flexibility.
Users can configure RAID setups and choose between performance-boosting or redundancy options for the dual OS drives. The DDR5 RAM enhances data transfer rates and power efficiency, while a convection cooling system keeps the system running quietly and efficiently.
Early supporters on Kickstarter can secure the Super Early Bird price of $799 (a $500 discount from the $1,299 retail price), which includes the Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 4060M graphics, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD with the 8-slot SSD bay. Additional SSDs can be added to expand storage capacity further.
At the time of writing, the project has received $133,928 in pledges from 125 backers, well over the $5,000 goal, with 19 days to go. As with any crowdfunding project, backers should be aware that delays or changes to the final product can occur, and there's always a risk that the project may face challenges in production or fulfillment, so be warned.
CERN uses over one exabyte of storage for research
The research laboratory relies on PROMISE and Toshiba for its needs
Toshiba will be supplying CERN with 20TB hard drives
As you might expect, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory requires some pretty extensive data storage systems to support its research into fundamental questions about the universe.
With particle collision detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) generating approximately 1TB of data per minute, CERN’s storage infrastructure rather obviously needs to be both high-capacity and highly reliable.
Since 2008, CERN has relied on PROMISE Technology’s VTrak J5800 24-bay JBOD enclosures and Toshiba’s Enterprise Capacity HDDs for its storage needs. The storage systems have inevitably evolved over time, beginning with 4TB hard drives and currently featuring Toshiba’s 18TB MG09 Series HDDs.
Supporting CERN’s future storage needs
Together, these systems provide CERN’s central data center with over one exabyte of storage, distributed across more than 120,000 hard drives housed in over 4,000 enclosures. This setup allows data from CERN to be shared with more than 170 research institutes around the world for analysis.
To meet increasing storage requirements, PROMISE Technology recently introduced the 60-bay VTrak J5960 JBOD enclosure, featuring ‘Greenboost’ technology to reduce power consumption by up to 30%. These will be used with Toshiba’s 20TB MG10 Series HDDs, and potentially its 28TB drives in the future.
“In our quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe, we need partners who understand the importance of data storage, reliability, and efficiency with solutions tailored to our unique needs," said Eric Bonfillou, Deputy Group Leader of CERN’s IT Fabric group.
“We continue to develop higher capacities, up to 30TB and beyond, as HDDs are and will remain essential for storing the exabytes of data that CERN and the entire world produce in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner," added Rainer W. Kaese, Senior Manager Business Development, Storage Products Division at Toshiba.
Toshiba has released a new video showcasing its partnership with PROMISE Technology to enhance data storage solutions for CERN. You can watch this below.
Electricity costs are significantly higher for residents in Puerto Rico due to its isolation from the U.S. mainland. Solar panels present a clean energy alternative, offering a way to reduce the island’s steep utility bills.
Fujitsu and AMD partner to develop energy-efficient HPC/AI platforms
Partnership aims to broaden access to AI, support open-source
Monaka chip features 288 cores, 2nm process, Armv9-A architecture
Fujitsu and AMD have announced a new strategic partnership focused on developing HPC and AI platforms.
This collaboration will combine Fujitsu’s ARM-based processor technology with AMD’s GPU expertise, aiming to build energy-efficient and open-source solutions addressing the growing demand for diverse, cost-effective computing architectures.
The partnership, formalized in a memorandum of understanding, covers joint efforts in technology development, commercialization, and ecosystem expansion, with a goal of creating powerful computing platforms by 2027.
Instinct accelerators
Central to this partnership is Fujitsu’s next-generation Arm-based processor, the Monaka chip, set for release in 2027.
As we first reported in July 2024, Monaka will feature Armv9-A architecture, a 2nm process for high performance and power efficiency, and a 288-core structure (144 cores per socket). Notably, Monaka moves away from high-bandwidth memory in favor of PCIe 6.0 (CXL3.0), enhancing scalability and connectivity. This processor is expected to build upon Fujitsu’s work with the A64FX chip, used in the Fugaku supercomputer, and could support the upcoming FugakuNEXT project planned for 2030.
AMD will support Monaka with its Instinct accelerators, providing customers with flexible options for handling massive AI workloads while optimizing data center costs. The collaboration will also make use of AMD’s ROCm software stack and Fujitsu’s proprietary software, developing an open source ecosystem to accelerate the development of AI and HPC applications.
This joint venture will also involve global marketing efforts and customer engagement, as well as a shared customer center to support the development and implementation of AI technologies.
“By combining AMD’s innovative GPU technology with Fujitsu’s low-power/high-performance processor Fujitsu-Monaka, we seek to create an environment in which more companies will be able to utilize AI while reducing the power consumed by data centers," noted Vivek Mahajan, CTO of Fujitsu.
