Techno

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Latest Tech News

A more expensive Raspberry Pi may not please everyone, so I looked for an alternative x86 model
The Pi is still great for tinkerers and for enthusiasts
But I feel that RPi did "An Apple" - 50% more expensive for 2x RAM is quite unexpected

The Raspberry Pi Foundation recently introduced the Raspberry Pi 5 with 16GB of RAM, with the increased memory set to benefit heavyweight distributions such as Ubuntu for desktop use cases. But the new model is priced at $120 - nearly twice as expensive as the 8GB one, and very pricey for a single-board computer, which raises the question: could a better device be found for the same price? The answer is a resounding yes.

The Dreamfyre Mini PC (DR02) offers a competitive x86 option with superior specifications and an actual case for $120 on Amazon. Designed for home, educational, and professional use, it is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Celeron N95 processor, capable of reaching speeds of up to 3.4GHz.

The mini PC, which comes with Windows 11, measures 116 x 116 x 46mm, weighs only 0.5kg, and is equipped with 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a 512GB M.2 SSD. You can expand the storage to up to 2TB if you need extra capacity. The inclusion of a silent fan cooling system ensures solid performance with minimal noise when under load, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or study spaces.

No flashing lights

The device can drive three 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) screens via its triple HDMI 2.1 ports. There are three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single USB-C port, a 1000MB/s LAN port and a headphone jack. The fuss-free design of the mini PC omits distracting LED lights, making it suitable for professional settings. Wireless connectivity is provided via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

While the Dreamfyre Mini PC is clearly not a direct alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5 - lacking the Pi's GPIO pins and extensive community support essential for hardware projects, prototyping, and educational use - it is a versatile and powerful alternative for those seeking an affordable mini PC for general computing tasks, and it looks good.

There are only two reviews for the Dreamfyre Mini PC on Amazon at the moment, but both are five-star.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Latest Tech News

Micron is teaming up with Pure Storage for the 150TB DirectFlash module
Micron's G8 QLC NAND has been qualified for production, alongside Kioxia
This chip is used in Micron's own rival 60TB SSD

Pure Storage has announced an expanded collaboration with Micron which will see the American semiconductor company’s G9 QLC NAND integrated into the storage firm's future DirectFlash Module (DFM) solutions for use in hyperscale data centers.

This move builds on a decade of cooperation between the two companies, spanning seven generations of NAND integration which includes the Micron G8 QLC NAND, which has been qualified for production in Pure Storage’s 150TB DFM expected later in 2025 (Pure Storage has previously said it plans to ship 300TB DFMs by 2026).

Micron already uses this NAND chip in its own 60TB SSD.

Addressing performance and efficiency needs

DFM technology promises faster data transfer rates, low latency, and high reliability for data-intensive workloads. The module also reduces energy consumption compared to traditional HDD-based solutions, lowering both operating costs and carbon footprint. The use of NAND with higher areal density (bits per square millimeter) allows for greater storage capacity in smaller physical footprints, contributing to more efficient rack usage and scalability.

“Pure Storage’s collaboration with Micron is another example of our significant momentum bringing the benefits of all-flash storage technology to hyperscale environments," said Bill Cerreta, General Manager of Hyperscale at Pure Storage.

"With Micron’s advanced NAND technology, Pure Storage can further optimize storage scalability, performance, and energy efficiency for an industry with unparalleled requirements.”

Jeremy Werner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Micron’s Storage Business Unit, added, “Micron’s advanced NAND technologies, combined with Pure’s innovative storage solutions, enable data center operators to address the increasing performance, efficiency, and scalability needs for today’s hyperscale data centers, Built on trust and thriving on innovation, our collaboration with Pure Storage consistently offers cutting-edge storage solutions for hyperscale and enterprise environments.”

The announcement follows that of Japanese memory giant Kioxia, which, like Micron, has a longstanding relationship with Pure Storage. Last year, Kioxia reported it had begun sampling shipments of 2Tb QLC devices, featuring its eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology, which Pure Storage also uses in its all-flash storage products.

These are the largest SSDs and HDDs you can buy right now
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Micron's DRAMless SSD could end low performance SATA drives

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

The Best Way to Make a GIF on Your Phone or Computer, at Home or on the Go

Here's how to use a video to make a GIF animation, no fancy Photoshop tricks required.

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Latest Tech News

The Comet is a blend of Raspberry Pi, Simputer and Project Ara with a hint of Game Boy
Its standout feature is the use of hardware extensions that can be quickly removed
It launches on crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, very soon

Developed in India in the early 2000s, the Simputer, (Simple Inexpensive Mobile computer) was a groundbreaking handheld Linux computer many people believe inspired the Apple iPhone (and by extension, Android devices). It featured a touch interface, stylus input with handwriting recognition, an accelerometer, and a USB master port - all innovations well ahead of their time.

I mention the Simputer now because I’m reminded of it looking at a brand new modular handheld computer set to debut on Kickstarter soon - the Mecha Comet is a portable Linux device aimed at developers, makers, and tinkerers.

Running on open source software, the device features a magnetic snap interface for swappable extensions, which currently include a game controller, keyboard, and GPIO breakout board. Users can also design and build their own extensions using Mecha’s open-source design files and community support.

Mechanix OS

The Mecha Comet is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage.

Its 3.4-inch IPS LED touchscreen provides a compact yet functional display for various tasks. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, two USB 2.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The device also includes a 5 MP camera with autofocus, dual digital microphones, and an HD speaker.

Running Mechanix OS, a Debian-based operating system, the Comet is compatible with over 60,000 software packages from the Debian repository. Users can also port other Linux distributions. Mechanix Shell, built in Rust, supports GPU rendering on Wayland.

Mecha envisions the Comet as a versatile tool for diverse applications, such as a DIY Linux phone, drone launchpad, AI assistant, nanosatellite controller, car diagnostics tool, radio transceiver, DIY robot controller, and even a Tricorder inspired by Star Trek. Some of those ideas might just be wishful thinking, however.

The Comet, which measures 150mm x 73.55mm x 16mm and weighs 220g, has a 3000mAh battery charged via USB-C and includes a gyroscope, real-time clock (RTC), and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for expanded project possibilities. Its security features include a Trust Anchor with CC EAL 6+ certification and accelerated cryptographic capabilities.

Kickstarter backers will be able to benefit from super early-bird rewards when the project goes live shortly, with pricing for the Mecha Comet starting from $159.

These are the best portable SSDs you can buy
And these are the best Linux distros right now
Linux devices hit with malware, this time from Chinese hackers

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Monday, January 13, 2025

Best Peloton Alternatives for 2025 That Will Save You Money in the Long Run

You don't have to splurge on a Peloton. There are other alternatives that are just as good and budget-friendly.

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Latest Tech News

This is only the second TB5 SSD on the market after the Envoy Ultra
Seagate says it can reach speeds of 6700/5300MBps in read/write
This rugged SSD will cost up to $600 for the 4TB version

LaCie, Seagate’s premium brand, has launched the Rugged SSD Pro5, a high-speed external drive designed for creative professionals.

The Thunderbolt 5 drive will be available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, offering high-speed data transfer rates which make it ideally suited for demanding creative workflows like direct editing of 6K and 8K RAW video files.

The Rugged SSD Pro5 delivers ultra-fast read speeds of up to 6700MB/s and write speeds of up to 5300MB/s with a 50GB cache, allowing faster rendering, backups, and media transfers. LaCie says that once the cache is exceeded, the drive will deliver speeds of up to 5000MB/s for reading and 1800MB/s for writing.

Price matched

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 connected — (Image credit: Seagate)

Created by award-winning Scottish designer Neil Poulton, who has worked on many of LaCie’s previous products, the Rugged SSD Pro5 measures 0.669in x 2.559in x 3.858in (17mm x 65mm x 98mm) and weighs 0.331lb (150g). It retains the brand’s signature rubberized enclosure for durability and is drop-resistant for up to three meters. Its IP68-rating for dust and water resistance makes it suitable for use in extreme environments. LaCie says the enclosure is constructed from at least 45% recycled materials.

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-C devices supporting speeds up to 40Gbps and it comes with a five-year limited warranty and Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services for added data protection.

It will be available globally in January 2025, priced at $399.99 for the 2TB model and $599.99 for the 4TB version, which incidentally is the same price as OWC’s Envoy Ultra SSDs in the same capacities.

“Storage demands of creative professionals have spiked, especially for those incorporating generative AI in their routine,” said Lance Ohara, VP, Endpoint Marketing at Seagate.

“The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is equipped to handle those demanding workloads and data-intensive applications. This makes it an invaluable tool for experts seeking the unmatched transfer speeds and editing power.”

This is only the second TB5 portable SSD launched on the market after Other World Computing (OWC) launched its rugged Envoy Ultra in October 2024. That device promptly sold out, but OWC says it is expecting new stock to arrive later this month.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Latest Tech News

Lenovo presented a 3.5-inch mock-up of an 'AI storage device', which could be a portable SSD, a NAS, or something new
Not a product announcement, but a proof of concept
But presence of a red ring on one of the ports may indicate that it will be a ThinkStorage product

Lenovo has unveiled a new concept device at CES called "AI Storage", which could be the company’s first AI-assisted NAS (Network Attached Storage).

The apparent prototype features a minimalist, space-efficient design with ventilation grilles on the right side for either active or passive cooling.

The 3.5-inch mock-up could be more than a traditional NAS, in that it might also function as a portable SSD, or serve an entirely new purpose, blurring the lines between storage and AI integration.

A smarter future for storage?

The concept image shows that this device will support a standard RJ45 Ethernet port accompanied by dual status LEDs. These could indicate active connectivity or possibly its association with Lenovo’s ThinkStorage branding.

A visible USB-C port should enable high-speed data transfers via USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt protocols. There's also another USB-C port marked with a distinctive red ring, presumably for power.

It's important to note that a good number of concept devices never make it to the market. Whether this device will evolve into a full-fledged NAS or will work as a versatile storage solution remains to be seen.

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Best Mattress in a Box for 2025

Skip the trip to the store and have a mattress delivered straight to your door with these top mattress-in-a-box options, curated by CNET's sleep experts.

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Latest Tech News

Modular laptop vendor Framework said it will launch a RISC-V product in 2025
RISC-V is the equivalent of Linux for hardware, open source and free
More tech companies are adopting but it has yet to hit mainstream in a meaningful way

RISC-V, an open source ISA developed at the University of California, Berkeley in 2010, has steadily been gaining attention as a customizable alternative to proprietary ISAs like x86 and Arm.

Its license-free approach allows manufacturers to create and modify processors without restrictions, leading to adoption in various specialized applications, and this year could mark a key step toward broader consumer adoption of the architecture.

For RISC-V to truly reach the mainstream, it still needs to gain traction in the laptop market. Hong Kong–based DeepComputing introduced the first RISC-V notebook, the Roma, in 2023, followed by the DC-Roma II in 2024, which shipped with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. While praised for its open-source flexibility, the laptop’s performance lagged behind x86 and Arm alternatives - but speaking to IEEE Spectrum, DeepComputing CEO Yuning Liang said the company's upcoming DC-Roma III will close that gap with performance comparable to the Arm Cortex-A76.

Enter Framework

Perhaps even more excitingly, DeepComputing is collaborating with Framework, a company known for its modular, repairable laptops, to create a RISC-V motherboard for the Framework Laptop 13. Nirav Patel, CEO of Framework, said, "If we look at a couple of generations down the [software] stack, we’re starting to see a line of sight to consumer-ready RISC-V in something like a laptop, or even a phone.”

According to IEEE Spectrum, "Though still intended for early adopters and developers, it will be the most accessible and polished RISC-V laptop yet, and it will ship to users with the same look and feel as the Framework laptops that use x86 chips."

Following the initial announcement in June 2024, Framework launched a product page for the RISC-V motherboard, but it remains a placeholder.

DeepComputing's site however, reveals more details, including images of the DC-Roma RISC-V Mainboard for the Framework 13 Laptop, one of which you can see at the top of the page. The board is powered by the RISC-V 64-bit quad-core CPU JH7110, and supports both Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 and Fedora 41.

RISC-V has already been embraced by a number of tech companies. Western Digital uses it for storage controllers, British startup Blueshift Memory's BlueFive processor is built on an open-source RISC-V core, the Chinese XiangShan project has developed two RISC-V designs, and Ubitium has a universal RISC-V processor that consolidates all computing workloads onto a single, affordable chip.

We will likely see more details about Framework's RISC-V Laptop 13 in the coming months, but given the current focus on developers and early adopters, along with performance limitations compared to established architectures like x86 and Arm, it seems fair to say that while this is unquestionably a huge step forward for the architecture, RISC-V isn’t ready for mainstream consumer adoption quite yet.

These are the best business laptops for every budget
And these are the best laptops for programming you can buy right now
Framework wants to lure enterprises with wholesome laptop offers

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Saturday, January 11, 2025

This Sleek Schlage Lock Uses UWB to Predict Your Moment-by-Moment Arrival

Schlage came to CES 2025 with a new trick: This smart lock uses ultra-wideband to predict exactly when you're reaching for the door.

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Latest Tech News

MSI is the latest vendor to jump on the AI PC bandwagon
The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M is a mini PC with 11 ports and 1 card reader but no TB5
It comes with a dedicated Copilot button as well as a fingerprint reader

MSI unveiled two new Cubi mini PC offerings at CES 2025, and it likely won’t come as any surprise these models include AI in their names. The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M and the Cubi NUC AI 1UM offer on-device AI capabilities and are designed to deliver powerful performance in a compact form factor suitable for any workspace.

The larger Cubi NUC AI+ 2M measures 0.826 liters and is powered by Intel's Core Ultra processors from the Lunar Lake platform, with configurations up to the Core Ultra 7 258V. It features Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics and up to 32GB of LPDDR5X on package memory. Storage is supported via a single M.2 2280 SSD slot. The device can deliver up to 115 TOPS of processing power through a dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M offers a total of 11 ports. On the front, there are two 10Gbps USB Type-A ports and a microSD card reader, as well as a one-touch fingerprint power button for added security, and a Copilot button for instant access to AI tools such as CoCreator, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Live Translation. There’s also a built-in microphone and speaker for voice commands.

No Copilot button on the smaller model

The rear panel houses dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, one of which supports PD-in up to 100-watts (it’s a shame MSI hasn't yet embraced Thunderbolt 5 for even faster data transfer speeds), dual HDMI ports, and two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M can drive up to three screens and supports WiFi 7 for high-speed wireless connectivity.

The Cubi NUC AI 1UM is a smaller and presumably more affordable alternative, with a 0.51-liter volume. It is powered by Intel Core Ultra 100 Meteor Lake processors, including options up to the Core Ultra 7 155H.

It supports dual SODIMM DDR5 memory slots and two M.2 SSD drives, and like its larger sibling, it includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI outputs, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. It can drive four screens, but doesn't have a Copilot button.

Both models support MSI Power Link, allowing power control through select MSI monitors and reducing cable clutter, especially when mounted behind a monitor. Pricing details for both have yet to be announced.

These are the best business laptops around today
We've also rounded up the best mobile workstations you can buy right now
The title of the world's most powerful mini PC has been claimed by HP

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Friday, January 10, 2025

7 Essential Tips for Using Your Air Fryer

Making killer french fries is only the beginning. Step up your cooking game with our favorite piece of cookware.

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Latest Tech News

Project HEIST wants to mitigate physical sabotaging of underwater cables
HEIST is expected to use laser optics rather than radio
Exabytes of data flow in more than 1 million Km of fiber across the globe

NATO is reportedly developing a satellite-based backup for global internet communications to address vulnerabilities exposed by recent undersea cable disruptions.

The project, known as HEIST (hybrid space-submarine architecture ensuring infosec of telecommunications), comes in response to the February 2024 incident when the cargo ship Rubymar, struck by a Houthi missile attack, dragged its anchor across the Red Sea floor, severing three fiber-optic cables.

A report by IEEE Spectrum claims these cables carried about a quarter of all internet traffic between Europe and Asia, forcing data rerouting and highlighting the fragile nature of global internet infrastructure.

Ready for testing

Over 95% of intercontinental internet traffic relies on undersea fiber-optic cables, with more than 1.2 million kilometers of them stretching across the planet. These thin cables lie unburied across deep-sea floors, making them vulnerable to accidental damage and sabotage.

The Rubymar incident was unintentional, but Western officials have evidence of deliberate undersea cable sabotage by state actors, such as Russia and China. NATO has already announced plans to prevent this happening in the future using undersea drones.

HEIST aims to address such threats by ensuring critical internet pathways remain operational even when fiber lines are compromised.

The project has two key objectives: to rapidly detect cable damage and precisely locate breaks, and to expand the capacity to reroute data through alternative channels, including satellites. The focus will be on diverting high-priority data to satellites, reducing reliance on vulnerable seabed cables.

The project will begin testing in 2025 at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. Researchers from multiple countries, including the US, Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland, will work to develop faster break detection systems capable of pinpointing damage with accuracy to within one meter.

The researchers will also explore satellite-based failsafes using higher-bandwidth laser optics, which can transmit far more data than current radio-based satellite systems.

While satellite throughput is limited compared to fiber, the HEIST team is focusing on expanding bandwidth through technologies like infrared lasers, already in use on Starlink satellites.

Although no single solution currently exists, NATO’s goal is to create a diverse and resilient network, ensuring secure global communications in emergencies.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

The 15 Best PS5 Games Right Now

CNET gaming experts list the top 15 PlayStation 5 games you can play right now. Astro Bot, God of War and Helldivers 2 make the list.

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Latest Tech News

A surge in VPN usage is the cause of slow internet speeds in Pakistan, with each megabyte of data routed via these services costing approximately $1 to the country's economy.

This shocking revelation came from a recent report published by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) – local publications, including the Pakistani English-speaking newspaper The Express Tribune could reveal.

While this isn't the first time authorities have condemned unauthorized VPN usage for, among other things, internet slowdowns, experts have long argued that government-imposed censorship is instead to blame for breaking the internet in Pakistan.

The ongoing Pakistan debate

According to the PTA report – as reported by The Express Tribune – the ever-growing reliance on the best VPN apps "has put additional pressure on Pakistan's internet infrastructure."

This is because, authorities explain, virtual private network (VPN) services bypass local content delivery networks (CDNs), causing inefficiencies. Additionally, hefty VPN usage is also behind significant economic losses "due to increased reliance on foreign exchange."

As per the PTA data, VPN bandwidth usage peaked at 634 Gbps in August, 597 Gbps in September, 815 Gbps in October, and 378 Gbps in November.

These numbers certainly do not come as a surprise. Pakistanis have turned en masse to VPNs since the beginning of the year as a means to bypass stringent online restrictions.

X (formerly Twitter) has been inaccessible without a VPN since February. Meta's Facebook and Instagram were also restricted in July 2024 and May 2023, respectively, according to Surfshark's Internet Tracker. Bluesky and WhatsApp were the latest social media platforms blocked in the country this year.

It was in this context that the PTA first shared plans to regulate the use of VPNs as a way to curb misuse back in August. Authorities would later deem unregistered VPNs a "security risk" for Pakistan as they can be used to access "sensitive data."

The PTA then set a deadline for November 30, 2024, to begin implementing the new policy, urging businesses and freelance workers to register their services to avoid any disruptions. As the registration deadline expired, however, it was revealed that Pakistan doesn't have any legal grounds to ban VPNs, according to Pakistan's Law Ministry.

On December 19, 2024, the PTA shared some new directives that require VPN companies to obtain a Class License for Data Services to operate within the country. VPN providers will also be forced to collect and share users' information usage with authorities upon request – de facto going against their strict no-log VPN policies.

While it's too early to know if such an attempt to regulate VPN usage will be successful this time, it certainly kicks off a new phase for the PTA's quest to regulate the use of these services in Pakistan.

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

No flashing lights

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Addressing performance and efficiency needs

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Mechanix OS

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Monday, January 13, 2025

Price matched

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Sunday, January 12, 2025

A smarter future for storage?

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Enter Framework

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Saturday, January 11, 2025

No Copilot button on the smaller model

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Ready for testing

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Thursday, January 9, 2025

The ongoing Pakistan debate