Friday, January 17, 2025

Best Blood Pressure Monitors for 2025

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure at home can help you stay on top of your health. Here are the best blood pressure monitors to help you do just that.

from CNET https://ift.tt/fa6hKYF

Latest Tech News


  • Researchers say criminals are hiding malware in images hosted on reputable websites
  • At least two different groups were seen deploying two types of infostealers
  • The campaigns abuse an ancient Excel flaw, HP Wolf Security claims

Hackers are hiding malware in website images to go unnoticed and compromise as many computers as possible, experts have warned.

A new Threat Insights Report from HP Wolf Security, based on data from millions of endpoints, claims there are currently large campaigns active spreading VIP Keylogger and 0bj3ctivityStealer. Since the same techniques and loaders are used in both, the researchers suspect two groups are using the same malware kits to deliver different payloads.

“In both campaigns, attackers hid the same malicious code in images on file hosting websites like archive.org, as well as using the same loader to install the final payload,” the researchers explained. “Such techniques help attackers circumvent detection, as image files appear benign when downloaded from well-known websites, bypassing network security like web proxies that rely on reputation.”

Throwing GenAI into the mix

The attack starts with a phishing email pretending to be an invoice, or purchase order. The attachment is usually an Excel document designed to exploit CVE-2017-11882, an ancient bug in the Equation Editor, to download a VBScript file.

Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher in the HP Security Lab, said phishing kits, paired with Generative AI (GenAI) tools, have significantly lowered the barrier to entry, exacerbating the ever-present risk of malware: “This allows groups to concentrate on tricking their targets and picking the best payload for the job – for instance by targeting gamers with malicious cheat repositories.”

Discussing GenAI, the researchers said miscreants are using it to create malicious HTML documents. They also identified an XWorm remote access trojan (RAT) campaign initiated by HTML smuggling, which contained malicious code that downloads and runs the malware.

The loader was quite obviously written by an AI, they added, since it included a line-by-line description and the design of the HTML page.

Both VIP Keylogger and 0bj3ctivityStealer are infostealer malware which record, and exfiltrate, sensitive information such as passwords, cryptocurrency wallet information, sensitive files, and more.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/gyjQOwe

Latest Tech News


  • Minisforum N5 Pro is unlike anything I've seen before: a powerful mini PC and expansive NAS
  • It has a 10Gb + 5Gb LAN not unlike the MS01 I covered a while back
  • Add in an OCuLink port and a PCIe x16 slot and you've got a pretty capable workstation PC

One of my favorite mini PC makers, Minisforum, best known for its compact workstation systems like the MS-01 and MS-A1, is expanding into the NAS market with the introduction of the N5 Pro, a 5-bay desktop NAS designed for performance and scalability.

NASCompares, which went hands on with Minisforum’s new device at CES 2025, says the N5 Pro is the first of three planned NAS devices expected to launch this year.

The N5 Pro is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (Strix Point) processor, equipped with 12 cores and 24 threads, running at a base clock of 3.5 GHz and capable of boosting up to 5.2 GHz. Built on AMD's Zen 5 architecture, the processor includes an integrated AI engine delivering 50 INT8 TOPS for enhanced data processing. The NAS supports up to 96GB of DDR5 ECC memory across two slots, providing the sort of reliable error correction commonly found in enterprise solutions.

Modular motherboard

As you’d expect, storage options are extensive, with five hot-swappable SATA bays supporting up to 22TB drives each, suitable for both hard drives and SATA SSDs. The device also features three M.2 NVMe slots - one PCIe 4.0 x2 and two PCIe 4.0 x1 - along with U.2 SSD support for expanded capacity and faster performance. RAID configurations are software-driven, with compatibility for platforms such as TrueNAS and Unraid.

One particularly welcome touch is the N5 Pro’s modular motherboard, which can be removed with a simple button press. This approach, which follows Minisforum’s design for the MS-01 workstation, simplifies upgrades and maintenance, making it easier for users to access and replace memory modules, storage, and PCIe expansion cards.

The N5 Pro offers a solid range of connectivity options, including a 10Gbps Ethernet port and a 5Gbps Ethernet port for dual high-speed wired connections. Additional ports include three USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one internal USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 port, and two USB4 Type-C ports with 40Gbps transfer speeds. The system also supports an HDMI 2.0 output, two USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Expansion options are further boosted with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (operating at x4 bandwidth) and an OCuLink 4i port, allowing for external GPU support or additional storage.

With its powerful hardware, flexible storage options, and Minisforum’s usual clever, user-friendly design, the Minisforum N5 Pro is unquestionably a versatile NAS choice for both home and professional environments. Pricing and availability have not yet been revealed, but it should be available soon.

You may also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/pEZzFAO

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Best Internet Providers in Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson offers some great internet options including fiber providers like local company EPlus. Here are all the providers you should consider.

from CNET https://ift.tt/2tG6kIX

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.

You may also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/68suaXO

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.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/rUNhjM2

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.

from CNET https://ift.tt/NZ0VaUs

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.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/7upoYrf

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.

from CNET https://ift.tt/nbB4Shd

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.

More from TechRadar Pro



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/Fa8yhtJ

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.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/AaOf2YQ

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.

from CNET https://ift.tt/LP3Rv8m

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.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/iyU3BXM

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.

from CNET https://ift.tt/5ah29Zt

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.

You might also like



from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion https://ift.tt/1btDsxl

Latest Tech News

Nvidia acquires SchedMD and launches Nemotron 3 open models, providing datasets, AI tools, and libraries for multi-agent workflows. from L...