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August 24
- AMD's unreleased Ryzen 5 5500X3D is reportedly 12% faster in multi-core performance in Geekbench — budget Zen 3 chip spotted running in Linux
➀ The AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D, exclusive to Latin America, shows 12% faster multi-core performance in Geekbench compared to the non-X3D version;
➁ Equipped with 96MB 3D V-Cache, it addresses the original 5500's cache limitations, enhancing gaming and productivity performance;
➂ Despite strong benchmarks, its $185 price is deemed uncompetitive in Western markets, limiting its launch to price-sensitive regions.
- Next-generation 3D DRAM approaches reality as scientists achieve 120-layer stack using advanced deposition techniques
➀ Researchers from imec and Ghent University achieved a 120-layer stack of silicon and silicon-germanium (Si/Ge) using advanced epitaxial deposition, overcoming lattice mismatch challenges through carbon doping and temperature control.
➁ This breakthrough enables 3D DRAM development, allowing vertical stacking for higher memory density without increasing chip size, potentially revolutionizing storage capacity.
➂ The technology also benefits 3D transistors, quantum computing, and aligns with Samsung's 3D DRAM roadmap and next-gen architectures like GAAFET and CFET.
- Microsoft's Windows 95 release was 30 years ago today, the first time software was a pop culture smash
➀ Microsoft's Windows 95 launched 30 years ago marked the first OS release as a global cultural event, with midnight launch queues and the iconic Start Button design;
➁ It introduced 32-bit multitasking, plug-and-play hardware, and integrated Internet support through MSN, while system requirements began sparking 'bloatware' debates;
➂ The OS achieved $720M first-day revenue, fueled by aggressive gaming partnerships and Netscape browser integration, laying foundations for modern PC ecosystems.
- ‘Still, you’re paying for dinner’ Nvidia CEO shoots back, after TSMC CEO jokes about his billionaire status
➀ NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and TSMC CEO C.C. Wei shared a lighthearted exchange about billionaire status and wafer pricing during dinner meetings in Taipei;
➁ Discussions reportedly revolve around China-specific B30 Blackwell AI chips, with Nvidia seeking TSMC's production support amid export restrictions;
➂ Huang confirmed collaborating with TSMC on six revolutionary chips including Rubin-architecture photonics processors, emphasizing the foundry's critical role in NVIDIA's roadmap.
- Minisforum Readies A Ryzen AI Max+ Strix Halo Pint-Sized Powerhouse SFF PC
➀ Minisforum is preparing to launch the MS-S1 MAX, a micro-workstation with AMD's powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor.
➁ The Ryzen AI Max parts combine desktop-class Zen 5 CPU cores with a massive, discrete-class integrated GPU and a double-wide 256-bit memory bus.
➂ The MS-S1 MAX supports a power limit of 160W, double that of the ASUS ROG Flow z13, and 33% higher than any other computer with this chip.
August 23
- Apple In Negotiations With Google To Tap Gemini AI To Boost Siri’s Smarts
➀ Apple's current AI efforts have not been successful, including the promised upgrades to Siri;
➁ Apple is in talks with Google to build a custom AI model for Siri;
➂ Apple is also testing its own AI solutions, Linwood and Glenwood;
➃ A partnership with Google could improve Siri but may raise antitrust concerns.
- This Wolfbox MF100 electric air duster is now just $69 at Amazon — cleans your PC out, not your bank account
➀ The Wolfbox MF100 Electric Air Duster is currently discounted to $69 at Amazon, close to its all-time low price.
➁ With 150,000 RPM and rechargeable USB-C battery, it offers a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to compressed air cans for PC cleaning.
➂ Though slightly pricier than its Prime Day deal, this portable tool remains a cost-effective choice for enthusiasts.
- Commodore took in over $2 million during the C64 Ultimate's debut week — roadmap will include three major releases a year
➀ Commodore's C64 Ultimate debuted with $2 million in sales within its first week, with half allocated to production and future R&D;
➀ The company emphasizes avoiding past bankruptcy pitfalls, showcasing factory quality control and GEOS software integration;
③ Amiga-era collaborations teased, including discussions with original engineers and a roadmap for 3-4 annual releases over four years.
August 22
- Bochum University of Applied Sciences Releases New Internationalization Strategy
➀ Bochum University of Applied Sciences has adopted an internationalization strategy to enhance global perspectives in teaching, research, and administration, focusing on student mobility and cross-cultural collaboration;
➁ Key initiatives include expanding strategic partnerships, English-taught modules, and support for international students, alongside increased participation in EU programs like Horizon Europe;
➂ Targets by 2028 include doubling student mobility, providing English modules across all programs, and raising EU third-party funding by 25% to strengthen global engagement.
- Fan Favorite Noctua Wants To Collab On An RTX 5090 But There's A Big Hurdle
➀ Noctua expressed interest in collaborating with ASUS on a custom GeForce RTX 5090 model.
➁ The collaboration is hindered by the limited supply of GB202 chips.
➂ NVIDIA's focus on AI chip manufacturing over consumer GPUs contributes to the shortage.
- New Development: Modular Microrobots Capable of Communication and Cooperation
➀ Researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology developed millimeter-sized Smartlet microrobots with integrated electronics, sensors, and optocommunication, enabling autonomous movement and coordination in aqueous environments;
➀ The microrobots use an origami-inspired manufacturing approach to self-fold into 3D structures, powered by photovoltaics and controlled by embedded silicon chiplets, achieving decentralized control without external systems;
➀ Potential applications include environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and adaptive robotic systems, with future goals to expand sensory capabilities and evolve toward collective, organism-like behaviors.
- Naturally Wired: Precision Molecules for the Electronics of the Future
➀ Empa researchers successfully attached porphyrin molecules with metal centers to graphene nanoribbons with atomic precision, creating a hybrid system;
➁ The system exhibits magnetic and electronic coupling, enabling applications in molecular electronics, chemical sensors, and quantum technologies;
➂ The design allows optical and chemical tunability, with potential uses in light-emitting systems and quantum computing spin-based devices.
August 21
- ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Listed At Best Buy As US Release Details Are Now Official
➀ The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally are scheduled to launch on October 16, 2025, in many parts of the world.
➁ The handhelds will be available in multiple countries including the US, Australia, and China.
➂ The ROG Ally series will also be available in other markets like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, with the Xbox Ally launching in China early next year.
- South Korea says there are no plans for the U.S. to acquire Samsung shares — denial comes amid talks about Washington acquiring a 10% equity stake in Intel for CHIPS Act funds
➀ South Korea denies U.S. plans to acquire Samsung shares amid speculation sparked by CHIPS Act funding negotiations involving Intel.
➁ The U.S. Commerce Secretary's comments on expanding equity deals to other CHIPS Act recipients, including Samsung, raised concerns over foreign influence in South Korea's crown jewel.
➂ Samsung's pivotal role in South Korea's economy and geopolitical tensions over U.S. tariffs amplify the stakes of potential equity-sharing agreements.
- Full-sized A1200 Amiga remake spotted on display — A1200 will come with a port of The Settlers 2 that took 30 years, and a working keyboard
① Retro Games Ltd announces a full-sized A1200 Amiga remake featuring a working keyboard and a 30th-anniversary port of *The Settlers 2*.
② Detailed specifications and bundled accessories will be fully revealed in October, with the device likely running Linux-based emulators.
③ The company plans multiple retro hardware releases between 2025–2026, reigniting nostalgia for classic computing systems.
- New Center for Micromobility at PHWT: Funding for Innovative Mobility Research
➀ PHWT established the Center for Micromobility (ZMM) to develop small electric vehicles bridging e-bikes and e-cars, enhancing individual transportation;
➁ The project secured €595,000 in funding for a three-year initiative, fostering collaboration between academia and regional industries for lightweight materials and autonomous transport systems;
➂ Focus on sustainability, accessibility for non-license holders, and leveraging AI for applications like autonomous logistics and elderly mobility support.
- DirectX speeds up game loads up to 10X with new advanced shader compiling — feature debuts with Xbox PC app on ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, more devices later
➀ Microsoft introduces Advanced Shader Delivery, moving shader compilation to the cloud to reduce game loading times by up to 85%;
➀ New SODB and PSDB formats enable precompiled shaders tailored to specific hardware/driver configurations;
➁ Feature debuts on Asus ROG Xbox Ally/X devices in October, with broader device support planned.
- China's Great Firewall blocked all traffic to a common HTTPS port for over an hour, severing connection to the outside world — with no hint as to its intention
➀ China's Great Firewall (GFW) disrupted all HTTPS traffic on TCP port 443 for 74 minutes, potentially due to misconfiguration or a new censorship mechanism;
➀ The anomaly specifically targeted port 443, unlike past protocol-wide blocks, raising questions about GFW's evolving tactics;
➂ The incident highlights China's conflicted approach to balancing economic reliance on global internet access with strict information control.
- Communication Despite Electromagnetic Shielding
➀ The German Cybersecurity Innovation Agency (Cyberagentur) launched the ZANDER-F research program with €15 million funding to develop technologies enabling communication and imaging through conductive barriers like Faraday cages, addressing challenges for special forces in anti-piracy operations and disaster scenarios;
➁ The initiative explores unconventional approaches including plasmonic surface wave transmission, low-frequency electromechanical signals, and subatomic particle-based data transfer, with applications in border security, disaster rescue, and urban drone detection;
➂ The 5-year multi-stage project is now open for proposals, with submission deadlines starting October 2025, aiming to revolutionize secure communication systems beyond traditional radio limitations
August 20
- Phison takes legal action over falsified 'leaked' document on Windows SSD issues — says it continues to investigate reports of problems
➀ Phison confirmed investigations into Windows 11 security updates causing SSD failures, clarifying its controllers are not the sole cause;
➁ The company refuted a falsified document circulated among customers, asserting it was neither official nor unofficial;
➂ Legal actions are underway to address the fake document, which falsely listed affected SSD controller models and claimed ties to Phison.
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X to launch October 16 — co-branded handhelds sport new CPUs, game-friendly Windows tweaks, but pricing is still unknown
➀ Asus and Microsoft’s co-branded ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds will launch globally on October 16, featuring AMD's Ryzen Z2 processors and upgradeable SSDs.
➁ The devices run a customized Windows 11 with Xbox-friendly controls but lack native Xbox game support, focusing solely on PC titles.
➂ Pricing remains unannounced, with European leaks hinting at €599–€899 ranges, while Asus prepares playable demos at Gamescom including Gears of War: Reloaded and Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade.
- Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max portable monitor review: 43 inches of real estate spread across three displays
➀ The Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max combines three 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panels into a 43-inch portable workstation with aluminum construction and unified OSD controls.
➁ Despite its innovative design, the monitor faces issues like unstable lowest height adjustment, 30% lower real-world brightness (244 nits vs claimed 350 nits), and heavy 7-pound weight limiting portability.
➂ With 85.4% DCI-P3 color coverage and $599 price tag, it targets productivity users needing extreme screen space but faces competition from cheaper dual-screen alternatives like Limink LK14 ($299).
- White House confirms talks to acquire 10% stake in Intel — 'We should get an equity stake for our money'
➀ The U.S. government plans to convert $7.86 billion CHIPS Act grants into a 10% equity stake in Intel, aiming to secure taxpayer returns;
➀ Commerce Secretary emphasized domestic chip production for national security, citing Taiwan's geopolitical risks;
➂ Intel faces operational challenges, including CEO controversies and delayed Ohio factory construction, while experts warn of 'corporate statism' risks.
- Score an RTX 5070 for just £479 and get a free 1TB SSD in Amazon's Gaming Week sale — blowout includes up to 69% off Logitech, Razer, and more
➀ Amazon UK's Gaming Week sale offers up to 69% off on gaming peripherals like Logitech and Razer, with standout deals on GPUs;
➁ The NVIDIA RTX 5070 (MSI Shadow 2X) is priced at £479, bundled with a free 1TB MSI Spatium M470 Pro SSD, offering exceptional value;
➂ Budget-friendly RTX 5060 8GB at £249 includes the same SSD, while other deals feature discounted SSDs, RAM, and gaming mice.
- Asus' latest OLED gaming monitor can hit 720 Hz at HD resolution — dual refresh modes also allow 540 Hz at QHD
➀ Asus announced three OLED gaming monitors at Gamescom: ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG with Tandem OLED tech (15% brighter, 25% wider color), plus the refreshed XG27AQDMG Gen 2;
➁ Flagship PG27AQWP-W achieves 720Hz at HD or 540Hz at QHD, with 0.03ms response time and semi-transparent back panel;
➂ All models feature Neo Proximity Sensor for burn-in prevention, but pricing remains undisclosed.
- 95% of generative AI implementations in enterprise 'have no measurable impact on P&L', says MIT — flawed integration key reason why AI projects underperform
➀ MIT study reveals 95% of enterprise generative AI pilots fail to measurably impact P&L, primarily due to poor integration with existing workflows.
➁ Successful AI implementations focus on back-office automation rather than sales/marketing, yet over 50% of budgets target the latter.
➂ Workforce impacts loom as companies avoid replacing vacant entry-level roles in customer support and administration, signaling potential AI-driven job displacement.
- Microsoft’s August 2025 security updates are breaking recovery tools on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs
➀ Microsoft's August 2025 security updates break system recovery tools on Windows 10/11, affecting Reset This PC and RemoteWipe features；
➁ Failed resets roll back silently without data loss, but leave recovery functions unusable；
➂ An additional SSD vanishing bug during large file transfers is under investigation, with fixes pending.
- RobertaLab Summer Camp at the University of Koblenz Inspires Girls for Future Technologies
➀ The University of Koblenz hosted a 5-day RobertaLab summer camp for 14 girls aged 10–14, focusing on programming, robotics, and web development;
➀ Participants used Calliope mini microcontrollers, built Lego EV3 robots for simulated Mars missions, and learned HTML to design websites;
➂ Feedback highlighted heightened interest in STEM, with the camp showcasing the impact of hands-on tech education in engaging young girls.
August 19
- Intel Gets A $2 Billion Investment And Vote Of Confidence From SoftBank To Advance US Chip Innovation
➀ Intel has signed a definitive securities purchase agreement with SoftBank, investing $2 billion into Intel's common stock.
➁ The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Intel's ongoing restructuring efforts.
➂ SoftBank's Chairman and CEO, Masayoshi Son, expressed belief in the expansion of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
- Researcher downloaded the data of all 270,000 Intel employees from an internal business card website — massive data breach dubbed 'Intel Outside' didn't qualify for bug bounty
➀ A security researcher exploited vulnerabilities in Intel's internal websites, accessing sensitive data of 270,000 employees, including names, roles, and contact information.
➁ Four Intel websites, including an internal business card portal and supplier system, had critical flaws like hardcoded credentials and authentication bypasses.
➂ Intel patched the vulnerabilities by February 2025 but rejected the researcher's bug bounty claim, offering only automated responses during disclosure.