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August 8
- Nintendo's Price Hikes Are No Match For This $100 Discount On The Switch OLED
➀ Nintendo recently raised the price of its first-generation Switch consoles and accessories;
➁ Walmart is offering a $100 discount on the Switch OLED;
➂ The Switch OLED is currently priced at $299 at Walmart, which is $50 below the old retail price.
August 7
- Framework Desktop review: AMD's Strix Halo in a petite, powerful, pricey PC
➀ The Framework Desktop showcases strong 1080p gaming performance with AMD's Strix Halo APU and integrated Radeon 8060S graphics;
➁ Limited upgradeability due to soldered RAM/CPU, but offers storage customization and front-panel modular ports;
➂ High price ($1,599+) positions it against gaming PCs with discrete GPUs, favoring niche users needing massive RAM for AI/creative workflows.
- Silicon Motion gives a glimpse of its PCIe 6.0 controller for client SSDs — 25+ GB/s sequential reads, 3.5 million random IOPS, coming 2028-2029
➀ Silicon Motion unveiled its Neptune PCIe 6.0 SSD controller for client PCs, targeting 25+ GB/s sequential reads and 3.5M IOPS;
➁ The controller uses a Separate Command Architecture (SCA) to reduce latency, but enterprise-grade SSDs(16 channels) will still outperform it;
➂ Mass production is slated for 2028, with consumer drives likely delayed until 2029-2030 due to high costs and OEM skepticism.
- Intel will retire rarely-used 16x MSAA support on Xe3 GPUs — AI upscalers like XeSS, FSR, and DLSS provide better, more efficient results
➀ Intel is phasing out 16x MSAA support on Xe3 GPUs, prioritizing AI upscalers like XeSS, FSR, and DLSS;
➁ Traditional anti-aliasing methods face performance and compatibility challenges, while AI-driven techniques offer better efficiency and image reconstruction;
➂ This shift reflects industry trends toward hybrid rendering strategies and could redefine Linux graphics driver standards.
- Trump Outlandishly Demands Intel CEO Tan's Resignation Over Chinese Ties
➀ Many experts praised the hiring of Lip-Bu Tan as Intel's new CEO this year, but if U.S. President Donald Trump has his way, Tan's tenure will be short-lived. Trump called for Tan's immediate resignation on his Truth Social platform.
➁ Trump did not specify the exact reason for Tan's resignation, only stating that he is 'highly CONFLICTED and must resign' and that 'no other solution to this problem' exists.
➂ The issue is Tan's ties to China, which have raised concerns among some U.S. officials.
- ASUS Unveils GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua Edition, A Quiet Giant With A Huge Cooler
➀ ASUS has officially launched its GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua OC Edition, a large GPU with a brown-themed cooling solution that requires a quad-slot graphics card slot.
➁ The cooling solution is quiet, featuring three fans and an optimized vapor chamber, and is designed for enthusiasts with space for an ultra-thick GPU.
➂ The GPU has dual BIOS configurations for Quiet and Performance profiles, and can boost to 2,730MHz in OC mode, higher than NVIDIA's reference boost clock.
- Trump calls for Intel CEO to resign — claims Lip-Bu Tan is 'conflicted'
➀ Former President Trump demands Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign, citing 'conflicted' ties to Chinese entities;
➁ Republican Senator Tom Cotton criticizes Tan's past leadership at Cadence Design Systems and links to Chinese military-linked firms, questioning Intel's CHIPS Act grant eligibility;
➂ Intel defends Tan's commitment to U.S. security amid broader tensions over semiconductor tariffs and supply chain control.
- Amazon Prime members can grab this RTX 5090 for it's lowest-ever price
➀ NVIDIA's RTX 5090 GPU, specifically the Zotac Gaming Solid OC variant, is available at its lowest-ever price of $2,399 for Amazon Prime members, marking a $400 discount from its launch price.
➁ Equipped with 32GB GDDR7 VRAM and 21,760 CUDA cores, this GPU delivers 25% better performance than the RTX 4090, making it ideal for gaming and AI-driven tasks.
➂ The card requires a robust power supply and remains a premium investment despite increased availability post-launch.
- SanDisk and SK hynix join forces to standardize High Bandwidth Flash memory, a NAND-based alternative to HBM for AI GPUs — Move could enable 8-16x higher capacity compared to DRAM
① SanDisk and SK hynix collaborate to standardize High Bandwidth Flash (HBF), a NAND-based memory technology offering 8-16x higher capacity than DRAM-based HBM.
② HBF combines NAND's high density with HBM-like bandwidth, targeting energy-efficient AI inference and edge deployments while reducing thermal and cost challenges.
③ Prototype showcased at Flash Memory Summit 2025; sample modules expected by late 2026, with potential integration into AI hardware in 2027, signaling industry shifts toward hybrid memory stacks.
- Trump announces 100% semiconductor tariffs — 'There's no charge' for chips built in the U.S
➀ President Trump imposed 100% tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors to boost U.S. chip production;
➁ TSMC's Arizona fab (already sold out until 2027) and Samsung's Texas plant face challenges amid investments under the CHIPS Act;
➂ Concerns rise over supply shortages and consumer inflation due to tariff impacts across industries.
- Back-to-school PC peripherals you didn't know you needed — hot deals on headsets, mice, keyboards, speakers, and more
➀ Multiple gaming and productivity peripherals from brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and HyperX are on sale for back-to-school season, including mice, keyboards, headsets, and speakers;
➁ Highlighted deals include Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse at 43% off, Cooler Master MK770 wireless keyboard at 34% discount, and HyperX QuadCast microphone dropping to $68;
➂ Products emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and dorm-friendly setups, with detailed reviews of features like adjustable switches, RGB lighting, and immersive audio.
August 6
- Cyberagentur launches ATARA – AI-supported analysis of public data for improved cyber security
➀ The Cyberagentur launched the ATARA research program to explore AI's potential in developing novel cyberattack methods and defenses for critical infrastructures using publicly available data;
➁ The project uniquely employs AI in dual roles—simulating attackers and defenders—to uncover threats beyond human experts' current knowledge and propose countermeasures;
➂ Universities, research institutions, and companies are invited to apply for funding, with a submission deadline of August 29, 2025, as part of Germany's national security strategy.
- Cyber Agency Launches ATARA – AI-Driven Analysis of Public Data for Enhanced Cybersecurity
➀ The German Cyber Security Agency (Cyberagentur) launched the ATARA research program to explore AI's ability to identify unknown cyberattack paths using publicly accessible data and develop defense strategies;
➁ The project adopts a dual-role approach where AI simulates both attacker and defender perspectives, aiming to generate novel attack scenarios and countermeasures beyond human experts' traditional analyses;
➂ Universities, companies, and startups with expertise in cybersecurity and machine learning can apply for participation, with a submission deadline of August 29, 2025.
- At only $649, this RTX 4060-powered Asus TUF A15 is the best value gaming laptop out there
➀ The Asus TUF A15 with RTX 4060 GPU is on sale at Staples for $649, offering a $250 discount;
➁ Features include AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, 16GB DDR5 RAM, upgradable 512GB SSD, and a 144Hz 1080p display;
➂ A budget-friendly option for gaming and productivity, despite using last-gen GPU tech.
- Apple I replica can run ChatGPT — Macintosh Founding Father uses Wi-Fi module to turn relic into AI assistant
➀ Daniel Kottke, an original Apple engineer, demonstrated a retrofitted Apple I replica at the Vintage Computer Festival West, running ChatGPT via a Wi-Fi module;
➁ The project highlights cloud computing's ability to enable legacy hardware (1976-era 1 MHz CPU) to access cutting-edge AI;
➂ Debates edge-AI privacy vs. cloud-AI latency, suggesting future AI ubiquity across devices.
- Two Chinese nationals arrested in the U.S. over GPU smuggling worth 'tens of millions of dollars' — over 20 shipments of AI chips and numerous illicit payments tracked
➀ Two Chinese nationals face up to 20 years in prison for illegally exporting AI GPUs worth tens of millions to China via shell company ALX Solutions Inc., bypassing U.S. export controls;
➁ Shipments were routed through Singapore and Malaysia, with payments traced to Hong Kong and Chinese entities;
➂ The GPUs, speculated to be NVIDIA’s H100 or B200, were labeled fraudulently to avoid detection.
- Enhanced Data Analysis Improves Medium-Term Electrical Grid Load Forecast by 76%
➀ Fraunhofer IOSB-AST enhanced grid load forecasting for SWE Netz GmbH by 76%, reducing prediction errors from 3.89 GWh to 0.93 GWh for 2024 through historical and public data integration;
➁ Improved accuracy stemmed from analyzing long-term trends, photovoltaics expansion, and self-consumption patterns, with future electrification trends expected to reverse declining grid loads;
➂ Gas network loads were also studied using the EMS-EDM PROPHET® software and WattAnalyzer tool, aiding SWE Netz GmbH’s infrastructure planning and decision-making.
- AMD posts record $7.685 billion revenue despite massive inventory charge — $800 million MI308 write-off not enough to stop biggest ever quarter
➀ AMD reports record $7.685B Q2 2025 revenue driven by 69% YoY growth in client CPUs and 73% surge in gaming GPUs;
➁ An $800M write-off from MI308 GPU export restrictions to China slashed gross margins to 40%, but net income still rose 229% YoY;
➂ Projects Q3 revenue of $8.7B±$300M, fueled by MI350 AI accelerators and holiday season demand.
- Pure Quantum State Without Cooling Effort
➀ ETH Zurich researchers demonstrated a near-pure quantum state (92% quantum purity) in a nanoparticle tower at room temperature without cryogenic cooling;
➁ The experiment achieved suppression of classical motion, observing quantum fluctuations in an object containing hundreds of millions of atoms—a record in scale and purity for room-temperature systems;
➂ Potential applications include ultra-sensitive quantum sensors for dark matter detection, miniaturized medical imaging devices, and navigation systems independent of GPS satellites.
- PCI-SIG announces PCIe 8.0 spec with twice the bandwidth — 1TB/s of peak bandwidth, 256 GT/s per lane, and a possible new connector
➀ PCI-SIG announces PCIe 8.0 with 256 GT/s per lane, enabling 1 TB/s bi-directional bandwidth;
➁ Challenges in copper-based implementations drive exploration of optical interconnects and advanced packaging;
➂ Targeting AI servers, data centers, and HPC, with consumer adoption expected post-2030.
August 5
- AMD Radeon RX 9060 Stealth Launches With These Specs For Budget Gaming PCs
➀ AMD推出Radeon RX 9060，作为9060 XT的非XT版本，占据Radeon RX 9000系列底端位置；
➁ 该入门级显卡在《刺客信条：幻景》、《地平线：零之曙光 重制版》、《生化危机》等游戏中可实现高达100帧以上的原生1080p超清设置帧率；
➂ Radeon RX 9060配备28个RDNA 4计算单元、1792个流处理器、28个光线加速器、56个AI加速器、64个ROP和112个纹理映射单元，内存为8GB GDDR6（18Gbps），总线宽度为128位，提供高达288GB/s的内存带宽。
- Two former TSMC employees arrested, could face up to 12 years in jail, $3 million fine over alleged attempt to leak 2nm chip details — first case under Taiwan's amended National Security Act cites 'serious suspicions of violating national security laws'
➀ Two former TSMC engineers face charges under Taiwan’s National Security Act for attempting to leak 2nm chip technology to rivals, marking the first case under the 2022 law;
➀ The suspects allegedly stole proprietary semiconductor IP linked to national security, triggering an investigation involving Japanese chip toolmaker Tokyo Electron;
➂ TSMC dominates global advanced chip production, producing 90% of cutting-edge chips, while China’s SMIC and Huawei lag at 7nm, intensifying geopolitical tensions over tech sovereignty.
- Enthusiast spends 6 years building 'world's most impractical display' — 1,000-pixel wood panel uses a hacked-apart CNC machine to change a single pixel just 10 times a minute
➀ Engineer Ben Holmen spent six years creating a 1,000-pixel wooden display using a repurposed CNC machine, capable of changing one pixel every six minutes;
➀ The device rotates stained wood blocks with black/white faces to form images, controlled by a web app with a queue system for public submissions;
➀ Originally conceptualized with ping pong balls, the project shifted to wood for durability and precision, involving 3D printing and custom fabrication.
- Innovative Digital Teaching Projects: Free State of Thuringia Funds TU Ilmenau Projects
➀ The Free State of Thuringia and the Stifterverband are funding two digital teaching projects at TU Ilmenau, focusing on virtual 3D energy systems and machine learning-based modeling of complex systems;
➁ The first project uses browser-based 3D substation simulations to enhance electrical engineering students' understanding of energy systems, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences;
➂ The second project integrates real-time experimental data with machine learning to teach interdisciplinary applications, such as weather prediction and traffic modeling, while promoting open access to educational resources for other institutions.
August 4
- GeForce RTX 50 GPUs Could See Sweeping Price Cuts, Here's When And Why
➀ The GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs may see significant price cuts due to excess inventory and demand issues.
➁ The rumored price cuts are attributed to manufacturers having a stockpile of unsold cards.
➂ The current high prices for GeForce RTX 50 GPUs are partly due to AIB partners' pricing strategies and the shift in manufacturing focus to AI chips.
- Passionately Committed to Computer Science: FZI Co-Founder Professor Peter C. Lockemann Passes Away
➀ Professor Peter C. Lockemann, co-founder of the FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik and a pioneer in computer science and business informatics, passed away at the age of 89;
➁ He played a pivotal role in establishing Germany's first computer science faculty at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and co-founded FZI in 1985, shaping it into a leading IT research and technology transfer institution;
➂ His research focused on databases and distributed information systems, and he received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate and the Federal Cross of Merit, for advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
- Nintendo Issues Urgent Switch 2 Heat Warning For Ambient Temps To Avoid Damage
➀ Nintendo warns Switch and Switch 2 owners to be cautious when playing outside in hot weather;
➁ The company states that ambient temperatures above a certain threshold can potentially cause malfunctions;
➂ The recommended ambient temperature range is 5C to 35C (41F to 95F).
- AMD's Z2 Extreme flies past Intel's Lunar Lake in new gaming benchmarks — MSI Claw 8 running at 17W favors the Z2E by roughly 8.5%, lead drops to 6% at 30W
➀ AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme outperforms Intel's Lunar Lake by 8.5% in 17W gaming benchmarks on MSI Claw handheld devices, with smoother 1% lows;
➁ At 30W, AMD maintains a 6% lead despite Intel's higher power scaling, leveraging Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 GPU efficiency;
➂ Z2 Extreme's hybrid core design and 4nm process redefine handheld gaming performance, though Intel retains ultra-low power advantages (<10W).
- How Franconian Factory Halls Become Smart Factories
➀ The Hochschule Coburg’s "inAdditiv" project assists SMEs in adopting smart factory technologies like AI, sensors, and digital twins to enhance sustainability and production efficiency;
➁ It focuses on four areas: energy-efficient production systems, autonomous automation, immersive AI-driven technologies, and intelligent additive manufacturing, showcasing solutions through a demonstrator platform;
➂ Funded by the EU and Bavaria, the initiative collaborates with regional partners, particularly in automotive-impacted areas, to strengthen local innovation and align with EU low-carbon economic strategies.
- Microsoft Study Says These Jobs Are Not Likely To Be Replaced By AI
➀ A new study by Microsoft Research analyzed 200,000 conversations between users and Microsoft Bing Copilot, revealing that some occupations are unlikely to be impacted much by generative AI.
➁ The study assigns an 'AI applicability score' to each occupation, with physical duties having the lowest scores and non-physical duties like information gathering having the highest scores.
➂ Jobs such as massage therapists, tractor operators, and housekeepers are among the least impacted by generative AI.