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July 2
- Not to be outdone by ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot humiliates itself in Atari 2600 chess showdown — another AI humbled by 1970s tech despite trash talk
➀ Microsoft's Copilot AI suffered an embarrassing defeat against a 1970s Atari 2600 emulator in chess, despite pre-match trash talk about the vintage system's "bizarre moves";
➁ The AI lost critical pieces by its 7th turn and ultimately surrendered, acknowledging the Atari's victory as "fair and square";
➂ Though built on OpenAI's GPT-4 and Bing integration, Copilot's chess skills remain inferior to specialized systems, contrasting with its claimed "silicon sorcerer" computational abilities.
- Fraunhofer FHR's Wachtberg-Forum: Radar in Focus for Security and Defense
➀ The Fraunhofer FHR Wachtberg-Forum highlighted radar technology's critical role in military and civilian security across land, sea, air, and space, with Bundeswehr Space Command emphasizing space domain awareness;
➁ A strategic partnership with Quantum Systems was announced, advancing drone-based surveillance and radar innovation for defense applications;
➂ The event showcased cognitive RF systems, experimental radar technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address evolving global security challenges.
- HP unveils 'CarFax for PCs' that could make buying older laptops more viable — telemetry, support requests, and AI will generate a laptop's history to reduce e-waste
➀ HP plans to launch a 'PCFax' service in 2026, inspired by CarFax vehicle reports, to document laptop histories using telemetry, support logs, and AI analysis;
➁ The service utilizes tamper-resistant data from HP's Endpoint Security Controller, tracking metrics like CPU temperature and SSD health to predict hardware failures and extend device lifespans;
➂ While aiming to reduce e-waste, skepticism remains about corporate data control and the practicality for low-cost devices, with experts noting potential conflicts of interest in HP managing both product sales and reuse.
- Nvidia's 16GB RTX 5060 Ti reportedly 16x more popular than its 8GB variant — German retailer figures suggest customers are steering clear of lower spec model
➀ German retailer Mindfactory.de data reveals NVIDIA's RTX 5060 Ti 16GB outsold 8GB variant by 16:1 (1,675 vs. 105 units);
➁ Despite similar performance in benchmarks, gamers favor 16GB models for future-proofing amid rising VRAM demands in modern games;
➂ AMD's RX 9060 XT 16GB also dominates 8GB model sales (30:1 ratio), reflecting industry-wide consumer preference for higher VRAM.
- 29 North Korean laptop farms busted by U.S. Department of Justice — illicit IT workers across 16 states reportedly obtained employment with more than 100 U.S. companies to help fund regime
➀ U.S. Department of Justice dismantled 29 North Korean 'laptop farms' across 16 states, uncovering IT workers who fraudulently obtained jobs at over 100 U.S. companies to fund nuclear programs;
➁ Operatives used VPNs, stolen identities, and U.S.-based collaborators to bypass sanctions, with some stealing $900,000 in cryptocurrency;
➂ Google Cloud reports expanded North Korean operations in Europe, while AI tools complicate detection of fraudulent job applicants.
- Distance Learning Students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences Celebrate Their Graduation
➀ Eleven graduates from the distance learning Master's programs in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.) and Reliability Engineering (M.Eng.) celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in Darmstadt, attended by faculty and family;
➁ The programs, offered by Hochschule Darmstadt and Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg in collaboration with zfh, emphasize career advancement in technical and leadership roles;
➂ Speakers highlighted the challenges of balancing work and study, commending graduates as role models for perseverance and professional growth.
- Nintendo Switch 2 units allegedly overheating — users report freezing and crashes while playing Cyberpunk 2077 and less power-hungry games
➀ Multiple users in Japan report overheating issues with Nintendo Switch 2, causing crashes in both demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and lighter titles like Pokémon;
➁ Thermal problems observed in both docked and handheld modes, with console temps reaching 47°C (117°F) docked and 39°C (102°F) handheld;
➂ Nintendo advises basic troubleshooting measures but cautions repairs may be needed if issues persist amid ongoing supply shortages.
- TU Dresden's Hans Kleemann Awarded 2025 Joachim Herz Prize for Pioneering Biotech Research in Fossil-Free Electronics
➀ Dr. Hans Kleemann of TU Dresden received the 2025 Joachim Herz Prize (€500,000) for his bio-based, recyclable circuit board research under the "UnbeLEAFable" project, aiming to replace conventional electronics components with sustainable alternatives inspired by leaf vascular structures;
➁ The innovation combines biodegradable bioplastics and natural leaf skeletons to create eco-friendly printed circuit boards (PCBs), reducing fossil fuel dependency and enabling efficient recycling of electronic waste, which accounts for 62 million tons annually;
➂ The funding addresses the "Valley of Death" in product development, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, with potential to revolutionize the electronics industry toward a circular economy.
July 1
- Switch 2 Restock: How To Check If Your Local Best Buy Is Participating Today
➀ As many of you are aware, it's been challenging to find a Switch 2 console for purchase from a first-party seller;
➁ Best Buy is restocking the Switch 2 today, but it's an in-store event and not all locations are participating;
➂ You can check your local Best Buy's participation by visiting their Switch 2 landing page and selecting your state and city, or by calling the store directly.
- Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Specs Leak Reveals Biggest Battery Ever In A Pixel Phone
➀ The Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to feature a 5,200mAh battery, an upgrade from the 5,060mAh battery in the Pixel 9 Pro XL;
➁ The Pixel 10 Pro will have a 4,870mAh battery, an increase from the 4,700mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 (non-Pro);
➂ Both phones will support faster wired charging speeds, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL at 39W and the Pixel 10 Pro at 29W.
- Students from Stralsund University Win One of the World's Largest Energy Efficiency Competitions
➀ The ThaiGer-H2-Racing team from Hochschule Stralsund secured the European championship at the Shell Eco-Marathon 2025, achieving a record 1,024 km/m³ efficiency in the hydrogen fuel cell category.
➁ Their second team, Bengalo Racing, ranked 7th in the Urban Concept electric vehicle category with a 21 km/kWh improvement, showcasing advancements in practical automotive design.
➂ This marks the university's seventh title in the competition since 2008, outperforming teams from Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and other European countries.
- Mario Ragwitz Becomes New Spokesperson of Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES
➀ Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz is appointed as the spokesperson of the Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES, succeeding Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Henning, who led the cluster since its founding in 2019.
➁ CINES involves ten Fraunhofer institutes focusing on integrated energy systems, including energy system analysis, digitalization, power electronics, and heat, emphasizing collaboration to address energy transition challenges.
➂ Ragwitz highlights the cluster's role in developing solutions for decarbonizing industrial, heating, and transportation sectors, referencing projects like the TransHyDE hydrogen initiative and the need for systemic infrastructure integration.
- OneXSugar gets demoed live — watch the dual-screen Android handheld transform into a Switch and a 3DS
➀ OneXPlayer unveils the OneXSugar, a dual-screen Android handheld with a unique rotary mechanism that transforms into a Switch-like or 3DS-like device;
➁ Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chip, it supports ray tracing and Wi-Fi 7, targeting emulation of classic consoles;
➂ The device debuted on Indiegogo for crowdfunding, though pricing and availability remain unannounced.
- Micron details new U.S. fab projects: HBM assembly comes to the U.S., Idaho Fab comes online in 2027, New York fabs later
➀ Micron announces $200B U.S. investment plan spanning 20+ years, including $150B for six new DRAM fabs (2 in Idaho, 4 in New York) and $50B for domestic R&D;
➁ The first Idaho fab (ID1) will start DRAM production in late 2027, with HBM packaging capabilities added to Virginia facility post-domestic wafer scaling;
➂ While expanding U.S. capacity, Micron’s global DRAM/NAND production will remain predominantly overseas, reflecting strategic balancing of geopolitical demands and economic realities.
- Industry news live: the latest news from Nvidia, Intel, and AMD
➀ Newegg launches a blowout sale on NVIDIA RTX 5000 series GPUs with prices below MSRP;
➁ AMD Instinct accelerators cause Linux server hibernation failures due to excessive VRAM usage;
➂ NVIDIA offers free Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions with RTX 30/40/50 series GPU purchases.
- Nintendo president apologizes for Switch 2 shortage — says demand greatly exceeded expectations
➀ Nintendo apologizes for Switch 2 shortages as demand exceeded forecasts, with 2.2 million lottery entries in Japan alone;
➁ Supply prioritized for U.S. and Europe markets, though Japan faced severe stock issues despite being Nintendo's third-largest revenue region;
➂ Despite minor packaging issues, Switch 2 avoids scalping and supply crises seen in PS5 and Nvidia GPU launches.
- Steam just got a new performance overlay — you can now view real FPS alongside DLSS/FRS-generated frames
➀ Steam introduces a performance overlay distinguishing real FPS from DLSS/FSR-generated frames, providing clarity on upscaling impacts;
➁ The tool displays CPU/GPU usage, clock speeds, and RAM metrics, positioning it as an MSI Afterburner alternative with native integration;
➂ Currently Windows-exclusive, Valve aims to refine support for Linux and older GPUs in future updates.
- Improved Indoor Environmental Quality in Industrial Workplaces
➀ Fraunhofer researchers developed OPTIMA PRO and DressMAN360°, combining sensor measurements (temperature, noise, lighting) with worker surveys to holistically evaluate industrial workplace comfort;
➁ The approach addresses dynamic factory conditions (e.g., machinery noise, airflows) and subjective perceptions, aiming to enhance employee health and productivity;
➂ DressMAN360°, originally used in vehicle cabins, evolved into an industrial standard tool to reduce strain on workers and improve occupational appeal in manufacturing settings.
- AI-Driven Lifecycle Management for End-of-Life Household Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK and partners developed an AI system to determine if end-of-life appliances should be refurbished or recycled, using image recognition and cloud-based analysis;
➁ The system employs visual quality scoring (1-5) via mobile apps and synthetic training data, aiming for over 97% identification accuracy;
➂ Integrated with robotic process automation and e-commerce platforms, the project targets reducing carbon footprints and advancing circular economy practices in Germany and Europe.
- Using AI to Recycle Old Electrical Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK, in collaboration with HaKiGo and YES Ecosystems, is developing a cloud-based AI system to assess whether used household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines) should be refurbished or recycled, aiming to reduce waste and promote a circular economy;
➁ The AI system uses image recognition and dialog-based mobile apps to evaluate device quality (scored 1-5), predict pricing, and automate resale processes via e-commerce platforms;
➂ The project integrates robotic process automation (RPA) and synthetic data training, targeting a 97% recognition accuracy and synchronization with recycling management systems to reduce CO2 emissions by 2026.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensors at HU Berlin
❶ Markus Krutzik, head of the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH), has been appointed as W3-S Professor at HU Berlin, focusing on advancing compact quantum sensor technology.
❷ His research targets practical applications like next-gen satellite navigation, medical biomagnetic field measurements, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging microintegration and space-grade laser technologies.
❸ Collaborations with FBH, HU Berlin, and international partners aim to strengthen Germany's quantum technology sovereignty through robust, space-ready semiconductor-based systems.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt University of Berlin
➀ Markus Krutzik was appointed as a W3-S Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, emphasizing the critical role of quantum sensing in Germany and Europe's technological sovereignty;
➁ His research focuses on developing compact, high-precision quantum sensors for satellite navigation, medical technology, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging semiconductor technologies and microintegration;
➂ Collaborations with international partners and regional quantum technology networks aim to advance real-world applications, including space-ready systems and advanced laser technologies.
- Bachelor of Engineering: Expanding Career Opportunities in the Engineering Field
➀ The Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg announced online information sessions for its part-time Bachelor of Engineering programs (Electrical/Information Technology and Industrial Engineering), targeting professionals seeking leadership roles in engineering;
➁ The programs combine flexible self-study with on-campus sessions and integrate practical research labs, with applications open until August 15, 2025;
➂ Collaborating with Hochschule Darmstadt and zfh, the curriculum emphasizes career advancement for working adults through an eight-semester structure.
June 30
- Nvidia is giving away free Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions with access to all software — one month for RTX 30 and 40 series owners, two months for RTX 50 series owners
➀ NVIDIA offers free Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions to RTX 30/40/50 series GPU users, with 1-2 months of access depending on GPU generation;
➁ RTX 50 users gain exclusive Substance 3D tools and asset libraries, adding value to Adobe's $69/month suite;
➂ Subscription auto-renews unless canceled, limited to new Adobe users with payment details required.
- First GeForce RTX 5050 GPU Goes Up For Preorder With A Surprise Release Date
➀ The first GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, from MSI's Shadow 2X OC variant, is now available for preorder on Amazon with a release date of July 1, 2025.
➁ This release date is earlier than NVIDIA's original announcement of availability starting in the second half of July.
➂ The desktop version of GeForce RTX 5050 uses 8GB of GDDR6 memory, while the laptop version uses GDDR7, due to power efficiency considerations.
- Nintendo reportedly pulled products, including Switch 2, from Amazon U.S. because of alleged sales dispute — both companies deny claims
➀ Nintendo reportedly removed products (including Switch 2) from Amazon U.S. due to third-party sellers undercutting prices;
➁ Amazon allegedly attempted to resolve disputes with authenticity labels but failed, leading to Switch 2's absence during its U.S. launch;
➂ Both companies deny Bloomberg's claims while Switch 2 remains unavailable on Amazon.com despite record-breaking sales.
- The Hearing Car on a Test Drive: Fraunhofer IDMT and CARIAD Test Acoustic Sensor Technology for Automated Driving
➀ Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA and CARIAD SE are testing new acoustic sensors and measurement technology in vehicles to enhance automated driving by detecting external sounds like emergency sirens and enabling voice interaction;
➁ The systems underwent rigorous testing in Sweden under extreme weather conditions (snow, ice, heat, and rain) to evaluate reliability and usability;
➂ The KI4BoardNet project focuses on developing AI-driven vehicle power and data networks, integrating sensor data with real-time vehicle metrics for future automotive applications.
- China could be the world's top semiconductor foundry hub by 2030 — despite US curbs, nation to hold 30% of global installed capacity, surpassing Taiwan
➀ Yole Group predicts China will dominate global semiconductor foundry capacity by 2030, reaching 30% share despite US sanctions;
➁ China's wafer production surged to 8.85M/month in 2024, with 18 new fabs like Huahong Semiconductor driving growth;
➂ The US relies heavily on imports (57% demand vs. 10% production), but ongoing TSMC/Intel projects and tech export controls add uncertainty to China's advanced chip ambitions.
- New Online Evening Study Semester Starts at WBH: Save up to €2,562 with Early Bird Discount
➀ Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule offers six Bachelor programs (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) through its online evening study format, starting September 2025;
➁ Key benefits include small-group learning (≤30 students), weekly virtual sessions, flexible self-study, and personalized tutoring;
➂ Early applicants before July 15, 2025, qualify for a 'Super Early Bird' discount of up to €2,562.
- $650 buys lucky eBay shopper two Nvidia RTX 3090 GPUs instead of the 3080s they ordered — scoops Dell OEM cards worth thousands for a fraction of the price
➀ A Reddit user purchased two Dell OEM RTX 3080 GPUs for $650 on eBay, but received two higher-tier RTX 3090 cards with SLI support and 24GB VRAM instead;
➁ Despite slight physical damage, both cards were restored to working condition by adjusting the backplate and applying new thermal paste, with each RTX 3090 valued at ~$1,500;
➂ The eBay seller inadvertently shipped mislabeled products, potentially affecting over 20 similar listings, creating a rare opportunity for tech bargain hunters.