tweaktown
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August 3
- Sabrent teases Rocket XTRM 5: new external Thunderbolt 5 SSD in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB coming soon1. Sabrent introduces the Rocket XTRM 5, a new external SSD utilizing Thunderbolt 5 technology. 2. The SSD offers up to 80Gbps bandwidth and will be available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. 3. Features include an all-aluminum build, SMART monitoring, and a rugged Thunderbolt 5 connection.
- Qualcomm boasts Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs priced as low as $700 will be here in 20251. Qualcomm plans to release Snapdragon X-powered PCs priced as low as $700 in 2025. 2. These devices aim to offer affordable options without compromising NPU performance. 3. The announcement was made by Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano Amon during an earnings call.
August 2
- Ubisoft recommends GeForce RTX 3060 Ti rendering at 720p to play Star Wars Outlaws on PC1. Ubisoft recommends using a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT to play Star Wars Outlaws at 1080p, 60 FPS with 'High' graphics preset, but requires DLSS or FSR set to 'Quality' rendering at 720p. 2. For 1440p resolution, a GeForce RTX 3080, RTX 4070, or Radeon RX 6800 XT is needed. 3. At 4K resolution, a GeForce RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 7900 XTX is required.
- TT Show Episode 45 - NVIDIA's game-changing AI and Logitech's new 'Forever Mouse'1. NVIDIA introduces Real-Time Neural Appearance Models, an AI-powered technology that enhances in-game object realism and performance. 2. Logitech explores the concept of a 'forever mouse', a durable PC peripheral with lifetime software updates. 3. Intel faces ongoing issues with its 13th and 14th Gen desktop CPUs, affecting mainstream models without a product recall.
- NVIDIA's ChatRTX for GeForce RTX PCs is updated with a new UI that you can customize1. NVIDIA updates ChatRTX with a new customizable UI. 2. The application allows users to 'chat with their files' across various formats. 3. New features include support for Meta Llama 3.1-8B and improved AI capabilities.
- Logitech responds to developing a subscription-based 'forever mouse'1. Logitech's CEO revealed the development of a 'forever mouse' with a subscription-based payment structure. 2. The mouse is designed for longevity and includes software updates as a service. 3. Logitech clarified that there are no current plans to release a subscription-based mouse.
- NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang introduces 'James' a digital human that you'll be able to interact with1. NVIDIA introduces 'James', a digital human with realistic facial expressions and emotions, powered by RTX technologies. 2. 'James' can interact with users in real-time, similar to a virtual assistant or customer service agent. 3. The technology behind 'James' is open-source, allowing developers to integrate realistic digital human interactions into various platforms.
- GamersNexus calls Intel 'unbelievably slimy,' multi-part CPU investigation coming1. GamersNexus calls Intel 'unbelievably slimy' due to their handling of the CPU issue. 2. Intel's 13th and 14th Gen CPUs suffer from permanent damage from elevated voltages. 3. Intel plans to release a microcode and BIOS update as a preventative measure. 4. Intel has not halted sales or planned a recall for affected CPUs.
- Newegg now offers a CPU Trade-In program, just in time for AMD's new Ryzen chips1. Newegg has introduced a CPU trade-in program, coinciding with the release of AMD's new Ryzen 9000 Series. 2. The trade-in values offered by Newegg are approximately 50% lower than the average second-hand prices on eBay. 3. The trade-in program is only applicable for new purchases and involves a testing process by Newegg before credit is issued.
- Russia-affiliated criminals use Sitting Duck technique to bag 30,000 domains1. Russia-affiliated criminals have hijacked an estimated 30,000 domains using the Sitting Ducks technique since 2019. 2. The technique exploits weak DNS services, allowing unauthorized changes to domain records. 3. Hijacked domains are often used for phishing, scams, spam, and other illegal activities, posing risks to both owners and visitors.
- Xbox gamers will soon be able to watch their friends Discord streams1. Microsoft is testing deeper Discord integration on Xbox. 2. Xbox users can soon watch friends' Discord streams directly from their Friends list. 3. Discord buddies feature is being tested, allowing voice channel access without a smartphone or PC.
August 1
- Reddit CEO says Microsoft refuses to negotiate with Reddit to scrape its data1. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman calls on Microsoft to negotiate for data scraping. 2. Reddit has updated its API policies, charging for access and blocking non-paying search engines. 3. Microsoft, Anthropic, and Perplexity have refused to negotiate with Reddit for data access.
- Samsung's new PRO Plus and EVO Select microSD cards can store 'more than 45 console games'1. Samsung launches 1TB variants of PRO Plus and EVO Plus microSD cards. 2. Cards offer sequential read speeds of 180MB/s and 160MB/s respectively. 3. Suitable for 4K video, gaming, and photography with a 10-year limited warranty.
- EA CEO says next Battlefield game is 'one of the most ambitious projects in our history'1. EA CEO Andrew Wilson describes the next Battlefield game as one of the most ambitious projects in the company's history. 2. The game is being developed by the largest team ever assembled for a Battlefield title. 3. The project includes single-player, multiplayer, and various modes, with four studios involved in its development.
- Activision made this epic Call of Duty: Warzone map open-source and available for AI training1. Activision has made the Caldera map from Call of Duty: Warzone open-source for AI training and education. 2. This is a first-of-its-kind release in the gaming industry, available in OpenUSD format. 3. The map includes geometry and time samples of player movement, aiming to advance game development and AI research.
- Apple's new iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max to be made in India: first premium iPhone assembled in India1. Apple is rumored to manufacture its higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max in India for the first time. 2. The decision is aimed at deepening manufacturing capabilities with partners in India. 3. The India-assembled iPhone 16 models are expected to be available in the country after the launch in 2025.
July 31
- AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPU pricing: 9950X is $599, 9900X is $449, 9700X is $359, 9600X is $2791. AMD's Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 series CPU pricing is officially announced. 2. The flagship Ryzen 9 9950X is priced at $599, the Ryzen 9 9900X at $449, the Ryzen 7 9700X at $359, and the Ryzen 5 9600X at $279. 3. The CPUs are set to launch in August, with the higher-end models releasing on August 15.
- 'Friend' the new $99 wearable AI that can bully you when you're down1. Friend, a new $99 wearable AI device, can mock users when they are in low spirits. 2. The device, worn as a medallion, listens to conversations and responds via Bluetooth to the user's smartphone. 3. Friend currently supports iOS only, with potential future Android compatibility.
- Microsoft officially denounces AI deepfake abuse with a plea to the US government1. Microsoft calls for new laws against AI-generated deepfake videos. 2. The company emphasizes the need to hold creators accountable for nefarious uses. 3. Brad Smith highlights the risks of deepfakes being used for fraud, abuse, and manipulation, especially targeting children and the elderly.
- Google confirms it broke password manager on Chrome for millions of Windows users1. Google confirmed a faulty update broke Chrome Password Manager for millions of Windows users. 2. The glitch lasted 18 hours and affected approximately 2% of the user base. 3. The incident highlights the importance of independent password managers and diversifying data storage.
- Warcraft and StarCraft RTS successor Stormgate launches, DLSS 3 brings huge performance gains1. Stormgate, a new free-to-play RTS game developed by veterans of Warcraft and StarCraft, is set to launch. 2. The game supports DLSS 3, allowing for over 100 FPS in 4K with a GeForce RTX 4070. 3. Early Access launch is scheduled for August 13, featuring campaign, competitive 1v1, and co-op modes.
- DRAM and NAND flash revenue to increase 'significantly' in 2024 thanks to AI1. DRAM and NAND Flash revenue expected to increase significantly in 2024 due to AI. 2. DRAM revenue projected to reach $90.7 billion in 2024, with a further increase to $136.5 billion in 2025. 3. NAND Flash revenue expected to reach $67.4 billion in 2024, driven by QLC enterprise SSDs.
- Nation moves to create internet 'kill switch' and force social media platform licenses1. Malaysia's Parliament is set to vote on a new legislation to implement an internet 'kill switch' for enhanced digital security. 2. The legislation also includes a requirement for social media platforms with over eight million users to apply for a license starting January 1, 2025. 3. Failure to comply with the licensing requirement will result in legal action.
- Samsung still needs to wait 2-4 months for its HBM3E memory to be approved for NVIDIA AI GPUs1. Samsung has received approval for its HBM3 memory to be used in NVIDIA's AI GPUs. 2. The approval for Samsung's next-gen HBM3E memory is expected in the next 2-4 months. 3. The HBM market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $71 billion by 2027.
- Microsoft officially ends an iconic Xbox era with a new update1. Microsoft has officially closed the Xbox 360 Marketplace, disabling the purchase of games and DLCs. 2. Content already purchased will remain playable and downloadable. 3. The Microsoft Movies and TV app will no longer function on Xbox 360 systems.
- BioWare's new Dragon Age game will be a native Steam app, no EA software required1. Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the latest game from BioWare, will be a native Steam app and Steam Deck Verified. 2. The game will not require the EA App to run, making it more convenient for PC gamers. 3. BioWare has confirmed the game will launch later this year with over 700 characters and 140,000 lines of dialogue.
July 30
- NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang on next wave of AI: physical AI, has a 'three-body problem'1. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang identifies the next wave of AI as 'physical AI', requiring three computer systems: AI, robotics, and Omniverse. 2. Huang mentions the 'three-body problem' in reference to the complexity of integrating these systems. 3. NVIDIA aims to empower organizations with AI capabilities for better customer service and operational efficiency.
- Meta's AI Studio lets you create AI friends or an AI twin that can post, chat, and respond1. Meta launches AI Studio in the US, allowing users to create custom AI chatbots. 2. These AIs can be integrated into Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. 3. Users can create AI friends, specialists, or digital twins with long-term memory.
- SK hynix exports of SSDs rose 84% in 1H 2024: big increases for AI data centers1. SK hynix's SSD exports increased by 84% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. 2. The company exported $501 million worth of SSDs in 1H 2024, driven by AI and data center demands. 3. SK hynix is expanding production capacity to meet the growing demand for high-capacity SSDs.
- NVIDIA CEO believes 'Everybody will have an AI assistant' and it will transform every job1. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang predicts that AI assistants will be ubiquitous in every company and job. 2. At SIGGRAPH 2024, NVIDIA showcased the integration of AI in various fields including 3D modeling, physics, materials, and robotics. 3. Huang believes that AI will transform industries by enhancing human capabilities and reducing energy consumption in scientific computing.