Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Merliot Hub: Your Private AI-Powered Device Hub

2025-05-17

Merliot Hub is an AI-integrated device hub allowing natural language control (via LLMs like Claude Desktop or Cursor) over your self-built devices using Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and other components. Its distributed architecture ensures data privacy; no third-party access or data exploitation. A web app (no phone app needed), it's Docker-deployable and runs on free Koyeb cloud VMs. Build your own private smart home ecosystem!

(github.com)

Hardware

Hybrid Microcapacitor Promises a Sweet Spot for Energy Storage in Tiny Devices

2025-05-16

Researchers at University College London have developed a zinc-ion micro-capacitor (ZIMC) that strikes a balance between energy storage capacity and discharge rate, outperforming both microbatteries and microsupercapacitors in certain aspects. The device uses a novel 3D electrode structure and material selection to achieve high power areal density and long cycle life, making it suitable for applications in wearables, medical implants, and IoT devices. While currently using gold electrodes which are expensive, the team is exploring cost-effective alternatives for commercial viability. This hybrid approach offers a compact and efficient energy storage solution for next-generation on-chip electronics.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Hardware microcapacitor zinc-ion

Microsoft Quietly Kills Surface Laptop Studio 2: End of an Era for Hybrid Laptops?

2025-05-15

Microsoft has ceased production of its powerful foldable laptop, the Surface Laptop Studio 2. This hybrid laptop, unique for its dedicated GPU, is quietly being discontinued, reflecting a broader streamlining within Microsoft's hardware lineup. The move follows recent layoffs, the departure of former Surface chief Panos Panay, and a reported shift in focus towards AI and core products. While praised for performance and design, the high price and relatively low-power GPU of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 may have limited its success.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware

Open Source PebbleOS Lives On: SiFli Chip Powers Core Time 2

2025-05-14

This post, the first in a series on building a smartwatch, details the selection of the SiFli SF32LB52J chip for the Core Time 2 smartwatch. The author recounts past experiences with the STM32F2 in original Pebble watches, highlighting the crucial considerations of software compatibility, power consumption, and cost when choosing a microcontroller unit (MCU). The SiFli chip ultimately won out due to its 512KB SRAM, 16MB PSRAM, low power consumption, and open-source SDK, breathing new life into the open-source PebbleOS ecosystem.

(ericmigi.com)

Hardware chip selection

Open-Source Hardware Switch Project: A Journey from Failure to 10G Ethernet

2025-05-13

The author's multi-year journey to build an open-source hardware Ethernet switch is detailed, chronicling its evolution from an initial failure in 2012 using a low-end FPGA to a powerful switch boasting 48 1G ports and dual 10/25G uplinks with a XCKU5P FPGA. The long road included significant learning, skill development, the creation of high-precision probes and software tools, and continuous hardware/software design improvements. While challenges remain, the author is optimistic about delivering a final product by 2026.

(serd.es)

Hardware Ethernet switch

Philips Launches 'Fixables': 3D-Printable Replacement Parts for Self-Repair

2025-05-12

Philips has launched a new initiative called 'Philips Fixables,' encouraging self-repair by offering free, officially designed 3D-printable replacement parts. These files are available on Printables.com, with the initial offering being a 3mm comb for a shaver. While currently limited, Philips plans to expand the library of available parts over time. This program, initially released in the Czech Republic in partnership with Prusa Research and LePub, promotes sustainable repair options and aims to foster a community around repairable hardware. Users can also request specific parts to be added to the Fixables program.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware self-repair Philips

Spade: A Novel Hardware Description Language for Easier, Less Error-Prone Hardware Design

2025-05-12

Spade is a new hardware description language (HDL) designed to simplify hardware design and reduce errors. It borrows best practices from software programming languages, incorporating language-level support for common hardware constructs without sacrificing low-level control. Key features include first-class pipeline support, a powerful type system with structs, arrays, tuples, and payload-carrying enums, pattern matching, type inference, and excellent error messages. A comprehensive toolchain, including the Swim build tool and cocotb testing framework, is also provided. While still in its early stages, Spade shows immense promise as a next-generation hardware design language.

(spade-lang.org)

Hardware hardware description language

Hacking Tesla's New TCU: Installing a Local SIM Card

2025-05-12

Tesla's newer models (Model 3 Highland, Model Y Juniper, and Cybertruck) have relocated their cellular modem to a separate Telematics Control Unit (TCU). This guide details how to access and replace the SIM card in the TCU, activating it using Tesla Toolbox and Service+ mode to achieve 4G/5G connectivity. It covers TCU location, SIM installation, using a VPN for region restrictions, and waking the car with an external SIM.

(olegkutkov.me)

Hardware SIM card

Bootstrapping the RP2350 from UART: A Clever Port Expander Solution

2025-05-11

Facing a project requiring numerous PWM channels, the author found a single RP2350 insufficient. The solution? Using a second RP2350 as a port expander, communicating via the UART bootloader. This avoids the complexities of managing different firmware versions on multiple chips. The article details the UART boot process, including unlocking, firmware transmission, and SRAM execution. It also covers embedding the RP2350's firmware within another microcontroller's and using RS-485 for robust long-distance communication. This clever hardware-software approach offers a novel solution for similar challenges.

(pfister.dev)

Hardware UART Bootloader Port Expander

The Evolution of the Calculator Keypad: From 9 Keys to the Standard 10

2025-05-11

The layout of the calculator keypad wasn't always as we know it. Early Comptometers used a 9-key layout, driven by mechanical constraints (e.g., lever connections to rotating drums) and user experience considerations (placing frequently used keys within easy reach for efficiency). However, this design required highly trained users for optimal performance. The Dalton revolutionized this with a 10-key layout, including 0 for the first time, and a more compact design for improved usability. Finally, Sundstrand's 3x3 layout, with its ergonomic design, became the standard for calculator keypads, still used over 100 years later.

(www.doc.cc)

Hardware keypad layout

Auctus A6: The Chip Revolutionizing Low-Cost DMR Radios

2025-05-11

The Auctus A6, a highly integrated chip from Shenzhen-based Auctus Technology, is quietly revolutionizing the low-cost DMR radio market. This single chip integrates a CPU, RF transceiver, DSP, and vocoder, offering impressive functionality. Supporting frequencies from 100-1000 MHz and various digital and analog modes, it boasts a rich set of I/O interfaces including GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, and USB. Its high integration significantly reduces the cost and complexity of DMR radio manufacturing, promising to drive the adoption of a new generation of affordable DMR radios.

(jhart99.com)

Hardware DMR radio integrated chip

Circuit Board Strain Gauge for Micrometer-Level Deflection Measurement

2025-05-11

This project presents an ingenious strain gauge design where the sensing element is the circuit board itself. Highly sensitive, it measures deflections in the micrometer range with a full-scale range of +/- 3cm. Utilizing a 4-element or 2-element bridge, it's hand-assembly friendly and requires no reflow oven. It can be used standalone with an integrated Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 microcontroller or an external one. A Python script for visualization and a Jupyter Notebook for customizing the sensor shape are also provided.

(github.com)

Hardware strain gauge circuit board design micrometer deflection

Arduino's Bio-Based PCBs: A Greener Future for Electronics

2025-05-11

Arduino, in collaboration with the European Innovation Council, has launched the Desire4EU project to develop biodegradable printed circuit boards (PCBs) using PLA-flax. The project has successfully created bio-based versions of the Arduino Nano and UNO, utilizing lower soldering temperatures to reduce energy consumption and e-waste. Future plans include a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to further quantify environmental benefits, with 1,000 beta boards planned for distribution in 2026.

(blog.arduino.cc)

Hardware Bio-based PCBs

Rasp Pi Carnivorous Plant Monitor: Overengineered Fun

2025-05-10

A developer built a semi-autonomous biosurveillance system, Xenolab, for monitoring carnivorous plants using a Raspberry Pi 5, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 3D-printed enclosure. The system monitors temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and simulates wind and light. While admitting the project is wildly over-engineered for fun, the developer documented the process from 3D modeling and wiring to the final running system.

(github.com)

Hardware Carnivorous Plants

PLAttice: A 3D-Printed, Assembled Lattice for Large Structures

2025-05-10

Zach Fredin developed PLAttice, an assembled lattice structure entirely 3D-printed from PLA. Composed of struts, nodes, and pins, PLAttice allows for the reversible construction of structures significantly larger than the printer bed. A successful test built a square box truss weighing approximately 800 g/m, capable of spanning up to 4 meters before buckling. While the PLA struts are the weakest link, the design offers a novel approach to building large structures; future iterations could utilize stronger materials for the struts. PLAttice includes additional components like feet for mounting and specialized tools for assembly and disassembly. Although assembly isn't effortless, PLAttice enables the creation of interesting and useful structures, such as a kitchen pendant lamp. The project's files are released under CC-BY-SA 4.0.

(zachfred.in)

Hardware modular structure lattice

Radxa Orion O6: Promising Arm ITX Motherboard, But Needs More Time in the Oven

2025-05-10

The Radxa Orion O6 is a budget-friendly Arm ITX motherboard boasting 12 cores, up to 64GB of RAM, and Armv9.2 support. Its SystemReady SR certification allows native Windows on Arm and numerous Linux arm64 distributions. However, current firmware issues plague the experience, including subpar multi-core application performance, high power consumption, and incomplete driver support. While its PCIe expansion and Windows 11 Arm support are appealing, the overall experience needs refinement. For average users, waiting for firmware maturity is advised.

(www.jeffgeerling.com)

Hardware Arm ITX motherboard

Automating My 8K Monitor Setup with Grobi

2025-05-10

The author uses a Dell 32-inch 8K monitor and encountered configuration issues after waking up the computer from sleep. Previously, manual SSH connection and running xrandr commands were necessary. Now, the author uses the Grobi program to automate the monitor configuration, solving this problem. Grobi listens for X11 RandR output change events and automatically runs xrandr to configure resolution and positioning. Additionally, the author uses the zleep program and a myStrom smart plug to control the monitor's power, saving energy.

(michael.stapelberg.ch)

Hardware monitor configuration

Scream-Activated Smart Switch: A Pointless Yet Fun Project

2025-05-10

Tired of yelling at Siri or Alexa? This project details a scream-activated smart switch. Using a Sonoff S31 smart switch and an INMP441 microphone, along with ESPHome and Arduino code, the author created a system that controls the switch by detecting sound frequency and amplitude. While using ESPHome might be overkill, the project is straightforward, requiring no internet connection. Future iterations plan to improve hardware selection and explore further applications, such as controlling garage doors or changing light colors.

(rulethepla.net)

Hardware voice control

Browser-Based Semiconductor Simulator: Draw Circuits, Simulate EM Fields

2025-05-10

Brandon Li has developed a powerful semiconductor simulator that runs in your browser. The program lets you draw circuits and visualize electromagnetic fields in real-time, supporting various materials (metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, and more). It features numerous examples covering simple circuits, semiconductor devices, and digital logic, including RC circuits, PN junction diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs, and more. For optimal performance, a powerful computer is recommended; a downloadable Java version is also available.

(brandonli.net)

Hardware semiconductor simulation electromagnetic fields

Dasung Paperlike 13K: A 13.3-Inch Color E Ink Monitor Arrives

2025-05-09

Dasung's Paperlike 13K is a 13.3-inch, 3200 x 2400 pixel color e-ink monitor boasting a 300 ppi grayscale resolution and up to 37Hz refresh rate (grayscale). It features USB-C and HDMI inputs, a touchscreen with reverse touch control for Android mirroring, and a sleek aluminum alloy body. Priced at $749 (with a $679 monochrome version), pre-orders ship mid-to-late May 2025. Accessories include a portable stand and magnetic protective cover. While color mode reduces pixel density and offers muted colors compared to LCD, its low power consumption and eye-friendly nature make it ideal for reading and work. Apple device support is currently lacking.

(liliputing.com)

Hardware e-ink monitor color e-ink

Open-Source EV Conversion VCU: Rise of the ZombieVerter

2025-05-09

The ZombieVerter is an open-source vehicle control unit (VCU) designed for EV conversions using salvaged parts. Facing the challenge of inconsistent control and communication protocols across different EV manufacturers, the ZombieVerter offers a versatile solution. With numerous inputs/outputs, control logic, and a web interface for configuration and data logging, it supports components from vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Features include charger control, motor control, heater control, and more, making it a powerful and customizable tool for EV conversion projects.

(openinverter.org)

Hardware EV conversion vehicle control unit

Siemens PC 100 Assembly Manual Reveals Undocumented 6502 Opcodes

2025-05-09

A 1980 Siemens PC 100 assembly manual surprisingly documents "illegal" opcodes for the 6502 processor. The PC 100, based on the Rockwell AIM-65, features extra instructions labeled "Sonderbefehle" (special instructions), including AAX, DCM, LAX, and ISB, offering potential performance gains for programmers. While not officially supported and subject to change, these undocumented opcodes reveal a deeper understanding of the 6502 by Siemens engineers, adding a fascinating layer to retrocomputing history and highlighting the creative exploration of hardware and software capabilities at the time.

(www.pagetable.com)

Hardware Siemens

Microsoft Quietly Raises Prices on Surface Accessories and Xbox Games

2025-05-08

Microsoft recently increased prices on several Surface accessories, including a $20 price hike for the Surface USB-C Travel Hub and a $10 increase for the Surface Arc Mouse. Simultaneously, Xbox console prices have also risen, and some game prices may reach $80 later this year. While Microsoft claims the starting price for new Surface Pro and Laptop models remains unchanged, the discontinuation of the 256GB versions represents a de facto price increase. Analysts suggest that Trump-era import tariffs and rising global supply chain costs are contributing factors to these price hikes.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware

Artifact: AI-Powered Collaborative IDE for Hardware Engineers Secures $3.5M

2025-05-08

Artifact is a collaborative IDE for hardware engineers, accelerating every step of the engineering lifecycle: design, procurement, manufacturing, integration, test, and sustainment. The company raised $3.5M to build an integrated, verifiable AI copilot with an intuitive UI reflecting how hardware is actually built. Every artifact is auto-generated and traceable to a single source of truth. Artifact aims to make hardware engineering rigorous, deliberate, and system-aware, working directly with customers solving complex technical problems.

(www.ycombinator.com)

Hardware Hardware Engineering Collaborative IDE

Intel SGX's Demise: A Tale of Complexity and Market Realities

2025-05-08

Intel has confirmed that its Software Guard Extensions (SGX) will be deprecated in 12th generation processors (Workstation/Desktop/Laptop/embedded platforms), remaining only in high-end Xeon CPUs for servers. Intended to enhance trust in cloud environments, SGX's complex implementation across hardware, microcode, and firmware proved costly and vulnerable. This article details SGX's inherent complexity, risks (key leakage, side-channel attacks), flawed threat model, and overblown market hype. Ultimately, Intel's narrowing SGX's scope to servers acknowledges it's not a silver bullet security solution.

(hardenedvault.net)

Hardware Intel SGX Cloud Security

Arduboy Faces Extinction Due to US-China Trade War

2025-05-07

The founder of Arduboy, Kevin, is facing a dire situation due to escalating US-China trade tensions. High tariffs make selling Arduboy in the US nearly impossible, threatening the company's existence. Kevin is exploring various options, including international dropshipping, manufacturing in other countries, and seeking government grants, to navigate the crisis. Relocating the company to Europe or Australia, and transitioning community management, are also under consideration. The future of Arduboy hangs in the balance.

(community.arduboy.com)

Hardware

BrakeBright: A Smart Brake Light System for Motorcycles

2025-05-07

Inspired during a CBT session, a motorcyclist developed BrakeBright, a smart brake light system for motorcycles. Using sensors and a microcontroller, BrakeBright automatically activates brake lights during engine braking and flashes during hard braking, enhancing safety. Through iterative development and rigorous testing, BrakeBright became waterproof, vibration-resistant, and easy to install, with USB firmware updates for customization. The creator's journey highlights passion, innovation, and the potential of technology to improve road safety.

(gill.net.in)

Hardware motorcycle safety smart hardware sensor technology

13-Year-Old Motherboard Gets Surprise NVMe Boot Support

2025-05-07

A Gigabyte B75M-D3H motherboard, released in 2012, received a surprise firmware update (F16f) adding support for booting from M.2 NVMe SSDs. This unexpected feature, absent in the original design, came alongside a fix for the PKfail vulnerability. While performance is limited by PCIe 2.0, the upgrade significantly boosts older systems. The discovery sparked speculation about whether Gigabyte intentionally added this functionality.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware motherboard firmware legacy hardware upgrade

11M IOPS & 66 GiB/s IO on a Single ThreadRipper Workstation: A Deep Dive

2025-05-06

This article details the configuration of an AMD ThreadRipper Pro workstation with 10 PCIe 4.0 SSDs to achieve 11M IOPS for 4kB random reads and 66 GiB/s throughput for larger IOs. The author tackles bottlenecks like RAM access and CPU limitations, delving into Linux block I/O internals and their interaction with modern hardware. The process includes hardware selection, I/O configuration (direct I/O and I/O schedulers), multi-disk testing, and BIOS settings, ultimately achieving remarkable performance.

(tanelpoder.com)

Hardware

From Transistor to Browser: Building a Computer System from Scratch

2025-05-06

This course takes a radical approach to computer science education. Students will build a complete computer system from the ground up, starting with Verilog to blink an LED and culminating in a simple operating system and text-based web browser. The curriculum covers FPGA programming, compiler design, and OS development, culminating in running the system on custom-built hardware. This challenging yet rewarding journey is perfect for those seeking a deep, first-principles understanding of computing.

(github.com)

Hardware computer systems

Category: Hardware