Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Escaping the microSD Card Hell: Rock 5 ITX+ and EDK2-RK3588 UEFI Firmware

2025-09-01

Tired of constantly removing the side panel of his Rock 5 ITX+ to swap OSes via microSD, the author explored using EDK2-RK3588 UEFI firmware. This allowed booting and installing generic ARM Linux images from USB. The journey involved overcoming the quirks of the Rock 5 ITX+, like its inability to boot from microSD. Successful installations of Fedora Rawhide and Ubuntu 25.10 were achieved, though minor issues like sound remained. While an SD card extender offers a simpler solution, this article delves into the potential of EDK2-RK3588, paving the way for greater RK3588 platform versatility.

(interfacinglinux.com)

Hardware

Qweremin: A C64-Based Qwerty Theremin Blends Old and New

2025-09-01

Following a 2022 C64-based theremin project, the author created the Qweremin, a novel instrument merging the classic theremin with a qwerty keyboard. The Qweremin addresses the theremin's notorious difficulty, improving volume control precision and responsiveness using external DACs. The article also recounts a chance encounter with legendary game composer Rob Hubbard, resulting in an autographed clamp for the instrument.

(www.linusakesson.net)

Hardware electronic instrument

Adafruit's Credit Card-Sized Retro Computer: Fruit Jam

2025-08-30

Adafruit has launched the Fruit Jam, a credit card-sized mini computer powered by the RP2350 chip, capable of running classic Macintosh systems via the uMac emulator. This $39.95 development board supports System 2.0 up to System 7.5.5, boasts 720p video output (DVI), audio, and USB keyboard/mouse connectivity. Featuring an ESP32-C6 wireless module and extensive GPIO and expansion options, the Fruit Jam is perfect for retro emulation, educational projects, and lightweight standalone computing. But hurry, stock is limited!

(www.cnx-software.com)

Hardware Retro Computer

Condor's Cuzco: A High-Performance RISC-V Core with a Twist

2025-08-30

Condor Computing, an Andes Technology subsidiary, unveiled its high-performance RISC-V core, Cuzco, at Hot Chips 2025. Cuzco boasts an 8-wide out-of-order execution engine, a modern branch predictor, and a novel time-based scheduling scheme, putting it in the same league as SiFive's P870 and Veyron's V1. Its unique approach uses mostly static scheduling in the backend for power efficiency and reduced complexity, requiring no ISA changes or compiler adjustments for optimal performance. Cuzco is highly configurable, allowing for customization to meet diverse customer needs, and supports multi-core clusters.

(chipsandcheese.com)

Hardware

Intel Xeon 7: Can 18A and 3D Packaging Turn the Tide?

2025-08-29

With AMD holding over 40% revenue and 27% shipment share of the x86 server CPU market in the first half of 2025, Intel is betting on its Xeon 7 processors (Clearwater Rapids and Clearwater Forest), launching in 2026, to regain ground. These CPUs leverage the 18A process, 2.5D EMIB interconnect, and Foveros 3D stacking—technologies first deployed (with delays) in the datacenter with the ill-fated Ponte Vecchio. The success of Xeon 7 hinges on stemming AMD's momentum and countering the rise of hyperscaler's custom Arm server CPUs. While the energy-efficient E-core variants have a niche market, they aid Intel in refining its 18A process and 3D packaging. This article details the architecture of the Clearwater Forest E-core processor, including its improved RibbonFET transistors, PowerVia backside power delivery, and 3D packaging, and analyzes its performance potential.

(www.nextplatform.com)

Hardware

Synology's Hostile Policies Drive Longtime User Away

2025-08-29

Longtime Synology user Raindog308 announces he's switching brands due to Synology's increasingly restrictive policies. These include artificial limits on concurrent Samba connections and a new requirement to purchase Synology-branded hard drives, even though those drives offer shorter warranties than alternatives like WD Black. He's considering building a TrueNAS server or exploring options from UGREEN, Buffalo, or other vendors.

(lowendbox.com)

Hardware

TrueNAS on a Raspberry Pi 5: A Hacky but Educational Journey

2025-08-28

The author attempts to run TrueNAS, a network storage system typically used on more powerful hardware, on a Raspberry Pi 5. Due to the Raspberry Pi's lack of official UEFI support, a community project, rpi5-uefi, is used. While successfully installing TrueNAS, limitations in UEFI mode—including missing fan, GPIO, and built-in Ethernet support, plus restrictions on multiple PCIe devices—prevent some hardware from being recognized. The author concludes that while a challenging learning experience, higher-end Arm hardware is still recommended for high-performance needs.

(www.jeffgeerling.com)

Hardware

Mysterious Zen 5 CPU Failures: GMP Tests and Hardware Woes

2025-08-28

The author reports two instances of Ryzen 9950X CPUs failing after running GMP tests. Both incidents occurred in different environments but resulted in discolored areas on the CPU's pin side. Despite using Noctua coolers, the author suspects improper thermal paste application (due to Noctua's recommended offset mounting), leading to poor heat transfer, and that GMP tests might draw power beyond the CPU's specifications. While CPUs have temperature protection, sustained high loads could lead to gradual damage. The cause remains unknown but highlights the importance of high-performance CPU cooling and potential hardware flaws.

(gmplib.org)

Hardware CPU failure GMP tests

Reverse Engineered: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Schematic Released

2025-08-27

A hacker has reverse-engineered the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, releasing its schematic and layout. The process involved meticulously sanding down the board layer by layer, scanning each with a high-resolution scanner to create the design. While not intended for fabrication, this detailed schematic offers educational value and opens doors for advanced hacking, such as exploring the I2C register map of the PMIC. The project reveals insights into the CM5's power management, WiFi/Bluetooth control, and SD card compatibility.

(github.com)

Hardware

AMD CPU Stability Issues: The Importance of BIOS Updates

2025-08-26

Both AMD and Intel have faced issues with CPU performance degrading over time, often linked to motherboard manufacturers deviating from default settings. To address similar problems, AMD recommends users promptly update their motherboard BIOS to obtain the latest default settings, improve compatibility, and enhance security. AMD's longer lifespan chipsets and CPU sockets, along with various power and overclocking tools, create a much wider range of system configurations, increasing testing difficulty. This is particularly true for AM4 motherboards, which can theoretically pair with much later CPUs, unlike Intel's ecosystem.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware BIOS updates CPU stability

Turning an Old iPhone into a UniFi Protect Camera with Docker

2025-08-26

The author successfully integrated an old iPhone's camera into their UniFi Protect system using a Docker container. Lacking an iOS app with native ONVIF support, they cleverly used an RTSP app (IP Camera Lite) and an ONVIF proxy Docker container. ffmpeg was used to verify the RTSP stream, and after some configuration adjustments (including specifying the correct width/height), the DIY camera was successfully added to UniFi Protect, replacing their previous Surveillance Station and Scrypted setups.

(www.caseyliss.com)

Hardware Third-party Camera

Reverse-Engineered: High-Res Raspberry Pi Internal Scans Released

2025-08-26

Following Jonathan Clark's and TubeTime's reverse engineering efforts on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Compute Module 5 respectively, and their subsequent release of schematics and processes, the author discovered they possessed high-resolution Lumafield scans of most modern Raspberry Pi models (excluding the larger keyboard form factor Pis). These scans, offering detailed internal views, are now publicly available for community exploration and analysis.

(www.jeffgeerling.com)

Hardware 3D Scans

The MiniPC Revolution: Modular Computing for the Homelab

2025-08-26

MiniPCs are revolutionizing personal computing with their affordability, compact size, energy efficiency, and versatility. The author details how MiniPCs excel in homelab setups, network storage, and personal cloud solutions, highlighting their modular design's advantages in avoiding single points of failure and simplifying maintenance. Instead of a single powerful machine, MiniPCs offer a scalable and flexible approach to building a customized computing environment.

(jadarma.github.io)

Hardware Modular Computing

Hacking My Logitech MX Ergo: USB-C, Silent Clicks, and Better Software

2025-08-25

The author loves their Logitech MX Ergo mouse, but it has flaws: a micro-USB charging port, loud clicks, and bloated software. After eight years of waiting for an update, they decided to take matters into their own hands. This involved a challenging but rewarding USB-C port replacement, detailed soldering instructions, swapping out noisy switches for silent Huano alternatives, and finally ditching Logitech's software for the leaner SteerMouse. It's a compelling story of DIY customization and a deep dive into the process.

(samwilkinson.io)

Hardware Mouse Mod

Linux SD Card Formatter: Optimized for Performance

2025-08-25

The SD Memory Card Formatter, developed by Tuxera, is a Linux-based utility designed to format SD, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC cards according to SD Association specifications. It's recommended over OS-provided tools for optimal performance. Note that it doesn't support BitLocker To Go encrypted cards and leaves the protected area untouched. Supports various Linux distributions and SD interfaces. Download and manual available on the official website.

(www.sdcard.org)

Hardware SD card formatting tool

ESP32-S3 Serial Speed: Much Faster Than Expected!

2025-08-24

This post unravels the mystery behind the surprisingly high serial communication speed of the ESP32-S3. The author found that despite setting the baud rate to 115200 in the code, the actual data transfer speed was much higher. This is because the ESP32-S3 uses native USB support, and serial communication happens over USB, not the traditional UART. Tests showed data transfer speeds exceeding 5MB/s on the ESP32-S3, and even over 7MB/s with an Arduino version. This is far beyond the limitations of a traditional UART.

(atomic14.substack.com)

Hardware Serial Communication

Google Pixel 10's Mandatory Battery Health Assistance: A Controversial Move

2025-08-24

Google has confirmed that the Battery Health Assistance feature on the Pixel 10 series is mandatory and cannot be disabled. This feature gradually reduces charging speed and battery voltage to prolong battery life, a decision met with user criticism, especially following battery issues with previous Pixel A series phones. While Google argues this stabilizes battery performance and aging, the lack of user choice contrasts with competitors like Samsung and OnePlus offering longer battery lifespans. The move raises questions about whether this is a proactive measure or a reaction to potential issues within the Pixel 10's battery.

(www.androidauthority.com)

Hardware Battery Health Mandatory Feature

DIY 3.5" Floppy Disk: A Remarkable Feat of Engineering

2025-08-23

Polymatt, a maker extraordinaire, successfully built a 3.5" floppy disk from scratch. The challenge wasn't just creating the casing, but replicating the incredibly thin magnetic media inside, requiring specialized PET film and chemicals. The project also involved building a custom drag knife for his CNC machine, a tool normally costing over $150. This DIY endeavor is a testament to ingenuity and persistence.

(kottke.org)

Hardware Floppy Disk

A 90s PC Build Adventure: The Memorable First

2025-08-23

Building a PC in the 90s was an adventure. In 1996, the author helped a friend build a computer, sourcing parts from used computer stores, magazine ads, and local shops. Finding compatible parts was a challenge, with limited online resources and the need for in-person purchases. The process involved multiple trips to different stores, including a last-minute dash for a keyboard adapter. The finished PC worked, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of PC building in the 90s, a stark contrast to today's ease of assembly.

(dfarq.homeip.net)

Hardware pc building 90s tech

Slow SSD Mystery: Unmasking a Fake Kingston Drive

2025-08-22

The author purchased a supposedly 960GB Kingston SSD, but its speed was far below expectations. Tests revealed it was actually a 128GB drive, likely a counterfeit with modified firmware. Despite realistic packaging, poor back sticker printing gave it away. The author contacted the online retailer and received a full refund. This experience serves as a cautionary tale: even when buying from large online marketplaces, careful verification is crucial to avoid scams like the "fulfilled by Amazon" trick.

(andrei.xyz)

Hardware Counterfeit SSD eCommerce Fraud

Gouach's Infinite Battery: Cracking Bosch Encryption and Reimagining E-bike Power

2025-08-21

After overcoming initial setbacks, Gouach developed the IP67-rated Infinite Battery, securing over $3.7 million in funding through Indiegogo and venture capital. This modular battery pack boasts compatibility with various e-bikes, notably conquering the challenge of encrypted communication with Bosch mid-drive motors. EU backers are slated to receive their kits in June, with US deliveries and an open online store to follow. Gouach's innovative approach, treating e-bike batteries as modular components rather than monolithic units, signifies a potential paradigm shift in the industry.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware e-bike

Pixel 10: Stunning Upgrade, Enhanced Imaging Capabilities

2025-08-20

The Google Pixel 10 boasts a satin-finish metal frame, polished glass back, and the iconic camera bar, available in four expressive colors: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass. Its 6.3-inch Actua display shines with a peak brightness of 3000 nits for exceptional viewing. Audio is improved, featuring exceptional bass for an enhanced multimedia experience. Camera improvements are significant, highlighted by the first-ever 5x telephoto lens on this Pixel tier. This lens offers fast autofocus, 10x optical quality, and up to 20x zoom with Super Res Zoom, making long-distance shots easier than ever.

(blog.google)

Hardware Camera Upgrade

Mini SSD Card: A Potential Solution for Portable Gaming Storage Bottlenecks

2025-08-20

Games are getting increasingly large, often exceeding 100GB, due to factors like high-resolution textures, detailed graphics, extensive audio files, and support for multiple languages. To address the slow storage speeds in portable gaming devices, the Mini SSD card has emerged as a potential solution. It aims to deliver speeds comparable to internal SSDs without requiring users to disassemble their devices for upgrades. While not yet a formally ratified standard, it offers a convenient storage upgrade option for gamers.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware game storage portable gaming

Intel's 18A Arm SoC: A Hail Mary to Attract Foundry Customers?

2025-08-20

Intel showcased a reference Arm-based SoC, "Deer Creek Falls," built on its 18A process. This chip features a tiered CPU core configuration similar to Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, aiming to attract external customers, particularly within the Arm ecosystem. Intel Foundry is reportedly struggling to secure clients and may halt development of its 14A and future nodes without more. The video also revealed performance optimization tools, countering previous rumors of their absence. While 18A is closed to external customers, this SoC might demonstrate Intel's 14A readiness, potentially luring major players like Apple and NVIDIA.

(hothardware.com)

Hardware 18A process

Reflect: A Hardware AI Assistant Built on ESP32S3

2025-08-19

Reflect is a hardware AI assistant built during an OpenAI hackathon. It's based on an Espressif chip and designed for natural interaction using sound, light, and color—no screen needed. Users connect via their phone; Reflect has no local state, with all information stored on the phone. Features include reflecting on yesterday's events, preparing for tomorrow, playing music while studying and answering quick questions, and location-aware behavior. Designed for easy modification and expansion, it aims for low cost and wide accessibility.

(github.com)

Hardware

A 1Hz Clock from Three Candles: Reversing Millennia of Optimization

2025-08-19

For millennia, candlemakers have strived for flicker-free candles. However, when three candles are bundled together, they surprisingly begin to oscillate naturally at ~9.9Hz, a frequency primarily determined by gravity and flame diameter. The author ingeniously uses a wire suspended in the flame to sense capacitance changes caused by ionized gases, detecting this frequency and dividing it down to 1Hz. The result? A 1Hz clock built with a simple microcontroller and an LED, powered by the flickering of three candles.

(cpldcpu.com)

Hardware Sensors

Hitachi Unveils World's Smallest and Thinnest Contactless IC Chip

2025-08-19

Hitachi has announced the development of the world's smallest and thinnest contactless IC chip, measuring just 0.15 x 0.15 millimeters and 7.5 micrometers thick. Leveraging SOI technology to reduce the distance between circuit elements, the chip maintains the same functionality as its larger predecessor while boasting a quarter of the surface area and one-eighth the thickness. This results in over a tenfold increase in productivity. The breakthrough is expected to revolutionize applications for contactless IC chips across security, transportation, entertainment, traceability, and logistics.

(www.hitachi.com)

Hardware IC chip SOI technology miniaturization

DIY Equatorial Mount: Building a Star Tracker from Scratch with PCBs

2025-08-19

Starting with amateur astrophotography, the author progressed from a simple tracker to researching expensive equatorial mounts, ultimately deciding to build their own high-precision equatorial mount using PCB design and CNC machining. The article details the entire process, from learning PCB design and selecting harmonic gears and motors to writing OnStepX firmware and overcoming WiFi stability issues. The resulting mount, costing approximately €1700, achieves 1-2 arcsecond tracking accuracy, enabling stunning nebula and galaxy photographs. The author shares challenges and lessons learned, such as PCB design errors and debugging. This is a challenging yet rewarding DIY project showcasing maker spirit and technical prowess.

(www.svendewaerhert.com)

Hardware equatorial mount

Building a TPU from Scratch: A Fool's Errand?

2025-08-19

A team of hardware novices, driven by a desire to prove their capabilities, embarked on the ambitious project of building a TPU from the ground up. Rejecting the easy route of research, they adopted a 'hacky' approach, starting with a fundamental understanding of neural network mathematics. They constructed a systolic array for matrix multiplication, cleverly incorporating double buffering, pipelining, and a vector processing unit to achieve both inference and training on the XOR problem. Their success in building a fully functional TPU showcases remarkable ingenuity and perseverance.

(www.tinytpu.com)

Hardware

Minimalist TPU Design: A Beginner's Guide to Chip Accelerator Development

2025-08-19

This article details a minimalist Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) design inspired by Google's TPU V1 and V2. The TPU features a 2x2 grid of processing elements, pipelining multiply-accumulate operations, bias addition, Leaky ReLU activation, and MSE loss calculations. Its 94-bit instruction set controls data flow horizontally and vertically across the processing element grid, supporting preprocessing and weight matrix transposition. The article thoroughly explains the instruction set, hardware architecture, and the process of adding modules and running tests, aiming to introduce readers to chip accelerator design.

(github.com)

Hardware hardware accelerator

Category: Hardware