Popular：
Virtualization DNS security formal verification reachability analysis compiler errors macro conflict web extension development framework Bitmap Graphics API inconsistencies All Tags

Category: Hardware

WebUSB Bypass: Controlling a Raspberry Pi Pico via a U2F Exploit

2025-03-14
WebUSB Bypass: Controlling a Raspberry Pi Pico via a U2F Exploit

Control a Raspberry Pi Pico from your browser without WebUSB! This article details a method that exploits a vulnerability in the U2F security key protocol. By emulating a U2F security key, data is disguised as a signature, bypassing browser security restrictions to control the Pico's LED. While this leverages a U2F flaw, it's not a security vulnerability in itself, only working on devices intentionally designed with this vulnerability. The article stresses the risks of connecting unknown USB devices.

(github.com)
Hardware

Windows Update Bricking USB Printers: Random Text Mayhem

2025-03-13
Windows Update Bricking USB Printers: Random Text Mayhem

Microsoft has acknowledged that recent Windows updates (KB5050092 and later, released since January 29th, 2025) are causing some dual-mode USB printers (supporting both USB Print and IPP over USB) to print random gibberish. This includes network commands and unusual characters. Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2/23H2 are affected; Windows 11 24H2 is not. Microsoft has fixed this via Known Issue Rollback (KIR), and the fix will also automatically roll out in a future update. For enterprise environments, IT admins need to install and configure specific group policies to resolve the issue on affected devices.

(www.bleepingcomputer.com)
Hardware Windows Update USB Printer

DIY Telescopes: A Beginner's Guide to Amateur Telescope Making

2025-03-13

This guide explores the world of Amateur Telescope Making (ATM), tracing its history from Russell Porter's pioneering work to the modern era. It emphasizes the rewarding aspects of building your own telescope: the satisfaction of crafting a tool for celestial observation, learning about optics, and the pride of accomplishment. The guide covers mirror grinding, optical testing, and telescope assembly, providing numerous resources and links, making it ideal for beginners.

(stellafane.org)
Hardware telescope making

Game Boy Advance Deep Dive: The Rise of ARM and a Handheld Legend

2025-03-13
Game Boy Advance Deep Dive: The Rise of ARM and a Handheld Legend

This article delves into the inner workings of the Game Boy Advance, focusing on its core ARM7TDMI processor. It traces the ARM processor's origins from Acorn Computers' BBC Micro, its collaboration with Apple, and its eventual partnership with Nintendo, becoming the heart of the Game Boy Advance. The article details the ARM7TDMI's architecture, instruction sets (ARM and Thumb), pipeline design, and memory management, explaining how the Game Boy Advance cleverly combined 16-bit and 32-bit buses. It also covers the console's graphics and audio processing systems, game cartridge format, anti-piracy measures, and the rise of Flashcarts.

(www.copetti.org)
Hardware ARM processor Handheld console

A Decade Later: Reflecting on Apple's Controversial 12-inch Retina MacBook

2025-03-13
A Decade Later: Reflecting on Apple's Controversial 12-inch Retina MacBook

A decade ago, Apple launched the infamous 12-inch Retina MacBook, a revolutionary yet controversial device. Its minimalist design, featuring a single USB-C port and butterfly keyboard, made it a talking point. While criticized for performance and battery life, it pioneered features like USB-C, the butterfly keyboard, and a haptic trackpad, shaping the future of Mac design. Discontinued in 2019, its design legacy lives on in the current MacBook Air.

(www.macrumors.com)
Hardware

Comma.ai Hits 10,000 Unit Sales Milestone, Eyes Massive Growth

2025-03-12
Comma.ai Hits 10,000 Unit Sales Milestone, Eyes Massive Growth

Comma.ai celebrated a major milestone: 10,000 units sold of its comma 3X, its first product to surpass 5-digit sales. This success, however, wasn't easy. After a rocky start with their 2017 Panda product, Comma.ai persevered, building its own factory, establishing a robust supply chain, and creating a product users love. With plans to expand data center and manufacturing capacity, and leveraging a large autonomous vehicle fleet for data processing, Comma.ai is poised for its biggest year yet in 2025.

(blog.comma.ai)
Hardware supply chain

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: In-Depth Review of the 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache Flagship

2025-03-12
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: In-Depth Review of the 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache Flagship

AMD unveiled a plethora of products at CES, including the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D, featuring the second generation 3D V-Cache technology. This article delves into the specifications, features, and performance of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Compared to its predecessors, the 9950X3D boasts higher clock speeds and TDP, and by directly bonding the 3D V-Cache to the bottom of the CCD, it addresses thermal limitations and unlocks full overclocking capabilities. Its massive 128MB L3 cache significantly boosts gaming performance, while AMD's 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer ensures workloads run on the correct CCD. Benchmarks reveal the Ryzen 9 9950X3D excels in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

(hothardware.com)
Hardware

Clarification on Alleged ESP32 Backdoor

2025-03-11
Clarification on Alleged ESP32 Backdoor

Recent media reports claimed an ESP32 chip backdoor. Espressif clarifies that the reported functionality is internal debug commands for testing, not remotely accessible via Bluetooth, radio, or internet. These commands pose no security risk by themselves, though Espressif will provide a software fix to remove them. Only ESP32 chips are affected; ESP32-C, ESP32-S, and ESP32-H series are not. Espressif thanks the security researchers for their responsible disclosure.

(www.espressif.com)
Hardware

ESP32 Bluetooth Controller 'Backdoor': A False Alarm?

2025-03-11

Recent concerns have emerged regarding a potential "backdoor" or "undocumented features" in the ESP32 Bluetooth controller. Espressif has responded, stating that the so-called "undocumented HCI commands" are solely for debugging purposes and do not pose a security threat. These commands assist in debugging (e.g., read/write RAM, memory-mapped flash read, send/receive packets), and don't play an active role in standard Bluetooth host stack (like NimBLE or Bluedroid) HCI communication. In ESP32, the controller and host run on the same MCU, communicating via a virtual HCI layer. Any code accessing this layer must execute on the ESP32 with full privileges. Therefore, unless the application itself has vulnerabilities, these undocumented commands cannot be exploited. Espressif will provide a software patch to remove access to these debug commands and will document all vendor-specific HCI commands for greater transparency.

(developer.espressif.com)
Hardware Bluetooth Security

Hypershell Exoskeleton: Boosting Leg Power, But Not a Medical Device

2025-03-11
Hypershell Exoskeleton: Boosting Leg Power, But Not a Medical Device

Hypershell has launched a power exoskeleton that claims to boost peak biological torques at the hip joint by up to 40%, reduce them by 30%, and provide a 30kg offset (at max assistance, adjusted to body weight). The carbon fiber version (without battery) weighs 1.8kg. The range is 17.5km at 4km/h in 30% Eco mode. Charging time is based on lab tests and may vary. Disclaimer: This product is not intended for medical use; users assume all risks.

(hypershell.tech)
Hardware exoskeleton assistive device

HP Firmware Update Bricking Laser Printers (Even with HP Toner)

2025-03-10
HP Firmware Update Bricking Laser Printers (Even with HP Toner)

HP's firmware update 20250209 for LaserJet MFP M232-M237 printers has caused widespread printing failures, even when using genuine HP toner. Users report Error Code 11 and a flashing toner light, despite cleaning contacts and reinstalling toner cartridges. The update, released March 4th, claimed security and general improvements, but users suspect it intentionally restricts functionality, causing significant frustration and financial losses for small businesses relying on these printers.

(arstechnica.com)
Hardware Printer Firmware Update

Google Pixel 4a Battery Overheating Recall

2025-03-10
Google Pixel 4a Battery Overheating Recall

Google has launched a battery performance improvement program for its Pixel 4a phone to address overheating risks. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission confirmed the update introduces new battery management features to mitigate the risk of overheating, preventing potential fire or burn hazards. Not all Pixel 4a devices are affected; users can check their device's eligibility through a tool provided by Google. Affected users are eligible for a $100 Google Store discount code or a $50 payment.

(9to5google.com)
Hardware Battery Overheating

The 11-inch MacBook Air: Still a Surprisingly Good Buy in 2023?

2025-03-10
The 11-inch MacBook Air: Still a Surprisingly Good Buy in 2023?

The author recounts their experience purchasing and using a used 2013 11-inch MacBook Air. Despite its modest specs (4GB RAM, 128GB SSD), the machine performs surprisingly well for everyday tasks. The author praises its portability, superior keyboard and port selection compared to the 12-inch Retina MacBook, and argues that the non-Retina display is perfectly acceptable. Ultimately, the author concludes that the 11-inch MacBook Air offers incredible value for its size and price, making it an ideal choice for users prioritizing portability and ease of use.

(morrick.me)
Hardware Ultraportable Value

Dissecting Canon's STM Lens Stepper Motor

2025-03-10

Canon's STM lenses utilize a unique 2-phase bipolar stepper motor with a permanent magnet rotor and a rotationally symmetrical stator, unlike the AFD stepper motor. The article first explains the general working principle of a stepper motor, then delves into the specifics of Canon's STM motor design. The motor uses two independent coils, energized in both directions to create varying magnetic polarities, driving rotor rotation. Full-step and half-step modes are briefly mentioned, but half-step mode isn't explored further due to autofocus systems prioritizing speed over precision.

(exclusivearchitecture.com)
Hardware Stepper Motor STM Lens

Orange Pi RV2: An Octa-Core RISC-V SBC for $30

2025-03-09
Orange Pi RV2: An Octa-Core RISC-V SBC for $30

Orange Pi has launched its second RISC-V single-board computer, the RV2, featuring an octa-core Ky X1 processor with a 2 TOPS AI accelerator, starting at just $30. This upgrade from their quad-core model boasts enhanced performance, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and dual PCIe 2.0 x2 connectors. It also supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a variety of interfaces, with 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB LPDDR4X memory options. While the Ky X1's single-core performance boost isn't groundbreaking, it offers excellent value for a RISC-V board in this price range.

(liliputing.com)
Hardware Single-board computer

Open-Source Wi-Fi MAC Layer for ESP32 Takes Flight

2025-03-09

An ambitious open-source project is underway to create a fully open-source Wi-Fi MAC layer for the popular low-cost ESP32 microcontroller. Currently, the ESP32's Wi-Fi MAC layer is closed-source, limiting security audits, feature enhancements, and interoperability. This project reverse-engineers the hardware registers and software, resulting in two open-source MAC layer implementations in C and Rust. One utilizes FreeRTOS tasks, while the other is a pure async Rust implementation built on Embassy. The goal is to enhance ESP32's security, functionality, and research accessibility, paving the way for features like standards-compliant mesh networking.

(esp32-open-mac.be)
Hardware

DIY Perks: Hacking an LCD Screen for OLED-Level Blacks

2025-03-08
DIY Perks: Hacking an LCD Screen for OLED-Level Blacks

Remember the rich blacks and vibrant colors of CRT TVs? DIY Perks shows how to achieve similar results with an LCD screen. By removing the backlight from an older LCD and using a de-wheeled DLP projector to project a high-res luminance map onto the back of the screen, they dramatically improve black levels and contrast. This clever hack bypasses the limitations of traditional LCD backlighting, producing an image comparable to OLED displays. A must-see for retro enthusiasts and anyone seeking superior image quality.

(hackaday.com)
Hardware LCD hack DLP projector high contrast

Real-time Home Occupancy Detection with S2

2025-03-06
Real-time Home Occupancy Detection with S2

This article details a real-time home occupancy detection system built using an AMG8833 infrared thermal imaging sensor, a Raspberry Pi, and the S2 streaming data platform. The system streams sensor data to S2, which is then used by a Next.js frontend to display a live heatmap. Simple image processing determines occupancy. S2's low cost and ease of use make this a budget-friendly solution, costing around $2 per month.

(s2.dev)
Hardware

The Curious Case of the Noisy 1670 Modem

2025-03-06

While testing a pair of VIC-20s connected via 1670 modems, the author discovered a peculiar noise emitted by the modems in dial mode. This noise isn't pulse dialing, nor is it a hardware malfunction; both modems, and one used back in 1988, exhibit the same behavior. The noise is a regular "pa-tink" sound occurring every 1.2 seconds. The author suspects the noise originates from the modem's local speaker, but hasn't determined if it's transmitted over the line. It remains an unsolved mystery, though functionally inconsequential.

(rachelbythebay.com)
Hardware modem noise

Sustainable Router Dev Kit Uses Recycled Fairphone 2 Hardware

2025-03-06
Sustainable Router Dev Kit Uses Recycled Fairphone 2 Hardware

Belgian company Citronics has created a sustainable router development kit using the mainboard of the discarded Fairphone 2 smartphone. The kit, based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, features Ethernet, USB ports, and leverages the phone's existing 4G LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Citronics calls this a "Circular Microcomputer," focusing on sustainability and using parts from e-waste. Pre-loaded with Alpine Linux, it also supports other Linux distributions. Citronics also partners to create custom gateways based on the Fairphone 2, used in applications like residential heating optimization and machine vision education. The dev kit, priced at €150, is aimed at professional prototyping and R&D, not consumers. Antennas are not included.

(www.cnx-software.com)
Hardware sustainable hardware dev kit

Tiny Ten: A 10-Watt, Ten-Band Amateur Radio Transceiver Built for the Backcountry

2025-03-06

Inspired by poor radio reception during a backpacking trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, W7PUA designed and built the "Tiny Ten," a lightweight, 10-watt, ten-band amateur radio transceiver. This Teensy 4.1-based project leverages the OpenAudio_ArduinoLibrary and boasts multiple modes (SSB, CW, AM, FM, FT8). Clever hardware design, including plug-in filter boards, minimizes weight and maximizes efficiency. Despite its compact size, the Tiny Ten delivers impressive receive sensitivity, dynamic range, and selectivity, exceeding 10 watts of output power on 10 meters. The article details its hardware architecture, software design, and performance testing, offering valuable insights into the design process and showcasing impressive DIY skills.

(www.janbob.com)
Hardware amateur radio

Fixing a Laser Meter's Light Guide with Aluminum Foil

2025-03-05

A laser distance meter consistently showed "Error 255", indicating a sensor issue. Disassembly revealed a poorly secured plastic light guide. Re-gluing failed, so the author ingeniously replaced it with aluminum foil, effectively resolving the error. However, a 10-12mm measurement error now exists, potentially due to the altered light path.

(lettieri.iet.unipi.it)
Hardware laser meter

Brother Printers Accused of Functionality Degradation with Third-Party Cartridges

2025-03-05
Brother Printers Accused of Functionality Degradation with Third-Party Cartridges

A controversy is brewing around Brother laser printers and their compatibility with third-party cartridges. YouTube videos and Reddit posts claim that firmware updates render key features, like color registration, non-functional when non-Brother cartridges are used. While Brother denies intentionally crippling functionality, users report degraded print quality and complete failure. The lack of older firmware versions and automatic updates adds fuel to the fire, raising concerns about anti-consumer practices in the printer industry.

(arstechnica.com)
Hardware third-party cartridges Brother

Apple's New MacBook Air: M4 Chip, Sky Blue, and a Lower Price

2025-03-05
Apple's New MacBook Air: M4 Chip, Sky Blue, and a Lower Price

Apple unveiled its new MacBook Air, featuring the powerful M4 chip, delivering a significant performance boost and up to 18 hours of battery life. The new model boasts a stunning sky blue color, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and support for up to two external displays. Starting at just $999 (with education pricing at $899), it offers exceptional value. The M4 chip enhances efficiency for everyday tasks and professional workloads, while macOS Sequoia's Apple Intelligence features further improve user experience.

(www.apple.com)
Hardware

Apple Unveils Most Powerful Mac Ever: Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra

2025-03-05
Apple Unveils Most Powerful Mac Ever: Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra

Apple announced the new Mac Studio, its most powerful Mac yet, featuring the M4 Max and the groundbreaking M3 Ultra chip. Boasting up to 512GB of unified memory and a 16TB SSD, this pro desktop delivers unparalleled performance, especially for AI tasks like running LLMs with over 600 billion parameters in memory. The M3 Ultra offers a massive performance leap over previous generations, featuring a 32-core CPU and 80-core GPU. Enhanced connectivity with Thunderbolt 5 and Apple Intelligence, a privacy-focused AI system, round out this powerhouse machine. Available for pre-order now, shipping March 12th.

(www.apple.com)
Hardware

Apple Unveils M3 Ultra: A New Peak in Mac Chip Performance

2025-03-05
Apple Unveils M3 Ultra: A New Peak in Mac Chip Performance

Apple has announced the M3 Ultra, its most powerful chip yet, pushing Apple silicon to new extremes. Boasting the most powerful CPU and GPU ever in a Mac, double the Neural Engine cores, and the largest unified memory ever in a personal computer (up to 512GB), the M3 Ultra delivers up to 2.6x the performance of the M1 Ultra. Built using Apple's innovative UltraFusion packaging architecture, it connects two M3 Max dies via over 10,000 high-speed connections for low latency and high bandwidth. Its significant AI capabilities allow it to run large language models (LLMs) with over 600 billion parameters directly on the device. The M3 Ultra also features Thunderbolt 5 with over double the bandwidth and support for up to eight Pro Display XDR displays.

(www.apple.com)
Hardware

MacBook Air with M4: Multitasking Redefined

2025-03-05
MacBook Air with M4: Multitasking Redefined

The new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, delivers a significant performance boost. Multitasking is smoother than ever, effortlessly handling video editing, demanding games like Sid Meier's Civilization VII, and numerous apps and tabs simultaneously. Its silent, fanless design enhances the user experience. The faster Neural Engine in the M4 chip brings powerful AI capabilities to the MacBook Air, enhancing everything from auto-framing in video calls to AI image upscaling and running the latest large language models, boosting productivity and creativity. With up to 18 hours of battery life and fast charging (50% in 30 minutes), you can power through your work without battery anxiety.

(www.apple.com)
Hardware M4 chip

Resurrecting a Vintage JavaStation: A NetBSD Network Boot Adventure

2025-03-05
Resurrecting a Vintage JavaStation: A NetBSD Network Boot Adventure

Driven by nostalgia for childhood dreams, the author acquired a vintage JavaStation network computer. After a long wait and some initial setbacks, the author discovered the problem was a dead NVRAM battery and a lack of patience. Through serial port debugging and clever network configuration (RARP, TFTP, DHCP, NFS), the author successfully booted NetBSD on the JavaStation, completing a thrilling retro tech resurrection.

(fatsquirrel.org)
Hardware network boot

TCL Overtakes LG in Premium TV Shipments

2025-03-05
TCL Overtakes LG in Premium TV Shipments

TCL has surpassed LG to become the world's second-largest premium TV vendor in Q4 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. TCL's premium TV shipments more than doubled year-on-year, capturing a 20% market share, exceeding LG's 19%. While Samsung remains the leader, TCL's impressive growth, along with that of Hisense, signals a significant shift in the global TV market. Despite strong premium TV growth, the overall TV market saw slower growth, and new tariffs on Mexican-produced TVs could impact the industry.

(www.techspot.com)
Hardware Premium TV Market Share

RepairTuber Rossmann Slams Brother for Anti-Consumer Printer Practices

2025-03-04
RepairTuber Rossmann Slams Brother for Anti-Consumer Printer Practices

Louis Rossmann, a renowned repair YouTuber, expressed his disappointment with Brother printers in a recent video. He highlighted how Brother is disabling third-party toner cartridges and color registration functionality through firmware updates, harming consumers. Rossmann, who previously recommended Brother printers as a solution to cartridge DRM issues, now retracts his advice. He urges users to keep their printers offline and disable automatic updates to avoid issues. Brother's actions are seen as anti-consumer and raise concerns about individual property rights.

(www.tomshardware.com)
Hardware printer anti-consumer
1 2 … 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 … 22 23