Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

OpenMower: A DIY Smart Mowing Robot That Challenges the Status Quo

2025-08-19

Tired of robotic lawn mowers that randomly bump around? Clemens Elflein, a software engineer with experience in embedded programming and robotics, has launched the OpenMower project: a DIY smart mowing robot designed to be smarter, safer, and more affordable. Based on a modified YardForce Classic 500, it leverages the quality hardware and utilizes ROS for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance (currently under development), and rain detection. The project boasts basic mowing functionality with automatic recharging, and encourages community involvement through detailed documentation and a Discord server for support. Tech enthusiasts are welcome to join and contribute!

(github.com)

Hardware

Crazy Lawn Mower: A Software Engineer's Hardware Adventure

2025-08-19

A software engineer, who hadn't touched hardware in 20 years, embarked on a challenging hardware journey at the urging of friends. He transformed a Raspberry Pi into a smart lawn mower control system, adding an OLED display, UPS power supply, camera, and more, to display system information, network status, mowing data, and more in real-time. Along the way, he solved problems such as high CPU usage, abnormal battery level display, and network security, ultimately creating a smart lawn mower capable of networking, monitoring, and collecting mowing data. He shared his achievements and experiences on IRC.

(jotunheimr.idlerpg.net)

Hardware

The Comeback of Flip Phones: Durability Challenges and Future Prospects

2025-08-18

From the initial screen issues with Samsung's first foldable phones to the improvements in Motorola's Razr, flip phones have undergone a tortuous evolutionary path. While newer flip phones boast larger external screens and more powerful functionality, the lack of dust resistance remains a major pain point. Despite this, manufacturers are striving to overcome this challenge, and the future may hold dust and water-resistant foldable phones with an IP68 rating.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware flip phones foldable phones durability

The Mystery of the 8x19 Font in Intel BIOS

2025-08-18

This article details the author's journey to uncover the origins of a non-standard 8x19 font found in Intel motherboards' BIOS. Starting with a BIOS POST screenshot from an Intel AN430TX board, the author discovers early Intel boards (like the AN430TX and AL440LX) used a custom 8x19 font, unlike the standard 8x16. To solve the mystery, the author attempts to decode BIOS images, ultimately succeeding with a clever method. This reveals the font's presence in early BIOS versions, cleverly integrated with the string module to save space. Further investigation shows the font's use across different eras, BIOS manufacturers (AMI and Phoenix), and even into later EFI shells. The author speculates Intel, not the BIOS manufacturers, is the font's source, analyzing its role in display technology's evolution.

(www.os2museum.com)

Hardware

Massive Counterfeit Seagate Hard Drive Bust: A Chia Mining Fallout?

2025-08-16

Malaysian authorities recently raided a warehouse outside Kuala Lumpur, uncovering approximately 700 counterfeit Seagate hard drives. These drives, suspected to originate from China's Chia cryptocurrency mining boom, were refurbished and resold at low prices on platforms like Shopee and Lazada. The counterfeiters reset SMART values and relabeled the drives to appear new. This bust is likely the tip of the iceberg, with estimates suggesting millions of these refurbished drives are in circulation. Seagate has responded by strengthening its partner program and implementing a Global Trade Screening (GTS) process.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware counterfeit hard drives Chia mining

Samsung Unveils World's First Micro RGB TV: A Quantum Leap in Picture Quality

2025-08-14

Samsung has launched the world's first Micro RGB TV, a 115-inch behemoth boasting micro-scale RGB LED backlighting. This technology offers superior picture quality compared to Samsung's Neo QLED line, thanks to more precise backlight control. Packed with features like an AI-powered color optimization engine, glare-free coating, a powerful AI chip, and advanced gaming capabilities, this premium TV is priced at KRW 44.9 million (approx. $32,325) and will soon launch in the US and other markets.

(www.sammobile.com)

Hardware

Pebble Time 2 Reborn: Final Design and Specs Revealed

2025-08-14

The Pebble Time 2, once envisioned as Pebble's flagship smartwatch, is back. The revived version boasts a refined design with added curves, color accents, knurled buttons, and a premium stainless steel build, similar to the original Pebble Steel. Unlike the earlier prototype, the final design features a flat glass panel to minimize reflections and an advanced RGB backlight allowing for customizable color temperature. Available in black and silver with additional color accents, it also includes a built-in compass, a feature absent in the initial plans. Pre-orders are open at $225, with final pricing subject to regional variations.

(9to5google.com)

Hardware

Open-Source Robotic Lamp: LeLamp – A DIY Project Based on Apple's Elegnt

2025-08-14

Human Computer Lab has open-sourced LeLamp, a robotic lamp project based on Apple's Elegnt design. Currently under development, it offers two versions: one for users with existing SO-101 or SO-100 robot arms, providing 3D-printed modification files; and a future main version focusing on new interactive paradigms and learning strategies. Detailed setup, calibration, and teleoperation instructions are provided, along with a hand-tracking demo.

(github.com)

Hardware

Ashet Home Computer: A Hackable Retro-Inspired Home PC

2025-08-13

The Ashet Home Computer is a highly expandable and hackable computer inspired by the home computers of the 80s. Easy to understand yet powerful enough for a graphical desktop OS, it bridges the gap between Arduino and Raspberry Pi. The design phase is complete, and a functional prototype validating key features (PSRAM support, DVI video, etc.) has been built. The next stage involves engineering, schematics, PCB layout, and a crowdfunding campaign to fund production. The final design will be open-source and freely available.

(ashet.computer)

Hardware expandable

StarFive Vision Five 2 Lite: A $20 RISC-V SBC

2025-08-12

StarFive has launched the Vision Five 2 Lite, a budget-friendly RISC-V single-board computer priced at just $20 (excluding shipping and taxes). This stripped-down version features a slightly slower processor than the Vision Five 2, 2GB of RAM, and only one Ethernet port and one USB 3.0 socket. While attractive in price, its graphics driver support remains poor, with Ubuntu and Fedora only supporting server versions without a graphical desktop. Despite these limitations, it remains a compelling 64-bit RISC-V system for developers and enthusiasts.

(www.heise.de)

Hardware single-board computer

Open-Source E-Paper Dev Kit Hits 75Hz Refresh Rate

2025-08-12

The Modos Paper Dev Kit is an open-hardware e-paper monitor development kit boasting a blazing-fast 75Hz refresh rate, low latency, customizable screen updates, multiple image modes, and flexible dithering. Connecting via HDMI or USB, it's compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows. Available in 6-inch and 13-inch monochrome options, its controller is adaptable to other panels. Addressing challenges like proprietary systems, lack of standards, and high costs in e-paper technology, Modos aims to foster a community dedicated to establishing best practices and unlocking e-paper's full potential.

(www.crowdsupply.com)

Hardware

The Apple-1 Registry: Tracking the Legacy of Apple's First Computer

2025-08-12

This registry meticulously documents the known Apple-1 computers, Apple's first creation. Each entry includes location data, batch information, verification status, associated images and videos, historical context, and auction history. The registry highlights the rarity of these machines and encourages community contributions to preserve the history of this iconic piece of computing history.

(www.apple1registry.com)

Hardware Apple-1

Dropbox Unveils 7th-Gen Server Hardware: A Giant Leap for AI

2025-08-11

After fourteen years of evolution, Dropbox's infrastructure has grown from a handful of servers to one of the world's largest custom-built storage systems. Their seventh-generation hardware platform (Crush, Dexter, Sonic, and GPU platforms Gumby and Godzilla) boasts dramatically increased storage bandwidth, effectively doubled rack power, and a next-gen storage chassis minimizing vibration and heat. This leap forward enhances efficiency, capability, and scalability, powering AI products like Dropbox Dash. Close collaboration with suppliers and a product-first, co-design approach leveraging emerging technologies (like SMR drives and GPU accelerators) resulted in significant performance and efficiency gains, setting the stage for future growth.

(dropbox.tech)

Hardware Server Hardware

The Astonishing Secrets of the Intel 386 Chip's Packaging

2025-08-10

A 3D CT scan of the Intel 386 processor reveals a surprisingly complex six-layer wiring structure hidden within its seemingly simple ceramic package. The chip boasts separate power and ground networks for I/O and CPU logic, along with side contacts for electroplating. The analysis also uncovers 'No Connect' pins used for testing, and a hierarchical interface design scaling from microscopic circuitry to macroscopic pins. The article details the 386's packaging technology and Intel's evolution in processor packaging.

(www.righto.com)

Hardware 386 Processor

Resurrecting a SparcStation 1+: A Years-Long Battle with Hardware Gremlins

2025-08-09

The author's journey to revive a SparcStation 1+ workstation began in 2018 and culminated in a breakthrough in 2025. The repair involved overcoming numerous hardware hurdles: a failing hard drive, a malfunctioning floppy drive, SCSI bus issues, and power supply problems. Through replacing a blown SCSI fuse, employing a SCSI emulator, and persistent troubleshooting, SunOS was finally booted. The tale highlights the complexities and challenges of hardware repair, and the author's dedication and perseverance.

(www.leadedsolder.com)

Hardware Sun workstation

Open Source Flip-Card with FLIP Fluid Simulation

2025-08-09

This project open-sources a flip-card business card featuring a fluid simulation based on the fluid-implicit-particle (FLIP) method. It includes PCB design files (kicad-pcb folder), a standalone fluid simulation crate (fluid_sim_crate folder, based on Matthias Müller's work), a rechargeable battery design (inspired by cnlohr's project), a WASM simulator for debugging (sim_display folder), and RP2350 firmware (flip-card_firmware file). Further details are available in each folder's README.

(github.com)

Hardware

£16 USB-C Smartwatch: Surprisingly Good!

2025-08-09

The Colmi P80, a £16 smartwatch, boasts a USB-C charging port – a rarity. The author, driven by a desire for USB-C compatibility across all devices, tested its capabilities. Surprisingly, the watch offered impressive battery life (around 5 days), accurate heart rate and sleep monitoring, and decent functionality. While the accompanying app is basic and some features are limited, the overall performance far exceeds expectations for its price point.

(shkspr.mobi)

Hardware USB-C smartwatch budget smartwatch

Framework Desktop Cluster Testing: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 & Radeon 8090S Benchmarks

2025-08-08

The author tested a cluster of four pre-production Framework Desktops, each equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and a Radeon 8090S GPU. Initial tests utilized a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet interconnect, later upgraded to 5 Gbps. Thunderbolt interconnects were also tested, achieving 10 Gbps via TB4. All automation is in the Beowulf AI Cluster repo. Benchmarks covering CPU, GPU, disk, and network performance are available via the provided links.

(github.com)

Hardware Framework Desktop Cluster Computing

WHY2025 Badge: A Fire Hazard Waiting to Happen

2025-08-06

The WHY2025 conference badge presents a significant fire hazard due to its use of unprotected 18650 lithium-ion cells. Design flaws create a high risk of short circuits, with only a thin layer of resin preventing overheating and potential fires. Despite repeated attempts to communicate the issue to organizers, unprotected cells were still distributed. This document details the design flaws and urges attendees to avoid using the provided cells to prevent a potential disaster.

(wiki.why2025.org)

Hardware hardware safety fire hazard

Amaranth: An Open-Source Hardware Development Toolchain in Python

2025-08-06

The Amaranth project provides an open-source toolchain for developing hardware based on synchronous digital logic using Python. It's designed for ease of use, minimizing coding errors, and simplifying complex designs with reusable components. Amaranth includes a language, standard library, simulator, and build system, covering the entire FPGA development workflow. It seamlessly integrates with existing Verilog/VHDL code and offers a rich standard library with components like clock domain crossing primitives and FIFOs. A sophisticated simulator and build system further streamline the process, making it easier to port designs across different FPGA platforms.

(amaranth-lang.org)

Hardware

Reverse-Engineering IP Cameras: Hardware Support List

2025-08-05

This document details the supported hardware list for a firmware project targeting IP cameras. It meticulously lists the SoC, image sensor, Wi-Fi module, and flash chip size for each supported camera model. The project highlights that some manufacturers change hardware components between batches of the same model without notice, making precise hardware matching critical. The list encompasses indoor, outdoor, and bulb cameras, along with development boards and modules. Potentially supported and unsupported hardware are also outlined, with a call for community donations to accelerate project development.

(thingino.com)

Hardware IP Cameras

World's Most Impractical 1000-Pixel Display: Interactive Art Meets Lo-fi Tech

2025-08-05

A developer spent six years building Kilopixel, a ridiculously inefficient 1000-pixel display controlled via a web interface. Using a custom CNC machine and a unique pixel-turning mechanism, the display updates at a glacial pace (10 pixels per minute). Users can submit artwork or collaborate in real-time to create images on this unique wooden contraption. The project showcases a blend of web development, physical computing, CNC machining, and meticulous craftsmanship. Kilopixel is a testament to creative problem-solving and the intersection of art and technology.

(benholmen.com)

Hardware

Fujifilm hikes camera prices amid Trump's tariff woes

2025-08-04

Fujifilm has announced significant price increases across its camera and lens lineup, with some models seeing increases in the hundreds of dollars. These hikes are largely attributed to the impending implementation of new tariffs under the Trump administration. Fujifilm's attempt to meet demand by shifting some X100VI production to China backfired due to tariffs, forcing a partial return to Japanese manufacturing and ultimately leading to price increases. These price hikes appear permanent, mirroring similar actions from other manufacturers like Leica and Canon, suggesting ongoing price increases in the camera market.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware Camera Price Hikes

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6: A Review of the Rollable Laptop

2025-08-04

Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is a $3,300 laptop with a groundbreaking rollable screen that expands from 14 inches to 16.7 inches. While pricey, its vibrant OLED display, impressive performance, and excellent battery life make it a compelling option. However, its weight, limited hinge tilt, and minor quirks like screen wobble and creaks are drawbacks. Overall, it's an innovative machine for productivity-focused users willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware

Vortex M: A Modern Remix of the Iconic Model M Keyboard

2025-08-04

The Vortex M keyboard pays homage to the legendary IBM Model M, boasting a retro aesthetic with PBT double-shot keycaps and a textured plastic case, replicating the classic 1980s design. However, under the hood lies a modern mechanical keyboard: customizable Cherry MX switches, hot-swappable sockets, Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB-C connectivity, and multi-device support. It blends retro aesthetics with modern functionality, offering a comfortable and relatively quiet typing experience, all at a competitive price. A great option for those seeking a retro look with modern performance.

(reviews.ofb.biz)

Hardware modern

Resurrecting a Vintage SGI 4D Workstation: A Hacker's Tale

2025-08-03

This document chronicles the author's journey in reviving a defunct SGI 4D series workstation. From sourcing parts online and a 400-mile drive to wrestling with hardware and software issues – including hardware failures, forgotten passwords, and OS installation – the author meticulously documents the process. The detailed account includes valuable tips and tricks, such as PROM monitor commands, IRIX OS version selection, and SCSI interface handling. A fascinating read for hardware enthusiasts and retrocomputing fans.

(archive.irixnet.org)

Hardware

DIY 3D-Printed 5-Bay NAS: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to the Minisforum N5

2025-08-03

This article details a DIY 5-bay NAS, the N5 Mini, built using 3D printing and compatible with various mini PCs. Inspired by the Minisforum N5, but aiming for affordability, the author designed this budget-friendly alternative. Design goals included fitting common 3D printer beds, replicating the Minisforum N5's aesthetics, low power consumption, and ease of assembly. The article thoroughly explains the design process, required components, and assembly steps, including power connections and hard drive installation. The final cost is around $200 (excluding the mini PC), significantly cheaper than comparable commercial products, making it a compelling open-source project.

(jackharvest.com)

Hardware

Micron Unveils Trio of SSDs Targeting Diverse Markets

2025-08-03

Micron announced three new SSDs aimed at different markets: the 9650 (PCIe Gen 6, TLC flash, focusing on speed), the 6600 ION (PCIe Gen 5, QLC flash, emphasizing high capacity up to 122.88TB), and the 7600 (PCIe Gen 5, TLC flash, prioritizing low latency). All three leverage Micron's latest Gen 9 276-layer 3D NAND, along with its own DRAM, NAND controller, and firmware. The 9650 boasts significantly improved performance thanks to its PCIe Gen 6 interface, while the 6600 ION caters to massive data storage needs with its enormous capacity, and the 7600 excels in low latency, ideal for AI and similar applications.

(blocksandfiles.com)

Hardware

Goodbye RSI: My Journey with the Svalboard Keyboard

2025-08-02

Years of computer use led to RSI, prompting a quest for the perfect ergonomic keyboard. From Microsoft Ergonomic to Kinesis Advantage and Ergodox EZ, my search culminated in the Svalboard Lightly. Its infrared optical keys and magnetic feedback, coupled with QMK firmware and Keybard software, allowed unparalleled customization. While pricey and with a steep learning curve, the Svalboard's superior ergonomics and customizability dramatically improved my typing comfort and efficiency, making it a worthwhile investment for the discerning user.

(twey.io)

Hardware Ergonomic Keyboard

Coffeematic PC: A Retro Gaming Rig Cooled by Hot Coffee

2025-08-02

Artist Doug MacDowell built Coffeematic PC, a functional computer housed in a vintage GE Coffeematic drip coffee maker. Uniquely, it uses the brewed coffee to cool its CPU. This isn't the first coffee maker computer, but it's the first to employ this unconventional cooling method. The article explores the history of coffee maker computers, noting a curious 15-year gap in builds, and speculates on the reasons behind it. Coffeematic PC also inspired an art exhibition called Sparklines, showcasing the intersection of art and hacking.

(www.dougmacdowell.com)

Hardware art tech hardware hack

Category: Hardware