Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Improved Father Ted Tape Dispenser: Smaller, Better, Easier to Build

2025-06-01

The author has improved their Father Ted tape dispenser from a year ago. The new version is smaller, sounds better, and looks more professional. It uses a 3D-printed case, an IR sensor, and an ESP8266 microcontroller, costing less than €10 and is much easier to build. The author has shared the 3D printable models and instructions, encouraging others to build their own. They also suggest donating to a charity supporting trans people, in response to negative comments from the creator of Father Ted.

(stephencoyle.net)

Hardware DIY electronics

Nuclear-Powered Pacemakers: A Forgotten Chapter in Medical History

2025-05-31

Have you ever heard of nuclear-powered pacemakers? In the past, some pacemakers utilized plutonium-238 as a power source, generating electricity via thermoelectric effects to stimulate the heart. These devices were remarkably durable, able to withstand gunshots and even cremation. Despite emitting low radiation doses, between 50 and 100 people in the US were still using them around 2003. Upon a patient's death, the pacemakers were retrieved to recover the plutonium. This article showcases a Medtronic nuclear pacemaker with its plutonium removed, measuring approximately 2.75 inches in diameter and donated by the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

(www.orau.org)

Hardware

Precision Clock Mk IV: A Two-Year Hardware Odyssey

2025-05-31

After a two-year odyssey, the Precision Clock Mk IV is finally here! This clock boasts millisecond precision with no perceptible jitter, automatically sets its timezone via GPS, and maintains accurate time even when powered off. Its innovative design features dual processors, six buffer chips, and a clever articulated hinge allowing for single or double-line display modes. The article details the intricate hardware design, software implementation, and manufacturing process, a true hardware epic!

(mitxela.com)

Hardware Precision Instrument

Icepi Zero: A Pocket-Sized FPGA Development Board

2025-05-30

Icepi Zero is a cost-effective FPGA development board with a Raspberry Pi Zero form factor, featuring a powerful Lattice ECP5 25F chip. Its compact size and HDMI port make it ideal for various applications. Unlike expensive and bulky alternatives, Icepi Zero empowers students, game enthusiasts, and programmers alike. It boasts an onboard USB-to-JTAG converter, eliminating the need for external programmers, and is completely open-source.

(github.com)

Hardware Development Board

AMD Drops Proprietary OpenGL and Vulkan Drivers for Radeon Software on Linux

2025-05-30

AMD announced it will remove proprietary OpenGL and Vulkan drivers from its upcoming Radeon Software for Linux 25.20 release, fully embracing Mesa-based open-source drivers instead. This means the RadeonSI OpenGL driver and the proprietary Vulkan driver (based on AMDVLK) will no longer be included. This move is considered a significant step towards open-source by AMD and marks official support for the Mesa RADV Vulkan driver. RADV has long been the de facto Radeon Vulkan driver in Linux distributions, known for its performance and stability. This simplifies driver management and promises a more consistent and stable graphics experience for Linux users.

(www.phoronix.com)

Hardware Open-Source Driver

The Century-Long Evolution of Radio Receivers: From Hardware to Software

2025-05-30

In 1862, James Clerk Maxwell laid the theoretical groundwork for electromagnetic energy. Thirty years later, Heinrich Hertz demonstrated radio transmission and reception, ushering in the era of Hardware-Defined Receivers (HDRs). Over 150 years, receiver design shifted from a hardware-centric approach to a software-centric one, with Software-Defined Receivers (SDRs) dominating the landscape for the past two decades. This evolution highlights the dynamic interplay between hardware and software in technological advancement.

(radio-astronomy.org)

Hardware Hardware-Defined Receivers Software-Defined Receivers Radio Technology

Retro Handheld Battery Life: The Evercade's 4-Hour Runtime Sparks a Debate

2025-05-28

While reviewing the Evercade handheld console, the author discovered its meager four-hour battery life, a stark contrast to the original Game Boy's impressive 20-hour runtime. The article analyzes the battery life of various Nintendo handhelds throughout the years, highlighting the decline in battery life despite significant performance improvements in modern devices. The author explores factors like operating systems and processors, using examples like the Nokia 3310 to illustrate the difference in battery longevity across eras. Ultimately, the author questions whether high performance justifies sacrificing battery life.

(brainbaking.com)

Hardware handheld battery life hardware performance

OpenTPU: An Open-Source Reimplementation of Google's TPU

2025-05-28

UC Santa Barbara's ArchLab has released OpenTPU, an open-source re-implementation of Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU). Based on details from Google's research paper, but lacking a formal specification, OpenTPU differs in several implementation details from Google's design. Currently supporting matrix multiplication and ReLU/sigmoid activation functions, OpenTPU is missing features like convolution and pooling. Implemented using PyRTL, the project includes hardware and functional simulators, along with a checker for verifying results. While lacking hard synthesis figures for a full 256x256 OpenTPU at this alpha release, its open-source nature offers valuable learning and improvement opportunities for researchers.

(github.com)

Hardware

The 512x342 Mystery: Why the Original Mac Had That Resolution

2025-05-27

Why did the original Macintosh use a non-standard 512x342 resolution instead of the more common 512x384? This article delves into the reasons, revealing it wasn't simply a matter of technical limitations. The 128KB memory constraint, the CPU resource usage for a 60Hz refresh rate, and the pursuit of square pixels for optimal graphics and printing all played a role. This showcases Apple's masterful trade-offs in the original Mac's design, balancing performance, usability, and cost to achieve a surprisingly impressive product for its time.

(512pixels.net)

Hardware Apple History

Panasonic Kills the VGA Port: The End of an Era for Laptops?

2025-05-27

Panasonic's latest Let's Note laptops have dropped the VGA port, marking a significant shift in the industry. Driven by the rise of HDMI and the demand for thinner, lighter designs, Panasonic joins other manufacturers in phasing out this aging technology. While VGA offers robustness and reliable connectivity, its limitations in resolution and size are increasingly incompatible with modern laptops. This move also highlights the technological divergence between Japanese and Western markets.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware laptops VGA port technology update

The Rise and Fall of the Sharp X68000: A Japanese Home Computer Legend

2025-05-27

The Sharp X68000, released in 1987, was a highly capable home computer popular in Japan, renowned for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. Powered by a Motorola 68000 CPU and featuring custom coprocessors for superior graphics, it became a favorite among gamers. However, its limited market reach and lack of international presence ultimately led to its decline in the 1990s, leaving it a nostalgic relic for many.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Hardware Japanese home computer

Nikon Announces Price Increase Due to Tariffs

2025-05-27

Nikon announced a price adjustment for its products effective June 23, 2025, due to recent tariffs. The company stated it will continue to monitor tariff developments and adjust pricing as needed to reflect market conditions. Nikon thanked customers for their understanding and said it's working to minimize the impact. Customers with order inquiries should contact their authorized retailer; those who ordered through NikonUSA.com should contact them directly via the website.

(www.nikonusa.com)

Hardware

Open-Source WaveBird Protocol Implementation: Reviving a Classic Controller

2025-05-26

The Nintendo WaveBird wireless controller is renowned for its comfortable grip and exceptional battery life, but its receiver has been discontinued for years. A developer has created an open-source implementation of the WaveBird protocol using Silicon Labs Wireless Gecko SoCs, designing a low-cost, easy-to-build receiver. The project includes firmware, hardware design files, and 3D-printable case files, solving the WaveBird receiver shortage and reviving this classic controller.

(github.com)

Hardware wireless technology

Mathpad: Effortless Equation Typing with a Dedicated Keypad

2025-05-26

Mathpad is a keypad designed for engineers, scientists, students, and STEM professionals who frequently work with equations. It allows for easy input of 112 symbols from algebra, calculus, set theory, and logic, plus the entire Greek alphabet. Connecting via USB-C, Mathpad works seamlessly with your existing keyboard on Windows, macOS, and virtually all Unix systems. It supports multiple output modes including plaintext, LaTeX, and the Microsoft Office equation editor. The open-source hardware project will soon be available on Crowd Supply.

(github.com)

Hardware hardware keyboard math input

Tenstorrent: Stop Stacking Abstractions, Focus on Core AI Compute

2025-05-25

This post sharply criticizes Tenstorrent's AI compute architecture, arguing its over-reliance on abstraction layers (LLK) leads to inefficiency and prevents it from competing with giants like Nvidia. The author advises Tenstorrent to focus on three core modules: frontend (PyTorch/ONNX, etc.), compiler (MLIR/LLVM, etc.), and runtime. The runtime should be hardware-agnostic, and the compiler should focus on memory placement, op scheduling, and kernel fusion, avoiding unnecessary activation functions like ELU. The author emphasizes that only by simplifying the architecture and improving the performance of core components can Tenstorrent succeed in the AI compute field.

(github.com)

Hardware AI compute

MG4 EV's V2L Function: 2-Hour Stress Test Passes with Flying Colors

2025-05-25

A user conducted a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality test on several electric vehicles. The Hyundai Ioniq disconnected after 10 minutes of idle connection, but the 2023 MG4 EV passed a 2-hour idle test without issue, even with a 120W load. Tests also involved a 5kW heater, which the MG4 also handled without problems. Other vehicles like Tesla and BYD Atto3 also passed. This suggests the MG4 EV's V2L function is robust and reliable as a mobile power source.

(openinverter.org)

Hardware

RetroTINK-5X and the Apple ][: A Surprisingly Good Match

2025-05-24

This post briefly summarizes a test of the RetroTINK-5X upscaler with an Apple ][. Previous upscalers struggled with the Apple ]['s 'color killer' circuit, resulting in poor color reproduction. The RetroTINK-5X, however, performs surprisingly well, displaying crisp text and accurate colors in text mode. While slightly fuzzy in 'Generic 4:3' mode, this might be adjustable. The author notes initial minor screen wobble upon startup, but otherwise stable and excellent performance.

(nicole.express)

Hardware

Raspberry Pi 2's 'Xenon Death Flash': A Bizarre Hardware Vulnerability Solved by the Community

2025-05-24

In 2015, a bizarre hardware vulnerability was discovered in the Raspberry Pi 2: camera flashes caused instant shutdowns. Dubbed the "Xenon Death Flash," this phenomenon triggered a community-wide detective effort. Testing revealed the culprit: the U16 power regulator chip. Its WL-CSP packaging exposed the silicon die, making it susceptible to intense light, causing crashes. The community found a fix (Blu-Tack!), prompting the Raspberry Pi Foundation to release an improved hardware revision. This event showcased community power, highlighted the risks of miniaturization in modern electronics, and underscored the need for more comprehensive testing.

(magnus919.com)

Hardware hardware vulnerability

Solving the Dual-Computer Single-Monitor KVM Puzzle with a USB-C Combiner Box

2025-05-24

The author uses a MacBook Air and a FreeBSD desktop connected to a single Dell 4K monitor in their home office. The MacBook Air connects via a single USB-C cable providing power, DisplayPort video, and a USB 2.0 hub for mouse, keyboard, and webcam. However, the FreeBSD desktop only connects via a separate DisplayPort cable, requiring frequent unplugging and replugging of peripherals when switching computers. To solve this, the author explores using a USB-C combiner box to convert the desktop's DisplayPort and USB signals into a single USB-C signal, enabling convenient switching between the two computers on a single monitor without the inconvenience of a full KVM.

(rubenerd.com)

Hardware

Realtek's Cheap 10GbE NIC Could Finally Bring 10 Gigabit Ethernet to the Masses

2025-05-23

Realtek showcased its new RTL8127 10GbE network controller at Computex 2025. This tiny (9mm x 9mm) PCIe 4.0 x2 controller supports 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps speeds, boasts a low power consumption of 1.95W, and integrates ECC and CRC features. Priced at around $10, it promises to drastically reduce the cost of integrating 10GbE into motherboards. While 10GbE switches and CAT6 cables remain relatively expensive, wider adoption of the RTL8127 by motherboard manufacturers could accelerate the普及 of 10GbE networking.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware NIC

Nvidia's RTX 5060 Review Manipulation Scandal: A Calculated Risk?

2025-05-22

Nvidia allegedly manipulated reviews of its RTX 5060 graphics card to avoid a repeat of the 4060's poor reception. Tactics included delaying driver releases, restricting testing parameters, and even threatening reviewers to skew benchmarks in its favor. Independent reviews, however, revealed the 5060 offers underwhelming performance improvements, sometimes falling short of even a four-year-old 3060 Ti. Outlets like GamersNexus exposed Nvidia's actions, causing industry uproar and highlighting the company's willingness to compromise integrity for profit. The incident raises questions about the future of GPU reviews and Nvidia's priorities.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware GPU Review Manipulation

ITXPlus: A Mini-ITX Macintosh Plus Clone

2025-05-21

ITXPlus is a Mini-ITX sized Macintosh Plus logic board clone built entirely from modern components. It uses a Pico-based VGA converter, a standard 24-pin ATX power supply, an onboard 50-pin internal SCSI header, and 4MB of soldered RAM. Leveraging open-source solutions like DosFox's sound chip replacement and an ATTiny-based RTC, ITXPlus aims for a fully functional, build-it-yourself experience. While floppy drive support isn't included by default, an expansion header allows for the addition of a real IWM. The board is almost entirely surface mount, using a traditional 68000 for easier assembly. The complete design will be open-source on GitHub.

(68kmla.org)

Hardware

DIY Home Solar Installation: From Roof to Grid

2025-05-21

This detailed account chronicles a homeowner's DIY journey installing a home solar power system. The process covered a new roof installation (~$20k), maneuvering 300-pound batteries (emphasizing safety and following instructions), connecting the inverter and solar panels (using Ironridge mounting and Tigo optimizers), and finally, grid interconnection (resolving voltage issues and obtaining PTO). The author encountered and documented several challenges, including material mishaps and wiring oversights, providing solutions and valuable lessons learned. The system ultimately went live, achieving net-zero energy consumption with excess energy exported to the grid, significantly reducing electricity bills.

(medium.com)

Hardware

Deep Dive into Kiki KaiKai's Hardware: Taito's Sprite-Based Arcade Gem

2025-05-21

This post delves into the hardware architecture of the arcade game Kiki KaiKai. Released in 1986, this game uses a sprite-based rendering system, not a unique feature at the time. Key hardware components include a YM2203 FM synthesizer, a Taito-customized MCU (JPH1020P) based on the Motorola 6801, and a Z80 CPU. The author details the 12-bit RGB color display, PAL programmable array logic, and high-speed RAM. A unique visual artifact is analyzed, attributed to the switching between sprite and background rendering. The post concludes with details of the PCB, including interesting finds in the manual and stickers, such as a Taito seal featuring what appears to be a Prussian eagle.

(nicole.express)

Hardware hardware analysis

Hacker News: The NSA Selector – A Eurorack Module That Turns Network Traffic into Audio

2025-05-20

The NSA Selector is a Eurorack module that converts network traffic into audio. It does this by listening to the preamble of network packets (like Ethernet frames) without any protocol conversion. You can hear uncompressed image pixels, network game data, or even activity from remote desktop protocols. While not HiFi quality, the unique method of “listening” is intriguing. The module works with various data sources, such as online games, IoT devices, and remote desktop protocols. Users can even write their own code and control network tools like ping, netcat, and socat via MIDI, opening up many possibilities. Disable encryption for even more interesting results.

(github.com)

Hardware Network Audio

Nvidia's NV1: A Deep Dive into its Groundbreaking Architecture

2025-05-20

This article delves into the architectural innovations behind Nvidia's early graphics chip, NV1. Author David S. H. Rosenthal recounts his experiences at Sun Microsystems and early Nvidia, revealing the secrets to NV1's success. Two key innovations stood out: a novel imaging model and I/O architecture. The imaging model used quadric patches instead of triangles, significantly reducing data transfer, enabling smooth gameplay of titles like Virtua Fighter on the then-bandwidth-constrained PCI bus. The I/O architecture featured a virtualized object system with a software resource manager, allowing flexible emulation of hardware features, dramatically accelerating development and reducing risk. The author argues that NV1 wasn't just a minimal viable product, but a forward-thinking architecture built upon a deep understanding of future operating system and graphics needs, laying the foundation for Nvidia's subsequent triumphs.

(blog.dshr.org)

Hardware Graphics Chip

IBM Telum II: A Revolutionary Mainframe Processor and its Virtual Cache Strategy

2025-05-19

IBM's latest mainframe processor, Telum II, boasts eight 5.5GHz cores and a massive 360MB on-chip cache, along with a DPU and AI accelerator. Its most intriguing feature is its innovative virtual L3 and L4 cache strategy. By cleverly using saturation metrics and cache replacement policies, Telum II virtually combines multiple L2 caches into a huge L3 and a cross-chip L4, dramatically boosting single-threaded performance while maintaining incredibly low latency even with up to 32 processors working together. This strategy could potentially inform future client CPU designs, but challenges remain in overcoming cross-chip interconnect bandwidth limitations.

(chipsandcheese.com)

Hardware Virtual Cache

$30 Homebrew Automated Blinds Opener: A Weekend Hack

2025-05-18

This weekend project details the creation of a slow, silent automated blind opener for under $30 using salvaged parts and 3D printing. The core components include a geared motor (from a repurposed water flosser!), a magnetic encoder, relays, and an ESP8266. While the magnetic encoder proved less-than-ideal, torque feedback successfully determines blind position. The opener integrates seamlessly into a home automation system, allowing for app control and automated sunrise/sunset operation.

(sifter.org)

Hardware

Reliving a Childhood Dream: Restoring an IBM PS/1 2168

2025-05-18

The author, captivated by computers since 1993, always longed for an IBM PS/1 2168. In winter 2024, he fulfilled his childhood dream by restoring one and maxing out DOOM. The article details the journey of sourcing, acquiring, and meticulously restoring this 30-year-old classic, including selecting a keyboard and screen, installing PC-DOS 7, and upgrading the CPU and cache. It showcases the author's passion for retro computing and technical expertise.

(fabiensanglard.net)

Hardware

Arduino BCI: Effortless EEG, EMG, and ECG Biosignal Acquisition

2025-05-18

Easily acquire EEG, EMG, and ECG biosignals using the ardEEG shield directly connected to an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi board, transforming it into a simple brain-computer interface. This project, the result of years of BCI development, uses Arduino and Python scripts (Windows) and employs the International 10-20 system for electrode placement. Simply connect the shield, power supply, and electrodes to get started, offering a convenient way to acquire biosignals.

(www.instructables.com)

Hardware Biosignal Acquisition

Category: Hardware