Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Popular：

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

Steam to Drop Support for 32-bit Windows in 2026

2025-09-19

Steam to Drop Support for 32-bit Windows in 2026

Valve announced that Steam will end support for 32-bit versions of Windows on January 1st, 2026. While only 0.01% of Steam users remain on 32-bit Windows, the move signals the end of an era for PC gaming. Valve cites incompatibility issues with drivers and libraries as the reason for dropping support. They urge users to upgrade to 64-bit Windows to continue receiving security updates and technical assistance.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Game 32-bit

Nvidia and Intel's Shocking Alliance: A Fusion of x86 and RTX

2025-09-18

Nvidia and Intel's Shocking Alliance: A Fusion of x86 and RTX

In a stunning announcement, longtime rivals Nvidia and Intel revealed a groundbreaking partnership to jointly develop next-generation x86 products. This includes 'Intel x86 RTX SOCs' for the consumer gaming PC market, fusing Intel x86 CPUs with Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets, and custom Intel x86 data center CPUs for Nvidia's AI products. Nvidia is also investing $5 billion in Intel stock, acquiring roughly a 5% stake. This collaboration represents a seismic shift in the x86 ecosystem, utilizing the NVLink interface for CPU-GPU communication, offering 14x the bandwidth and lower latency of PCIe. Expect powerful new gaming laptops, small form-factor PCs, and Nvidia-branded custom x86 data center CPUs for enterprise and hyperscale customers.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

Sony Quietly Releases Downgraded PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB SSD

2025-09-18

Sony Quietly Releases Downgraded PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB SSD

Sony has quietly released a revised PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (CFI-2116) with a reduced 825GB SSD, down from the previous 1TB. While the price remains the same, this move is speculated to be a cost-cutting measure in response to economic challenges. The change has sparked debate among gamers, with some arguing the 200GB reduction is insignificant, while others worry about the 1TB version's availability. The revised console is currently available on select European Amazon sites, with its future availability in other regions uncertain.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware Hardware Revision

AI Boom Creates Hard Drive Shortage

2025-09-16

AI Boom Creates Hard Drive Shortage

The rise of generative AI has created a surge in demand for nearline hard drives, but hard drive manufacturers haven't kept up, leading to a severe shortage. Western Digital has announced price increases across its entire hard drive portfolio, with lead times exceeding a year. This price increase is also impacting the SSD market, with enterprise-grade SSDs likely to see price hikes. While manufacturers are developing more economical nearline SSDs, the storage crunch is expected to continue in the short term, making now a potentially good time for consumers to purchase storage.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

Intel Shakes Up Executive Suite, CEO Ousts Top Product Officer

2025-09-10

Intel Shakes Up Executive Suite, CEO Ousts Top Product Officer

Intel is undergoing a major executive shakeup under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Since March, Tan has overseen mass layoffs, eliminated Intel's automotive division, and flattened the leadership structure. The latest casualty is Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Chief Product Officer, who departed after a 10-month tenure. Tan is bringing in executives from Cadence and Arm to bolster Intel's custom silicon and datacenter businesses. These changes, coupled with government investment and a government equity stake, point towards a leaner, custom-silicon-focused future for Intel.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech Executive Changes Chip Industry

AI-Powered Ransomware: A 70-Cent Attack?

2025-09-07

AI-Powered Ransomware: A 70-Cent Attack?

Researchers at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering have developed a proof-of-concept AI-powered ransomware called "Ransomware 3.0." This prototype uses LLMs to automate all four phases of a ransomware attack: system mapping, valuable file identification, data theft/encryption, and ransom note generation. The alarming aspect? The prototype costs roughly $0.70 per attack using commercial APIs, and open-source models eliminate this cost entirely. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for ransomware attacks, posing a significant cybersecurity challenge. While an academic experiment, it highlights the potential for malicious AI use and underscores the need to address the emerging threat of AI-driven cyberattacks.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

Logitech's Solar-Powered Wireless Keyboard: Signature Slim Solar+

2025-09-05

Logitech's Solar-Powered Wireless Keyboard: Signature Slim Solar+

Logitech is gearing up to launch the Signature Slim Solar+, a wireless keyboard boasting a solar panel promising up to 10 years of battery life. Resembling the MX Keys S but with an added solar panel above the keys, this keyboard charges using ambient light. Made with 70% recycled plastic, it's lightweight and connects to up to three devices. Customization options via the Logi Options+ app and an AI Launch key (Copilot) are also included. Pricing and availability remain unannounced.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware Wireless Keyboard

Steam Survey: 32GB RAM to Dominate, RTX 4060 Still Strong

2025-09-02

Steam Survey: 32GB RAM to Dominate, RTX 4060 Still Strong

The latest Steam Hardware Survey reveals that 32GB of RAM is poised to become the most popular configuration among Steam gamers, potentially surpassing 16GB by the end of 2025. While the RTX 5060 outperforms the RTX 4060 in new PC sales, the RTX 4060 maintains a significant presence in the Steam survey, possibly due to remaining stock in certain regions or continued sales of pre-built systems. Additionally, the 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution is experiencing the fastest growth, and Windows 11 has exceeded 60% market share.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Game Hardware Trends

Intel Patents 'Software Defined Supercore': A Single-Threaded Performance Boost?

2025-09-01

Intel Patents 'Software Defined Supercore': A Single-Threaded Performance Boost?

Intel has patented a technology called 'Software Defined Supercore' (SDC) designed to significantly improve single-threaded performance. SDC fuses multiple physical cores into a virtual 'supercore' by dividing a single thread's instructions and executing them in parallel. Specialized instructions maintain program order, maximizing instructions per clock (IPC) without increasing clock speed or core width. While currently just a patent, if successful, SDC could dramatically enhance single-thread performance in select applications on future Intel CPUs. The technology tackles the limitations of building extremely wide cores by using software and a small hardware module to manage synchronization and data transfer.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware Single-Threaded Performance

Linux Turns 34: From Hobby Project to Global Domination

2025-08-26

Linux Turns 34: From Hobby Project to Global Domination

Thirty-four years ago, an unknown Finnish computer science student, Linus Torvalds, announced a free operating system project, initially intended as a hobby. Today, Linux powers a vast array of devices, a testament to its success. This article recounts Linux's humble beginnings: Torvalds sought feedback on a newsgroup before releasing version 0.01. Interestingly, the name 'Linux' wasn't Torvalds' choice; a colleague named it at the last minute. From its initial 'Freax' moniker to its current global prominence, Linux's journey showcases the triumph of open-source software and its remarkable portability and adaptability.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

Ex-Intel Employee Gets Probation for Stealing Trade Secrets to Land Microsoft Job

2025-08-17

Ex-Intel Employee Gets Probation for Stealing Trade Secrets to Land Microsoft Job

A former Intel employee, Varun Gupta, was sentenced to two years' probation and fined $34,472 for stealing thousands of files containing trade secrets. These files reportedly aided him in securing a position at Microsoft and were used in processor purchasing negotiations with Intel. While the prosecution sought an eight-month prison sentence, the judge considered Gupta's reputational damage and the $40,000 he already paid in a civil settlement. Gupta has since relocated to France and is pursuing a career in the wine industry.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

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

2025-08-16

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

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

Nvidia Brings CUDA to RISC-V: A Game Changer for AI Computing?

2025-07-23

Nvidia Brings CUDA to RISC-V: A Game Changer for AI Computing?

At the 2025 RISC-V Summit in China, Nvidia announced CUDA support for RISC-V CPUs. This allows RISC-V to become the primary processor in CUDA-based AI systems, traditionally dominated by x86 or Arm. This move expands CUDA's reach and offers Nvidia a strategic advantage in the Chinese market. The integration suggests Nvidia sees significant potential for RISC-V in data centers and edge devices, potentially influencing future AI and HPC processor designs and encouraging other companies to follow suit.

(www.tomshardware.com)

AI

FFmpeg Achieves 100x Speedup with Handwritten Assembly

2025-07-21

FFmpeg Achieves 100x Speedup with Handwritten Assembly

The FFmpeg developers have announced a significant performance boost thanks to a new patch utilizing handwritten assembly code. While the 100x speedup applies specifically to the 'rangedetect8_avx512' function, not the entire FFmpeg application, it's still a remarkable achievement. Users with AVX512 support will see the dramatic improvement, while those without will still experience a 64% speedup via the 'rangedetect8_avx2' code path. This highlights the continued relevance of hand-optimized assembly in specific performance-critical scenarios, showcasing FFmpeg's dedication to optimization.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Development assembly code

Nintendo Switch 2 Banned for Playing Used Games?

2025-07-13

Nintendo Switch 2 Banned for Playing Used Games?

A Nintendo Switch 2 user had their new console banned by Nintendo after playing used Switch 1 games. The user purchased four used games from Facebook Marketplace, updated them, and the next day their console was blocked from Nintendo's online services. Luckily, they were able to resolve the issue by providing proof of purchase. This highlights the risks of buying used games, as unscrupulous sellers could copy games, leading to false piracy accusations. While Nintendo is known for its strict IP protection, this shows a willingness to rectify mistaken bans.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Game Used Games

Samsung Delays Texas Fab Amidst Weak Demand

2025-07-04

Samsung Delays Texas Fab Amidst Weak Demand

Samsung's highly anticipated Taylor, Texas fab is facing delays due to a lack of customer demand. While construction is nearing completion, the planned 4nm process node is no longer in high demand, and upgrading to 2nm presents significant cost and time challenges. This contrasts sharply with TSMC's Arizona fab, which is operating at full capacity. Samsung is also grappling with low capacity utilization, geopolitical risks, and China's push for semiconductor self-sufficiency. Despite aiming for a 2026 launch, the delay highlights the immense challenges of building new fabs in a fiercely competitive global chip market.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech Chip Fabrication

Massive MicroSD Card Survey Exposes Fakes and Performance Discrepancies

2025-07-02

Massive MicroSD Card Survey Exposes Fakes and Performance Discrepancies

Tech enthusiast Matt Cole launched a massive MicroSD card survey, testing over 200 cards and writing over 18PB of data. The results revealed counterfeit cards, inflated capacities, and huge performance discrepancies. Cole used 8 machines and 70 card readers, writing 101TB of data daily to assess authenticity, performance, and endurance. The report features comprehensive charts allowing users to quickly understand the pros and cons of different brands and models, recommending top performers like the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus. The survey also found significant performance differences between cards of the same brand purchased from different platforms, for example, Amazon vs. AliExpress.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware MicroSD card data reliability

Windows User Base Shrinks by 400 Million: A Giant Faces Challenges

2025-07-01

Windows User Base Shrinks by 400 Million: A Giant Faces Challenges

Microsoft executives admit that the number of active Windows devices is lower than expected, with a decrease of around 400 million in the past three years. This is not simply a matter of Windows 10/11 upgrades, but a trend of users switching to smartphones and tablets, as well as alternatives like Chromebooks. While enterprise users may upgrade due to security concerns, ordinary consumers are less willing to update their systems. Apple's Mac market share is also declining, but its cost-effectiveness and portability still pose a threat to Windows. The prevalence of free online applications like Google Docs has also reduced consumer reliance on Windows, and Microsoft faces significant market challenges.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech user base decline

Real-World Ad Blocker: AR Glasses Filter Out Street Ads

2025-06-28

Real-World Ad Blocker: AR Glasses Filter Out Street Ads

A software engineer has created an augmented reality app for Snap's fifth-generation AR Spectacles that identifies and blocks real-world advertisements, billboards, and product branding. Leveraging Google's Gemini AI, the app detects ads and replaces them with red squares. While still in early stages, it hints at a future where users control the physical content they see, potentially even customizing replacements for blocked ads. Currently, the app is exclusive to Snap Spectacles users.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

HDMI 2.2 Officially Unveiled: 96 GB/s Bandwidth, 16K Support

2025-06-25

HDMI 2.2 Officially Unveiled: 96 GB/s Bandwidth, 16K Support

The HDMI Forum has finalized HDMI 2.2, boasting a 96 GB/s bandwidth thanks to new Ultra96 cables. This unlocks support for 16K at 60Hz and 12K at 120Hz (with chroma subsampling), and 4K at 240Hz with 12-bit color depth without compression. While offering a slight edge over DisplayPort 2.1b, HDMI 2.2 provides significant improvements, including backward compatibility and a new audio-video sync technology. AMD's next-gen RDNA GPUs are expected to be among the first to adopt HDMI 2.2, though the extent of bandwidth support remains to be seen.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware High Resolution

Nvidia CEO Slams Anthropic's AI Job Apocalypse Prediction

2025-06-15

Nvidia CEO Slams Anthropic's AI Job Apocalypse Prediction

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang publicly disagreed with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's prediction that AI could wipe out 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, leading to 20% unemployment. Huang criticized Amodei's pessimistic outlook and Anthropic's approach, suggesting their development should be more transparent and open. Amodei countered that he never claimed Anthropic should be the sole developer of safe AI, reiterating his call for greater AI regulation to mitigate the economic disruption. This disagreement highlights differing views on AI's impact and development.

(www.tomshardware.com)

AI

PCIe 7.0 Spec Finalized, PCIe 8.0 Pathfinding Underway

2025-06-12

PCIe 7.0 Spec Finalized, PCIe 8.0 Pathfinding Underway

PCI-SIG announced the completion of the PCIe 7.0 specification, boasting a per-lane data transfer rate of 128 GT/s—double that of PCIe 6.0 and quadruple that of PCIe 5.0. A 16-lane PCIe 7.0 device can transfer up to 256 GB/s in each direction. Furthermore, pathfinding for PCIe 8.0 has begun, targeting a 2030+ release with potentially double the performance of PCIe 7.0, reaching 1 TB/s bandwidth. Expect PCIe 7.0 devices to hit the market around 2028-2029.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware

US Air Traffic Control System: From Floppy Disks to the 21st Century

2025-06-08

US Air Traffic Control System: From Floppy Disks to the 21st Century

The FAA is embarking on an ambitious project to modernize the US air traffic control (ATC) system, currently reliant on outdated technology like floppy disks and Windows 95. This poses significant security and efficiency risks. The upgrade, described as a critical infrastructure project, faces challenges including ensuring continuous operation and system security. While a four-year completion timeline is targeted, experts deem this unrealistic. The project's cost remains unclear, but the FAA is seeking proposals from companies to tackle this massive undertaking.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech tech upgrade

Intel's Aggressive Restructuring: 50% Margin Mandate, 20% Layoffs Imminent

2025-06-06

Intel's Aggressive Restructuring: 50% Margin Mandate, 20% Layoffs Imminent

Intel's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is implementing aggressive measures to turn the company around. To boost profit margins, Intel will no longer approve new projects that cannot achieve at least a 50% gross margin, leading to project cancellations and engineer reassignments. Simultaneously, Intel plans up to 20% layoffs in Q2 and a streamlining of middle management. The goal is to transform Intel into an engineering-focused company and attract and retain top talent. While this approach seemingly contradicts fostering a culture of innovation, Tan appears to have investor backing. Intel's recent gross margin has plummeted to 31.67%, far below the pre-pandemic level of around 60%, making the success of this transformation uncertain.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech profit margin

Microsoft Aims to End USB-C Chaos: Windows 11 Update Promises Consistent Functionality

2025-06-02

Microsoft Aims to End USB-C Chaos: Windows 11 Update Promises Consistent Functionality

Microsoft is tackling USB-C port inconsistencies with an updated Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). The initiative ensures all USB-C ports will consistently support data, charging, and display functions. Additionally, USB 4 40Gbps ports will fully support both USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. Microsoft states that certified Windows 11 laptops and tablets with Windows 11 24H2 already adhere to these rules. This should eliminate user frustration and ensure consistent functionality across all USB-C ports.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

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

2025-05-27

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

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

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

2025-05-23

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

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

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

2025-05-15

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

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

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

2025-05-12

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

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

Nvidia Raises Prices Across the Board Amidst Multiple Crises

2025-05-12

Nvidia Raises Prices Across the Board Amidst Multiple Crises

Nvidia has increased prices on almost all its products, citing tariffs, manufacturing costs, and the impact of export restrictions on its AI chips. Gaming GPUs saw a 5-10% price hike, while AI GPUs experienced a more significant 15% increase. The company's Q[number] earnings took a $5.5 billion hit due to export restrictions, including a ban on H20 chip sales to China. CEO Jensen Huang has been working to mitigate these issues, and the price increases aim to maintain profitability. Despite the price hikes, strong demand for AI chips outside of China and increased spending from cloud providers are expected to keep the company's financial report within forecasts. The move to TSMC's US plant for Blackwell chip production further exacerbated the cost increases. While a recent US-China trade deal may eventually lead to lower prices, consumers may not see immediate relief.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech AI Chips Price Increases

← Previous 1 2 3 Next →