Author: GizNews

  • “Underground Detector Reveals Supernova History of the Universe”

    “Underground Detector Reveals Supernova History of the Universe”

    Key Takeaways

    1. A supernova occurs when a massive star exhausts its fuel, leading to a core collapse and a powerful explosion that ejects the star’s outer layers.
    2. Visible light from a supernova represents only about 1% of the total energy released; the majority is emitted as neutrinos.
    3. Neutrinos, or ghost particles, have very small mass, no electric charge, and weak interactions with matter, making them difficult to detect.
    4. The diffuse supernova neutrino background is formed from signals of past core-collapse supernovae, which can be detected with advanced sensitivity.
    5. The Super-Kamiokande detector in Japan uses gadolinium to enhance neutrino detection capabilities, allowing for a better understanding of supernova outcomes and the history of stellar explosions.

    When a huge star exhausts its fuel, the core collapses due to gravitational force, leading to a brilliant and powerful explosion that blasts apart the star’s outer layers. This cataclysmic event is called a supernova. Interestingly, what we see in visible light represents only about 1% of the total energy released, with the rest being emitted as neutrinos.

    Ghost Particles Explained

    Neutrinos, often referred to as ghost particles, are essential particles that possess a very small mass, lack electric charge, and interact very weakly with other forms of matter, making them extremely hard to detect. They can glide through stars, planets, galaxies, and even human bodies without being noticed. Because they can travel vast distances without interacting, they can provide direct information from the cores of stars that are exploding. This makes neutrino studies crucial for gaining insights into core-collapse supernovae.

    Observing Past Events

    An intriguing aspect is that the combined signals from numerous past core-collapse supernovae can be detected with better sensitivity from detectors. This signal is known as the diffuse supernova neutrino background.

    Super-Kamiokande is a massive detector located underground in Japan. This device is capable of identifying these particles by capturing flashes of light created when a neutrino strikes protons or electrons in water molecules. The sensors within the detector pick up these flashes.

    Enhancements and Future Insights

    To enhance its capacity to detect neutrons generated in neutrino interactions, gadolinium has been incorporated into this detector. Researchers believe that this enhancement will aid in detecting supernova neutrinos throughout the universe. Another critical inquiry is what remains after the explosion. By studying neutrinos, scientists can gain a better understanding of the outcomes of these events. Rather than just focusing on a single supernova, the broader history of stellar explosions can be examined.

    Phys.org

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  • Crimson Desert PS5 Reviews Blocked Before Release Date

    Crimson Desert PS5 Reviews Blocked Before Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited gameplay footage for Crimson Desert on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S has led to criticism, but Pearl Abyss claims no performance issues are being hidden.
    2. Digital Foundry provided a positive performance review for the PS5 Pro version but noted a lack of footage for the standard PS5 and Xbox versions due to an offline activation server.
    3. Pearl Abyss has been transparent about technical challenges related to rendering the game’s expansive world, but limited access has affected testing on less powerful consoles.
    4. Many reviews at launch are expected to focus on the PC version, raising concerns among console gamers reminiscent of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues.
    5. The PS5 Pro has a stronger GPU compared to the standard PS5, but the CPU difference is less significant; the Pearl Abyss BlackSpace Engine may offer better performance on lower-end systems.

    Ahead of the March 19th release of Crimson Desert, there has been a surprising absence of gameplay footage for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This led to criticism, which prompted Pearl Abyss to state that they weren’t hiding any performance issues. However, just before the game’s launch, a well-known tech site still was unable to review the open-world game on these consoles.

    Digital Foundry’s Insights

    Gamers often turn to Digital Foundry for insights on how games perform across different hardware. They recently shared a largely positive performance review of Crimson Desert on the PS5 Pro. Yet, on Discord, they informed followers that there wouldn’t be any footage available for the PS5 or Xbox versions. John Linneman noted that the activation server needed for testing was still offline.

    Pearl Abyss’s Openness

    The site pointed out how transparent Pearl Abyss has been regarding the technical hurdles of rendering the expansive world of Pywel. Interestingly, they even sent a representative to Linneman with a copy of the game running on a PS5 Pro. Nevertheless, the limited access has hindered testing on less powerful consoles.

    Concerns of Console Gamers

    This update seems to back up the rumors that most reviews for Crimson Desert on its launch day would focus on the PC version. Many gamers remember the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, where CD Projekt Red overlooked the PS4 and Xbox One. Since the PS5 and Xbox Series X had just hit the market, many players faced stuttering issues.

    It’s not very clear how much better the PS5 Pro performs compared to the less capable systems. Digital Foundry noted that with Performance mode aiming for 60 fps and an upscaled 4K, busy scenes caused frame rates to drop below 40 fps. Sony’s top-tier hardware also features a more efficient PSSR upscaler, with an improved version already being released.

    Comparing Specs

    When looking at specifications, the GPU in the PS5 Pro is much stronger than that of the standard model. However, the difference in their CPUs isn’t as striking. Digital Foundry highlighted that the Pearl Abyss BlackSpace Engine is often less demanding on CPUs compared to Unreal Engine 5. This could result in acceptable performance on lower-end PCs and consoles.

    It’s still possible the studio might release more Crimson Desert videos for other platforms. Nevertheless, while Steam pre-orders have been robust, some console gamers are still waiting for reviews.

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  • Compact Imaging Sensor Enables 4D Vision for Robots

    Compact Imaging Sensor Enables 4D Vision for Robots

    Key Takeaways

    1. Researchers developed a compact 4D imaging sensor on a single silicon chip to improve 3D vision systems in robots and drones.
    2. The new sensor uses a continuous laser beam with a grid of 62,000 tiny pixels that function as both transmitters and receivers.
    3. It quickly measures distances and speeds by analyzing shifts in the frequency of returning light waves.
    4. Successful tests showed the sensor’s ability to map indoor spaces and detect details from 65 meters away outdoors.
    5. The technology is scalable and could enhance vision capabilities in autonomous machines, drones, and consumer devices like cameras and smartphones.

    Current 3D vision systems found in both robots and drones tend to be large, costly, and often have difficulty handling rapid and unpredictable movements in the real world. To address these issues, a team of researchers has created an advanced 4D imaging sensor that is compactly housed on a single silicon chip. This innovative technology, explained in the journal Nature, produces highly precise digital maps of the environment while also tracking the exact speed of moving objects.

    New Technology Features

    Differing from traditional sensors that depend on fast pulses of light and need separate parts for sending and receiving signals, the newly crafted chip works with a continuous laser beam. The laser light is directed through a physical grid of nearly 62,000 tiny stationary pixels. Each pixel in this grid serves as both a transmitter and a receiver, allowing the device to remain exceptionally compact. By examining minute shifts in the frequency of the returning light waves, the system quickly determines how far away an object is and the speed at which it is moving.

    Successful Testing

    The research team has effectively tested the sensor in various conditions, such as mapping indoor spaces and swiftly gauging the speed of a spinning disk. During long-range outdoor evaluations, the chip accurately picked up intricate details, including windows and balconies on a building that was located 65 meters away.

    Future Potential

    Since the design merges all required electronic and optical components onto a single chip, it is both compact and scalable. While there is still room for enhancement in terms of resolution and range, this 4D technology holds the promise of significantly boosting the vision capabilities of autonomous machines, drones, and potentially everyday digital cameras and smartphones.

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  • 385 TB Myrient Game Archive Backup: Complete Collection

    385 TB Myrient Game Archive Backup: Complete Collection

    Key Takeaways

    1. Myrient, a major online game archive, is shutting down its servers on March 31st due to rising operational costs.
    2. The gaming community successfully backed up all 385 TB of Myrient’s content before the shutdown.
    3. The backup team is working on creating torrents to make the archived content available to users.
    4. Myrient has been a key source for downloading ROM files for classic game emulation, despite legal concerns.
    5. An updated website for accessing the backup content is set to launch soon.

    Good news for game archivists: a major online game archive has been completely backed up.

    Recently, Myrient, a large database for game archives, revealed plans to shut down its servers on March 31st. They mentioned that increasing costs for hosting, drive storage, and other issues mainly due to the RAM pricing crisis made it impossible for them to maintain the database online.

    Backup Complete

    Following this announcement, several members from the gaming community took action to ensure the archive was preserved. This effort has now been successful, with all 385 TB of Myrient’s content fully backed up, as shared by Ill-Economist-5285 on Reddit.

    Ill-Economist-5285 mentioned that the team responsible for the backup is currently focused on “creating torrents and making them available.” They also indicated that an updated website is set to launch soon.

    Importance of Myrient

    Myrient has been a popular source for accessing ROM files for emulation purposes. Though these files typically exist in a legal gray area, users have primarily utilized the service to conveniently download verified ROMs for classic console games, including titles for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii U.

    For more details, you can check out the r/savemyrient subreddit, which is linked in the source below.

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  • Ubiquiti UniFi Network 10.2 Adds Time Machine, Competes with Sonos

    Ubiquiti UniFi Network 10.2 Adds Time Machine, Competes with Sonos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubiquiti Networks released UniFi Network version 10.2, featuring the Time Machine tool for tracking network changes over the last 24 hours.
    2. The new “digital twin” feature mirrors the physical setup, aiding in troubleshooting during outages, especially in larger configurations.
    3. The announcement included a reference to Sonos, highlighting compatibility issues that resonate with Ubiquiti users.
    4. Ubiquiti’s ecosystem has faced integration challenges with Sonos, leading to past hardware alternatives like the Ubiquiti Poweramp.
    5. The release showcased new products, including network racks and the U7 Mesh, alongside highlighting the Poweramp’s features.

    Ubiquiti Networks has made an official announcement regarding the release of UniFi Network version 10.2. One of the standout features in this version is named Time Machine. This feature is akin to Apple’s Time Machine, allowing users to visually track network changes over time. It enhances the ability to monitor status changes of network ports, making it simpler to identify issues caused by configuration adjustments and changes to switch ports. As noted in the release notes, this feature tracks the last 24 hours of activity.

    New Digital Twin Feature

    In addition, the new “digital twin” has been introduced to mirror the physical setup in UniFi Network 10.2. This feature aims to assist with troubleshooting, particularly during extensive outages. The digital twin is crafted to give a comprehensive view, even in larger rack configurations. The announcement video also includes a subtle dig at Sonos, which has seemingly delighted the Ubiquiti community. Specifically, Ubiquiti showcased a Sonos device to demonstrate a network issue, a scenario that many users seem to resonate with.

    Ubiquiti and Sonos Compatibility Issues

    It’s well-known that the ecosystems of Ubiquiti and Sonos do not integrate very well. In fact, these compatibility problems have occasionally triggered hardware changes in the past. For example, rumors suggest that Ubiquiti introduced the Ubiquiti Poweramp a few years back as an alternative to select Sonos products. This device was also featured at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, and although it appears a bit out of sync with the current offerings, it was still prominently showcased alongside new items such as the latest network racks and the U7 Mesh.

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  • How the Brain Isolates Voices in Noisy Environments

    How the Brain Isolates Voices in Noisy Environments

    Key Takeaways

    1. The “cocktail party problem” explains how people focus on one voice amid background noise.
    2. MIT researchers developed an artificial neural network to simulate this human hearing ability using multiplicative feature gains.
    3. The model effectively highlighted target voices in noisy environments, achieving results similar to human listeners.
    4. It mimicked common human errors, such as difficulty distinguishing similar-sounding voices.
    5. The findings could lead to better cochlear implants, improving concentration in noisy settings.

    For many years, scientists who study the brain have been looking into the “cocktail party problem,” which describes how people can focus on one voice even when there is a lot of noise around them. Although it has been known that the brain can do this by enhancing the activity of certain neurons that respond to specific sounds, there was no effective computational model to show that this method worked in real-life situations.

    New Findings from MIT

    Recently, a group of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology created an artificial neural network that simulates this human hearing skill. In a paper published in Nature Human Behavior, the findings show that the brain employs a method called multiplicative feature gains. Simply put, the brain functions like a precise volume control. When listening to a specific voice, the brain increases the neural signals that correspond to that voice’s distinct features, like its tone, while lowering the volume of other sounds competing for attention.

    Testing the Model’s Effectiveness

    To check how well their model worked, the MIT researchers provided it with a brief audio snippet of a particular voice, followed by a noisy mix of many speakers. The model effectively highlighted the target voice, achieving results similar to human listeners in various situations. It even mimicked common errors that people make, such as difficulty in distinguishing between two similar-sounding voices.

    “None of our models have had the capability that humans possess, to be alerted to a specific object or sound and then base their reaction on that object or sound. That has been a real restriction.” — Josh H. McDermott, leading author of this research paper.

    Implications for Future Technology

    The model also enabled the researchers to quickly examine how the position of speakers influences listening. It predicted that it is much easier to tell voices apart when they are placed side by side horizontally rather than one above the other vertically — a finding that was later validated in tests with human participants. The researchers are optimistic that this model could lead to the development of improved cochlear implants that would assist people in concentrating better in noisy settings.

    Nature Human Behavior via MIT News

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  • Gigabyte Launches Panther Lake Brix Mini PC with 128GB RAM Support

    Gigabyte Launches Panther Lake Brix Mini PC with 128GB RAM Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Gigabyte Brix mini PC, Panther Lake variant, features the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor.
    2. It includes a 4-core Xe3 integrated GPU instead of the Intel Arc B390.
    3. The mini PC supports user-replaceable memory with two slots for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM.
    4. It offers two M.2 slots for storage, with one supporting PCIe Gen5x4 and the other Gen4x4.
    5. Key features include WiFi 7 support, a 2.5GbE LAN connection, and a slim design; pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

    A new model of the Gigabyte Brix mini PC, called the Panther Lake variant, has been found on the official website. Although the company has not yet made a formal announcement, the landing page suggests that this system will come with the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, which is among the highest-performing processors in its series.

    Processor Details

    This Panther Lake chip, however, does not include the Intel Arc B390, a quite powerful integrated GPU from the series. Instead, it features a 4-core Xe3 integrated GPU. What stands out about this Brix mini PC is its capability for user-replaceable memory.

    Memory and Storage

    It comes with two slots that can accommodate as much as 128GB of DDR5 RAM. In terms of storage, the mini PC is equipped with two M.2 slots, one of which is a PCIe Gen5x4, while the other supports Gen4x4. The specifications also emphasize a good variety of ports available, including:

    Additionally, key highlights from the webpage include support for WiFi 7, a 2.5GbE LAN connection, and a slim design. The model number for this mini PC is GB-BRU9-386H, but it is not yet for sale. Gigabyte has not disclosed any information about the pricing or availability of the Panther Lake Brix at this time. Still, it is anticipated that these details will be revealed shortly.

    Anticipated Release

    Gigabyte’s new offering seems to pack quite a punch, and tech enthusiasts are eager to see what the final price will be and when it will hit the market.

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  • Mechrevo Launches 16-Inch Gaming Laptop with Ryzen 9 and 300Hz Display

    Mechrevo Launches 16-Inch Gaming Laptop with Ryzen 9 and 300Hz Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mechrevo is a Chinese brand known for gaming laptops and e-sports gear, available globally through platforms like Aliexpress.
    2. The new Jiaolong 16 Pro gaming laptops feature powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processors with 16 cores and 32 threads, delivering excellent performance for gaming.
    3. The two models differ in GPU and display, with the high-end version offering an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU and a 300 Hz refresh rate, while the budget model has an RTX 5060 GPU and a 180 Hz refresh rate.
    4. Both models have a 16-inch QHD display with full sRGB coverage and a brightness of 500 nits; the high-end model is expected to be about 15% faster due to its GPU.
    5. Pricing is set at approximately $1,218 for the RTX 5060 version and $1,334 for the RTX 5070 version, with a worldwide launch unlikely, prompting some buyers to consider importing or looking at alternatives like the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10.

    Mechrevo is a well-known brand from China that focuses on making gaming laptops and e-sports gear. Although they don’t directly sell in the US and other international markets, their products are available worldwide through platforms like Aliexpress.

    New Gaming Laptops

    The latest gaming laptops from Mechrevo have really impressive specs, especially for gamers who enjoy fast-action and competitive gameplay. Known as the Jiaolong 16 Pro, this high-end gaming laptop comes in two models, both featuring 16-inch screens and the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor.

    Performance Details

    With 16 cores and 32 threads, this powerful “Dragon Range” CPU offers excellent performance, keeping pace with the recently released Intel Core Ultra 9 386H “Panther Lake” CPU in Geekbench 6 tests. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo” APU also falls slightly behind in the scores. In simple terms, these gaming laptops won’t struggle with demanding tasks or gaming sessions.

    GPU and Display Specs

    The distinctions between the two models are clear when examining the GPU and display features. The more expensive version is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, which has 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM. On the other hand, the less costly model comes with the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, also with the same amount of VRAM. Both GPUs share a 115-watt TGP, but the 5070 model is expected to be around 15% faster.

    While both laptops feature a 16-inch QHD display, the high-end model has a remarkable 300 Hz refresh rate, whereas the more budget-friendly version has a solid 180 Hz display. Mechrevo claims full 100% coverage of the sRGB color spectrum and a ΔE score below 1, which should satisfy buyers who like vibrant screens. The brightness reaches 500 nits, which is pretty average.

    Pricing and Availability

    The connectivity options are quite good, featuring a range of ports:

    The Mechrevo Jiaolong 16 Pro with a 2K 180 Hz display, 16 GB of RAM, and an RTX 5060 Laptop GPU is priced at 8,399 Yuan, roughly translating to $1,218. The higher-end version with a 300 Hz display, RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, and the same memory and storage is available for 9,199 Yuan, or about $1,334.

    A worldwide launch seems unlikely, but potential buyers can still choose to import the gaming laptop if they want. Those who prefer not to deal with importing issues might want to consider the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10, which is currently offered at $1,733 on Lenovo’s official website.

    JD.com, via ITHome.

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  • AOC Gaming Monitor: 5-Layer QD-OLED, 1300 Nits Brightness

    AOC Gaming Monitor: 5-Layer QD-OLED, 1300 Nits Brightness

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AOC Agon Pro AGP346UCSD features a 34-inch QD-OLED screen with a 1800R curvature and a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels.
    2. It boasts a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and utilizes a five-layer tandem OLED panel for improved HDR performance.
    3. The refresh rate has increased to 360 Hz, enhancing gaming performance and text clarity with a new V-Stripe sub pixel arrangement.
    4. The monitor achieves 99% DCI-P3 and 97% Adobe RGB color coverage with a ΔE of less than 1, making it ideal for color-critical tasks.
    5. It includes a variety of connectivity options, built-in speakers, and an adjustable stand, but pricing and availability are not yet confirmed.

    AOC has introduced a new gaming monitor under the Agon Pro name, called the AGP346UCSD. The name isn’t very catchy, but it indicates that this monitor is a successor to the AG346UCD, bringing along several impressive updates.

    Display Features

    Similar to its earlier version, the new Agon Pro features a 34-inch QD-OLED screen with a curvature of 1800R. The resolution remains the same at 3440 x 1440 pixels. However, significant advancements have been made internally. It now utilizes a five-layer tandem OLED panel, capable of reaching a peak brightness of an incredible 1,300 nits in small areas, providing a top-notch HDR experience. This is a considerable upgrade compared to the previous model.

    Performance Enhancements

    The refresh rate has seen a boost to a remarkable 360 Hz from the previous 175 Hz. The V-Stripe sub pixel arrangement will greatly enhance text clarity, which was a bit lacking on previous QD-OLEDs due to visible fringing. Naturally, all the typical advantages of OLED technology should still be present, including near-instant response times, true blacks, and excellent color accuracy.

    Color Accuracy and Connectivity

    Regarding color performance, AOC asserts that the monitor achieves 99% and 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color spaces respectively, with a ΔE of less than 1. If these specifications are accurate, this monitor should be superb for tasks that require precise color representation. Additionally, it comes equipped with a good selection of ports, including:

    The monitor also includes built-in speakers, and the stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments. As it is an ultrawide monitor, pivot adjustments are, as expected, not available.

    At this moment, pricing and availability are not clearly stated. For those in need of a 1440p ultrawide gaming monitor right away, options like the LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B are available for $745 on Amazon.

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  • New 3D Mario Game Rumored Ahead of Switch 2 Release

    New 3D Mario Game Rumored Ahead of Switch 2 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans are eagerly awaiting a new 3D Mario game since Super Mario Odyssey released in 2017, with speculation about its potential reveal for the Switch 2.
    2. Insider NateTheHate has hinted at knowledge of the project but remains tight-lipped about details, suggesting a possible launch in 2026.
    3. Nintendo’s stock has declined due to a lack of major game releases, and there is concern over the timing of announcements to avoid frustrating fans.
    4. The recent success of Pokémon Pokopia has provided some relief for Nintendo, boosting sales and stock recovery.
    5. The upcoming release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could serve as a promotional opportunity for a new Mario game.

    One hot topic among fans of Nintendo is when the company will finally unveil a new 3D Mario adventure. Super Mario Odyssey made its debut in 2017, leaving Switch 2 players waiting for a sequel. Trusted insider NateTheHate has spoken on the rumors, seemingly confirming he knows something about the project.

    Leaker’s Response

    When asked by Hugo Gaming about the upcoming Switch 2 game, NateTheHate replied, “Nothing I’m going to share at present.” When further questioned, the insider kept quiet. So far, he has managed to dodge Nintendo’s anger, having correctly predicted the handheld’s reveal and several Direct showcases.

    Possible Speculations

    There’s a chance that the leaker is talking about a 3D Mario game that might have been cancelled or could be years from release. Yet, back in January, he hinted that the game could be the “big holiday game” for 2026, while advising fans not to take it as gospel. Recently, Mario Day on March 10th came and went without any updates, leaving gamers feeling let down once more.

    Sales Trends

    After a promising beginning, sales of the Switch 2 have started to decline. Nintendo’s stock has taken a hit, with worries about the absence of major titles on the way. Former marketers at the company, Kit & Krysta, think that the beloved plumber’s comeback would help reassure fans.

    The podcasters also warned that announcing a release date too soon could add to gamers’ frustration. This might explain the current silence. Another theory gaining traction is that Nintendo could leverage the April 1st launch of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to kick off promotions for a new game. They recently released two remasters in October featuring a galactic theme, which could pave the way for more open-world adventures.

    Impact of Other Games

    The success of Pokémon Pokopia has eased some pressure off the Japanese gaming giant. With 2.2 million copies sold in just four days, it may have helped boost handheld sales. Nintendo’s stock also saw a rise, recovering some of its earlier losses. However, the introduction of a new 3D Mario game for Switch 2 would likely boost investor confidence as another important holiday season approaches.

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