Category: All News

  • European Open Web Index Pilot Grants Access to 1 Petabyte of Data

    European Open Web Index Pilot Grants Access to 1 Petabyte of Data

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Open Web Index (OWI) will launch a pilot program next month, providing access to nearly 1 petabyte of web data, with plans to expand to 5 PB and eventually 10 PB.

    2. The OWI serves as a collective digital library, allowing third-party services to search for documents, reducing Europe’s dependence on US-based search engines.

    3. The initiative aims to improve search quality and language options, promoting a non-profit, standards-based index that complies with European data protection laws.

    4. During the pilot phase, academic groups, startups, and developers can request data under research or commercial licenses, contributing to user-focused improvements.

    5. The project aligns with the European Commission’s InvestAI initiative, which seeks to boost funding for AI projects, potentially enhancing European competitiveness in search and AI technologies.


    The OpenWebSearch.eu group is set to launch the first federated Open Web Index (OWI) across Europe for external testers next month. This pilot program will provide access to nearly one petabyte of web data that has been collected, marking a significant move towards a comprehensive index planned to grow to 5 PB and eventually to 10 PB of content.

    A New Way to Search

    The OWI is not like a traditional search engine; instead, it acts as a collective digital library that allows third-party services like search portals, large language model providers, or research teams to search for and find documents. This initiative is backed by a collaboration of 14 universities, supercomputing centers, tech companies, and CERN, aiming to lessen Europe’s reliance on proprietary indexes from American companies like Google and Microsoft.

    Challenging the Status Quo

    Supporters of this project say that the current focus on advertising-driven platforms has hurt the quality of search results and restricted language options. By creating a non-profit, standards-based index in line with European regulations, the consortium hopes to promote services that abide by local data protection laws, offer results in various languages, and avoid aggressive advertising or biased results. Regulators in Brussels and London have often criticized the dominance of US tech giants for these very reasons.

    During the pilot phase, academic groups, startups, and individual developers will be able to request the dataset under a general research license or apply for a commercial license. Community manager Ursula Gmelch refers to this launch as “a first step towards true European digital sovereignty,” noting that initial feedback will help shape the index to better meet the needs of users. The team is particularly keen on enhancing vertical and argumentative search, retrieval-augmented generation, and other AI-related applications.

    Aligning with European Goals

    This timeline coincides with the InvestAI initiative from the European Commission, which aims to raise €200 billion for AI projects. An open Zoom meeting is planned for June 6, from 10 a.m. to noon CEST, where participants will be introduced to the platform and receive access credentials. If the pilot is successful, it could provide small and mid-sized European companies with the essential tools to develop competitive search and AI technologies that operate outside of the dominant US ecosystems.

    Source:
    Link

  • Tank S3 Pro: Durable Military Smartwatch with Long Battery Life

    Tank S3 Pro: Durable Military Smartwatch with Long Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Tank S3 Pro is available on Amazon Germany for €79, with a €20 discount for its launch, and will soon be on Amazon US.
    2. It is designed as a rugged military smartwatch, water-resistant up to 5 ATM, and can operate in extreme temperatures from -40 °F to 158 °F.
    3. The smartwatch features a 2.06-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels and a peak brightness of 800 nits.
    4. Key health monitoring features include a step counter, heart rate sensor, blood oxygen level measurement, blood pressure monitor, and sleep tracking.
    5. The Tank S3 Pro has a 710mAh battery lasting around 20 hours, charges in about 2 hours, and allows Bluetooth phone calls with a built-in microphone and speaker.


    The Tank S3 Pro might not be a completely new smartwatch, but it’s now appearing at major retailers like Amazon Germany. It’s expected to hit Amazon US shelves soon. In Europe, this device is priced at €79, and there’s currently a coupon that provides a €20 discount for its launch. It’s uncertain if the price will go up after this discount code runs out in early June.

    Design and Durability

    Now, while the Rogbid Tank S3 Pro may not boast an extensive list of features, its design stands out significantly. It’s promoted as a rugged military smartwatch, capable of withstanding water up to 5 ATM and operating in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 °F to 158 °F.

    Display and Usability

    This smartwatch sports a sizable 2.06-inch AMOLED display, which is not circular but rather has sharp angles, giving the Tank S3 Pro a bulky appearance. The screen resolution clocks in at 410 x 502 pixels, and it shines at a peak brightness of 800 nits, which is somewhat dimmer compared to other smartwatches on the market.

    Features and Battery Life

    Although it lacks a built-in GPS module, you can still monitor activities with its step counter and heart rate sensor. This military-grade watch is also capable of measuring blood oxygen levels, and it features a blood pressure monitor, which may not be entirely accurate. Additionally, the Tank S3 Pro tracks sleep quality, duration, and stress levels. It comes with a rotating crown and a 710mAh battery, which reportedly lasts for 20 hours under normal usage and can be charged within approximately 2 hours. Lastly, it includes a microphone and speaker, allowing you to make Bluetooth phone calls directly from the smartwatch.

    Source:
    Link

  • Dell Pro Max Plus Workstations Boosted by Qualcomm AI Technology

    Dell Pro Max Plus Workstations Boosted by Qualcomm AI Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dell has launched a new Pro Max Plus laptop series designed for AI tasks, featuring the Qualcomm AI-100 Inference Card.
    2. The AI-100 Inference Card includes dual chips, 32 AI cores, and 64GB of LPDDR4x memory for high-performance AI inference.
    3. The laptops are equipped with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, a 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen, DDR5 memory, and Arc Pro graphics.
    4. The devices are targeted at data scientists and AI engineers needing portable solutions for AI workloads.
    5. No official release date is set, but the laptops are aimed at enterprise clients and specialized developers rather than general consumers.


    Dell has recently unveiled a new version of its Pro Max Plus laptop series, specifically aimed at handling AI tasks. While the name might not be the catchiest, the technology inside these devices is more captivating than typical updates. The new Dell Pro Max Plus models will be among the first portable workstations to include a Qualcomm AI-100 Inference Card.

    Innovative Hardware for AI

    The AI-100 Inference Card, which features dual chips, is integrated into these machines to provide a secure, high-performance local solution for extensive AI inference. Dell claims the card boasts 32 AI cores and 64GB of LPDDR4x memory, which can manage models with parameters ranging from 30 billion to 109 billion. This places it firmly in the realm of enterprise-grade technology, yet it’s designed to be mobile and developer-friendly. It targets data scientists, AI engineers, and research experts who need portable solutions for testing and deployment purposes.

    Specifications and Features

    Although Dell has not released complete technical specifications for the Qualcomm model, the current Intel-based versions give a helpful point of comparison. These devices are powered by Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processors, equipped with a 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen (300 nits), DDR5 memory, Arc Pro graphics, and batteries up to 72Wh with ExpressCharge capabilities. The Qualcomm model is expected to keep most of the same design and connection features, including support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, along with USB Type-C charging. This new setup could provide a secure way to run models locally, avoiding the need to send sensitive data to a server while still maintaining the speed and performance usually found in GPU-intensive systems.

    Target Audience and Availability

    There’s currently no official timeline for when these will be available, but this configuration is likely to attract enterprise clients or specialized developers rather than everyday consumers. Nevertheless, for those who need to prototype, test, or deploy AI workloads while traveling or in the field, the Pro Max Plus featuring Qualcomm’s inference card could be worth keeping an eye on.


  • Gigabyte M27UP ICE: 160/320Hz Dual-Mode Monitor Launch

    Gigabyte M27UP ICE: 160/320Hz Dual-Mode Monitor Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gigabyte launched the MO27Q28G monitor featuring a 280Hz Meta 3.0 WOLED display, an upgrade from the MO27Q2.
    2. The M27UP and M27UP ICE monitors were introduced, with the latter offering Tactical Dual Mode and refresh rates of 160Hz (4K) and 320Hz (FHD).
    3. The upcoming M27QS will be a smart 27-inch monitor, with plans for new monitors featuring 200Hz and 500Hz refresh rates at Computex 2025.
    4. Gigabyte’s next generation of monitors will include AI Integrated capabilities for enhanced user experience, including AI Protection and AI-Optimized Visuals.
    5. The AI TOP Utility 4.0 software suite was introduced, capable of handling tasks with up to 685 billion parameters for functions like object recognition and image sorting.


    Gigabyte’s recent Leading Edge event introduced several new monitors, including the MO27Q28G, which is an updated version of the MO27Q2. This new model features an advanced 280Hz Meta 3.0 WOLED display.

    New Tactical Monitor

    Alongside the MO27Q28G, Gigabyte also revealed the M27UP and the M27UP ICE. The latter is presented as a Tactical Dual Mode monitor, adding versatility for users. It might offer a more affordable option compared to the $899.99 LG UltraGear 27G850A-B, with unique refresh rate choices of 160Hz and 320Hz available in the display’s 4K and FHD settings, respectively.

    Exciting Future Releases

    Additionally, the M27QS is set to launch as a smart 27-inch monitor. The company has announced plans to unveil new monitors with 200Hz and 500Hz refresh rates at the upcoming Computex 2025 event, hinting at exciting developments for gamers and professionals alike.

    In a notable advancement, Gigabyte shared that its next generation of monitors, similar to its laptops and external GPUs, will feature “AI Integrated” capabilities. This includes AI Protection, AI-Optimized Visuals, and AI Tactical Features, enhancing user experience significantly.

    Advanced Software Suite

    They also introduced the AI TOP Utility 4.0 software suite, which is designed to handle tasks with models that can support up to 685 billion parameters. This software will assist in various functions like object and character recognition, image sorting, and controlling edge devices, making it a powerful tool for users.

    Source:
    Link

  • NVLink Fusion Boosts Low-Latency Computing for Third-Party CPUs

    NVLink Fusion Boosts Low-Latency Computing for Third-Party CPUs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of NVLink Fusion: Nvidia launched NVLink Fusion, a new chip-level interface that enhances its NVLink technology for third-party CPUs and custom accelerators, announced at Computex 2025.

    2. Chiplet Technology Transition: NVLink Fusion changes connections from board-to-board to a compact chiplet setup, providing up to 14 times more bandwidth than standard PCIe while ensuring memory-semantic access.

    3. Collaborations and Partnerships: Companies like MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Fujitsu are integrating NVLink Fusion into their products, enhancing collaboration to utilize this new technology.

    4. Modular Solutions for Hyperscale Operators: Hyperscale cloud operators can create large GPU clusters with NVLink Fusion-enabled components, allowing for efficient scaling without performance drops typical of PCIe setups.

    5. Positioning Nvidia as a Key Link: By licensing its technology, Nvidia aims to be a central player in the AI hardware ecosystem, allowing competitors to use its bandwidth while still fitting into its software and networking environment.


    Nvidia has unveiled NVLink Fusion, a new chip-level interface that expands its proprietary NVLink technology beyond just its processors. This was announced during Computex 2025. The innovative silicon allows third-party CPUs and custom accelerators to utilize the same high-bandwidth, low-latency connection that currently links Nvidia GPUs in large-scale “AI factories.”

    Transition to Chiplet Technology

    NVLink Fusion shifts the connection from a board-to-board setup to a compact chiplet that designers can position alongside their own compute dies. Although it continues to utilize familiar PCIe signaling, it offers up to 14 times more bandwidth than a standard PCIe lane while maintaining memory-semantic access between devices. This enhanced fabric works alongside Nvidia’s existing Spectrum-X Ethernet and Quantum-X InfiniBand products, which manage scale-out traffic across server racks.

    Collaborations and Partnerships

    Multiple partners have already committed to this technology. MediaTek, Marvell, Alchip, Astera Labs, Cadence, and Synopsys are set to provide custom ASICs, IP blocks, or design services utilizing this new protocol. On the CPU front, Fujitsu is planning to integrate its upcoming 2 nm, 144-core Monaka processor with NVLink Fusion, while Qualcomm aims to connect the interface with its Arm-based server CPU. Both companies are targeting integration into Nvidia’s rack-scale reference systems without sacrificing direct GPU access.

    Modular Solutions for Hyperscale Operators

    Hyperscale cloud operators can now combine NVLink Fusion-enabled components with Nvidia’s own Grace CPUs and Blackwell-class GPUs, enabling them to create large GPU clusters linked by 800 Gb/s networking. This offers a modular approach to building clusters that can consist of thousands or even millions of accelerators, all without the usual performance drops seen in PCIe-only setups.

    By licensing a key part of its technology stack, Nvidia is positioning itself as the essential link for diverse AI hardware rather than just a closed-box supplier. Competitors who found it difficult to match NVLink’s impressive bandwidth can now leverage it, but they’ll need to do so within Nvidia’s extensive software and networking ecosystem.

    Source:
    Link

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Leaked Early with Titanium Rumors

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Leaked Early with Titanium Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold6 in summer, with current pricing at $1,299 on Amazon.
    2. The Galaxy Z Fold7 will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and at least 12 GB of RAM.
    3. The design of the Galaxy Z Fold7 is likely to be slimmer than the previous Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.
    4. The new model may adopt a design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, with a wider format to compete with other foldables.
    5. The Galaxy Z Fold7 might have a titanium backplate and could omit the S Pen digitizer, potentially reducing thickness by 0.6 mm.


    Samsung is not likely to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold6 (currently priced at $1,299 on Amazon) until the summer season. Despite this, details about the upcoming model are surfacing online. For instance, Geekbench reveals that the Galaxy Z Fold7 will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, along with a minimum of 12 GB of RAM. Additionally, it seems that Samsung has managed to reduce the thickness of this new foldable device, making it slimmer than last year’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.

    First Looks at the Galaxy Z Fold7

    Recently, the initial image of the Galaxy Z Fold7 has surfaced on the internet. Shared by Shane Craig on YouTube, this image predominantly showcases the back panel of the device rather than a full prototype. Nevertheless, it appears that Samsung is steering its standard Galaxy Z Fold series towards a design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, adopting a wider format that could bring the Galaxy Z Fold7 in line with competitors like the Oppo Find N5 and Vivo X Fold3 Pro, among other modern foldables.

    Design and Features

    In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is anticipated to follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition by incorporating a titanium backplate situated between its hinge mechanism and inner display. This titanium component is reported to be thinner than the carbon fiber (CFRP) materials that Samsung has utilized in the Galaxy Z Fold3 through Galaxy Z Fold6. According to The Elec, the Galaxy Z Fold7 might also emulate the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition by omitting the S Pen digitizer, potentially reducing the thickness by 0.6 mm when the device is folded. However, there are speculations that Samsung is working on a new S Pen that will be compatible with the Galaxy Z Fold7 once it launches.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Ayaneo Flip 1S Teased: Dual Display Clamshell Redefined

    Ayaneo Flip 1S Teased: Dual Display Clamshell Redefined

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo is set to release the Flip 1S, a new handheld Windows gaming device.
    2. The company is focusing on updating the Flip DS model, not replacing both the Flip DS and Flip KB.
    3. The Flip 1S DS will feature a ‘CNC full metal A-side’ for a premium design upgrade.
    4. Specific details about the Flip 1S are limited, but it is expected to provide a better experience than previous models.
    5. The Flip 1S DS may have a higher price tag compared to earlier Flip series devices, which started at $699.


    Ayaneo has recently revealed exciting information about the Flip 1S, which looks like it will be the next handheld device for Windows gaming from the company. Recently, Ayaneo has been concentrating on its Android gaming handhelds, releasing devices such as the Pocket Ace, Pocket Micro Classic, and Pocket S2. Alongside these, they launched the Ayaneo 3, featuring the optional AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a chip that is also used in competing gaming handhelds such as the OneXFly F1 Pro (currently priced at $1,439.95 on Amazon).

    New Developments in the Flip Line

    Just last week, Ayaneo hinted that the Flip 1S is on its way, presenting a revamped version of the model they reviewed the previous year. At first, it wasn’t clear if Ayaneo intended to replace both the Flip DS and Flip KB or just one of them. However, the company has indicated that only the Flip DS is being updated, as they have not mentioned a new KB model in their recent teasers.

    Features of the Flip 1S

    Instead, Ayaneo has indicated that they are developing the Flip 1S DS, where ‘DS’ stands for ‘dual screen’. Although specific details are limited at this time, the company has shared that the device will feature a ‘CNC full metal A-side’, a noticeable upgrade from the all-plastic design of the Flip DS and Flip KB. The wording in the teasers below suggests that the Flip 1S DS will offer a more premium experience than earlier models. Consequently, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Flip 1S DS comes with a higher price tag compared to the Flip series, which was priced starting at $699 on Indiegogo last year.

    Source:
    Link

  • Razer Blade 16 Launches with New GPU Options Available Now

    Razer Blade 16 Launches with New GPU Options Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Razer Blade 16 now offers budget-friendly GPU options: RTX 5070 and RTX 5060.
    2. Starting price for the new configurations is $2,399, featuring a Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and 16 GB RAM.
    3. RTX 5060 specs include 8 GB of VRAM and a Total Graphics Power of 115 Watts.
    4. The top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU is only available with the RTX 5090, priced at $4,499.
    5. Other specs remain unchanged, including a 16-inch QHD+ OLED display and various connectivity options.


    Originally unveiled at CES 2025, the Razer Blade 16 was initially available only with the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. However, these graphics cards came with high price points that were often not justifiable, as the performance improvements were not always proportional to the costs. Razer has now introduced more budget-friendly GPU choices for its 16-inch gaming laptop.

    New GPU Options

    You can now equip the Razer Blade 16 with either an RTX 5070 or RTX 5060. These can be combined with a Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5x-8000 (soldered) RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, starting at a price of $2,399. The RTX 5060 features 8 GB of VRAM and a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 115 Watts (100 base plus 15 boost). Unfortunately, if you want the top-of-the-line Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, it can only be paired with an RTX 5090, which will cost you $4,499.

    Consistent Specs

    The other specifications of the laptop have not changed, including a 16-inch QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) 240 Hz OLED display, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a micro SD card reader, a 1080p Windows Hello webcam, and a 90 Wh battery that can charge at up to 200 Watts.

    Source:
    Link

  • Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU: Water-Cooled & Thunderbolt 5

    Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU: Water-Cooled & Thunderbolt 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Thunderbolt 5 is expected to become mainstream in 2025, with products like the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box enhancing laptop performance.
    2. The Aorus RTX 5090 offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, delivering gaming performance that is three times greater than its predecessor with Thunderbolt 3.
    3. The graphics card features water cooling for improved performance, but this makes GPU swaps more complicated.
    4. The eGPU enclosure includes an extra Thunderbolt 5 port, allowing connections to monitors, docking stations, and other peripherals, as well as charging capabilities via USB-C Power Delivery 3.0.
    5. Gigabyte has not announced the pricing or release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.


    2025 is looking like the year when Thunderbolt 5 will finally hit the mainstream market. Following laptops such as the Alienware Area-51 and a range of docking stations, Gigabyte has stepped up with an external graphics card that connects to laptops using Thunderbolt 5. This connection offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, allowing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 to perform at just 14% lower than what you’d expect with PCIe 5.0 x16.

    Boosted Gaming Performance

    When we compare it to its predecessor, which was based on the GeForce RTX 4090 and utilized Thunderbolt 3, the gaming performance is anticipated to be three times greater under optimal conditions. It’s worth noting that Gigabyte likely implemented DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation to achieve such an impressive performance enhancement. The graphics card housed in the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box features water cooling to optimize performance, but this also complicates the process of swapping out the GPU once it’s been purchased.

    Connectivity and Features

    Gigabyte’s latest eGPU enclosure is equipped with an additional Thunderbolt 5 port, which can be utilized to connect a monitor, docking station, high-speed Thunderbolt SSD, or other peripherals. The laptops connected through this enclosure can be charged using USB-C Power Delivery 3.0. Additionally, the RTX 5090 eGPU contains two USB-A ports, another USB-C port, an Ethernet connection, and a total of four monitor ports, which includes three DisplayPort 2.1b and one HDMI 2.1b.

    Gigabyte has not yet revealed any information regarding the pricing or the official release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.

    Source:
    Link


  • Casio MR-G Kurogane-Iro Watches with Prices for Strap and Bracelet

    Casio MR-G Kurogane-Iro Watches with Prices for Strap and Bracelet

    Key Takeaways

    1. Two new Casio MR-G models, MRG-B2000RG-3AJR and MRG-B2000BG-3AJR, are priced at 385,000 yen (approximately $2,470) and set for release in June 2025.

    2. Both models have the same price despite differences in materials, with the RG-3AJR featuring a more expensive recrystallized titanium bezel.

    3. The watches share a rich green and gold color scheme, inspired by the traditional Japanese “kurogane-iro.”

    4. Key features include solar charging, Bluetooth, world time for over 300 cities, and a unique triple subdial design with a kikkō pattern.

    5. Limited availability is expected at G-Shock boutiques and select retailers in Japan, with no official press release from Casio yet.


    Two fresh models from Casio’s “kurogane-iro” MR-G line have made a reappearance, this time with clearer pricing details from Great G-Shock World Japan. The MRG-B2000RG-3AJR and the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR are both tagged at 385,000 yen (around $2,470), with a planned release set for June 2025. You can refer to our earlier articles about these watches here.

    Pricing Parity Explained

    Interestingly, both watches carry the same price tag, even though there are clear differences in how they are made. Usually, models with full bracelets like the BG-3AJR cost more than those with rubber straps. Yet, the RG-3AJR features a pricier recrystallized titanium bezel, which probably accounts for the equal pricing in this case.

    Consistent Color Scheme

    The color palette remains similar for both watches, showcasing a rich green tone highlighted with gold, reminiscent of the classic Japanese “kurogane-iro” color. The MRG-B2000RG-3AJR is equipped with a black fluoro-rubber strap and has a brushed, stone-like bezel with visible hex screws. On the other hand, the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR sports a full titanium bracelet with a softer brushed texture.

    Standard MR-G Features

    Both timepieces are expected to come with the usual MR-G features: solar charging, Bluetooth capabilities, world time for over 300 cities, and a triple subdial design that offers calendar and multi-time zone functions. The dials also showcase a kikkō (turtle shell) pattern surrounding the subdials, along with gold-accented markers that provide a more intricate appearance.

    So far, Casio hasn’t officially released a press statement regarding these new additions. However, looking at previous launches and current listings, both models are likely to be available in limited numbers at G-Shock boutiques and select retailers in Japan starting next month.

    Source:
    Link