Category: Computers

  • Get Asus Accessories Delivered in Under 10 Minutes with Swiggy Instamart

    Get Asus Accessories Delivered in Under 10 Minutes with Swiggy Instamart

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus India partners with Swiggy Instamart for quick delivery of accessories.
    2. Fast delivery service promises accessories within 10 minutes in major Indian cities.
    3. Available accessories include chargers, keyboards, and various types of mice.
    4. The collaboration aims to reduce waiting time for essential tech accessories.
    5. Customers can access Asus products quickly for urgent needs, like work or gaming.

    In January, Asus India made it known that they were teaming up with Zepto, a platform for quick delivery e-commerce, to bring its accessories, such as keyboards and mice, to major cities like Mumbai, NCR, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Recently, the Taiwanese technology company has revealed a new collaboration with Swiggy Instamart, another well-known quick-commerce service, to distribute its accessories.

    Quick Access to Asus Accessories

    The new partnership means that Asus will provide fast delivery—within just 10 minutes—for select popular accessories through Swiggy Instamart in major Indian cities, including Pune, Gurgaon, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. The available accessories include:

    Chargers:
    – ASUS 65W Type-C Universal Adapter (Black)
    – ASUS 65W Type-C GaN Universal Adapter (White)

    Keyboards:
    – ASUS KW100 Marshmallow Keyboard – Oat Milk (Beige)
    – ASUS KW100 Marshmallow Keyboard – Green Tea Latte (Green)
    – ASUS CW100 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo (with Silent Mouse, 1600 DPI, Black)

    Mice:
    – ASUS MD102 Silent Ergo Mouse (Multi-device Connectivity, 1600 DPI, Dark Grey)
    – ASUS MW103 Wireless Silent Mouse (1000 DPI, Black)
    – ASUS MD100 Marshmallow Multi-device Wireless Mouse (1600 DPI, Quiet Blue & Solar Blue)
    – ASUS MW203 Ergonomic Multi-device Wireless Silent Mouse (2400 DPI, Black)
    – ASUS MD200 Smart O Wireless Mouse (4200 DPI, 6 Programmable Buttons, Multi-device, Black)
    – ASUS MD200 Smart O Wireless Silent Mouse (4200 DPI, 6 Programmable Buttons, Multi-device, Green)

    Making Accessories Easily Available

    Utilizing Swiggy Instamart’s quick delivery service, Asus aims to reduce the waiting time for important accessories, ensuring they are accessible exactly when customers need them. Whether requiring a last-minute charger for an important work call or a new mouse for late-night gaming, Asus accessories are now available in just a few minutes.

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  • Xiaomi Launches 10-in-1 USB-C Dock with 100W Fast Charging

    Xiaomi Launches 10-in-1 USB-C Dock with 100W Fast Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched a 10-in-1 USB-C Docking Station in China, currently crowdfunding at CNY 179 (approximately $25).
    2. The dock features a durable aluminum alloy design with a built-in USB-C cable for enhanced portability.
    3. It includes a USB Type-C port that supports PD 100 W fast charging, providing up to 90 W power to connected laptops.
    4. The dock offers fast data transfer speeds over 400 MB/s and can transfer a 1 GB file in about 3 seconds, with a Gigabit Ethernet port for variable speed adjustments.
    5. It is compatible with major operating systems, features hot-swappable functionality, and offers hardware protections, though there is no information on global availability yet.

    Xiaomi has launched a fresh USB-C dock in China. Named the 10-in-1 Docking Station, it’s currently available for crowdfunding at a price of CNY 179, roughly equivalent to $25. The design includes an aluminum alloy body and a cleverly hidden slot for the built-in USB-C cable, enhancing its portability.

    Port Features

    The new Xiaomi dock comes with a variety of ports, which are listed below:

    Among these ports, there is a special USB Type-C port meant for charging that supports PD 100 W fast charging (the 150 W Anker GaNPrime charger is priced at $99.99 on Amazon). Xiaomi mentions that it can provide up to 90 W power to the connected laptop. The company also emphasizes that both the USB 3.0 Type-C and Type-A ports can achieve transfer speeds exceeding 400 MB/s, enabling quick file transfers.

    Speed and Connectivity

    To be more precise, Xiaomi asserts that the 10-in-1 dock can transfer a 1 GB file in approximately 3 seconds. The dock’s Ethernet port is reportedly backed by a Gigabit network card that adjusts to various speeds. For instance, it can seamlessly switch between 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps.

    Additional Features

    Other notable features of the new Xiaomi 10-in-1 Docking Station include compatibility with major operating systems, hot-swappable functionality, and various hardware protections. There hasn’t been any information released regarding its global availability yet. However, since the company offers its 5-in-1 USB-C hub internationally, it’s possible that this new docking station will also make its way to the global market soon.

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    Xiaomi Launches 10-in-1 USB-C Dock with 100W Fast ChargingXiaomi Launches 10-in-1 USB-C Dock with 100W Fast Charging
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  • Framework Laptop 12 Priced at $549 Now Available for Pre-Order

    Framework Laptop 12 Priced at $549 Now Available for Pre-Order

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 12 in the US start at 9 AM PT on April 10, with prices beginning at $549 for the DIY edition.
    2. The Laptop 12 features a 12.2-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a 360-degree hinge for versatility.
    3. It will be available in two models: a basic Intel Core i3-1315U version and a performance Intel Core i5-1334U variant, both with upgradeable RAM and storage options.
    4. The device includes features like Wi-Fi 6E, a 1080p camera, and four user-selectable expansion cards, along with a 50Wh battery and 60W GaN USB-C charger.
    5. Color options for the Laptop 12 include Black, Bubblegum, Gray, Lavender, and Sage.

    Framework has revealed that pre-orders for the Laptop 12, its inaugural 2-in-1 laptop featuring a touchscreen, are now open. Initially announced on April 9 for regions like Canada, Europe, and the UK, the US market was left out. However, a new update has provided pre-order information for customers in the US.

    Pre-Order Details

    In the United States, pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 12 will commence at 9 AM PT on April 10, with the DIY edition starting at a price of $549. For comparison, the pricing in Europe begins at €569, while in Canada, it’s CA$719, and in the UK, it stands at £499. Similar to other regions, the first shipments are expected to be sent out in June.

    Specifications and Design

    The Framework Laptop 12 is described as an entry-level device featuring a 12.2-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, supporting MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 styluses. It boasts a 360-degree hinge, enabling it to be folded back entirely for use as a tablet or set up in tent mode. With a TPU and plastic casing along with a metal chassis, Framework claims that the Laptop 12 adheres to MIL-STD-810 durability standards.

    Performance Options

    Framework will provide the Laptop 12 in a basic model equipped with an Intel Core i3-1315U processor, and a performance variant featuring an Intel Core i5-1334U. The base model comes pre-built with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the performance version offers double the RAM but maintains the same storage capacity. Both pre-built configurations will include Windows 11 Home, whereas the DIY edition will not come with an operating system.

    The memory can be upgraded to as much as 48GB, and storage can be expanded up to 2TB (M2. 2230 NVME SSD). Additionally, the Framework Laptop 12 will include 4 user-selectable expansion cards. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6E, stereo 2W speakers, a 3.5mm combo jack, a 2MP 1080p OmniVision camera with a privacy switch, and a 50Wh battery accompanied by a 60W GaN USB-C charger in the package.

    Color Options

    The Framework Laptop 12 will be offered in various colors, including Black, Bubblegum, Gray, Lavender, and Sage.

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  • Ugreen Introduces Thunderbolt 5 SSD Enclosure with Active Cooling

    Ugreen Introduces Thunderbolt 5 SSD Enclosure with Active Cooling

    Key Takeaways

    – Ugreen has launched a new SSD enclosure utilizing Thunderbolt 5 technology, compatible with Thunderbolt 4 but with slower speeds.
    – The maximum theoretical bandwidth of Thunderbolt 5 is 80Gbps, achievable only with Thunderbolt 5 devices.
    – The enclosure can reach sequential read and write speeds over 6,000MB/s when used with fast SSDs like the Samsung 990 Pro.
    – It supports M.2 2280 SSDs with a PCIe connection but does not support SATA SSDs.
    – The enclosure features silicon padding for drop protection, an aluminum casing, and a built-in fan for heat management, priced at $229 (enclosure only).

    There are many ways to increase the storage capacity of a laptop or computer, but only a few external options provide high-speed data transfer through the latest ports like USB4 or Thunderbolt 5. Ugreen has just launched a new SSD enclosure that utilizes Thunderbolt 5 technology, while also being compatible with Thunderbolt 4, but with slower transfer rates.

    Maximum Bandwidth

    It’s important to mention that the maximum theoretical bandwidth of 80Gbps is achievable only on devices that have Thunderbolt 5. Ugreen claims that this new enclosure can reach sequential read and write speeds exceeding 6,000MB/s when paired with a fast SSD. The Chinese company has shared benchmarks using various M.2 storage options, and drives like the Samsung 990 Pro show impressive performance.

    Compatibility and Design

    However, this enclosure is limited to supporting M.2 2280 SSDs with a PCIe connection, and it does not support SATA SSDs. In addition, the enclosure features silicon padding designed to provide protection against drops, while the outer casing is made of aluminum. A built-in fan helps manage the heat during operation. The new Ugreen 80Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure is now listed for $229 on Amazon, but keep in mind that this price is for the enclosure alone and does not include a solid-state drive.

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  • AMD Launches Ryzen 8040HX Laptop CPUs: 16 Cores, 5.4GHz

    AMD Launches Ryzen 8040HX Laptop CPUs: 16 Cores, 5.4GHz

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has launched the Ryzen 8040HX laptop processors, replacing the Ryzen 7045HX (“Dragon Range”) with minimal changes.
    2. The Ryzen 9 8945HX features 16 performance cores, an 80MB cache, and an adjustable TDP of 55 to 75 watts, similar to its predecessor.
    3. The integrated Radeon 610M iGPU remains unchanged and is not powerful enough for current games; AMD’s HX processors are typically paired with separate graphics cards.
    4. The new chipsets include the Ryzen 9 8940HX, Ryzen 7 8840HX, and Ryzen 7 8745HX, with slight clock speed increases compared to previous models.
    5. All new processors support up to 64GB DDR5-5200 memory and 28 PCIe 5.0 lanes, but overall performance improvements are minimal.

    AMD has unveiled its new Ryzen 8040HX laptop processors, which take over from the Ryzen 7045HX, also known as “Dragon Range.” Even though a year and a half has gone by since the previous release, the changes are minimal. Similar to the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, the Ryzen 9 8945HX features 16 performance cores built on the Zen 4 architecture, an 80MB cache, and an adjustable TDP that ranges from 55 to 75 watts.

    Graphics Capabilities

    The integrated Radeon 610M iGPU has not seen any upgrades. This graphics chip lacks the power to easily run current games, but usually, AMD’s HX processors are combined with a separate graphics card. The clock speeds also stay the same; AMD states a base clock of 2.5GHz, with a boost clock reaching up to 5.4GHz. The newest processors for laptops from AMD include four different chipsets:

    New Chipsets

    The Ryzen 9 8940HX is essentially a relabeled Ryzen 9 7940HX, yet it comes with a 100MHz higher boost clock speed, as shown in a listing for the upcoming Asus ROG Strix G16. The Ryzen 7 8840HX is almost identical to the Ryzen 9 7845HX, and the Ryzen 7 8745HX matches the Ryzen 7 7745HX.

    All of these AMD processors have support for up to 64GB DDR5-5200 memory and 28 PCIe 5.0 lanes. As a result, this launch does not introduce any significant advancements, apart from the new model names, with performance likely remaining largely unchanged.

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  • Lenovo, HP, Dell Halt US Shipments for Two Weeks Due to Tariffs

    Lenovo, HP, Dell Halt US Shipments for Two Weeks Due to Tariffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Razer will stop selling products in the US due to tariffs imposed by President Trump.
    2. Nintendo has postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2 for similar tariff-related reasons.
    3. Major companies like Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Asus are delaying shipments to the US by at least two weeks.
    4. PC hardware components, including high-end Nvidia graphics cards, may face shortages and increased prices.
    5. Some manufacturers are negotiating tariff-sharing arrangements, while others plan to continue shipping as usual.

    Razer has announced that it will stop selling its products in the US due to tariffs imposed by President Trump. Prior to this, Nintendo also postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2 for similar reasons. If you were considering switching your Razer Blade for a comparable model from another manufacturer, you may find it difficult. According to Commercial Times, several other significant companies have chosen to halt shipments to the US.

    Major Companies Affected

    This list includes well-known brands such as Lenovo, HP, Dell, and A-Share (which seems to be a misinterpretation of Asus). Shipments have been delayed by two weeks, and they could be postponed further if the situation does not improve soon. The affected items encompass laptops, smartphones, and various network communication devices. However, not everything is bleak. A few manufacturers are negotiating tariff-sharing arrangements with their customers, while others plan to continue shipping as usual.

    Impact on PC Components

    It remains uncertain whether PC hardware components will be impacted, but there is a strong likelihood that they will. High-end Nvidia graphics cards are already difficult to find, and their availability may diminish even more. Mid-range models will also eventually run low on stock, leading to increased prices for what is left. Regardless, for tech enthusiasts in the US, the upcoming weeks could prove to be challenging.

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  • Affordable SZBox C0B Mini PC with Intel Twin Lake CPU Launches

    Affordable SZBox C0B Mini PC with Intel Twin Lake CPU Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SZBox C0B mini PC is an affordable entry-level option for office work and entertainment, starting at $109.89 on AliExpress.
    2. It is powered by the Intel N150, supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, and offers storage options of up to 2 TB.
    3. The mini PC features a quiet cooling system and includes DisplayPort and HDMI ports for dual display outputs, supporting 4K resolution.
    4. The design includes a compact metallic chassis available in silver, with multiple configurations and price points ranging from $109.89 to $221.34.
    5. Connectivity options include WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 for added convenience.

    Chinese company SZBox has launched a new mini PC known as the C0B. This system is aimed at being an affordable entry-level option suitable for office work and entertainment. The starting price for the barebone model is quite reasonable, currently listed at $109.89 on AliExpress.

    Specifications and Performance

    Powered by the Intel N150, the C0B can support up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, operating in a single channel, and offers storage options of up to 2 TB. Although SZBox mentions the presence of a 2280 M.2 slot, they haven’t clarified which generation it is. Considering its price point and the Intel N150 processor, it is likely to be a PCIe 3.0 slot (you can find a 2 TB SanDisk SSD Plus for $109.99 on Amazon).

    Cooling and Connectivity

    SZBox emphasizes that the cooling system in the C0B allows it to run quietly even when under heavy loads. The mini PC is equipped with a commendable range of ports, including:

    Thanks to the inclusion of DisplayPort and HDMI ports, users can enjoy dual display outputs, with SZBox claiming support for 4K resolution on both. For wireless connectivity, the C0B is equipped with WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2.

    Design and Variants

    In terms of design, the SZBox C0B features a metallic chassis that is compact enough to fit seamlessly into most work environments. The company displayed the mini PC in both silver and gunmetal colors, but it seems that only the silver option is currently available for purchase.

    Apart from the barebone variant, there are several configurations of the C0B to choose from. The highest-end version, which includes 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, is priced at $221.34, while a mid-range version with 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB SSD can be purchased for $163.09.

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    Affordable SZBox C0B Mini PC with Intel Twin Lake CPU LaunchesAffordable SZBox C0B Mini PC with Intel Twin Lake CPU Launches
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  • GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    Key Takeaways

    1. President Trump’s administration implemented “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, raising concerns about GPU price increases.
    2. A federal order suggests that GPUs are unlikely to be impacted by these reciprocal tariffs.
    3. Graphics cards will still incur a 25% tariff related to aluminum imports from China and other nations.
    4. Important tariff codes for GPUs and related components are missing from the federal order’s list of affected products.
    5. Current tariffs on products from China to the US reach 104%, with China retaliating with 84% tariffs on American goods.

    President Trump’s administration has put in place what is being called “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, which has raised worries about the potential impact on GPU prices, already expected to rise. However, as per the federal order released on April 7, it appears that components like GPUs are unlikely to be influenced by these reciprocal tariffs. Nonetheless, graphics cards will still face a 25% tariff focused on aluminum for imports from China and other nations.

    Details on Tariff Codes

    The federal order enumerates all products and components impacted by the reciprocal tariffs with their HTSUS or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States codes. According to Annex II, the order includes “Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers,” “Electronic integrated circuits: memories,” and “Parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies,” along with their respective HTSUS codes.

    Missing Codes

    However, the list does not mention codes for graphics cards or “Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (graphics processing modules)” and “Parts and accessories of machines with heading 8471, whether or not including fan hubs or LEDs but not including other goods of heading 8541 or 8542).” These are classified under tariff codes 8473301180 and 8473305100, which PCMag points out are both absent from the Annex.

    This indicates that GPUs might be free from at least the reciprocal tariffs. Yet, since they’re categorized as aluminum-related products, they remain subject to the overarching 25% tariffs that were first imposed on imports. While this is the present scenario, there’s a chance for things to worsen as separate chip-focused tariffs may come into play. Currently, products coming from China to the US are facing a total tariff of 104%, while China has responded with retaliatory tariffs of 84% on all American goods.

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  • TSMC Faces $1 Billion Fine Over Huawei Ascend 910B Issue

    TSMC Faces $1 Billion Fine Over Huawei Ascend 910B Issue

    Key Takeaways

    1. Huawei has faced challenges with TSMC since being cut off, specifically regarding the Ascend 910B chip.
    2. TSMC may face fines up to $1 billion for allegedly violating export control regulations.
    3. TSMC previously informed the US Commerce Department about Huawei’s failed purchase attempts.
    4. The US Commerce Department has not publicly commented on the situation, and TSMC claims compliance.
    5. The outcome for TSMC remains uncertain, especially considering the US’s reliance on its chip manufacturing.

    It has been some time since Huawei was cut off from TSMC, with the Kirin 9000 being the last chip produced on TSMC’s 5 nm technology. Recently, Huawei faced difficulties when attempting to utilize TSMC nodes for its Ascend 910B chip. TSMC and Technsights discovered a chip resembling Huawei’s too closely and swiftly put a stop to it. Nonetheless, this might not be the end of the issue, as a new report suggests that the chip manufacturer could be facing significant fines.

    Potential Fines for TSMC

    Sources who wish to remain anonymous have informed Reuters that TSMC could be penalized up to $1 billion for reportedly breaching export control regulations. This situation seems questionable since TSMC had previously notified the US Commerce Department about Huawei’s unsuccessful attempt to make a purchase. However, there might be more details in this case that haven’t yet come to light. The Commerce Department has not issued any public statements regarding this matter, and TSMC claims it has maintained compliance throughout.

    TSMC’s Future in Question

    Considering the confusing timeline surrounding these events, it is quite possible that TSMC will manage to avoid penalties, particularly during these challenging times when the US relies on TSMC’s chip manufacturing capabilities to maintain an edge over China. Still, there might be some truth to the claims, especially since Chinese companies have increasingly turned to offshore or proxy firms to obtain materials that are otherwise restricted, like how DeepSeek recently acquired advanced Nvidia chips for AI development.

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  • Motorola Launches Its First Laptop in India: From Flip Phones to PCs

    Motorola Launches Its First Laptop in India: From Flip Phones to PCs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Motorola is set to launch its first laptop in India, as teased on Flipkart.
    2. The teaser lacks specific details about the laptop’s specifications, pricing, or design.
    3. The laptop is expected to target the entry-level market, similar to Motorola’s budget-friendly smartphones.
    4. Motorola will compete against established PC brands like ASUS, Acer, and Dell in the laptop market.
    5. Alongside the laptop, Motorola is also revealing new designs for its Razr 60 series and Edge 60 smartphones.

    Motorola’s New Venture into Laptops

    Motorola is well-known for its flip foldable phones and mid-range devices. However, it seems that the company may soon introduce its very first laptop in India. Recently, Motorola has given us a sneak peek into this new laptop.

    Insights on the Motorola Laptop

    The Lenovo-owned brand has teased the upcoming Motorola laptop on Flipkart, a well-known online retailer in India, confirming that it will be available on the site. Sadly, the teaser does not provide any specifications, pricing, or design details. It simply features the Motorola logo along with the phrase “A Bold New World Of Laptops. Unveiling Soon.”

    This implies that we can look forward to more information in future teasers. Since Motorola is recognized for its budget-friendly smartphones, there’s a good chance the laptop will aim for the entry-level market. By stepping into the PC sector, Motorola will find itself competing against established names like ASUS, Acer, and Dell. However, aside from its presence on Flipkart and a brief teaser image, little else is known about this laptop.

    Other Motorola Developments

    In other updates, the complete design and color choices for the Motorola Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra have been revealed through renders. Additionally, the Edge 60 and Edge 60 Pro have had their designs, specifications, and other details disclosed through a TENAA listing. This indicates that Motorola is actively developing next-generation mid-range and flip phones alongside its new laptop.

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