Category: Computers

  • Xiaomi Launches 240W Fast Charging Braided USB-C Cable Globally

    Xiaomi Launches 240W Fast Charging Braided USB-C Cable Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched a new 6A High-Speed USB4 Braided USB-C cable, currently available in China, with a potential international release soon.
    2. The cable supports up to 240W power delivery and PD 3.1 fast charging, along with data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps.
    3. It can output video at 8K@60Hz when connected to a laptop and monitor.
    4. The cable features a durable design with a dark gray braided exterior, capable of withstanding over 10,000 bends and resistance to over 100 N of force.
    5. The price in China is CNY 129 (about $18 or €15), but the global launch date and availability details are still unknown.

    Xiaomi has unveiled a new braided USB-C cable on its global site, hinting at a possible international launch soon. Officially called the 6A High-Speed USB4 Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (1m), this accessory is already on the market in China.

    Impressive Power and Speed

    The Xiaomi 6A High-Speed USB4 Braided USB-C cable claims to deliver up to 240W of power, featuring support for PD 3.1 fast charging and Xiaomi HyperCharge 120W. It also works with the USB4 Gen 3 standard, allowing for data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps. When connecting a laptop to a monitor, it can handle video output at 8K@60Hz.

    Durable Design

    This coaxial cable, as its name suggests, boasts a sturdy, dark gray braided exterior and measures 1 m (approximately 3.3 ft) in length. Xiaomi asserts that it can endure more than 10,000 bends and has passed tests showing resistance to over 100 N of force.

    Xiaomi has not yet revealed the global launch date for the 6A High-Speed USB4 Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (1m) or the specific countries where it will be available. In terms of pricing, it is listed for CNY 129 (around $18 or €15) in China. Additionally, the older Xiaomi 6A Type-A to Type-C Cable is priced at €14.99 in countries like Germany. It remains unclear if or when other lengths or colors might be introduced.

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    Xiaomi Launches 240W Fast Charging Braided USB-C Cable Globally

     

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  • Ryzen AI 5 330: New Krackan Point CPU Debuts on Geekbench

    Ryzen AI 5 330: New Krackan Point CPU Debuts on Geekbench

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ryzen AI 5 330 is a new AMD laptop processor, part of the Ryzen AI 300 Krackan Point series.
    2. It features a less powerful configuration compared to the Ryzen AI 5 340 and has a reduced Radeon 820M iGPU.
    3. Performance scores on Geekbench 6.3 are 1,949 for single-core and 7,047 for multi-core, lower than the Ryzen AI 5 340.
    4. The processor has four CPU cores: one Zen 5 core and three Zen 5c cores, marking a new configuration.
    5. The Ryzen AI 5 330 was tested with an Acer laptop that includes 32 GB of RAM.

    A new AMD laptop processor has appeared on Geekbench. The Ryzen AI 5 330 is part of the Ryzen AI 300 Krackan Point series, and it serves as a less powerful version of the Ryzen AI 5 340. This new chip also comes with a reduced Radeon 820M iGPU, though its specifications are not currently available.

    Performance Scores

    The Ryzen AI 5 330 achieved scores of 1,949 in single-core and 7,047 in multi-core tests using Geekbench 6.3. These scores are significantly lower than those of the Ryzen AI 5 340, which scored 2,776 in single-core and 10,668 in multi-core. The Geekbench backend indicates that the processor is not experiencing throttling, suggesting that the lower single-core score is due to its modest single-core boost clock of 3.721 GHz.

    Core Configuration

    Conversely, the multi-core score reflects the limited number of CPU cores. The Geekbench listing shows that the Ryzen AI 5 330 has a total of four CPU cores: one Zen 5 core and three Zen 5c cores. This makes it the first processor to feature such a configuration. It was also observed alongside an Acer laptop that has 32 GB of RAM.

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    Ryzen AI 5 330: New Krackan Point CPU Debuts on Geekbench
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  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPU

    AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has launched the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 line, with the Threadripper 9980X being the latest model available since July 2025.
    2. The Threadripper 9980X achieved a benchmark score of 147,481, making it the fastest desktop processor among tested models.
    3. It features 64 cores, 128 threads, and clock speeds of 3.2 GHz (base) and 5.4 GHz (boost), along with a 256 MB L3 cache.
    4. The 9980X shows an 8.03% performance improvement over its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X, which scored 136,517 on PassMark.
    5. AMD’s Threadripper series continues to dominate the high-end desktop processor market with limited competition.

    Unsurprisingly, AMD has once again made a splash with its nearly legendary Threadripper series. Not too long ago, Team Red officially unveiled the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 line, with the latest high-end desktop (HEDT) chips set to be available starting in July 2025. Now that July has arrived, an early model has shown up on the well-known PassMark benchmark. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X achieved a remarkable score of 147,481 in the multithread test, making it the fastest desktop processor among 1,450 tested.

    AMD’s Multithreaded Power

    AMD has always excelled in multithreaded testing with its Ryzen line, and the Threadripper 9980X harnesses its 64 cores and 128 threads to breeze through the CPU Mark test suite. Officially, it has clock speeds of 3.2 GHz (base) and 5.4 GHz (boost), along with a substantial 256 MB L3 cache to enhance system performance. The PassMark benchmark site notes a typical TDP of 350 W, highlighting that there is a considerable margin for error since this is the first iteration of this specific enthusiast-level Shimada Peak Threadripper to emerge thus far.

    Generational Upgrades

    When it comes to generational advancements, the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a successor to the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X (which can be found on Amazon), launched in 2023 and also featuring 64 cores. The previous CPU scored 136,517 on PassMark based on 74 samples, so the Zen 5-based model holds a respectable +8.03% advantage over its Zen 4-based forerunner. Given the lack of competition in this niche market, Team Red might think that huge improvements from one generation to the next aren’t really necessary in this case.

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    AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPUAMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPU
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  • Intel Nova Lake Core Ultra 400: 10% Faster Single-Thread, 60% More Multi-Thread Performance

    Intel Nova Lake Core Ultra 400: 10% Faster Single-Thread, 60% More Multi-Thread Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nova Lake Core Ultra 400 series will replace Arrow Lake-S and Arrow Lake-S Refresh processors, launching in 2026 with expected performance improvements.
    2. Leaks suggest a potential 10% boost in single-core performance and a 1.6x enhancement in multi-threaded performance for Nova Lake compared to Arrow Lake-S.
    3. Nova Lake may introduce a new low-power island feature, absent in previous Arrow Lake models, aiming for better energy efficiency.
    4. Speculation surrounds the inclusion of a large Last Line Cache in some Nova Lake models, but details remain unclear, warranting caution.
    5. Nova Lake is rumored to feature a flagship model with 16 P-cores and 32 E-cores, potentially reaching up to 52 cores, but comparisons with Arrow Lake-S may be misleading without further information.

    Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake Core Ultra 400 series is set to replace the existing Arrow Lake-S and the soon-to-be-released Arrow Lake-S Refresh desktop processors. Although Nova Lake won’t be available until 2026, early leaks suggest it will offer significant performance improvements compared to Arrow Lake-S.

    Performance Gains Expected

    A post from Game.Keeps.Loading (@G_melo_ding) on X claims that Nova Lake might provide as much as a 10% boost in single-core performance when compared to Arrow Lake. This enhancement is likely to result in better gaming experiences and improved responsiveness for single-threaded tasks. According to the leaked information, Nova Lake is touted to achieve “Leadership Gaming Performance,” boasting a 1.1x improvement in single-thread performance and a 1.6x enhancement in multi-threaded performance.

    Previous Concerns with Arrow Lake-S

    Our evaluation of the Arrow Lake-S Core Ultra 9 285K revealed some performance drops during gaming, despite standalone CPU benchmarks performing well. Intel did announce several Field Updates during CES 2025 to enhance gaming capabilities, but the actual improvements vary based on the specific game. It’s to be hoped that Nova Lake-S avoids facing such issues.

    New Low-Power Island on the Horizon

    Additionally, there’s news about a new low-power island being developed. Notably, Nova Lake could be the first desktop CPU to include this feature. While Arrow Lake-S and Arrow Lake-HX do not have low-power islands, the Arrow Lake-H does feature two low-power E-cores in its SoC tile. However, it’s unclear if these low-power cores are based on the new Skymont design or if they are simply modified Crestmont cores from Meteor Lake.

    From the information available, Nova Lake is anticipated to launch with fresh Coyote Cove P-cores and Arctic Wolf E-cores. It’s still uncertain whether they will utilize TSMC’s 2 nm process or Intel’s 18A-P technology. The Nova Lake-S series is rumored to include a flagship model, the Core Ultra 9 485K, featuring 16 P-cores, 32 E-cores, and 4 low-power island E-cores, all with a TDP of 150 W. We might also see a combination of Celestial and Druid integrated GPUs within the same SoC.

    Speculations and Cautions

    There is speculation that some Core Ultra 5 Nova Lake-S models will come equipped with a large Last Line Cache or bLLC, similar to AMD’s successful 3D V-cache. However, this rumor should be viewed with skepticism, as the leak lacks specific details on which CPU generation is being compared. If it is indeed against Arrow Lake-S, the single-core performance gains might not be as appealing, particularly since Nova Lake is still a year away from release.

    An Arrow Lake-S Refresh expected later this year might close the performance gap with the current Arrow Lake-S models. Moreover, we still lack information on clock speeds, making any claims of performance improvements quite vague.

    A 1.6x or 60% increase in multi-core capabilities sounds promising compared to Arrow Lake-S processors. However, Arrow Lake-S tops out at 24 cores in the Core Ultra 9 285K, while Nova Lake might feature a massive 52-core design, making the comparison somewhat unclear at this stage.

    There’s a chance that the performance figures mentioned in the leaked slide are based on a lower-tier Core Ultra 400 model. We should gain more insights in the upcoming months, so keep an eye out for further updates.

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    Intel Nova Lake Core Ultra 400: 10% Faster Single-Thread, 60% More Multi-Thread Performance
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  • Starlink Satellites at Risk from Solar Activity Cycles

    Starlink Satellites at Risk from Solar Activity Cycles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starlink satellites may be affected by the Sun’s 11-year magnetic activity cycle, leading to potential communication disruptions.
    2. Increased solar activity, including sunspots and solar flares, releases particles that can disrupt satellite operations.
    3. Coronal mass ejections raise Earth’s upper atmosphere temperature, increasing air resistance and forcing satellites to adjust their orbits.
    4. The number of Starlink satellite re-entries has significantly increased, with 316 recorded in 2024 compared to only a couple in 2019.
    5. Research aims to improve satellite durability and reduce re-entries, as falling debris poses risks to people and property.

    When you look up at the night sky, you can notice many satellites moving in their own paths. Occasionally, you’ll spot a string of Starlink satellites, which looks like a long white line gliding through the darkness. A recent study suggests that these orbiting objects may be influenced by the Sun’s cycles, which could lead to serious issues.

    NASA’s Findings

    NASA researchers explained this occurrence in the journal Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences. Over the last five years, the Sun has been slowly reaching its maximum magnetic activity. This coincides with the increasing number of Starlink satellites being launched into orbit.

    It’s crucial to recognize that the Sun goes through cycles that typically last around 11 years. During these cycles, its magnetic poles flip. When the Sun becomes more active, many sunspots and solar flares can be seen on its surface. These events release significant amounts of particles and energy that have the potential to disrupt communication with satellites.

    Impact on Earth’s Atmosphere

    Moreover, there’s another aspect to think about, which relates to the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Coronal mass ejections raise the temperature in this region, leading to increased air resistance for satellites. This forces them to constantly adjust their paths to prevent falling out of orbit. A study analyzing 583 Starlink satellites during their re-entries from 2020 to 2024 highlights that this heightened activity speeds up the descent of these satellites.

    Starlink started launching its fleet of satellites in 2019. In the first year, there were only a couple of re-entries, with just two in 2020. However, the numbers grew significantly, reaching 78 re-entries in 2021, 99 in 2022, and 88 in 2023. By 2024, there were 316 recorded re-entries, marking the entire solar cycle 24.

    Future Implications

    This research aims to enhance the durability of these satellites and reduce their re-entries into the atmosphere. This is especially vital since they can pose risks to people; for instance, in 2024, a piece of debris from a Starlink satellite landed on a farm in Canada.

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  • E Ink Touchpad for Laptops: Change Design with One Button

    E Ink Touchpad for Laptops: Change Design with One Button

    Key Takeaways

    1. The E Ink trackpad offers significant power efficiency by only using energy when the display changes.
    2. Users can customize the trackpad to show various widgets and applications, enhancing functionality.
    3. The trackpad can integrate with AI tools for features like meeting transcripts and summaries.
    4. Visibility may be limited in dim environments due to the trackpad’s low brightness and black-and-white display.
    5. The E Ink trackpad is still in development, and its availability in laptops is uncertain.

    Laptops featuring touchscreens built into their trackpads aren’t a fresh concept; a notable example is the Asus Zenbook 14, which comes with the Asus ScreenPad. The recently introduced ePaper trackpad from E Ink, utilizing the Intel Smart Base laptop framework, is claimed to have a significant benefit: much lower energy use.

    Power Efficiency

    E Ink screens only draw power when there’s a change in what’s displayed, allowing the trackpad’s appearance to be altered with just a tap without greatly affecting the laptop’s battery. This trackpad can show various widgets and applications, like weather updates or a note-taking interface. In combination with different AI tools, users can present a transcript or a summary of a current meeting or video call right on the E Ink screen. Quick access to commonly used apps and system features is possible through shortcuts on the trackpad.

    Limitations in Display

    Even though E Ink screens perform well in sunlight, the trackpad’s limited brightness could affect visibility in dim environments. Also, this trackpad can only show content in black and white, and E Ink’s slower reaction time typically prevents smooth video playback. It remains uncertain if or when this E Ink trackpad will appear in a laptop available for purchase, but E Ink mentions that their “ultra-thin” module can be easily fitted into laptops that are based on Intel technology.

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  • Over 100 US Companies Targeted by North Korean Workers in Raids

    Over 100 US Companies Targeted by North Korean Workers in Raids

    Key Takeaways

    1. North Koreans used fake identities and stolen names to secure remote IT jobs with American companies.
    2. At least 29 “laptop farms” were established in the U.S. to facilitate remote work for North Korean individuals.
    3. Sensitive data, including military technology information and cryptocurrency, was reportedly stolen during these operations.
    4. Hundreds of millions of dollars were transferred from the U.S. to North Korea as a result of these activities.
    5. The report highlights significant security risks for U.S. companies and the need for stronger measures against cybercrime.

    A recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reveals intriguing details about how the North Korean government raises money overseas. It claims that North Korean individuals used fake identities and stolen names to find remote IT jobs with American companies. With help from people in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, China, and Taiwan, these North Koreans managed to infiltrate over 100 companies in the U.S.

    Deceitful Tactics

    Some of these individuals supposedly provided misleading information on websites to make the North Korean resumes look more trustworthy. At least 29 known “laptop farms” were created in the U.S. These farms set up employer-supplied laptops and powered them, allowing North Korean workers to connect remotely and perform their tasks. The salaries earned were then sent directly to the North Korean government.

    Serious Consequences

    In certain instances, sensitive data was also reportedly taken, including information about U.S. military technology exports and virtual currencies. Notably, an employee from North Korea at a U.S. blockchain firm allegedly stole cryptocurrency worth $900,000. Overall, these operations are believed to have led to hundreds of millions of dollars being transferred from the U.S. to North Korea. Authorities conducted a series of coordinated raids, searching 29 “laptop farms” across 16 states, while also seizing 29 bank accounts and 21 websites. Astonishingly, despite this large operation, only two charges were brought forward and just one individual was apprehended.

    The Bigger Picture

    This report sheds light on the complex ways the North Korean regime is able to fund itself through deceit and technology. It raises concerns about the security of U.S. companies and the broader implications of such infiltrations. The situation highlights the ongoing risks of cybercrime and the need for stronger measures to protect sensitive information and maintain national security.

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  • Qantas Security Breach Affects Millions of Customers

    Qantas Security Breach Affects Millions of Customers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qantas experienced a security breach affecting potentially over six million customers’ personal information.
    2. Compromised data includes names, phone numbers, addresses, dates of birth, and frequent flyer numbers, but not credit card details or passwords.
    3. The breach was linked to a third-party customer service platform, which has been secured following unusual activity detection.
    4. Qantas has reported the incident to Australian authorities, including the Cyber Security Centre and the Federal Police, and is actively investigating.
    5. The hacking group “Scattered Spider” has been implicated in similar breaches targeting multiple airlines.

    Australia’s main airline, Qantas, has disclosed a significant security breach that could have put the personal information of millions of its customers at risk. Although the precise number of impacted individuals is still being examined, it is possible that over six million passengers are affected.

    Details of the Breach

    As reported by Reuters, the attackers were able to infiltrate a third-party customer service platform. The compromised data includes personal information such as full names, phone numbers, addresses, dates of birth, and frequent flyer numbers.

    Qantas has stated in a press release that credit card details, financial information, and passports were not stored in this system and are safe. The airline also reassured that frequent flyer account passwords, PINs, or login credentials were not included in the stolen data.

    Immediate Actions Taken

    On Monday, the airline detected unusual activities on the third-party platform and swiftly acted to contain the issue. They also confirmed that the integrity of their other systems remains intact.

    “There are 6 million customers that have service records in this platform,” the airline noted. “We are still investigating how much of the data has been compromised, but we anticipate it will be considerable.”

    Ongoing Investigations

    Qantas has informed the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner about the breach. Additionally, the Australian Federal Police are now involved in the investigation. The airline is reaching out to customers who might be affected by the incident to offer support and details.

    While Qantas indicated that a “cyber criminal” was responsible for the breach, they have not disclosed the identity of the group or individuals involved, as a complete investigation is underway.

    As per Reuters, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation mentioned last week that a hacking group, Scattered Spider, is targeting airlines. Other airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and Canada’s WestJet, have also reported similar breaches.

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  • Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

    Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel reported a significant loss of $18.8 billion for fiscal year 2024, leading to CEO Pat Gelsinger’s departure.
    2. Delays in the Intel 18A manufacturing process hinder Intel’s competitiveness against TSMC, which is advancing its N2 production.
    3. Intel plans to limit the use of Intel 18A for its own chip production, with minimal output for major clients like Amazon and Microsoft.
    4. Upcoming “Panther Lake” laptop processors are expected to use the Intel 18A process starting in late 2025.
    5. Intel is pivoting towards Intel 14A manufacturing to compete with TSMC and Samsung, aiming to attract clients like Apple and Nvidia, with strategy discussions planned for July and fall.

    The current state of Intel is deteriorating significantly. The company has revealed a staggering loss of $18.8 billion for the fiscal year 2024, leading to the departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger. As a result, the delays in the Intel 18A manufacturing process are making it outdated and unable to compete effectively. A report from Reuters indicates that while Intel is struggling, TSMC’s N2 production is progressing as planned.

    Shift in Production Strategy

    Intel’s recent plans involve limiting the use of Intel 18A and Intel 18A-P exclusively for its own chip production, rather than attracting new clients. There will be a “small quantity” of chips produced for major clients like Amazon and Microsoft using the Intel 18A process. The upcoming “Panther Lake” laptop processors are anticipated to utilize the 18A process starting in the latter half of 2025. As reported by Reuters, the Intel 18A process is probably similar to TSMC’s N3, although the N3 technology has been in mass production since 2022.

    Future Directions

    In an effort to enhance its competitive stance against TSMC and Samsung Foundry, Intel is reportedly shifting its focus to Intel 14A, the next-generation manufacturing process that supposedly provides benefits over TSMC’s offerings. The intention is to attract major customers such as Apple and Nvidia, encouraging them to transition from TSMC. Nevertheless, Intel has yet to finalize its strategy regarding both Intel 18A and Intel 14A. Discussions about potential strategies will take place during a supervisory board meeting in July, with final decisions anticipated by a fall meeting at the latest.

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    Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

     

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  • US Treasury Sanctions Russia Bulletproof Hosting for Cybercrime

    US Treasury Sanctions Russia Bulletproof Hosting for Cybercrime

    Key Takeaways

    1. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has targeted Aeza Group for aiding cybercriminals, impacting related firms and leaders.
    2. Aeza Group provides infrastructure for ransomware and info-stealing malware operations, affecting U.S. defense and tech sectors.
    3. The group is linked to BlackSprut, a dark web platform involved in drug trafficking, including fentanyl.
    4. Sanctions have been imposed, freezing assets of Aeza Group and its leaders in the U.S. and prohibiting U.S. entities from engaging with them.
    5. Key figures in Aeza Group, including CEO Arsenii Penzev and General Director Yurii Bozoyan, have been arrested by Russian authorities.

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury took a major step yesterday against the cybercrime world, naming Aeza Group for its part in aiding harmful actors. This move also impacts two related firms and four leaders of the group.

    Ransomware and Malware Support

    Aeza Group has been supplying necessary infrastructure for ransomware outfits like BianLian, as well as info-stealing malware operations including Meduza and Lumma. These groups have been involved in attacks against the U.S. defense sector and global tech companies. Info-stealing programs are used to collect sensitive credentials and personal information, which are frequently sold on dark web markets.

    Connections to Drug Trafficking

    In addition, Aeza Group was behind BlackSprut, a key Russian dark web platform for illegal drugs. The Treasury pointed out that such platforms are crucial in the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.

    Cybercriminals are still very much depending on BPH service providers like Aeza Group to enable disruptive ransomware assaults, pilfer U.S. technology, and distribute drugs on the black market. — Acting Under Secretary, Bradley T. Smith.

    Sanctions and Legal Actions

    This move, done in coordination with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, freezes all assets and interests belonging to Aeza Group and its leaders in the United States. It also bans any U.S. persons or businesses from dealing with them. Among those designated are CEO Arsenii Penzev and General Director Yurii Bozoyan, both arrested by Russian officials for their connection to the BlackSprut marketplace.

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