Category: Computers

  • Huawei Kirin PC Chip Delay Expected Until Q1 2025

    Huawei Kirin PC Chip Delay Expected Until Q1 2025

    Huawei’s eagerly awaited Kirin PC chip, tailored for laptops, might see a delay in its launch schedule. Initially, many fans anticipated that the chip would arrive this year, but new gossip hints at a possible postponement until the first quarter of 2025.

    Reasons Behind the Delay

    The rumored delay appears to be linked to Huawei’s busy launch calendar for the remainder of 2024. The company is set to unveil several significant products, including the Nova 13 series, MatePad tablets, Hi Notebook, HarmonyOS Next beta, Mate 70 series, and Mate X6. This suggests that Huawei is prioritizing these releases and may be holding back the Kirin PC for a more noteworthy introduction.

    What to Expect from Kirin PC

    The Kirin PC chip is poised to bring a considerable upgrade to Huawei laptops. Drawing inspiration from Apple’s M-series design, it aims to enhance performance and efficiency through a cohesive architecture that integrates DRAMs and SoCs. Moreover, the chip is expected to possess sophisticated AI features, which will likely enrich the user experience.

    Focus on Thermal Management

    Thermal management is another vital area that Huawei might be concentrating on. As the first laptop chip developed by the company, it could initially struggle with power efficiency when compared to their mobile chips. Nevertheless, Huawei is probably striving to tackle these challenges and improve the chip’s performance over time.

    The rumored delay of the Kirin PC chip might be a calculated strategy by Huawei to ensure the product is refined and primed to compete robustly in the market. By extending the development phase, the company can aim to present an outstanding product that fulfills consumer expectations.

    As we wait for more information on the Kirin PC chip, it’s evident that Huawei is making notable progress in broadening its product range and solidifying its status in the tech sector. The eventual launch of the chip will surely mark a significant moment for the company and could potentially alter the dynamics of laptop computing.

    Tags: , ,
  • MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max Launch Date Uncertain for October

    MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max Launch Date Uncertain for October

    Apple’s M4 SoC has been met with a huge positive reaction from both fans and critics. Since its launch, many Mac enthusiasts have been anticipating the arrival of this powerful chip in the Mac lineup. New reports suggest that this is going to happen very soon, with multiple Mac models, such as the MacBook Pro, expected to be updated with the M4 chip later this year.

    M4 Lineup Release Dates

    According to information shared by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg in his PowerOn newsletter, the M4 series, which includes the new M4 Pro and M4 Max SoCs, is set to be introduced in the upcoming MacBook Pros as early as this month. Nevertheless, his latest prediction is a little unclear, mentioning that the new M4 Macs are expected to come out "later this year." It’s still uncertain if this implies a delay from the anticipated October release.

    Exciting New Products

    Besides the M4-supported MacBook Pros, Apple is also planning to launch a completely redesigned Mac Mini, which will have a smaller size due to the efficiency of the M4 SoC. The 24-inch iMac is also getting an upgrade to the M4 SoC, but there is still uncertainty regarding the potential for a larger 27- or 32-inch version equipped with higher-performance chips.

    Waiting for More

    For those anxiously waiting for an M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, or the Mac Pro, it looks like there will be some more time to wait. Gurman anticipates a Spring launch for the M4 MacBook Air, while the introductions for the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are likely to happen next year, probably during WWDC 25.

    Mark Gurman via Bloomberg.

    Tags: , ,
  • Lenovo Launches Affordable Chromebook Duet and Duet EDU G2 in US

    Lenovo Launches Affordable Chromebook Duet and Duet EDU G2 in US

    Lenovo is broadening its Chromebook range with the introduction of the new Chromebook Duet and Chromebook Duet EDU G2 laptops. The company recently launched the Legion G7 gaming smartphone and tablets in China, and now they have rolled out two convertible Chromebook models in the US at a budget-friendly price. Here’s what to know about the specifications, pricing, and more.

    Unique Features of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Series

    These laptops are quite alike when it comes to specifications and features, but there are slight variations. Lenovo introduced the Chromebook Duet series with a 10.95-inch WUXGA display that has a 16:10 aspect ratio, a peak brightness of 400 nits, TUV Low Blue Light certification, and protection from Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Inside, the pair are powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 SoC, which is combined with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage.

    Details on the Chromebook Duet Series Laptops

    As indicated by the name, these laptops operate on ChromeOS straight out of the box and claim to deliver up to 12 hours of battery life. They are slim and lightweight, weighing just 510 grams and measuring only 7.59mm thick in tablet mode. However, you’ll probably be using this laptop along with the Folio keyboard and Stand Cover for better usability.

    single audio/microphone combo jack

    Pricing and Where to Find Them

    The company has launched the Chromebook Duet and Chromebook Duet EDU G2 with ENERGY STAR certification and includes three months of complimentary access to Gemini Advanced. They are presently available in North America, starting at a price of $339.99 for the Duet and $319 for the Duet EDU G2. Both models come in a single color option known as Luna Grey.

    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei BE7 Pro WiFi 7 Router: Fast Speed & Budget-Friendly

    Huawei BE7 Pro WiFi 7 Router: Fast Speed & Budget-Friendly

    The Huawei BE7 Pro Router stands out as one of the most budget-friendly WiFi 7 routers available, presenting state-of-the-art wireless speeds along with impressive features. It merges 4K QAM technology, high-performance network ports, and dual-band connectivity, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their home or office network.

    Enhanced WiFi 7 Technology

    With the power of WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be), the Huawei BE7 Pro Router takes connectivity to the next level compared to its forerunner, WiFi 6. This advancement allows users to experience faster and more reliable connections, which is particularly beneficial for demanding activities like 4K and 8K streaming or engaging AR/VR gaming. The router maximizes device performance, cutting down latency and ensuring smoother online usage.

    Flexible Dual-Band Connectivity

    Supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, this router features dual-band WiFi for enhanced versatility in network management. Users can easily toggle between bands to meet the specific demands of their devices. For mobile phones, there’s a “wireless dual Wi-Fi” capability, guaranteeing stable and high-speed wireless connections.

    High-Speed 2.5Gbps Network Ports

    The Huawei BE7 Pro Router comes with four 2.5Gbps adaptive network ports, enabling high-speed wired connections and port aggregation for data rates reaching up to 5Gbps. These WAN/LAN ports provide flexibility suitable for various applications, ensuring speedy and dependable wired connections for gaming consoles, computers, or other devices that require a stable Ethernet link.

    Improved Data Efficiency with 4K QAM

    Utilizing 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), the router boosts data encoding efficiency. This enhancement means that not only is data transmission quicker, but also more dependable, aiding in the reduction of interference and boosting overall performance.

    Maximized Coverage with Advanced Antennas

    To provide strong coverage, the Huawei BE7 Pro Router is fitted with six high-gain external antennas. Its beamforming technology directs the wireless signal towards connected devices, bolstering connection strength and reliability, especially in larger spaces. Additionally, the ultra-thin film antenna design minimizes interference, making it ideal for environments with numerous devices.

    Operating System and Specifications

    Running on HarmonyOS 4.0, the Huawei BE7 Pro Router is equipped with 512MB of RAM and 128MB of internal storage. It supports a variety of network protocols, including 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3ab, ensuring it works well with a wide array of devices and networks.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Huawei BE7 Pro Router WiFi 7 can be purchased for just $139.99 on Geekwills, providing a cost-effective upgrade to the next generation of WiFi 7 technology. With its wallet-friendly price, it offers high-speed connectivity and sophisticated features, making it a superb option for both home and office networks. Don’t forget to check Geekwills for the latest availability and any ongoing promotions.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi Launches Affordable WiFi 7 Router with 3.57 Gbps Speed

    Xiaomi Launches Affordable WiFi 7 Router with 3.57 Gbps Speed

    Xiaomi has introduced its budget-friendly WiFi 7 router, the BE3600, in China earlier this year in January. After a lengthy nine-month wait, the router is now available on the global stage, although there hasn’t been much excitement around its launch.

    Specifications of the Xiaomi BE3600 Router

    The BE3600 router supports a dual-band wireless speed of 3570Mbps. This represents a 44% increase in performance when compared to WiFi 6, largely due to the inclusion of a 5G frequency band that utilizes 2×2 160MHz.

    Still, like many low-cost routers, the Xiaomi BE3600 does come with a drawback. It operates solely on the 2.4G and 5G frequency bands, lacking support for the 6GHz band. Consequently, the data transfer speeds are somewhat limited. Xiaomi claims that the 5GHz band can reach a peak of 2,882 MBit/s, while the 2.4GHz band maxes out at only 688 MBit/s.

    Performance and Connectivity Features

    Under the hood, the router is equipped with a Qualcomm 4-core 1.1GHz processor, delivering a computing performance of 10120 DMIPS. This capability allows it to handle up to 128 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for setups with multiple connected devices.

    In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi WiFi 7 router features one 2.5G network port along with three Gigabit network ports that fully support 2000M broadband. It also provides dual broadband access and dual LAN aggregation, enhancing its usability. Moreover, the router includes customizable ports specifically designed for IPTV and esports, catering to different user requirements.

    Pricing Information and Global Release

    As of now, Xiaomi has not disclosed the global pricing for the BE3600 WiFi 7 router. The company may announce pricing details for various markets in the near future. We will definitely keep you posted on any updates regarding this matter.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • AMD X670E Motherboards: PCIe 5.0 SSD Performance Issues

    AMD X670E Motherboards: PCIe 5.0 SSD Performance Issues

    A number of users with AMD X670E motherboards are facing an annoying issue where their PCIe 5.0 SSDs are slowing down to speeds comparable to the outdated PCIe Gen 1. This problem is not limited to just one brand or model; motherboards from various manufacturers, including Asus and MSI, are experiencing similar difficulties.

    Performance Drops Over Time

    At first, the Gen 5 SSDs operated at their advertised high speeds. However, as time went on, users began to notice significant drops in performance. Additionally, some individuals are encountering system freezes, crashes, or even instances where their computers won’t start up properly if both the Gen 5 SSD slot and the Gen 5 graphics card slot are occupied.

    Investigation by Crucial

    Crucial, the company behind the affected T700 and T705 SSDs, investigated the situation and determined that the root of the problem lies within the X670E motherboards. They conducted tests with various boards and setups and successfully reproduced the performance slowdowns associated with the Gen 5 SSDs.

    Crucial has advised those impacted by this issue to contact their motherboard manufacturer for a BIOS update to resolve the problem. They noted in a forum, “The issue seems to occur when a Gen 5 SSD is connected to a Gen 5 slot on the motherboard, which is why you are not experiencing this problem with your Gen 4 drive. If you were to connect the Crucial T705 SSD to Gen 4 speeds at all times, this issue would likely be resolved.”

    Possible Bandwidth Conflicts

    Although the exact cause has not been pinpointed yet, some users speculate that the primary PCIe 5.0 slot for graphics cards could be monopolizing bandwidth with the first Gen 5 SSD slot in certain configurations, negatively impacting performance.

    On a positive note, switching to a PCIe 4.0 SSD or operating the graphics card at Gen 4 speeds can temporarily alleviate the issues. However, this is not an ideal solution for those who invested in PCIe 5.0 for better performance.

    Motherboard manufacturers like MSI have released some BIOS updates that have resolved the issue for some users, but others continue to experience the same problems.

    Tags: , ,
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Google AI & 15.6″ OLED Display

    Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Google AI & 15.6″ OLED Display

    Google has introduced its latest Chromebook, the thinnest and lightest model in the Chromebook Plus line. This new device, named the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, is equipped with various Google AI features such as Help me read, Live Translate, and more. Additionally, it has been announced that all Chromebooks will now include Gemini, Google’s AI platform.

    Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

    The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus boasts a stylish and lightweight design, featuring a 15.6-inch OLED display with a brightness of 400 nits. It is powered by an Intel Core i3 100U processor, comes with 8GB of RAM, and offers 256GB of storage. Notably, it has a Quick Insert key for quick access to tools like text editing, adding links, and emoji searches.

    Alongside Quick Insert, the Chromebook Plus includes AI capabilities such as Help me read, which provides summaries of PDFs and articles, and Live Translate, allowing users to translate content in over 100 languages. The device also features an AI-driven Recorder app for transcriptions and improved audio and visual quality for video calls.

    New AI Features and Functionality

    With the introduction of Gemini, all Chromebooks will enable users to chat and receive assistance with tasks like trip planning and image generation. New Chromebook buyers can enjoy a complimentary three-month subscription to Google One AI Premium.

    Additional features include Welcome Recap, which gives a visual summary of recent activities, and Focus mode, designed to minimize distractions. Users can also pin essential files to their home screen for quick access.

    Battery Life and Connectivity Options

    Samsung claims that the Chromebook Plus can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. The device offers a variety of connectivity options, including a full-sized HDMI port, a micro SD card slot, two USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and a combined headphone/microphone jack. It measures 11.8mm in thickness and weighs approximately 1.17 kg.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus starts at $699 in the United States and will retail for €799 in select European markets.

    (Source: Samsung PR)

    Tags: , ,
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Lightweight OLED ChromeOS Laptop

    Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Lightweight OLED ChromeOS Laptop

    Samsung has unveiled its latest Galaxy Chromebook Plus, which features a Raptor Lake-R CPU. Specifically, it uses the non-Ultra Intel Core 3 100U, combined with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Although this processor is not the fastest available for laptops, Chromebooks do not require high-performance hardware since they primarily utilize cloud-based applications.

    Cloud Integration Enhancements

    In terms of cloud integration, the new Galaxy Chromebook Plus now includes Google Gemini. Additionally, the Plus models running ChromeOS will receive several new features, such as Welcome Recap, Live Translate, and Focus.

    The Welcome Recap feature is particularly noteworthy as it allows users to quickly access all previously opened windows and applications. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus showcases a modern design. It is lightweight and features a 15.6-inch OLED display.

    Display and Battery Performance

    This OLED screen offers a brightness rating of 400 nits, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions. Samsung also guarantees a dependable battery life, with the laptop lasting up to 13 hours on a single charge. Another significant feature of the laptop is the new Quick Insert button.

    This button allows the 2024 Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus to utilize one of the new ChromeOS functionalities, providing quick access to Gemini AI, emojis, and other features. The laptop is priced at €799 (approximately $885.70) and is anticipated to be available soon.

    Samsung PR

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Snapdragon X2 Elite Development Already Underway

    Snapdragon X2 Elite Development Already Underway

    Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus laptops began shipping earlier this year, showcasing outstanding battery life and enhanced power efficiency. Recently, details about the upcoming “Snapdragon X2” CPUs have emerged online.

    New High-End Version Discovered

    The company is currently getting ready to test the X2 CPUs, and WinFuture has reportedly uncovered “the first evidence of a new high-end version.” All models of the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite share the same internal model number, “SC8380XP.” However, a new chip with the model number “SC8480XP” has been found in databases, which is expected to be named “Snapdragon X2 Elite.”

    Early Testing Insights

    WinFuture further discloses that Qualcomm began testing early prototypes of the “SC8480XP” chip, codenamed “Project Glymur,” back in July and August of this year. Unfortunately, specific performance numbers are not available at this time.

    At this point, there is no information regarding the clock speed or the number of cores in the SC8480XP. The codename “Glymur” suggests substantial improvements, as it refers to the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. Historically, Qualcomm has typically chosen names based on locations in Hawaii for its smartphone and PC processors, so this shift in naming could indicate something significant.

    Expected Development Timeline

    Qualcomm aims to complete the development of “Project Glymur” or the “SC8480XP” by 2025. The current Snapdragon X Elite series emphasizes single-core CPU performance, while its multi-core and graphics capabilities lag behind those of the Apple M4. The introduction of the X Elite and X Plus chips for Windows PCs has prompted Intel and AMD to develop processors that integrate stronger CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs.

    Qualcomm is likely to leverage this momentum to compete more effectively with the latest Apple Silicon, focusing on both computational power and energy efficiency.

    Tags: , ,
  • OWC Preorders Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 External SSD

    OWC Preorders Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 External SSD

    OWC has started taking preorders for the Envoy Ultra external SSD, which features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This portable drive boasts impressive transfer speeds of over 6,000 MB/s and works seamlessly with both PCs and Macs. It is powered through the bus, eliminating the need for an external power source. The sturdy aluminum casing is designed to be crushproof, as well as resistant to dust and water.

    Thunderbolt Technology Evolution

    The Thunderbolt interface, created by Intel and Apple, was introduced as an upgrade to the older Firewire interface. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with USB-C ports that adhere to the USB4 2.0 specification and can handle transfer speeds exceeding 10,000 MB/s. Additionally, the OWC drive is compatible with older USB standards, including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, although these will result in slower transfer rates.

    Compatibility Considerations

    Currently, very few devices and computers support Thunderbolt 5. Therefore, users looking to maximize the transfer speed of the Envoy Ultra drive will need to invest in new computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports, such as the Razer Blade 18 2024 available on Amazon.

    The OWC Envoy Ultra is available for preorder in two storage options. The 2TB version is priced at $399.99, while the 4TB version has a price tag of $599.99. Shipments for these models are anticipated to start in late October.

    OWC press release, OWC

    Announcing the Fastest OWC External SSD and Our First Thunderbolt 5 Drive: Envoy Ultra

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,