Category: Computers

  • TSMC Starts 4nm Chip Production in Arizona Amid Higher Costs

    TSMC Starts 4nm Chip Production in Arizona Amid Higher Costs

    TSMC has kicked off the mass production of its advanced 4nm chips at the Fab 21 facility in Arizona, which is a significant step for the U.S. semiconductor sector. This was confirmed by CEO C.C. Wei during a recent earnings call, stating that high-volume manufacturing began in Q4 2024, using the N4P process technology with yields similar to those of TSMC’s operations in Taiwan.

    TSMC’s New Chapter in Arizona

    This milestone highlights TSMC’s capability to provide top-tier manufacturing quality outside of its main base. However, chips produced at the Arizona facility come at a higher price compared to those made in Taiwan, primarily due to increased depreciation costs, a smaller production scale, an immature local ecosystem, and the additional shipping costs for transporting chips back to Asia for packaging. Wei pointed out the “geographic flexibility” of the chips made in the U.S., which is reportedly appreciated by customers even with the higher cost.

    Expansion Plans and Customer Engagement

    Currently part of TSMC’s $65 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, the Arizona plant is operating Phase 1A with a monthly production capacity of around 10,000 wafers. Reports indicate that notable customers like Apple, AMD, and Nvidia are among the first to utilize this facility, with Apple testing its A16 Bionic chip for iPhones and S9 processors for Apple Watches produced there.

    Future Growth and Strategic Objectives

    TSMC intends to further increase its footprint, with Phase 1B expected to add an additional 14,000 wafers per month by the end of this year. The company also plans to introduce its 2nm process to Arizona by 2028, alongside a third fab slated for completion by 2030. These advancements are in line with the U.S. Chips and Science Act, which aims to enhance local semiconductor manufacturing. While chip packaging will still depend on Taiwan until Amkor’s U.S. packaging facility is operational, TSMC’s investment signals a move toward bolstering advanced chip supply chains within the U.S.

    Regulatory Environment and Industry Dynamics

    The U.S. and Netherlands have imposed stricter export controls to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductors and AI technologies, citing national security reasons. This initiative impacts firms like Nvidia, TSMC, and ASML, enforcing tighter licensing regulations and increased scrutiny to stop advanced technologies from reaching China.

    Additionally, sources hint that TSMC has turned down an offer to produce Samsung’s Exynos chips, possibly due to worries about technology sharing with System LSI and commitments to vital clients such as Apple and Qualcomm. Meanwhile, Samsung is facing difficulties with its 3nm production, which is affecting its Exynos roadmap and device strategies.

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  • Next MacBook Air to Feature Oxide LCD Display, Not OLED

    Next MacBook Air to Feature Oxide LCD Display, Not OLED

    Apple’s MacBook Air is set to receive a display enhancement, but it might not be what many anticipated. A report from The Elec indicates that Apple is working on a new version of the MacBook Air featuring an oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) expected to launch in 2027.

    What is Oxide TFT LCD?

    If this development goes through, it will mark the first instance of Apple integrating oxide TFT LCD technology into its standard MacBook Air series. Now, you might be wondering, what does oxide TFT LCD actually mean?

    TFT stands for the specific type of transistor utilized in the display, while oxide denotes the material that comprises those transistors. In comparison to the current amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT LCDs used in MacBook Airs, oxide TFT provides quicker electron mobility. This leads to enhanced visuals and better performance overall.

    Changes in Technology

    Apple has already rolled out oxide TFT LCDs in its premium MacBook Pro models that debuted in 2022. Thus, it looks like this technology is finally trickling down to the more budget-friendly MacBook Air.

    The move to adopt oxide TFT LCD appears to be a part of a larger strategy that has not gone as planned. The report mentions that Apple initially aimed to launch an OLED MacBook Air around 2027.

    OLED vs. LCD

    OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays are favored for their outstanding contrast and richer blacks when compared to LCDs. However, due to disappointing sales of the newly released OLED iPad Pro, Apple has supposedly postponed its OLED MacBook Air plans. The underwhelming iPad Pro sales are likely linked to the high price tag that comes with OLED technology.

    Hence, it seems that the oxide TFT LCD will serve as a temporary solution until Apple can improve its OLED tech and reduce manufacturing expenses. The Elec also notes that the OLED MacBook Air may not debut until approximately 2029.

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  • Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

    Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

    Thunderbolt 5 is still not very common in laptops, with only a few models like the Razer Blade 18 (priced at $2,845 on Amazon) supporting this new standard. For tech lovers considering a new docking station, choosing one that supports TB5 can help them stay ahead. For example, the Sonnet Echo 3 Thunderbolt 5 SSD docking station works with Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 devices, though at slower speeds.

    Impressive Storage and Speed

    The main highlight of the Sonnet dock is its integrated PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, which offers up to 4 TB of storage and can achieve transfer speeds of up to 6,100 MB/s when linked through Thunderbolt 5. If using Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4, users can still get speeds of at least 3,400 MB/s. Notably, this docking station can deliver power to laptops at up to 140 watts, which is enough to support certain gaming laptops, like the HP Omen Transcend 14.

    Multiple Display Support

    The Sonnet Echo 13 dock can manage two 8K monitors or three 4K screens at refresh rates reaching 144 Hz. It comes with three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports (USB-C), where one port can charge devices at 60 watts and the other two provide 15 watts each. Instead of including HDMI and DisplayPort, Sonnet has chosen to incorporate four USB-A ports, a 2.5Gb ethernet port, and an SD/microSD card reader.

    Launch and Pricing Information

    Initially, the Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 Dock will be available in the US. The 1TB SSD version is set at $399.99, the 2TB option is $499.99, and the 4TB model retails for $699.99. Information regarding the TB5 dock’s launch and pricing in other countries has yet to be revealed. For further information, interested buyers can visit the official product page for the Sonnet docking station.

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    Sonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W PowerSonnet Echo 13: Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 4TB SSD & 140W Power

     

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  • Raspberry Pi 500 Launches with Essential Accessories in New Version

    Raspberry Pi 500 Launches with Essential Accessories in New Version

    The Raspberry Pi 500 has been around for a little more than a month now, having been launched at the end of last year. Recently, Raspberry Pi rolled out a stronger variant of the Raspberry Pi 5, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon, and which had been leaked a few days prior to this announcement.

    Return to the Pi 500

    Interestingly, Raspberry Pi has decided to revisit the Pi 500. They now offer it as the Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit. This kit is also referred to as the Computer Kit or Desktop Computer Kit. It features the same single-board computer (SBC) that was first introduced in December, which includes a Broadcom BCM2712 chipset and 8 GB of LPDDR4X-4267 RAM, all housed in a compact 286 x 122 x 23 mm case.

    What’s Included in the Kit

    Apart from the SBC, the Desktop Kit comes with a 32 GB microSD card, a 27 W power supply, a Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide, a wired mouse, and an HDMI cable. Consequently, this new offering is priced at $120, which is $30 more than the regular Raspberry Pi 500. For further details and to check local availability, you can visit Raspberry Pi’s official website.

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    Raspberry Pi 500 Launches with Essential Accessories in New Version
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  • Geekom A6 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen and Radeon iGPU Now $500

    Geekom A6 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen and Radeon iGPU Now $500

    Geekom has announced the arrival of its newest mini PC, known as the A6. This device is designed for consumers who need a good level of power without breaking the bank.

    Specifications Overview

    The A6 closely resembles Geekom’s previous model, the AS6, which was launched in the middle of 2023. It features the same Ryzen 7 6800H CPU and the Radeon 680M integrated GPU found in its predecessor. The A6 comes equipped with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM (consisting of two 16 GB SODIMMs) and includes a 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD. There’s also the option to add a 2.5-inch SATA drive for more storage space.

    Port Options

    In terms of connectivity, the A6 offers a solid selection of ports. The front panel includes two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports and a headset jack, while the left side has an SD card slot. The rear features a DC input, a USB4 port (40 Gbps, with DisplayPort), two HDMI 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, another USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (with DisplayPort), and a USB 2.0 port.

    Accessibility and Design

    As with many Geekom mini desktops, the A6 is easy to open, giving users quick access to the 2.5-inch SATA drive bay, the M.2 2280 NVMe slot, the wireless card (which is a MediaTek MT7922 supporting WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2), and the two DDR5 SODIMM slots. To reach the CPU and integrated GPU for any repasting, users will need to disassemble further.

    The A6 is quite compact, with dimensions of 112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm (4.43 x 4.43 x 1.46 in). Like other models from Geekom, it includes a VESA mount, allowing users to attach it to the rear of a compatible monitor.

    Target Audience and Pricing

    Geekom is positioning the A6 for budget-conscious consumers. The device is available for just below $500. Furthermore, Geekom frequently provides discount codes, giving customers a chance to save a bit more.

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  • Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model

    Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model

    Casio is known for making calculators for many years, and to mark the 60th year since they made their first calculator, they’ve introduced a new model featuring a newly positioned solar cell and a variety of attractive colors.

    Introduction of the Comfy JT-200T

    The latest calculator is called the Comfy JT-200T. Unlike most of Casio’s previous models, which usually have a small solar cell positioned above or beside the screen, this one sports a much larger solar cell that runs the entire length of the calculator. Plus, it’s been relocated to the top side, angled slightly so that it’s not completely turned away from the user.

    Design and Features

    This calculator is crafted from a mix of materials, including recycled resin and mica that resists scratches. It also incorporates the iconic Casio Mini key font, first seen in the Casio Mini calculator from 1972. Underneath, there’s a kickstand that tilts the device at an 8-degree angle, along with anti-slip feet. The display can show up to 12 digits, and there are special tax buttons on the keys.

    Power Source and Colors

    In contrast to devices like Lenovo’s self-charging Bluetooth keyboard that uses a supercapacitor, Casio’s calculator operates on a CR2025 coin cell battery, which the company claims can last for up to 7 years with an hour of daily use.

    The Comfy JT-200T will come in several colors: Off White, Dark Gray, Grayish Pink, Grayish Green, and Grayish Blue, allowing customers to pick one that suits their environment. It will be available starting January 30, and the price will be ￥3,850 (~$25/€24). At this point, there’s no information about a broader release.

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    Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New ModelCasio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model
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  • Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch

    Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch

    Keychron has been refreshing several of its mechanical keyboards with the latest QMK firmware, improved acoustic materials, and various hardware updates, including the switch to PBT keycaps. Now, the Keychron K4 Version 3 is making a comeback as the K3 QMK Version 3. In addition to this relaunch, Keychron has also upgraded its M3 gaming mouse with a new sensor and enhanced features.

    Compact Layout

    Like its previous version, the Keychron K4 QMK V3 boasts a compact 96% layout. This design combines a numeric keypad and a reduced navigation cluster into a more compact form. It might take a little time to adjust to this layout, but it’s perfect for users who need a num pad yet want to maximize their desk space.

    Improved Durability and Sound

    One of the primary upgrades to the K4 Version 3 is the new PBT keycaps, which are designed for better durability, even if they produce a slightly higher-pitched sound. Another significant enhancement is the acoustic treatment included in the Keychron K4 QMK V3, addressing a major issue that users had with the K4 V2. However, since the keyboard is tray-mounted with an aluminum plate, it may create a firmer typing experience, although using an o-ring mod can help mimic a gasket mount easily.

    If you’re after a gasket-mount 96% layout mechanical keyboard from Keychron, you might want to look into the $104 Keychron V5 Max at Best Buy.

    Customizable Features

    As indicated by its name, the K4 QMK V3 now officially supports QMK firmware, allowing for remapping through the browser-based Keychron Launcher, VIA, or QMK for those who want to experiment.

    The Keychron K4 QMK V3 comes in various configurations. The basic model features white backlighting, fully plastic build, and soldered Keychron Super switches, retailing at $84. Opting for an RGB backlight with a plastic frame and soldered switches raises the price to $94. Choosing the RGB PCB with an aluminum frame and soldered switches brings the cost to $104, while the most premium option, which includes RGB backlighting, an aluminum frame, and hot-swap Keychron Super switches, is priced at $114.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    A less prominent update is found in the Keychron M3 8K wireless gaming mouse, which adds 8K polling, doubling the performance of the previous model. The new M3 wireless mouse utilizes the Pixart 3950 sensor, allowing a peak resolution of 30,000 DPI, a maximum tracking speed of 750 IPS, and 50 g acceleration—improvements over the M3 4K’s 26,000 DPI and 650 IPS.

    Interestingly, Keychron asserts that the M3 8K can maintain the 8K polling rate in both wired USB-C and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. The M3 4K also features a 125 Hz Bluetooth connection for everyday tasks, and the 600 mAh battery is said to last up to 140 hours in Bluetooth mode.

    Ergonomics and Design Features

    In terms of design and comfort, the M3 mouse has not changed, retaining its symmetrical ergonomic shape (with customizable buttons only on the left side). There are switches located at the bottom of the mouse for adjusting DPI, connection modes, and polling rates without needing software. Additionally, the M3 8K is compatible with Keychron’s Launcher software, which allows for button remapping, profile creation, macro assignments, and adjustments for DPI and lift-off distance. Weighing in at 79 g, the Keychron M3 8K isn’t extremely lightweight, but it is still far from being one of the heaviest gaming mice on the market.

    The Keychron M3 8K can be purchased directly from the Keychron store for $69.00. It is available only in black, and there is no RGB version offered.

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    Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse LaunchKeychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse LaunchKeychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch
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  • 802.11ah Wi-Fi: 10-Mile Range Gains Importance in Europe

    802.11ah Wi-Fi: 10-Mile Range Gains Importance in Europe

    Wi-Fi that reaches over 10 miles with less interference than the 2.4 GHz band is achievable with 802.11ah, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, which utilizes the 900 MHz frequency band.

    Morse Micro’s Ambitions

    Morse Micro, a leading name in certified devices, is getting ready to unveil products based on this fresh Wi-Fi standard. They’re working on a new 8108 chip along with reference designs for both access points and client devices, aiming to provide routers that can cover not just homes but gardens and beyond. That’s what they’re aiming for, at least.

    Targeting the US Market

    In the United States, Morse Micro plans to link surveillance cameras to access points. Since it runs over Wi-Fi, the company states that no extra frequency adjustments are necessary. During CES 2025 in Las Vegas, they stated that the antenna design would be quite straightforward.

    In 2025, this Australian firm will mainly target the American market where the frequency band is less crowded, leading to minimal interference. Technologies like frequency hopping, which Bluetooth devices already use, aren’t needed here. Even though there are relatively larger obstacles, Morse Micro is also eyeing the European market.

    Challenges in Europe

    The primary challenge for 802.11ah in Europe lies in the restricted 5 MHz frequency spectrum. This band ranges from 863 to 868 MHz and gets split into five channels. Nonetheless, Morse Micro aspires to break into the European market and has crafted a new chip that adapts to various regions, thereby simplifying implementation and requiring just one SKU for global markets. The firmware will automatically adjust frequencies, saving on development costs and resources.

    The launch of the 8108 chip is scheduled for April 2025, though sample chips are available now. Given the narrow bandwidth in Europe, Morse Micro will concentrate on the smart city sector, competing with LoRaWAN and similar networking protocols. The anticipated transfer speeds with the new chip are expected to reach hundreds of kilobits per second, adequate for sensors and over-the-air updates for smart city devices.

    Potential and Limitations

    This represents only a small part of the entire potential of the Wi-Fi standard. In the US, the 8108 could reach speeds of over 43.3 Mbps. The net transfer rates are 30 and 23 Mbps for UDP and TCP, respectively. However, achieving this requires an optimized setup and an 8 MHz channel, which isn’t practical in Europe. Also, the modulation density is set to 256 QAM while coding is at 5/6.

    While other areas might offer faster speeds, they still don’t match those available in the US. In Australia, Morse Micro estimates that about three 4 MHz channels are accessible, whereas Japan only has one.

    The US Advantage

    The US benefits from a 900 MHz band designated as an ISM band, allowing for long-range communications. For example, Motorola’s digital 900 MHz DTR series radios could connect over several kilometers. In Europe, Motorola had to switch to the 2.4 GHz band, which limited the range of otherwise similar devices.

    Despite the narrow frequency band in Europe, 802.11ah Wi-Fi still brings certain benefits. Walls have minimal impact on signal strength, and even rain, which can severely affect 2.4 GHz signals, only slightly affects Wi-Fi HaLow signals.

    Due to the available frequencies and greater potential, Morse Micro is planning to prioritize the US market by the end of this year. In 2026, they aim to enter the European market with specialized Wi-Fi solutions tailored for the smart city sector.

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  • Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

    Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

    A recent article from the well-known Apple-centric site AppleInsider has highlighted that some users of the highly praised M4 Mac mini are experiencing problems with USB-C connections. The article references numerous social media comments from Mac mini owners who are dealing with USB-C related issues.

    Problems Noted Since Launch

    The social media mentions that AppleInsider found date back to the product’s release in October last year. Users reported issues with USB-C devices like keyboards that “disconnect randomly,” requiring users to reconnect them to work again. Another source mentions that these problems seem to be limited to the rear USB-C ports. Additionally, some users say that external storage devices, such as hard drives, disconnect when they are under heavy use.

    Speculation on Causes

    Apple has yet to respond to these concerns, which gives us a chance to guess about the potential reasons. It’s possible that there are hidden hardware problems related to the soldered rear ports of the Mac mini (the front inputs are modular). However, if that were the case, we would likely see more widespread issues than those reported. Another possibility is that there could be other factors at play, such as damaged cords or malfunctioning external devices.

    Software Issues?

    There is also a chance that a bug in MacOS could be causing these problems, and such issues can typically be resolved through an over-the-air update. Nevertheless, this seems unlikely given that most reports focus specifically on the rear ports and not on the front ones of the M4 Mac mini, which is currently priced at $569 on Amazon. At this moment, there’s no solid proof pointing to a specific cause, but we’ll make sure to keep you updated if more details emerge.

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    Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

     

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  • GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution

    GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution

    Some compact notebooks and mini-PCs come with APUs that perform remarkably well and can handle gaming. Yet, depending on the specific game, they might only manage lower frame rates or very basic graphics settings. In certain cases, using an external graphics card can be a viable option for these systems, especially for home use. The market for external graphics solutions has expanded a lot lately, and GMKtec has just introduced a new product to add to the options.

    Overview of the GMK AD-GP1

    The GMK AD-GP1 serves as an external GPU, featuring the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT and equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 video memory. Unlike various graphics docks out there, the AD-GP1 is not a semi-modular option, meaning users cannot swap out the internal graphics card. On the bright side, its closed design makes it easier to transport. Plus, it’s not overly large, with dimensions of 163.9 x 110.5 x 39.9 mm (6.5 x 4.4 x 1.6 in), making it quite manageable.

    Connectivity and Features

    You can connect the AD-GP1 to a device using USB4 or OCuLink, with the latter providing faster transfer rates due to its four PCIe 4.0 lanes. It also supports USB Power Delivery, which allows the eGPU to deliver up to 100 watts to a compatible host device. For video connections, the AD-GP1 comes with two DisplayPort 2.0 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. However, GMKtec has not yet disclosed any details about pricing or availability. If you’re in the market for an external GPU, you might want to check out the GPD G1, which we reviewed earlier.

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    GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution
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