The Orange Pi KunPeng Pro computer has now expanded its reach to the global market following its initial launch in China. This single-board computer, previously exclusive to China, is built with the Huawei HiSilicon Hi1910 CPU and features LPDDR4X RAM along with eMMC flash storage.
Global Availability
Just about a month after its debut in China, the KunPeng Pro is now accessible worldwide, thanks to third-party resellers. It can be found in regions including the US and Europe. The HiSilicon SoC from Huawei includes quad 64-bit CPU cores and an AI accelerator capable of achieving up to 8 TOPS of performance. However, the specifics of the GPU architecture remain undisclosed by both Orange Pi and Huawei.
Specifications and Pricing
In addition to its memory and eMMC flash storage, the KunPeng Pro is equipped with an M.22280 slot, Gigabit Ethernet connection, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a USB-C port offering up to 65W of power.
The Orange Pi KunPeng Pro is available on AliExpress with prices starting at $223.42 for the version with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The variant featuring 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is priced at $251.02. It remains uncertain how the global market will respond to this model, although Orange Pi already has other models available internationally.
Infinix is gearing up to introduce the Note 40 smartphone in India tomorrow. In addition, the brand has announced the launch of a new laptop in the country next week: the Infinix ZeroBook Ultra AI PC. This new device will incorporate artificial intelligence features, as indicated by its name. The laptop's availability on Flipkart has been confirmed, with a microsite now live on the e-commerce platform's mobile app. Key specifications of the ZeroBook Ultra AI PC have also been disclosed.
Infinix ZeroBook Ultra AI PC Launching Soon
Infinix has revealed that the ZeroBook Ultra AI PC will be launched in India on June 27, Thursday. This new product marks the company's entry into the AI PCs category. The laptop will come equipped with advanced Gen AI capabilities and Intel AI boost, aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency. These features will allow the laptop to learn from user habits, offering personalized recommendations and automating routine tasks to improve workflows.
Core Specifications
The Infinix ZeroBook Ultra AI PC will be powered by Intel Core Ultra series processors. It will include an Intel Arc integrated GPU with Ray Tracing and XE SS graphic upscaling support. The device will offer up to 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. Additionally, it will feature an OverBoost switch to change the laptop's performance mode. The ZeroBook Ultra AI PC will be supported by a 70WHr battery with 100W charging capability.
The laptop will boast a 15.6-inch display with FHD resolution and 100 percent sRGB color gamut. It will also include an FHD AI webcam with a dual mic array and will be equipped with quad speakers.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Red Magic is entering the laptop market. The brand has now officially announced the launch date of its first gaming laptop in China, scheduled to debut next month. Red Magic has also shared several teasers on its official Weibo account, revealing key details about the upcoming product.
Red Magic Gaming Laptop Launch Date Revealed
The Red Magic Gaming laptop is set to launch in China on July 3 at 7 pm local time. The brand has teased some important specifications in separate Weibo posts. One of the images indicates that the laptop will feature AI capabilities and will have narrow bezels around the display.
The Red Magic Gaming laptop is confirmed to be powered by a 14th-generation Intel Core i9 processor and will come with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. This combination should ensure robust performance. Another hardware configuration is also expected to be announced. The aforementioned hardware details align with the laptop’s Geekbench listing, which also revealed 16GB of RAM.
According to the 3C certification listing, the Red Magic Gaming laptop will support 280W charging made by BYD. It has also passed Bluetooth, WiFi, and CMIIT certifications. The device is expected to feature an RGB backlit logo on the lid.
For those who may not know, Red Magic already offers various peripherals, including gaming mice, keyboards, and monitors. Recently, the brand announced the Gaming Mouse 1S and Mechanical Keyboard 1S, both designed for gamers. These peripherals come with RGB lighting and a variety of features, with the keyboard also sporting a 1.47-inch display.
Samsung has recently submitted a trademark application for “990 EVO Plus” to the Korea Industrial Property Information Service Center (KIPRIS), as indicated by a report dated June 19th. This move hints at a forthcoming enhancement to the company’s well-regarded 990 EVO solid-state drive (SSD).
Expected Enhancements
Samsung’s EVO Series SSDs are celebrated for their excellent balance between performance and durability, making them a favored option among both everyday users and professionals. The existing 990 EVO features notable read/write speeds and power efficiency, attributes that are expected to see further improvements in the new Plus model.
Trademark Details
The trademark application covers storage products including USB flash drives, NAND flash memories, and SSDs. This strongly suggests that “990 EVO Plus” will be an upgraded SSD within Samsung’s EVO series.
Interestingly, Samsung has also applied for a trademark for “9100 PRO.” Although this trademark is categorized under storage and semiconductor products, it doesn’t align with Samsung’s typical naming conventions for consumer-grade storage solutions. The exact purpose behind the “9100 PRO” trademark is still unclear.
Flow Computing, a Finnish startup, has introduced an innovative chip technology designed to significantly enhance Central Processing Unit (CPU) performance. Their Parallel Processing Unit (PPU) is projected to double a CPU's capabilities and, with software optimizations, achieve up to 100x speed improvements—all without increasing power consumption or heat output.
PPU Promises Compatibility and Efficiency
Traditionally, CPUs execute tasks sequentially, one after another. Flow’s PPU operates as an auxiliary chip, optimizing these tasks in real-time. This enables the CPU to shift from a serial processing model to a parallel processing model, greatly improving efficiency. Flow’s CEO, Timo Valtonen, likens this transformation to converting a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway, resulting in smoother traffic flow and faster processing speeds.
The PPU accomplishes this by managing tasks at extremely brief nanosecond intervals. By handling numerous processes concurrently, it enhances overall throughput without necessitating changes to the CPU’s clock speed or base architecture.
Challenges in Adoption
While the potential advantages are clear, Flow recognizes the challenges in adoption. Integrating the PPU requires modifications at the chip design stage, which could disrupt existing manufacturing processes.
Despite these obstacles, Flow has showcased the technology’s effectiveness through FPGA-based testing. Additionally, they have secured an initial €4 million in funding from venture capital firms. The company is currently seeking industry partnerships to further develop and commercialize their solutions.
Future Prospects
Flow’s success will depend on overcoming integration challenges and proving its effectiveness in real-world applications. If successful, the PPU could mark a significant advancement in CPU performance, affecting various sectors reliant on intensive processing power. Potential applications range from artificial intelligence and scientific computing to edge computing and autonomous systems.
The tech industry will be closely monitoring Flow’s progress to see if their PPU technology can truly usher in a new era of high-performance, low-power CPUs.
Panasonic has introduced the second iteration of its TOUGHBOOK 40 rugged laptop, the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2. This enhanced model is engineered for tough environments and features notable upgrades in both processing capabilities and durability.
Processor Choices and Performance
At the heart of the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is Intel’s next-generation “Meteor Lake” Core Ultra processor. Users have the option to select between two vPro processors: the Ultra 5 135H, which includes 4 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores with a maximum clock speed of 4.6 GHz, or the Ultra 7 165H, featuring 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, reaching up to 5.0 GHz. These options offer a significant performance boost over the previous generation.
Enhanced Display and Connectivity
The 14-inch FHD LCD touchscreen remains a staple, but now with a brightness upgrade to 1200 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Connectivity has also been improved with the inclusion of an advanced Intel BE200 Wi-Fi 7 network card for extremely fast wireless speeds. Optional 4G/5G network support is available for reliable mobile connectivity, along with eSIM functionality for additional flexibility.
Durability and Modular Design
The hallmark of the TOUGHBOOK series is its ruggedness, and the Mk2 continues this tradition. It meets military standards MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461H, providing protection against shocks, vibrations, and other environmental challenges. The IP66 rating ensures resistance to dust, rain, and even powerful water jets. Additionally, the laptop can function in extreme temperatures ranging from -29°C to 63°C.
A standout feature of the TOUGHBOOK line is its modular design, allowing for easy replacement of components like the battery, storage, and memory. This design maximizes uptime and allows the laptop to adapt to evolving needs.
Specifications and Expansion Options
Measuring 54.4mm thick and weighing 3.35kg, the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is not the lightest option, but it comes with a built-in 68Wh battery that offers up to 12 hours of operation on a single charge, as per the Mobile Mark 25 standard. To extend battery life further, a second battery can be installed.
The Mk2 offers a variety of expansion options, enabling users to tailor the laptop’s functionality to their specific requirements. These options include slots for a second NVMe SSD, smart card reader, DVD/Blu-ray drive, additional battery, fingerprint unlocking sensor, and RFID card reader.
Mini PCs designed specifically for businesses are transforming enterprise technology across various sectors such as IoT, digital signage, and telemedicine. These small devices offer extensive customization and flexibility, enabling businesses to adjust components as needed.
Azulle, a leading manufacturer in the mini PC industry, has introduced the Elite, an industrial-grade, highly powerful barebone mini PC designed to accommodate the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Key Features of The Elite Barebone Mini PC
The Elite is equipped with a 13th Gen Raptor Lake Processor (i3/i5/i7), ensuring strong performance and adaptability. This barebone mini PC allows users to select their preferred operating system, RAM, and storage configurations, offering a versatile solution for various business needs. It features a wide range of connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, 1Gbps LAN, and 2.4Gbps LAN, ensuring a stable and reliable internet connection. With multiple ports and comprehensive wireless capabilities, the Elite acts as a central hub for all connectivity requirements.
One of the most remarkable features of the Elite is its 4G LTE module, certified by AT&T. This module guarantees continuous internet connectivity, even in remote areas or during power outages, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require dependable wireless connectivity on the move. This advancement highlights the Elite’s ability to maintain operations in challenging environments, ensuring business continuity.
Enhancing Versatility with 4G
The integration of a 4G LTE module into the Elite mini PC greatly improves its versatility. This module provides faster, broader, and more secure internet connectivity, which is essential for maintaining business operations. Here are some scenarios where the Elite’s 4G capabilities are especially advantageous:
Remote Work and Mobility: Field workers in industries like manufacturing can use IoT devices to update project information on-site. The Elite’s robust build and connectivity make it perfect for powering screens in tractors and remote locations, ensuring data transmission even in areas with poor internet speeds. This functionality is vital for maintaining productivity and efficiency in remote work settings.
Backup Connectivity: The Elite can act as a backup internet source during outages or emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted operations. This is particularly important for emergency notification systems that rely on real-time alerts to function effectively. By providing a reliable backup connection, the Elite helps businesses avoid costly downtime and maintain critical operations during unforeseen events.
Logistics & Transportation: In the logistics sector, the Elite’s 4G connectivity can be used in moving vehicles such as police cars, cash-in-transit vehicles, and ambulances. This ensures security and real-time information sharing, which is crucial for effective operations. Fleet managers and drivers benefit from reliable communication for route planning and long-distance deliveries. Public transportation systems can also utilize the Elite for improved location accuracy and operational efficiency, enhancing overall service quality.
Temporary Worksites: Retail pop-up shops, exhibition booths, and construction sites can use the Elite to support network operations in temporary locations. For instance, construction site managers can update progress and communicate with the main office without a wired internet connection. Sales representatives can manage inventory and collect customer data seamlessly, enabling smooth operations at temporary worksites.
Underserved Areas: The Elite is particularly useful in areas with limited internet access. It can support online learning resources and virtual classrooms in rural schools and provide telemedicine services in remote medical clinics, addressing significant inequalities in internet access. By offering a cost-effective and reliable connectivity solution, the Elite helps bridge the digital divide and improve access to essential services in underserved communities.
The Azulle Elite barebone mini PC combines high performance, cost-efficiency, and extensive customization options, making it a valuable asset for various industries. Its robust design and connectivity capabilities ensure durability and reliability, supporting businesses in diverse use cases. Whether you are an enterprise or a small business, the Elite offers unparalleled power and adaptability in a compact package.
Additionally, Azulle provides premium U.S.-based technical and customer support, ensuring a seamless experience before, during, and after purchase.
Samsung’s debut laptop featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, is now available for purchase following its initial release last month.
The starting price for the Galaxy Book 4 Edge in the US is $1,349.99. This price applies to the 14-inch model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. In the UK, the same configuration is priced at £1,399, while in Europe, it starts at approximately €1,699. Samsung’s website provides direct purchasing options.
Pricing Breakdown by Region (14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
Europe: €1,699
UK: £1,399
USA: $1,349.99
A larger 16-inch model, equipped with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, is also available. This version starts at €2,099 in Europe, £1,699 in the UK, and $1,749.99 in the US.
Regional Promotions
In the US, Samsung is offering a free 50-inch Crystal UHD 4K TV valued at $379.99 with the purchase of a Galaxy Book 4 Edge. Note that this is a limited-time offer. In some European countries, Samsung is providing a €150 discount if the Galaxy Book 4 Edge is purchased before June 24th.
South Korean pricing shows slight differences. The 14-inch Galaxy Book 4 Edge starts at KRW 2.15 million (approximately $1,557), whereas the 16-inch versions with 512GB and 1TB storage are priced at KRW 2.35 million (approximately $1,702) and KRW 2.65 million (approximately $1,920), respectively.
Specifications and Features
The Galaxy Book 4 Edge is crafted for users who value portability and extended battery life. The Snapdragon X Elite processor is expected to enhance performance and efficiency over traditional laptop processors, while also providing 5G connectivity.
The device features a 14-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x touchscreen with a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a 55.9Wh battery, which Samsung claims can deliver up to 18 hours of runtime on a single charge.
Dell introduced the Snapdragon X Plus powered XPS 13 9345 laptop last month, and it is now available for purchase in China at a price of 11,999 yuan (approximately $1300 in the US).
The laptop’s body is crafted from aluminum, utilizing CNC precision cutting technology. It boasts a slim profile with a thickness of 14.8mm and a weight of just 1.17kg.
A Snapdragon-Powered Lightweight Device from Dell
When you open the lid, you’ll find a full-size keyboard, a seamless glass touchpad, and a smart touch function bar that can switch between function keys and media keys as needed.
This laptop features a 13.4-inch OLED touch display with a 2880×1800 resolution, supporting 400nits of brightness, a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and TÜV hardware for blue light reduction. For audio, it includes four speakers (two for low frequencies and two for high frequencies) and a 1080p webcam for video calls. The new chip also offers real-time noise reduction to enhance video call quality.
Powerful Internals
Internally, the laptop is powered by the newly released Arm-based Snapdragon X Plus chipset. This chipset includes 10 Qualcomm Oryon CPU cores, an integrated Adreno GPU that "delivers graphics-intensive presentations and entertainment," and the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, which provides 45TOPS AI performance—reportedly the fastest NPU for laptops currently available.
The chipset emphasizes power-efficient operation, allowing the manufacturer to design such a lightweight laptop without the need for aggressive cooling or a large battery.
Memory and Connectivity
In terms of memory and storage, the laptop comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM with speeds up to 8400MT/s, and a 1TB SSD. The storage can also be expanded up to 4TB.
The new XPS 13 laptop includes two Thunderbolt ports, one on each side.
The ASRock DeskMate X600, a compact PC developed jointly by ASRock and Polar Night, is now available on JD.com. Despite its small 3.5-liter form factor, this device offers substantial computing power.
The chassis comes in three colors: Obsidian Black, Moonlight Silver, and Starry Grey. The DeskMate X600 supports AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series desktop processors, giving users a range of performance options to choose from. The starting price for a barebones setup, which lacks a CPU, wireless network card, RAM, and SSD, is 1348 yuan (around $202 USD). Pre-assembled models featuring Ryzen 5 8600G or Ryzen 7 8700G processors, along with RAM and storage, are priced from 3848 yuan (approximately $573 USD).
Aesthetics and Thermal Management
The DeskMate X600 is designed with both style and thermal efficiency in mind. The sleek chassis, available in Obsidian Black, Moonlight Silver, and Starry Grey, is made from durable 2mm anodized aluminum alloy. A strategically placed 7010 fan at the bottom ensures effective heat dissipation.
Enhanced Performance
The DeskMate X600 includes several features to boost performance. It has a 10-phase power supply X600 motherboard for stable power delivery. Four DDR5 memory slots support high-speed memory overclocking up to 7200+ MT/s, and a PCIe Gen4x16 slot allows for future upgrades.
For storage, the DeskMate X600 offers two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 5.0 and the other PCIe 4.0, along with an additional 2.5-inch SATA slot. It comes with a Realtek 2.5G wired network card for reliable wired connections. Although it lacks a built-in wireless network card, an optional configuration with a MediaTek Wi-Fi6E card is available on the e-commerce platform.
External Graphics Card Slot
One unique feature of the DeskMate X600 is the dedicated slot on top, which lets users connect an external graphics card via a PCIe extension cable. According to ASRock, this method provides better bandwidth and stability compared to Thunderbolt 4 and OCuLink solutions.
