Category: Computers

November 21, 2024
Apple Releases Emergency Updates to Fix Active Exploits on Devices
Apple has rolled out important security updates to fix two serious vulnerabilities that are being actively used against Intel-based Mac systems. These issues were found by Google’s Threat Analysis Group and might let hackers run harmful code or execute cross-site scripting attacks.
Affected Products
These vulnerabilities impact several Apple products, which include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and Safari. Users are strongly advised to update their devices to the most recent versions:
- iOS and iPadOS: iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1
- macOS: macOS Sequoia 15.1.1
- visionOS: visionOS 2.1.1
- Safari: Safari 18.1.1
The updates can be used on a wide variety of devices, such as the latest iPhone and iPad models, and Mac computers that are running macOS Ventura and Sonoma. Users of the Apple Vision Pro are also encouraged to update to visionOS 2.1.1.
Exploit Details
While Apple hasn’t shared exact information about the vulnerabilities, it has confirmed that they are being used to target flaws in JavaScriptCore and WebKit. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has strongly suggested that all users should quickly apply these updates to shield their devices from possible attacks.
Samsung’s Recent Criticism
In other news, Samsung has criticized Apple this month through a new “Simon Says” advertisement that pokes fun at Apple’s supposed lack of innovation in its recent iPhones. The ad highlights features of the Galaxy lineup, like the flip screen of the Z Flip 6 and its AI capabilities. However, the tone of the advertisement received mixed reviews, with some critics questioning Samsung’s own history of innovation.
Source: Link
Tags: Apple, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
November 20, 2024
Intel Arrow Lake Struggles in Mindfactory CPU Sales as AMD Leads
The unveiling of Intel Arrow Lake and AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs has highlighted a significant truth: Intel is struggling to keep up in the gaming sector. Reviews of the Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 7 9800X3D illustrate this point quite well.
Ryzen’s Popularity Among Gamers
Gamers looking to upgrade are showing a clear preference towards the Ryzen X3D chips, as indicated by sales data from German retailer Mindfactory for this week. The trend is so pronounced that Intel has managed to place only one CPU in the top 30 list, which is a basic and affordable Core i3-14100.
Sales Figures Speak Volumes
At present, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads the sales charts with 210 units sold, making it the top-selling CPU on Mindfactory this week. Notably, three out of the five best-selling CPUs are X3D models: the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is in second place with 210 units, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D in fourth with 170 units, and the Ryzen 7 5700X3D in fifth with 140 units.
Intel’s Struggles Continue
On the other hand, the standard Zen 5 CPUs don’t appear to be gaining traction; Mindfactory has reportedly sold only 70 units of the Ryzen 7 9700X, 40 units of the Ryzen 9 9950X, 30 units of the Ryzen 9 9900X, and just 20 units of the entry-level Ryzen 5 9600X (which can be found on Amazon).
Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs are facing significant challenges, with Mindfactory reportedly not selling any Core Ultra 200S CPUs this week. This trend is also evident in the US market.
Newegg’s Best Sellers
Examining Newegg’s best-selling CPUs, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is in high demand, securing the top spot, while six out of the top ten CPUs are Ryzen models. Although Intel has some presence in the top ten with the Core i9-14900K, Core i7-14700K, Core i7-12700K, and Core i9-12900K occupying the 5th to 8th spots, there is no Arrow Lake SKU in the top 15. The Core Ultra 7 265K only makes an appearance at 19th place in the top 20.
Amazon’s Rankings
The situation is even bleaker on Amazon, where the Core Ultra 7 265K, the only Arrow Lake SKU in the top 50, is positioned at 41st place. Once again, AMD Ryzen CPUs dominate this list.
In short, it appears that AMD is currently outperforming Intel in the consumer desktop market. The likelihood of Team Blue making a comeback seems low unless they unveil a new architecture like Nova Lake. Intel has announced that an update aimed at boosting performance for Arrow Lake chips is forthcoming, but it’s uncertain how effective that will be.
Source: Link
Tags: CPU Sales Trends, intel Arrow Lake, Ryzen 7 9800X3D
November 20, 2024
Microsoft’s Windows 365: The Future of Traditional PCs?
Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 365 Link, marking its first desktop computer aimed solely at linking users with Windows in the cloud. With a price tag of $349, this device is set to hit the market in April 2025, catering primarily to business clients.
Design and Portability
The Windows 365 Link boasts a stylish and portable design, with dimensions of 120x120x30 mm and weighing less than a pound. This compact size makes it perfect for hot-desking and shared office environments. It features a fanless design, ensuring silent operation, and has a chic puck-like shape, allowing it to rest on a desk or be mounted behind a monitor. The device powers up in seconds and resumes from sleep almost immediately.
Specifications
Equipped with an Intel processor, the device includes 8GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage. Although the storage capacity is low, the device relies completely on cloud computing, removing the necessity for local software or data. It is capable of supporting dual 4K monitors, making it a great option for contemporary office settings that demand high-resolution screens.
The device is fitted with a wide range of ports, featuring three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, an Ethernet jack, an audio jack, and both HDMI and DisplayPort for external display connections. It also offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing speedy and dependable wireless connectivity. This strong connectivity ensures that the Windows 365 Link is versatile enough for different office layouts and accessories.
Tags: Cloud Computing, Microsoft, Windows 365 Link
November 19, 2024
Google Pixel Laptop Rumors: High-End Android Device Leaks
Google’s Pixel smartphone line has grown over the years, becoming comparable to Apple and Samsung’s yearly iPhone and Galaxy launches. On the other hand, Google’s laptop sector has been left behind, becoming almost insignificant. In fact, the last Pixel laptop was released in the same year as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.
New Developments on the Horizon
Recently, Android Headlines has reported that they received news suggesting Google might be making a comeback in the laptop arena with a fresh device. Sadly, the website hasn’t shared when we can expect to see this new product officially launched. Instead, they’ve dropped a few clues about what’s in the works.
Reports say that Google’s higher-ups have given the green light for this project, and now a dedicated team of Googlers is working on it. According to Android Headlines, an internal email that was leaked mentions the project being called ‘Snowy’, which has led to comparisons with the Dell XPS 14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $875 on Amazon), among other premium compact laptops.
A Shift in Operating System?
Interestingly, it seems that the upcoming Google Pixel laptop might operate on Android rather than ChromeOS. For more details about this potential shift towards a unified Android desktop experience, check out our previous article.
Android Authority and Android Headlines have both been in the loop about these developments.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Android, google, Pixel laptop
November 19, 2024
Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406CA Unveils Intel Core Ultra 7 and 9
A few weeks ago, Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285H processor was spotted on Geekbench. To give you some background, the Arrow Lake-H processor was found in a yet-to-be-released Dell laptop named Pro Max 16 (MC16250). Now, Asus seems to be planning an update for its Zenbook Duo laptop featuring the same processor.
Current Offerings from Asus
At this time, Asus has the Zenbook Duo available with the Core Ultra 7 155H and Core Ultra 9 185H processors, currently priced at $1,636 on Amazon. According to two listings from Gear-Up.me, Asus is set to upgrade these processors to the Core Ultra 7 255H and Core Ultra 9 285H. Interestingly, the Core Ultra 7 255H was also recently seen on Geekbench, and we have reported on that separately.
Processor Specifications
The listings indicate that the Core Ultra 7 255H and Core Ultra 9 285H will feature 16 and 24 CPU cores, respectively. However, as noted by VideoCardz, earlier leaks about the Arrow Lake-H series hinted that the maximum core count would be 16. This raises questions about the accuracy of the information regarding the Core Ultra 9 285H’s core count.
Regardless, these processors will be featured in the Zenbook Duo as the Zenbook Duo UX8406CA, which comes with 32 GB of RAM and appears to offer options for either 1 TB or 2 TB of storage. There might be other memory options as well, like a configuration with 16 GB of RAM. As seen in the images below, Gear-Up.me plans to sell the version with the Core Ultra 7 255H for 952.34 Bahraini Dinar (BHD), which translates to about $2,533.
Pricing for the Core Ultra 9
On the other hand, the Core Ultra 9 285H is listed at BHD 1,421.93 (approximately $3,782), but it also comes with double the RAM. It’s still uncertain if the pricing will be the same in other regions. As it stands, we believe Asus is likely to officially unveil the Zenbook Duo in January at CES 2025.
Source: Link,Link,Link,Link
Tags: Arrow Lake-H, ASUS ZenBook Duo, Core Ultra 9 285H
November 18, 2024
GPD Pocket 4 Price Revealed: The Ultimate Mini Laptop Arrives Soon
GPD has at last disclosed the pricing for its much-awaited Pocket 4 mini laptop, which merges the features of a handheld, laptop, and tablet into a lightweight 770g package. The prices start at $895 for the entry-level model, going up to $1,466 for the premium version.
Key Features of the Pocket 4
The GPD Pocket 4 comes equipped with a physical keyboard, a touch screen, and a touchpad. It runs on AMD’s Zen 4 (Hawk Point) and Zen 5 (Strix Point) processors, with various configurations of RAM and SSD to cater to different pricing tiers.
Display and Connectivity
All variants boast identical core specifications, such as an 8.8-inch 2.5K 144Hz screen featuring a 97% DCI-P3 color spectrum and a brightness of 500 nits. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity, with memory speeds hitting 7,500 MT/s, and a thermal design power (TDP) set at 28W.
Optional Accessories and Release Information
To enhance usability, GPD provides optional add-ons: a $20 EIA RS-232 module for older device compatibility and a $125 4G LTE module for connectivity on-the-go. Although the device does not include an OCuLink port, you can still connect an external GPU via USB4.
GPD hasn’t confirmed an exact release date yet. However, if their crowdfunding initiative goes well, the Pocket 4 is expected to launch by year-end. This means the GPD Pocket 3, which has been around for more than three years, will soon have a new version.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: AMD processors, GPD Pocket 4, mini laptop
November 16, 2024
Ryzen 7 9800X3D Demand Surges Amid Supply Shortages and Tariffs
AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been met with a very positive response from reviewers, with one calling its performance “a big slap in the face for the new Intel processors.” This praise from the media has been echoed by consumers who are reportedly purchasing the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in large numbers.
High Demand and Quick Sales
For instance, when we first began writing about the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, it was available on Amazon, but it sold out in less than thirty minutes. Currently, the CPU can again be found on Amazon, but it is likely to run out of stock rapidly once more.
The impressive sales of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has led some to suggest that it might be a “paper launch,” implying that there isn’t much real stock available. However, claims from Moore’s Law Is Dead suggest that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D had a genuine launch with a good supply of stock.
Retailer Insights
An unnamed source from MLID, who claims to be associated with a “Major US Retailer,” stated that the retailer “can’t keep up” with the demand for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The level of interest has been so intense that even after “TON of supply at launch” and continuous restocks, the retailer struggled to meet all incoming orders.
Other sources from MLID in retail echoed this view, with one noting that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is “flying off the shelves,” while another mentioned that their considerable stock “wasn’t remotely enough” to satisfy customers.
Panic Buying Concerns
One source from MLID identified as a “Major Distributor” cautioned that “many US companies are panic buying more supply of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (and other PC parts) than they actually need” to protect themselves from potential price hikes due to future tariffs.
For those unaware, US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at potential tariffs of 20% on all imports, with Chinese imports facing even steeper tariffs of up to 60%. If these tariffs are implemented, prices for PC components like CPUs and GPUs are likely to rise. The source further explained that the fear of tariffs is a significant reason for the increased supply in the US market.
While MLID’s observations about the rapid sales of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D appear to be accurate, the actual availability of the CPU and its connection to any potential import tariffs remains uncertain. So, it’s wise to approach this information with caution.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: amd, CPU Supply, Ryzen 7 9800X3D
November 16, 2024
Apple’s New MacBook Pro Could Feature Quantum Dot Displays
Ross Young has shared some new details about the latest MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 models, which come with Apple’s M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chipsets. Apple has not made any alterations to the mini-LED screens in these devices. However, customers can now choose a nano-texture display finish for both models, though this option comes with an extra cost.
Display Brightness Comparison
Apple states that only the nano-texture displays can achieve higher peak brightness levels. They mention that these displays can reach up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, while the standard displays on both the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 max out at 600 nits (curr. $1,654 on Amazon).
Technological Advancements
According to Young, the M4 series marks the first time Apple has incorporated Quantum Dot technology into its machines. Previously, Apple used KSF phosphor films for their displays. The reason for this switch is that KSF films were more efficient and did not contain Cadmium, which is heavily regulated in the European Union and several other regions.
Improved Efficiency
The newer Quantum Dot films are claimed to be more efficient than the older versions. These films are said to offer better motion clarity and color accuracy compared to the KSF films, which might explain why Apple has chosen to implement them. In our recent reviews of the MacBook Pro 14, we noticed only slight declines in color space and response times. As per the latest whispers, it seems Apple won’t be introducing significant redesigns for the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 for at least another two generations.
Ross Young’s insights provide a clearer picture of these exciting developments in Apple’s laptop lineup.
Source: Link,Link,Link
Tags: Apple M4, MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Pro 16
November 16, 2024
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Launching Soon with 16GB RAM
Little more than a month has gone by since the first hints about the Raspberry Pi 500 showed up online. Since that time, the Raspberry Pi Foundation hasn’t said anything officially about replacing the Raspberry Pi 400 (currently priced at $70 on Amazon). However, they have introduced new accessories for their current single-board computers (SBCs), including the Raspberry Pi 5, which we have covered in a separate article.
Next Steps for SBCs
It appears that the Raspberry Pi 500 will not be the next SBC to come from the Foundation. Instead, we might see a new version of the Compute Module 4 (CM4). Similar to the Raspberry Pi 500, the Raspberry Pi CM5 has not been confirmed yet. Still, this System on Module (SOM) has made an appearance at electronicaFair 2024 in Munich.
Details and Expectations
At this moment, we only have one photo to refer to. But even with that, some details can be figured out. For instance, it seems the Raspberry Pi CM5 keeps the same overall look as its predecessor. Moreover, there are signs on the SOM indicating that the Foundation might offer 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB RAM options.
Interestingly, there’s an area for a fifth RAM option, which would likely be a 16 GB variant. Also, other labels suggest that there will be eMMC options of 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB, along with a Broadcom BCM2712 chipset. It’s reasonable to think that the Foundation is close to officially revealing the Raspberry Pi CM5, especially since it was shown at electronicaFair 2024 with a related IO board.
Source: Link,Link,Link
Tags: Compute Module 4, Raspberry Pi 500, Raspberry Pi CM5
November 15, 2024
Razer USB 4 Dock: 14-Port Expansion for Laptops at Lower Price
On the surface, the latest Razer USB 4 Dock appears quite similar to the company’s previous Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon). Nevertheless, Razer asserts that this new model features better compatibility, likely due to the absence of Thunderbolt branding, as well as an expanded range of ports.
Features of the USB 4 Dock
It’s worth noting that the USB 4 Dock doesn’t come with Razer’s well-known Chroma RGB lighting. Additionally, while Razer states that this new docking station supports 100 W Power Delivery, the specific technical details reveal some important information regarding its USB ports:
Furthermore, Razer has integrated Gigabit Ethernet, SD and MicroSD card slots, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. In terms of video connections, there are dedicated single DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports that enable 4K video output with peak refresh rates of 240 Hz and 120 Hz, respectively. However, keep in mind that these maximum refresh rates apply only when a single monitor is connected. Strangely, connecting a second monitor reduces the refresh rates to 120 Hz for one and 60 Hz for the other.
Pricing and Availability
At present, the Razer USB 4 Dock is available for pre-order at the Razer online store for $229.99, offered in both Black and Mercury finishes. As of the time this was written, pre-orders are expected to start shipping on November 21. Interestingly, Razer will include a Joyplot Chroma skin with every pre-order, which is shown in the image below.
Source: Link
Tags: 4K video connections, Razer USB 4 Dock, Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma