Category: Computers

  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 Leak: Intel Lunar Lake Processors

    Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 Leak: Intel Lunar Lake Processors

    Microsoft made a big move earlier this year by choosing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipsets exclusively for its new consumer Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models. These releases of Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite also came with fresh designs for the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro line.

    Older Models Remain Unchanged

    In contrast, the older Surface Laptop 6 for Business and Surface Pro 10 for Business stuck with x86 processors, missing out on the redesigns of their ARM counterparts. However, a curious Reddit user has found hints that a refresh based on Intel’s Lunar Lake might be coming for at least the Surface Laptop. This information was reported by sources like Windows Central and VideoCardz and seems to come from a brief listing on the Chinese site Goofish, where the device was available for a short time.

    Potential for a New Release

    We can’t completely dismiss the possibility that this might be an elaborate hoax. Still, this leak does remind us of a similar one from a few years back that was related to what became the Surface Pro 7 Plus. Moreover, the engraving saying ‘PROTOTYPE – NOT FOR SALE’ on the bottom of the device adds some credibility to the images shown below.

    Details on the Surface Laptop 8

    Regardless, the rumored Surface Laptop 8 appears to have the same design introduced earlier this year with the Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $943.95 on Amazon). The Snapdragon X platform has been replaced with Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture, which includes 32 GB of RAM as seen below. Our latest analysis of Intel’s Lunar Lake showed that the Core Ultra 7 268V sacrifices some multi-core CPU performance for better power efficiency and a significantly faster integrated GPU.

    In fact, even demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 can run at 1080p, which is much better than what the Snapdragon X Elite can handle. The Lunar Lake-based Surface Laptop is anticipated to launch in 2025, but the exact timing is still uncertain. While CES 2025 in January seems like a likely time for the launch, Microsoft might choose to wait until spring, as it has done in the past.

    Sources: Goofish via u/Akaza_Dorian, Windows Central & VideoCardz.

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  • Infinix INBOOK AirPro Plus: Affordable 2.8K OLED Laptop with i5 CPU

    Infinix INBOOK AirPro Plus: Affordable 2.8K OLED Laptop with i5 CPU

    Infinix has recently introduced its first flip phone, the Infinix Zero Flip 5G, during a launch event in India. In addition to this foldable smartphone, the company also unveiled its newest laptop, the INBOOK AirPro Plus. The goal of Infinix is to provide a high-quality computing experience without breaking the bank with this new offering.

    Specifications of the INBOOK AirPro Plus

    The INBOOK AirPro Plus laptop is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, which makes multitasking smooth and performance responsive for various tasks. It boasts a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display that covers 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts, ensuring vivid colors and clear visuals.

    Weighing only 1kg and measuring just 4.5mm thick, this laptop is made for easy transport, making it a great choice for both professionals and students looking for a lightweight option. It also comes with solid connectivity features, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, a microSD card slot, plus support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

    Memory and Battery Life

    With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, the INBOOK AirPro Plus offers plenty of storage for files and applications. Its 57Wh battery allows for 65W fast charging via USB-C, giving users a long-lasting battery life that’s perfect for everyday tasks.

    For added security, the laptop includes an FHD+ infrared camera that works with Windows Hello facial recognition, making logins quick and secure. The backlit keyboard is designed with a dedicated key for Microsoft Copilot, enhancing the typing experience overall.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The INBOOK AirPro Plus is priced at Rs 49,990, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a high-performance laptop at an affordable cost. It will be available for purchase on Flipkart starting from October 22.

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  • Fujitsu Launches FMV Zero WU5/J3: Lightest 14-Inch Laptop

    Fujitsu Launches FMV Zero WU5/J3: Lightest 14-Inch Laptop

    Fujitsu has introduced the FMV Zero Lifebook WU5/J3, claiming it to be the lightest 14-inch laptop globally. This device features a durable carbon fiber build that meets MIL-STD-810H standards for drop, shock, and pressure resistance. Additionally, it is equipped with an AI NPU and various connectivity options.

    Weight and Battery Life

    The FMV Zero weighs just 634 grams (or 1.4 pounds) and offers a battery life ranging from 6.0 to 11.0 hours. For connectivity, it includes two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a full-sized HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a laptop lock slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.

    Performance Specifications

    The Lifebook can be customized with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U or an Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor. Both options come with integrated AI Boost NPUs, enabling hardware acceleration for AI services such as CoPilot in Windows 11 and Office 2024. Users can choose between 8GB and 64GB of RAM, as well as storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB of SSD.

    Advanced Features

    Users have the convenience of logging into Windows 11 via fingerprint or facial recognition. The laptop also includes AI-driven Noise Cancellation software that can learn to identify the user’s voice, effectively filtering out other speakers and background sounds during video calls. Moreover, Umore, a beauty-enhancing AI software, tracks users in 3D and applies skin corrections and virtual makeup, working alongside Windows Studio Effects to keep the user’s face framed perfectly.

    The Fujitsu FMV Zero Lifebook WU5/J3 starts at an MSRP of 197,900 yen (approximately $1,325). Customers can place preorders now through the FMV Web Shop, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-November. Sadly, for those outside Japan, options are limited to heavier laptops. For instance, the Surface Pro 10 tablet, available on Amazon, weighs 879 grams (1.9 pounds), making it 39% heavier than the FMV Zero.

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  • SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    On October 11, 2024, SpaceX made a formal request to the FCC to modify several aspects of the Starlink Network. These modifications are part of SpaceX’s Gen2 NGSO satellite system, which the company says will introduce a range of enhancements. Specifically, the upgraded network aims to provide gigabit service to its customers. Additional improvements include reduced latency, widespread mobile connectivity, and adjustments to the network to accommodate the rising demand from users.

    Proposed Satellite Adjustments

    To boost the performance of the network, SpaceX is seeking to lower the altitude of three groups of satellites by approximately 8.5 percent from their current nominal height. SpaceX asserts that this adjustment will enhance space sustainability by decreasing the chances of collisions and shortening the time required for the post-mission disposal of Gen2 satellites. In simpler terms, this means that the satellites will have a lower risk of crashing into other objects and will disintegrate in the atmosphere more quickly once they reach the end of their operational life. The transition to a lower orbit will also facilitate the deployment of more satellites in the future, which is crucial given the growing demand for services, particularly in remote regions. Furthermore, SpaceX is looking to modify the number of satellites in each group to maximize coverage.

    Changes to Elevation Angles

    Along with lowering the nominal altitude, SpaceX is proposing a shift in the minimum elevation angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. This adjustment would extend the communication time between satellites and ground stations by allowing satellites to keep in touch even when they are closer to the horizon. Despite this potential benefit, there are worries that the lower altitude may interfere with other satellite systems, although SpaceX has provided evidence to counter these concerns.

    In conclusion, there are numerous reservations regarding these proposed modifications, and various stakeholders are opposed to them. Companies like Amazon, along with astronomers and regulatory bodies, have legitimate reasons for their opposition to SpaceX’s plans. For further information on the proposed changes, the full filing is available below.

    FCC filing via Ars Technica and Pixabay.

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  • Intel and AMD Join Forces to Compete with ARM for x86 Dominance

    Intel and AMD Join Forces to Compete with ARM for x86 Dominance

    Think of it like Marvel heroes teaming up in real life. Intel and AMD have revealed that they and several other partners are joining forces to create an x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group (EAG). Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger and AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su shared the stage at the Lenovo Tech World 2024 event in Bellevue, Washington to announce this exciting news.

    The x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group

    The establishment of this EAG is significant for the "most widely used computing architecture" as it responds to the growing competition from ARM and architectures like RISC-V. The group also includes notable companies such as Broadcom, Dell, Google, HP Enterprise, HP Inc., Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat, along with key figures like Tim Sweeney and Linus Torvalds.

    "We are proud to stand with AMD," Gelsinger stated, emphasizing the evolution of the x86 architecture over the years. Dr. Su remarked that the EAG aims to "ensure that x86 keeps evolving as the preferred computing platform for developers and customers" and to "guide" future innovations concerning x86. A joint press release outlined some goals for the EAG:

    A Timely Collaboration

    This partnership comes at a crucial moment. ARM IP can be licensed by any chip manufacturer, while RISC-V has no loyalty requirements. Since only Intel and AMD can utilize x86, it’s essential for these semiconductor leaders to collaborate in promoting this instruction set architecture (ISA).

    Intel has been exploring the concept of x86S, a streamlined version of x86 that is purely 64-bit and excludes any legacy 16-bit components. Shouldn’t it be named x64 instead? The terminology can be a bit misleading, much like the recent naming conventions for Intel and AMD CPUs, if you know what I mean.

    The term 64-bit is essentially an extension or a part of the x86 architecture, which AMD refers to as AMD64 or x86_64 in Linux. AMD64 is the dominant 64-bit code today, which is why you’ll see many drivers and operating system files labeled with "amd64." Intel has its own Intel 64 (distinct from Itanium or IA-64), while Microsoft clearly separates x86 code from x64.

    Standardizing the Nomenclature

    Maybe the EAG could kick off by standardizing this confusing naming system and the various implementations of x86_64. We might also witness AMD and its partners enhancing x86S in the future.

    While ARM-based chips like Apple’s M series and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite series have demonstrated impressive performance-per-Watt efficiency and responsiveness similar to smartphones, x86 remains deeply embedded in global computing and is unlikely to fade away soon.

    Despite the efficiency of Apple’s M series chips, both Intel and AMD have shown that x86 can deliver solid performance at lower power levels with their Lunar Lake and Ryzen Strix Point products, respectively. Intel even mentioned in a recent interview that it’s not the ISA that controls power consumption, but rather the transistors that increase with core counts.

    From being each other’s second-source providers of x86 in the 1980s to engaging in legal battles and counterclaims for market dominance, to collaborating on the unsuccessful Kaby Lake-G CPUs in 2017, Intel and AMD’s competition has profoundly influenced the PC industry as we know it today.

    It has taken a third entity to bring these semiconductor giants to collaborate. Exciting times are surely ahead.

    Intel Press Release

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  • Western Digital Unveils 32TB Ultrastar HDD for Maximum Storage

    Western Digital Unveils 32TB Ultrastar HDD for Maximum Storage

    Western Digital has just introduced its newest high-capacity HDD: the Ultrastar DC HC690, a 32TB hard drive that sets a new record for the largest capacity utilizing shingled magnetic recording (SMR) technology. This latest model increases storage from the previous 28TB version, pushing the boundaries of data storage in a single drive.

    Enhanced Technology

    The HC690 incorporates Western Digital’s energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording (ePMR) technology, which has been in use since 2020 to enhance storage capabilities. Additionally, they have integrated their latest UltraSMR technology, allowing for the inclusion of 11 disks within the drive—this is a major factor contributing to the expanded storage capacity.

    Performance Considerations

    However, there is a minor trade-off regarding performance. Here are the stats:

    The speed has decreased by approximately three percent, which could result in a slight slowdown during intensive reading or writing operations.

    Other Offerings

    Alongside this, Western Digital has also released the 26TB Ultrastar DC HC590, which utilizes conventional magnetic recording (CMR). This model replaces the older 24TB HC580, but like its counterpart, it experiences a small decline in performance:

    For those interested in a more enterprise-oriented choice, Western Digital offers a WD Gold version of the 26TB drive.

    Competitive Landscape

    While Western Digital continues to dominate the storage capacity market, other companies are quickly closing the gap. Toshiba has already achieved 32TB using heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) and 31TB with microwave-assisted recording (MAMR). At the same time, Seagate is testing multi-level HAMR, with ambitious plans for a 120TB (or more) hard drive by 2030.

    TomsHardware (in English)

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  • Apple Mac Studio Storage Upgrades Now on Kickstarter

    Apple Mac Studio Storage Upgrades Now on Kickstarter

    Apple is planning to showcase new devices later this month at a special launch event. Interestingly, one of the products, the iPad mini 7, was revealed earlier today. Currently, it looks like Apple will also introduce a new iMac and Mac mini, along with refreshed MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 laptops, which are priced at $2,899 on Amazon.

    New Mac Studio Delays

    On the other hand, it appears that a new version of the Mac Studio might take some time to be officially announced. Meanwhile, a French repair center has unveiled what seems to be the first third-party SSD storage option for Apple’s first and second-generation Mac Studios. To put things into perspective, while the Mac Studio can be customized at the time of purchase, Apple does not offer its own storage drives for sale afterward.

    Polysoft’s Innovative Solution

    In contrast, Polysoft Services has successfully reverse engineered a product known as Studio Drive, which can be purchased either as a blank card or with storage options of 2 TB and 4 TB, with a maximum of 8 TB using two cards. Polysoft not only claims to be the first to duplicate Apple’s NAND flash drive, but it also asserts that it has enhanced Apple’s design by incorporating overvoltage protection. Right now, PolySoft is marketing its Studio Drive SSDs at various price points through Kickstarter, with the first deliveries anticipated for January 2025.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 10 Aura: Efficient 2-in-1 with Pen

    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 10 Aura: Efficient 2-in-1 with Pen

    At IFA 2024, Lenovo unexpectedly revealed the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13. Traditionally, Lenovo introduces the pricier ThinkPad X1 series laptops during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held every January in Las Vegas. Besides the X1 Carbon, Lenovo also refreshes the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (previously known as ThinkPad X1 Yoga) each year. The X1 2-in-1 shares the same hardware as the X1 Carbon but includes a tablet feature and a digitizer pen. This time, however, the X1 Carbon was launched without its convertible sibling, raising questions about the future of the X1 2-in-1.

    Lenovo’s Techworld Presentation

    Those worries can now be calmed. During the annual Lenovo Techworld event, the company introduced the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition. The new 2-in-1 model takes cues from its more well-known clamshell counterpart. The key enhancement is the updated processor, with Lenovo incorporating Lunar Lake into this ThinkPad laptop. The Intel Core Ultra 200V platform is said to offer significantly better battery life compared to the previous ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9, which is available for $1,839 on Amazon.com. In our detailed review, the older version with Meteor Lake managed just over eight hours of battery usage. Additionally, the cooling fan was rather noisy. These are two areas where major improvements are expected with Intel’s Lunar Lake.

    Design and Features

    Aside from the new processors, Lenovo pretty much retains the design from the X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. This device can be transformed into a large 14-inch tablet and features a touchscreen and pen. However, the digitizer pen can no longer be stored within the chassis; it now attaches magnetically to the sleek aluminum body. Unlike most ThinkPad laptops, the X1 2-in-1 isn’t offered in black, with Lenovo choosing to present it only in a silverish-grey color. Regarding displays, customers can select between a 2.8K OLED screen or a WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) IPS panel. All display options are expected to achieve a brightness level of 500 cd/m².

    Aura Edition and Availability

    Since Lenovo is also launching the X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 as an “Aura Edition,” the same Aura Edition software features that were previously announced alongside the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G13 will also be included here. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is set to hit the European market in February 2025, with pricing starting from €2,389 (excluding sales tax).

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  • Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 Launches with Intel Meteor Lake Processors

    Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 Launches with Intel Meteor Lake Processors

    Lenovo has introduced the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, which at first glance appears to be a sizable mini-PC. Nevertheless, the company asserts that this gadget is an early instance of an ‘AI optimized compute device’ crafted to enhance video conferencing environments. In line with this goal, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 operates on Windows 11 IoT, rather than the more common Windows 11 Pro.

    AI Features and Specifications

    Moreover, Lenovo’s promotional materials often highlight the device’s AI features, credited to its specialized NPU. However, this claim holds true primarily due to the incorporation of Intel Meteor Lake processors, specifically the Core Ultra 5 135H and Core Ultra 7 165H equipped with Intel vPro. As a point of reference, the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is also fitted with DDR5-5600 RAM and PCIe TLC storage, all housed in a fanless design measuring 185 x 220 x 38 mm and weighing 860 g.

    Connectivity and Software

    In addition, Lenovo has incorporated seven USB ports, three HDMI ports, and a cable management system. Furthermore, every ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 unit will come with ThinkSmart Manager software and Lenovo ThinkShield pre-installed. The ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 is slated to be released later this year, priced at $2,900 in the US, and it will include an IP controller or ThinkSmart controller to accommodate various room configurations.

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  • ASRock Z890 Taichi: Arrow Lake K-Series RAM Hits 9066 MHz

    ASRock Z890 Taichi: Arrow Lake K-Series RAM Hits 9066 MHz

    Uniko’s Hardware has uncovered some intriguing information regarding the RAM compatibility on ASRock’s Z890 Taichi motherboard, particularly when used with Intel’s forthcoming Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) processors. There seems to be a clear distinction in the memory speeds that various models of the Arrow Lake CPUs can support.

    RAM Speed Differences

    As per the findings, the Z890 Taichi motherboard presents something rather peculiar: the K-series Arrow Lake processors can achieve RAM speeds of up to 9066 MHz, while the non-K versions are limited to a maximum of 7200 MHz.

    Performance Impact

    Generally, faster RAM speeds don’t deliver huge performance enhancements. They typically provide only a minor improvement in aspects like minimum frames per second (FPS) or one percent lows when gaming, and they won’t significantly impact typical desktop activities or video editing tasks.

    Integrated GPU Considerations

    One area where enhanced RAM could prove beneficial is in boosting the performance of the integrated GPU (iGPU). Therefore, if you intend to utilize the iGPU on Arrow Lake, investing in a high-speed RAM kit might offer you an advantage. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how well the integrated graphics will perform for gaming until we receive comprehensive reviews of the Arrow Lake processors.

    While the difference in RAM speeds may not appeal to everyone, it’s unlikely to deter most users. Using a non-K Arrow Lake CPU with a Z890 motherboard is relatively rare, as Z-series motherboards are generally selected for their overclocking potential and are mostly used with K-series processors.

    TomsHardware (in English) via @unikoshardware (in English)

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