Category: Computers

  • Apple’s Q3 PC Market Losses; Asus and Lenovo Gain Share

    Apple’s Q3 PC Market Losses; Asus and Lenovo Gain Share

    In the third quarter of 2024, from July to September, globally, 68.9 million PCs were sold. This total encompasses desktop systems, laptops, and workstations, but excludes tablets. According to information from the International Data Corporation (IDC), sales dropped by 2.4% compared to the same time in 2023, with Apple being the only significant loser in this market.

    Apple’s Decline

    The maker of the iPhone managed to sell just 5.3 million Macs in the last quarter, representing a 24.2% decline compared to the previous year. This drop occurred even though the sales strategy remained similar; the MacBook Pro featuring Apple M3 was introduced in October 2023, and a new version with Apple M4 is expected to be released in October 2024. The IDC’s report attributes this sales decline to a shift in consumer demand towards more affordable computers due to the current economic climate. Furthermore, the buzz surrounding AI hasn’t yet impacted sales, and IDC analysts predict that AI-driven computers won’t dominate the market until 2026.

    Market Competitors

    On a brighter note, the arrival of new Copilot+ PCs equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Lunar Lake, and AMD Ryzen, along with the anticipated MacBooks featuring Apple M4, are likely to invigorate the premium market in the next few months. Lenovo retained its position as the largest PC vendor globally, selling 16.5 million units, which grants it a 24.0% share of the market. HP follows in second place, with 13.6 million PCs sold, accounting for a 19.7% market share, while Dell comes in third with 9.8 million sales, or 14.3% of the market. Despite facing some controversies, Asus managed to increase its sales by 10% compared to last year, moving Apple into the fifth spot with 5.5 million units sold and a 7.9% market share.

    Future Outlook

    The outlook for the PC market seems mixed, with the traditional demand for laptops and desktops being influenced by economic factors. While high-end models are on the horizon, the overall shift towards budget-friendly options may continue for the foreseeable future. The upcoming releases and innovations could potentially change the landscape, but for now, companies like Apple will need to rethink their strategies to regain lost ground in the competitive market.

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  • Raspberry Pi 500: New Successor to Raspberry Pi 400 with BCM 2712

    Raspberry Pi 500: New Successor to Raspberry Pi 400 with BCM 2712

    The Raspberry Pi 400 has been available for some time now. To give you some background, the Raspberry Pi Foundation launched this device, which it called ‘a computer in a keyboard,’ in late 2020. Since that release, the Foundation has introduced several other products, including the Raspberry Pi 5, which is currently priced at $58.39 on Amazon.

    New Developments in the Raspberry Pi Lineup

    It’s been so long since the Raspberry Pi 400 came out that a DIY enthusiast made their own version during the summer. However, there are indications that the Foundation is working on a direct follow-up named the Raspberry Pi 500 (RPi 500). Reports suggest that the RPi 500 has only been seen in the GitHub repository for the arm64 version of Raspberry Pi OS.

    Specifications and Features

    Interestingly, it looks like the RPi 500 will use the same Broadcom BCM 2712 chip found in the Raspberry Pi 5. Sadly, many details are still unclear, such as if the RPi 500 will have an exposed PCIe connection. It’s likely that the RPi 500 will keep the same I/O and 4 GB RAM configuration as its predecessor, but we will have to wait for more information to confirm this.

    Sources: GitHub via Hackaday & Tom’s Hardware

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  • Verizon and AT&T Hit by Major Chinese Cyberattack

    Verizon and AT&T Hit by Major Chinese Cyberattack

    A Chinese state-backed hacking group, referred to as Salt Typhoon, has allegedly infiltrated the systems of prominent U.S. broadband companies, such as Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. This cyber intrusion is reported to have lasted for several months, and it’s a significant issue. Authorities are currently viewing it as a major national security concern. The hackers might have accessed systems used for legal wiretapping requests, raising alarm about the potential compromise of U.S. intelligence and communication data.

    Ongoing Investigations

    Although the breach was only recently uncovered, the full scope of it remains under investigation by U.S. government agencies and private cybersecurity companies. Investigators think that the hackers focused on network infrastructure to capture internet traffic, which could impact millions of Americans. There are also signs that providers outside the U.S. might have faced similar threats.

    Verizon’s Response

    In reaction to the breach, Verizon has established a “war room” at its facility in Ashburn, Virginia, collaborating with the FBI, Microsoft, and Google’s Mandiant—a cybersecurity firm that specializes in threat detection, incident response, and security consulting—to evaluate the situation. While U.S. officials have not yet verified whether the attackers accessed lists of surveillance targets or their communications, the severity of the incident warranted a briefing for President Joe Biden, according to reports.

    Broader Implications

    The Salt Typhoon operation, which has been active since 2020, is part of a wider Chinese espionage campaign, with signs indicating possible involvement from China’s Ministry of State Security. The FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies continue to probe the extent of the breach and what sensitive data may have been taken. Microsoft, along with other cybersecurity companies, is helping to assess the level of data compromise.

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  • Core Ultra 9 285K vs i9-14900K: Power Use and Gaming Speed

    Core Ultra 9 285K vs i9-14900K: Power Use and Gaming Speed

    Intel’s Arrow Lake-S performance details have been leaked by a Chinese news source just days before its official release, and the results aren’t particularly impressive. The top-tier Core Ultra 9 285K appears to be slower than Intel’s fastest current generation Raptor Lake-R. Additionally, AMD’s Ryzen 7000X3D series outperforms it in demanding gaming situations. The lone positive note here is that Arrow Lake boasts better power efficiency.

    Performance Comparisons

    The Core Ultra 9 285K only trails the i9-14900K by a few frames per second. According to the leak, the Arrow Lake-S chip averages 261 fps, while the i9-14900K averages 264 fps. Interestingly, the information suggests that Intel is showing total system power usage rather than just CPU power. The Core Ultra 9 285K system is 80 W more efficient, while matching the performance levels of the Raptor Lake-R system.

    Focus on Efficiency

    It seems that raw performance is not the main goal for the new Arrow Lake series. Instead, Intel’s enhanced manufacturing method allows for lower thermal design power (TDP) with similar performance levels, or in some cases, up to 15% better performance. Another slide indicates that the Core Ultra 9 285K matches the i9-14900K while consuming 34-58 W less power, and certain games may experience a performance boost of 4-6% with a TDP reduction of up to 165 W. However, the specifics of the TDPs for the 15% performance improvement in F1 23 are unclear.

    Competitive Edge

    The leak also features two slides that pit the Core Ultra 9 285K against AMD’s older and newer Ryzen 9000 series processors. In productivity tests, the Arrow Lake-S flagship model outperforms the Ryzen 9 7950X3D by as much as 30%. Intel has consistently held an advantage in productivity and content creation for several generations. On the gaming front, though, the Arrow Lake-S is sometimes 15% faster, but it can be up to 21% slower in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, making it generally slower. Furthermore, Intel isn’t comparing it to the 7800X3D, which continues to be the top performer in gaming.

    When compared to the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Core Ultra 9 285K is mostly even, achieving three wins and five losses, giving it a slight overall performance edge of 0.26%. This slide is not particularly useful since it fails to specify the TDPs for any of the CPUs. Additionally, there is a note indicating that the results utilize Application Optimized (APO) code, which typically skews results in favor of Intel.

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  • 24-Core Core Ultra 9 285K CPU Leaks for Gaming PC

    24-Core Core Ultra 9 285K CPU Leaks for Gaming PC

    Intel is about to launch its new Arrow Lake-S series of desktop CPUs very soon. The top model in this series, the 24-core, 24-thread Core Ultra 9 285K, is expected to offer significant improvements in single-thread performance, according to some recently leaked PassMark scores.

    Product Details Leaked

    A leaked product page for HP’s Omen 35L pre-built gaming tower has disclosed that it will come equipped with the Core Ultra 9 285K Arrow Lake-S CPU, which boasts a boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz. It can also support up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM. Interestingly, the memory speed is noted as 4000 MT/s, which seems quite low and likely a mistake. On the graphics front, HP is also going all out, featuring options with Nvidia’s powerful RTX 4090.

    Performance Expectations

    Intel’s Arrow Lake-S series will not include hyperthreading support, and early benchmarks seem to showcase this change. However, single-threaded performance is expected to see a notable rise, as shown by recent tests. It remains uncertain if these potential performance boosts will be sufficient for the struggling chip giant to reclaim its position as a key player in gaming performance.

    Competitive Landscape

    With fierce competition from AMD and Apple’s custom chips, Intel is under significant pressure. Their new Lunar Lake mobile platform has been well received, and the Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs have a lot at stake as they aim to attract gamers and creators once more.

    momomo_us via Twitter

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  • M4 MacBook Pro Leaked Again to YouTuber, No Fake Flags This Time

    M4 MacBook Pro Leaked Again to YouTuber, No Fake Flags This Time

    Apple’s product leaks before launches are not new. Yet, seeing retail versions of the M4 MacBook Pro in the hands of two Russian YouTubers nearly a month ahead of schedule is quite shocking. If Apple has a leak issue, this isn’t just a minor concern; it’s a serious supply chain disaster waiting to happen.

    Leaked Details

    Earlier today, we reported on a YouTube video from a well-known Russian creator who unboxed what they claimed to be the M4 MacBook Pro and tested it using Geekbench. The performance numbers are impressive, but honestly, this isn’t surprising since the chip was showcased in the OLED iPad Pro about four months back.

    Suspicious Circumstances

    The unboxing video raised some eyebrows, though. For starters, the packaging featured the same old wallpaper from the M3 era, and the MacBook’s system details were cleverly obscured. There was also an additional Thunderbolt port, which was only available on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models. Just a few hours later, another YouTuber named romancev768 also displayed an ‘M4 MacBook Pro’ and made sure to reveal the ‘About the Mac’ screen on his 14-inch model, clearly showing the M4 SoC alongside 16 GB of memory.

    The Big Question

    This leads us to a puzzling question—how are retail versions of these yet-to-be-released MacBook Pro models finding their way to Russian YouTubers almost a month before the official release? The answer eludes me, and maybe it’s better to leave it unanswered. Nevertheless, Apple appears to be facing a significant supply chain issue that could cause quite a stir among its executives. Is this reminiscent of the iPhone 4 situation? It’s tough to determine.

    Romancev768V via YouTube.

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  • Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    The AMD Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs appear to be on the verge of their launch, as recent leaks and speculations strongly suggest that an announcement for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D will take place in October. New information shared by @CodeCommando_ on X indicates that the upcoming X3D CPUs are set to deliver an impressive increase in performance compared to the Ryzen 7000 series.

    Performance Gains

    If the multi-core Cinebench R23 results are to be believed, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D could be 18.4% quicker than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (currently priced at $618 on Amazon), which averaged 35794 points during our testing. However, it’s worth mentioning that Cinebench R23 is becoming somewhat outdated, with Cinebench 2024 taking its place due to better accuracy and higher CPU loads, making it more fitting for today’s powerful processors. This improvement in performance aligns well with what we’ve come to expect from the Ryzen 9000 series.

    Gaming Relevance

    The eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is typically more important for gamers, shows particularly exciting developments, with both single-core and multi-core performance metrics experiencing a notable uplift in comparison to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

    When we examine the performance results of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from our thorough testing, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D seems to boast about a 35.6% advantage in multi-core tests. The single-core benchmark is just as striking, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieving a 24.3% enhancement over the 7800X3D.

    Reasons Behind the Boost

    These substantial performance gains are likely attributed to the efficiency improvements brought by the Ryzen 9000 series. Additionally, there are whispers of significantly larger V-Cache chips, with one dedicated chip assigned to each CCD, which may help resolve some scheduling problems that affected prior X3D models.

    According to @CodeCommando_ on X, these developments could signal an exciting new chapter for AMD’s CPU lineup.

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  • iMac M1 Hardware Defect: Apple Denies Free Repairs, Display Risks

    iMac M1 Hardware Defect: Apple Denies Free Repairs, Display Risks

    At this time, it remains uncertain just how extensive the hardware issue really is. Posts on forums can create a skewed view and may lead to an overestimation of the problems, since only those who are affected—possibly multiple times and on various platforms—tend to report their experiences, while countless iMacs might be functioning flawlessly.

    The Nature of the Problem

    The issue in question is quite intriguing because it is evidently a hardware flaw. The specific error involves continuous horizontal lines showing up on the display of the iMac M1, which greatly hampers both usability and the visual appeal of the screen. Users can quickly identify the source of the issue as it’s linked to the display, since those affected can still utilize an external monitor without any trouble. This indicates that the issue does not stem from a defect in the integrated GPU (iGPU).

    User Experiences and Apple’s Response

    In extensive conversations across different platforms, users who are affected share their stories. Apple’s response to the problem seems to vary from one case to another, but overall, customers find it to be quite unsatisfactory. As a general practice, Apple is currently denying repairs for devices that are out of warranty, as they haven’t acknowledged a widespread defect. One user on the Apple forum provided a fairly thorough account of the issue, mentioning thermal damage to a cable that hinders signal transmission. The likelihood of thermal damage increases with higher brightness settings on the display. Since the cable can’t be easily replaced, potential repairs could be much more expensive.

    Apple Community forum (1), Apple Community forum (2), Reddit

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  • DigiPort: HDMI Stick and Mini PC Combo Powered by Raspberry Pi

    DigiPort: HDMI Stick and Mini PC Combo Powered by Raspberry Pi

    Compact computer systems resembling HDMI sticks are gaining traction, particularly as low-cost media players for televisions. Among these, stick PCs allow users to run a full desktop operating system, enabling productivity tasks and the installation of personal software. One such device is the DigiPort, which is built upon the Raspberry Pi platform. It features a Raspberry Pi Module 4, housing a BCM2711 SoC that boasts four 1.5 GHz Cortex A72 cores. The device offers varying RAM options of 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB, and comes with eMMC storage options that range from none to 0, 8, 16, or 32 GB.

    Easy Connection and Versatility

    Connecting the DigiPort to a TV is a breeze, thanks to its HDMI interface. However, it requires power through a USB port. The device includes two USB 2.0 ports for adding a keyboard and mouse, while Bluetooth connectivity allows for hassle-free pairing of input devices. Additionally, it has a microSD card slot, providing an easy way to increase storage or set up a different operating system. There is an IR blaster integrated into the device, which enables the direct control of TVs and other compatible devices.

    Operating Systems and Availability

    As expected, the DigiPort supports a range of operating systems like Raspberry Pi OS, Android, and several Linux distributions. Currently, specific details about the dimensions of the stick PC remain unknown. However, during the Kickstarter campaign, it is anticipated that units will be shipped out by December 2024 to backers who pledge at least 62€. As is common with crowdfunding projects, potential supporters should be mindful of the inherent risks involved.

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  • Lunar 2-in-1 Foldable Keyboard & Mini PC with Powerful Specs

    Lunar 2-in-1 Foldable Keyboard & Mini PC with Powerful Specs

    The Lunar is a unique mini PC that takes the shape of a keyboard and is currently being supported through a Kickstarter project. This innovative device can be easily set up by unfolding it and connecting it to a monitor with a cable. It comes with a built-in touchpad, eliminating the need for a separate mouse.

    Compact Design and Connectivity

    When folded, the Lunar measures 153 x 110 x 30 millimeters and weighs under 800 grams. It provides video output through USB 4, USB 3.2 Type C, and USB 3.0 Type A ports. The device also has WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. As per the manufacturer, users can utilize Lunar as a hotspot and retrieve data stored on it. Additionally, it can function only as a Bluetooth keyboard if desired.

    Impressive Specs

    Equipped with a 59.2 Wh battery, the Lunar promises a battery life ranging from 8 to 10 hours. The computing power comes from the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U chip, which is also found in gaming handhelds. Depending on the configuration chosen, users can get RAM of up to 32 GB and an SSD with a capacity of up to 1 TB.

    Pricing and Considerations

    Supporters on Kickstarter can get the Lunar starting at $579, with shipping planned for January 2025. It’s important for potential buyers to be cautious about the risks involved in such campaigns, which we believe are quite significant in this instance. For those who are interested in a foldable keyboard without the mini PC features, the iClever foldable keyboard available on Amazon may be a suitable alternative.

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