Category: Hardware

HardwareInnovationTechnology

Boox Palma 2 Pro Packs Color E Ink and 5G Into Pocket-Sized Reader

Onyx Boox has introduced the Palma 2 Pro, a pocket-sized e-reader featuring a color E Ink display and 5G connectivity. The device runs Android 15 but lacks phone calling capabilities, positioning it as a distraction-free reading companion. At $399.99, it represents an intriguing alternative to traditional e-readers and smartphones.

A New Direction for E-Readers

While Amazon’s Kindle has dominated the e-reader landscape for nearly two decades with remarkably consistent form factors, Onyx Boox appears to be charting a different course. The company has unveiled its second-generation Palma device, reportedly shrinking the e-reading experience into something that closely resembles a smartphone—complete with color display and mobile data connectivity.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
HardwareSoftwareTechnology

PCI Express 7.0 Specification Finalized, Doubling Bandwidth Again

The PCI Express 7.0 specification has reached finalization, marking another doubling of bandwidth to 128 GT/s raw data rate. Industry reports indicate this latest standard maintains backward compatibility while paving the way for next-generation AI, HPC, and networking applications. Meanwhile, new optical interconnect specifications are emerging to address future physical layer challenges.

Bandwidth Breakthrough for Next-Generation Systems

Industry standards body PCI-SIG has reportedly finalized the PCI Express 7.0 specification, pushing data transfer rates to a staggering 128 GT/s per lane. According to technical reports, this represents yet another doubling of bandwidth over the previous PCIe 6.0 standard, continuing the relentless pace of interface evolution that has defined computing for decades.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
AIHardwareTechnology

Infineon Launches DEEPCRAFT AI Suite to Accelerate Edge AI Development

Infineon Technologies has unveiled its DEEPCRAFT AI Suite, a comprehensive software ecosystem designed to streamline AI integration for edge computing applications. The platform reportedly reduces development friction from model creation to commercial deployment. Industry sources indicate this could significantly accelerate time-to-market for IoT devices requiring local AI processing.

German semiconductor giant Infineon Technologies is making a substantial push into the edge AI space with its newly announced DEEPCRAFT AI Suite, according to recent company disclosures. The comprehensive software platform aims to address one of the biggest challenges in embedded systems: simplifying the complex process of integrating artificial intelligence into resource-constrained edge devices.

Industry analysts have noted that while hardware capabilities for edge AI have advanced rapidly, the software ecosystem has often lagged behind. Infineon’s approach appears designed to bridge this gap specifically for their PSoC Edge microcontroller family. “With the introduction of our DEEPCRAFT AI Suite, we are further expanding Infineon’s Edge AI software ecosystem for unlocking the full potential of Edge AI,” Steve Tateosian, SVP and General Manager of IoT, Consumer, and Industrial MCUs at Infineon, stated in the announcement.

by Michael Turner
HardwareManufacturingTechnology

Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro Shows Modest Thermal and Battery Gains in iFixit Analysis

The latest teardown analysis from iFixit indicates Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro includes a modestly larger battery and improved thermal management compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining a similar single-fan cooling design, the device reportedly operates at lower temperatures under heavy workloads. These incremental improvements suggest Apple continues its pattern of gradual refinement rather than radical redesign.

Inside Apple’s Latest Professional Notebook

Repair specialists at iFixit have completed their highly anticipated teardown of Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro, revealing several subtle but noteworthy changes in the latest iteration of the professional workstation. According to their analysis, the device features a slightly larger battery capacity than previous models, marking a continuation of Apple’s gradual improvement strategy for its flagship laptop line.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
HardwareManufacturingTechnology

APLEX Showcases Rugged Panel PCs and Edge AI Solutions at embedded world North America

Industrial computing specialist APLEX is bringing a diverse portfolio of ruggedized solutions to embedded world North America, according to show preview materials. The company’s exhibit reportedly focuses on panel PCs with modular architectures, edge computing platforms for AI workloads, and specialized interfaces for demanding environments. Industry observers suggest these developments reflect growing demand for computing systems that can operate reliably in harsh conditions while processing data locally.

Industrial Computing Gets Rugged

As manufacturing and outdoor applications increasingly demand more sophisticated computing capabilities, industrial technology providers are responding with specialized hardware designed to withstand punishing conditions. APLEX, according to recent announcements, appears to be positioning itself at this intersection of durability and computational power with multiple product lines targeting different segments of the industrial market.

by Michael Turner
HardwareInnovationTechnology

Microsoft’s Next Xbox Takes Cues From ROG Ally, Faces Windows Gaming Challenge

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has indicated the company’s next Xbox console will build on software developments from the ROG Xbox Ally partnership. However, sources report Windows faces significant optimization challenges compared to Valve’s SteamOS, with Linux-based alternatives showing up to 32% better gaming performance on current handheld hardware.

Microsoft’s Hardware Vision Takes Shape

Microsoft appears to be laying the groundwork for its next gaming console through its recent hardware partnerships, with Xbox leadership now offering clearer signals about their direction. According to translations from Japanese publication Famitsu, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed the company will build its next-generation Xbox console internally rather than relying on third-party manufacturers.

by Michael Turner
HardwareStartupsTechnology

Neato Robot Vacuums Lose Smart Features as Cloud Services Shut Down

Neato Robotics’ robot vacuum cleaners are losing their smart functionality as cloud services are being discontinued. The shutdown means users can no longer control their devices through the MyNeato app or customize cleaning routines, reducing the once-smart vacuums to manual operation only.

Neato Robotics’ robot vacuum cleaners are about to get a lot less intelligent. According to reports from The Verge, users are receiving notifications that cloud services for the devices will be discontinued, effectively stripping the smart vacuums of their app-based controls and scheduling capabilities.

The End of Smart Cleaning

by Jessica Moore P.E.
AIHardwareTechnology

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 Brings Premium Features to Budget Android Phones

Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset reportedly brings significant performance improvements to budget Android devices. According to industry reports, the processor offers up to 36% faster CPU performance and enables 144 FPS gaming. The advancement could reshape the competitive landscape for smartphones under $300.

Major Leap for Entry-Level Smartphones

Budget Android phones are about to get a whole lot more capable, according to recent industry reports. Qualcomm has reportedly unveiled its Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, bringing what sources describe as the most substantial performance upgrade to affordable smartphones in recent memory. For consumers who’ve traditionally had to choose between price and performance, this development could fundamentally change the value proposition in the sub-$300 segment.

by Michael Turner
HardwareInnovationTechnology

Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Console Development

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed the company will develop its next Xbox console as a first-party product. The announcement comes amid reports of significant internal pressure to improve profit margins within the Xbox division. Industry observers now expect the next console generation to launch between 2027 and 2028.

Xbox Reaffirms Hardware Commitment Amid Internal Pressures

Microsoft is pushing forward with development of its next-generation Xbox console despite what sources describe as significant internal turbulence within the gaming division. According to recent reports, the company has directed its Xbox leadership to achieve a demanding 30% profit margin target, creating pressure that reportedly contributed to widespread layoffs and canceled projects earlier this year.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
HardwareInnovationTechnology

Samsung’s Galaxy XR Headset Emerges as Vision Pro’s First Real Competitor

Samsung has entered the high-end mixed reality arena with its Galaxy XR headset, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro. Early reports suggest the Android XR-powered device addresses several user complaints about Apple’s headset while coming in at nearly half the price. The device appears to fix comfort issues and includes major streaming apps that remain absent from Vision Pro.

Samsung appears to be mounting the first serious challenge to Apple’s spatial computing dominance with its newly revealed Galaxy XR headset. According to hands-on reports from industry analysts, the Android XR-powered device directly addresses several key criticisms of the Vision Pro while positioning itself as a more accessible alternative in the premium mixed reality category.

The Comfort Equation

by Michael Turner