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Microsoft has updated Windows Hello facial recognition to require a compatible color camera, in addition to infrared sensors, for user sign-in. Although this change was announced in April's Patch Tuesday release (KB5055523), many users only noticed the impact when their devices stopped authenticating in dark environments. Previously, Hello relied solely on IR sensors to capture a three-dimensional facial scan, enabling secure logins even in minimal lighting conditions. Microsoft says the new requirement addresses a spoofing vulnerability discovered earlier this year by ensuring that a visible image from the color camera accompanies the IR scan. Early reports have been mixed: some outlets confirm Hello [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] in darkness, while others find that the [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] can suffice to illuminate the user's face.

A practical workaround involves disabling the color webcam in Device Manager, which forces Hello to revert to IR‑only authentication and restores dark‑room functionality. Disabling the webcam for video calls is not practical for everyone, particularly for those who need to attend mandatory daily meetings, especially in corporate settings. Fortunately, Windows Hello provides alternative sign-in options. Users can choose to sign in with a PIN, password, or fingerprint, all of which allow for quick and secure access without depending on facial recognition in low-light conditions.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

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QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, today launched its first 8-port full 10GbE Multi-Gig/Fiber Lite-managed switch, the QSW-L3208-2C6T. Featuring six 10GbE Multi-Gig RJ45 ports and two 10GbE SFP+/RJ45 combo ports, the switch also includes useful features such as LACP, QoS, and VLAN. The QSW-L3208-2C6T enables creators, small offices, and SMBs to build high-performance and reliable networks with flexible management on a budget.

"We've noticed that many creators and SMBs demand stable, high-speed networks without the complexity of full Layer 2 management," said Ronald Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the QSW-L3208-2C6T is our first Lite-managed switch, offering just the right amount of management control for users to improve efficiency and troubleshoot quickly with minimal setup."[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 Dhahab CORE OC Edition graphics card, built to take style and performance to new frontiers. With the latest NVIDIA GPU architecture, cutting-edge thermal design and a premium aesthetic, the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 Dhahab CORE OC is built for gamers who want a PC that plays well and looks incredible doing it.

The gold standard of GeForce RTX 5080 performance
The ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 Dhahab CORE OC Edition graphics card stands ready to let users reap the benefits of the new Blackwell architecture at the heart of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series. This delivers fourth-generation ray tracing cores for incredible performance. Users also get NVIDIA DLSS 4 Super Resolution, Multi-Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction, which help games run smoothly with graphics cranked up.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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RuggON, a global provider of rugged computing solutions, announces the launch of the SOL 7, a groundbreaking 12-inch fully rugged tablet and the first powered by Intel Arrow Lake processors. Designed for high-performance computing in demanding environments, the SOL 7 delivers next-generation AI capabilities, robust durability and seamless connectivity for critical sectors including public safety, automotive applications, warehousing, logistics, and agricultural.

Unmatched AI Performance with Intel Arrow Lake
Powered by the latest the latest Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processor with integrated Intel AI Boost, the SOL 7 enables powerful on-device AI for real-time analytics, image recognition, and rapid decision-making. Equipped with a suite of data capture tools including optional 2D barcode scanner with OCR, NFC reader with FIDO2 security, smart card reader, fingerprint reader and UHF RFID reader, the SOL 7 empowers field professionals to operate smarter, faster, and more securely.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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Microsoft has confirmed it's developing a next-gen Xbox console with AMD as Xbox president Sarah Bond shared this news in a 60-second YouTube video promising to offer "an Xbox experience not tied to one store or limited to a single device." Bond announced Microsoft is teaming up with AMD for a "strategic multi-year partnership." This collaboration will involve co-engineering silicon "across a range of devices, including our next-generation Xbox consoles for your living room and your hands." The two companies will also join forces to build the next generation of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft is making it crystal clear that its next-gen Xbox platform will focus on multiple devices and won't be tied to its own store for games.

"This is all about creating a gaming platform that stays with you so you can enjoy the games you like on different devices wherever you want—giving you an Xbox experience not restricted to one store or linked to a single device," Bond explains. "That's why we're working with the Windows team to make sure Windows becomes the top platform for gaming". This comes right after Microsoft announcement of its partnership with ASUS to roll out two [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] in the coming months. These devices will feature a new full-screen Xbox interface running on Windows allowing Xbox Ally devices to access other platforms like Steam.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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In a market reshaped by the compute demands of AI, Arteris, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIP), a leading provider of system IP for accelerating semiconductor creation, today announced an expansion of its multi-die solution, delivering a foundational technology for rapid chiplet-based innovation. "In the chiplet era, the need for computational power increasingly exceeds what is available by traditional monolithic die designs," said K. Charles Janac, president and CEO of Arteris. "Arteris is leading the transition into the chiplet era with standards-based, automated and silicon-proven solutions that enable seamless integration across IP cores, chiplets, and SoCs."

Moore's Law, predicting the doubling of transistor count on a chip every two years, is slowing down. As the semiconductor industry accelerates efforts to increase performance and efficiency, especially driven by AI workloads, architectural innovation through multi-die systems has become critical. Arteris' expanded multi-die solution addresses this shift with a suite of enhanced technologies that are purpose-built for scalable and faster time-to-silicon, high-performance computing, and automotive-grade mission-critical designs.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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NVIDIA has released the latest version of its GeForce Game Ready drivers, version 576.80 WHQL. The new drivers fix a couple of gaming and general bugs, and are Game Ready drivers which means these bring day-0 support for Remedy Entertainment's co-op multiplayer game, FBC: Firebreak, which includes full ray tracing, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, DLSS Frame Generation, DLSS Super Resolution, DLSS Ray Reconstruction, and NVIDIA Reflex. It also adds support for REMATCH, coming with DLSS 4 With Multi Frame Generation support, and support for DOOM: The Dark Ages' new update, which adds path tracing and DLSS Ray Reconstruction. The new drivers also add support for [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...], and 4 new Optimal Playable Settings profiles.

NVIDIA also fixed several gaming and general bugs, including stability issues in games like Dune: Awakening, EA Sports FC 25, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Marvel Rivals, Gray Zone Warfare, Forza Horizon 5, and others, a well as some general bugs including GeForce RTX 5090 FE acoustic improvements for idle and low loads, and fix for an issue where certain DisplayPort 1.4 monitors may display random black screen flicker when connected to DisplayPort 2.1 graphics card.

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GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, announces the availability of the MO27Q2A QD-OLED gaming monitor, the brand's first QHD 280 Hz OLED display. Featuring a blazing-fast 280 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms GtG response time, and VESA ClearMR 15000 certification, the MO27Q2A delivers ultra-smooth motion and competitive speed for next-gen gaming.

Built with a 27" 2560×1440 OLED panel, the MO27Q2A supports DisplayHDR True Black 400, offers 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, Delta E

TerraMaster, a leading innovator in storage solutions, proudly announces the launch of D4 SSD, a 4-bay all-flash direct-attached storage (DAS) enclosure designed for media creators, filmmakers, and professionals seeking unparalleled speed and flexibility. With USB4 support delivering up to 40 Gbps bandwidth, the D4 SSD offers exceptional performance and seamless integration with NAS systems, including the forthcoming TerraMaster F4 SSD All-Flash NAS, easily expand the storage space of NAS to meet users' diverse storage needs.

The D4 SSD utilize the USB4 protocol with support for up to 40 Gbps data transfer bandwidth. When equipped with four M.2 SSDs (such as Samsung 990PRO 4 TB) and configured as RAID 0 via macOS Disk Utility, it achieves read/write speeds of up to 3224 MB/s. In single-disk operation, read speeds can reach 1608 MB/s. Fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0 protocols, the D4 SSD offers exceptional cross-platform compatibility.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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Marvell Technology, Inc., a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions expanded its custom technology platform with the launch of the industry's first 2 nm custom Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), designed to boost the performance of custom XPUs and devices powering cloud data centers and AI clusters. Combining advanced custom circuitry and software from Marvell with core SRAM and cutting-edge 2 nm process technology, Marvell custom SRAM delivers up to 6 gigabits of high-speed memory while significantly reducing memory power consumption and die area at comparable densities.

Custom SRAM is the latest Marvell innovation designed to enhance memory hierarchy performance within accelerated infrastructure. Marvell previously introduced its CXL technology for integration into custom silicon to add terabytes of memory and supplemental compute capacity to cloud servers and unveiled custom HBM technology that increases memory capacity by up to 33% while reducing the space and power required for dense high-bandwidth memory (HBM) stacks inside XPUs.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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Corsair today launched the Multi Frame Pegboard for Platform:4, a smart vertical expansion that clears clutter off your desk and keeps gear within easy reach. Designed to attach seamlessly to the Platform:4 desk, this versatile add-on creates new space for storing, organizing, and displaying everything from streaming hardware to tools and collectibles.

Featuring two pegboards, three adjustable shelves, and 13 included hooks, the Multi Frame Pegboard is all about flexibility. Its sturdy aluminium 3060 T-channel rails follow a universal standard, supporting a wide range of aftermarket accessories. Included t-nuts and adapters make it easy to mount Elgato gear like the Key Light and Flex Arm, or even your own 3D-printed hardware. Horizontal and vertical rails allow hardware to be mounted exactly where it's needed, and shelves can be repositioned to match each user's setup.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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AMD today formally launched a slew of new hardware for workstations. These include the new Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 "Shimada Peak" line of high core-count processors, and the Radeon AI PRO 9000 line of graphics cards that cover a range of use-cases spanning from edge AI acceleration to professional visualization. The Threadripper 9000 series is based on the "Zen 5" microarchitecture, and "Shimada Peak" is a variant of the "Turin" MCM powering 5th Gen EPYC processors, which comes with workstation-relevant I/O. Meanwhile, the Radeon AI Pro 9000 series is based on the same RDNA 4 graphics architecture powering the Radeon RX 9000 series gaming graphics cards.

The Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series comes with CPU core counts of up to 96-core/192-thread, with an IPC uplift from the "Zen 5" microarchitecture over the previous Threadripper 7000 series "Storm Peak" processors powered by "Zen 4." More than IPC, workstation users should benefit greatly from the architecture's full 512-bit FPU data-path, offering significant increases in performance of applications that leverage the AVX-512 instruction set. AMD also fine-tuned the IOD (I/O die) to support increased memory speeds of DDR5-6400 (native), AMD EXPO profiles, and CKD. With these changes, and minor increases in clock speeds for certain SKUs, AMD is promising a 16% uplift in performance over the Threadripper 7000 series predecessors in workstation benchmarks, and a significant 25% increase in SPEC Workstation AI and ML benchmarks (comparing identical core-counts and frequency).[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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The developer of the Lossless Scaling utility has released version 3.1, introducing both visual enhancements and significant performance improvements, up to 2x in "Performance Mode" depending on hardware and settings. Although there may be a slight dip in image fidelity, users with older graphics cards or integrated solutions will appreciate the ability to boost frame rates without lowering resolution. In addition to this new mode, the v3.1 update improves timestamp filtering for sharper details during rapid motion and refines border handling to eliminate jagged edges. Ghosting and object flicker have been reduced, and smarter interface detection keeps menus and heads‑up displays stable under scaling. Frame generation is powered by LSFG, while scaling options include LS1, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, NVIDIA Image Scaling, Integer Scaling, Nearest Neighbor, xBR, Anime4K, Sharp Bilinear and Bicubic CAS.

Version 3.1 also expands localization support to include Finnish, Georgian, Greek, Norwegian, Slovak, and even the constructed language Toki Pona, reflecting the tool's growing international audience. Developed and maintained by a single creator, Lossless Scaling competes directly with proprietary upscalers, such as NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR, without requiring dedicated machine-learning hardware and is offered at a one-time price of $6.99. Its built‑in algorithms are tailored to different content types: LS1 or AMD FSR is recommended for modern games, Integer Scaling or xBR works best for pixel‑art titles, and Anime4K excels with cartoons or anime. For optimal results, users should cap their game at a stable frame rate to provide the utility with sufficient resources to operate and run their titles in windowed mode on Windows 10 version 1903 or later.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

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A new version of Plasma is here, and it feels even more like /home, as it becomes smoother, friendlier and more helpful. Plasma 6.4 improves on nearly every front, with progress being made in accessibility, color rendering, tablet support, window management, and more. As this is going to be a long read, let's get right into it…

Window Management
Plasma already offers Virtual Desktops to help organize your windows and activities; and customizable Tiles you can stick windows to so they don't overlap, allowing you to see everything important at a glance.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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More confirmations regarding the final release of the Intel Arc "Battlemage" B770 GPU have landed, this time with the update of the popular AIDA64 tool. Just days after support for BMG-G31 GPUs, supposedly the SKUs behind the higher-end B770 and B750 models, has landed in the [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...], diagnostic tools are next. In the latest AIDA64 beta version 7.99.7817, FinalWire has added an interesting "GPU information for Intel Battlemage (BMG-G31)" section as a feature update. This means that the tool can now officially recognize Intel's upcoming GPUs and allow users to perform diagnostics. Additionally, the tool also supports the now finalized PCI Express 7.0 controllers and devices, as PCI-SIG has ratified the [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] of the PCIe Gen 7 standard.

With this confirmation, higher-end Intel Arc B770 and B750 GPUs are getting more credibility for an actual release. We expect to hear more about it in the coming weeks as the rumored Q4 launch nears. Earlier rumors suggest that Intel will pair 32 Xe2 cores for the B770 model with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. Will Intel satisfy the needs of Arc graphics gamers who have been waiting for a higher-end card remains to be seen. Drop your expectations in the comments, and let us know.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

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GAMDIAS, a global leader in high-performance gaming hardware, proudly announces the launch of the ATHENA P3, a cutting-edge mid-tower chassis engineered for gamers and PC enthusiasts who demand uncompromising airflow and expansive hardware support. Continuing the legacy of the ATHENA series, the ATHENA P3 features a mesh-dominant front panel with dual solid bar accents, delivering both strong airflow performance and a bold, streamlined design. "Our design philosophy with the ATHENA P3 was to merge premium airflow with visual appeal and builder-friendly features," said Stimson Wang, CEO of GAMDIAS Technology. "This case reflects our pursuit of high-performance computing with seamless aesthetics and thoughtful design elements that elevate any gaming setup."

AIRFLOW-OPTIMIZED DESIGN WITH GAP BRIDGING BRACKET AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE FANS
Built for superior thermal performance, the ATHENA P3 is equipped with three 140 mm PWM ARGB intake fans at the front and a single 140 mm PWM ARGB exhaust fan at the rear, delivering optimized airflow straight out of the box. At the heart of its design is a gap-bridging front bracket, uniquely developed to seal airflow leaks between the mesh panel and the fan mounts—ensuring consistent, focused cooling efficiency. The case also includes a pre-installed 8-port PWM ARGB hub for streamlined control of fans and lighting through motherboard synchronization or the dedicated LED button. A seamless tempered glass side panel offers a clean, unobstructed view of your build, showcasing its cooling power and craftsmanship.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment (Lin'an) Studio today unveiled Blood Message, a cinematic, single-player, linear story-driven action-adventure currently in development for PC and consoles. Powered by Unreal 5 Engine and enhanced with proprietary tools and technologies by the studio, Blood Message is NetEase Games' first AAA single-player title, blending brutal survival combat with profound Eastern storytelling.

Blood Message introduces a forgotten odyssey of loyalty and survival where players join Dunhuang's uprising, taking control of a nameless messenger and his young son in this immersive third-person action-adventure. Caught in the crossfire of a righteous uprising and driven by loyalty to both family and country, players will embark on a perilous eastward journey to deliver a message that holds the fate of their war-torn homeland. Amidst the shifting sands of history, they will etch a final tale of loyalty.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced ROG NUC (2025), the world's first sub-three-liter gaming mini PC powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 processors (Series 2), supporting up to 96 GB of RAM and equipped with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. Designed to cater to gamers and creators, this compact powerhouse pushes the boundaries of power and portability, delivering up to 4X faster rendering performance compared to previous models and redefining the capabilities of a mini PC.

Unmatched performance
At the heart of the new ROG NUC (2025) is an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor (Series 2), reaching boost speeds of up to 5.4 GHz and supporting up to 96 GB of high-speed DDR5-6400 MT memory. Engineered with 24-core hybrid architecture, an integrated NPU, and a powerful GPU, this cutting-edge processor ensures seamless real-time rendering and effortlessly handles the demanding gaming and creative workloads.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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NVIDIA's upcoming GB300 NVL72 "Blackwell Ultra" rack-scale systems are reportedly going to get a humanoid robot assembly, according to sources close to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]. As readers are aware, most of the traditional manufacturing processes in silicon manufacturing, PCB manufacturing, and server manufacturing are automated, requiring little to no human intervention. However, rack-scale systems required humans for final assembly up until now. It appears that Foxconn and NVIDIA have made plans to open up the first AI-powered humanoid robot assembly plant in Houston, Texas. The central plan is that, in the coming months as the plant is completed, humanoid robots will take over the final assembly process entirely removing humans from the manufacturing loop.

And this is not a bad thing. Since server assembly typically requires lifting heavy server racks throughout the day, the humanoid robot system will aid humans by doing the hard work, thereby saving workers from excessive labor. Initially, humans will oversee these robots in their operations, with fully autonomous factories expected later on. The human element here will primarily involve inspecting the work. NVIDIA has been laying the groundwork for humanoid robots for some time, as the company has developed NVIDIA Isaac, a comprehensive CUDA-accelerated platform designed for humanoid robots. As models from Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Fourier, Foxlink, Galbot, Mentee Robotics, NEURA Robotics, General Robotics, Skild AI, and XPENG require models that are aware of their surroundings, NVIDIA created Isaac GR00T N1, the world's first open humanoid robot foundation model, available for anyone to use and finetune.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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OXS, a pioneer in gaming audio technology, today proudly unveils the launch of the A2 ANC Gaming Headset, a cutting-edge addition to the world of gaming accessories. Featuring a 40 mm neodymium driver and Xspace spatial audio technology, the A2 ANC seamlessly bridges the worlds of gaming, work, and everyday listening with immersive sound and unparalleled versatility. The OXS A2 ANC Wireless Gaming Headset is available from the OXS Website and Amazon US / Amazon UK in black and white colorways at MSRP $129.99 / £129.99

Precision-engineered for clarity, ultra-low latency, and adaptive noise cancellation, the Storm A2 enhances every aspect of audio engagement. Whether deep in battle or settling into a music session, less than 20 ms latency ensures fluid, responsive gameplay while advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) eliminates distractions. When focus shifts, intuitive ANC ON and Passthrough modes adjust to changing environments—perfect for work, travel, or on-the-go listening.[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
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