Today's Hardware Pulse
Nvidia driver hints at progress on next‑gen DLSS 5
Nvidia’s latest GeForce Game Ready driver (610.47) adds three new DLSS profile options, indicating continued work on DLSS 5 neural‑rendering technology. The earlier DLSS 5 reveal sparked debate over AI‑driven image alteration, and this driver update provides the first concrete sign of advancement.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Cyient Semiconductors raises $30M Series funding
(PR) AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs Surpass 1M Tokens/Sec in MLPerf 6.0
AMD announced that its Instinct MI355X GPUs have broken the 1 million‑tokens‑per‑second barrier in the MLPerf Inference 6.0 benchmark, delivering up to 3.1× higher throughput than the prior MI325X. The GPUs, built on the 3 nm CDNA 4 architecture with FP4/FP6 support and up to 288 GB HBM3E, achieved competitive single‑node performance against NVIDIA’s B200 and B300 while maintaining over 90% efficiency in multinode clusters of up to 12 nodes. A broad partner ecosystem reproduced the results within 4%, confirming the stack’s reproducibility across diverse systems. AMD attributes the gains to ROCm software optimizations and positions the MI355X as a foundation for its upcoming MI400 series and Helios rack‑scale solutions.
The Proximity Pivot
The article argues that the era of ever‑larger hyperscale data centers is giving way to edge infrastructure, driven by the immutable physics of latency. Real‑time AI, autonomous systems, and critical medical applications require decisions at the point of data generation,...
Quantum Switches Perform Best in Extreme Cold, New Research Finds
Researchers at Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems have shown that commercial RF MEMS SP4T switches can function reliably at cryogenic temperatures as low as 5.8 K. The switches exhibit sub‑0.5 dB insertion loss, over 35 dB isolation, and a 15 % reduction in on‑resistance...
AirPods Max 2 Reviewed: Premium Sound, Top-Tier ANC, Same High Price
Apple unveiled the AirPods Max 2, its first major overhaul of the over‑ear flagship after six years. Powered by the new H2 chip, the headphones add head‑gesture controls, Live Translation, a built‑in camera remote and USB‑C hi‑res playback while retaining the...
Amphenol RF Releases HD-EFI Bullet Tool
Amphenel RF has added a new HD‑EFI bullet tool to its line of insertion and extraction accessories. The tool is engineered for precise RF interface installations, helping engineers avoid damage while speeding up assembly. It works with both machined and...
Allied Vision Launches allPIXA Pro 6000px: The High-Speed Color Linescan Camera for Zero-Defect Industrial Inspection
Allied Vision introduced the allPIXA pro 6000px, a Camera Link® color linescan camera featuring a 6000‑pixel CCD RGB sensor and a 34 kHz line rate. The device spans a 400‑nm to 1000‑nm spectral range, enabling detection of sub‑millimeter defects and invisible material variations....
FCC Router Rules Shake U.S. Market: Ookla Data Reveals Top Vendors and Wi-Fi Upgrade Gap
The FCC’s new router rule forces any consumer router built abroad to obtain a waiver before sale, aiming to curb cyber‑attacks linked to foreign hardware. Ookla data shows the U.S. market is led by Eero, TP‑Link, Netgear and others, all...
Nanofluidic Chip Holder Integrates Thermal, Electrical, and Optical Control
Researchers at Chalmers University unveiled a compact nanofluidic chip holder that merges heating, cooling, electrical actuation, and real‑time optical spectroscopy into a single platform. The device accommodates 10 mm silicon chips with up to 12 fluidic connections and can maintain temperatures...
The First Quantum Computer to Break Encryption Is Now Shockingly Close
Two independent studies reveal that a quantum computer capable of cracking the elliptic‑curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP) – the backbone of most internet encryption – is nearer than previously believed. The analyses suggest the world’s largest quantum processor is already...
I Tested a Living Room Full of Cheap Ikea Speakers Against Sonos and Bose
IKEA introduced the $10 Kallsup Bluetooth speaker, a tiny plastic cube available in bright colors. Despite its minimal design, a single unit delivers decent midrange performance, and up to 100 can be linked, with 20 units boosting sound pressure level...
E-Con Systems Launches STURDeCAM57: A 5MP Global Shutter RGB-IR Camera for In-Cabin Monitoring Systems
e-con Systems introduced the STURDeCAM57, a 5‑megapixel global‑shutter RGB‑IR camera built for in‑cabin monitoring. The camera streams separate RGB and infrared frames over a GMSL2 link and includes an on‑board automotive‑grade ISP that performs RGB‑IR separation and demosaicing inside the...
Nanotechnology Sensor Reads Creatinine in Seconds for Rapid Kidney Testing
Researchers at Tohoku University and City College of New York unveiled a nanotechnology‑based creatinine biosensor that reads concentrations from 1 to 300 mg/dL in about 35 seconds. The device uses a platinum‑nanoparticle polymer composite tuned near the percolation threshold, eliminating the...
Apple Retires 20‑Year‑Old Mac Pro, Trims Legacy Lineup in Major Hardware Shift
Apple quietly removed the flagship Mac Pro, a 20‑year‑old workstation priced at $6,999, and retired a slew of legacy products, including the Pro Display XDR. The move underscores the company's shift toward compact, Apple‑silicon‑powered devices like the Mac Studio, reshaping the professional hardware...
EPC Space Adds EPC7C010 and EPC7C011 Half-Bridge Buck Platforms for High-Rel and Rad-Hard Applications
EPC Space announced two new half‑bridge buck evaluation boards, the EPC7C010 (100 V/20 A) and EPC7C011 (200 V/10 A), built around radiation‑hardened eGaN HEMTs and isolated gate drivers. Both platforms are optimized for 350 kHz operation but can run from 50 kHz to 1.5 MHz, delivering peak...
LMU Nano‑Institute Wins €2.45 M EIC Transition Grant for iNSyT‑ONE Platform
LMU’s Nano‑Institute has been awarded a €2.45 million (about $2.7 million) European Innovation Council Transition Grant for its iNSyT‑ONE microscope platform. The three‑year funding will drive technology maturation, industrial validation and market‑entry plans, positioning the university as a potential nanotech spin‑out hub.
Cognichip Wants AI to Design the Chips that Power AI, and Just Raised $60M to Try
Cognichip, a startup founded in 2024, announced a $60 million Series B round, bringing its total financing to $93 million. The company is developing a domain‑specific AI model to assist engineers in designing semiconductor chips, claiming it can slash development costs by more...
Fitbit Might Be Making a Whoop-Like Smart Band
Google has quietly teased a new Fitbit‑branded smart band in a March 31 Instagram video featuring Steph Curry, suggesting a screenless, Whoop‑style wearable. While the company has not confirmed details, Bloomberg reports insiders say the device will be Fitbit‑branded and...
US Data Center Growth Stalls Over Imported Equipment Shortage
Almost half of US data centers planned for 2026 are expected to be delayed or canceled. One big reason is the shortage of electrical equipment, such as transformers, switchgear and batteries. US doesn't have manufacturing capacity, forcing it to rely...
HP Revives Humane AI Tech as HP IQ for Collaboration
HP repackages Humane AI’s failed technology into HP IQ, combining on-device intelligence, spatial awareness, and IT control for workplace collaboration. https://t.co/maCCeZz1JK
Unmissable MacBook Pro M5 Deals — Celebrate 50 Years of Apple by Saving on the Most Stylish Business-Class Laptops We've...
TechRadar Pro highlights fresh discounts on Apple’s 2025 MacBook Pro lineup, featuring 14‑inch and 16‑inch models powered by the new M5, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. In the United States, savings range from 5% to 9%, bringing the 14‑inch base model down...
FCC Rules May Stall U.S. Shift to Newer Wi‑Fi
Rroughly 28% of all Speedtest samples in the U.S. ran over Wi-Fi 5, and around 7% used Wi-Fi 4 or older. Additional FCC rules affecting router vendors could potentially slow U.S. adoption of newer Wi-Fi technologies. MORE: https://t.co/UBgJUHlay2 https://t.co/Nog9KRnqDa
MediaTek Pushes 400G Copper Limits; Optical Next
Good discussion here on copper/optical with @mediatek. They are pushing the limits with NPC (near package copper) and CPC (co-packaged copper) at 400G per lane, with distinct efficiencies in those solutions. But past that, most likely optical NPO/CPO.
Xiaomi’s New Robot Hand Can Feel Pressure, Heat, and Even Sweat
Xiaomi unveiled an upgraded CyberOne robotic hand that features full‑palm tactile sensing, artificial sweat‑gland cooling, and a 60 % smaller form factor matching human proportions. The hand can detect pressure, temperature, and slip across an 8200 mm² surface, enabling delicate manipulation such...
Dell Spring Sale Features Discounted Alienware Gaming PCs
On the hunt for your next gaming PC? Dell's Spring Sale has great options for Alienware machines right now. https://t.co/HIlrPdlyan
Mediatek's Custom XPU Gains Edge via TSMC Ties
This may be the money slide for @mediatek on custom XPU solutions. One area I do believe they have a distinct advantage is their privileged relationship with TSMC. https://t.co/2dIFSrVRMz
Intel Gives Bullish CPU Outlook With $14.2B Ireland Fab Deal
Intel announced a $14.2 billion buyback of Apollo’s minority stake in the Fab 34 joint venture, ending the 2024 agreement where Apollo paid $11 billion for a 49% share. By regaining full ownership, Intel signals a stronger balance sheet and confidence in its...
MediaTek Unveils XPU Within Broader Custom Solution Stack
The XPU is one part of what is now becoming a custom solutions approach (not just the compute ASIC) but @mediatek showing what they have been investing in across the custom solution stack. Hadn’t seen many of these details before....
Indoor SLAM Camera Patrols with Built‑In Privacy Protection
Smart SLAM Security Camera That Patrols Indoors with Built-In #Privacy Protection by @CaliCrypto714 #Innovation #EmergingTech #Tech #Technology https://t.co/b9oNmbqBjv
'Everything You Want in Headphones at This Level': I Tested JBL's New Over-Ears and if You're All About that Bass,...
JBL launched the Live 780NC over‑ear headphones in the US on March 12, 2026, pricing them at $249.95. The model packs adaptive ANC, Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint and Auracast support, and a personalized EQ system via the JBL app. Battery life is a standout, offering...
MediaTek's Decade-Long Data Center XPU Efforts Unveiled
Getting into the guts of @MediaTek data center/custom XPU details but this slide is informative of market work they have been doing in this space since 2011. Expecting more details on SerDes, advanced packaging, fabric, and their networking capabilities. https://t.co/OWT2MbypXK
TSMC Steps in to Preempt Water Crisis
Helium, electricity, and now water. TSMC is jumping in to mitigate a problem before it becomes one. Exclusive details at Culpium https://t.co/mCHVC62aYq
Data Centers Must Have a Community Benefits Spec: NY Build Panel
TeraWulf bought a Kentucky brownfield site to launch a multibillion‑dollar data center, leveraging 480 MW of power and low‑latency links to Midwest markets. At New York Build 2026, panelists warned that public sentiment now eclipses technical risk for such megaprojects. Developers are being urged...
Market Underestimates MediaTek; Its Partners Are Tier‑one Players
This is what the market is still missing about @MediaTek that the brands they end up in are strong tier one players https://t.co/NnkLW0ZH2p
Comparing 100‑Hour LDES Batteries From Form, Noon, Ore
100-hour LDES battery technologies from Form, Noon and Ore: how do they compare? #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/CjiddvgGDw
ARB Introduces Compact All-in-One Winch for Smooth, Efficient Operation
ARB has launched a compact all‑in‑one winch that integrates a built‑in control box, removing the need for a separate controller. The unit features a pre‑wired design, IP68 water‑dust protection, a four‑stage hardened steel gearbox, and a tuned 12 V motor for...
Speedtest Rankings Reveal FCC‑Impacted Top 10 Router Vendors
MY LATEST Speedtest data helps highlight the Wi-Fi router vendors that will be most directly affected by the FCC's new rules. Here is a list of the top 10 Wi-Fi router vendors in the U.S. from January 2025 to March 2026,...
Hormuz Closure Threatens Helium, Driving up Chip Prices
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking off about a third of the world’s global supply of helium. Helium is a critical input in semiconductor manufacturing used to cool chipmaking tools. LESS HELIUM = FEWER CHIPS = MORE EXPENSIVE CHIPS....
A Paralyzed Musician Is Using a Brain Implant to Create Music
Research psychologist Galen Buckwalter, paralyzed since age 16, has six brain implants that translate his motor‑cortex activity into musical tones. The implants, each with 64 channels, provide 384 data streams that are decoded into pitch, allowing him to play a...
Future Tech Beyond Phones Unveiled with MediaTek
Spending the day with @MediaTek to learn more about what’s coming and I have the feeling we’ll spend little time talking phones https://t.co/Uj9JOH2TLl
AI Transforms Chip Design: Promise and Pitfalls
Interesting discussion on the opportunities and challenges of using AI in chip design (part 1) https://t.co/izxyUVZPSf #semiEDA #semiconductor #chipdesign @intel @AMD @nvidia @Synopsys @Microsoft @UCBerkeley #agenticAI https://t.co/XGRc1mfUFg
(PR) EK Water Blocks Intros EK-Quantum Vector³ TUF RTX 5070 Ti 5080 Plexi Water Block
EK Water Blocks has launched the EK‑Quantum Vector³ TUF RTX 5070 Ti/5080 – Plexi, a full‑cover water block designed for ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 graphics cards. The block features an optimized open split‑flow cooling engine, low hydraulic restriction, and a full‑coverage anodized‑aluminum backplate...
Video Telematics Is Set to Double in Five Years, with North America Still Dictating the Pace
Berg Insight forecasts the active installed base of video telematics systems to reach roughly 22 million units across North America and Europe by 2030, effectively doubling the market in five years. In 2025 North America held about 7.6 million units and is...
Nothing Could Launch Its Own Pair of AI Smart Glasses Next Year
Nothing, the Carl Pei‑founded consumer tech brand, is reportedly preparing to launch its own AI‑powered smart glasses in the first half of 2027. The device will incorporate cameras, microphones and speakers, relying on a smartphone and cloud connection for AI...
PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Slim Edition Graphics Card Review
PNY introduced a Slim Edition RTX 5070 graphics card built for ultra‑compact Mini‑ITX builds, featuring a two‑slot, 290 mm design with dual 120 mm fans and a massive vapor chamber. In head‑to‑head testing against a full‑size Gigabyte RTX 5070 OC inside an NZXT H2 Flow...
Vertical Aerospace Launches Valo Battery Pilot Production Line, Positive Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
Vertical Aerospace has put into operation a 15,000‑square‑foot battery pilot production line at its Vertical Energy Centre (VEC), featuring automated aerospace‑grade manufacturing that delivered up to 1.4 MW of peak power during flight tests. The line will assemble battery packs for...
NYC Expands Public EV Charging Network
New York City announced a major expansion of its public electric‑vehicle charging network, adding roughly 200 fast‑charging stations across boroughs and bringing the total public chargers to about 1,500. The rollout is funded by a $50 million city allocation combined with...
Vitrek Introduces V10X High-Voltage Safety Tester
Vitrek has launched the V10X, a high‑voltage safety tester delivering up to 30 kV AC output and 100 picoamp leakage resolution. The platform merges hipot, low‑resistance, and ground‑bond testing into one system, targeting automated production lines in sectors such as appliances, EV...
CERN Timepix Chips Fly to the Moon
Artemis II launched with six CERN‑developed Timepix chips integrated into NASA’s Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA) system. The detectors will monitor real‑time radiation composition, intensity, and energy as the crew passes through the Van Allen belts and encounters galactic cosmic rays....
Powering AI at Scale: How HVDC and GaN Are Transforming Hyperscale Data Centers
AI workloads are pushing XPU power consumption from roughly 1‑1.5 kW today to over 5 kW by 2030. To handle the surge, hyperscale data centers are replacing traditional AC‑DC‑AC distribution with high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) architectures, using ±400 V or 800 V DC links....
Copper Demand Set to Surge Across Infrastructure, Tech, and Defense
Road Ahead 1. Data Centers, $2.5T Capex. 2. $2T US Power Grid Rebuild - copper, aluminum. 3. Currency Debasement: USA $1.9% Defecit / 6.2% of GDP vs 3% average last 40 years. 4. Re-Build: Gaza, Iran, Ukraine, Israel - copper. 5. Robotics -...