Today's Hardware Pulse
Nvidia driver hints at next‑gen DLSS 5 work
Nvidia’s GeForce Game Ready driver 610.47 adds three new profile options—Enable DLSS NR override, Enable DLSS NR SL override, and Override DLSS NR presets—suggesting continued development of DLSS 5 neural‑rendering technology. The earlier DLSS 5 reveal had sparked debate over AI‑driven image alteration, and the new driver hints at a quiet but ongoing effort.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Cyient Semiconductors raises $30M Series A
Nvidia Nears Top Spot as World’s Largest Company by Market Cap
Prediction markets show a 99.6% chance Nvidia will be the world’s largest company by market cap on April 30, up from 99% a day earlier. The rally is fueled by record AI spending, a 17‑day winning streak in the PHLX Semiconductor Index, and easing geopolitical tensions that lower energy costs for chip makers.
Ranking: Best Tablets for Under 300 Dollars/Euros
Notebookcheck’s April 2026 roundup ranks the top tablets priced under 300 € (≈ $327) across performance, display quality and battery life. The Xiaomi Pad 7 leads with a 144 Hz 11.2″ LCD, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and up to 20 hours of use, while the Honor Pad 10 and Lenovo Idea...
LACT 0.9 Released With UI Updates, Voltage-Frequency Curve Editor For NVIDIA
LACT, an open‑source cross‑vendor GPU management tool for Linux, has launched version 0.9. The update revamps the interface with libadwaita, making hardware details and overclock controls more accessible. A long‑awaited NVIDIA voltage‑frequency (VF) curve editor now lets users fine‑tune GPU...
Italy Deploys Lagrange, Europe’s First Public‑Access Quantum Computer
Italy’s government, together with the LINKS Foundation, Politecnico di Torino and INRiM, has launched Lagrange, the continent’s first publicly‑accessible quantum computer. In nine months the system has processed more than 240,000 jobs and maintained over 98% uptime, marking a major...
Honor's Lightning Beats Human Half‑Marathon Record in Beijing, Matching Runners for Second Year
Honor's Lightning humanoid robot finished the Beijing E‑Town half‑marathon in 50 minutes 26 seconds, shaving nearly seven minutes off the men's human world record and marking the second consecutive year robots have outpaced elite runners. The feat attracted over eight...
CISA Flags Persistent FIRESTARTER Backdoor on Cisco ASA Firewalls in Federal Network
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has identified a persistent FIRESTARTER backdoor on Cisco ASA firewalls used by a federal civilian agency. The malware survived patches for CVE‑2025‑20333 and CVE‑2025‑20362, prompting an updated emergency directive and a nationwide...
Modular Transistor Blocks Snap Together to Form Electronic Skin that Senses and Learns
A new study demonstrates modular organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) blocks mounted on self‑adhesive SEBS polymer that snap together to form reconfigurable electronic skin. Four independently optimized modules—ion‑sensing, temperature‑sensing, neuromorphic synapse, and logic inverter—retain high performance after stacking, 30% stretch, and...
The US Wants to Cut Off China’s Chip Equipment. China Says the Supply Chain Will Break for Everyone.
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the MATCH Act, compelling the Netherlands and Japan to align DUV lithography export restrictions with U.S. rules within 150 days, effectively cutting off ASML’s remaining sales and service to Chinese fabs. China’s Ministry...
10 Digital EDC Essentials We’d Never Leave Behind
The article outlines ten essential digital tools for a modern everyday‑carry (EDC) kit, focusing on pocket‑sized power banks, versatile USB‑C hubs, and hardware‑encrypted storage devices. It reviews specific models such as the Anker Nano, Nitecore NB10000, HyperDrive Next hub, and...
BMW Brings Color Changing Tech Closer to Production with the iX3 Flow Edition
BMW unveiled the iX3 Flow Edition at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, featuring E Ink's Prism technology embedded directly into the vehicle's hood. Unlike earlier concepts that wrapped entire cars with dozens of separate panels, this single‑panel approach simplifies manufacturing...
Contribution to Artemis II Moon Mission Sees Successful Test of a Space Camera Under Cosmic Ray Conditions
The GSI Helmholtzzentrum and FAIR accelerator facility successfully tested a specially modified Nikon Z9 camera under simulated cosmic‑ray conditions in March 2025. Heavy‑ion beams reproduced the high‑energy radiation environment of deep space, confirming the camera’s stable operation. The validated camera was flown...
The 7 Best Pixel Features that Samsung Users Don't Get
Google’s Pixel lineup packs a suite of AI‑driven software tools that Samsung’s Android phones lack. Features such as Advanced Call Screening, on‑device song identification, real‑time voice transcription, AI‑organized screenshots, magnetic Qi2 charging (PixelSnap), and photo‑enhancement tools like Add Me and...
Tom Hayes – Quoted in Bloomberg Article – 4/23/2026
Intel reported a robust outlook, citing accelerating AI-driven demand that is translating into higher order volumes. Great Hill Capital Chairman Tom Hayes told Bloomberg TV that investors are increasingly directing orders to Intel, marking a shift from recent despondency to...
Senseonics Rolls Out Eversense 365, First One‑Year CGM, Across Europe
Senseonics Holdings launched the Eversense 365 continuous glucose monitor in Europe, beginning with Sweden. The implantable sensor offers a 12‑month lifespan—double the previous six‑month model—and reduces calibration to once a week, promising a new standard for long‑term diabetes management.
Sony AI’s Project Ace Robot Beats Elite Table‑Tennis Players, Showcasing Next‑Gen Robotics Hardware
Sony AI’s Project Ace robot defeated three of five elite table‑tennis opponents in a sanctioned match, proving that a combination of high‑speed perception, reinforcement‑learning control and custom hardware can outplay human experts. The win signals a turning point for embodied...
Samsung's Galaxy Glasses Surface in One UI 8.5 Code, Pointing to Late‑2026 Launch
Samsung's firmware leak revealed an icon for its first smart glasses, dubbed Galaxy Glasses, embedded in the upcoming One UI 8.5 and unreleased One UI 9 code. The find suggests a launch in late 2026, positioning Samsung against Meta, Google...
Cisco Unveils Room‑Temperature Universal Quantum Switch, Enabling Cross‑Vendor Quantum Networks
Cisco introduced its Universal Quantum Switch prototype, a room‑temperature device that can translate and route quantum information across disparate quantum processors using standard telecom fiber. The switch achieved sub‑4 % fidelity loss and sub‑nanosecond switching, marking a first step toward interoperable...
Growing Concern over E-Bike Battery Fires After Mackinac Island Incident
A recent e‑bike battery fire on Mackinac Island marked the tenth known incident on the island, underscoring the growing safety concerns around lithium‑ion cells used in personal mobility devices. The fire occurred despite the battery being stored in an explosion‑proof...
The Next Xbox Could Be Waiting on the Memory Market
Microsoft’s next‑generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, is being delayed as its CEO Asha Sharma cites volatile DRAM and NAND flash markets as a key constraint. A surge in AI‑driven demand has pushed memory prices higher, affecting both the console’s bill...
Interview: The Avionics Suite Designed to Let Anyone Fly a Plane
Airhart Aeronautics finished test flights of its redesigned Sling aircraft on April 12, 2026, showcasing a new avionics suite aimed at simplifying small‑plane operation. The system swaps traditional mechanical linkages for fly‑by‑wire controls and replaces button‑heavy panels with a 14‑inch,...
Apple Under Ternus: What Comes Next for the Tech Giant’s Hardware Strategy
Apple announced that longtime hardware chief John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO later this year, shifting the company’s strategic spotlight back to devices. Ternus, who helped launch AirPods, Apple Watch and Vision Pro, is expected to embed artificial‑intelligence...
Battery‑free Textile Powers Real‑time Blood Pressure Monitoring
A new battery-free textile enables continuous, real-time monitoring of systolic blood pressure by wirelessly connecting ultra-thin epidermal sensors to a smartphone, eliminating the need for bulky batteries in wearable health technology. wearabletech
M5 Air Eclipses Intel MacBook Pro Performance
I upgraded to the MacBook Air M5 and its lightning-fast performance puts my Intel-based MacBook Pro to shame. https://t.co/b508ju6Z6p
Battery-Free Textile Turns Clothing Into a Real-Time Blood Pressure Monitor
Researchers from the National University of Singapore, the University of Arizona and Tsinghua University unveiled a battery‑free wearable system that uses a metamaterial textile to wirelessly power epidermal sensors from a smartphone. The dual‑mode fabric separates power (13.56 MHz) and data...
Semis Discounted, Software at Decade‑Low Valuations Despite Strong Fundamentals
The semiconductor industry is trading at a discount to the S&P 500 despite 86% earnings growth forecasts. Software companies hit their lowest valuations in a decade with record fundamentals. 🔒 Members-Only https://t.co/td0KtWtXzd
Zenbook A14: Portable Yet Packs Powerful Performance
It may prioritize portability, but the Asus Zenbook A14 is no slouch when it comes to performance. https://t.co/3roLUBWFZ8
Double the Storage of the Xbox Ally with Our Favorite Budget microSD Card with 245MB/S Read Speeds, That's Now on...
SanDisk’s 512 GB Extreme microSD UHS‑I card is now selling for $109.99 on Amazon, a 41% discount from its $184.99 list price. The card’s 245 MB/s read and 170 MB/s write speeds enable it to double the Xbox Ally’s internal 512 GB storage, effectively...
IPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Rumored Design, Color, Camera Updates
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could have changes to their designs, colors, camera features, and more. https://t.co/uGAAA1PED9
Nvidia Drops Linux Support; Switching to AMD
Funny, I just retired this graphics card as the latest NVidia drivers for Linux no longer support it (older drivers still work). I replaced it with an AMD... https://t.co/4nfkLhfj6p
Linux 7.1 Brings Audio Support For The Line6 POD HD PRO & NexiGo N930W Webcam
Linux 7.1’s secondary sound pull expands the kernel’s audio hardware roster, adding native support for the Line6 POD HD PRO rack‑mount amp and enabling audio capture on the NexiGo N930W 1080p webcam. The update also introduces quirks for several laptop models, SPDIF...
The Govee Smart Lamp Brightened up My Room, and Then My Life
Tech writer Sheena Vasani replaced two aging Ikea floor lamps with Govee’s Uplighter smart lamp, citing improved lighting control and emotional relief while caring for her mother with Parkinson’s. The Uplighter’s app‑based dimming, color‑changing scenes, and Matter compatibility let her...
Embrace Heat: Hot GPUs Power Turbo Boost
You're trying to cool your GPUs? Cute. I let mine get extra hot so I can run a turbo charger.
XPeng Unveils Full‑Stack Physical AI Ecosystem at Auto China, Boosting Smart Manufacturing
XPeng presented a full‑stack Physical AI ecosystem at Auto China, tying together AI hardware, software and factory‑level integration. The rollout sparked a 118% month‑over‑month jump in Ultra series orders and introduced the GX robotaxi prototype built with in‑house Turing chips,...
SK Hynix Posts $25 B Q1 Operating Profit, Five‑Fold Rise on AI‑Fueled Memory Demand
South Korean memory‑chip leader SK Hynix announced a first‑quarter operating profit of $25 billion, up five times from a year earlier, as AI‑related demand for DRAM and NAND surged. The results highlight the CFO’s role in steering capital allocation, cost control,...
Quantum‑Hardware Stocks Surge 72% in a Week as Investors Chase the Next Big Tech Bet
IonQ, Rigetti Computing and D‑Wave Systems saw shares climb 72%, 37% and 56% respectively over seven trading sessions, driven by hype around a projected $850 billion quantum market. Analysts warn the rally may be unsustainable given lofty price‑to‑sales ratios and ongoing...
Beatbot Cuts AquaSense 2 Ultra Price to $2,649, Adding AI Debris Detection
Beatbot announced a limited‑time discount that brings its flagship AquaSense 2 Ultra pool‑cleaning robot down to $2,649, a $500 reduction. The robot combines a six‑hour battery, AI‑driven debris detection and full‑surface cleaning, positioning it as the most advanced consumer‑grade pool...
Musk Launches Terafab: Dual Chip Plants Power Robots, Space
.@elonmusk just announced Terafab: two chip factories in Austin. One builds silicon for Optimus robots. The other builds chips for data centers in space. Name another human building chips, cars, robots, rockets, and AI simultaneously. I'll wait.
$25 for Audiophile Earbuds? Meet Panasonic's New ErgoFit USB-C Wired Buds
Panasonic introduced the ErgoFit RP‑TCM325 USB‑C earbuds at a $25 price point, delivering audiophile‑grade balanced sound and deep, controlled bass. The wired design replaces the older 3.5 mm models with a digital USB‑C connection and a tangle‑resistant cord that splits into...
Walmart Expands via 3D‑printed Concrete Store Structures
Your Walmart might be 3D printed — firm building more than a dozen 3D-printed Walmart expansions with concrete-printing robots https://t.co/1YmAy5orx4
Print and Frame Phone Photos Instantly with Polaroid Hi‑Print
An instant printer and frame for phone photos, the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 is a charming way to get more from your camera roll. https://t.co/cmOYB7VSJp
Engadget Review Recap: DJI Osmo Pocket 4, Recteq X-Fire Pro and Alienware 27 QD-OLED
Engadget’s latest review roundup spotlights four consumer‑tech products: DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 camera, the Recteq X‑Fire Pro 825 smart grill, and Alienware’s 27‑inch QD‑OLED gaming monitor, plus brief looks at DJI’s budget Lito drones and Dyson’s PencilVac. The Osmo Pocket 4 is praised...
ELEGOO Makes Its Mark at RAPID + TCT 2026 With Jupiter 2 and Unexpected CANVAS Debut
Chinese 3D‑printing firm ELEGOO used the RAPID + TCT 2026 show in Boston to debut two flagship products: the Jupiter 2 ultra‑large format resin printer and the CANVAS multicolor system for its Centauri Carbon platform. Jupiter 2 boasts 16K resolution, multi‑point auto‑leveling and automated resin...
LoongArch Improvements Land In Linux 7.1
The Linux 7.1 merge window incorporated a suite of enhancements for the LoongArch architecture, a Chinese CPU design derived from MIPS and RISC‑V. The updates add correct handling of CPU‑related vulnerabilities, new atomic instructions for the BPF JIT, and expanded...
Unusual Machines Jumps 4% on $5 Million Powerus Order, Reviving Trader Interest
Unusual Machines (UMAC) surged 4% after reporting a $5 million contract with Powerus for counter‑UAS components. The rebound follows a 9% slide in March and has attracted momentum traders looking for a tactical entry point in the small‑cap drone sector.
Skydio Commits $3.5 B to Build U.S. Drone Manufacturing Hub
Skydio announced a $3.5 billion investment to expand domestic drone manufacturing, targeting on‑shoring of motors, batteries and microchips. The move, backed by White House tech adviser Michael Kratsios, aims to cut U.S. reliance on Chinese supply chains and create thousands of...
Broadcom, Google Team Up to Co‑Sell AI‑Enabled Silicon and Network Observability Services
Broadcom and Google unveiled an expanded partnership that bundles custom Tensor Processing Units with a new Cloud Network Insights observability service. The deal, announced on April 22, 2026, adds a co‑selling framework that could shift revenue focus for chief revenue...
HII Wins Royal Navy Underwater Drone Support Contract
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries' HII Unmanned Systems a £3 million (≈$3.8 million) contract to provide in‑service support for the Royal Navy’s REM 100 and REM 300 unmanned underwater vehicle fleets. The agreement covers project management, technical assistance, repairs,...
Samsung Labor Rally Threatens Global RAM Supply as Workers Demand 15% Profit Share
Samsung Electronics faced a massive rally of up to 39,000 workers in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, demanding a 15% share of operating profit and higher base wages. The union has warned of an 18‑day strike starting May 21, a move that could...
FCC Expands Router Ban to Portable Hotspots, Leaves Enterprise Gear Exempt
The Federal Communications Commission has broadened its ban on new foreign‑made Wi‑Fi routers to include portable and mobile hotspot devices for residential use. Enterprise‑grade networking gear, including industrial, military and large‑business equipment, remains exempt, a move that could shift how...
Google's Nest Hub Has No Clue What Time It Is, and It's Messing with Our Heads
A Reddit user reported that the Nest Hub Gen 2 correctly sets alarms but verbally announces the wrong half‑day, saying am when it should be pm. Google confirmed the issue and said a fix is in development, though no timeline was provided. The...