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NVIDIA RTX 5000 GPUs get hotspot temperature readings in new version of HWMonitor to help diagnose cooling-related flaws
The latest version of the popular tool HWMonitor has brought back support for monitoring hotspot temperatures with NVIDIA RTX 5000 GPUs.
VideoCardz noticed that the release notes from developer CPUID for version 1.65 of HWMonitor detail two new features: preliminary support for the Lisuan 7G100 GPU, as well as: "Hotspot temperature on NVIDIA RTX 50x0 GPUs."
If you recall, NVIDIA put paid to hotspot readings with the launch of Blackwell GPUs, but the sensors still remained - it's just that Team Green removed public access to them, so tools like HWMonitor could no longer pull those readings.
Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary Edition hits fourth place on Amazon best sellers list, less than a month after release
It's been less than a month since the re-release of AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, and the Zen 3 part has already hit the top five best-sellers on Amazon. The chip ranks as Amazon's fourth best-selling CPU right now, sandwiched between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in 2nd place and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in 5th place.
The top 10 CPUs in Amazon's list are all AMD models, featuring the Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800XT, Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Ryzen 7 7700X, and Ryzen 9 9900X. The highest-ranking Intel CPU on Amazon's best-sellers list at the time of writing is the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, sitting at 15th place.
Amazon's best sellers list shows that demand for an X3D part that supports the AM4 platform is extremely high, thanks to the ongoing DRAM and SSD shortage, which has drastically increased DDR5 memory pricing. DDR4 pricing has not been completely unaffected by the DRAM shortage, but DDR4 is still much cheaper than DDR5. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was the first X3D chip AMD ever produced, featuring eight Zen 3 cores with a peak turbo frequency of 4.5GHz and 96MB of L3 cache. However, bringing the two-generation-old CPU back was not easy; AMD had to redesign the 3D stacking process to accommodate a newer design since the original had been decommissioned.
Microsoft confirms ads are being removed from Windows 11 Search in new major upgrade
Microsoft is finally delivering on a long-awaited fix to Windows 11 search, and while the fix is rolling out to specific Windows users, those users will be glad to know it targets local apps, files, and settings, while removing ads and other distractions, otherwise known as "bloat".
The company announced the news in a new Windows Blog post, where it wrote that it is rolling out an overhaul that makes search results clearer, more relevant, and easier to navigate. According to Microsoft, the changes are in direct response to user feedback and are intended to make the Windows Search Box a more valuable feature for everyday tasks. The update also includes better tolerance for typos and a more intuitive layout for scanning results, which should make browsing the plethora of files on your computer easier on the eyes.
Microsoft has recently been making an effort to refine the Windows 11 user experience, particularly in areas that have historically frustrated users, while also preparing Windows for full gaming integration through the Xbox Full Screen Experience. By removing MSN/Bing clutter and promotional content, the new search experience feels less like an ad platform and more like a functional tool, which is something Windows 11 users have been complaining about for quite some time.
Switch 2 OLED could arrive years ahead of Nintendo's original OLED timeline
Nintendo is reportedly considering an OLED upgrade for the Switch 2, according to a new report from ZDNet Korea. The Switch 2 launched with an LCD panel just like its predecessor, and similarly, walking the same path, the Switch 2's rumored OLED version would mean deeper blacks, richer colors, and overall improved visual fidelity.
The latest rumor suggests Nintendo is exploring a 1920 x 1080 Full HD OLED panel for a future revision of the Switch 2. Samsung Display may be among the potential suppliers for the panel, should the project move forward, which I would consider, given it's the same approach Nintendo took within the original Switch. Development could begin as soon as the end of this year, with mass production potentially starting by late 2027 or early 2028.
Additionally, Nintendo waited nearly 5 years into the original Switch's lifecycle before releasing an OLED version. If the company follows that same cadence, it will release the Switch 2 OLED at the earliest in 2029. If the report proves accurate, it would mark another step in OLED's growing role in gaming hardware, and with the Switch 2's new powerful hardware, I think every gamer would love to see those components paired with a gorgeous OLED display.
Chinese DDR5 memory just hit 8000+ speeds on MSI Intel motherboards
MSI's Intel 800-series motherboards can now push DDR5-8000+ speeds using memory built on CXMT DRAM, a major leap for Chinese-made modules, which are attempting to enter the turbulent memory market that is screaming for more supply.
MSI has announced its Intel Z890 motherboards, after dedicated BIOS tuning, deliver stable performance across both high-end and standard 4-DIMM CXMT-based memory kits. CXMT DRAM has quickly become popular for its value in the memory crisis, but until now, its frequency ceiling lagged behind that of traditional vendors, making it a difficult solution. MSI's firmware optimizations and stress testing have now closed the gap, and at least on these motherboards, owners can now pick up some new RAM that will (hopefully) be reasonably priced (whatever that means right now).
The key differentiator here is how well motherboard firmware interprets CXMT silicon. By refining memory training and timing, MSI managed to extract new levels of performance on these modules, which it has validated on a MEG Z890 UNIFY-X (2-DIMM): DDR5-8600 at 46-56-56-134 timings, paired with an Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and 2 x 24 GB CXMT modules (48 GB total).
Continue reading: Chinese DDR5 memory just hit 8000+ speeds on MSI Intel motherboards (full post)
Anthropic says Claude changes its personality across languages and models
Claude isn't just adapting to your questions; it's adapting to you, as Anthropic has officially confirmed that the AI chatbot's behavior shifts depending on both the model you pick and the language you use, resulting in a variation of tone and approaches to problem-solving questions.
In a nutshell, Claude changes its "personality" depending on the model that is being used, meaning the Claude you interact with when using Fable 5 is different than the Claude you interacted with when using the Sonnet model. Anthropic has published a report where it reveals it analyzed over 300,000 real user interactions and mapped Claude's behavior across four key personality traits.
The results show that Opus 4.7 is more critical and challenging, while Sonnet 4.6 is faster and more affirming. Meanwhile, language choice also plays its own role in the generated response, as it was discovered that Claude comes across as warmer in Hindi and Arabic, but more analytical and skeptical in English and Russian.
These fantastic Mini PC deals from KAMRUI deliver performance and value
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All KAMRUI Mini PCs come with lifetime technical support and a 12-month service plan for added peace of mind. These deals are only available for a limited time, too, so let's take a closer look at the offers.
Dying Light the Beast cancelled on PS4, Xbox One, refunds will be offered
Techland has some disappointing news for gen 8 console gamers: Dying Light The Beast has been cancelled on PS4 and Xbox One.
Dying Light The Beast, the latest standalone game starring Kyle Crane, will no longer release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The developers at Techland announced the news today on Facebook, essentially saying that the older-gen consoles aren't powerful enough to meet the game's needs.
The studio confirms that refunds will be offered to those who pre-ordered the cancelled PS4 and Xbox One versions of The Beast on all platforms.
Assassin's Creed Hexe to be revealed 'relatively soon' according to insider
Ubisoft insider Rogue Tx, who has a solid track record on Assassin's Creed leaks, says a reveal for Assassin's Creed Hexe could be coming relatively soon. As evidence, Rogue points back to something he flagged weeks ago: a hidden cathedral tucked into Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which players have since matched to a real church in Nuremberg.
Given Hexe's rumored setting during the German witch trials, that cathedral looks less like a coincidence and more like Ubisoft seeding its next game inside its last one. The timing also roughly matches up to when you would expect a reveal for a game that is rumored to be coming in 2027.
Rogue also shared new gameplay details alongside the reveal talk. Hexe's parkour will reportedly blend the classic pre-RPG Assassin's Creed movement style with mechanics from Assassin's Creed Shadows, giving players double jumps and swings for both exploration and escaping enemies.
LG claims that you can improve your aim by up to 38% by playing on a 480Hz OLED monitor
LG Display just put out an internal study claiming its 480Hz OLED monitors can improve your aim by as much as 38% over a standard 60Hz screen. These numbers are quite impressive and eye-catching enough to warrant a closer look.
According to the study, the company ran a blind test with 31 adult male gamers, all self-described generalists rather than esports pros, playing an unnamed first-person shooter at four refresh rates: 60Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz, and 480Hz, in random order. LG tracked hit score and the time it took players to eliminate a target after it appeared, then layered in subjective feedback on smoothness and tracking.
The headline result is a 38% jump in hit score at 480Hz compared to 60Hz, with most of that gain showing up between 60Hz and 240Hz. Going from 240Hz to 480Hz only added another 10% on top. LG chalks it up to OLED's near instant pixel response, which cuts input lag by more than 10 milliseconds at 480Hz compared to 60Hz.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold leak may reveal Google's next big foldable upgrade
A leaked render of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has surfaced on Telegram, offering a first look at the device ahead of its rumored August 12 launch, which, if you know anything about Google and unreleased Google products, this leak isn't surprising in the slightest.
Google has a long history of renders somehow making their way out onto the internet before the official announcement, and in this instance, the render was shared by leaker Mystic Leaks and then reported on by 9to5Google. The image reveals the back of the device in a new "Pine" colorway, with subtle but notable design changes from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The render highlights a smaller camera bar compared to last year's model, with the flash now moved to the upper left corner, rather than in the center on the 10. Some speculate this change could be for a new "Pixel Glow" notification system, which would use light and color to alert users when the phone is face-down, a feature that is similar to the multi-colored notification light that appeared on Google's Nexus line of smartphones. The Pro Fold 11 also doesn't fully adopt the all-black camera bar expected on the regular Pixel 11 lineup.
Continue reading: Pixel 11 Pro Fold leak may reveal Google's next big foldable upgrade (full post)
Sony's $500 million lawsuit heats up after choice to end PlayStation disc production
Sony announced it was ending production of PlayStation games on physical discs in January 2028, a decision that caused large portions of PlayStation gamers and gamers in general to turn against Sony. Now, it seems Sony won't only have angry gamers knocking on their door, but also Dutch consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Dutch PlayStation gamers that is seeking $457 million in damages for violations of pricing practises on the PlayStation Store.
While these issues seem completely separate on the surface, the Dutch consumer group argues that Sony's decision to end production of physical PlayStation games reinforces its alleged monopolized position in the market, as Sony will be able to push prices even higher than they were prior to physical PlayStation games being discontinued. While the lawsuit predominantly focuses on pricing on the PlayStation Store, the recent decision from Sony has only given the consumer group's argument more credibility.
Notably, Sony's relationship with gamers currently is thin at best, as indicated by a petition that has since reached more than 300,000 signatures, which calls for Sony to reconsider its disc phase-out decision. Additionally, PlayStation gamers are canceling their subscriptions to PSN in droves, prompting Sony to begin to offer 50% discounts to gamers attempting to end their PSN subscription. Simultaneously, Sony confirmed that PSN price hikes aren't off the table, and soft confirmed the PlayStation 6 will be launching without a disc drive.
Spacecraft confirmed to be approaching one of Earth's seven mysterious 'quasi-moons'
The first spacecraft to make a close approach to Earth's enigmatic quasi-moon, Kamo'oalewa, has been confirmed, and as it approached, it captured clear photos of the object in orbit.
The mission, launched in May 2025, is now within 12.5 miles of the space rock, setting the stage for an unprecedented attempt to collect surface samples. The Chinese spacecraft Tianwen-2 spent 400 days traveling to the asteroid, covering 620 million miles to arrive at an asteroid that is only 50 - 60 feet wide. Its mission will last over a year, during which it will fly alongside the quasi-moon to study its composition and attempt to retrieve material from its surface using methods such as "anchor-and-attach" and "touch-and-go." If successful, China will join only two other nations in the elite club of asteroid samplers.
Kamo'oalewa, one of seven known quasi-moons, presents a unique challenge for the engineers behind the project, as the moon spins rapidly, completing one rotation every half hour. Its speed, along with its small size, demands extreme precision from the nearly two-ton space probe, especially if China doesn't want to disturb the rock's trajectory. According to planetary scientist Cristina Thomas, this is the smallest object ever visited by a spacecraft, and to successfully execute sample retrieval, it will take some skill.
AI models could soon get cheaper as OpenAI, Meta, and xAI enter a new price war
Businesses are shifting their focus from raw AI power to cost efficiency, and OpenAI, Meta, and SpaceXAI are capitalizing on the trend. All three companies have recently released new AI models that emphasize lower operational costs, a move that could put pressure on Anthropic in the AI enterprise space.
According to Bloomberg, OpenAI's latest model, GPT-5.6, is designed to complete more work while using fewer tokens, and this shift represents a fundamental shift in the AI race as the costs for more sophisticated or higher-power models begin to be felt by AI companies.
Meta and SpaceXAI have also launched updated models, with SpaceXAI debuting Grok 4.5, claiming improved token efficiency, which directly targets the exponential cost for enterprise clients. With business customers increasingly scrutinizing AI spending, efficiency is now a major selling point, and, according to Bloomberg, is the new direction AI companies are heading.
SAP escapes EU penalty by easing customer lock-in concerns
Big German software company SAP has averted a potential EU antitrust fine by agreeing to open up its maintenance and support market for on-premise software. The European Commission has accepted the company's commitments to let customers switch or terminate support contracts more easily.
The change comes after an investigation by EU regulators into how SAP controlled access to its enterprise software for maintenance and support, a process that regulators argued stifled competition. Companies using SAP, which provides the critical infrastructure of any given company as its software processes finances, HR documentation, sales, etc, said they want to keep using SAP, but want third parties to be able to provide support. SAP has now allowed third-party providers to offer support services, which aligns with EU competition rules.
These concessions have closed the probe without a fine, which reports say could save the company billions. The move is one of many dodges tech companies have done under the pressure of the EU regulatory hammer, as the watchdog continues to exert its power in the name of the consumer. The EU has been pushing for fairer access to critical enterprise services, and SAP's agreement sets a precedent for how large software vendors may need to adapt in the future.
Continue reading: SAP escapes EU penalty by easing customer lock-in concerns (full post)
Cursor builds AI agent 'Sand' to rival Anthropic's Claude Cowork
Cursor is making a bold push into the productivity space with an AI agent codenamed Sand, aimed squarely at non-developers. The tool, currently in development, will be designed more toward general consumers, as it will be capable of managing everyday tasks like emails, texts, and document processing, which would make it a direct competitor to emerging services such as Anthropic's Claude Cowork.
According to sources that spoke to The Information, the new AI agent codenamed "Sand" is designed as a general-purpose AI assistant, rather than a code-specific or development tool. This shift marks a significant pivot for Cursor, which has built its foothold in the market as a leading AI-powered code editor. The company is seemingly now looking to broaden its reach and tap into a wider user base that's beyond the developer community, which seems to be the general direction of many AI companies.
With Sand, Cursor is aiming to offer a personalized assistant that handles office productivity workflows, from managing spreadsheets to summarizing lengthy documents. The product could disrupt the market currently being dominated by Anthropic's Claude Cowork, which enables a user to outline a set of tasks for Claude to complete without any human input.
Continue reading: Cursor builds AI agent 'Sand' to rival Anthropic's Claude Cowork (full post)
PocketMage is a distraction-free pocket computer with a wizard-themed operating system
The PocketMage is a modern reimagining of the classic PDA, a unique handheld device that blends E Ink and OLED displays with a tactile QWERTY keyboard, but all within an adorable form factor.
Developed by Talisman Design, the PocketMage features a 3.1-inch E Ink display paired with a compact OLED strip above a physical keyboard. This dual-display setup allows for low-power note-taking on the E Ink side while enabling faster interaction with the OLED, and a splash of modern technological shine. The device runs on a proprietary operating system, described as "wizard-themed", making it certainly a unique offering in a space predominantly dominated by smartphones.
The resurgence of PDA-like devices taps into a growing appetite for minimalist computing, a growing reaction to the overstimulation of smartphones, and the general transition to a more digitized daily life. The trend of reducing technology has popped up in numerous forms, such as barebones smartphones like the Nothing Phone, or apps designed to reduce screentime by locking users out of social apps.
Samsung is holding your health data hostage to train its AI
Samsung is forcing users to consent to AI training in the Samsung Health app or face losing access to their health data.
The controversial new toggle, now appearing in the app, requires users to allow their health information to be used for AI modeling or risk having it deleted. The notice, titled "Consent to the Use of Health Data for AI Training and Modeling," appears upon opening the app. Disabling it prevents users from syncing health data to their Samsung accounts, and the data is removed unless required by law. How-To Geek reported the first sightings of the toggle, which has since spread to more users.
This move raises serious privacy concerns, especially since the data in question may include highly sensitive information, such as medical records, medications, and menstrual cycle data. The broader AI industry is increasingly reliant on personal data, but requiring users to give up privacy or lose core functionality is a troubling trend. Samsung's decision may signal a shift in how health data is treated in the AI era.
Continue reading: Samsung is holding your health data hostage to train its AI (full post)
ASUS unveils the new ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar with wireless subwoofer
Although gaming headsets are seemingly everywhere, it's always great to see dedicated speakers get some love - as seen with the new ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar. As an ASUS Republic of Gamers device, this sleek and compact soundbar, which includes a 65-watt subwoofer, is a premium product designed to deliver immersive gaming audio across PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices.
The 2.1.2 system supports Dolby Atmos, with the soundbar featuring full-range left and right speakers, dedicated tweeters for high-frequency sounds, and angled up-firing speakers to create a more immersive, expanded soundstage. And for ease of setup and placement, the 65-watt subwoofer is also wireless, with audio delivered over low-latency 5G.
The ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar, named after the Gjallarhorn in Norse mythology, also features a robust audio Control Hub with tactile controls and a dial for quick access to playback and EQ settings. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it benefits from all of the optimized cinematic, gaming, and music presets and tuning that the technology offers.
AMD is prepping FSR Multi Frame Generation with an 8X mode
It seems that AMD is finally ready to deliver its answer to DLSS 4's Multi Frame Generation, as it has already begun to appear in the latest AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 Driver. This news arrives via the Chiphell forums (via Wccftech), where references to FSR Multi Frame Generation have been spotted in the RadeonTuner tool, an open-source, user-created alternative to AMD Adrenalin Software.
With the tool's ability to expose or list technologies that aren't quite ready for launch but exist in the driver's codebase, it looks like FSR Multi Frame Generation is not only coming, but AMD is potentially going to support a Multi Frame Generation ratio of up to 8X, which would generate 7 additional frames in addition to the natively or FSR 4.1-upscaled frame. Currently, FSR Frame Generation only supports a single generated frame, otherwise known as the 2X mode.
The arrival of FSR Multi Frame Generation would see AMD's FSR Redstone suite of AI-powered technologies deliver Frame Generation feature parity with both NVIDIA DLSS and Intel XeSS. Also, an 8X mode would generate more frames than NVIDIA's DLSS 4.5 Multi Frame Generation update that introduced a 6X mode.
Continue reading: AMD is prepping FSR Multi Frame Generation with an 8X mode (full post)























