Latest hardware news and stories
Intel is enhancing its Linux integration with features like Linear Address Masking and Directed Package Thermal Interrupts to support future security technologies such as ChkTag and improved thermal management. Meanwhile, the Linux kernel is preparing for IBPB-on-Entry support in AMD SEV-SNP guest virtual machines to defend against speculative execution attacks. In parallel, Nvidia continues to dominate the dedicated desktop graphics card market with a 94% share, despite a 4.5% decline in quarterly sales. These developments highlight the convergence of hardware innovation, software security, and market dynamics shaping the future of computing.
Humble Bundle Launches Multiple Game Bundles for Steam Deck Users – From €10 to €16
Humble Bundle has launched several attractive game bundles for Steam Deck users, including the €13 and €16 deals as well as the 'Frost Fatales 2026' bundle. The offers include a total of 24 games, many of which are officially compatible with the Steam Deck and collectively have a value exceeding €400. Some bundles also support the ESA Foundation, which promotes educational opportunities through gaming.
Intel Begins Open-Source Driver Enablement for Xe3P GPU
Intel has begun enabling open-source drivers for its Xe3P GPU, marking a significant step toward greater transparency and community involvement in graphics driver development. Initial code changes have been merged into Mesa to support future hardware compatibility. These efforts lay the foundation for broader developer access and collaboration on Iris and ANV drivers.
AMD Ryzen AI 400: Reduced PCIe Lanes for Desktop APUs, Integrated GPU Limited to x8
AMD's new Ryzen AI 400 desktop APUs are built on cut-down chips and offer up to 12 usable PCIe 4.0 lanes, limiting expansion options for graphics cards and storage devices. The integrated graphics processors are restricted to an x8 connection, potentially affecting performance in demanding applications. This marks a reduction compared to previous models and raises questions about the future of AMD's APU strategy.
Resident Evil Requiem: Record Sales, Steam Peak and New Fan Theories
Resident Evil Requiem by Capcom has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, making it the fastest-selling game in the series. Just days after release, it reached a new peak of 344,214 concurrent players on Steam and topped German sales charts. Set in Raccoon City, the game blends classic horror with modern action, following Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft, while fan speculation has surged over Leon’s mysterious ring. Capcom has also teased a potential DLC in 2026 focusing on Leon, alongside new content to celebrate the milestone.
Ayaneo has unveiled the Pocket Air Mini in a limited B.Duck Edition, featuring a retro handheld in a striking yellow gradient with B.Duck design elements. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T, the device includes a 4:3 display and runs Android 11, with unchanged technical specifications. The limited edition is priced $10 higher than standard models and targets fans of both gaming and the popular B.Duck character.
Chuwi CoreBook X: Misleading CPU Claims on AMD Ryzen 5 7430U Spark Consumer Backlash
Chinese laptop maker Chuwi advertised its CoreBook X with the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, but customers received devices equipped with the older Ryzen 5 5500U processor. Both the BIOS and Windows falsely display the CPU as the 7430U, leading to consumer complaints and a significant erosion of trust in the manufacturer's specifications.
Apple Unveils New MacBook Air with M5 Chip, Doubled Storage, and Wi-Fi 7
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Air with the M5 chip, offering significantly improved performance, doubled storage capacity, and up to four times faster AI performance. The device features Wi-Fi 7, a faster SSD, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a 13.6- or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Prices increase by €100 for the 13-inch and €50 for the 15-inch model, with no power adapter included. The familiar compact and sleek design remains unchanged.
Apple Unveils MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips and Fusion Architecture
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Pro featuring the all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, designed for professional users. The two dual-die CPUs are built on 3 nm technology without E-cores and leverage Apple's new Fusion Architecture to integrate CPU, GPU, and other components into a single SoC. This delivers enhanced performance, AI capabilities, high bandwidth, and low latency, with up to 64 GB RAM for the M5 Pro and 128 GB for the M5 Max. However, Linux support remains limited as development is still ongoing.
AMD Faces Unexpected CPU Boom Driven by Agentic AI, Supply Tightens
AMD CEO Lisa Su warns of tightening supply for server CPUs as demand surges beyond expectations due to agentic AI applications. The upcoming Epyc Venice generation is set to launch in the second half of 2026, but current production capacities are under strain. AMD is adjusting its manufacturing and delivery processes and has sufficient capacity for future products like Instinct MI450, HBM4, and CoWoS.
Slay the Spire 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular roguelike deckbuilder, launched in Early Access on Steam on March 5, 2026, and has already surpassed 500,000 concurrent players. Developed in the Godot engine, the game features new cards, a new class called Necrobinder, and a four-player online co-op mode. Despite its minimalist graphics and lack of microtransactions, the indie title has earned 97% positive reviews, praised by fans for its strategic depth and cooperative gameplay.
IBM and Sony: Pivotal Moments in Technology History from 1955 to 2000
In the history of digital technology, IBM and Sony marked pivotal milestones across decades. In 1955, IBM acquired a patent for a pulse-transfer controlling device essential for ferrite core memory, while in 2000, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 in Japan and Intel surpassed the gigahertz barrier with the 1-GHz Pentium-III. In 1983, IBM introduced the PC XT, a key step in personal computing. These developments significantly shaped modern computing and gaming technologies.
Intel Board Leadership Change: Frank Yeary Steps Down, Craig Barratt Takes Over with Tech Background
Frank D. Yeary steps down as chairman of Intel's board, succeeded by Craig H. Barratt, who has a strong technical background and previously served as CEO of Atheros Communications and Barefoot Networks. The transition reflects Intel’s strategic shift toward technology leadership. Since 2024, the company has appointed four new independent directors to align the board with priorities in technology leadership, operational excellence, and capital discipline.
Lenovo Launches Two New Laptops: IdeaPad Slim 3 for Office and Gaming Model with RTX 4050
Lenovo has unveiled two new laptops: the 16-inch IdeaPad Slim 3 with Ryzen 7 7735HS, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD for €579, and a gaming model with a 15.6-inch FHD display, Ryzen 7 7735HS, GeForce RTX 4050, and 16 GB RAM for €749. Both devices combine powerful components at competitive prices, targeting different user segments from office professionals to entry-level gamers. The gaming model features a 144 Hz refresh rate and sRGB color accuracy for enhanced visuals.
Windows 12: Microsoft's AI Revolution with CorePC Architecture and Subscriptions
Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, codenamed 'Hudson Valley Next', which marks a radical shift toward AI technologies and subscription models. The new operating system is built on a modular CorePC architecture and requires at least 40 TOPS on a dedicated NPU, potentially forcing users to upgrade their hardware. Designed as a foundational platform for the future PC market, Windows 12 integrates AI agents and hybrid cloud processing to set new industry standards.
Intel Unveils Arrow Lake Refresh with Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus in March
Intel will unveil the Arrow Lake Refresh series in March with the new Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus processors. The models, designed for enhanced performance and efficiency, are set to be introduced on March 11 and released in the first half of the year. The top-tier Core Ultra 9 290K Plus has been discontinued, while the new models feature additional Efficiency cores. Early benchmarks indicate significant improvements in both single- and multi-threaded performance over previous generations.
Intel unveiled the new Xeon 6+ processor at MWC 2026, featuring up to 288 E-cores built on the 18A process node with the 'Clearwater Forest' architecture. Developed in collaboration with Ericsson, the processor delivers up to 30% higher performance and up to 60% greater efficiency compared to previous generations. Designed for high-performance computing and data center workloads, the chip aims to reduce energy consumption and enable infrastructure consolidation. Availability for telecom vendors is expected starting in 2027.
TCL has unveiled its first smartphone featuring an anti-glare AMOLED display powered by NxtPaper technology, designed to reduce eye strain. The TCL NxtPaper 70 Pro is now available in Germany and Austria for €299, equipped with a 6.9-inch display, a stylus, and a Max Ink Mode for extended battery life. The technology integrates seven core features, including circular polarization and blue light reduction, with a next-generation version expected to launch before the end of 2026.
Linux 7.1 and 7.0-rc3: Expanded Hardware Support for ASUS, Dell, and Intel GPU Development
With the new Linux kernel versions 7.1 and 7.0-rc3, ASUS, Dell, HP, and OneXPlayer devices gain expanded hardware support. Notably, Linux 7.1 introduces enhanced sensor monitoring for ASUS motherboards, including VRM, temperature, and water cooling, while Intel's Arc Pro B70 Pro-Viz GPU has been tested using the BMG-G31 die. These advancements improve compatibility and performance across a wide range of systems.