The Japanese technology giant cited economic challenges as it raised prices for the consoles by around $50. Read...

DXC Technology partners with Boomi to boost enterprise AI modernisation via cloud-native integration and a new Boomi Centre of Excellence. Read...

Its profit is down 18 percent to $260 million, driven by lower customer spending. Read...

Copilot Vision is one of those Windows features that deserves more attention than its receiving — which is quite little. It’s a built-in Windows technology that can “see” what you’re looking at and offer advice. The problem is that Copilot Vision is all over the map. It’s far better than a how-to article or video in using certain apps, because you’re not following instructions, you’re actually working on your PC and asking Copilot Vision for help. At its best, Copilot Vision is the friend or coworker that comes over to your PC and tells you what to do. In trickier applications — Adobe Photoshop, for example — it can walk you through tasks that you might be able to describe, but not do. It can even highlight what you’re supposed to click! In my book, that’s really helpful. At its worst, though, Copilot Vision just can’t do the job. Does Copilot Vision hallucinate a wrong answer? I’m not sure, but in certain applications it can’t read what’s on your screen. Copilot Vision isn’t Windows Recall, which constantly spies over your shoulder and takes snapshots for archiving. (I think that’s quite useful, too, but not in today’s climate.) You have to manually point it at an application you want it to see and then you flip it off when you’re done. I feel perfectly safe using it unlike Recall. What this video review / tutorial shows is what Copilot Vision is, how it works, and in what applications it shines — and stinks. Microsoft has a real advantage here, in that Copilot Vision is already part of Windows. Take a look at how it performs in our video and then try it out for yourself. Since you can launch it literally with a click or two, why not? Read...

Robotic pool cleaners have revolutionized pool care, eliminating the back-breaking routine of manual vacuuming, scrubbing, and brushing. Today’s models don’t just clean — they maintain a consistently pristine pool with minimal human effort. Technology in this space has advanced rapidly. The newest generation offers greater efficiency, longer runtimes, and pinpoint navigation for faster, more thorough results. Two standout examples are Aiper’s Scuba X1 and Surfer S2, designed to work together for a complete, floor-to-surface clean. For a limited time you can buy both great pool cleaners together as a discounted deal. Scuba X1: redefining clean Aiper Scuba X1 Special Deal Price With its double jets providing incredible 6,600 gallon-per-hour suction cleaning power, the Alper Scuba X1 boasts two powerful cleaning jets that easily lift troublesome fine sand, pebbles, and stubborn algae—beating single-jet competitors, and ensuring faster, more efficient pool cleaning. It can clean up to 2,150 square feet on a single charge. The hydrophilic fibers form a 5mm-thick structure, maximizing filtration efficiency and capturing debris your pool’s main filter might miss. Its advanced ultra-fine, multi-layer MicroMesh™ filtration reassuringly picks up not just fine particles that your pool filter might miss but debris as small as 3 microns, finer than the human eye can detect. The filter uses innovative hydrophilic fibers to form a 5mm thick multi-layer structure that brings unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Aiper A swimming pool’s waterline, where the water meets the pool’s wall, is where residue, such as body oils, sunscreen, dirt, and calcium deposits, tends to accumulate. It’s often the hardest part of a pool to clean. With 4+1 cleaning modes the Scuba X1 boasts impressive waterline precision via its WaveLine™ 2.0 technology that delivers constant contact horizontal waterline scrubbing, removing grease, algae, and buildup up to 7cm above the waterline for complete coverage—saving you back-breaking scrubbing and all without adding harsh chemicals to your pool. WavePath™  3.0 brings intelligent adaptive cleaning path navigation with the Scuba X1’s high-precision sensors: ideal for complex and irregular pool shapes. When paired with the optional underwater communication and water quality device HydroComm Pro (available at the reduced price of just $399.99, a $100 saving), the Scuba X1’s smart waterline parking saves you the effort of dragging it from the bottom of the pool by automatically parking at the waterline for the simplest retrieval at the end of the clean. The wireless charging dock ensures hassle-free charging and storage. If you’ve relied on manual cleaning or basic robot vacuums before, the Scuba X1’s advanced cleaning systems will redefine your idea of “clean.” For a limited period, the Aiper Scuba X1 is discounted from $1,499.99 to just $999.99. Surfer S2: pool surface guardian Aiper Surfer S2 Special Deal Price Aiper Alper’s innovative pool-cleaning technologies don’t stop with its premium pool-cleaning robots. For the pool surface, the energy-efficient Surfer S2 pool skimmer provides continuous 24/7 operation, with its single battery lasting over 35 hours. When battery is low, SolarSeeker™ technology automatically activates, and just 15 minutes of solar charging sends it back to work Debris leakage is avoided with the Surfer S2’s DebrisGuard™ locking the skimmer in place when it docks or reverses, meaning less filter wear and therefore a longer lifespan. The Surfer S2 is a true pool-surface guardian, boasting an ultra-fine 150-micron filter, automated edge cleaning, dual optical sensors for obstacle avoidance, and four adjustable anti-stranding bars to ensure uninterrupted performance. For a limited period, the Aiper Surfer S2 is discounted from $399.99 to just $359.99. Aiper Smart app works anywhere As you’d expect with the latest smart devices, using the Aiper app you can control and monitor the Scuba X1 and Surfer S2’s operation, cleaning schedule and battery charge from anywhere. The latest robot pool cleaners, such as Alper’s Scuba X1 and Surfer S2 don’t just free up your time compared to manual vacuuming or brushing, they save on costs, reduce strain on your pool’s filtration system, and ensure a consistently clean and inviting pool through the very latest smart technologies. Together they make a good team for cleaning your pool this summer as they’ll keep your pool’s surface, floor, waterline and wall pristine. Aiper has a limited-time deal when buying both the Scuba X1 and Surfer S2 in one bundle. Normally priced at $1,899.98, the deal means you can buy both robots for just $1,199.99. Aiper`s Scuba X1 and Surfer S2 Bundle Deal Aiper Read...

A performance boost can be achieved with just a few clicks — without the need for traditional overclocking. AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) provides a simple way to enhance Ryzen CPU performance. Building on the existing Precision Boost technology, which automatically increases clock rates based on load, temperature, and power supply, PBO allows for even more generous operating conditions. The processor can run longer and more frequently in the more powerful Turbo mode. If you wish, you can also use the so-called “Curve Optimizer” to reduce voltage (undervolting) and further improve efficiency. In many cases, motherboards already come with profiles for AMD’s PBO – for increasing the boost clocks, for example. The default settings simplify performance tuning. IDG Depending on the processor, motherboard, and cooling, PBO can noticeably boost performance. In tests with a Ryzen 7 7700X, multi-core performance in the popular Cinebench CPU benchmark improved by about eleven percent, with a 2.6 percent gain in single-core performance. The current Ryzen 9000 series benefits especially, as it works more efficiently and offers higher thermal headroom. However, a quality air or water cooler and a motherboard with a stable power supply (VRMs) are important. AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) can tickle more performance out of the chips in Ryzen processors relatively easily – provided there is good cooling. AMD PBO can be activated either directly in the BIOS or through AMD’s Ryzen Master desktop tool. Many motherboards come with ready-made PBO profiles, including higher boost clocks or customized temperature limits. The Curve Optimizer function lets you optimize the processor’s voltage, which can reduce heat and fan noise (and potentially even increase clock speeds). Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) can be enabled in the BIOS (UEFI) or through AMD’s Ryzen Master app, which allows more precise tuning.IDG Advanced users can also manually adjust the PPT, TDC, and EDC parameters, which determine the maximum amount of power the processor is allowed to consume. In practice, however, the motherboard’s capabilities usually set the limit. In conclusion, if you have a modern AMD Ryzen processor and a solid system with good cooling, you should definitely give PBO a try. It’s a simple and safe way to get more performance from your system (without traditional overclocking). Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Fastest USB4 enclosure to date Solid, thermally excellent design Good-looking Cons Pricier than most Our Verdict I love this sexy-in-an-oddball-fashion enclosure. It’s the fastest USB4 enclosure I’ve tested so far, and with all the fins, there’s no chance of thermal throttling. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus Retailer Price $109.99 View Deal TerraMaster $109.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices TerraMaster’s radiator-finned, all-aluminum D1 SSD Plus looks cool, and runs cool. It’s performance lends much credence to the theory that thermal design is important when it comes to high-speed external storage, or for that matter — high-speed storage in general. A lack of thermal throttling may or may not be why the D1 SSD Plus outperformed the competition, but given past experience with great thermal designs, I reckon it just might’ve factored in. Either way, it’s a fantastic, if pricey external USB4 enclosure. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best external drives for comparison. What are the D1 SSD Plus’s features? The D1 SSD Plus is a striking-looking, all-aluminum enclosure featuring the 40GBps USB4 protocol, with a single M.2 NVMe slot inside with thermal compound strips included. It measures approximately 4.4-inches long, by 2.25-inches wide, by 1.25-inches thick/high. Weight is just shy of 9 ounces, which feels pretty hefty at the size. A two-piece clamshell, the halves of the silver enclosure are held together by two tabs and a single captive screw — a rather tiny screw, which makes it a good thing that it’s captive. On the other hand, the D1’s method for holding the M.2 NVMe SSD in the enclosure is an old-fashioned non-captive screw. That stands out when the trend in enclosures seems to favor captive plastic or rubber retention methods. The yin and yang? A screw is more secure and less likely to break, but it’s also more easily lost. I’ve sent any number of the little buggers scurrying across my hardwood floors. Solution? I’ve learned to be much more careful and do the work on a soft towel or blanket which will capture it before it escapes. How much does the D1 SSD Plus cost? Alas, you won’t find the D1 SSD Plus in or anywhere near the bargain bin. At $110 it’s one of the pricier enclosures I’ve tested, certainly more expensive than the competing Ugreen CM850 shown in the charts. But given the specs, the all-aluminum design, and the decidedly superior performance, I can’t help but consider the extra moola worthwhile. How fast is the D1 SSD Plus? Short answer: very. Given that I populated the the Ugreen CM850 with the same, extremely fast Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, I wasn’t expecting the D1 SSD Plus to spank it in our real-world copies as it did. I ran those tests more than the usual number of times to verify the results. Lack of thermal throttling? Again, could be. The Adata SE920 comes pre-populated and is thrown into the mix to show that positive things can happen when you roll your own external storage with a very fast SSD. The synthetic benchmarks were exceptionally close between the TerraMaster and Ugreen, with the Adata very close behind. It’s the fins, baby! There’s not a lot of difference between the three drives in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential throughput tests. But the D1 did triumph. Longer bars are better. The CrystalDiskMark 8 4K results were nearly equal between all three competitors. Indeed, NVMe technology is so much faster than even 40Gbps, or even 80Gbps USB4/5 and Thunderbolt 4/5, that it tends to bump right up against those transfer protocols’ ceilings. These numbers are very close, with no “Who’s the fastest?” conclusion to be drawn. Longer bars are better But the D1 SSD Plus sustained throughput so well that it gained a decisive advantage in our real-world transfers. To the point that I’m beginning to wonder exactly how much thermal throttling goes on with your average vanilla enclosure. After all the OWC 1M2 with its similarly finned design is also faster than most generic enclosures. Note that Windows 11 242H seems to have flatlined transfer speeds, at least with our new testbed, so these transfer tests are closer than they used to be. As such, they’re no longer a true indication of potential performance. Also, you may notice that the Xcopy (Command prompt) tests are significantly faster and far closer to what the synthetic benchmarks say are possible. Microsoft seems to have optimized these for NVMe while leaving Explorer outdated. The D1 won most or the 48GB transfer tests, but it was close. Shorter bars are better. Here’s where the difference between the D1 SSD Plus and the Ugreen CM850 really showed up — the aforementioned spanking. Note that the SE920 was only 2TB whereas the Samsung 9100 Pro used in the others was 4TB. This might’ve worked against the Adata SE920 in such a long copy, but other 2TB SSDs have turned in far faster times. The 450GB write was a major win for the D1. Keep in mind that the Ugreen had the same Samsung 9100 Pro inside. Shorter bars are better. All told, the D1 SSD Plus outperformed the competition. Sometimes marginally, sometimes substantially. If you want the fasted USB4 enclosure I’ve tested, this is it. It’s the fins, baby! Should you buy the D1 SSD plus? Personally, I find the D1 SSD Plus attractive, but the look might not strike everyone the same way. That said, it is fast as all get-out and there’s absolutely zero chance that you will ever overheat the SSD inside. Worth the money? I say yea. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit running off of a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard. The CPU is a Core Ultra i5 225 feeding/fed by two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5 are integrated and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. SSDs involved in the test are mounted in a HighPoint 7604A 16x PCIe 5.0 adapter card. We run the CrystalDiskMark 8, AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 synthetic benchmarks to find the storage device’s potential performance, then a series of 48GB and 450GB transfers tests using Windows Explorer drag and drop to show what you’ll see under Window, as well as the far faster Xcopy to show what’s possible. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an USFMount RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from another SSD on the HighPoint card. Each test is performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND. Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know. Read...

New Zealand`s open-banking initiatives took another step forwards today as local financial technology (fintech) company, BlinkPay launches its instant payment technology. Read...

DXC Technology and Boomi partner to modernise enterprise IT, combining AI and cloud-native solutions for seamless system integration and faster decision-making. Read...

Suddenly, Intel is a hot topic again — but this time as an investment property. As the company weathers layoffs and a struggling foundry business, both the U.S. government and SoftBank plan to invest. However, it’s not so simple. Intel announced that SoftBank Group Corp., the Japanese investment giant, would put $2 billion at $23 per share into the struggling company, with the stated goal of investing in semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. That would give it about two percent of the company, as the Wall Street Journal noted. The real question is what the United States government is pushing for, and if it will be allowed to: essentially convert the $10.9 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the U.S. Chips Act into equity. Though Bloomberg reported the proposed deal on Monday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the government’s intentions publicly on CNBC on Tuesday morning. “We should get an equity stake for our money, so we’ll deliver the money which was already committed under the Biden administration,” Lutnick told CNBC, as quoted by NBC News. “We’ll get equity in return for it,” he added, and “get a good return for the American taxpayer.” Bloomberg has stated that the government’s investment would equate to about a 10 percent equity stake in Intel, though this has not been confirmed. Intel has also not commented on whether it would agree to such a deal. It’s also unclear whether the company would have any say in the matter. The government does not have a sovereign wealth fund for investment, though a May Trump executive order tried to create one. Intel lost $2.9 billion for the second quarter, with flat revenue of $12.9 billion, during which Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan said that Intel’s 18A process technology and its Panther Lake chips remained on track to roll out near the end of this year. On the other hand, Intel’s chief financial officer David Zinsner said that the process would “peak” by 2030 or so. Intel also raised the question of whether it would even remain in chip manufacturing, if it couldn’t find a high-volume customer for the next-gen 14A process technology. Meanwhile, AMD continues to gain ground, quarter-over-quarter, especially in desktop CPUs. Intel still holds dominant shares in mobile and in the server space. Read...