Brian Fagioli

The latest release in the world of Linux, Voyager 24.04 LTS, introduces a novel approach by combining two popular desktop environments, GNOME and Xfce, into a single distribution. Based on Ubuntu’s “Noble Numbat” and powered by the Linux 6.8 kernel, this version offers a unified experience designed for both PC and tablet platforms.

Voyager 24.04 LTS features a seamless integration of GNOME 46 and Xfce 4.18, maintaining distinct identities for each environment while sharing a common base. This allows for a simplified user interface where applications specific to one environment do not clutter the other, unless necessary.

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Kioxia has announced its new TransMemory U304 series of USB flash drives. One of the key attributes of the TransMemory U304 series is the slide-click mechanism that allows users to extend and retract the USB-A connector with a single push. This feature includes an auto-return mechanism that retracts the connector automatically once disconnected, helping to prevent damage during transport.

The U304 series comes in three color options: light blue, magenta, and black, offering users a choice based on their personal preference. Additionally, the flash drives are designed with a strap hole, allowing them to be easily attached to bags or keychains, which enhances portability and reduces the risk of losing the device.

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Today, Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and Microsoft unveil their latest initiative: the AI Innovation Lab. This venture builds on their ongoing global partnership, aiming to harness generative AI capabilities from Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service to revolutionize ELC’s portfolio of over 20 prestige brands.

This collaboration is designed to foster closer consumer relationships and accelerate product launches with a focus on local relevance, highlighting the companies’ commitment to leading the charge in the digital transformation of the beauty industry.

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Following a short beta test period, Canonical today released Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS. Codenamed “Noble Numbat,” this version promises enhanced performance, security, and developer productivity. Available for download at Ubuntu’s official site, this release marks a significant update supported for at least 12 years, emphasizing Canonical’s commitment to long-term support.

Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, highlighted the release’s focus, “Ubuntu 24.04 LTS takes a bold step into performance engineering and confidential computing to deliver an enterprise-grade innovation platform.” This version introduces TCK certified Java, LTS for .NET, and the latest Rust toolchain, catering extensively to developer needs.

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TCL Mobile is set to make waves in the budget smartphone market with the launch of the TCL 50 XL 5G, available at Metro by T-Mobile here now. As the inaugural device in the highly anticipated 50 Series, the TCL 50 XL 5G aims to bring high-end technology within reach of more consumers with its attractive price tag of just $159.

The TCL 50 XL 5G boasts a large 6.78-inch FHD+ display complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vivid visuals and fluid motion for an immersive viewing experience. This smartphone is not just about the display; it also features dual speakers enhanced with DTS sound technology, offering a superior audio experience for both headphone users and open-air listening.

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Today, Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon X Plus platform, which features the all-new 10-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU and a 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) NPU, touted as the fastest NPU for laptops globally. This combination aims to set a new benchmark for mobile computing by providing up to 37% faster CPU performance while consuming up to 54% less power compared to its competitors.

Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the transformative potential of the new chipset. "Snapdragon X Series platforms deliver leading experiences and are positioned to revolutionize the PC industry," said Kondap. He emphasized that the Snapdragon X Plus would power "AI-Supercharged PCs," enabling radical new AI experiences amid rapid technological advancements.

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Fedora Linux 40 has officially landed (download here), bringing a slew of updates across its various desktop environments and tools aimed at enhancing user experience and developer capabilities. This release delivers updates to both the GNOME and KDE desktop environments, and the reintroduction of the Fedora Atomic Desktop brand.

In the Fedora Workstation Edition, users will now experience GNOME 46. This update includes a variety of enhancements that aim to improve usability and performance. Those interested in the specifics of what’s new in Fedora Workstation 40 can find detailed updates and features highlighted in the release notes.

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Samsung has started mass production of its one-terabit (Tb) triple-level cell (TLC) 9th-generation vertical NAND (V-NAND). This is seemingly aimed at strengthening the company’s position in the NAND flash market, particularly within the high-performance solid state drive (SSD) segment.

SungHoi Hur, Head of Flash Product & Technology at Samsung’s Memory Business, commented on the launch: “With the industry’s first 9th-gen V-NAND, we aim to meet the growing demand for high-performance, high-density SSD solutions that are suitable for AI and other future applications.”

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In what appears to be a response to Apple's recent success with the Vision Pro, Meta has unveiled its own open computing initiative with the introduction of Meta Horizon OS. This new mixed reality operating system is part of Meta's strategy to recover ground in the rapidly evolving metaverse sector, where Apple has set a high standard.

Meta Horizon OS will be the backbone for a series of new devices from major tech players like ASUS, Lenovo, and Xbox. These collaborations seem to be Meta's attempt to broaden its ecosystem and challenge Apple's dominance. ASUS's Republic of Gamers, for instance, will develop a performance gaming headset, tapping into the gaming market where Apple's presence is less pronounced. Lenovo is poised to leverage its past collaboration on Oculus Rift S and its hardware prowess to create mixed reality devices aimed at productivity and entertainment, sectors where Apple's Vision Pro has made significant inroads.

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Mozilla has announced Firefox Nightly for ARM64. This release will cater to the growing demand for support on ARM64 platforms, commonly referred to as AArch64.

Feedback from the community has led Mozilla to expand the availability of Firefox Nightly. Users can now access the browser as both .tar archives and .deb packages, depending on their preference and requirements for installation.

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Guests at select IHG Hotels & Resorts properties, including those under the Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, and InterContinental brands, now have a more personalized entertainment experience. More than 60 locations across North America now offer AirPlay functionality, allowing visitors to stream content from Apple TV+ and other services, listen to music, view photos, play games, or engage in fitness and meditation sessions -- all on the big screens in their rooms.

The new feature is available through a seamless connection process. Guests can link their devices to the room’s LG TV and the hotel’s Wi-Fi network by scanning a unique QR code displayed on the TV screen. This setup not only makes it easy to mirror content from iPhones and iPads directly to the TV but also ensures privacy and security.

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TEAMGROUP has unveiled its latest product, the MP44Q M.2 PCIe 4.0 Solid State Drive. This new SSD offers impressive capabilities, primarily due to its use of the latest 3D QLC NAND technology which allows for storage capacities of up to 4TB. This considerable capacity is complemented by the PCIe Gen4 x4 interface which propels the SSD to achieve maximum sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively.

In addition to its performance features, the MP44Q SSD includes a unique heat management technology. It is equipped with TEAMGROUP’s patented graphene heat dissipation sticker, which is less than 1 mm thick. This helps avoid mechanical interference during installation and, when used in conjunction with the motherboard’s native heat sink, effectively manages the heat generated during operation.

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Marshall has introduced two new products in its audio lineup: the Major V on-ear headphones and the Minor IV true wireless earbuds. Both models promise enhancements in sound quality, battery life, and durability.

According to Martin Wennberg, Product Manager at Marshall, the new Major V builds on its predecessor’s capabilities, increasing playtime from 80+ to 100+ hours. “We’ve refined every detail for the fifth incarnation of Major, from the sound quality to the iconic design,” Wennberg explains.

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KeyBudz, a maker of accessories for AirPods, has just improved the auditory experience of Apple’s Pro earbuds with its latest release—the HyperFoam ear tips. These ear tips are not just another accessory; they promise unparalleled comfort and acoustic performance.

The standout feature of the HyperFoam ear tips is the exclusive ComfortCore technology. This patented feature integrates a flexible sound bore made from German Kraiburg ThermoPlastic Elastomer (TPE), which molds to the unique contours of each user’s ear. This adaptability ensures a custom fit that not only enhances the overall listening experience but also maintains an optimal acoustic seal, allowing users to enjoy their music without external interruptions.

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Nvidia may be the AI-focused darling of the technology world nowadays, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about good ol’ AMD. In fact, today, AMD announced the launch of its latest Ryzen PRO 8040 and 8000 Series processors designed for commercial mobile and desktop AI PCs.

The Ryzen PRO 8040 Series, specifically designed for business laptops and mobile workstations, introduces the most advanced x86 processors in AMD’s lineup. These processors are built using the innovative 4nm technology and “Zen 4” architecture, which delivers up to 30% increased performance in demanding applications. The series also features models with integrated AMD RDNA 3 graphics, pushing the limits with up to 72% faster performance and significantly reduced power consumption during video conferencing compared to competitors.

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