Brian Fagioli

Google has signed an agreement to purchase nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power. This deal aims to support the growing energy demands in the U.S., particularly as AI technology continues to expand. Kairos Power plans to bring its first reactor online by 2030, with additional reactors deployed by 2035. The goal is to provide up to 500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to U.S. grids.

The agreement focuses on the need for reliable, round-the-clock power to complement renewable sources like wind and solar. Google sees SMRs as a valuable addition to its clean energy portfolio, which is critical for powering its global operations and data centers. These modular reactors have been designed to be smaller, more efficient, and faster to deploy than traditional nuclear plants, with simplified designs that aim to improve safety and reduce construction timelines.

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Lenovo has announced the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, an AI-optimized compute device designed specifically for video conferencing systems. This latest offering from the tech giant features the Intel Core Ultra processor with integrated NPU, making it capable of handling AI-intensive meeting room workloads. As hybrid work environments evolve, Lenovo positions the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 as a solution for smarter, more efficient collaboration.

Lenovo’s vision of “Smarter AI for All” is evident in this new product. AI-driven enhancements, such as predictive capabilities and real-time analytics, aim to boost productivity and improve team dynamics. This will allow IT managers to automate more complex tasks, from maintenance to monitoring, ultimately reducing their workload.

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Altec Lansing has just launched a new lineup of party speakers. These speakers, packed with features like dynamic LED lights that sync with the music, are designed to take any tailgate party or backyard BBQ to the next level.

The new collection includes the SoundRover Pro 650, along with two fresh additions to the Sonic Boom series -- the Sonic Boom 120 and Sonic Boom 180. The SoundRover Pro 650 sports a sleek, professional design, while the Sonic Boom 120 and 180 are built with rugged EVERYTHINGPROOF construction, making them resistant to water, sand, dust, and even snow.

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Switching to Linux is like Christopher Columbus discovering America -- but in ways both good and bad. Just as Columbus set sail for uncharted waters in search of something new, users moving from Windows or macOS to Linux are venturing into unfamiliar territory, leaving behind a world they’ve known for something potentially better. However, much like the story of Columbus, this transition can come with its complexities -- and some parallels are worth exploring, including the relationship between Columbus and the Native Americans.

At first glance, making the switch to Linux might seem like entering a brand new land. The user interfaces, package managers, and the open-source philosophy can feel as different as the Americas were to Columbus. For someone who has spent years navigating Windows or macOS, things like the Linux terminal or alternative software solutions might feel like a foreign language. Instead of the Start menu, you’re greeted with new desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, or Xfce. It can feel daunting, much like Columbus’s sailors must have felt when they lost sight of the European coast.

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While Microsoft’s newest operating system continues to frustrate users with its limitations and updates, Ubuntu has been quietly improving. The latest release, Ubuntu 24.10 “Oracular Oriole”, is the best version yet, giving users a new Linux alternative to Windows 11 that combines cutting-edge technology with enhanced security features. Ubuntu 24.10 (download here), brings the latest Linux kernel, GNOME 47 desktop environment, and improved security tools, making it a serious contender for those considering a shift away from Microsoft’s ecosystem.

This release includes Linux kernel 6.11, which supports the latest hardware and allows for smoother integration with future updates. By adopting this newer kernel, Canonical aims to stay ahead in supporting a wide range of hardware configurations, ensuring compatibility and performance for both desktop and server users. For those running systems on Dell’s Ubuntu-powered PCs, the move promises quicker updates and better support, which is especially beneficial for enterprise deployments.

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Rolling Square has launched the inCharge XS, a compact and versatile 4-in-1 charging cable designed to simplify the charging experience for users on the go. The inCharge XS is an update to its previous model, the inCharge X, and aims to offer a more portable and functional solution for users dealing with tangled cables and compatibility issues.

The inCharge XS provides four different combinations -- USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-A to Lightning -- ensuring it works with various devices, including iPhones, AirPods, and laptops. This multi-functional cable is intended to be a single accessory that offers quick access to power while traveling, commuting, or during emergencies.

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The TUXEDO Stellaris 16 (Gen6) is a high-performance Linux laptop designed for users seeking powerful hardware. With a thickness of 2.6 cm and a weight of 2.5 kg, it balances portability with the cooling capacity needed for high-performance components. It’s built with an all-aluminum chassis that aims to combine rigidity with an understated design, making it suitable for gaming and professional environments.

The Stellaris 16 features Intel’s Core i9-14900HX processor, offering 24 cores and 32 threads. Buyers can choose between several NVIDIA graphics options, ranging from the RTX 4060 to the high-end RTX 4090. The laptop’s design supports these GPUs at their maximum power limits, thanks to its efficient cooling system, which includes six heat pipes and dual 12 mm fans, allowing it to handle up to 225 watts of thermal load. For users looking for additional cooling, TUXEDO offers the Aquaris liquid cooling docking station.

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Opera’s latest addition, Tab Commands, promises to revolutionize tab management using its AI assistant, Aria. With commands like “group work tabs” or “close social media tabs,” users can interact with their browser in a way that’s meant to simplify multitasking. But is this new feature really essential, or is it just another example of adding AI for the sake of it?

The concept of managing browser tabs with AI might sound innovative, but it raises the question: do users actually need this level of automation? While the feature offers convenience by grouping, pinning, or saving tabs with a simple command, most browsers already have built-in ways to manage tabs with minimal effort. Shortcuts and extensions that help manage tab overload already exist, and many people have developed their own methods for keeping tabs organized without AI assistance.

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HexGaming has launched the PHANTOM Gaming Pro Controller for PS5, aimed at serious eSports gamers who prioritize precision and customization. Designed for intense competitive play, this controller combines advanced technology with ergonomic features, providing players with an edge in high-pressure gaming scenarios.

The PHANTOM Controller delivers professional-grade features, including 4 remappable buttons, 6 customizable profiles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and adjustable triggers. It accommodates a wide range of playstyles and is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

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Google is expanding its Store Ratings feature beyond the United States, making it available for English-language shopping searches in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. This feature allows merchants to display customer feedback about their services, including product quality, shipping, and return policies, directly in search results. The aim is to provide shoppers with information that may help them make more informed purchasing decisions.

Store ratings appear in shopping search results. Clicking on a store rating allows users to access detailed information about the business, including customer reviews, shipping information, and return policies. This offers shoppers insight into the store’s services and product quality, potentially influencing their buying choices.

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McAfee has released its “2024 Celebrity Hacker Hotlist,” highlighting the celebrities whose names are most exploited by cybercriminals. Leading this year’s list is Scarlett Johansson, an actress best known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Johansson’s popularity makes her a prime target for hackers, who use her name to trick unsuspecting users into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful files.

McAfee’s report warns that searches involving popular celebrities like Johansson often lead consumers to unsafe sites. These sites can install malware or collect personal data, compromising users’ privacy, data, and identity. The rise of AI has made it easier to create convincing deepfakes, adding another layer of complexity to these scams. These AI-generated images, audio, and videos can be used to deceive fans into engaging with fraudulent content, damaging not only the victim’s finances but also the celebrity’s reputation.

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SOUNDPEATS has introduced the Air5 wireless earbuds, the latest addition to its "Air" series, which features dual certifications for both Snapdragon Sound and Hi-Res Audio. These earbuds aim to provide quality audio performance, enhanced connectivity, and multi-level noise cancellation without the premium price tag. Alongside the Air5, SOUNDPEATS has also launched the Breezy open-ear earbuds as a more affordable option.

The Air5 includes a 13mm dynamic driver for an immersive listening experience, delivering clear audio even in noisy surroundings. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection, with the added convenience of multi-point connectivity to link multiple devices at once.

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Logitech has launched the POP Icon Keys, a new keyboard aimed at users who want to add some style to their workspace. The keyboard is designed to be both functional and expressive, offering a visually distinct look that breaks away from the typical boring office aesthetic.

Art O’Gnimh, GM of Logitech’s personal workspace division, expressed the company’s mission to merge design and productivity. “At Logitech, we believe you should get the style and design you want at your workspace without compromising on productivity and comfort,” he said. “POP Icon Keys delivers a brilliant typing experience and smart productivity shortcuts, in a carefully crafted standout design.”

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Tronsmart has launched its newest portable speaker, the Mirtune H1. Despite its small and lightweight design, the Mirtune H1 offers surprisingly powerful sound, making it versatile for use indoors and outside.

It comes with an integrated carabiner, so you can easily attach it to your backpack or belt. With up to 20 hours of battery life, the Mirtune H1 can keep your music playing all day long.

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Greenliant is rolling out its latest line of high-endurance NVMe M.2 2242 and 2280 ArmourDrive EX Series SSDs, and these aren’t your run-of-the-mill drives. We’re talking serious longevity here -- up to 75,000 and even 150,000 program-erase (P/E) cycles. If you’re dealing with the harshest conditions, from the freezing cold to scorching heat (-40 to +95 degrees Celsius), these drives are up for the job. Greenliant is targeting industries like aerospace, defense, and transportation.

But that’s not all. Alongside these heavy-duty EX Series drives, Greenliant is introducing the NVMe M.2 2242 and 2280 ArmourDrive PX Series SSDs. These come with high-quality industrial TLC 3D NAND that supports up to 5,000 P/E cycles. They’re fine-tuned for performance and energy efficiency. Plus, the drives come in the 2280 (GLS88AS) and compact 2242 (GLS88CS) form factors. If you’re working with tight spaces, these slim, single-sided SSDs have you covered.

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