Brian Fagioli

As the 2024 U.S. general election approaches, many Americans are looking for straightforward ways to find reliable voting information. Fortunately, Google is offering helpful tools to make this process easier, allowing you to quickly locate key voting details, whether you’re voting in person or by mail.

With Google Search and Maps, you can now find the nearest voting locations and ballot dropboxes. By simply typing queries like “where to vote” or “ballot dropboxes,” Google will guide you to a prompt where you enter your registered address. From there, you’ll be able to see nearby voting locations tailored to your specific needs. Google Maps can even provide extra details, such as voting hours and the types of voting options available at each location.

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PorteuX 1.7 has been released, bringing various updates and optimizations to the lightweight Linux distribution. One of the key highlights of this release is the reduced size of the ISOs compared to previous versions, thanks to numerous optimizations that aim to enhance overall performance and stability.

Several fixes have been made, including addressing issues with the run-pipewire and gui-cheatcode-loader scripts, which previously ran indefinitely in the background. The release also resolves problems with LXDE freezing when dragging files from Engrampa over the file manager’s side panel and fixes a notification bug related to ‘sticky keys’ in Xfce 4.18.

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Western Digital has been helping people store their digital lives on the go for two decades. To mark the 20th anniversary of its popular My Passport drive, the company has released a special edition - the My Passport Ultra, 20th Emerald Anniversary Edition. First launched in 2004, the My Passport drive now boasts capacities as large as 6TB, a massive increase from the original 40GB model.

This special edition drive sports a beautiful emerald color, which Western Digital says symbolizes loyalty, peace, and security. It’s not just about looks, though. The My Passport Ultra continues the company’s tradition of durability and reliability, offering a sleek anodized metal enclosure for extra protection. It works right out of the box with Windows, Mac, and even mobile devices, making it a versatile choice for today’s tech-savvy users.

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Samsung has introduced the first-ever 24Gb GDDR7 DRAM, designed to offer high capacity and speeds exceeding 40Gbps. This new memory aims to support a range of applications, including AI computing, data centers, gaming consoles, and autonomous driving technologies.

Validation of the GDDR7 with major GPU customers is set to begin this year, with production expected to start early next year. Samsung’s use of three-level Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM3) signaling contributes to a 25 percent speed improvement over previous versions, and the memory’s performance can reach up to 42.5Gbps in ideal conditions.

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TCL has introduced its new 5G connectivity device, the LINKPORT IK511, created in partnership with T-Mobile. The device allows laptops and tablets to connect to T-Mobile’s 5G standalone (SA) network, utilizing 5G RedCap technology, which offers a more secure and reliable connection than traditional Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. The TCL LINKPORT IK511 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF system.

5G RedCap, also known as Reduced Capability, provides a more affordable entry into 5G networks. The TCL LINKPORT IK511 is the first 5G RedCap device available commercially in North America and works exclusively on T-Mobile’s 5G SA network, which is the only nationwide 5G SA network in the United States.

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BLUETTI has launched its new Handsfree Backpack Series, offering a unique combination of portable power stations and backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts and digital creators. The Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 models are designed to help users stay powered while on the go, providing a practical solution for those who need to charge multiple devices during extended trips.

Carrying various portable chargers and cables can often complicate outdoor activities. The Handsfree Series aims to streamline this by combining energy storage with a multifunctional backpack, reducing the need for extra gear.

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Voyager 24.10 has officially arrived, and it’s quite the intriguing release for Linux enthusiasts. This unique distribution offers a 2-in-1 experience, combining both GNOME and Xfce desktops into one. The design has been revamped to give users a vibrant and colorful interface, blending GNOME 47 with Xfce 4.18. The result is a hybrid system that feels modern, light, fast, secure, and highly efficient, whether you’re on a PC or tablet.

What sets Voyager apart is how it manages these two distinct environments. Despite the integration, the applications tied to each desktop remain mostly invisible to the other, maintaining a clean separation. This setup allows you to switch between the desktops seamlessly. If you prefer to stick with just one, you can easily remove the other without any hassle.

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Canonical took to Twitter today to announce the name of its next Ubuntu release: Plucky Puffin. Sticking with its tradition of alliterative animal names, this moniker for Ubuntu 25.04 joins the ranks of past versions like Groovy Gorilla and Jammy Jellyfish. While no specific details have been shared yet regarding what features or improvements Plucky Puffin will bring, the name alone is enough to generate buzz among Linux enthusiasts.

Ubuntu has consistently delivered updates that focus on performance enhancements, security improvements, and new features. With each release, Canonical strives to make Ubuntu more accessible and powerful for both casual users and enterprise environments. However, it will be interesting to see if Plucky Puffin offers any major new developments or simply improves existing features. The Linux community will undoubtedly be watching closely for any signs of innovation.

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ecobee has announced the new ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite, a device designed specifically for HVAC professionals. This thermostat is available exclusively through Pro distribution channels, and its ease of installation, durability, and reliability are key selling points. Unlike some other smart thermostats, the Smart Thermostat Lite is hardwired, removing the need for charging or secondary power sources.

According to ecobee, the Smart Thermostat Lite was developed with input from HVAC professionals and builds upon previous generations of ecobee products. The thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems, including multi-stage heating and cooling systems, radiant heating, and dual-fuel setups. It also supports additional accessories such as humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Even for homes without a C-wire, the Smart Thermostat Lite can be adapted using the ecobee Power Extender Kit.

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Arlo has introduced its Wired Floodlight Camera, a new hardwired security solution designed to provide continuous outdoor surveillance. Building on the company’s wire-free floodlight technology, the camera features 2K HDR video resolution and up to 2000 lumens of brightness. Available now at Arlo.com for $149.99, it will also be sold at Home Depot starting in November.

The camera offers a 160-degree field of view and articulating lights, allowing users to customize coverage for different outdoor spaces. Its features include motion detection, color night vision, noise-canceling audio, and an integrated siren. The product connects directly to Wi-Fi for a simplified setup process and faster video loading.

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Dynabook has launched the Portégé X30L-M, starting at under $1,399. The company claims it is the world’s lightest AI-powered 13.3-inch metal chassis business laptop. Weighing just 855 grams, the Portégé X30L-M is designed to offer portability without compromising on performance. It features Intel’s 28-watt H-series Core Ultra processors, Intel Arc Graphics, and various AI capabilities aimed at enhancing productivity for professionals on the go.

Dynabook highlights that the laptop’s construction uses a dark blue magnesium alloy, allowing it to meet MIL-STD-810H durability standards while keeping the weight under two pounds. It features a 16:10 WUXGA display for increased screen space, paired with Intel Arc Graphics for enhanced visuals in tasks like presentations and creative work. It offers up to 64GB of LPDDR5x memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage, designed to handle demanding applications.

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Raycon has launched its latest product, the Bone Conduction Headphones, available in gray for $99.99. The headphones are built with an open-ear design, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. This design choice is aimed at enhancing safety and situational awareness, particularly for those who exercise outdoors or move through busy environments.

These headphones are designed to be durable, featuring an IP68 water and dust protection rating, which makes them suitable for various weather conditions and intense workouts. Raycon highlights these features as ideal for outdoor runners, cyclists, and those who need secure and reliable audio equipment in challenging environments.

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Apple has introduced its latest iPad mini, featuring the A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence, a system designed to provide helpful and relevant information while maintaining user privacy. The new iPad mini keeps its familiar 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and ultraportable design, available in four finishes, including blue and purple.

The A17 Pro chip brings performance improvements, with Apple claiming a 30 percent boost in CPU performance and a 25 percent increase in GPU capabilities compared to the previous model. This chip also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enabling enhanced gaming experiences. Users can also expect more from apps utilizing the new power, from photo editing to immersive augmented reality.

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The Solus team has officially launched Solus 4.6 “Convergence,” offering a refreshed Linux experience that brings desktop environment updates, kernel improvements, and enhanced hardware support. For those looking for an alternative to Windows 11, Solus 4.6 provides a compelling option, especially for users interested in performance, customization, and open-source software.

In this release, Solus includes updated ISOs with file names that now reflect the release channel and the date of generation. The OS continues to offer popular default applications, such as Firefox 131.0.3, LibreOffice 24.2.5.2, and Thunderbird 128.3.1, ensuring users have the essential tools out of the box. For multimedia, Budgie and GNOME editions come with Rhythmbox for audio and Celluloid for video playback, while XFCE features Parole and Plasma opts for Elisa and Haruna.

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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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