Brian Fagioli

As Windows 11 continues to face criticism over its system demands and privacy concerns, many users are exploring alternatives. Linux distributions offer compelling options that not only match but often surpass the Windows experience in performance, customization, and security.

Here are the top three Linux distributions that you should consider when switching from Microsoft Windows 11.

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Google has unveiled its latest product in home entertainment: the Google TV Streamer. This new device aims to elevate the smart home experience, replacing the Chromecast with a more advanced, premium version that doubles as a smart home hub. But with such advancements, should Apple be concerned about its Apple TV media box?

The Google TV Streamer boasts huge enhancements over its predecessor, the Chromecast. It is designed to offer not only top-tier entertainment options but also to integrate seamlessly into a smart home setup. With access to over 700,000 movies and shows and 800+ live TV channels through various streaming services including YouTube TV, Netflix, and even Apple TV (the service), the device aims to be a central hub for all media consumption.

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NETGEAR has launched the WBE710 Insight Manageable Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Access Point, a new component of its business-oriented Wi-Fi 7 lineup. This device is designed to meet the increasing demands of modern business environments, offering improvements in speed, latency, and data capacity.

As multi-gig capable devices become more common, the need for network enhancements capable of handling large volumes of data grows. The WBE710 uses the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to enhance data throughput across multiple bands and reduce network congestion, aiming to provide a solution as more Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices hit the market.

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Google has introduced the latest version of its Nest Learning Thermostat alongside an updated Nest Temperature Sensor. Originally launched thirteen years ago, the Nest Learning Thermostat was designed to enhance the smart home experience by integrating intelligence into household temperature control. The latest model builds on this foundation with improved design and technology.

The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat offers a redesigned appearance with a larger, clearer domed LCD display and a slimmer profile, which gives it a subtle presence on a wall. The device is available in three finishes: Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, and Polished Gold, allowing it to blend seamlessly with various home decors.

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Samsung has officially started mass production of the thinnest 12 nanometer-class, 12GB and 16GB LPDDR5X DRAM packages in the industry. This latest advancement in chip packaging technology allows Samsung to offer ultra-slim DRAM packages that not only enhance performance but also improve the internal layout of mobile devices by creating more space and improving airflow.

According to YongCheol Bae, Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics, the new LPDDR5X DRAM represents a monumental improvement in on-device AI capabilities. "Samsung’s LPDDR5X DRAM sets a new standard for high-performance on-device AI solutions, offering not only superior LPDDR performance but also advanced thermal management in an ultra-compact package," stated Bae.

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Micron has announced the development of the first PCIe Gen6 SSD technology aimed at data center ecosystems. This initiative is part of a broader portfolio designed to meet the increasing demands of AI applications.

Raj Narasimhan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Micron’s Compute and Networking Business Unit, is scheduled to discuss the significance of data in AI at the Flash Memory Summit (FMS). His keynote, titled "Data is at the heart of AI: Micron memory and storage are fueling the AI revolution," will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time.

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TCL has introduced the NXTFRAME TV, its first lifestyle television for the North American market. This series is noted for its "All-In-One" design, making it the thinnest in the market with a depth of just 1.1 inches, and 1.2 inches for the 85-inch model. It is designed for easy installation without an external chassis box, featuring an off-white bezel and a light wood color magnetic frame included in the carton box, allowing for quick aesthetic changes.

The television boasts a highly matte anti-reflective screen, aiming to replicate the appearance of wall art. This feature is complemented by an ultra-thin Flush Wall Mount that secures the TV close to the wall, enhancing its elegant appeal. The NXTFRAME TV is equipped with TCL's AIPQ PRO Processor, which optimizes color, contrast, clarity, and motion, promising a superior viewing experience.

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Nitrux Linux 3.6.0 is the perfect open-source option for those looking to transition from Windows 11 (or any version of Windows, for that matter). The “ie” in its name stands for improved efficiency, with adjustments to the TLP power management tool to optimize energy use when plugged in and conserve battery when not.

Nitrux 3.6.0 includes the latest Linux kernel 6.9.12-1 Liquorix, offering a modern user experience and enhanced hardware support. The OS release comes with numerous updates, bug fixes, and enhancements aimed at improving overall performance, as well as battery life.

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ACEMAGIC has officially launched the X1, a revolutionary Windows 11 laptop that pairs dual 14-inch Full HD displays with powerful internal specifications, catering to the needs of business professionals. Believe it or not, it’s extremely affordable too.

The ACEMAGIC X1 is powered by the Alder Lake 17-1255U processor, featuring Intel Iris Xe Graphics and a 10-core, 12-thread configuration. The processor operates at a base frequency of 3.5GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7GHz.

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Sabrent has announced the Rocket XTRM5, an external solid state drive using Intel's cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5. This new portable SSD is not just about speed; it's also crafted for convenience and durability.

Featuring a rugged design, the Rocket XTRM5 is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use while maintaining peak performance. It comes with a high-quality Thunderbolt 5 cable and a protective silicone sleeve, ensuring it remains safe and secure during transport.

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addlink has launched two new SSDs designed for NAS storage systems, the NAS D60 and D20. These SSDs are engineered to improve standards in speed, reliability, and capacity for network attached storage applications.

The NAS D60 features a Gen 4x4 M.2 interface and aims to provide high speeds and consistent performance for users with demanding storage needs. It offers speeds up to 6000MB/s and random read/write speeds up to 800K/60K IOPS. Designed for durability, it supports 1 DWPD and up to 3800TBW, suitable for continuous operation. The D60 also includes power loss data protection to prevent data corruption during unexpected power outages.

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TCL has introduced its new 115-inch QM89 QD-Mini LED TV, claiming the title of the world's largest in its category. Alongside the launch, the company has initiated the "115-inch Experience More Promotion" available to the first 115 purchasers. These early buyers will join Club 115, granting them access to various exclusive experiences, including a potential trip to Super Bowl LIX, facilitated by TCL’s partnership with the NFL.

Starting today, purchasers of the 115-inch QM89 model can register their product on the TCL Experience More website to select from a range of experiences. These include attending the Super Bowl, a movie premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre, a Los Angeles Chargers game, a concert at SoFi Stadium, a tour at a Call of Duty studio, or the CES event in Las Vegas.

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Microsoft has introduced "GitHub Models," a new platform that enables over 100 million developers to integrate AI into their software projects by providing access to a variety of AI models. This includes popular models like Llama 3.1, GPT-4o, and Mistral Large 2, among others. Developers can explore these models for free through a built-in model playground on GitHub, where they can experiment with different prompts and model parameters.

The integration of GitHub Models into Codespaces and Visual Studio Code aims to simplify the development process, allowing developers to easily transfer what they've learned and experimented with into their own environments. Backed by Azure AI, the platform offers enterprise-grade security, privacy, and availability, which is vital for running AI applications at scale. GitHub Models is also designed to adhere to strict privacy and security standards, ensuring that no data used in the model playground is shared with external parties or used to train the models.

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NZXT, a known company in the PC gaming market, has recently launched its NZXT Flex subscription service, which might seem like an innovative approach to accessing gaming PCs but raises concerns about its long-term value for consumers. You see, not everything is necessarily how it seems.

Billed as a way to help gamers access high-performance PCs without a large upfront cost, this subscription service could actually end up being a more expensive proposition over time. Keep in mind, this subscription is not rent to own -- you just rent and pay for as long as you have the PC. You will never own it!

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Yum! Brands, owner of Taco Bell, has announced the expansion of its Voice AI technology to additional drive-thru locations across the U.S., aiming to equip hundreds of stores by the end of 2024. This development is part of a larger plan to eventually deploy Voice AI technology in Taco Bell drive-thrus worldwide.

The Voice AI technology, already operational in more than 100 Taco Bell drive-thrus across 13 states, seeks to streamline operations for team members and improve the ordering process for customers. The reported benefits include reducing the workload for team members, enhancing order accuracy, providing a consistent and amiable customer interaction, and decreasing wait times, which collectively contribute to Taco Bell's and Yum! Brands' growth objectives.

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