Google unveils premium Developer Program membership
Earlier this year, Google unveiled its Developer Program during I/O, offering no-cost access to a variety of tools, including Gemini for documentation and Cloud Learning credits. The standard membership has since attracted millions of developers. Now, Google is upping the ante with the launch of its Developer Program premium membership, a paid tier aimed at providing developers with enhanced tools and support throughout their development lifecycle.
The premium membership offers an impressive lineup of benefits for $299 per year. Among the perks is $500 in Google Cloud credits, which can be used for resources like Gemini Code Assist and Firebase. Members will also receive a Google Cloud certification voucher to validate their expertise and advance their careers. For those eager to hone their skills, unlimited access to the Cloud Skills Boost library includes over 700 hands-on labs, skill badges, and courses.
TCL Projector A1 delivers portable entertainment with Google TV
TCL has launched its first portable projector -- the Projector A1. It turns walls into vibrant screens, offering an accessible option for enjoying big-screen experiences anywhere.
Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TCL, said, “Our amazing ultra-large TVs offer the best solution for fixed screen entertainment, but we recognize the different needs of consumers, so TCL is dedicated to bringing that superior viewing experience in new ways. Projector A1 is the perfect extension to our lineup as it meets consumers in the places they want to watch, no matter where that is. It represents the convergence of TCL’s innovative technology, combining reliable Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment with award-winning visual and audio capabilities.”
Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W costs just $7
Raspberry Pi has unveiled the Pico 2 W, a $7 microcontroller that integrates wireless capabilities, building on the success of the previously released Pico 2. Powered by the RP2350 microcontroller and featuring an Infineon CYW43439 modem, this device is tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The RP2350, a successor to the widely celebrated RP2040, introduces several upgrades, including faster cores, expanded memory, floating-point support, optimized power consumption, and enhanced security with Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. These improvements aim to meet the demands of IoT projects that require local computation and seamless cloud connectivity.
Google brings chess into the AI era with innovative tools and experiences
Chess, the age-old strategy game, continues to inspire advancements in artificial intelligence. Google, known for its AI breakthroughs like AlphaZero, has used chess as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology. AlphaZero famously taught itself to master chess without prior knowledge, showcasing AI’s potential for creative problem-solving. This innovation even extends beyond games, influencing real-world projects like AlphaFold for protein structures and AlphaDev for discovering new algorithms.
Now, as the title sponsor of the World Chess Championship, Google is offering new ways to experience chess, blending history, AI, and creativity. Here’s what’s on the board:
Barron Trump goes viral on TikTok for quirky suitcase (sootcase) comment
TikTok has once again unearthed a viral gem, and this time it’s a resurfaced video of Barron Trump that has captivated the platform. The clip, in which Donald Trump’s youngest son simply says, “I like my suitcase,” has sparked a creative frenzy, with users remixing the sound and turning the phrase into a cultural moment. Adding to the charm, the word “suitcase” has been affectionately stylized as “sootcase” by fans, further amplifying the trend.
What makes this moment particularly intriguing is the theory that Barron’s Slovak heritage might be playing a role in the internet’s fascination. As the son of Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia, Barron has been known to speak fluent Slovenian, and it’s speculated that his subtle accent or pronunciation gives his delivery an endearing twist. The soft articulation of “suitcase” as “sootcase” has resonated with audiences, who find it both charming and relatable.
Western Digital unveils new SanDisk and WD_BLACK storage solutions
Western Digital has introduced new storage products under its SanDisk and WD_BLACK brands, designed to meet the needs of professionals, gamers, and everyday users. With a focus on speed, durability, and capacity, these drives aim to handle a variety of data storage demands.
SanDisk has launched two portable SSDs tailored for creators and professionals who need fast, rugged storage on the go. The SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD offers cutting-edge performance, featuring a USB4 interface with read speeds of up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds of 3,700MB/s. Its durable design includes a silicone shell, a forged aluminum chassis, and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. The drive is drop-resistant up to two meters. Expected to launch in early 2025, the SanDisk Extreme PRO will be available in 2TB and 4TB models priced at $279.99 and $429.99, respectively.
TEAMGROUP unveils T-FORCE GA PRO PCIe 5 SSD with blazing 10,000MB/s read speed
TEAMGROUP’s T-FORCE brand has launched its latest SSD, the GA PRO PCIe 5.0, promising lightning-fast read speed of up to 10,000MB/s. This high-performance M.2 drive is designed for gamers and power users who crave insane speed.
At the heart of this SSD is the InnoGrit IG5666 multi-core controller, which balances performance and energy efficiency. Supporting the NVMe 2.0 protocol, the T-FORCE GA PRO is offered in 1TB and 2TB capacities. It features advanced 4K LDPC error correction technology to maintain data integrity and ensure smooth operation, even under heavy workloads. For added security, the drive includes advanced isolation features to safeguard data from potential threats.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is coming to Windows Subsystem for Linux
The hybrid cloud is all about flexibility, giving organizations the ability to mix and match tools and platforms to meet their unique needs. Whether it’s pushing forward with cutting-edge innovations like generative AI or simply making IT processes smoother, having options is key. While Linux is often the go-to for hybrid cloud setups, Windows still plays a major role in many organizations. To bridge this gap, Microsoft created the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which lets developers run Linux on Windows without needing a traditional virtual machine.
Now, Red Hat is stepping up to the plate by bringing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) to WSL. This is a big deal for developers who work in mixed environments. If you’re coding on a Windows machine but deploying to RHEL servers, having the same RHEL environment on both sides just makes sense. It’s all about consistency -- saving time, reducing headaches, and improving workflows.
PNY unveils PRO Elite V3 and Attaché X USB 3.2 flash drives
PNY has unveiled two new flash drives aimed at satisfying both performance-focused and everyday users. The PRO Elite V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 delivers blazing speeds, while the Attaché X USB 3.2 caters to those seeking a practical storage solution at an affordable price.
The PRO Elite V3 flash drive offers read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 800MB/s, making it a standout choice for content creators, gamers, and professionals handling high-density files such as 4K videos and high-resolution photos. Available in capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB, it features a durable black metal housing with a sliding cap design for protecting the USB connector. It is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices and backward-compatible with earlier USB standards, ensuring broad device support.
Satechi unveils Mac mini M4 Stand and Hub with SSD Enclosure
Satechi has revealed the Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure, an accessory designed for the 2024 Mac Mini M4. This stand adds functionality by incorporating additional storage options, connectivity ports, and a sleek aluminum design that complements the Mac Mini M4. For users who don’t require the SSD feature, Satechi is also offering a version without the enclosure, providing similar connectivity options in a compact form.
The SSD-enabled model supports up to 4TB of NVMe storage, making it suitable for users managing large files or media. The hub includes three front-facing USB-A ports for legacy device compatibility and a front SD card reader for quick file transfers. Satechi’s design features heat-dissipating vents to maintain optimal performance during demanding tasks while ensuring the Mac Mini’s wireless connectivity remains uninterrupted.
Google Drive for desktop adds beta support for Windows 11 ARM64
Google is bringing its popular Drive for Desktop application to ARM64 devices running Windows 11. The beta release includes native ARM64 binaries, ensuring better compatibility and performance on these devices. However, there is one caveat -- the Outlook Meet plugin isn’t supported in this version.
As expected with any beta release, Google is warning users to proceed with caution. The company recommends using the application with non-production data or ensuring you have backups stored elsewhere. This is a smart move since beta software often carries bugs that could disrupt critical workflows.
Porsche Design and AGON by AOC launch 34-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor
Porsche Design and AGON by AOC have collaborated to release the PRO PD34, a 34-inch curved QD-OLED gaming monitor. This ultra-wide display combines Porsche Design’s aesthetics with AGON by AOC’s expertise in gaming and professional monitors, aiming to appeal to both gamers and professionals.
The PD34 features a UWQHD resolution of 3440x1440 pixels, a 21:9 aspect ratio, and an 1800R curvature. The QD-OLED panel supports VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and covers 100 percent of sRGB, 99 percent of AdobeRGB, and 99 percent of DCI-P3 color spaces. A 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms GtG response time provide smooth motion and responsiveness, while compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC reduces screen tearing for gamers.
Why Apple’s M4 Mac mini is far superior to Microsoft’s new Windows 365 Link
Microsoft has unveiled Windows 365 Link, its first Cloud PC device designed to connect seamlessly with Windows 365. While this compact device offers businesses a way to streamline productivity with quick cloud access, the question remains: is it truly competitive when pitted against Apple’s more powerful $599 M4 Mac mini? The answer might tilt in Apple’s favor, as the M4 Mac mini not only provides significantly more local processing power but also offers a better value for businesses looking for comprehensive computing solutions.
Windows 365 Link is marketed as a simple, cloud-powered device that enhances productivity, supporting dual 4K monitors, four USB ports, Ethernet connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s quick to boot up and wakes from sleep almost instantly, designed for users to pick up where they left off on their cloud desktops. These features cater to shared workspace needs and provide a secure environment with no local data or apps.
TP-Link launches Deco BE5000, Deco BE3600, and Archer BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 products
TP-Link has introduced its latest Wi-Fi 7 lineup: the Deco BE5000 and Deco BE3600 Mesh Systems, and the Archer BE3600 Router. These three new products aim to make advanced networking technology more accessible to consumers.
The Deco BE5000 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 7 System provides coverage for homes up to 6,600 square feet, supports over 150 devices, and offers combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 5 Gbps. It features 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports and 240 MHz Wi-Fi 7 channels. The Deco BE3600 shares many features with the BE5000, delivering combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps and supporting 160 MHz Wi-Fi 7 channels.
Corsair introduces K65 Plus Wireless keyboard and M75 Wireless mouse in new Mac-friendly colors
Corsair has announced new Glacier Blue and Frost color options for its K65 Plus Wireless keyboard ($179.95) and M75 Wireless mouse ($129.95), designed specifically for Mac users. Both products are now available at Apple Store Online, with the Frost version also available in U.S. Apple Store locations and Glacier Blue expected soon.
“We are thrilled to bring Corsair high-performance input devices in exclusive and fun new colors to Mac users,” said Thi La, President and COO of Corsair. “Purpose-built for gaming and productivity on Mac, everyone from students, creators, businesses and more are going to love them. The K65 Plus Wireless Keyboard and the M75 Wireless Mouse truly are the perfect blend of Apple aesthetics and performance.”
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