Brian Fagioli

OptConnect has announced the release of ema:USB, described as the first smart USB modem. This product is designed to simplify the process of integrating cellular connectivity into various hardware setups, reducing the usual delays and complexities.

The core of ema:USB features the OptConnect ema, a patented embedded modem that has achieved full certification as an LTE Category 4 device. This certification helps users avoid the costs and challenges associated with developing embedded wireless designs.

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Plugable has launched its latest product, the USB 3.0 Transfer Cable with USB-C Adapter (USBC-TRAN), tailored to simplify the process of data migration and syncing across various Windows computers. As an upgrade from the previous USB3-TRAN, the new cable features compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A ports, making it versatile for use with modern and legacy Windows systems.

Designed to support Windows versions from XP through to the latest Windows 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit configurations, the USBC-TRAN offers comprehensive coverage for all user needs. It comes equipped with Bravura Easy Computer Sync software which can be installed on an unlimited number of PCs, allowing for seamless and unrestricted data transfer of any size -- ideal for both personal and professional settings where frequent data migration is necessary.

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Bosch home appliances has introduced the new smart-enabled 2-rack 300 Series dishwasher. Available for just $699, this full stainless steel tub dishwasher integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy consumers.

The latest addition to the Bosch dishwasher family boasts the brand’s five-point PrecisionWash system and the energy-efficient PureDry closed drying technology. Together, these features promise a spot-free clean and to dry dishes after every wash. The newly designed model also features a sleek, edge-to-edge recessed handle with integrated front controls.

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Logitech has released the G309 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse. This new mouse features dual-wireless connectivity and the HERO 25K sensor.

The G309 LIGHTSPEED is compatible with Logitech's POWERPLAY charging system, allowing operation without a traditional AA battery, which reduces the mouse's weight by 18 grams. With a HERO 25K sensor, the mouse can operate for over 300 hours on a single AA battery in LIGHTSPEED mode, and over 600 hours in Bluetooth mode.

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Sabrent has released the HB-STDK USB Type-C 3-Port Gaming Hub, designed specifically for use with Valve’s Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED systems. The hub features a compact design tailored to fit the portable gaming console, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk while enhancing connectivity.

The device includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 Type-C upstream connection that provides a speed of 5Gbps, along with dual USB-A downstream ports. It also has a Type-C port for power delivery (PD3.0), capable of charging the Steam Deck during use. These features aim to support various gaming and operating system setups, including non-standard and multi-boot configurations.

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Researchers on Google's Connectomics team have achieved the largest AI-assisted digital reconstruction of human brain tissue to date. Now, they are turning their attention to the mouse brain to further unravel the mysteries of neural connections.

The recent accomplishment involved mapping just 1 cubic millimeter of human brain tissue, a task that required an astounding 1.4 petabytes of data. This tiny section, equivalent to half a grain of rice, revealed unexpected structures within neurons. "We found some of the wires will wrap themselves into these giant knots," says Google Research Scientist Viren Jain. "We have no idea why -- nobody's ever seen it before."

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According to a new blog post, Linux Mint 22 is set to release this month, although the exact date remains uncertain. The BETA phase has been extended due to the need to address numerous critical bugs. So far, 109 bug reports have been submitted, with 53 still unresolved.

The development team has been working on issues such as AppArmor security changes causing application crashes, hardware acceleration playback libraries leading to Xorg crashes, and problems with Flatpak and Mintinstall.

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LIAN LI has introduced the EDGE series, a new line of power supplies specifically designed for vertical installation in dual-chamber PC cases. This series introduces a “T-shaped” form factor that optimizes space and improves cable management in modern PC builds.

The EDGE series features an outward-facing modular strip that simplifies wiring and keeps setups clean and organized. It also includes a built-in 4-port USB expansion hub, which reduces the need for additional cables by allowing RGB devices, fans, and controllers to connect directly without extra motherboard connections.

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Hatch Baby has issued a recall for approximately 919,400 power adapters sold with its Rest 1st Generation smart sound machines in the United States and an additional 44,352 units in Canada due to a shock hazard. The problem stems from the plastic housing of the AC power adapters which can detach when removed from the outlet, exposing the power prongs and creating a risk of electric shock.

The recalled adapters have the model number CYAP05 050100U and were sold exclusively with the Rest 1st Generation Sound Machine. These were not available for separate purchase. The affected adapters have a white rectangular plastic housing and feature labels such as "Jiangsu Chenyang Electron Co. LTD" and "Made in China." They were sold from January 2019 through September 2022 at various retailers including Hatch.co, Amazon, BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn Kids, and BestBuy, with prices ranging from $60 to $200.

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Peppermint OS has announced updates to its lineup, introducing a new version called “Fully Loaded,” alongside its traditional lightweight Xfce desktop. The original Peppermint OS offers a minimalist interface and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit options, emphasizing efficiency and customization with only essential applications installed.

“Peppermint Fully Loaded” is designed for users who prefer a ready-to-use desktop. This version is pre-equipped with a full suite of applications including Firefox, GIMP, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird, aimed at providing a comprehensive user experience from the start. Additional tools like Btop++ for process monitoring, xDaily for system maintenance, and pfetch for system information are also included.

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OpenMandriva has released a new candidate version for its rolling release model, ROME 24.07. This update brings Plasma 6 as the default desktop environment, incorporating various new features and improvements.

This version ensures compatibility between Plasma 5 and Plasma 6 packages, allowing users to choose their preferred environment. It's important to note that ROME 24.07 and the upcoming OMLx Rock 5.1 will be the final versions to include the Plasma 5 desktop, indicating a future shift towards exclusive updates for Plasma 6.

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As fireworks light up the night sky this July 4, consider celebrating Independence Day by declaring your freedom from the tyranny of Windows 11 and switching to Linux. It's what George Washington would want you to do (probably). Even if you're not based in America, you should consider doing it anyway.

Linux, unlike Microsoft's OS which operates under corporate oversight and restrictive licenses, offers a liberating alternative. The open-source nature of it means users can modify, enhance, and distribute their software freely, avoiding the legal and financial constraints associated with proprietary systems. Most distros can be tried out live without needing to be installed, so if you can't get on with one, you can try another without risk.

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Kioxia has announced the start of sample shipments for its new 2Tb Quad-Level-Cell (QLC) memory devices, leveraging its eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology. This release represents the highest capacity offering within the industry to date, aimed at addressing the needs of AI and other high-demand applications.

The 2Tb QLC product features a bit density that is approximately 2.3 times higher and a write power efficiency around 70 percent greater than Kioxia's previous fifth-generation QLC device. It includes a 16-die stacked architecture within a compact package size of 11.5 x 13.5mm and a height of 1.5mm, achieving a total capacity of 4TB.

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YEYIAN GAMING has announced the release of the AVANCE Series 25" FHD 240Hz gaming monitor (buy here now). This new addition to YEYIAN's product lineup offers a high refresh rate, fast response time, and enhanced color accuracy, designed to improve the gaming experience. Priced at $139.99, there is currently a $10 clickable coupon.

The AVANCE Series monitor is engineered to provide smooth gameplay through its 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which help to minimize motion blur and ghosting. It also features a 92 percent sRGB color gamut that displays a wide range of colors for greater visual fidelity.

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Sabrent has launched the Rocket V60 microSDXC Memory Card, designed for photographers, videographers, and digital creators who require high-speed, reliable storage solutions. This memory card supports up to 8K video recording, ensuring smooth capture of high-resolution images and videos, making it suitable for both professional and hobbyist use.

The Rocket V60 offers a capacity of up to 512GB and complies with the V60 standard, which guarantees a minimum write speed of 60MB/s. This feature is essential for uninterrupted 8K video recording. The card also satisfies the A1 standard, ensuring high input/output operations per second (IOPS) for efficient performance across various file types.

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