Kubuntu Focus unveils Ir14 GEN 2 and Ir16 GEN 2 Linux laptops


Kubuntu Focus has unveiled its latest offerings, the Focus Ir14 GEN 2 and Ir16 GEN 2 laptops, now available with the latest enhancements from Kubuntu 24.04 LTS. Developed in collaboration with Carbon Systems, these laptops combine high-quality hardware with Kubuntu's renowned tuning and support to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
The new Ir16 GEN 2 is designed for enduring the demands of long workdays. It is equipped with a powerful 80Wh battery, encased in a robust magnesium alloy body. The laptop features a 16-inch 100 percent sRGB LED IPS display, offering a resolution of 2560×1600 at a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a brightness of 450 nits. With a 90Hz refresh rate, the visuals are not only vibrant but also buttery smooth. The inclusion of a 10-key numpad further enhances its functionality, making it an excellent choice for professionals.
Microsoft rolls out major privacy overhaul for Windows 11 Recall after user backlash


Microsoft is responding proactively to user feedback on its upcoming Recall feature for Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, enhancing privacy controls ahead of its release. This move comes as part of an ongoing effort to balance powerful AI functionalities with user privacy and security, a critical focus as the tech giant pushes forward with innovative new features designed to redefine personal computing.
Introduced on May 20, the Recall feature aims to transform the way users interact with their PCs by enabling them to retrieve previously viewed content through an AI-powered visual timeline. This system captures and encrypts snapshots of the user's screen, storing them locally to maintain privacy. Users can manage, pause, or delete these snapshots at their discretion, ensuring control over their digital footprint.
Blackmagic Design leverages Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite in DaVinci Resolve 19 for enhanced AI on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs


Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 19 beta 3, and the video editing software now supports Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, optimized for Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs. This powerful integration is designed specifically for Windows ARM platform.
The Snapdragon X Elite, an all-in-one CPU, NPU, and GPU, promises to transform the video editing landscape by boosting the performance of DaVinci’s Neural AI Engine. This upgrade leads to a notable increase in efficiency, with AI-driven tasks like the magic mask seeing performance speeds up to 4.7 times faster, and smart reframe functionalities doubling in speed.
HTC teases new Android smartphone


In a recent Facebook post, HTC Taiwan has stirred up excitement among Android enthusiasts with a teaser for its upcoming smartphone. The post hints at a significant unveiling slated for June 12, 2024, at 8 AM, encouraging fans to "lock htc.com" for the latest updates. On X (formerly Twitter), the company also shares a hashtag of #ALLFORU.
The brief yet suggestive announcement has left many speculating about the features and advancements the "new HTC 2024" might offer. While details remain scarce, the anticipation builds as HTC aims to regain its foothold in the competitive smartphone market. Historically known for pioneering features in the smartphone realm, industry watchers are eager to see what innovative elements HTC will introduce next.
Google Messages introduces emergency texting with RCS to contact 911


Google has launched a new feature in Google Messages that enables users to text 911 using Rich Communication Services (RCS). This functionality will first be available in U.S. regions that currently lack text-to-911 capabilities, in collaboration with emergency technology company RapidSOS.
Elmar Weber, General Manager at Android and Business Communications, emphasized the utility of this feature, stating, "Calling 911 in emergency situations isn’t always possible. This is why, in partnership with RapidSOS, we're rolling out the ability to text 911 with RCS."
TCL TAB 10 NXTPAPER 5G Android tablet lands at Verizon Wireless


As the summer travel season ramps up, with over 212 million American adults planning vacations, Verizon Wireless introduces a new travel partner: the TCL TAB 10 NXTPAPER 5G tablet.
The TAB 10 NXTPAPER 5G sports a 10-inch nano-etched display that minimizes glare through adaptive brightness and color tone adjustments, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. Here are more reasons that TCL says makes this tablet is a must-have for summer travelers:
Proton Pass comes to macOS and Linux


As promised, Proton has released Proton Pass desktop apps for macOS and Linux. With this addition, the password manager now has an app on all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, and ChromeOS (via Android app).
For macOS users, the launch includes a new standalone native Safari browser extension. This extension enhances the functionality of Safari’s built-in password manager by enabling users to sync their logins across different browsers and devices, providing increased convenience and security for those using macOS’s default browser.
Kali Linux 2024.2 unleashed: Embracing the t64 transition and welcoming new tools


Kali Linux's latest release, version 2024.2, incorporates crucial updates and new community-contributed packages. Despite a slight delay due to extensive under-the-hood enhancements, the Kali team is excited to announce that version 2024.2 is now available for download or upgrade.
Key Updates in Kali Linux 2024.21. The t64 Transition: Securing Future Compatibility
The 2024.2 release introduces the t64 transition, an essential shift to 64-bit time_t types on supported 32-bit ARM architectures, safeguarding against the Year 2038 problem. This change ensures that Kali Linux remains a robust platform for future technologies and challenges.
Google acquires Cameyo


Google has announced its acquisition of Cameyo, a company known for its virtual application delivery (VAD) technology. This move is part of a broader strategy by the search giant to enhance ChromeOS by making it easier to manage and access legacy applications through the cloud, moving away from traditional desktop-based environments.
A Forrester Consulting study, commissioned by Google, indicates a shift towards web-based computing, with 90 percent of IT leaders envisioning future applications primarily residing in the cloud. Despite this trend, the study reveals that 50 percent of applications are still client-based, highlighting a gap that VAD technology aims to bridge.
Lexar launches ARMOR 700 portable SSD


Lexar has unveiled its latest addition to the portable storage scene, the ARMOR 700 Portable SSD. This device caters to the needs of professional photographers, videographers, content creators, and gamers, providing a significant boost in speed and resilience.
The ARMOR 700 is engineered for extreme conditions, boasting an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance and a rugged design capable of enduring drops up to 3 meters. It offers top speeds of 2000MB/s for both reading and writing, ensuring that performance remains high even under stress.
Shokz expands open-ear true wireless earbud line with OpenFit Air


Shokz has announced the expansion of its open-ear true wireless earbud line with the launch of OpenFit Air. These earbuds feature Shokz's signature open-ear design, an adaptable ear hook for improved comfort, and crystal-clear audio.
Vincent Xiong, Chief Executive Officer at Shokz, said, "The evolution of our headphones has led us directly to OpenFit Air, open-ear earbuds that are ideal for working out, commuting, working or studying, and leisure. The team is proud of the excellent engineering to design a secure yet ergonomic earbud with natural audio. The lightweight design and case make OpenFit Air the perfect everyday earbud."
Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring system now connects directly to Apple Watch


DexCom has announced that its Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System now connects directly to Apple Watch in the United States. The Dexcom G7 is the first and only CGM system offering real-time glucose readings on the Apple Watch, providing users with freedom and convenience even when their iPhone isn’t with them.
Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Dexcom, stated, “At Dexcom, our users are at the heart of everything we do. Direct to Apple Watch has been one of our most requested features, and we’re thrilled to roll it out to Dexcom G7 users in the U.S. and around the world. We’ve long believed that people with diabetes should be able to view their CGM data where and how they choose. Direct to Apple Watch is a testament to that, allowing people with diabetes flexibility and choice in how they manage their health.”
Cooler Master unveils MasterHub Stream Kit at Computex 2024 with modular design for content creators


Cooler Master, known for its extensive range of PC components and gaming peripherals, has introduced the MasterHub Stream Kit at Computex 2024. This upcoming product is specifically designed to cater to the diverse and evolving needs of content creators, including video editors, sound designers, and streamers. The MasterHub Stream Kit stands out as the first of its kind to feature modular components, which users can easily swap and rearrange according to their specific requirements.
The core of the MasterHub Stream Kit is its base module, equipped with pogo pins that facilitate quick attachment and removal of components, along with built-in magnets to ensure each piece remains securely attached. One of the key elements of this modular system is a customizable 15-key IPS display module, which allows users to fully tailor their control setup with macros, scenes, and other commands.
TRIBIT launches StormBox 2 Bluetooth speaker with 24-hour playtime


TRIBIT has launched the StormBox 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, an enhanced version of its popular predecessor. Featuring advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the StormBox 2 offers a stable and extended 30-meter range, catering to a wide array of audio needs with its impressive 24-hour playtime and versatile app compatibility.
The newly upgraded speaker boasts a powerful 360° audio experience with two embedded 48mm full-range drivers, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality at a peak power of 34W. Whether you're looking to enjoy music at home or on the go, the StormBox 2's 360° surround sound offers complete audio immersion.
Ubuntu Core 24 introduces Linux-based enhancements for IoT and AIoT security and management


Canonical has officially released Ubuntu Core 24, an "immutable" version of Ubuntu tailored for intelligent edge and IoT applications, featuring a 12-year Long Term Support (LTS) commitment. This release encapsulates system components in strictly confined containers, ensuring a secure environment for deploying critical applications on billions of devices globally.
Ubuntu Core 24 supports various architectures including Arm, X86, and RISC-V, transforming Ubuntu into an adaptable platform for edge computing. This version introduces an optimized factory installation process, significantly reducing setup time and supporting secure, air-gapped installations crucial for maintaining global supply chains. Enhanced by validation sets for application management, Ubuntu Core 24 ensures that devices operate with the correct, tested combinations of software, boosting reliability and security.
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