Brian Fagioli

The KDE community has announced the release of its latest “MegaRelease 6,” which includes Plasma 6, Frameworks 6, and Gear 24.02. This update brings a host of new features, improvements, and enhancements to the KDE ecosystem. With its sleek and modern design, Plasma 6 not only surpasses the user interface of Microsoft Windows 11 but also elevates the overall computing experience.

The Plasma 6 desktop environment has undergone significant upgrades with a transition to the latest version of the Qt application framework and a migration to the Wayland graphics platform. These changes aim to improve security, efficiency, and performance while ensuring a smooth and familiar user experience. Plasma 6 also introduces a new Overview Effect, combining the Overview and Desktop Grid effects, and adds partial support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) on Wayland. Users can now enjoy richer colors, individual ICC profile settings, and color blindness correction filters.

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Tails 6.0, the newest version of the privacy-focused Linux distribution, is now available for download. It is notable for being the first version of Tails to be based on Debian 12 (Bookworm) and use the GNOME 43 desktop environment. This update also introduces a host of new features, security enhancements, and usability improvements, alongside updated versions of the majority of the software included in Tails.

In Tails 6.0, users will find a new error detection feature for the Persistent Storage, which alerts them about errors when reading or writing from the Tails USB stick. This helps in diagnosing hardware failures and prompts users to backup their Persistent Storage before it's too late. The update also brings automatic mounting of external devices. When an external storage device is plugged in, Tails 6.0 mounts it automatically, and if the device contains an encrypted partition, it offers to unlock the encryption automatically.

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Durabook has launched two new rugged tablet models, the R8-EX (8-inch) and U11-EX (11.6-inch), designed to withstand the challenges of environments where the risk of explosion is a constant concern. In other words, these computers can prevent explosions by not igniting substances. These new tablets come equipped with Windows 11 and are certified to meet the European Union's ATmosphères EXplosibles (ATEX) Zone 2/22 certification, making them ideal for use in places where gases, vapors, dust, and other explosive substances are prevalent.

The ATEX certification is a crucial requirement for businesses operating in hazardous environments, such as oil and gas refineries and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. It ensures that the devices can be safely used in areas where explosive atmospheres in the form of gas, vapor, mist, dust, or fibers may occur. This certification is particularly valuable for multinational enterprises with operations or clients in the EU, as it helps them comply with the region's workplace safety requirements.

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Kingston has released the Canvas React Plus V60 SD memory card. This new addition to the Canvas React family is designed to meet the needs of UHS-II photography enthusiasts, offering high speeds and large storage capacities.

The Canvas React Plus V60 SD card is aimed at professional photographers and budget-conscious creatives alike. It boasts speeds of up to 280MB/s and storage capacities of up to 1TB, enabling photographers to capture and store large volumes of high-resolution images and videos. The card’s write speed of up to 150MB/s is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-action shots and 4K Ultra HD videos without lag or interruptions.

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Transcend has unveiled the MTS570P SSD, which is a cutting-edge solution designed to boost storage reliability in embedded systems. The MTS570P is not just any ordinary SSD; it comes equipped with Power Loss Protection (PLP), making it an ideal choice for edge servers, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) systems, network switches, Point of Sale (POS) machines, and other edge devices.

Nowadays, where embedded systems are increasingly deployed in rugged environments, the importance of data integrity cannot be overstated. The PLP feature of the MTS570P addresses this critical need by ensuring data integrity during unstable power supply conditions or unexpected power failures. This enhancement significantly improves system reliability and safety, providing a stable and secure storage solution.

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Nowadays, keeping your devices charged is absolutely essential. The Silicon Power QD50 portable mini charger aims to address this need with its compact design and charging capabilities. The QD50 boasts 20W PD fast charging technology, which can charge devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra to 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes.

The charger's small size, measuring 78.6 x 46.5 x 25.1mm and weighing 95g, makes it convenient for travel. With a 5000mAh battery, the QD50 can provide a full charge for devices, such as the aforementioned iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones.

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HONOR has announced the release of the MagicBook Pro 16, a Windows 11 laptop that incorporates AI technology. This computer is a collaboration between HONOR and industry partners Microsoft, Intel, and NVIDIA.

The MagicBook Pro 16 features platform-level AI for seamless cross-device collaboration, allowing users to connect devices across different platforms easily. The laptop utilizes AI capabilities to enhance interaction and connectivity within the ecosystem.

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Tiny Core Linux 15.0 has been officially released. This latest version of the minimalist operating system challenges the dominance of Windows 11 by offering a lightweight, efficient alternative that can breathe new life into older hardware.

The changelog for Core v15.0 reveals several key updates. You can see a list of notable changes below.

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Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphones globally. The Xiaomi 14 Series, which is comprised of the 14 and 14 Ultra, highlights the company’s collaboration with Leica. You see, both devices feature advanced Leica Summilux optics for superior mobile imaging.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out with its professional quad-camera setup, offering a range of focal lengths from 12mm to 120mm. It supports 8K 30fps video shooting across all four cameras and introduces a new Movie mode for a professional videography experience.

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In an inspiring move, Cooler Master, known for its PC components and gaming peripherals, has joined forces with SoLa Impact, an organization focused on affordable housing development in Los Angeles. This collaboration aims to provide the underserved youth of South LA with access to cutting-edge technology and digital learning resources.

At the center of this initiative is the SoLa Tech and Entrepreneurship Center, a 13,000 square foot facility dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders from Black and Brown communities. The center is equipped with over 100 computers, digital production and podcasting facilities, a Live Nation Music Jam Room, labs for entrepreneurship and creativity, gaming consoles, arcade games, and a state-of-the-art Esports & Gaming Arena.

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CRKD, the company behind the Nitro Deck and the recently announced NEO S, has unveiled its latest offering. Called “Nitro Deck+,” it is an enhanced version of the popular Nitro Deck designed for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch consoles. The Nitro Deck+ aims to offer Switch gamers a more feature-rich and powerful experience in handheld mode, with zero stick drift and a comfortable design.

The Nitro Deck+ was announced during the IGN FanFest event and is a result of extensive community feedback following the original Nitro Deck's release. The new model features improved ergonomics, including an adjusted placement of the right thumbstick for more intuitive, symmetrical gameplay. A standout feature of the Nitro Deck+ is its ability to connect directly to a TV without an external dock, using an integrated USB-C output and an included USB-C to HDMI adaptor.

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In a new announcement by Google, Senior Vice President Prabhakar Raghavan revealed that the Gemini conversational app (formerly known as Bard) has temporarily halted its image generation feature for people. This decision comes after user feedback highlighted inaccuracies and offensive content in some generated images.

Launched three weeks ago, the feature was built on the Imagen 2 AI model and aimed to provide diverse and accurate representations of people. However, it fell short, producing images that were not only incorrect but also potentially harmful.

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Google Pay, the digital payment service that has been around for over a decade, is being killed. Starting June 4, 2024, the standalone Google Pay app will no longer be available for use in the United States. But don’t worry, Google Wallet is stepping up to take its place, offering a platform for storing payment cards, transit passes, and more.

So, what’s the deal with this change? Google Wallet is apparently five times more popular than the Google Pay app in the U.S., so it seems like a pretty logical move. Until June 4, 2024, you can still manage your Google Pay balance in the app. After that, you’ll need to head over to the Google Pay website for balance management and bank transfers.

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YEYIAN GAMING, a provider of pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and components, has launched two new products: the SHIFT 3-in-1 RGB gaming mouse and the FlexCam 2K streaming camera. These products aren’t just designed for gamers, but content creators and influencers too.

The SHIFT 3-in-1 RGB Gaming Mouse features customizable options, allowing users to adjust mouse dynamics by swapping switches. It comes with RGB lighting, a DPI levels indicator, and wireless charging capabilities, all controlled through a customizable app. The FlexCam Streaming Camera offers 2K resolution, surround LED light, a built-in mic, and intelligent remote control. Both products are compatible with various operating systems and platforms and are designed with a modern aesthetic.

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In a world dominated by Windows laptops, the KDE Slimbook V emerges as a compelling alternative, blending cutting-edge hardware with the freedom of open-source software. This collaboration between Slimbook and KDE brings to the table a Linux machine that's not just about performance but also about user choice and privacy.

At the heart of the KDE Slimbook V lies an AMD 7840HS CPU, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads, ready to tackle everything from office tasks to code compilation. Paired with the impressive AMD 780M GPU, equipped with 12 cores and RDNA 3, this laptop promises smooth gaming and 3D rendering experiences, challenging the notion that Linux laptops can't keep up with their Windows counterparts in terms of graphics performance.

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