Brian Fagioli

MX Linux users, brace yourselves for an exciting update! The MX-23.2 version is now available, offering a ton of enhancements and updates. This release marks the second major refresh of the MX-23 series, primarily focusing on bug fixes, kernel updates, and application improvements. Importantly, for existing MX-23 users, there's no need for a fresh installation as all updates are accessible through regular update channels.

Key highlights of MX-23.2 include the transition to Debian 12.4 “bookworm” base, ensuring users benefit from the latest and most stable Debian offerings. Additionally, this update introduces several new and updated applications, enhancing the overall user experience.

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SparkyLinux developers have announced the release of the first rolling update of 2024. Dubbed “Sparky 2024.01,” this latest version is particularly noteworthy for integrating the Linux kernel 6.6 as its default, a move that sets a new standard in the distribution’s performance and compatibility. Accompanying this kernel upgrade is a suite of updated packages sourced from both Debian ‘trixie’ and Sparky’s ‘sisters’ testing repositories.

One of the most notable changes in this release is the replacement of the PulseAudio server with Pipewire audio server. This transition signifies a major shift in how audio is managed, promising improved audio handling and system integration. For users interested in switching from PulseAudio to Pipewire, Sparky Linux provides a simple script available on their website, facilitating an easy transition.

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Shokz has announced its latest bone conduction headphones -- the OpenSwim Pro. Designed with versatility in mind, the OpenSwim Pro promises a unique audio experience for swimmers and other types of aquatic athletes.

The new headphones feature a flexible Nickel-Titanium alloy frame, combined with a soft silicone material, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. This design does not interfere with other sports gear such as swimming caps or goggles. The OpenSwim Pro’s standout feature is its ability to seamlessly switch between Bluetooth streaming and MP3 playback through a simple button press or the Shokz app.

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Apple is set to inaugurate its latest store, Apple Hongdae, in Seoul this Saturday, January 20, marking a significant milestone as the 100th Apple Store in the Asia-Pacific region. The store, staffed with nearly 100 experts, offers an extensive range of products including the latest iPhone 15 lineup, new Macs with M3 chips, the Apple Watch series, and the Lunar New Year special-edition AirPods Pro.

Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, explains, “Combining the latest in Apple technology with the creative passion of the local community, this new store will build on the extraordinary connection we have with our customers in Korea. Our team members are excited to welcome in customers and help them discover the latest in our products and services, including the iPhone 15 lineup.”

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Samsung today announced its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24. These devices are notable for utilizing the company's innovative Galaxy AI technology. This development signals the beginning of a new era in mobile experiences, where AI is expected to revolutionize user interactions with their devices.

The Galaxy S24 series introduces advanced features for enhancing communication. The series offers barrier-free communication with intelligent text and call translations. The 'Live Translate' feature provides two-way, real-time voice and text translations within the native app, eliminating the need for third-party applications. This feature ensures privacy as it is powered by on-device AI. Additionally, the 'Interpreter' feature facilitates instant translation of live conversations on a split-screen view, functioning even without cellular data or Wi-Fi.

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The Wine team has announced a significant milestone with the release of Wine 9.0, a major update enriching the Linux experience. This latest version encapsulates a year of dedicated development, featuring over 7,000 changes. Wine 9.0 is distinguished by its introduction of the new WoW64 architecture and the experimental Wayland driver, making it a landmark release for users seeking to run Windows applications on Unix-based systems.

The new WoW64 (Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit) architecture in Wine 9.0 is a highlight of this release, marking the completion of a multi-year effort to convert modules to PE format. This significant development creates a clear boundary between Windows and Unix systems. In a notable shift from the older version, the new WoW64 mode enables the running of 32-bit Windows applications on purely 64-bit Unix installations. This is particularly beneficial for macOS users, where recent versions have dropped support for 32-bit processes.

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Turtle Beach has announced its latest product -- the VelocityOne Race. This universal wheel and pedal system, compatible with Xbox and Windows PCs, is engineered to offer an immersive racing experience.

VelocityOne Race features the custom K: Drive motor, providing direct-drive force feedback for a realistic and detailed response to in-game events. Racers will find high-end aluminum pedals and Dynamic Brake Tek load-cell brakes underfoot, designed to mimic real-life braking. The system also allows racers to monitor real-time telemetry data in many popular games, enhancing the simulation experience.

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AVerMedia has launched two new PCIe capture cards: the HDMI 2.1 Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) and Live Streamer ULTRA HD (GC571). These latest offerings are designed to cater to both experienced and novice streamers.

The flagship Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) is designed to be the premier consumer-grade HDMI 2.1 PCIe capture card in the world. This card is engineered to leverage the full potential of HDMI 2.1 technology. With features like 4K144 pass-through HDR/VRR, the card delivers every gameplay moment with exceptional clarity and smoothness. It also supports up to 4K60 capture, allowing streamers to record their gaming experiences with unprecedented precision.

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In an unexpected turn of events, Apple has toppled Samsung from its long-held position as the leader of the smartphone market. This marks the first time since 2010 that a company other than Samsung has clinched the top spot. The 2023 landscape of consumer electronics saw Apple reaching an unprecedented market share, signaling a significant power shift in the industry.

Despite global smartphone shipments falling by 3.2% to 1.17 billion units in 2023, Apple's rise to prominence is a clear indicator of the market's rapid evolution. This decline, the most considerable in a decade, is attributed to macroeconomic challenges and high inventory levels at the year's start. However, a rebound is on the horizon, with the latter half of 2023 showing promising growth and setting the stage for a potential recovery in 2024. The fourth quarter of 2023 alone witnessed an 8.5% year-over-year growth, surpassing the forecasted 7.3%.

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Xiaomi has officially launched its Redmi Note 13 Series at an event in Bangkok, Thailand. The series introduces five new devices: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi Note 13 5G, and Redmi Note 13. These models aim to bridge the gap between mid-range and high-end smartphones, offering various enhancements in camera systems, design, display, and processing capabilities.

The Redmi Note 13 Series emphasizes camera improvements, particularly in the Pro models (Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 13 Pro), which feature a 200MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). This camera system includes 2x/4x lossless zoom, a large 1/1.4" sensor, and enhanced image processing capabilities. The base models, Redmi Note 13 5G and Redmi Note 13, come equipped with a 108MP main camera and offer various camera filters. All devices in the series incorporate Xiaomi's Imaging Engine, aiming to improve computational photography and image processing.

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Despite complaints from many football fans, the NFL's first-ever exclusively live-streamed playoff game, hosted on Peacock, has apparently set new records. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a score of 26-7, in what was the fourth-coldest NFL game ever recorded. This historic event took place in front of a crowd of over 71,000 fans, marking a significant milestone for both the NFL and Peacock.

The Peacock Exclusive AFC Wild Card Game reached a staggering 27.6 million total viewers, according to Nielsen data. The game peaked with 24.6 million viewers in the second quarter, and set a new U.S. record as the most-streamed event with an average audience of approximately 23.0 million viewers across various platforms. This surge in digital viewership represents a 6 percent increase from the previous year's primetime AFC Wild Card Game.

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Transcend has announced the launch of its new portable SSD lineup. The series includes five models: ESD410C, ESD360C, ESD330C, ESD320A, and ESD265C. Each model boasts unique features and designs, aimed at a diverse consumer base.

The ESD410C model stands out with its USB 20Gbps transfer rate, 4TB storage capacity, and a design that meets MIL-STD-810G standards for durability. This makes it suitable for professionals who require high-speed data transfers and a rugged storage solution.

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Lexar has announced a huge collaboration with Silicon Motion. This partnership combines Lexar’s expertise in storage products with an advanced controller chip from Silicon Motion. The controller features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and four NAND channels, catering to the needs of users demanding high performance with low power consumption.

Lexar plans to introduce two new portable solid state drive (PSSD) products. These products, ARMOR 700 and SL500, boast not only impressive technical specifications but also enhanced durability and compatibility.

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Belkin has introduced an innovative accessory into its lineup -- the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro, compatible with DockKit. This product features silent, motorized camerawork capabilities, using the iPhone's built-in camera coupled with DockKit's automated subject tracking technology. This allows for an immersive 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt functionality, keeping subjects in focus and frame during movement.

Melody Tecson, Belkin’s vice president of product management, highlighted the unique aspects of this new product. "The Stand Pro is unlike any other Belkin product we’ve created. It blends premium Belkin quality with impressively responsive robotics and advanced subject tracking technology. With DockKit, we aim to offer content creators a product that simplifies and enhances the creation process.”

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Linux Mint, the very popular Linux distribution, has just released its latest version, 21.3, codenamed "Virginia." Linux Mint 21.3 runs on a Linux kernel 5.15 and is based on Ubuntu 22.04.

This long-term support release promises updates until 2027, featuring a ton of enhancements and new functionalities aimed at providing a more comfortable desktop experience. While Xfce and MATE desktop environments are available options, Cinnamon is clearly the star of the show.

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