Raspberry Pi Speeds up Its Raspberry Pi Pico Boards via New Update
Raspberry Pi has rolled out a speed boost to its RP2040 microcontroller, taking the clock speed beyond the newer RP2350. This improvement comes courtesy of an official overclock that introduces a 200 MHz option in v2.1.1 of the Pico SDK. The new mode is not enabled by default and requires setting a preprocessor define, but it represents a 50% overclock over stock speeds.
The widespread adoption of Raspberry Pi's RP2040 microcontroller has significant implications for the development of low-cost, high-performance computing platforms in education, research, and industry.
What potential security vulnerabilities or risks arise from using a faster clock speed on an already powerful processor like the RP2040?
This innovative project showcases the ease of creating a versatile electronic component for simulating steering wheels in gaming setups. The Raspberry Pi Pico-powered protractor module uses a rotary encoder and displays measurement data on a 4-digit 7-segment display, offering precision-tuned sensitivity to suit various use cases. By leveraging the PIO on the Pico, Yaluke developed software with comprehensive USB support.
This DIY protractor project exemplifies the makers' community's ability to repurpose electronics for novel applications in gaming, highlighting the growing demand for custom controller solutions.
Will this innovation inspire a wave of similar projects that integrate IoT technology and precision engineering into gaming peripherals?
The new Compute Module 4 variants from Raspberry Pi have expanded its capabilities to tackle extreme environments. The latest updates are designed to meet the growing demand for industrial applications, where devices must operate in harsh conditions. With a wider temperature range, these modules will find their way into unique and interesting projects.
This upgrade highlights the importance of addressing the needs of industrial applications, which often require devices to withstand extreme temperatures and environments.
What role will the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 play in the development of autonomous vehicles, where reliability and durability are crucial components?
Micron, in collaboration with Astera Labs, has showcased the world's first PCIe 6.0 SSDs at DesignCon 2025, achieving unprecedented sequential read speeds of over 27 GB/s. This remarkable performance, which doubles the speeds of current PCIe 5.0 drives, was made possible through the integration of Astera's Scorpio PCIe 6.0 switch and Nvidia's Magnum IO GPUDirect technology. The advancements in PCIe 6.0 technology signal a significant leap forward for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications, emphasizing the industry's need for faster data transfer rates.
The introduction of PCIe 6.0 highlights a pivotal moment in storage technology, potentially reshaping the landscape for high-performance computing and AI by addressing the increasing demand for speed and efficiency.
As PCIe 6.0 begins to penetrate the market, what challenges might arise in ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and software ecosystems?
This project is so cool... it's hot. The creator, Arnov Sharma, used a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 microcontroller to power an open-source, DIY temperature gun that can monitor temperatures without physical contact. The device utilizes the GY-906 infrared temperature sensor and an OLED display to provide real-time temperature data in Celsius. A detailed, open-sourced code is available for anyone to explore or download.
This innovative project showcases the versatility of Raspberry Pi components in building custom, interactive devices that can be shared with the maker community, potentially leading to a new wave of DIY innovation.
What limitations, if any, might exist in terms of accuracy or precision when using a microcontroller-based system like this for temperature measurement, and how would those impact real-world applications?
The Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090 OC Edition has broken four overclocking world records, reaching a boost clock of 3.45GHz via air cooling or liquid cooling. This feat is a testament to the GPU's performance capabilities and its potential for extreme overclocking. The RTX 5090 is already a powerful GPU, but this level of customization takes it to new heights.
This incredible overclocking achievement highlights the possibilities of enthusiast-grade hardware and the dedication of overclockers who push the limits of what's thought possible.
As Nvidia continues to work on optimizing its GPUs for extreme performance, how will manufacturers balance the need for high clock speeds with concerns over power consumption, heat dissipation, and overall reliability?
Micron has launched a prototype of its PCIe 6.x SSD featuring a remarkable sequential read speed of 27GB/s, marking a significant advancement over its previous models. This breakthrough was demonstrated at DesignCon 2025, where the SSD's performance was enhanced by Astera Labs' Scorpio P-Series Fabric Switch, showcasing the potential of PCIe 6.x technology in high-speed data transfer. While this innovation promises to address the growing demands of AI and cloud computing, widespread availability of PCIe 6.x storage solutions is still years away due to the need for an ecosystem that supports its capabilities.
The unveiling of this SSD highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement in the storage sector, indicating a shift towards more efficient data processing in the face of increasing computational demands.
What challenges do manufacturers face in ensuring compatibility and widespread adoption of PCIe 6.x technology across various platforms?
This guide provides detailed instructions on setting up an RFID reader with a Raspberry Pi Pico to create an access control system, using the MFRC522 RFID reader and MicroPython. Users will learn to wire the hardware components, install necessary software, and write the code to read RFID tags, ultimately allowing for access or denial based on card identification. The project not only serves as a practical application of RFID technology but also encourages users to explore further into the realms of electronics and programming.
This project exemplifies the intersection of affordable technology and DIY solutions, empowering individuals to create their own security systems and encouraging innovation in everyday applications.
What other creative uses can be developed using RFID technology in home automation or security systems?
The upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs may offer up to 18 Oryon V3 cores, increasing core count by 50% compared to the current generation. The new chip's system in package (SiP) will incorporate both RAM and flash storage, featuring 48GB of SK hynix RAM and a 1TB SSD onboard. This next-generation processor is expected to be used in high-end laptops and desktops, potentially revolutionizing PC performance.
This significant upgrade in core count could lead to substantial improvements in multitasking and content creation capabilities for PC users, particularly those requiring heavy processing power.
What role will the integration of AI technology play in future Snapdragon X2 processors, given the processor's focus on high-performance computing and gaming applications?
CyberPowerPC has presented its customers a guarantee against faulty RTX 50 GPUs with missing ROPs, offering them a fully functioning card. The recent discovery of a small number of RTX 50 cards including fewer-than-advertised ROPs has caused a performance hit for affected gamers. CyberPowerPC's move to ensure customers get an RTX 50 GPU with full ROPs is a positive step in addressing this issue.
This guarantee highlights the importance of system integrators taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of supplier mistakes on their customers, setting a potential precedent for other companies to follow.
How will Nvidia respond to CyberPowerPC's initiative and what measures will it take to prevent similar issues with its RTX 50 GPUs in the future?
Roblox players on Chromebooks are set to experience faster performance, with the company rolling out an x86 version of the game optimized for Chromebooks. This update promises "up to 2x faster performance" across all games and experiences, leading to smoother gameplay, quicker load times, and a better overall Roblox experience. The changes will also bring new in-game perks, including a special Chrome jetpack for avatars and exclusive items.
As the gaming landscape continues to shift towards cloud-based and browser-based platforms, it's fascinating to see how tech companies like Roblox are leveraging this trend to enhance user experiences.
What implications might these updates have on the broader concept of "gaming" itself, as more casual players and younger audiences become increasingly immersed in online worlds?
How fast is too fast for a monitor? If you ask Samsung, then 500 refreshes every second still isn’t too fast for PC gaming. That’s the speed of the latest OLED monitor panel the company is showing off in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress 2025. The 27-inch 1440p display is aimed right at the “sweet spot” for PC gamers.
The relentless pursuit of higher refresh rates raises questions about the diminishing returns on human perception, sparking a debate about when increased frame rates become merely flashy upgrades.
Will the proliferation of ultra-high-refresh-rate displays accelerate market fatigue and lead to a new era of monitor price cannibalism?
The latest Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs are optimized for UEFI BIOS only, limiting the potential of older systems to reach their full performance and feature capabilities. Only UEFI-based systems can utilize the latest technologies such as Smart Access Memory (Resizable BAR), enhancing gaming experience and efficiency. AMD's recommendation is to disable Compatibility Support Module (CSM) from the BIOS or UEFI menu to ensure optimal performance.
The shift towards UEFI support in Radeon RX 9000 GPUs highlights the ongoing evolution of PC hardware, where compatibility and performance are increasingly tied to firmware standards.
How will this trend impact the broader industry, potentially forcing other hardware manufacturers to adopt more advanced UEFI-based systems for future GPU releases?
Pineboards has released its new Modulo series, which revives the aging Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with new features. The "absolute value" for Compute Module 4 and 5 is now offered by Pineboards in the form of the Modulo series. The Modulo series brings a renewed focus on the Raspberry Pi Compute Modules.
The revival of the Compute Module 4 and 5 ecosystem by Pineboards' Modulo series marks an interesting shift in strategy, as it appears to be driven more by technical capabilities than commercial viability.
How will the widespread adoption of these updated modules impact the development of applications that rely on these hardware components?
Intel has introduced its Core Ultra Series 2 processors at MWC 2025, showcasing significant advancements in performance tailored for various workstations and laptops. With notable benchmarks indicating up to 2.84 times improvement over older models, the new processors are positioned to rejuvenate the PC market in 2025, particularly for performance-driven tasks. Additionally, the launch of the Intel Assured Supply Chain program aims to enhance procurement transparency for sensitive data handlers and government clients.
This strategic move not only highlights Intel's commitment to innovation but also reflects the growing demand for high-performance computing solutions in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
What implications will these advancements in processing power have on the future of AI applications and their integration into everyday technology?
AMD's latest processor, the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D, delivers impressive performance gains over its predecessor, with single-threaded performance rivaling that of non-X3D counterparts and a 14% lead in PassMark benchmarking. The chip boasts elevated clock speeds and higher power limits thanks to its integration of AMD's 2nd generation V-Cache technology. While the cache configuration remains largely unchanged, the new X3D architecture promises significant thermal headroom and performance boosts.
The shift towards V-Cache technology could signal a major paradigm shift in CPU design, where thermal management becomes a key consideration in achieving higher clock speeds.
How will AMD's aggressive expansion of its Ryzen 9000X3D lineup impact the overall market dynamics for high-end desktop processors?
Dell has unveiled its Pro 34 Plus USB-C hub monitor, featuring a 34.1-inch WQHD IPS panel with a 100 Hz refresh rate, aimed at enhancing productivity for users. The monitor includes a variety of connectivity options, such as front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports, as well as a built-in hub designed for easy access. With a focus on eye comfort and color accuracy, the Pro 34 Plus is positioned as an ideal choice for tasks like photo editing and multimedia consumption.
This launch reflects Dell's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of professionals who demand high-quality displays and seamless connectivity in their workspaces.
How will the growing trend of productivity-focused monitors influence user experiences and workflows in different professional environments?
The latest updates on the upcoming Oppo Pad 4 Pro suggest that its charging speed may be slower than initially reported, with a new document revealed on the 3C database indicating support for only 80W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging. This is a downgrade from the rumored 100W fast charging and may impact user expectations for the device's performance. Oppo's decision to stick with 80W fast charging seems consistent with its approach for some of its flagship devices this year.
The slower charging speed of the Oppo Pad 4 Pro could be seen as an opportunity for consumers to prioritize other aspects, such as display size and overall design, which appear to have received significant upgrades in the upcoming model.
Will the incremental improvements in the Oppo Pad 4 Pro's design and charging capabilities be enough to justify its price point compared to similar devices from competitors like Samsung?
China plans to issue guidance to encourage the use of open-source RISC-V chips nationwide for the first time, two sources briefed on the matter said, as Beijing accelerates efforts to curb the country's dependence on Western-owned technology. The policy guidance is being drafted jointly by eight government bodies and could be released soon. Chinese chip design firms have eagerly embraced RISC-V, seeing its lower costs as a major attraction.
As China seeks to increase its domestic semiconductor production, the success of RISC-V in boosting adoption could serve as a model for other countries looking to diversify their tech industries.
How will the widespread adoption of RISC-V chips in China impact the global balance of power in the technology sector, particularly with regards to supply chains and intellectual property?
The latest MacBook Air is now available with Apple's M4 chip, offering improved performance and efficiency compared to its predecessors. The new processor provides two times the performance of the M1-equipped model and is expected to deliver a 32-fold increase in graphics processing capabilities. Additionally, the refreshed lineup features enhanced webcam capabilities, including Apple's Center Stage camera, which maintains the user's frame even when moving during video calls.
This significant upgrade signals a major shift for Apple in its PC business, as the company continues to invest in cutting-edge technology to stay competitive with rival manufacturers.
Will the M4 chip and new features be enough to revitalize Apple's struggling PC segment, which has been under pressure from budget-friendly alternatives and emerging technologies like Chromebooks?
The TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 is a high-speed 8-port switch offering superfast 2.5Gb network speeds for efficient gaming, 4K streaming, and NAS storage setup. Its unmanaged plug-and-play design makes it easy to set up and operate, while its silent operation ensures minimal disruption to users. By upgrading to this switch, individuals can enjoy a stable and fast network connection.
Investing in high-speed networking equipment like the TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 could be a key differentiator for gamers and content creators looking to minimize lag and maximize performance.
As internet speeds continue to increase, how will future networking technologies, such as Wi-Fi 7, impact the need for wired upgrades like the TP-Link switch?
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 laptop offers exceptional computing power for complex workloads, thanks to its Intel Core Ultra processors and discrete NPU module. Powered by these components, the laptop can handle demanding tasks such as real-time studio-grade acceleration for 3D rendering, modeling, and visualization of complex designs. By overclocking the GPU and CPU to a combined 200W TDP in Geek Mode, the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 can deliver blistering performance that rivals some of the most powerful gaming laptops on the market.
The use of advanced cooling systems such as dual-fan technology underscores Lenovo's commitment to delivering high-performance computing without sacrificing reliability.
How will the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6's emphasis on AI acceleration and modular accessories impact the future of productivity and creativity in professional settings?
The latest innovation from Arnov Sharma showcases the versatility of the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller in creating a custom studio light for photography. This project not only demonstrates the device's capabilities but also highlights its potential in improving the overall quality of photographs and videos taken with it. The custom studio light offers adjustable temperature settings, color options, and precise control through user-friendly push buttons.
This project exemplifies the resourcefulness and creativity that defines the maker community, as Arnov Sharma repurposed a microcontroller to create a solution tailored to his specific needs.
What role do open-source projects like this play in democratizing access to advanced technology, making it possible for hobbyists and enthusiasts to experiment with innovative solutions?
The Oppo Find X8 Ultra is expected to feature a higher charging speed than its predecessor, the X8 Pro, with a reported 100W SuperVOOC wired technology. This upgrade could provide a significant advantage for users who prioritize fast charging speeds. The new flagship smartphone is also rumored to use the same charger as the Oppo/OnePlus VCBAOBCH.
This upgraded charging speed could be a major selling point for Oppo, allowing users to quickly top up their batteries and stay productive throughout the day.
Will Oppo's focus on fast charging speeds in its new flagship model impact the overall design and battery life of the device?
Microsoft's recent update to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 has improved the accuracy of CPU utilization readings displayed in the Task Manager. The updated feature now uses standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages, aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. This change addresses the previous inaccuracy caused by basing computations on the base clock rather than actual or boost frequencies.
The push for more accurate CPU utilization readings is a prime example of how small updates can trickle down from enthusiast communities to mainstream users, highlighting the importance of feedback loops in the software development process.
What role will this increased accuracy play in the broader context of PC performance optimization, and how might it impact the adoption of overclocking techniques among users?
Apple has introduced significant upgrades to the Mac Studio, featuring the new M4 Max chip and the unprecedented M3 Ultra, which offers remarkable performance enhancements for creative professionals. The M4 Max boasts a configurable 14-core CPU and up to 40 GPU cores, while the M3 Ultra, made from dual M3 Max chips, delivers a stunning 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, supporting extensive memory and storage options. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of its silicon technology, the new Mac Studio models are poised to redefine power and efficiency in the professional computing landscape.
This leap in processing power highlights Apple's commitment to catering to the demands of high-performance users in creative industries, potentially reshaping workflows and project outcomes.
Will the increasing power of consumer-grade computing devices lead to a shift in expectations for software development and application performance?