Storage

Graphite is often hailed as the ideal anode and, as such, may become one of the hottest manufactured commodities in the battery industry going forward. However, a Finnish company asserts that its new alternative compound is comparable, if not superior, and can be made using less energy. Furthermore, it can apparently be made using an abundant by-product of the forestry industry.

JEDEC is looking to replace the venerable SO-DIMM standard with a new form-factor called CAMM that allows better scalability of up to 128 GB per module and increased data transfer speeds beyond DDR5-6400. Furthermore, CAMM would allow for thinner and lighter laptop chassis, as well as user-replaceable LPDDR modules.

Tecno touts the Phantom X2 Pro as the world's first ever Android smartphone to launch with real mechanical zoom for its main rear camera. Now, this inaugural "retractable portrait lens" device is coming to Amazon - albeit in India only. Its first commercial release is set to start in mid-January 2023 with high-end specs to go with its cutting-edge feature.

The Windows Task Manager in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25276 allows creation of live kernel memory dumps from the System process apart from the already existing memory dump creation from user mode processes. The new Windows Insider Preview build also offers previews of Apple TV and Apple Music apps in the Microsoft Store, although these can be downloaded to public versions of Windows 11 localized in the US as well.

Amazon US has reduced the Samsung 980 Pro, a blisteringly fast SSD that utilises PCIe 4.0 to deliver up to 7,000 MB/s sequential read speeds. Fast enough to be used in a Sony PlayStation 5, the Samsung 980 Pro can be picked up for between a 43% and 53% discount, depending on the capacity chosen.

Zendure touts its SuperBase V as a full home power back-up solution thanks to its switch to "EV-grade" semi-solid state energy storage, as opposed to the lithium-based batteries of most conventional portable stations. It is rated to deliver 6.4kWh in its base-station mode, although it can scale up to 64kWh as a double unit with add-on Satellite Batteries.

Jackery has brought its latest additions to its Explorer family to introduce to the world at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 1500 Pro is the more portable of the two, although some may prefer the larger capacity of the new Ultra Charging flagship. The 3000 Pro is hyped as capable of powering some appliances on the go.

Samsung hypes its latest addition to the Galaxy F series of Android smartphones as "F for Fast" (amid other things beginning with F). However, it is hard to see how it will live up to this hype with its well-worn ultra-budget specs. Then again, it now starts for under US$100 in India.

The new Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50q Gen 4 is a desktop of just one liter (l) in volume, yet is rated to fit SSDs and HDDs of up to 1TB in size, as well as up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. It is also WiFi 6-capable thanks to choice of its 13th-gen Intel platforms, and supports business-class IGEL operating systems as well as Windows 11 installs.

Released at the end of August, the Crucial X8 lineup of portable SSDs uses the USB 3.2 interface, provides up to 4 TB of storage, and speeds up to 1050 MB/s. Now, the 4 TB version is available on Amazon for roughly half the US$479.99 list price, so those interested can get it for US$249.99.

Xiaomi's main sub-brand Redmi has kicked the new year off with sales of the 12C in China. Its main features are far from anything new, although they come in an eye-catching new chassis in four potentially appealing colors. It starts at around US$100, albeit for lackluster specs, the best of which are a large battery, a 3.5mm jack and a 50MP main rear camera, and the worst of which one would not think would even have a place in 2023.

A database containing an allegedly "devastating" amount of personal data is reportedly being offered for sale by a "threat actor" that claims to have derived the information from a vulnerability in Twitter's defences. According to a cybersecurity company, the users affected number in the hundreds of millions and include "high profile" individuals such as Ether creator Vitalik Buterin.

With a list price of US$699.99, the WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD is now a top deal on Amazon thanks to a massive 46% discount. Thanks to this price cut, those interested can grab this high-end SSD for US$379.99. With the help of a third-party heatsink, it can also be used by PlayStation 5 consoles.

Honor's latest tablet has debuted with an advanced 144Hz refresh rate for its "IMAX Enhanced" display. Nevertheless, the Pad V8 Pro manages a mid-range price thanks to its Dimensity 8100 processor. It has emerged alongside a new GT version of its 80-series smartphones, with a new rear panel to go with its higher-end specs.

The RedMagic 8 Pro series is now official as the most "evolved" form of its premium Android mobile line to date. The brand asserts that the 2 new smartphones go beyond their traditional e-sports heritage with a more streamlined, "futuristic" design and rear cameras that may be taken seriously for once. Then again, the 8 Pro Plus (or Pro+) goes back to its roots somewhat with SKUs that combine its OEM's fastest charging tech and an RGB-lit active fan to help keep its new top-end processor cool.

Meizu has officially confirmed a launch window for its new, 20-series premium Android smartphone. It seems the flagship will not arrive alone, however – it will be joined by a new dedicated audio player. The OEM claims to have developed new in-house DAC technology for the upcoming M3 variant.

Sold as the "Ultimate Entertainment Bundle," the combo that brings together the Fire HD 10 tablet and Fire TV Stick 4K is only available with the 32 GB lockscreen ad-supported tablet in black. However, the 50% discount pushes the price down to a wallet-friendly value of just US$99.39.

With sequential read speeds of up to 5,000MB/s, the Crucial P3 Plus makes a perfect primary SSD in modern laptops and desktop PCs, especially since the large 2TB version of this quick NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive can now be ordered for just US$124.99 on Amazon.

Available from 32 GB to 1 TB, the SanDisk Extreme family of microSD memory cards is now down by up to 47% on Amazon. This generous discount is applied to the 1 TB version, which can be acquired for US$159.99, down from a list price of US$299.99. The 256 GB and 512 GB capacities also come with discounts over 40%.

Unveiled earlier today and set to enter the mass production stage next year, the industry's first 12 nm-class DDR5 DRAM by Samsung aims to push forward computing, data center, and AI applications. Although not the fastest ones, these chips come with the industry's highest die density, which allows a 20% higher wafer productivity.

AnTuTu Benchmark now claims to have tested a device with a model number previously linked to the OnePlus 11, and to have found that it excels in terms of performance thanks to high-end internals such as the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Meanwhile, the OEM is ramping up hype for its updated design through fresh teasers for its upcoming flagship Android smartphone.

Lenovo's latest consumer-grade IdeaCentre is a PC of no more than one liter (L) in capacity, yet packs specs also found in larger up-to-date desktops, Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 included. It has also come to CES 2023 with 13th-gen Intel processors. With its partially-recycled chassis and upgradeable RAM/SSD storage, it also checks sustainability boxes.

The Nubia Z50 has landed on the Chinese Android flagship smartphone market with the Motorola Moto X40 right in its crosshairs, as it starts for less at the same amount RAM and internal storage paired to the latest and highest-end Qualcomm SoC. The Z50 also boasts a second-gen "custom" 35mm equivalent lens for its main rear camera, touted to outdo competitors with their fancy 1-inch sensors.

Realme's latest addition to its new 10 series of Android smartphones is the cheapest yet - nevertheless, it starts at a once-premium amount of RAM (8GB) for well under US$200. It also packs a 5G-capable 2021 MediaTek Dimensity processor, a generous 5,000mAh battery and a 90Hz display for all of that. Then again, the 10s might not be one for fans of photography or an up-to-date OS out of the box.

Although PCIe NVMe SSDs have become increasingly economical over the years, drives >500 GB in capacity are still relatively expensive. Thankfully, the PCIe Gen 3 PNY CS1030 SSD is now on sale on Amazon for a worthy US$56 off for the larger 1 TB capacity.

Available separately in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB versions, as well as bundled with a 5 mm low-profile heatsink (only the 500 GB and 2 TB variants), the Crucial P5 Plus NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD is now discounted on Amazon. The discounts start at 37% (500 GB with heatsink) and go up to 53% (2 TB, standalone).

Nubia has announced that its answer to new Android smartphones such as the Motorola Moto X40 will be introduced before the end of 2022. The OEM is also gunning for rumored devices such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra with updated rear camera tech for the upcoming Z50. It is also touted as having the RAM and internal storage specs to match its new top-end silicon.

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest router official alongside its new flagship Android smartphones. The first-gen device can support up to four 2.5 gigabit (Gb) wired connections, and also purports to support "10Gb wireless" thanks to its tri-band support. The OEM also asserts that it is fast and powerful enough to even support "light NAS" work if necessary.

With a list price of US$577.99, the Seagate IronWolf Pro 16 TB SATA hard drive for enterprise NAS use is now down to US$279.99. Other models also get generous discounts, such as the 20 TB model, which is now available for 37% off. The 14 TB model is also discounted by 52%, down to a price of US$239.99.

The Realme 10 Pro Plus (or Pro+) has now launched internationally to bring its "flagship-level" curved display and Hyperspace Design rear panel style to the mid-range Android smartphone market. It has arrived alongside the flat-screened Pro variant of its series, along with prices for both in USD and INR.

MediaTek and iQOO have synced up to introduce the Neo7 SE, the first new Android smartphone to be powered by the Dimensity 8200 SoC today (December 8, 2022). The device leverages its new 4nm octa-core chipset to drive a flat FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, kept on with a battery capable of charging at 120 watts (W). The triple rear camera handset starts for just around US$300 in China from now.

The iQOO 11 has officially won the race to be the first Android smartphone to make the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor international today (December 8, 2022). Like its Pro sibling, it combines this new top-end SoC with new UFS 4.0 storage and cutting-edge LPDDR5X RAM; however, it is the only member of its series to debut both inside and outside China today (December 8, 2022). It also boasts fast 120W charging for a 5,000mAh battery in both regions.

iQOO has made its latest top-end BMW M Motorsport-branded smartphone official today, aiming for the front of the line with cutting-edge LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 internal storage to go with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 - which is augmented in turn with a second-gen ISP. The 11 Pro also has second-gen 200W charging, rated to charge its battery to 100% in as little as 10 minutes.

Capable of write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and 1,050 MB/s reads on USB 3.2 Gen 2 supported devices, the Samsung T7 portable SSD is compatible with PCs, laptops, and consoles. Offering password protection and resistance from shocks, drops, and overheating, it is now discounted on Amazon by up to 44%.

Meizu is said to make a surprise return to the Android smartphone market in 2023 - and to shoot for the top of it again, too, with a new flagship powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor from Qualcomm. Now, a device that might conform to this description has appeared on Geekbench with what looks like new software and an appreciable amount of RAM.

Eurocom asserts that the latest version of its Sky Z7 R2 crams the entire requirements of an entire "mobile server" into an 8.4lb package. This is because it is actually in the form of an Intel Z590-compatible laptop with up to 128GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, up to 26TB of SSD storage, up to RTX 3080 graphics and 2.5Gb Ethernet with Killer WLAN. Therefore, the OEM is confident that it can support any number of VMs or server-grade software a manager can throw at it.

The superfast NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with 1TB of capacity originally cost a whopping US$250 when its heatsink version was released last year, but thanks to a generous discount on Amazon, the PS5-compatible Samsung 980 Pro has now dropped to its most affordable sale price yet.

Featuring a ridged case that sports a keyring loop, the Kingston DataTraveler Max is a USB-C flash drive with up to 1,000 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write speeds. The 512 GB version gets a 43% discount while its 1 TB sibling is 38% off, so their price tags now read US$59.99 and US$111.76, respectively.

Asus touts the latest version of the ExpertBook B9 as the world's lightest laptop and, as such, the ideal companion for the professional on the go or on a remote-work assignment. Its Core i7-1255U-powered variant has now been released to Amazon, and even has a small discount already on its more expensive 32GB RAM SKU.

Infinix refers to its latest 5G smartphone as a "Power Upgrade" thanks to its new MediaTek SoC and "massive" storage specs. Now, the OEM has finally unveiled a guide price for the upcoming mid-ranger's single SKU. It may vary across regions, although customers can apparently expect to pay well under US$300 for the 50MP camera device.

Although SATA SSDs are no longer relevant to many users, there are still enough desktop PCs and laptops that could be kept alive for a few more years thanks to such an upgrade. Available in five capacities from 250 GB to 4 TB, the Samsung 870 EVO is discounted on Amazon by up to 43% (the 1 TB model, now priced at US$84.99).

Valve has announced that its successful hand-held console is to become available in select Asian markets. The company will release the Steam Deck through the same distributor in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The device can be ordered in multiple storage variants from mid-December 2022.

Pete Lau holds leading roles at both OPPO and OnePlus, and has just uploaded a possible hint as to the build quality of the former's second-gen foldable flagship smartphone, the Find N2. If so, it may help explain rumors of a reduced total weight in the putative device. Meanwhile, it is also thought responsible for a new entry on the Geekbench database with high-end specs, albeit with slight potential caveats.

A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the Inateck DK2001 8-in-1 docking station for iMac 24 M1 2021 is live. The gadget adds USB-A and USB-C ports to your device, SD and Micro SD card slots and an SSD enclosure. The device mimics the base of the iMac, so you can 'hide' it on your desk.

With siblings ranging from 4 TB to 20 TB in size, the 16 TB Western Digital Elements USB 3.0 external hard drive is now available with a massive 47% discount on Amazon US. After this discount, the US$449.99 list price goes down to US$239.99. The drive comes with free shipping and free returns.

The Galaxy A14 5G may look interesting in its alleged renders, yet may seem like a let-down when it reportedly leaked onto Geekbench with an Exynos processor. However, the same device has now apparently re-surfaced on the same benchmark, but with a different SoC, one from MediaTek this time. This variant may or may not be intended for sale in the United States.

iQOO has decided to turn the launch of its next top-end Android smartphones into a bumper product event, as it will also debut the Neo7 SE on the date chosen. The latter is the brand's inaugural Dimensity 8200-powered device, whereas it seems there will be an 11 and 11 Pro in which the cutting-edge specs only get started with new top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 silicon.

The 250 GB, 500 GB, and 1 TB Samsung 980 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs receive the Black Friday treatment on Amazon. The best discount is a generous 43% for the 1 TB variant, while the 500 GB model is available for 24% off. The lowest capacity flavor of the Samsung 980 SSD is just 15% down (US$46.99 from a list price of US$54.99).

OPPO is now tipped to launch a new Android tablet in conjunction with its next-gen top-end Find X6-series smartphones. Now, a new leak puts both types of device in an equally premium category, with potentially high-end display, battery and internal specs for the "Pad2". Then again, it seems the OEM may have made a slight compromise to achieve this high-end appeal.