Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Today — 19 May 2025Tech News

MSI’s new Claw A8 is powered by AMD

By: Emma Roth
19 May 2025 at 18:00
An image showing the MSI Claw A8

MSI has revealed its latest iteration of its Claw PC gaming handheld — and this time, it’s powered by AMD. The company showed off the Claw A8 BZ2EM at Computex 2025, which comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip along with up to 24GB of DDR5 memory.

That’s a bit less than the 32GB of memory that came with the Intel-equipped Claw 8 AI Plus released late last year, but it still has an 8-inch full HD display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 1TB M.2 SSD. The AMD-powered Claw A8 will also come in two colors: white and lime green.

MSI had a bit of a rough start with the release of its original Claw handheld in March 2024, but it seemed to redeem itself with the launch of the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. Lenovo also snapped up one of AMD’s new handheld-focused chips for the Legion Go S, but it uses the weaker Z2 Go version that my colleague Sean Hollister said “can’t compete” with its predecessor’s Z1 Extreme.

There’s a new MSI Claw 8 AI Plus “Polar Tempest” edition, too, which features an up to Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and a 2TB NVMe SSD. It also has what MSI calls a “glittering” white coating. MSI didn’t reveal a release date or price for either model, but it will likely be in the same ballpark as the standard Intel-powered MSI Claw 8 Plus, which Best Buy lists as costing $999.99.

China ends Windows–macOS duopoly with Huawei’s HarmonyOS, breaking U.S. tech grip

19 May 2025 at 17:36

In a major escalation of its push for tech sovereignty, Huawei just launched its first laptops running HarmonyOS—its homegrown operating system—officially severing ties with Western software giants Microsoft and Apple. The announcement marks a turning point in China’s quest to […]

The post China ends Windows–macOS duopoly with Huawei’s HarmonyOS, breaking U.S. tech grip first appeared on Tech Startups.

Top tech startup funding news for today, May 19, 2025

19 May 2025 at 17:14

It’s Monday, May 19, 2025. Hope you had a great weekend. We’re back with your daily rundown of the biggest startup funding moves in tech. Today’s deals span everything from cancer-fighting biotech and AI-powered drug discovery to high-speed network infrastructure […]

The post Top tech startup funding news for today, May 19, 2025 first appeared on Tech Startups.

Klarna’s revenue per employee soars to nearly $1M thanks to AI efficiency push

19 May 2025 at 17:36
Last year, Klarna announced a significant initiative to leverage its internally developed AI systems, powered by OpenAI, across its operations. This wasn’t empty talk for the buy now, pay later giant. The company not only ended its pricey contract with Salesforce CRM, but also curtailed its hiring efforts, allowing AI to do some of the […]

Elgato is letting you stick a Stream Deck on anything

19 May 2025 at 16:00
The Streeam Deck Modules can be easily added to customized mounts and other projects.

Elgato announced a new “Stream Deck Everywhere” strategy at Computex, which includes a software-based virtual Stream Deck for PCs, an ethernet dock accessory, unbranded Stream Deck modules that can bring its keys into other products, and even new scissor-switch keys for a more precise, keyboard-like feel. “With these launches, we’re opening up Stream Deck to a world of new users, from developers and DIY builders to manufacturers seeking a field-proven interface for their products,” said Elgato general manager Julian Fest. “Because Stream Deck isn’t just a device—it’s a platform.

Stream Deck Modules are designed for hobbyists and manufacturers to easily integrate into hardware projects instead of ripping apart the consumer version or developing their own custom macropad solutions. The modules are available in 6-, 15-, and 32-key variants and are housed in an aluminum chassis that can be built into custom bases, machines, and furniture, making it possible to actually create Elgato’s ridiculous 1,262-key April Fools’ desk.

The Stream Deck Modules are available now starting at $49.99 for the six-key version, $129.99 for the 15-key, and $199.99 for the 32-key. Elgato technical marketing manager Philipp Eggebrecht told The Verge that discounts will be offered for bulk purchases.

A new variant of the MK.2 Stream Deck has been introduced that replaces the membrane keys with scissor-style switches that provide “enhanced speed and precision,” according to Elgato. Eggebrecht says the scissor keys variant costs $149.99 and will be available in “around two weeks.” 

Stream Deck buttons that feel more like keyboard keys would make it easier for users to tell they’ve clicked something without having to look at the device. Elgato describes the scissor switch variant as something that “lends itself to typing-style interactions, paving the way for new use cases that benefit from rapid, multi-layered input and control,” which could be testing the waters for a Stream Deck keyboard or any other application requiring precise controls.

“The idea of a full LCD-key based keyboard is interesting. We’ve explored it in the past and so far, what we’ve found is that the experience hasn’t been great, and there’s the cost question,” Eggebrecht told The Verge. “We’re getting closer to a keyboard feeling with Stream Deck Scissor Keys, and always looking at the technology and what is becoming possible. Stream Deck and keyboards are a natural fit.”

The new scissor-style switches for Elgato’s MK.2 Stream Deck.

Elgato is also rolling out a software-only Stream Deck for desktop devices, akin to the existing Stream Deck mobile app. The Virtual Stream Deck (VSD) can provide a permanent macro menu on computer screens or be summoned at will when users hit allocated hotkeys and mouse buttons. The VSD software will initially be available for people who own a Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE mouse, Xenon Edge touchscreen, or any Stream Deck model, before later rolling out to “more devices.”

Custom layouts, virtual faceplates, and support for beyond six buttons require iPhone and Android Stream Deck users to pay for Pro access, which starts at $2.99 monthly or $49.99 as a one-time purchase. Eggebrecht says Elgato’s desktop VSD isn’t locked behind a subscription, but does require users to install the Stream Deck 7.0 beta.

A screenshot of Elgato’s Virtual Stream Deck solution.

A new $79.99 Stream Deck network dock accessory was also announced that includes support for power over Ethernet (PoE), which lets you place its buttons anywhere there’s a network jack, and with more flexibility than USB-C affords by itself. Eggebrecht says the Stream Deck network dock will start shipping in August.

MagSafe Monday: The BENKS ArmorGo Power Bank is a great choice for a slim MagSafe battery

By: Bradley C
19 May 2025 at 15:00

There are two types of portable MagSafe batteries: ones designed for a weekend camping trip and ones designed to get you through a heavy single day. I recently picked up the , and it’s a great option for your everyday carry (EDC) kit. It’s slim enough to fit in your pocket but big enough to get the job done.

more…
❌
❌