Intel has finally figured out its long-standing desktop CPU instability issues

The first reports of instability issues with the 13th-gen Intel desktop CPUs started popping up in late 2022, mere months after the models came out. Those issues persisted, and over time, users reported dealing with unexpected and sudden crashes on PCs equipped with the company's 14th-gen CPUs, as well. Now, Intel has announced that it finally found the reason why its 13th and 14th-gen desktop processors have been causing crashes and giving out on users, and it promises to roll out a fix by next month. 

In its announcement, Intel said that based on extensive analysis of the processors that had been returned to the company, it has determined that elevated operating voltage was causing the instability issues. Apparently, it's because a microcode algorithm — microcodes, or machine codes, are sets of hardware-level instructions — has been sending incorrect voltage requests to the processor. 

Intel has now promised to release a microcode patch to address the "root cause of exposure to elevated voltages." The patch is still being validated to ensure that it can address all "scenarios of instability reported to Intel," but the company is aiming to roll it out by mid-August. 

As wccftech notes, while Intel's CPUs have been causing issues with users for at least a year and a half, a post on X by Sebastian Castellanos in February put the problem in the spotlight. Castellanos wrote that there was a "worrying trend" of 13th and 14th-gen Intel CPUs having stability issues with Unreal Engine 4 and 5 games, such as Fortnite and Hogwarts Legacy. He also noticed that the issue seems to affect mostly higher-end models and linked to a discussion on Steam Community. The user that wrote the post on Steam wanted to issue a warning to those experiencing "out of video memory trying to allocate a rendering resource" errors that it was their CPU that was faulty. They also linked to several Reddit threads with people experiencing the same problem and who had determined that their issue lied with their Intel CPUs. 

More recently, the indie studio Alderon Games published a post about "encountering significant problems with Intel CPU stability" while developing its multiplayer dinosaur survival game Path of Titans. Its founder, Matthew Cassells, said the studio found that the issue affected end customers, dedicated game servers, developers' computers, game server providers and even benchmarking tools that use Intel's 13th and 14th-gen CPUs. Cassells added that even the CPUs that initially work well deteriorate and eventually fail, based on the company's observations. "The failure rate we have observed from our own testing is nearly 100 percent," the studio's post reads, "indicating it's only a matter of time before affected CPUs fail."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/intel-has-finally-figured-out-its-long-standing-desktop-cpu-instability-issues-130042083.html?src=rss

Adobe’s Photoshop can now generate AI images via prompts like Dall-E or Midjourney

Adobe has widely released a new and potentially contentious feature: text-to-image generation for Photoshop powered by Firefly, first teased in April. As with LLMs like Dall-E and Midjourney, you can use it to create an image from scratch by typing a description into Photoshop's updated generative AI tool. 

I tried it with the text "Dramatic low angle view of a steamship from the 1800s in a storm with large waves and lightning" in multiple styles (anime, watercolor, sketch, realistic) and got decent results. The usual AI art caveats apply though, particularly with weird details if you look closely. But it certainly created useable results and you have the benefit of already being inside Photoshop to fix any errors. 

Adobe's Photoshop can now generate images via prompts like Dall-E or Mid Journey
Adobe Firefly AI-generated image

Previously, Photoshop's Generative Fill feature only let you add, extend or remove specific parts of an image. Now, you can create images from scratch, then tweak them later. "This really speeds up time to creation," Adobe's Erin Boyce told Engadget in April. "The idea of getting something from your mind to the canvas has never been easier." 

The feature is powered by Firefly Image 3 model, something at the heart of a recent artist backlash against Adobe. Creators were incensed by language in Adobe's recent ToS (terms of service), interpreting it to mean that Adobe could freely use their work to train the company's generative AI models. 

In its latest post, however, Adobe stated that it has a "commitment to creator friendly AI" which means "never training on customer content." It promised to take a creator-friendly approach as part of its AI ethics principles of accountability, responsibility and transparency.

Adobe's Photoshop can now generate images via prompts like Dall-E or Mid Journey
Adobe

Along with image generation, Adobe introduced an "Enhance Detail" feature in Photoshop's Generative Fill. For Illustrator, it introduced Generative Shape Fill to add detailed vectors in a designer's unique style (above), Enhanced Text to Pattern (creating customized vector patterns in the artists style) and Style Reference. It also added a Mockup tool to create "high-quality visual prototypes of art on objects like product packaging," enhanced selection capabilities and more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/adobes-photoshop-can-now-generate-ai-images-via-prompts-like-dall-e-or-mid-journey-130018181.html?src=rss

The iFLYTEK Smart Recorder: Your Ultimate Companion for Capturing and Transcribing Audio Effortlessly.

iFLYTEK Smart Recorder

The landscape of voice recording technology has been transformed with the advent of sophisticated smart recorders, shifting away from the limitations of basic recording pens to devices brimming with advanced capabilities. Among these innovations, The iFLYTEK Smart Recorder stands out with its sleek design and cutting-edge features, making it ideal for professionals who need to […]

The post The iFLYTEK Smart Recorder: Your Ultimate Companion for Capturing and Transcribing Audio Effortlessly. appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Pwnage ZenBlade 65 mechanical gaming keyboard

mechanical gaming keyboard

The Pwnage ZenBlade 65 mechanical gaming keyboard is a catalyst in the world of gaming peripherals. Designed for serious gamers and enthusiasts, this keyboard combines innovative technology with a sleek, modern design. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and featuring the latest Hall Effect magnetic switches, the ZenBlade 65 offers unmatched precision, durability, and customization. Mechanical Gaming […]

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Prime Video gets a much-needed UI overhaul with a new content bar and AI recommendations

For all its stacked selection of original content, like Fallout, The Boys and Rings of Power, Prime Video has historically pffered a cluttered, confusing and less-than-intuitive layout — especially compared to rivals like Netflix. That changes today as Amazon begins rolling out a new Prime Video UI that, in the company’s words, brings “clarity and simplicity back to streaming.”

The Prime Video redesign starts with a streamlined navigation bar that should make it easier to find your way around. To the left, the bar includes the general categories Home, Movies, TV Shows, Sports and Live TV. Immediately to the right, the nav bar continues with a dedicated tab for content bundled with your Prime membership, followed by sections for add-on subscriptions like Max, Paramount+, Crunchyroll and others. There’s a separate section to add new subscriptions — from Amazon’s more than 100 options — straight from the bar.

Meanwhile, a new “hero rotator” below the bar drills down to highlight content available within each selected bar section. It looks similar to rival services, which doesn’t sound like a big deal on paper but should be a welcome change for anyone who’s ever futzed around with the confusing old Prime Video UI.

Closeup of the leftmost section of a mounted TV showing the new Prime TV layout. Crunchyroll is highlighted.
Amazon

Unsurprisingly, Amazon is adding personalized AI-generated recommendations (“Made for you”) when navigating the bar’s Movies and TV Shows sections. Using the company’s Bedrock AI model, the machine learning recommendations will offer content tips based on your watch history and preferences.

AI will also power new show and movie synopses. Amazon says the change will make browsing their blurbs faster, preventing you from having to scroll around to learn more about a given piece of content.

Finally, Amazon says the UI has new animations, snappier page transitions and zoom effects to make the experience more “frictionless.” On living room devices, video content will auto-play on the hero rotator as you browse around (much like Netflix and other competitors). If you head to the Live TV tab, recommended stations will also play on their own, continuing until you pick something to give your full attention.

The UI update begins rolling out on Tuesday. You can read more in Amazon’s announcement post.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-video-gets-a-much-needed-ui-overhaul-with-a-new-content-bar-and-ai-recommendations-120019397.html?src=rss

Microsoft 365 Copilot Beginners Guide 2024

Microsoft 365 copilot beginners guide

Ever wondered how much more you could accomplish if you had a personal assistant to handle your routine tasks? What if I told you that Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 could be that assistant? This AI-powered tool integrates seamlessly into your favorite Microsoft applications, helping you manage everything from meeting recaps to document generation. Andy […]

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Apple iOS 18 Beta 4 – iOS 18 Public Beta 2 expected release dates

Apple iOS 18 Public Beta 2

The latest iOS 18 Beta versions have captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and developers alike, promising a range of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. However, before you rush to update your device, it’s crucial to understand the current state of these betas, including existing bugs, issues, and the anticipated new […]

The post Apple iOS 18 Beta 4 – iOS 18 Public Beta 2 expected release dates appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Top 10 Kitchen Tools You Need To Master The Meticulous & Delicious Art Of Japanese Cooking

Are you someone who loves Japanese cuisine? Is a bowl of hot steaming ramen or some fresh sashimi your go-to meal?! Well, then you’ve reached the right spot. As delicious as Japanese food is, preparing it takes a lot of care, finesse, and attention to detail. And if you want to master Japanese cooking, or well at least be able to prepare a decent bowl of donburi, then you need the right kitchen tools to assist you. We’ve curated a collection of ingenious and well-designed kitchen tools that are essential if you’re preparing some Japanese meals. From a precision ceramic sashimi knife to a portable bento box-style rice cooker – these are the must-have kitchen products you need to cook up some delicious Japanese food!

1. Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife

Named the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife, this sleek and stunning kitchen tool defines Japanese craftsmanship and perfection. The knife was built with advanced technology and utmost care, forming an exceptional tool that enhances the culinary art of preparing sashimi.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299.00

Why is it noteworthy?

Using the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife, you can cut through delicate pieces of sashimi with complete ease, without causing any damage to the soft pieces of fish. The knife works with complete ease and precision, amped with a lightweight and sharp blade. Since it is made from ceramic, it doesn’t need sharpening consistently.

What we like

  • You can slice and prepare sashimi with the finesse of an expert Japanese swordsman
  • You can prepare delicate and aesthetically pleasing dishes

What we dislike

  • Fragile as compared to steel knives
  • It can be tough to sharpen if the need arises

2. Supreme Daikon Radish Grater

Meet the Supreme Daikon Radish Grater – a meticulously crafted grater created for those who appreciate fine kitchen tools. The grater is excellent for grating daikon, and it features a 1.5mm thick stainless steel grating surface that is durable and easy to maintain. The Daikon Radish Grater is equipped with traditional Hon-Meguri diagonal sharp blades and innovative Quattro blades.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Supreme Daikon Radish Grater offers an effortless and stress-free grating experience. Each grater is crafted by skilled Japanese artisans, and each one is a masterpiece of the traditional Hon-Meguri technique. It is a time-honored method that includes using a sharp chisel (tagane) to carve each blade into the thick metal plate.

What we like

  • Features exceptionally sharp and durable blades

What we dislike

  • Might not be efficient for other veggies

3. Mt. Fuji Cutlery Rests

This lovely cutlery set is inspired by Japan’s most iconic summit – Mt.Fuji. This cutlery set serves as a luxurious metal accessory to amp up your Japanese-style meals. They have a simple form with detailed and intricate engravings. They’re lavish tableware accents, created with fine craftsmanship.

Click Here to Buy Now: $219

Why is it noteworthy?

The cutlery isn’t just a flat block of metal, the pieces slope slightly upwards towards the middle, creating a flat stump at the peak, instantly reminding you of Mt.Fuji. The curves are also excellent for supporting knives, forks, spoons or chopsticks.

What we like

  • The pretty cutlery also captures Japan’s seasons of yielding cherry blossoms
  • Created as a tribute to Japanese craftsmanship

What we dislike

  • The cutlery set can only hold two utensils, a limited design

4. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs

Meet the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs – these innovative kitchen tools are shaped like chopsticks and are great for preparing Japanese meals with speed and efficiency. You can pick up small pieces of food with complete ease, while also allowing you to prepare small, well-balanced meals for multiple people.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Chopstick Tongs are a great option for creating bento boxes or even eating sushi, which are popular Japanese food items. The tongs are also pretty easy to hold and use.

What we like

  • Built from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel which is derived from scraps and offcuts

What we dislike

  • The tongs aren’t great for picking larger pieces and cuts of food

5. Ishiyaki Set

Named the Ishiyaki Set, this kitchen appliance allows you to create an authentic and surreal Japanese dining experience in your home. You can prepare food in true teppanyaki style! The set functions as a tabletop stone grill, and you can prepare the meat just the way you like it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ishiyaki Set recreates the Benihana experience in your home, and you can dry-sear your food before you eat it. It is equipped with a board with an additional porcelain tray to hold your food, as well as two bowls to hold your soy sauce and wasabi, creating the ultimate modern teppanyaki experience for you.

What we like

  • Creates the Benihana-style teppanyaki experience to your home
  • Ideal for dry-searing sashimi-style seafood like Tuna, Salmon, or Scallops, or meats like beef

What we dislike

  • Bulky, space-consuming design better suited for homes with loads of space

6. The Stacking Sake Drinkware

Drinking Sake is extremely common in Japanese culture, whether in social settings or at formal ceremonies. The Stacking Sake Drinkware is an unusual sake drinking cup made from authentic tin – serving as a unique and distinctive drinking cup set. Tin is a good material choice as it absorbs impurities and purifies water.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299.00

Why is it noteworthy?

Tin is truly the perfect material choice for cold sake, as it provides a soft and comfy texture for hands, allowing you to handle the glass with ease, while also making the sake taste smooth and mellow.

What we like

  • The bowl-shaped vessels can be stacked easily on top of each other
  • Elegant and pleasing aesthetics thanks to their smooth curves

What we dislike

  • Stacked pieces might topple easily

7. Rassen Chopsticks

Designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsuskan, these unique chopsticks are called the Rassen (spiral) chopsticks, and they’re great for consuming Japanese food. The chopsticks are the perfect culmination of fun and functionality – the chopsticks form one single unit when combined, and they can also be pulled apart when needed.

Why is it noteworthy?

Bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using the chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to your daily meal. And since you can easily combine the pair, you never have to live in fear of losing one!

What we like

  • The chopsticks are whimsical and functional
  • They’re handmade by artisans

What we dislike

  • Since the design is new and novel, it can take some time to get used to using them

8. Plate Grater

Named the Plate Grater, this small product looks like a tiny plate and can be used on the table. You can use the grater to grate fresh garnishes and ingredients into your meal. You can even use it to prepare some fresh wasabi to accompany your sushi. The product combines the functionality of a plate with a grater.

Click Here to Buy Now: $65

Why is it noteworthy?

It is equipped with dual functionality and is quite an aesthetically pleasing design. You can elevate your basic meal with some fresh garnishes.

What we like

  • An excellent design grating fresh ingredients onto your meal, and adding a gourmet touch

What we dislike

  • It may take a while for users to adjust to it and use it

9. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board

Called the Hinoki Essence Cutting Board – this stunning wooden cutting board is great for a hassle-free food-cutting experience. The board is made from the hinoki cypress, and it has a medium hardness which offers resistance without damaging knives. The cutting board has a minimal and appealing appearance.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The cutting board has a simple yet lovely look, and since it is made using cypress wood, it pairs up perfectly with the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife.

What we like

  • Made from Hinoki Cypress Wood which isn’t very harsh on knives
  • Features a water-resistant silicone coating which prevents damage

What we dislike

  • You need special care to maintain it, which can be tedious

10. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker

Named the Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker, this portable cooker prepares a bowl of warm rice for you whenever you need it. It features a compact and portable size, and cooks single-serve rice in a short amount of time. Once your rice is ready, the light glows.

Why is it noteworthy?

The cooker is excellent for those who like to travel often and need a fresh bowl of rice for dinner. You can prepare six ounces of rice in one go, and it has a measuring cup for convenience.

What we like

  • Features a portable and easy-to-carry design
  • The rice can be eaten straight from the container

What we dislike

  • Lacks a variety of choices in sizes and colors

The post Top 10 Kitchen Tools You Need To Master The Meticulous & Delicious Art Of Japanese Cooking first appeared on Yanko Design.

How to use MS Excel’s powerful business intelligence tools

Excel Power Query Power Pivot DAX

Excel has evolved into a robust platform for data analysis and reporting, thanks to its advanced business intelligence tools: Power Query, Power Pivot, Data Model, and DAX. These powerful features can streamline your data workflows, making them more efficient and less time-consuming. In this guide, we’ll explore how to leverage these tools to create a […]

The post How to use MS Excel’s powerful business intelligence tools appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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The Morning After: Condé Nast is the latest media company to accuse AI search engine Perplexity of plagiarism

Condé Nast, the media giant that owns The New Yorker, Vogue and Wired, has sent a cease-and-desist letter to AI-powered search startup Perplexity, according to The Information. The letter, sent on Monday, demanded Perplexity stop using content from Condé Nast publications in its AI-generated responses and accused the startup of plagiarism. It comes a month after Forbes took similar action.

Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch has warned “many” media companies could face financial ruin in the time it would take for litigation against generative AI companies to conclude. Lynch has called upon Congress to take “immediate action.”

— Mat Smith

EU officials say Meta may be violating consumer laws with paid ‘ad-free’ plan

The Engadget guide to the best smartwatches

Apple accused of underreporting suspected CSAM on its platforms

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Right in the middle of BBQ season, ThermoWorks, makers of the Thermapen, is upgrading its wireless meat probe. The RFX Meat uses radio technology rather than Bluetooth to transmit data. The company explains its “patent-pending sub-GHz RFX wireless technology” provides a more reliable connection with up to 2,132 feet of direct line of sight range. When placed inside a grill or smoker, it should work at up to 659 feet of range, ThermoWorks says. The $159 RFX Meat starter kit is available for pre-order. Shipping starts September 10, so, arguably, not quite in time for BBQ season.

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Google won’t kill third-party cookies in Chrome after all, the company said on Monday in a blog. Instead, it’ll introduce a new experience in the browser that will allow users to make informed choices about their web browsing preferences. Killing cookies, Google said, would hurt online publishers and advertisers.

Over the past few years, multiple delays and regulatory hurdles have hit Google’s plans to eliminate third-party cookies. Initially, the company wanted to phase out these cookies by the end of 2022 but pushed the deadline to late 2024 and then to early 2025 because of various challenges and feedback from stakeholders, including advertisers, publishers and regulatory bodies, like the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The company says it will now focus on giving users more control over their browsing data, including additional privacy controls, like IP Protection in Chrome’s Incognito mode, and ongoing improvements to Privacy Sandbox APIs.

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TMA
Engadget

Google’s Pixel 8a is the best Android phone for less than $500, and now it’s even cheaper than usual, making it the best Android phone for less than $450. Like past A-series devices (usually the best cheap Android phones in their time), it takes most of the headline features from last year’s flagship Pixel phone — the Pixel 8, in this case — and puts them in a slightly cheaper design. You still get a bright and vivid OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and superb camera performance.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-conde-nast-is-the-latest-media-company-to-accuse-ai-search-engine-perplexity-of-plagiarism-111559877.html?src=rss