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Samsung responds to rumors of SATA SSD discontinuation

19 December 2025 at 12:41

Recent rumors suggesting Samsung was preparing to discontinue its SATA SSD lineup have stirred anxiety across the storage market, but the company has now stepped in to shut those claims down.

The speculation originated from a report by YouTube channel “Moore’s Law Is Dead”, which claimed Samsung was planning to phase out its SATA-based consumer SSDs. The timing of the report only amplified concerns, arriving shortly after Micron confirmed it was exiting the consumer SSD space altogether. With SATA drives still playing a key role in PC upgrades and budget systems, fears of shortages and price spikes quickly followed.

For those less familiar with the topic, SATA SSDs use the same interface as older hard drives and are typically limited to speeds of around 500–550 MB/s. They remain widely compatible with older desktops and laptops, making them one of the most affordable and popular upgrade options. NVMe SSDs, by comparison, are significantly faster but usually come at a higher cost and require newer hardware support. If Samsung were to discontinue SATA SSDs, the impact would be felt most by people upgrading or building a budget PC. SATA SSDs are also a very good option for use cases that require bulk storage rather than speed.

Fortunately, Samsung has made its position clear. Responding directly to the circulating reports, a company spokesperson stated that “the rumor regarding the phasing out of Samsung SATA or other SSDs is false.” In other words, Samsung has no plans to pull the plug on its SATA SSD business at this moment.

That said, broader pressures in the memory and storage market haven’t disappeared. Ongoing supply constraints, largely driven by surging demand for AI-focused hardware, are expected to push prices higher across various memory products, including SSDs, over the coming months.

For now, though, Samsung’s statement removes one major uncertainty. While the storage market may still be heading into a turbulent period, SATA SSD users can at least be confident that Samsung isn’t abandoning the segment just yet.

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PS6 handheld leak points to Sony preparing developers for lower-power hardware

19 December 2025 at 07:08

Talk of Sony’s next-generation PlayStation hardware has been circulating for months, and a new leak adds weight to the idea that a dedicated PS6 handheld is part of the plan. According to the latest claims, Sony is already pushing developers to design games around more constrained CPU configurations—an approach that strongly hints at a portable console alongside the standard PS6.

The information comes from YouTuber Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID), who says Sony has been advising studios to optimize games for systems with different CPU, GPU, and memory limits. This lines up with earlier rumors suggesting Sony is working on two PS6 variants: a traditional home console and a lower-power handheld designed for portable play.

MLID connects this strategy to recent changes on the PS5. Sony has been encouraging support for Low Power and Power Saver modes, with Power Saver Mode now included by default in the PS5 software development kit. According to MLID, these power-focused features are currently a higher priority than PS5 Pro-specific optimizations, suggesting Sony is laying groundwork for future compatibility.

One notable detail from the leak is a reported requirement for games to run on just eight CPU threads. The handheld is said to use four Zen 6c cores, providing those eight threads for gaming tasks, alongside two additional low-power cores for background processes. In contrast, the standard PS6 would use a more powerful CPU configuration.

A referenced internal document reportedly notes that “games may run in environments with different CPU configurations,” reinforcing the idea of a multi-console PS6 ecosystem. By setting these constraints early, Sony could ensure future games scale smoothly across both home and portable hardware.

The PS6 family is still years away, and Sony has made no official comments. Still, the SDK updates and optimization guidance suggest portable gaming is already a key consideration in Sony’s next-generation plans.

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(Source)

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CATL successfully deploys humanoid robots to quality-critical work on EV batteries

18 December 2025 at 23:15

Humanoid robots have been a popular talking point in recent months, but most examples so far have involved carefully staged demos rather than real factory work. CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, now claims it has crossed that gap, quietly rolling out humanoid robots on an actual production line.

The company says it has completed large-scale deployment of its Moz humanoid robot at a battery pack factory, making it the first power battery production line to use humanoid “embodied intelligence” robots at scale. Moz was developed by Spirit AI, a CATL subsidiary focused on robotics and automation.

Rather than handling simple pick-and-place jobs, Moz is reportedly positioned at quality-critical stages of the production process. Its main task involves attaching battery connectors, a job that demands high precision, consistency, and careful control of applied force. According to CATL, the robot has reached performance levels comparable to experienced human workers, delivering a reported 99% success rate in connector insertion.

That level of reliability is achieved through an end-to-end vision system that allows the robot to adapt in real time. Moz can compensate for slight misalignments in materials or connection points by adjusting its posture and movements on the fly. It also monitors how much force it applies, ensuring wiring harnesses are secured firmly without damaging fragile components.

CATL contrasts this with reports of difficulties faced by other humanoid robots during factory trials, including overheating joints and failures in complex mechanical assemblies. While those systems have drawn attention through public demonstrations, many have yet to prove they can operate continuously in demanding industrial environments.

The timing is notable, as China’s humanoid robotics sector is expanding rapidly, with some analysts already warning of potential overcapacity similar to what the country experienced in EV manufacturing. CATL’s deployment suggests that, at least in some cases, humanoid robots are moving beyond experiments and into practical, revenue-generating roles on the factory floor.

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(Source: CATL)

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DRAM crisis could trigger fresh GPU shortages in 2026

18 December 2025 at 22:39

Just as the PC market is starting to move past the chaos of previous GPU shortages, new signs suggest another supply squeeze may be forming—this time driven by memory, not chips.

Rising DRAM prices are reportedly forcing Nvidia to rethink its gaming GPU strategy, with production cuts expected in early 2026. According to industry sources, Nvidia plans to reduce output of GeForce RTX 5000-series gaming cards by as much as 30–40% in the first half of the year. The move comes as memory costs surge and manufacturing capacity is increasingly redirected toward higher-margin server and AI accelerators.

One early casualty of the situation appears to be Nvidia’s rumored GeForce RTX 5000 Super lineup. The refresh was expected to deliver up to 50% more VRAM at the same price point across both desktop and laptop GPUs, but the plan has reportedly been scrapped due to DRAM supply constraints.

Affordable, higher-memory models are likely to be hit hardest. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and RTX 5070 Ti are said to be among the most affected, as larger VRAM configurations are becoming increasingly expensive to produce.

Nvidia is said to expect softer gaming demand in 2026, partly due to a lighter release calendar. Still, cuts of this scale risk repeating a familiar pattern: limited availability, rising prices, and frustrated buyers.

The impact may extend well beyond graphics cards. Analysts warn the broader DRAM crunch, fueled by explosive demand from AI companies such as OpenAI, could push laptop prices up by at least 20%. Budget notebooks may fall back to 8GB of RAM, smartphones could ship with just 4GB again, and even upcoming gaming devices may see higher price tags.

As AI continues to dominate silicon priorities, consumers—and especially gamers—could be left paying the price.

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(Source | Image)

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Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 update brings better eSIM support, external sensor pairing, and more

18 December 2025 at 20:38

Huawei is fine-tuning the Watch Ultimate 2 after launch, and it is now getting a meaningful software update that adds a few genuinely useful features. The latest build is HarmonyOS 6.0.0.156, which is rolling out globally and is over 1GB in file size. According to reports, users in Europe have already started receiving the update.

One of the biggest changes is improved eSIM behavior, especially when it comes to power saving. With the update installed, the watch can now handle calls and SMS messages over eSIM even while in power-saving mode. It’s far more practical for extended use without a phone nearby.

Huawei has also enabled VoLTE by default for supported eSIM providers. There’s no manual toggle for this option, but it should result in better call quality where supported.

Another notable addition targets fitness-focused users. The Watch Ultimate 2 can now connect directly to external sensors, including heart rate straps, power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors. This brings the watch closer to dedicated sports watches, especially for cycling and structured training, where external sensors are sometimes preferred over wrist-based tracking.

Aside from feature additions, the update includes general system optimizations and stability improvements, though Huawei hasn’t gone into detail on what’s changed behind the scenes.

The update is being rolled out in stages and can be installed through the Huawei Health app or directly on the watch via Settings > System & updates > Software updates.

In short, this update makes the Watch Ultimate 2 feel more complete, particularly for users who rely on standalone connectivity and advanced fitness tracking without carrying their phone everywhere.

For those interested, here’s our review of the Watch Ultimate 2.

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(Source)

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iPad mini 8 could get a surprisingly big performance jump with A20 Pro chip

18 December 2025 at 20:05

Apple’s iPad mini has always been about striking a balance—small enough to carry anywhere, but powerful enough to feel like a “real” iPad. If recent leaks are anything to go by, the upcoming iPad mini 8 might push that idea further than expected, especially when it comes to raw performance.

According to details pulled from an internal iOS 26 build, Apple is already testing the next-generation mini. Earlier rumors suggested the tablet would move on from the A17 Pro to something more substantial, possibly the A19 Pro—the same chip expected to power upcoming iPhone Pro models. That alone would have been a healthy upgrade, with performance gains reportedly in the 20–30% range.

But a new leak shared by Weibo tipster Kang hints that Apple may be aiming even higher. The iPad mini 8 is now said to be running on the A20 Pro, a chip expected to debut with the iPhone 18 lineup and Apple’s first foldable. If accurate, this would make the mini one of the first iPads to adopt Apple’s next-generation 2nm silicon.

The A20 Pro is rumored to offer roughly 15% higher performance and up to 30% better power efficiency compared to the current 3nm chips. For a compact tablet, that could translate into noticeably faster apps, stronger gaming performance, and improved battery life—areas where the mini already punches above its weight.

There’s also talk of a display upgrade. The iPad mini 8 is rumored to feature an 8.5-inch OLED panel, a first for the mini lineup. That said, it’s expected to stick to a 60Hz refresh rate, keeping it below the Pro models but still offering better contrast and color than LCD.

Apple is reportedly targeting a Q3 2026 launch, so plans could still change. Still, if these leaks hold up, the iPad mini 8 could end up being far more powerful—and more premium—than anyone expected from Apple’s smallest tablet.

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Skyrocketing RAM price now affecting gaming handhelds

18 December 2025 at 19:50

Rising memory prices are starting to cause real-world delays, and it’s no longer just smartphone makers and PC builders feeling the impact. The latest fallout has reached the gaming handheld space, with AYN confirming shipment delays for its top-tier Odin 3 Ultra model due to a sharp increase in RAM costs.

AYN said deliveries of the Odin 3 Ultra—configured with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage—have been pushed back to mid-January 2026. The company pointed directly to “skyrocketing” RAM prices and a short-term memory supply crunch as the reason behind the delay.

To ease the situation, AYN is offering affected customers two options. Buyers can either keep their Ultra preorder and wait for the revised shipping timeline, or switch to the slightly toned-down Odin 3 Max, which comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Those choosing the Max will receive a refund for the price difference, as the Max is currently priced at $449, compared to $519 for the Ultra.

Aside from memory and storage, the two models are largely identical. Both are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and feature active cooling, a 6″ 120Hz OLED display, an 8,000mAh battery, expandable storage via microSD, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and external display support. For most users, the downgrade primarily affects multitasking headroom and storage space rather than raw performance.

The situation highlights how broader component pricing trends are beginning to affect even niche hardware categories. If RAM prices remain elevated, companies and consumers may be forced to rethink configurations.

The situation mirrors concerns already brewing in the smartphone market, where rising memory costs could lead to more conservative RAM configurations. This could become an issue for entry-level models running feature-heavy custom UI skins, as well as premium flagships expected to handle increasingly complex AI features on-device. How the industry looks once the dust settles will be worth watching.

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Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be significantly slimmer than Flip 7, may even pack a larger battery

18 December 2025 at 18:16
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung grabbed headlines in 2025 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s ultra-thin design, but early leaks suggest the company may shift focus to its flip lineup next year. According to new rumors, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be in line for more noticeable upgrades. The Fold 8, on the other hand, will reportedly stick to a more conservative, refinement-focused update.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

X tipster @TheGalox_ claims Samsung is working on a considerably slimmer body for the Z Flip 8. While no exact measurements have leaked so far, the move makes sense. The Z Fold 7 finally feels like a bar phone when folded (8.9mm), while the Flip 7 measures 13.7mm when folded. Many of the structural changes from the Fold 7 could be carried over to the next Flip model, making it significantly more attractive.

But what about the battery? “It’ll be the first time in many years it gets thinner while keeping or even increasing the current battery size,” says the tipster.

In fact, thickness remains one of the biggest pain points for clamshell foldables, especially when folded and carried in a pocket. Any meaningful reduction here would be a welcome change for everyday use.

The leaks also point to display improvements, though specifics are still under wraps. Samsung has been steadily improving its foldable panels year over year, so this could involve further crease reduction, better durability, or refinements to brightness and efficiency.

On the performance side, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to continue Samsung’s push toward in-house silicon. The device is rumored to ship with the Exynos 2600, the same chip likely to power parts of the Galaxy S26 series.

As for timing, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is still expected to follow Samsung’s usual schedule, with a launch in the second half of 2026. There are no signs of delays or major production issues at this stage.

That said, it’s still early in the leak cycle, and details are likely to change. But if the latest rumor holds up, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could end up being a much more substantial upgrade than its predecessor.

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(Source)

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