Computers

Intel Iris Xe DG1 is the company’s take on the desktop graphics market

With 80 executions units and 4GB of VRAM

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Intel is finally shipping its much-hyped discrete graphic processing units (dGPU) — the Iris Xe DG1 — after almost a year that the company announced it. The recently launched dGPU will target both the consumer and enterprise sector looking for a performance boost on their desktop setup.

The Xe DG1 is part of the Intel Iris Xe graphics family that the company announced last year. Specifically, it is an entry-level dGPU that relies on the Iris Xe architecture which powers the integrated graphics of newer Intel processors.

The company aims this dGPU to those looking to boost their desktop graphics performance by a bit. It has fewer execution units (EUs) than Iris Xe Graphics G7 and Iris Xe Max found in newer laptops, indicating its entry-level performance. To be specific, the new desktop dGPU has 80 EUs in contrast to the Iris Xe Graphics G7’s 96 EUs.

As such, dedicated gamers have to wait a little more for the Iris Xe HPG which Intel touts as its first mid-range and enthusiast dGPU. Still, the Iris Xe DG1 has a lot of features to bring to the table. It can support up to three DisplayPort connections and decode AV1 videos. Support for Adaptive-Sync and HDR is here too for a better experience on monitors with a high refresh rate and resolution.

The only technical spec that Intel confirmed so far is 4GB VRAM for the new dGPU. Clock speeds and other feature sets are unclear at the moment.

Price and availability

There’s only one caveat though: consumers will not be able to buy it off the shelves. Intel partnered with ASUS and other manufacturers to distribute it to OEMs. As such, the only way to get the dGPU is by buying PC systems with Iris Xe DG1 inside. Intel also didn’t say how much or when consumers can expect these PC systems to hit the market.

If all goes well, Intel’s Iris Xe graphics presents an opportunity for the company to break the duopoly of AMD and NVIDIA. The times are indeed changing, with Intel focusing now on improving the graphics performance of its processors. However, only time will tell if Intel’s bet will pay off considering that its previous attempt isn’t exactly successful.

Source: Notebookcheck.net

Computers

Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade

And comfortable Dual Knit Band

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Apple Vision Pro M5

Apple has introduced the upgraded Apple Vision Pro, now powered by the M5 chipand equipped with the Dual Knit Band for improved comfort.

This latest version delivers faster performance, sharper display rendering, longer battery life, and new experiences through visionOS 26, which introduces widgets, updated Personas, and new Apple Intelligence features with expanded language support.

M5 chip brings faster AI and sharper visuals

The M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, introduces a 10-core CPU and GPU that boost performance across the system. Apps launch faster, web browsing feels more responsive, and visuals appear sharper with 10% more pixels rendered on Vision Pro’s micro-OLED displays.

The new GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. It brings lifelike lighting and reflections to games like Control. Vision Pro now supports refresh rates up to 120Hz. It reduces motion blur and delivering smoother experiences for Mac Virtual Display users.

The high-performance battery extends use to 2.5 hours of general activity or 3 hours of video playback on a single charge. Meanwhile, the 16-core Neural Engine accelerates AI-powered tasks up to 2x faster than before. Developers can now use Apple’s Foundation Models framework to create smarter on-device AI experiences.

Dual Knit Band offers improved comfort

Apple introduces a redesigned Dual Knit Band, crafted from 3D-knitted fabric for a more cushioned and balanced fit. It uses flexible ribs embedded with tungsten inserts for counterweight and stability, while the dual-function Fit Dial enables fine-tuned adjustments.

The Dual Knit Band is available in three sizes (S, M, L), sold separately, and compatible with previous Vision Pro models. Users can find their best fit through the Apple Store app for iPhone.

visionOS 26 expands spatial experiences

With visionOS 26, Vision Pro adds immersive new ways to work and play. Widgets can now stay anchored in your space, Personas look more natural in FaceTime, and spatial photos use AI to add realistic depth.

Vision Pro also supports 180° and 360° video playback from Canon, Insta360, and GoPro. This lets creators and users relive footage the way it was captured. Later this year, the Vision Pro app for iPad will launch. It will give users another way to browse and manage spatial content.

Expanding apps, games, and immersive content

Vision Pro users can explore over 1 million apps, with 3,000+ made specifically for visionOS. Lifestyle and design apps like HomeByMe, Balenciaga, and Christie’s Select join entertainment titles like Epic Earth and Space Vision.

Apple Immersive continues to push storytelling boundaries with new titles from Audi F1 Project, BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull. There are also 3D movie hits like Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked on the Apple TV app.

Gaming also levels up with support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers. It unlocks tactile gameplay with six degrees of freedom and haptic feedback.

Built for creators and professionals

Pro users can use Vision Pro for advanced workflows — from 3D design and photography to film production and live collaboration. The new Logitech Muse stylus offers pixel-level precision in apps like Crayon and Sketch Pro. Enterprises such as CAE, Porsche, and UC San Diego Health are already adopting Vision Pro to power simulation, visualization, and healthcare innovation.

Pricing and availability

The upgraded Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip and Dual Knit Band starts at SGD 4,999, available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

Pre-orders in Singapore begin October 17, with availability in Apple Stores starting October 22.

The Dual Knit Band can be purchased separately for SGD 149, the Vision Pro Travel Case for SGD 299, and ZEISS Optical Inserts for SGD 149 (Readers) or SGD 219 (Prescription). The Logitech Muse stylus is priced at SGD 179 and will be available alongside the new Vision Pro.

Customers can book demos online, featuring the new Vision Pro and its latest features, including Genmoji, Writing Tools, and new Apple Immersive experiences like Tour De Force and MotoGP.

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Computers

Apple unleashes M5 chip, the next big leap in AI

Powers next-gen MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro

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Apple has unveiled the new M5 chip, marking its biggest leap yet in AI performance for Apple silicon. Built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, M5 brings over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4, and introduces a next-generation 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core.

The new chip also features Apple’s fastest performance cores, combining up to 10 CPU cores — four performance and six efficiency. This aims to deliver up to 15% faster multithreaded performance over M4.

Alongside a faster 16-core Neural Engine and 30% higher unified memory bandwidth at 153GB/s, M5 powers through AI, creative, and gaming workloads while maintaining Apple’s hallmark energy efficiency.

Optimized GPU built for AI and graphics

Every compute block of M5’s 10-core GPU is optimized for AI, achieving over 6x AI compute compared to M1 and 30% faster graphics than M4. Its third-generation ray-tracing engine delivers up to 45% higher graphics performance, with smoother gameplay, faster rendering, and more realistic visuals in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

M5 also brings higher refresh rates and sharper visuals to Apple Vision Pro, now capable of rendering 10% more pixels at up to 120Hz. Developers using Apple’s Metal 4 and Core ML frameworks automatically benefit from the GPU’s Neural Accelerators and Tensor APIs, allowing AI-driven apps like Draw Things and LM Studio to run faster than ever.

Faster Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence

The 16-core Neural Engine in M5 enhances performance for on-device AI features, including those powered by Apple Intelligence. Tools like Image Playground and Writing Tools now process tasks more efficiently, while the higher unified memory enables larger models to run locally for improved responsiveness and privacy.

Built for power efficiency and sustainability

With up to 32GB of unified memory, M5 can handle demanding creative apps like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop simultaneously. Its power-efficient design contributes to Apple’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal, reducing energy use across the lifetime of every MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro powered by M5.

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Computers

UGREEN NASync DH2300: an entry-level NAS for everyone

Big storage made simple

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UGREEN NASync DH2300

UGREEN has launched the NASync DH2300, a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed to make high-capacity local storage easy for everyone. Alongside the DH4300 Plus (4-bay SATA) for advanced users, it redefines NAS as a practical solution for everyday needs, not just for IT professionals.

Up to 60TB of local storage

The DH2300 comes with a 2-bay SATA configuration supporting up to 60TB total capacity—30TB per drive. It’s made to handle massive photo collections, 4K videos, work files, and personal backups. By keeping data in one place, users can drop the hassle of managing multiple external drives or paying for cloud subscriptions. The device supports most NAS HDDs, allowing flexible upgrades without high upfront costs.

Setup in under 10 minutes

Ease of use is the main focus. The UGOS Pro operating system guides users through setup with step-by-step visuals and clear instructions. UGREEN says first-time users can finish installation and configuration in under 10 minutes.

The UGREEN NAS app brings all core features together—file management, photo backup, and media streaming—so users can do everything from their phone. There’s also NFC Quick Connection, which pairs a smartphone with the NAS through a single tap, skipping manual network setup and router adjustments.

Data protection made simple

Security is built into the system. The DH2300 uses TLS/SSL, RSA, and AES encryption to safeguard data and supports two-factor authentication. It has certifications from TÜV and TRUSTe, confirming compliance with international privacy and security standards.

Because it stores data locally, users have full control of their files. It also includes a local-only account mode that limits access to the LAN and a File Vault for private data.

Practical hardware for daily use

The device includes a 4K 60Hz HDMI port, allowing users to stream videos or view photos directly on a TV. It supports multiple RAID modes—JBOD, Basic, 0, and 1—so users can choose between maximizing space or prioritizing redundancy for critical files.

Pricing and availability

UGREEN will price the NASync DH2300 for entry-level users and share full pricing and availability details soon.

 

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