Computers
Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Chromecasts, Pixel C | Google Event Highlights
When you see or hear the word Google, hardware isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But they do release devices. While their Nexus launch event, held last week in San Francisco, was a snoozefest, there is plenty to be excited about.
Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P
The much loved Nexus 5, released in 2013, finally gets a refresh. Like its predecessor the 5.2-inch Nexus 5X makes a great case as being one of the best all around phones.
Starting at $379, it is competitively priced with a decent spec sheet and its polycarbonate shell is light and comfortable to grip. Can it draw the same level of interest and attention that the Nexus 5 did? We’ll have to wait and see.
Google pulled in Huawei to make the this year’s premium Nexus device. It helps Huawei position itself as a premium phone maker and they did a splendid job on the 6P.
The 5.7-inch 6P is made of aluminum. It is the first Nexus phone with a full-unibody construction. It also has, at least on paper, an impressive camera, 12.3 megapixels, but that’s not the number Google wants you to focus on. The company is touting the 6P’s 1.55 micron pixel size – larger than most phones on the market today.
Bigger pixels mean the ability to shoot with little to no light. We’re excited to see more sample photos to see if this is really the case.
The high-end Nexus 6P, which starts at $499, also has a host of other camera features including slow-mo capture, and a new smart burst mode. But I’m not feeling that whole band of black at the back of the device hosting the camera. Sure, it helps differentiate it from most other phones today but aesthetically, I wish Huawei went in another direction.
Both phones come with the new reversible USB Type-C for faster charging and will run the latest version of Android – Marshmallow.
The fingerprint scanners for both the 5X and 6P are located at the back right underneath the main camera. I had the chance to test a phone with a similar fingerprint scanner placement and I found it felt natural if you unlock the device while holding it up. But if you want to unlock the phone while its back is lying on the table, you might have to resort to using a lock code.
Google did well to address two needs with their 2015 Nexus phones – a value-for-money Nexus that most fans craved for after the pricey Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 of 2014, and the best of pure Android on a premium smartphone.
Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
Google tweaked the look of its media streaming device and made two of them – one for your TV, another for your speakers. Both are priced $35.
Instead of a stick, the redesigned Chromecast is now clearly more circular with a bendable HDMI arm that’s supposed to make it easy to hide the device behind your TV. It also has additional WiFi antennas for better range and support for modern wifi standards.
It comes in three colors: black, lemon yellow, and bright red.
Chromecast Audio, as its name suggests, focuses on music. With support for RCA, 3.5 mm, and optical inputs, Chromecast Audio should be able to take any speaker you have lying around and make it ‘smarter’.
Along with it comes the announcement that Chromecast now supports leading music streaming service Spotify. Now more than ever, it’s easier to blast your favorite playlists whether you want to rock out, dance, or, if the mood is right, ask someone to ‘Marvin Gaye And Get It On.’
Pixel C
In yet another crack at mobile productivity, Google announces the Pixel C (C stands for convertible).
It’s a 10.2-inch slate that pairs magnetically with a keyboard and it looks really promising. At the demo, Google showed off how the tablet seamlessly attaches to the keyboard without nasty ports and docks. You also don’t need to charge the keyboard as it is already charging the moment you stick it to the tablet.
It appeared the Pixel C will automatically come with the keyboard. Unfortunately that is not the case. The Pixel C tablet will retail for $499 and if you want the keyboard too, it’ll burn another $149 hole in your pocket.
That aside, the tablet, which runs Android Marshmallow, looks absolutely gorgeous and does appear like a step forward to actual productivity when you’re on the go.
[irp posts=”8575″ name=”Android made downloading from Google Play much easier”]
Computers
CIPTA debuts AI GPU server, edge workstation at CloudFest 2026
Malaysia-made AI infrastructure
CIPTA Industrial Sdn Bhd steps onto the global stage with its European debut at CloudFest 2026. They introduced high-density AI infrastructure and edge-ready systems built for modern enterprise workloads.
Held at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany from March 23 to 26, the event marks the company’s first major international showcase under its own brand. Backed by InWin Development Inc., CIPTA positions itself as a new-generation EMS provider focused on AI, cloud, and enterprise systems.
At Booth R41, the company is highlighting two key platforms: the RG658 PRO GPU server developed with Phison, and the cubePRO edge workstation created in collaboration with Accordance.
Built for scalable AI workloads
Leading the showcase is the RG658 PRO, a high-density GPU server designed to handle large-scale AI training and inference without pushing costs out of reach for enterprises.
The system supports up to eight high-performance GPUs and integrates Phison’s Pascari aiDAPTIV alongside its PASCARI enterprise SSD lineup. This combination aims to improve data throughput, reduce latency, and streamline AI pipelines.
Thermal performance is a key focus. The RG658 PRO uses a dual-chamber design to separate heat zones, paired with up to 14 high-speed PWM fans for sustained cooling under heavy workloads. Power delivery is handled by a 3+1 redundant configuration of 80PLUS Titanium PSUs, scaling up to 9600W.
The result is a platform built to scale AI deployments on-site while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Edge computing without downtime
Alongside its GPU server, CIPTA is introducing the cubePRO, a compact edge workstation designed for environments where uptime and data integrity are critical.
The system supports up to four PCIe slots for GPU configurations, making it suitable for AI workloads at the edge. It also features high-capacity multi-SSD setups and optimized airflow for continuous 24/7 operation.
Through its partnership with Accordance, the cubePRO integrates the Disk Array ARAID M500 solution, enabling high-availability storage and data protection. This ensures uninterrupted performance for use cases such as industrial systems, remote nodes, and enterprise branch deployments.
The focus here is clear: bring AI processing closer to where data is generated, without sacrificing reliability.
Strengthening Malaysia’s role in AI infrastructure
CIPTA’s debut also reflects a broader shift in global supply chains. Operating from Malaysia, the company offers end-to-end services—from concept to production—along with flexible manufacturing cycles and cost-efficient operations tailored for Southeast Asia and international markets.
With access to InWin’s server chassis ecosystem and infrastructure solutions, CIPTA combines global platform capabilities with localized integration. The goal is to help enterprises deploy AI and cloud infrastructure faster while diversifying their supply chain footprint.
As demand for AI systems continues to grow, CIPTA is positioning Malaysia as a key hub for scalable, production-ready infrastructure.
Visitors can find CIPTA at Booth R41 during CloudFest 2026 in Europa-Park, Rust, Germany.
Computers
AMD expands Ryzen AI Embedded P100 series lineup
Scalable, efficient AI compute for industrial, edge solutions
AMD has recently announced the expansion of its AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P100 Series processor lineup.
This enables scalable and power-efficient AI compute tailor-built for industrial and AI edge systems. Scenarios include factory automation, physical AI in mobile robotics, and other AI-driven edge applications.
With eight to 12 high-performance Zen 5 cores, AMD ROCm support, and up to 80 total system TOPS, the new x86 embedded APUs deliver up to:
- 2x more CPU core counts
- 8x higher GPU compute
- 36% higher system TOPS
This way, developers and system designers get an expanded and scalable portfolio of power-efficient edge computing solutions. These processors support real-time AI from vision to control and reasoning, as well as offer advanced graphics capabilities.
On a single chip, clients get up to 80 TOPS physical AI acceleration, AMD RDNA 3.5 graphics for real-time visualization, and an NPU based on the AMD XDNA 2 architecture.
Moreover, the processors can withstand industrial temperature ranges (-40° C to 105° C) and can support continuous 24/7 operations for up to 10-year life cycles. That’s along with low-latency and power-efficient AI inference.
Real-life applications include intelligent factories, autonomous robots, and medical imaging devices. For instance, the processors can deliver CPU performance required for real-time inspection and process optimization.
For mobile robots, meanwhile, processors can manage navigation, motion, control, and route planning while the GPU processes multi-camera feeds for spatial awareness.
Furthermore, for 3D health imaging, the processors can enable the powering of 3D imaging for ultrasounds, endoscopes, tissue classification, and tumor detection at the edge. This is done with models like U-Net, nnU-Net, and MONAI.
The processors then accelerate image-to-report workflows with MedSigLIP and support clinical reasoning and Q&A with Med-PaLM 2.
GIGABYTE and Capcom have collaborated for a limited time Resident Evil Requiem-inspired custom PC giveaway.
The setup is inspired by the title, which recently released, and includes an exclusive monitor game bundle to bring players closer to the experience.
Headlining the collaboration is the Umbrella Corporation — Level 3 Access custom rig giveaway. It is one of a kind, fully-built desktop featuring a Z890M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard and RTX 5080 AERO OC SFF graphics.
Of course, it draws inspiration from the visual identity and atmosphere of Resident Evil Requiem. It also features a GIGABYTE C102 GLASS ICE chassis design and custom GIGABYTE MO27Q28G gaming monitor to complete the setup.
The giveaway runs from March 2 to March 31 via the official campaign website. Fans can enter for a chance to win the custom rig, with no purchase necessary. The only caveat is that they have to be a United States or Canada resident.
Such experience is designed to invite players and PC enthusiasts alike to engage with the collaboration while highlighting GIGABYTE’s premium hardware craftmanship and attention to detail.
In addition to the giveaway, GIGABYTE is also offering a Resident Evil Requiem game bundle with select gaming monitors. Included are AORUS brand monitors, ranging from 27 to 55 inches in size.
This bundle is available until March 31. Customers who purchase eligible models can redeem a digital game code through GIGABYTE’s official redemption platform.
The featured monitor is the MO27Q28G, which has fourth generation WOLED panel with 280Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. It is an ideal monitor to experience the spine-chilling terror and death-defying action of the title.
-
Reviews5 days agoPOCO X8 Pro Max review: A new beast from the far east
-
News5 days agoPOCO X8 Pro Series: Price, availability in the Philippines
-
Laptops2 weeks agoApple MacBook Neo Review
-
Computers2 weeks agoGIGABYTE collaborates with Capcom for RE Requiem custom PC
-
Apps1 week agoGoogle Maps is finally getting a 3D mode
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThe internet is thirsting over the One Piece Season 2 cast
-
Features1 week agoGalaxy AI on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
-
Automotive2 weeks agoBYD is reportedly considering an F1 team

