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Asus confirms changes to Q-Release Slim PCIe motherboard ports

Asus appears to have made some adjustments to the Q-Release Slim PCIe slots on its latest motherboards.

Asus quick release slim pcie motherboard

Image: Asus

Asus has been having some trouble with its high-end gaming motherboards. As the newest graphics cards launched, reviewersnoticed some scratches and chipson motherboards with the Q-Release Slim system, which lets you pull a card out of its PCIe slot without using latches or buttons. Based on some retail photos, the latest Asus motherboards seem to have revised the problematic slots.

Update, March 26th:An Asus representative confirmed toDutch site Tweakers.netthat the Q-Release Slim ports have been redesigned. Machine-translated quote:

Yes, a change has been made to the Q-Release Slim system for new X870 motherboards. Based on user feedback, we have modified the PCIe slot for the Q-Release Slim system, including removing a metal component to reduce the possibility of damage to the video card. In addition, stickers have been added to the system to inform users about ‘correct system usage.’

The original story from March 14th continues below.

Twitter/X account Uniko’s Hardwarespotted a visibly distinct latch mechanism on the Asus X870E Apex motherboard, which isnow up for pre-order on Newegg. They speculate that the bracket between the initial retention peg (that first cutout section on the slot of the GPU itself) and the x16 pin area removed a metal bar. It looks like it’s either plastic or a much different, thinner metal construction now.

We’re talking abouttinyrevisions of a fairly involved design here, butas VideoCardz.com notes, it makes sense that Asus would want to get the design right on its most expensive motherboards. Q-Release Slim is a feature on only a few Asus motherboards, with the intended function being the ability to remove a heavy GPU with one hand and a slight pulling motion from the front but not the middle.

Q-Release (sans Slim) offers a more straightforward option, an extended lever and button that essentially moves the hard-to-reach retention clip to a far more accessible spot on the motherboard. After years of being careful with the sometimes-finicky process of installing and removing GPUs, it feels unnatural to simply grab and yank one out without some secondary protection.

Once again, I’ll point out that the scratching issues on Q-Release Slim motherboards have only been noticed by professional graphics cards testers and reviewers, who plug in and remove cards way more frequently than most at-home desktop PC builders. And even among that small batch of reports, damage to the GPU connections has been entirely cosmetic with no functional issues.

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But if I were spending two grand (or more) on a new graphics card and another several hundred dollars on a top-of-the-line motherboard to go along with it, I wouldn’t want the latter to scratch up the former. Asus seems to have acknowledged this, if only fleetinglywith some official statements. But yeah, it’s probably worth a little more R&D if they want to keep this feature alive for future motherboard designs.

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The adjusted slots are only on pre-order pages so far, so we’ll have to wait for reviews to see if the new Q-Release Slim mechanism is improved.

Things Chromebooks Can Do That Windows Can’t

For many years, purchasing a laptop usually meant deciding between a Windows and a Mac. The popular old Apple ad campaign called “Get a Mac” personified the two types of computers and clearly showed the distinctions between them (well, with an obvious bias towards Macs).

They’ve always been seen as geared towards specific personas for specific purposes, which gave both companies a distinct audience.

In 2011, however, Google launched the Chromebook, targeting the education market. After all, they were part of a pilot testing program in schools in the US to analyze their compatibility with institutions and remote work.

Soon enough, they became a viable option for students and businesses because of their seamless features and simplicity. This turned down the volume on the Windows vs. Mac debate, as there were (finally) other choices on the market.

While Macs are in their own niche, Chromebooks are often compared to Windows because of their potential audience and price range.

Macs are considered some of the most expensive laptops on the market, with the highest-end models costing well over $3,000. Windows has a much broader range, with budget models starting at just a few hundred. Meanwhile, you can get a Chromebook from $100 to $250.

But other than price, what else would encourage someone to pick a Chromebook over a Windows-based laptop?

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They Can Run with Minimal Hardware Requirements

While Windows laptops rely on a robust operating system, Chromebooks have minimal hardware requirements, which is one of their biggest advantages. Without having to think too much about whether you have enough RAM, storage space, or processing speeds to tackle all the tasks you need to handle, Chrome OS doesn’t demand a heavy load in the first place.

That means you can browse the web, watch videos, check your email, do some light gaming, access a casino that is a big name in CA online gambling, and complete many productive tasks smoothly without worrying about extra processes in the background.

Thanks to this, you enjoy faster performance and a no-frills experience, perfect for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy or who don’t need a laptop for mammoth tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. As a bonus, the need for less powerful hardware means Chromebooks come at a much lower cost than Windows laptops.

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They Integrate with the Google Ecosystem

As a Google-made device, Chromebooks naturally integrate with the entire Google ecosystem, making them a great choice for users who already use its suite of services. Rather than disrupting or disconnecting from your existing workflow, all your documents and files can automatically sync across your devices and platforms.

Just like Apple has its own proprietary apps and software in its own ecosystem, Chromebooks let you seamlessly access Google apps from your laptop and other Google devices. Google Assistant is also built into the laptop, letting you use your voice to do anything from setting reminders to navigating the internet.

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They Offer a Stripped-Down UX

What’s particularly appealing about Chromebooks, in contrast to Windows laptops, is the overall user experience. Windows interfaces can often be cluttered and intricate, exposing many of the backend processes that most users don’t need access to.

Chromebooks cut out that noise and focus on a minimalist experience that caters to a wider range of age groups and a more casual audience. With the essentials readily available and a highly visual experience, users can get right into their tasks without dealing with complex navigation.

Chromebooks have a familiar Windows-esque interface featuring the classic taskbar and desktop and the simplicity of macOS.

However, they stand out because they leverage a limited operating environment, Chrome OS, which is designed to handle essential tasks efficiently. Users don’t have to worry about viruses either, as it boasts sandboxing, isolating each app and process from each other for extra protection.

They Have a Cloud-Based Focus

Chromebooks also come with a cloud-based experience, revolving more around web and cloud-based apps rather than built-in apps. This reduces the burden on your local storage, which contributes to the minimal hardware piece mentioned earlier.

Google’s services have long been reliant on the cloud, which can make managing digital files a lot easier. Rather than store everything locally, the cloud-based approach lets you access everything from any device, so if your laptop dies or a file gets deleted from your desktop—you’ve got your backup ready to go at any time.

Every document gets updated and saved in real time, giving you the peace of mind you need, especially when dealing with important files. If you happen not to have access to the internet at the moment or it gets cut off, most Google apps have offline capabilities that allow you to sync back up once you’re reconnected.

These features are a real asset when it comes to work, school, and personal projects, which is why so many in that target audience turn to Chromebooks.

They Provide Android App Support

Speaking of apps, you’re not only limited to what’s pre-installed or available on the Chromebook when you purchase the laptop.

Chromebooks can run Android apps downloaded from the Google Play Store, which means you can explore a variety of third-party apps to enhance your workflow, whether in the creative or productivity genre. Already have existing apps you use on another Android device?

You can download these onto your laptop too, and sync your experience across devices. Transitioning from your tablet or smartphone to your laptop is convenient, with cross-platform capabilities to help you stay connected.

What Makes Microsoft Surface Laptops Fail Time and Again

Since the Surface RT’s failure in 2013, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop series has suffered with dependability problems, commercial mistakes, and eroding consumer trust. As a fake corporate memo on Surface Laptop 7 failures emphasizes, persistent hardware flaws have resulted in significant return rates and continuous consumer concerns. Sales have declined drastically; Lenovo and Dell’s competitiveness is expected to cause even more drops. Further tarnishing the brand is a fake class-action lawsuit covering battery and overheating problems. Furthermore, Microsoft’s premium pricing approach drives away consumers on a tight budget, which lessens Surface tablet competitiveness. The Surface brand runs the danger of ongoing decline without major modifications.

An Inheritance of Challenges Since the Surface RT

With a creative 2-in — 1 architecture, Microsoft sought to reinvent personal computing when it unveiled the Surface RT in 2012 But the commercial failure of the gadget created a concerning precedent for the Surface lineup as whole.

Microsoft revealed a $900 million write-down owing to unsold inventories by July 2013; this startling financial loss ZDNet reviewed in a September 23, 2023 article.

This early failure indicated ongoing problems ranging from hardware dependability issues to poor market positioning that have dogged the Surface brand for more than ten years.

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Constant Hardware Failures Test Authority

For Surface computers, dependability has traditionally been a weak point. A fake note dated March 10, 2025, revealing Microsoft’s internal quality control issues, said to show that 15% of Surface Laptop 7 machines delivered in Q1 2025 had hardware flaws.

Growing customer discontent resulted from this notable failure rate; Amazon, according to a Windows Central article on X, labeled the Surface Laptop 7 as a “frequently returned item” by March 22, 2025,

The dependability problems reflect earlier worries when Consumer Reports first changed its advice for Surface products on August 10, 2017, noting a 25% failure rate based on a poll of 90,000 consumers two years ago.

The tendency still goes today. Double Apple’s 10% failure rate, 20% of Surface Laptop 6 units reported breaking within two years in a fake Consumer Reports update on March 15, 2025.

Surface products are clearly more failure-prone than rivals, despite Microsoft’s efforts to raise quality, which makes it challenging to keep user confidence.

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Falling Sales and Competitive Stress

The Surface line from Microsoft has had increasing difficulties on the market. Surface device income decreased by 30% in FY23, arriving at just $4.9 billion, according to the company’s earnings call set for July 27, 2023.

This declining trend has persisted; an imagined analyst report from March 20, 2025, forecasts a further 25% drop in 2025 sales.

Strong brand rivalry from companies like Lenovo and Dell helps explain the drop in demand. Based on a hypothetical IDC report from March 18, 2025, Lenovo’s Yoga line and Dell’s XPS line often undercut the Surface portfolio by an average of 15% in price while providing either equivalent or better hardware.

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Legal Problems and Client Anger

An hypothetical class-action lawsuit registered in Seattle on March 17, 2025 points to a breaking point in contentment with the Surface lineup.

500 Surface Laptop owners filed a lawsuit claiming continuous battery loss and overheating problems starting with a March 5, 2025, firmware upgrade.

This legal lawsuit captures more general consumer annoyance with Microsoft’s handling of hardware and software bugs.

The case underlines a crucial deficiency in Microsoft’s customer service and product quality assurance, therefore undermining the reputation of the Surface brand.

Premium Pricing Turns off Those on a Tight Budget

Microsoft’s Surface range pricing approach has also added to its challenges. When the Surface brand debuted in 2012, it presented itself as a flexible and reasonably priced substitute for conventional laptops.

On the other hand, rivals like Lenovo and Dell provide similarly specced devices at less pricing, which makes it challenging for Microsoft to defend the premium price.

A Brand in Decline

Microsoft’s constant dependability problems, market mistakes, and expensive pricing have led to diminishing sales and consumer discontent even if it wants to set the Surface lineup as a premium option to rivals.

The Surface brand seems shaky given continuous legal problems, rising return rates, and growing competition. Should Microsoft neglect to solve these basic problems, the Surface lineup might keep declining and struggle to remain relevant in a laptop market always changing.

Sony has dropped a new PS5 update, improving activities and adding more emoji support

New parental controls have also been added A close up of the PlayStation symbol at the top of a PS5 Slim console with a white brick background

Sony has released a new PS5 firmware update
Version 25.02-11.00.00 improves activities and adds new Unicode 16.0 emojis
New parental controls have also been implemented

A new firmware update for thePlayStation 5has been released, adding more system improvements.

This latest patch comes in a 1.3GB and is one of the more significant updates since the console’s successor, thePS5 Pro, launched.

As thepatch notesdetail, it mainly targets the system’s communications features and makes it easier for users to view activity details, which will now be displayed on cards.

Support for Unicode 16.0 emojis has been added for messages, too, along with new parental controls for Communication and User-Generated Content, which should now default to ‘Restrict’ when changing levels to Late Teens or Older.

Like previous updates, this patch sees some of the usual software performance and stability improvements to the system, messaging, and overall usability, as well.

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PS5 Version 25.02-11.00.00 – Patch Notes

We’ve made it simpler to view details about activities.
- Activity details are now fully displayed on cards.
- Potential spoilers will still be hidden.
Unicode 16.0 emojis are now supported. You can use them in your messages.
When you set the parental controls’ restriction level to Late Teens or Older, Communication and User-Generated Content will now default to Restrict. If you have previously set the level to Late Teens or Older, your previous settings will not be affected and it will be shown as Customize.
We’ve improved system software performance and stability.
We’ve improved the messages and usability on some screens.

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Last week, it was reported thatthe PS5 is still dominating in console sales, outselling the PS4 in the United States, as well as theXbox Series XandXbox Series S, which are currently falling behind theXbox Oneby a signigicant margin.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders open ahead of schedule at one optimistic Dutch retailer

Nintendo has hardly revealed anything about the Switch 2 yet. Nonetheless, one Dutch retailer has already opened pre-orders for the console and is charging people €499 for the privilege of being first in line.

Nintendo should reveal more information about the Switch 2 in a little over a week’s time. (Image source: Nintendo)

Numerous unknowns remain about the Switch 2, even two months after Nintendoofficially unveiledthe device by way of a short YouTube video. Officially, the company has outlined that it will be revealing more information on April 2 during its next Nintendo Direct event. There are suggestions thata separate eventfocusing on launch titles could occur between now and April 2, though.

Similarly, Nintendo has not confirmed how much the Switch 2 will cost yet. Nonetheless, evidenceemerged last monththat the console could cost upwards of CAD$499.99, which currently converts to around $349.99. With that being said, various analysts anticipate the Switch 2 costing$400 or more.

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To that end, a Dutch retailer has opened pre-orders for Nintendo’s long-awaited console. While the original Switch(curr. $299 on Amazon)sells for just under €300 in the Netherlands, Game-stock has priced the Switch 2 at €499 (~$539). However, the disclaimer on its listing clarifies that this pricing is an estimate and not final. Game-stock also expects the Switch 2 to reach at least Belgium and the Netherlands ‘in mid-June’, although this is speculative too. As a result, it appears this early pre-sale is more optimistic than anything else. The full quote from Game-stock is as follows:

Please note: This is a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order. The exact delivery date, price and how many will be delivered is not yet known. Our current estimate is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in the Netherlands and Belgium in mid-June this year.

Delivery is done in order of order: whoever orders first will receive his console first on the day of release. As soon as there is more information, we will update our page immediately.

If we cannot deliver all orders or if you want to cancel the order, you will immediately receive a refund. The price for the pre-order is 499 euros, if the console is cheaper in the end, you will of course be refunded the difference.

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Source(s)

Game-stock

AirPods Max is getting a big update with lossless audio and ultra-low latency - here’s how it works

Higher quality listening on AirPods Max

(Image credit: Apple)

The most recent pair of AirPods Max with USB-C lacked something important for audio fans — a wired listening mode. The cable in the box was only there to charge the cans rather than listen to music.

Now, thanks to anupcoming update from Apple, the USB-C equipped AirPods Max aren’t just getting cabled listening, but you’ll also find a couple of different modes out of the box. Lossless audio (up to 24bit, 48Khz) and low latency mode could make them a much tougher contender for thebest wireless headphones.

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Big AirPods updates

You’ll be able to use the cable that comes in the box with your AirPods Max to listen to music, and there’s a new cable you can buy that will let you plug your headphones into a 3.5mm headphone jack — a big bonus for music producers.

Once plugged in, you can listen to music at a much higher, lossless bitrate — 24-bit 48Khz. That’s not quite as high as some of thebest music streaming servicesgo, likeQobuz, but it’s a big step up from the wireless limitations that the Max has been subjected to before.

That means you’ll be able to get more detail out of yourApple Musiclistening. It’s also going to apply to much higher-quality Spatial Audio mixes. Apple also thinks it will be a big bonus to music producers, who can now get much better sound out of their AirPods Max and connect to their mixing hardware physically.

Apple says, “Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.”

Also coming to the AirPods Max and their new wired listening is a low latency mode. That will reduce the time it takes for audio to reach the headphones, perfect for gaming and live-streaming applications.

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The update is coming in April for the USB-C model AirPods Max only. The extra USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack costs $39 and is available today.

Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a ‘frequently returned’ label — here’s what’s going on

Is ARM to blame?

(Image credit: Future)

Update

Buyer beware. TheQualcommSnapdragon X Elite-poweredMicrosoft SurfaceLaptop 7 now features a “frequently returned” label onAmazon.

It’s surprising label for a product with over 400 user reviews, most of them in the 4- or 5-star range. However,Amazonis claiming the laptop is returned often. The disclaimers tells prospective buyers to “check the product details and customer reviews to learn more about this item.”

Amazon doesn’t specify why the laptops are being returned but we can hazard some guesses based on the user reviews.

What the Surface Laptop 7 Amazon reviews are saying

(Image credit: Amazon)

In our own 4-starMicrosoft Surface Laptop 7 review, Dave LeClair said that “Microsoft got it right with the latest version of the Surface Laptop 7.” Though he did ding the laptop for underbaked AI features and a lack of ports.

Amazon customers had different complaints.

We read through every review 3 stars and under and several of the 5-star ratings.

The biggest complaint we kept seeing regarded compatibility. The 5-star reviews were concerned with software compatibility but many noted that you could find replacement programs in the Microsoft Store. Though many 3-star and under reviewers were upset that the laptop refused to connect to some of thebest VPN services.

3 stars and lower

The lower rating issues for the Surface Laptop 7 focus more on external peripherals, especially printers and scanners, which don’t seem to connect to the Qualcomm-powered system. Some also claimed that the USB-C architecture and how it connects to the Snapdragon X Elite was limiting what products could be attached to the laptop.

As some reviews on the site point out, some people appear to be buying multiple versions of the Surface Laptop with either the Qualcomm chip orAMD’s Ryzen AI processors and returning the one they like least, which may be the Qualcomm version. Plus, theIntelversions are starting to make their way into the wild.

What configurations have the ‘Frequently returned’ label?

Not every Qualcomm Surface laptop has the ‘Frequently returned item’ label. Here are the ones that are affected.

As far as we can tell, the Snapdragon X Plus variant, which has 10 cores, does not have this label on any of its configurations available from Amazon.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)

Chipset	Screen size	RAM and Storage	Frequently Returned label
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	32GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	15-inch	16GB / 256 GB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	32GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB / 1 TB	Yes
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	16GB/ 512 GB	No
Snapdragon X Elite	13.8-inch	32GB / 256GB	Yes

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x86 vs ARM: Customers may not know the difference

There are currently three different versions of Microsoft AI PCs available to customers interested in not just the Surface but Copilot + PCs in general.

You can choose from Snapdragon X Elite (or Plus), Ryzen AI and Intel Lunar Lake laptops from 2024 or 2025. It’s a wealth of options and not everyone knows the difference between x86 or ARM.

What they want is to pull the laptop out of the box and know that it works with their programs, especially for laptops that cost close to $2,000.

Reading through the Surface listing on Amazon, this isn’t really mentioned beyond hyping up the power of the Qualcomm chips. There is one mention of apps with a graphic that reads, “With 87% of app usage now with native ARM versions, you’re getting a top-notch, efficient and secure experience.”

You can scroll that graphic to see apps like PhotoShop, Excel,Discordand more. However, nowhere does it discuss peripheral connectivity or what apps aren’t available.

GPU compatibility dilemma brewing as more high-end power supplies ditch 8-pin connectors in favor of new 16-pin

MSI’s PSUs appear to have been engineered with the RTX 40-and RTX 50-series GPUs as the primary target.

(Image credit: MSI)

Since the16-pin connectorwas introduced and later revised, melting adapters and PSU/GPU-side connectors on some of Nvidia’s mainstream GeForce gaming GPUs have been rampant. Two of MSI’s recently launched high-wattage PSUs interestingly feature two12V-2x6connectors while providing only one standard 8-pin connector (viaOC3D). Unless you get a 12V-2×6 to 8-pin adapter, these PSUs are incompatible with most modern-day GPUs from AMD, Intel, and even Nvidia (RTX 30 and prior), apart from a fewspecific variants.

The industry (or, more specifically, Nvidia) made the shift towards 16-pin connectors to reduce cable clutter and meet the ever-increasing power demand of new GPUs. After the first GPU meltdown wave hit, the 16-pin standard was revised with pin length changes and is now known as 12V-2×6.Reports of meltingRTX 50-series GPU connectors and adapters have been making rounds on the internet, even with the improved standard. This time, it is believed Nvidia’s power delivery design might be partially responsible.

It seems the industry is catching on to the 16-pin standard, even at the cost of reduced compatibility with other GPUs. MSI’s MPG A1000GS and MPG A1250GS power supplies, targeted at high-wattage GPUs, include two native 16-pin connectors and only a single 8-pin (6+2) connector. If you buy an additional 6+2 connector separately, you can only use a single 8-pin for the CPU, potentially hamstringing CPU performance.

Theoretically, a 225W TGP GPU or lower, like theIntel Arc B580,can easily be powered by one 8-pin connector. However, AMD’sRadeon RX 9070series cannot, as these GPUs typically require two or three 8-pin connectors.

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The Shift From 8-pin To 16-pin Power Connectors

To be clear, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen such an implementation.Galax’s GH1300also shipped with a dual 16-pin design, but that PSU was a one-off and unleashed to tame theRTX 4090 HOFthat could quickly chug up 1kW of power. As of writing, there isn’t any RTX 50 series GPU with multiple 16-pin connectors, so the full potential of these PSUs remains untapped. Nvidia recommends a 1,000W (minimum) PSU for theRTX 5090. This raises concerns about the MPG A1000GS, which is borderline on recommended specs yet ships with two 12V-2×6 connectors.

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All things considered, equipping PSUs with multiple 16-pin connectors is counterintuitive for most consumers, especially given the standard’s original goal to simplify cabling. For maximum user flexibility, a PSU design should include one 12V-2×6 connector alongside multiple 8-pin connectors to accommodate high-power GPUs from either brand.

Gmail’s new search results prioritize relevant emails over recent ones

Search results won’t appear in chronological order anymore.

What you need to know

Gmail is rolling out a new, upgraded version of mail search that can prioritize “most relevant” results.
Users can still manually sort “most recent” results to get the list in chronological order.
The feature is rolling out now for personal Google accounts, and will eventually come to business accounts in the future.

Google is upgrading Gmail’s search smarts with AI to prioritize relevant results over recent keyword hits, it announced in ablog post, March 20. While the old version of search in Gmail showed the most recent keyword results in emails, the upgraded version will “now factor in elements like recency, most-clicked emails and frequent contacts.”

The AI-powered search feature is arriving inGmailas “Most relevant” results. Users can now toggle between “Most relevant” and “Most recent,” depending on the situation. Previously, Gmail defaulted to showing “Most recent” search results, and that was the only option available.

“With this update, the emails you’re looking for are far more likely to be at the top of your search results — saving you valuable time and helping you find important information more easily,” the company explains in the blog post.

You can see an example of how Gmail search results are changing in the graphic below, which shows the old results on the left and the new ones on the right.

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(Image credit: Google)

The new version of search is rolling out worldwide in Gmail’s web client, as well as the iOS and Android mobile apps. The feature will begin exclusive to personal Google accounts, though the company says it will expand upgraded Gmail search to business accounts “in the future.”

Google has been steadily upgrading Gmail with artificial intelligence to make it easier to use, and more secure. At the end of last year, Gmail became equipped witha new AI model designed to thwart phishing scams in emails. This addition following similar scam-stopping AI features being added toGoogle MessagesandGoogle Phone.

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Time will tell whether users prefer the new version of Gmail search over the old one. For people who constantly have to scroll to find old emails, “Most relevant” results may be more helpful. For others, switching back to “Most recent” could be a better option.

Toshiba has opened a new lab for advancing HDD tech

(Image credit: Toshiba)

Toshiba’s new European HDD Innovation Lab can improve storage tech
Lab offers architecture testing, proof-of-concept setups, and benchmarking
Toshiba claims combining dozens of HDDs can boost overall performance

Toshiba Electronics Europe has opened a newHDD Innovation Labat its Düsseldorf site, expanding its storage evaluation services across Europe and the Middle East.

The new facility (it already has a smaller one in Dubai) is designed to support customers and partners in optimizing hard disk drive configurations for a range of applications, including cloud storage, surveillance systems, and NAS environments.

Toshiba’s lab will focus on assessing HDD setups for broader IT systems such as storage area networks (SAN), providing a space where hardware configurations can be tested and refined. It will be able to evaluate customer-specific architectures and offer a platform for proof-of-concept testing and performance benchmarking.

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Combining hard drives

“This new HDD Innovation Lab represents a significant leap forward in providing bespoke solutions and advancing HDD technology,” said Rainer Kaese, senior manager for HDD business development.

“It demonstrates Toshiba’s commitment to drive the industry forward and support customers and partners with technical expertise and resources. We look forward to strengthening existing collaborations and exploring the future business opportunities the new facility will bring.”

To carry out these evaluations, the lab brings together servers, JBoDs, chassis, controllers, cables, and a variety of software tools. It also includes equipment to accurately measure energy consumption.

While SSDs have a clear speed advantage over HDDs, they are expensive and, according to Kaese viaBlocks & Files, “The flash industry is not be able to manufacture enough capacity to satisfy the growing demand, and still will not be for a significant while.”

The solution to that problem, Kaese suggested, is to bunch HDDS together.

“We have demonstrated that 60 HDDs in ZFS software defined storage can fill the entire speed of a 100GbE network,” he said, adding, “[We] found that a typical configuration of four HDDs (ie. in small Soho NAS) can fill the 10GbE networks. 12 HDDs match the 25GbE of Enterprise networks, and 60 HDDs would require high end 100GbE network speed to unleash the full performance of the many combined HDDs.”

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Beyond technical testing, the HDD Innovation Lab aims to support knowledge sharing. Insights from evaluations will be passed directly to customers, and Toshiba says it will conduct its own internal assessments of its HDD product lines, publishing the findings as whitepapers and lab reports.