Technology

• Micron PCIe 6.x SSD prototype shatters speed records with 27GB/s reads
• DesignCon 2025 showcases PCIe 6.x, but real-world use is years away
• GPUDirect Storage accelerates PCIe 6.x SSDs for next-gen computing demands

Micron has unveiled a new PCIe 6.x SSD prototype with a sequential read speed of 27GB/s.

Per AsteraLabs, that makes it the fastest SSD using PCIe 6.x in the world, surpassing Micron’s previous PCIe 6.x SSD, which was introduced last year and achieved speeds exceeding 26GB/s.

Showcased at DesignCon 2025, the Micron PCIe 6.x SSD was paired with Astera Labs’ Scorpio P-Series Fabric Switch, reaching a data transfer rate nearly twice as fast as the fastest PCIe 5.0 SSDs available today.

Breaking speed records with PCIe 6.x

The Scorpio P-Series switch, introduced in late 2024, played a key role in enabling this record-breaking performance. With 64 PCIe 6.x lanes and a four-port architecture, it provided the high-speed interconnectivity needed for seamless data flow between storage, processors, and GPUs.

The demonstration used NVIDIA’s Magnum IO GPUDirect Storage to establish a direct data path between the Micron SSDs and an NVIDIA H100 GPU, bypassing the CPU for faster and more efficient processing.

This setup showcased the potential of PCIe 6.x technology in accelerating AI tool and cloud storage workloads, where speed is critical.

With double the bandwidth of PCIe 5.0, PCIe 6.x delivers up to 256GB/s of bidirectional throughput on an x16 lane configuration, significantly reducing bottlenecks in AI training and inference tasks.

Hyperscale data centers will benefit from this leap in performance, but widespread adoption will depend on broader ecosystem support, including CPUs, GPUs, and network interfaces capable of fully utilizing PCIe 6.x capabilities.

Despite the excitement surrounding this breakthrough, the prototype SSD is just that, and it's unlikely that consumers or enterprise buyers will see PCIe 6.x storage solutions on the market anytime soon.

The ecosystem is still in its early stages, with manufacturers refining hardware and software to ensure compatibility and efficiency.

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Following yesterday’s announcement that ChatGPT-4.5 would be rolling out from today, and over the next few days, I was pretty pleased to find it had appeared in my model selector in ChatGPT Plus, however the model selector now looks like a complete mess.

Take a look:

There are now eight different LLMs for ChatGPT Plus users to choose between. (Image credit: OpenAI/APple)

Yes, there are a staggering eight different options to choose from. I appreciate that OpenAI has added handy explainers under each one, like "Great for most questions", or, "Uses advanced reasoning", but that's a hell of a list to wade through and understand.

OpenAI gets it

Annoyingly, OpenAI already knows this isn't a great solution. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted back in February that the company was going to simplify its model selection into something more suitable for consumers, but ChatGPT-4.5 has just arrived and here we are, it's worse than ever.

On X in February, in a post entitled, "OPENAI ROADMAP UPDATE FOR GPT-4.5 and GPT-5", Altman wrote, "We want AI to 'just work' for you; we realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten. We hate the model picker as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence."

To be fair, Altman's post did say that after releasing ChatGPT-4.5, "a top goal for us is to unify o-series models and GPT-series models by creating systems that can use all our tools, know when to think for a long time or not, and generally be useful for a very wide range of tasks."

Unfortunately, there is no timescale on how long that will take, and the current LLM (Large Language Model) picker screen is beyond ridiculous. For ChatGPT users on the free plan, things are much simpler – there is only one option called "ChatGPT", and the option to upgrade to Plus.

ChatGPT-4.5 works fine

The good news is that from my initial testing, ChatGPT-4.5 works flawlessly. It feels like it is somewhere between OpenAI's deeper reasoning models like o1 and o3 with a bit of the casual chat of ChatGPT-4o thrown in. It’s fast too, which is good news considering that it has all of ChatGPT Plus’ subscribers that have access to it testing what they can do with the new LLM right now.

OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4.5 as feeling more natural than its predecessor. "It's broader knowledge base, improved ability to follow user intent, and greater 'EQ' make it useful for tasks like improving writing, programming, and solving practical problems. We also expect it to hallucinate less."

Hallucinating, or "making stuff up" as the rest of the world calls it, has been a particular problem for most chatbots so far, so if OpenAI can make significant improvements in that area we'll all be thankful. We'll bring you a more considered appraisal of what ChatGPT-4.5 can do over the next few days.

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On Uncanny Valley this week, our hosts talk about the pronatalism movement, and how the push to increase birth rates is trending among some of Silicon Valley's biggest and wealthiest names.

Announced at MWC in Barcelona this week, the phone is an example of what a more affordable device with advanced AI capabilities could look like.

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• The Model 3 was once the most popular EV in China
• Xiaomi’s SU7 surpassed Model 3 sales, despite only being on sale for a year
• The Chinese company built 70,000 SU7 EVs in the first six months

According to the most recent sales figures, which cover April 2024 to the end of January 2025, Xiaomi sold more SU7 models in China than Tesla sold Model 3s, beating the US automaker by around 10,000 cars.

Amazingly, this is the first vehicle the electronics manufacturer has ever produced and it has only taken around year to cement its reputation as one of the hottest EVs on sale in its domestic market.

Where the Model 3 was one of the most desirable electric vehicles in China, recent numbers reveal that its sales are slipping, with the brand selling just 8,009 cars in January of this year, compared to Xiaomi, which sold 22,897 SU7 models, according to figures collated by Tesla delivery estimates expert Troy Teslike on X.

Tesla was the first foreign automotive manufacturer to wholly own a factory in China, with its rivals having to share profits and technology with domestic companies under various joint ventures and partnerships.

But now, it seems that the view of Tesla as a luxury foreign EV maker is waning and demand for Tesla’s cars in general is cooling. Despite a revamped Model Y going on sale in China recently, its overall sales in the country dipped by 51.47% in January, according to Teslarati.

While the Model 3 is rapidly slipping down the Chinese sales charts, the Model Y was the second best-selling car at the end of last year, only marginally beaten by the much smaller BYD Seagull, according to Car News China.

To compound Musk's woes further, Xiaomi is gearing up for full-scale production of its second EV – the YU7 SUV that will directly challenge Tesla’s Model Y, as well as more premium offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche.

With such a compelling offering and plans to expand into global markets, Xiaomi might not just have a "Tesla-killing" line-up, but one that could have the wider automotive industry worried.

Xiaomi 'going global' will hit premium EV makers

(Image credit: Xiaomi )

Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, Xiaomi’s President William Lu told CNBC the company will be releasing EVs for the global markets “within the next few years”.

The announcement was timed with the launch and unveil of the SU7 Ultra, a high-performance, 1,517hp version of its best-selling EV that requires a special test to drive in China and has been breaking lap records at the Nurburgring.

Slated to cost 529,000 Chinese yuan (or around $72,627), it undercuts the most potent electric model from Porsche – the Taycan Turbo GT – by over $200,000, as well as offering levels of race-focussed Performance that Tesla’s Plaid badge could only dream of.

The debut SUV from Xiaomi is due to go into production this summer and, as with the SU7, customer demand is already at fever pitch. The company’s share price hit an all-time high in February when it released more specific details of its second model.

It’s easy to see why, with a driving range of 510 miles (123 more than the 2025 Tesla Model Y), a staggering 691hp on tap, smartphone-derived in-car technology and the latest Lidar-based autonomous driving tech, it represents excellent value for money... and it's not bad looking, either.

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Apple's flagship noise-canceling earbuds are due for an upgrade. Rumors suggest they'll arrive later this year. Here's everything I know about them.

• Macrodock M1 offers versatile and high-speed connectivity
• Three rotary knobs enable precise control for editing and adjustments
• 100W Power Delivery ensures fast charging for laptops, tablets, and phones

There are many laptop docking stations available, but finding one that meets all connectivity needs can be challenging.

The MacroDock M1 is a compact device designed for connectivity and macro functionality, offering ten ports and six programmable LCD macro keys with up to 36 commands, allowing users to automate executing tasks, applications, and directly controlling software.

As a 10-in-1 docking station, it includes USB-A, USB-C, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, SD and TF card slots, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The HDMI port supports 8K output at 30Hz or 4K at 120Hz, allowing compatibility with high-resolution displays.

A versatile hub for professionals and gamers

By integrating macro functions into the docking station, it removes the need for separate macro pads like the Elgato Stream Deck. It also supports over 200 plugins, making it adaptable for different workflows, including video editing in DaVinci Resolve and live streaming with OBS Studio.

The MacroDock M1 supports 100W Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 charging, providing power for business laptops. It also includes high-speed data transfer options, with USB ports supporting speeds up to 10Gbps and an SD/TF card reader capable of 5Gbps.

A notable feature of the device is the inclusion of three rotary knobs for precise control over volume, video editing timelines, and adjustments in creative software.

The MacroDock M1 is available on Kickstarter with an early-bird price of $109, and global shipping is expected to begin in May 2025.

Via Geeky Gadgets and Yanko Design

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• Security researchers find phishing emails spoofing LinkedIn notifications
• The emails are distributing the ConnectWise Remote Access Trojan
• There are multiple red flags, including fake companies, fake images, and more

Cybercriminals are spoofing LinkedIn notification emails to deliver the ConnectWise Remote Access Trojan (RAT) malware, experts have warned.

A new report from cybersecurity researchers Cofense Intelligence notes the phishing campaign likely started in May 2024 with an email mimicking a notification LinkedIn would send to a person when they receive an InMail message. The business platform does not allow people who are not connected to exchange messages, unless the sender is a Premium (paying) member. Then, they can use a service called InMail to reach out to people with whom they are not connected.

Receiving such a message would trigger an email notification from LinkedIn, which is what the attackers are spoofing here.

Bypassing email filters

There are multiple red flags in the email. First, the template used has been phased out by LinkedIn almost five years ago. Then, the supposed project manager/sales director sending the message does not exist, and the attached photo is labeled “executive16.png”. The profile picture used in the email belongs to the President of the Korean Society of Civil Engineering Law, a person called Cho So-young.

Finally, the company for whom the sender allegedly works is called “DONGJIN Weidmüller Korea Ind” and it, too, does not exist.

The email comes with one of two buttons: “Read More” and “Reply To”. Both trigger the download of ConnectWise, a remote administration tool that was originally part of ConnectWise ScreenConnect, a legitimate remote desktop software used for IT support and management. However, cybercriminals have hijacked it and abuse it as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) to gain unauthorized control over systems.

The email made it past security filters primarily because of how email authentication settings were configured on the recipient's system, the researchers added.

Even though the email failed SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and wasn't signed with DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), it still wasn't outright rejected by the system. This happened because the email security policy, specifically DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), was set to "oreject" instead of fully rejecting suspicious emails.

This setting likely allowed the email to be marked as spam but still land in the recipient’s inbox.

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Documents obtained by WIRED show the US Department of Defense is considering cutting up to 75 percent of workers who stop the spread of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.

A shadowy group of unelected figures reshaping the federal government to their own benefit from the inside? Sounds familiar!

• Big Bad Wolf has announced its next game at Nacon Connect 2025, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss.
• Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a first-person psychological thriller based on H.P. Lovecraft's universe
• The game launches in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC

Big Bad Wolf, the studio behind Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong, has announced its next game, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss.

Revealed during Nacon Connect 2025, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a brand new first-person psychological thriller set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC in 2026.

The developer shared the first look at its upcoming narrative game with an eerie cinematic teaser trailer showcasing the playable character Noah in a setting inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's universe. You can check it out below.

In this game, you take the role of Noah, an agent of Ancile, a secret Interpol division specializing in occult cases who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of miners in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

"His quest will lead him to the labyrinthine prison of R’lyeh, an ancient sunken city where Cthulhu is imprisoned," the description reads. "Alongside his AI companion Key, Noah must solve complex puzzles, make choices that will shape his fate, and resist the mind-corrupting influence of Cthulhu."

Although Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss isn't releasing until next year, players can now wishlist the game here.

Nacon Connect was filled with new announcements, including the reveal of RoboCop: Rogue City's all-new standalone expansion, Unfinished Business, which is set to launch this summer.

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• The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu has been announced at Nacon Connect 2025
• The first-person, co-op horror game is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's novella The Mount
• It's set to launch this year for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC

Ace Team has unveiled its next game The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a first-person, co-operative horror game set to release in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

The studio behind Clash: Artifacts of Chaos and the Zeno Clash series shared the first look at The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu at Nacon Connect 2025 with a two-minute trailer featuring online co-op gameplay and some horrifying monsters.

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's novella The Mound, players in a party of up to four players will embark on an expedition to discover a legendary underground city "rumored to hold priceless treasures".

From the trailer, it appears players will be able to use an array of weapons to take down threats while also exploring several different locales.

"Deep within an eerie and oppressive jungle, players must explore and survive monstrous, otherworldly entities that distort their senses and threaten their sanity… and their lives," the game description reads.

"Was that sound just an hallucination? Am I losing my mind and attacking my ally, or is there truly a hostile creature lurking in the shadows? As players venture deeper into the jungle, only teamwork will ensure they make it back alive."

The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is the second game inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft that was announced at Nacon Connect 2025.

During the showcase, Big Bad Wolf, the developer behind Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong, revealed its next narrative single-player, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss.

The game is described as a first-person psychological thriller and is scheduled to launch in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

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• Cyanide Studio has revealed Styx: Blades of Greed, the third game in its stealth series
• The game was revealed at Nacon Connect 2025 and is set to release in Fall 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC
• Blades of Greed sees the return of Styx the goblin assassin on a quest to steal a magical resource

Cyanide Studio has announced Styx: Blades of Greed, the next installment in its stealth adventure series.

The return of Styx, the goblin assassin, comes from Nacon Connect 2025, where Cynacide revealed a Fall 2025 release date for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

Fans were also treated to a cinematic trailer showcasing Styx infiltrating a castle to steal a previous item, betraying his partner in crime, and executing a few guards on his way out.

Blades of Greed is set in a vertically expressive medieval fantasy world and will feature a blend of the series' trademark stealth and action, along with a number of powerful abilities Styx can use to his advantage.

"Staying true to its winning formula, the game offers open-ended environments, a vast range of powers and tools, and multiple approaches to completing objectives," Cyanide described. "The mission? Steal Quartz, a rare and magical resource, while eliminating enemies with skill and precision."

Styx: Blades of Greed is the third game in the ongoing stealth series. The first, Styx: Master of Shadows, was released in 2014, followed by Styx: Shards of Darkness in 2017. You can wishlist the upcoming game here.

During Nacon Connect 2025, Big Bad Wolf, the studio behind Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong, also announced its next narrative game, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, which is set to arrive next year.

A second H.P. Lovecraft-inspired game, The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, was also revealed by Ace Team. It's described as a first-persona, co-operative horror and it's scheduled for a 2025 launch.

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• RoboCop: Rogue City is getting a new standalone expansion this summer called Unfinished Business
• The expansion is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC
• Unfinished Business will feature new weapons and special missions

Teyon Studios has announced that RoboCop: Rogue City is getting an all-new standalone expansion this summer.

Revealed during Nacon Connect 2025, the Unfinished Business expansion will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, and although there's no launch date just yet, there is a brand new teaser trailer filled with explosive, first-person action. You can check it out below.

"To reach the top of Omni Tower, now overrun by elite mercenaries, players will have access to new weapons, brutal finish moves, and special missions," the description reads.

"These missions will take them through intense flashbacks, offering the chance to play as Alex Murphy for the first time in a video game."

RoboCop: Rogue City launched in 2023 and is a first-person shooter featuring an original storyline based on the RoboCop films from the 80s and 90s.

"Rogue City makes a hell of a first impression, and while it doesn’t deliver on its promises all of the time, it’s charming and full of ambition," Jake Tucker wrote in TechRadar Gaming's four-star review.

"At times, Rogue City feels like a five-star game. Flashes of brilliance that go above and beyond what I’d expect. Sadly, the lack of budget means that things feel unpolished and occasionally cheap. Again, it doesn’t hinder my enjoyment, but with a little extra polish, this could have been an all-timer, instead of a faithful adaptation of the franchise."

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