Cable Matters Inc., a leading connectivity solutions provider, has announced the launch of its Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, setting an important benchmark for speed, simplicity, and reliability, and offering unmatched performance for modern professionals, gamers, and content creators.

Utilizing Thunderbolt 5 technology, the docking station offers up to 120 Gbps of bandwidth-three times more than Thunderbolt 4-enabling ultra-fast data transfers and superior display experiences. It features an upstream Thunderbolt 5 port compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, and USB4 based hosts, and three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports for versatile connections to monitors, SSDs, and other devices. The downstream ports support up to three 8K@60 Hz monitors or two 8K@120 Hz displays for enhanced visual clarity, gameplay, and multitasking.

Shuttle is expanding its successful XPC slim product line to include four new Mini-PC Barebones: DS50U, DS50U3, DS50U5 and DS50U7. These models embrace modern technology and offer impressive performance while taking up minimal space. In a compact 1.3-liter format and with a thermally optimized, fanless chassis, the new devices are perfect for use in noise-sensitive environments.

Each model in the range has a soldered processor and is optimized specifically to suit different requirements:

• DS50U - The entry-level model: Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor of the 12th generation (Celeron 7305) and up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U3 - The sprinter: With an Intel Core i3 processor of the 13th generation (Core i3-1315U) and support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U5 - The powerful model: Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor of the 13th generation (Core i5-1334U), also designed for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U7 - The record holder: The most powerful model in this range with an Intel Core i7 processor of the 13th generation (Core i7-1355U) and up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.

To date, WiFi 7 routers have been costing hundreds of dollars, with high-end models going for as much as US$800 for standard routers, with mesh systems easily breaking the US$1000 barrier. TP-Link's new Archer BE3600—also known as the Archer BE230 in some markets—is the polar opposite to those expensive routers, as it's being sold for a mere US$99. We've even found it for less than that in some countries, although we've also seen the BE230 model for twice as much, so the pricing varies quite a lot depending on where you live. You might be wondering how much router you get for your money, since there has to be some trade-offs, right?

Well, you wouldn't be wrong, but there are fewer trade-offs than we expected. As the model name implies, the combined WiFi speed is 3600 Mbps in theory, with the 5 GHz radio delivering up to 2882 Mbps and the 2.4 GHz radio delivering up to 688 Mbps. Both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios are 2x2, but at least the 5 GHz radio supports up to 240 MHz channel width, although 160 MHz is far more common on the device side. However, there's no 6 GHz radio to be found at this price, which isn't entirely unexpected at this price point. However, new features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) are supported. You also get a pair of 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, something only routers at around twice the price of the Archer BE3600 has featured so far. There's even a USB 3.0 for those that want to connect up a storage device to their router as a makeshift network drive. According to a teardown done by the FCC, the Archer BE3600 is based on a Broadcom SoC with integrated WiFi and a Realtek switch for the Gigabit ports.

Cable Matters, an industry leader in connectivity solutions, is excited to announce the integration of Thunderbolt Share technology from Intel into its existing Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station. This enhancement brings unprecedented Windows PC-to-PC connectivity and collaboration capabilities to the popular 16-in-1 docking solution.

Thunderbolt Share is an innovative software application that enables fast and seamless Windows PC-to-PC connectivity. By leveraging the power of Thunderbolt 4, users can now transfer files, share storage devices, and enjoy smooth screen sharing with minimal latency, enhancing productivity and collaboration.

TP-Link, a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, today announced availability of the highly anticipated, 2023 CES Innovation Award Honoree, Archer GE800 BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router. Designed for gaming enthusiasts, the Archer GE800 sets the stage for a new era of gaming performance with jaw-dropping tri-band speeds of up to 19 Gbps†, two 10 Gbps ports, and game-acceleration features that redefine gaming experiences.

The Archer GE800 is the ultimate choice for power-players seeking to elevate their gaming experience with revolutionary Wi-Fi 7 technology. With advanced capabilities like reduced latency and enhanced stability, Wi-Fi 7 creates a superior gaming environment for a more responsive and immersive experience. Offering Wi-Fi speeds of up to 19 Gbps across three bands and 12 streams, supported by dual 10 Gbps and quad 2.5 Gbps wired ports, every device receives unparalleled bandwidth.

NETGEAR, Inc., the leading provider of innovative and secure solutions for people to connect and manage their digital lives, today expanded its WiFi 7 mesh and standalone router lines with the new Orbi 770 Tri-band Mesh System and Nighthawk RS300 Router. NETGEAR's most affordable WiFi 7 products to date build on the company's promise to provide powerful WiFi performance and secure connectivity.

WiFi 7 Changes the Game
WiFi 7 unlocks 2.4 times faster speeds than WiFi 6, delivers low latency and better handles WiFi interference for families to seamlessly enjoy next gen 4K/8K streaming, video conferencing, gaming, and more. Since the launch of NETGEAR's first WiFi 7 offerings - Nighthawk RS700 and Orbi 970 - multi-gig internet speeds have become more affordable, work from home demands have remained steady, and more devices such as AR/VR headsets or AI-focused platforms like CoPilot+ have been introduced that require extreme low latency and higher throughput.

MSI announced a new range of wireless mesh WiFi 7 products at Computex called the Roamii and with the press release being somewhat feature light, we'll try and fill the blanks here. MSI will offer three different variants of the Roamii mesh system which will be the Roamii BE Lite, Roamii Be Pro and Roamii BE Max. Starting with the Lite which sports a combined WiFi speed of up to 5 Gbps, but the division between the supported bands is unclear, although it's likely to lack the 6 GHz radio, but it supports Multi-Link Operation (MLO). It only has one 2.5 Gbps and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Pro model ups the game with 11 Gbps WiFi and four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, as well as a single USB 3.0 port.

Finally the Max dial things up to 21 Gbps on the wireless side of things and adds one 10 Gbps Ethernet port to the mix. In addition to the Roamii products, MSI was also showing off the BE6500 WiFi 7 USB adapter which is a tri-band dongle and the first of its kind that we've seen. It supports speeds of up to 2880 Mbps on the 6 and 5 GHz bands and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, assuming you have a suitable WiFi 7 router or access point. It also offers support for MLO and interestingly enough, it also has built in drives, which means you don't need to download drivers to get it up and running. Finally MSI is promising support for Windows 10 and 11, as well as Linux. So far Windows 10 has lacked proper support for WiFi 7 devices, so this is an interesting development.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000 tri-band WiFi 7 gaming router at Computex 2024. This next-generation powerhouse is designed to dominate gaming and computing experiences with ultra-fast tri-band WiFi 7 speeds of up to 19 Gbps, innovative features like Automatic Frequency Coordination, and comprehensive wired and wireless network functions.

Next-gen WiFi power
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE19000 router boasts ultra-fast wireless speeds of up to 19 Gbps, thanks to innovative WiFi 7 features like 320 MHz channels, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation. It is the world's first gaming router with Automatic Frequency Coordination. AFC automatically checks the WiFi environment and chooses the least congested channel in the 6 GHz band, boosting peak transmit power by up to 63 times higher than Low Power Indoor networking devices. The GT-BE19000 also provides up to 31 Gbps of wired capacity, including dual 10 Gb Ethernet and quad 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports, ensuring strong, stable connections for building a robust local network in the new era of AI.

Acer today announced the expansion of its wireless router portfolio with two new options designed for gamers and a wide range of individuals, including families and remote workers. The Acer Wave 7 leverages the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to deliver broad, reliable coverage for large homes with many devices, while the Predator Connect W6x utilizes Wi-Fi 6 to prioritize speed and performance for smooth online gaming experiences.

The W6x boasts dual-band connectivity, utilizing both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to ensure strong and consistent signals throughout the home, while the Wave 7 elevates further with the additional support of up to 6 GHz of Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, they come equipped with Hybrid Quality of Service (QoS) software and the Intel Killer Prioritization Engine, working together to identify and prioritize critical network traffic for maximized speed and minimal lag. User-friendly interfaces make setup and management a breeze, while built-in Trend Micro Home Network Security safeguards network and connected devices from potential threats.

Acer today debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops - the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE - that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once.

As Chromebook Plus devices, the two new models support enhanced generative AI features for connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, such as a "help me write" feature available with just a right click, Google Photos' Magic Editor, Gemini, and more. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a slim convertible optimized for on-the-go productivity and connectivity with a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in myriad ways and places, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a next-generation cloud-gaming Chromebook with the latest gaming-centric hardware to stream and play AAA games with NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid, Amazon Luna and more.

Shuttle, a leading developer of Mini-PC solutions, today announces the launch of the DL30N. With its advanced technical specifications and robust design, this new fanless Mini-PC is aimed at professional users in a wide range of applications. Equipped with an Intel processor N100 and compatible with up to 16 GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, the DL30N provides a solid foundation for applications that require high data processing speeds. Its two 2.5 Gbit/s network ports improve network performance even in complex network environments. With eight USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two COM ports, this machine offers exceptional connectivity for a wide range of applications.

Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR Europe at Shuttle, explains: "With the DL30N, we are specifically addressing the needs of companies looking for a reliable, powerful and noiseless solution. This PC is particularly suitable for use in areas such as digital signage, kiosk systems or even as a compact office PC."

Targus, the number one third-party docking station and laptop bag brand in the US1 and a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, today announced the availability of its new USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100 W Power (DOCK460). With full USB4 (and Thunderbolt) speeds in a triple video enterprise-grade dock, this Alternate Mode dock packs all of the ports and power necessary to support and power a wide variety of laptop brands and various platforms.

"Our new DOCK460 is an outstanding docking solution for enterprise users who want more power, speed, and performance than previously available, while offering ultra-compatibility with a wide variety of laptop brands and platforms," explains David Dorantes, Director, Product Marketing, Targus. "With this powerful dock, users can enjoy a native triple-video workstation that stays charged and ready with 100 W power delivery, plus the addition of a USB4 connection and 2.5G Ethernet."

A Chinese Topton company has brought new life to the AMD Vega graphics architecture by integrating it into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) motherboard. The Topton N9 NAS motherboard features the Intel Core i7-8705G processor, a unique chip that combines Intel CPU cores with AMD's RX Vega M GL graphics. The Intel Core i7-8705G, initially released in 2018, is an unusual choice for a NAS system. This 14 nm processor features four cores, eight threads, and a boost clock of up to 4.1 GHz. What sets it apart is the integrated AMD RX Vega M GL GPU with 20 Compute Units and 4 GB of HBM2 memory.

The Topton N9 NAS motherboard is designed for the 17×17 cm ITX form factor and offers a range of features like maximum support for 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, M.2 NVMe/SATA and SATA 3.0, eight Intel i226-V controllers for 2.5 Gbit networking, USB 3.0, USB Type-C, and HDMI 2.0 connectivity. While the Intel Core i7-8705G may not be the most obvious choice for a NAS system, the Topton N9 motherboard demonstrates how this unique processor can be repurposed to provide affordable computing power. The integrated AMD RX Vega graphics offer capabilities beyond typical NAS requirements, making this motherboard suitable for various applications, such as home firewalls and routers. The collaboration between Intel and AMD in creating the Kaby Lake-G processors was a rare occurrence in the industry. The Topton N9 starts at $288.56 without a fan/cooler, and adding another $20 bumps the price to $308.46.

As the Philips 49B2U6900CH makes its debut, it brings a plethora of new features along with it that increase collaboration and aid teamwork in the modern digital workplace. In addition to these new features, the Philips 49B2U6900CH also boasts a large 48.8-inch screen and 5120 x 1440 DQHD resolution for a wide viewing and high-quality setup that would otherwise be comprised of two separate monitors.

Built for the Professional Work Environment
Perhaps one of the most powerful and useful features of the Philips 49B2U6900CH are those that pertain to the professional work environment, and it is safe to say that it is built for it.

Today marks the launch of not just two new incredibly well-designed NAS devices, but also two new features brand new to the ASUSTOR line of NAS devices with ARM processors. The introduction of the Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 and Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 come with an upgraded SoC, providing 21% more performance, which increases read and write speeds and performance for the features and apps available for the Drivestor Pro Gen2. The Drivestor Pro Gen2 series comes with 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet, hot-swappable hard drive bays, hardware transcoding, tool-free design and more! The upgraded iGPU found in the Drivestor Pro Gen2 now gives even better performance when transcoding multimedia.

The all-new Drivestor Pro Gen2 series comes with a new killer feature. Btrfs is now supported on the Drivestor Pro Gen2, a first for ASUSTOR NAS devices running ARM CPUs. Btrfs helps protect data by enabling snapshots of data at certain points in time and is able to rewind the clock should any unintentional modifications be made and restore data if needed.

ADLINK Technology Inc., a global leader in edge computing, a global supplier of industrial PCs and motherboards, and a Titanium member of the Intel Partner Alliance, announces the launch of the new IMB-M47 industrial ATX motherboard for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processors. The IMB-M47 ATX motherboard delivers high-performance computing power, with multiple I/O and expansion ports, including three simultaneous independent displays, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gb/s), up to 128 GB DDR5 4800 MHz, 3x 2.5 GbE, multi-M.2 Key M, TPM 2.0, and PCIe 5.0 high-performance add-on cards for complex Edge AIoT processing tasks in industrial automation, machine vision, factory automation, and logistics.

The IMB-M47 industrial ATX motherboard supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors that utilize a high-performance hybrid architecture with up to sixteen E-cores (Efficient-cores) for multi-threaded background task management and multitasking, and up to eight P-cores (Performance-cores) for demanding single-threaded work such as graphics and video rendering. The 13th Gen Intel Core processors speed up edge applications that benefit from faster memory performance with faster DDR5 memory.

NETGEAR, Inc., the leading provider of networking products that power businesses both large and small, today launched the NETGEAR MS108TUP 8-Port Multi-Gigabit (2.5G) Ethernet Ultra60 PoE++Smart Switch, purpose-built for growing businesses that need all-in-one, reliable, seamless connectivity.

The growing number of connected devices, use of data-and-power-hungry applications and increasing prevalence of "bring your own device" make it increasingly important for small and mid-sized businesses to have a modern networking solution to drive better performance. NETGEAR's cutting-edge line of Smart Switches is now joined by a new model that provides an option to business owners with smaller port count needs without sacrificing quality.

Chuwi, a leading global technology company, has unveiled its latest product, the CoreBox 5th Mini PC. The CoreBox 5th Mini PC is a powerful and versatile solution for the modern office, offering a combination of high performance, compact design, and state-of-the-art features.

The CoreBox 5th Mini PC is powered by Intel's latest 13th Gen Core i5-13500H processor, which is based on the Intel Alder Lake architecture. The Intel Core i5-13500H is a mobile CPU designed for mid-range laptops, utilizing the Raptor Lake-H series (Alder Lake or Raptor Lake architecture). Its release in early 2023 boasts 4 out of 6 performance cores (P-cores) based on the Golden Cove architecture, alongside all 8 efficient cores (E-) using the Gracemont architecture. With Hyper-Threading support on the P-cores, the CPU can handle up to threads in conjunction with the E-cores. The clock rate ranges from 2.6 to 4.7 GHz for single core boost (and up to 4.6 GHz for all cores) on the performance cluster, while the efficient cluster operates between 1.9 and 3.5 GHz. The performance of the E-cores is expected to be comparable older Skylake cores.

In a groundbreaking leap forward for small form factor computing, Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini PC solutions company, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new product family called Onyx. Powered by Intel's 13th Gen Raptor Lake "H" series processors, Onyx is the world's first 4x4 NUC to feature a Core i9 option. With support for up to an unprecedented 96 GB of DDR5-5200 memory, up to 16 TB of storage, and never before seen benchmark results, Onyx delivers unmatched computing performance for modern business.

"With the launch of Onyx we're redefining what is possible from a 4x4 NUC," said Jonny Smith, Co-CEO at Simply NUC. "Onyx is the culmination of customer-driven innovation and sets the new standard for ultra-small form factor compute power and performance."

Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini computer solutions company, today announced a new Simply NUC designed and branded mini PC product family called Moonstone. Equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 processors in a compact 4x4 design with an innovative cooling solution, Moonstone delivers top-tier computing performance for a wide range of usages. Supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5-4800 high-speed RAM and up to 16 TB of storage, Moonstone will increase your computing output while keeping a minimal footprint on both your desk and energy bill.

"Perfect for working or gaming, we saw an opportunity to set the new standard of innovation-driven mini PC performance," said Aaron Rowsell, Simply NUC co-CEO, "Moonstone is the highest performing 4x4 ever launched."

MaxLinear, Inc., a global leader in wired network solutions, today announced it is deepening its commitment to expanding its next-gen Ethernet portfolio with a new line of 2.5G Ethernet products. The family is comprised of new 2.5G Ethernet switches and eight port 2.5G Enterprise PHYs. The chipsets will anchor MaxLinear's already robust Ethernet portfolio - which includes 10/100, 1G, and 2.5G bridges, PHYs and switches. MaxLinear will demonstrate the new 2.5G solutions at Computex 2023, May 30 - June 2, 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The demand for more robust Ethernet products is growing as 2.5G speeds expand into enterprise, retail, and industrial single and multiport applications, and more PCs offer 2.5G Ethernet ports. With new access technologies like xGPON and new Wi-Fi standards increasing the demand for higher LAN bandwidth, gigabit Ethernet is giving way to 2.5G Ethernet which can extend the bandwidth over existing CAT5e cable infrastructure by a factor of 2.5 comparatively. According to 2022 research by Allied Market Research, the global ethernet switch market was valued at $17.2 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $26.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2022 to 2031. The rising demand for effective network infrastructure for varied application requirements is expected to contribute to this growth.

TerraMaster, a professional brand that focuses on providing innovative storage products for homes and businesses, has a new model of 4-bay U4-423 short depth rackmount NAS with dual 2.5GbE interfaces which provides a network bandwidth up to 5 Gb via link aggregation and up to 88 TB storage space. TerraMaster U4-423 adopts 1U rackmount case with a depth of only 360 mm (14.17 inches) weighs merely 3.2kgs, which is applicable to most 2-column cabinets and wall-mounted small cabinets with simple installation.

Space-saving: TerraMaster U4-423 has a shorter chassis depth and takes up less rack space than traditional NAS, which is very useful for environments with limited space, such as home basements, small offices, computer rooms, etc.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today launched new NVR Network Surveillance Servers - the QVP-85B with eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays and Intel Core i5 6-core processor, and the QVP-63B with six 3.5-inch SATA drive bays and Intel Core i3 quad-core processor. The QVP-85B and QVP-63B run QVR Pro surveillance software supporting eight free IP camera channels. Offering an economic and high-performance software and hardware integrated video surveillance solution, the QVP-85B and QVP-63B fulfill requirements for secure, reliable and centrally-managed video surveillance storage for small businesses and offices.

"The QVP-85B and QVP-63B provide an easy-to-use UI for convenient surveillance management and is widely compatible with up to 95% of IP cameras on the market," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "users can also take advantage of flexible licensing plans for expanding video channels and QVR Center for large-scale deployments based on needs."

Biostar also announced a single AMD A620 chipset based motherboard today in the shape of the A620MP-E Pro, which is yet another microATX based board. Here we're looking at four DDR5 DIMM slots, a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, a single PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe slot and even a E Key M.2 slot for WiFi cards, which is actually something of a step up from the competition. Internal connectivity consists of four SATA 6 Gbps ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C header and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A header.

The rear I/O is home to DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps ports, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet jack powered by Realtek, three audio jacks, WiFi antenna connectors and a BIOS update button. Sadly the audio side is once again utilising the old Realtek ALC897 codec. Biostar has kitted out the VRM's with a heatsink, even though it's a very minimal heatsink. Overall Biostar has done a much more impressive job than MSI here, despite being considered a more budget oriented brand.

Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini PC solutions company, announced they are taking orders for their brand-new Topaz 3 NUC. As the successor to Topaz 2, Topaz 3 features Intel's latest 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors to provide the most crisp mini PC computing experience to date. From home theater to office to digital signage kiosks, Topaz 3 is designed to be used across many different computing applications.

Starting at $669, two Topaz 3 models (NUC13TZi7 and NUC13TZi5) are now available to preorder from Simply NUC across their global sites. The NUC13TZi7 model based on the Intel Core i7-1360P processor is intended for usage where higher computing performance is needed. To accommodate a variety of price points, more cost-effective options are also available with the NUC13TZi5 model based on the Intel Core i5-1340P processor and the NUC13TZi3 model, which will ship later in Q2, based on the Intel Core i3-1315U processor. Core i7 and i5 units are expected to begin shipping in April.