Technology and its impact on interactive entertainment experiences is nothing short of remarkable. AI and machine learning are allowing our creators to explore new ways to test games, build worlds, and create deeper, more immersive experiences at a faster rate without sacrificing quality. Our artists are empowered to create more realistic, dynamic animations and visuals at a greater scale, delivering more cinematic moments that draw us in and leave us stunned. Or completely immersed in the most enthralling environments possible, surrounded by and interacting with authentic, high-fidelity characters.

Above all, these advancements connect and offer millions of EA's players and fans around the globe new ways to play, create, watch, and connect in and beyond our games like never before. At the recently concluded Game Developers Conference (GDC), EA's brilliant minds showcased some of these technological innovations, highlighting how they empower our developers to craft extraordinary interactive entertainment experiences. Their talks provided insight into the cutting-edge tools and techniques driving the future of game development at EA, and the positive impact this will have on our developers, players and fans across the globe.

Montage Technology today announced the mass production of its I/O expansion device for the new-generation CPU platforms—the I/O Hub (IOH) chip M88IO3020. This product is specifically designed for Intel's Birch Stream platform, aiming to provide a highly integrated and flexible I/O expansion solution for applications such as cloud computing, big data, and enterprise storage.

Montage's IOH chip establishes connectivity with Intel's latest Granite Rapids processors via the PCIe bus, achieving a maximum bandwidth of 64 Gbps. The chip features configurable high-speed interfaces including PCIe, SATA, and USB to meet diverse application requirements.

Realtek Semiconductor Corp., one of the world's leading network and multimedia IC providers, launched the world's first multi-port USB4 hub controller (RTS5490), integrating USB Type-C/PD functionality and passing USB-IF full certification (TID: 11930).

Realtek's RTS5490 boasts a revolutionary speed upgrade, increasing the bandwidth from USB 3.2's 20 Gbps to USB4's 40 Gbps. It integrates protocols such as USB 3.2, USB-C, USB PD, PCIe, and DisplayPort while remaining backward compatible with existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices. With the RTS5490 USB4 hub controller, users can effortlessly expand their computer's ports with just a USB-C cable, offering ultra-fast data transfer, multi-display capabilities, and 240 W rapid charging.

Satechi has announced a new USB-C hub with a premium aluminium housing. The product is priced at just under $100, which is an acceptable price considering the specifications on offer. Both macOS and Windows-based systems are supported, although macOS systems are limited to SST (Single-Stream Transport) mode for display output. At just under 150 grams, the Satechi hub measures 6.2 x 2.1 x 0.5 inches, which makes it just as compact as other products in its category. Getting to the port selection, the USB-C hub sports dual USB 2.0 Type-A, triple USB 3.0 Type-A, dual USB-C (PD, 85-watt output), dual HDMI 2.0, single USB 3.1 Type-A, DisplayPort 1.4, as well as a gigabit ethernet jack. The product is already available to order from Satechi's official website, with the aforementioned $99.99 price tag.

Satechi has finally made its M4 Mac Mini Stand and Hub available for purchase, albeit with limited stocks for the time being. With a premium aluminium enclosure and decent expandability, the hub sure does appear to be a solid choice for Mac mini customers looking out for some much-needed expansion potential. The product is available on Satechi's website, with a starting price of $99.99.

In terms of the ports on offer, the Satechi hub does not disappoint. The product sports dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the front, an UHS-II SD card slot, as well as a single USB 2.0 Type-A port. Storage expansion is also an option, thanks to the M.2 SSD enclosure with support for 2230/2242/2260/2280 drives. The built-in USB-C cable takes care of host connection, and the corner cut-out allows for easy access to the Mac mini's 'undeniably well-placed' power button. At just over 2 cms tall, the Satechi hub is well-sized and fits in pretty well with the Mac mini. A thermal pad is also provided for efficient heat dissipation.

Logitech International announces the availability of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts for more than 20 Logitech devices on the Logitech Repair Hub, hosted by iFixit. This action marks a significant global expansion, with spare parts and repair guides now offered in multiple languages to enhance repairability worldwide. A range of Logitech and Logitech G mice, keyboards, and headsets are supported by iFixit across 62 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe.

"Our products are designed for exceptional quality and longevity. Repairability extends their lifespan further - enhancing value and customer satisfaction," said Prakash Arunkundrum, chief operating officer at Logitech. "Normal wear and tear is inevitable, which is why we strive to make it simpler for people to access original Logitech replacement parts for their devices. Having global iFixit community repair guides in multiple languages encourages more people to do straightforward repairs, saving them money and reducing waste."

Other World Computing (OWC ), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced its latest innovations: the OWC ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution - the next step in OWC's Thunderbolt 5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40 Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. OWC also announced the general availability (GA) of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its unparalleled connectivity.

OWC ThunderBlade X12
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is the answer to Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds in a portable solution. To be more specific, the biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive. Beyond that, it's also considered a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with cutting-edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video). It's the ultimate shuttle RAID for production use and the premium external editing drive for cutting-edge workflows.

Phanteks introduces the NEXLINQ ecosystem, a next-gen solution for enhanced cooling, fan and lighting control, and refined system aesthetics. Featuring the new Linq 6 connector, NEXLINQ simplifies cable management and elevates DIY PC builds. The ecosystem includes the NEXLINQ Hub, M25 Gen 2 Fans, and Glacier One 360M25 G2 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler, delivering ultimate performance and customization. Fully compatible with the G400A chassis and future products, NEXLINQ offers a seamless, optimized setup for gamers and PC enthusiasts.

The Phanteks NEXLINQ Hub, with the Linq 6 connector and NEXLINQ App, simplifies fan and lighting control across your system. The hub streamlines connectivity, reducing cable clutter, while the app offers an intuitive interface for fine-tuning fan speeds and lighting effects. With support for CPU/GPU temperature-based fan RPM adjustments and customizable RGB effects, users can easily personalize and optimize their builds. The Phanteks M25 Gen 2 Fans boost cooling efficiency with a daisy-chained unified fan frame and Linq 6 connector, ensuring fast, clean connections and reducing cable clutter. Designed for optimal airflow, they excel at cooling radiators and heatsinks under heavy loads. With options for regular or reverse airflow, users can fine-tune thermal performance. The fans also feature integrated D-RGB lighting, delivering dynamic, infinity mirror style visual effects.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is seemingly not out of hot water with gamers just yet, although this time, the flak seems to have been mostly unwarranted. Earlier this week, rumors popped up on Reddit claiming to reveal the Assassin's Creed Shadows Animus Hub, which was supposedly the upcoming RPG's dedicated launcher, and a host of in-game season passes and rewards. The leak purports to detail the first free battle pass, which is referred to as "Eye in the Dark" and will consist of 20 reward tiers. Completing the battle pass allegedly rewards 9,050 Isu coins, which can be used to purchase various cosmetics in the form of character, weapon, and mount customization options. Somewhat comically, there appear to be in-game collaborations with the likes of VISA, Red Bull, Intel, BAPE Clothing and Sprecher, although how these will play out in the game is a mystery. This news made quite a stir when it was first announced, since Ubisoft was very clear when it confirmed the game's delay last month that there would be no season passes in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

As it turns out, though, the rumors were kicking up enough speculation about the return of paid subscriptions, battle passes, and season passes that Ubisoft took to its official Discord server to address the rumors directly. Although Ubisoft confirmed that the Animus Hub is a piece of software it has been working on, all the content and rewards offered in the Animus Hub will be free content. Ubisoft was, however, careful with its words, not denying the existence of season passes and battle passes, instead only commenting that those passes will not be paid. Additionally, Ubisoft confirmed that there will be additional in-game content available for free in the Animus Hub.

Most Raspberry Pi single-board computers, with the exception of the Raspberry Pi Zero and A+ form factors, incorporate an on-board USB hub to fan out a single USB connection from the core silicon, and provide multiple downstream USB Type-A ports. But no matter how many ports we provide, sometimes you just need more peripherals than we have ports. And with that in mind, today we're launching the official Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub, a high-quality four-way USB 3.0 hub for use with your Raspberry Pi or other, lesser, computer.

Key features include:

• A single upstream USB 3.0 Type-A connector on an 8 cm captive cable
• Four downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports
• Aggregate data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps
• USB-C socket for optional external 3 A power supply (sold separately)

Corsair (is excited to announce the launch of the iCUE LINK RX MAX series fans. These fans are 30 mm thick - 20% thicker than standard 25 mm fans. This increased thickness allows for superior airflow and static pressure, enabling the fans to move more air while running slower and quieter for optimal cooling performance. The RX120 MAX PWM fans feature a speed range of 400 to 2,000 RPM and an impressive 4.2 mm-H2O static pressure, making them ideal for pushing air through dense radiators. Similarly, the RX140 MAX fans operate between 300 and 1,600 RPM with a static pressure of 2.4 mm-H2O, providing powerful cooling for a wide range of high-performance components.

Corsair AirGuide Technology focuses airflow precisely where it is needed most, enhancing cooling efficiency and performance. The fans also feature a Magnetic Dome bearing for long-lasting performance and quiet operation, offering a balance between durability and reduced noise levels. Non-RGB fans are equipped with built-in temperature sensors, allowing users to fine-tune fan curves through iCUE software and customize their cooling profiles for peak performance.

MSI unveils the X870E and X870 motherboards, designed to harness the full power of AMD's Ryzen 9000 Series desktop processors. The lineup includes four models: MEG X870E GODLIKE, MPG X870E CARBON WIFI, MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI, and PRO X870-P WIFI. These motherboards deliver exceptional value and performance with cutting-edge features and exclusive MSI innovations. Offering top components, innovative features, and easy DIY options, MSI's X870E and X870 motherboards make building and using your PC seamless.

Introducing MSI's Ultra Connect feature in the X870E and X870 motherboards, offering next-gen networking, storage, and expansion. With built-in 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7, users can enjoy lightning-fast speeds, reaching up to 5.8 Gbps. As well as TriLink Connectivity, Expansion is made to future-proof with PCIe Gen 5.0 for next-gen graphics cards and SSDs. The USB4 ports, which are Thunderbolt compatible, enable fast data transfers and support a wide range of next-gen devices, including display output through USB-C.

UGREEN, a leading innovator in consumer electronics, is set to showcase its latest Ugreen Uno Series at IFA 2024 in Berlin, Germany, from September 6-10, highlighting a lineup of innovative fast-charging products designed to deliver a fun and fast charging experience for iPhone users under the theme "Activate You".

The UGREEN Uno series offers fast and fun accessories designed specifically for iPhone users, including wired PD chargers that provide high-wattage fast charging, as well as the latest Qi2 magnetic wireless charging devices compatible with Apple's MagSafe, along with hubs and cables. The Ugreen Uno Series flagship products include the UGREEN Uno Charger 100 W, UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15 W, and UGREEN Uno 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 15 W. These innovative chargers and power banks are designed with "Fast and Fun Charging" in mind. The Groovy, unique robot appearance can be cool and cute. During the charging process, the TFT Screen could support the display of more cute emojis, offering a more interesting experience to the users.

Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR, today introduced two new hardware extensions for their Stream Deck + controller. XLR Dock, a mic interface, helps creators manage all their audio needs from a single device. Meanwhile, USB Hub offers additional ports and power delivery to support a growing setup. Both extensions slot directly into the back of Stream Deck +, tucked away to reduce desk clutter. For creators like streamers and podcasters, it's an opportunity to further streamline their workspace, with Stream Deck + at its heart.

Stream Deck + owners can order XLR Dock and USB Hub today on Elgato's webstore, with shipping expected to begin next week. Starting August 25, both products will also be available at authorized retailers in CORSAIR's global network.

The Sabrent USB Type-C 3-Port Gaming Hub is a form-fitted, easy-to-use USB hub designed for your Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED portable gaming systems. It fits easily into place and will go with your Deck wherever you go. It's sleek and small but has all the essentials to make play simple and robust. The hub, through its 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) USB Type-C upstream port, extends the deck with dual USB-A downstream ports. There's also a Type-C port that can be used to power and charge the Deck (PD3.0).

We've listened to your feedback: the Type-C downstream port, a popular feature from our Steam Deck Dock (DS-SD6P), is included in this Gaming Hub as well. This port can act as a downstream port for other devices, offering versatility. Regardless of how you use it, though, the Hub will work with various operating systems - for multi-boot, for a non-stock OS, or even for other non-Deck devices - and is plug-and-play. This is an essential companion for your Deck that doesn't take up a lot of space or have unnecessary ports or features. Plug and go.

Corsair today launched the LX RGB Series of cooling fans, the latest addition to the acclaimed iCUE LINK ecosystem. Proving that amazing lighting and high-performance cooling are not mutually exclusive, the LX RGB Series redefines the expectations of PC enthusiasts - and thanks to iCUE LINK, makes building and connecting your masterpiece easy and convenient.

Available in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes, in your choice of black or white to match the aesthetic of your build, each LX RGB fan features 18 individually addressable RGB LEDs spread across an inner and outer light loop, creating spectacular, fully customizable lighting effects - including the iCUE LINK-exclusive Time Warp mode that creates mesmerizing optical illusions. All of this is made possible by the new and improved iCUE 5 software, making it easier than ever before to customize and switch between lighting effects or synchronize them with your games.

Introducing game hubs. Earlier this month, we started rolling out game hubs to Xbox Insiders on PC and a subset of Xbox App on PC players worldwide. Game hubs were built on your feedback around depth, progression, and more ways to connect with your games. With game hubs, you'll be able to track your progress over time, discover the latest content and add-ons, connect or compete with your friends, get the latest news from developers, and more. This version of game hubs is just the beginning. We have another wave of updates coming soon, including ways to view your local game captures and browse other games from the same publisher.
We can't wait to hear your feedback on what's there now and what you'd like to see in future updates. You can access game hubs from the Xbox App on PC—just click on the game in your library or the left sidebar. Now, let's run through some of the exciting content you will find here:

The essentials. At the top of the page, you'll see the essentials like game info alongside options to play, install, or update the game. You'll also see a quick link back to the details page, where you can purchase the game to own, see reviews, or add it to your wish list. Lastly, you'll find information like when you last played, your total playtime, an achievement summary, and friend overviews. This area will also be used for important notifications like letting you know when a game is leaving Game Pass so that you can use your discount before it's gone.

Phoronix head honcho, Michael Larabel, has noticed another set of interesting updates for AMD Graphics on Linux—albeit in preparation for next generation solutions: "engineers on Monday (February 5) posted a few new patch series for enabling some updated IP (intellectual property) blocks within their open-source AMDGPU Linux kernel graphics driver. This new IP is presumably part of the ongoing hardware enablement work for their next-gen RDNA 4 graphics." Team Red GitHub patches for "GFX12" targets appeared online last November, again highlighted by Larabel's investigative work—AMD engineers appear to be quite determined with their open-source software endeavors, as seen in LLVM-Project notes regarding GFX1200's enablement.

The new "IP block" updates included patches for the enabling ATHUB 4.1, LSDMA 7.0, IH 7.0, and HDP 7.0—presumably for next generation Radeon graphics solutions. Larabel provided a quick breakdown of these components: "ATHUB 4.1 is needed for clock-gating / power management features, LSDMA 7.0 is the latest IP for Light SDMA for general purpose System DMA (SDMA) on the GPU, IH 7.0 for the Interrupt Handler on the GPU, and HDP 7.0 for the Host Data Path support for CPU accessing the GPU device memory via the PCI BAR. As far as code changes, the big chunks of the work are from the auto-generated header files." He believes that AMD's engineers have largely moved on from current generation tasks: "The big version bumps for these IP blocks all the more are likely indicative of these bits being for next-gen RDNA 4 as opposed to further iterating on RDNA3 or similar." The patches could be merged into the upcoming Linux 6.9 release, possibly coinciding with a Radeon RX 8000 series rollout.

An Open Image Denoise 2.2 release candidate was released earlier today—as discovered by Phoronix's founder and principal writer; Michael Larabel. Intel's dedicated website has not been updated with any new documentation or changelogs (at the time of writing), but a GitHub release page shows all of the crucial information. Team Blue's open-source oneAPI has been kept up-to-date with the latest technologies—not only limited to Intel's stable of Xe-LP, Xe-HPG and Xe-HPC components—the Phonorix article highlights updated support on competing platforms. The v2.2 preview adds support for Meteor Lake's integrated Arc graphics solution, and additional "denoising quality enhancements and other improvements."

Non-Intel platform improvements include updates for Apple's M-series chipsets, AArch64 processors, and NVIDIA CUDA. OIDn 2.2-rc: "adds Metal device support for Apple Silicon GPUs on recent versions of macOS. OIDn has already been supporting ARM64/AArch64 for Apple Silicon CPUs while now Open Image Denoise has extended that AArch64 support to work on Windows and Linux too. There is better performance in general for Open Image Denoise on CPUs with this forthcoming release." The changelog also highlights a general improvement performance across processors, and a fix that resolves a crash incident: "when releasing a buffer after releasing the device."

Samsung Electronics has announced details of the "Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub" program that will be showcased at CES 2024. The objective of the program is to work with leading gaming accessory companies to drive the next generation of best-in-class partner products for the Samsung Gaming Hub, Samsung's game streaming platform. In addition, the company announced its partnership with gaming accessory provider PDP (Performance Designed Products LLC), the first "Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub" controller.

"Samsung recognizes the indispensable role of accessories in elevating gaming experiences," said Jiho Ha, Head of Service Partnerships Group at Samsung Electronics. "Building on our already-high level of compatibility, the 'Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub' program will see us collaborating with trusted partners to craft accessories that further enhance the premier experience of the Samsung Gaming Hub."

VIA Labs, Inc. (VLI), a leading supplier of USB4, USB 3.2, and USB Power Delivery Controllers, today announced that the VL832 USB4 Endpoint Device Controller achieved USB4 certification from the USB Implementor's Forum (USB-IF). VIA Lab's VL832 supports USB 40 Gbps operation and is now listed on the USB-IF Integrator's List under TID: 10033.

VIA Lab VL832's USB-IF Certification represents a key milestone in the USB4 ecosystem. The certified USB4 device controller with an integrated USB 3.2 USB 10 Gbps Hub, USB 2.0 Hub, and DisplayPort output, provides essential connectivity for peripheral devices such as multi-function adapters and docking stations. In USB4 40 Gbps mode, VL832 supports full DisplayPort HBR3 bandwidth (32.4 Gbps), and the USB 20 Gbps hub can enable multiple USB 10 Gbps devices to operate at full performance on supported host platforms. Both metrics are double what was previously possible using DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which is limited to 2-lanes of DisplayPort when supporting USB 3.2 functionality.

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, has today announced its strategic partnership with HubAuto Racing at the celebrated 70th Macau Grand Prix for the FIA GT World Cup. This collaboration melds the thrill of GT3 racing with the immersive world of SIM racing, spotlighting Cooler Master's innovative Dyn X racing simulator system.

Kevin Estre and Thomas Preining, renowned for their achievements in the motorsport world, will commandeer two Porsche 992 GT3R cars under the Cooler Master and HubAuto Racing banner. This venture not only amplifies Cooler Master's footprint in the racing arena but also offers a prime stage to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the Dyn X racing simulator system.

Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR, is proud to announce Marketplace, a first-of-its-kind virtual platform for content creators. On the Elgato Marketplace, creators can discover digital assets of all kinds, all in one convenient website. From plugins to graphics to voice effects, Marketplace offers creators new ways to personalize their favorite Elgato devices, like Stream Deck. It works with popular apps such as Wave Link and OBS Studio, making assets easy to install and customize. In a world of virtual landscapes, Marketplace empowers creators to express themselves and shape their identities.

With thousands of free and premium products, there's a digital asset for almost anyone on Marketplace. For those with a Stream Deck, there are hundreds of plugins to control apps like Discord and Microsoft Teams. Streamers can build their brand with graphics from top designers like Nerd or Die and OWN3D. Meanwhile, podcasters can pull from a library of voice effects and sounds to tune their audio. There's even a collection of video templates and transitions for YouTube editors to produce incredible content. That said, Elgato plans to grow the ecosystem even further in the future, adding new product types like video filters, voice changers, and AR effects in the future.

Amazon today introduced a range of new Echo devices designed for even more personalized, proactive, and intuitive Alexa experiences at home and on-the-go—the next-generation Echo Show 8, all-new Echo Hub, and new Echo Frames. In addition, Amazon collaborated with Safilo, one of the world's leading eyewear manufacturers, to blend the power of Alexa with iconic Carrera designs.

"Engagement with Echo devices is at an all-time high," said Daniel Rausch, vice president of Alexa and Fire TV. "Customers rely on Alexa for so much, including managing their smart homes, keeping up with the latest news, setting birthday reminders, and keeping their homes stocked with essentials. These new Echo devices give customers more ways to experience the world's best personal AI—and the growing generative AI capabilities that will be coming to Alexa soon—at home and on the go."

Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for 40 years, today announced 8 new products across its power, audio and connectivity categories, underscoring Belkin innovation, quality and its commitment to building products more responsibly. Belkin International can be found on the IFA show floor, Exhibit Hall 3.2, booth #119.

Wireless Charging

BoostCharge Pro Universal Easy Align Wireless Charging Pad 15 W
Delivers a fast and seamless charge for Qi-enabled devices at up to 15 W. The large charging surface provides easy alignment, and its non-slip grip material keeps it in place if jostled or vibrates from an incoming call. It's designed with two separate thermal protection systems to control temperatures and prevent overheating of the charger and connected devices.