Cooler Master, a global leader in PC components and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced the launch of the Hybrid M, a revolutionary gaming chair engineered to redefine comfort for gamers, creators, and professionals. Integrating advanced massage technology, cordless power, and premium ergonomic design, the Hybrid M transforms long hours at the desk into a seamless experience of performance, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

A Chair That Works as Hard as You Do
Imagine this: You're deep in a high-stakes gaming session, pushing your skills to the limit, or perhaps you're finalizing an intricate video edit after hours of meticulous work. The clock keeps ticking, but your body begins to protest—muscles tense, posture slouches, and fatigue takes hold. What if your chair could do more than just support you? What if it could help you stay focused, relaxed, and at peak performance? Cooler Master saw an opportunity to revolutionize the way we experience seating. Enter the Hybrid M—a chair designed to multitask as effectively as the users who rely on it.

At MWC 2025, Lenovo unveils its latest portfolio of AI-powered business devices, featuring next-generation ThinkPad and ThinkBook laptops, expanded software and recent ThinkShield security solutions, and showcases visionary proof-of-concept innovations. Designed to enhance productivity, personalization, and business protection, these new devices integrate AI-driven computing, flexible form factors, and enterprise security solutions to meet the evolving demands of professionals and hybrid workers.

"AI is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate, and at Lenovo, we are committed to delivering smarter, more secure, and more adaptable solutions that empower professionals in today's fast-evolving workplace. Our latest ThinkPad and ThinkBook innovations leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline IT management, and provide more secure and seamless hybrid work experiences," said Eric Yu, SVP of SMB and Commercial Product Center, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group. "The ThinkBook codename Flip AI PC Concept exemplifies our vision for the future—where AI-powered devices drive efficiency, personalization, and collaboration like never before. With our expanding portfolio of AI-integrated business devices and intelligent IT solutions, Lenovo is helping organizations to harness the power of AI in an ever-changing world."

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of HashiCorp, whose products automate and secure the infrastructure that underpins hybrid cloud applications and generative AI. Together the companies' capabilities will help clients accelerate innovation, strengthen security, and get more value from the cloud.

Today nearly 75% of enterprises are using hybrid cloud, including public clouds from hyperscalers and on-prem data centers, which can enable true innovation with a consistent approach to delivering and managing that infrastructure at scale. Enterprises are looking for ways to more efficiently manage and modernize cloud infrastructure and security tasks from initial planning and design, to ongoing maintenance. By 2028, it is projected that generative AI will lead to the creation of 1 billion new cloud-native applications. Supporting this scale requires infrastructure automation far beyond the capacity of the workforce alone.

Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), together with its subsidiaries ('the Group'), today announced Q3 results for fiscal year 2024/25, reporting significant increases in overall group revenue and profit. Revenue grew 20% year-on-year to US$18.8 billion, marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Net income more than doubled year-on-year to US$693 million (including a non-recurring income tax credit of US$282 million) on a Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) basis. The Group's diversified growth engines continue to accelerate, with non-PC revenue mix up more than four points year-on-year to 46%. The quarter's results were driven by the Group's focused hybrid-AI strategy, the turnaround of the Infrastructure Solutions Group, as well as double-digit growth for both the Intelligent Devices Group and Solutions and Services Group.

Lenovo continues to invest in R&D, with R&D expenses up nearly 14% year-on-year to US$621 million. At the recent global technology event CES 2025, Lenovo launched a series of innovative products, including the world's first rollable AI laptop, the world's first handheld gaming device that allows gamers free choice of Windows OS or Steam OS, as well as Moto AI - winning 185 industry awards for its portfolio of innovation.

Shrinking components was (and still is) the main way to boost the speed of all electronic devices; however, as devices get tinier, making them becomes trickier. A group of scientists from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), at Osaka University has discovered another method to enhance performance: putting a special metal layer known as a metamaterial on top of a silicon base to make electrons move faster. This approach shows promise, but the tricky part is managing the metamaterial's structure so it can adapt to real-world needs.

To address this, the team looked into vanadium dioxide (VO₂). When heated, VO₂ changes from non-conductive to metallic, allowing it to carry electric charge like small adjustable electrodes. The researchers used this effect to create 'living' microelectrodes, which made silicon photodetectors better at spotting terahertz light. "We made a terahertz photodetector with VO₂ as a metamaterial. Using a precise method, we created a high-quality VO₂ layer on silicon. By controlling the temperature, we adjusted the size of the metallic regions—much larger than previously possible—which affected how the silicon detected terahertz light," says lead author Ai I. Osaka.

We previously covered the announcement of the One-Netbook OneXPlayer G1, a hybrid handheld gaming laptop with a unique removable keyboard and trackpad module that hides PS Vita-like game controls, but a launch date for the Ryzen-powered Windows handheld was unknown until now. One-Netbook has now officially launched the Indiegogo crowdfunding page for the OneXPlayer G1, providing more details about the upcoming hybrid's launch configurations and confirming a January launch date. Still missing from the Indiegogo page, though, are any indications of pricing or memory configurations for the G1.

Notebookcheck also says it received confirmation from One-Netbook that the OneXPlayer G1 will launch on January 9, and that it will only be available initially via Indiegogo. As for launch configurations, the G1 will be equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a 144 Hz, 8.8-inch, 2.5 K, IPS touchscreen display, and a 14,283 mAh battery. It will also offer OcuLink and dual USB4 ports, for enhanced connectivity and compatibility with a variety of eGPU solutions.

LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its 2025 LG gram lineup, the company's first on-device AI-powered laptops, at CES 2025 in January. The new lineup includes innovative models such as the gram Pro, gram Pro 2-in-1, gram and gram Book. Leveraging LG's gram AI technology, the latest grams deliver state-of-the-art capabilities and stellar performance, harnessing large language models and personalized AI features to elevate the user experience - all while preserving the series' iconic slim and lightweight design.

Enhancing Productivity and Personalization with LG gram AI
The 2025 gram laptops present a smarter, more secure and highly-personalized user experience through LG's innovative gram AI. With gram chat On-Device, these laptops utilize AI algorithms to process and analyze data locally without requiring a network connection. At the same time, they provide convenient access to cloud-based AI services via gram chat Cloud, powered by GPT-4o. This subscription-based service, which uses GPT-4o, is offered free of charge for the first year. The integration of on-device and cloud-based AI creates a hybrid AI solution that enhances productivity by delivering personalized insights, a comprehensive knowledge base and an intuitive, ever-evolving experience that adapts to users' needs.

Today at its inaugural IBM Quantum Developer Conference, IBM announced quantum hardware and software advancements to execute complex algorithms on IBM quantum computers with record levels of scale, speed, and accuracy.

IBM Quantum Heron, the company's most performant quantum processor to-date and available in IBM's global quantum data centers, can now leverage Qiskit to accurately run certain classes of quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations. Users can now use these capabilities to expand explorations in how quantum computers can tackle scientific problems across materials, chemistry, life sciences, high-energy physics, and more.

The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has signed a purchase agreement with IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), a global leader in designing, building, and selling superconducting quantum computers. Under the agreement, IQM will deliver two advanced Radiance quantum systems of 54 qubits and 150 qubits in the second half of 2025 and by the end of 2026, respectively.

The two distinct systems, featuring high-quality qubits and industry-leading fidelities will play a pivotal role in executing quantum algorithms across a range of application domains.

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the NeoDots True Wireless earbuds featuring a hybrid driver unit combined with a digital signal processor for the optimum in sound quality.

The combination of dynamic drivers and balanced armature drivers in audio equipment allows a broad frequency response, where dynamic drivers effectively manage low frequencies, delivering deep and rich bass, whilst the balanced armature drivers handle mid and high frequencies ensuring clear and detailed treble. This synergy results in a well-rounded sound profile that enhances the listening experience across different music genres and audio content.

After a successful product introduction during Computex 2024, Sea Sonic is now launching the sales of the new PRIME PX-2200 power supply. The Seasonic PRIME Series represents Sea Sonic's pinnacle of engineering, blending cutting-edge design with premium materials and advanced production processes. The latest models showcase digital fan control, modern interleaved PFC (Power Factor Correction), and a patented dual-transformer design running in parallel.

Seasonic's Latest Power Milestone Unveiled
The PRIME PX-2200 stands out above all PRIME units by capable of delivering an impressive 2200 watts of power at 80 Plus Platinum EU 230 V levels. Catering to a wide range of power users, this ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compatible powerhouse delivers top-quality power combined with long-term reliability for various high-performance applications.

PanelSemi, a developer of ultra-thin flexible LED displays and semiconductor substrates, has partnered with NGK Insulators to create high-performance hybrid packaging solutions. Leveraging its tiled thin-film transistor (TFT) circuit fabrication technology, PanelSemi is developing a hybrid circuit board that combines fine wiring and functional circuits on polyimide film with a ceramic substrate. The company is expanding into high-performance circuit boards for semiconductor modules, targeting large-scale panel manufacturing for wireless communications and opto-electronic integration. The collaboration with NGK extends the application of ceramic substrates to higher power and thermal scenarios.

NGK aims to integrate PanelSemi's circuit fabrication technology with its own products, including the ultra-compact EnerCera lithium-ion rechargeable battery, ceramic substrates, and ceramic packages. PanelSemi's HyBrid Substrate (HBS) technology platform features ultra-fine line width and spacing achieved through Thin Film (TF) and Panel Level Packaging (PLP) processes. HBS enables high-density interconnection, functioning as both an interposer and package substrate in advanced packaging, with the top die directly bonded to the HBS.

HAVN make its debut at Computex 2024 with HS 420, and HS 420 VGPU PC cases. The HS 420 stands out with its dual chamber Hybrid Structure, a design that maximizes GPU cooling within a traditional mid-tower footprint. It can support up to 11x 140 mm or 120 mm fans (3x top, 3x right, 3x bottom, 2x rear), and features customizable spaces to fit storage, fans, radiators, and portable displays (LCD VESA display mount included). Of course, HAVN HS 420 supports liquid cooling solutions with up to 420 mm radiators. HAVN HS 420 VGPU features a VGPU kit with a PCIe 5.0 riser cable, an angled fan bracket, and a glass airflow guide.

With 541 x 259.5 x 547 mm, the case supports E-ATX (max. width 277 mm), ATX, M-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, including 6 horizontal, and 4 vertical expansion slots. It also accommodates up to 470 mm graphics card, and up to 220 mm PSU. If you're still wondering who's behind the HAVN brand and design, we can tell you that it's the work of Pro Gamers Group (PGG), some of whom have gained experience working with Fractal, NZXT, Wistron, and Corning. No clear details yet about when the HS 420 / HS 420 VGPU will hit the stores or about pricing.

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.

Creative Technology today proudly unveils its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology. Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100 ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favorite content.

Renowned for its ability to recreate the expansive soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker surround system, Super X-Fi now shines in the latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, enriching users' listening experience with spatial audio. With Super X-Fi activated, users can transcend the boundaries of traditional stereo sound, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional audio world teeming with heightened realism and depth. Whether it's the thunderous roar of a cinematic explosion, the subtle rustle of leaves in a forest, or the precise positioning of footsteps in a game, Super X-Fi delivers unparalleled spatial accuracy and depth, allowing users to truly feel like they're part of the action.

Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, has confirmed that the upcoming 18A process of the Panther Lake CPU generation is on schedule for a mid-2025 release, which aligns with the initial projection. This development marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to integrate AI capabilities into its processors. The mid-2025 release date is expected to follow the debut of Intel's Arrow Lake process in late 2024 or early 2025, a release that holds the promise of significant advancements in AI computing. During Intel's Q1 2024 Quarterly Results, Gelsinger expressed confidence in the company's AI capabilities, stating that the Core Ultra platform currently delivers leadership AI performance and that the next-generation platforms, Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake, will launch later this year, tripling AI performance. He also mentioned that the Panther Lake generation, set to release in 2025, will grow AI performance up to an additional 2x.

The Panther Lake generation represents the culmination of three generations of work in a short time and is expected to continue Intel's iterative approach. This transition is marked by a shift from a hybrid architecture, a combination of different types of processors, to a disaggregated die, where different components of the processor are separated, as AI computing becomes increasingly prominent. This strategic move is aimed at optimizing AI performance and flexibility. This marks the third generation of the Intel Core Ultra series, following Ultra 100 (Meteor Lake), Ultra 200 (Arrow Lake), and Lunar Lake (200V). Intel's release strategy mirrors the pattern set by the Hybrid Architecture, with Alder Lake debuting in 2021, followed by Raptor Lake in 2022, and a refreshed Raptor Lake released last year to bridge the gap until LGA 1851 was ready. However, Intel's roadmap has seen adjustments in the past, such as the initial promise of an Arrow Lake release before the end of 2024, which was later retracted. The mid-2025 release of Panther Lake aligns with rumors of Arrow Lake's late 2024 or early 2025 debut, suggesting that the 18A process CPU generation could debut several months after Arrow Lake.

SPARKLE unveiled its low-profile series around mid-January—this lineup included an Intel Arc A380 GENIE dual-fan/dual-slot model and an Arc A310 ECO (single-slot, single-fan config) card. Compact device expert/YouTuber, ETA Prime, has uploaded a fascinating video that covers a modification project that involved a hybridization of SPARKLE's latest low-profile graphics cards and a Minisforum MS-01 test system. SPARKLE has released various models based on Intel's "Alchemist" Arc A380 6 GB GPU, but their PCB design is shared across a range of cooling options. ETA Prime could not source an aftermarket lower-profile cooler for his SPARKLE A380 GENIE, so he resorted to cannibalizing the A310 ECO model for relevant parts.

The ECO's single-slot cooling solution was not well proportioned enough to make contact with the SPARKLE A380 GENIE's VRM, so ETA Prime had to "add an aftermarket heatsink." He sold the remaining unneeded pieces—A310 board and GENIE cooler—to a friend for $60. The resultant hybrid—the "world's first-ever single-slot Intel Arc A380"—was bunged into the SFF Minisforum MS-01 test system. Notable specs included the Intel Core i9-13900H CPU and 32 GB of DDR5-5200 RAM. ETA Prime utilized Acer's Predator BiFrost graphics card utility to "trick" in a stable 54 W power limit. 60-ish FPS performance results—with low-to-medium settings at 1080p across a selection of games—were promising, especially for a restrictive small form factor build. ETA Prime hopes that SPARKLE will launch a smaller A380 model in the future—alternatively a specialist firm could produce a nice aftermarket copper part.

Sennheiser is today officially launching the ACCENTUM Plus headphones, bringing premium fan-favourite features to the line-up. "ACCENTUM Plus expands the reach of MOMENTUM 4's most coveted conveniences, while upholding the spirit of the ACCENTUM family's incredible value," says Christian Ern, Sennheiser Principal Product Manager, "The Plus sits right in the sweet spot of blissful sound and convenient technology."

Immersive, around-the-clock listening
In a world with endless content consumption options, ACCENTUM Plus has the stamina and controls for you to enjoy all of it. Featuring Sennheiser's expansive acoustic expertise, touch-gesture controls, Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation and a luxurious build, they prioritise a better headphone listening experience for less. With a class-leading 50 hours of listening between charges and sound that rivals that of a stable, cabled connection, it's easy to forget that ACCENTUM Plus is even wireless. The Bluetooth 5.2 headphones emphasise outstanding sound quality and versatile connectivity, supporting all popular codecs including aptX Adaptive for optimum sound, no matter where you decide to take them.

Samsung Electronics today at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024 in Barcelona is showcasing how SmartThings will bolster its B2B displays to shape the future of business connectivity. Samsung's "SmartThings for Business" exhibition emphasizes the new advancements that the cutting-edge internet-of-things (IoT) platform will offer, as well as Samsung's commitment to providing more connected, easy-to-control digital signage across industries. "In a commercial display sector where operational efficiency is key, Samsung digital signage is leveraging SmartThings to deliver next-gen connectivity and features to organizations of all sizes," said SW Yong, President and Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "This further expansion of the SmartThings ecosystem will serve to elevate experiences for customers and partners from a wide variety of industries."

How Businesses Can Leverage Connected Tech Through SmartThings—From the Smart Store to Smart Office
At the event, Samsung is showcasing how SmartThings enables business owners to leverage their digital signage to connect and gain more control of their smart devices across various landscapes. By offering the SmartThings connectivity feature to commercial display products such as Smart Signage and Hotel TVs, users can experience the convenience of hyper-connectivity in their business environments. These changes will include Samsung smart devices, as well as other devices that support the industry's latest IoT specifications, Matter and the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA). Through the application of SmartThings to various business environments, Samsung contributes to the more efficient management of space and energy by transforming places of business into interconnected smart spaces. These connectivity improvements have been designed to benefit all types of business customers, from small and mid-sized business owners to enterprises. Examples of the smart spaces—including a smart store, smart office and smart hotel—are on display at Samsung's booth at ISE 2024.

QCY, a pioneering force in wireless audio and smart electronics, is thrilled to introduce its latest marvel, the ultimate all-in-one over-ear headphones - QCY H3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones. This groundbreaking device sets a new pinnacle in audio technology, offering an unparalleled fusion of features and performance that redefines the auditory experience at an exceptionally accessible price.

Immersive Audio Tailored for Every Moment
Step into a realm of audio bliss with 43dB Hybrid ANC, ensuring an immersive auditory journey. The dual-mode adaptive ear canal not only heightens noise cancellation but also provides personalized audio compensation, delivering an optimized listening experience for diverse settings.

Creative Technology today announced the release of the much-anticipated Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2, the latest true wireless earbuds featuring the groundbreaking solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers. The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it's for music, movies, or conference calls.

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds.

Edifier, the award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems, bookshelf speakers and personal audio devices, announces its newest audio product, the NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds. In the new NeoBuds Pro 2, Edifier is introducing its latest patented technology, the Edifier Wide-Band Multi-Channel ANC. This Active Noise Cancellation delivers a wider and deeper noise cancellation to -50dB depth and 5 kHz bandwidth, adding an independent feed-forward channel that applies the noise reduction ability of the Knowles RAN Balanced Armature Driver to Hybrid ANC channels.

The Edifier Wide-Band Multi-Channel ANC can be personalized to suit your needs and the environment, allowing you to be in total control of the background noise you select to hear. Choose high ANC for a busy commute and medium or low ANC for the office; ambient sound to hear traffic noise or wind reduction for a clearer listening experience. Calls are also improved with the 4+4 built-in microphones and with an AI voice pick-up algorithm, environmental and wind noise is filtered out - thus enhancing the overall sound clarity.

Today, Logitech introduced Zone Wireless 2, a top-of-the-line business headset that uses AI to deliver unique two-way noise-free calling experiences. AI far-end noise suppression, noise-canceling mics, hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and personalized stereo sound help business professionals hear and be heard clearly in calls and meetings, especially in noisy environments.

In today's hybrid work environments, individuals work from a variety of spaces, and in nearly every workspace, noise and poor sound quality can negatively affect collaboration and productivity. A recent Equipping Your Employees for Hybrid Work study found that 85% of work-from-home users struggle with audio issues, whether it's from background noise from other participants or poor sound quality through computer speakers. The same study found that hybrid workforces aren't properly equipped with modern collaboration tools, such as quality headsets.

Today HP Inc. redefined versatility with the HP Spectre Foldable PC, a remarkable 3-in-1 device with a foldable screen that seamlessly integrates the best features of a laptop, tablet, and desktop for the ultimate hybrid experience.

"Consumers are demanding greater flexibility to connect, work, and play for their hybrid lives beyond what the traditional laptop can provide," said Jo Tan, Senior Vice President & Division President of Personal Systems Consumer Solutions, HP Inc. "We are excited to introduce the HP Spectre Foldable PC, designed to seamlessly adapt to the various ways you want to work with its unique, durable form factor that pushes the boundaries of design and technology."

beyerdynamic, the renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment, is expanding its MMX gaming product range. The manufacturer is launching the new MMX 200 wireless gaming headset, a product that takes gaming sound to a new level. The beyerdynamic MMX 200 wireless offers the perfect combination of crystal-clear studio sound, META VOICE microphone, and wireless connectivity for PC and console gaming enthusiasts. With features like Augmented Mode, LOW LATENCY, and Hybrid Mode with Bluetooth 5.3, the MMX 200 wireless becomes an essential companion for every gamer seeking top-notch performance and boundless flexibility.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND IN EVERY GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Specially designed by beyerdynamic acousticians for gamers, the integrated 40 mm studio driver systems deliver a clear, comprehensive soundscape. This not only impresses during gaming but also enhances voice communication and the enjoyment of music and movies. Precise in-game sound localization enables crucial gameplay maneuvers and enriches gaming worlds, making them appear even more realistic with their distinctive audio profiles.