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.

The AGON Pro AG326UD Gaming Monitor sets a new standard with its cutting-edge 32-inch UHD QD-OLED display, offering a stunning 3840x2160 4K resolution, a blazing-fast 165 Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-responsive 0.03 ms GtG response time. Designed for both gamers and creative professionals, it features NVIDIA G-Sync technology for seamless visuals, while HDMI 2.1 support ensures unmatched responsiveness for next-gen console gaming. Certified with VESA HDR TrueBlack HDR400, it delivers breathtaking brightness and precise color reproduction, making it ideal for both immersive gameplay and demanding creative workflows. With ergonomic design, a versatile USB hub, and a burn-in warranty, the AG326UD is the ultimate display for achieving legendary performance in any endeavor.

QD-OLED Technology
The AG326UD's QD-OLED panel combines the best of OLED and Quantum Dot technology to deliver lifelike visuals. With true blacks, ultra-rich colors, and brilliant brightness, the display offers a viewing experience so immersive it feels like looking through a window. Even in brightly lit environments, its exceptional color quality ensures your content pops with realism.

ASUS today announced the ProArt PA401 Wood Edition chassis, a smaller variant of the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition that can fit high-performance PC components, keep them cool under load, and look stylish while doing so. For those who want a thermally optimized case with visual luster and all the home and lifestyle-focused essentials they could ask for in a more space-saving form factor, the PA401 delivers.

The ProArt PA401 Wood Edition is an aesthetic charmer that is perfect for lifestyle users in need of a distinct, tasteful PC case featuring strong thermal performance on top of some useful bells and whistles. Between its side panel options, impressive cooling capabilities and multitude of PC-building conveniences, it is the go-to case option for those looking to dabble in the desktop space for the very first time. Whether using it in a studio or a home office, it will blend in with its environment and leave ample space for other hardware and accessories.

IBASE Technology Inc. (TPEx: 8050), a leading manufacturer of embedded computing solutions, introduces the IB996 Full-Size CPU Card, tailored to meet the demanding needs of industrial and embedded computing. Supporting 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 desktop processors, this innovative solution adheres to the PICMG 1.3 standard and features the Intel Q670E chipset for robust performance and flexibility. It offers outstanding expandability and connectivity for applications in industrial automation, transportation, and medical systems.

The IB996 boasts seamless performance and compatibility, supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory with dual DIMM slots and superior networking capability with two Intel 2.5G LAN ports. Integrated Intel Xe graphics allow for versatile display options, including DVI-I, LVDS, and DVI-D, making it suitable for a variety of visual data processing tasks. Additionally, it comes equipped with 8x USB 3.2, 5x SATA III, four COM, and two M.2 sockets (M-Key and E-Key), with the M.2 M-Key supporting PCIe for NVMe storage solutions, ensuring high-speed data transfer and optimal performance across Intel-based systems.

Keychron, known for its often reasonably priced, customizable mechanical keyboards, has announced the second iteration of the K8 QMK. The new TKL (80%) keyboard sports updated internal materials for added sound dampening. The new K8 QMK is available with the usual selection of mechanical switch types and two different frame designs, catering to different market segments. Compared to the original K8 Wireless, the K8 Wireless V2 has updated Bluetooth connectivity, QMK support, and new, custom Keychron switches.

The new Keychron K8 QMK V2 shares many similarities with its predecessor, including the same $99 starting price, although there are some differences that are likely to make V2 an attractive option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The biggest physical change is the move from shine-through OEM profile ABS keycaps to shine-through double-shot Cherry profile PBT keycaps, which are bound to be a mixed bag in enthusiast communities. On the one hand, many enthusiasts prefer the sound of ABS keycaps, but the Cherry profile is often highly regarded for comfort and ergonomics. While the external physical changes are mostly rather moderate, the internals have been significantly more impressive, with QMK firmware—and Keychron Launcher customization support—being the most important of the functional changes. That QMK support apparently comes at a cost, though, since the new Keychron K8 QMK V2 comes with the same battery capacity but significantly lower battery life when connected wirelessly, despite the move from Bluetooth 5.1 to Bluetooth 5.2. Keychron claims that the K8 QMK V2 can last up to 190 hours on Bluetooth without backlighting and up to 100 hours with the backlighting at its lowest brightness. Meanwhile, the original K8 is capable of up to 240 hours with the backlight off, with RGB backlighting coming in lower than the new K8 QMK V2, at up to 72 hours with the backlight enabled. The K8 QMK V2 also has new inner foam layers for sound dampening, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it helps provide more customization options.

Jetway JPIC-ADN1 is a compact 2.5" Pico-ITX motherboard powered by the Intel Processor N97. It supports up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 MHz memory, making it capable of handling demanding workloads. With its versatile I/O options, including 6x USB ports, 2x Serial ports, 1x B+M-Key M.2 slot, 1x E-Key M.2 slot, and 1x SATA3 port, the JPIC-ADN1 is ideal for a variety of applications, it's ready to handle even the most demanding tasks.

The JPIC-ADN1's compact design and efficient Alder Lake-N processor make it perfect for edge computing and IoT gateway applications. Its powerful processing and expansion capabilities enable seamless data processing, communication, and remote management in industrial IoT solutions.

These Philips business monitors deliver optimal performance while reducing energy consumption, thus contributing to an overall lower power usage in the workspace.
Introducing three new Philips monitors to the professional display line-up: The Philips 27B2G5500, 24B2G5200, and 27B2G5200 are the ideal solutions for those looking for an environmentally considerate option in their offices. The Philips 27B2G5200 and 27B2G5500 are equipped with the latest generation 27-inch IPS panels, while the 24B2G5200 features a 24-inch IPS panel. All offer low energy consumption compared to its peers, making them ideal options for everyday tasks. The Philips 24B2G5200 and 27B2G5200 monitors feature Full HD resolution for high-quality imagery and a 100 Hz refresh rate for smoothness, while the Philips 27B2G5500 has Quad HD resolution. Most notably, these monitors are equipped with sensors designed to minimize their environmental impact.

PLAION, a global leader in video games, and Retro Games Ltd. (RGL), the premier producer of reimagined home computers, proudly announce the launch of The Spectrum. This modern recreation of Sir Clive Sinclair's legendary ZX Spectrum retains its original design while incorporating today's technology, delivering nostalgia and innovation in one package.

Unlike previous emulations, The Spectrum is the first to faithfully replicate the design of the iconic 48k ZX Spectrum while including 48 pre-installed games. The design of the original machine was seen as unique. While machines like the Commodore 64, BBC Micro and ATARI 800XL shared a common aesthetic that became synonymous with home computers, the ZX Spectrum had a look and feel that had not been seen before, or indeed since. The Spectrum aims to bring back that nostalgic feeling to retro fans with an authentic looking, sleek, minimalist design worthy of any display cabinet.

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, launches The Tower 250 Mini Tower Chassis, the latest Mini-ITX case in The Tower Series, featuring incredible hardware compatibility, an iconic vertical body design with an octagonal prism shape, and LCD customization. Available in Black, Snow, Matcha Green and Hydrangea Blue finishes, The Tower 250 is built for optimized cooling performance and enhanced capabilities.

Compatible with a wide range of hardware gadgets, The Tower 250 can house a 360 mm high-end GPU, a 360 mm AIO radiator and a standard ATX or SFX power supply up to 200 mm, along with eight 120 mm or five 140 mm fans. Additionally, this Mini-ITX case excels in thermal efficiency with two CT120 fans pre-installed on the top of the case, and room for a 360 mm/280 mm all-in-one CPU cooler on the right. Behind the motherboard tray, two 2.5" SSDs or one 3.5" HDD can be installed, offering maximum storage support.

Looking for a customizable keyboard that also delivers on feel and aesthetics? Frustrated that no keyboard on the market meets all your needs? The Galaxy series is here to cater to every layout and customization preference. Introducing Epomaker's latest flagship product: the Galaxy 100!

1800 full-size keyboard with an integrated knob
The Galaxy 100 is an 1800 full-size keyboard equipped with a convenient rotary knob. It offers a complete set of function keys and a numeric keypad, all in a compact design that saves desk space while maximizing functionality. Whether for work or gaming, this keyboard is versatile enough for any scenario. Additionally, it features a handy volume knob for quick audio adjustments, allowing users to control their sound effortlessly without interrupting their workflow or gaming experience.

PNY announced today the newest additions to its Flash Drive assortment, the PRO Elite V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Attaché X USB 3.2 Flash Drives. PRO Elite V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drives advance file management to the next level, boasting extreme speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s read and up to 800 MB/s write, with storage capacities ranging from 256 GB - 1 TB, while the Attaché X brings a sleek and modern design with boosted performance for mainstream users

Exceptional Performance Storage Solution
PNY's new PRO Elite V3 brings a new level of speed and reliability to its high-performance USB product assortment. Exceptional performance improvements boost maximum speeds up to 1,000 MB/s read and up to 800 MB/s write, achieving speeds 265x faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives. Experience the elevated performance of the PRO Elite V3's USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive technology to enhance workflows with demanding applications. PRO Elite V3 was designed to be an invaluable asset for content creators, professionals, designers, and gamers who need to store, access, and transfer critical, high-density files such as movies, professional high-resolution photos, video gaming data, and full HD & 4K videos at incredible speeds.

With the Leica Cine Play 1, Leica Smart Projection GmbH has now expanded its portfolio of premium home cinema projectors with a versatile mini-projector in a compact, timeless design. The Leica Cine Play 1 combines state-of-the-art laser technology with outstanding Leica premium imaging quality in 4K resolution at up to 300-inch screen sizes. Its smart functions, innovative solutions and user-friendly handling guarantee a premium home cinema experience that is always ready to delight viewers at any time, while bringing maximum flexibility to home and outdoor entertainment.

The Leica Cine Play 1 features innovative triple RGB laser technology with a service life of over 25,000 hours that enables the projection of a particularly bright image with breathtaking color rendition, with full support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ & HLG. With a brightness of up to 3000 ANSI lumens, it also enables clear and high contrast movie projection in brightly lit environments. Its high-performance Leica Summicron zoom lens is manufactured in compliance with high Leica quality standards and guarantees consistently high imaging performance in 4K resolution throughout its zoom range with screen sizes of 65 to 300 inches. The premium image quality is supported by Leica's own image processing technology (Leica Image Optimization - LIO), which employs special image optimization algorithms to ensure particularly natural color rendition, finely nuanced color gradation and an outstanding contrast ratio. The powerful, 2 x 10 Watt speakers enhance the visual experience with rich bass tones and crystal-clear sound. Its integrated DTS Virtual:X audio-signal processing technology is the ideal basis for the configuration of a true 3D surround- sound system.

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)

Cervoz, a global leader in industrial-grade modules, proudly introduces its latest PCIe low-profile USB 3.2 expansion series—the MEC-USB-PL. Purpose-built to meet the rapidly growing demands for industrial connectivity, the MEC-USB-PL series is designed to offer unmatched flexibility and scalability, supporting up to 8 ports per card with both USB Type-A and Type-C connectors. The series delivers a robust and future-proof solution for a wide range of industrial applications, enabling seamless integration into modern, data-intensive operations.

Engineered for Industrial Performance and Reliability
The MEC-USB-PL series combines high port density with versatile configurations. Available in both 4-port and 8-port configurations, it allows industrial users to optimize connectivity setups based on specific needs. The 4-port model (MEC-USB-PL004) is ideal for applications needing focused, high-speed data transfer across devices, while the 8-port models (MEC-USB-PL008 and MEC-USB-PL008C) offer extensive connectivity. The MEC-USB-PL008C's mixed supporting of USB Type-A and Type-C enables compatibility across both legacy and modern devices.

MSI launches its latest All-in-One PCs: the Modern AM273QP AI and Modern AM273Q AI Series. These devices integrate the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, featuring Intel AI Boost NPU, along with DDR5 memory, Microsoft Copilot, and the MSI AI Engine.

Enhanced Your Productivity
The Modern AM273Q/QP AI Series features a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel that delivers crystal-clear visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with Intel AI Boost NPU, these PCs offer smooth multitasking and advanced AI capabilities. With Microsoft Copilot integration, users can simplify their daily tasks and enhance productivity using intuitive AI-driven features.

ASUS today announced ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, the brand's first Google TV smart monitor. Google TV brings together movies, shows, and more from a variety of streaming services and offers users a personalized entertainment experience. ZenScreen Smart MS27UC boasts a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles, a 99% sRGB gamut, VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, and dual front-facing 5 W Harman Kardon-certified speakers. Plus, a source control feature enables viewers to easily switch between Productivity or Play modes.

With ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, there's no need for a dedicated PC. Users can conduct online meetings and browse content via the web browser, and logging in to a Google Account allows them to create and sync work and documents on Google Workspace. The monitor also offers seamless connections to multiple devices, including PCs and smartphones through Miracast or Google Cast, with the multi-control feature enabling seamless navigation via a single Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today expands its Barracuda line of multi-platform gaming headsets, with the introduction of the Razer Barracuda X Chroma. This new headset, enriched with vibrant Razer Chroma RGB, caters to feedback from the gaming community asking for more visually immersive features in their gaming setup.

"The Barracuda X Chroma is a direct result of feedback from our gaming community," said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer's PC Gaming Division. "Gamers wanted more from their Barracuda experience, and we delivered—adding the dynamic flair of Razer Chroma RGB to meet the performance and aesthetic needs of immersion-focused gamers."

Baseus is a global leader in the consumer electronics industry and has always been at the forefront of innovative technologies that simplify tasks and prioritize user needs. Baseus is now thrilled to announce its latest advanced fast-charging product series: Baseus Nomos. This new and high-level range will include various fast-charging devices that elevate the lifestyles of people across all boards of life - from programmers and tech-savvy professionals to hybrid and home working environments.

The Baseus Nomos range is filled with Omnipotent, Flexible, Efficient charging solutions that will reinvent the way you work. Let's explore some of the main products in this stellar range of products:

Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for 40 years, today announced the launch of its latest innovation, the Connect USB-C 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock 150 W. Designed for businesses and professionals, this all-in-one docking station integrates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to create a compact yet powerful and efficient workstation solution.

With its sleek, space-saving design, the 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock provides seamless connectivity, offering up to 150 W of power in a compact, clutter-free form. The dock features a wide array of ports, including support for up to three external displays, making it an ideal choice for professionals who demand multi-screen setups and fast data transfer speeds.

DIGIERA introduces the external SSD, a cutting-edge storage solution designed to meet the increasing needs of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro users. With mobile content creation and data management evolving rapidly, this SSD delivers the perfect balance of speed, portability, and durability, making it ideal for high-resolution video capture, fast data transfers, and other demanding tasks.

Advanced Performance and Speed
At the heart of the DIGIERA external SSD lies its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 technology, delivering blazing-fast data transfer rates with read speeds of up to 2000 MB/s and write speeds of 1800 MB/s. This makes it six times faster than traditional external hard drives, ensuring users can seamlessly store and transfer 4K ProRes videos, high-resolution images, and large project files directly from their iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro.

Hot on the heels of Gigabyte, ASUS has also put its Thunderbolt 5 card up on its website, although there are some differences between the two. Obviously the physical appearance differs somewhat, but that's largely cosmetic. However, the one key difference is that the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 only sports a single 6-pin PCIe power connector. ASUS still claims USB PD support of up to 130 W—a feature the company calls Flexible FastCharge—however, a single USB Type-C port is limited to a maximum of 96 W, which means you can charge your MacBook Pro at full tilt, but not some other laptops. Admittedly the 4 W discrepancy compared to the Gigabyte card is fairly minor, but the second port gets left with only 34 W, although that's still enough for charging most phones. Oddly enough, ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 card, allowed for up to 100 W on a single port.

ASUS has also implemented a single Thunderbolt 5 pin-header for the GPIO, SPI I2C and UART interfaces, plus a standard USB 2.0 header, for adding USB 2.0 support to the Thunderbolt 5 ports. Just as with the Gigabyte card, we find Intel's JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller at the heart of the card and once again it uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and supports up to three DP 2.1 8K displays at 60 Hz, although ASUS mentions that this requires DSC. The card features three mini DP inputs and comes with three DP to mini DP adapters, as well as the two aforementioned USB Type-C ports. Note that if you use tree displays, you can only use two Thunderbolt devices with the card. ASUS only mentions Windows 11 64-bit support, so it looks like Windows 10 won't be getting a driver and so far it would seem neither is Linux.

Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website under the rather unimaginative name of Thunderbolts 5. The card itself is nothing remarkable when compared to Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards, although it sports a third mini DisplayPort input for unclear reasons, as well as two USB Type-C outputs. This time around Gigabyte has added support for more power though, as the card features a pair of what appears to be 6-pin PCIe power connectors and the card supports up to 100 W USB PD charging. Courtesy of the new JHL9580, or Barlow Ridge controller, the card offers support for DP 2.1 with resolutions of up to 8K at 60 Hz, as well as data speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or 120/40 Gbps in asymmetric mode.

Intel's JHL9580 controller has a PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface, the same as ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller and it's a big step up from Intel's previous Thunderbolt 4 controllers that were stuck with PCIe 3.0. Note that the JHL9580 is also offered in a Thunderbolt 4 version known as the JHL9540 which also uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and offers DP 2.1 support, but slower speeds. Both of the new Barlow Ridge controllers also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), something previous Thunderbolt controllers didn't. Intel has a list price for the JHL9580 of US$19, which is just over US$8 more than the JHL8540 Maple Ridge controller which launched in 2020, as such, expect Thunderbolt 5 add-in cards to come at an even higher price point than previous Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards. Gigabyte might be first out of the gate, but we expect most motherboard makers to follow suit with products of their own before the end of the year.

LG Electronics (LG) is launching its business monitor lineup, introducing 20 brand-new models designed to enhance productivity and ergonomic comfort in the workplace. Well known for its premium consumer monitors, LG is now expanding into the B2B sector with monitors tailored to the needs of diverse professional environments, from corporate and government to education, healthcare and the creative industries. The impressive lineup presents customers with a wealth of choices, including a variety of different aspect ratios and screen resolutions ranging from QHD to Full HD.

LG UltraWide Displays: Spacious, High-resolution Screens
Available in the 21:9 aspect ratio, LG's UltraWide business monitors are outstanding multitasking solutions with high-resolution screens. The 34BA85QE-B and 34BA75QE-B feature 34-inch curved QHD+ (3,440 x 1,440) resolution IPS displays that deliver sharp, detailed visuals and accurate color reproduction. They also provide excellent color consistency across a wide viewing angle, ensuring distortion-free images from practically any vantage point.

ELECOM, a global leader in innovative gaming peripherals, is excited to announce the launch of the TK-VK720A gaming keyboard. This groundbreaking device is set to redefine the gaming experience with its advanced magnetic switch technology, offering unmatched speed, precision, and customization—all within a sleek, compact design. The keyboard will be available in two color options: black and white.

Unmatched Performance with Advanced Magnetic Switches
At the core of the TK-VK720A are its advanced magnetic switches, making ELECOM one of the first in the industry to adopt analog silent switches. These switches provide faster actuation and reset points than traditional mechanical switches, ensuring key presses register at the slightest touch for smoother, more responsive keystrokes. This technology offers a crucial edge in competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.

TrendForce's latest findings reveal that NAND Flash products have been impacted by weaker-than-expected seasonal demand in the second half of 2024, leading to a decline in wafer contract prices in Q3. This downward trend is projected to deepen, with prices expected to drop by more than 10% in Q4.

Enterprise SSDs are the only segment likely to see modest price growth—supported by stable order momentum—with contract prices forecast to rise by 0-5% in Q4. However, PC SSDs and UFS will see more cautious procurement strategies from buyers, as weaker-than-expected sales of end products drive buyers to adopt a conservative approach. As a result, TrendForce projects overall NAND Flash contract prices will decline by 3-8% in Q4.