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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D launched; iOS 18.4 adds Matter support for robot vacuums

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Key Takeaways

  • AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU outperforms Ryzen 9 7900X in gaming and productivity benchmarks.
  • iOS 18.4 introduces Matter support for robot vacuums and AI-powered priority notifications.
  • Microsoft extends AI features to Intel, AMD Copilot Plus PCs, previously Qualcomm-exclusive.
  • Amazon launches Nova Act, an AI model for shopping, claiming 75% lower cost than rivals.
  • United Airlines gets FAA approval for Starlink internet on Embraer 175 aircraft.

Gadget Mania

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D announced: faster gaming, productivity

On March 31, 2025, AMD announced the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a high-end CPU featuring 3D V-Cache technology, a 4.3GHz base clock, a 5.7GHz boost clock, and 144MB of cache. Benchmarks show it outperforms the Ryzen 9 7900X in gaming and productivity.

Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch ($80) hands-on review

Published on March 31, 2025, a hands-on review of the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch, priced at $80, explores the features and potential value proposition of the device.

Best gadgets of March 2025 reviewed

On March 31, 2025, an article reviewed the best gadgets of March 2025, highlighting new products like the MacBook Air M4, Mac Studio, the Hypershell X exoskeleton, and AMD's response to Nvidia's mid-range GPUs. The Hypershell X exoskeleton aids leg movement during exercise, reducing fatigue during a three-hour hike. The Google Pixel 9a and gaming laptops with Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs are delayed until April, and the Oppo Find N5 foldable smartphone is larger and thinner than competing models but is not available for sale in North America.

Engadget's 2025 tablet buying guide

On March 31, 2025, Engadget published a buying guide for the best tablets of 2025, categorizing tablets by operating system and recommending the most powerful and best tablets for each OS.

Software Central

iOS 18.4 released: Matter support for robot vacuums

Apple released iOS 18.4 on March 31, 2025, introducing Matter support for robot vacuums in the Apple Home app and Apple Intelligence-powered priority notifications. Firmware updates from Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs will enable compatibility, allowing users to control their vacuums and integrate them into smart home automations.

Windows 11 BSOD redesign: Blue screen may turn black

On March 31, 2025, Microsoft announced it is testing a redesign of the Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The new design drops the traditional blue color, potentially changing it to a black screen, and is available for testing by Windows Insiders in Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels.

Google's 'Quick Share' replaces 'Quick Share from Google'

On March 31, 2025, Google renamed its file-sharing app from "Quick Share from Google" to "Quick Share" in version 1.0.2113.1. This change moves the app away from its Samsung origins and further into Google's ecosystem, facilitating easy file sharing between Android devices and computers.

Thunderbird to offer paid 'Thundermail' and AI services

On March 31, 2025, Mozilla announced plans to introduce paid online services for Thunderbird, including a mail provider service called Thundermail, to generate revenue. Thunderbird will also offer Thunderbird Appointment (a scheduling tool), Thunderbird Send (a file-sharing service), and Thunderbird Assist (AI features). These new features will initially be offered to active community members, then to others for a fee, with limited free options to be introduced later.

AI Breakthroughs

Microsoft expands AI features to Intel, AMD Copilot Plus PCs

On March 31, 2025, Microsoft extended its AI features, including Live Captions, Cocreator in Paint, and AI image editing in the Photos app, to Copilot Plus PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors. These features were previously exclusive to Qualcomm-powered devices.

Amazon launches Nova Act AI model for shopping

On March 31, 2025, Amazon launched Nova Act, a new AI model designed for online shopping tasks, initially available to developers in a "research preview." Amazon is also expanding access to its other Nova AI models through a web portal, claiming its Nova suite is at least 75 percent less expensive than comparable rivals.

Apple's AI Doctor expected in 2026

Reported on March 31, 2025, Apple's AI Doctor is expected to be available on January 1, 2026.

World to pay developers for 'mini-apps' using World ID

World is launching a pilot program on April 1, 2025, to pay developers who create "mini-apps" using its World ID authentication system. $300,000 will be distributed to qualifying developers based on app usage over three months, with top developers potentially earning up to $25,000 per week. World claims that more than 12 million individuals have created World IDs to date.

Oura Advisor exits beta; Samsung Health adds AI

Published on March 31, 2025, Oura announced it is taking its AI-based Oura Advisor out of beta and making it available to current Oura subscribers for $6/month. Samsung is also expected to start charging for subscription features, with Samsung Health adopting AI-powered suggestions based on aggregated data.

Tech Horizons

United Airlines gets FAA approval for Starlink internet

On March 31, 2025, the FAA approved United Airlines to operate flights with Starlink satellite internet service on its Embraer 175 aircraft. United expects to install Starlink on all 300 regional jets by the end of the year and plans to outfit its entire fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft with Starlink in the next few years; Starlink will be a free service for UnitedPlus members. SpaceX has also signed deals with partners like T-Mobile and Royal Caribbean to offer Starlink beyond rural households, where Elon Musk believes it is most suitable.

Cosmic Discoveries

SpaceX launches Fram2 mission with amateur astronauts

On March 31, 2025, SpaceX's Fram2 mission launched a private crew of four amateur astronauts to a polar orbit around Earth from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will conduct 22 research studies on a Dragon spacecraft for three to five days.

Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket explodes after launch

On March 30, 2025, Isar Aerospace launched its Spectrum rocket from the Andøya spaceport. The rocket exploded approximately 30 seconds after liftoff and fell into the Arctic Ocean, though CEO Daniel Metzler considered the test flight a success.

Cyber Watch

France fines Apple $162M over App Tracking Transparency

On March 31, 2025, it was reported that France's competition authority fined Apple $162 million in 2021 for its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system. The authority argued that ATT allows Apple to abuse its dominant market position.

CNET guide: How to spot phishing emails

On March 31, 2025, CNET published an article providing a guide on how to spot phishing emails.

Gaming Buzz

Nintendo Switch 2: Price, release date reveal imminent?

A special Nintendo Direct streaming on YouTube on April 2, 2025, is expected to reveal the price, release date, and pre-order details for the Nintendo Switch 2, and potentially showcase new games. Nintendo is also planning a worldwide roadshow for gamers to try the Switch 2, starting in New York and Paris from April 4-6, 2025, with events continuing across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia until May 11, 2025.

Engadget reviews best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2025

On March 31, 2025, Engadget published an article reviewing the best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2025. The review highlights the versatility of Joy-Cons but suggests alternatives for extended play, such as wireless controllers with Hall effect joysticks and customizable RGB lighting.

CNET previews 'Doom: The Dark Ages' video game

On March 31, 2025, CNET published a preview of the video game "Doom: The Dark Ages," focusing on the game's hands-on experience and its unique concept.

'Patapon 1 + 2 Replay' coming to PC, PS5, Switch

On March 31, 2025, Bandai Namco announced Patapon 1 + 2 Replay, brand new remasters of 2007's Patapon and 2008's Patapon 2 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC, combining strategy and rhythm game elements. The game is coming to PC, PS5 and Switch on July 11, 2025.

EV Revolution

Driving EVs in the Arctic: A firsthand experience

Mobile World

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE design leaked

On March 31, 2025, leaked renders suggest that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a more affordable version of the Z Flip 7, will retain the design of the Z Flip 5 and 6. The cover screen is expected to remain at 3.4 inches with a thick bezel and a stepped bottom edge.

CNET: 8 tips to keep your iPhone powered all-day

On March 31, 2025, CNET published an article providing eight tips to help iPhone users keep their devices powered throughout the day.

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