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Technology News

  • Chinese optical quantum chip claims 1,000x speed vs Nvidia GPUs; 12,000 wafers/year production
    November 15, 2025, 7:44 AM EST. A Chinese firm, CHIPX, unveils an all-optical quantum computing chip marketed as industrial-grade and claiming 1,000x faster AI workloads than Nvidia GPUs. The device uses a novel co-packaging approach for photons and electronics, with 1,000+ optical components on a 6-inch wafer in a monolithic design, enabling a compact, scalable platform. Proponents say deployments can be set up in two weeks and can scale to 1 million qubits when used together. Production sits at about 12,000 wafers per year, yielding roughly 350 chips per wafer, a fraction of typical silicon fabs. Many unknowns remain before mainstream use, but China seeks to outpace Western rivals in quantum computing with these photonic chips.
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Preview - Psychic Powers, Mouse Precision, and Switch 2 Play
    November 15, 2025, 7:42 AM EST. After eight years, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is close to launch on Switch 2. The hands-on shows Samus regaining classic tools like Missiles and Morph Ball bombs, plus new psychic powers that move orbs and doors. A fresh Control Beam can be steered through the air, and puzzles blend combat with platforming. The demo also showcases a plant boss whose weak spots require looping the beam around the arena. I tested attached Joy-Cons, Pro controller, and a controller-plus-mouse setup-the mouse mode surprised me with precise targeting and quick locks, though the Pro controller remains my preferred ergonomic choice; Joy-Con mouse proves surprisingly viable.
  • Apple's Budget MacBook Could Challenge Chromebooks in Schools
    November 15, 2025, 7:40 AM EST. Apple reportedly plans a lower-cost MacBook using iPhone-era processors, aiming at students and casual users. If real, the device could be a bargain that expands the Mac lineup, but it faces a tougher battle against Chromebooks in schools where durability, repairability, and IT controls matter. The idea of a MacBook powered by an iPhone chip raises questions about performance and power efficiency, yet price alone won't win over education buyers. To lure K-12 districts, Apple would need strong education discounts, easy device management, and a compelling ecosystem that doesn't disrupt existing Google workflows. Whether teachers and students trust a colorful, budget-friendly Mac remains to be seen.
  • NVIDIA & AMD Could Hike GPU Prices in Early 2026 Amid DRAM Cost Increases
    November 15, 2025, 7:38 AM EST. Rising DRAM costs are fueling chatter that NVIDIA and AMD will raise GPU prices in early 2026. The DRAM market (including GDDR6/7) used for graphics has seen sharp price increases, and memory-procurement costs are reported to be climbing. While neither company has announced an immediate price hike, officials acknowledge higher memory costs, with potential implementation in Q1 2026 (possibly December or January). Analysts note GPUs recently sold below MSRP, but shortages could push prices back up if memory costs stay elevated. The debate also touches product strategy, as NVIDIA's RTX 50 series uses newer GDDR7, and there may be a shift toward PRO/Workstation lines. Timing remains uncertain, and official announcements could precede any actual changes.
  • Ron Baron's Bold Bet: He'll Never Sell Tesla and SpaceX Stock
    November 15, 2025, 7:36 AM EST. Billionaire investor Ron Baron says he will never sell his personal Tesla or SpaceX shares in his lifetime, underscoring a long-term conviction tied to Elon Musk's ecosystem. In a CNBC Squawk Box appearance timed with Musk's $1 trillion pay package and Baron's 32nd Annual Investment Conference in New York, Baron explained how his firm's bets-about $400M in Tesla (2014-2016), roughly $1.3B in SpaceX, and $338M in xAI-have produced billions in profits and now shape a large share of Baron Capital's assets under management (AUM). He argues that patience and holding high-quality, founder-led growth companies lets investors turn volatility into opportunity. He projects the ecosystem could deliver five-fold profits by 2035, as Musk joins him for a Starman fireside chat on AI, autonomy, and the future.