Blog Posts

Blog Posts

Fanless Raspberry Pi CM5 Mini PC Features HDMI, 2.5GbE + GbE, Dual USB, M.2 Key-M Socket

Thin Raspberry Pi CM5 mini PC

Waveshare “Gigabit / 2.5G Dual Ethernet Mini-Computer (B)” is a thin Raspberry Pi CM5 fanless mini PC with a 4K HDMI video output, 2.5GbE and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 jacks, two USB ports, a microSD card slot, and USB-C power. Internally, it features an M.2 Key-M socket for a 2230/2242/2280 NVMe SSD or AI accelerator, two MIPI DSI/CSI connectors for cameras or displays, and a 40-pin GPIO header. The flat cables for the MIPI devices can be passed through an opening under the HDMI and USB 2.0 ports of the metal case, and the GPIO headers are also accessible externally through a small cover under the enclosure. Gigabit / 2.5G Dual Ethernet Mini-Computer (B) specifications: Main board – CM5-DUAL-ETH-BASE-B Supported SoMs – Raspberry Pi CM5 or CM5 Lite (and potentially other electrically compatible modules like the Banana Pi BPI-CM5 Pro, Radxa CM5, and Orange Pi CM5, but it’s not been tested […]

The post Thin Raspberry Pi CM5 fanless mini PC offers HDMI video output, 2.5GbE + GbE, dual USB, M.2 Key-M socket appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Premier Selection for Samsung Users Among Cordless Earphones

**Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: An In-Depth Evaluation**

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have emerged as a leading option in the wireless earbuds arena, especially for individuals embedded in the Samsung ecosystem. This latest version capitalizes on the achievements of its predecessors, introducing substantial enhancements in audio quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and sturdiness.

**Design and Construction**

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro showcase an improved design that amplifies both visual appeal and practicality. The earbuds now feature shorter stems with metallic accents, offering a modern and industrial aesthetic. The charging case has also undergone a redesign for greater usability, accommodating the buds horizontally for charging. This updated design resolves previous concerns with charging contacts, ensuring a more dependable connection.

**Audio Performance**

Samsung has made impressive strides in audio quality with the Buds 4 Pro. The earbuds are equipped with an upgraded 2-way driver system, comprising an 11mm Super Wide Woofer and a 5.5mm Planar Tweeter. This configuration delivers exceptional audio performance, with outstanding clarity and detail. The addition of Samsung’s SSC UHQ codec enables high-fidelity audio playback on compatible devices, enhancing the listening experience.

**Active Noise Cancellation**

The ANC features of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have seen significant upgrades. The earbuds effectively minimize background noise, making them perfect for use in loud environments. Although they may not outshine the ANC capabilities of some premium alternatives, they provide an admirable degree of noise cancellation at a more budget-friendly price.

**Resilience and Comfort**

Boasting an enhanced IP57 rating, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer improved protection against dust and water, making them suitable for a variety of activities, including workouts. The earbuds fit securely in the ears, ensuring comfort and stability during physical activity. However, users might need to adjust them occasionally during rigorous workouts.

**Controls and Functions**

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro include user-friendly onboard controls, featuring voice and gesture commands. Users can take calls with a simple nod, providing a convenient hands-free solution. The earbuds also support real-time translation and neck-stretch reminders, increasing their practicality for daily use.

**Battery Performance**

Samsung asserts a battery lifespan of up to 6 hours with ANC activated and up to 7 hours with it deactivated. The charging case supplies extra power, prolonging the total listening duration to 26 hours with ANC and 30 hours without. This battery longevity positions the Buds 4 Pro among the leading options in their category.

**Final Thoughts**

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro present an enticing package for users in search of high-quality wireless earbuds. With enhanced sound, effective ANC, and a robust design, they accommodate a diverse range of demands. While they may not be an essential upgrade for recent Buds 3 Pro users, they signify a considerable advancement for those aiming to improve their audio experience within the Samsung ecosystem.

Comprehending the Role of the Bottom Port on Your Xbox Controller

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Since the launch of the first model alongside the Xbox 360 (the original Xbox controller was notoriously bulky and awkwardly named “The Duke”), the Microsoft Xbox controller has established itself as a primary option for both console and PC gaming. This remains true in its latest form with the Xbox Series X, even giving competition to the PS5’s DualSense Controller.

Though most of the buttons and ports on the controller have clear uses, there is one element located at the bottom of the device that is less obvious, a small rectangular port. This enigmatic port is a remnant from the Xbox One era, originally created to compensate for the absence of a dedicated headset port.

The port at the bottom of an Xbox controller is officially referred to as the Microsoft Expansion Port, a proprietary connection intended to link a limited selection of peripherals to your controller. These peripherals mainly consist of chat devices, like headset connectors and keyboards. As contemporary Xbox controllers are equipped with dedicated headset jacks, the Expansion Port has turned a bit redundant, with third-party variations of the controller omitting it entirely. However, if you possess an Xbox controller with an Expansion Port, it can still be utilized if you have a compatible peripheral.

The Expansion Port was originally designed for chat peripherals

The initial Xbox 360 controller, aptly created for the console’s online multiplayer-centric design, included a 3.5mm audio jack at its base, meant to accommodate the official Xbox 360 gaming headset. This feature was quite popular during that console’s lifecycle, leaving players puzzled when the Xbox One debuted in 2013 without that port. Instead of the 3.5mm audio jack, the first Xbox One controller incorporated an Expansion Port.

To connect a headset to the controller, users needed to acquire a separate audio adapter that plugged into the Expansion Port, allowing them to connect their headset and take advantage of the internal volume and mute controls. Alternatively, if your headset had an Expansion Port jack, you could connect it directly to the port.

This proprietary setup did not resonate well with gamers, as audio adapters went predominantly unsold. Consequently, a few years later, Microsoft introduced an improved version of the Xbox One controller featuring a 3.5mm jack next to the Expansion Port for convenient headset connectivity.

5 Gadgets That Continue to Utilize Vintage MicroSD Cards

newer microSD cards boasting increased read/write speeds and larger capacity.

Select Android smartphones and tablets

A number of Android smartphones still incorporate microSD cards, despite boasting ample internal storage. Take for example the Motorola G Stylus, a mid-tier device designed for stylus use that was launched in 2025. This model is priced between $300 and $400 and offers two variants with 128GB and 256GB of internal storage respectively. Even with that capacity, it allows expansion via a microSD card up to 1TB. Samsung also continues to embrace microSD slots in its smartphone lineup, especially within its economical A-Series. Among these is the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, a $200 mid-range option featuring 128GB or 256GB of storage that can be enhanced with an extra 2TB through a microSD card.

Interestingly, not all premium smartphone models from Samsung lack a microSD slot. Every current Galaxy Tab variant, including the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, supports expansion of up to 2TB of additional storage. It’s reassuring to see these premium tablets geared for productivity and content creation, and

YouTuber Upgrades MacBook Neo Storage to 1TB and Publishes ASMR Video of the Upgrade Procedure

YouTube creator DirectorFeng is back with an ASMR-focused video highlighting the storage upgrade on a new Apple device. In this newest episode, DirectorFeng adeptly upgrades a 256GB MacBook Neo to 1TB, following an earlier attempt to enhance the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 2TB, which encountered NAND compatibility problems.

The video offers an engaging teardown experience, where DirectorFeng carefully removes the logic board to reach the internal parts. This process includes desoldering the existing 256GB NAND chip, cleaning the area, and then soldering in a new 1TB substitute. After putting the device back together, DirectorFeng powers on the MacBook Neo and carries out the required Device Firmware Update (DFU) steps with help from another Mac, ultimately showcasing the successful upgrade in the System Settings.

Curiously, DirectorFeng is not the first to attempt this modification. Commenters noted that another creator, Yang Changshun, had previously executed the same upgrade during a live stream, although that video is presently unavailable on YouTube.

For those looking into similar upgrades or components, exploring related products on Amazon may be beneficial.