What just happened? AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU is selling exceptionally well at least, according to one retailer. Mindfactory, a German-based electronics store known for sharing sales figures with the public, recently revealed that it has sold 8,650 units since the chip's launch late last year. That's not a colossal figure by any means, but it does have some relevance when put into perspective. For one, we're dealing with a single retailer. What's more, the 8,650 units sold is more than the sum of all other Ryzen 9000 series CPUs sold by Mindfactory to date (then again, that might not be saying much).AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D arrived on November 7, 2024, and was quickly crowned the new gaming CPU king. The $479 MSRP didn't deter buyers as the chip sold out at popular retailers in no time. Scalpers, seeking an opportunity, started flipping chips for huge profits. Prices have since come down on third-party marketplaces, with recent sales on eBay in the $600 range. That is about $120 over retail but far less than the $1,500 the chips were commanding not all that long ago.While AMD's latest is off to a solid start, it still has a lot of ground to cover to catch up to the fan-favorite 7800X3D. For comparison, Mindfactory has sold 78,420 units of the earlier model or about nine times as many as the 9800X3D.It is worth noting that AMD has additional 3D V-Cache chips in the pipeline, including a six-core Ryzen 5 9600X3D CPU that could generate a lot of buzz depending on its price and performance. AMD is also said to be prepping 12- and 16-core X3D processors that could arrive as soon as this month.CES is just days away, so perhaps we'll here more from AMD on the subject sooner rather than later. The annual trade show formally kicks off in Las Vegas on January 7 and runs through the 10th. AMD's keynote is set for Monday at 2 pm Eastern. // Related Stories

WTF?! The Arrow Lake fiasco has become increasingly absurd. Intel had promised to address the ongoing performance issues with its new processors by January 2025. However, the latest firmware updates seem to be exacerbating the problems rather than resolving them once and for all. Arrow Lake's debut is shaping up to be one of the most disappointing chapters in Intel's business history. The new Core Ultra CPUs have been heavily criticized for forcing customers into a significant performance downgrade compared to both AMD's latest offerings and Intel's previous processor generations.Intel, often referred to as "Chipzilla," has identified five distinct issues affecting the new CPU line, claiming that a microcode update would introduce further optimizations via updated firmware and platform releases.Motherboard manufacturers have already begun rolling out new firmware based on Intel's MC version 0x114. However, the initial benchmarks are shocking, even by recent Intel standards. According to a recent post on X by CapFrameX, Arrow Lake's so-called "performance" patches are causing severe performance drops in gaming applications.Compared to MC 0x113, the 0x114 update causes a significant performance drop in Cyberpunk 2077, reducing frame rates by approximately 20 percent. Additionally, the new firmware increases memory latency, as reported by CapFrameX, rising from around 69ns to 80ns. // Related StoriesIntel promised MC 0x114 would deliver a modest performance improvement. The company also plans to fully disclose the issues plaguing Arrow Lake during CES 2025, providing a detailed explanation of what went wrong with these CPUs. If CapFrameX's benchmarks are corroborated by further analyses, the upcoming CES presentation could spark a pivotal discussion within the PC chip industry.CapFrameX has faced accusations of bias against AMD in the past, often being perceived as more lenient when evaluating Intel and Nvidia hardware. The organization provides a frame capture and analysis tool built on Intel's PresentMon, complemented by an overlay component derived from Rivatuner Statistics Server, which is also used by MSI Afterburner.Intel has attributed Arrow Lake's subpar real-world performance to discrepancies between testing environments. According to the company, reviewers lacked critical software components, such as the Performance & Power Management (PPM) package. This package is essential for fine-tuning the processor's interaction with the operating system. Without the PPM package, Intel explained, the Application Performance Optimizer feature was unable to deliver its intended thread scheduling optimizations for gaming scenarios.

Although the Nintendo Switch is undeniably a success, the console has its fair share of critics. The graphical prowess of Nintendos hybrid handheld couldnt really compete with that of the Xbox or PlayStation, but a new patent suggests the Nintendo Switch 2 might not have that problem. This patent shows a system that could upscale resolution to as high as 4K without native 4K textures.The technology is similar to existing tools, like Nvidias Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) or AMDs FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). In theory, Nintendos patent would make it possible to keep game sizes smaller while still achieving gorgeous scenery and gameplay. For example, a 1080p game might need 25GB of storage, while a 4K game might need 75GB. A Nintendo Switch cartridge can only store up to 32GB of data, so 4K is out unless its artificially scaled up, according to analyst Laura Kate Dale.Recommended VideosThe Nintendo Switch 2 is all but guaranteed to be backward compatible with existing games, so maintaining compatibility with existing cartridges makes sense. Next-gen games will only grow larger and more complex, so technology that addresses the cartridge bottleneck is an inevitability.NintendoDocumentation shows the patent was filed in 2023, but is only just now going public. With Nintendos self-appointed deadline of March 31, 2025, approaching, the company is running out of time to make an official announcement for the Switch 2. However, its likely going to happen sooner rather than later given the surge in leaks and rumors over the past few weeks.Please enable Javascript to view this contentNintendo is famously litigious toward anything that encroaches on its properties just look atPalworld and likes to maintain control of the narrative. These leaks could lead to an earlier than planned reveal of the Switch 2. Great news for fans, but unfortunate for the company.RelatedWe still have little to no official information regarding the console, and Nintendo isnt likely to hand that out until its own announcement. Take these rumors with some skepticism, and dont cite them as fact just yet.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsKindled Inspiration: Yesteryear's SheKindled Inspiration: Blossom WalkKindled Inspiration: CamouflageKindled Inspiration: Natural DesignKindled Inspiration: Fortune's FavorKindled Inspiration: Deft ExuberanceKindled Inspiration: Warm ProtectionKindled Inspiration: Animal TracksKindled Inspiration: TransformationKindled Inspiration: Fragrant RewardKindled Inspiration: Goodnight SignalKindled Inspiration: Perfect PairKindled Inspiration: Weave FantasyKindled Inspiration: Glimpse of SunsetKindled Inspiration: Super WaterproofWhile many of the quests in Infinity Nikki are simple enough to figure out, the Kindled Inspiration class of sidequests can take you on difficult scavenger hunts. There are multiple sidequests under the Kindled Inspiration heading that task you with figuring out which wardrobe items the NPC is looking for.Recommended VideosDifficultyModerateDuration3 hoursThe clues that NPCs will give you are intentionally vague, forcing you to explore and unlock or purchase a piece of clothing based on imagery and descriptors. For completing these quests, one of the rewards is a clothing item, so they're worth solving. Let's dive into how to complete all the Kindled Inspiration quests available in Infinity Nikki.InFold GamesYou'll find Kindled Inspiration: Yesteryear's She in Florawish, just outside of the Mayor's Residence. Speak to Alber on a sunny day to begin this quest. He will ask you to find the dress that Mayor Liliana often wore.Step 1: Travel to Memorial Mountains, just west of Florawish. Specifically, the fast-travel point called Beside the Statue in the Old Florawish Memorial.InFold GamesStep 2: Find your way into the memorial and begin the quest with Kilo the Cadenceborn.InFold GamesRelatedStep 3: You will unlock the ability to give Kilo your Dews of Inspiration. Reach level 2 to receive the dress called Paper Crane's Flight by giving 30 Dews of Inspiration to Kilo.InFold GamesStep 4: Craft the sketch for the Paper Crane's Flight dress with these materials:* x2 Foodie Bee* x2 Floof Yarn* x120 Thread of PurityInFold GamesStep 5: Wear the dress and then speak with Alber again. For completing the quest, he will give you a hairstyle sketch called Nostalgic Bloom.InFold GamesInFold GamesKindled Inspiration: Blossom Walk is just north of the Mayor's Residence in Florawish. Speak with Narci on a sunny day, and she'll task you with finding a pair of shoes that wouldn't harm her flowers.Step 1: Visit Marques Boutique in Florawish and purchase Floral Stroll shoes for 13,600 Bling.InFold GamesStep 2: Wear the Floral Stroll shoes and speak again with Narci. As a reward, you will receive the hat sketch Breeze-Kissed Blooms.InFold GamesInFold GamesTalk to Rosy during a sunny day to begin this quest. She is near the trail to the Dream Warehouse in the northern part of Florawish. She'll ask you to find a skirt that matches the Faewish Sprites' skin tone.Step 1: Visit Marques Boutique in Florawish and purchase the Wishful Pact skirt for 18,200 Bling.InFold GamesStep 2: Wear the Wishful Pact skirt and speak with Rosy. She will reward you with the Starlit Night hat sketch for completing the quest.InFold GamesInFold GamesYou'll find the quest Kindled Inspiration: Natural Design southeast of the Cicia Art Academy Field Base. Talk to Velly on a sunny day, and she'll be looking for fabric that instantly catches your eye.Step 1: Visit Marques Boutique in Florawish and purchase the Woolfruit Growth outerwear for 4,300 Bling.InFold GamesStep 2: Wear the Woolfruit Growth outerwear and speak with Velly. As a reward for completing this quest, she will give you the sketch for the Hundred Daisies shirt.InFold GamesInFold GamesJust northeast of Cicia Art Academy Field Base, talk to Mysti during a sunny day. She wants you to find her socks that could bring cheer and good luck anytime and anywhere.Step 1: Complete the main quest that unlocks the Afternoon Shine ability outfit, which allows you to catch bugs. If you've already done so, you should have sketch available. From that sketch (if you haven't already crafted it), craft the Little Luck pair of socks from the set using these materials:* x1 Daisy* x3 Thread of PurityInFold GamesStep 2: Wear the Little Luck socks and talk to Mysti. She will give you the Lucky Knot bracelet sketch as a reward for completing the quest.InFold GamesInFold GamesTalk to Peysi at the Meadow Activity Support Center on a sunny day. She will ask you to find her bottoms that let her jump around easily.Step 1: Visit the Memorial Mountains. Specifically, teleport to the fast-travel point called Beside the Statue in the Old Florawish Memorial.InFold GamesStep 2: There's a chest containing the sketch you need above you on the ruins. Head over to this ramp in the image above, and you can easily parkour up and over to the chest containing the Swift Leap shorts sketch.InFold GamesStep 3: Craft the Swift Leap shorts using these materials:* x3 Sizzpollen* x3 Buttoncone* x40 Thread of PurityInFold GamesStep 4: Wear the Swift Leap shorts and speak to Peysi again. You'll receive the Gentle Sunshine visor for your quest reward.InFold GamesInFold GamesThis quest in found at the very bottom right-hand corner of the map. Here, speak with Vendita during the day and he'll request that you find him gloves befitting a guard.Step 1: Visit Marques Boutique in Florawish and purchase the Midnight Moon gloves for 15,900 Bling.InFold GamesStep 2: Wear the Midnight Moon gloves and speak with Vendita. He will give you the Crimson Snowstorm sketch as a reward.InFold GamesInFold GamesTalk to Auri northwest of Breezy Meadow on a sunny day. He is looking for clothes with claw mark designs on them.Step 1: You'll find the sketch you need in these ruins, just south of Breezy Meadow near the Relic Hill fast-travel point.InFold GamesStep 2: Purify all the enemies in these ruins to unlock the chest containing the Mark of Life sketch.InFold GamesStep 3: Craft the Mark of Life shirt using these materials:* x6 Bitey Fabric* x6 Tricky Patch * x40 Thread of PurityInFold GamesStep 4: Wear the Mark of Life shirt and speak with Auri. You'll receive the Peace with Birds hat sketch as your reward.InFold GamesSpeak to Rosalie in Stoneville on a sunny day. She will request that you wear a simple hairstyle for her.Step 1: Wear any hairstyle with the Simple tag. The Rippling Waves hairstyle from the fishing ability outfit should work best.InFold GamesStep 2: After speaking to Rosalie while wearing your Simple hair, she will give you the Quick Ponytail hairstyle as a reward.InFold GamesInFold GamesTalk to Penny at the Ripple Wine Cellar in the Abandoned District on a sunny day. She will want you to find something fragrant.Step 1: Wear the Purple Thoughts handheld item. This is a free bundle of flowers you get during the main story, so you should have this already.InFold GamesStep 2: Hold them while speaking to Penny, and you will get the Surprise Invitation sketch.InFold GamesInFold GamesFind Fabrizio during the night in Stoneville. He's looking for three pieces of comfy homewear.Step 1: Go to Marques Boutique and buy these three items:* Dreamland Marathon shirt* Late Slumber shorts* One More Minute slippersInFold GamesStep 2: Wear this pajama set and talk to Fabrizio again. He will reward you with the Heavy Eyelids sketch.Infold GamesInFold GamesVisit Franklie at Windrider Mill in the Abandoned District on a sunny day. This island is only accessible after fixing the Ripple Estate Skypass. She wants you to find a dress worn during country-style activities.Step 1: Find the Fragrant Reverie dress in the chest just to the left of the By the Stylist's Guild Memorial Warp Spire. It's right outside the exit of the tutorial area from the start of the game.InFold GamesStep 2: Craft the sketch of this dress using these materials:* x5 Lampchili* x2 Daisy* x25 Thread of PurityStep 3: Wear the dress and talk to Franklie. She will gift you the Natural Color dress sketch in return.InFold GamesInFold GamesTalk to Bianbo in the Wishing Woods during the day. She will want you to find a style that combines the Fantasy elements of two different outfits.Step 1: Wear two pieces of clothing that have the Fantasy tag. Make sure they aren't from the same outfit.InFold GamesStep 2: Talk to Bianbo to receive your reward, which is the Bottle of Truth necklace sketch.InFold GamesInFold GamesSpeak with Oguda in the Wishing Woods near Aurosa Valley just after sunset. They're looking for a pair of glasses that lets them see the sunset anytime.Step 1: Purchase the Glimpse of Sunset glasses from Marques Boutique in Florawish.InFold GamesStep 2: Talk to Oguda while wearing the glasses and you'll receive the Infinite Hope glasses sketch.InFold GamesInFold GamesFind Arlda in the Wishing Woods' giant tree during the day. Make it far enough in the main story to gain access to the tree's higher levels first. Arlda is looking for a waterproof hat.Step 1: Wear the Azure Ripples hat from the Bye-Bye Dust ability outfit.InFold GamesStep 2: Speak with Arlda while wearing the hat, and he will gift you the Gathering Drops sketch.InFold GamesWith Infinity Nikki receiving consistent updates and new content, more Kindled Inspiration quests may arrive. We'll update this list with any new Kindled Inspiration quests we come across.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsSennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphones $100, was $180Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Headphones $296, was $400Are you tired of walking around with a wimpy pair of headphones that barely bring the bass? How about treating yourself to an excellent set of Sennheiser cans? Revered in the world of audio, Sennheiser products are fine-tuned to deliver exceptional sound, and right now, two of the companys headphone models are on sale:For a limited time, youll be able to purchase both the Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Headphones and the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphones for reduced prices. And if these two items are still beyond your budget, our list of the best headphone deals should have something even more affordable for you to go with.Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphones $100, was $180Riley Young / Digital Trends / Digital TrendsNoise-cancelling headphones are a great investment, and one of the best pairs you can grab for less than $150 are the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphones. Designed to deliver premium sound quality and a comfortable fit, these wireless will last up to 30 hours on a full charge and supports playback of the SBC, AAC, and aptX Low Latency codecs. Other noteworthy features include foldaway ear cups and customizations via the free Sennheiser Smart Control app.RelatedWe tested these headphones back in 2020, and reviewer Ryan Waniata nicely summarized his experience: Impressive features, style, and noise cancellation add up to a worthy option for budget shoppers.Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Headphones $296, was $400SennheiserDisrupting a fellow humans sleep is about one of the worst things another human could do, which is why were thrilled to shine a light on the Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Headphones. These close-backed cans are comfy to wear for the long haul, and the included base station works up to 330 feet away. Hook up to your TV or compatible AV component using digital and analog audio connections, and enjoy up to 18 hours of crystal-clear sound on a full charge!Were not sure how long these two Sennheiser sales are going to last, so its not a bad idea to order them ASAP if youre able to. We also recommend taking a look at our lists of the best Bluetooth speaker deals. And hey, did you know Sennheiser even makes soundbars? The Ambeo Max is pretty awesome, but its also expensive. Fortunately, our list of soundbar deals features products that cost far less.Editors Recommendations

A globetrotting tour from India to Sweden and beyond reveals what we lose as the worlds rarest cultural marvels fade from memory.

Pastry chefs are nerding out on whole-grain flours from small mills around the country. Now, home bakers can get in on the action.

It plays Doom Someone made a CAPTCHA where you play Doom on Nightmare difficulty Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly?) this is not the first Doom CAPTCHA. Samuel Axon Jan 2, 2025 3:05 pm | 9 You must kill at least three demons in Doom to prove you're human. Credit: Guillermo Rauch You must kill at least three demons in Doom to prove you're human. Credit: Guillermo Rauch Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn morePeople have been complaining for a while that passing a CAPTCHA is too difficult, but developer and tech CEO Guillermo Rauch has made one of the hardest yet: a fully playable CAPTCHA based on the classic PC game Doom.It's been a long-running joke that developers will make Doom run on absolutely anything, so it's not much of a surprise that it's now running inside something that resembles a CAPTCHA.The app essentially amounts to a small Doom level that is playable with keyboard controls (arrow keys to move, space bar to shoot) within a CAPTCHA-like presentation. You must kill three enemies to pass the test.The level reflects Doom's Nightmare difficulty, and it is much harder than needed to be an effective CAPTCHAespecially since you can't strafe to avoid enemy fire. It took me several tries to cheese a victory, and the Hacker News thread about this app is filled with people noting how difficult it is and sharing strategies.It's a WebAssembly application, but it was made via a human language, prompt-driven web development tool called v0 that's part of a suite of features offered as part of Vercel, a cloud-based developer tool service, of which Rauch is the CEO. You can see the LLM bot chat history with the series of prompts that produced this CAPTCHA game on the v0 website.Strangely enough, there has been a past attempt at making a Doom CAPTCHA. In 2021, developer Miquel Camps Orteza made an approximation of onethough not all the assets matched Doom, and it was more Doom-adjacent. That one was made directly by hand, and its source code is available on GitHub. Its developer noted that it's not secure; it's just for fun.Rauch's attempt is no more serious as a CAPTCHA, but it at least resembles Doom more closely.Don't expect to be playing this to verify at real websites anytime soon, though. It's not secure, and its legality is fuzzy at best. While the code for Doom is open source, the assets from the game like enemy sprites and environment textureswhich feature prominently in this applicationare not.Samuel AxonSenior EditorSamuel AxonSenior Editor Samuel Axon is a senior editor at Ars Technica. He covers Apple, software development, gaming, AI, entertainment, and mixed reality. He has been writing about gaming and technology for nearly two decades at Engadget, PC World, Mashable, Vice, Polygon, Wired, and others. He previously ran a marketing and PR agency in the gaming industry, led editorial for the TV network CBS, and worked on social media marketing strategy for Samsung Mobile at the creative agency SPCSHP. He also is an independent software and game developer for iOS, Windows, and other platforms, and heis a graduate of DePaul University, where he studied interactive media and software development. 9 Comments

What happens when USB-D arrives? USB-C gets a bit more universal as the EUs mandate goes into effect Apple has already pulled devices to comply with the Common Charger Directive. Kevin Purdy Jan 2, 2025 2:49 pm | 12 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn more"It's time for THE charger," the European Commission posted to X on December 28, 2024. While the sentiment only applies to one continent (and not all of it) and only certain devices, the Common Charger Directive now in effect in the European Union suggests that far fewer gadgets will foist barrels, USB-micro, or proprietary plugs onto their owners.The Common Charger Directive demands that a "USB-C receptacle" be equipped on "radio equipment" that is "equipped with a removable or embedded rechargeable battery" and "can be recharged via wired charging." If it has a battery and can be powered by up to 100 watts through a USB-C connection, it's generally subject to the EU's USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices "placed on the market"sent to a distributor or buyerafter December 28, even if they were initially designed and sold before that date.Laptops get until April 2026 to comply, but most other thingsphones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories, and wireless headphoneswill have to be powered by USB-C to be sold inside the EU from now on. Drones, for the time being, are largely unaddressed by the directive, but the EU will likely get around to them.The directive contains several exceptions and some wiggle room. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries, like coin cells or AA/AAA batteries, get a pass, such that many smart home gadgets are off the hook. There is some vague language around devices that recharge inside a case or box, although earbud cases are specifically included in the mandate. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempted. And a device can offer another charging option, like Apple's MagSafe or proprietary plugs, so long as USB-C charging is also available.Fewer bricks, standardized fast chargingThe most significant impact this USB-C requirement has had so far is on Apple, which, while initially resisting, has gradually shifted its products from its proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C. Its latest iMac comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad that all connect via USB-C. The firm stopped selling the Lightning-charging iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28. People who understand electrical terminology, and live in an EU member country, will soon have a better understanding of how many more cables they'll need to buy for their newest gadget. Credit: European Commission People who understand electrical terminology, and live in an EU member country, will soon have a better understanding of how many more cables they'll need to buy for their newest gadget. Credit: European Commission In addition to simply demanding that a USB-C port be present, the Directive requires that anything with "fast charging"pulling more than 5 volts, 3 amperes, or 15 wattsenable the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure that they properly negotiate charging rates with any charger with USB PD rather than require their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.In Europe, devices must indicate on their product boxes whether they contain a charging plug or mid-cord brick. A different label will indicate the minimum and maximum power that a device requires to charge and whether it can support USB PD or not.Can the EU make cables and cords get along?The EU's celebratory post on X is heavy with replies from doubters, suggesting that mandating USB-C as "THE charger" could stifle companies innovating on other means of power delivery. Most of these critiques are addressed in the actual text of the law, because more powerful devices are exempted, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless largely gets a pass. "What about when USB-D arrives?" is something no person can really answer, though it seems a vague reason to avoid addressing the e-waste, fragmentation, and consumer confusion of the larger device charging ecosystem.How the Common Charger Directive will be enforced is yet to be seen, as that is something left up to member nations. Also unproven is whether companies will comply with it across their international product lines or simply make specific EU-compliant products.Kevin PurdySenior Technology ReporterKevin PurdySenior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 12 Comments

A robotic hand with vibration sensors in the fingertips can grasp apples and oranges with just the right amount of forceAnway S. Pimpalkar et al. (2024)/CC BY 4.0A robotic hand inspired by human skin can sense how hard an object is with a single digits touch and work out how much force is needed to grip it before the rest of the hand closes its grasp.Gripping an object firmly enough to secure it, but softly enough that it doesnt break, is something that humans learn as infants, but robots still struggle with.