AMD was set to launch its new Zen 5 processors on July 31st, including the 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 9950X, a chip it’s calling “the world’s most powerful desktop consumer processor.” Instead, it’s now announcing a one- to two-week delay “out of an abundance of caution.” The Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X will now launch on August 8th, while the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X will go on sale on August 15th.

This is not because AMD’s found any issues with the actual chips, spokesperson Stacy MacDiarmid tells The Verge. Rather, AMD discovered some of its chips didn’t go through all of the proper testing procedures, and the company wants to make sure they do.

Here’s the full statement from AMD computing and graphics SVP Jack Huynh:

We appreciate the excitement around Ryzen 9000 series processors. During final checks, we found the initial production units that were shipped to our channel partners did not meet our full quality expectations. Out of an abundance of caution and to maintain the highest quality experiences for every Ryzen user, we are working with our channel partners to replace the initial production units with fresh units. As a result, there will be a short delay in retail availability. The Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X processors will now go on sale on August 8^th and the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X processors will go on-sale on August 15^th. We pride ourselves in providing a high-quality experience for every Ryzen user, and we look forward to our fans having a great experience with the new Ryzen 9000 series. 

AMD already recalled the chips that needed the additional testing before they could go on sale, and it sounds like that testing is going smoothly; AMD’s engineers are confident the chips won’t be delayed further, according to MacDiarmid.

Tom’s Hardware reports that those crashing Intel chips have been permanently degraded and will need to be returned to Intel; we’ve reached out to Intel with a list of questions about how it’s handling the situation.

AMD is about to launch its Zen 5 laptop chips, too, codenamed Strix Point and formally known as Ryzen AI 9 300. AMD recently revealed a new higher-end chip in that lineup, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, with a more powerful 55 TOPS NPU.

Google is bringing a handful of new features to its Google Play store on Android today. There are new categorized “Collections” that highlight content from apps you’ve already installed. The company’s reward program is adding more prizes including Pixel hardware. Google’s Play Pass subscription service is introducing more versatile gaming capabilities. And in Japan, Google is rolling out a curated space for comics, which will let people dive into first chapter previews without needing to install third-party apps first.

Taken together, these changes are intended to make Google Play “an end-to-end experience that’s more than a store.”

The company previewed some of the latest updates at a media briefing in New York City on Tuesday. Google Play VP Sam Bright highlighted a few upgrades announced back at I/O such as AI-generated app reviews. Those AI features are being expanded with a new tool that will make it simpler to compare apps in similar categories (like photo editing software or fitness apps).

Then Bright moved on to some of the bigger new features. First is a new section of Google Play called Collections.

Rather than try to sell you on new apps, Collections are designed to surface content from those you’ve already installed and organize everything into categories like shop, watch, and listen. You’ll see a “continue watching” row for various streaming apps, plus the latest deals from select retailers. “With your app content in one place, it’s easier to pick up right where you left off,” Google’s blog post reads.

Gaming is another big focus of today’s updates. When searching, you can now select from a list of interest filters to refine the types of games that Play suggests. And starting today, Play Pass subscribers on PC are able to play multiple titles at the same time, so you can get your Clash of Clans fix in one window while playing another game elsewhere onscreen. Google launched Play Games for PC as a beta in 2022 and has continued to iterate on it with 4K support and now this.

Google is also trying to make its Play Points reward program more appealing by adding “super weekly prizes.” Available to gold, platinum, and diamond members, these level up the usual prizes by throwing Pixel devices, Razer gaming products, and other hardware into the mix. Prizes will rotate on a weekly basis and can be claimed from the Play Points perks tab.

Android customers in Japan are getting a new curated space in Google Play that’s entirely devoted to comics. “You can access comics-related content all in one place — including free first chapter previews, live events and trailers, editor picks and fan reviews even from apps you haven’t installed,” Google’s blog post reads. A new “comics” tab is coming right to the Google Play homescreen. The company is continuing to explore how it can best use these curated spaces in other regions; the first example was a cricket section in India.

Importantly, Google is also giving everyone greater control over exactly what data is used for Play’s personalized recommendations. Now you can choose apps that might contain sensitive data that you don’t want to be factored into the store’s personalization algorithms. You can find this option by navigating to “Personalization in Play” from the main menu.

Will these new features lead to people spending more time in Google Play? Perhaps, but many of them (like Collections) are easy to ignore if you prefer to keep using it as a destination for apps like always.

Have you ever wondered what the future of warfare might look like? Well, it’s starting to take shape right above our heads. 

The U.S. Air Force has just unveiled a new aircraft that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows across the globe.

But don’t expect to see a pilot in the cockpit. This high-tech innovation flies itself.

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XQ-67A: The new kid on the block

On a sunny California day in February 2024, something extraordinary took flight. The XQ-67A, a sleek unmanned aircraft, soared into the sky for the first time, giving us a glimpse into the future of aerial combat and reconnaissance.

The XQ-67A is what’s known as a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle. This aircraft is packed with cutting-edge technology that allows it to fly without a human pilot on board. Instead, it can be controlled remotely or even fly on its own, making decisions based on its programming and the data it collects.

U.S. Air Force’s XQ-67A drone (AFRL)

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There’s more than meets the eye with the XQ-67A

So, what makes the XQ-67A stand out in a world where drones are becoming increasingly common? For starters, it’s part of a program called the off-board sensing station. This fancy name essentially means it’s designed to be the eyes and ears of the Air Force, gathering crucial information in situations that might be too dangerous for human pilots.

But here’s where it gets really interesting: The XQ-67A is built on what engineers call a “common chassis.” Think of it like a car frame that can be used to build different types of vehicles. This approach allows the Air Force to create various types of drones quickly and cost-effectively. All of these are based on the same core design.

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U.S. Air Force’s XQ-67A drone (AFRL)

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It’s a family affair when it comes to the Air Force’s drones

The XQ-67A isn’t alone in this new era of aviation. It’s actually based on an earlier drone called the XQ-58A Valkyrie. And there’s more on the horizon. The Air Force is also developing something called the off-board weapon station, which could be thought of as the XQ-67A’s more combat-oriented cousin.

This family of drones represents a shift in military thinking. Instead of relying solely on expensive, manned aircraft, the Air Force is moving towards a mix of crewed and uncrewed vehicles working together. It’s a concept they call “Loyal Wingman,” where these autonomous drones support and protect human pilots in the air.

U.S. Air Force’s XQ-67A drone (AFRL)

How the XQ-67A is changing the game

The implications of this technology are huge. With drones like the XQ-67A, the Air Force can gather intelligence, conduct surveillance and potentially even engage in combat without putting pilots directly in harm’s way. It’s not just about reducing risk to human life; it’s about expanding capabilities.

These drones can fly longer missions without the limitations of human endurance. They can be sent into dangerous or contaminated areas without hesitation. And perhaps most importantly, they can make split-second decisions based on data and algorithms, potentially reacting faster than a human pilot could.

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U.S. Air Force’s XQ-67A drone (AFRL)

Looking to the future of autonomous military aircraft

As exciting as the XQ-67A is, it’s just the beginning. The technology behind these autonomous aircraft is advancing rapidly, and it’s not hard to imagine a future where swarms of artificial intelligence-controlled drones work in perfect coordination with human pilots.

But this future also raises important questions. How will the role of human pilots evolve? What are the ethical implications of having machines make life-and-death decisions in combat? And how might this technology change the nature of warfare itself?

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U.S. Air Force’s XQ-67A drone (AFRL)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The XQ-67A represents a pivotal moment in military aviation. The skies of tomorrow will be filled with aircraft that think, decide and act on their own, working alongside human pilots to accomplish missions we can only imagine today. Whether this prospect fills you with excitement or concern, one thing is certain: The future of aerial warfare is here, and it’s autonomous.

What are your thoughts on this new technology? Does the idea of autonomous military aircraft intrigue you, or does it give you pause? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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