This isn’t the first time Sony Interactive Entertainment has released a special edition controller to commemorate an upcoming exclusive — it launched a symbiote-themed controller alongside Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 last year — but its latest collaboration with developer Team Asobi is far cuter. The new PS5 controller features shiny blue grips and buttons inspired by Astro’s signature blue accents, along with a pair of gawking blue eyes on the touch pad. It also sports some subtle, carved lines on both handles, giving the controller a bit of a sci-fi vibe.

The distinctions stop there, though. The limited edition Astro Bot model touts the same robust compatibility and battery life as your standard DualSense Wireless Controller, along with the same adaptive triggers, motion controls, and haptics. That being said, Team Asobi has supposedly added a ton of new interactions between the controller and the next Astro Bot game, allowing you to feel a wider variety of textures and surfaces while giving power-ups a more distinct feel. The original Astro’s Playroom felt like a glorified tech demo, and if our hands-on time with Astro Bot is any indication, the sequel will follow suit.

What if you could hop on a flying taxi and travel from San Francisco to San Diego or Boston to Baltimore without the hassle of airports or security lines? 

Would you do it? 

Well, this future is now closer than ever, thanks to Joby Aviation’s groundbreaking achievement in clean aviation.

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Revolutionizing clean aviation

Joby Aviation recently completed a 523-mile nonstop flight with its hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator aircraft. This flight marks a significant milestone in the development of emissions-free regional air travel, with water vapor being the only by-product.

Hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (Joby Aviation)

READY TO UNLEASH YOUR INNER MAVERICK WITH THRILLING AIRWOLF HOVERBIKE

Hydrogen vs. battery power

The hydrogen-electric flight demonstrates a substantial improvement over battery-powered eVTOLs. Joby’s previous record with a battery-electric aircraft was 154 miles, highlighting the potential of hydrogen fuel cells to significantly extend the range of electric aircraft. This advancement could open up new possibilities for regional air travel without the need for traditional airport infrastructure.

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Hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (Joby Aviation)

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Specifications of the hydrogen-electric aircraft

Joby’s hydrogen-electric demonstrator is a modified version of their pre-production battery-electric aircraft. The aircraft includes a cryogenic fuel tank storing up to 88 pounds of liquid hydrogen at -420 °F. The H2F-175 fuel cell system, developed by H2Fly, Joby’s subsidiary, generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air, powering the aircraft’s six rotors. A small battery provides additional power during takeoff and landing.

Hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (Joby Aviation)

THE SMALL BUT MIGHTY ELECTRIC HELICOPTER THAT’LL HAVE YOU RETHINKING THE WAY YOU TRAVEL IN THE FUTURE

Implications for regional travel

This breakthrough could transform regional air travel by enabling point-to-point services without the need for airport runways. Joby’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, envisions a future where passengers can fly between cities with minimal environmental impact.

Possible flight routes for hydrogen eVTOL (Joby Aviation)

Joby’s strategic advantage

The success of this hydrogen-electric flight positions Joby at the forefront of the eVTOL industry. The company plans to leverage its existing infrastructure, including landing pads, operations teams and ElevateOS software for both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft. This approach could accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen-powered flight.

Hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (Joby Aviation)

Challenges and future prospects of hydrogen-electric aircraft

While hydrogen fuel cells show promise for aviation, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development and regulatory approvals. However, Joby’s progress in battery-electric aircraft certification provides a solid foundation for advancing hydrogen-electric technology.

Illustration of battery-electric power system and hydrogen-electric power system (Joby Aviation)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Joby Aviation’s recent 523-mile hydrogen-electric flight is a game-changer in sustainable aviation. By showing that hydrogen fuel cells can significantly extend the range of electric aircraft, Joby is opening up exciting new possibilities for clean, regional air travel. As the company continues to develop both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric technologies, we might be witnessing the start of a revolution in air transportation that could drastically cut the aviation industry’s carbon footprint while making fast, efficient regional travel more accessible.

Would you be willing to take this new mode of travel? How might it change your approach to regional trips or even daily commutes? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Intel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors which will address incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage.

For all Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via BIOS update and will not be available through operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service.

Instability Analysis Update – Microcode Background and Performance Implications

In addition to extended warranty coverage, Intel has released three mitigations related to the instability issue – commonly experienced as consistent application crashes and repeated hangs – to help stabilize customer systems with Intel Core 13th and 14th gen desktop processors:

1. Intel default settings to avoid elevated power delivery impact to the processor (May 2024)

2. Microcode 0x125 to fix the eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)

3. Microcode 0x129 to address elevated voltages (August 2024)

Intel’s current analysis finds there is a significant increase to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) across multiple cores on affected processors due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to the increase in Vmin for the processor.

The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel is also confirming, based on extensive validation, all future products will not be affected by this issue.

Intel is continuing to investigate mitigations for scenarios that can result in Vmin shift on potentially impacted Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by end of August. 

Intel’s internal testing – utilizing Intel Default Settings – indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (eg. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few sub-tests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). For gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (eg. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing slightly more impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.

For unlocked Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) will not prevent users from overclocking if they so choose. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to push above the 1.55V threshold. As always, Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. As a general best practice, Intel recommends customers with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors utilize the Intel Default Settings.

In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel is reaffirming its confidence in its products and is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process. Users experiencing consistent instability symptoms should reach out to their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or place of purchase (tray processor) further assistance.

FURTHER READING:

June 2024 Intel Default Settings Guidance

August 2024 Warranty Extension Details