TECH

Global memory crunch pushes modders to experiment with DIY DDR5 RAM

The unprecedented memory chip shortage isn't going to end anytime soon, but that doesn't mean DDR5 RAM sticks couldn't be cheaper than they are currently selling for. Modders are now seeing the DIY method as somewhat of a viable approach.

There have been a lot of talks surrounding the ongoing global DRAM and NAND crisis, and per recent reports, the situation will only become worse. IDC, for example, notes that current market analysis suggests that the memory shortage situation "could persist well into 2027."

While DDR4 RAM is being revisited, there's a chance that manufacturers will take advantage of the current situation and seek ways to increase their profits even through last-gen memory technology. Modders, however, are seeing a different method as somewhat of a viable approach to lower RAM costs in their builds.

They are now pitching the idea of DIY RAM sticks. At the surface, it's just like upgrading GPUs by soldering extra VRAM to the board. Of course, in terms of making your own memory sticks, the process would require sourcing the PCB board with the layout traced and memory ICs.

As Pro Hi-Tech highlights, these basic parts aren't challenging to source. Chinese sellers are already offering ready-to-be-soldered DDR5 PCBs. However, this DIY approach won't save users much money, at least not in the current state. An estimate calculated by Pro Hi-Tech and Viktor "Vik-On" points to a 16 GB stick costing around 12,000 rubles, around $151.

Compared to the current market condition, the estimated cost isn't much lower than what the average 16 GB DDR5 sticks are going for (Transcend 16GB DDR5 5600 MHz curr. $169.99 on Amazon). However, given how volatile the current memory market is, this DIY approach could eventually offer more notable savings in the not-so-distant future.

TECH

Dish sells Starlink Internet with free hardware and installation

The $19 billion in spectrum purchase that will allow Starlink to offer 5G Internet service when its V3 satellites are in orbit is bringing other perks. EchoStar, the parent company of satellite TV provider Dish, is now benefitting from the partnership with SpaceX.

When Sprint was forced to divest of its Boost Mobile subsidiary in order to get the merger with T-Mobile approved, its assets were scooped up by the satellite TV provider Dish.

At the time, Dish had big plans to use the newly acquired spectrum and become America's fourth largest carrier with its own 5G network. T-Mobile's merger with Sprint, however, put it so far ahead of rivals when it comes to 5G network deployment that even stalwarts like Verizon and AT&T fell behind.

Instead of building a 5G network, Dish's parent company EchoStar decided to auction its spectrum and AT&T got $23 billion worth of 50 MHz low-band and 600 MHz and 3.45 GHz spectrum, while Dish became a hybrid MVNO instead, and started to decommission its towers.

SpaceX then paid $19 billion to Dish's EchoStar for more 50 Mhz spectrum and MSS licenses so that it can boost the capacity and speed of its Starink direct-to-cell satellite constellation 100x. The move will now let it become a true T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T competitor as it can beam 5G carrier service from space once it starts launching its big V3 satellites in 2026.

Starlink Internet price at Dish...While Dish's dreams of becoming the next big American cell phone carrier didn't pan out and it became a hybrid MVNO instead, the partnership with its spectrum licensees has now allowed it offer both AT&T and Starlink services.

Dish is now selling Starlink Internet, promising no upfront hardware costs as well as help with installation that its satellite service technicians are well positioned to do. Other than that, the Starlink payment fee is still starting at $80/month for up to 200 Mbps of speed, while the SpaceX satellite Internet service offers 400+ Mbps speeds for $40 more.

Starlink is thinking of offering its cheapest $40/month plan with the Mini dish that is currently discounted by 40% on Amazon, and Dish customers may be able to take advantage of that deal, too.

 

DIGITAL LIFE

Extremist groups are using AI to boost online propaganda

Researchers and digital security experts warn that extremist organizations have begun to exploit artificial intelligence as a central part of their online strategies. The technology allows them to adapt old speeches, translate ideological materials into various languages, and transform texts into audio and video with just a few clicks.

According to analyses published by The Guardian newspaper, this movement represents a leap in efficiency in extremist propaganda. Previously restricted to linguistic niches or specific platforms, these messages now circulate globally.

One of the most exploited advances is AI translation. Unlike older tools, current models can preserve the tone, emotion, and ideological charge of the original speeches. This allows extremist messages to reach new audiences without seeming like mechanical or artificial translations.

For analysts, this change reduces historical barriers that limited the growth of these groups. The same content can be quickly adapted to different countries, languages, and cultural contexts, keeping the original narrative almost intact.

Voice cloning amplifies emotional impact...In the neo-Nazi far-right, voice cloning has become one of the most popular tools. Software trained with old recordings can recreate the voices of historical leaders and authors, giving "new life" to speeches from the past.

According to the Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNet), English versions of historical speeches have already accumulated millions of views on social media. Commercial voice synthesis services, such as ElevenLabs, are used to generate these audios from old files.

Jihadist groups are following a similar path. In encrypted applications, ideological texts are being converted into audios narrated by artificial voices, which makes consumption easier and more emotionally engaging.

From ancient manifestos to audiobooks...Another recurring use of artificial intelligence is the adaptation of historical texts to modern formats. One case cited by researchers involves Siege, an insurgency manual written by James Mason, which gained new circulation after being transformed into an audiobook with the help of AI.

According to the Counter Extremism Project, this repurposing extends the lifespan of extremist propaganda and facilitates consumption by new audiences, especially young people accustomed to audio content.

A growing challenge for governments and platforms...Authorities and experts see this scenario as a warning. Artificial intelligence accelerates a constant race between those trying to contain online extremism and those seeking to exploit new technological loopholes.

Understanding how these tools are being used is essential to developing more effective moderation policies. AI does not create extremist ideologies, but it is making their propaganda faster, cheaper, and much harder to contain — a challenge that is only expected to grow in the coming years.

Digital Look Magazine

DIGITAL LIFE

How social media algorithms turn attention into addiction — and why this is affecting mental health

Social media has become a central part of everyday life. It shapes how we get our information, how we relate to each other, and even how we spend our free time. Apps like TikTok and Instagram offer constant entertainment and immediate interaction, but they also raise a growing concern among experts: excessive use can foster digital addiction and affect mental health.

Recent analyses published by GQ magazine indicate that the problem lies not only in the time spent online, but in how these platforms are designed. At the heart of this debate are the algorithms — systems that decide what we see, when we see it, and how long we stay connected.

Studies conducted by researchers at Harvard University show that social media algorithms are optimized to maximize engagement. Likes, comments, short videos, and endless scrolling act as immediate rewards, activating brain circuits linked to pleasure and anticipation.

This mechanism reinforces the habit of repeatedly checking the cell phone, creating a constant sense of urgency: fear of missing out, need for continuous updates, and difficulty interrupting its use. Over time, this pattern can evolve into compulsive behaviors, in which the person feels discomfort when disconnected.

Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that prolonged use of social media — especially more than three hours a day — is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

The problem is not just quantitative. Continuous exposure to social comparisons, negative news, and emotionally charged content can generate feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and mental fatigue. Research also indicates that intense use before bed interferes with sleep quality, worsening tiredness and irritability the next day.

Despite the risks, experts agree that technology is not, in itself, the villain. Social networks facilitate communication, broaden access to information, create educational opportunities, and help form communities around common interests.

The challenge lies in balance. Harvard studies show that when social media use replaces in-person activities, rest, or offline leisure time, the impact on emotional well-being tends to be negative. Isolation, decreased productivity, and feelings of emptiness are some of the observed effects.

Digital health experts and the WHO emphasize that understanding how algorithms work is essential to regaining control over usage. Knowing that content is personalized to capture attention helps users adopt a more conscious approach.

Among the most cited recommendations are:

-Setting specific times to access social media, avoiding use immediately upon waking or before bed.

-Disabling non-essential notifications to reduce constant interruptions.

-Setting aside daily time for offline activities, such as physical exercise, reading, or in-person meetings.

-Using digital control tools that limit the time spent using applications.

These small changes help break the cycle of automatic use and promote a more balanced relationship with technology.

The value of boredom and reflection...A point often ignored is the importance of boredom. The tendency to fill any free moment with cell phones reduces the capacity for introspection and creativity. According to the International Association for Positive Psychology, moments of pause and mental silence contribute to emotional well-being and self-knowledge.

In addition, the emotional impact of the content consumed matters as much as the time spent using it. Experts from Stanford University recommend filtering the feed, muting or blocking profiles that generate anxiety, and prioritizing content that informs or inspires.

Digital education as a protection tool...For children and adolescents, the role of digital education is even more crucial. Organizations such as UNICEF advocate for teaching critical thinking from an early age, helping young people recognize misinformation, deal with online social pressures, and strengthen self-esteem in the digital environment.

Family dialogue and the joint definition of clear limits also prove effective in preventing abuse and addiction.

Ultimately, social networks can be allies or sources of stress. The difference lies in awareness. Understanding how algorithms work, setting boundaries, and diversifying experiences outside the screen are fundamental steps to enjoying the benefits of the digital age without compromising mental health.

Source: Infobae

 

TECH

Samsung to copy Apple with wide Galaxy Fold and 25W wireless charging shared with the S26 Ultra

Samsung will be mimicking the first foldable iPhone when it launches not one but two Galaxy Z Fold devices in 2026. It will also copy another feature of the iPhone Fold, or whatever Apple calls its first bendy device.

Samsung will reportedly follow in the footsteps of Apple when it releases a Galaxy Z Fold Wide version with 25W wireless charging speed support in 2026.

It intends to copy Apple to a tee with a second 2026 Z Fold model that mimicks both the aspect ratio and the screen size of the first bendy iPhone.

Apple is said to release an iPhone Fold, or whatever it gets named, with wider body when closed, so that it can open into a 7.58-inch display with an aspect ratio that will bring immediate compatibility with the hundreds of thousands of apps written for the iPad Pro.

Coincidentally, Samsung is also planning to enrich its 2026 foldable phone roster with a third member that will have a 7.6-inch inner screen with 4:3 aspect ratio, and a 5.4-inch outer panel that is much wider than the external screen of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8.

It will reportedly release it in the fall, or just around the time Apple launches its foldable iPhone, too, for some easy to guess reason.

That's not all that Samsung will be mimicking with the return to a wider Z Fold form factor similar to the OG Pixel Fold or Oppo Find N, however.

Apparently, the first foldable iPhone will sport 25W wireless charging, just like the current iPhone 17 crop when charged with a suitable Qi2.2 charger like the Anker Prime MagSafe 3-in-1 station that is currently 30% off on Amazon.

Again coincidentally, Samsung will equip its direct competitor - the wide Z Fold - with the same 25W abilities, which will be the fastest wireless charging it has ever offered in a Galaxy. To top it all off, the most expensive member of its future Galaxy S26 series, the Ultra, will also have an answer to the iPhone 17 Pro wireless charging speed with 25W support of its own.

Long story short, Samsung won't leave Apple without direct competition in any of its 2026 iPhone endeavors, regardless of the fact that a nearly square 4:3 aspect ratio would make less sense in a Galaxy than in an Apple foldable.

SONY

Xperia 10 VII review verdict: very compact smartphone with long battery life

Not too long ago, a small and light smartphone with almost 24 hours of continuous battery life was a dream for fans of compact devices. The Xperia 10 VII even features microSD storage expansion and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It couldn’t be any better than that? Unfortunately, it could've been.

The Sony Xperia 10 VII is a solid mid-range smartphone with European prices starting at €449 at retailers such as Amazon Germany. The phone stands out in our upcoming in-depth review thanks to its fresh design and improved camera sensors. Sony is moving away from the narrow 21:9 aspect ratio in favor of a wider 19.5:9 display, which makes the Xperia phone slightly wider overall.

However, the 6.1-inch OLED screen has big bezels, which are very noticeable due to the otherwise compact display size. The display-to-body ratio is only 82.9%. By comparison, the Motorola Edge 60 Neo has a ratio of almost 89%.

The Sony phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, which is slightly faster than its predecessor but still delivers below-average performance for the price, especially compared to competitors such as the Poco F7. GPU performance is particularly weak on the Xperia 10 VII.

A clear positive is the very long battery life of almost 24 hours in our WiFi test. We adjusted the display brightness to 150 nits, which makes the results comparable with other phones.

Anyone who values long update support, very good battery life and traditional features such as a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD support will probably like Sony’s latest mid-range handset. For users who are looking for more performance or a more modern design, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 and Samsung Galaxy A56 are decent options.

Marcus Herbrich

 

DIGITAL LIFE

New study reveals that AI cannot fully write like a human

A world's first study shows that AI-generated writing continues to display distinct stylistic patterns that set it apart from human prose. Led by researchers at University College Cork (UCC), the research explores whether systems such as ChatGPT can genuinely write in a way that is indistinguishable from people.

The study is the first in the world to use literary stylometry, computational methods traditionally used to identify authorship, to compare the writing styles of humans and large language models like ChatGPT across creative texts.

Researchers found that AI can generate polished, fluent prose, but its writing continues to follow a narrow and uniform pattern. Human authors display far greater stylistic range, shaped by personal voice, creative intent, and individual experience.

Published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, the research contributes to a growing conversation about the future of creative work at a time when generative AI is reshaping education, publishing and the arts.

Distinct stylistic differences between human and AI writing...Led by Dr. James O'Sullivan, UCC School of English and Digital Humanities, the study marks the first time literary stylometry methods have been used in a systematic way to assess stylistic overlap between humans and AI.

The study has delivered one of the most detailed assessments to date of how large language models differ from human authors in their approach to storytelling. Dr. O'Sullivan analyzed hundreds of short stories written by people alongside pieces generated by AI systems. By examining subtle linguistic markers, including the frequency of common words, the research reveals clear and consistent stylistic differences.

The analysis shows a clear stylistic divide between human writing and text generated by large language models. AI systems like GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and Llama 70B produce tightly grouped clusters, each reflecting the uniform patterns typical of a given model. In contrast, human texts show far greater variation and individuality.

'Even when ChatGPT tries to sound human, its writing still carries a detectable fingerprint'...GPT-4 writes with even more consistency than GPT-3.5, but both remain distinct from human work. While GPT-3.5 occasionally comes close to human style, these moments are rare. Across both the clustering and MDS visualizations, the pattern is the same: AI models produce compact, predictable styles, while human writing remains more varied and idiosyncratic, traits that reflect individuality and creative intention.

Dr. O'Sullivan said, "While AI writing is often polished and coherent, it tends to show more uniformity in word choice and rhythm. In contrast, human writing remains more varied and idiosyncratic, reflecting individual habits, preferences and creative choices."

"Even when ChatGPT tries to sound human, its writing still carries a detectable fingerprint, which suggests that computers and people don't yet write in quite the same style," Dr. O'Sullivan explains.

What stylometry can and can't tell us about AI writing...The researchers caution against using stylometry as an AI detection tool in education but highlight its value in understanding how human expression differs from algorithmic generation, offering new insights into what makes writing recognizably human.

Dr. O'Sullivan said, "Stylometry can reveal broad patterns across large bodies of text, but it has no place in judging authorship in education. Students' writing shifts from task to task and is shaped by context, support, and lived experience, which makes stylometric detection both unreliable and ethically questionable in academic integrity cases."

The study shows that the most advanced models still fall short of writing creative prose that blends seamlessly with human work. The findings point to the need for broader datasets, new prompts, and testing with emerging models, as well as closer attention to the ethical and creative questions raised by the growing use of generative AI.

Dr. O'Sullivan said, "It is one thing for a large language model (LLM) to reliably produce an email or summary report; the capacity to automate the production of literature raises profound ethical and philosophical concerns about authenticity, originality, and the very nature of authorship."

Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation, said, "Congratulations to Dr. James O'Sullivan on this timely study on comparing the writing styles of humans and AI driven language platforms. The staggering expansion and influence of AI in our daily lives is a defining feature of the 21st century. This research exemplifies the creative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary nature of research at UCC through our UCC Futures framework, in this case the areas of UCC Futures—AI and Data Analytics and the Future Humanities Institute."

Provided by University College Cork