Russia's Outdated Chip Machine, China's Fastest SSD, Mall.cz Closes - News Directory 3

Russia’s Outdated Chip Machine, China’s Fastest SSD, Mall.cz Closes

April 4, 2025 Catherine Williams Tech

IT News Roundup: AI Advancements,Chip Developments,and Tech Acquisitions

Table of Contents

Here’s a curated selection of noteworthy developments from the IT world this week:

Czech republic to Form AI Task Force

The Czech government is establishing an eight-member team dedicated to artificial intelligence under the Ministry of Industry and Trade,led by john Kavalírek. The group will focus on implementing the European AI Act and executing the national AI strategy.

AI Passes Turing Test, Sort of

A new study from the University of California, San Diego, suggests that artificial intelligence is getting better at mimicking human conversation. Researchers found that GPT-4.5 was identified as human in 73% of conversations during testing with students and random participants.

Russia’s Chipmaking Efforts Lag Behind

Russia has developed a chip manufacturing process, but it’s substantially behind western technology. The Nanotechnology Center in Zelenograd created a 350nm production process, while companies like ASML are approaching 2nm processes using EUV lithography. Questions remain about Russia’s ability to achieve mass production.

Chinese Firm Enters SSD Speed Race

unis Flash Memory, a Chinese company, has unveiled a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD with claimed read speeds of up to 14.9 GB/s and write speeds of 12.9 GB/s.Samsung recently released the 9100 Pro with speeds of 14.8 GB/s and 13.4 GB/s. Availability and pricing details are not yet available.

Mall.cz Shuts Down Under Allegro Ownership

The online retailer Mall.cz has ceased operations in its original form after being acquired by Allegro. The move mirrors the fate of CZC.cz, another e-commerce platform under Allegro’s ownership.Both companies had reportedly been experiencing losses.

windows ‘Blue screen of Death’ Gets a Makeover

Microsoft is testing a new color scheme for the infamous “Blue Screen of Death” in Windows 11.The updated screen, currently available in Windows Insider builds, may feature a black or green background, and the sad smiley face may be removed.

Google Makes gemini 2.5 Pro Free

Google has made its Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available for free. The move may be aimed at increasing market adoption.

Amazon Unveils AI Web Browser Agent

Amazon has introduced Nova Act, an AI agent capable of controlling web browsers and performing various actions. An SDK is also available.

Gmail to Offer End-to-End Encryption for All Users

google is expanding end-to-end encryption in Gmail to all users,not just Google Workspace subscribers. The feature is currently in beta.

10GB Router Gateway Available for Pre-Order

Pre-orders are open for a 10GB router gateway running OpenWrt. The device features a quad-core NXP Layerscape processor at 1.6 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, dual 10GB SFP+ ports, and triple gigabit RJ45 ports. The price is $600.

Nvidia Driver Issues Prompt Rollback Recommendation

Nvidia is facing reports of performance decreases with its latest graphics card drivers (572.xx), particularly for older generation cards. Users are advised to revert to drivers from late 2024 until the issues are resolved.

Intel to Begin 3nm Production in Europe

Intel plans to start 3nm chip production at its Fab 34 in Ireland this year. The process, known as Intel 3, would be the most advanced chip process on the continent if triumphant.

Intel Postpones Panther Lake Processor Launch

Intel has delayed the release of its Panther Lake processors until 2026. The company intends to manufacture them using its own 18A process (under two nanometers).

Intel to Streamline Operations, Focus on Core Business

Intel is planning to divest non-core business units, according to lip-Bu Tan. The company aims to streamline operations and focus on customer needs, including potentially developing custom x86 chips.

ARM Aims for 50% Server Processor Market Share

ARM projects that its processors could capture 50% of the server market this year. Currently, approximately 15% of servers use ARM-based chips, driven by cloud providers like AWS designing their own ARM processors.

Nintendo Details New Switch 2 Console

Nintendo has revealed details about the upcoming Switch 2 console. It will feature a 7.9-inch LCD display with Full HD support and up to 4K (60 Hz) output. Internal storage will be 256 GB,expandable via MicroSD Express.

Apple Releases iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4

Apple has released iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4. Apple Intelligence is included in iOS for Europe, but it is still in beta and functionally limited. AI features are highlighted in the new MacOS, particularly in photo applications.

AMD Completes Acquisition of ZT Systems

AMD has finalized its $4.9 billion acquisition of ZT Systems,a company specializing in server design for AI chips. AMD aims to leverage ZT Systems’ expertise to design large AI clusters and better compete with Nvidia.

chinese Firms Purchase $16 Billion in Nvidia AI Chips

Chinese companies have reportedly ordered $16 billion worth of Nvidia AI chips this year,specifically H20 models,which are modified versions due to U.S. sanctions. The increased volume of purchases may be driven by anticipated tightening of regulations.

GlobalFoundries and UMC consider Closer Cooperation

globalfoundries and UMC are exploring closer cooperation to strengthen their position in the custom chip market. Both companies have a presence in older production processes.

SMIC Reportedly to Start 5nm Production Next Year

chinese chip manufacturer SMIC is reportedly planning to begin 5nm production next year. Yields are expected to reach 30%, and the process is estimated to be 50% more expensive than TSMC’s.

Rockbox Firmware updated to Version Four

Version four of the Rockbox software, a firmware for portable music players, has been released. The update includes support for GPT drives larger than two TB and improved codec support.

Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 Chipset

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4, a new chipset for high-performance smartphones. it utilizes Kryo cores and is manufactured using a 4nm TSMC process.

Qualcomm Eyes Alphawave and Vinai for Acquisitions

Qualcomm is reportedly interested in acquiring British company alphawave, a player in data center connectivity. Qualcomm is also acquiring Vietnamese company Vinai to enhance its AI growth capabilities.

Epic Games Acquires Loci

Epic Games has acquired Loci, a company specializing in technology that automatically tags 3D assets and recognizes objects. The acquisition will expand the capabilities of the Unreal Engine.

IT News Roundup: Your Tech questions Answered

Here’s a breakdown of the week’s most interesting IT news, explained in a way that’s easy to understand:

Key Trends in IT This week

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1. What are the biggest AI developments this week?

Czech republic AI Task Force: The Czech government is establishing a task force to focus on implementing the European AI Act and executing the national AI strategy.

AI Passes Turing Test (Sort Of): A study suggests AI is improving in mimicking human conversation. GPT-4.5 was mistaken for human in 73% of tests.

Google Gemini 2.5 Pro is Free: Google has made its Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available for free.

Amazon Unveils AI Web Browser Agent: amazon introduced Nova Act, an AI agent that can control web browsers.

2. What is the European AI Act?

The European AI Act is a regulatory framework created by the European Union to govern the advancement, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence. Its main purpose is to ensure that AI systems are safe, obvious, and respect fundamental rights and values. the AI Act aims to address potential risks associated with AI, such as bias, discrimination, and threats to human autonomy.

3. What is the Turing Test and why is it vital?

The Turing Test, proposed by Alan Turing in 1950, is a test of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior. A human judge engages in natural language conversations with both a human and a machine. If the judge cannot reliably distinguish the machine from the human,the machine is said to have passed the test. Passing the Turing Test is a notable milestone in AI as it signifies the machine’s potential to exhibit human-like conversation skills.

4. Why is Google making Gemini 2.5 Pro Free?

Google making Gemini 2.5 Pro free is highly likely a strategy to increase market adoption and gain a wider user base. By removing the barrier to entry, Google can encourage more people to use the model, collect valuable data, and potentially integrate Gemini into more products and services.

Chip Developments and Manufacturing

5.What are the latest developments in the chip industry?

Russia’s Chipmaking Efforts Lag: Russia is behind western technology, with a 350nm chip manufacturing process, compared to leading companies approaching 2nm.

Chinese Firm’s SSD Speed Race: unis Flash Memory unveiled a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD with claimed speeds up to 14.9 GB/s read and 12.9 GB/s write.

Intel to Begin 3nm Production in Europe: Intel plans to start 3nm chip production in Ireland this year.

Intel Postpones Panther Lake Processor Launch: Intel has delayed the release of its Panther Lake processors until 2026.

SMIC to Start 5nm Production: Chinese chip manufacturer SMIC is reportedly planning to begin 5nm production next year.

6. What does “nm” (nanometer) mean in chip manufacturing?

“nm” stands for nanometer, a unit of measurement. In chip manufacturing, this refers to the size of the transistors on a microchip. A smaller number (like 2nm) means the transistors are smaller, allowing for more transistors to be packed onto a chip. This generally leads to increased performance and lower power consumption.

7. Why is Russia’s chip manufacturing behind?

Russia’s chip manufacturing is substantially behind Western technology primarily due to several factors:

Access to Technology: Russia has limited access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, from companies like ASML due to export controls and sanctions.

Technological Expertise: The complex processes of modern chip manufacturing require a vast pool of skilled engineers and technicians, which Russia may lack compared to leading countries.

Investment: Extensive investment in research and development, manufacturing facilities, and supply chains is needed for advanced chip production. Russia may not have the financial resources to compete in this field.

8. What is PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD?

PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD is a type of solid-state drive (SSD) that uses the PCI Express 5.0 interface and the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) protocol. This means it is designed to offer extremely fast data transfer speeds. PCIe 5.0 provides significantly higher bandwidth than previous generations, resulting in quicker data access, faster boot times, and improved overall system performance, particularly for demanding applications.

9. What are the advantages of a smaller nanometer process, like 2nm or 3nm?

The advantages of smaller nanometer processes include:

Increased Performance: More transistors can be packed onto a chip, leading to faster processing speeds.

Improved Power Efficiency: Smaller transistors use less power,resulting in longer battery life and reduced heat generation.

Higher Density: More features can be integrated onto a single chip, increasing overall functionality.

Acquisitions and Company Moves

10. What are the major acquisitions and company moves in the news?

Mall.cz Shuts Down: The online retailer mall.cz has ceased operations under Allegro’s ownership.

AMD Acquires ZT Systems: AMD finalized the acquisition of ZT Systems to design AI clusters.

Epic Games Acquires Loci: Epic Games acquired Loci, a company that specializes in technology to tag 3D assets.

Qualcomm Eyes acquisitions: Qualcomm is looking to acquire Alphawave and Vinai to enhance its capabilities.

11. Why did Mall.cz shut down?

Mall.cz shut down after being acquired by Allegro, likely due to financial losses.The move mirrors the similar closure of czc.cz, another e-commerce platform under Allegro’s ownership, Both companies had reportedly been experiencing these losses.

12. What is AMD’s acquisition of ZT Systems all about?

AMD’s acquisition of ZT Systems helps the company design and build AI clusters, leveraging ZT’s expertise in server design. This should help AMD better compete with nvidia in the AI hardware market.

13. Why is Epic Games acquiring Loci?

Epic Games is acquiring Loci to augment the capabilities of its Unreal Engine. Loci’s technology automatically tags 3D assets and recognizes objects, so integrating this into the Unreal Engine provides developers with powerful tools for creating more immersive and efficient 3D experiences across various industries, including gaming, architecture, and manufacturing.

Software and Operating Systems

14. What are the latest software and operating system updates?

Windows “Blue Screen of death” gets a Makeover: Microsoft is testing a new color scheme for the “Blue Screen of Death” in Windows 11.

Gmail to Offer end-to-End Encryption: Google is expanding end-to-end encryption in Gmail to all users.

Windows ‘Blue Screen of Death’ Gets a Makeover: Microsoft is testing a new color scheme for the “Blue Screen of Death” in windows 11.

Rockbox Firmware Updated: Version four of the Rockbox software, a firmware for portable music players, has been released.

Apple Releases iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4: Apple has released iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4 which have added new features and Apple Intelligence in Europe.

15. What is end-to-end encryption?

With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and the recipient of a message can read it. No third party, not even the email provider (in this case, Google), has access to the decryption key. This adds a significant layer of security and privacy, preventing unauthorized access to the contents of communications. End-to-end encryption secures your data.

Hardware and Devices

16. What are the hardware, router, and device product updates?

10GB Router Gateway Available for Pre-order: Pre-orders open for a 10GB router gateway.

Nvidia Driver Issues: Nvidia is facing reports of performance decreases with its latest graphics card drivers.

Nintendo Details new Switch 2 Console: Nintendo has revealed details about the upcoming Switch 2 console.

17. What are the specifications of the 10GB router gateway?

This 10GB router gateway features:

Quad-core NXP Layerscape processor at 1.6 GHz

8 GB of RAM

Dual 10GB SFP+ ports

Triple gigabit RJ45 ports

Price: $600

18. what nvidia driver issue are users encountering?

Users with Nvidia graphics cards, particularly older generation cards, are reporting performance decreases with the latest drivers (572.xx). Nvidia recommends reverting to older drivers from late 2024 until the issues are resolved.

19. What’s interesting about the new nintendo Switch 2 console?

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will have:

7.9-inch LCD display with Full HD (1080p) support

Up to 4K (60 Hz) output

256 GB Internal Storage

MicroSD Express card support expansion

Market Trends and business

20. What market trends and business insights are notable from this week’s news?

ARM Aims for 50% Server Processor Market Share: ARM is projecting to capture 50% of this server market by year-end.

Chinese Firms Ordering Nvidia AI Chips: Chinese companies have ordered $16 billion worth of Nvidia AI chips.

GlobalFoundries and UMC Consider Cooperation: closer cooperation to strengthen their position in the custom chip market.

Intel to Streamline Operations: Intel is looking to divest non-core business units.

21. Why is ARM targeting 50% of the server market?

ARM is targeting 50% of the server market because its ARM-based processors offer competitive advantages in power efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is particularly attractive to cloud providers like AWS, who can design their own ARM processors and build specialized server infrastructure efficiently.

22.Why are Chinese firms ordering so many Nvidia AI chips?

Chinese firms are ordering $16 billion worth of Nvidia AI chips, including modified H20 models.While the reasons can be complex, this increase suggests an anticipation of tightening regulations, indicating a strategic move to obtain the needed resources before potential restrictions.

| Company | News | Importance |

| :———————- | :—————————————————————————– | :————————————————————————————————————————- |

| Czech Republic | Czech republic to Form AI Task Force | government’s commitment to AI, influencing AI adoption in the country. |

| Google | Google Makes Gemini 2.5 Pro Free | Promotes usability, data collection, and integration of AI.|

| Amazon | Amazon Unveils AI Web Browser Agent | Expanding into human-computer interaction. |

| Apple | Apple Releases iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4 | Incorporates AI and improves device ecosystems. |

| Nvidia | Nvidia Driver Issues Prompt Rollback Recommendation | Highlights the ongoing importance and challenges of driver support. |

| Intel | Intel to Begin 3nm Production in Europe | Boosts chip making in Europe. |

| SMIC | SMIC Reportedly to Start 5nm Production Next Year | Shows development in chip manufacturing in China. |

| Qualcomm | Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 8S gen 4 Chipset | New advancements for smartphones. |