Dell is doubling down on AI-powered computing with a new lineup of Pro Precision workstations designed to bring serious AI performance directly to desks.

At the centre of the announcement is a refreshed Dell Pro Precision range. It includes both tower and mobile workstations built specifically for AI-heavy workloads like model training, simulations, and creative production.

The idea is straightforward: instead of relying on cloud infrastructure, Dell wants AI development to happen locally. This way, teams can experiment faster and keep control over their data.

from the we-are-incapable-of-subtlety dept

We’ve noted repeatedly how the U.S. authoritarian right is buying up all of our new and old media companies because they’re trying to mimic what Viktor Orban created in Hungary. Namely, a media where all the major outlets are owned by rich autocratic allies, who spew propaganda 24/7 while the government strangles real, independent journalism just out of frame.

Of course, you’re supposed to try and have some subtlety in this so the public isn’t fully aware of the con. But the Trump administration doesn’t do subtlety.

Last week Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth apparently got upset by the fact Trump’s war in Iran isn’t going very well. Poor Donald clearly didn’t understand the evolving nature of modern and inexpensive drone warfare (despite all the brutal evidence in Ukraine), and has gotten the country bogged down in precisely the sort of clusterfuck the fake populist pretended he opposed last election season.

Even our soggy corporate press has occasionally been making this clear to the public, something that upsets Pete Hegseth very much. Hegseth apparently got particularly upset with CNN recently insisting that the Iran War had “intensified.” It made him so upset that he openly pined for the moment when Larry Ellison (and his nepobaby son) control CNN, so they can cheerlead for war:

One of the funniest parts about this is that claims the war had “intensified” was made by his own agency in a press release!

It’s very clear that the U.S. right wing won’t be satisfied until the entirety of U.S. media is owned by a handful of rich right wingers like Larry Ellison and Elon Musk, allowing them to create a North Korea bullhorn of daily, uniform propaganda that does nothing but lavish praise upon them. To build something like that here in the States requires a level of subtlety they’re simply not capable of:

Democrats historically suck on media policy and reform (even the progressive wing of the party is fairly incompetent on the subject), so you can’t expect much help there.

But there are several things working in our favor, including America’s sheer size (it’s very difficult to maintain the kind of control they’re looking for), our diversity, the decentralized nature of the modern internet, and the fact that most of the nepobabies (David Ellison) and brunchlords (Bari Weiss) integral to their plans appear to have absolutely no Earthly idea what they’re actually doing.

For example, all the debt Ellison has adopted from the purchase of CBS and Warner Brothers is going to force them to engage in massive, unprecedented cost cuttings and layoffs, making it hard to maintain informational control and build an effective, ratings-grabbing propaganda operation (even if Bari Weiss knew what she was doing, which she assuredly does not).

And the public still has agency. Larry Ellison can buy TikTok and Elon Musk can buy Twitter, but they can’t control the flow of the public as they flee to other, less white supremacist, right wing friendly alternatives. It’s sheer hubris to think they can maintain information control in a country this massive and diverse, and there will be some useful entertainment value in watching them set money on fire trying.

Filed Under: 1st amendment, agitprop, consolidation, free speech, iran war, journalism, larry ellison, media, pete hegseth, propaganda

Companies: cbs, cnn, paramount

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is already on its way out. A new report suggests that the company is killing sales for the triple foldable phone just three months after its debut, putting an end to its $2,899 experimental showcase.

But while the Galaxy Z TriFold sales are being halted, it’s apparently not the end of the road for such an ambitious smartphone.

What’s left to unfold?

Amid the TriFold’s reported phase-out, fresh rumors hint that Samsung doesn’t plan on abandoning the concept entirely. It would appear that the brand is doubling down with a better successor, which is slimmer and more refined than the original Z TriFold.

Samsung took feedback on the first-generation TriFold, and the thickness seems to be one of its biggest drawbacks. Early tri-folding designs being bulky isn’t a surprise, considering their multi-hinge structure. But Samsung could make the next version even thinner, and refine the overall form factor to make it more practical for everyday use.

Why thickness matters for tri-fold devices

One of the biggest challenges of any foldable phone is its overall width when folded, which is especially true for a triple-folding design. The multiple folding sections can make the device a lot thicker than standard foldables when folded, which can affect everything from portability to in-hand comfort.

In comparison, the notebook-style and clamshell folding flip phones are more mature in their designs. Even the first-gen Galaxy Fold had its fair share of issues, which were ironed out with each passing generation. So Samsung seems to be making a quicker move to improve the TriFold concept before pushing it further.

The chair starts at $8,995, but that doesn’t include the side table or ottoman. Add those and it costs $10,995. The model pictured above uses Alpaca wool fabric and brings the cost up to $14,995. (There are more than 300 fabrics and colors to choose from, and the swiveling table comes in various woodgrains.) The Herman Miller Eames, of which the Diffrient Lounge also takes inspiration, costs roughly $8,500 today, depending on which leather you choose.

“The Eames is obviously an iconic design—it’s timeless, it’s beautiful—but it’s not something you can work comfortably in for a long time,” Silva says.

Levers on the edges of the armrest let you mechanically adjust the recline of the backrest and headrest.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Don’t let the Lounge in the name fool you. Silva assures me that every chair the company designs is built with ergonomic comfort in mind, with the adjustable work surface and headrest allowing for different postures. While traditional lounge chairs focus on style, Silva says the Lounge prioritizes comfort. In my brief time on the chair, it indeed felt enveloping and cushy yet supportive. And the mechanical levers made it easy to shift the chair into a more active sitting position or a more relaxing posture, without disrupting the ergonomics with a laptop on the table.

Diffrient had been tinkering with the idea of a lounge chair that could double as a workstation for a long time, Silva says, and believed that technology allowed people to work in different ways.

“The chair acknowledges the fact that creativity and productivity don’t necessarily happen when you’re tied to your desk,” he says. “They happen in different postures; more relaxed or moving around the office, and this chair supports those transitions.”

King recites a famous quote from Diffrient: “The best chair is a bed.” When you sit upright, your weight compresses your spine, but when you lean back, a large portion of that weight goes into the backrest, so when you’re lying down, there’s significantly less pressure on your spine. “Reclining is really healthy,” King says. “He always thought it would be a good way to work.”

Luxe Seat

How does a chair come to cost $15,000? Silva highlights Humanscale’s long-standing approach to simplicity. After all, it’s a hallmark of the original Freedom chair. While the Diffrient Lounge may not look very complex, that’s by design, cleverly masking the engineered mechanical system with clean lines and curves. There’s even some automation in the headrest. If you’re fully reclined and the headrest is in a forward position to support your head, as you come back up, the headrest will automatically go into a neutral position.

There are two USB-C ports on the chair to power your devices, which means the Diffrient Lounge needs to be connected to an outlet.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Other Folding Phones to Consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,056: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a close second to Motorola’s Razr Ultra. I liked the camera quality from Motorola’s latest flip more than Samsung’s, a big win for the Razr, but the Flip7 captures nice photos and offers better video quality, if that’s your thing. Samsung’s latest Flip has a larger front screen, though you still have to jump through a few hoops to make it useful. For example, you need to install an app called Multistar to add any app of your choosing to the cover screen. The phone also has a lackluster battery life, struggling to last a full day; the Razr Ultra still only lasts a day, but I didn’t feel like I had to plug in as much. And it also gets a little too warm for my tastes when it’s under load. It’s a good flip phone, but I prefer Motorola’s 2025 flagship.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $1,250: The only reason to consider the Pixel 9 Pro Fold right now is if you see it on sale. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the newer, better handset. The 9 Pro Fold isn’t as slim or as lightweight as the Galaxy Z Fold7, but it’s still a svelte device with a large front screen that feels like a normal phone. The 8-inch inner screen is excellent, and the triple-camera system delivers great results, though not as great as the Pixel 9 Pro series. Read our Best Pixel Phones guide for more.

Razr 2025 series

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Motorola Razr+ (2025) for $700: There is technically a third phone in Motorola’s latest Razr lineup: the Razr+ 2025. However, it’s nearly identical to the Razr+ 2024, with fresh colors and the improved IP48 rating and titanium-reinforced hinge. It sits in an awkward middle ground, though. It’s not as affordable as the standard Razr, which offers a pretty nice experience for the money. But it’s also not as flagship as the Razr Ultra. It is also the only one of the lineup without the ultrawide camera. I usually love telephoto zoom lenses, but ultrawides are so handy on flip phones for group selfies. If you’re considering this model, it’s also worth considering the Razr+ from 2024, as you’ll see some nice discounts on it throughout the year; it just lacks the reinforced hinge and IP48 rating.

Galaxy Z Flip6

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 for $899: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2024 might be a better buy than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 FE—the new “budget” folding flip phone the company introduced alongside the flagship Flip7 and Fold7. That’s because the Flip7 FE is a reskinned Flip6 with a Samsung Exynos processor instead of a Qualcomm chip. We haven’t tested the FE yet, but you can probably find a decent deal on the Flip6 that might make it a better value than the Flip7 FE. Performance could even be a smidge better.

Xiaomi Mix Flip for $899: Xiaomi’s first flip phone has a lovely design with excellent displays inside and out, long battery life with fast charging, and flagship-level performance, which makes a nice change, as flip phones often have middling specs. It also boasts a solid dual-lens camera, opting for telephoto instead of ultrawide alongside the capable main shooter, which is more useful for most folks. The software lets the party down a little; there’s no IP rating, and it is pricey, but I had fun with this flip phone. —Simon Hill

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When I searched online to see if it’s possible to pop popcorn in an air fryer, I ran into a dead end. Some websites say that you can and even encourage air-fried popcorn, while others caution against it. Unable to find a clear answer, I felt it was my duty as a devoted popcorn lover to go straight to the source for us all, which is why I reached out to an actual air fryer manufacturer and professional chefs to get a final answer.

Experts weigh in on air fryer popcorn

I reached out to Ninja, makers of the Ninja Crispi, CNET’s pick for the best air fryer overall. While the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can even roast a whole chicken, it can’t pop popcorn — yet. 

Well, technically it can, but that doesn’t mean it should.

“At Ninja, we’re always testing the boundaries of what our technology can do, and popcorn in an air fryer is something our culinary and product development teams have explored. However, we advise against trying to make popcorn in an air fryer,” a Ninja Kitchen representative tells CNET. “Air fryers circulate heat differently than traditional popcorn makers, which means kernels don’t reach the sustained heat needed in the required time.”

Because popcorn is lightweight, Sharniquia White, chef and registered dietitian, explains that if you try to make it in an air fryer, it can fly up into the device’s heating element, get stuck near the fan, burn from uneven airflow and leave you with a frustrating amount of unpopped kernels. All cons, no pros. 

Given the safety hazards and unsatisfying results, you’ll want to avoid using an air fryer for popcorn. At least until the technology catches up. 

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The best way to make popcorn, according to pro chefs

Since the air fryer is out for popcorn, I asked my chef sources for their recommendations on making the best popcorn. 

White says that the stovetop wins every time if you want a fluffy texture, rich flavor and full expansion of your kernels. She provides these handy instructions for getting the best results:

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat.
2. Add 2-3 kernels to test if the oil is hot enough. When they pop, add ½ cup kernels.
3. Cover and gently shake the pot occasionally.
4. Remove from heat when popping slows.
5. You control the oil, the salt and the outcome.

However, if you make popcorn all the time, plant-based chef Shauna McQueen, MS, RD, founder of Food School, recommends purchasing a low-cost pan with a lid you can crank to move the popcorn kernels around. 

“The other option is automatic and will self-stir the kernels,” McQueen adds. “I’ve used both and have had to replace both within a few years of use, but find the automatic one most convenient.”

As for the healthiest way to make popcorn…

“If you’re reaching for the air fryer because you want to use less oil, you’re thinking in the right direction,” White says. “However, an inexpensive air popper or a measured stovetop method is more reliable and safer. Popcorn is already a whole-grain, fiber-rich snack. The goal isn’t to eliminate oil entirely; it’s to be intentional about how much you use and what you add.”

Whether you pop it on the stove or buy a device that air-pops your popcorn, it’s best to avoid microwave popcorn. According to McQueen, it may contain additives like TBHQ, which is used to extend the shelf life of processed foods. While the FDA considers it safe in appropriate amounts, it has been linked to potential health issues.

The healthiest popcorn toppings

If extra flavor is what you’re after, McQueen suggests the following anti-inflammatory toppings: curry powder, cayenne, garlic powder or chili powder. For a cheesy flavor plus B-vitamins, opt for nutritional yeast. Her favorites include a curry-style popcorn made with curry powder, garlic powder and a small amount of nutritional yeast; chili powder with lime and za’atar; or everything bagel seasoning. 

As for White, she likes adding smoked paprika, cinnamon with a pinch of salt, fresh lime zest and sea salt or dried dill, “for an unexpected herb twist.”

The bottom line

Though it’s tempting, you shouldn’t make popcorn in your air fryer. Instead, use what you already have on hand and prepare it on the stovetop. 

If you can’t get enough of the stuff and make it all the time, consider these options that are under $50: a stovetop popcorn maker or an oil-free air popper.

Either way, to keep your popcorn as healthy as possible, go light on the oil, butter and salt. Personally, I’ll be topping mine with chili powder, lime and za’atar next time my popcorn craving strikes, which will likely be in a few minutes after writing this tasty piece. 

If you have launched a AAA game on your PC recently, you know how long it can take to start. You are often left staring at the “Compiling Shaders” screen without knowing what is happening.

In the most basic terms, shaders are specialized programs running on the GPU that determine how objects appear on the screen. Because PC hardware configurations vary widely, developers leave shaders uncompiled, meaning they are compiled on the fly when you launch a game, hence the wait. 

Intel’s latest Arc graphics driver update is here to fix that, and it’s part of a much bigger effort from Microsoft to solve one of PC gaming’s most annoying problems.

What exactly is Intel doing here?

The new driver introduces Intel’s Graphics Shader Distribution Service, which delivers pre-compiled shaders directly to your PC rather than making your GPU compile them on the spot. 

If you have played on a gaming console, you know that you never face compilation wait time. It’s because developers have to target only a few devices, and they can optimize the code for those devices. Microsoft is trying to do the same for PC gaming. 

Microsoft has achieved this by launching an API that lets apps identify themselves directly to D3D12 (Microsoft’s graphics API) and the graphics drivers in a standardized way. This way, Microsoft can deliver pre-compiled shaders for games across various display adapters and hardware manufacturers.

The result? First load times that are up to 2x faster on Intel Arc B-series GPUs, as well as Core Ultra Series 2 and 3 processors with built-in Arc graphics. The update includes pre-compiled shader support for big titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, God of War Ragnarok, Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield, and Oblivion Remastered, among others.

Why does it matter for you?

As more and more developers start supporting this new Graphics Shader Distribution Service, it will greatly reduce the game launch time. Microsoft demonstrated this earlier on the ROG Xbox Ally, cutting load times in games like Avowed by up to 85%.

You will also experience fewer stutters during games when a cut scene appears, or you move between different parts of the maps. So, update your drivers and enjoy playing games instead of watching them prepare to be played.

Rotel’s Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier marks the latest expansion of its luxury Michi lineup, a range that has steadily positioned itself as a serious contender in the upper tier of two-channel hi-fi. While Rotel has long enjoyed a strong reputation for well-engineered audio components, the Michi sub-brand represents its push into a more ambitious category of design, performance, and pricing.

Over the past few years, the Michi family has evolved into one of the more compelling alternatives to established high-end integrated systems. That progression has included the Michi Q5 Transport DAC (2024), the Series 2 amplifiers and preamplifiers (2023), and our earlier review of the Michi X3 Integrated Amplifier (2022). Taken together, the lineup has demonstrated that Rotel is serious about competing well above its traditional price brackets.

More importantly, the Rotel Michi range has proven capable of going head-to-head with some very established names, including the Cambridge Audio Edge Series, flagship integrated amplifiers from Marantz, the upper tier of Naim Audio’s Uniti Series, and even entry-level systems from McIntosh. That is not a small claim in a category where heritage brands have dominated for decades.

With the introduction of the Rotel Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier, Rotel appears intent on pushing that challenge even further into territory normally reserved for some of the most recognizable names in high-end audio.

Michi: Rotel’s Luxury Hi-Fi Components

The Michi line is intended to provide a clear entry point into Rotel’s most ambitious high-end audio components, built around the same design discipline, power-supply architecture, and manufacturing standards expected from true reference-level audio. It represents the company’s effort to push beyond its traditional value-focused reputation and compete directly in the upper tier of two-channel hi-fi.

Drawing on more than 60 years of amplifier and circuit development, Michi models aim to deliver a thoroughly modern listening experience defined by effortless dynamics, exceptional clarity, and the kind of long-term reliability Rotel has built its reputation on. The easiest way to think about it is simple: Michi is Rotel operating without a price ceiling.

For 2026, the brand is expanding the Michi lineup with two new Prestige Series components: the Prestige Q430 CD Player ($3,999) and the Prestige X430 Stereo Integrated Amplifier ($4,999). The visually matched combo also establishes a new design ethos within the existing Michi lineup featuring an anodized aluminum faceplate, top cover, and knurled volume knob, along with a glass front panel and high-resolution color display.

Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier Overview

Class A/B Power

The Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier is a high-power Class A/B design engineered to deliver 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 340 watts per channel into 4 ohms, providing the current and headroom required to properly control demanding loudspeakers.

The X430’s high-current output stage is supported by an exceptionally low-noise architecture built around an oversized custom toroidal transformer manufactured in-house by Rotel, paired with multi-stage voltage regulation that reduces noise and ripple throughout the circuit. Optimized power and signal paths further minimize distortion, helping the amplifier maintain stability, clarity, and dynamic authority even when driving more demanding loudspeaker loads.

The result is what Rotel describes as an “acoustically transparent silent background” which claims a lower noise floor that allows subtle musical details to emerge more clearly. In practical terms, that means quieter silences, improved separation between instruments, and a more convincing sense of depth and soundstage, qualities that tend to stand out most with vocals and acoustic recordings where spatial cues and microdetail matter most.

High-resolution DAC

The X430’s digital section includes a PC-USB input supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 (4x) via DoP, along with coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs capable of handling LPCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

For digital conversion, the amplifier employs the ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, chosen for its ability to preserve fine detail and micro-dynamics. The result is improved clarity, imaging, and sonic texture, with more air and space around instruments, cleaner transient edges without harshness, and greater realism when playing high-resolution streaming or other digital sources.

 HDMI ARC & Digital Audio Connections

The X430 provides a wide range of digital audio connections designed to integrate easily into modern two-channel systems.

HDMI ARC allows users to route television audio directly through the amplifier with a single cable while maintaining convenient volume control from the TV remote.

Additional coaxial, optical, and PC-USB inputs support connections to streamers, disc players, and computers. The result is a cleaner, more impactful TV and music setup without the complexity or clutter of a surround sound receiver.

Bluetooth

In addition to its physical inputs, the X430 also includes Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from smartphones, tablets, and other compatible source devices. It supports the aptX HD and AAC codecs, enabling higher-quality wireless playback than standard Bluetooth.

It’s worth noting, however, that the amplifier does not support newer high-bitrate codecs such as aptX Lossless or LDAC. For listeners seeking the highest possible streaming quality, the X430’s Roon support and wired digital inputs remain the better path to extracting maximum performance from modern streaming sources.

System Flexibility

For both modern and legacy analog sources, Balanced XLR and RCA analog inputs are provided along with Moving Magnet Phono compatible inputs for connecting Turntables. 

In addition, dual subwoofer outputs and A/B speaker switching make the X430 easy to integrate and upgrade over time. 

Premium Build

The X430 features a precision-machined chassis, a knurled aluminum volume control, and a large color display that immediately conveys the Michi brand’s premium design ethos. The display offers selectable VU meter and spectrum analyzer views, adding a visual element to the listening experience that many owners will appreciate every time the system powers up.

Physically, the X430 measures 431 x 148 x 422 mm (17 x 6 x 16.5 inches) with a front panel height of 132 mm (5.25 inches) and a net weight of 16.9 kg (37.3 lbs). Compared with the larger Michi Series 2 components, the X430 is smaller, lighter, and more compact, making it easier to integrate into a wider range of systems and furniture without sacrificing the brand’s signature build quality.

Comparison

The Bottom Line

At $4,999, the Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier lands in an increasingly competitive segment of the high-end integrated amplifier market. What makes it stand out is the combination of serious Class A/B power (210W into 8 ohms), premium build quality, a modern ESS SABRE DAC, HDMI ARC connectivity, and Rotel’s in-house power supply design, all wrapped in a chassis that is smaller and lighter than the Michi X3 and X5 Series 2 models. In practical terms, it offers robust power delivery, clean industrial design, and a strong digital section at an approachable price point.

There are trade-offs. The X430 drops support for MQA decoding and Moving Coil phono cartridges, and its power output is slightly lower than the larger Michi integrated amplifiers. But the addition of HDMI ARC and a newer DAC platform makes it better aligned with how many listeners actually use their systems today—combining streaming sources, digital playback, and television audio in a single two-channel setup.

The X430 is clearly aimed at listeners who want reference-level integrated amplifier performance without stepping into five-figure territory. It should appeal to owners of demanding loudspeakers, two-channel purists who still want strong digital connectivity, and anyone looking for a serious alternative to integrated amplifiers from Cambridge Audio’s Edge Series, Marantz’s top-tier models, the upper end of Naim’s Uniti lineup, or even entry-level McIntosh—all while staying just under the psychological $5,000 barrier.

Price & Availability

The Michi Prestige X430 Integrated Amplifier will initially be available through Authorized Dealers in North America beginning March 2026 for $4,999. Global availability is expected to follow early in the second quarter of 2026 with pricing set at €4,999 or £4,499.

For more information: rotel.com/product/x430

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