Latest news with #Vulkan
Tom's Guide
16-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme benchmarks revealed — here's how the MSI Claw A8 and ROG Xbox Ally X may perform
Gaming handhelds are about to see a major boost in gaming performance thanks to AMD's new flagship chip, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and we now have a taste of what to expect thanks to new benchmarks. The first AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme benchmarks are in on Geekbench, as spotted by X user Olrak29_, showcasing the performance we can expect in the upcoming MSI Claw A8 — both in CPU and GPU performance. In the Geekbench 6 CPU results, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme-equipped MSI Claw A8 delivered a 2,748 single-core score, along with a 12,182 multi-core score. This is a strong improvement over its predecessor, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with around a 27% boost overall compared to other Geekbench benchmarks (via Wccftech). We expected a major boost in performance, with AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme coming with 8 cores and 16 threads based on Zen 5 architecture for faster multitasking, 15W to 35W power output and 16 GPU cores from its Radeon 890M iGPU with AMD's RDNA 3.5 to deliver FSR and frame-gen tech to boost frame rates. Speaking of graphics, the GPU performance is also shown on Geekbench, with a Vulkan score of 45,064 and an OpenCL score of 37,970. As per the Geekbench results, this pushes past the AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 (44,399/37,297) and crushes the Z1 Extreme (34,715/29,632). According to the results shown on Geekbench, here's how it measures up against the previous Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU in the Asus ROG Ally X, along with the laptop equivalent AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in the Asus TUF Gaming A14 in our testing. Devices Geekbench 6 Single core Geekbench 6 multi-core MSI Claw A8 (AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme) 2748 12182 Asus ROG Ally X (AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme) 2565 11085 Asus TUF Gaming A14 (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370) 2863 12729 As you can see, this shows a smaller boost in CPU performance (a 6-9% boost), but given the Z2 Extreme APU is made for handheld gaming, this is still a solid uplift, and the GPU power it appears to offer will make this chip a beast for gaming on the move. Plus, it isn't certain if this ran on 15W or 30W power, and the MSI Claw A8 tested appears to use 16GB of DDR5 RAM as opposed to the 24GB it can go up to. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Regardless, the improvements are clear, and this also gives us a look at what the ROG Xbox Ally X will deliver, seeing as Microsoft's upcoming handheld comes with the same Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU. Rumor has it that the ROG Xbox Ally X may be priced around $799 to $899, and recent reports indicate the MSI Claw A8 will be around $860. While the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme looks to offer significant boosts in gaming performance, it's set to come at a premium cost. Many of the best gaming handhelds don't come cheap, but considering consoles like the recently launched $599 Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS and $449 Nintendo Switch 2 are far less, it will be interesting to see how the latest handhelds with Z2 Extreme performance take off. For a better look at how well MSI's upcoming handheld performs, check out our hands-on with the MSI Claw A8. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Arabian Post
09-07-2025
- Arabian Post
Blender 5.0 Brings HDR Viewport to Linux Wayland Users
Blender 5.0 is introducing experimental High Dynamic Range rendering support for Linux users working in a Wayland session with Vulkan acceleration. This enhancement aims to offer creators precise brightness, contrast, and colour fidelity in the viewport, mirroring the output of HDR‑enabled monitors. HDR viewport support in the alpha build of Blender 5.0 must be explicitly enabled under Developer > Experimental settings, requiring a Vulkan graphics backend on Wayland. Testers have successfully run the feature on GNOME and KDE Plasma environments across Ubuntu 25.04 and Fedora setups, demonstrating compatibility with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel GPUs using monitors such as the ASUS ROG PG27U and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8. Blender's Jeroen Bakker highlighted on DevTalk that this feature remains experimental due to limited system testing, and the development team is actively seeking feedback to determine readiness for stable inclusion in the final 5.0 release. Community testers corroborate this request; one user reported flawless performance on Arch Linux with AMD 7900XTX and a 32‑inch HDR monitor, while another observed UI inconsistencies such as bright region overlays conflicting with UI elements. ADVERTISEMENT Phoronix's assessment affirms the limited initial testing but confirms functional results in alpha stage across Vulkan‑on‑Wayland configurations. Wayland's HDR protocol—absent in X11—and Vulkan's floating‑point buffer support are essential prerequisites, making the feature inaccessible without those components. Professional and hobbyist artists stand to benefit from HDR's ability to display a broader dynamic range, ensuring views in the viewport better match final renders. Users on Reddit commented that the feature is highly anticipated and a compelling incentive to invest in HDR hardware. Some, however, caution that industry‑wide support for HDR remains uneven, with software ecosystems often lagging behind hardware capabilities. Support across GPU vendors appears robust: developer testing includes NVIDIA alongside AMD and Intel. This suggests mature driver compatibility within the Vulkan stack, though users have noted occasional driver‑specific anomalies. Discussions also emphasise that Windows support for the feature is not yet scheduled, sparking interest in extending HDR viewport to other platforms. To experiment with HDR, users should download the latest Blender 5.0 alpha, launch a Wayland session with HDR‑enabled display output, switch to Vulkan in Preferences → System, enable Developer Extras and turn on Vulkan HDR support under Experimental settings, then restart Blender. Within Scene Color Management, HDR must also be activated for accurate viewing. The developer's roadmap hinges on accumulating comprehensive user feedback to address UI integration issues—such as overlay visibility—and ensure stable behaviour across diverse hardware and compositors. If successful, HDR support will graduate from experimental to enabled by default in the 5.0 stable release. This HDR initiative arrives amid a broader shift, as major Linux distributions migrate desktops to Wayland to leverage modern graphics features, enhanced security, and performance improvements. Artists seeking more lifelike previews stand to gain from this update. Those with HDR‑capable displays and Wayland desktops are encouraged to test the feature and share experiences on Blender DevTalk, helping refine HDR delivery ahead of the official 5.0 rollout.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
How to restore voice chat function in PEAK?
(Image via Landfall Games) For adventures in PEAK, to rely on teamwork is important. A silent teammate could mean disaster. Fortunately, in-game, there remains the chat feature that enhances teamwork. It allows players to communicate seamlessly using 3D directional audio. However, there are some players who have recently been facing issues with the function. They found the chat function to be unexpectedly quiet and hindering coordination on steep climbs. If you are one among them, here is how you can troubleshoot PEAK voice chat and restore it without having to wait for an official patch. How to fix PEAK voice chat issues ? The first step for PEAK voice chat restore is checking the settings menu voice chat PEAK. To do so, open PEAK audio settings from the menu during a game session. Common issues happen when the game selects an incorrect microphone (default), especially if there are multiple mics connected. So, make sure your preferred microphone or headsets are chosen actively. How To Fix PEAK Voice Chat Issues or Mic Not Working Problem Next, ensure to confirm that your microphone is aligned with the playstyle. Switching Push to Talk accidentally will disable the constant voice transmission. If you prefer to speak freely without having to hold a button, choose Voice Activation mode. The simple toggle quite often helps to resolve silence immediately. Check the hidden culprit: System settings At times, the root of the voice chat problem is outside PEAK. Some recent Windows updates or changes in the driver can unexpectedly alter the default input device of the system. For it, navigate to the sound settings of your computer or just choose Win+ I >System > Sound. In the recording devices section, verify the primary microphone is set as the default communication device. The system-level check will ensure all the applications, including PEAK, are able to correctly recognize the microphone. Also, ensure the right device has been selected system-wide. It will help prevent any conflicts which can mute in-game communication. A quick drive can save some significant troubleshooting later on. If the issue still persists, test different output devices. Switching between speakers or headphones could help identify the problems—whether they are in the game or in setup. Once done, relaunch PEAK to check for improvements. PEAK game troubleshooting for a clear communication PEAK supports varied graphics APIs, and switching between them can fix the voice chat function. If you have been using DirectX 12, try Vulkan or vice versa. Change it from the game's settings. While it might slightly impact performance, it can even resolve compatibility-related audio bugs. Just remember, these are all temporary fixes until developers release official updates. If the problems still continue, keep an eye out for patches. You can even report this issue to PEAK's support team for further assistance. Once the feature is up and working, it will revitalize the core social element of the game. Players could regain the ability to effectively plan ascents, immerse themselves within shared challenges, and celebrate small/big successes together. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Russian Holds Naval Exercises In Sea Of Japan; Moscow Deploys Warships, Naval Aircraft, Missiles
Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted major live-fire drills in the Sea of Japan, showcasing the use of cruise missiles from sea and coastal platforms. The Varyag cruiser launched Vulkan missiles, smaller ships fired Moskit missiles, and a Bastion coastal system deployed Onyx missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry stated all targets were successfully engaged. These drills are part of a large-scale military exercise running through late June, involving dozens of ships, aircraft, and thousands of personnel. Footage of the strikes was released but has not been independently verified. The activity comes days after Russian ships were spotted near Japan's La Pérouse Strait, increasing tensions in the region.#russia #russiannavy #navaldrill #seaofjapan #putin Read More
Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Russia conducts cruise missile drills in Sea of Japan, hits simulated targets
Russian warships and coastal missile systems struck simulated maritime targets with cruise missiles during exercises in the Sea of Japan, TASS state news agency reported on Monday, citing Russia's defence ministry. The ships and missile systems, all part of Russia's Pacific Fleet forces, "carried out a joint missile strike against a complex target setup in the Sea of Japan, simulating enemy ships", TASS cited the ministry's statement as saying. "All targets were successfully hit." The Fleet's flagship, the Varyag Guards missile cruiser, carried out a live launch of a Vulkan anti-ship cruise missile, and two missile boat strike groups attacked targets with four Moskit cruise missiles, TASS reported. The combat crew of the Bastion coastal missile system launched an Onyx anti-ship missile, it said. The missile firing zone had been closed in advance to civilian shipping and air traffic, the agency reported.
