PhotoPrism, an AI-powered photos app for the decentralized web, has recently released its latest version, November 28, 2023. This app utilizes cutting-edge technologies to automatically tag and find pictures without causing any disruptions to the user. It provides the flexibility to run on a home server or in the cloud.

The service release includes various updates and fixes for recently identified issues. In addition to the existing Docker images, PhotoPrism now offers installation packages with binaries specifically designed for Linux. It is important to note that these installations require manual setup, so it is recommended for experienced users.

Here are the key improvements and updates in this release:

• Search: Enhancements to camera and lens information in the cards view details.
• Search: Fixes for rendering issues in the cards view when a lens has no model description.
• Search: Addition of a filter to find pictures based on resolution range in Megapixels (MP).
• PWA: Rectification of the list of available icon sizes in the app manifest file.
• JPEG: Addressed a regression in handling image files with EOF error.
• JPEG: Fixed indexing problems of image files with invalid color metadata.
• JPEG/PNG: Implemented a panic handler for unexpected thumbnail save errors.
• HEIC: Upgraded libheif from version 1.13.0 to 1.17.1.
• RAW: Upgraded Darktable from version 4.2.1 to 4.4.2.
• Videos: Improved performance in extracting still images for creating thumbnails.
• Vectors: Enhanced SVG conversion using RSVG instead of ImageMagick.
• Docker: Upgraded base image from Ubuntu 23.04 to 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur).
• Setup: Added installation packages in tar.gz, deb, and rpm formats.
• Security: Updated Go to the latest stable release, v1.21.4.

Last week saw the release of OpenZFS 2.2.1, which was initially believed to have fixed a data corruption issue attributed to a block cloning bug in a new feature introduced in the v2.2 release. However, further investigation over the US holiday weekend revealed that the block cloning feature was not the root cause, and both v2.2.1 and pre-v2.2 releases remain susceptible to data corruption.

It has been discovered that the data corruption bug affects not only the v2.2 release but also older versions of OpenZFS. While real-world instances of data corruption are believed to be limited, scripting can reproduce the issue. Additionally, it is now understood that the OpenZFS 2.2 block cloning feature increases the likelihood of encountering the problem.

The FreeBSD project has issued an advisory regarding the OpenZFS data corruption issue and recommends a workaround involving setting sysctl vfs.zfs.dmu_offset_next_sync=0 to “drastically reduce the likelihood” of experiencing the problem.

A pending pull request on GitHub is anticipated to address the OpenZFS data corruption issue. Hopefully, a new OpenZFS point release will be available soon, effectively resolving the data corruption problem.

Source: Phoronix.

AOOSTAR, a Chinese PC maker known for its attractively-priced hardware, has announced that it is developing a powerful and versatile network attached storage (NAS) system set to launch early next year. The upcoming NAS will be a compact computer powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, featuring 8 Zen 3 CPU cores and Radeon Vega graphics, offering the performance of a decent 2021-era laptop.

What sets this NAS apart is its impressive specifications:

• 6 x 3.5 inch hard drive bays
• 6 x slots for PCIe NVMe SSDs
• 1 x 10 GbE Ethernet port
• 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports

The upcoming AOOSTAR NAS is reminiscent of the ZimaCube Pro, with its similar shape and support for up to 6 SATA connectors for 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch hard drives, as well as multiple Ethernet ports. However, the ZimaCube Pro features an Core i5-1235U processor, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a total of four Ethernet ports. The retail price for the ZimaCube Pro is expected to be $1,199, while AOOSTAR’s NAS is expected to have a lower price tag due to the company’s focus on budget computers.

AOOSTAR does not provide software with its NAS; customers are expected to provide their own software. However, there are several compatible options, such as TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, Unraid, or even building a CasaOS system by installing Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS and then loading the CasaOS user interface.

While AOOSTAR’s NAS systems offer competitive pricing, some users may prefer more well-known brands like Synology or QNAP for a hassle-free experience. However, for those who have the time and interest in configuring a DIY solution, AOOSTAR’s NAS systems provide powerful features and customization options.

More details about AOOSTAR’s upcoming 6-bay NAS will be available closer to its launch.

Source: Liliputing.

Radxa has released the ROCK 3B, a “PI-CO ITX” single-board computer (SBC) that combines the benefits of Pico-ITX and Raspberry Pi form factors. The board, measuring 100x72mm, features all main ports on the rear side and supports expansion through a 40-pin Raspberry Pi-compatible GPIO header and several M.2 sockets for storage and wireless modules. The ROCK 3B is the larger brother of the ROCK 3A, a business card-sized SBC introduced in 2021. Both boards are powered by the Rockchip RK3568 SoC and support up to 8GB LPDDR4. The ROCK 3B features two gigabit Ethernet ports, an M.2 B Key socket for 4G LTE/5G cellular modules, an M.2 PCIe 3.0 x1 socket for an M.2 2280 SSD, and an M.2 Key-E socket for WiFi 6.

The specifications of the ROCK 3B include:

• SoC: Rockchip RK3568 (J)
  • CPU: Quad-core Cortex A55 processor at up to 2.0 GHz
  • GPU: Mali G52 GPU with support for OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1
  • VPU: 4Kp60 H.264/H.265/VP9 video decoder, 1080p60 H.264/H.265 video encoder
  • AI accelerator: 1 TOPS NPU; INT8/INT16/FP16/BFP16 MAC hybrid operation; support for TensorFlow, TF-lite, Pytorch, Caffe, ONNX, MXNet, Keras, Darknet
• System Memory: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB LPDDR4
• Storage: Pluggable eMMC module, MicroSD card slot, M.2 M key socket for NVMe with PCIe 3.0 x2
• Video Output: HDMI 2.0 port up to 4Kp60, 2x MIPI DSI connectors (4-lane and 2-lane), eDP connector, Touch Panel connector
• Camera: 1x MIPI CSI connector
• Audio: 3.5mm audio jack, digital audio via HDMI
• Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports, WiFi 6 via M.2 E key socket with PCIe 2.0 x1/SDIO/UART, 4G LTE/5G cellular via M.2 B key 3042 socket with PCIe, SATA, USB interfaces, and a SIM card socket
• USB: 2x USB 2.0 ports, 2x USB 3.0 ports (1x OTG+1x HOST)
• Expansion: Color-coded 40-pin GPIO header mostly compatible with ROCK Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 3/4, exposing 5x UART, 1x SPI, 2x I2C, 1x PCM/I2S, 1x CAN bus, 6x PWM, 1x ADC, 6x GPIO, 1x USB 2.0, and 5V, 3.3V, and GND power signals
• Misc: RTC with connector for backup battery, IR receiver, RGB LED, Fan header, Power and recovery buttons
• Power Supply: 6V to 20V DC via USB-C port with USB PD 2.0, QC 3.0, or fixed voltage support, 5V via GPIO pin 2 or 4
• Dimensions: 100 x 75 mm (Pico-ITX and PI-CO ITX form factors)
• Certifications: CE/FCC

The Rock 3B was first unveiled in 2021 with a slightly different design, which was modified based on user feedback. The board is now available for purchase, with prices starting at $45 for the 2GB RAM version, $55 for the 4GB RAM version, and $75 for the 8GB RAM version on Arace Tech. However, it may be challenging to find compatible accessories as the website’s accessories section is not clear, and some accessories are missing.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Olimex has recently released the STMP157-BASE-SOM-EXT system-on-module (SoM) powered by an STMicro STM32MP157 dual-core Cortex-A7 microprocessor. The SoM is accompanied by the STMP157-BASE-SOM-EVB evaluation board, which is open-source hardware designed in KiCAD. The CPU module features 1GB RAM, an EEPROM for configuration, and power management circuitry. The carrier board provides various interfaces and features including HDMI video output, LCD display interfaces, a 2MP camera, gigabit Ethernet, USB ports, CAN bus terminal block, audio jacks, and several GPIO headers.

The specifications of the STMP157-BASE-SOM-EXT System-on-Module are as follows:

• Microprocessor: STMicro STM32MP157DAA1 dual-core Cortex-A7 processor @ 800 MHz with Arm Cortex-M4 real-time core @ 209 MHz, and Vivante 3D GPU with OpenGL ES 2.0 support
• System Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Storage: Linux configuration EEPROM
• Host interface: 6x 40-pin board-to-board connectors with 1.27mm pitch for I/Os
• Misc: User LED, 24 MHz oscillator
• Power Management: AXP209 PMIC, LDO, DCDC power management
• Dimensions: 72 x 48 mm

The STMP157-BASE-SOM-EVB carrier board is compatible with the STMP157-BASE-SOM-EXT CPU module and offers the following specifications:

• Storage: MicroSD card slot
• Video Output: HDMI output, MIPI LCD connector, RGB LCD connector compatible with LCD-OLinuXino-5CTS, LCD-OLinuXino-7.0CTS, LCD-OLinuXino-10CTS
• Camera: 2MP MIPI CSI camera (OV2640-120 sensor)
• Audio: 3.5mm headphones jack, 3.5mm microphone jack
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet port
• USB: 2x USB 2.0 Type-A host ports, 1x USB OTG port
• Serial: 2x CAN Bus terminal blocks
• Expansion: UEXT connector, EXT1 and EXT2 GPIO connectors
• Debugging: 3-pin UART connector, optional JTAG connector (not populated)
• Misc: Reset button, Power LED, flash module connector, boot configuration slide switch
• Power Supply: 5V/2A via power barrel jack, 2-pin connector for LiPo battery with built-in charging circuit
• Dimensions: 122 x 106 mm

Olimex provides a minimal Debian 11 image with Linux 6.x for both the module and EVB. User manuals, PDF schematics, and a Linux user guide can be found on the product page for the SoM, while the KiCAD hardware design files, PDF schematics, and user manual for the EVB can be found on GitHub. Pre-orders for the STM32MP157 SoM and EVB are now available for 30 Euros each, with shipping scheduled to begin on November 30. More documentation and the option to purchase can be found on the respective product pages.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

FriendlyELEC has introduced the CM3588 NAS Kit, which features the new Rockchip RK3588 board. The board comes with four M.2 Key-M sockets, each with a PCIe Gen 3 x1 interface, designed to accommodate 2280 NVMe SSDs or other M.2 PCIe modules. The CM3588 NAS Kit is equipped with the CM3588 Core system-on-module and offers a range of features. These include a 2.5GbE RJ45 connector, two HDMI 2.1 video outputs, one HDMI 2.0 video input, MIPI DSI and CSI connectors, several USB 3.0/3.1 ports, and a 40-pin GPIO header for expansion. he FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit:

System-on-Module – CM3588 Core board:

• SoC – Rockchip RK3588 with 4x Cortex-A76 cores @ up to 2.4 GHz, 4x Cortex-A55 cores @ 1.8 GHz, and an Arm Mali-G610 MP4 “Odin” GPU
• Video decoder – Supports 8Kp60 H.265, VP9, AVS2, 8Kp30 H.264 AVC/MVC, 4Kp60 AV1, 1080p60 MPEG-2/-1, VC-1, VP8
• Video encoder – Supports 8Kp30 H.265/H.264 video encoding
• AI accelerator – 6 TOPS NPU
• System Memory – 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4x @ 2133 MHz
• Storage – Optional 64GB eMMC flash
• Networking – Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE controller
• 4x 100-pin high-density board-to-board connectors with USB 3.0/2.0, PCIe Gen 3 x4, 2.5GbE, HDMI Tx/Rx, GPIOs, etc.
• PMIC – Rockchip RK806-1 power management IC
• Dimensions – 65 x 55 mm (8-layer PCB)
• Weight – About 21 grams

Carrier board – CM3588 NAS SDK:

• Storage: Up to 4x M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, microSD card slot, footprint for SPI flash
• Video Output: 2x HDMI 2.1 ports (up to 8Kp60 and 4Kp60), 1x DisplayPort via USB-C (up to 4Kp60), 4-lane MIPI DSI connector
• Video Input: 1x HDMI 2.0 input port (up to 4Kp60), 4-lane MIPI CSI connector
• Audio: 3.5mm audio output jack, 2-pin microphone connector, built-in PWM buzzer
• Networking: 2.5GbE RJ45 port
• USB: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports, 1x USB 3.0 USB-C DRP port with DisplayPort support (up to 4Kp60), 1x USB 2.0 host port
• Expansion: 4x M.2 2280 PCIe sockets (each with PCIe 3.0 x1), 40-pin GPIO header with various interfaces
• Misc: 2-pin RTC battery connector, IR receiver, fan connector, MASK button for eMMC flash update, reset button, power button, recovery mode button, user button, 4x LEDs for SSDs, 3-pin debug UART header
• Power Supply – 12V DC via power barrel jack or 2-pole terminal block
• Dimensions – 160 x 116 mm (4-layer PCB)
• Temperature Range – 0 to 70°C

The CM3588 Core module with heatsink starts at $95 and comes with 4GB RAM and no flash. The CM3588 NAS Kit, which includes the Core module with heatsink and the CM3588 NAS SDK carrier board, starts at $130. Additional accessories such as a 12V/2A power supply and a microSD card are required to boot the OS. There is also a kit option with an 8GB+64GB Core module, the carrier board, and a 12V/2A power supply for $154.89 plus shipping. The variant with 16GB RAM adds an extra $15.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.