AMD has released its latest mobile chips, the Ryzen 5 7545U and Ryzen 3 7440U, which are the first laptop processors to feature AMD’s new Zen 4c CPU cores. These cores were previously seen in the EPYC server chips and the entry-level AMD Ryzen Z1 chip for handheld gaming PCs. The Zen 4c cores offer most of the same features as Zen 4 cores but take up less space and run at lower speeds. AMD claims that the Zen 4c cores take up 35% less physical space than Zen 4, allowing for more cores in the same amount of space or the same number of cores in a smaller space.

The Ryzen 5 7545U and Ryzen 3 7440U chips replace the previous Ryzen 5 7540U and Ryzen 3 7440U Phoenix chips. The new chips still have the same number of CPU cores (6 for Ryzen 5 and 4 for Ryzen 3), but now some of those cores are Zen 4c chips, which should bring efficiency improvements and similar performance at lower power levels. The top speeds for the Zen 4c cores are not known, but they are estimated to be about 30% slower than Zen 4 cores.

The updated Ryzen 7040U lineup includes the following chips:

• Ryzen 7 7840U: 8 x Zen 4 cores, 8 / 16 cores / threads, 3.3 GHz / 5.1 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 24MB cache, Radeon 780M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.
• Ryzen 5 7640U: 6 x Zen 4 cores, 6 / 12 cores / threads, 3.5 GHz / 4.9 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 22MB cache, Radeon 760M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.
• Ryzen 5 7540U: 6 x Zen 4 cores, 6 / 12 cores / threads, 3.2 GHz / 4.9 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 22MB cache, Radeon 740M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.
• Ryzen 5 7545U: 2 x Zen 4 cores, 4 x Zen 4c cores, 6 / 12 cores / threads, 3.2 GHz / 4.9 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 22MB cache, Radeon 740M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.
• Ryzen 3 7440U (old): 4 x Zen 4 cores, 4 / 8 cores / threads, 3 GHz / 4.7 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 12MB cache, Radeon 740M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.
• Ryzen 3 7440U (new): 1 x Zen 4 core, 3 x Zen 4c cores, 4 / 8 cores / threads, 3 GHz / 4.7 GHz base / boost CPU frequency, 12MB cache, Radeon 740M graphics, DDR5 / LPDDR5 RAM, USB4 support, 15-30W TDP.

Source: Liliputing.

OpenELA, the Open Enterprise Linux association formed by SUSE, Oracle, and CIQ (Rocky Linux) in response to Red Hat’s decision to limit access to the RHEL source code, has published the initial source code for building RHEL derivatives. This move aims to ensure compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and provide open and free access to EL source code.

The source code for all packages necessary to build Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 derivatives is now available through OpenELA. However, the sources for EL7 are still being worked on. The OpenELA source code can be accessed on GitHub. More information about today’s source availability can be found on the OpenELA website.

Source: Phoronix.

Here are the new additions to the awesome-selfhosted repository during the month of October 2023:

• inlets - Expose your local endpoints to the Internet - with a Kubernetes integration, Docker image and CLI available. (Source Code) ⊘ Proprietary Go/Docker
• Servas - A self-hosted bookmark management tool. It allows organization with tags, groups, and a list specifically for later access. It supports multiple users with 2FA. Companion browser extensions are available for Firefox and Chrome. (Clients) GPL-3.0 Docker/Nodejs/PHP Software and tools to help with resource and supply planning, including enterprise resource and supply planning (ERP).
• Cluster Control - Setup many databases in few clicks with monitoring, load balancing and more. ⊘ Proprietary deb/Ansible/Shell/Docker
• Dashpress - Generate fully functional admin apps in seconds from your database information, with a single command. (Demo) AGPL-3.0 Nodejs/Docker
• Galette - Galette is a membership management web application towards non profit organizations. (Source Code) GPL-3.0 PHP
• rs-short - A lightweight link shortener written in Rust, with features such as caching, spambot protection and phishing detection. (Demo) MPL-2.0 Rust
• BrowserStack Automate TurboScale - Scalable browser automation grid on your cloud (AWS, GCP and Azure) supporting Selenium and Playwright. ⊘ Proprietary Docker
• OctoBot - Open-source cryptocurrency trading bot. (Source Code) GPL-3.0 Python/Docker Video surveillance, also known as Closed-circuit television (CCTV), is the use of video cameras for surveillance in areas that require additional security or ongoing monitoring.
• Owncast - Decentralized single-user live video streaming and chat server for running your own live streams similar in style to the large mainstream options. (Source Code) MIT Go
• CNCjs - A web-based interface for CNC milling controller running Grbl, Smoothieware, or TinyG. (Source Code) MIT Nodejs Software to manage 3D printers, CNC machines and other physical manufacturing tools.
• Fluidd - Lightweight & responsive user interface for Klipper, the 3D printer firmware. (Source Code) GPL-3.0 Docker/Nodejs
• Mainsail - A modern and responsive user interface for the Klipper 3D printer firmware. Control and monitor your printer from everywhere, from any device. (Source Code) GPL-3.0 Docker/Python
• Octoprint - A snappy web interface for controlling consumer 3D printers. (Source Code) AGPL-3.0 Docker/Python
• Deluge - Lightweight, cross-platform BitTorrent client. (Source Code) GPL-3.0 Python/deb
• Specifically Clementines - Grocery shopping app (previously Groceries), providing reliable sync with multiple users/devices (web/Android/iOS), recipes and integration with Tandoor. (Demo, Source Code) MIT Docker

awesome-selfhosted is a repository on GitHub, which contains ton of software for you to self-host. The repository describes itself as “a list of Free Software network services and web applications which can be hosted on your own servers.”

Home Assistant has released its latest version, 2023.11, packed with new features and improvements. Here’s what you need to know:

• To-do list entities: Home Assistant now introduces a new entity type called “To-do list entities.” These entities represent a list of tasks, and you can create multiple to-do lists and manage them through the new “To-do lists” item in the sidebar.
• Shopping lists are now to-do’s: The shopping list feature has been converted into a to-do list. Existing shopping lists will be automatically converted upon upgrading to this release.
• Integrations providing your to-dos: Automations can now be created to create, complete, or clean up tasks on your to-do lists.
• Matter 1.2: Home Assistant has upgraded its Matter implementation to version 1.2, benefiting from stability improvements and preparing for new device types.
• Customize information in Tile cards: The Tile card now displays entity state information, and you can now customize the information shown on the card by adding attributes to the state content.
• Select any date range in the energy dashboard: The energy dashboard now allows you to select a custom date range to view the energy usage of your home over a specific period.
• New conditions for the conditional card: The conditional card now includes new conditions such as user condition, numeric state condition, and screen condition, allowing you to show or hide cards based on specific criteria.
• Restarting into safe mode: You can now restart Home Assistant in safe mode, which disables all custom integrations and custom frontend resources.
• Set up Improv Wi-Fi devices directly from Home Assistant: If you have a device that supports Improv Wi-Fi over Bluetooth and you are using Bluetooth in Home Assistant, you can set up the device directly from Home Assistant.
• Configuring script fields in the UI: Script fields can now be configured in the UI, allowing you to define variables in your script and provide a UI for your script fields.

The release also includes several other noteworthy changes, new integrations, integrations available to set up from the UI, and bug fixes. For a full list of changes, you can refer to the changelog.

This release showcases Home Assistant’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and customizable home automation experience. Whether you’re managing tasks, customizing your dashboards, or integrating new devices, Home Assistant 2023.11 has you covered.

For more information, visit the Home Assistant website.

Libre Computer has announced their latest single-board computer called the AML-A311D-CC Alta. This board is powered by an Amlogic A311D hexa-core processor, which includes an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) for hardware-accelerated AI tasks. The AML-A311D-CC Alta also features Raspberry Pi-compatible connectors, including a 40-pin GPIO header, and 22-pin MIPI-DSI and MIPI-CSI display and camera connectors.

The heart of this single-board PC is the Amlogic A311D processor, which consists of 4 ARM Cortex-A72 cores clocked at up to 2.2 GHz, and 2 Cortex-A53 cores clocked at up to 1.8 GHz. The GPU is a Mali-G52 quad-core, and the NPU offers 5 TOPS (tera operations per second) of AI performance.

In terms of memory and storage, the board features LPDDR4X memory, 16MB of SPI NOR Flash storage, an eMMC 5 connector for optional onboard storage, and a microSD card reader for removable storage.

The AML-A311D-CC Alta also offers a range of ports, including 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, 1 USB Type-C port, 1 HDMI 2.1 port, 1 3.5mm audio jack, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port. The USB Type-C port can be used for power and data, and the board also supports Power Over Ethernet (PoE). Additionally, there is an IR receiver for using a remote control with the board.

Libre Computer claims that the performance of the AML-A311D-CC Alta should be similar to their ROC-RK3328-CC Renegade system, which is powered by a Rockchip RK33288 processor. However, the AML-A311D-CC Alta offers additional features such as more USB 3.0 ports and an integrated NPU.

Source: Liliputing.

Alibaba has released nine user manuals for the T-Head TH1520 quad-core RISC-V processor. These manuals cover various aspects of the processor, including video and audio processing, peripheral interfaces, memory interfaces, system registers, and the built-in NPU for video acceleration.

The TH1520 RISC-V SoC was first mentioned in the expensive web3-focused ROMA laptop in October 2022. Since then, there have been interesting developments with the release of Sipeed’s Lichee Pi 4A SBC and various other platforms based on the LM4A system-on-module. Both boards have preliminary support in mainline Linux, with the Lichee Pi 4A making it to Linux 6.5 and the BeagleV Ahead being added to the Linux 6.6 kernel.

The user manuals for the TH1520 processor were not released publicly until now. Sipeed and Beagleboard.org have made available nine user manuals in English, with the Sipeed link also providing the Chinese versions.

While these user manuals are useful for people writing drivers for the TH1520 SoC, some of the documents may not provide enough details to be truly useful, especially those related to the video blocks of the TH1520 processors. Nonetheless, having public documentation is a step in the right direction.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.