BusinessHardwareTechnology

Midday Market Movers: Tech, Travel and Healthcare Stocks See Sharp Swings on Earnings and Forecasts

Major midday stock movements include Super Micro Computer’s 7% drop after revenue forecast cuts and quantum computing stocks surging on potential government investment. Hexcel hits 52-week high while Southwest Airlines falls despite surprise profit.

Technology Sector Sees Divergent Moves

Technology stocks experienced significant midday volatility, with Super Micro Computer slumping 7% after reportedly cutting its fiscal first-quarter revenue forecast to approximately $5 billion from previous estimates of $6 billion to $7 billion. Meanwhile, quantum computing shares surged following a Wall Street Journal report indicating the Trump administration is in talks to acquire equity stakes in several quantum computing companies. According to the analysis, Rigetti Computing gained 11%, while IonQ advanced 10% and Quantum Computing rose 8%.

AIHardwareTechnology

Alibaba Launches AI Chat Assistant and Smart Glasses in Major AI Push

Alibaba has unveiled its Quark AI Chat Assistant and announced pricing for AI-powered smart glasses. The tech giant continues its aggressive AI investment strategy with new consumer-facing products integrating its latest Qwen models.

Alibaba Expands AI Ecosystem with New Chat Assistant and Smart Glasses

Alibaba has launched significant new artificial intelligence products through its Quark application, according to recent reports. The Chinese tech giant unveiled the Quark AI Chat Assistant and announced pricing for its first AI-powered smart glasses, marking another step in the company’s substantial AI investment strategy.

HardwareSemiconductorsTechnology

AMD Zen 5 Desktop APUs Near Launch as New BIOS Support Emerges

Fresh BIOS updates containing support for AMD’s Krackan Point Zen 5 desktop APUs have surfaced, indicating the long-awaited processors are entering testing phases. The AGESA 1.2.7.0 firmware includes new microcode specifically for these accelerated processing units. Industry observers suggest this development points toward a late 2025 launch window for AMD’s next-generation desktop APUs.

BIOS Update Reveals Impending Zen 5 APU Launch

The appearance of AGESA ComboAM5PI 1.2.7.0 firmware with specialized microcode suggests AMD’s Zen 5-based desktop APUs are progressing toward market release, according to industry reports. Sources indicate this BIOS update contains CPU microcode 00B60Fxx and SMU version 101.55.0, both specifically tied to AMD’s Krackan Point architecture currently powering the Ryzen AI 300 mobile series.

HardwareStartupsTechnology

Honor Launches Magic8 Series Flagship Phones in Chinese Market

Honor has officially commenced open sales for its Magic8 series flagship smartphones in China. The devices feature advanced Snapdragon processors and substantial battery capacities. Global launch details remain pending according to company statements.

Honor Magic8 Series Hits Chinese Market

Honor has officially launched open sales for its latest flagship smartphone series in China, according to recent market reports. The Magic8 and Magic8 Pro models, which were announced last week, are now available through Honor’s official webstore and partnering retail channels across the country.

HardwareSoftwareTechnology

Linux Kernel 6.19 Adds Native Support for XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro Graphics Tablet

The upcoming Linux 6.19 kernel will include native driver support for the XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro drawing tablet, according to developer reports. The implementation builds upon existing tablet support while addressing the device’s unique technical characteristics. Sources indicate the new drivers have undergone extensive testing with positive results.

Enhanced Linux Support for Professional Drawing Tablets

The Linux kernel version 6.19 is reportedly set to include native driver support for the XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro drawing tablet, according to recent development reports. This update marks another step in improving Linux compatibility with professional-grade creative hardware, potentially benefiting digital artists, designers, and illustrators who prefer open-source operating systems.