The Zilog Z80 microprocessor is an 8-bit chip that was first released in the 1970s and used in a variety of classic computers and game consoles including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, TRS-80, and Sega Master System. While its features are very dated by 2024 standards, the chip was in production for five decades and was only discontinued earlier this year.
A few years ago the developers of the Zeal 8-bit Computer designed a modern compact computer board powered by the Z80 processor. Now a “Complete Edition” with a video board and a 3D-printed case is available from Tindie for $180.
You can also buy just the motherboard and processor for $99, or find accessories including SNES controller and Game Boy adapters at the Zeal 8-bit Tindie store.
Here’s a roundup of recent tech news from around the web.
The Zeal 8-Bit Computer Complete Edition Is Everything You Need for Some Retro Zilog Z80 Fun [Hackster.io]
Zeal 8-bit Computer Complete Edition is a retro computing kit that includes a motherboard with a 10 MHz Zilog Z80 processor, a video board, and a 3D printed case. Available for $180, it arrives just after the Z80 processor was discontinued.
ChromeOS ending independent ‘Lacros’ browser effort in light of Android future [9to5Google]
Google is discontinuing development of Lacros, an initiative that would made it possible to update the ChromeOS browser on Chromebooks without rolling out OS updates, instead shifting focus to using more Android frameworks for Chromebooks.
Factory reset update for r1 [Rabbit]
The ongoing case of the Rabbit R1’s security flaws continues. The company says up until now devices stored all text-to-speech replies in log file son the device with no way to erase. An update partially addresses this by reducing the amount of data that’s stored on device and offering a factory reset option for users that plan to sell their device
Arm’s new graphics upscaler is like DLSS for smartphone gaming [The Verge]
ARM’s new Accuracy Super Resolution tech brings upscaling to smartphones and tablets for higher frame rates and lower power consumption. Available under an open source license, it’s based on AMD’s FSR 2 upscaler.
Turing Pi 2.5 4-Node Mini-ITX Cluster Board Receives Hardware Upgrades [LinuxGizmos]
The Turing Pi 2.5 is an updated version of the mini ITX cluster board for Raspberry Pi CM4 and NVIDIA Jetson modules. Changes include improved internal USB connections, HDMI improvements, an RTC battery fix, and more.
Here’s how Qualcomm’s new laptop chips really stack up to Apple, Intel, and AMD [The Verge]
The Verge compares CPU performance benchmarks for all of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus & Elite chips against scores for the latest Macs with Apple Silicon and Windows PCs with the latest Intel and AMD chips. It’s worth keeping in mind that the CPU isn’t the only factor affecting performance. Memory, storage, and cooling can also play a role.
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