Ayaneo’s New Tiny Macintosh Tribute Is Actually An AMD Ryzen-powered Windows Machine

Ayaneo, a brand mostly known for producing handheld gaming devices, has announced a new product that pays tribute to Apple’s classic Macintosh computer from the 1980s, officially known as AM01. Much like several throwback devices prior to this, such as the Atari 2600+ and Sega Megadrive Mini 2, the company’s latest release is presented as a miniature version of the machine that it’s based on. Just don’t expect it to run any iteration of Apple’s macOS, though.

According to Ayaneo, its new AM01 machine is actually a mini PC that’s running on AMD Ryzen processors and, depending on configuration, also comes with Windows 11 Home preinstalled. It measures at just over 5 inches in width and height, 2.5 inches thick, and weighs slightly over 486g. The company adds that you can also personalize it with magnetic-based decorations, where you’ll be able to swap out the not-Macintosh badge on the bottom left for something else. Oh, it’s also worth noting that the miniature display on the AIO tribute product is non-functional, but you can decorate it with a bunch of stickers that are included in the package.

Specifications-wise, Ayaneo is offering the compact PC in multiple configurations which either features just an AMD Ryzen processor, or together with RAM and storage. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U option will come with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the Ryzen 7 5700U APU variant is available on its own or with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. The company notes that the AM01 is expandable up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM and 2TB of M.2 solid state storage.

In terms of connectivity, the Ryzen 3 3200U model will feature WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 support, while the Ryzen 7 5700U version has WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Regardless of model, the AM01 also comes with a SATA 3.0 interface that supports 2.5-inch SDD or HDD, one USB-C 3.2 Gen1 port, three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, one USB 2, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a gigabit Ethernet port, DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 ports.

While it does appear to be portable, the machine actually runs on DC power and does not feature an internal battery. Ayaneo adds that the AM01 can output video in 4k at 60fps and it’s compatible with dual-screen setups.

The mini PC starts at US$149 (~RM692) for the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U option, but will retail at US$199 (~RM924) once it officially debuts next month. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 5700U configuration starts at an early bird price of US$219 (~RM1,017) for processor only, and up to US$379 (~RM1,760) together with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Those interested can pre-order the device now via Ayaneo’s official Indiegogo store page, while shipping is available worldwide.

Video Games Cheats Invade Consoles With Machine Learning

Video game cheats have primarily been a plague on PC, not so much on consoles. But a new, relatively sophisticated method brings the disease to consoles. And it involves a PC, a capture card, and machine learning.

The Anti-Cheat Police Department, a bunch of volunteers who look out for and disrupt cheating groups, have shared on Twitter a new kind of cheating. As mentioned, it uses machine learning, The way it works is by having the cheat analyse your gameplay in real time, and the cheat adds in inputs so that your crosshairs snap to your enemies.

Because it’s not an aim bot or wall hack, you will actually have to see your enemies for the cheat to kick in. And even then, you’ll have to manually aim in the general direction of your targets until a certain threshold where it kicks in and does the aiming for you. Think of it as aim assist, but turned up to 19 and given a steroid overdose.

Making this even scarier is that this is usable even on consoles. All you need is a PC that’s running the cheat, and a capture card to allow your PC to see gameplay from your console.

There was a video promoting this on YouTube, presumably showcasing the cheat working in a Call of Duty. Activision has since made a copyright claim on the video, taking it down. But as Eurogamer reports, the cheat’s discord is still active, and the software is still up for sale. The good news is that it is still detectable. But even then, it will be awhile before any real action gets taken against this new breed of cheat. More so, it’s a sign of the evolution that cheats are currently going through

Fatal Frame Gets A Pachinko Machine Instead Of Another Game

Fatal Frame last got a game added to the series all the way back in 2014, in the form of Maiden of Black Water. Now, seven years later, the name is back in the news. But not because there’s a new game that’s in the works. Instead, the series is getting the pachinko treatment.

As found by Kotaku East, a trailer for the Fatal Frame pachinko machine has been recently released. It actually looks quite good, which makes it a shame that it’s a pachinko trailer and not one for a video game. At least the trailer is nice enough to warn you of “shocking” scenes (read: jumpscares).

This makes another game series that has fallen into the pachinko life support. Various Konami IPs have had the same fate, from Metal Gear to Castlevania. What makes the Fatal Frame one a little bit surprising is that it’s not a Konami-owned series, but is shared between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo.

Early last year, we saw reports of a new Fatal Frame movie being in the works. Unfortunately, we have not heard of anything new since. And that looks to be the only upcoming thing that fans of the series can look forward to.