SoftwareTechnology

AMD Launches Dual-Stream ROCm Strategy with TheRock Build System Preview

AMD has unveiled ROCm 7.9 as a technology preview release, marking a significant departure from previous versioning conventions. The new release introduces TheRock build system designed to accelerate compilation times and improve reliability across AMD’s GPU portfolio. This preview stream will run parallel to production releases through mid-2026, giving developers extended evaluation time.

AMD Reimagines ROCm Release Strategy with Dual Stream Approach

Advanced Micro Devices has introduced a major shift in its ROCm software platform strategy, according to reports from the company’s technical documentation. The newly announced ROCm 7.9 represents what sources indicate is a “versioning discontinuity” that establishes two parallel release streams for the open-source GPU computing platform. This bifurcated approach reserves versions 7.0 through 7.8 for production deployments while designating version 7.9 and subsequent releases as technology previews.

PolicyTrade

US and Australia Forge Critical Minerals Partnership to Diversify Global Supply Chains

The United States and Australia have signed a significant agreement to strengthen critical minerals supply chains amid growing concerns about China’s market dominance. The partnership includes immediate investment plans and supports ready-to-go projects valued at $8.5 billion. This collaboration represents a strategic move to secure essential materials for technology and defense applications.

Strategic Minerals Agreement Signed

The United States and Australia have finalized a comprehensive deal to enhance production and processing of rare earth elements and other critical minerals, according to reports from both governments. The agreement comes as Western nations seek to reduce their dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply chain for these essential materials.

SoftwareTechnology

Apple Introduces Opacity Toggle for Liquid Glass Design in Latest Beta Releases

Apple’s latest beta software introduces a significant visual customization option for users who prefer less transparency in the Liquid Glass interface. The new binary setting allows switching between the original fluid design and a more opaque appearance with enhanced contrast across all Apple platforms.

New Visual Customization Option

Apple has introduced a new appearance setting in its latest beta software that allows users to reduce the transparency effects of the controversial Liquid Glass design, according to reports from developers testing the new builds. Sources indicate that iOS 26.1 beta 4, iPadOS 26.1 beta 4, and macOS 26.1 beta 4 all include this new customization option, marking a significant shift from the company’s previous stance on interface uniformity.