From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Xbox Tests Disc-to-Digital Feature for Physical Game Collections
Microsoft has started testing a disc-to-digital feature for Xbox, enabling owners to convert Xbox One and Series X/S physical games to digital formats. This comes amid a rise in digital gaming, aligning with industry trends after Sony's decision to halt physical game disc production by 2028.
Germany rules YMTC's 3D NAND patent infringement claims against Micron are valid
A German court issued injunctions against Micron, ruling it infringed on two of YMTC's 3D NAND technology patents. This decision could impact Micron's supply in Germany and the broader European NAND market, escalating a multi-year global legal dispute between the two memory manufacturers.
Consultancy tests DeepSeek V4.1 Flash on Nvidia H200s, finds it more expensive than Claude
The Call Center Doctors rented Nvidia H200 hardware to test DeepSeek V4.1 Flash, finding that running it on rented hardware was more expensive and less efficient than using Claude's API for their specific coding agent workload. The test aimed to verify claims of DeepSeek being significantly cheaper than Claude, but revealed that high re-read token volume made the hardware-based solution impractical.
Sony launched the world's first consumer CD player, the CDP-101, in Japan in 1982
Sony released the CDP-101, the first consumer CD player, in Japan on October 1, 1982, priced at JPY 168,000. This launch initiated the compact disc digital audio era, offering consumers a new format for music playback with promises of improved sound quality and durability over vinyl and cassette tapes.
Russia targets Ukrainian data centers, causing internet outages and civilian casualties
Russian forces have begun striking data centers and network infrastructure in Ukraine, including a drone attack in Kyiv that damaged a facility and killed four people. These attacks have disrupted internet connectivity for approximately 100,000 households and are considered by Ukraine to be targeting critical civilian infrastructure.
Xbox's Disc-to-Digital Feature Result of 15-Year Development and Disc Identification
Xbox recently announced a disc-to-digital feature, allowing users to convert physical Xbox One game discs into digital copies. This capability stems from a decision made 15 years ago by Microsoft to uniquely identify discs, enabling game preservation and potential future digital ownership models.
OpenAI projects $278 billion cash burn by 2030 due to compute infrastructure costs
OpenAI anticipates a cumulative negative free cash flow of $278 billion between 2026 and 2030, driven by substantial investments in computing resources and infrastructure. This projection highlights the immense capital requirements for developing and deploying advanced AI models, impacting the company's financial strategy and future funding rounds.
Security Researchers Discover Three Backdoor Implants in ZBT Routers Sold Globally
Security firm VulnCheck identified three distinct backdoor-like implants, named ENDLESSDOORS, DARKLANTERN, and SPEAKINGSTONE, embedded in the firmware of routers manufactured by Shenzhen Zhibotong Electronics (ZBT), which are sold worldwide under various brands. These implants allow for remote command execution and information disclosure, posing significant security risks to users of affected devices. The discovery highlights a widespread supply chain vulnerability in networking hardware.
Trump Administration Considers Expanding Chip Tariffs to Laptops, Consoles, and Servers
The Trump administration is reportedly considering expanding semiconductor tariffs to include finished products like laptops, gaming consoles, and data center servers. This potential expansion could also remove exemptions previously granted for data centers, R&D, and startups under the January 25% tariff on advanced accelerators, significantly broadening the scope of affected technology.
Nvidia Jetson Orin-guided Russian AI drone killed three civilians in Ukraine
A Russian Molniya drone, equipped with an Nvidia Jetson Orin module, killed three civilians in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, after autonomously selecting its target. This incident marks the first documented case of civilian deaths caused by a Russian drone using fully autonomous targeting. The use of AI in targeting decisions raises concerns about the role of autonomous weapons in conflict.
Coin-sized device can hack Boeing 737 Flight Management Computer via accessible port
Researchers developed a coin-sized device that can connect to an easily accessible diagnostic port on a Boeing 737, allowing it to override signals between the Multipurpose Control Display Unit (MCDU) and the Flight Management Computer (FMC). This device can intercept, alter, and spoof critical flight data, including takeoff weights and air temperature readings, and can be controlled remotely via in-flight Wi-Fi. The vulnerability highlights a potential security flaw in commercial aircraft avionics systems that could be exploited by individuals with physical access to the aircraft.
Lumentum CEO warns of critical indium phosphide shortage for AI data centers
Lumentum CEO Michael Hurlston stated that indium phosphide, a material essential for lasers in AI data centers, faces a severe supply shortage, with current production 30% below customer demand. This bottleneck is driven by the skyrocketing demand for co-packaged optics from companies like Nvidia, which has invested in Lumentum and Coherent to secure future capacity.
Adata chairman predicts 10-year DRAM shortage, dismisses imminent AI bubble fears
Adata chairman Simon Chen forecasts that the global DRAM shortage will persist for another decade, citing strong future demand driven by AI applications across various sectors. He also suggested that concerns about an AI bubble are premature and investors should reconsider these issues only after 2030.
Nvidia launches Synthetic Video Detector to combat AI-generated misinformation
Nvidia has introduced the Synthetic Video Detector (SVD), an AI microservice that identifies AI-generated videos with up to 92% accuracy. This tool is crucial for media outlets in verifying content authenticity and combating misinformation amid the rise of deepfake technology.
Taiwan indicts ex-TSMC manager over alleged leakage of chip secrets to China
Taiwanese prosecutors indicted a former TSMC deputy manager for allegedly stealing 21 confidential chip technology documents to share with a Chinese firm. This case, the first under Taiwan's National Security Act related to core semiconductor technologies, highlights continuing concerns about industrial espionage amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Dutch semiconductor industry faces high risk of Chinese interference, study finds
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies warns that the Dutch semiconductor sector is at very high risk of Chinese interference, exceeding vulnerabilities in maritime and aerospace. The report calls for stricter vetting processes and a public-private fund aimed at replacing high-risk foreign hardware.
Nvidia RTX 50 Super GPUs delayed due to high GDDR7 memory prices
Nvidia's RTX 50 Super GPUs are reportedly on hold due to the exorbitant cost of 3GB GDDR7 memory, which is three times pricier than its 2GB alternative. This situation may force Nvidia to either raise retail prices above target MSRP or limit production, impacting their competitive positioning.
Tower Semiconductor to invest $3B in Japan photonics with METI support
Tower Semiconductor announced a $3 billion expansion for its photonics operations in Japan, including reviving a former Panasonic fab. This initiative aims for $3.6 billion in revenue by 2028, benefiting the semiconductor supply chain significantly amid rising global demand.
105,000 nano-oscillators synchronized in 45 nanoseconds, advancing computing methods
Researchers have synchronized 105,000 nano-oscillators in 45 nanoseconds using minimal energy, significantly scaling oscillator-based computation. This development may lead to faster, energy-efficient alternatives to transistors for various applications, including real-time data analytics and AI.
Intel ships high-volume logic chips using ASML's High NA EUV technology
Intel has begun high-volume manufacturing of logic chips using ASML's High NA EUV lithography for its Panther Lake processors. This milestone marks the first commercial application of High NA EUV, promising advancements in semiconductor scaling and performance for future processors.
Ukraine conducts record 2,500km drone strike on Russia's Gazprom Neft refinery
Ukrainian FP-1 drones struck the Gazprom Neft refinery in Omsk after a 2,500 km flight, marking the longest-range drone strike of the war. The operation halted production at Russia's largest gasoline producer and showcased tactical advancements in Ukrainian drone capabilities.
Musk’s Colossus 2 data center allegedly installed unpermitted gas turbines impacting local communities
Elon Musk's Colossus 2 data center reportedly installed 59 unpermitted natural gas turbines, impacting nearby Mississippi communities with pollution. The NAACP has filed a lawsuit citing a significant rise in nitrogen oxide emissions linked to these operations.
Researchers develop programmable thermal device for advanced heat management
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers created a programmable thermal device that can direct heat without power, potentially enhancing thermal management in high-performance chips and silicon photonics. This innovation overcomes traditional limitations on heat absorption and emission, leading to advancements in radiative cooling and thermal communication.
Ireland's data centers used 23% of electricity in 2025, nearing total home consumption
Data centers in Ireland consumed 23% of the country's electricity in 2025, a significant rise from previous years. This growth raises concerns over electricity demand and its impact on residents, competing closely with residential electricity use.
Steam revenue reaches $11.1 billion in H1 2026, driven by Chinese market growth
Valve's Steam platform generated an estimated $11.1 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, marking a 14.5% increase from H1 2025. Key factors include a rise in Chinese players, higher game prices, and increased emphasis on legacy game catalogues, highlighting a significant shift towards digital sales in the gaming industry.
Tencent seeks to acquire AI startup Manus from Meta after Beijing intervention
Tencent is reportedly negotiating to acquire Manus from Meta for $2 billion following a government order to unwind the deal. This move reflects China's aim to maintain control over its AI assets amid rising competition with the U.S.
Nanya Technology to Quadruple 2027 Capital Spending to $6.2 Billion Amid Dramatic Revenue Surge
Nanya Technology plans to increase its capital spending to $6.2 billion in 2027, up from $1.55 billion in 2023, as second-quarter revenue skyrockets by 684% to T$82.55 billion. The surge is primarily driven by a more than 70% increase in average selling prices for DRAM, pushing gross margins to 79.5%.
Denuvo DRM bypassed ahead of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced release
Denuvo's DRM has been fully bypassed, allowing a cracked version of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced to circulate before its July 9, 2026 release. This leak raises questions about the effectiveness of Denuvo in protecting game titles and the overall user experience.
Space Force receives first mobile electromagnetic beam weapon for satellite disruption
The U.S. Space Force has received its first operational Meadowlands Counter Communications System, enabling enhanced electromagnetic warfare capabilities. This system will be used to detect and disrupt adversary satellite functions globally, marking a significant upgrade to the existing technology.
Longsys forecasts profit surge to $1.5B driven by AI demand for memory chips
Shenzhen Longsys Electronics expects a profit of $1.36 to $1.62 billion for 1H26, a dramatic rise from $2.2 million last year. This surge is attributed to heightened demand for memory chips due to global AI infrastructure expansion and limited wafer capacity.
Quantum Systems breaks electric drone speed record at 434 mph
Quantum Systems Group has reportedly set a new world record for electric drones, achieving a top speed of 434 mph with its Apex Recordhunter during internal tests. This significantly surpasses the previous record of 409 mph and underscores advancements in drone technology for potential military applications.
DARPA develops 30-year nuclear waste batteries for military drones
DARPA's SYMPHONEE project plans to create batteries powered by Strontium-90, potentially lasting 30 years. This initiative aims to enhance power systems for next-gen drones operating in extreme environments.
QTS terminates plans for world's largest data center due to legal challenges
QTS has abandoned its plans to develop the 2,100-acre Digital Gateway data center campus in Virginia following years of legal disputes. The project, which faced vehement opposition due to its proximity to a historic battlefield, will remain under rural zoning restrictions.
SK hynix announces $712.5 billion investment in South Korean semiconductor operations
SK hynix revealed plans to invest KRW 1.1 trillion ($712.5 billion) in its South Korean operations, primarily for semiconductor production. This includes KRW 100 trillion ($64 billion) for its Cheongju campus for NAND and HBM production, and KRW 400 trillion ($259.5 billion) for a new Southwestern semiconductor cluster.
BiWin Releases CL 100 Mini NVMe SSD for Portable Gaming Handhelds
BiWin has released the CL 100 Mini NVMe SSD, a 15 x 17 mm storage solution designed for specific portable gaming consoles. This drive offers NVMe speeds in a form factor similar to a microSD card, addressing the need for faster, more convenient storage expansion in compatible handhelds.
AMD Reaches $1 Trillion Market Cap for the First Time Amid 5-Day Stock Rally
AMD's stock surged 9% on Monday, pushing its market capitalization above $1 trillion for the first time, following a five-day rally that saw shares gain 24%. This milestone is driven by strong Q2 earnings, particularly a 107% increase in Data Center unit sales, fueled by demand for AI chips.
UK Banks and Energy Firms Urged to Reduce Reliance on AI Chatbots for Customer Care
Citizens Advice has called on UK essential service providers, including banks and energy firms, to guarantee customers the "right to talk to a human" instead of relying heavily on AI chatbots. Research by the charity indicates that chatbots often waste time, cause stress, and delay problem-solving for over half of users, particularly affecting digitally excluded individuals.
Trump Claims US is Renaming AI to 'Super Intelligence'
Donald Trump stated that the US is officially renaming artificial intelligence to "super intelligence," claiming the word "artificial" makes intelligence sound fake. He announced this during a speech at the UN General Assembly, suggesting all US documents and potentially global ones would adopt the new term.
AliExpress uses hidden Web Audio API for fingerprinting, disrupting Bluetooth multipoint audio
AliExpress website scripts create hidden Web Audio API contexts that interfere with Bluetooth multipoint audio connections, even when no audible media is playing. This behavior is attributed to Alibaba's anti-abuse tooling, which uses the Web Audio API for browser fingerprinting.
Micro Center requires ID and no-export pledge for RTX 5090 purchases
Micro Center is requiring customers purchasing an RTX 5090 GPU to provide photo identification and sign a declaration form prohibiting its export from the United States. This new policy follows recent U.S. government efforts to prevent the illicit export of high-end GPUs, particularly to China.