From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Windscribe Releases deGDID Script to Block Microsoft's Global Device Identifier
Windscribe, a VPN provider, has developed an open-source PowerShell script called "deGDID" that removes existing Microsoft Global Device Identifiers (GDIDs) from Windows PCs and prevents new ones from being created. This tool addresses privacy concerns related to persistent device tracking, but using it may disrupt some Microsoft cloud services that rely on device authentication.
Tesla and SpaceX to Build $16.8 Billion Terafab Chip Factory in Texas
Tesla and SpaceX announced an initial $16.8 billion investment to build "Terafab," an advanced chip factory in Grimes County, Texas. The facility, planned for over 100 million square feet, aims to produce AI inference processors and high-power processors to meet the future computing demands of both companies, including Tesla's Optimus robots and SpaceX's space-based data centers. The factory will be powered by natural gas plants and large battery arrays.
Emporia, Kansas Approves Data Center Amid Arrest and Virtual Meeting Shift
Emporia, Kansas, approved zoning changes for the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a hyperscale data center, despite community opposition. The approval followed the arrest of Lux Claridge, a high school physics teacher, for clapping at a city commission meeting, and the city subsequently moved future meetings online, citing public safety concerns due to threats.
iPhone 18 Pro Production Faces Delays Due to DRAM Shortage, Impacting Availability
Production of Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly experiencing delays due to a DRAM shortage, affecting the packaging of the A20 Pro processors. This situation could lead to limited availability and longer wait times for the new device, with approximately $1 billion worth of processors awaiting DRAM delivery.
Samsung Unveils New Memory Technologies for AI and General Computing at FMS
Samsung introduced zHBM, zNAND-O, and BV-NAND memory technologies at the Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) conference. These advancements utilize wafer bonding to improve performance, density, and energy efficiency, primarily targeting AI data centers and specialized computing applications.
LG's 27GX704A-B OLED gaming monitor now priced at $379.99
LG's glossy 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, the 27GX704A-B, is currently on sale for $379.99, down from its original price of $799.99. This sale highlights the rarity of high-performance OLED monitors available at this price point, appealing to budget-conscious gamers.
Civilian Medevac Plane Crash in New Mexico Linked to Military GPS Jamming
A twin-engine Beechcraft King Air medevac plane crashed in New Mexico, killing all four occupants, after encountering GPS jamming from a US military exercise at White Sands Missile Range. The incident, which occurred in May, marks the first fatal civilian plane crash in the US attributed to GPS jamming, raising concerns about the impact of military electronic warfare activities on civilian aviation.
28.9M Parameter LLM Runs on $8 ESP32-S3 Microcontroller Using Flash Memory
A 28.9 million parameter language model has been successfully run on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, which costs approximately $8. This was achieved by storing most of the model in flash memory rather than RAM, a technique inspired by Google's Per-Layer Embeddings, allowing significantly larger models to operate on resource-constrained edge devices.
US Tech Giants' Hidden Debt Reaches $1.65 Trillion Due to AI Investments
Hidden debts among five major U.S. tech companies have surged to $1.65 trillion, driven by AI-related investments and long-term contracts. These liabilities exceed the $1.35 trillion reflected in official financial statements, complicating investor risk assessment.
Asus Releases New ProArt Displays for Professional Content Creation
Asus has released two new ProArt displays: the 27-inch 4K PA27UCGE and the 32-inch 4K PA32UCDMR OLED monitor. The PA27UCGE features a 160Hz refresh rate and a built-in motorized colorimeter, while the PA32UCDMR offers a 240Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and an included external calibrator. Both monitors are designed for photo and video editing professionals, offering high refresh rates and calibration tools.
Northwestern University introduces motion-blur cloaked Phantom Twist drone
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the Phantom Twist drone, which spins at 25 RPM, rendering it nearly invisible due to motion blur. This design, which leverages AI for optimization, is ten times less visible than standard quadcopters, potentially advancing drone stealth technology.
Valve Funds Port of Open-Source RADV Vulkan Driver to Windows
Valve is sponsoring Collabora developers to port the open-source RADV Vulkan driver, a key component of the Linux graphics stack for AMD GPUs, to Microsoft Windows. This initiative aims to bring an open-source Vulkan implementation to Windows users, offering benefits like a shared codebase and easier debugging across platforms, and has already enabled games like Counter-Strike 2 to run.
AMD Releases Ryzen AI Halo, a $4,000 Local AI Development Platform
AMD has launched the Ryzen AI Halo, a $3,999.99 mini-PC for local AI development, powered by the Zen 5 Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. It includes integrated graphics, ample memory, and comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro or a custom AMD Linux. While user-friendly, its performance is noted to lag behind Nvidia's similar offerings.
Plymouth Township Demands 43 Conditions for 2 Million Sq. Ft. Data Center Project
Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania, has issued 43 conditions for the approval of a 2 million-square-foot data center project proposed by developer Brian O’Neill. The developer is challenging the township's zoning ordinance, claiming the demands are too burdensome, leading to a dispute over local control and data center development.
Valve Clarifies Steam Machine Reservation Process and Releases CAD Files
Valve addressed concerns regarding Steam Machine reservation fulfillment, stating that waitlist individuals are not bypassing existing reservations and all current reservation holders are expected to receive an option to purchase by the end of 2026. The company also released CAD files for the Steam Machine's external shell under a Creative Commons license, allowing for custom accessory development.
Australian PM Announces National AI Framework, Establishes AI Office for Regulatory Oversight
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the formation of a national AI framework and an AI office in Australia, focusing on regulatory oversight and protecting creator rights. The framework aims to streamline approval processes for AI projects and ensure datacentres' energy and resource efficiency. This initiative addresses growing societal and economic concerns around AI's impact and development.
ASML Increases Sales Forecast Amid AI Chip Demand, Plans EUV Tool Price Hikes
ASML has raised its 2023 sales forecast to €43-45 billion due to strong demand for AI chips. Plans to increase capacity for EUV and DUV machines align with surging orders. The company is also exploring price increases for its Low-NA EUV tools, facing criticism from major client TSMC. ASML's pricing strategy and market position could impact the broader semiconductor industry.
Minecraft: Java Edition System Requirements Increase to 16GB RAM, Newer CPU
Mojang has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, raising the recommended system memory from 4GB to 16GB and suggesting a 2020s or newer CPU. This is the first such increase in 17 years and aims to ensure smooth performance with advanced features, including preparation for a transition from OpenGL to Vulkan.
Intel Partners With Fortinet for SP6 Chip Development on Intel 4 Technology
Intel and Fortinet have entered a strategic collaboration to develop Fortinet's Security Processor 6 (SP6) using Intel's 4 nm process. Fortinet becomes Intel's first named external silicon customer for the Intel 4 node, marking a significant development for Intel's foundry business. This collaboration strengthens the relationship between semiconductor manufacturing and cybersecurity, with Intel showcasing its foundry capabilities under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
TSMC Plans 5-10% Chip Production Price Hike amid AI Demand and Rising Costs
TSMC plans to increase chip production prices by 5% to 10% starting next year, citing rising demand for AI processors and material costs. This move, affecting both advanced and mature technologies, follows Apple's recent product price hikes due to increased memory costs, potentially impacting future Apple device prices.
Eminent Domain Used to Acquire Land for Data Center Infrastructure
Power companies in the U.S. are using eminent domain to secure land for building transmission lines essential for data center infrastructure. This legal approach, which allows the government to seize private property for public use, has sparked public opposition due to environmental concerns and higher utility bills. With the AI boom expanding data center construction, the use of eminent domain raises questions about property rights and community responses.
Zilog Z80 Processor Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Transition to Open-Source Replica
The Zilog Z80 processor, launched in July 1976, reached its 50th anniversary. Known for its role in 8-bit computing, it was discontinued in 2024 by its current owner, Littelfuse. An open-source replacement, funded by the community, will soon be available in the original DIP40 package.
TSMC Reports Strong Revenue and Profit Growth Amidst AI Chip Demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) recorded a 68% revenue increase in June, with total Q2 revenue up 36% year-over-year, driven by AI chip demand. Advanced chip technologies accounted for 77% of wafer revenue, contributing to a 77.4% profit rise for the quarter. TSMC plans to expand advanced chip packaging facilities in Taiwan.
Unpatched Flaw in Shark Vacuums Allows Unauthorized Control Across AWS Region
A vulnerability in Shark robot vacuums allows attackers to control devices across an AWS region using leaked certificates. This unpatched flaw exposes live camera feeds, home maps, and Wi-Fi credentials while presenting significant privacy risks to users. The issue has been known to SharkNinja since March without a patch.
Apple M7 Ultra Chip Aims for 1.5TB RAM, Tied to Memory Market Conditions
Apple's upcoming M7 Ultra chip is planned to support up to 1.5TB of unified memory, comparable to high-end Intel Mac Pro configurations. This development, detailed by Mark Gurman, relies on memory supply improvements. The M7 Ultra is expected to enter the market in 2028, marking a significant leap in Apple's silicon strategy and AI performance capabilities.
SpaceX Deorbits 260 Starlink Satellites, Sparks Environmental Concerns
SpaceX deorbited 260 Starlink satellites from December 2025 to May 2026, burning them in Earth's atmosphere. The move, reported to the FCC, raises environmental worries despite following standard deorbiting practices to prevent collisions.
Elon Musk's $1 Billion APR Energy Acquisition Supports xAI's Data Centers
Elon Musk acquired APR Energy, a company that creates mobile gas turbines, for approximately $1 billion. The acquisition is expected to provide power for SpaceXAI's data centers, which face scrutiny due to unpermitted gas turbine usage. This move marks a shift towards fossil fuel reliance, contrasting Musk's previous clean energy advocacy.
Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) Raises Privacy Concerns Amidst Hacking Case
A federal complaint unveiled details about Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) used for tracking Windows devices. The ID, tied to user privacy concerns, played a role in the capture of a teenage hacker, Peter Stokes. It highlights Windows' telemetry features and their implications on surveillance and privacy.
NVIDIA and Sega Celebrate 30-Year Partnership, Unveil RTX Spark
NVIDIA and Sega are celebrating their 30-year partnership with an event in Akihabara, Tokyo on July 15, where NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will introduce the new RTX Spark platform. Sega will support RTX Spark in its future games, starting with 'Virtua Fighter Crossroads'. This collaboration highlights a continued focus on integrating AI and advanced graphics technologies in gaming.
Micron to Boost U.S. Chip Investments to $250 Billion by 2035
Micron has announced a strategic investment of $3 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, including $500 million for GlobalWafers' Texas wafer plant. This is part of a broader plan to increase Micron's total U.S. investment to $250 billion by 2035, driven by rising memory demand from AI advancements. The move seeks to secure a reliable domestic supply of critical input materials.
Meta Expands Hyperion Data Center in Louisiana to a 5GW Facility, Investment Surpasses $50 Billion
Meta's data center in Louisiana will grow to a 5GW facility, increasing its investment from $27 billion to over $50 billion. Supported by Louisiana's tax incentives, this expansion is part of Meta's AI infrastructure strategy and promises substantial local economic benefits.
Brazilian Court Orders Microsoft to Restore Hacked Xbox Account and Pay Damages
A Brazilian court ordered Microsoft to reinstate a gamer's suspended Xbox account and digital library, following a lawsuit by a user known as Ordo_Liberal. Microsoft must also pay $400 in damages. The court ruling emphasizes consumer rights in digital ownership and security.
200 GitHub Repositories Used to Spread Malware in 'Operation Muck and Load'
A threat actor has leveraged 200 GitHub repositories to distribute malware in 'Operation Muck and Load'. The campaign uses a deceptive Go module posing as a DNS scanner, distributing over 700 malicious variants since January 2023 to execute spyware, trojans, and other malware. This highlights significant risks in software supply chain security.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp Criticizes AI Token Models Amid Rising Costs
Palantir CEO Alex Karp criticized the token models of AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic, highlighting inefficiencies and surging costs. He suggested businesses are turning to open-weight models and proprietary AI tools. Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora also warned that AI token costs must drop significantly to enable wider adoption of AI technologies.
Brown University Professor's In-Person Exams Highlight Potential AI Cheating Issue
Brown University professor Roberto Serrano suspects AI-facilitated cheating after a drastic score drop from take-home to in-person finals. His class had grown to 86 students, with a notable reduction in attendance after the exam format change. This incident indicates potential academic dishonesty and highlights the impact of AI on examination processes.
Alienware Unveils Enhanced 34-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
Alienware has launched the AW3426DW, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor using Samsung's QD-OLED technology, featuring a five-layer RGB Stripe panel and a 280 Hz refresh rate. These advancements improve brightness and color accuracy for a more immersive gaming experience. The monitor represents a significant update in the competitive gaming display market.
FTC Approves Elon Musk's Acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies
The Federal Trade Commission has approved Elon Musk's pending acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies. Founded by former SpaceX engineers, Mesh develops optical transceivers for data centers. This acquisition could enhance data transmission capabilities in SpaceX's data centers, vital for AI infrastructure.
PC Shipments Decline Amid Memory Shortages and Price Hikes
U.S. PC shipments dropped by 7% in Q1 2026 to 15.8 million units, while worldwide shipments fell by nearly 5% to 68.2 million units. These declines, driven by component shortages and price hikes, notably the ongoing AI-driven memory shortage, have affected consumer purchasing. Despite the reduced shipments, PC manufacturer revenues continue to rise due to increased prices.
Meta Datacenter Contamination Leads to Wyoming Wastewater Rule Changes
Meta's datacenter construction in Cheyenne led to water contamination with Cupriavidus gilardii. This incident resulted in new wastewater regulations, affecting all city-linked datacenters. It underscores ongoing concerns about datacenter resource consumption and environmental impact.
South Korea Commits $880 Billion for Semiconductor and AI Projects Amid Infrastructure Challenges
South Korea announced a $880 billion initiative for semiconductors, AI, and robotics with a focus on megaprojects like the Yongin Semiconductor Complex. This aims to address global chip shortages and bolster AI infrastructure but faces significant power and water supply challenges. The ambitious plan impacts major companies like Samsung and SK Hynix.