Hardware · Top stories
Nvidia Reports $96.2 Billion in Revenue, Projects $108 Billion Next Quarter
Nvidia announced a record $96.2 billion in revenue for the past quarter, with projections to reach $108 billion in the coming months. This growth is primarily driven by its data center business, which generated $89 billion and more than doubled year-over-year, indicating its increasing dominance in the AI hardware market.
Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPU Prices Increase Globally, Driven by Component Costs
Prices for Nvidia's RTX 50-series graphics cards have increased significantly across various regions, including China, South Korea, Japan, and the US. These price hikes, ranging from 10% to over 50% above MSRP for some models, are attributed to rising costs of components like TSMC wafers and GDDR7 memory, as well as high demand for AI hardware.
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series and Watch 9 at Unpacked Event
Samsung announced its latest devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event held on July 22 in London. The event debuted the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, including a new Ultra model, and the Galaxy Watch 9. The Z Fold 8 series introduces wider designs and improved displays featuring 'Flex Titanium' technology to reduce crease visibility. Samsung also announced preorder incentives and pricing, reflecting higher component costs and competition from Apple's potential foldable devices.
GoPro Merges with Starman Optical for $285M, Expands into AI Data Centers and Defense
GoPro announced a $285 million merger with optical-photonics company Starman Optical, with GoPro shareholders receiving $1.14 per share and retaining 10% ownership. This deal will clear GoPro's $92 million debt and enable the company to enter the AI data center market, defense, robotics, and aerospace sectors, diversifying its business beyond action cameras.
Google Launches Pixel Tag Item Tracker with UWB and Bluetooth Channel Sounding
Google has released the Pixel Tag, a new item tracker priced at $29, designed to compete with Apple's AirTag. It features Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precision finding and Bluetooth Channel Sounding, integrating with Google's Find Hub network to help Android users locate lost items.
Leaked DLSS 5 Library Found in NBA 2K27, Modders Get it Running in Control
A new Nvidia library, nvngx_dlssnr.dll, associated with DLSS 5 neural rendering technology, was found in the early access version of NBA 2K27. Modders successfully implemented this leaked DLSS 5 library into the game Control, demonstrating its functionality and initial performance characteristics on Blackwell GPUs. This leak provides an early look at Nvidia's upcoming rendering technology ahead of its official fall release.
Apple Reportedly Preparing Three New Smart Home Devices for Launch
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch three new smart home devices: an updated Apple TV, a new HomePod mini, and a smart home hub with a 7-inch display. These products are expected to feature faster chips to support enhanced Siri AI capabilities and expand Apple's presence in the smart home market.
Alienware Releases 39-inch 5K Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitor with High Vertical Resolution
Alienware has released the AW3926QW, a 39-inch ultrawide OLED gaming monitor. It features a 5120x2160 (5K) resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 2,160 vertical pixels, providing more vertical screen space than typical 34-inch ultrawides. This monitor is noted for its visual clarity and immersive gaming experience.
Apple Ramps Up Production of Foldable iPhone Ultra Amid High Demand
Apple plans to increase production of its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named 'iPhone Ultra', to 10 million units for its scheduled launch in September 2026. This adjustment from initial estimates reflects rising demand expectations despite potential supply constraints. The phone's price is expected to be between $2300 and $2500, influencing the broader foldable market. Apple aims to release multiple iPhone models by 2027, navigating component shortages via expanded sourcing arrangements.
Apple to Launch Redesigned Entry-Level MacBook Pro with Touchscreen in 2027
Apple is reportedly planning to redesign its entry-level MacBook Pro, targeting a release in the first half of 2027. The update will align the model with higher-end versions by introducing a touchscreen and potentially a thinner form factor. The move is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced features and chips across Apple's device lineup.
AI Demand Drives PC Component Price Surge, Reversing Decades of Declines
Prices for PC components like RAM, SSDs, and hard drives have increased significantly over the past year, with some memory prices returning to 2007 levels. This surge is attributed to high demand from AI infrastructure buildouts, impacting PC builders and leading some manufacturers to shift focus to enterprise AI solutions.
SK Hynix Raises $26.5B in Historic U.S. IPO Amid AI Memory Demand
SK Hynix raised $26.5 billion through a Nasdaq IPO, marking the largest-ever U.S. debut for a foreign company. The South Korean chipmaker, capitalizing on AI-driven demand for memory chips, issued American depositary receipts priced at $149 each. This significant capital influx will support expansions to address global memory shortages.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks: August Launch, Higher Prices, No 128GB Option
A leak reveals Google Pixel 11 will launch in August, with increased prices and no 128GB model. Offering 256GB as the base storage, prices rise by €100, placing them in flagship territory. This shift hints at intensified competition with high-end smartphones.
Meta updates smart glasses to disable camera if privacy light tampered
Meta is releasing a mandatory update for its smart glasses that disables the camera if the privacy LED is tampered with. This initiative addresses privacy concerns and misuse incidents involving covert recording. The update coincides with reports of new Meta glasses that may continuously record without a privacy light, raising further privacy issues.
Minisforum Launches AI Agent NAS N5 and AI Mini Workstation MS-S1 with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495
Minisforum introduced the AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495 and the AI Mini Workstation MS-S1 Max-P495, both featuring AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor. These devices are designed for local AI model execution and data storage, offering privacy and reduced latency for AI workloads.
Rumors Suggest iPhone 18 Pro Max Will Feature Larger Battery and Increased Weight
Leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a significantly larger battery of up to 5,567mAh, compared to 5,088mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and may weigh more at 240g, attributed to the increased battery size. These changes are expected to impact the model's weight and differentiate it further from the iPhone 18 Pro. Verification of these details is still pending due to the unconfirmed nature of the leaks.
AMD Unveils Threadripper Halo Station AI Workstation with 96 Cores and Dual MI350P Accelerators
AMD announced the Threadripper Halo Station, a new AI workstation featuring a 96-core Threadripper Pro 9995WX CPU and dual liquid-cooled Instinct MI350P accelerators, at IFA 2026. This workstation is designed for running large AI models, with AMD claiming it can handle trillion-parameter models, and is expected to be available through OEM partners.
AMD Achieves Record X86 CPU Market Share in Q2 2026 Amidst Overall Market Growth
AMD reached its highest-ever x86 processor market share in Q2 2026, capturing 34.1% of the market including IoT and console SoCs, and 30.7% excluding them. This growth occurred as the overall CPU market saw a 10% sequential increase in unit shipments, driven by strong demand in data center and laptop segments, despite a decline in desktop CPU sales.
Lenovo Unveils Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1 Laptops with NVIDIA RTX Spark
Lenovo introduced two new Yoga laptops, the Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1, featuring NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip. These devices, announced at IFA, are designed for AI workloads, creative tasks, and general productivity, with configurations offering up to 128GB of unified memory and up to 4TB of SSD storage. The RTX Spark chip integrates NVIDIA's Grace CPU with a Blackwell RTX GPU, providing on-device AI processing capabilities.
Apple May Launch Camera-Equipped AirPods This Fall, Codenamed B790
Apple may release a version of camera-equipped AirPods, codenamed B790, as early as next month, according to references found in iOS 27 code and internal roadmaps. This potential release precedes another rumored variant, B798, which is anticipated in 2027. The cameras could expand health features, including vision assistance for blind and low-vision users when combined with Apple's AI-powered VoiceOver.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks Reveal New Colors, Pixel Glow Feature and Pricing
Ahead of its August 12 launch, Google's Pixel 11 series leaks reveal new color options like 'Pine' and 'Fuchsia' and introduce the 'Pixel Glow' feature, a multi-colored LED light integrated in the camera bar. The leaks include design changes for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with a narrower camera bar and price increases of approximately €100. This matters as Google shifts its strategy in the competitive smartphone market.
Stryker completes first surgical procedure using Apple Vision Pro with SportSuite Vision app
Stryker announced the completion of the first hip arthroscopy performed using Apple Vision Pro with its SportSuite Vision app, which integrates critical digital content into a surgeon's virtual space. This marks the first FDA-authorized app for intraoperative use with Vision Pro, demonstrating a new application of spatial computing in surgical workflows.
Belkin Introduces New Power Banks with Semi-Solid-State Battery Technology
Belkin announced new power banks at IFA 2026, including models featuring semi-solid-state battery technology, which the company states will last up to three times longer than traditional power banks. This technology, called "BoostSolid Cell," incorporates a gel-like layer to improve longevity, reduce overheating risks, and maintain consistent power delivery.
Raspberry Pi Timeline Highlights Key Milestones from 2006 to 2012
The Raspberry Pi project began in 2006 at the University of Cambridge to address declining computer science applications and lack of hands-on experience. The Raspberry Pi Foundation was established in 2009, leading to the launch of the $35 Raspberry Pi Model B in 2012, which quickly became a best-selling British computer.
Nvidia RTX Spark N1X Chips Launch in October for Laptops and Mini PCs
Nvidia's Arm-based RTX Spark N1X chips will launch in October in two configurations for laptops and mini PCs. The N1X features a Blackwell RTX GPU and Grace CPU, with configurations offering either an 18-core CPU and 5,120-core GPU or a 20-core CPU and 6,144-core GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory. This marks Nvidia's entry into the Windows on Arm ecosystem, introducing a new silicon vendor for portable computing devices.
Lenovo Unveils Project AeroBlade Concept Laptop with Solid-State Cooling
Lenovo introduced Project AeroBlade, a 14-inch concept laptop for IFA 2026, featuring Frore Systems' AirJet solid-state cooling technology. This design eliminates traditional fans, resulting in a device less than 10mm thick and weighing under 1.8 pounds, and uses four AirJet Mini modules to dissipate 30 watts of heat, pairing with Intel Lunar Lake silicon.
Dyson Launches CameraJet, a $499 Toothbrush with Integrated Camera and Flossing
Dyson has introduced the CameraJet, an electric toothbrush priced at $499 that integrates a camera and AI to detect gaps between teeth and blast mouthwash for flossing. This device combines brushing, flossing, and rinsing into a single unit, marking Dyson's entry into the oral care market.
OpenAI Launches $230 Codex Micro Keyboard for AI Coding Assistants
OpenAI has introduced the Codex Micro, a $230 RGB-lit mini-keyboard designed in collaboration with Work Louder to enhance user interaction with Codex AI agents. The device features color-coded keys for live feedback, a joystick, and rotary controls to streamline coding tasks. The Codex Micro represents OpenAI's first foray into branded hardware as the company faces a separate legal battle with Apple.
RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro Rugged Phone Features Detachable Action Camera
RugOne, a Ulefon brand, launched the Xsnap 7 Pro, a rugged smartphone with an IP68 and IP69K rating. The device features a detachable rear camera that functions as a standalone action camera, recording up to 2.7K resolution at 30fps and offering up to 40 minutes of video recording on a single charge. It debuted at MWC 2026 and will be available globally in October for $999.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 Earbuds Feature User-Replaceable Batteries
Sennheiser announced its Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds, which include user-replaceable batteries for both the earbuds and the charging case. This design change, accessible with a compact screwdriver, addresses battery degradation and extends product lifespan, partly driven by upcoming European sustainability regulations.
Sonos Ace Ultra Headphones with Voice Control and New Colors Revealed in FCC Filing
Sonos is preparing to launch new over-ear headphones, potentially named Sonos Ace Ultra, following an FCC filing. These headphones, model S52A, are expected to be a premium successor to the 2024 Sonos Ace, featuring support for voice commands and five color options. This release aligns with Sonos's strategy to integrate AI and conversational computing into its hardware ecosystem.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop Discounted at Best Buy
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop is discounted by $300 at Best Buy, now priced at $1,899.99. This laptop features a 16-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. The discount offers a compelling option amidst rising component costs affecting gaming laptop prices.
OpenAI's Jalapeño AI Chip Shows Faster Responses and Higher Throughput in Benchmarks
OpenAI has released benchmark results for its custom Jalapeño AI inference chip, developed in partnership with Broadcom. The chip demonstrated 1.5 to 1.9 times more AI work per watt and 1.7 to 3.6 times lower latency compared to Nvidia's GB200 or GB300 superchips in InferenceX tests. This development aims to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of AI systems, particularly for multi-step agent tasks.
Apple Seeks Approval to Source RAM from Blacklisted Chinese Supplier CXMT
Apple is testing and seeking approval to use RAM chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a blacklisted Chinese supplier, for its devices sold in China. This move is part of Apple's strategy to alleviate supply chain pressures amid rising RAM prices. The situation highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns regarding U.S.-China tech relations.
LG Monitors Trigger Unwanted McAfee Ads on Windows PCs
LG monitors, when connected to Windows PCs, can trigger automatic installation of software promoting McAfee, without user consent. This occurs through the LG Monitor App Installer, leading to privacy concerns and user complaints about unwarranted pop-up ads. Such behavior reflects broader issues of unsolicited software installs linked to hardware.
Ugreen Launches Local AI Smart Home Ecosystem with HomeAgent and MasterAgent Hubs
Ugreen has introduced a new smart home ecosystem centered around local AI hubs, HomeAgent and MasterAgent, designed to process data on-device rather than in the cloud. The lineup includes security cameras, a smart picture frame, and a smart speaker, aiming to provide privacy-focused smart features. The MasterAgent MA100, powered by Nvidia's Jetson Thor, offers up to 2,070 TOPS of AI performance and costs $20,000.
Amazon increases prices for Echo, Fire TV, and Kindle products by up to 60%
Amazon has raised prices on its Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, and Eero devices by up to 60%, citing increased memory and storage component costs. This change affects several popular Amazon hardware products, making them more expensive for consumers.
Apple reportedly lays off 60 Vision employees, signaling shift in VR development
Apple has reportedly laid off at least 60 employees from its VR development team, the Apple Vision Group, according to AppleInsider. This move suggests a potential reprioritization within Apple's spatial computing initiatives, despite previous assurances of continued investment in visionOS and the Vision Pro.
US Imposes Tariffs Up to 100% on Foreign Drones and Components
The United States has implemented new tariffs on foreign-made drones and their components, with rates up to 100% for certain categories. This action aims to strengthen national security, reduce reliance on overseas suppliers, and encourage domestic manufacturing of drones and parts.
NVIDIA Unveils Vera CPU for AI-centric Workloads, Challenging AMD and Intel
NVIDIA has launched its Vera CPU, emphasizing high single-threaded performance for AI workloads. The Vera CPU aims to outperform x86 architectures in AI inference scenarios, challenging AMD and Intel in the expanding market for AI data centers. The release supports NVIDIA's goal of capturing market share among growing AI infrastructures.