Hardware · Top stories
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.
Xbox Console Prices Increase in EU and UK by up to €200 or £170
Microsoft has increased the prices of Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in the European Union and the UK, with some models rising by up to €200 or £170. This adjustment follows previous price bumps in the US and is attributed to rising component costs, particularly for RAM and storage, impacting consumer affordability in these regions.
Apple anticipates significant supply constraints and increased memory costs in September quarter
Apple expects significant supply constraints for iPhone, Mac, and iPad products in the September quarter, alongside increased memory pricing and foreign exchange headwinds. This follows strong Q3 2026 results, but the company's stock fell by approximately 6.5% after the earnings call due to the outlook.
Samsung reveals features of new smart glasses to compete with Meta
Samsung introduced features of its upcoming smart glasses, including gesture controls and a built-in camera for recording. This launch challenges Meta's dominance in the smart glasses market, where it holds a significant share.
Qualcomm to Increase Chip Prices by Double-Digit Percentages Starting September 1
Qualcomm will raise prices on its chips by a double-digit percentage for products shipped after September 1. The company attributes this increase to its inability to absorb higher supplier costs and ongoing component shortages. This price hike is expected to affect device manufacturers and could lead to higher costs for consumer electronics, including smartphones and PCs.
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Memory Prices Increase Due to Supplier Cost Hikes
Framework has increased pricing for 32GB and 64GB LPCAMM2 memory modules in its Laptop 13 Pro, with the 32GB option rising from $439 to $800. This change is a direct result of a supplier doubling the cost of LPCAMM2 components, which Framework states it cannot absorb without financial risk. The price adjustment also affects pre-order fulfillments, with some customers receiving lower capacity memory at their original configured price.
Nintendo to End Original Switch Sales in Europe by 2027 Due to Battery Regulations
Nintendo will cease sales of the original Switch consoles in Europe by February 2027, aligning with new EU regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries. Updated versions of products, including the new Switch 2, will feature replaceable batteries, supporting sustainability goals.
Bluetooth SIG Adopts High Data Throughput (HDT) for Bluetooth LE, Boosting Speeds to 7.5Mbps
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has formally adopted Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) as an optional feature for Bluetooth Core 7.0. This update increases the maximum bit rate for Bluetooth LE devices from 2Mbps to 7.5Mbps, enabling higher quality audio, faster data synchronization, and improved support for AI and spatial computing applications.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Decline 41% Amid Price Hikes and Memory Shortages
Nintendo reported a 41% drop in Switch 2 unit sales for its fiscal second quarter, selling 2.67 million units, down from 3.82 million in the previous quarter. This decline follows price increases in key markets and ongoing memory chip supply shortages, impacting revenue and net profit below analyst expectations.
QD-OLED Gaming Monitors See Price Reductions During Amazon's Big Deal Days
During Amazon's Big Deal Days, several QD-OLED gaming monitors, including Alienware's 27-inch AW2725DF and 34-inch AW3426DW, and AOC's 27-inch 1440p display, are available at reduced prices. The Alienware models, known for high refresh rates up to 360 Hz and color accuracy, are at record lows, while the AOC monitor, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, is priced at $280.
GlobalFoundries Details FDX Fusion Technology for 7nm-Class Performance Without EUV
GlobalFoundries is developing FDX Fusion, a new FD-SOI process technology that aims to deliver 7nm-class performance using planar transistors, without requiring EUV lithography. The company plans for commercial production to begin in 2028, targeting high-volume manufacturing by 2030, and intends for FDX Fusion to serve connectivity and edge processor applications.
Intel's Nova Lake desktop CPUs to use 18A-P node, more details at CES
Intel confirmed its Nova Lake desktop processors will be the first client products to use the enhanced 18A-P node, with more information expected at CES in January. The company is also reallocating Panther Lake production capacity to increase Granite Rapids data center CPU output.
Tesla Unveils Revamped AI Accelerator Roadmap, Adopts 'SI' Branding
Tesla has released its updated AI accelerator roadmap, detailing significant changes to its chip development. The company's 6th Generation inference accelerator is projected to deliver 80 times more compute performance than the current 4th Generation chip, and the D3 training accelerator will transition to a multi-chiplet design with stacked HBM, moving away from its previous SRAM-centric architecture. Tesla is also rebranding its AI accelerators with "SI" monikers, standing for "super intelligence."
Nagare Labs develops Z2RAM, a memory technology combining SRAM speed with DRAM density
Nagare Labs, a Georgia Tech spinout, introduced Z2RAM, a new memory technology that aims to provide SRAM-level speed at DRAM density, directly on AI chips. This technology addresses the memory bandwidth limitations of AI chips by offering higher density and speed with lower power consumption compared to existing solutions like HBM and SRAM. Z2RAM uses a novel two-transistor, no-capacitor cell design and a 3D stacking process that avoids interposers and bonding.
Next Xbox Console, Project Helix, Could Cost Up To $1,800 Due to Part Costs
Microsoft's upcoming Xbox console, Project Helix, is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800, according to a Fortune report. This high price is attributed to rising component costs and could impact Xbox's goal of reaching 1 billion daily users.
Anduril and Qualcomm Partner to Launch BlueChip, a US-Made Hardened Laptop
Anduril and Qualcomm announced BlueChip, a new line of hardened laptops with pre-orders starting in 2027. These laptops will feature Snapdragon X Series CPUs manufactured at TSMC's Arizona facility, with 90% of initial components sourced from the U.S. or allied countries. The initiative aims to provide a secure, auditable computing option for military, government, and first responders, addressing supply chain security and regulations for US-made computers.
Amazon Launches Alexa Photo Frame, Integrating Digital Photo Display with Alexa
Amazon has released its first digital photo frame with built-in Alexa, named the Alexa Photo Frame. Available from $200, the device features a 10-inch HD anti-glare touchscreen and displays images from Amazon Photos, utilizing AI to select and present relevant pictures. This product expands Amazon's smart home ecosystem by combining photo display with voice assistant capabilities.
Googlebooks with Intel Processors May Experience Performance Issues with Some Android Apps
Google has acknowledged that a "small handful of complex apps or games" may not run optimally on Googlebooks equipped with Intel x86 processors. This is due to many Android applications being originally designed for ARM architecture, requiring developer tuning for better performance on Intel-based devices. The issue affects initial Googlebook models like the Asus Googlebook 14, Lenovo Googlebook 15, and Acer Googlebook 14, while models with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips are not cited with this issue.
Samsung increases Galaxy S26 prices by $100, S26 Ultra 1TB by $200
Samsung has raised the prices of its Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup by $100 for most models, with the 1TB S26 Ultra increasing by $200. This marks a second price increase for the S26 series, making the base model $200 more expensive than its S25 predecessor.
Apple Reportedly Developing Smart Home Camera with No Video Recording
Apple is reportedly developing a smart home camera, codenamed J450, that will not record video footage. Instead, it will use on-device AI, facial recognition, and infrared sensors to analyze its surroundings and provide text-based event descriptions, integrating with a new Apple smart home ecosystem and rumored hub. This approach prioritizes privacy by avoiding video recording, differentiating it from conventional security cameras.
Nothing Launches Headphone 1 Pro with Triple-Driver Design and Studio Features
Nothing has released its new flagship Headphone 1 Pro over-ear headphones, priced at $399. These headphones feature a triple-driver design, improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 46 dB, and a unique Flat EQ switch designed to disable EQ and spatial audio for studio professionals.
Apple Reportedly Developing Screenless Fitness Tracker Similar to Whoop
Apple is reportedly developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker, similar to devices from Whoop and Oura Ring. The device, which features a thin fabric band and a sensor-equipped computing module, is in the "technology investigation" phase and would not be released before 2028 if the project proceeds. This initiative aims to expand Apple's health tracking offerings beyond the Apple Watch to cater to users who prefer dedicated fitness devices.
Apple Reportedly Developing Own iPhone Game Controllers, Potentially Under Beats Brand
Apple is reportedly designing its own game controllers for iPhone, with model identifiers T6502 and T1057 found in macOS beta code. These controllers may be released under the Beats brand and could include features like a D-Pad, thumbsticks, haptic motors, and motion controls. This move would allow Apple to enter the iPhone gamepad market directly, complementing its existing sales of third-party controllers.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launches with Arm Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU Featuring AI Gaming Accelerator
The Xiaomi 18 Fold, launched in China, integrates Arm's new Mali G2-Ultra NX graphics processor, which includes an AI gaming graphics accelerator. This technology aims to improve mobile game performance with features similar to Nvidia's DLSS, such as AI upscaling and frame generation.
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.
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.
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.
Roku Launches First OLED TVs, Starting at $999
Roku has introduced its first OLED televisions, the Pro Series and Pro Series LX, entering the midrange OLED market. These new TVs offer features like 120Hz or 144Hz panels, HDMI 2.1 ports, and Dolby Vision, with prices starting at $999 for the Pro Series and $1,299 for the Pro Series LX, making them competitive with existing options from LG, Samsung, and Sony.
Oura faces class action lawsuit over alleged misleading sleep-tracking accuracy
A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Oura of deceiving consumers about the accuracy of its smart ring's sleep tracking features. The lawsuit alleges Oura rings rely on AI-generated estimates rather than physiological signals to determine sleep stages, despite marketing claims of high accuracy. This matters because consumers make health decisions based on the device's data, which the lawsuit claims is inaccurate.
IBM unveils mainframe chip supporting both Arm and Z workloads on same cores
IBM announced a new mainframe processor that can natively execute both IBM's instruction set and Arm's, switching between them in nanoseconds. This development allows enterprises to run Arm-native Linux software, including AI frameworks, alongside traditional z/OS transaction-processing workloads on the same chip.
Motorola to release GrapheneOS-powered flagship phones in 2027
Motorola will launch "higher end" flagship smartphones running the privacy-focused GrapheneOS in 2027. These devices will feature Qualcomm's flagship chips and offer enhanced security compared to current Pixel devices running GrapheneOS, expanding the hardware options for users prioritizing privacy.
LG Display Unveils FLiPP OLED Manufacturing Method for Brighter, Longer-Lasting Panels
LG Display introduced FLiPP, a new OLED manufacturing method that eliminates the need for fine metal masks, resulting in panels that are brighter, more efficient, and have extended lifespans. This technology could enable OLED displays of various sizes, from small wearables to large TVs, and will first be applied to IT products.
Google Plans to Move All Pixel Production Out of China by 2027
Google reportedly plans to shift all Pixel phone, watch, and earbud production out of China by 2027, moving manufacturing to Vietnam and India. This move aims to diversify its supply chain and capitalize on existing manufacturing ecosystems in other regions.
Boeing Sells eVTOL Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation for 16.5% Stake
Boeing has sold its Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu subsidiaries to Archer Aviation in exchange for a 16.5% ownership stake in Archer. This transaction allows Boeing to focus on its core commercial airplane business while strengthening Archer's position in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and urban air mobility markets.
Samsung Galaxy Buds to gain FDA-cleared hearing aid feature; new over-ear headphones in development
Samsung will release an FDA-cleared hearing aid feature and a five-minute hearing test for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro later this year in the US and other markets. This feature provides an over-the-counter solution for individuals aged 18 and over with mild to moderate hearing loss. Additionally, Samsung is developing new over-ear headphones, codenamed "Galaxy H1," which could launch as early as 2027.
MacBook Air Faces Significant Supply Shortages Due to AI-Driven Memory Demand
Apple's MacBook Air is experiencing significant supply shortages, with delivery estimates extending into late August or September, attributed to a global memory crisis driven by high demand from AI data centers. This shortage has led Apple to prioritize MacBook Pro production and encourage customers to consider the Pro model, despite recent price increases for the MacBook Air.
AMD's Q2 Revenue Jumps 50% to $11.5 Billion Driven by Data Center Growth
AMD reported a 50% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, reaching $11.5 billion, primarily due to a 107% surge in data center sales to $6.7 billion. This growth was attributed to demand for AI capacity and sales of Epyc CPUs and Instinct GPUs, while gaming revenue declined by 31% to $779 million.