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Sipeed Introduces MaixStation, a Chinese AI System Rivaling DGX Spark and Ryzen AI Halo
Sipeed announced the MaixStation, an AI system built on Axera's AX8860P chip, featuring 128GB LPDDR5X memory and an NPU rated at 256 TOPS. The MaixStation is expected to cost $3,999, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the DGX Spark and Ryzen AI Halo.
John Ternus Discusses iPhone Duo Origins and Design Philosophy in TIME Interview
Apple's John Ternus discussed the development of the iPhone Duo, which is launching nearly a decade after other foldables, in a TIME interview. Ternus, who filed a foldable device patent in 2011, stated that early competitor foldables felt "cheap and crappy," driving Apple to invest more time in design and manufacturing innovations like its nanotexture surface and hinge system. This approach resulted in a device with a barely detectable crease, reflecting Apple's focus on design and engineering in its foldable entry.
Explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat Chip Plant in Israel Kills Two, Injures One
An explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat chip manufacturing plant in southern Israel resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury. Police suspect a gas cylinder malfunction caused the incident, which involved nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), a toxic gas used in chipmaking.
NASA develops solid-state batteries for extreme lunar temperatures
NASA's SPEARS project is developing solid-state batteries that can withstand the Moon's extreme temperature fluctuations, from 100°C to -200°C. These batteries use solid ceramic or polymer electrolytes, offering a more resilient power source for future Artemis missions compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
GFiber and Qualcomm Announce Wi-Fi 8 Premium Gateway for 20 Gig Customers
GFiber, Qualcomm, and Gemtek announced a new Wi-Fi 8 Premium Gateway for GFiber's 20 Gig customers, leveraging Qualcomm's Dragonwing NPro A8 Elite Platform. This gateway will be manufactured by Gemtek and aims to provide advanced connectivity and edge AI capabilities for high-speed internet users.
Nothing Reportedly Developing Two Smart Glasses Models, One with ChatGPT Integration
Nothing is reportedly developing two distinct smart glasses models, one featuring a camera and ChatGPT integration for AI capabilities like translation, and another simpler model functioning primarily as headphones for calls and voice assistants. This dual strategy suggests Nothing is expanding its hardware offerings with varying levels of AI integration, following previous reports of the company's focus on AI devices.
SK hynix to integrate custom H-TPU cores into SSD controllers to offload Arm CPUs
SK hynix will incorporate in-house designed Hynix Transaction Processing Unit (H-TPU) cores into its SSD controllers. These specialized cores will handle repetitive I/O tasks, reducing the power and area demands on traditional Arm CPUs as drive speeds increase.
Tech Giants Introduce AI-Powered Devices Ahead of Holiday Season
Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have launched new devices integrating generative AI, including laptops, tablets, and smart home hubs. These releases aim to introduce AI capabilities to consumers and gather feedback, despite current economic challenges and a learning curve for the new technology.
Science Corporation Implants Vision-Restoring PRIMA Chip in First Stargardt Disease Patient
Science Corporation has implanted its PRIMA vision-restoring chip into a patient with Stargardt disease, an inherited condition causing central vision loss. This marks the first application of the chip for Stargardt disease, expanding its use beyond geographic atrophy and demonstrating potential for treating previously incurable eye conditions.
Cambridge Heavy Industries develops tabletop fusion device, raises $6.2M seed round
Cambridge Heavy Industries has developed a tabletop fusion device using lasers to compress a fuel target, minimizing the number of lasers required for ignition. The startup secured a $6.2 million seed round to advance its technology, which aims to enable rapid experimentation and iteration in fusion research.
Apple HomeView facial recognition requires paired, unlocked Apple Intelligence device on Wi-Fi
Apple's new HomeView smart display uses facial recognition to personalize experiences for up to six users. This feature requires a paired, Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad to be on the home's Wi-Fi network and recently unlocked for recognition to occur. The system does not use Face ID directly on the HomeView device.
NHTSA Investigates Tesla Robotaxis for Speeding in School Zones
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is evaluating reports that Tesla's robotaxis, specifically Model Y and Cybercab vehicles using the Automated Driving System (ADS), are exceeding speed limits in active school zones. This inquiry follows a petition received by NHTSA and adds to previous investigations into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system for other traffic violations.
CXMT to launch first 4F² DRAM, a server DDR5 RDIMM, by year-end
CXMT plans to release its first 4F² DRAM product, a server DDR5 RDIMM, by the end of the year. This marks the commercialization of a denser memory cell layout that reduces footprint by approximately one-third, potentially impacting future DRAM manufacturing and density.
Intel Renames Crescent Island AI Accelerator to GPU D-Series, Details Performance
Intel officially named its Crescent Island AI accelerator the Intel GPU D-Series and disclosed its theoretical peak performance of 1.3 PFLOPS of FP8 and 1.5 TB/s memory bandwidth. These air-cooled PCIe cards are designed for traditional rack servers, targeting large language models and multi-tenant AI services.
Google develops next-gen Google TV Streamer with microphones, presence sensing, and updated remote
Google is developing a new Google TV Streamer that includes integrated microphones for voice commands, presence sensing capabilities, and an updated remote with additional shortcut buttons. This update introduces new hardware features and a faster processor, marking a significant refresh for the Google TV streaming device line.
GlobalFoundries Unveils 7nm-Class FDX Fusion Node for Low-Power Applications
GlobalFoundries announced FDX Fusion, a new 7nm-class manufacturing process based on FD-SOI technology, marking its return to advanced node development after abandoning FinFET in 2018. This node targets automotive, edge AI, and industrial applications, prioritizing low power, high integration, and cost efficiency.
Intel to Phase Out SGX After Xeon Diamond Rapids, Focus on TDX for Confidential Computing
Intel announced it will discontinue Software Guard Extensions (SGX) support after its upcoming Xeon 'Diamond Rapids' CPUs, shifting its confidential computing efforts to Trust Domain Extensions (TDX). This change reflects an industry preference for VM-level isolation, allowing TDX to protect entire virtual machines without extensive application modifications, which is beneficial for cloud providers.
Frore Systems Introduces Diamond-Infused LiquidJet Coldplates for AI Accelerators
Frore Systems launched its LiquidJet Diamond liquid-cooling coldplates, featuring diamond surfaces and 3D jet-channel microstructures. These coldplates reduce GPU temperatures by up to 22C and improve AI token throughput per watt by 35% for next-generation AI accelerators like Nvidia Rubin.
AMD Debuts Helion Reference Design for Agentic AI Servers with up to 32,768 Zen 6 Cores
AMD introduced Helion, a new rack-scale reference design for data centers, compliant with Open Compute Project (OCP) ORv4 and DC-MHS standards. This CPU-focused design can house up to 32,768 Zen 6 cores using 128 EPYC 'Venice' 9996 CPUs, offering a flexible solution for agentic AI servers. The design will be brought to market by OEMs and ODMs, with initial shipments expected in November 2026.
Xbox Sales Crash 33%, PS5 Sales Drop 25% YTD Amid Price Hikes
US video game console sales have significantly declined year-to-date through August, with Xbox hardware unit sales down 33% and PlayStation 5 sales down 25%. This marks an all-time low for Xbox sales and the lowest point for PlayStation since 2013, attributed to recent price increases by both Microsoft and Sony.
GameStop sells used PS5 Pro for $1,399.99 amid console shortage
GameStop is selling a used PlayStation 5 Pro for $1,399.99, which is $500 over its MSRP, due to a global shortage of the console. This shortage is attributed to the AI boom consuming silicon and impacting DRAM production, a key component for the PS5 Pro.
Sierra Space Tests Ghost Reentry Vehicle for 90-Minute Orbital Delivery
Sierra Space completed two test drops of its Ghost reentry vehicle, carrying whiskey and a software-defined radio, from high-altitude balloons. This test demonstrates the ability to deliver payloads from orbit to any point on Earth within 90 minutes, supporting U.S. military logistics in denied areas.
Gigabyte BIOS Update Confirms Intel Raptor Lake Next Processors for 2027 Launch
Gigabyte released a BIOS update for its Intel B760 and H610 motherboards, confirming support for upcoming Intel processors expected in early 2027. This update allows users to upgrade CPUs without replacing their LGA 1700 motherboards, including those with DDR4 memory support, which could benefit budget-conscious PC builders.
Xona Space Systems to launch six satellites for commercial GPS alternative
Xona Space Systems is launching six satellites this month to establish a commercial alternative to GPS. This system aims to provide more precise and jam-resistant navigation and timing for applications like autonomous vehicles and robotics, addressing limitations of existing government-provided satellite networks.
Kioxia Unveils LD4-Series E1.L SSDs for Hyperscale Data Centers
Kioxia introduced its LD4-series E1.L SSDs with capacities up to 122.88TB for hyperscale data centers, utilizing BiCS8 3D QLC NAND. These drives are designed for high-density, read-intensive workloads like AI data repositories and object storage, allowing for maximized storage capacity in 1U servers.
AMD Introduced Performance Rating System for Athlon XP Processors 25 Years Ago
Twenty-five years ago, AMD launched its Athlon XP processors with a Performance Rating (PR) system to counter Intel's clock speed marketing. This system aimed to highlight actual performance over raw megahertz, as AMD's CPUs offered comparable or superior performance at lower clock speeds.
AMD to bring FSR 4 to handhelds and APUs by end of 2026
AMD's consumer chip boss Jack Huynh stated that FSR 4 technology will expand to APUs, gaming laptops, and handheld devices by the end of 2026. This expansion includes both existing APUs and new product lines, though it is unclear if existing handhelds will receive the update or if new hardware will be required.
Samsung reportedly cuts Galaxy phone production by 30% through 2026 due to rising memory costs
Samsung is reportedly reducing Galaxy smartphone production by up to 30% through the end of 2026, lowering projected units from 270 million to just over 200 million. This cut is attributed to a significant increase in memory component prices, leading to claims that Samsung makes no profit on Galaxy phone sales and faces a projected $14 billion loss in Q3 2026.
GlobalFoundries to produce silicon interposers for TSMC's CoWoS in US
GlobalFoundries and TSMC signed a five-year, $2 billion agreement for GlobalFoundries to produce silicon interposers for TSMC's CoWoS advanced packaging technology in the US. This collaboration establishes a domestic manufacturing source for these components, allowing TSMC's clients to brand products as fully US-made and packaged, with volume production starting in early 2028.
Wolfspeed receives $1.5 billion conditional loan from US Department of War for semiconductor manufacturing
Wolfspeed Inc. received a conditional $1.5 billion loan commitment from the U.S. Department of War to upgrade its gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxy capabilities and develop radiation hardening for silicon carbide (SiC) and GaN products. This financing aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing for U.S. national security applications, including communications infrastructure and electronic warfare systems.
Bambu Lab Files Patent for New 3D Printer Heatbed Design to Reduce Print Peeling
Bambu Lab's parent company, Shenzhen Tuozhu Technology, filed a patent application for a new 3D printer heatbed design that aims to heat the printbed more evenly. This design could reduce common print peeling issues and improve overall print quality by enhancing adhesion.
AMD CEO Lisa Su visits Samsung to secure HBM supply for AI accelerators
AMD CEO Lisa Su visited Samsung in South Korea to discuss securing additional High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI accelerators. Samsung is seeking to expand its partnership with AMD beyond memory supply to include foundry chip production orders. This visit follows a March MOU between the companies covering memory supply, co-development, foundry exploration, and advanced packaging.
AMD Releases EPYC 'Venice' CPU Benchmarks, Claims Superiority Over Nvidia Vera
AMD released official benchmarks for its EPYC 'Venice' CPUs, claiming its 256-core chip is over twice as fast as Nvidia Vera and its 96-core model is 20% faster per-core in SPEC CPU 2026's Integer Rate test. These benchmarks provide more detailed performance comparisons against competitors and previous generations.
Huawei Shifts Focus to Smartphones with Homegrown Chips Amid Market Slowdown
Huawei released its Mate 90 series smartphone featuring its own "LogicFolding" chip, signaling a renewed focus on its smartphone business. This move comes as both the smartphone and electric vehicle markets face slowdowns, and Huawei aims to regain overseas market share lost due to U.S. restrictions.
Teenage Engineering CEO States Company Plans to Cease Synthesizer Production
Teenage Engineering CEO Jesper Kouthoofd announced the company's intention to stop producing synthesizers, including the OP-1. This decision marks a significant shift for the company, which gained recognition through its music and audio-focused products.
Seagate and Toshiba Compete to Acquire TDK's HDD Magnetic Head Business
Seagate Technology and Toshiba are reportedly bidding for TDK's hard disk drive magnetic head business, a deal potentially worth billions. This acquisition is critical as TDK is the sole independent supplier of these components, and Toshiba relies entirely on TDK for its HDD heads, while Seagate also produces them internally.
Tesla Expands Powershare Home Backup to Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla has expanded its Powershare Home Backup feature to include Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, allowing them to provide backup power to homes during outages. This feature requires a Tesla Powerwall 3 and is currently limited to vehicles ordered from October 1st onward in the US and Puerto Rico.
Gigaphoton Debuts Neon Recycling System for ArF Excimer Lasers with 50% Recovery Rate
Gigaphoton developed hTGM, a neon gas recycling system for its argon fluoride excimer lasers, achieving a 50% recycling rate. This system addresses a supply chain gap for neon gas in semiconductor manufacturing, which was exacerbated by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
AMD Releases Gorgon Halo Benchmarks Ahead of Expected Nvidia RTX Spark Launch
AMD released generative AI performance benchmarks for its new Gorgon Halo chips, specifically the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495, comparing it to Intel's Core Ultra X9 388H. This release precedes the anticipated launch of Nvidia's competing RTX Spark devices, positioning Gorgon Halo as a direct competitor in the "agentic PC" market.
32GB RAM Becomes Dominant Capacity in Gaming PCs, Surpassing 16GB
The September 2026 Steam Survey indicates that 32GB of RAM is now the most common memory configuration in gaming PCs, accounting for 42.22% of surveyed units. This shift occurred despite an ongoing memory chip shortage and increasingly demanding game titles like Minecraft, which now recommends 16GB of RAM.