Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: August 29, 2026, 6:11 AM ET

Processors & PCs

AMD's next-generation flagship APU has been revealed ahead of a formal launch. The Gorgon Halo Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 builds on the existing Strix Halo architecture and is expected to power high-performance mini PCs. GMKtec has teased a compact system featuring this chip, slated to arrive in early September, likely timed with IFA Berlin 2026. On the motherboard front, ASRock has expanded its Pro-A lineup with the new B550M Pro-A WiFi 6E, which adds Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 support to its existing AM4 micro ATX design, keeping the platform alive for budget builders. For those building on the newer AM5 platform, Tech Power Up's review of the Gigabyte B850M Aorus Stealth Ice praises its rear-connector design, which simplifies cable management in small form factor cases, despite its premium price tag. High-quality audio took center stage at IFA 2026 as Fosi Audio unveiled four new products, including the Carbon12 in-ear monitor and the ZH1 desktop DAC. ASRock expanded differently, adding Wi-Fi 6E support to its AM4-based B550M Pro-A lineup, with the new variant featuring a white PCB and rear USB-C port.

Gaming & GPUs

The gaming world got its first look at GTA 6's massive scope, with Rockstar confirming the game will run at 30 FPS on PS5 with no 60 FPS mode currently planned. Meanwhile, the map itself, revealed via gameplay, is confirmed to be twice the size of GTA 5 and three times larger than Red Dead Redemption. In the modding community, NVIDIA's latest neural rendering technology is making waves. Third-party developers have already managed to get DLSS 5 patched to work on RTX 4000 GPUs despite no official support, leading to significant improvements in lighting and character models in older titles. This success is showcased in a Skyrim mod that dramatically changes the look of the classic RPG. CD Projekt Red has announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, a free upgrade with higher PC requirements due to enhanced visuals, including a GPU with ray tracing support.

The Piston V touchscreen mini PC has hit Kickstarter with a $799 MSRP, dual-booting Bazzite and Windows. The Everglide D8 is a 49g wireless gaming mouse that features magnetic switches for a snappy click response. Valve's Steam OS continues to get updates, with SteamOS 3.8.26 Beta patching numerous desktop and gaming mode issues. Beat Saber has finally been verified for an upcoming Valve headset, suggesting the Steam Frame's launch might be imminent.

Components & Displays

Storage options are getting more ruggedized and portable. The ADATA SC735 2TB is a lightweight and rugged portable drive, with sequential speeds up to 1 GB/s while maintaining IP65 water and dust resistance. On the keyboard side, Yunzii launched the AL21, a wireless aluminium mechanical numpad, designed for compact desk setups. For gamers who want to configure gadgets without cumbersome software, 8BitDo has launched its "Ultimate Software Online," moving configuration and remapping to the browser, with full Linux support.

Display manufacturers are pushing boundaries at Gamescom 2026. Iiyama showcased its massive G-Master GCB4986DQSNP-B1 Gold Phoenix, a 49-inch ultrawide 240Hz OLED monitor, which complements its 27-inch fast gaming display. In power management, Jackery introduced a line of expandable power stations, including the 1800W Home Power 1000 Plus V2, designed for residential backup and outdoor use. Fosi Audio debuted the Carbon12 IEM and ZH1 desktop DAC, alongside other new products at IFA.

Industry & Finance

HP Inc. has reported its fiscal 2026 third quarter net revenue of $15.7 billion, up 12.5% year-over-year, driven by strong sales in personal systems and commercial hardware. Marvell Technology also performed well, posting net revenue of $2.739 billion, up 37% from last year with data center growth leading the charge. Mad Catz and Koolatron have partnered for a Back2Kool giveaway featuring a Classic Coca-Cola mini-fridge, with entries closing soon for US and Canadian residents.

In a major victory, a federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's executive order that added AI company Anthropic to the federal blacklist. The judge found the ban, based on Anthropic's refusal to support lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance programs, to be illegal and a clear case of viewpoint discrimination. Meanwhile, Meta is updating its AI glasses to stop recording nonconsensually when users cover up the safety light, addressing privacy concerns.

In the security space, Australian authorities have arrested two alleged members of the prolific hacking group Team PCP. The group is credited with infecting over 1,000 organizations via a supply-chain attack campaign. Closer to home, cities are backing away from surveillance technology, with over 50 local governments having terminated contracts with Flock in August alone—a record pace that reflects rising privacy concerns around automated license plate readers. A Senate committee has called for a criminal probe into future health secretary RFK Jr. after he traveled to Samoa spreading vaccine misinformation; the subsequent measles outbreak killed. In more futuristic news, Trump has announced the US Space Academy, a big deal that will train US Space Force personnel on a military base.

Launch, Media & Culture

A nostalgic classic is coming back. James Cameron's T2: Judgment Day returns to theaters this weekend for its 35th anniversary, serving up Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best. European launch startups are getting a financial boost. The latest Rocket Report reveals the European Space Agency is expanding funding envelope to multiple launch companies, while Starship is targeting a new Louisiana launch site.