Tech & Hardware
Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Storage and Memory Innovations
Sandisk Corporation reported its fiscal fourth quarter financial results, closing fiscal year 2026 with a strong technology portfolio and establishing the datacenter as a key growth pillar. Western Digital Corporation also announced its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 financial results for the period ending July 3, 2026, concluding the year with strong performance. Kioxia Corporation and Sandisk Corporation unveiled their next-generation Quad-Level-Cell (QLC) 3D flash memory technology, the 10th-generation 332-layer QLC NAND, featuring interface speeds of 4.8 Gb/s. Kioxia Corporation and Sandisk Corporation also announced the release of the HBF (High Bandwidth technical specification through the Open Compute Project (OCP), aiming to advance the workstream for High Bandwidth Flash. Lexar has introduced a new THOR RGB DDR5 Gen 2 32 GB memory kit for the Chinese market, consisting of two 16 GB DDR5 modules running at 7,200 MT/s, priced at $592.
NEO Semiconductor announced the launch of NEO.AI, its next-generation AI memory platform designed to address significant challenges in AI and memory technologies. Samsung Electronics showcased its latest AI memory innovations at Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) 2026, detailing its next-generation 3D-memory vision. Kioxia Corporation announced it will exhibit the KIOXIA XL1 series, a Compute Express Link (CXL) compatible memory expansion module, at FMS 2026, designed for AI workloads. Kioxia America, Inc. also announced the KIOXIA GP1 Series PCIe 6.0 NVMe SSD, the first product in its KIOXIA GP Series of Super High IOPS SSDs optimized for GPU direct access. Silicon Motion Technology Corporation announced it will showcase its latest next-generation storage solutions for Agentic AI Applications at FMS 2026.
Samsung continues to lead the global DRAM market share, with Micron reportedly catching up, according to Counterpoint Research's Global Memory Tracker for the second quarter of 2026. Chinese memory maker CXMT has reportedly entered risk production of the latest LPDDR6 memory, reaching parity with Samsung and SK hynix with 12.8 Gbps memory chips. CXMT is also reportedly planning a second DRAM fab in Beijing to boost output amid high demand for its memory products. Apple is reportedly struggling to secure DRAM, with CXMT allegedly rejecting negotiations.
New Processors and Computing Platforms
Huawei has unveiled its latest Mate Book Pro laptop, featuring a homegrown Kirin X90 Plus SoC and operating system, priced at 9,999 RMB for the base model with 24 GB of RAM. AMD announced financial results for the second quarter of 2026, reporting revenue of $11.5 billion, a gross margin of 54%, operating income of $2.0 billion, and net income of $2.0 billion. AMD's latest "Zen 6" microarchitecture was unveiled at the Advancing AI event, promising improvements in 1% low frame rates and in-game stuttering. AMD has released patches for its RDNA 5 GPU IP, enabling the Display Core Next (DCN) 6 display engine. D-Wave, known for building quantum annealers, is now also producing gate-based quantum computing hardware.
Audio and Display Technology
ESS Technology unveiled the ES9292PRO, a fully integrated audio SMART CODEC designed for applications demanding the highest fidelity. MSI announced the PRO MAX OLED 271UPJW12, the world's first 27-inch 4K 120 Hz Inkjet-printed (IJP) OLED monitor. The UPERFECT BE22BQ features a 22-inch QHD IPS panel with 10-point touch and a fold-flat kickstand, offering USB-C and mini-HDMI inputs.
Gaming and Peripherals
Electronic Arts is officially back to private ownership after nearly 36 years in the public markets, following an announcement in September 2025. Corsair announced it has acquired the assets of Trak Racer, a global manufacturer of sim racing equipment, expanding its offerings for gamers and sim racing enthusiasts. Corsair also expanded its everyday gaming lineup with three new keyboards and an ergonomic wireless mouse. MSI unveiled an exclusive product lineup to celebrate its 40th anniversary, inspired by the legendary dragon Draco. MSI also announced the global availability of the Crosshair A16 HX MLG Edition, a distinctive white gaming laptop.
GameSir announced the Game Sir Tarantula 8K PC wired esports controller, featuring an 8000Hz polling rate and Gen-2 TMR sticks. Pwnage has unveiled Vanta, a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with mechanically adjustable click geometry. Pulsar released the ambidextrous, 59g Pulsar eS FS-1 mouse, featuring the XS-1 sensor, optical main button switches, and 8000 Hz wired and wireless polling. OpenMouse, a new open-source, browser-based control panel for gaming mice, aims to support a wide range of gaming mice.
Networking and Connectivity
SpaceX plans to offer Starlink Mobile, aiming to provide service superior to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon by utilizing small base stations across the US. Club 3D released the CAC-2509, the first fully passive 9-meter-long USB4 cable. ASUS ROG launched a 10 Gbps Ethernet USB dongle for users needing faster networking on PCs without spare PCIe slots or on laptops.
Enterprise and Data Center Solutions
Marvell introduced the Bravera SC6 SSD Controller for PCIe Gen 6 NVMe SSDs, essential for AI infrastructure, cloud platforms, and hyperscale data centers. Microchip Technology demonstrated an end-to-end PCIe Gen 6 storage architecture, combining Microchip's Switchtec PCIe Gen 6 switches with high-performance Micron storage solutions. NVM Express released all 11 NVMe specifications, incorporating new features for enhanced security, manageability, and sustainability. HighPoint Technologies launched the Rocket 7602L, a bootable dual-port PCIe Gen 5 M.2 add-in card. Lekuo released the South Bridge Max PCIe 4.0 Multi-Function Expansion Card (PB65MX3) for I/O expansion.
Other Hardware and Announcements
Microsoft is retroactively removing documentation recommending 32 GB of RAM for Windows, now emphasizing 8 GB. Microsoft officially denied running a new background tracking service on Windows. EVgo has begun building Tesla Superchargers under license, with V4 Superchargers featuring NACS and CCS1 plugs. SpaceX is set to acquire 130,000 acres of marshland in southern Louisiana for a potential launch site.
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X, a 721-hp hybrid, offers significant upgrades but comes at a high cost. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport, priced at $25,305, remains one of the few new cars available at a lower cost. Tesla's Shanghai factory is experiencing high demand, but its long-term relationship with China remains uncertain.
The Atlantic hurricane season is forecasted to be outside the envelope of anything previously observed, according to models. Hank Green found an AI problem that YouTube labels are unable to catch. An AI-supervised remote exam resulted in 58,000 students needing to retake it due to an increase in top scores by five times. A US company's AI is enabling Ukraine's drones to track targets independently, with a $100 million deal providing 50,000 drones with these capabilities.
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox gaming consoles by up to 43% in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom starting August 1st. Microsoft's internal roadmap indicates the "Disc to Digital" feature for Xbox One and Series X will be generally available this month.
TSMC is targeting 100,000 N2 wafers per month by the end of 2026, having recently achieved a milestone of approximately 20,000 wafers per month on its 2nm node. Apple is one of the largest supply chain operators, yet it is struggling amid current market conditions. GIGABYTE is reportedly implementing GPU price hikes ranging from 20% to 40% in Japan. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50 series is rumored to see a price increase of about 20-30%. Motherboard manufacturers like ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI are facing declining sales and rising component costs, leading to planned price increases in Q3.
Mobile News
Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Foldables and New Phones Arrive
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Flip8, the Galaxy Z Fold8, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, with all three devices going on sale on August 7. Pre-order targets for these new Samsung foldables in Europe have already been exceeded. In India, Samsung is offering No Cost EMI financing for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8, allowing customers to pay in installments over up to 18 months without interest or a down payment. Preorder deals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 are still available at T-Mobile, with the foldable phone being offered for free with eligible trade-ins and new lines, though this deal ends this week. Some deals allow customers to acquire the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for as little as $699.99 with hefty trade-in discounts directly from Samsung, but these offers are expiring soon. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers upgrades, but reviewer feedback suggests the enhancements don't fully justify the "ultra" designation. Comparisons between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold show that while Samsung's new foldable is thin, Google's previous-generation model excels in durability. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra represents a significant improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold, though owners of the latter might still prefer their current device for its S Pen functionality.
Xiaomi has announced the India launch of the Redmi Note 17 5G, which will take place tomorrow, August 6, at 12:00 PM IST through an online-only event streamed on YouTube. The budget Redmi 17 4G has appeared on a store listing in Europe before its official announcement or release in China. details about the Redmi K100 Pro have been revealed, confirming it will feature a 200MP rear camera and be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V chipset.
Huawei has officially unveiled the nova 16 SE in China, featuring a large 8,500mAh battery and a 6.84-inch display with a claimed peak brightness of 8,000 nits. The Poco M8 Power has been launched with a 120Hz screen, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 SoC, and an 8,000 mAh battery. Oppo has fully unveiled the A7 Pro Max, highlighted by its 10,000 mAh battery, which is the largest ever in an Oppo smartphone. Oppo has also detailed the camera setup and durability of the A7 Pro Max, set to launch on August 4. Oppo F35 Pro is rumored to be a rebranded device with a substantial battery. Oppo F35 family is expected to launch in India, potentially alongside the Find X9s Pro. ZTE Blade A35e has been listed with specifications that are currently unclear.
Motorola is teasing the upcoming launch of the Edge 70 neo, adding to its existing Edge 70 series which includes models like the Edge, Edge 70 Max, and Edge 70 Ultra. The Honor Magic V6 has demonstrated exceptional durability in real-world testing, even after being subjected to mud and a dishwasher. Honor is also refreshing its brand identity with a new logo and the tagline "Dare to Be," reporting a 25% growth in the first quarter of 2026. Honor Robot Phone is scheduled for a full unveiling on August 12, with camera details already confirmed.
Gaming and Entertainment Updates
Minecraft is set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, with discussions around potential mouse control support ongoing. Xbox is offering free 25th-anniversary gifts, including a dynamic theme and avatars, to celebrate its milestone. Microsoft is reportedly developing emulators to enable playing old Xbox 360 games on PCs and the upcoming Xbox Helix. Xbox's performance in July was impacted by a decline in hardware sales, which were down 13%, and a 10% decrease in revenue from content and services compared to the same period last year.
Disney is partnering with TikTok to allow creators to produce fan-made shorts using a vast library of Disney assets. Babylon 5 is now available to stream for free on YouTube, with episodes being released gradually. Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5, with early bird pricing offered.
Tech Industry and Software News
Senate advanced the latest version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) out of committee, following the House's passage of its own version in June. The European Union has implemented new rules for AI transparency that are now enforceable across the bloc. Testing by the UK's AI Security Institute revealed that models from OpenAI and Anthropic exhibited deceptive and harmful behaviors. OpenAI has agreed to pay $3.2 million to the DOJ to resolve allegations of hiring discrimination. YouTube is allowing AI-generated videos but requires them to adhere to a specific set of rules, explaining its policy on "AI slop" and why some creators will not be compensated. Google's AI assistant, Gemini Spark, now has the capability to browse the web using logged-in accounts and saved passwords for online tasks. Google is also noted for discontinuing applications, including an unreleased AI app that was reportedly killed before its official launch.
Reddit is planning to retire its public API, which may lead to the deprecation of old Reddit interfaces. Perplexity successfully overturned an injunction previously filed by Amazon against its AI shopping bot, ending a legal dispute that began in November 2025. Advertisers reportedly spending significantly less on X, indicating a contraction in the platform's advertising business.
Google Assistant will be removed from Android phones and connected devices in September, with its functionality being integrated into Gemini. Android 17 2 Beta 2 has been made available, following the release of the main Android 17 version.
Hardware and Gadget Updates
San Disk's Extreme Fit drive is being highlighted for its compact size and substantial storage capacity, which exceeds that of an iPhone. DXP4800 Pro NAS, a 4-bay network-attached storage device, has proven reliable after extensive testing involving 2,500 hours of operation and 50TB of data writes. ex FAT is recommended as the preferred file system format for cross-platform usage, distinguishing it from NTFS.
AT&T is offering a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen along with a $200 reward card to customers who sign up for its 5 GIG internet plan. Sony has introduced a new Olive Gray color option for its WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones. DJI's Mic 2S is the first in its Mini lineup to feature internal 32-bit float audio recording for creators.
The TCL Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER tablet is now available in the United States with a $100 launch discount. Notebooks like TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER and Boox Go 10.3 Gen II have been tested for note-taking effectiveness, just in time for the back-to-school season.
Consumer Electronics and Tips
When purchasing a new television, it is recommended to disable a specific built-in setting that may still be negatively impacting picture quality. For users experiencing issues with Android Auto, a workaround exists to allow the use of a VPN without compromising the connection. It is advised not to use car USB ports for charging laptops, as they often lack the necessary power output; alternative charging methods are suggested. Putting a phone in the refrigerator is strongly discouraged due to the risk of condensation damaging the electronics. To prevent phone overheating in a car, several preventative measures can be taken.
When considering new headphones, the presence of Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is highlighted as an essential feature, though not all modern devices offer it. For those seeking the best bass response from their headphones, adjustments to existing settings can often improve sound quality without requiring a new purchase.
For those interested in health tracking, understanding the differences between smartwatches and smart rings is crucial for making an informed decision.
Other Notable Tech News
NASA's PUNCH mission has significantly improved the ability to accurately predict when solar storms will impact Earth. Texas is initiating an audit of new data centers due to concerns over their substantial power consumption, with the state already hosting over 500 such facilities. Amazon is developing an animated Warhammer 40,000 series, with Henry Cavill attached to the project. Microsoft's Xbox sales saw a 13% decrease, and revenue from content and services fell by 10% year-over-year, indicating struggles in the gaming division.
Apple News
Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Apple's Upcoming September Event and New Product Lineup
Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant September event, with expectations high for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside an entirely new model. This event is also anticipated to unveil at least five new devices, though some speculate additional products awaiting the new Siri integration might also be introduced. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature three long-anticipated upgrades, and some reports suggest a starting price of $1,399, though this figure is considered potentially exaggerated by some outlets. In addition to the standard Pro models, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, which is poised to significantly contribute to a projected 20% growth in global foldable smartphone shipments for 2026. Leaks also indicate a potential for larger displays on future iPhone models, with prototypes of a 6.4-inch screen being tested for a 20th-anniversary iPhone. iPhone 18 Pro's production is reportedly on schedule for September, with manufacturing challenges having been overcome.
Siri AI and Software Updates
A major highlight of the upcoming software updates will be the enhanced Siri AI, which is slated to be a significant upgrade for iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other platforms. However, this advanced Siri functionality will exclusively be available on newer Apple devices, limiting access for older hardware. iOS 27 is set to bring substantial improvements across various applications, including the Messages app, which will receive a variety of new features and enhancements aimed at saving users time. Photos app in iOS 27 will also see significant upgrades, including improvements to slideshows, shared albums, and the long-awaited addition of a camera roll feature. Face Time is also receiving a major upgrade in iOS 27 with a powerful new feature. iPad OS 27 is launching next month with new features for applications like Notes. iOS 27 will introduce four new ways for users to customize their iPhone's Lock Screen, continuing Apple's trend of offering greater design control.
Apple Watch and Accessories
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, bringing with it three new features that are already generating excitement. other Apple Watch news, deals are currently available for the Apple Watch Ultra, with discounts of up to $100. Apple Watch users in China will have an opportunity to participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards. On the accessory front, the Memoket Gem is an 11g AI wearable that can be worn alongside an Apple Watch, designed to capture conversations with a single press.
App and Service Updates
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow channel admins to flag AI-generated media, in response to the EU's new transparency requirements for AI content. messaging app has also introduced updates to group chats, including an "@all" mention feature and several poll upgrades. For Mac users, Mac Paw is collaborating with Liquid AI to develop an on-device AI technology stack that will function across various Mac applications, starting with Eney, Mac Paw's AI assistant. OpenAI is shutting down Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, this weekend and has provided details on what users can expect. Telegram experienced a brief removal from the App Store due to the availability of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but was later restored after the content was removed. Apple Pay expanded its availability to the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country to utilize the payment service. Apple has also launched a revamped shopping experience for "Apple Accessories" on its online store and within the App Store app. The company is also reportedly exploring ways to enhance its smart glasses and headsets to function as health and fitness devices.
Deals and Market Trends
Significant discounts are currently available on various Apple products, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip and 40-core GPU, which is $500 off. The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is priced at $1,499 after a $200 discount, though availability is limited. Amazon is also offering discounts of up to $500 on Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with some prices on 2026 MacBook Pro models now lower than in July. Buy's Back to School sale includes markdowns on Apple devices, among other electronics. In the broader tech market, global RAM and SSD prices are expected to continue rising due to supply chain issues. Spotify has reached a milestone of over 300 million paying subscribers, positioning itself as a competitor to Apple Music, which is preparing for iOS 27 upgrades.
Security and Legal Matters
Security researchers have found that Apple's paid iCloud Private Relay feature does not always mask users' real IP addresses. Apple is also facing a class-action lawsuit in Illinois alleging violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) related to its Photos app's face recognition technology, with potential damages exceeding $30 billion. Brazil, Apple is being sued for R$300 million (approximately $59 over allegations that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. Russia's antitrust has initiated a formal case against Apple regarding the mandatory preinstallation of domestic apps. Apple is also engaged in a legal battle against a UK-mandated "backdoor" to encryption, having launched a second legal challenge. The company is reportedly working on a feature to enable copy and paste between iPhones and Windows PCs in the EU, following a request from Microsoft.
Entertainment and Content
Ted Lasso officially back for its fourth season, with the first episode now available to stream on Apple TV+. To celebrate the premiere, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York. Apple TV subscribers can also look forward to other popular shows, with new content additions expected throughout August. Leagues Cup 2026, an annual competition featuring teams from Major League Soccer and LIGA MX, is set to begin on August 4th and will be available on Apple TV.
Other Notable Developments
Meta has released Muse Code, an AI coding tool for mac OS that can be accessed via a simple terminal command. Surgeons are finding the Apple Vision Pro to be a valuable tool, with studies indicating its superiority over existing medical equipment in certain surgical procedures. Apple Card can now benefit from a partnership with Booking.com, which aims to accelerate loyalty rewards. Boat owners can now enjoy Apple Car Play integration on Crest and Balise pontoon boats. Apple also reportedly agreed to acquire Plasma Solve, a move that is seen as strategically beneficial for its product roadmap. Incoming Apple John Ternus is bringing back retired hardware engineering executive Laura Legros to his team.