Tech & Hardware
Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:47 AM ET
Gaming & Handhelds
A modder has transformed a Steam Deck into a modern Game Boy called the "Steam Boy," combining retro aesthetics with Valve's portable hardware. Meanwhile, Take-Two's $100 GTA VI Ultimate Edition is reportedly outperforming the standard edition in pre-orders, signaling the industry's push toward higher price tiers. On the preservation front, Ars Technica will host a live chat with Ross Scott of the Stop Killing Games movement on August 11. A stark reminder of digital fragility came when Cold Iron Studios shut down the cloud version of Aliens: Fireteam Elite on Switch, offering no refunds. The Linux ecosystem may soon gain PC Game Pass via an open-source project, potentially expanding Xbox's subscription service beyond Windows. A new report estimates publishers could save over $10 per copy by ditching physical discs entirely. Valve is slowly extending Steam OS support to non-Valve hardware, with an update improving compatibility for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and other devices. Following its antitrust loss to Epic, Google has begun hosting rival app stores inside the Play Store, starting with Aptoide. This week's new releases include Hell Let Loose: Vietnam and other titles detailed in the Week 33 gaming roundup.
PC Hardware & Silicon
Keychron refreshed its M4 fingertip gaming mouse with MagOpt switches and translucent retro colors. A leak suggests Logitech is preparing a G Pro X2 Superstrike Gen 2 with new colors and an updated MCU. Lenovo launched the Think Centre Neo 50q Gen, a 1.2-liter Tiny PC aimed at space-constrained workplaces. TSMC posted a record July revenue of $14.49 billion, driven by soaring AI chip demand. Intel announced a $15 billion public stock offering to fund its fab expansion. Memblaze showcased its PBlaze7 series enterprise SSDs at FMS 2026. Noctua revealed widespread inaccuracies in PC case cooler height specifications. The XMG Apex 17 (M25) review tested the laptop with a Ryzen 9 9955HX and an RTX 5070 12GB GPU. Gamdias announced the THOR P2 Series premium power supplies with high efficiency. Insyde Software qualified its UEFI firmware for Arm AGI CPU platforms. Intel's upcoming Xeon 7 "Diamond Rapids" will pack up to 256 P-cores for data center workloads. LG globally launched the xboom Blast, a powerful party speaker with Bluetooth connectivity. Leaked specs for Intel's "Nova Lake-S" iGPU indicate 12 Xe3P cores with a 40W PL2 and 20MB of L2 cache. Corsair expanded its Stream Deck ecosystem with the Nightsword V2 Wireless SD mouse.
AI, Cloud & Software
Meta is pitching another reboot of its AI strategy, releasing new open models in an attempt to catch up with competitors. NVIDIA is reportedly planning a $500 billion funding partnership with Wall Street firms to build AI infrastructure. Deep Mind's Weather Next model achieved a breakthrough in hurricane prediction, accurately forecasting storms with lower-resolution data. The academic peer review system is struggling under a surge of AI-assisted papers, raising questions about its survival.
Autos & Transportation
Ford is reportedly planning a $25,000 crossover, an Escape-sized model expected by 2029, according to dealer leaks. Ars Technica reviewed the 2026 Subaru Outback, praising its refined interior and drive but noting its divisive looks.
Science & Space
A Chinese workhorse rocket exploded during flight, raising concerns about the YF-100 engine and its implications for the country's space program. fMRI scans show that dogs can distinguish human emotions like happiness, fear, anger, and sadness through distinct brain activity patterns. A new study indicates the massive Mount Toba eruption had minimal climate impact and likely did not nearly kill our species. NASA's Perseverance rover has proven to be the first successful self-driving vehicle on Mars, with about 90 percent of its distance driven autonomously. Europe's Copernicus satellite service added a wildfire tracking script to its browser, making it easier to monitor blazes amid a record fire season.
Policy & Oddities
Trump signed an executive order that cuts vaccine recommendations and promotes non-existent vaccines, falsely claiming the MMR shot is "quite lethal". Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht and support ship allegedly ignored an emergency channel and failed to aid a stranded boat off the coast of Spain. Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products over salmonella concerns amid a Cyclospora outbreak affecting 26 states and major retailers.
Mobile News
Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:51 AM ET
Apple iPhone & Watch
Rumors of an all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone have reportedly been killed by Cupertino, according to one analyst. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro could see its bill-of-materials cost jump by up to 40% due to memory chip shortages. In a separate leak, luxury modifier Caviar may have spilled details on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro’s design and release date. Apple’s Watch ECG feature remains a lesser-known heart rate tool. Meanwhile, AirTags carry an IP67 rating that handles splashes but not submersion.
Samsung Galaxy & Wearables
Full specs for the Galaxy S26 FE have leaked, detailing changes from its predecessor. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is so successful that Samsung is boosting production by 1 million units. Jerry Rig Everything’s durability test put the foldable through sand and blades. The Galaxy A18 appeared on Geekbench revealing key specs. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 FE will get Android 17 as its final major OS update. In his two‑week review, the Z Fold 8 convinced one writer it’s the foldable most people should buy. T‑Mobile is offering a free Galaxy Watch 9 with a qualifying watch plan. Meanwhile, Samsung India has raised prices on entry‑level Galaxy A, F and M series models.
Google Pixel & Wear OS
The Pixel 11 series is approaching launch, and a buyer’s guide helps decide whether to wait. Leaked images show the Pixel 11 Pro XL in matte black with a new “HiLight” flash. The Pixel Watch 5 will arrive in a Stephen Curry edition. Android Central’s live blog covers the Made by Google 2026 event. A comprehensive what‑to‑expect roundup covers the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Watch 5 and potentially a smart tag.
Other Handsets & Tablets
The Minimal Phone 2 swaps E Ink for a 90Hz AMOLED display while retaining a tactile QWERTY keyboard. Leaked images reveal the Fairphone 6+ in Cobalt Blue with 12GB RAM. Lava’s Smart 4 launches with specs reminiscent of 2016. The REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet goes on sale August 26, with early‑access discounts. The Moto G Max comes to India with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and a 7,000mAh battery. Xiaomi’s Redmi 17 4G and 5G models are official. iQOO has confirmed the launch of the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s in China. Renders of upcoming Asus and Lenovo Googlebooks have surfaced ahead of IFA. A leak roundup includes the Redmi K100 Pro and Galaxy S27. One Plus is leaving Europe and offering a free 50W wireless charger as a parting gift. Motorola’s Moto Pad 70 sports a 12.1‑inch 90Hz display and 10,200mAh battery.
Carriers & Connectivity
Verizon suffered an outage in Southern California after vandals cut fiber cables. NYC Mayor Mamdani announced support for the Delivery Protection Act, which Amazon opposes. The difference between MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging is explained. Meanwhile, a guide compares Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and 2.4G wireless devices. For in‑car use, wired vs. wireless CarPlay has its own pros and cons.
Software & Services
YouTube is doubling the watch hours or Shorts views required for new creators to earn ad revenue. X will replace its revenue‑sharing program with an original content rewards scheme after September 7. Google Play now accepts Venmo payments. Anthropic’s Claude gains voice mode. A comparison with ChatGPT highlights key differences. Valve warned that data of European Steam hardware customers was likely compromised.
Deals & Pricing
The Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 are seeing early discounts. Meanwhile, a separate deals roundup includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro on Amazon UK.
Industry Trends & Analysis
This week’s weekly poll asks whether you use a feature phone. Additionally, smart glasses are described as a solution looking for a problem. A guide explores what a $100 smartphone gets you in 2026. The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is reviewed as a MacBook Neo alternative that needs more RAM. Supernatural’s head of fitness discusses relaunching the VR exercise app after leaving Meta. New indie games highlighted include Big Walk and retro electronic repairs. The pros and cons of switching to digital games are weighed. A Mario Kart 64 VR mod brings the classic racer to first‑person.
Tips, Tricks & How‑To
Before discarding old storage, securely wipe USB drives first. Formatting a USB drive on Windows is straightforward. Pair your Roku remote with simple steps. Hide and unhide apps on iPhone or iPad for privacy. Consider the downsides of switching from iPhone to Android. Connect your retro GameCube to a modern TV with a single adapter. Maximize battery life on retro handheld consoles. Your phone’s USB‑C port does more than charge — explore data transfer and accessories.
Apple News
Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:54 AM ET
Hardware & Design
Apple's all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone has reportedly been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, contradicting earlier expectations. However, the company is still planning a "glass-centric" iPhone redesign for 2027, aiming to refute those cancellation claims. Meanwhile, a photo leak backs up a massive 5,391mAh battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, nearly 12% larger than its predecessor. Another leak reveals the rumored "Dark Cherry" shade for the iPhone 18 Pro, with a leaker weighing in on its correct color. The foldable "iPhone Ultra" may ship in Silver or Dark Blue, based on images of camera protector accessories, while the iPhone Fold could also come in those two colorways. Looking further ahead, Apple is already planning a third-generation foldable "iPhone Ultra 3" with larger displays for a potential 2028 launch. On the current lineup, iPhone 17 prices could rise as soon as Monday, according to a rumor, and the iPhone 17 is set to break a 15-year record for longest-supported flagship. For buyers debating timing, one analysis argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple also considered a "white-glove" element for its Upgrade program that would have delivered pre-set leased iPhones, but the idea never launched. That scrapped Apple Upgrade feature would have made setup much more seamless.
iOS 27 & Software Updates
Apple seeded the fifth developer betas of iOS, iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 this week. A new in-depth look covers everything new in iOS 27 beta 5, including updated Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, and Settings. The latest beta also expands Siri AI voice customization with pace and expressiveness options. References in iOS 27 beta 5 point to a new feature to authenticate that a photo came from an iPhone camera. Additionally, Apple Maps gets significant upgrades — here's everything new for Apple Maps in iOS 27. The beta also introduces "Before Searching" settings and other tweaks. One perspective argues that iOS 27 is the easiest beta to forget about. For older devices, Apple released beta security updates for iOS 26.6.1, iPad OS 26.6.1, and mac OS Tahoe 26.6.2 with security fixes. Separately, Apple preps beta security updates for iOS 18 and mac OS. The company also released macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta and iOS 26.6.1 beta for developers. On the AI front, Apple briefly posted a China guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI, revealing how Siri AI features work in China using Alibaba's models. A feature request suggests ending the guessing game with iPhone app settings. For photography, your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower if you use the right tools. A new indie app called "Pocket Jam" helps you learn and practice your favorite songs on iPhone. Third-party updates include WhatsApp's latest beta for iOS adding references to an in-chat search tool. Meta launched a brand-new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone.
Apple Watch & Wearables
Apple is re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup with radical new designs, including a possible round model, a screenless fitness tracker, and more. A round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is considered more likely according to analysts. The ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series, as reported by Mark Gurman. For Air Tag owners, a new add-on accessory extends battery life to 10 years for the AirTag 2. The latest 9to5Mac Daily podcast covers these Apple Watch rumors and more.
Mac & iPad
New M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October, based on Apple's typical schedule. Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch. For the iPad, an OLED iMac panel could include an extra layer to fight screen burn-in. The 11th-generation iPad (A16) is at its best price since June's hike, starting at $399 on Amazon. Apple is also testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, according to a Wall Street Journal report. RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability, and Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to DRAM shortages, per Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst also poured water on a rumor of $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC. For enterprise, IDC's latest shipments show Mac growth, with implications for the MacBook Neo and Air.
Apple TV, Services & Content
Apple TV teams up with Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón for the second time, picking up his Ascension series. The streaming service also announced 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro. Apple TV welcomed back Ted Lasso with a clever new commercial for season four. Separately, the official Apple certified refurb store offers savings on top picks of the week, including hundreds off Mac Books and iPads.
Corporate & Legal
Apple settled a lawsuit alleging discrimination against a Jewish employee, agreeing to pay $150,000 to the EEOC. A crime blotter reports thieves tried using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, among other incidents. In the opinion pages, a piece argues generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power. The Sunday Reboot column discusses AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.
Deals & Accessories
This week's best deals include the M5 MacBook Pro $300 off, Air Pods Pro 3 nearly 25% off, and the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219 on Amazon. B&H is blowing out the M4 15-inch MacBook Air at $1,279, but the closeout deal is limited to stock on hand. For accessories, the TESSAN AERO 5000 brings a titanium finish to an ultra-thin Mag Safe battery. A hands-on review covers the Ohsnap MCON modular controller that slides open to transform your iPhone into a mobile game console. The Eve Weather sensor is highlighted as a must-have for Apple Home automations in 2026. A flight tracking poster and Schlage Sense Pro review are featured on the Smart Home Insider podcast. Will price hikes force Apple to stop dragging its feet on certain product upgrades? One analysis examines the impact of the memory crisis on prices like the iPad Air jumping from $599 to $749.
Miscellaneous
Anthropic updated Claude Code for mac OS with cross-session messaging, allowing separate coding sessions to communicate directly. The Home Kit Weekly column recommends the Eve Weather sensor for automations. The Indie App Spotlight series showcases Pocket Jam. A new feature request proposes a shortcut to fix iPhone app settings guessing. The Sunday Reboot column covers AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.