Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:41 PM ET
Gaming Hardware & Software
Sony's strategic shift away from physical games, with disc production slated to end in January 2028 for new PlayStation releases, is prompting discussions about the future of physical media. This move comes as some regions report that physical sales for titles like Resident Evil: Requiem still account for up to 55%. Meanwhile, GSC Game World is preparing to launch Update 2.0 for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on August 20, promising an overhauled engine and graphical enhancements. In other gaming news, Arc Raiders has surpassed 16 million sales, with its parent company Nexon aiming to replicate this success. Payday, a decade-old co-op shooter, has received a significant update with a new engine, but has also dropped its native Linux version. Valve's Steam Frame remains the last unreleased hardware from their planned trio, with developers suggesting its launch is imminent. The Epic Games Launcher is also expected to arrive on Linux "soon."
PC Components & Peripherals
Iqunix has officially launched its EC75 HE gaming keyboard, priced at $179.99, following its earlier unveiling at Computex. The keyboard boasts a 75% layout and a hot-swap design. In a similar vein, Epomaker has introduced the RT75, a retro-inspired wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a hot-swap mechanism and a TFT screen. Apos has also released the Preonic Rev, a significant modernization of its influential ortholinear keyboard. Geometric Future has expanded its product lineup with the Model 3 PC case, the Eskimo Plus 36 AIO liquid cooler, and new Squama 3003-12 fans. Gigabyte is supporting the older AMD AM4 socket with two new B450 micro ATX motherboards. On the graphics card front, Gigabyte has launched the AORUS GeForce RTX 5060 ARI 8G, featuring an anime-inspired design. Tech Power Up is hosting a MEGA Back2Kool Giveaway in partnership with Mad Catz and Koolatron.
Semiconductors & Displays
NVIDIA is reportedly securing TSMC's A16 node for its future "Feynman" GPUs, expected to launch in 2028, which will succeed the "Rubin" and "Rubin Ultra" architectures. Global OLED monitor shipments saw a significant 26.1% quarter-over-quarter growth in 2Q26, with ASUS extending its market lead over Samsung, while MSI narrowed the gap.
Cybersecurity & Exploits
A critical vulnerability has been discovered that allows attackers to gain full control of Macs through a screen-sharing bug, enabling remote login without a password. This exploit is reportedly under active exploitation.
Automotive & Aerospace
The Czinger 21C Spyder has debuted with innovative, organically designed brake assemblies created using topological design and additive manufacturing. In the aerospace sector, Rocket Lab is showcasing its flexibility, while Blue Origin is planning a two-pad launch facility, amidst concerns about constrained launch capacity. Policy experts are warning that Europe faces significant challenges regarding rocket launch costs.
Legal & AI
A man is suspected of attempting to manipulate court proceedings by injecting AI prompts into his filings, prompting a judge to warn pro se litigants about the misuse of chatbots. In a separate legal development, a state judge has ordered Kalshi to cease offering sports bets and other wagers in Washington, requiring the implementation of geofencing. A probe has been launched into the response to a Cyclospora outbreak, with questions arising about potential influence from Taylor Farms's connections to the Trump administration.
Film & Media
Chris Carter has restored his original horror vision for the R-rated director's cut of The X-Files film, discussing its renewed relevance.
Smartphones
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is reviewed as an impressive foldable device with a premium price tag, noted for its strong hardware that requires minimal updates.