Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Gaming

The video game industry saw significant developments across multiple titles this week. Arrowhead's Helldivers 2 is receiving a major upgrade with FSR, DLSS 4.5, and XeSS 3.0 upscaling support in an upcoming update, addressing long-standing fan complaints about performance optimization on PC. Meanwhile, Playground Games' Forza Horizon 6 approaches 5 million sales just weeks after its May 19 launch on PC and Xbox Series consoles, with approximately 42% of those sales coming through Xbox platforms. The title peaked at over 270,000 concurrent Steam players on day one. Unknown Worlds Entertainment's Subnautica 2 has crossed 4 million units sold despite controversy over its "no violence" approach and EULA restrictions, having already surpassed 2 million copies on launch day alone. In platform strategy news, Fable will launch cross-platform despite recent discussions within Xbox about reevaluating exclusive titles for Game Pass.

Hardware

Valve's revived Steam Controller continues to generate headlines, both positive and negative. The controller gained HID Remapper support through an open-source, hardware-agnostic project that enables third-party compatibility via a USB adaptor sitting between the input device and host. However, a Reddit user reported a near-fire incident caused by a short circuit in the Steam Controller Charging Puck, raising safety concerns about the device just weeks after its May 4 release at $99. Elsewhere, Google fixed a bug affecting first-generation Chromecast devices that caused widespread failures among users of the discontinued streaming hardware. Chinese handheld manufacturer Ayaneo unveiled the AIR Mini IGS Limited Edition during a May 21 product sharing session, debuting a new retro handheld device alongside its existing Pocket AIR lineup.

Space

Two astronauts with spacewalk experience spanning the shuttle era entered the Astronaut Hall of Fame, recognized for careers embodying excellence, leadership, and service. In orbital developments, four Russian satellites have positioned themselves within striking distance of an ICEYE radar satellite—a capability Ars Technica notes is uncommon for typical satellite missions. Meanwhile, as the International Space Station approaches its end-of-life, experts are debating what artifacts should be preserved for museum display, given that not everything can safely return to Earth.

Policy & Regulation

Several regulatory matters made headlines across government agencies. The Trump administration abruptly cancelled a planned executive order signing on AI safety testing after top AI company CEOs declined to attend, with the President claiming such requirements would be innovation "blockers." The FCC is soliciting public comments on whether ABC's The View qualifies as a news program and whether its editorial decisions are "based on newsworthiness." In trade policy, a formal petition urges US sanctions on Chinese seafood imports over concerns about shark finning practices. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Meta over claims that WhatsApp lacks end-to-end encryption, though critics note the lawsuit lacks factual support—Paxton is currently a US Senate candidate. The US government is also working to block internet users from recreating dead pilots' voices using AI, as such workarounds violate a law prohibiting NTSB disclosures of cockpit audio recordings.

Security & Law Enforcement

Law enforcement achieved a significant victory against criminal communications infrastructure. Police hacked a VPN service where users "believed themselves to be safe," intercepting traffic, seizing domains, and arresting the operator. In a separate matter, a marketing company that claimed it could tap devices for ad targeting agreed to pay an $880,000 settlement, with two additional marketing firms each paying $25,000.

Energy

The US energy transition continues accelerating. Solar generation is soaring while hydroelectric output has surged, pushing more coal-fired capacity off the grid. Early 2026 data suggest that 2024's coal decline was not an anomaly but part of a sustained trend.

Entertainment

Amazon's The Boys franchise is evolving into Vought Rising with the tagline "There's a brighter future. All we need to do is take it." In film reviews, The Mandalorian and Grogu earned a tepid assessment—the plot is predictable, fight scenes are underwhelming, though the charm of Grogu remains undeniable.