Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

AI & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Hackers are weaponizing large language models through a technique dubbed "Hallu Squatting," exploiting their inability to definitively state "I don't know" to assemble extensive botnets using popular AI tools assemble botnets. In response to U.S. export controls, China's DeepSeek plans to make, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technologies like Nvidia and Huawei. Meanwhile, Windows 11 Pro is available for a limited time at $10 through July 19, offering a significant discount on operating system licenses.

HARDWARE & COMPONENTS

Apple announced a multiyear commitment with Broadcom to design and produce custom silicon and wireless connectivity technologies, signaling a substantial increase in chip spending. Patriot Memory is set to launch its Viper Steel 5 Infinite, boasting speeds up to 8000 MT/s for high-end gaming and professional use. Lexar will also release new THOR RGB DDR5 kits utilizing CXMT chips, with speeds reaching up to 7600 MT/s, a notable increase over previous CXMT-based products. On the storage front, Samsung has begun mass production of its PM1763 PCIe 6.0 enterprise SSD, optimized for next-generation data centers. Intel released its Arc GPU Graphics driver version 101.8861 Beta, including optimizations for titles such as "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced" and "DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations."

GAMING PERIPHERALS & SYSTEMS

Game Sir has launched the G7 Pro Aimlabs Edition controller, an upgrade to its G7 series featuring new Xbox co-branding. In the mechanical keyboard space, the retro-inspired KeyBoy Advance wireless keyboard is now available through a group buy, priced at $275. Keychron has expanded its K Ultra line with the K4 Ultra K10 Ultra wireless mechanical keyboards, both featuring num pads and identical internal components with minor layout variations. Mini PC manufacturer KAMRUI is running a July promotion on Amazon US, offering discounts of up to 34% on its AK1PLUS and Pinova P1 models, with prices starting at $230.84. Biostar introduced the EdgeComp MS-NAT4000, a compact edge AI computing system designed for edge AI applications.

COMPUTING PLATFORMS & LAPTOPS

COMMELL has announced the LV-6718 Mini-ITX motherboard, powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, targeting industrial applications. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i Gen 11 Aura Edition (15IPH11) is reviewed as a highly portable machine with a strong metal build and impressive performance from its 16-core Panther Lake CPU, which maintains high speeds while staying cool Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i.

INDUSTRY & MARKET TRENDS

Blue Origin is reportedly raising $10 billion in private capital, valuing the company at $130 billion. This move signals a significant financial push for the aerospace firm. Data centers' escalating energy demands are raising concerns about their impact on manufacturing initiatives in the Rust Belt, potentially threatening "Made in America" plans. In the gaming industry, Bethesda and id Software were reportedly hit hard by Microsoft layoffs, with some teams experiencing reductions of up to 50 percent. IO Interactive has shut down its Istanbul studio months after the release of "007 First Light," citing the end of a relationship with an external partner.

GAMING CONSOLES & TRENDS

The Nintendo Switch's market presence appears to be nearing its end, but analysis suggests the console could continue selling for years. Despite the console's age, it maintains a significant market share.

OTHER TECH NEWS

The Weather Channel has increased subscription prices for its streaming service by up to $20 per month, with livestreams now starting at $5 per month. For individuals needing to transfer large files, Transfr Pro offers unlimited lifetime transfers for $80, addressing limitations and subscription models common with other services. Texas has won a legal battle as the Supreme Court allows the state to enforce its app store law, which Big Tech companies have labeled a "censorship regime" SCOTUS lets Texas enforce. A new study indicates a surprisingly large number of individuals may have a marker for tick-linked meat allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, though many questions remain about its development tick-linked meat allergy marker. An outbreak of a diarrheal parasite in Michigan has seen over 700 cases, with officials actively working to identify a common source Michigan parasite outbreak. In a unique engineering feat, a race car has been constructed using plant fibers, volcanic materials, and seawater race car plant fibers. Dragonflies exhibit complex aerial maneuvers akin to fighter pilots, driven by relatively simple vision-based rules during their dramatic combat dragonflies maneuver like pilots.