Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 11:42 PM ET

AI and Software Ecosystem

Google's Gemini has become the company's fastest-growing product ever, reaching 1 billion users. A new tool from ChatPlayground AI lets users compare GPT-4o, Claude, and Gemini side by side for $59.25. ASUS is bundling three months of Google AI Pro 5TB or Google AI Plus 400GB with eligible notebooks and ROG laptops. Meanwhile, a survey from the GDC reveals AI remains controversial in game development. A former Google insider's new book, Don't Be Evil, recounts how the company forsook its founding ideals, as reported by Ars Technica.

Graphics Cards and PC Components

NVIDIA RTX 50 series median prices jumped up to 41% in August, with MSRP now a distant dream. SK hynix plans to boost NAND Flash production in China by 50% in 2027. Samsung Foundry has delayed High-NA EUV adoption until 2030 for its 1 nm node. DapuStor showcased 512 TB and liquid-cooled SSDs at FMS2026. A review of the Valkyrie B12 ARGB 120 mm fan finds good performance-to-noise balance at a low price. Arctic introduced the Bioni X P12 and P14 A-RGB series fans with daisy-chain connectivity.

Gaming Hardware and Peripherals

Razer unveiled the Naga V3 Pro MMO gaming mouse, built to adapt across genres. be quiet! announced the Light Mount TKL Keyboard and Mousepad XL for enthusiasts. Commodore International is bringing back the TAC-2 joystick, also known as the "Totally Accurate Controller." SilverStone launched the ALTA T2 Super Tower Workstation Chassis. A modder created a custom liquid-cooled Steam Machine that drops temperatures by 30°C. Another modder turned a Steam Deck into a modern Game Boy, dubbed "Steam Boy."

Gaming Software and Studios

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls received a new update with PC performance improvements after a rocky launch. Cold Symmetry previewed unique difficulty settings in Mortal Shell. Supermassive Games laid off up to 75 workers to "ensure sustainability," its third round in just over a year.

Operating Systems and Licensing

Microsoft has hiked Windows license fees for OEMs by up to 10%, adding to PC price pressures. A deal offers Windows 11 Pro for $11.23. Chrome has adopted device-bound session credentials, what may be the best protection yet against account takeovers. A new Pass-ta-key attack reveals all the things we didn't know about passkeys, exposing Windows passkey storage gaps.

Security, Surveillance, and Regulation

A DEF CON crowd is suspected in a fake-hotspot attack on a Delta flight. New surveillance tech links your phone to your license plate via Bluetooth and roadside cameras. Meta cannot stop a $1.4 trillion lawsuit from states going to trial; judges ruled Section 230 provides a defense, not immunity. President Trump is giving Republicans a 3-1 FCC majority by not filling an empty Democratic seat. Meanwhile, Trump wants Big Pharma to split the MMR vaccine; the leading pharma group calls the idea idiotic.

Enterprise Hardware and Infrastructure

Supermicro announced Q4 and full fiscal 2026 financial results with $11.1B in sales and EPS of $16.2. Dell introduced the Pro P 43 4K Huddle Conferencing Monitor, targeting the 64% of meeting rooms that are huddle spaces. Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC established a joint venture for next-generation image sensors. Russian drones were found near a vital European offshore gas site and were blown up; this follows many drone incursions into Romania.

Consumer Tech and Miscellaneous

Taylor Farms recalled lettuce but less than 2.5% went to Taco Bells, according to an FDA report. A used EV buying guide highlights the $30,000 edition. Tracking extreme heat by the hour makes climate change seem even worse, with hot hours of summer potentially tripling in coming decades. A new platform, DropReference, launches in the US with PC part price comparison and gaming performance estimates.