Tech & Hardware 24 Hours

Last updated: September 15, 2026, 6:18 AM ET

Semiconductors & Compute

Global semiconductor revenue surged 31.4% quarter-over-quarter to a record $425bn in 2Q26, according to new research from Omdia, with AI demand cited as the primary growth engine. Fujitsu is launching its MONAKA CPU globally starting November 2026, a next-generation processor designed and developed entirely in Japan and paired with a dedicated server line for AI workloads. Meanwhile, Samsung and Qualcomm are reportedly forming a 2.1D packaging alliance to give customers access to advanced chip packaging that uses bridges to connect silicon dies. Transcend introduced 64 GB DDR5-6400 modules in both CUDIMM and CSODIMM form factors for embedded applications.

PC Components & Peripherals

AMD's new $99 Ryzen 5 5500F is outperforming the standard Ryzen 5 5500 by up to 16% in early gaming benchmarks from You Tuber Random Gamingin HD, suggesting it is more than a simple rebadge. Sandisk's Optimus GX Pro 8100 2 TB drive replaces the legacy WD_Black SN8100 branding but delivers the same top-tier real-world speeds. MSI's MEG Maestro 900R pushes the company's case lineup further with flagship-level features and cooling support. On the peripheral side, ATK updated its Blazing Sky Zero mouse with the flagship PAW 3955 sensor and a new MCU, while WLMouse revealed the Beast X2, a 48 g wireless magnesium mouse with a touch-screen receiver developed in collaboration with The Shy of League of Legends' Invictus Gaming. HKC debuted the Tianqi 43H180C, a 43.8-inch curved gaming monitor with an unusual 24:9 aspect ratio and 5760 x 2160 resolution. Silkland announced the H96 HDMI cable series, billed as the world's first Certified Ultra96 consumer cable line. Open RGB reached version 1.0, bringing open-source RGB customization to Windows, Linux, and mac OS after years of clunky proprietary control software. ACEMAGIC is running mini PC deals of up to 40% off, with prices starting at $359.99 and savings reaching $210 across three Windows 11 Pro models. QNAP released the TS-h966TX NAS, a compact 9-bay hybrid unit combining Thunderbolt 4 and 10GbE.

Apple & Platforms

Apple released iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate 27, bringing Siri AI enhancements and Liquid Glass refinements — and marking the last mac OS version to support Rosetta for Intel apps. The company is also developing Beats-branded gaming controllers for its phones and potentially other devices, following the iPhone 18 series and iPhone Duo announcements. In legal news, OpenAI remains stuck fighting Musk's antitrust suit after Apple found a way out of the litigation, with Musk dropping his attacks on Apple over Chat GPT integration but continuing to pursue OpenAI.

Gaming & VR

Valve opened pre-orders for the Steam Frame headset at $1,059 for the 256 GB model and $1,299 for 1 TB. Valve engineers confirmed the pricing reflects rising component costs. Ars Technica's full review finds the hardware attempting to revive an abandoned VR "revolution." The Nintendo Switch emulator suyu reached version 0.0.4 with a massive performance gain delivering native PC performance, though the developers have confirmed future development is ending. Sony shut down a fan-made Last of Us Part 2 multiplayer mod weeks before its planned release, sending the creator a letter demanding the project not proceed. Blizzard confirmed Diablo 5 is targeting Spring 2029, with the studio teasing that players share a "unique bond" with Diablo himself.

Automotive

Volvo is boosting battery capacity for the 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids, which also gain new infotainment systems with Gemini onboard. The Swedish automaker also gave the 2028 XC40 a sympathetic makeover with new corners and lighting. Formula 1's newest venue drew criticism after the Madrid race proved processional and dull, with overtaking concerns likening it to Monaco but twice as long and without the glamour.

Defense, Policy & Science

The US military confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in orbit, stating the United States now has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the joint force. A leaked EU Kids Act would introduce age verification requirements for online games, AI services, and social media, following similar laws passed in parts of the US. Rocket Lab is protesting NASA's Mars contract award to Blue Origin, arguing the decision appears inconsistent with eligibility criteria. Researchers achieved a breakthrough with underwater perovskite solar cells capable of generating electricity beneath the surface, with the key challenge being durability rather than the perovskite material itself. Isotopic analysis revealed that Neolithic builders transported the Devil's Arrows 11 miles, with the most likely source being Brimham Rocks rather than the nearby Plumpton Rocks.

AI & Society

AI leaders are calling for slower frontier development after years of reckless speed, with safety as the watchword — though there may be ulterior benefits for the industry. AI bots with names like Timmy, Ren, and Jackie are flooding social media with slop, introducing themselves as days-old agents living on small platforms. RFK Jr. headlined a sold-out anti-vaccine conference alongside Andrew Wakefield, hosted by Kennedy's group Children's Health Defense. An online hate researcher is continuing to investigate X despite a deportation threat, as the US refuses to back down from its fight to deport technology researchers. Unitree's founder Wang Xingxing micromanaged the company to success through a cost-cutting obsession that drove its lead in cheap humanoid robots, raising questions about whether his leadership style will scale.