Tech & Hardware 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

AI & Computing Hardware

Intel's 18A node has reportedly resolved yield issues, with production now reaching 30,000 wafers per month, according to Blue Fin Research Partners. This advancement supports Intel's efforts to compete in advanced chip manufacturing. In parallel, Intel has restarted production of its 13th and 14th generation Core processors for the Chinese PC market, responding to high demand. The company also quietly increased the MSRP for its Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processors from their launch price of $299.99. Meanwhile, System76 is launching new Lemur Pro laptops featuring Intel Panther Lake CPUs in 14-inch and 16-inch variants. The company is also preparing its Adder Pro performance laptop series for release with a new 15.3-inch model, also utilizing Intel Panther Lake architecture.

The demand for AI servers continues to support DRAM prices, with the market expected to remain tight in the third quarter of 2026. However, gains are moderating due to weaker consumer demand and high base effects. In the NAND flash memory sector, Sandisk is sampling its BiCS10 1 Tb TLC 10th-generation 3D NAND flash memory technology, employing advanced lateral scaling techniques. Kioxia Corporation has also commenced sample shipments of its 1 Tb TLC memory devices, also utilizing its 10th-generation BiCS FLASH technology. Longsys announced a milestone of one million monthly mSSD production capacity, accelerating edge AI storage deployment.

Storage & Peripherals

Samsung is preparing the SSD 990 Value Gen 4 NVMe SSD, targeting the value segment of its client SSD lineup. This M.2 NVMe drive should not be confused with the 990 EVO Plus. In the gaming peripheral space, Epomaker launched the NEX Pro Gaming Mouse and HE65 V2 TMR keyboard. The HE65 V2 is a compact 65% TMR keyboard. Pwnage released the Ultra Custom Pro Symm, a lightweight, 54g ambidextrous mouse designed for extensive customization with swappable components and hot-swappable switches. For keyboard enthusiasts, Yunzii is introducing new colorways for its B75 PRO mechanical keyboard. Attack Shark launched the R98 HE, a flagship competitive magnetic switch keyboard featuring Hall-effect technology.

Razer announced a Wuthering Waves gaming peripherals collection, created in collaboration with Kuro Games and inspired by the game's character Denia. Cooler Master unveiled its Master Fan A Series and Master Fan M Series fans, designed for high static pressure, airflow, and low noise operation. Thermaltake introduced the Dr. Power III Pro Tester for ATX 3.1 power supplies, a tool for testing modern PSUs. MSI's MPG Ai1600TS power supply, a 1600-watt unit, features digital Safeguard+ technology designed to prevent GPU connector damage.

Software & Services

GoDeal24 is offering a Midsummer Sale with Windows 11 Pro and Office 2024 Professional for $31.91. Additionally, a bundle including Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business and an eight-course training package is available for $116 through Stack Social's Deal Days. Microsoft planned a lightweight, browser-based operating system codenamed "Aion," focused on web applications and agentic AI. Microsoft released an optional Windows 11 June update (KB5095093) that significantly improves File Explorer launch speed. Plex is pushing a new 5-year membership pass for $250, encouraging customers toward newer features and more frequent payments.

Gaming & VR

Relic Entertainment announced Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand, scheduled for release on PC via Steam on July 29. This expansion aims to capture the strategic intensity of Company of Heroes battles. Assassin's Creed Black Flag has received Steam Deck Verified status ahead of its launch. In virtual reality, an experience offers visits to stars, exoplanets, and observatories. Philips Evnia launched the world's first Triple-Mode Fast IPS gaming monitor, the New M4 lineup, featuring three switchable high Hz and resolution presets for various gaming scenarios.

Networking & Mobile

T-Mobile is moving tens of thousands of virtual machines off VMware, seeking continued support from Broadcom for its perpetual licenses amidst a lawsuit. MSI has been named among the first EPEAT 2.0 Launch Partners, with its flagship AI business laptop achieving Silver Certification.

Aerospace & Defense

SpaceX achieved a milestone launch, while Indian startup Rocket Lab neared its first launch, having been awarded three dedicated launch contracts by NASA for its Electron rocket. NASA awarded Rocket Lab. NASA chief Bill Nelson praised progress from Blue Origin following a launch failure, stating that the agency is not yet concerned about timelines extending into 2027. However, a NASA inspector general report suggests Boeing's Starliner could be a decade late, with certification potentially delayed to 2027, a significant shift from Boeing's original schedule.

Other Technology

Google's AI buildout led to a 37% increase in electricity usage in 2025, as the company seeks to balance AI data center emissions with clean energy initiatives. U.S. home battery installations reached a record high, driven by rising electricity costs, potentially offering solutions for grids and AI data centers. Intel has released Arc GPU Graphics Drivers version 101.8860 WHQL, including four game-specific fixes. ASRock announced the availability of its Claw Quickset software for Windows, an agentic AI platform. GM is securing its supply of memory and storage platforms through a strategic agreement with Micron.

In a commentary on the evolving tech landscape, an article discusses the rise of Luddite festivals that harness Gen Z's anger towards Big Tech, teaching people how to live offline. Elsewhere, concerns are being raised about Elon Musk's X platform, with advocates warning the FTC that it poses a "serious risk to Americans' privacy" and urging the agency to reject X's bid to end monitoring amid AI concerns. NVIDIA's RTX 5090D graphics card was overclocked to 4 GHz using liquid nitrogen by Team OGS.