Tech & Hardware 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Gaming & Peripherals

Razer has launched new wireless gaming earbuds for Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The Hammerhead V3 X Hyper Speed earbuds come in separate versions for each platform, offering low-latency audio for gamers. Game Sir has also released a new controller, the G7 Pro Aimlabs Edition, which builds on the G7 series with upgraded features for Xbox compatibility. Meanwhile, Intel has released beta drivers for its Arc GPUs, version 101.8861, with optimizations for titles like "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced" and "DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations." NVIDIA has also put out its latest GeForce Game Ready drivers, version 610.74 WHQL, with similar optimizations for those games. Razer launches the Hammerhead V3 X Hyperspeed, and GameSir debuts the G7 Pro Aimlabs Edition controller.

A new mechanical keyboard, the Key Boy Advance, has launched with a retro design inspired by the Nintendo Game Boy, priced at $275. Keychron has expanded its K Ultra line with the K4 Ultra and K10 Ultra wireless mechanical keyboards, both featuring num pads and similar internal components with slight layout differences. In other accessory news, Cooler Master has introduced the V8 ACE 3DHP, a new single-tower CPU air cooler featuring 3D Heat Pipe technology. Noctua is preparing an all-black variant of its NL-LC1 liquid CPU cooler, expected by late 2026 under its chromax.black branding. Keychron expands its K Ultra line, and the V8 ACE 3DHP.

Xbox has announced a significant reset strategy that includes laying off 3,200 employees. This move follows rumors of decreased revenue and a potential shift in Microsoft's strategy for the gaming division. In related news, Bethesda and id Software are reportedly facing substantial layoffs as well, with some teams affected by reductions of up to 50 percent. IO Interactive has confirmed the closure of its Istanbul studio months after the release of "007 First Light." Xbox lay 3,200 workers.

PC Hardware & Components

Intel's upcoming Nova Lake-S and -H CPUs are slated to feature integrated graphics with 12 cores based on the Arc Xe3P architecture. New Intel Nova Lake-S iGPU IDs have appeared in the Linux kernel driver stack, indicating support for these upcoming graphics processors. The Nova Lake architecture will also bring back AVX-512 support to Intel's client processors, with the instruction set available on both P-cores and E-cores. Intel Nova CPUs will feature 12-core Arc Xe3P iGPUs.

Rambus has announced its complete DDR5 9600 Client Memory Module Chipset, designed for high-performance CUDIMM and CQDIMM modules. Patriot Memory is preparing to launch its Viper Steel 5 Infinite DDR5 memory kits, which will offer speeds up to 8000 MT/s and utilize CXMT chips, representing a notable speed increase over previous CXMT-based products. Lexar is also adopting CXMT chips for its upcoming THOR RGB DDR5 kits, rated up to 7600 MT/s. Rambus announces DDR5 9600 chipset.

VESA has introduced Display HDR True Black 1400, a new certification standard for next-generation OLED displays that establishes a higher benchmark for peak brightness and black levels. Samsung has begun mass production of its PM1763 enterprise solid-state drive, which is PCIe 6.0-based and optimized for network-attached storage. On the mini PC front, Lenovo has launched the Yoga AI mini PC, featuring an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU and Arc B390 graphics. Minisforum has also released the NAB9S mini PC, available barebones for $399 or pre-built with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for $759, powered by a 24-core Intel i9 CPU. VESA announces Display HDR True Black 1400.

AI & Software

A significant concern has arisen regarding the misuse of AI, with a lawsuit alleging that a man used Grok to generate 7,000 non-consensual intimate images of his stepdaughter before taking his own life. X is facing further lawsuits from young girls who accuse the platform of shielding child predators. Separately, hackers are reportedly able to weaponize popular AI tools to assemble large botnets through a technique called "Hallu Squatting," which exploits LLMs' inability to refuse certain requests. used Grok to make sex images.

Google has updated Android Bench with new large language models, though its Gemini model continues to lag behind competitors. In academia, AI cheating has prompted drastic measures, with one Ivy League professor ordering an in-person final exam, which resulted in a 50% drop in scores. Google updates Android Bench.

Enterprise & Infrastructure

IBM has announced new configurations for its z17 and Linux ONE systems, offering rack-mount options alongside single-frame systems across its Z and Linux ONE portfolio. Micron has broken ground on a $9.3 billion expansion of its Hiroshima fab in Japan, with equipment installation planned for the latter half of 2028. China's DeepSeek plans to develop its own chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia and Huawei, facing US export controls. IBM launches compact z17 and Linux ONE systems.

Consumer Electronics & Computing

Windows 11 Pro licenses are available for a limited time for just $10 through July 19. KAMRUI is running a July promotion on Amazon US, offering discounts of up to 34% on its AK1PLUS and Pinova P1 mini PCs, with prices starting at $230.84. Windows 11 has dropped to $10.

Other

The Australian government has instructed volunteers to discard thousands of functioning test routers, despite the assertion that the devices could be "easily reflashed." The U.S. military is seeking more affordable hunter-killer drones following the loss of approximately $1 billion worth of Reapers to Iran. In space exploration, Miami-based City Labs has achieved a milestone with its BOHR mission, marking a first for commercial nuclear power in space. US seeks cheaper hunter-killer drones.