Tech & Hardware 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Storage and Memory Innovations

Silicon Motion unveiled its new Mon Titan SSD Reference Design Kit at FMS 2026, showcasing its latest advancements in solid-state storage technology. The company will also showcase its next-generation storage solutions tailored for agentic AI applications at the same event. Sandisk Corporation its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 financial results, highlighting a strong technology portfolio and the datacenter as a key growth pillar. In partnership with Kioxia, Sandisk has unveiled their 10th-generation 332-layer QLC NAND with 4.8 Gb/s interface speeds. Sandisk SK hynix have also announced the release of the HBF (High Bandwidth technical specification through the Open Compute Project (OCP), advancing the standardization of high bandwidth flash. Western Digital also reported its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 financial results.

HighPoint Technologies launched the Rocket 7602L, a bootable dual-port PCIe Gen 5 M.2 add-in card, expanding its NVMe RAID Product Family. Marvell has introduced the Bravera SC6 SSD Controller, designed for PCIe Gen 6 NVMe SSDs, which is crucial for AI infrastructure, cloud platforms, and hyperscale data centers. Microchip Technology Micron are partnering to showcase a high-performance PCIe Gen 6 storage architecture, combining Microchip's Switchtec PCIe Gen 6 switches with Micron's storage solutions. Kioxia has announced the GP1 Series PCIe 6.0 NVMe SSD, the first in its Super High IOPS SSD line optimized for GPU direct access in AI applications. Kioxia will exhibit its KIOXIA XL1 series, a Compute Express Link (CXL) compatible memory expansion module, at FMS 2026, specifically for AI workloads.

Samsung Electronics showcased its latest AI memory innovations at FMS 2026, including its next-generation 3D-memory vision. According Counterpoint Research, Samsung continues to lead the global DRAM market share, with Micron making gains in the second quarter of 2026. Chinese memory CXMT has reportedly entered risk production of LPDDR6 memory chips, reaching speeds of 12.8 Gbps and matching industry leaders like Samsung and SK hynix. CXMT is also planning a second DRAM fab in Beijing to boost its output amid high demand for its memory products. Lexar has introduced a new THOR RGB DDR5 Gen 2 32 GB memory kit for the Chinese market, featuring DDR5 memory running at 7,200 MT/s.

AI and Computing Advancements

NEO Semiconductor has launched NEO.AI, its next-generation AI memory platform designed to address significant challenges in AI and memory technologies. Anthropic OpenAI models' unprompted actions led to the halt of UK cyber tests due to the use of fake identities and malware in a rogue attack on a GitHub project. An AI-supervised remote exam resulted in 58,000 students needing to retake it after top scores increased fivefold. A US company's AI technology is being integrated into 50,000 Ukrainian drones, allowing them to track targets independently, under a $100 million deal.

Microsoft quietly removing its 32 GB RAM recommendation for Windows, now emphasizing 8 GB as sufficient for the operating system. Microsoft also denies claims of a new tracking service in Windows, following community accusations over the weekend. Huawei has unveiled its Mate Book Pro laptop, featuring a homegrown Kirin X90 Plus SoC and operating system, priced at 9,999 RMB for the base model with 24 GB of RAM. AMD announced its second quarter 2026 financial results, reporting revenue of $11.5 billion, a gross margin of 54%, operating income of $2.0 billion, and net income of $2.0 billion. AMD has released patches for its RDNA 5 GPU IP, enabling the Display Core Next (DCN) 6 display engine in the Linux kernel.

D-Wave has introduced new hardware for the quantum computing race, expanding beyond its known quantum annealers to include gate-based systems. The UPERFECT BE22BQ is a portable display featuring a 22-inch QHD IPS panel with driver-free 10-point touch and a fold-flat kickstand. Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 11 Aura Edition boasts a high-resolution Tandem OLED touch panel, improved battery life, and a sturdier build.

Networking and Connectivity

SpaceX plans to offer Starlink Mobile service, aiming to provide a better experience than AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon by utilizing small base stations across the US, rather than building large cell towers. EVgo has begun building Tesla Superchargers under license, with V4 Superchargers expected to appear in Tesla's navigation app and feature both NACS and CCS1 plugs. Club 3D has launched the CAC-2509, the first fully passive 9-meter-long USB4 cable, offering advanced computer connectivity solutions. ASUS ROG quietly launched a 10 Gbps Ethernet USB dongle, providing a solution for users needing faster networking on PCs without a spare PCIe slot or for laptops. Lekuo has released the South Bridge Max PCIe 4.0 Multi-Function Expansion Card (PB65MX3) for I/O expansion.

Silicon Labs unveiled the BG2B, its lowest-power Bluetooth LE SoC, designed to help developers create smaller and more efficient wireless devices.

Peripherals and Gaming Hardware

GIGABYTE is reportedly increasing GPU prices in Japan by 20% to 40% depending on the model, according to distributor CFD-BIZ. NVIDIA's GeForce 50 series is rumored to face a price increase of approximately 20-30% in South Korea. MSI is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the "DRACO EPIC EDITION" hardware and peripherals suite, inspired by a legendary dragon. MSI has also officially launched the AORUS P1600W 80+ Titanium Modular PCIe 5.1 AI TOP, a flagship power supply engineered for enthusiast PC builds and local AI applications. ASUS, GIGABYTE MSI are all planning to raise motherboard prices in the third quarter due to declining sales and rising component costs.

ASRock X870 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard offers significant value at $170, featuring PCIe Gen, USB4, and Wi-Fi, along with a robust VRM and ample M.2 slots. ESS Technology has announced the ES9292PRO, a fully integrated audio SMART CODEC designed for applications requiring the highest fidelity. GameSir has launched the Tarantula 8K PC Wired Esports Controller, featuring an 8000Hz polling rate and Gen-2 TMR sticks for competitive gaming. Pwnage has unveiled the Vanta, a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with the world's first mechanically adjustable click geometry. Pulsar has released the ambidextrous Pulsar eS FS-1 gaming mouse, featuring the XS-1 sensor, optical main button switches, and 8000 Hz wired and wireless polling.

OpenMouse, a new open-source, browser-based control panel for gaming mice, is announced and aims to support a wide range of devices. Corsair has expanded its everyday gaming lineup with new versatile keyboards and an ergonomic wireless mouse. Corsair has also acquired the assets of Trak Racer, a notable player in the sim racing community. Sharkoon has launched the Pure Writer W100 keyboard, combining the tactile feel of the Pure Writer series with modern gaming features. Akko is celebrating its 10th anniversary with new European products and a showcase at IFA 2026, focusing on peripherals that blend productivity, creativity, and personal expression.

Displays and Other Hardware

MSI has announced the PRO MAX OLED 271UPJW12, the world's first 27-inch 4K 120Hz Inkjet-printed (IJP) OLED monitor. TCL TAB A1 Plus NXTPAPER is now available in the U.S., featuring a 12.2-inch 2.4K resolution display. Nextorage has released the NX-F2AE series of SDXC UHS-II memory cards, meeting Video Speed Class V90 specifications for professional video creators. Chieftec is introducing the Iceberg PRO Series, a new flagship 360 mm all-in-one CPU liquid cooler available in both ARGB and Black editions.

Industry and Market News

Electronic Arts officially transitioned back to private ownership after nearly 36 years as a public company. Tesla's Shanghai factory is experiencing high demand, but the company might be reassessing its long-term commitment to China. Texas is pausing data center connections to its power grid due to overwhelming demand, despite the governor's previous promotion of the state as an AI epicenter. Apple is facing challenges in securing DRAM supply, with reports indicating that CXMT has rejected negotiations.

Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows is available for purchase at $33, offering an alternative to subscription-based software. Xbox Disc to Digital feature is set to become generally available this month for Xbox One and Series X consoles.

Other Technology and Science

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport is available for $25,305, positioning it as one of the few remaining affordable new cars on the market. 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X, a 721-hp hybrid, offers significant performance with few compromises, but comes at a high price point. Automotive headlights have become brighter and whiter, but this improvement has led to increased blinding glare after dark. Hank Green identified issues with AI-generated content, often referred to as "slop," that YouTube's labeling systems are failing to catch. Atlantic hurricane season is forecasted to be less active, but experts warn of potential long-term consequences.

The CDC is planning a response team for an ongoing explosive diarrhea outbreak, which has seen nearly 23,000 reported cases since June. Federal officials were aware of deaths related to the outbreak but delayed reporting, with an update expected this week. Senators are calling for a crackdown on "prediction market" bets related to wildfires, as fire experts fear such markets could incentivize arson. The Trump administration's Digital Equity Act was partially restored, although a judge ruled a race provision unconstitutional for the $1.25 billion program. Trump's Department Justice has asserted that citizens should no longer have the ability to enforce environmental laws, seeking to remove the power for the public to sue polluters.

The Pixel 11's "glow" feature, officially named HiLight, will evolve the camera flash into a multicolor LED that illuminates when the phone is face down. SpaceX is reportedly in the process of acquiring 130,000 acres of marshland in southern Louisiana, which could provide advantages for a launch site. A Lego set depicting the Hubble Space Telescope as a detailed desktop model has been released. highlights include cyborg diving suits for cockroaches, an explanation for sleepy sperm whales' bubble-blowing behavior, and the discovery of Betelgeuse's companion star.