Tag: PC Magazine Tech123

Meta is expanding its planned Hyperion data center project in Louisiana from 2 gigawatts of computing capacity to 5 gigawatts, according to Reuters. This leap in power will require a sizeable investment, almost doubling the initial planned $27 billion price tag to $50 billion.

Until the recent AI data center buildout, the largest data centers in the world were in the 10s to hundreds of megawatts. However, since project Stargate was announced in early 2025, ambitions have risen dramatically. Even in mid-2026, though, xAI’s twin Colossus and Colossus 2 data centers reportedly still provide only a combined 1 gigawatt of compute capacity. And Elon Musk has been selling some of that capacity to Anthropic.

Data center protests (Credit: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This raises two important questions about Meta’s plans: Can it even build a data center with a 5-gigawatt capacity, given the memory crunch, let alone cool or power it? Meta is also reportedly exploring the sale of its spare AI compute capacity. So, what will it do with this excess compute, unless it’s expecting an enormous expansion in its existing AI businesses?

In a memo to staff following recent layoffs, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he is “optimistic about delivering personal superintelligence to everyone,” which is no small feat, compute-wise.

That said, OpenAI and Anthropic have absorbed hundreds of billions of investment to get where they are, and they’re still having to discount the AI compute they sell. Many of their biggest customers are cutting back on AI use, too.

This is all assuming Meta’s mega data center project is even completed. The first promised 2 gigawatts isn’t expected to come online in full until 2030, with the additional 3 gigawatts potentially coming years after that. Data centers are also facing enormous political and community pushback due to their egregious use of local power and water resources.

Meta has said it will invest over $1 billion in local roads, water, and wastewater systems as part of the project, but environmental law firms are already looking to investigate its finances.

About Our Expert

Jon Martindale

Contributor

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Experience

Jon Martindale is a tech journalist from the UK, with 20 years of experience covering all manner of PC components and associated gadgets. He’s written for a range of publications, including ExtremeTech, Digital Trends, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Lifewire, among others. When not writing, he’s a big board gamer and reader, with a particular habit of speed-reading through long manga sagas. 

Jon covers the latest PC components, as well as how-to guides on everything from how to take a screenshot to how to set up your cryptocurrency wallet. He particularly enjoys the battles between the top tech giants in CPUs and GPUs, and tries his best not to take sides.

Jon’s gaming PC is built around the iconic 7950X3D CPU, with a 7900XTX backing it up. That’s all the power he needs to play lightweight indie and casual games, as well as more demanding sim titles like Kerbal Space Program. He uses a pair of Jabra Active 8 earbuds and a SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset, and types all day on a Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard.

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An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save you money, we covered it.

Meta has teamed up with Amazon Music to bring you an epic open-ear audio experience for a whole lot less. Meta’s smart glasses are super popular with content creators, but you don’t have to only record video to enjoy these stylish frames, especially with this limited-time bundled offer.

Pick up any Meta AI frame, including Ray-Ban and Oakley styles, today, and you’ll score three free months of Amazon Music Unlimited. Once you’ve purchased your new Meta AI glasses, you’ll receive an email with a link to claim your free three-month subscription. There are several styles to choose from, but you’ll want to get your orders in while supplies last.

As an Unlimited subscriber, you’ll get access to music, which includes lossless HD tracks, ad-free podcasts, and one audiobook per month from Audible. You can choose from millions of songs to curate the perfect soundtrack for your commute, catch up with a favorite podcast, or dive into a whole new world through a good book. All this sonic goodness comes from discreet open-ear speakers built right into your frames.

Meta AI Glasses with 3 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited

Smartglasses from Meta, Oakley and Ray-Ban

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$224.00
at Meta

$299.00
Save $75.00

Shop Now

Your Amazon Music Unlimited subscription will auto-renew at the end of your three free months, but you can keep the party going, starting at $10.99 per month. Meta’s AI frames start at $224, with the popular Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2) starting at $379.

If you’re tired of losing your earbuds or want to travel without the bulk of over-ear headphones, this is a good option to consider. Open-ear speakers let you stay aware of your surroundings, which can help keep you safe as you navigate the world. There’s an AI assistant that’ll help you do everything from finding restaurants in your area to setting reminders and even quick translations. Your new assistant can send text and voice messages and pick up calls, all without you having to fumble around for your phone.

PCMag’s smart home and wearables expert, Andrew Gebhart, gave one of these frames an “Excellent” rating. In his in-depth review, he said, “The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 is a stylish, flexible pair of smart glasses that’s genuinely fun to use. Its camera captures crisp photos and high-definition video, perfect for quick sharing, and Meta AI is always on hand to answer questions.”

To capture the world around you, you can shoot from your point of view with a voice command. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) smart glasses can record videos and take photos with a 12-megapixel fixed-focus camera lens. You’ll get images at a resolution of 3,024×4,032 pixels, and videos at up to 3K resolution at 30 frames per second, or 1080p at up to 60fps. There’s also 32GB of flash storage, which will hold over 500 images.

These frames earned a spot on our roundup of the best smart glasses for 2026. With the bonus of three free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, you really can’t go wrong here, especially if you enjoy podcasts, hi-res music, and audiobooks.

Samsung is making it harder for you to opt out of AI training in its Health app.

As How-To Geek reports, users are seeing a notification when launching the app that introduces a new privacy toggle called “Consent to the use of health data for AI training and modeling.” If you toggle it off, the app warns that it will no longer sync your health data with your Samsung account.

“You will not be able to sync health data with your Samsung account and your health data will be deleted unless retained pursuant to applicable law,” the alert reads. “If retention is required, we will erase it as soon as the required retention period ends.”

It is unclear what user data Samsung will collect if the toggle is enabled. A support page cited by various news outlets indicates that it could have access to your body measurements, nutrition data, step count, sleep metrics, medication data, health records, and cycle tracking data.

We’ve reached out to Samsung to confirm and will update the story if they respond.

For now, if you’re uncomfortable sharing the aforementioned data points, you can launch Samsung Health, head to Settings > Privacy, and disable the toggle next to “Consent to the use of health data for AI training and modeling.”

Of late, tech companies have been collecting copious amounts of user data because such real-world data can help improve the accuracy and performance of their AI models. Many AI companies are also facing lawsuits and scrutiny for allegedly scraping copyrighted or personal data without permission.

Fitbit Air Review: Affordable, Minimalist Health Tracking | All Things Mobile

About Our Expert

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Experience

Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

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When you want to save on tech, head to Woot. The Amazon-run site is basically a deals hub, featuring discounts every single day of the year on items across seven categories, including electronics. It’s not unusual to see markdowns on devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Microsoft. Outside of big sale events, it’s usually the best place to find low prices on high-end gadgets. However, items at Woot don’t last for very long. So, when you see something that catches your eye, don’t wait to add it to your cart, or it might be gone! Plus, Prime members automatically get free shipping.

Right now, you can take advantage of a $1,000 markdown on a Samsung 11-channel surround sound system and save $150 on luxe Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 earbuds. Plus, pick up a MetaQuest VR Headset for $320 less. The deals don’t stop there: snag the JBL Flip 7 portable Bluetooth speaker for under $90, and pick up the award-winning Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $610 less.

Let’s take a closer look at the best Woot deals so you can start saving!

VPN Deal

NordVPN Standard

1-year digital code for PC, Mac, or mobile. Connect up to 10 devices at once

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$24.99
at Woot

$69.99
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Boasting an extensive suite of privacy and security features, including advanced encryption, threat detection, and transparent data practices, NordVPN is not only the fastest VPN we’ve tested, but also the best value. It’s essentially a robust privacy ecosystem, using tools like NordPass for secure password management and NordLocker for file encryption and cloud storage. It’s our Editor’s Choice Pick for VPN, and right now, you can get an entire year’s subscription on sale for just $24.99.

VR Headset Deal

Meta Quest Pro

With 1,920 by 1,800 resolution (per eye), 90 Hz refresh rate, and 6DOF motion detection

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$679.99
at Woot

$999.99
Save $320.00

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Earning our PCMag Best of the Year Award in 2022, the Meta Quest Pro is an impressive standalone virtual reality headset with a level of performance that makes it suitable for professionals as well as enthusiasts. We were highly impressed by the eye- and face-tracking tech, color pass-through camera, and comfortable fit. Plus, the headset and controllers are all rechargeable, and you don’t need a PC to operate.

Smartphone Deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

1 TB, 14-hour tested battery life, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, Android 15, IP68 rating

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$1,049.99
at Woot

$1,659.99
Save $610.00

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Per our expert, Iyaz Akhtar, “The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate Android handset with top-of-the-line power, terrific cameras, a built-in stylus, and the most innovative AI features we’ve seen in a phone to date”. The large 6.9-inch screen provides an immersive experience for watching content, while the rounded corners and narrower body make the phone ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Performance is exceptionally smooth, too. It earned our Editor’s Choice Award last year, and right now, you can pick one up for $610 less.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

128 GB, 6.7-inch screen, Samsung Exynos 2400, 50MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, 17-hour battery

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$429.00
at Woot

$649.00
Save $220.00

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Marketed as the budget-friendly model in Samsung’s smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S25 FE still provides many flagship features, including high-performance cameras, a big, bright screen, and Samsung’s Galaxy AI tools. Plus, the build of the phone is durable with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ covering the front and back. This is an excellent option if you’re looking to be part of Samsung’s Galaxy realm for less, especially with this additional $200 discount.

Robot Vacuum and Mop Deal

iRobot Roomba Combo 2 + AutoEmpty Dock

With smart navigation, 120-minute run time, washable microfiber mop pad, and iRobot Home App

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$159.99
at Woot

$499.99
Save $340.00

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Save time, energy, and effort with the iRobot Roomba Combo 2. This powerful robot vacuum and mop features a four-stage cleaning system with four suction levels and three mopping levels that’ll clear your floors of any dirt, dust, and stubborn pet hair in one pass. It also empties itself, holding up to 60 days’ worth of dirt. You truly won’t have to lift a finger except for once every two months. Best of all, it’s marked down by $340 right now.

See how it compares to other robot vacuums we’ve reviewed.

Earbuds Deals

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

IP57 rating, 24-bit hi-fi codec, HD voice conversations, and intuitive touch-control

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$199.99
at Woot

$249.99
Save $50.00

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The sleek and stylish Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a premium pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, offering a comfortable fit, excellent audio quality, and nifty AI features – and all for under $200 right now. In addition to crisp high-res audio, adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts the noise cancellation in real time for a strong, smooth, and distraction-free listening experience. Plus, you can access Galaxy’s AI assistant hands-free and take advantage of live translation. We awarded their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a rating of “Excellent.” If you’re an Android user, these are a top pick.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6

All-day battery life, charging case, three microphones, IP54 rating, and single-button control

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$99.99
at Woot

$249.00
Save $149.01

Get Deal

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 wireless earbuds boast strong, high-res audio with drive units adapted from their Px7 S2e headphones. Better still, aptX adaptive technology adjusts the sound dynamically for an optimal listening experience, whether you’re jamming to tunes, watching movies, or gaming. Plus, there’s active noise cancellation to make sure every detail remains clear in loud environments. You won’t be disappointed by these earbuds, especially with a 60% discount, bringing the price from $249 to $99.99.

Beats Fit Pro

H1 chip, Spatial Audio with head tracking, one-touch iOS pairing, IPX4 rating, USB-C charging

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$109.99
at Woot

$199.95
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The Beats Fit Pro are designed to fit securely in your ears and stay in place, making them a compelling choice for those who find typical earbuds tend to slip out of their ears. In terms of sound, they deliver the classic bass-forward Beats audio profile, with above-average noise cancellation and adaptive EQ. We already recommend them for iPhone users who love strong bass, and now they’re $90 cheaper.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

IPX4 rating, Auto Switch, EQ presets, Bluetooth 5.2, ANC and Ambient modes, on-ear controls

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$74.99
at Woot

$149.99
Save $75.00

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Currently on sale for under $80, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE are an affordable but quality option for Samsung users. They provide above-average noise cancellation with a bass-forward sound signature and crisp mics. We reviewed a prior model of these earbuds and especially appreciated how seamlessly they integrate across the Samsung device ecosystem. If you’re an Android user looking for capable earbuds on a budget, these are for you.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Core

Bluetooth 5.4, 35 hour playback time, intuitive on-ear touch controls, two eartip sizes

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$39.99
at Woot

$69.99
Save $30.00

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If you’re looking for the least expensive pair of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, then you won’t find better than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core (especially with this additional 43% discount). These cost-effective earbuds feature a clear, balanced sound with rich bass and reliable ANC technology. Plus, Galaxy AI enables nifty features, like live language translation. Like most other Galaxy Buds models, these integrate seamlessly with other Android devices.

Headphones Deals

Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC codec support, 37mm dynamic drivers, adjustable five-band EQ

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$79.95
at Woot

$199.95
Save $120.00

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According to our expert, Tim Gideon, the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones “offer commendable active noise cancellation (ANC) and produce balanced sound with plenty of sub-bass power and high-frequency detail for half the price of category leaders from Bose and Sony” (and that’s at full price). Add a sleek design and a comfortable fit, and you’ll understand why we recommend them as a great value for wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones. With a 55% discount, bringing the price to well under $100, they’re practically a no-brainer.

Portable Speaker Deal

JBL Flip 7

IP68 rating, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast, 16-hour playtime, lossless audio via USB-C

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$89.95
at Woot

$149.95
Save $60.00

Get Deal

Designed to be on-the-go, the JBL Flip 7 produces respectable sound for its size with thumping mid-bass. It’s water-resistant and durable enough to bring on all your outdoor adventures, too. While it lacks some of the fancier features of other portable Bluetooth speakers, it’s a solid pick for a simple, bring-anywhere speaker, especially at a sale price of $89.95.

Sound System Deals

Samsung HW-Q990F Surround Sound System

11.1.4 ch sound, Wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Pro Mode

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$967.99
at Woot

$1,997.99
Save $1,030.00

Get Deal

The Samsung HW-Q990F system features a powerful soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speaker kit that work together to create rich, room-filling sound. The wireless soundbar automatically analyzes the environment to calibrate the sound to your space. At the same time, “Active Voice Analyzer” technology helps make sure dialogue and on-screen voices remain crisp, clear, and easy to understand. Plus, the sound system integrates easily with voice assistants and smart devices via Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay, and more. It’s a robust, high-end sound system that’ll immerse you in your favorite on-screen content — and with more than a $1,000 markdown, now is the time to upgrade.

Curious how this model compares to other soundbars? Read our reviews for the best soundbars.

Smart TV Deals

Hisense 75-Inch S7N Canvas TV

144Hz Game Mode Pro, Art Mode, Multi-Channel 2.0.2 Surround Sound, Quantum Dot Technology

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$1,197.99
at Woot

$2,499.99
Save $1,302.00

Get Deal

The Hisense S7N Canvas TV is a 4K QLED Google Smart TV designed to look like a piece of wall art. It’s ultra-slim in profile and hangs flat against the wall like a painting, so you can showcase beautiful art masterpieces (think Monet’s Water Lilies or the famous Mona Lisa) on the no-glare, hi-matte display when the TV’s not in use. In other words, it’s both high-end decor and smart tech — and right now, it’s over $1,000 off. You can see how it compares to other TVs we’ve tested at a similar size and price point.

Computer Keyboard Deal

Razer BlackWidow V4 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Low profile 18.5mm build, Razer HyperSpeed, and 980-hour battery life


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$99.99
at Woot

$199.99
Save $100.00

Get Deal

Gaming should be fast and fun, which is why you need this highly responsive gaming keyboard. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features light, balanced keystrokes with an extra-durable build, including two layers of sound-dampening foam. You’ll also enjoy the versatility of a multi-function roller and media keys, along with two-sided RGB underglow lighting on each key. It’s also wireless, with the option to quickly cycle through up to three Bluetooth-connected devices.

Portable Charger Deal

Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock

Connects via the Lightning to USB Cable and Apple 5W USB Power Adapter

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$19.99
at Woot

$79.00
Save $59.01

Get Deal

Compatible with all Apple Watch models and sizes, this handy charging dock lets you power up your smartwatch through wireless magnetic charging. You can lay the watch flat with the band open or prop the watch up on its side to enable Nightstand mode and use your watch as an alarm clock.

For more options, give a gander at our expert advice and tips for buying Batteries & Power.

Digital Pay Machine Deal

Square Handheld Pay Machine

24/7 fraud prevention and phone support, cordless design with built-in battery that lasts all day

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$249.00
at Woot

$399.00
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The Square Handheld Pay Machine is a handy device for business owners, offering an easy way to take payments and issue receipts. It accepts all major credit and debit cards at a low, fixed rate with no hidden fees. Once a customer has tapped or inserted their card, the payment processes in just a few seconds, so you don’t have to waste any time. Plus, you can subscribe (and cancel anytime) to Square for Retail, Square for Restaurants POS, or Square Appointments, depending on what best suits your needs.

Looking for something else? Check out additional Woot tech deals for even more summer savings.

If you’re a regular Amazon user, you’ve probably had issues sifting the real, quality goods from low-quality imports or scams on the platform. The epidemic of fake online product reviews doesn’t exactly help the matter, Amazon said in 2024 that it takes down over 275 million suspected fake reviews annually.

A recently launched extension, dubbed Knockoff, offers a potential solution to these issues and has recently gone viral on social media.

The app gives users the choice between having these potentially dubious goods dimmed in grayscale, marked, or having them hidden altogether from search results. The app draws from a database of 5,000 brands which it considers to be reliable, approving them automatically.

Knockoff then uses what it terms the “linguistic signature” of low quality brands including ALL-CAPS text, vanishing vowels, unpronounceable consonant runs to identify potentially bad listings. In addition, it also uses a community reporting model for brands.

Users can choose between three filtering levels. Relaxed catches only the notorious offenders, while Standard adds suspect names and unbranded listings. Strict allows only recognized brands. The extension is available for Firefox, Chrome and Chromium-based web browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave.

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You don’t need to create an account to use the app, and the Knockoff says it doesn’t collect any data for analytics.

Issues surrounding fake reviews aren’t likely to go away anytime soon. The rise of AI bots means it’s harder to tell real people from manipulated campaigns than ever before. Meanwhile, Mozilla shut down Fakespot in July 2025, the largest database of fake reviews on the internet.

If you’re not interested in adding another browser extension, but want to ensure you’re only buying high quality products, there are plenty of manual ways of ensuring you can spot fake reviews. These include being on the look out for very brief five-star and one-star reviews, ones which lack natural-sounding language, or listings that have similar-seeming reviews all posted on the same day.

About Our Expert

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Experience

I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

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If you’re concerned about spiraling prices for consumer electronics, from smartphones to consoles to PCs, one of the memory chip industry’s most important figures has some seriously bad news.

SK Hynix Chief Executive Kwak Noh-jung told Reuters earlier this week that the global memory industry is heading for “the worst year in the industry’s history from the supply perspective.” Unfortunately, he doesn’t see an end to the problem in sight, predicting that customer demand will remain higher than supply capacity “even beyond 2030.”

“Our customer demand continues to go up, while our capacity has limitations,” he said.

SK Hynix is one of the “big three” suppliers of DRAM, alongside fellow Korean firm Samsung and US-based Micron. DRAM is a key ingredient in many consumer electronics and AI data centers, which are currently gobbling up most of the supply amid the AI boom.

Noh-jung isn’t the only memory chip boss making gloomy predictions about the future. Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, anticipates the memory shortage to last through 2027, though he predicts it will eventually ease in 2028.

Many figures, including Nothing CEO Carl Pei, are advising people to stock up on consumer electronics now to avoid future price increases due to more expensive components, telling consumers that the best time to buy a smartphone was “yesterday.” That advice came shortly before Apple raised prices on its Macs, iPads, and more, citing the memory crunch.

Still, not everyone is quite as pessimistic about the DRAM problem. Earlier this month, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Shuli Ren argued that the global memory shortage likely peaked during the second quarter of 2026. She predicts conditions could ease in the second half of 2026 and 2027, and suggests the industry could even see an oversupply in 2028.

Still, the damage has already been done to consumers’ wallets. In addition to Apple, other tech giants like HP, Dell, and Lenovo have already announced major price hikes.

About Our Expert

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Experience

I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

Read Full Bio

Annoyed about having to jump through hoops when canceling a subscription? Starting Oct. 1, New York City residents will have the right to a simplified “click-to-cancel” policy.

The rule, announced this week by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine, forces companies to clearly explain subscription terms and to clearly disclose consumers’ rights when buying or canceling subscriptions.

Companies will also need to provide customers with a straightforward cancellation process via the same method they signed up with. So, if you signed up for something online, you should be able to cancel online; no phone calls necessary.

“Whether it’s hidden fees that suddenly appear at checkout or subscriptions that take one click to sign up for and a dozen steps to cancel, the result is the same: working people pay more while corporations profit,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That ends now.”

The option is expected to save New Yorkers $21.5 million to $162.5 million annually, according to the Roosevelt Institute.

The new rule will be enforced by the DCWP. New York joins states such as Utah, Idaho, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, and Arkansas, which have already enacted click-to-cancel protections in recent years, Engadget notes.

The rule technically applies only to people living in New York City, though New York State residents may receive additional protections. As the mayor’s office notes, the state has two laws on the books “related to Click to Cancel,” including one that requires health clubs to permit online cancellations if people signed up online, and one that requires transparency about automatic renewals.

During the Biden administration, the FTC finalized a federal Click-to-Cancel rule that applied nationwide. But when Trump took office, the agency delayed enforcement following a lawsuit by the Internet & Television Association (NCTA), a trade group representing some of America’s largest telecom and internet firms, which argued the rule was an overreach by the FTC.

Alongside the new Click-to-Cancel rule, the mayor’s office also proposed a new “junk fees” rule, which is set for a public comment period and public hearing on Aug. 7. The proposed rule would force businesses to advertise the full price of goods and services up-front, including all mandatory charges and fees. A similar FTC rule went into effect last year.

About Our Expert

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Experience

I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

Read Full Bio

New York City consumers are getting a new Click-to-Cancel rule from October 1.

The rule gives consumers numerous protections, including forcing companies to clearly explain subscription terms and to clearly disclose consumers’ rights when buying or cancelling subscriptions.

From October, companies will also need to provide customers with a straightforward cancellation process via the same method they signed up with. In addition, companies will be unable to ask customers to pay to ship items that were given to them for free. The new rule is expected to save New Yorkers $21.5 million to $162.5 million annually, according to the Roosevelt Institute.

The new rule will be enforced by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and was signed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. New York joins states like Utah, Idaho, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, and Arkansas, which have all already enacted click-to-cancel protections in recent years.

“Whether it’s hidden fees that suddenly appear at checkout or subscriptions that take one click to sign up for and a dozen steps to cancel, the result is the same: working people pay more while corporations profit,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That ends now.”

The rule will only apply to people living in New York City itself, rather than New York State as a whole, though they may get some other protections under New York State law.

Though consumers in New York will soon be getting Click-to-Cancel protections, it may take a long time, if ever, until consumers in the rest of the US do.

A federal Click-to-Cancel regulation was originally set to take effect on July 14, 2025, but it was blocked and voided by a US appeals court in St. Louis, which claimed that the FTC had “failed to follow procedural requirements” during the rule’s development. 

This federal Click-to-Cancel rule was finalized in October 2024 under the Biden administration and was originally set to take effect on May 14, 2025. But it had been hit by lawsuits from prominent trade bodies like the Internet & Television Association (NCTA), which represents some of America’s largest telecom and internet firms, including Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox Communications, Disney Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Alongside the new Click-to-Cancel rule, the mayor’s office also proposed a new “junk fees” rule, which is set for a public comment period and public hearing on August 7th. The proposed rule would force businesses to advertise the full price of goods and services upfront, including all mandatory charges and fees.

About Our Expert

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Experience

I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

Read Full Bio

TL;DR: Build your piano skills at your own pace with a 3-year flowkey subscription for $59.99 (MSRP $579), including thousands of songs, guided lessons, and real-time feedback.

Learning piano can be intimidating at first — between memorizing notes, understanding chords, and trying to read music, it’s easy to feel lost before you ever play a full song. flowkey simplifies the process with interactive lessons that help beginners build confidence and progress step by step, now available for $59.99.

The app combines step-by-step courses with over 1,000 songs from Bach, Mozart, Chopin, and more. You’ll learn proper technique, read sheet music, and practice notes and chords with instant feedback that helps you improve faster.

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How to watch for free: Today’s quarter-final match will air for free on global channels like BBC iPlayer/ITV. You can use a VPN like ExpressVPN, our pick for location spoofing, to connect to a UK server to tune in for free. You may also be able to watch for free with a streaming trial from DirecTV, FuboTV, or YouTube TV.

Argentina face Switzerland in the last quarterfinal game of the FIFA World Cup today, and once again, the player to watch out for is a 39-year-old Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner inspired a sensational 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the previous game and is now one step closer to his third World Cup semifinal.

Standing in his way are Switzerland, who are currently 14th on the FIFA World rankings. A win for the Swiss today will send them to their first-ever World Cup semifinal.

With so much at stake, expect both teams to put up a strong fight. Here’s how to watch Argentina vs. Switzerland live using a streaming subscription or a VPN.

When Is the Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup Quarter-Final?

The quarterfinal game between Argentina and Switzerland kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

How to Watch Argentina vs. Switzerland Live in the US

You can watch today’s match live on Fox or Telemundo. If you don’t have cable and you’re in the US, you can watch with a sports streaming subscription, such as DirecTV, Fox One, Fubo, Peacock, Sling, YouTube TV, and more. If you don’t have a live TV or streaming service, you may be able to watch the game with a free trial:

How to Watch Argentina vs. Switzerland Online for Free

The Argentina and Switzerland quarterfinal match will air live for free on several streaming platforms across the globe, including:

These platforms are geo-locked to their respective countries, so you’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) to watch games for free from the US or elsewhere. For the Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal, we recommend ExpressVPN, our top pick for location spoofing. ExpressVPN has servers across the globe, making it easy to mask your actual location and access region-locked content. Plus, this year, ExpressVPN is also an official supporter of the FIFA World Cup.

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Here’s how you can access the Argentina vs. Switzerland match with a VPN using BBC iPlayer as an example:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN).

2. Download the VPN app on your computer, phone, or preferred device.

3. Connect to a server in the UK.

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITV to start streaming.

Note: If you’re new to BBC, you may be asked to create an account to access iPlayer. Add a UK postal code on the sign-up page to avoid possible disruptions.

Usually, the top VPNs that let you connect to servers in other countries aren’t free. But if you already have a VPN subscription or qualify for a free trial, you may be able to use one to watch the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Switzerland at no additional cost.

Argentina vs. Switzerland: Road to the Quarterfinals, Team News

(Credit: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Argentina have been the better of the two teams so far, having won all of their games in regulation time. Switzerland, meanwhile, have had a draw in the group stage and a win on penalties in the Round of 16.

Argentina

The defending champions are the only non-European team still alive in the tournament, and they have repeatedly found ways to get the job done when it has looked impossible. Lionel Messi is their standout performer with nine goals, but he has been ably supported by the likes of Enzo Fernández, Julián Alvarez, and Leandro Paredes. Here’s a quick look at their journey so far:

• Group Game 1: Beat Algeria, 3-0

• Group Game 2: Beat Austria, 2-0

• Group Game 3: Beat Jordan, 3-1

• Round of 32: Beat Cabo Verde, 3-2

• Round of 16: Beat Egypt, 3-2

Expected lineup: With no injury or suspension concerns, coach Lionel Scaloni could start with the same XI from the previous game. That would be Martinez in goal; Molina, Romero, Martinez, and Tagliafico in defense; Paredes, De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister in the midfield; and Messi and Alvarez in the forward line.

Switzerland

Switzerland, like Argentina, are unbeaten throughout the tournament, but have had a few hiccups along the way. Their standout performers have been midfielder Granit Xhaka and goalkeeper Gregor Kobe.

• Group Game 1: Beat Croatia, 4-2

• Group Game 2: Drew Ghana, 0-0

• Group Game 3: Beat Panama, 2-0

• Round of 32: Beat DR Congo, 2-1

• Round of 16: Beat Mexico, 3-2

Expected lineup: Murat Yakin also has all his regular starters available for this game and could play with an unchanged lineup. That would be Kobe in goal; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, and Rodríguez in defense; Freuler, Xhaka, and Jashari in the midfield; and Rieder, Embolo, and Ndoye up front.

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. This year, the tournament has expanded to 48 participating nations for a total of 104 games.

• June 11 to June 27: Group stage.

• June 28 to July 2: The knockout stage begins with the first-ever Round of 32 at a FIFA World Cup. The eventual champion will have to win five consecutive knockout games, instead of the former four.

• July 3 to July 7: Round of 16.

• July 9, 10, 11: Quarter-finals.

• July 14-15: Semi-finals.

• July 18: Third-place playoff.

• July 19: Final.

We’ll be following the World Cup until the end, so stay tuned for more streaming advice.

The World Cup Has a Secret AI Command Center

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Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

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