Windows Bug Fixed, AI Hardware Surge, and Space‑Based Chip Production Drive Tech News
Windows Bug Fixed, AI Hardware Surge, and Space‑Based Chip Production Drive Tech News
Microsoft Fixes Decade‑Old Windows 11 Shutdown Bug
A long‑standing issue that forced the “Update and Shut Down” command to restart instead of powering off has finally been resolved. The bug, first reported shortly after Windows 10’s 2015 launch, persisted through multiple updates and even survived the transition to Windows 11. Microsoft released an optional patch in October 2025 that restores the expected behavior, allowing users to apply updates and safely power down their machines.
The timing is noteworthy: the fix arrived just three weeks after Microsoft ended feature‑update support for Windows 10, leading some observers to speculate about a strategic rollout. Regardless of the motives, the patch is a welcome relief for anyone who has endured unexpected restarts during critical updates.
Microsoft’s AI Hardware Dilemma
During a recent interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Satya Nadella revealed that Microsoft’s AI GPU fleet has outgrown the company’s power capacity. The tech giant now possesses a “Scrooge McDuck‑sized” collection of GPUs, yet it struggles to secure sufficient electricity to run them at full scale.
Key points:
- Microsoft has obtained export licenses to ship Nvidia AI chips to the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the high demand for advanced hardware.
- The AI GPU market remains fiercely competitive, with companies scrambling for inventory much like shoppers lining up for limited‑edition collectibles.
This shortage highlights the broader challenge of scaling AI infrastructure while managing energy consumption and supply‑chain constraints.
AMD Recommits to Legacy GPU Support and Announces Ryzen Medusa
Updated Drivers for RX 5000 and RX 6000 Series
AMD responded to community backlash by confirming that it will continue providing driver updates for its RX 5000 and RX 6000 graphics cards. The company clarified that these older GPUs will be supported on a separate driver branch, receiving:
- Security patches
- Bug fixes
- Game‑specific optimizations
This move restores confidence among users who feared premature abandonment of their hardware.
Ryzen Medusa – Next‑Gen Zen 6 Desktop CPUs
AMD also unveiled its upcoming consumer‑grade CPU line built on the Zen 6 architecture, codenamed Ryzen Medusa. Scheduled for launch in the first half of 2027, the chips promise significant performance gains and are expected to compete directly with Intel’s upcoming offerings. While details remain scarce, the announcement signals AMD’s continued commitment to pushing the high‑performance desktop market forward.
Google Pulls Gemma Model After Hallucination Incident
Google removed its lightweight Gemma model from the AI Studio developer suite following a fabricated news story that falsely implicated U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn in a sexual‑assault allegation. Although the model was never intended for public‑facing products, the incident prompted Google to:
- Issue a formal apology
- Tighten safeguards against model hallucinations
- Reinforce that Gemma remains an experimental tool for developers only
The episode serves as a reminder of the ethical and reputational risks associated with large‑language models, especially when they generate misinformation.
Upcoming AI Mode with Deep Personalization
In parallel, Google announced plans for an AI Mode that will integrate tightly with user data, including Gmail and Google Drive. The feature aims to create a highly personalized assistant capable of contextual fact‑checking and proactive suggestions. While the convenience factor is attractive, it also raises significant privacy considerations that users and regulators will need to scrutinize.
Apple Launches Web‑Based App Store
Apple introduced a full‑featured web version of its App Store, allowing users to browse, search, and remotely install apps on iPhones and iPads directly from a desktop browser. The new interface mirrors the native App Store experience, offering:
- A discover page for curated content
- App management tools previously unavailable on the web
- Seamless synchronization with devices logged into the same Apple ID
This development provides non‑iOS users a glimpse into Apple’s ecosystem and simplifies app discovery for developers and power users alike.
Cybercrime Targets Logistics and Trucking Systems
Research from Proofpoint highlights a growing trend where hackers collaborate with organized‑crime groups to compromise logistics platforms. Using stolen credentials and remote‑access tools, attackers can:
- Hijack fleet dashboards
- Reroute shipments
- Seize entire containers before the breach is detected
The tactics blur the line between conventional cybercrime and real‑world cargo theft, emphasizing the urgent need for robust authentication and monitoring within supply‑chain software.
Snapmaker U1 3D Printer Hits the Market
After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $20 million in pre‑orders, Snapmaker released its U1 3D printer. The standout feature is a four‑extruder system that enables multi‑color printing without the waste associated with filament changes. Key specifications include:
- Starting price of $850
- Independent extruders for rapid color swaps
- Compact desktop footprint
The U1 is positioned as an affordable yet versatile option for hobbyists and small‑business creators, marking a significant milestone for consumer‑grade additive manufacturing.
Space‑Based Semiconductor Production and AI Hardware
SpaceX and Bessar Collaboration
SpaceX announced a partnership with startup Bessar to mount semiconductor‑fabrication modules on Falcon 9 boosters. The concept leverages the vacuum of space to achieve ultra‑clean chip production, with the modules returning to Earth within roughly ten minutes after launch.
Nvidia’s H100 GPU in Orbit
Nvidia launched its flagship H100 GPU aboard a StarCloud satellite to test the feasibility of operating AI data centers in space. The experiment aims to explore performance gains from reduced latency and thermal constraints.
Reflect Orbital’s Solar Mirrors
California‑based Reflect Orbital plans to deploy thousands of large mirrors into orbit to beam sunlight to Earth on demand. While the idea could provide supplemental illumination, experts warn of potential impacts on:
- Astronomical observations
- Wildlife behavior
- Human circadian rhythms
Similar concepts have surfaced before, such as the 2018 proposal by Chinese researchers for an artificial moon. The technology remains controversial, balancing innovative energy solutions against ecological and societal concerns.
Conclusion
This week’s tech headlines illustrate a landscape of rapid innovation intertwined with emerging challenges. Microsoft’s long‑awaited Windows patch restores reliability for millions of users, while the company grapples with the energy demands of its expanding AI hardware portfolio. AMD’s renewed driver support and upcoming Ryzen Medusa CPUs reaffirm its competitive edge, and Google’s handling of AI model hallucinations underscores the importance of responsible AI development.
Apple’s web‑based App Store, the escalating threat to logistics networks, and the democratization of 3D printing through Snapmaker’s U1 further demonstrate how technology continues to reshape both consumer experiences and enterprise operations.
Finally, the bold ventures into space‑based chip manufacturing and solar‑mirror deployments hint at a future where the boundaries between terrestrial and extraterrestrial innovation become increasingly porous. As these initiatives progress, stakeholders must balance performance gains with ethical, environmental, and security considerations.
The tech ecosystem remains in perpetual motion—driven by breakthroughs, corrected by patches, and constantly re‑imagined by the ambition to push beyond today’s limits.