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• Nvidia and AMD 8GB GPUs sales numbers are low at a German retailer
• The Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB models have sold significantly higher
• It's a strong indication that gamers prefer GPUs with more VRAM

We're now deep into Nvidia and AMD's new GPU launches, with the former recently releasing the new low-end RTX 5050 8GB GPU. However, one retailer has made it alarmingly clear that consumers are looking elsewhere for gaming GPUs.

As reported by Wccftech, a German retailer, Mindfactory, has a low number of units sold on Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti (8GB) and the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT (8GB), noticeably less than their 16GB counterparts – this is thanks to the retailer showing how many units have been sold on each product.

Essentially, it's an indication that PC gamers don't want 8GB GPUs, or at least a large majority prefer GPUs with more VRAM capacities. While it could also be a suggestion of low availability, that's not been an issue for these lower-end GPUs in most regions recently, with inflated prices throwing consumers off.

It's not a secret that games are becoming more VRAM-hungry, and while 8GB isn't completely useless (it's still relevant for 1080p gaming), it's not the best option for games today. Frame Generation, which would significantly help performance with 8GB GPUs where necessary, increases VRAM consumption – and that's the last thing these GPUs need.

Analysis: Hopefully, this is the last generation of 8GB GPUs...Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Mindfactory)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Mindfactory)

So far, Intel appears to be the only one among the three major tech giants to abandon 8GB GPUs. AMD and Nvidia have stuck with 8GB configurations for their new GPUs, and if I'm honest, I don't see any benefit to it.

Again, I'm not suggesting 8GB GPUs are pointless; there's certainly a significant number of PC gamers on a budget who don't need mid to high-tier hardware, which is where an 8GB card would make sense. However, the current trend of poor performance in PC games, combined with inflated prices of GPUs above their retail price, makes these graphics cards a hard sell.

The only place I would tolerate 8GB GPUs being used is in low-end and affordable gaming laptops. Laptop GPUs don't match up to discrete desktop GPUs performance-wise, so expectations of decent frame rates are expected. But it's not the same case when you build a desktop rig, where you expect a bang for your buck – and I don't think 8GB of VRAM can achieve that.

It's all besides the point, though, as the simple case of more VRAM-hungry games should be enough to put an end to 8GB cards. I'm just hopeful this generation will be the last we see of them...

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• An unannounced MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Game Studios has been canceled
• The project is just one of many that have been canceled amid mass layoffs at Microsoft
• ZeniMax Game Studios head Matt Firor has also stepped down

Microsoft has canceled an unannounced massively multiplayer game (MMO) from The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Game Studios.

This comes amid mass layoffs at Microsoft that have seen 9,000 staff members affected, as well as multiple other games to be canceled, including Perfect Dark and Everwild.

The project, code-named Blackbird, was said to be an MMO and a brand new IP unrelated to The Elder Scrolls or Fallout. Development began in 2018 and has been in the works for seven years. It appears that the team has also been cut as part of the layoffs.

According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier on Bluesky, "some employees at ZeniMax Online Studios are now watching their Slack accounts abruptly get locked out," and they've received no word from HR or been informed about the status of their employment, "just an ominous Slack deactivation."

In addition, ZeniMax Game Studios' head Matt Firor has stepped down from his position and been replaced by Joseph Burba.

"After more than 18 years leading ZeniMax Online Studios, I'll be stepping away later this month," Firor said on X / Twitter.

"While I won't be working on the game anymore, I will be cheering you on and adding to the thousands of hours I've already spent in-game. There are many more stories to be told, adventures to be had, and I know this amazing community will carry that shared legacy and success forwards."

Please read this update from ZOS President, Matt Firor. pic.twitter.com/M00G1QZZrHJuly 2, 2025

Jill Braff, head of studio for Bethesda and ZeniMax, also shared a staff memo announcing the leadership changes while also commenting on the latest job cuts (via IGN).

"Dear Team. Building on Matt’s note below, I first want to take a moment to acknowledge the changes happening today across Microsoft Gaming, including Bethesda/ZeniMax," Braff wrote.

"Saying goodbye to talented colleagues and friends is painful. These individuals have contributed meaningfully to our studios, our games, and our culture. I want to thank them for the contributions they have made that shaped our journey as a team and as a company.

"I also want to share today that Matt Firor has decided to step down from his role as the head of ZeniMax Online Studios, effective July 14. I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Matt for his incredible leadership of ZOS over the last 18 years. As a driving force behind the success of The Elder Scrolls Online, Matt has grown the game into one of the most enduring and beloved MMOs in the industry."

He continues, writing, "I’m pleased to announce that Joseph ('Jo') Burba will be taking over for Matt Firor as the new Studio Director for ZOS. With over 20 years in the industry, his extensive experience in live service multiplayer titles, and a strong background in various roles across ZOS the past thirteen years, Jo is well-prepared to lead the team into its next chapter.

"Matt, Jo, and I will work together to finalize our transition plan – more to come soon. In the meantime, please join me in wishing Matt all the best and congratulating Jo on his new role. Thank you to all of you for your dedication to Bethesda/ZeniMax, our community, and to each other."

Braff references a prior memo from the head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, in which he confirmed the many game cancellations, the closure of developer The Initiative, and the cancellation of "several unannounced projects".

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• Oracle will more than double its cloud revenue in FY2028 with a $30 billion deal
• OpenAI's Project Stargate will see $500 billion invested across the US
• The AI firm is set to lease an additional 4.5GW from Oracle

OpenAI has said it is set to lease an additional 4.5 gigawatts of data center power on top of its current portfolio from Oracle to fuel its upcoming Project Stargate – a major initiative to expand its AI data center infrastructure across the United States.

The huge deal is part of OpenAI's $500 billion plan announced in January 2025 alongside major partners including Oracle and SoftBank.

With Oracle CEO Safra Catz recently revealing the company has secured a major contract worth $30 billion in annual revenue, many are beginning to speculate whether OpenAI could be the cloud giant's biggest client.

OpenAI to rent even more data center power from Oracle

Although OpenAI failed to share specific details about Project Stargate, we do know that it centers around a $500 billion investment spanning four years, beginning with an initial $100 billion investment.

We also know that Oracle has plans to build new data centers in Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin and Wyoming, with further sites in New Mexico, Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania also potentially on the cards (via Bloomberg), which broadly aligns with Project Stargate's plans to "secure American leadership in AI" and "support the re-industrialization of the United States."

Commenting during the company's fiscal 2025 earnings release – a period when total company revenue rose 8% – Catz wrote: "FY25 was a very good year—but we believe FY26 will be even better as our revenue growth rates will be dramatically higher."

"Oracle is well on its way to being not only the world’s largest cloud application company—but also one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructure companies," Catz added. Oracle has a market cap of $645.98 billion, putting it several paces behind its key multi trillion-dollar hyperscaler rivals.

Oracle did not respond to TechRadar Pro's request for a comment on the mystery $30 billion deal, which is set to come into play in fiscal 2028.

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• Some Pixel 6a units will soon have much worse battery performance
• Affected users can claim a free battery replacement, or may be able to get cash
• Other Pixel models could be next in line

Usually, software updates bring desirable new features or bug fixes, but one upcoming Google Pixel 6a update could actually make your phone worse.

Google has announced that it will be rolling out a mandatory update to some Pixel 6a models, which “will reduce battery capacity and charging performance” after the phone reaches 400 charging cycles. So if your phone isn’t yet at 400 charging cycles then these changes won’t kick in yet, even once you download the update.

There are good reasons for these changes though, with Google stating that this will “reduce the risk of potential battery overheating which could pose a risk to users” – and we know how that can play out, as there have been multiple reports of Pixel 6a units catching fire.

Still, a battery that charges slower and needs charging more often than before isn’t exactly going to be desirable to users.

The Google Pixel 6a (Image credit: Future)

This update will start rolling out on July 8 as part of Android 16 – so at least you’ll get some Android 16 goodies to go with your battery downgrade.

Interestingly though, only some Pixel 6a units will get these new battery management ‘features’. It’s unclear why that is – perhaps Google used different batteries in some versions of the phone, but to see whether yours is affected, you can head to this support page.

If it is, then you will have some options other than just putting up with a battery downgrade.

For one thing, if you’re in the UK, US, or select other locations then Google will let you get a battery replacement at no charge. Alternatively, you may be able to claim either a discount off a new Pixel or a cash payment – though the exact amount of cash/discount and availability of these options hasn’t yet been disclosed.

Not the first and maybe not the last

Worryingly, the Google Pixel 6a might not be the last device to get this battery weakening update. It wasn’t the first, with Google applying a similar update to some Pixel 4a models back in January, so that’s reason enough to think that more models might endure this in future.

But that’s not the only reason to think this could apply to other models too, as Android Authority has also found evidence in a teardown of Google’s Settings Services app that devices with poor battery health will be forced to use the company's Battery Health Assistance feature, which reduces capacity and charging speeds as the battery ages.

This feature is so far optional, other than in the case of the Google Pixel 9a, which has it permanently enabled.

The only silver lining to all this – other than these changes minimizing the risk of your phone catching fire – is that at least in the case of the Pixel 6a and Pixel 4a, these mandatory battery updates have only applied to select units.

So it’s possible your phone has a less troublesome battery that won’t ever need these changes, but this does rather make it sound like Google might want to change some of its battery suppliers.

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• The Galaxy tri-fold could go on sale by the end of 2025
• A new report tips a 10-inch screen and a Snapdragon processor
• We can expect a high price and limited availability

We've been patiently waiting for the Samsung tri-fold phone to launch since it was briefly teased back in January, but a new report suggests the waiting isn't over yet – while also hinting at some of the key specs of the foldable.

This information comes from South Korean outlet The Bell (via well-known tipster @Jukanlosreve), and perhaps the most interesting detail here is that mass production of the device will begin in September. That means it should be available to buy sometime in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October, November, or December).

The report matches up with what we've previously heard about the tri-fold arriving later than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – which have a single fold to split the main display into two panels. These foldables should be unveiled at the next Unpacked event on Wednesday, July 9, and go on sale shortly after.

From this latest report, it sounds as though Samsung may announce some details of the Galaxy tri-fold at the July 9 event, even if it won't be on sale for a while. Previous rumors have suggested it could be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold.

It's going to cost you

The Huawei Mate XT is already in the wild (Image credit: Huawei)

The article from The Bell goes on to say that Samsung is only manufacturing a relatively small number of these tri-fold phones – it's apparently more of a tech demonstration showcase than a handset that's expected to shift a significant number of units.

There's also a mention of a high price for the tri-fold, which is to be expected given the technical complexity here. That will affect sales too, and earlier rumors pointed to an asking price of $3,000-$3,500 (about £2,195-£2,560 or AU$4,560-AU$5,320), as well as suggesting that the Galaxy G Fold is only going on sale in South Korea and China.

We've previously seen the Huawei Mate XT tri-fold go on sale for around the price of four PS5 Pros, so it's no surprise that Samsung's equivalent is going to cost a significant amount of cash. The Huawei model is currently only available in a limited number of Asian countries, which is perhaps another indicator of what Samsung might do.

We should get a few more official details next Wednesday, and of course we'll be covering the launch live. The Bell says the Samsung tri-fold will feature a 10-inch screen and run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, matching up with previous leaks.

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• HPE's $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks has now completed
• EU and UK approval came quickly, US approval not so much
• The networking business could account for 50% of revenue

More than 18 months after HPE initially disclosed plans to acquire Juniper Networks, and several regulatory hurdles later, the merger has now been completed.

With Juniper's shares ceasing trading on the NYSE and HPE's networking business set to double, HPE hopes the $14 billion acquisition will allow it to focus on higher-margin, higher-growth areas, creating "long-term profitable revenue growth."

The news comes shortly after the US Department of Justice approved the merger, subject to two key conditions which require HPE to divest its Instant On business and auction a license for Juniper’s AI Ops for Mist source code.

HPE-Juniper merger is now complete

"In addition to positioning HPE to offer our customers a modern network architecture alternative and an even more differentiated and complete portfolio across hybrid cloud, AI, and networking, this combination accelerates our profitable growth strategy as we deepen our customer relevance and expand our total addressable market into attractive adjacent areas," HPE CEO Antonio Neri commented.

Juniper Networks CEO Rami Rahim described the merger as an, "opportunity to disrupt the networking industry at the most important and relevant time."

HPE noted that the merger aligns with its vision for customers to access silicon, hardware, operating system, security, software and services all in one place.

Looking ahead, HPE envisions the combined networking business to contribute to more than half of the company's entire operating income, which stood at $7.6 billion, up 6%, in its most recent quarter.

Despite some conditions imposed by the DOJ, HPE was quick to gain approval from the European Commission, which found "no competition concerns in the European Economic Area" nearly a year ago. Just a couple of weeks later, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority also granted approval to the deal.

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• Apple has added more child protection features to FaceTime in iOS 26
• The latest one blurs videos when it detects nudity is present
• It currently affects adult accounts too, but that might be a bug

Apple has been adding parental control features that are designed to protect minors for years now, and it looks like a new one has just been found in the iOS 26 beta. Yet it’s turning out to be pretty controversial, as there are concerns that it could be something of an overreach on Apple’s part.

Specifically, the new feature has been added to the FaceTime video-calling app. When FaceTime detects that someone is undressing on the call, it pauses the call and instead displays a warning message that reads: “Audio and video are paused because you may be showing something sensitive. If you feel uncomfortable, you should end the call.” There are then buttons labeled “Resume Audio and Video,” and “End Call.”

At its WWDC 2025 in June, Apple published a press release covering new ways its systems will protect children and young people online. The release included a feature that lines up the new FaceTime behavior: “Communication Safety expands to intervene when nudity is detected in FaceTime video calls, and to blur out nudity in Shared Albums in Photos.”

The actual implementation was noted by iDeviceHelp on X. Below the post, @user_101524 added that the feature can be found in the Settings app in iOS 26 by going to Apps > FaceTime > Sensitive Content Warning.

By default, the feature is disabled, so it needs to be switched on by the user, but that hasn't stopped it from stirring up online debate...

Generating controversy

(Image credit: iDeviceHelp / Future)

While this new feature might seem sensible, it has actually generated a degree of controversy. That’s because right now, it seems to affect all users of iOS 26, not just those who are using a child account. This has ruffled some feathers among people who feel that Apple is potentially censoring the behavior of consenting adults.

As well as that, some users have questioned how Apple knows what is being displayed on-screen and whether the company has access to customer video calls. On this point, Apple has said the following:

“Communication Safety uses on-device machine learning to analyze photo and video attachments and determine if a photo or video appears to contain nudity. Because the photos and videos are analyzed on your child’s device, Apple doesn’t receive an indication that nudity was detected and doesn’t get access to the photos or videos as a result.”

Like many of Apple’s features, the on-device processing means that content is not sent to Apple’s servers and is not accessible by the company. Rather, it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to flag video content that likely contains nudity, then censoring it.

The fact that Apple’s Communication Safety features are aimed at protecting minors suggests that this latest FaceTime feature might not be intended to cover adults as well as children. Its inclusion on all accounts, therefore, might be an oversight or bug. While we don’t know for sure, we should find out by September when iOS 26 comes out of beta and releases in full to the public.

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• More layoffs are underway at Xbox
• Perfect Dark developer The Initiative has been shuttered, on top of other game cancelations and cuts
• Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said Xbox has "never looked stronger" in an email to staff

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer claimed that the Xbox "platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger" amid a studio closures, game cancelations, and widespread layoffs.

As reported by Bloomberg, Microsoft's gaming division has been hit by significant layoffs. This includes job cuts at mobile game maker King, ZeniMax, Rare, Halo Studios, and Turn 10 Studios.

The upcoming Rare game Everwild has seemingly been culled, as has an unannounced game from The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios. The planned Perfect Dark reboot has been canned too, with the studio behind it, The Initiative, shut down.

In an email sent to staff, Spencer said that these decisions were intended "to position gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas" plus "increase agility and effectiveness" overall.

"I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before. Our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger. The success we're seeing currently is based on tough decisions we've made previously," he continued.

These "tough decisions" presumably include previous studio closures and layoffs, such as the shuttering Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Tango Gameworks last year.

"We must make choices now for continued success in future years and a key part of that strategy is the discipline to prioritize the strongest opportunities. We will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. This focused approach means we can deliver exceptional games and experiences for players for generations to come."

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