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The War on Iran Puts Global Chip Supplies and AI Expansion at Risk

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7 hours ago

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The War on Iran Puts Global Chip Supplies and AI Expansion at Risk


South Korean officials have warned that the US-Israel war with Iran could hit the global semiconductor supply chain if it disrupts the flow of critical industrial materials from the Middle East.

South Korea’s semiconductor sector, led by giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, produces about two-thirds of the world’s memory chips. If the Middle East’s supply of chipmaking materials is disrupted, semiconductor production could slow unless alternative sources are found quickly.

The Helium Problem

One material at risk is helium, which is essential in chip manufacturing for managing heat, detecting leaks, and maintaining stable temperatures in fabrication equipment. For many of these uses, there is no real substitute.

About 38 percent of the world’s helium is produced by Qatar, where large extraction facilities are tied to the natural gas industry. This concentration means that disruptions can quickly ripple through the global supply chain.

National oil company QatarEnergy declared force majeure on March 4, after stopping its gas production and downstream operations due to ongoing attacks. Downstream facilities turn gas into other products, including urea, polymers, methanol, and aluminum.

South Korea’s Industry Ministry said the country also depends on the Middle East for 14 other materials in chipmaking, such as bromine and some chip-inspection equipment. While some of these materials can be sourced domestically or from other markets, shifting suppliers in the semiconductor sector is difficult because chipmakers need to test and validate new sources to meet strict purity standards.

Companies say the situation is manageable for now. As reported by Reuters, SK Hynix said it has secured diverse supply chains and maintains sufficient helium inventories, adding that there is “almost no chance” its operations would be affected in the near term.

Contract chipmaker TSMC similarly said it does not currently anticipate a significant impact, while GlobalFoundries stated it is in direct contact with suppliers and has mitigation plans in place.

Stuck in Transit

Even if Qatar’s gas production restarts, the semiconductor industry is vulnerable to disruptions in regional shipping routes. Much of the world’s energy and petrochemical exports from the Persian Gulf pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime choke point.

If shipping through this corridor is interrupted for an extended period, it could slow the movement of industrial gases and petrochemicals that chipmakers rely on. Disruptions to oil and gas exports from the region have also already pushed global energy prices higher: Brent crude, the European benchmark, is priced at $80 per barrel at the time of publication.

Energy costs are a major factor in semiconductor production. Fabrication plants run large clean rooms that need constant electricity and cooling, so chipmakers are sensitive to changes in global energy prices. Industry representatives in South Korea warned that a prolonged conflict could push energy prices higher, likely leading to higher semiconductor production costs and potentially higher chip prices.

These risks come as semiconductor supply chains are already stretched by growing demand from AI computing. Chip demand from AI data center operators has tightened supply across several electronics sectors, including smartphones, laptops, and automobiles.

A Long-Term Problem

For now, the immediate impact on chip production is unclear. Major chipmakers usually maintain a mix of suppliers and stockpile specialty gases and chemicals to help weather short-term disruptions.

But if instability in the region continues, pressure on supply chains will likely grow. A drawn-out conflict that hits energy infrastructure, export facilities, or shipping routes could slowly squeeze the global supply of materials needed for chipmaking.

This could delay plans by major technology companies to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure in the Middle East. Firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia have been positioning the UAE as a hub for AI computing capacity.

This story originally appeared on WIRED Middle East.



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These Handy Thumb Drives Are Great for Sharing and Backing Up Files

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2 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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These Handy Thumb Drives Are Great for Sharing and Backing Up Files


Photograph: Simon Hill

Other Flash Drives We Like

We have tested many other USB flash drives that did not make the cut. Here are a few that might be worth considering for some folks.

Image may contain Electronics Phone and Mobile Phone

Photograph: Simon Hill

Kingston Dual Portable SSD (1 TB) for $229: With a snazzy metallic red body, this SSD disguised as a flash drive is very speedy, matching the stated 1,050 MB/s read and 950 MB/s write in my tests. It is USB 3.2 Gen 2 with a C jack at one end and an A jack at the other, both with removable covers. As much as I like this drive, which comes in 512-GB, 1-TB, and 2-TB models, it is on the pricey side.

Amazon Basics Flash Drive (128 GB) for $18: I like the grippy texture on the slider of this drive because it’s easy to open one-handed and locks in place securely. The loop at the top is perfect for a key ring, and it is lightweight. Performance was limited, as you might expect at this price, but it consistently exceeded the stated 130 MB/s read and 30 MB/s write speeds for larger files, though it only had 116 GB usable out of the box.

Buffalo External SSD-PUT Stick (500 GB) for $70: Another SSD in a flash drive body, this drive hit 450 MB/s in my tests and offers shock protection for falls. There’s also a sliding USB-A, and it comes with a USB-C adapter. It is pretty chunky for a flash drive, so you may find it blocks adjacent ports. You can also get reasonably priced 1- and 2-TB versions of this drive.

PNY Pro Elite V2 (256 GB) for $60: This sliding drive has a plastic cover to protect the USB-A plug, and was our compact pick for a while. It performed well (read and write speeds hovered around 415 MB/s and 425 MB/s) in my tests, and has an opening for a lanyard or keyring. I tested the 256-GB drive, but there are 512-GB and 1-terabyte models.

SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go (128 GB) for $29: This handy drive swivels to give you USB-C or USB-A, and comes in various sizes and some fun colors, but the lower capacity drives are slow (USB 3.1). You can get the 128 GB drive and up in USB 3.2 Gen 1 for up to 400 MB/s read and it’s a solid alternative to the PNY Duo above.

PNY Elite-X (128 GB) for $16: This super-compact, sliding drive has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 jack and a loop on the end to fit on a keyring. It worked fine but proved unremarkable in my tests (around 200 MB/s read, and 130 MB/s write).

Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 (16 GB) for $112: If you need a secure drive, Kingston’s IronKey boasts FIPS 140-3 certification, XTS-AES 256-bit encryption, and a special epoxy on its circuitry to make it impossible to remove components. On the downside, it is expensive, the keypad is fiddly, and 10 wrong entries wipe the drive.

Samsung Bar Plus (256 GB) for $52: An elegant, one-piece, curved design makes this drive easy to withdraw and there’s a loop so you can slip it onto a keyring. Test read speeds were just shy of 400 MB/s, with write speeds just over 100 MB/s, but the smaller drives (32 GB and 64 GB) are significantly slower. The Bar Plus is also a durable option, with Samsung claiming it is waterproof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and x-ray-proof.

Avoid These Flash Drives

Image may contain Lamp Adapter and Electronics

Photograph: Simon Hill

Silicon Power DS72 Portable SSD (1 TB): This is a reasonable price for a 1-TB drive with USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A and USB-C connectors, and it consistently hit 450 MB/s read and write speeds in my tests (it can hit 1050 MB/s and 850 MB/s with the right gear). It got quite warm to the touch, but the reason I don’t recommend this drive is the stupid plastic connector covers. You have to bend them back, and they get in the way when you’re trying to insert the drive.

Verbatim Dual (64 GB): This teeny drive is cheap and has both USB-A and USB-C plugs, but I found write speeds were variable (60 MB/s for USB-C and 90 MB/s for USB-A) and read speeds were around 150 MB/s for both. There is a cover for the USB-A and a wee strap you can attach, but this drive is almost too small, and it proved awkward to insert and remove. It also comes in 16- or 32-gigabyte options.

How to Eject and Format Drives

It’s a good idea to format your USB flash drive before you start using it. You’ll usually be asked what format you want to use. Almost every device will recognize the FAT32 format, but it limits the individual file size to 4 GB. Go for exFAT if you have larger files. If you format a flash drive, it will completely wipe everything stored on it. Here’s how to do it manually:

  • On a Windows computer: Open File Explorer and look for your drive under This PC. Right-click on it, and select Format.
  • On a Mac: Type Disk Utility into the Search, or find it via Applications > Utilities. Select your drive from the list and click Erase at the top. Then you can rename and choose a format.
  • On a Chromebook: Open Files and right-click on your drive to choose Format device.

You’re probably familiar with warnings about removing a drive without ejecting it first. But there’s a genuine risk your data will be corrupted, so here’s how to do it properly:

  • On a Windows computer: You can click the Safely Remove Hardware notification icon in the system tray and choose the Eject option. If you prefer not to have to eject, type Device Manager into the search bar and click to open. Expand Disk Drives and right-click on your USB flash drive, choose Properties, Policies, and set to Quick Removal.
  • On a Mac: You will see an eject icon listed next to the drive name in Finder, or you can simply drag the flash drive image on your desktop to the trash.
  • On a Chromebook: Open Files and right-click on your drive, then select Eject device.
  • On an Android device: You can open and expand the USB notification to find an Eject option.
  • On an iPhone or iPad: There is no eject option. Ensure no data transfer is in progress before you pull it. It’s a good idea to close the Files app or whatever app you were using to transfer files.

How to Get the Most From Your USB Flash Drive

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for USB flash drives, and we also have some tips for using them.

Capacity: To decide on the capacity of the storage device you need, first check the size of the folders or files you want to copy. Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but the usable storage will be slightly less than that, because the device’s firmware requires space.

Speed: USB standards are advancing all the time, and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, though higher is better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s stated read and write speeds for each drive. If you’re primarily transferring data, you’ll want to look for a drive with high write speeds. If you’re planning on launching software on a computer through the drive (like a video game), then you’ll want a model with high read speeds. Manufacturers will state average speeds, but most drives are much faster at transferring large files and tend to be far slower at transferring small files.

Compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the relevant USB port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a drive with an Android device or something from the iPhone 16 range or later, it will require USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices do support USB OTG. You will get a notification when you insert a flash drive with options that should include File Transfer. You can try the USB OTG Checker app to confirm support if you’re unsure. Apple’s earlier iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for drives, like SanDisk’s iXpand series.

Connectors: Most flash drives have USB-A connectors, but you can also get drives with USB-C, MicroUSB, and Lightning connectors. If you plan on using a flash drive with your smartphone and computer, snag one with both of the required types of connectors. You can also buy USB hubs with multiple USB ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standard or it may limit your data transfer speeds. This Anker USB-A to USB-C adapter, for example, is USB 3.0.

Security: Remember that USB drives can cause security issues, particularly for businesses, and you should never plug in random drives you find lying around. If you plan to keep sensitive data on your flash drive, then consider biometric or passcode protection, and look into the level of encryption it offers. There are software services that offer encryption and allow you to password-protect your files on any USB flash drive.

I run read and write speed tests on every drive using USB Flash Benchmark and CrystalDiskMark. I also load HD and 4K movies onto each drive and play them on an LG OLED TV, make photo backups from phones and laptops, and copy files across supported devices. I have tested some drives as security camera backups, as NAS (network attached storage) in routers, for playing MP3 music files, and to load games and saves onto various retro consoles. Our top picks continue to be used regularly for file backups over months, so we can be confident that the performance does not degrade.

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Why Is Alexa+ So Bad?

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5 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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Why Is Alexa+ So Bad?



I stuck Amazon’s Echo Show 15 and its Alexa+ AI assistant in my kitchen for a month. Things have not gone well.



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Save up to $600 With These Mattress Firm Coupons and Deals

Published

9 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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Save up to 0 With These Mattress Firm Coupons and Deals


Chances are that when you google “mattress store near me,” one of the first results you will see is Mattress Firm. This brick and mortar titan carries both established mattress brands like Serta and Sealy, as well as many online brands, like Purple, letting you go see for yourself if it’ll be the mattress for you. And if you were looking for an excuse to hop in the car and head over, we have a Mattress Firm coupon available right now, as well as tons of Mattress Firm promo codes to save big on those big (and small) purchases. Fingers crossed that you could start sleeping better, potentially as soon as tonight.

Upgrade Your Sleep Sale: Save Up to $600 (Plus Get a Free Adjustable Base)

This year, Mattress Firm wants to make it even easier (and more affordable) to upgrade your sleep with the Upgrade Your Sleep Sale. During this sale, you can save up to $600 and get a free adjustable base included on select mattresses, through April 28. You’ll receive a free Sleepy’s Basic adjustable base (a $300 value) with select mattress purchases—this means a free queen adjustable base with a  minimum $499 purchase, or free king adjustable base with minimum $599 purchase.

Get 15% Off When You Sign Up for Emails

To make sure you never miss out on Mattress Firm discount codes, you can sign up for email notifications. By doing so, you automatically get one! You can get an extra 15% off on your first order. Heads up that it can’t be combined with other coupons, nor can it be applied to specific brands and models, including Nectar, Purple, Sealy Hybrid, Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Serta iComfort.

Free Adjustable Base (Up to $499 Value) With Select Mattresses

First and foremost, make sure you have or are getting a mattress that’s compatible with an adjustable base. If you’re all set bed-wise, but have been looking for the right time to buy an adjustable base, consider this your sign: select mattresses come with a free adjustable base (up to $499 value). At last, you can sit up in bed or kick up your feet to your heart’s content.

Score Up to $300 in Instant Credits and Gifts

Mattress Firm’s got a gift for you, just ‘cuz. For those eyeballing Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, and Sterns & Foster in particular, it’s your lucky day, as there are Mattress Firm coupon codes for all three of these brands.

Starting with Tempur-Pedic, when you buy a qualifying Tempur-Pedic mattress, you can receive a $300 Instant Credit on these adjustable bases: Tempur-Ergo, Tempur-Ergo Smart Base, Tempur-Ergo ProSmart Base, Tempur-Ergo ProSmart Air Base, or the Sealy Ease Base. Use code TEMPURGIFT. You can also get a $300 credit toward these same adjustable bases when you purchase a qualifying Stearns & Foster mattress: use code STEARNSGIFT at checkout.

Lastly, if you wanted to pair a Sealy mattress with the Sealy Ease adjustable base (or any of the aforementioned adjustable bases), there’s a Mattress Firm coupon for that, too. Use code SEALYGIFT at checkout, and get a $200 Instant Credit on select Sealy and Tempur-Pedic adjustable bases.

Take 20% Off With Military, Medical, Student, or Teacher Discounts

Sleep is a necessity for everyone. But for those who work all day on their feet, and have to be dialed in at all times, sleep is critical. This is especially true for first responders, nurses, doctors, and medical professionals. As a way to say “thank you” for all that you do, there’s a special mattress firm discount just for you. Use the Mattress Firm first responder discount for 20% off select purchases. It’s for one-time use, but renews every 90 days when you re-verify your status.

For military members, as a way to thank you for your service, you can use the Mattress Firm military discount for 20% off select purchases as well. It’s a one-time use code, but re-verify your status every 90 days, and you can get a new one!

If you’re a teacher or student, there’s also a Mattress Firm discount for you, too. To help you bounce back after long days teaching, or late nights studying, use this Mattress Firm student discount code for 20% off select purchases. Like the first responder and military coupons, it’s a one-time usage code that can be renewed every 90 days when you re-verify your status.



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