As Xbox and PlayStation sales reach new lows, analyst says the "US hardware market has not been in a more precarious position since the early 80s"

eurogamer.net Oct 10, 2026

As Xbox and PlayStation sales reach new lows, analyst says the “US hardware market has not been in a more precarious position since the early 80s”

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 10, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

US console sales have plunged to historic lows as soaring memory‑chip costs, driven by AI data‑centre demand, push average prices to all‑time highs. Analyst Mat Piscatella of Circana reports Xbox hardware sales are down 33% year‑over‑year, while PlayStation units fell 25%, marking the lowest figures for Xbox ever and PlayStation’s weakest performance since 2013. The average 2026 price paid for an Xbox Series X/S reached $529, a 26% increase, and the PS5 averaged $597, up 20% from a year earlier. Both manufacturers cite RAM shortages that have doubled component costs multiple times, with forecasts of further spikes through 2028. A potential boost from the upcoming GTA 6 launch hinges on pricing and product availability, but supply constraints remain a critical risk.

💡 Why It Matters

· Elevated console prices are throttling consumer demand, threatening the viability of the US gaming hardware market that has not been this fragile since the early 1980s.

Read full article on eurogamer.net

Google officially teases Fitbit Edge tracker, confirms October 12 launch

Google released an official teaser for the Fitbit Edge tracker, confirming its launch on October 12. The teaser, posted on Twitter/X and Instagram, highlights the new “Edge” branding and a metal chassis, continuing the “Canyon” color scheme from the Pixel Watch 5. Leaks suggest a 7‑day battery, Gemini integration, and iPhone support. The device is expected to retail around $180, positioned between the screen‑less Fitbit Air and the $400 Pixel Watch 5.

💡 The Edge’s release expands Google’s wearable lineup, offering a mid‑priced, feature‑rich alternative that could reshape consumer expectations for fitness trackers.

9to5toys.com · Oct 10

Turn one outlet into two with Linkind’s new Matter Outdoor Smart Plug…

Linkind has released a Matter‑compatible outdoor smart plug that splits a single outdoor outlet into two sockets while adding app‑based control for remote on/off, scheduling, and integration with major smart home ecosystems. The plug is priced at $23 and is marketed as a convenient solution for expanding outdoor power options without additional wiring. It supports Matter, enabling seamless communication with devices from leading brands such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. The product is available for purchase online and is positioned as a budget‑friendly upgrade for outdoor smart home setups.

💡 The plug’s Matter support removes the fragmentation that has long plagued smart‑home interoperability, allowing users to manage all outdoor devices from a single app. Its low price point makes advanced connectivity accessible to a broader consumer base, potentially accelerating adoption of smart‑home technology in outdoor spaces.

9to5mac.com · Oct 10

TrendForce warns of higher notebook prices and weaker demand in 2027

TrendForce forecasts a low‑ to high‑single‑digit decline in global notebook shipments in 2027, contingent on how manufacturers handle rising component costs. The report notes that current supply constraints are shifting to cost‑driven demand pressures, with DRAM and CPU prices likely to stay elevated. Higher retail prices could extend replacement cycles, pushing the decline into the high‑single‑digit range. Manufacturers may either raise prices, absorb costs, or cut specifications, while China’s share of production could rise to over 80%.

💡 The projected shift from supply to cost‑driven demand signals a turning point for notebook makers, forcing them to balance pricing, margins, and competitiveness amid tightening component markets.

androidcentral.com · Oct 10

Google’s next TV Streamer sounds like a massive upgrade — Apple should…

Google is developing a next‑generation TV Streamer that will be slightly narrower than the current model but will feature built‑in far‑field microphones, allowing users to voice‑control Gemini without the remote. The device is expected to include a faster processor, increased 32 GB storage, and a redesigned remote with extra shortcut buttons for YouTube and Netflix, plus a Find My Remote feature. The new streamer may also support presence‑sensing to wake the TV when someone enters the room. No launch date or price has been announced yet.

💡 The addition of built‑in microphones could shift how consumers interact with smart TVs, reducing reliance on remotes and streamlining voice commands. This move positions Google to compete more directly with Apple’s upcoming Apple TV 4K, potentially reshaping the streaming device market.

appleinsider.com · Oct 10

If we trust it, Home Hub privacy could lead a smart home…

A rumor suggests Apple is developing a compact, tube‑shaped sensor that could accompany a forthcoming Home hub tablet. The device would capture low‑frame‑rate footage without storing video, using on‑device AI to infer the status of appliances such as dishwashers, washers or showers and relay those updates to the Home app. By relying on visual cues rather than Wi‑Fi‑enabled appliances, Apple aims to reduce the need for dedicated smart hardware while leveraging its HomeKit Secure Video framework for local analysis. The concept hinges on Apple’s long‑standing privacy narrative, requiring users to trust that the sensor does not retain audio or video recordings. If successful, the approach could offer renters and privacy‑concerned consumers a low‑cost, non‑intrusive path to a more responsive smart home.

💡 Apple’s ability to turn passive visual sensing into actionable home status updates could redefine smart‑home adoption without the expense or privacy concerns of fully connected appliances.

appleinsider.com · Oct 9

Wean yourself off the Action Button before you get an iPhone Duo

Apple’s iPhone Duo omits the Action Button, prompting users to create a virtual replacement. By editing the lock‑screen layout, users can replace the camera icon with a control or Shortcut that triggers actions such as Focus modes, the torch, or app launches. The process involves entering lock‑screen edit mode, removing the camera icon, adding a new control, and selecting a Shortcut for multi‑functionality. While the on‑screen button lacks tactile feedback, it offers comparable functionality for Duo users.

💡 The iPhone Duo’s missing Action Button forces users to adapt, highlighting how software can compensate for hardware changes. This workaround demonstrates the flexibility of iOS shortcuts and the importance of customizable lock‑screen controls in maintaining user workflow.