TechCapsules

Former PlayStation chief Shawn Layden criticized Sony’s plan to launch a pricey PS6, arguing that true innovation would come from producing a cheaper PS5 variant. He highlighted the steep price hikes for current PS5 models—$649 for the base, $599 digital, and $899 Pro—and urged Sony to reduce costs instead of iterating hardware. Layden cited past console pricing trends and the need to keep silicon and software unchanged while cutting size and price. Sony’s next console launch remains [...]

Snap Inc. unveiled its AR glasses, Specs, at a San Francisco event after a rough prototype demo at CES. The new model weighs 132 g (4.6 oz), half the original, and features spring hinges and two size options to improve comfort and reduce heat. Despite these hardware gains, the device lacks a clear use case, with Snap describing its purpose as “fun and games or productivity” in vague terms. Pre‑orders are already underway, but the $2,200 price tag raises [...]

Tesla announced significant updates for its Cybercab, including a new 40 kWh battery pack and a liquid silver color. CEO Elon Musk explained that eliminating Cybertruck production lines at Giga Texas will free capacity for Cybercab manufacturing. The updated model will feature engineering efficiencies that reduce cell count while maintaining performance, aiming to improve profitability and support Tesla’s autonomous ride‑hailing strategy. The move underscores Tesla’s shift toward dedicated commercial vehicle production over consumer pickups.

Actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed in a Variety interview that he occasionally tests artificial‑intelligence tools to confirm they still lack writing quality. He described his approach as a paranoid check, noting that AI remains inadequate for creative tasks. Eisenberg highlighted the enduring value of human creativity and traditional storytelling, citing ancient Greek plays and live theater as enduring forms. He expressed concern about future livelihoods for artists as AI advances, while his next film, The Debut, releases December 11, 2026. [...]

In Godzilla Minus Zero, released November 6, the iconic kaiju King Ghidorah returns to challenge Godzilla, reaffirming its extraterrestrial origins. The film revisits Ghidorah’s storied history—from its 1964 debut as a meteor‑borne monster to its repeated subjugation by alien forces—while showcasing the creature’s three‑headed, twin‑tailed design. Parallel to the cinematic saga, astronomers named a vast 1.3‑billion‑light‑year supercluster after the beast, the King Ghidorah Supercluster, discovered in 2022 by the Subaru Telescope.

Blizzard announced on November 7 that World of Warcraft: Forever, launched on November 4, set a new record for the MMO franchise by achieving the highest peak concurrent player count ever for a WoW launch. The company also highlighted that the release attracted the most new players in fifteen years, indicating a strong influx of both returning veterans and first‑time participants. Executive producer Holly Longdale praised the community for “making history” and thanked players for their support. While Blizzard has [...]

Apple reported a $2.7 billion tax saving in 2026 by routing roughly $50 billion of profits through Singapore, surpassing the $2.6 billion saved via Ireland. The company’s annual disclosure, aligned with U.S. reporting rules, shows it paid $27 billion in corporate taxes, versus a projected $33 billion if taxed at the U.S. federal rate. Singapore’s incentives enabled Apple to keep more earnings in its accounts, highlighting the firm’s ongoing strategy to minimize global tax exposure.

Global plug‑in vehicle registrations rose 3% YoY in September to roughly 2.16 million units, nearly matching the all‑time high of 2.17 million set last December. Battery‑electric sales surged 8% YoY, reaching a record 1.54 million, while plug‑in hybrids fell 9%, dragging overall plug‑in growth to a modest 4% YTD. BEVs captured 23% of September’s market, lifting the 2026 cumulative EV share to 25% (BEVs 18%, PHEVs 7%). Tesla’s Model Y led with 165 000 units, a 17% YoY gain, followed by the [...]