"The prices we're sharing today reflect the state of the world": Valve explains why the Steam Machine is so expensive, and yup, it's all AI's fault

windowscentral.com Jun 23, 2026

“The prices we’re sharing today reflect the state of the world”: Valve explains why the Steam Machine is so expensive, and yup, it’s all AI’s fault

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Valve has announced the pricing and availability of its Steam Machine gaming PC, a compact console-like device that runs on SteamOS. The cheapest model starts at $1,049, with more expensive options reaching up to $1,428. Due to limited stock, Valve has implemented a reservation queue, with Steam Controller reservations extending into 2027. The high price and low availability are attributed to ongoing AI-driven RAM shortages, which have significantly increased the cost of memory and storage components.

💡 Why It Matters

· The Steam Machine's prohibitively expensive price and limited stock will likely make it inaccessible to many consumers, highlighting the challenges of manufacturing and distributing high-tech devices in a world where component costs are rapidly increasing.

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I ended up using the Huion Note E Android tablet a lot…

The Huion Note E is an Android 15 tablet launched on May 20, 2026, priced at $369 on Amazon. It features an 8.4-inch paper-like IPS LCD with an anti-glare coating, a 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The tablet comes with a battery-free EMR stylus and supports note-taking, drawing, and reading. Users can register their device on the Google Device Registration website to enable Play Protect and access the Play Store.

💡 The Huion Note E's unique blend of Android and E Ink-like features makes it an attractive option for users seeking a distraction-free experience. Its ability to mimic the feel of writing on paper with the stylus and native OCR capabilities set it apart from other budget tablets.

9to5google.com · Jun 23

Gemini overlay gets expanded ‘plus’ menu to do more without opening app

Google has expanded the plus menu in the Gemini overlay on Android, adding four new tools: Videos, Music, Canvas, and Guided learning. The Neural Expressive overlay now offers a total of six tools, including Images and Personal Intelligence. The update allows users to access most of the Gemini experience from anywhere on Android without opening the full app, similar to the previous Gemini overlay design. The change is rolling out with stable version 17.32 of the Google app.

💡 The expanded plus menu enhances the user experience, providing more functionality without the need to open the full app. By streamlining access to key features, Google aims to increase user engagement and retention within the Gemini platform.

9to5google.com · Jun 23

iOS 27 will add inline replies & photo reactions to Android-iPhone RCS

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update will introduce inline replies and photo reactions to Android-iPhone RCS messaging. The feature allows users to respond directly within a conversation thread, with RCS conversations supporting threading. On Android, Google Messages will display replies with the original message included above. Photo reactions will be accompanied by emojis instead of text descriptions. The update is expected to launch in September, following the introduction of end-to-end encryption for cross-platform RCS with iOS 26.5.

💡 The addition of inline replies and photo reactions to RCS messaging could significantly enhance user engagement and productivity, particularly in group conversations. By providing a more intuitive and visual way to interact with messages, Apple may be able to close the gap with Android's messaging capabilities.

androidcentral.com · Jun 23

RedMagic has another beast gaming tablet on the way, and it’s launching…

RedMagic has begun teasing its upcoming gaming tablet, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, on Weibo, showcasing the device's design and features. The tablet is described as "small yet powerful" and is eyed for eSports, featuring a glowing camera bar and available in white and black colorways. Images confirm the inclusion of Qualcomm's latest flagship Snapdragon chip and RedMagic's "water cooling" system. The company's last compact tablet, the RedMagic Astra, delivered strong gaming potential and a huge battery. The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is set to launch on June 30, with official display sizes and specifications still under wraps, offering a compact gaming solution with a focus on performance and cooling.

💡 RedMagic's focus on cooling addresses a major issue in mobile gaming, potentially giving the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro a competitive edge. The device's eSports-oriented design and features also position it as a unique offering in the gaming market.

androidheadlines.com · Jun 23

Music on your Pixel just got better with this new Android 17…

Google has added support for the LHDCv5 audio codec on Pixel devices with the launch of Android 17, enabling compatible devices to stream music with headphones and earbuds using hi-res audio. This update allows for better audio quality, providing a significant improvement for users who value high-quality sound. The LHDCv5 audio option is available on compatible Pixel devices, but it is hidden within the developer options. Users can access this feature by going into the settings menu, selecting System, then Developer Options, and finally Bluetooth Audio Codec. The update provides more options for users, especially those with earbuds or headphones that do not support the LDAC codec.

💡 Enhanced audio quality gives Pixel users a competitive edge in mobile music streaming, offering a unique selling point for audiophiles. Native support for LHDCv5 expands the range of compatible audio hardware, making high-bitrate streaming more accessible.

appleinsider.com · Jun 23

How to make OBS chroma key smarter by using Background Replacement in…

macOS users can utilize Background Replacement to create a smarter chroma key effect in OBS, a tool for compiling graphical setups for streams. This method is useful when a physical green screen is not available. The chroma key effect removes a specific color from a video, replacing it with blank pixels. By combining chroma key with background replacement, users can work around limitations of OBS and physical space. This technique is particularly useful for game streamers and video conference calls. It allows for a more professional background without the need for a physical green screen. The method relies on detecting the subject of the video feed and replacing the background with a chosen image.

💡 By leveraging background replacement, streamers and video conference participants can enhance their virtual presence without requiring a dedicated green screen setup. This fusion of technologies enables more flexible and professional-looking video production.