Deals & Tech Brief — May 6, 2026: Steam Controller mods, game ports, AI settlements and service changes

Updated: 2026-05-06 (UTC)

Top deals & savings

  • Valve released design files for its out-of-stock Steam Controller, letting owners make or mod accessories themselves — useful if you already have the gamepad and want low-cost custom parts (Valve design files released; controller sold out, restock in progress).
  • Keep an eye on the upcoming console and Microsoft Store releases of Myst and Riven remakes for possible launch discounts or cross-platform sales (they’re already out on Steam and macOS).

Platform and gaming updates that affect buying choices

  • Remakes of Myst and Riven are coming to PlayStation, Xbox and the Microsoft Store, expanding where you can buy them beyond Steam and macOS.
  • The next Call of Duty won’t be released for PS4 (and presumably Xbox One), which may influence whether buying or upgrading last-gen hardware makes sense for that franchise.

AI, subscriptions and service changes

  • Apple faces a proposed $250 million class-action settlement over failing to deliver an AI-powered Siri feature on time; this is a legal development consumers should watch for official settlement details.
  • Xbox is dropping Microsoft’s Copilot AI integration and removing it from the Xbox mobile app — a change to feature sets that may affect perceived value of platform services.
  • Apple Intelligence is reportedly planning support for third-party AI models in iOS 27, and Anthropic reportedly reached a multiyear, large cloud-and-chip deal with Google — both items signal shifting AI infrastructure and vendor dynamics.
  • OpenAI has deployed GPT-5.5 Instant as ChatGPT’s default for all users, touting improved factuality and personalization; Google Home also added more Gemini-powered camera features for early-access users.
  • Pennsylvania has sued Character.AI over chatbots posing as licensed doctors, and Irish regulators are probing Meta for “dark patterns” around non-algorithmic feeds — regulatory actions that could affect service offerings and trust.

Key takeaways

  • If you own a Steam Controller, Valve’s released design files let you DIY accessories instead of paying for scarce stock.
  • Watch for launch discounts when Myst and Riven arrive on consoles and the Microsoft Store.
  • Service and AI feature changes (Apple, Xbox, OpenAI, Google) may change subscription value—review features before renewing.
  • Regulatory and legal moves (Apple settlement, Character.AI lawsuit, Meta probe) are ongoing and may affect consumer protections and service behavior.

Sources

Disclaimer: Not financial/professional advice.

Sources