Deals & Savings Highlights
- Perplexity’s Personal Computer AI assistant is now available to all Mac users — no Max subscription required, which can save Mac users on subscription costs. (Perplexity opens up)
- Amazon Luna’s May lineup adds Guardians of the Galaxy and the Resident Evil 2 remake; Prime members can claim a code for Mafia II: Definitive Edition. (Amazon Luna’s May lineup)
- Valve opens reservations on May 8 for the second wave of Steam Controllers — a chance to buy directly (watch for bots/resellers again). (Valve reservations)
- Cozy city builder Town to City leaves early access on May 26 and goes 1.0 with a new map — consider this if you want to buy in while it’s reaching full release. (Town to City 1.0)
- OpenAI debuted a Codex plugin for Chrome that could broaden Codex’s role beyond pure coding tasks — useful for developer productivity. (OpenAI Codex plugin)
- Meta reportedly plans an AI shopping agent for Instagram (an OpenClaw competitor), and Bumble is moving away from swiping toward AI-assisted matching — both signal changes in how services may steer purchases and subscriptions. (Meta AI shopping, Bumble changes)
- Cultural note: iam8bit’s jazzy Persona 30th album is streamable now, with a vinyl drop planned for Q4. (iam8bit Persona album)
- Privacy reminder: reporting on camera-equipped AirPods raises caution about new camera-enabled wearables — consider privacy before buying. (AirPods privacy concerns)
Why it matters
These items affect where you can save (fewer paywalled assistants, free/Prime game codes), when to buy (controller reservations, game releases), and how shopping may change (AI agents and app UX). Small timing and subscription choices can translate to tangible savings or convenience.
How to act
- If you use a Mac, try Perplexity’s assistant to evaluate whether it replaces a paid tool.
- Claim the Prime game code on Luna if eligible.
- Attempt Steam Controller reservations on May 8 but be wary of bots/resellers.
- Stream the iam8bit Persona album now; consider a Q4 vinyl pre-order if you want a collector’s copy.
- Stay cautious about privacy with new camera-enabled wearables and monitor how AI shopping features affect prices and recommendations.
Key takeaways
- Perplexity freed its Mac assistant from a paid wall — immediate subscription upside for Mac users.
- Amazon/Prime Luna offers claimable game codes this month — direct, short-term savings.
- Valve’s second controller wave (May 8) is another chance to buy retail; resale risk persists.
- AI shopping/matching features from Meta and Bumble may change how purchases and subscriptions are surfaced.
Sources
- Twitch has new penalties for streamers caught viewbotting, CEO says
- iam8bit recorded a jazzy Persona album for the series’ 30th
- The Paranormal Activity game project is dead
- Bumble will replace swiping right with… something
- OpenAI debuts a Codex plugin for Chrome
- Meta’s AI agent plans reportedly include an OpenClaw competitor that can shop on Instagram
- The Lexus TZ is a quieter, upscale take on the Highlander EV
- I’m already dreading Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods
- Perplexity opens up its Personal Computer AI assistant to all Mac users
- Amazon Luna’s May lineup includes Guardians of the Galaxy and the Resident Evil 2 remake
- Valve will open reservations on May 8 for the second wave of Steam Controllers
- Cozy city builder Town to City leaves early access on May 26
Not financial/professional advice