Today’s headlines
- Anker debuts Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds with its Thus AI chip — its first products using the Thus AI chip, including a model that offers an AI note taker. (https://www.engadget.com/2177672/anker-debuts-soundcore-liberty-5-pro-earbuds-with-its-thus-ai-chip/)
- ChatGPT is now available inside PowerPoint — most users can generate slides with AI today. (https://www.engadget.com/2179075/you-can-now-add-chatgpt-to-powerpoint/)
- Starbucks abandons its AI inventory tool after nine months, reverting to manual inventory management. (https://www.engadget.com/2179029/starbucks-abandons-its-ai-inventory-tool-after-only-nine-months/)
- Microsoft’s Xbox controller refresh removes the underused accessory port — an important note for Chatpad and accessory owners. (https://www.engadget.com/2179020/microsofts-xbox-controller-refresh-kills-its-underused-accessory-port/)
- Bungie will end active development of Destiny 2 on June 9, 2026. (https://www.engadget.com/2178883/bungie-will-end-active-development-of-destiny-2-on-june-9/)
- Google is making it easier for manufacturers to put Gemini AI into more home devices and leaning on voice-first interactions. (https://www.engadget.com/2174228/google-wont-rest-until-gemini-is-everywhere-in-your-home/, https://www.engadget.com/2178197/google-io-2026-opinion-are-you-really-going-to-talk-to-gemini-like-that/)
- Cuneflow’s e-paper writing tablet includes AI meeting recording and transcription features. (https://www.engadget.com/2177708/cuneflows-e-paper-writing-tablet-uses-ai-to-record-and-transcribe-meetings/)
- Airbnb is expanding into hotel bookings and grocery deliveries, adding thousands of boutique hotels and new services to its app. (https://www.engadget.com/2177545/airbnb-expands-into-hotel-bookings-groceries/)
- XGIMI’s Titan Noir Max projector delivers excellent image quality but lacks smart TV features. (https://www.engadget.com/2173721/xgimi-titan-noir-max-projector-review-excellent-image-quality-but-short-on-features/)
- Report: xAI promised employees $420 for tax info to train Grok — some payments reportedly remain owed. (https://www.engadget.com/2175582/elon-musk-reportedly-owes-quite-a-few-of-his-employees-420-dollars/)
What this means for shoppers
AI is moving rapidly into consumer devices and services: earbuds, meeting tools, presentations, and home gadgets are getting on-device or cloud AI features that could shift value in purchases toward convenience and automation. Hardware revisions (like Xbox’s accessory-port removal) can affect accessory compatibility — check compatibility before buying new controllers or add-ons. Service expansions (Airbnb) and product reviews (XGIMI projector) suggest opportunities to consolidate spending but also to compare price vs. functionality since some devices may lack built-in smart features.
Key takeaways
- Expect more AI features in earbuds, tablets, and productivity apps — evaluate real-world usefulness before upgrading.
- Hardware refreshes can remove legacy ports; confirm accessory support for controllers and peripherals.
- End of active development for live games (Destiny 2) may change how players prioritize in-game purchases and subscriptions.
- Airbnb’s expanded services can simplify travel planning, but compare prices and availability.
- For home theater buys: prioritize image quality or smart features depending on your needs — some projectors excel at picture but lack OS features.
Sources
- Anker debuts Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds with its Thus AI chip: https://www.engadget.com/2177672/anker-debuts-soundcore-liberty-5-pro-earbuds-with-its-thus-ai-chip/
- You can now add ChatGPT to PowerPoint: https://www.engadget.com/2179075/you-can-now-add-chatgpt-to-powerpoint/
- Starbucks abandons its AI inventory tool after only nine months: https://www.engadget.com/2179029/starbucks-abandons-its-ai-inventory-tool-after-only-nine-months/
- Microsoft’s Xbox controller refresh kills its underused accessory port: https://www.engadget.com/2179020/microsofts-xbox-controller-refresh-kills-its-underused-accessory-port/
- Bungie will end active development of Destiny 2 on June 9: https://www.engadget.com/2178883/bungie-will-end-active-development-of-destiny-2-on-june-9/
- Google won’t rest until Gemini is everywhere in your home: https://www.engadget.com/2174228/google-wont-rest-until-gemini-is-everywhere-in-your-home/
- Are you really going to talk to Gemini like that?: https://www.engadget.com/2178197/google-io-2026-opinion-are-you-really-going-to-talk-to-gemini-like-that/
- Airbnb expands into hotel bookings and even grocery deliveries: https://www.engadget.com/2177545/airbnb-expands-into-hotel-bookings-groceries/
- Cuneflow’s e-paper writing tablet uses AI to record and transcribe meetings: https://www.engadget.com/2177708/cuneflows-e-paper-writing-tablet-uses-ai-to-record-and-transcribe-meetings/
- XGIMI Titan Noir Max projector review: Excellent image quality, but short on features: https://www.engadget.com/2173721/xgimi-titan-noir-max-projector-review-excellent-image-quality-but-short-on-features/
- Elon Musk reportedly owes quite a few of his employees $420: https://www.engadget.com/2175582/elon-musk-reportedly-owes-quite-a-few-of-his-employees-420-dollars/
Disclaimer
Not financial/professional advice.