Overview
Today’s roundup highlights shifting price signals in consumer hardware, a handful of free/valuable upgrades for gamers, and a few small subscription and smart-device housekeeping tips to save or avoid unexpected costs.
Top deals & price moves
- Apple: CEO Tim Cook called future Apple price increases “unavoidable” amid a global memory crunch, signaling upward pressure on device prices. (Source: Engadget)
- PS5 storage: SanDisk’s new 8TB PS5-compatible SSD is extremely expensive — the Optimus GX Pro 850P 8TB drive nearly tops the $3,000 mark, making it a poor value if cost per TB is your metric. (Source: Engadget)
- Gaming value: Rockstar will offer free GTA V upgrades from older console and PC versions, delivering meaningful value for eligible players. (Source: Engadget)
- Upcoming phones: Rumors say an iPhone Air 2 with a second camera could arrive next spring, which may influence timing for buyers weighing upgrades. (Source: Engadget)
- New hobby buys: LEGO unveiled its first working pinball machine set — a niche, higher-end toy release to watch if shopping for gifts. (Source: Engadget)
Subscription & smart-device tips
- Streaming: Instructions exist to stop Netflix from repeatedly asking “Are you still watching?” — useful to avoid interruptions and accidental profile/usage confusion. (Source: Engadget)
- Smart appliances: Guidance on what happens when smart fridges stop receiving software updates — a reminder that deep discounts on smart appliances can come with long-term security, compatibility or feature-support trade-offs. (Source: Engadget)
- Automation for deal-watching: ChatGPT added a hub for scheduled tasks so users can schedule prompts — a practical tool to automate price-check reminders or deal-hunting prompts. (Source: Engadget)
Key takeaways
- Expect upward pressure on device prices because of memory supply issues; consider timing big purchases accordingly.
- Extremely high-capacity components (like SanDisk’s 8TB PS5 SSD) are often overpriced on a per-GB basis; compare alternatives before buying.
- Free digital upgrades (example: GTA V) are straightforward wins—claim them if eligible.
- Turn off or configure streaming prompts and monitor smart-device update lifecycles to avoid surprise losses in value or functionality.
- Use scheduling tools (e.g., ChatGPT’s scheduled tasks) to set recurring deal checks or reminders.
Sources
- Tim Cook says Apple price increases are ‘unavoidable’ due to memory crunch — https://www.engadget.com/2196902/tim-cook-says-apple-price-increases-are-unavoidable-due-to-memory-crunch/
- The iPhone Air 2 will reportedly land next spring with a second camera — https://www.engadget.com/2196866/iphone-air-2-will-reportedly-land-next-spring-with-a-second-camera/
- ChatGPT now has a hub for scheduled tasks — https://www.engadget.com/2196844/chatgpt-now-has-a-hub-for-scheduled-tasks/
- SanDisk’s new 8TB PS5 SSD costs more than three times as much as the PS5 Pro — https://www.engadget.com/2196530/sandisks-new-8tb-ps5-ssd-costs-more-than-three-times-as-much-as-the-ps5-pro/
- Rockstar will offer free GTA 5 upgrades from older console and PC versions — https://www.engadget.com/2196422/rockstar-will-offer-free-gta-5-upgrades-from-older-console-and-pc-versions/
- Lego unveils its first working pinball machine — https://www.engadget.com/2196314/lego-unveils-its-first-working-pinball-machine/
- What Happens After Your Smart Fridge Stops Getting Software Updates? — https://www.engadget.com/2196515/smart-fridge-updates-support-ends/
- How to stop Netflix from asking ‘are you still watching?’ — https://www.engadget.com/2195725/turn-off-netflix-are-you-still-watching/
Disclaimer
Not financial/professional advice