Top picks & new releases
- Skullcandy Crusher 1080 — Engadget’s review notes a new flagship that blends Bose-like audio with big haptic bass and whisper-quiet active noise cancellation. (Skullcandy Crusher 1080 review)
- OpenAI physical keypad — a collaboration with Work Louder is available to order today for controlling agents; consider it if you want a tactile interface for agent workflows. (OpenAI launches a physical keypad)
- Apple CarPlay update — iOS 27 adds video playback for CarPlay, a notable change for in-car media expectations. (Apple quietly hid a big change coming for CarPlay with iOS 27)
Watch-before-you-buy warnings
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra screens: some units are showing a red discoloration and Samsung is investigating; if you plan to buy or sell, watch for official fixes or recalls. (Samsung isn’t sure why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are turning red)
- Samsung preloads Amazon Music on Galaxy phones — that preinstalled app may push subscriptions you don’t want; check first-boot app lists and uninstall options. (Samsung is making Amazon Music pre-installed bloatware on Galaxy phones)
- Repairability concerns: Valve appears to be discontinuing some self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck, and the European Commission won’t require replaceable batteries in wearables — these trends affect long-term repair costs. (Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts; European Commission will not force replaceable batteries)
- Security and content risks: a hacker accessed Suno source code that reportedly details large-scale scraping of songs; weigh privacy and licensing concerns when using AI music services. (A hacker accessed Suno source code)
How to approach purchases and subscriptions
- Read recent reviews (e.g., Skullcandy Crusher 1080) before buying audio gear; features like haptic bass and ANC matter more than marketing claims.
- For phones and wearables, factor in potential defects, preinstalled apps, and repairability when comparing total cost of ownership.
- For new peripherals (OpenAI keypad), availability “to order today” means limited initial supply — decide whether early access is worth possible premium or early bugs.
Key takeaways
- New gear to watch: Skullcandy Crusher 1080 (strong bass + ANC) and OpenAI’s keypad (available to order).
- Caution: S26 Ultra screen discoloration and more preinstalled apps on Galaxy phones — check devices closely before purchase.
- Long-term costs rising: fewer replaceable batteries and limited self-repair parts can increase repair or replacement spending.
Sources
- Skullcandy Crusher 1080 review: Haptic bass meets whisper-quiet ANC (2026-07-16)
- Elon Musk bought a gas turbine company (2026-07-15)
- Samsung isn’t sure why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are turning red (2026-07-15)
- European Commission will not force smartwatches and other wearables to have replaceable batteries (2026-07-15)
- OpenAI launches a physical keypad for controlling agents (2026-07-15)
- Apple quietly hid a big change coming for CarPlay with iOS 27 (2026-07-15)
- Apple is reportedly shopping for AI chip companies (2026-07-15)
- Samsung is making Amazon Music pre-installed bloatware on Galaxy phones (2026-07-15)
- Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit (2026-07-15)
- A hacker accessed Suno source code that reportedly details how the company scraped millions of songs (2026-07-15)
- The FCC plans to rip up local TV station ownership rules (2026-07-15)
- Hinge users can now get friends to hype them up on their profiles (2026-07-15)
Not financial/professional advice