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Time:2026-07-01T19:52:02Z

Sony announces the end of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028, marking a major shift in console gaming. Xbox responds by testing a disc-to-digital conversion feature. The AI sector sees massive funding rounds: Together AI raises $800M at an $8.3B valuation and Venice AI reaches unicorn status. The US lifts export controls on Anthropic's advanced Fable and Mythos AI models. In Asia, China's Kling AI nears an $18B valuation, DeepSeek introduces peak-hour surcharges bucking the price war trend, and Japan commits up to $6.2B to back SoftBank-led AI development.

Sony to end physical PlayStation game discs by 2028

Sony to end physical PlayStation game discs by 2028Sony has announced it will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, signaling the end of an era for console gaming physical media. The move covers all PlayStation formats and will push the industry further toward digital distribution. Tech outlets widely interpret this as the final nail in the coffin for physical game media on consoles. Xbox is reportedly testing a feature to convert existing disc-based games to digital licenses in response.

Xbox tests disc-to-digital game conversion feature

Xbox tests disc-to-digital game conversion featureXbox is reportedly testing a feature that would allow users to convert their physical disc-based games into digital licenses. The timing is notable as it comes immediately after Sony's announcement to phase out PlayStation discs by 2028. The feature is said to support games going back to the Xbox One era. This move could give Xbox a competitive edge by easing the transition for users with large physical game collections.

AI startups raise billions as neocloud and privacy push accelerates

AI startups raise billions as neocloud and privacy push acceleratesTogether AI raised $800M in a neocloud funding round, reaching an $8.3B valuation. Meta is looking to monetize its excess AI compute capacity, following a strategy similar to SpaceX. Venice AI achieved unicorn status with a $65M Series A, capitalizing on growing demand for privacy-first AI platforms. These moves highlight the intensifying competition in AI infrastructure and platform services.

US lifts export controls on Anthropic's Fable and Mythos AI models

US lifts export controls on Anthropic's Fable and Mythos AI modelsThe United States has lifted export controls on Anthropic's advanced Fable and Mythos AI models, reversing earlier security-related restrictions. The decision clears the way for international availability of these models. Anthropic confirmed the restoration of Claude Fable 5 following the policy reversal. The move signals a recalibration of US AI export policy amid ongoing global competition in AI development.

China's Kling AI nears $18B valuation, DeepSeek breaks price war trend

China's Kling AI nears $18B valuation, DeepSeek breaks price war trendChina's Kling AI, a spin-off from Kuaishou Technology, is nearing a $3 billion funding round at an $18 billion valuation and plans to begin its Hong Kong listing process within a year. Meanwhile, DeepSeek is bucking China's AI price war by introducing peak-hour surcharges for its API services, after triggering a 75% discount war in May. Japan has also entered the fray, committing up to $6.2 billion to back SoftBank-led AI model development in a bid to catch up with the US and China.