Consumer electronics prices surge globally
A wave of price increases is hitting consumer electronics, with WIRED reporting that gadgets across the board — from smartphones to laptops — are becoming significantly more expensive. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup is expected to cost hundreds of dollars more than its predecessors, reflecting broader trends in component costs and supply chain pressures. Even phones that aren't sold in the US market are affected by the global pricing shift. Consumers face a challenging landscape for upgrading their devices in 2026.
Sony has confirmed it will stop releasing PlayStation games on physical discs starting in 2028, signaling the end of an era for physical game media on the platform. The move follows years of declining disc sales and the growing dominance of digital storefronts. Analyst commentary suggests Sony has been preparing for this transition for years. The decision will push millions of gamers toward digital-only libraries and raise questions about game preservation and ownership.