SONY (ADR)

Sony plans to stop producing physical PlayStation game discs, a move highlighted alongside Microsoft’s push to digitize games and industry-wide decline of physical media. The shift aims to improve business economics but will alter how players buy, share and consume games. The discussion also touches on related consumer tech topics like leaked iPhone 18 Pro details and upcoming OpenAI hardware. » Mere på theverge.com

From 2028 Sony will no longer release new games for Playstation consoles on physical media such as discs, relying exclusively on downloads and digital distribution channels. The company says about 80 percent of PS5 games are already sold digitally; announced titles like GTA VI will be download-only. Games already released and all titles up to 2028 will remain available in all formats, while Sony will close the download stores for PS3 and PS Vita by mid next year. » Mere på finanzen.net

Sony increased PS5 prices amid a broader industry move driven by soaring demand for semiconductors and DRAM from AI datacentres. Major memory suppliers Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have constrained supply, pushing component prices sharply higher and reducing factory capacity until at least 2028. The cost pressure has hurt hardware sales and is likely to keep next-generation console prices elevated, with analysts warning PlayStation 6 could retail near $1,000. » Mere på theguardian.com

Sony told investors its next-generation PlayStation aims to expand usage scenarios beyond the living room, offering unique PlayStation value and a seamless experience outside the home. Comments and past reports suggest the company is considering a more prominent handheld option alongside features like Power Saver mode and PlayStation Portal. Sony also reiterated it will prioritize hardware profitability and is unlikely to sell future consoles at significant losses, implying potential premium pricing for the next generation. » Mere på theverge.com

Sony opened U.S. pre-orders for the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, a wearable air conditioner that cools via a plate placed on the back of the neck and vents warm air away. The new model delivers about 20% stronger cooling than its predecessor, offers up to ten hours of battery life at moderate settings, and can be controlled by device buttons or a smartphone app. Pre-orders cost $259.99 with shipping expected to start in late July; the unit can also provide warmth in winter. » Mere på forbes.com