HeyWhatsNew: Light's Affordable Flip Phone Is Here, and KFC Hints at a New Umamusume Campaign
Hello, Heyuppers! Welcome to another week of top stories. From the latest tech developments to gaming news and innovation highlights, here's what you need to know for the week starting 27/07/2026.
Apple Plans Privacy-Focused Smart Glasses for 2027
Apple is reportedly preparing to reveal its first smart glasses at WWDC in June 2027, with a planned launch before the end of the year. According to reports, the company is taking extra time to make sure privacy is a key part of the product, especially as smart glasses have raised concerns over hidden photo and video recordings.
Unlike some competing products, Apple is expected to focus on on-device data processing and avoid features such as facial recognition, always-on recording, and using customer recordings to train AI models. Reports also suggest Apple is exploring versions without a traditional camera, or with a camera used only for sensing rather than taking photos or videos, as the company aims to stand out by prioritizing user privacy.
Light Unveils Affordable Flip Phone for Digital Minimalists
Light has announced the Light Flip, a new flip phone designed for people who want a simpler mobile experience without giving up essential features. Priced at $299, it runs the same Light OS as the company's other devices and includes tools such as a calendar, calculator, alarm, podcasts, music playback, and a 12 MP rear camera. To keep the price low, it drops the touchscreen, selfie camera, NFC, and premium metal build while offering several color options.
The Light Flip is aimed at users looking to reduce smartphone use, particularly younger people who enjoy flip phones but want better quality hardware. It supports 5G, USB-C charging, Bluetooth, headphone jack connectivity, and both eSIM and Nano SIM cards. The phone is expected to ship in April 2027, and Light plans to support customers with a community program and regular updates to help them adjust to a less connected lifestyle.
AI Companion App Helps Older Adults Feel Less Lonely
A non-profit organization in the UK has developed an AI companion app to support older adults experiencing loneliness while they wait for community services or volunteer befrienders. The app offers five chatbot personalities that users can talk to about everyday topics, emotional concerns, and practical advice. It includes safety features, only listens when activated, and does not remember previous conversations, helping users feel comfortable speaking openly.
One user, 71-year-old Yvonne Stride, says the AI companion has helped reduce her anxiety, encouraged her to return to hobbies, and provided someone to talk to at any time of day. The creators stress that the app is designed to complement, not replace, human interaction. They hope it can provide support during periods of isolation while continuing to expand the service to other vulnerable groups, including carers and people with mild cognitive impairment.
Rockstar Co-Founder Supports Keeping Physical Games Available
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser says physical game editions should continue to be available as long as players want them, even though the industry is moving towards digital releases. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Houser said he supports giving consumers a choice but also recognizes the benefits of digital distribution, including easier game downloads and post-launch updates.
The discussion comes as GTA 6 launches without a traditional disc version and Sony plans to stop producing physical copies of new PlayStation games from January 2028. While some developers and players remain attached to physical media, Houser believes digital gaming has become the preferred option for many consumers, although he still supports offering physical editions where there is demand.
KFC Teases New Umamusume Collaboration in Japan
KFC Japan has teased a new collaboration with Umamusume: Pretty Derby, revealing silhouettes of what appears to be an eight-character lineup. While the company has not officially confirmed the characters, fans believe the featured lineup includes popular favorites such as Gold Ship, Agnes Tachyon, Manhattan Cafe, and Buena Vista based on the teaser images.
The new collaboration follows previous successful campaigns in 2024 and 2025, which included themed meal bundles, exclusive trading cards, merchandise, and in-game rewards. KFC has not yet announced the release date, pricing, rewards, or meal details for the new promotion, and there is currently no indication that it will be available outside Japan.
Global PlayStation Network Outage Disrupts Players
PlayStation Network experienced a global outage on 24 July 2026, preventing many players from signing in, accessing online services, visiting the PlayStation Store, and launching some digital games. Sony confirmed that multiple services were affected, although it did not immediately provide a reason for the disruption. Some users were also unable to verify game licenses, preventing them from playing certain titles.
The outage has renewed concerns about the growing shift to digital-only gaming, especially after Sony announced it will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028. Critics argue that relying on digital licenses means players may lose access to purchased content during service outages, raising questions about long-term ownership of digital game libraries.
That's all for this week, Heyuppers! Thanks for joining us as we explored the latest developments in tech, innovation, and gaming. Be sure to check back next week for another roundup of the stories that matter most.