HeyWhatsNew: Snap Launches Long-Awaited AR Glasses, and Nintendo Switch Exercise Games Show Potential Mental Health Benefits
Hello, Heyuppers! The past week was filled with headlines, ranging from bold new tech and gaming developments to innovations that could shape the future. We’ve got you covered, so let's take a look at the latest updates, starting 15/06/2026.
Snap’s Long-Awaited AR Glasses Are Finally Here
After years of teasing augmented reality technology, Snap has finally launched its first AR glasses for consumers. Called Specs, the smart glasses come with a hefty $2,195 price tag and are expected to ship later this year in the US, UK, and France. Snap describes them as a wearable computer that can display digital content directly in your field of view, all without needing to be connected to a phone or external battery pack.
The specs feature AR displays in both lenses, hand-tracking controls, built-in cameras, and up to four hours of battery life. The launch represents a significant achievement for Snap, which has been secretly developing AR glasses for years. However, with the market still trying to figure out whether smart glasses are truly useful for everyday life, Snap faces the challenge of convincing consumers that its premium-priced wearable is worth the investment.
Android 17 Brings Smarter AI Tools and Easier Multitasking to Pixel Devices
Google has officially rolled out Android 17 and Wear OS 7, bringing a mix of new AI features, productivity tools, and quality-of-life upgrades. The update puts Gemini front and center, adding features like AI-powered video editing, music creation through Lyria 3, and improved speech translation tools for supported Pixel devices. It’s clear that Google wants AI to become a bigger part of how people use their phones, whether they’re creating content, communicating, or getting everyday tasks done.
Alongside the AI upgrades, Android 17 introduces smoother multitasking with a new bubble bar that makes jumping between apps quicker and easier. Users can also look forward to features like reaction video recording, stronger security protections, improved parental controls, and new gaming tools for foldable phones. Wear OS 7 also gets upgrades, including better battery life, live app updates, and deeper Gemini integration, bringing a more connected experience across Google’s devices.
UK Moves Forward With Social Media Ban for Under-16s, But Many Questions Remain
The UK government has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the move is aimed at creating a safer online environment for young people. The ban follows Australia’s approach, but it has already sparked debate, with some arguing that blocking access alone will not address the bigger issues around online harm, digital well-being, and the challenges young users face.
The biggest question is how the ban will actually work. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat will likely be responsible for checking users’ ages, but concerns remain about whether those systems can truly prevent underage access. While supporters see the move as an important step towards protecting children online, critics argue that stronger safety features, better digital education, and support for families will also be needed.
Nintendo Switch Exercise Games Could Give Your Mental Health a Boost, Study Finds
Your Nintendo Switch might be doing more than keeping you entertained. A new study suggests that exercise-based games like Ring Fit Adventure could help improve mental well-being, with participants reporting better sleep, reduced anxiety, and fewer symptoms linked to mild depression after taking part in an eight-week gaming program.
The study involved 84 adults and compared those who played active Nintendo Switch games with those who kept their usual routines. While researchers say these games are not a replacement for professional mental health care, the findings highlight how combining movement with gaming could be a simple and enjoyable way to support a healthier lifestyle.
ARC Raiders Update Tackles Free Loadout Concerns and Adds New Rewards
With its latest update, ARC Raiders is introducing a change that many players have been eagerly anticipating. Free loadouts, which allowed players to enter matches without risking their own gear, will now be disabled in certain map conditions as part of a limited test. The goal is to bring more risk and strategy back into these matches while Embark Studios gathers feedback from the community.
The update also launches the new Forgotten Relics event, giving players a chance to explore maps, collect hidden relics, earn rewards, and unlock new cosmetics like the Saltwalker Outfit. Alongside the new content, the patch includes a range of fixes and improvements to make gameplay smoother. As ARC Raiders continues to grow, Embark is looking at player feedback to shape the game’s future updates.
Xbox Game Pass Adds EA Sports FC 26 and Call of Duty: Vanguard, But Fans Are Divided
Xbox Game Pass is getting a fresh batch of games this month, with EA Sports FC 26 and Call of Duty: Vanguard leading the lineup. EA Sports FC 26 arrives at a perfect time for football fans as excitement builds around the 2026 World Cup, while Call of Duty: Vanguard brings a World War II campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies mode to the service.
Alongside these bigger releases, subscribers can also look forward to titles like Junkster, Abyssus, RV There Yet?, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. However, the update has left some players wanting more, with many feeling that the latest additions do not match the impact of previous Game Pass lineups, especially with several fan-favorite games also leaving the service soon.
Heyuppers, if you’ve made it this far, thank you for joining us. Next week brings another wave of headlines, and we’ll be ready to bring you all the details.