HeyWhatsNew: Apple Unveils New iOS 27 Features, and Valve’s Steam Machine Pricing Sparks Fan Debate
Welcome back! A lot has happened in the tech and gaming world this past week. From new product launches to industry-shifting innovations that could shape what comes next, there’s no shortage of news to catch up on. So, Heyuppers, let’s check out the biggest stories making waves since 22/06/2026.
Meta Launches Lower-Cost Smart Glasses Without Ray-Ban Branding
Meta has introduced a new line of smart glasses that no longer carry the Ray-Ban name. The glasses start at $299, making them about $80 cheaper than the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2. Meta says the lower price is intended to make smart glasses more accessible to a wider audience. The new range includes three styles: Fury, Adventurer, and a Kylie Jenner edition. The glasses support prescription lenses, adjustable nose pads, and slightly longer battery life while keeping similar core hardware to previous Meta smart glasses.
Meta is also expanding the AI features on its glasses. The new models will launch with Muse Spark, an AI model from Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, offering more natural conversations, support for 14 additional languages, pedestrian navigation, and a new dynamic photo feature. At the same time, Meta acknowledged growing privacy concerns around smart glasses and said updates aimed at improving privacy and preventing misuse are coming soon, although specific details have not yet been announced.
iOS 27 Adds New Features Across Apple’s Everyday Apps
Apple is bringing a range of new features to iOS 27, with updates focused on making everyday tasks easier. Apple Wallet is getting smarter with the ability to scan receipts, split bills with friends using Apple Cash, and store digital versions of membership and loyalty cards. Apple Maps is also receiving upgrades, including improved 3D city views through Flyover and a new Local Lists feature that helps users find popular restaurants, attractions, and local spots. Find My will offer more control over location sharing, allowing users to set specific sharing durations or temporarily pause sharing with certain contacts.
More improvements are coming to Apple’s entertainment and lifestyle apps too. Apple Music is expanding lyrics translation and pronunciation support, while AutoMix is getting upgraded with smoother transitions and coming to more devices. Apple Podcasts will allow users to search within specific shows, and iCloud Shared Albums will gain better photo quality, more file support, and temporary albums for group events. Apple is also adding new hotel features to Wallet and launching a new Fitness+ programme focused on strength and mobility during menopause. The iOS 27 developer beta is available now, with a public beta arriving next month.
Oracle Cuts 21,000 Jobs as It Reorganises Around AI
Oracle has reduced its global workforce by around 21,000 employees over the past year as the company shifts more focus towards artificial intelligence. The software and cloud company now has about 141,000 employees, down from 162,000 last year. Oracle said the use of AI across its operations has contributed to the workforce reductions, with the cuts affecting around 13% of its employees.
The layoffs come as Oracle and other major tech companies invest billions into AI infrastructure and data centers. Oracle spent about $1.8 billion on restructuring costs, including severance payments, and warned that the changes could create challenges in some areas. However, the company says it is continuing to grow its cloud and AI businesses and is adjusting its teams to support future technology development.
GTA 6 Pre-Orders Could Mark a Major Moment for Gaming
Rockstar Games is preparing to open pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 on June 25, marking the start of the game’s major marketing campaign. The announcement has already created huge excitement among fans, with many expecting new trailers and updates as the release date gets closer. Rockstar’s quiet activity on social media has also led fans to believe the company is preparing for a major reveal.
The launch of GTA 6 pre-orders could also impact the wider gaming industry, especially around game pricing. Many are watching to see whether Rockstar sets a higher price for the highly anticipated title, which could influence future game prices. With many upcoming releases avoiding the same launch window as GTA 6, the game is expected to have a major impact when it arrives later this year.
Hideo Kojima’s OD Aims to Be His Scariest Game Yet
Hideo Kojima’s upcoming horror game OD: Knock is being designed to push the limits of fear in gaming. The creator behind Death Stranding says he wants the single-player experience to be one of the scariest games ever made. The game features actors including Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier, but details about the story and gameplay remain limited.
Kojima also revealed that OD will include a feature to help players who find the game too frightening to finish. He has not shared details about how the system will work, but hinted that it will be different from a traditional difficulty setting. The game currently has no confirmed release date.
Steam Machine Launch Price Leaves Fans Questioning Its Value
Valve has finally revealed the price of its Steam Machine, but the announcement has left some fans disappointed. The device will start at $1,049, with the top model costing $1,428. While many expected it to be expensive, some players were hoping Valve would offer a more affordable option closer to traditional gaming consoles. The Steam Machine was marketed as a compact way to bring PC gaming to the living room, but its price has caused some fans to question whether it offers enough value.
Valve says rising hardware costs and supply issues made it difficult to keep the original pricing plans. The company also explained that, unlike console makers, it does not plan to sell the hardware at a loss and sees the Steam Machine as a PC rather than a console. While some players understand the reasoning behind the price, others feel it may limit the device’s appeal to a smaller group of PC gaming fans.
That’s a wrap, Heyuppers! Thanks for reading along as we covered this week’s biggest headlines. Stay tuned, because there’s always something new happening in tech and gaming.