Daily Recap: Tech — 28 October 2026

Tech news today centers on how big platforms are reshaping both the devices people use and the systems behind them. Amazon rolls out new Alexa hardware while also trying to steer internal AI use toward measurable results, as regulators, chip demand, and new gadgets all underline...

South Korea fines Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won, or about $47.6 million, over app store practices tied to payments and app reviews. Regulators say the companies steer developers toward in-house payment systems and create review-related problems, and they order both firms to permit external payment links and improve review procedures.

OpenAI is reportedly moving to buy Google’s TPU chips as it seeks more computing power for its AI models. The plan points to intensifying demand for AI infrastructure and a notable supply relationship between rivals, though the size, value, and timing of any deal remain undisclosed and neither company has confirmed it.

Amazon unveils a new wave of Alexa devices led by the Echo Show 16, alongside an Alexa Photo Frame and an Echo Studio speaker with a built-in camera. The lineup expands Alexa’s role around the home with bigger displays, photo-focused features, and more ways to interact with the assistant hands-free.

Amazon is also telling engineers to stop “tokenmaxxing,” its term for maximizing AI token use as a stand-in for better performance. Updated internal guidance says heavier AI usage does not necessarily improve productivity or quality, and pushes teams to judge work by long-term outcomes rather than raw consumption of AI tools.

Xreal launches its Aura smart glasses at $1,099, offering an Android XR experience with Gemini through transparent lenses. Instead of a bulky standalone headset, the device uses a tethered computing setup and is designed to project virtual screens or interface elements in a lighter wearable form.

Samsung brings its Galaxy Buds On to the US on November 6, marking the company’s first clip-on open-ear earbuds. Priced at $229, the model wraps around the earlobe rather than sealing the ear canal, aiming to keep users aware of their surroundings while delivering up to 9.5 hours of battery life.

Sony introduces the PS5 Prism Collection, a set of transparent DualSense controllers and matching console covers that revive a late-1990s see-through aesthetic. The accessories come in three glossy color options and are designed to reveal internal components through clear outer materials.

Sony’s PlayStation Plus lineup for November 2026 adds Dead Island 2, Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, and Monster Train 2. All three games become available to claim for subscribers on November 3, giving the service a mix of action, remastered adventure, and strategy card-based play this month.