Apple and Microsoft hike device prices as AI infrastructure monopolizes chip supply

Apple and Microsoft have raised prices across their hardware lineups, citing an unprecedented global shortage of memory and storage chips driven by the artificial intelligence boom. On Thursday, Apple increased the price of its entry-level MacBook Neo by $150, bringing the starting price to $949 in Canada, while also raising prices for iPads, HomePods, and Apple TV devices.

In a statement to CBC, Apple warned that the consumer electronics industry is facing an "unprecedented challenge," noting the company has never seen component costs rise this quickly. The price surge stems from major chipmakers like Samsung and Micron shifting production capacity away from consumer electronics to prioritize high-margin AI orders for companies like Nvidia.

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Steam lets you gift 'Complete the Set' bundles, with relevant discounts

Source: Valve

Steam made a recent update that will make it easier to help friends complete the games in a series. Valve now lets you purchase the Complete the Set bundles as gifts, including the discounting feature. As PCGamer pointed out, when you buy a bundle for someone else who already has some of the games in the bundle, you will pay less overall. So, if you're thinking of a gift for a gamer friend, this might be a good option to explore.

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Steam's Windows client is now a 64-bit app

Source: Valve | Via: Windows Central

Valve's Steam has finally made its Windows 10 and 11 client a fully 64-bit application. The move comes as the company plans to sunset its 32-bit client, which will only receive updates until January 1, 2026.

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Valve Steam Machine is expected to cost like a PC

Source: ValveAlongside the launch of the new Steam Frame VR, Valve introduced a console-style product to make it easier to access Steam games. The Steam Machine is a cube-shaped device that lets you play PC games on your TV. It supports 4K gaming at 60 frames per second using FSR technology and runs on AMD hardware. It is also designed to support cloud gaming and connect with devices, like Valve's own Steam Deck.

However, do not expect the console-like device to have a console-like price. Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips said in a recent episode of the WAN Show that executives from Valve told him the device won't have a "console price," which is around US$500 or roughly CA$705. "Nobody said anything, but the energy of the room wasn't great," Linus said.

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