AMD Raising CPU Prices, RAM & SSD Shortages Worsen, and More Tech News

Tech News Roundup

• 📺 Netflix has discontinued casting functionality across all plans and devices, a move speculated to be driven by financial or licensing concerns.
• 🎧 Today's sponsor, Raycon, offers Essential Open earbuds designed for comfort and situational awareness, with a flexible hook and 8-hour battery life.
• 🖼️ MKBHD's subscription-based wallpaper app, Panels, is shutting down at the end of the year due to financial unsustainability, with refunds being issued.

App Store Security and Microsoft

• 🔒 New laws in the US are pushing for Apple and Google to be responsible for app verification, aiming to protect user data and prevent security vulnerabilities.
• 🧥 Microsoft has released its annual line of ugly sweaters, featuring designs inspired by Xbox, Master Chief, and Co-pilot, priced at $80.

Gaming and Hardware Market Trends

• 🎮 CD Projekt Red has announced plans for a trilogy of Witcher games, with The Witcher 4 expected between 2027 and 2033.
• 📊 Intel has made a small comeback in the GPU market share, reaching 1%, while AMD holds 7% and Nvidia dominates.
• 📱 Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold phone, expected to launch in Korea on December 12th and the US in early 2026, with an anticipated price of around $3,000.

Component Shortages and Price Hikes

• 📈 Reports indicate significant price increases for RAM and NAND flash memory, with contract pricing for NAND expected to rise by 60% and RAM prices potentially reaching $20 per gigabyte.
• ⚠️ The current component shortages are attributed to maxed-out fabrication facilities and shifting production priorities, with new capacity expected only by the end of the decade.
• 💰 AMD is reportedly raising prices on its CPUs following the holiday sales season, with no specific reason confirmed but likely driven by market opportunities and shareholder incentives.