Sony to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games in 2028
Sony has announced that this will happen Do not produce physical discs for PlayStation games From January 2028. This means that new games will be released only in digital format. The announcement could also serve as an indirect confirmation that the upcoming PlayStation 6 will be a digital-only console. If this is indeed the case, then it’s possible that players who want to play games from their physical library will likely have to purchase a disc-drive accessory.
Physical editions are not just for collectors, they have also offered cheaper ways to play games through lending or reselling. These may be the reasons why Sony decided to eliminate physical discs for games, this would ensure more sales, and more importantly, make the PlayStation Store the exclusive distributor for PlayStation games. This simply means that developers are charged more money due to platform fees. Don’t be surprised if game prices increase in the future.
Physical versions of games have one undeniable advantage, they generally allow players to play the game without downloading it. And if a game is removed from the PlayStation Store, that’s that. You will not be able to buy it from anywhere else. Sony’s announcement naturally faced criticism from gamers, who said the move to end production of physical discs is anti-consumer and harmful to game preservation. Rockstar Games and Take Two were also criticized for making Grand Theft Auto 6 a digital-only release.
Reports indicate that Sony has already rebuilt its PlayStation disc factory in Europe. So, it seems that this decision cannot be taken back after the feedback from the users.
playstation store But PS3 and PS Vita are shutting down
As if the decision to end physical disc production wasn’t bad enough, Sony also announced Shutting down PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita Console in 2027. Yes, the PS3 is long obsolete, but that doesn’t mean the hardware doesn’t work. If it works, you can use it. And many people love playing games from the PS3 era, especially considering that many of those games are not available on modern consoles.
Sony is shutting down access to PlayStation Store on PS3 in Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua in August 2026. The store will become inaccessible in Latin American and Middle Eastern countries in late 2026. Sony will be closing the curtain on the PlayStation Store on the PS3 and PS Vita worldwide in July 2027.
This doesn’t affect games in your library, Sony says players will be able to download games they already have in the near future. Those words are probably there for legal reasons, but they probably mean “forever.” The main problem with this is that PS3 and PS Vita owners will not be able to access the PlayStation Store to purchase more games. If someone wants to play games that are not in their library, they will have to find a physical copy of the game. Quite ironic considering the second announcement, isn’t it?
Xbox tests disc-to-digital feature for physical games
If you think Sony is the only console manufacturer planning to eliminate physical versions of games, you might want to think again. Microsoft is basically doing the same thing. The Redmond company’s Xbox division is testing the disc-to-digital feature. according to The VergeThis feature from Tom Warren will allow Xbox users to play a digital copy of a game when they insert a game disc.
This is a digital entitlement that requires a Microsoft account. And if you use the disc on a different console associated with another account, the digital version of the game will be removed from your library. But it still allows users to share games with their friends by lending the game disc. Additionally, physical Xbox games available on Xbox Cloud Gaming can be streamed, provided the user has a Game Pass subscription. As for Xbox Play Anywhere titles, they can be played on handheld consoles and PCs.
It’s unclear whether the upcoming Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will come with a disc-drive. Therefore, it is possible that a separate disc drive could be launched, making the disc-to-digital feature an invaluable option for players with large collections of physical games.
WhatsApp introduces usernames, you can reserve your name now
WhatsApp has introduced usernames for user accounts. The system has not launched yet, but you can reserve your username right now. Usernames are customizable, and WhatsApp says this is an optional feature, meaning users don’t need to claim it. Once you’ve chosen a username for your account, you’ll be able to share it with other users, instead of telling them your phone number. This is a privacy friendly option, you simply share your username with that person, and they will be able to contact you.
Similarly, when you contact someone for the first time, they won’t see your phone number, they’ll see your username. Meta states that there is no directory to browse or search for usernames, people need to know your exact username to contact you.
Now to create your WhatsApp username, go to Settings > Account > Username section in the mobile app on Android and iOS. meta says Some usernames cannot be claimed by users, as they are held for businesses, governments, public figures to prevent impersonation.
Gmail Live AI feature is being tested on Android and iOS
Google is testing a new AI feature called Gmail Live. It was announced at I/O 2026 in May, and is currently being tested in beta on Android and iOS versions of Gmail.
Users can search their inbox by using their voice and talking to Gmail Live. Google says it supports natural language search, just like Gemini Live. To use it, users need to tap on the Gemini button next to the Ask Gmail search bar. For example, you can ask Gmail about your upcoming travel dates, or updates on your latest order. The AI will pull relevant information from your mail, and provide an AI overview based on the user’s query. The feature is currently available for English language users in the US. On a side note, Google is turning it Gemini Spark for macOSBut it is only available to Google Ultra customers in the US.
