Innovation News: 8 November 2025 - 20 November 2025

November 22, 2025, 11:14 PM EST. Macworld's feature ranks Apple's most overpriced accessories and gadgets, from everyday items to luxury collaborations. It opens with the Polishing Cloth at $19, arguing the value is questionable for a simple microfiber cloth. It then covers the Crossbody Strap ($59) and the iPhone Pocket (a collaboration with Issey Miyake offered at $149.95 or $229.95), noting that third-party options often undercut Apple's price. The list continues with the Pro Stand (2019) and other premium accessories, illustrating how Apple sustains the so-called Apple tax by tethering price to ecosystem prestige and design. Overall, the piece questions whether some items justify their cost or simply reflect high-margin branding, even as the company remains unapologetically premium, per Macworld.

November 22, 2025, 11:10 PM EST. Amazon kicks off Black Friday with a $100 discount on all PS5 editions: Disc (Slim) at $450, Digital Edition (Slim) at $400, and PS5 Pro at $650. Bundle options include the PS5 Digital Edition 825GB - Fortnite Flowering Chaos Bundle for $400 and PS5 Console 1TB - Fortnite Flowering Chaos Bundle for $450, adding in in-game content and 1,000 V-Bucks. Expect features like a super-fast SSD, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio; the Pro adds PSSR AI upscaling and higher frame rates up to 120Hz with enhanced ray tracing. Deals begin Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, with Prime shipping for faster delivery. Stocks may sell out-shop early and add to cart now.

November 22, 2025, 11:08 PM EST. Ubisoft avoided a sale after revealing an accounting mishap tied to new auditors that forced restatement and breached a leverage covenant. The company said its recent $1.35B bailout from Tencent will be used to reduce debt and secure financing as part of a broader transformation. While management highlighted a solid quarter aided by stronger-than-expected partnerships and bookings up, the circumstances sparked speculation about non-core deals, licensing, or Game Pass revenue. Rumors persist of a Assassin's Creed: Black Flag remake in March, amid talk of a revival slate that includes the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, Rainbow Six Mobile, and The Division Resurgence, plus an unannounced title due by April 2026. Insider Gaming points to Black Flag as the stealthy mystery release.

November 22, 2025, 11:06 PM EST. Ubisoft used its H1 FY26 earnings call to spotlight rapid AI efforts. CEO Yves Guillemot called AI a revolution for our industry on par with the shift to 3D, saying every studio is embracing the tech for production, programming, art, and game quality. The company has moved from prototypes to player-facing, generative-AI applications and says it has progressed from neo-NPC prototypes toward real-player experiences later this year. Some investors remain cautious about AI hype, noting broader market anxiety and bubble risk. Still, Ubisoft claims its AI strategy is embedded across all studios and could reshape future titles, with more details promised before year-end.

November 22, 2025, 11:04 PM EST. Apple's popular AirPods are seeing record-low prices as retailers kick off Black Friday sales. The drops span multiple models, with cord-free audio, longer battery life, and improved case designs highlighted by shoppers chasing major savings. Consumers can expect limited-time deals at the Apple Store and major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, plus price match considerations and bundles. To score the best value, compare current discounts, check for refurbished options, and time your purchase around weekend doorbusters. If you're waiting on newer iterations, monitor price movements as the holiday shopping window tightens. This Black Friday window is shaping up to be the strongest pricing cycle yet for AirPods deals, driven by competition among retailers and Apple's own promotions.