Google confirms higher Pixel 11 prices as RAM costs surge sixfold, and says it is reworking Android to — 2026-07-26

## Short Segments Roku's streaming devices are now more expensive, with prices rising up to 60% due to a global memory shortage. AI chatbots are becoming a silent third party in relationships, as more people turn to them for emotional support. Electric vehicle owners report higher satisfaction than gas car drivers, according to a new JD Power study. Apple is targeting 2027 for its smart glasses launch, but the inclusion of a camera remains undecided. Later, we'll explore how Google's Pixel 11 price hike is tied to a memory crisis and what it means for Android's future. Roku raises streaming device prices by up to 60 percent as the memory shortage reaches the living room. Roku has increased prices on its US streaming hardware lineup, with hikes ranging from $10 to $50 per device. The Streaming Stick 4K saw the steepest jump, now priced at $80, up from $50. This price surge is attributed to a global memory shortage driven by AI data center demand, which has affected the availability of components. The Roku Ultra also saw a significant increase, now costing $150, up from $100. This development highlights how the memory shortage, initially impacting smartphones and computers, is now affecting consumer electronics like streaming devices. As a result, consumers may need to reconsider their streaming hardware purchases or explore alternative options. AI chatbots are quietly becoming the uninvited third person in people’s relationships. A Pew Research Center survey reveals that one in five Americans aged 18 to 29 have used AI chatbots for emotional support or advice. Additionally, a YouGov poll found that 13% of US adults have shared secrets with chatbots that they haven't told anyone else. This trend indicates a shift in how people seek emotional support, with AI chatbots becoming a substitute for human interaction. Experts warn that relying on AI for emotional support could erode empathy and accountability, as AI lacks the emotional depth and understanding of human relationships. This growing reliance on AI chatbots may change how people communicate and form connections, potentially impacting personal relationships. EV owners are more satisfied with their cars than gas car drivers in nearly every category, JD Power finds. According to JD Power's 2026 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout study, electric vehicle (EV) owners report higher satisfaction than drivers of combustion vehicles. The survey of over 78,000 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles found that EVs outscored internal combustion engine cars by 109 points on a 1,000-point scale. This satisfaction gap is attributed to the performance, execution, and layout of EVs, which have seen significant improvements. The study suggests that as EV technology advances, more consumers may consider switching to electric vehicles, further accelerating the shift towards sustainable transportation. Apple targets WWDC 2027 for smart glasses but is still deciding on the camera question. Apple is planning to unveil its first smart glasses at the Worldwide Developers Conference in 2027, with a consumer release by the end of that year. However, the company is still debating whether to include a camera in the glasses, a decision influenced by privacy concerns. The inclusion of a camera could enhance the glasses' functionality but may also raise privacy issues, similar to those faced by Meta's smart glasses. Apple's decision will likely impact the product's reception and adoption, as privacy remains a top priority for consumers. ## Feature Story Google confirms higher Pixel 11 prices as RAM costs surge sixfold, and says it is reworking Android to use less memory. Google has announced that its upcoming Pixel 11 phones will be more expensive than previous models, citing a global memory shortage that has driven RAM prices to unprecedented levels. Shakil Barkat, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, explained that the company can no longer absorb the rising supplier costs, which have increased sixfold according to Morgan Stanley data. This price hike reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are grappling with supply chain disruptions and increased component costs. In response to the memory crisis, Google is also working to optimize Android to use less memory, aiming to offset future hardware costs. This move could have significant implications for the Android ecosystem, potentially leading to more efficient devices that require less RAM. By reducing memory usage, Google hopes to mitigate the impact of rising hardware costs on consumers and maintain competitiveness in the smartphone market. The Pixel 11 price increase highlights the challenges faced by tech companies in managing supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. As the memory shortage continues, consumers may see similar price hikes across other tech products. Google's efforts to optimize Android could set a precedent for other companies to follow, potentially leading to industry-wide changes in how software is developed and deployed. As the situation evolves, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect consumer behavior and the broader tech landscape.