Tech Talk Thursdays Episode #170 (07/09/2026)

Tech

’Knockoff’ Browser Extension Hides Sketchy Brands on Amazon

FTC reaches settlement that brings right-to-repair to John Deere farm equipment - Engadget

’Siri AI’ Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models - MacRumors

PSA: Flip these two Instagram toggles now to stop people using your face

Gaming

Death Stranding director Hideo Kojima “really sad” about Sony ending physical disc production, and says lack of media ownership has “frightening” possibilities | Eurogamer.net

Resetting XBOX

Xbox Layoffs Included 37-Year Veteran Who Designed One Of Xbox’s Best Features Ever - GameSpot

James Bond and Hitman developer confirms layoffs and studio closure, but its fantasy RPG lives on

As layoffs continue to ravage the games industry, a union across North America establishes a fund to help those impacted by it | Eurogamer.net

Asha Sharma Assigned To Federal Reserve’s ‘Productivity And Jobs’ Taskforce The Same Week She Oversaw 1,600 Layoffs (With Another 1,600 To Come)