Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Urban Outfitters, DoorDash team on wooing Gen Z shoppers
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May 18, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Xbox Elite 3 may be experimenting with new controls
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11:   The Xbox 'Elite Wireless Controller Series 2' is displayed during the E3 Video Game Convention at the Microsoft Theater on June 11, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Microsoft's leaked Xbox Elite Series 3 controller appears to keep its familiar premium design while adding upgrades like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 support and two mysterious scroll wheel-like controls near the audio jack. The controller may also include a dedicated button for switching between cloud and local gaming modes.
Full Story: Digital Trends (5/16)
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Automated fulfillment, available now
Achieve best-in-class OTIF enabled by warehouse robotics—without the upfront cost. Warehouse automation requires massive capital, long-term contracts, and years to implement. Fortunately for you, Exolâ„¢ already made the investment. You get world-class robotics and a nationwide network without the capital commitment or decade-long lock-in. Learn More.
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Smart Home
 
SwitchBot smart locks add face unlock, Apple support
SwitchBot has released the Lock Vision and Lock Vision Pro smart locks, which feature 3D facial recognition and support for Matter over Wi-Fi, making them compatible with Apple Home without needing a hub. The Lock Vision Pro offers additional biometric options, including facial and fingerprint recognition and palm scanning. Both locks have a dual-battery system for uninterrupted power.
Full Story: 9to5Mac (5/15)
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YouTube enhances connected TV with AI search, new features
Social Media Today (5/17)
 
 
ElliQ bot brings companionship, comfort to caregiving
The Verge (5/17)
 
 
Analyst: NFL games are cheaper with streaming than pay-TV
TV Tech (5/15)
 
From insights to execution at scale: AI and connected retail
Modern retail faces increasing complexity and rapid fluctuations in consumer demand, outpacing rising customer expectations, daily promotions and accelerating planning cycles. This paper explores the necessity of an end-to-end connection to harness AI's potential in retail, showcasing how Oracle's Connected Retail Journey enables swift, contextual and coordinated decision-making across the enterprise.
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Gaming
 
Steam Controller drops a scream-worthy feature
The Steam Controller has a hidden Easter egg that plays the iconic Wilhelm scream when it's dropped, using haptic feedback instead of a built-in speaker. The playful surprise has sparked amusement and curiosity among the gaming community, with many eager to test it for themselves.
Full Story: Engadget (5/13)
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Gamers push back against disappearing digital purchases
Mashable (5/16)
 
 
ASUS, Xreal put gaming right before your eyes with AR glasses
Android Central (5/15)
 
 
Fortnite gives Mandalorian fans an early peek via watch party
Polygon (5/17)
 
Win the AI Agentic Era
Move beyond AI hype. Join Snowflake experts and retail leaders on May 21st at 1 PM EST to transform your data into a strategic asset. Learn to build the infrastructure needed for the future of agentic commerce. Register now »
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Free eBooks and Resources
 
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Nonverbal Communications Skills -- The 10 Skills You Need to Learn
 
 
70+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows (Free Cheat Sheet)
 
 
Best Practices for Email Etiquette
 
 
11 Habits That Will Give You A Complete And Successful Life
 
 
Creating Positive Habits - The Ultimate Guide
 
 
 
 
Tech News
 
Apple targets Siri overhaul, AI at WWDC 2026