Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Walmart to support Apple Pay, Google Pay by year's end
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August 24, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
Today's Digital Pulse
 
Built for play! Mattel releases Xbox building brick set
 
Built for play! Mattel releases Xbox building brick set
Xbox building brick set (Mattel)
Mattel is releasing a 3,509-piece, 1:1-scale building-brick replica of the original Xbox, with an interactive controller and removable gaming-themed dioramas inspired by Halo, Morrowind and Psychonauts. The controller can trigger lights and game music, while a secret button combination activates an additional lighting sequence.
Full Story: Engadget (8/19)
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Gartner expects synthetic data use to triple
Top marketing organizations are moving fast. Gartner projects that 60% will use synthetic population data to validate strategy by 2028, up from under 20% today. WARC and the 4As back this trend with their own research. Read the findings in one short sitting. Download the free report
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Smart Home
 
YouTube enhances CTV app with shows, podcasts, features
YouTube has introduced the ability for YouTube Partner Program creators to transform their playlists into episodic shows, specifically designed for Connected TV audiences. These shows offer dedicated, immersive pages with organized seasons, giving viewers a more TV-like experience for binge-watching content. The update also includes new Podcast and Show tabs to help viewers more easily find and organize episodic and podcast content while using the TV app.
Full Story: Marketing Dive (8/21)
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Gaming
 
Steam Frame leak gives Valve's VR headset a closer look
 
Steam Frame leak gives Valve's VR headset a closer look
Steam Frame (Valve)
Valve’s Steam Frame virtual reality headset appears in tutorial videos that briefly surfaced on the Steam Client, revealing setup instructions, fit adjustments and accessories. The leaked videos also show an Ergonomics Accessory Kit with controller straps, a top strap and light blocker, along with an adjustable IPD wheel and lock.
Full Story: PC Magazine (8/20)
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Tech News
 
Rivian integrates Waze alerts in software update
Rivian's 2026.31 update will integrate Waze alerts into in-vehicle navigation for R1 and R2 vehicles, starting with speed cameras and police reports, according to software chief Wassym Bensaid. The update also introduces Rivian OS 2 to older R1S and R1T models, marking a step in unifying software across Rivian's lineup.
Full Story: Auto Evolution (8/24)
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Retail Trends
 
Walmart to support Apple Pay, Google Pay by year's end
Walmart will support contactless payments using Apple Pay and Google Pay at select namesake stores and Sam's Club locations starting today, with a nationwide rollout by the end of the year. The launch of Apple Pay marks a shift from Walmart's previous strategy of emphasizing its own payment systems, aligning the retailer with the majority of US merchants that already accept Apple Pay. The rollout of Google Pay builds on the ongoing partnership between Google and Walmart.
Full Story: Modern Retail (tiered subscription model) (8/21)
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