Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are live and the box is real, but open it and there's only a download code. No disc. No trade-in value. No physical copy. Ever. A tech columnist who argued against this exact model with a Microsoft Xbox executive twenty years ago breaks down why it's finally happening, what the auto-renewing subscription buried in the fine print actually costs, and why gaming companies treating their own culture as disposable is the real problem here.

From there the conversation moves through Meta's new line of smart glasses, now in twenty-six styles and colours including a Kylie Jenner collaboration, and closes on a hotel in China staffed entirely by robots, with the same robot cat waiters that started showing up in Canadian restaurants a few years back. Three stories about a world that keeps asking you to pay more for less, and keep smiling about it.

Topics: Grand Theft Auto 6, digital game ownership, Meta glasses, robot hotel, video game subscriptions

GUEST: Chris Abel | krisabel.com | @realkrisabel

Originally aired on 2026-06-30

Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are live and the box is real, but open it and there's only a download code. No disc. No trade-in value. No physical copy. Ever. A tech columnist who argued against this exact model with a Microsoft Xbox executive twenty years ago breaks down why it's finally happening, what the auto-renewing subscription buried in the fine print actually costs, and why gaming companies treating their own culture as disposable is the real problem here.
From there the conversation moves through Meta's new line of smart glasses, now in twenty-six styles and colours including a Kylie Jenner collaboration, and closes on a hotel in China staffed entirely by robots, with the same robot cat waiters that started showing up in Canadian restaurants a few years back. Three stories about a world that keeps asking you to pay more for less, and keep smiling about it.
Topics: Grand Theft Auto 6, digital game ownership, Meta glasses, robot hotel, video game subscriptions
GUEST: Chris Abel | krisabel.com | @realkrisabel
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-30

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.