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Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch: Hybrid and SUV Interest Reaches New Highs as Audi, Kia and Subaru Gain Shopper Consideration in First Half of 2026

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2 months ago

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New research finds affordability, fuel efficiency and value-oriented SUVs increasingly shape new-vehicle shopping behavior

ATLANTA, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New-vehicle shoppers are increasingly favoring SUVs and hybrid vehicles, while affordability and fuel efficiency continue to rise in importance, according to the latest Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch, a Cox Automotive brand. The study, which tracks brand and vehicle consideration among in-market shoppers, found that Kia and Subaru were the only non-luxury brands to gain shopper consideration during the first half of 2026, while Audi was the only Top 10 luxury brand to improve year over year.

“The limited number of brands that gained consideration in the first half highlights how selective vehicle shoppers have become,” said Vanessa Ton, senior manager of Market & Customer Research at Cox Automotive. “With affordability challenging many households, the strength of SUVs, which are typically more costly, was a surprise at first. But we recognize that value-oriented SUVs are the heart of the market right now, providing shoppers with the right mix of attributes and usability.”

The Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch reports measure brand and model consideration, shopper familiarity and purchase drivers among consumers intending to buy a new vehicle within the next year. The reports are based on approximately 12,000 shopper interviews annually and track 12 factors that influence purchase decisions across luxury and non-luxury segments.

Hybrid and SUV Consideration Continue Climbing
Hybrid vehicle consideration reached a new high in the first half of 2026, with 22% of shoppers considering a hybrid vehicle, up from 20% a year earlier. At the same time, electric vehicle consideration declined slightly, with 10% of shoppers considering a new EV compared with 11% during the first half of 2025. Toyota accounted for five of the 10 most-considered electrified vehicles, all hybrids, while the Honda Accord Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid entered the Top 10 for the first time.

SUV consideration also reached record levels across both luxury and non-luxury segments. In the luxury market, SUV consideration climbed to 79%, up four percentage points year over year, while sedan consideration fell to 39%. Among non-luxury shoppers, SUV consideration reached an all-time high of 71%, while sedan consideration dropped to a record-low 25%.

Subaru, Kia and Audi Stand Out
In the non-luxury segment, Subaru and Kia were the only brands to increase shopper consideration. Subaru benefited from growing interest in the Crosstrek and Forester Hybrid, while Kia’s gains were supported by strong demand for value-oriented SUVs and the Carnival minivan.

Among luxury brands, Audi was the only Top 10 brand to post a year-over-year improvement, driven by growing shopper interest in the A3 and A5 sedans.

Affordability and Fuel Economy Gain Importance
While durability and safety remain the most influential purchase considerations across all shoppers, affordability and fuel economy have become increasingly important over the past five years. Driving performance also has grown in importance among non-luxury shoppers.

Honda led the industry in delivering against key purchase drivers in the first half of 2026, ranking highest in nine of 12 consideration factors, including durability and reliability, affordability, driving comfort and driving performance. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Lincoln each held top positions in three of the 12 consideration factors.

About Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch
Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch is a perception study that tracks brand and vehicle consideration among consumers using Kelley Blue Book and intending to purchase a new vehicle within the next year. The reports measure brand and model consideration, shopper familiarity and key factors influencing vehicle purchase decisions. Luxury and non-luxury reports are published separately and are based on surveys conducted during the first half of 2026.

For the full first half of 2026 Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch reports, visit https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights/kelley-blue-book-brand-watch-audi-kia-subaru-hybrid-suv-shopper-interest-first-half-2026/. 

About Kelley Blue Book 
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry for nearly a century. As the industry standard for generations, Kelley Blue Book provides transparent, objective information and data-driven, innovative tools for consumers, automotive dealers and manufacturers. Kelley Blue Book publishes millions of market-reflective values weekly on its top-rated website KBB.com, from its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values to the Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which offers a range for what consumers reasonably can expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. KBB.com editors rate and review hundreds of new vehicles each year to help consumers understand the Best Cars and Best SUVs to meet their needs. Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer provides a redeemable trade-in offer to transaction-ready consumers and conveniently connects them to local participating dealers. Kelley Blue Book’s Service Advisor provides guidance on how much to pay for service and repairs, allowing consumers to schedule service with local dealers on KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book also provides vehicle values to finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first- and third-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and Cox Fleet®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Cox Automotive has been included on Glassdoor’s Best Companies in Tech & AI 2026 and Best Place to Work in 2026 lists. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

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iScreen Reaches No. 1 in Graphics & Design Across 94 Markets Following iOS 27 Update

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2 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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Extra-large widget experiences, iOS 27-inspired themes and new customization tools drive iScreen’s latest global growth

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iScreen, a mobile customization app for iOS and Android, announced that it has reached No. 1 in the Graphics & Design category across 94 countries and regions following its latest iOS 27-focused update.

The update expands iScreen’s Home Screen customization experience with new extra-large widgets, iOS 27-inspired themes, layouts optimized for new screen proportions, and AI-assisted design tools.

Extra-Large Widgets

Built for the larger widget canvas available in iOS 27, iScreen’s new extra-large widgets go beyond simply scaling up existing formats. The collection includes Photo, Album, Music, Calendar, Interactive Refrigerator and Quick Launch widgets, among others. Users can also customize content, layouts and visual styles to create more functional and expressive Home Screen experiences.

iOS 27-Inspired Themes and iPhone Duo Theme Support

iScreen has introduced new iOS 27-inspired themes that combine coordinated wallpapers, transparent-style widgets, icons and other visual elements into complete Home Screen setups.

Selected themes have also been optimized for iPhone Duo’s screen proportions and display dimensions, with wallpapers, widgets and icons adjusted to better fit the new format while maintaining a cohesive visual experience.

AI-Assisted Home Screen Design

iScreen is also testing AI Home Screen Designer with a limited group of users. The feature generates coordinated design suggestions based on users’ preferences for style, color and visual elements, combining wallpapers, widgets and icons into a unified setup.

“The latest iOS update has opened up new possibilities for mobile personalization,” said the iScreen team. “We want to turn those capabilities into practical and creative experiences that make Home Screen design easier and more expressive.”

About iScreen

iScreen is a mobile customization app offering widgets, wallpapers, themes and Home Screen customization tools for iOS and Android devices. With more than 100 million users worldwide, iScreen has ranked No. 1 in Graphics & Design across 94 countries and regions and has been featured by Apple Editorial in 128 countries for five consecutive days.

Official Website: iScreen – Phone Style, iScreen it!
iOS Download: ‎‎iScreen – Widgets & Wallpaper App – App Store
Android Download: iScreen Google Play

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/iscreen-reaches-no-1-in-graphics–design-across-94-markets-following-ios-27-update-302883972.html

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JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology Publishes 12-Month Outcomes from Field Medical’s First-in-Human Field PULSE Trial: 94.2% Per-Vein PVI Durability with Optimized Waveform

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4 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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Late-breaking HRX data advance Field Medical’s “instantaneous ablation” workflow and expand the clinical evidence for high-voltage focal PFA with the FieldForce™ PFA System

ATLANTA and CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Field Medical, Inc., advancing high-voltage focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) for complex arrhythmias, today announced publication of 12-month results from the first-in-human Field PULSE trial in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The findings were presented simultaneously as a Late-Breaking Clinical Trial at HRX Live 2026.

Field Medical developed the FieldForce™ PFA System around a high-voltage focal PFA architecture designed first for the ventricle, where depth, stability and control are among the most difficult challenges in ablation. Field PULSE extends that work into the atrium and evaluates a subsecond point-by-point workflow Field Medical terms “instantaneous ablation.” In this study, the approach was associated with procedural efficiency, durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and flexibility beyond the pulmonary veins, without the need for prolonged catheter stability.

Key Findings:

Procedural efficiency with subsecond focal PFA: 13-minute median elapsed PVI ablation time, with a fastest time of 7.7 minutesDurable PVI with the optimized waveform: 94.2% per-vein durability reflecting progressive improvement with waveform evolutionFlexible focal ablation: 49% of patients received non-PV ablation for additional atrial targetsNo primary safety events were observed80% freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months with the optimized waveform

“Field PULSE demonstrates the feasibility of truly instantaneous focal PFA,” said Vivek Reddy, M.D., co-principal investigator, lead author and electrophysiologist at Mount Sinai Health System. “Delivering the full application in less than 200 milliseconds reduces the need for prolonged catheter stability while preserving the flexibility of point-by-point ablation. The procedural efficiency, safety and pulmonary vein durability observed with the optimized waveform support continued clinical development of this approach.”

The publication builds on Field Medical’s peer-reviewed clinical work in ventricular tachycardia. Six-month outcomes from the company’s first-in-human VCAS trial were published in Circulation in 2025. Field PULSE now adds first-in-human, peer-reviewed atrial data evaluating the same high-voltage focal PFA architecture through a distinct focal workflow in a different cardiac substrate.

“We designed FieldForce to solve some of the hardest problems in focal cardiac ablation, beginning in the ventricle,” said Mark A. Turco, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Field Medical. “Field PULSE demonstrates that the same high-voltage focal PFA architecture can support an ‘instantaneous ablation’ workflow in the atrium. This growing body of evidence reinforces the range of the platform: depth and focal control in the ventricle, speed and precision in the atrium, and the versatility to address very different cardiac substrates through a familiar point-by-point approach. These results add important clinical evidence as we continue to advance our differentiated PFA platform.”

The study, “High-Voltage Focal PFA Catheter for ‘Instant’ Point-By-Point Ablation: The First-In-Human FIELD-PULSE Trial to Treat AF,” was published online in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology concurrent with the HRX presentation. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2026.09.001.

About Field Medical®, Inc.
Field Medical is a clinical-stage medical technology company committed to advancing pulsed field ablation (PFA) solutions for complex cardiac arrhythmias. The company was founded by Steven Mickelsen, M.D., CTO, a pioneer and global thought leader in PFA whose work has helped shape the evolution of the field. The FieldForce PFA System integrates a focal catheter design with proprietary FieldBending™ energy designed to safely deliver efficient, precise ablation with the goal of improving outcomes in ventricular and atrial arrhythmia treatment. In 2024, Field Medical earned Breakthrough Device Designation and gained entry into the FDA TAP Pilot Program for its ventricular tachycardia indication. In October 2025, the VCAS trial was published in Circulation.

For more information, visit fieldmedicalinc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

The FieldForce™ PFA System is an investigational device and is limited by federal (or United States) law to investigational use.

Media Contact
Holly Windler
619.929.1275
media@fieldmedicalinc.com

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GameSir Announces Official Fortnite Mobile Controller Collection

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5 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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Officially Licensed Fortnite Edition Mobile Controllers Deliver Console-Level Precision and Premium Collectible Designs

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GameSir, a global leader in gaming peripherals, announced its collaboration with Fortnite, introducing an all-new collection of officially licensed mobile controllers that combine GameSir’s award-winning technology with one of the world’s most iconic games.

Launching with the GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition and GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition, the collection is designed for mobile players who demand more from every match. Featuring premium controller technology that delivers console inspired performance, authentic Fortnite-inspired designs, and an in-game bonus item with every controller, the collection delivers an experience that extends well beyond the hardware.

Facilitated by IMG Licensing, the collaboration brings console-quality precision, comfort, and customization to mobile gaming—whether players are dropping into Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, or developer-made games.

“Fortnite has built one of the most passionate communities in gaming, and we’re honored to collaborate on products worthy of that community,” said Eric Bright, Vice President of Partnerships & Product Strategy, North America at GameSir. “Our goal wasn’t simply to build another controller. We wanted to create the ultimate Fortnite experience—from the premium hardware to the authentic character-inspired designs.”

“Fortnite continues to set the standard for how gaming brands connect with players through innovative products and meaningful experiences,” said Louie Sandoval, Vice President of Global Gaming at IMG Licensing. “GameSir has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality gaming peripherals, making them an outstanding partner for this collaboration. We’re excited to see Fortnite fans around the world experience this collection.”

GameSir G8 Plus – Fortnite Edition

The flagship controller for players seeking the ultimate competitive experience.

Drift-resistant Hall Effect sticks for lasting precisionMappable rear buttons for faster edits and personalized controlsConsole-inspired ergonomics for extended gaming sessionsMulti-platform compatibility across today’s leading gaming devicesFortnite-inspired artwork and premium collectible packagingFortnite digital in-game bonus item included with every controller. Depending on which controller, players will get the Bully Emote, Burpee Emote, Gun Show Emote,Page-Turner Emote, Go! Go! Go! Emote, or Harmony Emote with their purchase.

GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX – Fortnite Edition

Designed for Fortnite wherever life takes you.

Ultra-lightweight portable designResponsive wired performanceComfortable controls optimized for mobile gameplayFortnite-inspired stylingFortnite digital in-game bonus item included with every controller. Depending on which controller, players will get the Extra Cheese Glider, Storm Sigil Glider, Cerberus Glider, Snow Squall Glider, or On Your Mark… Emote with their purchase.

Choose Your Legend

Fortnite has always been about expressing your unique style. Whether it’s your outfit, your loadout, or your strategy, every player leaves their own mark on the Island.

The GameSir Fortnite Collection celebrates that individuality with collectible character-inspired editions built for every type of player. Whether you choose the flagship G8 Plus, the ultra-portable X5 Lite for XBOX, or your favorite Fortnite character edition, every controller delivers the premium performance GameSir is known for.

Coming Soon

The GameSir Fortnite Collection launches this fall through GameSir.com and select retail partners worldwide, including Amazon, Best Buy, AliExpress, TikTok Shop and Walmart.

Additional product details, pricing, launch timing, and the included digital in-game bonus will be announced soon.

Follow GameSir on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit for launch updates, creator reveals, livestreams, gameplay demonstrations, and community events.

Join the conversation using:

#PlayFortnite
#ChooseYourLegend
#MyGameSir

About GameSir

GameSir is one of the fastest-growing gaming peripheral brands in the world, delivering award-winning controllers and accessories designed for mobile, PC, console, and cloud gaming. Known for pioneering Hall Effect technology, innovative product design, and strategic collaborations with the world’s leading gaming and entertainment brands, GameSir creates premium hardware that helps players perform at their best while bringing their favorite gaming experiences to life.

Trusted by millions of players worldwide, GameSir partners with many of the world’s leading entertainment and gaming brands to create officially licensed products that blend iconic franchises with industry-leading hardware. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and accessibility, GameSir empowers players of every skill level to play with confidence—whether at home, on the go, or on the competitive stage.

To learn more, visit www.gamesir.com or follow GameSir on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit.

About IMG Licensing

IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.

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