From The Verge · 40 stories
Firefox for iOS Launches Built-In Ad Blocker Using WebKit and EasyList
Mozilla has launched a built-in ad blocking feature for Firefox on iOS, which blocks most third-party ads and trackers. The feature uses Apple's WebKit Content Blocker technology and the EasyList filter, and is disabled by default, requiring users to enable it in settings.
Xbox CEO Confirms Project Helix as a "Family of Devices," Not a Single Console
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma clarified that Project Helix, previously described as Microsoft's "next generation console," will actually be a "family of devices." This indicates a broader hardware strategy for the next Xbox generation, potentially including multiple console variations or form factors.
EPA proposes removing public input requirement for some air pollution permits, impacting data centers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate the requirement for states to seek public feedback on certain air pollution permit applications, a change that could significantly affect data center construction. This move is concerning as local communities increasingly oppose AI data center developments due to their environmental impact, and removing public input could reduce transparency in the approval process.
Speedo Launches SpeedoIQ Smart Swim Tracker Integrated into Vanquisher Goggles
Speedo has introduced SpeedoIQ, a new smart swim tracker that integrates into its Vanquisher goggles, priced at $189. This removable module provides real-time data on swim performance, including all four stroke types, and is approved for use in World Aquatics competitions, offering detailed insights for swimmers.
Apple Maps Opens Ad Booking for Businesses in US and Canada
Apple has launched ad booking for businesses in Apple Maps for the US and Canada, allowing companies to reserve ad placements before ads go live to users. This initiative introduces a new advertising channel within Apple's ecosystem, impacting local businesses and the digital advertising landscape.
SoundCloud Launches Direct Music Sales for Artists, No Commission Taken
SoundCloud introduced a new beta feature allowing artists to sell music directly from their profiles, bypassing third-party platforms. The company will not take a commission from these sales, ensuring artists receive 100% of the revenue before processing fees and taxes. The feature is currently in beta with 200 US-based Artist Pro subscribers and will expand to more creators this fall.
FromSoftware's "The Duskbloods" Announced as Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive
FromSoftware, known for "Elden Ring," is developing "The Duskbloods," a competitive multiplayer vampire game, as an exclusive title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, launching later this year. This marks a genre and platform expansion for the studio and a shift for Nintendo, which typically relies on its own first-party titles.
Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, introduces UI redesigns and new features
Nothing OS 5.0, an Android 17-based update, will begin rolling out in October, starting with an open beta on August 26th for the Nothing Phone 3. The update includes redesigned UI elements, new AI features, new apps, and support for Google's 3D emoji, along with enhanced homescreen customization and a new Glyph Interface app.
CD Projekt Red Targets 2028 Release for The Witcher 4
CD Projekt Red's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski announced that the company is targeting a 2028 release for The Witcher 4, the next mainline installment in the series. This provides a specific timeline for the game, which was first announced in 2022. Nowakowski described the game as the company's "biggest, boldest and most ambitious game to date."
Pixel 11 Pro Series Introduces HiLight LED for Call and Gemini Notifications
Google has launched HiLight, an ambient LED array on the Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold, which provides visual cues for incoming calls from favorite contacts and acts as a Gemini assistant indicator. This feature integrates with the Phone by Google app and WhatsApp for call notifications, offering five color options for contacts and visual feedback for Gemini's states.
Patreon launches 30 new creator features, including short-form Clips and revamped discovery
Patreon released 30 new features for creators, including short-form video Clips and an updated discovery algorithm. These changes aim to help creators reach new audiences and build community on the platform, addressing challenges creators face with broader social media platforms.
FCC eliminates gigabit broadband speed goal, citing technological neutrality concerns
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has abolished the gigabit speed goal for broadband, which was established during the Biden administration. The FCC stated that the gigabit goal was not "technologically neutral" and could be prejudicial to slower technologies like satellite and fixed wireless, despite fiber networks routinely offering such speeds.
Valve Leaks Steam Frame VR Headset Unboxing and Setup Videos
Valve accidentally published and then removed several videos demonstrating the unboxing, setup, and accessories for its Steam Frame virtual-reality headset. These leaked videos provide a detailed look at the device's physical adjustments and streaming capabilities, suggesting an imminent launch for the VR headset.
Sony's Pulse Elevate Wireless Gaming Speakers Launch November 12 for $219.99
Sony will release its Pulse Elevate wireless gaming speakers on November 12 for $219.99, with pre-orders starting September 1. These speakers feature planar magnetic drivers, PlayStation Link low-latency technology, and Tempest 3D AudioTech, offering a new audio option for PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, and Mac users.
OpenAI Reportedly Disbands AI Preparedness Team, Reassigns Safety Responsibilities
OpenAI has reportedly disbanded its preparedness team, which was responsible for assessing and mitigating serious risks posed by AI models. This move reassigns safety functions to existing teams focused on specific areas like bio and cyber, raising concerns about the company's commitment to AI safety amidst leadership changes and an impending IPO.
Microsoft Edge to End Support for Manifest V2 Extensions, Impacting Ad Blockers
Microsoft Edge is ending support for Manifest V2 extensions, a move that will disable older ad blockers like uBlock Origin, mirroring a change previously made by Google Chrome. This transition means users of these specific extensions will need to switch to newer MV3 versions or alternative browsers, as MV3 limits the functionality of ad-blocking extensions.
Judge Orders Google to Simplify Third-Party App Store Installation on Android
A US District Court judge has ordered Google to remove "anticompetitive friction" that complicates the installation of rival app stores on Android. The ruling mandates changes to how third-party app stores appear in Google Play Store search results and their installation process, following arguments from Epic Games that Google's current implementation is insufficient.
Netflix Closes Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, Shifts Gaming Focus
Netflix is shutting down two game studios, Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, and reducing staff within its in-house games team. This move signals a shift in Netflix's gaming strategy towards TV-based party games, kids gaming, narrative experiences, and mainstream titles, moving away from its initial mobile-focused approach and prestige indie games.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X Launches with Hybrid System and 721 Horsepower
Chevrolet has introduced the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X, a new hybrid sports car that replaces the E-Ray model. This track-focused vehicle features a new engine, a hybrid system, and 721 horsepower, incorporating software adjustments and additional drive modes for enhanced performance.
Fenix Flexin's "Rubberz" Reaches Billboard Hot 100 Amidst AI Generation Claims
Rapper Fenix Flexin's song "Rubberz" reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulated over 35 million Spotify streams, sparking debate over its origins. The song's stylistic shift, audio anomalies, and an AI detection tool from Treblo, an AI music generation company, led to speculation that it was AI-generated. Flexin initially denied AI use but later stated he never denied it, claiming he was unaware of the tool until mixing.
Toni Schneider Appointed Permanent CEO of Bluesky; Jay Graber Becomes Chief Innovation Officer
Toni Schneider has been appointed the permanent CEO of Bluesky, transitioning from his interim role. Former CEO Jay Graber is now the Chief Innovation Officer. Schneider and COO Rose Wang will present at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss Bluesky's strategy for an open, protocol-based social media.
Amazon Exits MMO Publishing, Transfers Live Operations for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is transferring the live operations of its Western MMO titles, Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty, to other companies, marking its exit from the MMO publishing space. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, and NC (via FirstSpark Games) will manage Throne and Liberty in Q4 2026. This follows Amazon's broader strategy shift towards cloud gaming, party games, and titles based on existing Amazon franchises.
Trump Nominates Republican to FCC, Potentially Creating 3-1 Majority
President Trump nominated Republican Danielle Thumann Severs to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If confirmed, this nomination would give Republicans a 3-1 majority on the commission, departing from the historical norm of a 3-2 party split and potentially strengthening Chairman Brendan Carr's policy support.
Insta360 Releases X6 Action Camera with Larger Sensors and 8K/50fps Recording
Insta360 has launched the X6, a new 360-degree action camera featuring larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensors and improved 8K recording at 50fps. The X6 offers a more compact design than its predecessors, along with more durable and affordable replaceable lenses, and enhanced low-light performance with Dolby Vision support. It is available starting at $699.99.
Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Prototype Leaks with Built-in Screen
Images of a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller have surfaced, reportedly purchased for $200 on OfferUp. The device features a small built-in screen, a new "Pair Button," and two scroll wheels, aligning with previous leaks from a Brazilian regulator. This leak provides a potential look at upcoming hardware revisions for Microsoft's premium gaming controller.
Google TV Freeplay Adds Over 10,000 On-Demand Movies and Shows
Google TV Freeplay, the company's free ad-supported streaming service, now offers over 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows in addition to its existing live TV channels. This expansion allows users to select content to watch at any time, moving beyond its previous live-channels-only model and positioning it to compete with other free streaming services.
Joby Aviation Acquires Resonant Sciences for $500 Million to Expand Defense Business
Joby Aviation is acquiring Dayton, Ohio-based defense firm Resonant Sciences for $500 million, comprising $450 million in cash and $50 million in equity. This acquisition establishes a dedicated defense division for Joby, integrating Resonant Sciences' radio frequency, sensing, and mission systems capabilities, and allowing Joby's commercial division to focus on air taxi development.
New York and Illinois Enact Age Verification Laws for Online Platforms and OS
New York's SAFE for Kids Act, effective January 25, 2027, requires social media platforms to implement age verification for algorithmic feeds and late-night notifications. Concurrently, Illinois' Children's Online Social Media Safety Act (HB5511), effective January 1, 2028, mandates age verification at the operating system level for devices sold or used in the state, impacting device manufacturers, OS providers, and app stores.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra with New Form Factor and Pricing
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the Z Fold 8 featuring a new wider form factor starting at $1,899. The Z Fold 8 Ultra, which retains a similar design to its predecessor, starts at $2,099, marking a price increase. Both devices are available for preorder and ship with Android 17 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
AMD Launches Radeon RX 9050 GPU, Including 4GB VRAM Variant
AMD has launched the Radeon RX 9050 graphics card, featuring both 8GB and 4GB VRAM configurations. The 4GB variant marks the return of lower VRAM options to new GPUs, while early benchmarks indicate the 8GB RX 9050 is approximately 30% slower than Nvidia's RTX 5050 in gaming.
Bose Updates QuietComfort Headphones with Immersive Audio and Enhanced ANC
Bose released a second-generation version of its QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones, featuring TrueSpatial immersive audio, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and lossless audio support via USB-C. These updates bring features previously exclusive to the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra series to the QuietComfort line, with a price of $359.
Grand Theft Auto VI 'Extended Look' to Premiere on Netflix Six Hours Before YouTube
Rockstar Games will release an "extended look" at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27th. Netflix subscribers will have exclusive early access to the preview at 3 PM ET, six hours before it becomes available on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM ET. This marks a collaboration between Rockstar Games and Netflix for the highly anticipated game, which follows GTA V, a title that sold nearly 230 million copies.
LG's 27GX704A-B OLED gaming monitor now priced at $379.99
LG's glossy 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, the 27GX704A-B, is currently on sale for $379.99, down from its original price of $799.99. This sale highlights the rarity of high-performance OLED monitors available at this price point, appealing to budget-conscious gamers.
SpaceX Plans Terrestrial Mobile Network to Compete with Major US Carriers
SpaceX announced plans to build a terrestrial mobile network using spectrum acquired from EchoStar, aiming to directly compete with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. This initiative expands on its existing Starlink Mobile service, which currently augments carrier networks, by offering a full mobile service.
Reddit Introduces AI-Powered Moderation Tools and Aims to Reduce Karma's Importance
Reddit is rolling out "Rules Hub," a new suite of AI-powered moderation tools that use large language models (LLMs) to evaluate post and comment intent against rules. This system is currently expanding to all newly created communities and is intended to eventually replace the keyword-dependent Automoderator, aiming to make communities more accessible to new users by reducing reliance on karma and account age for posting permissions.
Signal Expands Multi-Device Support to Link Multiple Phones to One Account
Signal has updated its messaging app to allow users to link multiple phones, including Android and iPhone devices, to a single Signal account. This update, rolling out with version 8.20 on Android and 8.22 on iOS, enables message synchronization across all linked devices and offers an option to transfer end-to-end encrypted message history.
Samsung Launches HDR10+ Advanced on 2026 TVs with Prime Video Content
Samsung is rolling out HDR10+ Advanced, an updated image quality format, to its 2026 TV models this month, initially for content on Prime Video. This new version introduces Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing, aiming to deliver more precise HDR and localized tone mapping without Dolby's licensing fees.
Pokémon Go Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Live Mewtwo Raid in Times Square
Pokémon Go marked its 10th anniversary with a live event in New York City featuring nearly 2,000 players participating in a raid battle with Mewtwo. The event highlighted the game's enduring appeal and community-focused nature, achieving the game's original vision of bringing players together. Pokémon Go, since its 2016 launch, continues to draw millions of daily users worldwide.
Major Labels Propose Rules to Exclude AI-Generated Music from Global Charts
Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, alongside other labels, are advocating for new regulations to prevent AI-generated songs from entering global music charts. Their proposal requires songs to be "substantially human-made" and adhere to specific legal criteria regarding AI use, aiming to address concerns about streaming fraud and unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Outlines Strategy for Growth and Profitability by 2027
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma detailed a strategy to return Xbox to player and revenue growth and improve profits to industry averages by the end of fiscal year 2027. This plan follows recent layoffs, studio spin-offs, and a 10% quarterly revenue decline, aiming to address challenges like increasing component costs and an overextended studio slate.