From The Verge · 40 stories
YouTuber Hank Green Apologizes for AI Chatbot Use in Video Production
YouTuber Hank Green apologized to his audience for using AI chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, for research in his video production, describing the usage as "not healthy." The incident led to criticism regarding authenticity and prompted Green to announce a reduction in his video output.
House House Releases Co-op Exploration Game "Big Walk" Emphasizing Communication
House House, the developer of "Untitled Goose Game," has released "Big Walk," a new online cooperative puzzle game. Players explore a large island and solve puzzles together, with communication primarily facilitated through proximity chat.
Game Freak Releases New Action RPG "Beast of Reincarnation" to Mixed Reception
Game Freak, the studio primarily known for the Pokémon series, has released a new action RPG titled "Beast of Reincarnation." The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan and features a mercenary protagonist, but has received criticism for a lack of innovative ideas and repetitive gameplay.
Shark's ChillPill Fan Debuts with Versatile Cooling Features at Reduced Price
Shark has launched the ChillPill handheld fan with a three-in-one cooling system. Priced at £129.99, it features a rechargeable fan with a dry-touch evaporative mister and flexible design options. The device is currently available at a discounted price of $99.99 on Amazon and Costco.
SFB Games Releases "The Mermaid Mask," Latest Detective Grimoire Mystery Game
SFB Games has released "The Mermaid Mask," a new point-and-click mystery game featuring Detective Grimoire and his partner Sally. The game, a sequel in the Detective Grimoire series, tasks players with solving a locked-room murder on a submarine and is available on platforms including Nintendo Switch 2.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Remake Released, Updates Original Game with Unreal Engine 5
A full remake of the original Halo game, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, has been released, updating the classic campaign experience with modern visuals and expanded cutscenes. The remake aims to bring the original game's story and gameplay to contemporary audiences using Unreal Engine 5.
Support for Full School Day Cellphone Bans Reaches New High in US
A new Pew Research Center survey indicates that 48% of US adults now support banning cellphones for the entire school day in middle and high schools, marking the first time support for such bans outweighs opposition. This represents an increase from 36% two years ago. Additionally, 77% of US adults support banning cellphones in middle and high school classes.
Midjourney acquires astrology app Co-Star
Midjourney, known for its AI image and video generators, has acquired the social astrology application Co-Star. This acquisition expands Midjourney's product portfolio beyond its core AI offerings and into consumer applications.
Lego releases Donkey Kong arcade machine set with functional game
Lego has released a $200 Donkey Kong arcade machine set, designed by Carl Merriam, which includes a basic functional game where Jumpman (Mario) can jump endless barrels. The set reportedly received approval from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and features original Lego barrel elements from 1989.
Instagram Adds Feature to Replace Music in Existing Posts
Instagram now allows users to swap out music in their existing feed posts and carousels without losing engagement metrics. This new feature aims to provide creators with more flexibility to align their content with current trends or personal preferences.
Nintendo Switch 2 Discounts: $399 at Woot and $449.99 with Free Game at Amazon
The Nintendo Switch 2 console is currently available at a discounted price on different platforms. Woot offers it for $399 for new customers and $427 for returning customers, while Amazon sells it at $449.99, including a free digital game. This is significant as the console's price is set to rise to $499.99 in September.
Google Open-Sources Redesigned 3D Noto Emoji for Cross-Platform Use
Google announced the redesign of its entire emoji collection into a 3D format called 'Noto 3D', which will first be available on Pixel phones. These newly designed emojis, debuting with Android 17 later this year, have been open-sourced, allowing developers to incorporate them into various applications. It marks a shift towards greater cross-platform consistency while retaining some of Google's original design ethos.
Affordable Kodak EC35 Film Camera Released at $35
Reto Project has launched the Kodak EC35, a 35mm film camera priced at $34.99. Designed to be beginner-friendly, it has a fixed 25mm f/10 lens and basic manual controls. Available in seven colors, this camera offers an affordable entry into film photography.
Amazon's God Of War Series Recasts Kratos After Actor Injury
Amazon's upcoming God of War series has recast the lead role of Kratos after actor Ryan Hurst sustained a bicep injury on set. The injury led to production halting and plans to reshoot the completed episodes with a new actor, delaying the series launch. This update follows Hurst's inability to return to filming due to extended recovery time.
Netflix Releases Stranger Things Season 1 in Nostalgic VHS Format
Netflix has released a special VHS-style edition of Stranger Things Season 1 in celebration of its 10th anniversary. This edition uses a video format reminiscent of the 1980s, featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and grainy visuals, appealing to fans of the show's nostalgic aesthetic. The Duffer brothers hinted at potential future releases if this edition proves successful.
Skullcandy Launches Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones with Bose ANC Technology
Skullcandy has released its Crusher 1080 ANC headphones, incorporating Bose's QuietControl ANC technology and haptic bass system. Priced at approximately $270, they offer adjustable bass and clear audio with new drivers, challenging established competitors in the headphone market. The integration of Bose's technologies marks a significant enhancement in audio quality and experience.
Xtra Muse Camera Undercuts DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in Price Wars
Xtra Muse portable camera is now priced at $329, offering a $50 price advantage over the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Both cameras target the vlogging market with features like Bluetooth mic compatibility. Price competitiveness in the portable camera segment intensifies, reflecting shifts in market strategies.
Asus ROG Flow Z13 Price Reduced by $900 at Best Buy
Best Buy has reduced the price of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet from $2,999.99 to $2,099.99. This 2-in-1 device features an AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 chipset, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it appealing for gaming and AI applications. The price drop makes this hybrid device a compelling purchase in the current market.
WhatCable App for Mac Helps Identify USB-C Cable Capabilities
The free Mac app WhatCable enables Apple Silicon users to discover the performance of their USB-C cables, revealing data such as speed, power delivery, and video bandwidth. The app uses macOS data to assess cable capabilities, addressing confusion around USB-C cable specifications. WhatCable provides users a way to optimize their connections and identify faulty cables.
Talisman Design Launches Wizard-Themed PocketMage PDA with E-Paper Screen
Talisman Design has introduced the PocketMage, a clamshell PDA featuring e-paper and OLED displays. This device offers a distraction-free smartphone alternative with a wizard-themed OS including a digital tarot deck and other unique features. It is available for preorder with two purchase options, shipping expected by 2027.
Microsoft Releases Update to Fix Windows 11 Storage Bug in CapabilityAccessManager File
Microsoft has issued an optional update to address a storage bug in Windows 11 where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file grew excessively, consuming significant disk space. The June 2026 update resolves issues that led the file to occupy up to 500GB on users' devices. Fixing this bug will prevent storage issues related to app permissions.
Amble Launches $25,000 Electric Buggy for Short-Range Mobility
Amble has unveiled the Amble One, a $25,000 lightweight electric vehicle designed for short-range use. Featuring a range of over 60 miles and a top speed of 40 mph, it targets environments such as coastal paths and hotels where traditional cars might be too large. This move highlights the diversification in the EV market focused on niche mobility solutions.
Amazon Updates Fire HD 10 Tablet with Increased RAM
Amazon has refreshed its Fire HD 10 tablet, increasing RAM in the 32GB model from 3GB to 4GB, with a price rise to $154.99. The 64GB version remains at 3GB RAM. The update, possibly influenced by memory supply issues, maintains other core specs like the 2GHz octa-core processor and 10.1-inch display.
CrossPoint Reader firmware adds Libby and Kobo ebook support to Xteink e-readers
The alternative CrossPoint Reader firmware for Xteink X3, X4, and X4 Pro e-readers now supports third-party plugins, enabling access to DRM-protected ebooks from services like Libby and Kobo. This development addresses a previous limitation of Xteink devices, which required users to source DRM-free ebooks independently.
Sony Releases A7R VI Camera with 66.8-Megapixel Sensor and 30fps Burst Shooting
Sony has released the A7R VI, a new high-resolution camera featuring a 66.8-megapixel sensor and a Bionz XR2 processor, enabling 30 frames per second burst shooting without viewfinder blackout. This release signifies an advancement in high-resolution camera capabilities, allowing for fast, silent shooting across various photography types, which was previously challenging with high-megapixel cameras.
Artist Justin Blinder creates 'Ground Truth' device that alters bike resistance based on housing affordability
Artist Justin Blinder developed "Ground Truth," a device that attaches to a bicycle and adjusts pedaling difficulty based on the housing affordability of the rider's current location. The device makes cycling harder in areas with higher housing costs, aiming to physically represent economic inequalities. This project translates abstract economic data into a tangible, physical experience for the rider.
Lamborghini introduces Revuelto SV with increased horsepower and battery capacity
Lamborghini has released the Revuelto SV, an upgraded version of its flagship V12 supercar, featuring a 50 hp boost and an enhanced battery. This update provides higher performance for Lamborghini's top-tier hybrid-electric model.
Hoto Introduces Cordless Soldering Iron with 3-Second Heat-Up Time
Hoto has launched its first soldering iron, the I-A06 Cordless Soldering Iron, which heats to over 200 degrees Celsius in approximately three seconds and offers an adjustable temperature range of 100 to 450 degrees Celsius. This release expands Hoto's modular Snapbloq toolkit line, providing a portable soldering solution that can also be plugged in for higher power output.
2K establishes Small Axe Studios to develop a new sports franchise, possibly soccer
2K has launched a new AAA game development studio, Small Axe Studios, with the goal of creating its next major sports franchise. While not explicitly stated, indications suggest the studio may be developing a soccer game to compete with EA Sports FC.
Kinetic Publishing unveils five new indie games, including Sam Barlow's "Precognition"
Kinetic Publishing, a new indie publisher formed by the developers of Phasmophobia, showcased five upcoming games, with release dates in 2027 and 2028. The lineup includes "Precognition," the next title from Sam Barlow, known for "Telling Lies" and "Immortality," which will feature FMV and nonlinear storytelling.
Google Pixel 11 to include new Creator Suite for content creation
Google is integrating a new Creator Suite into the Pixel 11's camera app, featuring tools like a teleprompter and vocal enhancer. This initiative aims to support content creators by providing built-in features for recording, organizing, editing, and publishing content directly from the device.
Jaguar reveals interior of all-electric Type 01 ahead of October 6th official reveal
Jaguar has released initial images of the interior for its upcoming all-electric Type 01 vehicle, showcasing a minimalist design with a central smartphone-style display and a "ClearSight Rear View Display." This reveal provides a preview of the first production vehicle built on Jaguar's Electric Architecture, with a full unveiling scheduled for October 6th.
Entrepreneur launches Gamgee startup for personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs
Paul Conyngham, an Australian entrepreneur, has launched Gamgee, a startup focused on personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs, expanding on his previous claims of using AI to create a vaccine for his own dog. The company, backed by Y Combinator, aims to develop personalized treatments for various species, including humans, despite previous reports questioning the scientific claims behind its origin story.
Meta launches Threads app for Meta Quest VR headsets
Meta has released a Threads app for its Meta Quest VR headsets, allowing users to browse feeds, post, like, reply, and search within the VR environment. This launch follows the app's availability on Ray-Ban Display AR glasses and Threads surpassing 500 million monthly active users, indicating Meta's strategy to integrate its social platform across its hardware ecosystem.
Amazon order confirmation emails now list only item categories, not specific products
Amazon has changed its order confirmation emails to display only general item categories instead of specific product names, requiring customers to visit the Amazon website to identify purchases. This change, which began in July, has led to customer complaints about difficulty tracking orders and emails resembling spam or phishing attempts.
GuliKit ES Max Controller Features New Anti-Drift TMR Thumbsticks and Multi-Platform Support
GuliKit released the ES Max wireless controller, which incorporates an improved tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbstick technology designed to prevent stick drift. This new controller offers broader compatibility and additional features compared to its predecessor and Nintendo's official Switch Pro Controller.
Zuckerberg's Yacht Near Stranded Boat Rescued by Cruise Ship in Alaska
A small skiff that ran out of fuel near Farragut Bay, Alaska, was rescued by the cruise ship Wilderness Legacy, despite tracking data indicating Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht, Launchpad, was closer. Zuckerberg's spokesperson stated he and his family were not aboard, the Coast Guard determined the boat was not in distress, and the yacht's crew was on a different radio channel.
Bluesky Introduces Option to Hide Reposts from Specific Users and Beta Thread Numbering
Bluesky has rolled out a new feature allowing users to hide reposts from individual accounts in their feeds. Additionally, a beta feature for automatically numbering posts in threads has been launched.
NovelKeys Releases Preassembled Classic-TKL Underscore Edition Mechanical Keyboard
NovelKeys has released a preassembled version of its Classic-TKL mechanical keyboard, called the Underscore Edition, priced at $189. Previously available only as a kit, this new offering targets users who want a retro-styled keyboard without the need for self-assembly. This makes the Classic-TKL more accessible to a broader audience who prefer ready-to-use peripherals.
Ford launches AI assistant in mobile app, plans in-vehicle integration by 2027
Ford introduced a new AI-powered assistant for its mobile app, allowing users to query vehicle-specific information like fuel levels and towing capacity. This initial app-based rollout will be followed by in-vehicle voice integration by 2027, as automakers increasingly add AI features to their products.