From The Verge · 40 stories
DJI Launches Osmo Pocket 4P Gimbal Camera with Dual Lenses, Unavailable in US
DJI has globally launched the Osmo Pocket 4P, a new gimbal camera featuring a dual-lens system with a 20mm-equivalent wide-angle and a 60mm-equivalent telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom. The device, which records 4K video, will not be sold in the United States due to ongoing government restrictions on DJI products.
Ferrari Luce EV Reaches 2026 Sales Target Within Two Months of Launch
Ferrari's first electric vehicle, the Luce, designed by Jony Ive, has reportedly met its 2026 sales goal of "just under 500" units within two months of its launch. The €550,000 EV saw strong demand from China and tech hubs like Silicon Valley, indicating early market acceptance despite initial criticism.
reMarkable releases Paper Pure tablet focused on distraction-free writing
reMarkable launched the Paper Pure tablet, designed for users seeking a distraction-free writing experience. Priced at $399, it features a revamped design, enhanced handwriting recognition, and calendar integration for streamlined note-taking.
iOS Beta Code Suggests Apple Could Restrict iPhones for Missed Payments
Code in an iOS 27 beta indicates a "Restricted Mode" feature that could disable most apps on financed iPhones if payments are missed. A "Partner Finance Lock" would also prevent users from erasing or reselling devices in this mode. This potential feature would allow Apple or its financing partners to directly enforce payment terms on devices, altering device ownership rights for financed iPhones.
Hugging Face Models Generate Nonconsensual Deepfakes, Lacking Safeguards
A report by European nonprofit AI Forensics found that seven of the top nine image editing models on Hugging Face generated nonconsensual deepfakes of women and children using simple prompts. This indicates a lack of platform-level safeguards on Hugging Face, contrasting with other mainstream generative AI models, and raises concerns about the proliferation of harmful AI applications.
Nothing Denies Market Exit, Confirms Layoffs and AI Business Unit
Nothing cofounder Akis Evangelidis denied reports of the company exiting global markets and inaccurate sales figures for its Phone (4b), stating the device sold nearly 30,000 units on its first day. Evangelidis confirmed a reorganization of teams, including the creation of an AI-native business unit, which has impacted some positions, though the scale of reported layoffs was disputed.
NHTSA to Develop New Safety Rules for Vehicle Exit Mechanisms Following Tesla Incidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will begin developing new requirements for automakers regarding safe vehicle exits. This action follows incidents where individuals became trapped in cars with flush, electronically operated door handles, such as those on Tesla vehicles, and could lead to new federal motor vehicle standards affecting all manufacturers.
Microsoft Tests Free, Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming for Xbox Insiders
Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to stream games they own for one-hour sessions. Ads will play before the session begins, and the test is available for a limited time. This initiative aims to provide more affordable access to Xbox games.
Garmin Launches Screen-Free Cirqa Fitness Tracker for $199.99
Garmin has unveiled the Cirqa, a $199.99 screen-free fitness tracker offering extensive health monitoring without subscription fees. The device tracks metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature with a 10-day battery life. It competes with subscription-based products from Whoop and Fitbit, offering connections to the Garmin Connect app for additional insights.
Nintendo Unveils Solo-Focused Splatoon Raiders, a New Looter Shooter Spin-Off
Nintendo has introduced Splatoon Raiders, a looter shooter that shifts from the series' typical team-based format to focus on solo play. While some users find it engaging, others note that cooperative play enhances the experience. It represents Nintendo's ongoing effort to make shooters more accessible beyond competitive play.
Halliday's Second-Generation Smart Glasses Aim to Improve User Experience
Halliday has released its second-generation smart glasses, addressing previous display issues with improved waveguide technology. These new glasses come without a camera and feature a separate display for each eye, targeting work meetings as their primary use case. Halliday learned from its first-generation criticisms to enhance the viewing experience.
Sony Files Lawsuit Against Udio Over 30,000 AI-Generated Songs
Sony Music Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Udio alleging the AI music generator infringed on over 30,000 copyrighted songs. The lawsuit, separate from a previous attempt to expand claims, includes famous tracks by artists like Elvis and Beyoncé. This legal action underscores ongoing copyright issues in AI-generated music.
FCC Fines and Plans Ban on DJI-Tech Disguised Products Citing National Security
The FCC has fined eight companies $25,000 each for not responding to inquiries about their use of DJI technology. The Commission plans a retroactive ban on their drones and cameras, given concerns over evading foreign drone bans. This crackdown reflects national security concerns involving disguised DJI tech in the US.
Google Pixel 11 and 11a to Debut with Tensor G6 Using TSMC's 2nm Process
The upcoming Google Pixel 11 series will be the first to feature the Tensor G6 chip using TSMC's new 2nm process, ahead of Apple's iPhone 18. The Pixel 11a will also use this processor, which includes a new MediaTek modem aimed at improving connectivity and power efficiency.
Pentagon Implements Mandatory Testosterone Screenings for Service Members Over 30
The Pentagon, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, will implement mandatory testosterone screenings for service members aged 30 and older. This measure aims to maintain performance and health, though its broad applicability raises medical and ethical questions. Offering optional screenings for younger members, the initiative focuses on hormonal health but faces scrutiny over its potential benefits.
Obsidian Focuses on New Fallout Game Amid Massive Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft's restructuring has led Obsidian Entertainment to cancel the Avowed sequel to develop a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer. Meanwhile, Bethesda confirms Fallout 5 development amid significant layoffs. This indicates Microsoft's focus on established franchises during organizational changes.
Netflix Utilizes Generative AI in Over 300 Titles to Enhance Production
Netflix employed generative AI in over 300 titles, primarily in post-production, to accelerate production and cut costs. The series "The American Experiment" notably includes 17 minutes of AI-assisted footage, produced quicker and cheaper than traditional methods.
CD Sales Surge in 2026, Surpassing Vinyl Growth
CD sales in the US rose by 16% to 16.3 million units in the first half of 2026, surpassing vinyl's 2.4% growth. Increased sales are driven by K-pop releases and younger generations viewing CDs as collectibles. This reflects a broader revival of physical music sales, including LPs and cassettes.
Valve Retains Steam Deck OEM Parts Supply Through iFixit
Valve confirms continued supply of original Steam Deck batteries via iFixit, reversing a potential discontinuation. This move maintains repairability for users and upholds Valve's commitment to device longevity.
Neko Health Raises $700 Million, Plans US Expansion with First Clinic in New York
Neko Health, co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, has raised $700 million in a Series C funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and O.G. Venture Partners. The funds will support the company's US expansion plans, starting with its first clinic in New York, offering AI-enabled body scans and blood tests. This development signifies a significant step in the company's mission to enhance preventive healthcare through technology.
Lucid Motors Denies Bankruptcy Rumors Amid Stock Volatility
Lucid Motors has denied reports that it is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy, stating it has ample liquidity for operations. The company's stock price had dropped over 50% earlier in the week amid the rumors, which also affected EV companies Rivian and Polestar.
Motorola Edge 70 Max Sets Benchmark with 25W Wireless Charging and Qi2 Support
Motorola has launched the Edge 70 Max, its flagship Android phone with a massive 7100mAh battery and groundbreaking 25W wireless Qi2 charging. This innovation positions it as the first Android device with built-in Qi2 magnets at this power level, challenging previous cap limits and potentially influencing the broader smartphone market.
Sony's FlexStrike Fight Stick for PS5 Delayed Indefinitely Due to Production Issues
Sony has indefinitely delayed the launch of its FlexStrike wireless fight stick for PS5 and PC. Originally set for an August 6 release to coincide with the Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls game, the postponement is due to unexpected production delays, impacting gamers and pre-order customers. Sony promises more updates soon.
Netflix Considers Launching Always-On Channels Amid Engagement Challenges
Netflix is exploring the introduction of always-on channels to address declining user engagement and enhance ad revenue. This initiative would directly compete with free streaming platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi by offering non-stop streaming content. The move also aligns with strategies to incorporate streaming bundles as demonstrated by competitors like Apple TV and Prime Video.
Sony Releases RX10 V Superzoom Camera with New Stacked Sensor, Priced at $2,299.99
Sony has launched the RX10 V superzoom camera with a new 20.1 megapixel stacked sensor, enabling 30fps shooting. Priced at $2,299.99, the camera features 4K video recording at 120fps and a redesigned body but retains its predecessor's lens design. The upgrades make it suitable for both photographers and videographers.
Character.AI Launches Interactive AI-Generated Microdramas
Character.AI has introduced c.ai Series, featuring AI-generated microdramas that allow user interaction with characters post-viewing. This venture into the $26 billion microdrama market combines artificial intelligence with popular genres to offer a unique storytelling experience.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 Sees Price Hike to $399 Amid Hardware Cost Increases
Google's Pixel Watch 5 is set to launch at $399, showing a $50 increase over the previous model due to rising material costs. Leaks suggest it will be released on August 20 with multiple size and variant options. This pricing shift aligns with broader industry trends and highlights the impact of global memory shortages.
Netflix Faces Significant Viewership Drop for Second Seasons
Netflix has reported substantial viewer losses for second seasons of major shows like 'One Piece' and 'Beef.' Over 30% of 'One Piece' viewers and 70% of 'Beef' viewers did not return. This raises concerns over Netflix's content strategy and its ability to retain audiences in a competitive streaming market.
Netflix Partners with Publishers for Short-Form Content to Address Viewer Retention
Netflix, starting August 3, integrates short-form video content from publishers like BuzzFeed and Condé Nast to address declining binge-watching retention. The content, varying from 2 to over 20 minutes, includes both licensed and new series, targeting audiences in several major regions.
iRobot Introduces Roomba Electro Plus, Its First Manual Floor Cleaner
iRobot unveiled the Roomba Electro Plus, its first non-robotic floor cleaner, retailing at $399. The manual device cleans and disinfects hard floors using electrolyzed tap water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. Additionally, iRobot announced five new robot vacuum models with enhanced features set to replace current models by 2025. This reflects iRobot's expansion beyond robotic cleaners, emphasizing safer and efficient cleaning technology.
Google Search Console Now Tracks Social Media Traffic
Google has introduced a new feature in Search Console called 'platform properties'. It allows content creators to track which search terms direct users to their social media profiles and YouTube content. This update provides detailed insights into clicks, impressions, and traffic trends, aiding creators in understanding audience interactions and enhancing their visibility across various platforms.
Marshall Launches Acton IV and Stanmore IV Speakers with Improved Sound and Repairability
Marshall has released the Acton IV and Stanmore IV Bluetooth speakers, enhancing sound quality and repairability. Priced at $299.99 and $399.99 respectively, these models feature upgraded components for better sound dispersion and customizable controls. User-replaceable parts aim to improve product longevity.
Xbox Announces Major Restructuring: Layoffs and Studio Changes Ahead
Microsoft's Xbox division will undergo a major restructuring, resulting in layoffs of approximately 3,200 employees, with 1,600 affected immediately. The cuts may include studio closures as part of a broader strategic 'Xbox reset' by new CEO Asha Sharma. The company aims to address financial challenges by restructuring its content portfolio and managing lower operating margins compared to peers.
Jon Prosser Disputes Apple Lawsuit Allegations, Blames Co-Defendant
Jon Prosser has formally responded to Apple's lawsuit concerning alleged leaks of iOS information. Prosser denied conspiracy and attributed responsibility to co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti, acknowledging a shared call on unreleased iOS features. The case focuses attention on data leaks and accountability.
Sony to Transform PlayStation Disc Factory to Microlens Production by 2028
Sony's Thalgau factory in Austria will shift from manufacturing 600,000 discs daily to producing optical microlenses by 2028, cutting disc production by 90%. This strategic move aligns with Sony's pivot to digital PlayStation content, with a €30 million ($34 million) investment to retrain 300 employees.
Netflix Uses AI to Recreate Gene Wilder's Voice for New Wonka Reality Show
Netflix has announced that its upcoming reality show "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," set to premiere on September 23, will feature an AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder. This decision, made in collaboration with ElevenLabs and with the consent of Wilder's family, has elicited mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concerns over the use of AI in this manner.
Trump Claims US is Renaming AI to 'Super Intelligence'
Donald Trump stated that the US is officially renaming artificial intelligence to "super intelligence," claiming the word "artificial" makes intelligence sound fake. He announced this during a speech at the UN General Assembly, suggesting all US documents and potentially global ones would adopt the new term.
Paramount Appoints Ynon Kreiz as Co-CEO Ahead of Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Close
Paramount appointed Ynon Kreiz, former Mattel CEO, as co-CEO to lead the company alongside David Ellison, effective October 5th. This appointment occurs as Paramount's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery nears completion, following a recent legal settlement approval.
Keurig Launches Alta Machine Using Plastic-Free, Compostable Coffee Pucks
Keurig released its new Alta single-serve coffee machine, which uses compostable AltaRounds coffee pucks instead of plastic and aluminum pods. This release offers a more environmentally friendly option for single-serve coffee brewing while maintaining convenience.
Amazon delivery drivers to use smart glasses taking constant photos, raising privacy concerns
Amazon plans to equip delivery drivers with smart glasses that will take thousands of photos per shift, uploading them to its AI Wellspring platform. This initiative aims to "enhance the delivery process" but raises significant privacy concerns for both drivers and customers, with no current opt-out option or clear data retention policy.