From The Verge · 40 stories
49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Reveals Tesla Autopilot Was Engaged During His Car Crash
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed that his Tesla's Autopilot system was active during a recent car accident in Palo Alto. Shanahan stated he still takes responsibility for the crash, emphasizing that drivers cannot fully delegate control to a computer.
Musician Tom Vek launches new, smaller version of Sleevenote digital music player
Musician Tom Vek has released a new, smaller, and cheaper version of his Sleevenote digital music player, which aims to integrate digital audio with the visual experience of album art and liner notes. This device offers an alternative to traditional physical media like CDs and cassettes for an offline music experience.
Nitecore Releases NB10000 Gen 4 Power Bank, Featuring Lighter and More Compact Design
Nitecore has launched the NB10000 Gen 4 power bank, which is lighter and more compact than previous models due to a silicon-carbon anode battery. This update offers improved portability and energy density for users needing a lightweight charging solution.
Walmart-sponsored gaming site Restart lays off entire editorial staff
Restart, a gaming media website launched in late 2024 and sponsored by Walmart, has laid off its entire editorial team. This development raises questions about the future operation and content strategy of the site, which was presented as editorially independent despite its corporate backing.
Disney Plus tests AI-powered search for personalized content recommendations
Disney Plus is testing a new AI-powered search tool that uses natural language, voice queries, or suggested prompts to generate customized rows of show and movie recommendations for a small group of subscribers. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend toward AI-driven recommendation systems to help users navigate large content catalogs.
Uli Latukefu Cast as Ganondorf in Zelda Movie; Multi-Picture Deal Hints at Sequels
Uli Latukefu has been cast as Ganondorf in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, with reports indicating a multi-picture deal. This casting suggests Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment may be planning multiple films for the franchise.
SoftBank Donated $50 Million to Trump Library Months Before Federal Data Center Deal
SoftBank contributed $50 million to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Fund in January, preceding an announcement in March that its subsidiary SB Energy would lease federal land for a large AI data center in Ohio. This timing has raised concerns from US Senators and Representatives regarding potential bribery, as the donation occurred during Trump's term and before the library's construction.
xAI's Grokipedia, an AI-generated encyclopedia, has not been updated since April 24th
xAI's Grokipedia, an online encyclopedia intended to be an AI-generated alternative to Wikipedia, has not received any updates or accepted suggested edits since April 24th, according to a Lawfare report. This lack of activity raises questions about the project's ongoing development and viability, despite its stated goal of providing a "massive improvement" over existing encyclopedias.
T-Mobile Introduces New 36-Month Financing Plan for Devices, Taxes, and Fees
T-Mobile launched EIP Flex 36, a new financing option allowing customers to pay for devices, taxes, and fees over 36 months with no upfront payment and 0% APR for a limited time. This plan eliminates immediate sales tax and activation fee payments for well-qualified customers, making device purchases more accessible.
Palworld to launch new MMORPG for iOS and Android later this year
Palworld is expanding to mobile platforms with a new open-world MMORPG called Palworld Online, developed by Garena, set to launch later this year. This mobile version will feature new narrative elements and a touch-friendly interface while retaining core gameplay mechanics.
Fender CEO Compares Bandmates and Cover Songs to "Analog AI"
Fender CEO Edward "Bud" Cole's resurfaced comments from a May interview compare learning cover songs and collaborating with bandmates to "analog AI." These remarks have drawn criticism from the guitar community, adding to recent negative sentiment following copyright disputes over the Stratocaster body shape.
Pippa AI introduces revenue-sharing model to compensate artists for AI-generated content
Pippa, a new AI startup, is implementing a revenue-sharing system to pay artists when their work influences AI-generated images or video clips. This initiative aims to address ethical concerns regarding AI models trained on artists' work without permission, differentiating Pippa from other text-to-video services.
Sharge Disk Pro 2 Ultra combines portable SSD, 4K HDMI dock, and USB-C hub
Sharge released the Disk Pro 2 Ultra, a portable device that functions as an SSD enclosure, a 4K HDMI dock, and a USB-C hub. This multi-functional gadget aims to consolidate several peripherals for users of laptops, phones, and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
Dungeons & Dragons Announces World of Warcraft and Star Wars Crossovers
Wizards of the Coast announced new Dungeons & Dragons crossover sourcebooks for World of Warcraft and Star Wars, expanding its "D&D Universes Beyond" initiative. The D&D: World of Warcraft sourcebook launches November 17th, while a Star Wars collaboration is expected in 2027.
CipherX develops pain-free permanent tattoos using disposable microneedle patches
London-based biotech company CipherX has developed "Microdot" patches that apply permanent tattoos using microscopic, biodegradable needles, offering a pain-free and quick application process. This technology aims to make permanent tattooing more accessible by eliminating traditional needles and noise.
Curiosity Rover Discovers Extensive Polygonal Terrain in Martian Valle Grande
NASA's Curiosity rover has found a large area of honeycomb-shaped polygons in Mars' Valle Grande, a scale not previously observed. This discovery provides new data for scientists to study the formation processes of these features, which could indicate past water activity on Mars.
Xiaomi introduces SkyNomad N90 Max extended-range EV with transforming interior
Xiaomi has launched the SkyNomad N90 Max, its first extended-range electric SUV, featuring a claimed range of over 1,705 km and a customizable interior with rotating seats and a camping edition. This release marks Xiaomi's expansion into the extended-range EV market, offering a vehicle designed for versatile use as a mobile living space.
Razer Introduces New Huntsman V3 HE Keyboards and Discounts Huntsman V3 Pro TKL
Razer has launched two new wired keyboards, the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Mini and Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless, which utilize Hall effect switches and offer features like programmable actuation points and Rapid Trigger. Concurrently, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, featuring analog optical switches, is available at a discounted price of $124.99, down from $159.99.
SwitchBot Releases Battery Circulator Fan 2 Pro with Matter Support and Extended Battery Life
SwitchBot launched the Battery Circulator Fan 2 Pro, featuring native Matter-over-Wi-Fi support, increased battery life, and improved wind performance. This new model integrates directly into smart home ecosystems without a separate hub and offers enhanced portability.
Ariana Grande Sues Unidentified Hackers for Leaking Unreleased Music and Videos
Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against unidentified hackers who allegedly stole and leaked her private content, including 45 unreleased songs in 2023 alone. The lawsuit aims to uncover the identities of these individuals and addresses the ongoing issue of content theft targeting artists and their collaborators.
Logitech to offer user-replaceable batteries only in European mice due to new regulations
Logitech will implement user-replaceable batteries in its wireless mice sold in Europe to comply with a new law effective February 2027. The company will not extend this feature to other markets, citing low anticipated demand and design trade-offs like increased weight and cost.
Logitech Halts Plans for G Cloud 2 Handheld, Citing Market Challenges and Low Adoption
Logitech's new gaming boss, Robin Piispanen, confirmed that the company has no immediate plans to release a successor to its G Cloud streaming handheld. The decision stems from the original G Cloud's low user retention and the slow growth of cloud gaming infrastructure, despite Piispanen's personal interest in handhelds.
Xtra Technology Halts Preorders and Refunds Deposits for Muse 2 Pro Camera
Xtra Technology has stopped preorders and is refunding deposits for its new Muse 2 Pro camera, citing an inability to confirm a reliable launch timeline. This action follows recent FCC crackdowns on companies, including Xtra, for allegedly helping banned DJI technology enter the United States without proper authorization.
Florida Residents Protest Hyperscale Data Center Construction, Citing Various Concerns
Residents in Hernando County, Florida, protested the construction of a hyperscale data center, advocating for a permanent ban despite an existing one-year moratorium. Protesters cited concerns including noise pollution, environmental impact, and the social implications of AI adoption.
New PlayStation replica ornament features iconic boot sound
Hallmark has released a PlayStation replica ornament that plays the original boot chime for $28.99. This replica honors the legacy of the PlayStation console, featuring detailed design elements and celebrating the nostalgia associated with early gaming experiences.
High school students to race solar-powered cars in 30th Solar Car Challenge
The 30th annual Solar Car Challenge begins on July 19th, featuring high school teams racing 630 miles in self-built solar vehicles. This event promotes STEM education and skills among participants, highlighting the integration of engineering and teamwork.
Schlage Launches UWB-Powered Sense Pro Smart Lock with Apple Home Key
Schlage has released the Sense Pro smart lock, integrating ultra-wideband (UWB) for hands-free unlocking and supporting Apple Home Key for iOS interoperability. Notably, it's the first Schlage lock to support Matter-over-Thread and lacks a physical keyhole. This development illustrates the trend towards advanced, keyless smart lock solutions.
Denshattack! offers high-speed train gameplay on rails
Denshattack!, a new game from Undercoders, features fast-paced, on-rails gameplay in a vibrant representation of Japan. Players can perform skateboarding-inspired stunts while navigating levels filled with surprises, showcasing a unique blend of train mechanics with acrobatic movements.
Samsung's 55-inch Frame TV now $200 off retail price
Samsung's 55-inch Frame art TV is on sale for $697.99, a $200 reduction from its usual price. This model features a 4K QLED panel and is designed to display artwork when not in use, blending functionality with aesthetics.
PointlessQuest Launches as Unique MMO for Playdate
The launch of PointlessQuest marks a new MMO experience on the Playdate with a peak of 15 players. Despite its small scale, it incorporates typical MMORPG elements and showcases a community-driven aspect.
DJI Mic 3 wireless mics receive first price cut to $219
DJI's Mic 3 wireless microphone kit is now priced at $219, down from $259. This portable kit enhances audio quality for smartphone video recording with two microphones and a receiver unit, ideal for various recording conditions.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset discounted over $100 due to damaged packaging
SteelSeries has reduced the price of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset to $239.99, down from $300-$350 at other retailers, due to damaged packaging. This model supports multiple platforms including Xbox and PlayStation and features active noise cancellation and swappable batteries.
Nintendo's Talking Flower receives price reduction to $29.99
Nintendo's Talking Flower toy, based on a character from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, has been discounted from $34.99 to $29.99 at major retailers. This whimsical gadget lacks significant utility but may appeal to fans of the franchise and collectors.
FL Studio CEO Constantin Koehncke Engages with Users on Reddit
Constantin Koehncke, CEO of Image Line, actively engages with FL Studio users on Reddit forums. His approach aims to gather feedback and maintain a connection with the community as he guides the software’s evolution, including recent AI features.
Trump Phone Review Highlights Design Flaws and Marketing Nature
The Trump Phone, officially called T1, launched for $499 after a tumultuous rollout process. While it features some positive elements like a 3.5mm headphone jack, overall design flaws and poor quality suggest it serves more as a marketing stunt than a viable smartphone option.
SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable Offers Hands-Free Control for Light Switches
The SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable allows users to control light switches remotely through automation. This device features a USB-C rechargeable battery and can be controlled hands-free when paired with a SwitchBot Hub and voice assistants.
Godox ES45 Desktop LED Key Light discounted to $119, features include remote
The Godox ES45 Desktop LED Key Light is now priced at $119, a $20 reduction from its usual price. It offers adjustable brightness and color temperature, along with a wireless remote for easy adjustments, making it a suitable option for streamers and on-camera setups.
Kobo Libra Colour e-reader returns to $229.99 after price increase
Kobo's Libra Colour e-reader price has dropped to $229.99 across major retailers, reversing a recent price increase. This sale makes it a competitive alternative to the Kindle for consumers not invested in Amazon's ecosystem.
Acer Swift Go 16 laptop priced at $900 with high specs
Acer has discounted the Swift Go 16 laptop to $899.99, down from $1,549.99. The device includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it well-equipped for general tasks.
LG’s UltraGear 27GX700A-B gaming monitor price drops to $484.99
The price of LG's UltraGear 27-inch Tandem OLED gaming monitor has decreased to approximately $484.99 at Amazon. This reduction highlights the declining prices for advanced 1440p OLED gaming monitors, making high-end technology more accessible for gamers.