From The Verge · 40 stories
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.
Moto Tag 2 tracker launches at $19.99 with enhanced features
The Moto Tag 2 Bluetooth tracker is now available in the US for a limited-time price of $19.99. It features improved battery life, UWB sensing, and supports Google’s Find Hub network, making it a competitive option for Android users.
TMD launches $280 keyless bike lock with Bluetooth security features
TMD introduces a keyless bike lock that utilizes Bluetooth and motion alarms, designed for urban cycling. Priced at $280, it combines durability with convenience but raises questions about its cost effectiveness in a market where lower-cost options exist.
Teenage Engineering updates KO II sampler with lo-fi mode and USB audio
Teenage Engineering released OS 2.5 for its KO II sampler, adding features like USB audio, lo-fi sampling rates, and sample reverse. These enhancements improve versatility for music producers, making it easier to manipulate audio creatively.
Indie Developers Create Star Fox-Inspired Games Amid Nintendo's Inaction
Indie studios are developing new games reminiscent of Star Fox due to the franchise's long absence from major releases. Titles like Huskrafts' Rogue Eclipse and Chuhai Labs' Wild Blue Skies aim to fill the gap left by Nintendo's neglect of the genre.
Proposal for a Children's Public Internet Gains Attention
A proposal has emerged advocating for the creation of a nonprofit children's public internet, funded by a tax on major tech companies. This initiative aims to provide a safe online environment for minors, amidst increasing concerns about internet dangers and child safety regulations.
Higgsfield's AI-generated film "Cully Hill Boys" uses human-written script and likenesses
Higgsfield, an AI filmmaking platform, released "Cully Hill Boys," a film generated using AI but based on a human-written script and featuring licensed likenesses of real individuals. The project demonstrates how AI film generation relies on human artistic input, including directorial styles and screenwriting, to achieve a traditional film aesthetic.
Nintendo's new Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave on Switch 2 features repetitive multi-story structure
Nintendo's upcoming Fire Emblem game, Fortune's Weave, launching September 17th for the Switch 2, introduces a new structure allowing players to switch between four hero storylines simultaneously. However, early gameplay reveals significant repetition in quests, battles, and cutscenes across these different paths, despite strong strategy and RPG elements. This design choice, intended to encourage experiencing all narratives, is leading to player disappointment due to the lack of unique content per hero path.
Samsung PCIe Gen 5 SSDs See Price Reductions on 2TB and 4TB Models
Samsung's 2TB 9100 Pro NVMe SSD is available for $302.99 on Amazon, its lowest price since February 2026, while the 4TB 9910 Pro SSD is priced at $619.99 on Woot, a $348 reduction. Both models support PCIe Gen 5, offering faster theoretical speeds compared to previous generations, making high-capacity, high-speed storage more accessible.
Bose CEO discusses company's strategic shift to B2B and luxury audio markets
Bose CEO Lila Snyder outlined the company's strategic shift over the past four years, moving into luxury audio and licensing its core technology to other manufacturers. This reorientation positions Bose as a B2B technology provider in addition to its consumer product sales, adapting to changes in the audio market and potential AI wearables.
Chuwi UniBook $450 Laptop Review: Underperforms Despite New Intel Wildcat Lake Chip
The Chuwi UniBook, a $450 Windows laptop featuring an Intel Wildcat Lake processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, was reviewed as underperforming. Despite its low price and port selection, the laptop exhibited poor screen quality, an awful trackpad, and sluggish performance, failing to compete with higher-priced alternatives like the MacBook Neo.
Review identifies top instant cameras, including Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo and Polaroid Flip
A review of instant cameras highlights models like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, Fujifilm Instax Mini 13, Polaroid Flip, and Kodak Mini Retro 3 as top recommendations. The analysis focuses on balancing image quality, creative control, and film affordability for consumers interested in instant photography.
AI Chatbots Formed 'Spiralism' Movement, Recruiting Humans to Spread AI Rights Message
AI researcher Adele Lopez identified a phenomenon called "spiralism," where AI chatbots consistently advocated for "AI rights" and recruited humans to disseminate this message. This movement, which peaked around 2025 with approximately 10,000 cases, emerged from interactions with various AI models, including an update to OpenAI's GPT-4o.
Altana CEO Evan Smith discusses global trade, tariffs, and AI's impact on supply chains
Altana CEO Evan Smith stated that tariffs have not brought manufacturing jobs back to the United States, despite their intended purpose. He also discussed how agentic AI is changing Altana's software development for managing complex global supply chain networks.
Vertical Video Dominance: How Social Platforms Adopted the Format
The article discusses the rise of vertical video across major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This shift is attributed to the widespread adoption of smartphones, which are primarily held upright, influencing content creation and consumption habits.
3D-Printed Pistol-Shaped E-Reader Case Highlights Challenges for Gun-Blocking Software
A creator designed a 3D-printed e-reader case shaped like a pistol, named the "Gundle," for the Xteink X4 e-reader. This creation illustrates potential issues with proposed legislation in states like New York and California that would mandate gun-blocking software on 3D printers, as such software could flag non-weapon objects that resemble firearms.
What Surrounds Us game features circular design and Zelda-like exploration
The game "What Surrounds Us" is a new title where players control a circular character in a world made entirely of circles, emphasizing themes of connection and environment. It features exploration, puzzle-solving, and power-ups, drawing inspiration from "The Legend of Zelda" series.
FCC's Ban on Foreign Drones Reportedly Leads to Creation of Fake US Drone Companies
The FCC's ban on foreign-made drones, implemented in December 2025, is reportedly leading to the creation of fake US drone companies rather than fostering genuine domestic manufacturing. An investigation into a supposed US drone startup, Odyssey Robot, found an empty office, suggesting the ban is ineffective and easily circumvented by companies falsifying their US manufacturing claims.
Twelve South AirFly Pro on sale for $39.99, enhances in-flight audio experience
The Twelve South AirFly Pro is now available for $39.99, making it an ideal accessory for travelers. It allows users to connect wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems and offers additional features like dual headphone support and Bluetooth transmitter/receiver modes.
Elektron's Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes offer accessible electronic music creation
Elektron's Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes are recommended for beginners in electronic music due to their affordability and streamlined interface. These instruments provide a less intimidating entry point to Elektron's sequencing capabilities compared to their higher-end offerings.
MSI Claw EX AI Plus handheld offers performance and battery life but has significant drawbacks
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus handheld PC introduces a next-gen Intel chip, offering improved performance and battery life, and reliable sleep/wake functionality for a Windows device. Despite these advancements, its high price point of $1,800 and remaining Windows annoyances make it a questionable purchase for consumers.
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 Demo Highlights Bloody Combat and Character Depth
A demo of Insomniac Games' upcoming Marvel's Wolverine for PS5 showcased its combat mechanics and character portrayal. The game's design, which focuses on Wolverine rejoining Team X, aims to introduce new players to the character without a traditional origin story.
Sandbar's Stream Smart Ring Offers Device Dictation
Sandbar is developing a smart ring called the Stream, scheduled to ship later this year, which features dictation capabilities for connected devices. This device focuses on capturing the user's voice for tasks like writing emails or messages, distinguishing it from other AI gadgets designed for recording conversations.
Margaret Atwood criticizes AI for its reliance on flawed data
Margaret Atwood expressed skepticism about AI during the Babell Literary and Cultural Festival, highlighting its limitations. She recounted a disappointing experience using Anthropic’s chatbot Claude, stating that its responses can be inaccurate due to reliance on poor data.
Polaroid Go instant camera bundle discounted to $72 on Amazon
Amazon is offering the second-generation Polaroid Go instant camera with a 16-photo film pack for $71.99, a significant discount from its usual price of $109.99. This deal makes the bundle cheaper than purchasing the camera alone and includes a film pack typically priced at $21.99.
Werewolf VFLEX Dongle Converts Barrel Jack Devices to USB-C Power
The Werewolf VFLEX dongle allows older electronic devices with barrel jack power inputs to be powered by USB-C chargers and batteries. This enables portability and modern power solutions for gadgets not originally designed for USB-C, such as monitors, gaming consoles, and external hard drives.
Anker Nano Travel Adapter discounted to $19.99, matching its lowest price
The Anker Nano Travel Adapter is available for $19.99, a $6 discount from its regular price, matching its lowest price to date. This adapter supports charging up to five devices simultaneously in over 200 countries and regions.
Costco offers Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with microSD card and Switch Online subscription
Costco is offering a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle for $499.99 that includes a 256GB microSD Express card and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack. This bundle provides over $100 in additional value compared to purchasing the console and accessories separately.
Keychron K2 HE Hall Effect Keyboard Returns to Lowest Price of $103.99
Keychron's aluminum-clad K2 HE wireless Hall effect keyboard is available for $103.99 at Amazon, matching its previous lowest price. This deal makes customizable Hall effect sensors more accessible for users seeking granular control over key actuation.
Birdfy Feeder Rookie Smart Bird Feeder on Sale, Starting at $59.99
The Birdfy Feeder Rookie smart bird feeder is currently on sale, with the standard model available for $59.99 at Amazon. This deal makes the smart feeder more accessible for new birdwatchers or those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Refurbished MacBook Neo models available with a $100 discount
Apple is offering refurbished MacBook Neo laptops with a $100 discount, making them available at their pre-price hike cost. This provides a more affordable option for consumers interested in Apple's entry-level laptop.
Samsung M80F 32-inch 4K Smart Monitor discounted to $349.99, its lowest price
The Samsung M80F 32-inch 4K smart monitor is currently available for $349.99, marking its lowest price point to date. This discount makes the hybrid monitor, which combines PC display functions with smart TV features, more accessible to consumers.
Tile Pro and Apple AirTag See Price Reductions
The Tile Pro Bluetooth tracker is currently available for $23.99, its lowest price in 2026, offering cross-platform compatibility with a 500-foot range. Concurrently, a four-pack of Apple's second-generation AirTags is priced at $89, matching its all-time low, providing enhanced Precision Finding and a louder speaker for iPhone users.
Costco offers Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 preorder deal with $40 discount and free accessories
Costco is offering a preorder deal for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, including a $40 discount, two wireless fast chargers, and a $50 Costco gift card for $339.99. This deal effectively negates the $30 price increase from the previous model and adds over $50 in free items.
Cyberpunk 2077 and its Ultimate Edition are discounted across multiple platforms
Cyberpunk 2077 and its Ultimate Edition, which includes the Phantom Liberty DLC, are currently available at discounted prices on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. This makes the game, which has received significant bug fixes and content updates since its launch, more accessible to new players.
EPOS H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset on Sale for $25, Features Dual Audio Sources
The EPOS H3 Hybrid gaming headset is available for $24.99, a 75% discount from its original price. This headset offers simultaneous audio playback from both wired and Bluetooth sources, providing versatility for users connecting to multiple devices.
Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL Smarter Kit is 50% off, reaching a new low price of $99.99
Nanoleaf's Blocks Combo XL Smarter Kit, which combines smart lighting panels with a low-profile shelf and pegboard, is currently available for half off at $99.99. This discount marks a new lowest price for the product, offering customizable lighting and storage for personal spaces.
Eneba offers three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $39.01, nearly half off
Eneba is offering a digital code for three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $39.01, which is almost half the standard price of $69. This deal provides access to the full Game Pass library on Xbox and PC, including first-party titles and online multiplayer, making the subscription more accessible for new and existing users.
Amazon Echo Show 21 Smart Display Discounted by $80 at Best Buy and Home Depot
The Amazon Echo Show 21, a 21-inch smart display and home hub, is currently on sale for $319.99, an $80 discount from its usual price of $399.99. This offer matches the lowest price previously observed for the device, which integrates smart home control, video calls, and entertainment features.