From The Verge · 40 stories
New Mexico Lawyer Fined for Submitting AI-Generated Brief with Fabricated Testimony
The New Mexico Supreme Court fined attorney Stephen Aarons $5,000 and held him in contempt for submitting a legal brief containing fabricated police testimony and witnesses generated by OpenAI's ChatGPT. This incident highlights the risks of using AI tools in legal work without proper verification, as courts increasingly sanction lawyers for unvetted AI-generated content.
Google DeepMind Releases AlphaGenome Atlas for Human Genome Research
Google DeepMind has released AlphaGenome Atlas, an AI-powered tool that provides a predictive map of every possible DNA letter change in the human genome. This 1-petabyte dataset, generated by the AlphaGenome AI model, includes an AlphaGenome Variant Impact (AVI) score to help researchers understand how genetic mutations affect molecular biology and prioritize genetic research, particularly in non-coding DNA regions.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launches with Arm Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU Featuring AI Gaming Accelerator
The Xiaomi 18 Fold, launched in China, integrates Arm's new Mali G2-Ultra NX graphics processor, which includes an AI gaming graphics accelerator. This technology aims to improve mobile game performance with features similar to Nvidia's DLSS, such as AI upscaling and frame generation.
Microsoft introduces Project Zenith for developer-optimized Windows experience
Microsoft announced Project Zenith, a new initiative for developer-optimized Windows devices with 64GB or more unified memory, designed to provide a distraction-free environment and local AI model execution. This project aims to accelerate experimentation for developers by enabling local execution of large language models and reducing reliance on cloud tokens.
Audacity 4.0 Rebuilds Interface on Qt, Introduces New Clip Editing Model
Audacity 4.0 has been released, rebuilding the application's interface on Qt and introducing a new clip-editing model. This update brings significant quality-of-life improvements for audio editing workflows, including enhanced clip manipulation and a more customizable user interface.
Alienware Releases 39-inch 5K Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitor with High Vertical Resolution
Alienware has released the AW3926QW, a 39-inch ultrawide OLED gaming monitor. It features a 5120x2160 (5K) resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 2,160 vertical pixels, providing more vertical screen space than typical 34-inch ultrawides. This monitor is noted for its visual clarity and immersive gaming experience.
Circular Launches Ring 3 Series with Contactless Payments and Vibrating Alerts
Circular has introduced its Ring 3 Series, featuring Pro and Slim models, which integrate NFC for contactless payments and vibrating alerts. The Pro model includes FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation detection and up to 12 days of battery life, while the Slim offers core health tracking in a lighter design. This release expands Circular's offerings in the competitive smart ring market.
Belkin Introduces New Power Banks with Semi-Solid-State Battery Technology
Belkin announced new power banks at IFA 2026, including models featuring semi-solid-state battery technology, which the company states will last up to three times longer than traditional power banks. This technology, called "BoostSolid Cell," incorporates a gel-like layer to improve longevity, reduce overheating risks, and maintain consistent power delivery.
OpenAI faces 30 new lawsuits, including aiding and abetting claims, related to Tumbler Ridge shooting
Edelson PC filed 30 additional lawsuits against OpenAI on behalf of victims and families connected to the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, bringing the total to 37. These new complaints, for the first time, accuse OpenAI of aiding and abetting the shooting, escalating the legal challenges beyond negligence claims. This development matters as it intensifies scrutiny on OpenAI's content moderation policies and its responsibility for user-generated content that may lead to real-world harm.
Rockstar Games Debuts Extended Grand Theft Auto VI Preview
Rockstar Games released a 26-minute preview of Grand Theft Auto VI, showcasing gameplay, graphics, and protagonist interactions. The preview provided details on the game's scale, dual protagonists, and various activities, indicating a large and detailed open-world experience.
Roku Launches First OLED TVs, Starting at $999
Roku has introduced its first OLED televisions, the Pro Series and Pro Series LX, entering the midrange OLED market. These new TVs offer features like 120Hz or 144Hz panels, HDMI 2.1 ports, and Dolby Vision, with prices starting at $999 for the Pro Series and $1,299 for the Pro Series LX, making them competitive with existing options from LG, Samsung, and Sony.
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms' Iceberg Lettuce Affects Thousands
An outbreak of the Cyclospora parasite in Michigan is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, affecting 3,309 state residents by July 14. Federal investigations traced lettuce served at Taco Bell to a supplier in Mexico. The lettuce recall attempts to halt the spread of this intestinal infection.
Debian Considers Banning AI-Assisted Code Contributions to Maintain Stability
The Debian project is debating proposals regarding the use of LLM-assisted contributions, including an outright ban, to preserve its reputation for stability. This decision could significantly impact how developers contribute to one of the most widely used open-source operating systems.
EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms Under DSA
The European Commission has classified OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as "Very Large Online Platforms" or "Very Large Online Search Engines" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This designation subjects them to stricter regulations, including obligations to mitigate risks related to minors, user mental health, and illegal content, and increases transparency requirements for their recommendation algorithms. The platforms must comply within four months, with potential fines up to 6% of global revenue for non-compliance.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered Launches September 29 with Free Upgrade
CD Projekt Red will release "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered" on September 29, offering visual and combat improvements, a redesigned skill tree, and both expansions. This update is a free upgrade for existing owners across multiple platforms and marks the game's debut on the Nintendo Switch 2.
OpenAI Sees Executive Departures, Including COO Brad Lightcap and CRO Denise Dresser
OpenAI has experienced multiple executive departures, including longtime operating chief Brad Lightcap and Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser. Lightcap, who joined in 2018, left to "start something new," while Dresser, who joined in December, is being replaced by Dali Rajic. These changes occur as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO and aims to justify its $852 billion valuation.
Oura faces class action lawsuit over alleged misleading sleep-tracking accuracy
A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Oura of deceiving consumers about the accuracy of its smart ring's sleep tracking features. The lawsuit alleges Oura rings rely on AI-generated estimates rather than physiological signals to determine sleep stages, despite marketing claims of high accuracy. This matters because consumers make health decisions based on the device's data, which the lawsuit claims is inaccurate.
Adobe Photoshop Introduces AI Assisted Editor and New AI Features
Adobe Photoshop is rolling out an update that includes an optional "AI Assisted Editor" interface, centralizing AI tools for image editing. New AI refinement capabilities, such as a "markup" feature for drawing changes directly on images and an enhanced "Instruct Edit with Masks" feature using the Firefly Image 5 model, are also being added. Additionally, Photoshop now includes Lightroom-style lighting controls, allowing for RAW-quality edits within the application.
Ring Introduces New TAKE Encryption as Default for All Cameras
Ring, an Amazon-owned company, has implemented a new encryption method called TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption) that will become the default for all Ring cameras starting in September. This change limits Ring's ability to provide video footage to law enforcement while still supporting smart features like AI-powered alerts and video search.
Uber Introduces Live Video Streaming for Teen Accounts Using Driver's Selfie Camera
Uber is rolling out a new live video streaming feature for teen accounts across the U.S. in the coming weeks, allowing parents to monitor their children's rides using the driver's selfie camera. This feature provides parents with real-time visibility during trips and expands on the teen account service launched in 2023.
Zillow settles FTC antitrust lawsuit over Redfin rental listings agreement
Zillow has settled an antitrust lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding a 2025 agreement with Redfin concerning internet listing services for apartment rentals. The settlement requires Redfin to re-enter the ILS market with more listings and allows Redfin to continue syndicating listings from Zillow. This resolution aims to restore competition in the ILS market, potentially benefiting renters and property management companies.
Motorola to release GrapheneOS-powered flagship phones in 2027
Motorola will launch "higher end" flagship smartphones running the privacy-focused GrapheneOS in 2027. These devices will feature Qualcomm's flagship chips and offer enhanced security compared to current Pixel devices running GrapheneOS, expanding the hardware options for users prioritizing privacy.
HoverAir Unveils Versa, a Hybrid Gimbal Camera and Self-Flying Drone
HoverAir introduced Versa, a new device that combines a three-axis gimbal camera with a drone. The Versa functions as a stabilized pocket camera and can magnetically attach to a foldable drone body for autonomous aerial footage, aiming to simplify content creation for vloggers and filmmakers.
ICE Plans to Acquire Electric Shock Gloves for Agents, Manual Warns of "Sudden Death" Risk
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intends to spend up to $20 million to equip agents with CTG 5 GLOVEs, specialized devices that deliver electric shocks. These gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies, are described as "Conductive Distraction and De-escalation" (CD3) devices. A user manual for the G.L.O.V.E. devices indicates that they may increase physiological changes that "can cause sudden death."
LG Display Unveils FLiPP OLED Manufacturing Method for Brighter, Longer-Lasting Panels
LG Display introduced FLiPP, a new OLED manufacturing method that eliminates the need for fine metal masks, resulting in panels that are brighter, more efficient, and have extended lifespans. This technology could enable OLED displays of various sizes, from small wearables to large TVs, and will first be applied to IT products.
Slack launches collaborative coding channels with AI agent integration
Slack has introduced Slack Code, a new feature that provides dedicated channels for teams to collaborate on coding tasks with AI agents. This allows developers to work with AI agents like Anthropic's Claude or Cognition's Devin directly within Slack, streamlining the development workflow and providing visibility into the coding process.
Google introduces natural language customization for Discover feed and News audio briefings
Google is rolling out updates that allow users to customize their Discover feed using natural language prompts and tailor their Google News daily audio briefings by selecting specific topics. These changes provide users with more control over the content they receive and are rolling out in the coming days.
Sony to Re-release WH-1000XM4 Headphones as Cheaper WH-1000XM4C; WH-1000XM6 Gets New Color
Sony is reportedly preparing to re-release its 2020 WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, priced around $250, offering a more affordable option with slightly reduced battery life. Concurrently, the current flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones are now available in a new "Olive Gray" color variant for $459, with no hardware changes.
Amazon Makes Alexa Plus Free for All Fire TV Devices in the US
Amazon has made its Alexa Plus AI assistant available for free to all compatible Fire TV device owners in the US. Previously, access to Alexa Plus cost $19.99 per month for non-Prime members, or was included with a Prime subscription. This change expands access to conversational AI features, smart home controls, and AI-powered recommendations on Fire TV devices.
ABC Sues FCC Over Alleged Retaliatory Campaign Against Broadcast Licenses
ABC and its parent company Disney have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging the agency is conducting a "retaliatory campaign" by threatening its broadcast licenses due to content. This legal action seeks to halt the FCC's review of its broadcast licenses, which ABC claims is an attempt to coerce and retaliate against the network for its speech.
Uber Eats Partners with Zipline for Drone Deliveries, Targets One Million Daily by 2029
Uber is partnering with and investing in Zipline to integrate drone deliveries into the Uber Eats platform, with initial deliveries starting by the end of 2024. The collaboration aims for one million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029, expanding Uber's delivery capabilities.
Boeing Sells eVTOL Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation for 16.5% Stake
Boeing has sold its Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu subsidiaries to Archer Aviation in exchange for a 16.5% ownership stake in Archer. This transaction allows Boeing to focus on its core commercial airplane business while strengthening Archer's position in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and urban air mobility markets.
Apple Partners with Alibaba for China-Specific AI, Diverging from Global Strategy
Apple will use Alibaba's Qwen models to power new Siri AI features in China, a departure from its global partnership with Google's Gemini models. This decision is driven by Chinese government regulations requiring local AI partnerships, which may result in different privacy protections for users in China compared to other regions.
Samsung Galaxy Buds to gain FDA-cleared hearing aid feature; new over-ear headphones in development
Samsung will release an FDA-cleared hearing aid feature and a five-minute hearing test for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro later this year in the US and other markets. This feature provides an over-the-counter solution for individuals aged 18 and over with mild to moderate hearing loss. Additionally, Samsung is developing new over-ear headphones, codenamed "Galaxy H1," which could launch as early as 2027.
Google Allows Users to Remove Visible Watermarks from AI-Generated Content
Google has introduced an option for users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated images, videos, and songs created with its models, including Nano Banana, Omni, and Lyria. This change, announced by Josh Woodward, VP for Gemini, will be available in Gemini and Flow, with Search integration planned, allowing for greater creative control while maintaining invisible SynthID watermarks and C2PA metadata for content identification.
New York Sues Kalshi for Illegal Gambling, CFTC Orders Continued Operation
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging it operates an illegal gambling business by accepting wagers without a state license. This action follows similar lawsuits in other states, while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued an emergency order for Kalshi to continue operating, citing a "market emergency" and asserting federal oversight.
Apple develops 'Reference Image' feature in iOS 27 to authenticate iPhone photos
Apple is developing a "Reference Image" feature, referenced in iOS 27 beta 5, to authenticate photos taken with an iPhone camera. This system aims to verify that an image originated from specific iPhone hardware and has not been altered, addressing concerns about AI-generated and manipulated media.
X Replaces Revenue Sharing with New Original Content Rewards Program
X has launched a new Original Content Rewards Program, replacing its previous revenue-sharing model, which ceased accepting applications and will fully shut down after September 7. The new program, effective September 8, will compensate creators for original content based on qualified impressions, shifting focus to unique contributions rather than general engagement.
White House Finalizes AI Model Testing Framework, Keeps Details Private
The White House has finalized a framework for voluntarily evaluating advanced AI models for cybersecurity risks, following President Trump's June executive order. The framework, which requires a 30-day review period for participating models, was discussed with AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, but its details will not be publicly released. This decision raises concerns about transparency and the exclusion of open-source AI models from the testing process.
Telegram Briefly Removed from App Store Over CSAM, CEO Blames Extortionist
Apple briefly removed the Telegram messaging app from its App Store after discovering content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The app was restored after Telegram removed the offending content and banned the user responsible. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov stated that an extortionist planted the CSAM in a public chat to trigger the app's removal.