From The Verge · 40 stories
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI amid rising AI competition
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, raising various allegations regarding competitive practices. The suit appears to be part of a broader strategy as Apple introduces new AI features in its products, potentially indicating concern over OpenAI's advancements in the AI space.
Asus ROG Swift 32-inch 4K QD-OLED Monitor Discounted by $400
The Asus ROG Swift 32-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor is currently priced at $899.99, down from $1,299.99, indicating a substantial discount aimed at boosting sales before newer models are available. Its specifications cater to high-end gaming, featuring a 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync technology to enhance gaming performance.
Chip Motors launches self-parking electric vehicle, the Chip, for $15,000
Chip Motors, a Miami-based startup, has introduced the Chip, an electric vehicle that parks itself. Priced at $15,000, it targets the low-speed vehicle market, aiming for a second vehicle experience. With a top speed of 25 mph and an estimated range of 100 miles, deliveries are planned for 2027.
Greenworks recalls 554,780 Kobalt power tool batteries over fire risk
Greenworks Tools has recalled 554,780 Kobalt power tool batteries due to a fire hazard risk when charged via USB-C. The batteries may short-circuit and cause smoke or fire while connected and charging in the tools, prompting consumers to seek replacements.
Fortnite introduces 36 AI-powered characters for creators
Epic Games is launching 36 AI-powered characters for Fortnite creators starting July 30. These characters will feature unique voices and personas, expanding creative options for user-generated content.
Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum hits new low price of $699
The Ecovacs Deebot X11 has dropped to $699, a $400 reduction from its previous price. This discount positions it as a competitive option for consumers seeking a hybrid vacuum/mop solution with advanced features.
Proton's CTO discusses trust, privacy, and competition with Big Tech
Bart Butler, CTO of Proton, discusses the company's commitment to privacy and user trust amid challenges. Proton's shift to a nonprofit model and its Swiss location aim to balance competition with privacy principles.
Ninja introduces first microwave with air fryer functionality at $449
Ninja has launched the Crispi Microwave, its first microwave that also functions as an air fryer. This dual capability allows users to reheat food quickly while achieving a crispy finish, potentially replacing multiple kitchen appliances.
AI Technologies Increasingly Sold to Police with Little Oversight
AI technologies, including facial recognition and decision-making algorithms, are increasingly marketed to police at industry conferences. This trend raises concerns over the implications of automation in law enforcement without substantial regulatory oversight.
Roblox discontinues its video chat service Roblox Connect
Roblox has shut down Roblox Connect, its video chat service introduced in 2023, as users 13 and older prefer party voice chat. The company cites that the Party Voice feature is more aligned with current user engagement on the platform.
Fountain 0 announces AI-generated film 'Odysseus: The Fall'
Fountain 0 has revealed its AI-generated film 'Odysseus: The Fall', set to release digitally this summer. This project, helmed by Ash Koosha, is a low-budget alternative to Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, reflecting a trend toward AI-generated content in the film industry.
House Advances Sunshine Protection Act for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The House voted 308 to 117 to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing permanent daylight saving time in the US. This legislation aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes, but its future in the Senate remains uncertain due to mixed opinions among lawmakers.
8BitDo announces FlipPad, a portable gamepad for smartphones
8BitDo introduced the FlipPad, a $30 USB-C gamepad designed to turn smartphones into Game Boy-like devices. Its compact design and direct connection offer portability and ease of use, positioning it as a competitor to GameSir's Pocket Taco.
Home Depot upgrades 12-foot skeleton with interactive features
Home Depot has announced an upgraded version of its popular 12-foot skeleton, now allowing users to interact via a mobile app. The skeleton features 20 animations, real-time voice interaction, and customizable mouth movements, enhancing its appeal as a Halloween decoration.
Nothing Watch 3 Pro smartwatch price drops to $69 on Amazon
The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is now available on Amazon for $69, down from its typical price range of $79 to $99. This budget smartwatch features a 1.43-inch OLED display, dual-band GPS, and up to 13 days of battery life, making it a competitive option in the budget fitness tracker market.
Windows 11 patch introduces indefinite update pause option
Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday update allows users to pause updates indefinitely, extending the previous 35-day limit. This change responds to user feedback and aims to enhance overall performance and security by patching vulnerabilities discovered via AI.
Plex users face streaming outages due to service issues
Plex experienced significant streaming disruptions affecting users' ability to access hosted content. The company confirmed unexpected issues impacting multiple services, causing frustration among users reliant on the platform for movie and show streaming.
Boston Dynamics tests Spot robot for last-mile delivery
Boston Dynamics is testing its Spot robot for package deliveries using a new conveyor belt accessory. The initiative aims to reduce driver workload and is currently in discussions with logistics companies for pilot projects.
Asus to sell standalone OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld
Asus will release a standalone version of the OLED Xbox Ally X20 handheld, previously only available bundled with AR glasses. The new handheld features a superior 7.4-inch OLED screen that offers better clarity and brightness compared to competitors, making it a strong option for gamers.
EverQuest Legends set for July release as fans revive original game with nostalgia
EverQuest Legends, a reimagining of the original EverQuest from 1999, is in preorder beta and will release on July 28. Led by fans and veterans from the emulation community, it aims to recreate the classic MMORPG experience while incorporating quality-of-life improvements.
Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones on sale for $109, lowest price since January
The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are available at a discounted price of $109, matching their all-time low. This bone-conduction model allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Apple releases macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta with Liquid Glass tweaks
Apple has released the public beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate, introducing improved visuals and performance tweaks, including a less prominent Liquid Glass design. The update is particularly relevant for M-series Mac users, allowing them to experience enhancements in Siri's voice customization and overall system stability.
EV market recovery driven by high gas prices as Q2 sales increase
In Q2 2026, EV sales in the US increased by nearly 15 percent from the start of the year. Despite a year-over-year decline of 20.5 percent, the rate of decline is slowing, indicating potential stabilization in the EV market.
Apple's self-driving car program informs advanced AI chip development
Apple's self-driving car initiative, though ultimately unsuccessful, contributed to the creation of its powerful Neural Engine for on-device AI processing. This foundation has allowed Apple to position itself as a leader in hardware for AI, as seen in its upcoming M7 Ultra chip.
Community Pushback Challenges AI Data Center Expansion Plans
Community opposition is forcing some companies to rethink their AI data center plans. Concerns include energy consumption and environmental impact, echoing previous conflicts like Apple's 2015 proposal in Ireland.
Nopia synth nearly ready for launch at £550, features unique harmonic design
Nopia synth creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal announced the product will launch in a couple of months at approximately £550. The synth features a unique design that allows users to blend multiple modules for complex harmonies with minimal finger movement.
Oregon AG withdraws request to delay Paramount and Warner Bros. merger
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has withdrawn his effort to delay the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger after Paramount refused to comply with his document requests concerning lobbying activities. This decision follows pressure from multiple states and international regulators considering antitrust actions against the deal.
Avi Loeb appointed to lead White House UAP Science Advisory Council
Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist known for his claims about alien technology, will lead the UAP Science Advisory Council established by the White House and intelligence agencies. The Council aims to provide scientific insights to better understand unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), despite skepticism from parts of the scientific community regarding Loeb's credibility.
Flock Safety denies sending cease and desist letters over surveillance discussions
Flock Safety responded to allegations of sending cease and desist letters aimed at suppressing discussions about its surveillance technology. Company officials claimed the letters were forgeries, arguing that they support public debate on their technology.
Netflix expands content to include YouTube-style videos
Netflix is diversifying its content offerings to include YouTube videos alongside its traditional films and shows. This shift raises questions about the company's strategy in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
Instagram's Adam Mosseri Discusses AI Content in User Feeds
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, stated that the platform will not filter AI-generated content but will label it. He emphasized that users who dislike AI content should curate their feeds accordingly, while acknowledging challenges in detecting AI posts accurately.
Sunrun offers homeowners compensation to host AI data center nodes
Sunrun is launching a pilot program allowing homeowners to host compute nodes for AI data processing. This distributed model aims to alleviate concerns over traditional data center construction, meeting the increasing demand for AI infrastructure.
id Software launches 'Revelations,' expansion for DOOM amid layoffs
id Software launched 'Revelations,' an expansion for 'Doom: The Dark Ages,' which adds new gameplay elements. The expansion's release is overshadowed by significant layoffs, reportedly affecting about 50% of the studio's workforce. This situation raises concerns about the future of id Software amidst changing corporate strategies.
Comcast announces split from NBCUniversal, ending 15-year merger
Comcast will separate into two entities: a broadband company and an NBCUniversal entertainment company. This decision signals a shift in strategy, admitting the previous merger's inability to deliver clear value during its 15-year duration.
DHS Targets Online Critics with Warning Notices from ICE Agents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating individuals who criticize ICE agents online, sending warning notices in response to perceived threats. A lawsuit claims this practice aims to suppress dissent against federal actions related to immigration policy.
FL Studio 2026 enhances AI chatbot Gopher to assist in music production
FL Studio 2026 introduces upgraded AI chatbot Gopher that executes music production tasks. This enhancement allows users to delegate specific actions, though it retains some limitations.
Fiat Topolino Launches as America’s Cheapest New EV at $13,995
The Fiat Topolino, priced at $13,995, is now available in the US as a compact electric vehicle. With a top speed of 19mph and a range of 46 miles, it caters to urban micromobility rather than traditional automobile use.
Mondo Robotics launches Beni, a $800 jumping robot camera dog
Mondo Robotics is crowdfunding Beni, a two-legged robot dog that can follow and film users. Priced at $600 on Kickstarter and $800 retail, it boasts features like speed up to 18 mph and 4K recording.
New Jersey bill mandates lidar for autonomous vehicles, impacting Tesla
New Jersey lawmakers are proposing a bill that requires autonomous vehicles to use lidar and radar alongside cameras for operation. If passed, this law could ban Tesla's camera-only Robotaxi system in the state, marking a significant regulatory move in the autonomous vehicle industry.
ABC challenges FCC investigation into The View's political content
ABC responds to the FCC's investigation of The View, asserting that it threatens editorial independence. The network argues the inquiry targets programs not aligned with the current administration, raising First Amendment concerns.