http://feed.informer.com/digests/NUMUTH52MM/feeder Theme Digital, Tech and Online EN Respective post owners and feed distributors Tue, 09 Aug 2016 22:47:17 +0200 Feed Informer http://feed.informer.com/ https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/20/24135339/fisa-720-reauthorization-senate-lapse-durbin-wyden The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:923fa2cc-84b9-7259-4881-f48d18380d87 Sat, 20 Apr 2024 06:29:55 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Photo collage of the Statue of Liberty inside the iris of an eye." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lY0dxCPx0QvQWH25fBu7NB9svjw=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73292003/STK471_Government_Surveillance_CVirginia_B.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photos from Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="YPYd7G">The Senate has passed a bill reauthorizing Section 720 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a controversial program that allows warrantless spying on foreign “targets,”<strong> </strong>but a long, knock-down, drag-out fight over amendments kept the Senate in session past midnight on Friday, when the surveillance program officially expired. </p> <p id="1713580000.669479">To be clear, the spying wasn’t actually going to stop. As Sen. Mike Lee (R-OH) pointed out on the Senate floor on Friday afternoon, the FISA court recently granted a government request to allow the program to continue until April 2025. </p> <p id="WaHIq5">Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) claimed that the FISA court’s extension of Section 702 certification “doesn’t mean the program can continue uninterrupted for another year.”</p> <p id="pPIoVM">“...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/20/24135339/fisa-720-reauthorization-senate-lapse-durbin-wyden">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135233/value-steam-deck-deal-sale The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:002213b5-3098-9418-617e-5b81b8e61141 Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:32:53 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A Steam Deck on a white and orange background." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OtT4tjmvlAg2oEEzLnY86aJhZVU=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291667/vpavic_220210_5030_0090.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Valve says each unit has received over 100 tests and meets the same performance standards as new Steam Decks.</em> | Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="wOPoQ2">It’s not often we see an excellent portable gaming PC like the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23513517/steam-deck-long-term-test-valve"><strong>Steam Deck</strong></a> on sale for nearly half off, but today’s your lucky day. So long as you don’t mind buying it in certified refurbished condition, you can save hundreds when you purchase it directly (with a one-year warranty included) from Valve right now.</p> <p id="CqEFkQ">The refurbished Steam Deck starts at <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeckrefurbished">$279 for the base model</a> with 64GB of storage, which is about $120 cheaper than buying it in new condition. And if you need more storage, the 256GB and 512GB models are both on sale, too, for <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeckrefurbished">$319</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeckrefurbished">$359</a>, respectively. Given they both start at $529 and $649 in new condition, that’s almost like getting them for up to half off. What’s great, too, is that Value says it’s thoroughly tested each...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135233/value-steam-deck-deal-sale">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135206/mario-kart-pareto-front-math-data-peach-rulez The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:d2fb08f7-6ad3-9cfc-2043-ca7c1eacb95b Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:31:52 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An image of Mario, Yoshi, and other Mario Kart characters driving on a course that resembles a pinball machine." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0ekhPNuM_ePkW77e51A15qZGfLA=/0x0:1620x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291547/Mario_Kart_8_Deluxe_Booster_Course_Pass.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Nintendo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="rnCglk">If you’re the kind of Mario Kart 8 player who cares about winning and not just playing their favorite characters (Daisy and Peach supremacy), choosing the best combination of driver, vehicle, and wheels gets tricky. </p> <p id="ywpnQZ">Luckily, thanks to data science and 19th-century Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, there’s a way to figure that out. <a href="https://www.mayerowitz.io/blog/mario-meets-pareto">Data scientist Antoine Mayerowitz</a> applies one of Pareto’s principles, the Pareto front, to plot the best combination among the 703,560 possible decisions players must make in Mario Kart. <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-has-703560-customisation-possibilities-but-which-racer-is-statistically-best"><em>Eurogamer </em>helpfully explains</a> that a Pareto front finds the best possible solution to a problem with different objectives. </p> <p id="23ZdP9">In a cool piece of data visualization you should definitely check out, Mayerowitz narrows down the...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135206/mario-kart-pareto-front-math-data-peach-rulez">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135116/kia-ev2-ev-affordable-cheap-electric-tesla-model-2 The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:a3a9c4f2-d5fd-b95f-6c43-9a1ff57b0e9a Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:13:14 +0200 <figure> <img alt="five electric kia vehicles fanned out in a modern architecture area with stone brick flooring" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3XdedyGKD3I1esfMFpfTl1-LeEY=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291500/key_message_03_lg.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Kia’s lineup of electric vehicles are growing.</em> | Image: Kia</figcaption> </figure> <p id="H2fXTz">The Kia EV2, the automaker’s small, affordable electric crossover, has been <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ch8ULhHAKWg">spotted on the street in camouflage</a>. It’s the first time the model has been seen in the wild, although the EV2 is not currently confirmed for the US.</p> <p id="aJrg4S">The timing of the sighting is particularly significant given recent news that Tesla may <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/5/24122064/tesla-cancel-affordable-electric-vehicle-model-2-china">have canned its plans</a> for a $25,000 mass-market “Model 2” vehicle. Elon Musk reportedly mothballed the affordable EV in favor of going all in on the company’s plans for a fully autonomous robotaxi.</p> <div id="4qCZb6"><div style="max-width: 56vh;"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 177.7778%;"></div></div></div> <p id="RDJHhi">No official price has been set for the Kia EV2, but <a href="https://electrek.co/2024/04/19/kias-15000-ev2-caught-in-wild-most-affordable-ev-video/"><em>Electrek</em> says it could be 20 million won, or about $15,000</a>. Other reports have it <a href="https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/kia-announces-ev2-model">under $30,000</a> — which would be considerably more affordable than the current average retail price...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135116/kia-ev2-ev-affordable-cheap-electric-tesla-model-2">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135140/target-dvds-physical-media-selling-stop The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8628e2b8-acf7-e477-57ea-eb3550985f7f Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:04:09 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A photo showing the exterior of a Target in Texas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K8DyAwhxhabgpUKbH7HB5JQD4Lo=/0x17:1000x684/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291482/target_exterior_design.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Target</figcaption> </figure> <p id="IjfBZ5">Target is scaling back the presence of physical media in its stores. A <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/target-will-continue-to-sell-physical-media-in-stores-and-online">spokesperson for Target tells <em>IGN</em></a> that the company is “transitioning the limited assortment of DVDs” it sells in stores to its website.</p> <p id="KUyYGg">“Moving forward, we’ll offer select DVDs in stores when they are newly released or during key times throughout the year when they are more popular, like for gift giving during the holidays,” Target says. That will make Target’s physical DVD section even smaller and only available during specific times. You’ll still be able to buy “thousands” of DVDs on Target’s website, but I have to wonder how broad its selection will be.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="z6bwgq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"My streaming fatigue got so bad, I started collecting DVDs","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24044151/streaming-subscription-prices-dvd-collection"},{"title":"The case for 4K Blu-ray in a world of streaming ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24046669/4k-blu-ray-streaming-physical-media-bitrate-picture-audio-quality-collector"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="culs1N">Reports about Target backing away from DVDs first emerged on Wednesday, when the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/target-will-continue-to-sell-physical-media-in-stores-and-online">X account @PhysicalMedia</a> posted...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135140/target-dvds-physical-media-selling-stop">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24134861/phish-sphere-las-vegas-moment-factory-interview The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:93f176b0-f2ba-a8fc-d894-a37c0c81e98a Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:20:00 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A photo from Phish’s first performance at the Sphere in Las Vegas." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6dgeVW9B0PrtYeXvBqyLNMm9SGc=/0x1:1800x1201/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291371/PhishSphere2024_0418_225029_0799_ALIVECOVERAGE_Enhanced_NR.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Alive Coverage</figcaption> </figure> <p>Four nights of unique set lists and long jams presented a much different production challenge than U2’s 40-show residency.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24134861/phish-sphere-las-vegas-moment-factory-interview">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24135151/hades-2-technical-test-impressions The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:87b73a14-e4c6-8eef-7039-5f42b5c48943 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:08:32 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Key art from Hades 2 featuring the protagonist Melinoë, a young woman with bicolor eyes and green, glowing arm." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x_WHXZvuDUa2oaDereJb5AlITww=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291335/H2_Wallpaper_Melinoe_4k_01.0.png" /> <figcaption>Image: Supergiant Games</figcaption> </figure> <p id="DC260q">Imagine the most perfect barbecue — a prolific spread of smoked meats, all the right sides, every pie, type of cookie or cake, and even your grandmother’s famous dinner rolls. But there’s a catch: most of the food is kept behind glass to be unlocked at a later date, and you are <em>starving</em>. That’s what it’s like playing <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/16/24132188/hell-approacheth">the <em>Hades 2</em> technical test</a>.</p> <p id="O46CbD"><em><strong>Spoilers for the </strong></em><strong>Hades 2 </strong><em><strong>technical test.</strong></em></p> <p id="Cq9ie0"><em>Hades 2</em>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/1/21496904/hades-supergiant-games-review-nintendo-switch">like its predecessor</a>, is a roguelike. You play as Melinoë, the long-lost daughter of Hades and sister of Zagreus, the first game’s protagonist. Unlike her brother, Melinoë isn’t trying to break out of hell. Instead, she’s trying to break into it as Chronos, Titan of Time, has taken over, kidnapping Melinoë’s mother, brother, and father. Reaching...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24135151/hades-2-technical-test-impressions">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24128446/lifx-outdoor-string-lights-versus-nanoleaf-matter-multicolor-outdoor-string-lights-review The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:a88a82d3-f486-3e59-4003-3edb3d6d0352 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:00:00 +0200 <p>Which is the best bet to bedazzle your backyard?</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24128446/lifx-outdoor-string-lights-versus-nanoleaf-matter-multicolor-outdoor-string-lights-review">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135095/apple-iphone-nfc-eu-payments The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8b47c446-94d8-0aaa-e1d9-569143773136 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:53:59 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Image showing an iPhone displaying the Apple Pay screen." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NURm5JdYRRz60KDOL2kItXRyFfE=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291290/IMG_0207.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="liERjb">Apple could soon let developers in the European Union use its tap-to-pay technology. A <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/apples-offer-open-up-tap-and-go-tech-be-approved-by-eu-next-month-sources-say-2024-04-19/">report from <em>Reuters</em></a> reveals that EU regulators could sign off on Apple’s proposal to open the payment system next month, putting a two-year-long legal battle to rest.</p> <p id="cczDU6">In 2022, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/2/23048116/apple-pay-eu-antitrust-nfc-payment-wallet">European Commission accused Apple</a> of abusing “its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets.” It claimed Apple prevented third-party payment apps from using the iPhone’s NFC (near-field communication) hardware “to the benefit of its own solution,” Apple Pay. </p> <p id="x675EH">The European Commission announced earlier this year that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/19/24043965/apple-iphone-nfc-payments-open-up-third-party-developers-european-union-antitrust">Apple committed to allowing</a> third-party payment providers to freely use the iPhone’s NFC capabilities. Apple’s proposal would also give developers access to...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135095/apple-iphone-nfc-eu-payments">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134035/google-chromecast-hd-dreamebot-l20-ultra-robot-vacuum-deal-sale The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:f0452c93-c588-983d-0823-57881eb5df26 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:15:21 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An image of the Chromecast with Google TV HD streaming player on a coffee table." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HzANxAvC8bmGOx-lizXAmHGtIZ8=/0x12:2040x1372/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291185/chromecast.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Google’s latest streaming dongle offers a cheap way to add smart features and apps to any TV.</em> | Image: Google</figcaption> </figure> <p id="g4KW9v">Almost any TV you can buy these days supports streaming in some form or fashion, but what if you don’t like its user interface or it doesn’t have all of the apps you need? That’s where a streaming device like the <strong>Chromecast with Google TV (HD)</strong> comes in. We usually recommend jumping for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-GA01919-GA01919-US-Chromecast/dp/B08KRV7S22?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">the 4K version</a> if you have the budget for it, but the HD model is only $19.99 ($10 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chromecast-Google-TV-Streaming-Entertainment/dp/B0B9HS6DLZ/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.me/cl4BMwBh3ik">Best Buy</a>, and the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://store.google.com/us/product/chromecast_google_tv?hl=en-US" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Google Store</a>. It’s a great opportunity to see whether a Chromecast is a better fit for you than Amazon or Roku’s offerings or to access your favorite streaming apps on a secondary TV in your home.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="SCm0WO"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"New LG TVs will come with Chromecast built in","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/8/24030062/new-lg-tvs-will-come-with-chromecast-built-in"},{"title":"Google’s next Chromecast remote might have more buttons","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/8/23864231/chromecast-google-tv-remote-android-14-star-button-leak"},{"title":"Broadcast TV still exists, and now it’s sort of getting a built-in DVR","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/16/24130968/atsc-3-0-roxi-faststream-ease-live-local-news-dvr"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="KdHEsU">Like its pricier sibling, the Google TV platform it uses offers recommendations across a variety of streaming services and provides an array of...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134035/google-chromecast-hd-dreamebot-l20-ultra-robot-vacuum-deal-sale">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135011/twitter-alternative-post-news-shutdown The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:9ed0ee41-f1a2-2624-6a93-5b27ca3b7ed7 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:55:39 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An image showing the logo for Post on a purple background" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kGpaG_8DD25_HVtLxrh2f6iS-Hs=/0x343:2057x1714/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291124/post_logo.0.png" /> <figcaption>Image: Post News</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Mcd1m6">Post News, a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23494253/elon-musk-twitter-alternatives-mastodon-post-hive-narwhal">Twitter alternative that emerged</a> in the wake of Elon Musk’s takeover, is shutting down. Noam Bardin, the platform’s founder and former CEO of Waze, <a href="https://post.news/@/noam/2fJw4PYRFjya343RpiToiyEQr0x">writes that Post News</a> “is not growing fast enough to become a real business or a significant platform.”</p> <p id="j3zlKq">The Andreessen Horowitz-backed platform launched in a closed beta in November 2022, but now it’s set to shutter “within the next few weeks.” It serves as a social platform that also offers users ad-free access to paywalled content from publishers such as <em>Fortune</em>, <em>Business Insider</em>, <em>Wired</em>, <em>The Boston Globe</em>, and others. All users have to do is pay a “few cents” per article instead of signing up for a subscription to each publication.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <cite>Screenshot by Emma Roth / The...</cite></figure> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24135011/twitter-alternative-post-news-shutdown">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134905/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-smart-home-robot The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:2fad8a02-c174-2664-1814-607fda8f71c9 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:22:45 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Cartoon image of a robot housekeeper with its family of humans." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qPb9_bEBjNDCYsPi-EqOxXJtvE8=/340x0:1360x680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73291036/jetsons.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Friend or foe? </em>The Jetsons’<em> Rosey the Robot has long been an inspiration for developing home robots. But should it be?</em> | Image: Warner Bros. Television, Hanna-Barbera</figcaption> </figure> <p id="RBwHNz">As a child of the 1980s, my perception of the smart home has been dominated by the idea that one day, we will all have Rosey the Robot-style robots roaming our homes — dusting the mantelpiece, preparing dinner, and unloading the dishwasher. (That last one is a must; we were smart enough to come up with a robot to wash our dishes; can’t we please come up with one that can also unload them?)</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="2GbkPj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas robot is a swiveling, shape-shifting nightmare","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133145/boston-dynamics-resurrects-atlas-humanoid-robot-electric-new"},{"title":"Make robots hairy","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133547/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-hairy"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="yV0F13">However, after seeing <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133145/boston-dynamics-resurrects-atlas-humanoid-robot-electric-new">Boston Dynamics’ latest droid, Atlas,</a> unveiled this week, my childhood dreams are fast turning into a smart home nightmare. While <em>The Jetsons</em>’ robot housekeeper had a steely charm, accentuated by its frilly apron, the closer we come to having humanoid robots in our home, the more terrifying it appears they will be. Not so much...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134905/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-smart-home-robot">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134871/delta-emulator-apple-tv-airplay The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:32f6717b-faad-d9dc-0dc9-98f71ec23f57 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:38:23 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Artwork showing the Delta icon and the Apple App Store logo, with screenshots from the emulator." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NjKM2dD4SdcyH9Kd8g4BECQJUYQ=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290702/delta_app_store.0.png" /> <figcaption>Image: Riley Testut</figcaption> </figure> <p id="LF3AkT">The launch of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24132984/delta-free-emulator-nintendo-gba-n64-iphone-app-store-us">the Delta emulator on iPhones</a> is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134767/emulators-iphone-delta-google-meta-ai-vergecast-podcast">a big deal in a lot of ways</a>. But for users, it’s also just <em>really</em> cool. Here’s an excellent piece of software that can emulate the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, and Nintendo DS so that you can play classic games on a device that’s always in your pocket. Even better: even though there’s no Delta app for the Apple TV (yet), it’s still really easy to use it to play games on your television.</p> <p id="esXvSI">This is because Delta supports AirPlay so that you can stream video and sound from your phone to another Apple device, like an Apple TV or computer. For Delta, this means that the game itself plays on the bigger screen while your phone becomes a touchscreen controller. Or, if you connect a Bluetooth...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134871/delta-emulator-apple-tv-airplay">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134795/taylor-swift-ttpd-tiktok-hub-universal-music-group The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:edddf79c-b740-b861-f834-c37d31cabd72 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:58:46 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour - Singapore" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uUjRzhNLT0ywCk1rbxtW53XHUz0=/0x0:5103x3402/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290571/2053045625.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Ashok Kumar / TAS24 / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management</figcaption> </figure> <p id="PmYTn9">TikTok has launched a new hub to promote Taylor Swift’s new album where you can earn in-app rewards for completing certain tasks, like following Swift’s account on the platform. The update comes just days after <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/11/24127406/taylor-swifts-music-tiktok-umg-deal">Swift’s music returned to TikTok</a> as the app continues to feud with the singer’s record label, Universal Music Group (UMG).</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"> <figure class="e-image"> <cite>Image: TikTok</cite> </figure> </div> <p id="eccbQT">You can access the hub by searching for <em>The Tortured Poets Department</em> (<em>TTPD</em>) and then clicking on the banner that appears at the top of the results. There, TikTok displays a list of “challenges” to complete, which will let you unlock a <em>TTPD</em> profile frame, among other rewards. TikTok will also give users the chance to show up in its “fan spotlight” on the hub by posting a...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134795/taylor-swift-ttpd-tiktok-hub-universal-music-group">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134274/infrastructure-planning-failures-maui-hawaii-wildfire-report The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:f87387aa-8a73-011f-c700-a54f0dd34996 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:50:36 +0200 <figure> <img alt="In an aerial view, a recovery vehicle drives past burned structures and cars in a neighborhood next to shoreline." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tj1YiK1pBLYGpc7dzj-SN4KvwJM=/0x15:5017x3360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290336/1727318537.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A recovery vehicle drives past burned structures and cars two months after a devastating wildfire on October 9th, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii.&nbsp;</em> | Photo by Mario Tama / Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Znom0U">New details surfaced this week about cascading failures that led to wildfires ripping through Maui last August. While investigations confirming the cause of the blaze are ongoing, officials are recognizing how unprepared agencies were for the inferno. </p> <p id="SmBJG1">The wildfires killed at least 101 people and scorched some 2,200 structures — most of them residential. Downed power lines, blocked evacuation routes, and poor communications all added to extreme conditions that allowed blazes to grow into a monstrous conflagration. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="BYJNjm"><q>“Questions linger about the adequacy of warning systems, evacuation planning, and the preparedness of communities for such extreme events”</q></aside></div> <p id="NJTbZW">“In the aftermath of this catastrophe, questions linger about the adequacy of warning...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134274/infrastructure-planning-failures-maui-hawaii-wildfire-report">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134801/waymo-fire-arson-san-francisco-teen-police The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:649f29b1-495e-6a05-b5b8-f7880e487394 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:43:23 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Firefighters spraying a Waymo car." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TyaRgMlZujfAvgcdRs0bCa39tt8=/98x0:2218x1413/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290324/Screenshot_2024_02_11_at_11.34.11_AM.0.png" /> <figcaption><em>The Waymo vehicle was set on fire with fireworks.</em> | Image: <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SJO3EbR-_w" target="_blank">Frisco Live 415</a></figcaption> </figure> <p id="ZDF4x7">The San Francisco Police Department has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/news/sfpd-autonomous-vehicle-arson-update-24-034">identified and served a search warrant</a> on a teenager who is suspected of starting a fire in a Waymo self-driving taxi vehicle earlier this year. </p> <p id="0yuODs">On March 27th, investigators entered the suspect’s residence and seized evidence that connects the 14-year-old male with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/11/24069251/waymo-driverless-taxi-fire-vandalized-video-san-francisco-china-town">the February incident in which a crowd destroyed the driverless car</a>.</p> <p id="f9jDLo">The investigation was conducted by the SFPD Arson Task Force, which identified the suspect and developed probable cause for the search warrant. The district attorney’s office has filed charges against the minor while the juvenile probation department is deciding whether to put the suspect in custody before a court hearing.</p> <p id="gFWB0a">The February 10th fire was reportedly caused...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134801/waymo-fire-arson-san-francisco-teen-police">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24115101/best-mothers-day-gift-ideas-2024-mom-tech-gadgets The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:20cf4244-3d43-00eb-a66d-a6647a75c8dc Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:02:32 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Illustration of hot air balloons carrying various Mother’s Day gifts." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/drF8sxK2oKQSKl03XYlOd9EAgZ8=/0x0:1750x1167/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290208/247058_Mothers_Day_Gift_Guide_MLouart.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Manon Louart for The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>We found a collection of unique gift ideas that go beyond the flowers and chocolates that typically rule the day.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24115101/best-mothers-day-gift-ideas-2024-mom-tech-gadgets">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134767/emulators-iphone-delta-google-meta-ai-vergecast-podcast The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:6ce72d9a-29ca-0ec0-8dcc-0fcb7f478887 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:13:23 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An image of the App Store icon atop a Vergecast illustration." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l9LkUeoY0YJxLugj4frktuVDHqI=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73290059/VST_0419_Site.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Alex Parkin / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="3CXw2i">Delta, an app for emulating and playing retro games on your iPhone, has been at <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24132984/delta-free-emulator-nintendo-gba-n64-iphone-app-store-us">the top of the App Store rankings</a> for days. Apple spent years keeping apps like this off its platforms before <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/5/24122341/apple-app-store-game-emulators-super-apps">reversing course earlier this month</a> in the face of European regulation and the threat of a whole bunch of new third-party app stores.</p> <p id="bL3ViX">Obviously, there was huge pent-up demand for Delta. But is this a singular phenomenon or the start of a new more open future for the iPhone? What else might Apple allow in the App Store if it means keeping you in the App Store?</p> <div id="jSN723"></div> <p id="VnGwwQ">On <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/vergecast">this episode of <em>The Vergecast</em></a>, we discuss how Delta got into the App Store and what it might mean for the future of the iPhone. We don’t <em>really </em>talk about all the thorny legal issues around...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134767/emulators-iphone-delta-google-meta-ai-vergecast-podcast">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134753/tesla-recall-cybertruck-faulty-accelerator-pedal-nhtsa-defect The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8f2c07db-752d-5f7e-728e-02fe087ea2bc Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:53:33 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Tesla Cybertruck outside" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0IDu3lfvT01nFiz4XO2FWS9KcwE=/0x168:4032x2856/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73289967/IMG_0618.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Tesla isn’t aware of any collisions, injuries, or fatalities attributed to the defective pedals.</em> | Image: Parker Ortolani / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="1zzS8D">Tesla has issued a recall for effectively every Cybertruck it’s delivered to customers due to a fault that’s causing the vehicle’s accelerator pedals to get stuck. </p> <p id="yRu9U7"><a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V276-7026.PDF">According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> (NHTSA) on Wednesday, the defect can result in the pedal pad dislodging and becoming trapped in the vehicle’s interior trim when “high force is applied.”</p> <p id="767G5I">The fault was caused by an “unapproved change” that introduced “lubricant (soap)” during the assembly of the accelerator pedals, which reduced the retention of the pad, the recall notice states. The truck’s brakes will still function if the accelerator pedal becomes trapped, though this obviously isn’t an ideal workaround.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="S96P7S"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Tesla on trial: Autopilot and Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/14/23458254/elon-musk-tesla-trial-pay-shareholder-autopilot-crash"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="5p29RD">The recall impacts “all Model Year...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/19/24134753/tesla-recall-cybertruck-faulty-accelerator-pedal-nhtsa-defect">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24134689/dji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8a3450c0-fd25-17fb-c499-f90e6c5db440 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:03:11 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Two power stations with lots of inputs and outputs sitting on a mountain top like a god addressing its people." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FwYMAOwS3HhsU3ewRQ3xbPI7zzU=/442x0:3928x2324/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73289641/KV_US.0.jpeg" /> <figcaption>DJI’s Power 1000 (left) and Power 500 (right) ready to be worshipped. | Image: DJI</figcaption> </figure> <p id="mxpLqI">DJI just launched its first power stations that feature a new proprietary SDC — aka Smart DC — port that can fast charge (some) DJI drone batteries and supports lots of input and output accessories. The $699 <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-1000%3Ffrom%3Dstore_homepage%26vid%3D156141&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24134689%2Fdji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Power 1000</a> and smaller $379 <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-500%3Ffrom%3Dstore_homepage%26vid%3D156171&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24134689%2Fdji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Power 500</a> both offer a bevy of AC and DC inputs and outputs with more available if you’re willing to fully commit to living DJI’s SDC dongle life. </p> <p id="D6R6pb">The Power 500 has one SDC Lite port, while the larger Power 1000 has both regular SDC and SDC Lite. Both power stations are fitted with batteries that use LFP chemistry, which is safer and lasts longer (80 percent capacity after 3000 cycles) than traditional NMC, and both offer a 0.02-second cutover making them suitable for use as a UPS on unstable grids. They...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24134689/dji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24134689/dji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:59dd2a47-19a6-49e2-057b-aaeea0d86522 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:03:11 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Two power stations with lots of inputs and outputs sitting on a mountain top like a god addressing its people." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FwYMAOwS3HhsU3ewRQ3xbPI7zzU=/442x0:3928x2324/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73289641/KV_US.0.jpeg" /> <figcaption><em>DJI’s Power 1000 (left) and Power 500 (right) ready to be worshipped.</em> | Image: DJI</figcaption> </figure> <p id="mxpLqI">DJI just launched its first power stations that feature a new proprietary SDC — aka Smart DC — port that can fast charge (some) DJI drone batteries and supports lots of input and output accessories. The $699 <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-1000%3Ffrom%3Dstore_homepage%26vid%3D156141&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24134689%2Fdji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Power 1000</a> and smaller $379 <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-500%3Ffrom%3Dstore_homepage%26vid%3D156171&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24134689%2Fdji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Power 500</a> both offer a bevy of AC and DC ports with more available if you’re willing to fully commit to living DJI’s SDC dongle life. </p> <p id="D6R6pb">The Power 500 has one SDC Lite port, while the larger Power 1000 has both regular SDC and SDC Lite. Both power stations are fitted with batteries that use LFP chemistry, which is safer and lasts longer (80 percent capacity after 3000 cycles) than traditional NMC, and both offer a 0.02-second cutover making them suitable for use as a UPS on unstable grids. They arrive...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24134689/dji-power-1000-500-sdc-port-explained-specs-price">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134417/razer-kishi-ultra-gaming-controller-iphone-ipad-android-tablet-haptics The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:1cdddbdb-0e06-a0fe-08cb-9c5dafd653cb Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:37:07 +0200 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fGaVmoU-dLfL3Ob4vXGIkfAlaY4=/308x0:1865x1038/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73289233/Screen_Shot_2024_04_18_at_4.13.30_PM.0.png" /> <figcaption>Razer</figcaption> </figure> <p id="91Hb0S">Razer’s latest mobile gaming controller just released today, the <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/482924/642901/10229?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fmobile-controllers%2Frazer-kishi-ultra&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kishi Ultra</a>, is an all-rounder that can switch between multiple devices. The controller has a built-in USB-C port that can work with the iPhone 15 series as well as most Android smartphones (Razer says it’s compatible with the Galaxy 23 series, Pixel 6 and up, the Razer Edge, and “many other Android devices.”) It also seems to work perfectly fine with <a href="https://gizmodo.com/razer-kishi-ultra-review-tablets-smartphones-gaming-1851417852">Galaxy Z Fold 5</a> and other foldables. The controller can expand to fit your iPad Mini and any 8-inch Android tablets, and you can also tether it to your PC. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <cite>Razer</cite> <figcaption>Razer’s Kishi Ultra can also work on tablets. </figcaption> </figure> <p id="0oLtu9">One interesting feature in the Kishi Ultra is the inclusion of Razer’s Sensa HD immersive...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134417/razer-kishi-ultra-gaming-controller-iphone-ipad-android-tablet-haptics">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134412/fallout-season-2-amazon-prime-video The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:c19b5980-80b4-d6a6-64be-e176fb9b3435 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:23:09 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A still photo from the live-action TV series based on Fallout." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9qTfeeATY9k7iw_Lb5fdLfHstjU=/0x0:2997x1998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73289058/Fallout_S1_UT_220831_WHIJOJ_01690RC_3000.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Amazon</figcaption> </figure> <p id="kaDE1g">Just a week after <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24126474/fallout-review-amazon-prime-video">the show first premiered</a>, Amazon has confirmed that there’s more of its live-action <em>Fallout</em> series on the way. As of now there are no details available other than the fact that the show has been renewed for season 2.</p> <p id="pzJxPp">While there are no specific numbers about how well the show has done on Prime Video, Amazon says that “in its first four days, the high-octane fueled series has become a hit with its global audience, ranking among the service’s top three most-watched titles ever and the most-watched season globally since <em>Rings of Power</em>.” The aforementioned <em>Lord of the Rings</em> show <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23329415/the-lord-of-the-rings-of-power-review-amazon-prime">premiered back in 2022</a>.</p> <p id="ducbpk">Set in LA, Amazon’s take on <em>Fallout</em> is told through three different perspectives: vault dweller Lucy (Ella Purnell),...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134412/fallout-season-2-amazon-prime-video">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134379/meta-quest-2-199-dollars-permanent-price-cut The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:35ed23cc-bc23-a3ca-d847-f75ba3a68922 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:38:30 +0200 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PeJIpgnSNiLUjh_mS9iHb8UBkk0=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288989/akrales_200904_4160_0216.0.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Meta Quest 2 and its bundled controllers.</em> | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="K028lj">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21437674/oculus-quest-2-review-features-photos">Meta Quest 2</a> has been on sale for nearly a month, and today, Meta’s making that price permanent — <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oculus-Quest-Advanced-All-One-Virtual/dp/B099VMT8VZ?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$199 is the new sticker price</a> for the virtual reality headset, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meta.com%2Fblog%2Fquest%2Fprice-drop-vr-quest-2-199%2F&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F4%2F18%2F24134379%2Fmeta-quest-2-199-dollars-permanent-price-cut" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">the company announced today</a>. That’s half what it originally cost in 2020, and Meta is permanently cutting the price of Quest 2 accessories like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oculus-Battery-Enhanced-Comfort-Playtime-2/dp/B09CZ4QV5S?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Elite Strap with Battery</a> (which I highly recommend) in half as well.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="onFS5u"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Meta Quest 3 review: almost the one we’ve been waiting for","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23906313/meta-quest-3-review-vr-mixed-reality-headset"},{"title":"Oculus&amp;nbsp;Quest 2 review: better, cheaper&amp;nbsp;VR","url":"https://www.theverge.com/21437674/oculus-quest-2-review-features-photos"},{"title":"Quest 3 won’t replace Quest 2 for ‘quite a while,’ confirms Meta","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/1/23745814/meta-quest-2-quest-3-games-support-boz"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="bmOygN">The Quest 2 is currently being supplanted by <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23906313/meta-quest-3-review-vr-mixed-reality-headset">the $500 Quest 3</a>, of course, but it’s still an incredible entry point to VR, one that plays every Quest game except for <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/16/24103308/starship-home-meta-quest-3-mixed-reality-sim-game">a single Quest 3-exclusive title</a> announced last month. It doesn’t have color passthrough vision or good mixed reality gaming, and I definitely prefer the Quest 3 for comfort and immersion, but I...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134379/meta-quest-2-199-dollars-permanent-price-cut">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134217/netflix-earnings-q1-2024-subscriber-count The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:a5015c56-0f46-c238-893f-b1ffb9813d66 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:36:49 +0200 <figure> <img alt="The Netflix logo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iP9qdms29I0sTRELcs0-b0ilILU=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288738/STK072_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_8_netflix.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Nick Barclay / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="BtjrUQ">Netflix is moving beyond subscriber numbers. In its <a href="https://s22.q4cdn.com/959853165/files/doc_financials/2024/q1/FINAL-Q1-24-Shareholder-Letter.pdf">first quarter earnings</a> results released on Thursday, <a href="https://s22.q4cdn.com/959853165/files/doc_financials/2024/q1/FINAL-Q1-24-Shareholder-Letter.pdf">Netflix announced</a> that it will stop reporting quarterly membership numbers in 2025 because subscribers are “just one component” of its growth. The change comes after a quarter where it added 9.3 million subscribers, growing to more than 270 million members globally. </p> <p id="wYiZLX">Subscriber count meant everything in the early days of streaming. It allows investors, studios, and everyone else to gauge just how well a streaming service is doing compared to the competition, and Netflix has leaned on its lead in that area. </p> <p id="fNcySJ">But now, Netflix says it is flipping this idea on its head because it has multiple sources of revenue that don’t hinge solely on...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134217/netflix-earnings-q1-2024-subscriber-count">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134196/senate-cloture-vote-fisa-section-702-surveillance The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:7674ef8d-f449-2907-481b-c5309d31e4d9 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:35:22 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Photo collage of an American flag pole covered in security cameras." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ICUOHKwlQ-ds5_bg3HPnxjji_q8=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288559/STK471_Government_Surveillance_CVirginia_A.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photos from Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="02Xvtt">The Senate is moving forward on a vote to reauthorize a controversial program that allows warrantless surveillance of foreign “targets.” Before voting on the reauthorization bill, senators had to vote on a cloture motion to begin voting. The cloture motion passed 67–32, just one day ahead of the program’s expiration.</p> <p id="zZT0GO">Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire at midnight on April 19th, a deadline some senators emphasized as they urged their colleagues to vote in favor of reauthorization. “It’s hard to overstate either the importance — the gravity — of allowing it to sunset, yet we are 36 hours away from that happening,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said on the Senate floor. “I understand that some of my...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134196/senate-cloture-vote-fisa-section-702-surveillance">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24132042/ursa-topre-keyboard-keycaps-happy-hacking The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:10654ee2-ef22-3af1-d419-8038358062ce Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:24:46 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A render of an HHKB-layout keyboard with brown and tan keycaps. The keycaps are spherical profile and have centered Gorton-like legends. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LLXvr5FbwadmPkicVe3aV8DBA-U=/240x0:2832x1728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288527/ursa_minicom.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Ursa is a new keycap profile for Topre keyboards. I want it.</em> | Render: FKCaps</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p-large-text" id="bwt9pf">Listen, I don’t want to be the guy who always posts about weird keyboard stuff. I have other interests. But I need to tell the dozens of <em>Verge </em>readers with Topre keyboards about these keycaps. Ursa is <a href="https://ursa.fkcaps.com/">a new spherical doubleshot keycap profile for Topre</a> that is available for group buy until May 15th. </p> <p id="fHlQYM">Reactions to the previous sentence will likely fall into three camps: </p> <ol> <li id="2sU7B6">I recognize some of those words</li> <li id="dBXsP1">Already smashed that checkout button</li> <li id="h0dmRg">A keycap group buy? In 2024? In a new profile? For <em>Topre </em>boards? What could go wrong?</li> </ol> <p id="JaFS47">I am usually a group three, but today, I am in group two. If you’re in group one, here is what some of those words mean. Topre keyboards, like the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2011/12/14/2635476/status-symbols-happy-hacking-keyboard">Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional</a>, use different switches than...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24132042/ursa-topre-keyboard-keycaps-happy-hacking">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24134055/qi2-wireless-charging-apple-android-anker-mophie-belkin The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:35227ab9-dc61-57ee-24d3-58b9847ce444 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:24:40 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Three grey-and-white Anker chargers on a bamboo desktop." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4iAg6SHsQY6Xzs2YLAJFgQcpzho=/6x0:3195x2126/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288525/Anker_Qi2_handson.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Anker is amongst the first accessory makers to rerelease MagSafe-compatible accessories that now support the Qi2 standard.</em> | Image: Nathan Edwards / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>Qi2 brings MagSafe-like fast magnetic wireless charging for any device.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24134055/qi2-wireless-charging-apple-android-anker-mophie-belkin">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134103/llama-3-benchmark-testing-ai-gemma-gemini-mistral The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:5dbee955-0d8d-15cf-41b7-c9e5f50818e0 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:10:57 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Image of Meta’s logo with a red and blue background." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DkTeST7PL6ISJ8JbBK8lJBoYtyI=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288509/STK043_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_1_Meta.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Nick Barclay / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="5EsYbv">The next generation of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133808/meta-ai-assistant-llama-3-chatgpt-openai-rival">Meta’s large language model Llama</a>, which releases today to cloud providers like AWS and to model libraries like Hugging Face soon, performs better than most current AI models, the company <a href="https://ai.meta.com/blog/meta-llama-3/">said in a blog post</a>.</p> <p id="fzA3uL">Llama 3 currently features two model weights, with 8B and 70B parameters. (The B is for billions and represents how complex a model is and how much of its training it understands.) It only offers text-based responses so far, but <a href="https://ai.meta.com/blog/meta-llama-3/">Meta says these are “a major leap”</a> over the previous version. Llama 3 showed more diversity in answering prompts, had fewer false refusals where it declined to respond to questions, and could reason better. Meta also says Llama 3 understands more instructions and writes better code...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134103/llama-3-benchmark-testing-ai-gemma-gemini-mistral">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134187/podcast-industry-future-creators-video The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:d1b0d5e0-1a48-12c3-8e9b-99113fa14b38 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:30:00 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A microphone on a blue background" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MoRAR5IVW7IenQfpolzqogOwg-8=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288402/acastro_211024_1777_amazonMusic_0001.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.alexecastro.com/" target="_blank">Alex Castro</a> / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="ZG0xj8"><em>This is </em>Hot Pod<em>, </em>The Verge<em>’s newsletter about podcasting and the audio industry.</em></p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qtC6rx"> <p id="xnVArN">Today is my last day at <em>The Verge</em>, and this will be my final issue of <em>Hot Pod</em>. I’ll have one more story coming out in the next week or two. But until then, I wanted to offer some parting thoughts on the industry I have covered so closely for the past two years.</p> <p id="hrN4aI">I have this thing in my career where I always get to the party too late. I joined my college newspaper just as it was becoming clear that printing a daily no longer mathed out. I had a good year at the <em>Melissa Harris-Perry</em> show on MSNBC shortly before the beloved executive producer left and the program imploded. I missed the heady old days at <em>Forbes</em> when magazine writers would drink champagne on a...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134187/podcast-industry-future-creators-video">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134180/humane-ai-pin-translation-wearables The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8bc25e20-1e05-5224-8b89-72e198254d79 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:24:37 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A photo of a person tapping on a Humane AI Pin." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v1GXK_chCJYLJfDsvNsonm_WCfk=/0x0:2700x1800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288383/247075_Humane_AI_pin_AKrales_0499.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>As funny as it was when the AI Pin utterly failed at translating Korean and Japanese, it also broke my heart.</em> | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="o9zBMn">Of all the things the Humane AI Pin promised, I was most intrigued by translation. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Pn7TucbzM">In a demo</a>, a man speaks to Humane co-founder Imran Chaudhri in Spanish. The AI Pin automatically translates it to English. Chaudhri replies in English. Again, the AI Pin translates his words back into Spanish. There are notable pauses when the AI is processing, but it’s a powerful concept. Unlike with Google Translate, there was solid eye contact between both people. The AI voice sounded more natural and less robotic. And crucially, there were no screens. The language barrier was still there, but it was much more permeable. </p> <p id="WSOi9C">That’s not what happened when I tried it myself.</p> <p id="rswnBF">I spoke some simple phrases in Japanese and Korean. Instead of translating, the AI...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134180/humane-ai-pin-translation-wearables">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134059/music-league-spotify-algorithm-antidote The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:c6cc4215-7717-7404-acad-5bcaa2ad6064 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:34:24 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A smiling computer surrounded by music notes connected like data points." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8Ta8zbtgH-lDS94Bxmk1nKfZtnk=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288226/STK467_AI_MUSIC_CVirginia_B.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>When was the last time your friends made you a playlist?</em> | Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photo from Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="IvgSvY">Writing about <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24070565/pitchfork-gq-conde-nast-music-industry-change">the decline of <em>Pitchfork</em></a> made me sad about the music industry — and also about the state of music discovery. Besides the fact that TikTok doesn’t prioritize music as anything other than background noise, it means that artists have to win the viral lottery in order to make a hit. And that’s entirely out of their control.</p> <p id="c2ylZy">But about two weeks ago, a friend of mine introduced me to <a href="https://musicleague.com/"><em>Music League</em></a>, a game where everyone in the league submits a song to a playlist, and a group of us started playing. About a day after the first one formed, I made two more: one for another friend group and one for family. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="SGWtDE"><q><em>Music League</em> makes music social in a way that social media algorithms, ironically, do not</q></aside></div> <p id="gWXVlB">I’ve enjoyed hearing new songs. The...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134059/music-league-spotify-algorithm-antidote">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134079/meta-real-time-ai-image-generation-whatsapp The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:08cfefc4-747d-359d-e111-cdfec40edf28 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:02:57 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An image showing the WhatsApp logo in black" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iy-OT5J-u7fnPm_7_jTYhBPJCu4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288135/STK110_whats_app_Kradtke_01.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration: The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="IKj0TM">Meta is rolling out <a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/meta-ai-assistant-built-with-llama-3/#:~:text=Spark%20Your%20Creativity%20With%20Meta%20AI%E2%80%99s%20Imagine%20Feature">real-time AI image generation</a> in beta for WhatsApp users in the US. As soon as you start typing a text-to-image prompt in <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133808/meta-ai-assistant-llama-3-chatgpt-openai-rival">a chat with Meta AI</a>, you’ll see how the image changes as you add more detail about what you want to create.</p> <p id="x9zUh3">In the example shared by Meta, a user types in the prompt, “Imagine a soccer game on mars.” The generated image quickly changes from a typical soccer player to showing an entire soccer field on a Martian landscape. If you have access to the beta, you can try out the feature for yourself by opening a chat with Meta AI and then start a prompt with the word “Imagine.”</p> <figure class="e-image"> <cite>GIF: Meta</cite> </figure> <p id="LWbNGS">Additionally, Meta says its Meta Llama 3 model can now produce “sharper and higher quality” images...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134079/meta-real-time-ai-image-generation-whatsapp">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24123318/microsoft-next-xbox-pc-future The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:ebc88af8-fe50-3ab9-9a52-24b897876006 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:39:51 +0200 <figure> <img alt="The Microsoft Xbox game logo against a green and black background." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mGuGk1LHzgqbrs1dI9qhU96qTlc=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73288033/acastro_STK048_02.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="BP1GSg">When I <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21548987/xbox-series-x-review">reviewed the Xbox Series X</a> nearly four years ago, I called the console a “next-gen PC.” Not only did the Xbox look like a PC with its boxy, rectangular, tower-like case but it also felt like one thanks to hardware upgrades that allowed it to run games with a variety of PC-like graphical modes. Now, as we approach the next generation of Xbox, it looks like Microsoft is about to close the gap between Xbox and PC even further.</p> <p id="NENp8Q">Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has teased some potentially massive Xbox platform changes in recent weeks. At the same time, leaked internal memos have revealed an increased focus inside Microsoft on Xbox game preservation and forward compatibility. When you put all the breadcrumbs together, it feels like...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24123318/microsoft-next-xbox-pc-future">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134057/netflix-the-witcher-season-5-end The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:bc8de286-168b-0139-ae3e-2a0ec6e3a4e3 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:21:19 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A still photo from Netflix’s The Witcher." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gyhTAvYFP-YhqrPAKZ40r6Yc3W8=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287987/Witcher_108_Unit_03151_RT.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Henry Cavill as Geralt.</em> | Image: Netflix</figcaption> </figure> <p id="i3ZXCP">We still don’t know what Liam Hemsworth will look (or sound) like when he takes up the role of Geralt of Rivia in <em>The Witcher</em>. But we do know how long he’ll be wearing the white wig: Netflix has confirmed that the show’s fifth season will be its last.</p> <p id="6fgVsD">The news comes as <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-witcher-season-4-liam-hemsworth">Netflix has confirmed</a> that it has started production on season 4 of <em>The Witcher</em> — <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/29/23430147/liam-hemsworth-replacing-henry-cavill-season-4-the-witcher-netflix">the first that won’t feature Henry Cavill in the lead role</a> — and that it and season 5 will be filmed back to back. The two upcoming seasons will “complete the adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books,” according to Netflix. That means they will cover a trio of <em>Witcher</em> books: <em>Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow</em>, and <em>Lady of the Lake</em>.</p> <p id="0m6e6Y">Netflix first announced that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/29/23430147/liam-hemsworth-replacing-henry-cavill-season-4-the-witcher-netflix">Hemsworth would be taking...</a></p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24134057/netflix-the-witcher-season-5-end">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24120911/disney-plus-streaming-espn-mcu-star-wars The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:a5b66886-8472-c2f6-a5b9-208667aa1765 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:07:54 +0200 <figure> <img alt="The Disney logo over a blue and black background with tiled circles in the style of Disney’s logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BNPk_J0oL0A39MeXWtyXEVtfPIA=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287945/STK157_Disney_02.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>Disney has big decisions to make about streaming, sports, Marvel, and more.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24120911/disney-plus-streaming-espn-mcu-star-wars">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133975/tiktok-divest-ban-bill-foreign-aid-package-house-senate The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:ce91d1be-fa50-b687-11fb-ff2b6dcfc717 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00:38 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Graphic photo illustration of the TikTok logo in a stop sign overlayed on a photo of Congress." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0ujPsNMoFTcPV9wE77-Eh0aOkNI=/20x0:2021x1334/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287915/STK051_TIKTOKBAN_CVirginia_D.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photo by Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="ruwRAb">A bill that could oust TikTok from the US looked like it could linger for months in the Senate, even after the House overwhelmingly voted to approve it. But a move by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) could change that.</p> <p id="Au5aQ7">An updated version of the bill, which would enforce a ban of TikTok unless it divests from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, <a href="https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules118.house.gov/files/HSupp_01_xml_0.pdf">appears in a bill about sanctions on Russia and Iran</a>. A separate bill that would <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/20/24106991/house-data-broker-foreign-adversaries-bill-passes">prohibit data brokers from transferring US users’ information to foreign adversaries</a> is also included. It’s part of a package on foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. By combining the legislation, it could make the TikTok bill harder for the Senate to ignore.</p> <p id="tt3QUa">The foreign aid bill still needs to be approved...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133975/tiktok-divest-ban-bill-foreign-aid-package-house-senate">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24130997/kernel-ai-robot-vegan-burgers-potatoes The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:586cddf6-13ae-f19a-5fdd-2f0d0152888d Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Kernel’s robotic arm sits inside a specially designed oven." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YL0tzMy6PD_xwghD4xwZ2HgmkCo=/0x0:2700x1800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287885/247039_Kernel_robot_food_AKrales_0021.0.jpg" /> </figure> <p>Its robotic arm heats vegan burgers and crispy potatoes while relegating humans to assembly line jobs.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24130997/kernel-ai-robot-vegan-burgers-potatoes">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133808/meta-ai-assistant-llama-3-chatgpt-openai-rival The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:3f874a8e-2975-d61d-39a8-0fb29676e66c Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:59:22 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Mark Zuckerberg onstage at Meta Connect 2023." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bc0s9mp1IrhGBbvi9z8rfKtAzqk=/100x0:4608x3005/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287872/Mark_Zuckerberg_Meta_AI_assistant.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Mark Zuckerberg announcing Meta’s AI assistant at Connect 2023.</em> | Image: Meta</figcaption> </figure> <p>Meta’s AI assistant is being put everywhere across Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Meanwhile, the company’s next major AI model, Llama 3, has arrived.</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133808/meta-ai-assistant-llama-3-chatgpt-openai-rival">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24132122/android-notification-settings-turn-off-how-to The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:884da958-6f02-ec5a-1e02-5f21eb3be7e7 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:38:58 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Hand holding Android phone against illustrated background" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CRRoxRo2aUz98f-_GcIJhIBejDE=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287823/VRG_Illo_HT007_K_Radtke_Pixel_03__1_.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Quiet, please.</em> | Illustration by Samar Haddad / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="O2jQVq">Notifications are the soundtrack to modern digital life. When they’re out of control, they make it hard to hear anything else going on. But if you manage them well, you can turn them into a subtle background noise. App developers want you to opt in to every notification possible, but thankfully, Android provides a lot of tools to help you tune in to the helpful stuff and tune out the distractions. It takes a little work upfront, but the payoff is worth it. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="9a8nhV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to tame notifications on iOS","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24125330/ios-notification-settings-scheduled-summary-turn-off"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="nMWQjK">I used a Google Pixel 8 Pro running Android 14 and a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 running One UI 6.1 to write the following guide — steps may be slightly different on other Android phones.</p> <h3 id="f1ABP3">Notifications in the settings menu</h3> <p id="P7cLy5">On either a Pixel or Galaxy phone, a good place to start is by...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24132122/android-notification-settings-turn-off-how-to">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133996/stability-ai-lay-off-emad-mostaque The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:1483c57c-63c0-c611-08b0-bd70acc2a3a9 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:28:28 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Photo illustration of a brain on a circuitboard in red." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PqqPUrm1USckWYe_0hqfTTcPA2Y=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287781/STK414_AI_CHATBOT_H.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photos from Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Q7CAJE">Stability AI laid off 20 employees just a day after announcing the expansion of access to its new flagship model. This comes after weeks of upheaval that saw its founding CEO leave the company. </p> <p id="gZeCVC"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/18/ai-startup-stability-lays-off-10percent-of-employees-after-ceo-exit.html">CNBC reports that</a> the layoffs at the UK-based AI company, which runs the Stable Diffusion text-to-image model, represent roughly 10 percent of its workforce. In a memo to staff, interim CEOs Shan Shan Wong and Christian LaForte say the decision to let go of employees is part of a “strategic plan to reduce our cost-base, strengthen support with our investors and partners, and enable teams to continue developing and releasing innovative products.”</p> <p id="J7630h">The company did not say which departments were affected by layoffs, according to reports.</p> <p id="dUZKXI">Stability...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133996/stability-ai-lay-off-emad-mostaque">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133881/google-android-pixel-teams-reorg-rick-osterloh The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:8f0b21b0-5ecb-881d-6e41-d7842cb457e3 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:26:17 +0200 <figure> <img alt="Google logo with colorful shapes" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FLx0OJEWTqkzayEZFVOjExRc1pU=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287761/STK093_Google_04.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration: The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="p8mTaq">AI is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/8/24065553/google-gemini-ios-android-app-duet-bard">taking over at Google</a>, and the company is changing in big ways to try to make it happen even faster. Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced substantial internal reorganizations on Thursday, including the creation of a new team called “Platforms and Devices” that will oversee all of Google’s Pixel products, all of Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Photos, and more. The team will be run by Rick Osterloh, who was previously the SVP of devices and services, overseeing all of Google’s hardware efforts. Hiroshi Lockheimer, the longtime head of Android, Chrome, and ChromeOS, will be taking on other projects inside of Google and Alphabet.</p> <p id="wONiHa">This is a huge change for Google, and it likely won’t be the last one. There’s only one reason for all of it,...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133881/google-android-pixel-teams-reorg-rick-osterloh">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24132948/amazon-8bitdo-retro-mechanical-keyboard-echo-buds-deal-sale The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:b320f291-4296-f1af-4203-88627e432d7f Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:13:22 +0200 <figure> <img alt="8BitDo Retro Keyboard on a desk next to NES-themed buttons, controller, and SNES cartridges." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-FfnPZf6x_RhtGS3dEvfcPj1xOg=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287734/236859_8BitDo_keyboard_BOTM_JPorter_0008.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>It’s not an official Nintendo accessory, but everything about 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard screams NES regardless.</em> | Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="iVlnir">If you’re craving all things Nintendo after yesterday’s <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DlTjjKC9gHPM%26ab_channel%3DNintendoofAmerica&amp;xcust=___vg__p_23896243__t_w__r_https://www.google.com/__d_D" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indie World showcase event</a>, right now, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/31/23813761/8bitdo-retro-mechanical-keyboard-nintendo-famicom"><strong>8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard</strong></a> has plunged to a new all-time low price. Normally $99.99, right now, you can buy the keyboard for $83.69 from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCP8KYGG?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCP6HLZR?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Famicom-inspired Fami Edition</a>, meanwhile, is available for about $2 more.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="rU6GNq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best mechanical keyboards to buy right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23384750/best-mechanical-keyboard-wired-wireless-75-percent-layout-cheap-bluetooth"},{"title":"8BitDo’s latest retro keyboard is an ode to the Commodore 64","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/28/24113566/8bitdo-commodore-64-retro-mechanical-keyboard-specs-release-date-price-features"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="jcZfkr">From “<a href="https://www.theverge.com/23934698/8bitdo-nes-keyboard-experiment-button-of-the-month">Super Buttons</a>” labeled “A” and “B” right down to the color scheme, everything about the keyboard is designed to mimic the original NES controller’s style. Yet, while it looks like it’s straight from the ’80s, it’s got modern conveniences like programmable Super Buttons and clicky, hot-swappable switches you can easily replace. It also sports multiple connectivity modes, including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless via...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24132948/amazon-8bitdo-retro-mechanical-keyboard-echo-buds-deal-sale">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133897/apple-supply-chain-climate-emissions-environmental-progress-report The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:b0bcb9aa-8fd0-b50b-08bf-b54eb5e09ca0 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:09:58 +0200 <figure> <img alt="An Apple logo on a glass surface" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x4o2GKKnVdHJ_xRhEoIgMaotTeY=/0x0:2579x1719/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287719/1252620341.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Christian Charisius / picture alliance via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="HFZwSd">Apple’s latest sustainability <a href="https://www.apple.com/environment/pdf/Apple_Environmental_Progress_Report_2024.pdf">report</a> shows that its greenhouse gas emissions are falling as it pushes suppliers to clean up their operations.</p> <p id="IwDjJh">Dig into the data in the report, and you’ll find that Apple’s gross carbon dioxide emissions dropped from 20.6 million metric tons in 2022 to 16.1 million metric tons in 2023. That’s a 22 percent reduction over the year. </p> <p id="hgNDvg">The progress is mostly thanks to its suppliers using cleaner sources of electricity, the company says in a <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/04/apple-cuts-greenhouse-emissions-in-half/">press release</a> today. Looking back further, Apple says it has reduced its gross emissions by more than 55 percent since 2015. If it keeps up, Apple could be well on its way toward meeting its commitment to slash emissions by 75 percent by 2030.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="XkdIfO"><q>A dirty supply chain is probably...</q></aside></div> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133897/apple-supply-chain-climate-emissions-environmental-progress-report">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24133094/transformers-one-trailer-animated-optimus-prime The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:fc6684d1-3cf1-4e5f-9968-41c844815db6 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:48:19 +0200 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ao5p-WPsw-FcgSAZeFdANKaitp8=/725x0:3176x1634/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287631/T1_FP_107.0.jpeg" /> </figure> <p id="LsfFDk">Paramount’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23752711/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-review">live-action <em>Transformers </em>movies</a> have always made its alien robots seem like they were born ready for battle and knowing how to navigate the world, but the first trailer for director Josh Cooley’s <em>Transformers One </em>animated prequel reveals that to be anything but the case.</p> <p id="NcqW0y">Set in the distant past on the Cybertronian homeworld, <em>Transformers One </em>tells the story of how Orion Pax / Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 / Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) went from being best friends to mortal enemies soon after discovering their powers to turn into various kinds of vehicles.</p> <p id="EfgCpI">Cybertron’s surface seems to be a mysterious, dangerous place where young transformers are forbidden to go in the new trailer, but Orion and D-16 have much more...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24133094/transformers-one-trailer-animated-optimus-prime">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133547/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-hairy The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:f2da8ebc-40e5-b8e2-d462-1baba102c013 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:15:47 +0200 <figure> <img alt="The Atlas Boston Dynamics robot, but with auburn hair." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jJdP-F8yGVb96qLhzewbf3MM66U=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287531/247089_Atlas_Hair_CVirginia_A.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A less creepy iteration.</em> | Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photos courtesy of Boston Dynamics and Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="oa2osd">On Wednesday, Boston Dynamics announced the new version of its Atlas robot with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133145/boston-dynamics-resurrects-atlas-humanoid-robot-electric-new">a characteristically unsettling video</a>. In it, a humanoid android lifts itself up from the floor by bending its legs backward and then swivels its fathomless void of a head a full 180 degrees like it’s Linda Blair in <em>The Exorcist</em>. The footage is obviously creepy. </p> <div id="3VnAEG"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"></div></div> <p id="MPlqma">In a press release, the company said that it decided to make the new, fully electric Atlas robot move like an undead Cirque du Soleil performer (paraphrasing) because it can more efficiently complete tasks when it is not “constrained by a human range of motion.” I am OKAY with this! Boston Dynamics is doing exciting things with technology!</p> <p id="h7Yc2w">I do, however, have a novel suggestion for Boston Dynamics:...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133547/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-hairy">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133909/apple-airplay-hotel-rooms-iphone-streaming-music-video The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:21855da1-c88e-0d7b-ad86-2dbbda5d009a Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:13:46 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A photo showing someone using AirPlay in a hotel room" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5wPYIozZ5ESAzHVZ13_ivnjmw48=/113x0:1202x726/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287527/ihg_apple_airplay.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: IHG</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Vfh4DE">After some delay, <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/04/airplay-is-now-available-in-select-ihg-hotels-and-resorts-properties/">Apple is finally bringing AirPlay</a> to hotel room TVs — but you can only use it if you’re staying in one of the “more than” 60 IHG hotels it’s available in starting today.</p> <p id="p43bof"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/5/23749851/airplay-is-coming-to-hotels">Apple first announced</a> the ability to use AirPlay in hotels with LG TVs during its Worldwide Developer Conference in 2023. The feature lets you stream shows, movies, and music from your phone to your hotel TV, as well as view photos or play games from a bigger screen. </p> <p id="gdj73Y">Although Apple previously said AirPlay in hotels would arrive by the end of 2023, it ended up <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/11/23997308/apple-is-pushing-some-upcoming-features-back-to-2024">pushing back its launch</a> until this year. The feature finally popped up with the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/17/24041807/the-ability-to-use-airplay-in-hotels-is-technically-coming-to-ios-17-3">release of iOS 17.3</a> earlier this year.</p> <p id="82JwAX">For now, AirPlay is currently only supported in select IHG hotels — such as...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133909/apple-airplay-hotel-rooms-iphone-streaming-music-video">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24133912/apple-24-sunny-rashida-jones The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:0d21844c-d92e-0735-0a24-a9af48b71b48 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:05:00 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A woman sitting on a couch in a cozy living room across from a humanoid robot." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WOK3uKg3gCMnawKFt3Ks0l5sOF8=/717x0:3123x1604/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287505/Sunny_102_F00511F.0.jpeg" /> <figcaption><em>Rashida Jones as Suzie.</em> | Image: Apple</figcaption> </figure> <p id="x56kc2">Apple TV Plus has been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/5/24062335/apple-tv-plus-run-of-sci-fi-looks-to-continue-in-2024">killing it on the sci-fi front</a> lately, but this summer, the streamer’s taking another stab at the murder mystery genre with <em>Sunny</em>, a new A24-produced series from showrunner Katie Robbins, director Lucy Tcherniak, and executive producer Rashida Jones.</p> <p id="hMKvBQ">Based on Colin O’Sullivan’s novel <em>The Dark Manual, Sunny </em>revolves around Suzie Sakamoto (Jones), an American woman living in Kyoto whose life is thrown into turmoil following the disappearances of her roboticist husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and their son in a catastrophic plane crash. </p> <div id="zRC3Hs"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:12310079"></div></div> <p id="4RWgR5">Though all Suzie wants is her family back, what she receives (as a gift from the company Masa works for) is Sunny (Joanna Sotomura), an experimental robot designed to assist...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24133912/apple-24-sunny-rashida-jones">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133870/us-air-force-ai-dogfight-test-x-62a The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:d52b4bcb-da2c-0d8d-df75-2639f47c5611 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:04:04 +0200 <figure> <img alt="A photo showing a X-62A aircraft in flight" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oip-z0aGgVyWty7ufSr7XnBCjTo=/1x0:1000x666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287497/us_air_force.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: DARPA</figcaption> </figure> <p id="9YrxKP">The US Air Force is putting AI in the pilot’s seat. In <a href="https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3744695/usaf-test-pilot-school-and-darpa-announce-breakthrough-in-aerospace-machine-lea/">an update on Thursday</a>, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) revealed that an AI-controlled jet successfully faced a human pilot during an in-air dogfight test carried out last year.</p> <p id="vTW9yA">DARPA began experimenting with AI applications in December 2022 as part of its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. It worked to develop an AI system capable of autonomously flying a fighter jet, while also adhering to the Air Force’s safety protocols. </p> <div id="p8KoXo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"></div></div> <p id="0qsDQZ">After carrying out dogfighting simulations using the AI pilot, DARPA put its work to the test by installing the AI system inside its experimental X-62A aircraft. That allowed it to get the AI-controlled craft into the air at the Edwards...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/18/24133870/us-air-force-ai-dogfight-test-x-62a">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p> https://www.theverge.com/24132471/netflix-richard-linklater-hit-man-trailer The Verge - All Posts urn:uuid:64b8ebd8-c6de-58cb-9793-85b12d734fc2 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0200 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/enViO7UrXOkJHOP1kBAcg6Ezq2g=/0x60:2480x1713/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73287447/HIT_MAN_004.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A woman standing behind a man close enough to lean her head over his shouler as he stretches his arm outward.</em> | Image: Netflix</figcaption> </figure> <p id="HR3ztl">The idea of pretending to be a contract killer while working undercover for the police sounds stressful as hell, but the first trailer for <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23901532/hit-man-review-nyff-richard-linklater-glen-powell">Richard Linklater’s <em>Hit Man</em></a><em> </em>makes the gig seem like a fun way to work out those improv muscles.</p> <p id="Cqr8pT">Loosely based on journalist Skip Hollandsworth’s 2001 <em>Texas Monthly </em>article by the same name, <em>Hit Man </em>tells the tale of Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), an unassuming college professor who spends his free time pretending to be a mercenary to help police flush out folks who intend to put hits on people. Though Gary’s disguises make him look like a cheesy character out of a film or show about shady criminals, that seems to be what convinces people that he’s legit before the officers he works for (Retta, Sanjay...</p> <p> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24132471/netflix-richard-linklater-hit-man-trailer">Continue reading&hellip;</a> </p>