The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to finalize new spectrum rules that will push cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communications technology forward. C-V2X will use existing cellular networks to send messages from vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to infrastructure, vehicle to cyclists, or vehicle to pedestrians to warn of each other's presence for safety purposes. It could cross-alert for hazardous road conditions, including speeding cars, weather, or traffic congestion.FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the agencys efforts will drive innovation in wireless and transportation economies and keep us safe on our roadways when we walk, ride, and drive. The decision on the proposed rule promotes efficient use of 30 megahertz of spectrum dedicated to Intelligent Transportation Systems, or ITS, in the 5.9GHz band. And it also codifies C-V2X technical parameters, including power and emission limits, technical parameters, and message priorities.Companies like Ford have been chasing C-V2X technology for years with the idea that its cars and trucks could audibly alert drivers of a cyclist approaching or vice versa assuming a cyclist is paying attention to their phone.In 2022, the FCC won control over what should happen to the spectrum in the 5.9GHz band, which could be partially used for other technologies, such as Wi-Fi expansion. Automotive industry petitioners wanted the entire band, but the ruling judge determined they failed to point out any significant developments in the field of yet-to-arrive technologies.

Snap says the basis of a scathing lawsuit suggesting it systematically recommends teens accounts to child predators is backwards the company is now accusing the New Mexico attorney general of intentionally seeking out such accounts before recommendations were made. The company says the AGs case is based on gross misrepresentations and cherry picks from Snaps internal documents. RelatedIn a motion to dismiss filed Thursday, Snap says AG Ral Torrezs complaint makes patently false allegations, and particularly misrepresents its own undercover investigation, in which the AGs office created a decoy 14-year-old account. Torrez alleges Snap violated the states unfair practices and public nuisance laws by misleading users about the safety and ephemerality of its disappearing messages, which he says have enabled abusers to collect and retain exploitative images of minors. But Snap claims that contrary to the way the state described it, investigators were the ones who sent friend requests from the decoy account to obviously targeted usernames like nudedude_22, teenxxxxxxx06, ineedasugardadx, and xxx_tradehot. And Snap says it was actually the governments decoy account that searched for and added an account called Enzo (Nud15Ans) which allegedly went on to ask the decoy to send anonymous messages through an end-to-end encrypted service rather than the reverse, as the state alleges. The state claims that after connecting with Enzo, Snapchat suggested over 91 users, including numerous adult users whose accounts included or sought to exchange sexually explicit content.Snap also says the state repeatedly mischaracterizes its internal documents, including blaming Snap for choosing not to store child sex abuse images and suggesting it failed to provide them to law enforcement. In reality, according to Snap, its not allowed to store child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its servers under federal law, and says it of course turns any such content over to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as mandated.Lauren Rodriguez, director of communications for the New Mexico Department of Justice, says Snap wants to dismiss the case to to avoid accountability for the serious harm its platform causes to children. In a statement, she says, The evidence we have presentedincluding internal documents and findings from our investigationclearly demonstrates that Snap has long known about the dangers on its platform and has failed to act. Rather than addressing these critical issues with real change to their algorithms and design features, Snap continues to put profits over protecting children.The company is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on several grounds, including that the state is attempting to mandate age verification and parental controls that violate the First Amendment and that the legal liability shield Section 230 should block the suit. Snap also says that the AGs claims of Snaps alleged misrepresentation of its services is centered around puffery-based catchphrases (e.g., that Snapchat is a worry-free platform) and aspirational statements regarding Snaps commitment to safety, neither of which remotely guarantees that Snap would (much less could) extinguish all potential risks posed by third parties.

DOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopolyDOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopoly / Google and the DOJ will be back in a DC federal court in April for the remedies trial.By Lauren Feiner, a senior policy reporter at The Verge, covering the intersection of Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill. She spent 5 years covering tech policy at CNBC, writing about antitrust, privacy, and content moderation reform. Nov 21, 2024, 4:56 AM UTCShare this story Image: Laura Normand / The VergeThe Department of Justice says that Google must divest the Chrome web browser to restore competition to the online search market, and it left the door open to requiring the company to spin out Android, too.Filed late Wednesday in DC District Court, the initial proposed final judgement refines the DOJs earlier high-level outline of remedies after Judge Amit Mehta found Google maintained an illegal monopoly in search and search text advertising. The filing includes a broad range of requirements the DOJ hopes the court will impose on Google from restricting the company from entering certain kinds of agreements to more broadly breaking the company up. The DOJs latest proposal doubles down on its request to spin out Googles Chrome browser, which the government views as a key access point for searching the web. The possibility of an Android spin-out could hang over Googles headWhile the government isnt going as far as to demand Google spin out its Android business, its leaving the option open. The possibility of an Android spin-out could hang over Googles head to incentivize it against circumventing other remedies, but the government says a spin-out could also be mandated should those other solutions prove ineffective at restoring competition to the market. The DOJ says Google might even choose divestiture itself if the company doesnt want to comply with some of the other rules the government is proposing against self-preferencing Google Search in Android.Other remedies the government is asking the court to impose include prohibiting Google from offering money or anything of value to third parties including Apple and other phone-makers to make Googles search engine the default, or to discourage them from hosting search competitors. It also wants to ban Google from preferencing its search engine on any owned-and-operated platform (like YouTube or Gemini), mandate it let rivals access its search index at marginal cost, and on an ongoing basis, and require Google to syndicate its search results, ranking signals, and US-originated query data for 10 years. The DOJ is also asking that Google let websites opt-out of its AI overviews without being penalized in search results.Judge Mehta is now tasked with determining the best way to restore competitionThe DOJ will file a revised version of its proposals in early March, before the government and Google return to the DC District Court in April for a two-week remedies trial. Its the second stage of the litigation, with Mehta now tasked with determining the best way to restore competition in the markets.The remedies trial will take place with a new administration overseeing the DOJ, which could impact the sorts of solutions it ultimately pursues. But the case was originally filed during the first Trump administration, which suggests Google wont be entirely off the hook.Google and the DOJ are scheduled to deliver closing arguments in a separate antitrust case playing out in Alexandria, VA on Monday, regarding its advertising technology business.Most PopularMost Popular

Perfect is a high bar to live up to, but its the word I used to describe my experience with Peak Designs first backpack eight years ago. That 20-liter Everyday Backpack aimed at techies and camera nerds was so popular with Verge staff that we would often get our bags mixed up when gathered together at tech events.Back in 2016, I was hauling around a laptop; a DSLR with external flash and at least one long lens; a tripod; and a portable battery or two to keep everything charged. Here in 2024, I need a bag to also carry gear like a drone and controller; an action camera with a wireless mic and selfie stick; and maybe even a Starlink Mini dish with a portable solar panel to keep everything connected and charged.As someone who now likes to work as remotely as possible, often from the limited confines of an adventure van, Im also looking for a singular bag that can be quickly adapted for a hike or bike ride, a trip to the gym, store, or office, or a weekend away via train or airplane. It then needs to stow quickly and compactly until its next use.In my two months testing Peak Designs new lighter-weight and more versatile $249.95 25L Outdoor Backpack, I can say this: its not perfect but it is better, so long as youre ready to spend even more on accessories.8Verge ScorePeak Design Outdoor Backpack (25L)$249.95The GoodAdapts quickly to many types of loadsLooks great outdoors, at the gym, or in a casual officeWeather- and abrasion-resistantBenefits from the Peak Design ecosystem of add-onsThe BadInelegant Ultra Cinch closureMust purchase additional accessories to maximize performanceWhite model will yellow with age$250 at Peak DesignHow we rate and review productsThe 25L Outdoor Backpack is sized for day trips with your laptop, camera, and other gadgets, alongside some food, water, and maybe an extra layer of clothing. Unlike the 45L model, the much smaller pack Ive been testing is frameless, and the hip belt must be purchased separately for $44.95.In contrast to the heavier Everyday Backpack, the Outdoor Backpacks weather- and abrasion-resistant nylon shell lacks any gear protection or structure. Its compatible with Peak Designs ecosystem of accessories, like its ultralight Packing Cubes, quick-release Capture clips, and protective Camera Cubes, the last of which Id consider mandatory additions for this bag.The 25L Outdoor Backpack has a deep main pocket that is accessible by a roll top for top-down access to all your gear or via two zippers that fully open the bag like a clamshell to access the cubes. Other storage breaks down as follows:An outer Flex pocket suitable for a rain jacket and hydration bladder.Two zipped side pockets built into the outer shell of the Flex pocket, where you can attach the stretchy key lanyard and carry things like passports, documents, and a wallet.A suspension sleeve attached to the inside of the back panel, suitable for laptops up to 16 inches or a hydration bladder, with integrated routing for the drinking tube.Two deep side pocket holsters for things like water bottles, tripods, and trekking poles.Mesh pockets on the wide and plush shoulder straps for quick access to a phone, snacks, glasses, etc.Gear loops integrated all over the bag for external carry and compression using a pair of long attachment cords, two included stretchy gear straps, and two sternum straps.DesignPeak Design sent me the cloud white version of the 25L Outdoor Backpack to review. The bags combination of sleek and soft recycled materials adorned with gray, black, and orange embellishments looks fantastic and has only minor blemishes after sitting in dirt, rough gravel, and that congealed goo that accumulates on barroom floors. Unfortunately, Peak Design says those whites will yellow slightly over time due to UV exposure. If that concerns you, as it does me, then you can opt instead for the black or purple-ish color options. The 25L Outdoor Backpack with two Camera Cubes inside next to the original 20L Everyday Backpack, which still looks great after years of usage. That white will yellow over time from a UV-induced patina that wont be covered by the companys lifetime warranty.I quickly came around to Peak Designs modular approach that combines lightweight (but not ultralight) materials of the backpack with impact protection provided by Camera Cubes like the smedium (top) and small (bottom), shown unzipped here.The Outdoor bag fully unzips like a clamshell, making it easy to access your gear. The lower half contains the laptop sleeve, which can also hold a water reservoir.The pack is covered in gear loops where you can attach gear straps (top) and attachment cords (below) to compress the bag and add external storage. The straps and cords can be removed from the bag if not needed.Seeing all those untidy loops, cords, and other snaggy bits for the first time was a bit of a downer, until I realized many could be relocated or even removed entirely.I also didnt like all the rumpled fabric when the bag was empty, but Peak Design has a fix for that as well. The 25L Outdoor Backpack is designed to work with Peak Designs soft-shelled smedium $69.95 Camera Cube its not small and not quite medium, but its just right for that main storage compartment. I highly recommend buying it for the 25L model, as it not only stiffens the bag, making it look better, but also protects the gear within and makes it easily accessible. The remaining space can be filled with a small Camera Cube ($59.95).The UItra Cinch system of cords that control access to the outer Flex pocket and roll top opening is fine but finicky. It locks in place when youre done pulling it to control the width of the opening, but it requires two hands, and those dangly cords can get in the way.It takes two hands to open the Flex pocket. I find the mechanics of the Ultra Cinch system satisfying if inelegant compared to the one-handed magnetic closure found on the original Everyday Backpack.Closing the outer Flex pocket also requires two hands. The outer Flex pocket is never actually closed at the top, relying upon gravity and pressure to keep things from falling out something that happened to me rarely and only when the bag turned upside down.In profile, you can see the Cinch cord holding the roll top in place when the Flex pocket is pulled tight. The roll top could use another magnet or two to keep it from unwinding into a bunch of disheveled-looking fabric.The two loosened retention cords often need to be pushed out of the way to access the roll top opening or to grab a jacket tucked inside the inner Flex pocket.Despite my moaning, Im a big fan of the new Flex pocket its the pocket I use the most because it can be quickly accessed throughout the day. And I like that I can access the internal storage and expand it upward with the roll top. But the Ultra Cinch cord system is certainly not the peak of design.Gear haulingI never had a problem with the comfort of the original Everyday Backpack on my six-foot athletic frame, but others did. Peak Design says it improved the fit and comfort of the new 25L Outdoor Backpack, and I found this to be true in a variety of scenarios when carrying both light and heavy loads.It remained stable and comfortable during my regular bike rides to my gym and coworking space, carrying a change of clothing, laptop, charger, and miscellaneous items like cables and glasses. The compression straps helped keep the bag thin and snug to my body. It also worked well on several day hikes and when attaching the hip belt to support a very heavy remote office load complete with a satellite dish.Accessing the key lanyard after a 15km hike while testing a few drones and carrying food and two liters of water for me and my dog, as well as a few layers of warm clothing and rain gear. The bag shape-shifted easily to accommodate the addition and removal of items throughout the day as the rain stopped and temperatures changed.I attached the hip belt to help carry my extremely remote office setup. The entire pack weighed 26 pounds (12kg) and consisted of a one-liter water bottle, lunch, a 14-inch MacBook Pro, my Starlink Mini, and a 245Wh River 3 solar generator with folding 45W panel from EcoFlow. Its not something Id like to wear over great distances, but it worked well tossed into a van and then carried a few hundred meters into the wilderness after the road ran out. The shape and cushioning of the shoulder straps surely accounts for the improved fit and comfort. Inspired by running vests, the straps grow wider as they move over and down the chest to more evenly distribute pressure. The padding is also much thicker now, especially near the neck and collarbones, where it wraps around the entire circumference of the strap.The small Camera Cube can also be worn across the chest, held in place to the Outdoor Backpacks shoulder straps by the included two sternum straps. This configuration gives you super-quick access to a camera or drone, and I found it reasonably comfortable to wear like that over a few hours of hiking.Other notable observations:On the white model, the Flex outer pocket is transparent enough to expose items pressed against the external shell. The black and purple-ish colors dont seem to have this issue.My review bag has weathered light rain just fine, but if youre out in a storm, youll want the $29.95 rainfly accessory to keep everything dry inside.I found the Flex pocket to be a good place to temporarily store sweaty gym gear instead of lashing it to the outside of the bag its airy and easy to wipe down.1/31When pulled tightly, the Ultra Cinch cord forms a loop that hangs long off the outer pocket unless you take the extra time to tuck it away I rarely did, even though its long enough to slap you in the neck and face if the wind is just right.1/31When pulled tightly, the Ultra Cinch cord forms a loop that hangs long off the outer pocket unless you take the extra time to tuck it away I rarely did, even though its long enough to slap you in the neck and face if the wind is just right.When perfection is the benchmark, there are bound to be quibbles. I like the lightweight,At $249.95 / 279.99, this is the most versatile backpack Peak Design has ever made. But it only reaches its true potential for the gadget and photography nerds it targets after you buy a Camera Cube or two. But now youre looking at a pack that costs at least $320 and could easily exceed $400. Thats still not too outrageous for a full-featured camera bag. You can pay about $215 for the smaller but heavier22.5L PRO Light Backloader from Manfrotto, $324 for the larger31L Prvke top-loader with camera cubes, or almost $400 for the25L McKinnon Camera Pack and cubes from Nomatic. I do love Peak Designs 25L Outdoor Backpack and will likely ask Santa for it to avoid personally betraying my own Everyday Backpack, which has served me well for many years. However, my colleague Vjeran Pavic from our video team, who regularly travels the world with a bag full of cameras and drones, has already switched out his Everyday bag for the white 25L Outdoor Backpack.Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

Nvidia has become the worlds most valuable company on the back of AI chips, passing Microsoft and Apple along the way, and in todays Q3 2025 earnings, the company suggested its record AI revenue and profits are only the beginning. While The Information recently reported that its new flagship Blackwell AI servers might have cooling issues, the company didnt address that on todays call instead, Nvidia assured investors that Blackwell is in full production, is full steam ahead, and that the company would continue to deliver more of the chips each quarter from here on out. Nvidia has already shipped 13,000 Blackwell samples to its customers this quarter, said CFO Colette Kress, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claimed Blackwells success can already be measured in the billions as a result. As you can see from all the systems being stood up, Blackwell is in great shape, Huang told investors.RelatedWhile Nvidia has long been known as a graphics and gaming company, pioneering the GPU, its data center fortunes have now outstripped its other businesses by an order of magnitude. Gaming is now merely a $2-3 billion business each quarter for Nvidia, but its AI-infused data centers raked in $30.7 billion this past quarter, making up the vast majority of its $35 billion in quarterly earnings. Much of that is pure profit for Nvidia, too: $14.8 billion in Q1, $16.6 billion in Q2, and now a profit of $19.3 billion in Q3. (Microsoft and Apple made $24.7 billion and $21.4 billion in profit, respectively, this past quarter, though.)Though AI is nowhere near as big a business yet for Nvidia's rival AMD, that company is seeing a similar shift, and is similarly changing its strategy to revolve around AI. Both Nvidia and AMD have accelerated their development timelines, promising to bring out new chips to meet that AI demand each year instead of every two years. Practically, that means theres substantial overlap between each new generation of chips as businesses order them and stick them into data centers. Though Blackwell is Nvidias latest and greatest, Nvidia says today that the H200 it announced last year is actually now the fastest-selling product its ever made, growing to multiple billions of dollars worth this past quarter. Nvidias H100 was its original winning AI product, though it took longer to see its current success; Huang says the company expects demand for its H-series chips to continue through most of next year.Intel, meanwhile, is far behind in terms of AI fortunes and is currently restructuring.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have spelled out their plans for DOGEElon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have spelled out their plans for DOGE / Their approach includes recommending executive actions that could result in massive headcount reductions across the government.By Jay Peters, a news editor who writes about technology, video games, and virtual worlds. Hes submitted several accepted emoji proposals to the Unicode Consortium. Nov 21, 2024, 12:55 AM UTCShare this story Illustration by Laura Normand / The VergeElon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were officially appointed the co-leads of President-elect Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last week, and on Wednesday, the two men spelled out their plans for the advisory group in a long article in The Wall Street Journal.Musk and Ramaswamy say they will serve as outside volunteers making recommendations that allow the Trump administration to cut the federal government down to size. Their primary focus is on cutting down federal agencies, which they view as wasteful and antidemocratic.Most legal edicts arent laws enacted by Congress but rules and regulations promulgated by unelected bureaucrats, write the two unelected men who have been tasked with cutting trillions from the federal budget and rewriting government operations.Musk and Ramaswamy say theyll hire a lean team of small-government crusaders to work with the Trump administration and the White House Office of Management and Budget. Their primary lever for change will be executive action leaning on two recent Supreme Court rulings West Virginia v. Environmental Protection AgencyLoper Bright v. Raimondo (which overturned the Chevron doctrine) which suggest that a plethora of current federal regulations exceed the authority Congress has granted under the law.Here is how DOGE will make its recommendations for what Trump should put pause on a process that will be aided vaguely by advanced technology:DOGE will work with legal experts embedded in government agencies, aided by advanced technology, to apply these rulings to federal regulations enacted by such agencies. DOGE will present this list of regulations to President Trump, who can, by executive action, immediately pause the enforcement of those regulations and initiate the process for review and rescission. This would liberate individuals and businesses from illicit regulations never passed by Congress and stimulate the U.S. economy.As a result, Musk and Ramaswamy foresee Trump cutting thousands of federal regulations and say that these cuts will allow for mass head-count reductions of government employees. DOGE will try to determine the minimum number of employees required at an agency for it to perform its constitutionally permissible and statutorily mandated functions. This will almost certainly hobble many government agencies, which enforce everything from environmental protections to healthcare standards.Musk and Ramaswamy also suggest that Trump could impose rules like requiring federal employees to return to the office five days per week, which they say could bring voluntary terminations they would welcome. If federal employees dont want to show up, American taxpayers shouldnt pay them for the Covid-era privilege of staying home.In the article, Musk and Ramaswamy list a few federal expenditures that seem to be on the chopping block, including $535 million a year to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $1.5 billion for grants to international organizations to nearly $300 million to progressive groups like Planned Parenthood.Musk and Ramaswamy aim to eliminate the need for DOGEs existence by July 4th, 2026.Most PopularMost Popular

Following ongoing reports that Amazons generative AI makeover of Alexa is not going well, it appears Amazon may take a more practical approach to making its smart assistant more useful.According to Business Insider, Amazon is partnering with several companies to make Alexa better at doing things you might want a digital assistant to do: including calling an Uber, tackling Ticketmaster for events, booking dinner through OpenTable, and handling GrubHub and Instacart for your food delivery. Now, if this sounds familiar, it's because the likes of Uber, OpenTable, GrubHub and others already had Alexa Skills, but apparently, this is something different. These companies are reportedly being recruited to be part of the new Alexa, which Amazon has said will be a smarter, more capable voice assistant so much more capable, that the company will charge a premium for its use. Amazon wants to make the new Alexa capable of completing an entire task for a user rather than handing it off to a third party, as it largely does with Skills. BI reports that these partner companies would become the primary option for handling those specific tasks on the upgraded Alexa." So, for example, when you ask Alexa to order that pizza you got last week from that place you like, it could potentially link into your GrubHub account and order you a pepperoni and pineapple, saving you several minutes of fiddling with your phone. According to BI, the partnerships aren't final. In fact, an Amazon spokesperson told the publication that any product development process features ideas that dont necessarily reflect what the experience will be when we roll it out for our customers.The approach is an interesting antidote to the generative-AI hype around voice assistants. Theres no need to reinvent the wheel here, just make the wheel better. While the report didnt include technical details, if Amazon is partnering with companies, it may well be to leverage a much more tried-and-true solution than generative AI: APIs. Instead of unleashing an LLM-powered assistant on a service or website and telling it to execute a task for you (a model that companies like Rabbit and Humane AI have tried with limited success), Amazon could just use a smarter, more conversational Alexa to make the clunky command and control structure of API calls more seamless. While technically much less ambitious, if it makes for a smoother experience ordering your pizza via voice than with the current Alexa Skills process, thats an improvement all round. The downside is that if Amazon relies on partnerships to provide this functionality, your local pizza place may not be on that list. (Mine only just got online ordering, and it's spotty at best.) According to BIs source, Amazon expects to have around 200 partners by Q3 next year. Depending on who those partners are, this approach of let's make sure this actually works rather than heres a chatbot that might try to add pinecones to your pizza feels like a better solution.

Sony is bringing a big new feature to the PlayStation Portal: cloud streaming. When it first launched, the device was only able to stream games from your PS5 over Wi-Fi. But as part of a new system update thats rolling out starting later today, youll be able to stream select PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog to your PlayStation Portal.Sony is launching the feature in beta, and youll need to be a PlayStation Plus Premium subscriber to take advantage of it. Sony says that to stream at 720p, youll need a minimum 7 Mbps connection, while 1080p quality will require a minimum 13 Mbps connection. Portal Cloud Streaming Beta Image: SonySome PlayStation Plus features wont be available to start with cloud streaming to the PlayStation Portal, including Game Trials, party voice chat, game invites for select games, 3D audio, and in-game commerce. And you wont be able to stream any PS4 games or PS3 games. Child accounts also wont be able to use cloud streaming on the Portal.The beta will be available in the following countries:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United StatesSony launched cloud streaming on PS5 consoles last year.As part of the new PlayStation Portal update, there are changes to audio, too, including a lower minimum volume level and the ability to tweak settings of a PlayStation Link device from your Portals settings.

Niantic has announced that its building a new Large Geospatial Model (LGM) that combines millions of scans taken from the smartphones of players of Pokmon Go and other Niantic products. This AI model could allow computers and robots to understand and interact with the world in new ways, the company said in a blog post spotted by Garbage Day.The LGMs spatial intelligence is built on the neural networks developed as part of Niantics Visual Positioning System. The blog post explains that Over the past five years, Niantic has focused on building our Visual Positioning System (VPS), which uses a single image from a phone to determine its position and orientation using a 3D map built from people scanning interesting locations in our games and Scaniverse, and This data is unique because it is taken from a pedestrian perspective and includes places inaccessible to cars.Niantic Chief Scientist Victor Prisacariu was more explicit in a 2022 Q&A, saying, Using the data our users upload when playing games like Ingress and Pokmon Go, we built high-fidelity 3D maps of the world, which include both 3D geometry (or the shape of things) and semantic understanding (what stuff in the map is, such as the ground, sky, trees, etc).As 404 Media points out, nobody who downloaded Pokmon Go in 2016 could have predicted their data would one day fuel this type of AI product.

Strava recently informed its users and partners that new terms for its API restrict the data that third-party apps can show, refrain from replicating Stravas look, and place a ban on using data for any model training related to artificial intelligence, machine learning or similar applications. The policy is effective as of November 11th, even though Stravas own post about the change is dated November 15th.Effective November 11, the updated API agreement introduces three key changes that provide Strava users with greater control, security, and a consistent experience:Stronger Privacy Standards: Third-party apps may now only display a users Strava activity data to that specific user. Users will continue to have access to their personal Strava data across apps connected to our platform, though there may be differences in how this data appears.Data Use Limitations: Our terms now explicitly prohibit third parties from using any data obtained via Stravas API in artificial intelligence models or similar applications.Protecting the Strava Experience: Additional terms have been added to protect Stravas unique look and feel and functionality, helping users easily distinguish between Strava and third-party platforms.In a statement sent to The Verge, Strava VP of Communications and Social Impact Brian Bell said, We anticipate that these changes will affect only a small fraction (less than .1 percent) of the applications on the Strava platformthe overwhelming majority of existing use cases are still allowed, including coaching platforms focused on providing feedback to users and tools that help users understand their data and performance. You can read the rest of Stravas updated statement below.Ray Maker, aka DCRainmaker, points out that Strava has widely served as a middleman to get data collected by wearables to other apps and services. According to Maker, every single partner Ive talked to over the last 24 hours has been completely broadsided by this change, with their only notification arriving as an email on Friday giving a 30-day notice to make any adjustments. Now, services like VeloViewer and Final Surge may need to find another way to provide the features Stravas users explicitly ask them to provide, like automatically updated leaderboards, personalized workouts, and year in review recaps, even as Strava is beta testing its AI-generated Athlete Intelligence summaries that Maker says tell me something vaguely positive but usually wrong.TrainerRoad is one app that promises to guide users through Effective, Science-Backed Workouts, based on access to data from Strava, and the team has already commented on the change. In a post on its forum, Nate Pearson writes, This was crazy news to us, too, but noted that Garmin users could use Garmin Connect instead and that the team had already been working on integrating other platforms like Zwift and Wahoo.Brian Bell, Strava VP of Communications and Social Impact:We wanted to provide some additional context around the changes to our API Agreement and the impact for our users and developers. We currently anticipate these changes will impact less than .1% of applications and proactively notified the majority of those affected last week.Enhanced Privacy and User ControlPrivacy and user control are at the forefront of our platform. As a result, we are committed to evolving our API practices as regulatory requirements and user expectations shift. This includesthe decision to limit the ability of a users data to be displayed by third-party apps in ways the user may not expect. Specifically, we want to thoughtfully address situations where users connect to a third-party app and are unaware that their data is being surfaced not just for their own use and visibility, but also to other users (for example, in a public feed or heatmap). The latest API changes address this scenario and provide a more consistent framework for Strava user data.Training AI ModelsWe believe in the potential of AI to transform the athlete experiencewhether its delivering more personalized insights to help you reach your goals, generating route or training recommendations, or countless other possibilities. But innovation in this space must be handled responsibly and with a firm focus on user control. As part of our generative AI features, we are committed to implementing thoughtful solutions that prioritize user control and the ability to opt out.Third-party developers may not take such a deliberate approach to training AI models and as a result, we believe the best decision for the platform and for users is to prohibit the use of data extracted from Strava users in this manner. Our previous terms already disallowed the use of Strava user data in model training and development but weve made this more explicit in light of the increasing activity in this space.No Impact to Most DevelopersWe recognize that our platform thrives because of the creativity and dedication of third-party developers who build tools to complement and extend Stravas capabilities. We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering this ecosystem. We anticipate that these changes will affect only a small fraction (less than .1%) of the applications on the Strava platformthe overwhelming majority of existing use cases are still allowed, including coaching platforms focused on providing feedback to users and tools that help users understand their data and performance.There are plenty of posts on social media complaining about the sudden shift, but one place where dissent wont be tolerated is Stravas own forums. The company says, ...posts requesting or attempting to have Strava revert business decisions will not be permitted.Update, November 19th: Added statement from Strava.

The IMG_0001 website features a frame with an old TV static effect and a floating retro Panasonic remote that you can click to start watching random YouTube videos from over a decade ago that were recorded and uploaded from devices such as 2010s iPhone 4. Riley Walz, a tech worker who helped stage a fake steakhouse restaurant in Manhattan last year, built the site. He credits this blog by Ben Wallace for the idea and says the iPhone is the reason the project is possible.As described on the site, there was a novel (at the time) Send to YouTube feature on iPhones between 2009 and 2012 that let you upload recordings directly from your iPhone for anyone to see which often arent accompanied by any text descriptions.Each video is titled something like IMG_XXXX, which follows the default naming conventions of recordings from iPhones (and many, many cameras).As youre presented with videos such as this random white cat that jumps at the cameraman, some Wu-Tang Clan concertgoer, or the homies jumping into a swimming pool, the site shows you the upload date and the number of views. View counts are under ten most of the time. If you click on the numbers, it takes you to the original YouTube page for the video so you can comment or just take a moment to appreciate how immortalizing YouTube makes the world.If this site is ringing a bell, youre probably thinking about a similar project called Astronaut from 2017. It had a similar idea to IMG_0001 where you watch original filename videos; however, Astronaut focused on videos that could be newly uploaded (with low view counts) and only showed small portions of each one unless you intervened.

Cant wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shop or score a killer deal on a gadget youve been eyeing? You may not have to. Although Black Friday isnt until November 29th, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have begun rolling out their holiday discounts, many of which are available elsewhere. Some retailers will even refund you the difference if an item drops further in price later this year, meaning you dont necessarily have to worry about shopping ahead of time.New deals are popping up weekly, so weve rounded up the cream of the crop below to make sorting through them easier. Current promos include steep discounts on a range of our favorite tech, too, from the Beats Solo Pro headphones and Apples AirTags to some of our favorite holiday string lights. Well continue updating this roundup as more deals drop, so bookmark this page and keep checking back.RelatedThe best Apple dealsApple AirTag (four-pack)$73$9926% off$73$73$9926% offApples AirTags are unobtrusive, waterproof, and tap into the massive Find My network for out-of-range locating. Read our review.$73 at Amazon$73 at Best BuyApple AirPods (third-gen) with Lightning charging case $94$16944% off$94$94$16944% offApples third-gen AirPods sport an updated design and sound significantly better than their predecessors. They also support newer features, including head-tracking spatial audio. Read our review.$94 at WalmartTheGPS-enabled Apple Watch Series 10is down to its best price of $349 ($50 off) in the 42mm configuration at Amazon and Walmart. Apples latest flagship wearable features the companys new S10 SiP chip and an added depth and water temperature sensor. It also offers faster charging than the prior model, as well as a larger wide-angle display. Read our review.You can buy the last-gen iPad with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage for its all-time low of $199.99 ($129 off) at Best Buy and Target. The 2021 tablet features a smaller 10.2-inch screen than the newer model, a slower A13 Bionic chip, and a Lightning charging port. However, its still snappy enough for streaming, browsing the web, sending emails, and performing other typical tablet tasks, making it great for kids or anybody looking for an affordable tablet. It even features a 3.5mm headphone jack a welcome rarity.Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189$25024% off$189$189$25024% offThe second-gen AirPods Pro improve upon Apples original pair with much better noise cancellation, sound quality, and onboard volume controls. The latest refresh also ships with a USB-C charging case, as opposed to Lightning.Read our review.$189 at AmazonThe best speaker and headphone dealsSamsung Music Frame$248$40038% off$248$248$40038% offSamsungs Music Frame is a 12.9 x 12.9-inch picture frame with a physical print at the front that you can customize with art or a photo. Along with support for Dolby Atmos, its compatible with Amazon Alexa and Samsung Bixby.Beats Solo 4$130$20035% off$130$130$20035% offWith lossless USB-C audio, 50-hour battery life, Find My, spatial audio, and more comfy ear cups, the Beats Solo 4 gained significant quality-of-life improvements over their eight-year-old predecessors. They still deliver that bass-rich Beats sound, too. Read our review.Beats Studio Pro$250$35029% off$250$250$35029% offCompared to their predecessors, the Beats Studio Pro feature improved noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. They were the first Apple headphones to support lossless audio over USB-C, too, and probably are your best option if you frequently switch between iOS and Android devices. Read our review.Jabra may have stopped selling consumer earbuds, but that doesnt there arent discounts available on the existing models. Right now, for instance, you can purchase theJabra Elite 10Gen 2 for an all-time low of $199.99 ($80 off) at Best Buy.In addition to noise cancellation, the semi-openElite 10 come with an LE Audio charging case, which lets youwirelessly transmit audio from an external device. They also feature physical buttons and support other essentials, including multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.You can also pick up Jabras Elite 8 Active Gen 2 for $169.99 ($60 off) at Best Buy, which is one of the better prices weve seen. The fitness-focused earbuds offer a robust IP68 rating water resistance rating that can withstand sweaty workouts, along with a secure fit and adaptive ANC. They also support multipoint pairing and wireless charging, and like the Elite 10, come with an LE Audio charging case.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds$229$29923% off$229$229$29923% offWith dynamic, rich sound and the best noise cancellation available in true wireless earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a terrific pick if you want to listen to your music in peace. Read our review.Shokz OpenRun Pro$100$18044% off$100$100$18044% offShokzs flagship bone conduction headphones are designed for sports and outdoor use, allowing you to keep abreast of your surroundings. The open-ear headphones weigh just 29 grams and are IP55-rated for water and sweat resistance.$100 at Best Buy$160 at AmazonThe WH-1000XM4, Sonys last-gen flagships, are on sale starting at $228 ($122 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Thats not the shockingly low $130 they dropped to earlier this year, but its still a great price for a pair of cans that offer some of the best sound quality and noise cancellation performance around. They offer 30 hours of battery life, a foldable design, and flexible ambient audio modes, including a speak-to-chat feature that reduces volume while youre talking. Read our review.Sony WH-CH720N $86$15043% off$86$86$15043% offSonys wireless headphones offer noise cancellation and up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge. They also come in blue, white, and black. The best smart home dealsRoomba Combo j9 Plus $1199$139914% off$1199$1199$139914% offThe Combo j9 Plus is the first Roomba that can refill its own mop tank and empty its own bin. With a redesigned dock that doubles as a table, increased suction power, and a new SmartScrub feature that moves back and forth to mop more effectively, its the best Roomba available. Read our guide to the best robot vacuums.$1199 at Best Buy$1200 at TargetiRobot Roomba j7 Plus$359$79955% off$359$359$79955% offThe Roomba j7 features obstacle avoidance that allows it to navigate around furniture and smaller objects that it deems hazardous. Besides cleaning on a set schedule, the j7 can also jump to work via voice commands or the Roomba app. Read our review.$359 at Best BuyThe iRobot Roomba Combo j7 Plus is on sale for around $899 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is one of its better prices to date. The j7 Plus is similar to the Roomba Combo j9 Plus,as it offers AI obstacle avoidance and a mop that automatically lifts to keep your carpets dry. The main difference is that the Combo j9 Plus offers longer batter life and can refill its own mop tank; it also features a new dirt detection feature. Read our review.Nanoleaf Skylight Smarter Kit (three-panel)$200$25020% off$200$200$25020% offDesigned to mimic an actual skylight, Nanoleafs smart ceiling lights offer tunable LEDs as well as hundreds of lighting scenes including AI-generated dynamic effects.You can buy Philips Hues 26.2-feet Festavia string lights with 100 color-changing LEDs for $83.99 ($36 off) directly from Philips Hue (the 65-feet variant is also on sale for $153.99). The Festavia lights can display a range of colors and a wide selection of premade, festive effects and scenes. They also offer Matter support for use with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home platforms when paired with a Philips Hue Bridge, along with IP54 weatherproofing that allows you to hang them up outside for up to 90 days.Eeros Pro 6E mesh router is available for an all-time low of $159.99 ($90 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, or as part of a two-pack for $259.99 (Amazon, Best Buy) or a three-pack for $349.99 (Amazon, Best Buy). It doesnt support Wi-Fi 7 like the newer Eero Max, but it does support the 6GHz Wi-Fi band with speeds of up to 1.3Gbps. It also can cover up to 2,000 square feet per unit and conveniently features a pair of ethernet ports. Read our review.Google Nest Wifi Pro $199$30034% off$199$199$30034% offThe Nest Wifi Pro is an upgraded version of the standard model, and its equipped with Matter and Thread support in addition to Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.Read our review.$199 at Amazon (two-pack)Kasa smart plug HS103 (four-pack) $20$3033% off$20$20$3033% offKasas smart plugs are a solid, inexpensive option that can monitor your energy usage and are compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.$20 at AmazonThe best smart security dealsBlink Outdoor 4$40$10060% off$40$40$10060% offThe 1080p Blink Outdoor 4 security camera offers support for motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. Theres the option of local recording with the Sync Module 2, and unlike the third-gen model, it supports person detection and has a wider field of view.Blink Video Doorbell$30$6050% off$30$30$6050% offBlinks buzzer is the best if youre looking for a budget-friendly option with motion-activated recording and alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and up to two years of battery life. Rings Stick Up Cam Batteryis on sale for an all-time low of $54.99 ($45 off) atAmazon and Best Buy. The battery-powered 1080p camera offers weatherproofing, so you can mount and use it outside and inside, but youll have to pay for a Ring Protect plan to record video. Thankfully, basics like two-way audio, night video, and motion alerts are available for free.The second-genRing Indoor Cam is available atAmazonand Best Buy for $29.99 ($30 off), which matches its best price to date. Unlike its predecessor, the indoor security camera features color night vision and a physical privacy cover, allowing you to turn off video and audio recording. The wired camera is similar to its predecessor otherwise, though, and features sharp 1080p HD resolution, a built-in siren, and two-way audio. Google Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)$208$28026% off$208$208$28026% offA Google Nest Cam attached to two bright, adjustable floodlights, this camera has free video recording, powerful lights, and on-device processing of smart alerts for people, vehicles, and animals. Theres no siren, but there is 24/7 recording and facial recognition. Read our review.The best fitness tracker and smartwatch dealsGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, Wi-Fi)$280$35020% off$280$280$35020% offGoogles new Pixel Watch 3 is bigger and brighter than its predecessor. It also features more advanced running capabilities, offline Google Maps functionality, and deeper integration with other Google devices. Read our review.Withings ScanWatch Light $200$25020% off$200$200$25020% offThe Withings Scanwatch Light is a hybrid analog smartwatch that tracks the basics like steps and activities, while delivering up to 30 days of battery life. Read our review.$200 at WithingsIf youre looking for a terrific Fitbit alternative, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a great pick thats down to an all-time low of $149.99 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Garmins online storefront. Its a shame it lacks built-in GPS, but it does offer a lot of health features not found on rivals like the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4, including hydration tracking and access to Garmin Coach, which provides marathon training plans. These features arent locked behind a paywall, either, making the wearable an even better deal. Read our review.Oura Ring Gen 3$249$29917% off$249$249$29917% offThe Oura Ring Gen 3 is a discreet sleep and recovery tracker that tracks heart rate, body temperature, and activity. It comes with a six-month free trial, with a $5.99 subscription after that. Read our review.The Garmin Fenix 7S Pro, one of the best fitness trackers you can buy, is on sale exclusively for Verge readers. Now through Cyber Monday, you can get the multi-sport fitness watch for just $529.99 ($270 off) at Wellbots with promo code VERGEBF270. In addition to a smorgasbord of health sensors and workout tracking, it has reliable multiband GPS, solar charging, military-grade durability, and weekslong battery life. Read our review.The best TV and streaming device dealsAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (second-gen)$33$6045% off$33$33$6045% offAmazons highest-end streaming stick is faster than its predecessor with Wi-Fi 6E and double the storage. It also now displays widgets and artwork when idle while continuing to offer a terrific selection of streaming apps and Alexa integration.Amazons Fire TV Stick Game Pass bundle is back. Right now, you can pick up the newest Fire TV Stick 4K, an Xbox Wireless Controller, and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at Amazon for just $74.99 (about $62 off), or the same package with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $79.99 ($66.98 off). Both bundles include everything you need to start streaming hundreds of Game Pass titles no expensive console required.LGs G4 OLED TV is on sale in the 55-inch configuration starting at $1,796.99 (about $803 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is its best price yet. The 4K TV sports many of the C4s standout features including a 144Hz refresh rate but it offers brighter picture quality and more accurate colors.LG C4 OLED (65-inch)$1197$12000% off$1197$1197$12000% offThe LG C4 is similar to its predecessor, with support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate tech. However, it now sports a max 144Hz refresh rate, a brighter panel, and overall better picture quality.The LG B4 OLED is another solid gaming TV, and you can get a 48-inch model for $599.99 ($200 off) at Best Buy or a 55-inch model for $999.99 ($400 off). It has an older processor and a dimmer screen than the costlier Evo models, but its a fine option if youre looking for a relatively affordable way to experience 4K 120Hz gaming on an OLED panel.Other miscellaneous deals$490$490$60018% offThe Xbox Series X is Microsofts flagship console, serving as its most powerful (and biggest) option focused on fast, 4K gameplay. Read our review.$490 at WalmartPowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller$23$3839% off$23$23$3839% offThe PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a good budget-friendly alternative to the Switch Pro Controller. It features remappable back buttons as well as Bluetooth connectivity and comes in a variety of designs and colorways. $23 at Best Buy$30 at AmazonOne of Best Buys early doorbusters is the Asus ROG Ally, which is matching its all-time low of $499.99 ($150 off) with a Z1 Extreme processor and 512GB of storage (My Best Buy Plus and Total members can save another $50). The handheld lets you play PC games on the go thanks to its seven-inch 1080p display, and while there are faster alternatives, its still serviceable for esports shooters, indie gems, and other lightweight titles. Read our review.DJI Osmo Mobile 6$89$13936% off$89$89$13936% offThe DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is a compact smartphone gimbal that allows you to easily stabilize your videos. The latest version is similar to previous models, only it touts a small OLED display to manage various shooting modes and a more portable, foldable design.Hoto 3.6V Electric Screwdriver Kit$35$7050% off$35$35$7050% offHotos electric screwdriver is perfect for making small to medium-sized repairs around the house. In addition to a USB-C port, the screwdriver comes with a magnetic case and 25 steel bits.The EcoFlow Wave2is a heat pump that is uniquely powered by both a battery and solar power, and its currently available for $799 ($200 off) from both Ecoflow and Amazon (for Prime members). The highly portable device combines an air conditioner and heater, and while it struggles with more extreme climates, it does a particularly good job of cooling and heating small spaces in temperate ones. Read our review.Ember Mug 2 (14-ounce)$112$15025% off$112$112$15025% offThe Ember Mug 2 is a temperature-controlled smart mug that keeps beverages hot. The accompanying iOS and Android apps allow you to dial in a specific temperature, from 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.$112 at Amazon$112 at Ember (with code BLACKFRIDAY24)A number of other Ember smart mugs are also on sale right now including the 10-ounce Ember Mug 2,Amazon starting at $92.62 (about $38 off). The 12-ounceTravel Mug 2 Plus is also available for $149.96 ($50 off) directly from Ember through December 1st when you apply promo code BLACKFRIDAY24. Unlike the Mug 2, the Travel Mug 2 Plus supports Apples Find My network, so you can keep tabs on it using an iPhone or Mac. It also comes with onboard controls and LED status lights.PowerA Fusion Pro 3 $61$8024% off$61$61$8024% offThe Fusion Pro 3 is the latest version of PowerAs affordable alternative to premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2. It comes with swappable sticks, friction rings, a compact zip-up case, and features four programmable buttons built into its rear.$61 at Amazon$68 at Best BuyThe Hori Split Pad Pro, our favorite Nintendo Switch controller for handheld mode, is on sale for $38.99 ($11 off) at Best Buy and Walmart. The comfortable Joy-Con alternative is outfitted with large triggers, analog sticks, and a set of easy-to-reach buttons, along with more than enough grip that it shouldnt pose any problems over long gaming sessions.Nomad Stand One Max (third-gen, Qi2) $135$15010% off$135$135$15010% offNomads updated 3-in-1 Stand One Max adds Qi2 support for charging compatible iPhones at 15W. It can simultaneously charge AirPods and fast-charge an Apple Watch.$135 at NomadNow through November 29th, Moft is taking up to $60 off a variety of cases, stands, and other accessories. The ongoing promo includes MoftsInvisible Phone Stand and Wallet, which is capable of holding up to three cards and was our favorite adhesive phone grip in 2022. To get the $60 discount, youll have to order over $200 and apply the code BF60. However, you can also spend much less and still save, with Moft offering $10 off if you spend over $50 (with code BF10); $20 of if you spend more than $100 (using code BF20); and $37 off if you spend over $150 (with code BF37).Headspace (annual subscription)$35$7050% off$35$35$7050% offHeadspace offers hundreds of guided meditations that are destined to relieve stress, improve productivity, and help you exercise. Right now, you can subscribe to an annual plan for $34.99, which is a 50 percent discount.$35 at HeadspaceAeroPress Original Coffee Maker$30$4025% off$30$30$4025% offThe AeroPress has made a name among enthusiasts for its great brewing ability. Its simplistic hands-on operation can make your morning coffee rituals more fun and engaging than a traditional drip-style maker.You can buy theGlocusent book lightfor $17.99 ($15 off) at Amazon, which is its best price yet. The light hangs around your neck to illuminate whatever youre reading, while offering adjustable brightness and warmth settings.As part of its early Black Friday promo, Oaky is taking up to 25 percent off several desks, chargers, docks, and other wooden accessories. Right now, for instance, you can buy its attractive Laptop Stand for $120 ($30 off) or an 80 x 19-inch Floating Shelf for $195.50 ($35 off), both of which are available with either oak or walnut construction.Update, November 19th: Updated to include a selection of new deals, including those for the third-gen Oura Ring, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the Ember Mug 2, and more.

A group of state attorneys general are pushing Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which has stalled in the House of Representatives thanks to concerns over online censorship. An open letter published today is signed by 32 attorneys general, including those of 31 states and the District of Columbia. It urges leaders of both parties in the House and Senate to vote on the bill before the current congressional session ends early next year.While an increasingly online world has improved many aspects of our material well-being, prolific internet usage negatively impacts our children, reads the letter, whose signatories include the attorneys general of Florida, New Mexico, and New York. KOSA will establish better safeguards for minors online. It also urges Congress to pass final text that wouldnt prohibit states from enacting and enforcing stricter rules.Moving the bill forward at all would be an uphill battle. KOSA (along with a related bill dubbed COPPA 2.0) passed the Senate nearly unanimously in July, but this lockstep bipartisan support broke down in the House, where a committee passed it to the House floor reluctantly with numerous complaints and promised amendments. Among other provisions, KOSA would establish that large social media platforms bear a legal duty of care for children. But amid lobbying against the bill from tech companies, both Republican and Democratic critics argue it could easily become a vehicle for censoring content their opponents dub harmful including LGBTQ posts for Democrats and anti-abortion content for Republicans.One particularly contentious question has been whether state attorneys general can bring suits under the law; the Senate version allows states to enforce some portions of KOSA but not the central duty of care rule. Several states have already filed numerous but largely preliminary lawsuits against companies like Snap, Meta, and TikTok under consumer protection laws.House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has signaled that KOSAs chances of passing are low, calling the bills details very problematic last month. And while President-elect Donald Trump has an appetite for legal action against tech companies, hes said little about child safety laws so the odds of a new version passing are uncertain, too.

Tesla will launch fully realized V4 Supercharger stations that support up to 500kW charging for EVs and 1.2MW for Teslas commercial Semi trucks next year. Sites with new V4 cabinets are going into permitting now. When they open next year, theyll connect the charging stalls EVs plug into with upgraded electronics that support faster charging on Cybertruck and other manufacturers EVs.Tesla started rolling out the V4 stalls in Europe and limited places in the US last year. However, their power cabinets are limited to the capabilities of V3 Supercharger stations that support 250kW max charging. The updated V4 stalls include new physical payment terminals, longer cords that can reach the charge ports of other manufacturers EVs without causing the vehicles to block additional spots, and CCS connectors (so you dont have to bring your own adapter.)According to Tesla, V4 cabinets can deploy faster and power up to 8 stalls each. Itll especially be helpful to owners of certain EVs from Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, and more who currently get slower charging speeds on V3 Superchargers due to their lack of higher voltage charging.

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips in a wide range of sizes and price points. It discontinued the M1 MacBook Air to make room for the latest models, but some retailers are still selling the last-gen laptop starting at $649 a far cry from the $2,499 starting price of the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. Purchasing a new MacBook can certainly be a pricey endeavor, but thankfully, finding a deal on more recent models is actually not that difficult. Apple has recently shaken up the starting RAM for several models, creating more options than ever before and resulting in steeper discounts on older models.Although Macs may not experience perpetual discounts, its not uncommon to see various models discounted by as much as $400. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. Its also the only option to find certain SKUs of older models as Apple continues to move forward on newer releases. Apples refurbished store provides a one-year warranty on all products and generally offers discounts of up to 15 to 20 percent off the price of a new unit.But if you want to buy new and youre looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.RelatedThe best MacBook Air dealsM1 MacBook AirTheM1 MacBook Air was considered Apples entry-level laptop before the M3 models arrival prompted Apple to stop selling it directly in its online and brick-and-mortar stores. But while the redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air (which has been with us for a while as well) seems poised to take over as the top value choice, the 2020 version with an M1 processor and fanless design remains available at some retailers as a solid budget option. Its best suited for typical productivity work, with a comfortable keyboard, an excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life. For many people, the M1 Air still ticks the right boxes when it comes to performance and price, even if its long enough in the tooth to have been fully dethroned in our guide to the best laptops.The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Its becoming harder to find in new condition, but Walmart has committed to keeping it around for the foreseeable future and is currently discounting it to $649 ($350 off) a special sale price thats hung around since the retailer ran its counter-Prime Day promotions in July. The M1 Air may be a few years old now, but its still hard to beat in terms of value, especially when it comes to everyday performance and battery life. 2020 MacBook Air with M1 (256GB)$649$99935% off$649$649$99935% offThe 2020 MacBook Air has been discontinued but remains a great value and is still easy to find on sale at some retailers. It comes outfitted with the companys M1 chip in one of three different colors (silver, space gray, and gold).$649 at WalmartM2 MacBook AirThe M2 MacBook Air is a super slim, lightweight laptop with a 1080p webcam and a handy magnetic charger that frees up one of its two USB-C ports. Although its M2 processor didnt kick-start a revolution like the M1 generation, its a great performer for any user, including more demanding creatives.It does have some slight downsides, though, including slower storage in the base 256GB configuration and a notch cutout in its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, Apple hasnt offered a more travel-friendly laptop since the days of the polarizing 12-inch MacBook, and this prior-gen model was once good enough to top our list of the best laptops.RelatedThe M2-powered MacBook Air 13 from 2022 seems to be on its way out, with availability for the 15-inch version waning. But, outside of opting for the newer M3 models (see further below), you can at least get the 13-inch M2 model with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an eight-core GPU at Amazon in select colors starting at $729 ($270 off) when you clip the on-page coupon. You can also get the same model with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for as low as $949 ($250 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo; however, thats a significant premium for a configuration that offers less RAM than the base model. If youre looking for a bigger display, Best Buy is still selling the 15-inch MacBook Air M2 in its base 8GB / 256GB configuration for $1,049 ($250 off) or with 512GB of storage for $1,249 (also $250 off). Again, keep in mind that Apple now sells the 15-inch Air with an upgraded 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $1,299.13-inch MacBook Air with M2 (2022)$729$99927% off$729$729$99927% offThe 2022 MacBook Air is a thin, lightweight device powered by Apples M2 chip. The M2 model touts an improved 1080p webcam and a better display than its predecessor while retaining features like long battery life and MagSafe charging.M3 MacBook AirThe M1 Air and its wedge had to perish for the M3 MacBook Air to exist. Apples updated entry-level laptops arrived in both 13- and 15-inch variants simultaneously this time, bringing with them slightly faster performance and a slate of minor upgrades. Apple added Wi-Fi 6E, for one, along with an additional Thunderbolt port that allows you to use two external displays when the lid is closed. They also continue to offer 18 hours of battery life and a MagSafe charging port, though the M3 Air starts at a slightly higher price than its predecessor at $1,099. That said, Apple recently discontinued the M3 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and now considers the 16GB / 256GB model as the starting configuration.RelatedRight now, the entry-level model with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage is on sale at Amazon for $899 ($200 off) thanks to an on-page coupon. You can also find a discount on the 16GB RAM / 512GB model, which drops it to $1,099.99 (also $200 off) in select colors at B&H Photo and Amazon (the latter with an on-page coupon).As for the 15-inch Air, you can currently grab it with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $999 ($300 off) at Amazon. However, the 16GB / 256GB model may be the better value now, as its available for $1,099 ($200 off) at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon. You can also get it in the 16GB / 512GB configuration at Amazon and B&H Photo in select colors starting for $1,299 ($200 off).13-inch MacBook Air with M3 (2024)$900$109918% off$900$900$109918% offThe MacBook Air M3 is a jack-of-all-trades, with a balanced combination of performance and power efficiency. It also now supports dual displays with the lid closed, and the storage speed is noticeably faster. You dont need to think about if this laptop will meet your needs it just will. Read our review.$900 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)$1099 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)15-inch MacBook Air with M3 (2024)$999$129923% off$999$999$129923% offThe 15-inch MacBook Air is also equipped with Apples M3 chip. It features a larger display and better speaker array than the 13-inch MacBook Air M3. Read our review.The best MacBook Pro dealsDuring its Scary Fast event last year, Apple announced new MacBook Pros that use M3 processors including a new 14-inch model that replaced the 13-inch M2 model. Apple followed the M3 models up with M4-based machines in October, and were already starting to see the discounts on them. That being said, the last-gen M3 models are often the better bargain, as theyre still relatively easy to find and receive steeper discounts.M3 and M3 Pro MacBook ProThe entry point into the MacBook Pro world is a MagSafe-equipped MacBook Pro that uses the existing 14-inch design and slightly pares it down. The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro has the same 3024 x 1964 resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate as its pricier siblings, and in addition to a MagSafe charging port, it has an SD card slot and HDMI port. However, it starts with just 8GB of RAM and lacks the third USB-C / Thunderbolt port found on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models (as well as Thunderbolt 4 speeds).RelatedThe M3 MacBook Pro may be a bit of an odd middle child in some ways, but its still a very good laptop especially if you can find a deal that puts more price distance between the M3 model and the M3 Pro version. Fortunately, the base model with 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM is currently on sale for its all-time low of $1,199 ($200 off) at Best Buy. The step-up configuration with 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is also on sale at Amazon for $1,349.99 ($350 off) with an on-page coupon, which is its lowest price to date. 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 (2023) $1299$159919% off$1299$1299$159919% offApples previous-gen 14-inch laptop powered by the M3 processor uses a similar design to the pricier 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apples Pro- / Max-series chips but is offered at a lower price with similar ports and less RAM.$1299 at Best Buy (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1350 at Amazon (8GB RAM, 1TB SSD)The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros of late 2023 are another round of spec-bump models, much like their previous 2022 incarnations. Now starting with the M3 Pro chip (or the speedier M3 Max) and 18GB of base RAM instead of 16GB, the new models remain targeted at creatives doing content work like video editing, photo processing, and other graphical work. Like their predecessors and the M1 Pro generation before that, they offer MagSafe charging, three USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI-out, and a full-size SD card slot, with prices starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch and $2,499 for the 16-inch. You can, of course, spec them up the wazoo if youre willing to pay more, as exhibited by the review unit Apple sent us of the 16-inch model, which cost an eye-watering $7,199.But rest assured, versions that actual humans buy now receive regular discounts. For instance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro (11-core CPU / 14-core GPU), 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is going for $1,699 ($200 off) at Best Buy and B&H Photo. It was $500 off not long ago, making the current discount good but not that good. As for the base 16-inch Pro which comes with an M3 Pro chip, 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD its on sale starting at $1,999 ($400 off) at Best Buy.14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (2023)$1699$199915% off$1699$1699$199915% offThe 14-inch MacBook Pro from 2023 comes in a space black color and is configurable with either an M3 Pro or M3 Max chip. It looks a lot like the previous M2 generation, but spec-wise, the M3 Pro models start with a 12-core CPU, 18GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD.16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (2023)$1999$239917% off$1999$1999$239917% offThe 16-inch MacBook Pro remains Apples largest laptop for creators and power users. The 2023 model includes a spec bump to the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, with a claimed battery life of up to 22 hours, and is configurable with up to 128GB of RAM. $1999 at Best Buy (18GB RAM, 512GB SSD)M4 and M4 Pro MacBook ProApple released the M4-series MacBook Pro on November 8th. Notably, the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is the first to launch with 16GB of RAM double the previous generations starting memory and 512GB of storage for the same $1,599 starting price as the last-gen model. It also picks up a third Thunderbolt 4 port, which is positioned on the right side and supports dual external monitors while the lid is opened. Also new this year is an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam that supports Center Stage and a new Desk View feature, plus the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $150. Its also available in space black.RelatedThe 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also received additional RAM, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasnt changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, youll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. Thats in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View and the optional nano-texture display option.Deals for the M4 MacBook Pro have already started to roll in at Amazon. Right now, for example, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is down to $1,399 ($200 off), while the 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) is down to $1,799.99 ($200 off) thanks to an on-page coupon. The base 16-inch MacBook Pro is also on sale at Amazon with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $2,249.99 ($250 off) when you clip the on-page coupon.MacBook Pro with M4$1399$159913% off$1399$1399$159913% offThe entry-level MacBook Pro with M4 starts with 16GB of RAM double that of its predecessor for the same starting price of $1,599. It also gets an extra USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port and comes in a new space black option.$1399 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1599 at Apple (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro$1799$199910% off$1799$1799$199910% offThe 14-inch MacBook Pro with a 12-core / 16-core M4 Pro chip starts with 24GB of RAM a 6GB increase over the prior generation. It also has a 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, an optional nano-texture display, and a 12-megapixel webcam.$1799 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1999 at Apple (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro$2250$249910% off$2250$2250$249910% offThe 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro starts with 24GB of RAM and offers more computing cores (14 for the CPU and 20 for the GPU) compared to the 14-inch model. It also picks up Thunderbolt 5 ports and a new 12-megapixel camera with support for Apples Desk View mode.$2250 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$2499 at Apple (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)The best Mac Mini dealsTheres a new Mac Mini in town, as M4-based models arrived earlier this year. Apple increased the starting RAM from 8GB to 16GB, as it did with the 2024 MacBook Pro and 2024 iMac. That makes Apples newest desktop an excellent value, even if you factor in the more aggressive discounts weve recently seen on the M2 Mac Mini.M2 and M2 Pro Mac MiniThe 2023 Mac Mini comes in a base configuration with Apples M2 processor or a more powerful configuration with the M2 Pro, both of which have proven to be some of Apples most value-packed computers to date. The M4 version is poised to take that crown, but the M2 Mac Mini is still kicking around and starts with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for $599, while the M2 Pro model features a superior processor, gigabit ethernet, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,299. The latter model also features an expanded port selection, from two USB-C ports to four. Its almost like getting an M2 Pro-powered MacBook Pro 14 but in desktop form. However, keep in mind that buying any Mac Mini means you have to provide your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Right now, the base model with an M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is on sale for $469 (about $130 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. Apple Mac Mini with M2$469$59922% off$469$469$59922% offThe last-gen Mac Mini starts at $599 for an M2-powered model with an eight-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The Mini can also be had with the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a more robust port selection for $1,249.$469 at Amazon (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)$469 at B&H Photo (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)M4 and M4 Pro Mac MiniDeals on the previous-gen Mac Mini are drying up, but you can start looking toward the newest models. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. Thats an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. Vertically, the M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port. You can also get the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset starting at $1,399, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 storage and the option to upgrade to 10-gigabit ethernet for another $100.RelatedRight now, you can get the base Mac Mini at Amazon with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $549 ($50 off) when you clip the on-page coupon. Stepping up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will currently run you $689.99 (about $109 off) at Amazon, or you can get it with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $889.99 (also around $109 off) at Amazon. The M4 Pro model is also a bit cheaper at Amazon, where you can pick it up for $1,269.99 (about $129 off) with an on-page coupon.Mac Mini with M4$549$5998% off$549$549$5998% offThe latest Mac Mini features Apples upgraded M4 chips and a smaller build than the prior model. Each configuration now starts with 16GB of RAM and includes five total Thunderbolt ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack.

Google now lets you manage Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras which were both released in 2017 through a public preview in the Google Home app, meaning that you can now technically manage all Nest cams from as early as 2015 from the Home app instead of the Nest app.Google has been slowly making it possible to bring Nest cams into Home over the past year and change. When you transfer your Nest Cam IQ cameras over to Home, youll be able to review video history in event and timeline views, access camera settings, and more without switching between the Nest and Google Home apps, Google says. From Home, Google also lets you view live streams from cameras in your favorites tab and set up automations.You can join the public preview from inside the Home app or at home.google.com. If youre already enrolled in Public Preview, youll see prompts in both the Nest app and in the Google Home app under the Favorites Tab with instructions when youre able to transfer your Nest Cam from the Nest app to the Google Home app, Google says. Access will start to roll out this week. And if you want to reverse transfer your Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras back to the Nest app, youll be able to do that, according to Google.RelatedGoogle also now lets you manage any Nest Hub Max devices from the Home app if youre enrolled in the public preview. However, unlike with the Nest Cam IQ cameras, if you bring Nest Hub Max devices into the Home app, you cant transfer them back to the Nest app.Google already let you transfer the Nest Cam Indoor (wired, first-gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, first-gen), and the Nest Hello / Nest Doorbell (wired, first-gen) to the Home app. The company says it will continue to support the Nest app and that there is no change to the Nest app experience today. Now, the only things that work in the Nest app but not the Home app are the Nest Protect smoke detector and the Nest x Yale door lock.

Roblox is starting to roll out some recently-announced child safety features, and the updates include some new limitations for how users under 13 can communicate on the platform. Beginning Monday, users younger than 13 wont be able to DM players outside of games or experiences on Roblox. And theyll need parental permission to be able to send in-game DMs though this change wont be fully implemented across the platform until the first quarter of 2025.The changes follow recent reports highlighting instances of Roblox failing to protect children. A big article from Bloomberg described how predators on the platform use chat to communicate with kids. And a report from Hindenburg Research described Roblox as an X-rated pedophile hellscape. These new restrictions on chat will build on Robloxs automatic chat filters intended to block users from sharing personal information.In addition to the changes to chat, Roblox is rolling out its previously-announced accounts for parents and caregivers that will let them remotely manage things like a childs screen time limits. Previously, parents had to have physical access to their childs account to set parental controls.Roblox is also starting to use content labels to describe experiences instead of rating experiences for specific age groups. That means, for example, a moderate experience may contain things like moderate fear or crude humor. Users under the age of 9 will only be able to access experiences with minimal or mild content labels unless a parent gives permission. And Roblox will stop users under 13 from accessing social hangout experiences and experiences with free-form writing or drawing.

Netflix is trying to carve a slice of the live entertainment market, and its enlisting help from Beyonc to do so. The Houston-born singer will perform in her hometown on December 25th, headlining the halftime show for the Texans-Ravens NFL matchup as part of Netflixs Christmas Gameday live show.Beyoncs performance will take place in the second of two NFL games that Netflix is streaming on Christmas Day, the first being between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The star is set to perform songs from Cowboy Carter live for the first time, and is expected to bring along some special guests that featured on the album, according to Netflixs announcement. The games mark Netflixs NFL streaming debut, having secured a three-year deal in May that also includes at least one holiday game each year in 2025 and 2026.The streaming giant is investing heavily to expand into live sports and major events entertainment industries that attract some of the largest audiences and attention from advertisers. Its latest announcement comes two days after Netflix streamed a live boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that attracted 65 million viewers. If were comparing with 2023 TV viewership, that would place the fight second only to the 115 million people who watched the Super Bowl telecast last year. For some, the Tyson vs Paul match was disrupted by buffering and connectivity issues that raised questions about the streamers capability to host live event coverage in the future.According to Bloomberg, Netflix is expected to gain 10 million viewers in its fourth quarter this year due to a combination of live sports and the upcoming second season of Squid Game which will air on December 26th. Netflix has also secured the rights to broadcast WWEs headline weekly show Monday Night Rawstarting January 6th, 2025, taking the show off linear television after 22 years.

Were in a pretty good moment for sprawling, complex role-playing games. New releases like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age Absolution, along with older titles like Elden Ring (including this years expansion), Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldurs Gate 3 have sucked millions of people into their expansive worlds. They can be all-consuming experiences, offering players all kinds of freedom to explore their worlds and characters. But honestly? Sometimes I dont want to fuss with conversation wheels or make difficult, narrative-altering choices. I just want to go on a big adventure and slowly turn into an overpowered hero fighting monsters and thats where the excellent new remake of Dragon Quest 3 comes in.The game originally came out way back in 1988 (it was initially called Dragon Warrior 3 in North America) and it has a refreshingly straightforward premise: youre on a quest to kill a great evil that your father failed to destroy many years before. There are a few colorful characters, but there isnt a whole lot else to it beyond a quest for revenge. This isnt a game you play for the story. Instead, its about going on adventures, exploring strange and dangerous locations, and killing lots of cute blue slimes.RelatedThat simplicity has stood the test of time rather well, with systems that are easy to grasp while still offering a challenge (even if the regular battles can eventually get tedious). This is a good thing, because the remake doesnt change all that much. The exploration and turn-based battles all still feel largely as they did. This means that the game follows a largely predictable path, as you go from one dungeon to the next, visiting towns in between to rest and gear up for the next challenge. There are some additions, like a new character class that lets you collect monsters, along with additional story scenes to flesh out the barebones narrative.Though its mostly the same as the original, there are major changes to the presentation and some notable quality of life features. To start, this version of Dragon Quest 3 looks incredible. It uses the same visual style as games like Octopatch Traveller and Triangle Strategy, which Square Enix awkwardly calls HD 2D. Basically, these are still games with pixel art characters, but they explore incredibly detailed worlds. The developers then throw in a tilt-shift effect that gives the whole thing a diorama-like appearance. The result is a game that looks decidedly old-school, but in a slick, modern way. I especially love the adorable monster animations in battle. Theres also an updated orchestral score performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, along with all-new voice acting.Its more than just an aesthetic overhaul, though. The Dragon Quest 3 remake also makes some very smart tweaks that often make it less frustrating to play. These include a more useful map that makes it easier to find where youre headed, an option to speed up battles so you can grind quicker, and a handful of difficulty options. These may sound small, but theyre the kind of modern conveniences that can make many older games difficult to play, especially ones built around repetitive combat like a classic RPG. Smoothing out those few rough edges has a big impact on the overall feel of a game like Dragon Quest 3.Even though its technically the third game of the series, this version of Dragon Quest is also a great place for newcomers to see what the series is all about (and really, things havent changed all that much over the years). Its a pretty, approachable way to experience an epic quest without getting overwhelmed by story or features. Its just you, some swords and magic, and a whole lot of monsters to defeat. Sometimes, thats all you really need.Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is available now on the Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

President-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that intends to name Brendan Carr as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr, a commissioner at the FCC since 2017, has made a name for himself by threatening to use the commissions powers to regulate speech online and over the airwaves.Carr authored Project 2025s section on the FCC, using it to propose restrictions on social media platforms meant to bolster conservative speech. He proposed limiting the legal shield that gives websites wide latitude to host and moderate user-generated content. He also suggested putting regulations on tech companies that would limit their ability to block and prioritize that content as they choose.RelatedIn the lead up to the election, Carr threatened to use the commissions powers to punish companies for speech he doesnt like. Just this month, he floated revoking NBCs broadcast license after SNL featured Kamala Harris. As commissioner, he voted to repeal net neutrality rules in 2017 and later voted against restoring net neutrality earlier this year.In an exceptionally vague statement, Trump says Carr will end the regulatory onslaught crippling Americas Job Creators and Innovators. He also says that Carr will ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.

An Ohio man named Larry Dean Harmon will serve three years in prison and forfeit more than $400 million worth of cryptocurrency and other assets, the Department of Justice announced on Friday. Harmon was indicted in 2020 on money laundering conspiracy charges related to Helix, a darkweb cryptocurrency mixer service he ran.Also known as crypto tumbling, services like Helix are designed to hide cryptocurrency transactions often for illegal drugs and the identity of people involved. From 2014 to 2017, Harmon processed more than 350,000 Bitcoin (about $311 million USD at the time) in such transactions, according to the DOJs announcement. Harmon, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in August 2021, will be on the hook for three years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence. He also received a $311,145,854 forfeiture money judgment.RelatedHe faced a possible 20 years in prison, but the judge in the case gave him a more lenient sentence after he helped with multiple other investigations, as The Wall Street Journal notes. That reportedly included his testimony in the trial of Roman Sterlingov, who ran another crypto mixer called Bitcoin Fog.

Apples Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapter may be going awayApples Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapter may be going away / One more Lightning product meanders into the sunset.By Wes Davis, a weekend editor who covers the latest in tech and entertainment. He has written news, reviews, and more as a tech journalist since 2020. Nov 17, 2024, 11:58 PM UTCShare this storyI havent been able to find mine for years. Image: AppleThe Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter may have bitten the dust, as its sold out at Apples online store in the US and much of the world, MacRumors reports. The accessory is reportedly still available from Apple in some countries, including France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.If its truly gone, then this feels like the end of an era. Apple introduced the Lightning headphone adapter in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, when it first courageously ditched the headphone jack. The company even included it with new iPhones for a couple of generations before it stopped doing that for 2018s iPhone XS, leaving customers to buy one themselves, pick up Lightning EarPods, or get on the AirPods train (which many of us had started begrudgingly admitting were actually good). RelatedThe writing has been on the wall for whats left of the Apple Stores Lightning selection since last years introduction of USB-C to the iPhone 15 line. Now, the Apple Store has dwindled to a handful of Lightning adapters, cables (including that special audio cable for AirPods Max), and Lightning EarPods. And Im sorry to report that, at least in the US Apple Store, Apples Lightning-to-VGA adapter appears to be gone, too.Most PopularMost Popular

Ge Wang doesnt use computers to make music the way most people use computers make music. He uses computers to make... computer music. Wang works at Stanford, as an associate professor in the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. He also conducts the schools famed Laptop Orchestra, was a co-founder of the music app maker Smule, and created a programming language called Chuck that turns code into sound. He understands how computers, music, and humans interact more deeply than most. He also has some ideas about where its all headed.On this episode of The Vergecast, the third and last in our mini-series about the future of music, we chat with Wang about whats next for computer music. He tells us about teaching his students to play with technology rather than trying to master it, and how tool makers should be approaching their work in a time of AI.This conversation goes some unexpected and deep places, as so many conversations about AI tend to. We talk a lot about what it means to be creative, and even human, in a world filled with technology meant to make everything more efficient, less complicated, and more homogenous. Whether youre writing an email or a symphony, theres a tool out there designed to make it easier. But is easier the goal? And if its not, how do we preserve all the things that make the hard work worth doing? What are we, the humans, even here for anymore? Like I said, it got deep. But we enjoyed it, and we think you will too.If you want to know more about Ge and his work, here are some links to get you started:Ge Wangs websiteSmuleFrom Stanfords Future of Everything podcast: The future of computer music Ges viral TED talk:The DIY orchestra of the futureFromWired:Behind the Scenes With the Stanford Laptop OrchestraGe Wang: Human Well-Being Should Be AI Creators GoalNot even Spotify is safe from AI slopSpotifys AI is no match for a real DJ

Elon Musks X may have tweaked its algorithm to boost his account, along with those of other conservative-leaning users, starting around the time he announced his support of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Thats according to a new study published by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which found that Musks posts in particular were suddenly much more popular.The studys authors QUT associate professor in digital media Timothy Graham and Monash University communications and media studies professor Mark Andrejevic first looked at Musks engagement before and after his July endorsement of Trump. They report that starting around July 13th, Musks posts received 138 percent more views and 238 percent more retweets than before that date.A comparison of Musks posts views versus those of other accounts, before and after an apparent July change. Screenshot: QUT studyMusks numbers outpaced the general engagement trends observed across the platform, they concluded. (This paper isnt the first time its been suggested that X adjusted its algorithm to specifically boost Musks account.) The researchers also found that other Republican-leaning accounts they examined saw similar boosts that started in July, albeit to a lesser degree.RelatedThe studys results are similar to other recently reported findings by The Wall Street JournalThe Washington Postcut off access to its Academic API. They add that although they dont see indications of missing data, theres no guarantee that 100% of posts have been collected.

The Case of the Golden Idol was a rewarding series of point-and-click murder mysteries that became one of my favorite games of 2022. And while I felt there was more story to explore about the titular golden idol, I wasnt sure if a potential sequel could live up to its clever puzzles and fascinating, slowly unfolding story. Turns out, I had nothing to fear: The Rise of the Golden Idol, the newly launched sequel, easily surpasses the original by improving on just about everything.At its core, Rise is a very similar game to Case. The new game takes place in the 1970s, around 200 years after the events of the original, and each of Rises cases drops you into a specific moment in time, typically during or shortly after a murder. Youre tasked with solving whats going on. To figure that out, you first have to click around the scene to discover relevant words and names that get saved in a menu. Then you use those words to solve puzzles within the case, like the names of the individuals in a scene, a description of how the murder happened, or even things like how to interpret parts of a dance or who won a game show.Heres an example of how you use the words you find to solve elements of a case. Image: Playstack / Color Gray GamesIts a clever system. Clicking around to collect all of the words forces you to scrutinize everything thats going on, and having to fill in the blanks means you really have to think about how elements of the scene might be connected. Ive come to think of it like an elaborate jigsaw puzzle: while the scattered elements may seem like a lot to tie together, as you slowly solve the disparate elements of the puzzles within cases, its easier to figure out how they connect.There are more layers, too, as you have to solve puzzles encompassing the events of entire chapters, which typically have three or four cases within them, to be able to move on to the next one. A few recurring characters will pop up across chapters, meaning the game is able to tell a holistic story by forcing you to understand their actions across a bunch of different scenes. (You dont need to have played Case to understand the events of Rise, though there are a few tidbits that will be familiar to fans of the first game.)The system isnt perfect. Like with Case, if youre off the mark after youve slotted in words for a specific puzzle, Rise will tell you if your guess is incorrect or if you have two or fewer words in the wrong place. Usually, knowing that I was close meant I could reexamine my assumptions and tweak a few words to get things right. But as I also did with Case, if I couldnt figure out the two or fewer incorrect words on my own, I would just brute-force a bunch of guesses until I got things right.Rise has some tough puzzles, but so far, Ive been able to solve all of them without turning to an online guide like I had to do with the final few cases of Case. Rise also has an improved hint system that offers up to three hints for a specific part of a case, and often, checking those pointed me in the right direction when I was stuck. Id also recommend having pen and paper handy to write things down, especially because some cases scatter details across multiple areas. And if you can play with someone else, that helps, too my wife saw a bunch of things that I completely missed. Image: Playstack / Color Gray GamesI will warn you that the game can be grotesque. Case generally erred on the side of creepy with its old-school pixel art style, but Rise looks more like a painting, and that means youll be seeing slightly more realistic dead bodies. Scenes and characters move in short loops, which makes them feel alive but also means youll see certain uncomfortable movements over and over again. The first case opens with a man actively strangling somebody else; another shows a person getting electrocuted. If you have a fear of birds, theres one case youre really not going to like. But like a good scary movie, those twisted scenes are part of what makes the game compelling. Every time I started a new case, I was always eager to see what terrible things Id come across.Im not quite done with Rise. After more than 15 hours, Im on one of the last of the games 20 cases, and this one is taking me a couple of days to muddle through. I think the eventual thrill of figuring it all out will be worth the pain, though, as theres nothing better than that lightbulb moment of slotting the final word into the right place of the puzzle. And even when Im done with all 20 cases, there will be four DLC packs to look forward to next year perhaps theres even more that we dont know about the mysterious golden idol.The Rise of the Golden Idol is now available for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and on mobile with a Netflix subscription.

Netflixs livestream of the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul boxing match was a mess. Im not talking about the bout itself although people had their qualms with that, too its the livestream, which people across the internet complained was plagued by buffering, unstable, and unwatchable muddiness. That doesnt bode well for Netflixs live sports ambitions, especially its upcoming Christmas Day NFL games. I had the same experience, having tuned in a few minutes before Paul showed up in the back of a lowrider truck. For the vast majority of the 8-round match, I had to lean heavily on my brains ability to construct a cohesive picture from very little information to have an idea of what was going on. The X post below was very much what the fight looked like for me, and there are plenty of others like it.Netflix didnt immediately respond to our request for comment, and hasnt said how many people tuned in last night, but it was available to all of the streaming giants 283 million subscribers. Fans, like those posting below, worry that last nights quality issues dont bode well for its upcoming broadcasts of WWE Raw, which 1.4 million people watch every week, nor for its NFL matchups on Christmas Day, one of which will feature this years Superbowl winner, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs drew almost 30 million viewers on Christmas Day last year and have topped NFL broadcast ratings with similar numbers throughout this season. Will Netflix pull off its December NFL streams as well as Peacock did the Superbowl this year? Or will it be more like YouTubes NFL Sunday Ticket stream in late December last year? Well see, but after last night, it seems like the company needs to fix some things.

Unsurprisingly, yesterdays big Half-Life release wasnt the sequel to Half-Life 2 or even the third Half-Life 2: Episode entry, but a 20th-anniversary update to Valves legendary 2004 game. And given what studio co-founder Gabe Newell has to say on the subject in a 2-hour documentary that the company released in tandem with the update, it seems less likely than ever that well be seeing either follow-up anytime soon.Newell explains what he calls his personal failure near the end of the video:You cant get lazy and say, oh, were moving the story forward. Thats copping out of your obligatiion to gamers, right? Yes, of course they love the story. They love many, many aspects of it. But sort of saying that your reason to do it is because people want to know what happens next... you know, we couldve shipped it, like, it wouldnt have been that hard. You know, the failure was my personal failure was being stumped. Like, I couldnt figure out why doing Episode 3 was pushing anything forward.Thats not to say the company didnt try. One idea for Episode 3 included an Ice Gun that Engineer David Speyrer says in the documentary wouldve let players spray amorphous shapes that could serve as barriers, platforms, or even Silver Surfer mode paths that they would shoot in front of themselves to cross gaps. Speyrer also talks about blob enemies that could move through grates or split into smaller head-crabby things. RelatedBut Speyrer and other Valve employees featured in the video echo Newells sentiment that they just couldnt come up with ideas that seemed worth a new Half-Life game. One of its level designers said something similar in a 2020 IGN interview. He also blamed scope creep the tendency of a project to slowly grow beyond its original plan and the company wanting to get going on developing the Source 2 engine that drives VR prequel Half-Life: Alyx. Newell sees Half-Life 2 as an engine, a platform, or at best a whole industry unto itself, gaming journalist Geoff Keighley, who Newell once gave a key card for Valves studios and told to do whatever you want, wrote for Gamespot.

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is fun and all, butthe amount of cleaning you have to do afterward can be exhausting. The Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum / mop hybrid can help speed things up, though, and its currently down to an all-time low of $849.99 (about $690 off) at Best Buy and Amazon (when you apply the on-page coupon).RelatedThe Narwal Freo X Ultra is one ofour favorite robot vacuums for mopping. It features a commendable 8,200Pa of suction power and a host of welcome features, including a set of spinning triangular mops that allow it to clean hard surfaces exceptionally well. It can adjust the amount of pressure applied by its mop based on floor type, too, and can even make its own cleaning decisions, one of which will prompt it to remop your floors if they remain dirty after its initial pass. It can also clean its own mop pads and offers support for several voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.Additionally, the Freo X Ultra can accurately map your home and touts a disposable onboard bin that can compress dust, so theres no need to contend with a noisy auto-empty dock. Narwals accompanying mobile app isnt the best, nor is the vacuums onboard obstacle avoidance, but youd be hard-pressed to find a more balanced option for the price. Narwal Freo X Ultra $850$154045% off$850$850$154045% offA superior mopping bot with a superior price tag, the Narwal is smart enough to know when it needs to go back and mop more. Its vacuuming is good, and its unique onboard compression bin means no loud auto-emptying.A few more ways to save this weekendSonys last-gen WH-1000XM4 headphones are available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony starting at $196.01 ($154 off). The older XM4 remain a great pair of headphones with terrific active noise cancellation and sound, even if the slicker XM5 offer slightly better ANC and improved voice call quality. Plus, unlike the latest model, they fold up for easy transport, meaning you dont have to rely on Sonys oversized carrying case. Read our review.Hotos 3.6V Screwdriver Kit is on sale for $34.99 ($15 off) at Amazon, which is one of its better prices to date. The lightweight tool is small enough to maneuver in tight workspaces and includes 25 commonly used steel bits, which allow you to tackle a variety of projects that dont require a hefty amount of torque. It even packs an integrated LED light to help you line up your screws.Logitechs wired G203 is on sale for $18.99 ($21 off) at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon, which is $4 shy of its best price to date. If all you need are the basics,Logitechs inexpensive gaming mouse is a good pick with a comfortable design and several nice perks for the price, including customizable RGB lighting and six programmable buttons.

Complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls have dropped for the third straight year, the Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday. Reports of such calls have fallen by over 50 percent versus 2021, according to the FTC a decline that could be thanks in no small part to stepped-up government efforts to fight irritating telemarketing and phone scams.There were about 33,000 fewer unwanted call complaints during the 2024 fiscal year versus the year prior, writes the FTC. The drop affected all sorts of unwanted calls, although the agency writes that reports about debt reduction calls had jumped more than 85 percent from last year.FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam Levine said that while illegal calls are still a scourge, he credited the FTCs strategy to pursue upstream players and equip the agency to confront emerging threats with the reduction in complaints.As for what the FTC has actually been doing, it points to its crackdowns on illegal telemarketing last year, and its rules that ban the impersonation of governments or businesses. The agency also cites its Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), which places a number of restrictions on telemarketers like when they can make their calls and its clarification that the TSR applies to scam calls that use AI, too. Last year, the FTC banned those extended vehicle warranty scams that many of us are familiar with. That ban followed the Federal Communication Commissions proposal of a $300 million fine over one such campaign. The FCC has played a part in other ways, too. The biggest US mobile carriers started complying with a new anti-spoofing protocol aimed at verifying that the phone number shown on consumers caller ID was actually the one that called them. The FCC also banned AI-generated robocalls, has cracked down on robocallers / robotexters that dont let people opt out, and requires cell carriers to block likely-illegal robotexts.

Netflix peaked at 65 million concurrent streams during the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul last night, according to Most Valuable Promotions, the promoter for the fight. Those streams went out to 60 million households globally, the group said in a press release shared with The Verge via email. Thats more than twice the traffic Netflix could see for its Christmas Day NFL stream this year, if everyone who watched last year streamed it.The crush of people trying to watch Tyson vs. Paul seemed to be more than Netflixs servers could easily handle, as the social web was awash with complaints about the quality of the stream, which many found to be muddy, or plagued with buffering and dropped connections. Downdetector recorded more than 100,000 complaints of Netflix streaming issues during the event, according to Bloomberg.Thats also just a massive number of people streaming a single live event at the same time. Disney served 59 million concurrent streams of a World Cup cricket match through its Disney Plus Hotstar service last year. It hit similar numbers a few days earlier, and again in June this year. Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone told employees that the company dealt with this unprecedented scale by prioritizing keeping the stream stable for the majority of viewers, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. We dont want to dismiss the poor experience of some members, and know we have room for improvement, but still consider this event a huge success, Stone reportedly wrote. Update November 16th: Added Disney Plus Hotstar streaming numbers for additional context.

ESPN is testing an AI-generated avatar with the Saturday college football show SEC Nation. Dubbed FACTS, its going to be ...promoting education and fun around sports analytics with information drawn from ESPN Analytics, which includes data like the Football Power Index (FPI), player and team statistics, and game schedules. We havent seen the avatar in action, but it sounds like a bot-ified version of stats encyclopedia Howie Schwab, who was ESPNs first statistician and eventually the star of a mid-2000s game show, Stump the Schwab.ESPN has already brought generative AI to its website with AI-written game recaps. FACTS is still in development, and theres no word on when it could make its first appearance on the network. FACTS uses Nvidias ACE (Avatar Cloud Engine), an Azure OpenAI integration to power language processing, and ElevenLabs for its text-to-speech capabilities.In the announcement from its ESPN Edge Innovation Conference, the network claims FACTS is absolutely not made to replace journalists or other talent. FACTS is designed to test innovations out in the market and create an outlet for ESPN Analytics data to be accessible to fans in an engaging and enjoyable segment, the company writes.

Half-Life 2 is getting a major update in celebration of the classic titles 20th anniversary. In addition to Steam Workshop support directly within the game, Valve has fixed bugs and restored some content, added new graphics settings, updated gamepad controls, and a whole lot more. Youll also be able to get the game for free on Steam through November 18th at 1PM ET. After that, it will cost $9.99.Valve is also now including the Episode One and Episode Two expansions with the base game. Theyll be accessible from the Half-Life 2 menu, and Valve says that you will automatically advance to the next expansion after completing each one. Youll also be able to access the Steam Workshop within the Extras menu, which means youll no longer have to leave the game to enable mods.Valve says it also made massive updates to Half-Life 2s maps, which will fix longstanding bugs, restore content and features lost to time, and improve the quality of a few things like lightmap resolution and fog. Theres a new option to play with the original launch day blood and fire effects as well, and Valve has updated Half-Life 2s gamepad controls to match last years Half-Life 1 anniversary update.If you want to access the older version of Half-Life 2, thats still an option: youll just have to roll back to a publicly visible Beta branch named steam_legacy and grab the Pre-20th Anniversary Build, Valve says.Like with the 25th anniversary celebration for the original Half-Life, Valve has also released a free documentary about Half-Life 2 that you can watch for free on YouTube. Heres what you can expect, according to the documentarys YouTube description: weve gotten members of the HL2 team back to talk about the games development, how we almost ran out of money, what it was like when we were hacked, what happened when we were sued by our publisher, the birthplace of Steam, and much more.In addition to the documentary, Valve has shared videos of old demos of the game including one that it planned to bring to E3 2022 but decided not to show at the last minute. Valve added 3.5 hours of new developer commentary within the game, too.And the company is printing an expanded second edition of the Raising the Bar book about the games development, which includes the Half-Life 2 development story, with never-before-seen concept art from Episode One and Episode Two, along with ideas and experiments for the third episode that never came to be. The book will return to print in 2025.Maybe soon well get Half-Life 3? Maybe?

WhatsApp dropped the most I cant believe this wasnt already there feature this week: message drafts. Now, WhatsApp lets you know if you have unsent messages typed up in chats so you know to get back to them later.To let you know about a draft, messages youve started writing will show a green and bold Draft word followed by what youve typed up. That way, you can ponder about finishing it when you open the app and not accidentally ignore your friends (though you still purposefully could, I guess.)Drafts also end up at the top of the chats list, so you dont have to scroll to search for lost ones. The feature is now available in the app worldwide, Engadget reports.WhatsApp announced in July that it had hit 100 million monthly active users, and it recently gained some useful new features, including its own built-in address book and custom lists to organize your chats.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission wants to unilaterally wrest regulatory authority away from the States when it comes to crypto, according to a lawsuit from 18 states. These states want to halt the SECs enforcement actions, so they can manage crypto regulation instead. Also named as a plaintiff on the suit is the DeFi Education Fund, a special interest lobbyist.Controversial SEC chair Gary Gensler is named in the suit, along with other SEC commissioners. Genslers treatment of crypto during his time as chair has made him a punching bag for the industry and for Republicans such as president-elect Donald Trump.There has been an ongoing turf war over crypto regulation. Until this point, the two major contenders were the SEC, and the crypto industrys preferred regulator, the Commodities Futures and Exchange Commission. Led by Russell Coleman, the attorney general for Kentucky, the states have chosen to Leeroy Jenkins themselves into the fray.Genslers SEC has notched significant wins against the crypto industry and in multiple court cases, judges have agreed that the SEC does have jurisdiction over crypto. The SECs sweeping assertion of regulatory jurisdiction is untenable, the lawsuit claims. The digital assets implicated here are just that assets, not investment contracts covered by federal securities laws.This is both annoying and highly debatable. Coinbase, which is being sued by the SEC, has argued the suit should be dismissed because Coinbase isnt trading securities. US District Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled against Coinbase and the case is proceeding. The crypto nomenclature may be of recent vintage, but the challenged transactions fall comfortably within the framework that courts have used to identify securities for nearly eighty years, Failla wroteThe states suit also argues that a precedent called the major questions doctrine means that the SEC shouldnt litigate against the crypto industry without Congressional approval. This, too, is highly debatable: judges rejected this line of argument from Terraform Labs and Coinbase.

Even with the ability to take excellent photos with our phones and instantly share them across the world, theres something magical about the old-school instant camera. With just a click of a button, you can capture a moment in a photo that you can see and touch almost immediately. Images captured by an instant camera arent as pristine or perfect as those produced by modern digital cameras, but their soft images and imperfections are often a big part of the allure.Yet not all instant cameras are the same, and some of them are better suited for different needs and budgets. Thats why we tested some of the most popular instant cameras on the market from brands like Fujifilm, Polaroid, Leica, Canon, and Kodak.All of the models featured in our instant camera buying guide are enjoyable to use, but each offers a different set of features at a different price point. As a result, some are more appropriate for a child or budding photographer, while others are more advanced and provide added creative control (for a price). When it comes down to it, though, we consider print quality, ease of use, and affordability to be the hallmarks of a quality shooter. Thats why we picked Fujifilms Instax Mini 12 as the best instant camera for most people, as it ticks all three boxes wonderfully.What Im looking forPhoto qualityInstant cameras arent known for producing high-quality, sharp photos, and most of them struggle with low-light conditions. However, the photos should at least be clear and bright enough that the subject is discernible and the picture looks relatively true to life.Ease of use How easy is it to set the instant camera up and take photos with it? Ease of use is a big part of what makes instant cameras fun and accessible to people of all ages. You shouldnt need a professional photography background just to enjoy an instant camera.Value Instant cameras come with different features at various price points. Generally, the more feature-rich cameras tend to be pricier, but do the extra capabilities justify the added cost?Some cameras, for example, pair with a companion app or feature a built-in selfie mirror, while others include the ability to print images from your phone. None of these are essential, though the added niceties may be worth it for some people.SuitabilitySome instant cameras arent as well suited for some situations and / or people as others. For example, there are instant cameras that print old-fashioned Polaroid photos that arent very clear. They frustrate me, but retro lovers might find them charming. Other cameras come with advanced creative modes that let you edit photos and even print smartphone pictures, but a young child might find them hard to use.FilmEach instant camera requires a different kind of film, which means that the sticker price of the camera isnt the true price. This is something you should take into account before making a purchase, as the cost of film can quickly add up. Depending on the brand, you may have to pay anywhere between 50 cents and $2 a shot. Its also important to take into account that some film is easier to find. The Instax Mini 12, for example, uses credit card-size Instax Mini film thats sold at most major retailers. Other types of film, including the film needed for Kodaks Mini Shot 3 Square Retro, are available on Amazon but arent sold by as many retailers.Finally, most instant camera brands sell films of varying quality in a range of styles. Some are decorated with colorful frames and patterns, while others are black and white. They also vary in shape and size, from small rectangular prints you can stick in your wallet to square-shaped ones. You can also buy wider prints, and some brands even sell film with an adhesive backing that allows you to use the resulting images as stickers. If youre looking for more creative control or features like filters, however, the Instax Mini Evo is our choice, one that boasts great image quality and allows you to choose which photos youd like to print. Other instant cameras, like the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus and Kodaks Mini Retro 3, also offer a variety of advanced creative modes for those who desire more.Take a look at this list of our instant camera recommendations to find the best fit for you. The best instant camera for most peopleFujifilm Instax Mini 12$79Fujifilms Instax Mini 12 is the best instant camera for most people. While it lacks more advanced features, the simple instant camera takes good-quality shots quickly and easily and offers a built-in selfie mode. Its sold in a variety of fun colors thatll especially appeal to kids and tweens. Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 306 gramsCharging method: AA batteries Companion app: NoneOther features: Built-in selfie mirror, film counterIf all youre looking to do is just click a button and get a decent print for a reasonable price, we recommend Fujifilms Instax Mini 12. Its a basic instant camera thats similar to our former pick, the Instax Mini 11, but with some minor updates. It still takes less than five minutes to start shooting, but the setup process is easier since all you need to do is twist the lens to either on or off. Such ease of use, combined with the cameras thinner build, makes it particularly well suited for those new to photography and kids.For an instant camera, Fujifilms Instax Mini 12 produces vivid, relatively true-to-life photos. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeFor an instant camera, image quality is also better than most of the other cameras I tested, producing relatively true-to-life photos. Most of the cameras I tested struggled to capture low-light conditions well, and this one is no exception, but the built-in flash does help. Fujifilm claims the Mini 12 optimizes image quality in both dark and bright environments better than its predecessor, but I didnt notice much of a difference. The flash which you cant disable is also still overpowering in some instances, resulting in a few overexposed images. If anything, the photos actually seemed a little darker and less vivid than before. However, at least the Instax Mini 12 captured my features and skin color more accurately when I used the included selfie feature which is really just a small mirror mounted on the front of the camera. Fujifilms Instax Mini 12 features a new lens structure thats fun and more intuitive to play with. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeYou can also now zoom in a little easier thanks to a new lens structure, which you can twist to enter the Close-Up Mode in lieu of pressing a button. When in this mode, you can take advantage of the cameras newParallax Correction feature, which is supposed to result in a more aligned photo. The lens was fun to play with and reminded me of a traditional point-and-shoot, but actually using it to take quality photos takes some time to figure out. As with the Mini 11, its still somewhat tricky to center your subject in the frame using this mode, even with the updated lens. Thankfully, it became easier to properly align photos after a couple of attempts (as well as some composition guidance from the manual).The Mini 12 also offers a number of other niceties. I appreciated the larger-than-average viewfinder and the fact that the camera comes with a small counter that displays the remaining number of shots, which is a feature many of the other instant cameras I tested lacked. Its easy to lose track of how many photos youve taken, especially when out for drinks or while sightseeing on vacation. Yet given each print costs about $1, its important to be mindful of how many shots youve got left.All in all, the Instax Mini 12 is a basic camera that caters to all ages and experience levels and gets the job done and done relatively well. It doesnt feature Bluetooth or pair with a companion app that allows you to edit photos (only scan them), and it also doesnt offer advanced features like filters, lens options, or portrait modes. But if youre looking for an instant camera that offers a great traditional analog experience, this is it.Fujifilms Instax Mini 12 is a cute instant camera thats great for all ages. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeBest premium instant cameraFujifilm Instax Mini Evo$199Fujifilms stylish Instax Mini Evo is the best premium instant camera. With it, you can choose which photos to print, while also boasting good image quality.Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 285 gramsCharging method: USB-C (on newer models) / Companion app: YesOther features: LCD screen, smartphone printingOne of Fujifilms newest instant cameras, the Instax Mini Evo, is my colleague Becca Farcases favorite and its mine as well. A hybrid camera that bears a resemblance to Fujifilms more expensive Fujifilm X100 line of cameras, it looks good and boasts vintage dials and buttons so stylish that they even caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles taking photos. I tested the black camera, but Fujifilm also sells a brown version and is also offering limited edition models in silver and gold.RelatedIts easy to balk at its $199 price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that could save you money in the long run if you use it a lot. Thats because the Instax Mini Evo includes a full-color three-inch LCD screen that lets you preview and select which images you want to print, which can help you avoid wasting film on unwanted shots. The added flexibility gave me more room for creative experimentation, too, as I wasnt worried about running out of film. I also loved using the Instax Mini Evo app to print photos from my smartphone. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 12, the Evo now uses a USB-C port (though older black models still use the Micro USB port) for charging so you dont need to keep buying new batteries.The Instax Mini Evo comes with a large LCD screen that doubles as a viewfinder and allows you to choose which photos to print. Image: Becca Farsace / The VergeUnlike Fujifilms Instax Mini 12, the Mini Evo comes with a few extra features that can help you capture better photos. For example, you can actually turn off the flash on the Mini Evo and use the three-inch LCD screen as a viewfinder. You can also use the menu to adjust how bright you want the film to look when its printed out, which was helpful given neither the Evo nor the Mini 12 are particularly great at capturing dark environments.Additionally, there are dials you can use to apply various lens options and filters, ranging from retro to monochrome shades, as well as a mirror lens, vignette, soft focus, and more. You can take app-based remote shots, too, which adds an extra element of photographic control that can help you take better selfie shots than the selfie mirror in the front.Being able to adjust the brightness of the prints helped me capture night photos and a low-light immersive exhibit a little more clearly and realistically, which is a feature the Instax Mini 12 doesnt offer. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeOf course, its not a perfect device, and there are some downsides to consider outside the price. For instance, although you can add some filters and make a few edits using Fujifilms companion app, it just isnt as feature-rich as some of the apps available for the other digital and hybrid instant cameras I tested. The Evos extensive menu system also wasnt particularly easy to navigate, and it took me some time to figure out how to turn the flash on and off. Plus, if you rely on internal storage solely, you can only take 45 images before the device is full. Still, all of these are minor issues, and I was very happy overall with how portable the stylish camera is, as well as how easy it is to take good photos quickly.The Instax Mini Evo, like the Instax Mini 12, shines the best when capturing photos taken in well-lit environments. Image: Becca Farsace / The VergeThe best instant camera for social occasionsKodak Mini Shot 3 Retro $100$17041% off$100$100$17041% offKodaks hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro instant camera comes with a fun companion app you can use to add frames, stickers, filters, conceal blemishes, and more. As long as you dont mind the so-so image quality, this is a good digital instant camera for parties.Film type: Kodak Instant Print 3 x 3-inch cartridge (included) / Film size: 3 x 3-inch square prints / Weight: 467 grams / Charging method: Micro USB / Companion app: Yes Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printingWhereas the Instax Mini Evos companion app is more functional, Kodaks hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is all about fun. The cameras accompanying mobile app allows you to apply frames, stickers, filters, and a plethora of customization options to photos, making the camera great for scrapbooking. Theres even a beauty feature within the app to conceal blemishes, as well as a set of Snapchat-like filters you can use to add, say, dog ears, making this a fun instant camera to use as a mini photo booth of sorts at parties.With its feature-rich app, Kodaks Mini Shot 3 Retro is more modern than retro. Its also a ton of fun. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeLike the Instax Mini Evo, Kodaks Mini Shot 3 Retro comes with an LCD screen (albeit a much smaller one) you can use to decide whether or not you want to print a shot. It also supports Bluetooth, and you can use the Kodak Photo Printer app to upload photos to social media or print decent, relatively crisp photos from your smartphone. Unlike the Mini Evo, however, Kodaks Mini Shot 3 Retro retails for around $150 and includes a pack of a film (its also often on sale for a lot less). It also uses cheaper film; you can currently pick up a 60-sheet cartridge for about $17.99, which equates to roughly $0.33 a shot. The fact that the film is cheaper arguably encourages play and creative experimentation, even if the large 3 x 3-inch square prints feel lower in quality and more flimsy than both Fujifilms and Polaroids.Photos taken with the Kodak Mini Shot 3 arent particularly sharp and can have an excessive pink tint. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeHowever, there are notable drawbacks to the Kodak Mini Shot 3. My biggest issue is that the resulting prints of photos taken with the camera arent nearly as crisp or clear as those taken with a smartphone. Photo quality wasnt consistently as good as the Mini Evos or Mini 12s nor, for the most part, as clear and sharp. The photos also sometimes had an excessive pink tint that can interfere with quality. It doesnt store images the way the Mini Evo does, either, which means you cant decide whether youd like to print them later. Its also noticeably heavier than the Mini Evo and, frankly, nowhere near as stylish.Nonetheless, if you dont mind compromising on photo quality and want a relatively affordable hybrid camera with fun app features, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a good choice. The best instant camera for retro fans Polaroid Now Plus (second-gen)$131$15013% off$131$131$15013% offThe second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is a great instant camera for retro fans that prints vintage-style photos and offers modern conveniences like USB-C. It also features a variety of creative modes, making it a solid choice for artistic photography as well. Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5-inch prints / Weight: 451.5 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Lens filter kit, film counterIf youre looking for an instant camera that offers the most old-fashioned, instant-film experience, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is the camera for you. Compared to the other instant cameras on this list, it most closely resembles vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600 with its classic, retro-inspired design. Meanwhile, its square I-Type film prints and iconic Polaroid-style frame give photos a more authentically vintage look. The Polaroid Now Plus comes with a set of color lenses you can snap onto the camera. Image: Sheena Vasani / The VergeYet, at the same time, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus also comes with the convenience and usefulness of more modern features, including support for USB-C charging. It also offers Bluetooth support and a companion app boasting several creative modes that allow for greater photographic control. These include a remote shutter, a self-timer, and a Polaroid Lab where you can adjust the exposure and various color settings. The app also features a handful of shooting modes including a manual option and one for capturing multiple exposures while the camera includes a set of five colored lenses you can snap onto the front. These were enjoyable to play with and allowed for more artistic expression. The latest Polaroid Now Plus is too big and awkwardly sized to easily fit into a bag, but I did like that it has a small counter on the back underneath the power button. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeIf theres one thing the Polaroid Now Plus isnt known for, its portability. Given how heavy, large, and awkwardly sized it is, its not the kind of instant camera you can easily slip into your purse or carry around. Plus, it takes up to 15 minutes for prints to develop, and you have to make sure its not exposed to light while developing. Thats quite an inconvenience if youre out with friends, say, at the beach on a sunny day. The photos I took with the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus werent that true to life, but they did give off an old-school vibe that I found charming. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeIf youre looking for an instant camera that can easily print a good, clear photo without much effort on your part, this is not the camera for you. Of all the cameras on this list, the latest Polaroid Now Plus struggles with low-light environments the most. I could barely see images I took indoors, and I was only able to get the clearest shots when the light was directly behind me during the day more specifically, in the morning. Even these images werent as clear in comparison to Instax film, and both contrast and color saturation levels tend to be quite low.RelatedAdmittedly, this gave my pictures more of a dreamy vintage look that felt artistic, and you can use the Polaroid Lab to slightly adjust saturation and exposure settings. However, doing so is time-consuming. Given all these issues, I found it was easy to quickly waste film, which proved expensive. After all, you only get eight I-Type sheets for $16.99, and thats in addition to forking out $149.99 for the camera.Truth be told, however, you could argue that many of these shortcomings are typical of a retro Polaroid-inspired instant camera and, thus, part of the experience. If thats what youre looking for, and you dont mind the price, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is the perfect camera for you. The second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is a good combination of old-school and modern but was way too big for me to comfortably hold with just one hand. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeThe best instant camera for portabilityPolaroid Go (second-gen)$68$10032% off$68$68$10032% offThe Polaroid Go is the smallest, most affordable option in Polaroids instant camera lineup. It doesnt offer as much creative control as the Now Plus, but its more portable and produces charming retro-style photos at half the price.Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 2.6 x 2.1-inch prints / Weight: 239 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: No / Other features: Self-timer, selfie mirror, film counterWhereas the Polaroid Now Plus is huge, the second-gen Polaroid Go is tiny. It easily fits into the palm of my hand which is saying a lot, given Im petite and a little over five feet tall making it easily the most portable instant camera on our list. It also produces the smallest prints of all the instant cameras I tested, which could be nice if youre trying to save some space and want something even more compact than Instax Mini prints.Weighing just over a pound, the latest Polaroid Go is also the lightest instant camera Ive ever held, and you can easily use it with one hand. Thats actually pretty convenient, given I sometimes struggled to take pictures with the heavier Polaroid Now Plus and, to a lesser extent, some of the other instant cameras I tested. In fact, if the images produced looked more true-to-life and didnt require you to hide them from light for about 15 minutes while developing, Id be tempted to call this the best instant camera for travel or small children. The latest Polaroid Go comes with USB-C support, as opposed to Micro USB. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeAt $79.99, the latest Polaroid Go is the most affordable Polaroid camera on the market, with film that costs just a little more than Fujifilms Instax Mini shots (or about $19.99 for a 16-sheet pack). It also sports a small number of upgrades over the last-gen model despite retailing for $20 less. The most significant is USB-C support, which allows for faster charging and prevents you from having to spend money on AA batteries.Polaroid also claims the camera produces clearer stills than its predecessor, but truthfully, I didnt see a significant difference from one generation to the next. The photos are a little brighter, but if anything, the original Polaroid Go like the Now Plus produced warmer pictures that I preferred and thought were truer to life. Still, the photos are charming in the way only a Polaroid photo can be. Contrast and color saturation levels are still low but in a way that exudes the vintage, almost dreamy look of the photos taken with the Now Plus.The second-gen Polaroid Go produces charming photos but with a cooler tone. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeUnlike the Now Plus, however, the Go lacks creative modes and more advanced features, although it does offer a helpful self-timer and a larger selfie mirror. Theres also no Bluetooth support and, thus, no fancy app that will allow you to add extra effects. Instead, its just a simple point-and-shoot camera, just like the Instax Mini 12, which makes it a little easier to use. In addition, as mentioned, the prints are even smaller than the Instax Mini, which could be a drawback for those who prefer larger, more traditional Polaroid photos. While it produces similar vintage-style shots, design-wise, it doesnt look anything like old-school Polaroid cameras, which could also take away from the retro experience some desire.The Polaroid Go is easy to hold with one hand. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The VergeThat said, none of the older Polaroid cameras came with an app, either. All in all, the Gos simplicity makes it a suitable candidate for those seeking an easy-to-use camera that provides a more traditional instant film experience one they can take advantage of just about anywhere for half the price of the Polaroid Now Plus.Other instant cameras were consideringInstax Wide 400Fujifilm recently released the $149.95 Instax Wide 400, the upgraded version of the Wide 300. Its the companys first wide-format instant camera in nearly a decade, and like its predecessor, it prints photos that are twice as wide as the Instax Mini 12s. It features a new self-timer and a rounded body for better grip, though its currently only available in a sage green hue. Ive just got my hands on the camera and have started testing it to see how it stacks up to Fujifilms other models, along with other wide-format instant cameras.Kodak Smile PlusEarlier this year, Kodak released the Kodak Smile Plus, another hybrid instant camera you can use to print smartphone photos. Its cheaper than Kodaks Mini Retro 3 at $99.99, but it lacks an LCD screen, so you cant pick and choose images before you print them, which could result in more wasted shots. That said, it does offer a microSD card slot, so you can store and view photos elsewhere. It also prints on Zinc paper, allowing your photos to double as stickers, and comes with a physical filter-changing lens. Ill be testing the instant camera once I get my hands on it to see how it stacks up, so stay tuned.A few more good instant cameras (and one to avoid)Leica Sofort 2From photo quality to the lever you pull to print photos, Leicas Sofort 2 is a terrific camera thats remarkably similar to the Instax Mini Evo. In all of my tests, the photos I took with both looked identical. The two hybrid cameras also print smartphone photos via Instax Mini film and offer 10 film and lens effects, along with a macro mode for those who want more creative control. The Sofort 2s minimalistic look is stylish, too, even if its not as charming as the retro-inspired Evo.The drawback to the Sofort 2 is that its twice the price of the Evo. Its hard to recommend at $389 since most people would likely consider the differences between the two cameras relatively minor. The user interface is easier to navigate on the Leica, though, and I appreciate the included lens cap and extended two-year warranty. I also like that it lets you print photos taken with other Leica cameras via the companion app a nice perk for Leica fans. Nonetheless, I dont think those perks are enough to justify spending nearly $200 more. Instax Mini 99If youre looking for an analog instant camera thats more advanced, Fujifilms Instax Mini 99 is one to consider. At around $200, Fujifilms latest instant camera is not as affordable as the Instax Mini 12, but its certainly a step up from the one-button point-and-click camera given it has multiple brightness settings, focus zones, color effects, and even two shutter buttons for greater creative control. The camera even comes with a tripod socket and an aluminum extension column, as well as a Sports Mode designed to further reduce blur while capturing fast-moving subjects.Thanks to the added level of customization, I was able to capture higher-quality photos that looked truer to life than those from the Instax Mini 12 and Mini Evo. Granted, the Mini 99 is an analog camera and not a hybrid like the $199.99 Mini Evo, meaning you shouldnt buy it if you also want to print smartphone photos. The new model also isnt as simple to use as the Mini 12, so I wouldnt recommend it for young children. Still, for an advanced analog instant camera, its relatively easy to set up and use, rendering it as much of a fun option for budding photographers as it is for the experienced alike.Instax Square SQ1While it didnt make the cut, the Instaxf Square SQ1 is also worth a brief mention. Like the Mini 12, the Instax Square SQ1 produces good-quality shots, is easy to set up and use, and comes with a built-in selfie mirror. The reason we didnt include it above, however, is that it costs nearly twice as much as the Mini 12 at $119.95, though we do sometimes see it on sale for $100. That said, it might be worth a look if you prefer large 2.4 x 2.4-inch square prints and relatively true-to-life photos over vintage-looking stills. After all, the SQ1 is still cheaper than the Polaroid Now Plus and produces higher-quality images than the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Square Retro, which also prints similarly sized square shots.Fujifilm also sells the newer Instax Square SQ40. Its similar to the Instax Square SQ1 but with a vintage look thats more visually striking, yet its also more expensive at $149. Given it produces similarly good-quality photos and is not likely to go on sale anytime soon, Id recommend the Instax Square SQ1 or the more capable Instax Mini Evo for $50 more. Avoid the Kodak PrintomaticWe also tested a few instant cameras that we would advise people to steer clear of. The Kodak Printomatic is chief among those, and we specifically mention it because its often one of the bestselling instant cameras on Amazon. We suspect thats because its routinely on sale for $49.99 ($30 off) with a pack of film specifically, a 10-pack of Zink photo prints with adhesive backings so you can use the images as stickers. However, if youre simply looking for a budget-friendly instant camera, its not worth purchasing over Fujifilms Instax Mini 12.As is common with Zink photos, the Printomatics resulting photo quality isnt clear and tends to be oversaturated. In fact, many photos were so bad that I barely recognized the subject in the frame. The camera is also slow to print and wasnt always responsive when I pressed the shutter button, which meant I occasionally had to press it a few times to take a shot. All in all, it was a frustrating camera to use thats not worth the $30 you may save by picking it over Fujifilms Instax Mini 12. Besides, youll probably be using the money saved to buy extra film given how many prints youll waste.Update, November 14th: Updated links and adjusted pricing.

Robin Zeng, the founder of the worlds largest EV battery company, says Tesla CEO Elon Musks big bet on 4680 cylindrical cell technology is going to fail and never be successful. Zeng, the chairman of Chinas Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), tells Reuters that when Musk visited China in April, We had a very big debate, and I showed him. He was silent. He doesnt know how to make a battery.Teslas tabless 4680 cells, which are used in some of its cars, including the Cybertruck, are supposed to have five times more energy capacity, and the company announced in September it had produced 100 million of them. A recent report by The Information said Musk had given the team working on the batteries an end of the year deadline to deal with costs and other problems.CATL batteries, meanwhile, go inside everything from Tesla vehicles in China to Ford EVs in North America like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. The company specializes in lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP), which generally dont get as much range as various cylindrical cell units used in many Tesla vehicles. While Zeng wasnt impressed with Musks battery knowledge, he thought he was good with chips, software, hardware, and mechanical things.Zeng also commented that Musks problem is overpromising timelines, which he often does habitually, especially regarding Full Self-Driving technology. Maybe something needs five years. But he says two years. I definitely asked him why. He told me he wanted to push people.

The Wall Street Journal is experimenting with AI-generated article summaries that appear at the top of its news stories. The summaries appear as a Key Points box with bullets summarizing the piece. The Verge spotted the test on a story about Trumps plans for the Department of Education, and the Journal confirmed its trialing the feature to see how readers respond.The Key Points box has a message explaining that an artificial intelligence tool created this summary and that the summary was checked by an editor. The box also points to a page about how the WSJ and Dow Jones Newswires use AI tools. The AI-generated Key Points from this WSJ article. Screenshot by Jay Peters / The VergeWe are always assessing new technologies and methods of storytelling to provide more value to our subscribers, Taneth Evans, head of digital at the WSJ, says in a statement to The Verge. To that end, we are currently running a series of A/B tests to understand our users needs with regards to summarization. The newsroom does this hand-in-hand with colleagues in technology and while speaking with readers at every step of the way. We also disclose how we leverage artificial intelligence tools to support our journalism whenever its used.AI summaries have been spreading across news sites and platforms. USA Today owner Gannett has also experimented with adding AI-generated summaries to its articles its even using a similar Key Points format. Apps like Particle summarize articles using AI, too. Personally, Id recommend reading full articles when you can in case the AI tool hallucinates something thats incorrect.

Google/Tech/AndroidPixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real timePixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real time / The new Play Protect feature is available to Pixel phones now and rolling out to additional OEMs soon.By Allison Johnson, a reviewer with 10 years of experience writing about consumer tech. She has a special interest in mobile photography and telecom. Previously, she worked at DPReview. Nov 13, 2024, 9:13 PM UTCShare this storyGoogle versus the bad guys. Illustration: Alex Castro / The VergeGoogle is beefing up its malware detection with new protections designed to suss out ever-sneakier bad actors. Androids Google Play Protect service is getting an update called live threat detection which seeks out potentially harmful apps on your phone by analyzing app behavior and alerts you in realtime if something looks fishy. The update was first announced at Google I/O earlier this year and is available now to Pixel 6 and newer phones. It should come to additional non-Pixel Android phones from Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo, among others in the coming months.Live threat detection targets particularly hard-to-spot malware apps that hide their intentions well. Rather than just scanning apps for malicious code when you download them, Play Protect will keep looking for signs of suspicious app behavior even after theyre on your phone. This can help it spot malware that remains dormant at first and later starts engaging in malicious activity. This detection takes place on-device using an Android privacy infrastructure called Private Compute Core to help keep user data secure, and users will get real-time alerts to take action if needed. Google is rolling out another security feature today, too: scam call detection. Also announced at I/O, this feature uses on-device AI to analyze phone calls and looks for signs that that caller is a scammer. If it spots suspicious conversational patterns or requests typical of scam attempts, it will flag the user and encourage them to end the call. Its only available to members of the Phone by Google apps beta program with a Pixel 6 or later (as of this morning that program appears to be full) and will roll out to more Android phones in the future.Most PopularMost Popular

Sonos is still trying to climb out from the hole it dug itself earlier this year by recklessly shipping an overhauled mobile app well before the software was actually ready. Today, just a couple weeks after the release of its latest hardware products the Arc Ultra and Sub 4 Sonos reported its fiscal Q4 2024 earnings. And the damage done by the app debacle is clear. Revenue was down 8 percent year over year, which Sonos attributed to softer demand due to challenging market conditions and challenges resulting from our recent app rollout. During the quarter, the company sank $4 million into unspecified app recovery investments. (Sonos previously estimated it could spend up to $30 million to resolve all of the trouble that has stemmed from the rebuilt app.)To date, we have released 16 updates and restored 90 percent of missing features, the company wrote in its earnings presentation. Moving forward, well alternate between major and minor releases. This will allow us to maintain our momentum of making improvements while also ensuring adequate beta testing.CEO Patrick Spence has taken accountability for the app situation, and last month, Sonos announced multiple commitments that it believes will prevent another colossal misstep like this from happening again. Some aspects of the plan are focused on more rigorous testing and greater transparency both inside the company and out. But others, like executives potentially losing out on their annual bonuses, have been mocked by customers as meaningless, half-hearted measures. Do you know more about whats ahead at Sonos? The company is rumored to be working on a video streaming box.As with headphones, Im curious how Sonos plans to differentiate itself in this category. If you have anything to share on whats happening at the company, I can be reached securely (andconfidentially) via Signal at chriswelch.01 or (845) 445-8455.The Sonos flywheel remains strong, as evidenced by the fact that the number of new products per home increased in fiscal 2024, Spence said in todays press release. The company also reported its all-time highest annual market share in home theater, another positive sign at a time when morale among Sonos employees has taken a serious hit.The rebuilt app is in a better place now, which youd hope would be the case after several months of bug fixes and performance enhancements. The mood within Sonos community spaces like the companys subreddit has also improved, with less of the vitriol that felt non-stop (understandably so) from late spring through the early fall. As far as hardware is concerned, Sonos seems to be getting back on track. Early reviews of the Arc Ultra have been largely positive. (Yes, Ill have one coming in the near future.) One early bug with the new soundbar affected Trueplay tuning and, for some customers, resulted in lackluster bass response from a paired subwoofer. Sonos just rectified this issue with a software update that went out earlier today.But some of the companys most loyal customers are still feeling a sense of wariness and frayed trust towards the brand. Sonos next major new product is rumored to be a video streaming box. Im still flummoxed as to just how the company plans to stand out from competitors in that space. But hopefully there wont be another major controversy to derail the product, as was the case with the Sonos Ace headphones.

OpenAI is preparing to release an autonomous AI agent that can control computers and perform tasks independently, code-named Operator. The company plans to debut it as a research preview and developer tool in January, according to Bloomberg.This move intensifies the competition among tech giants developing AI agents: Anthropic recently introduced its computer use capability, while Google is reportedly preparing its own version for a December release. The timing of Operators eventual consumer release remains under wraps, but its development signals a pivotal shift toward AI systems that can actively engage with computer interfaces rather than just process text and images.Do you work at OpenAI? Id love to chat. You can reach me securely on Signal @kylie.01 or via email at kylie@theverge.com.All the leading AI companies have promised autonomous AI agents, and OpenAI has hyped up the possibility recently. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything forum a few weeks ago, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said we will have better and better models, but I think the thing that will feel like the next giant breakthrough will be agents. At an OpenAI press event ahead of the companys annual Dev Day last month,chief product officer Kevin Weil said: I think 2025 is going to be the year that agentic systems finally hit the mainstream.AI labs face mounting pressure to monetize their costly models, especially as incremental improvements may not justify higher prices for users. The hope is that autonomous agents are the next breakthrough product a ChatGPT-scale innovation that validates the massive investment in AI development.