Pipes Feed Preview: The Verge - Apple Posts & The Verge - Gadgets & The Verge - Transpos & The Verge - Gamings

  1. Lawmakers press Meta, Apple, Google, and others on massive Trump donations

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Photo collage of an image of Donald Trump behind a graphic, glitchy design." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D1VmlJTSI-9wP19etMgn7TlDrn0=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852834/STK175_DONALD_TRUMP_CVIRGINIA_B.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge; Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="l3VIpm">Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) are putting pressure on big tech firms to explain their motives for donating to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund. In letters to Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Uber, the lawmakers express concerns about the companies making contributions to “avoid scrutiny, limit regulation, and buy favor.”</p> <p id="BnkFNi">Over the past several weeks, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/9/24340039/google-microsoft-trump-inauguration-donation">Google, Microsoft</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/3/24335290/apple-donation-donald-trump-inauguration-tim-cook">Apple CEO Tim Cook</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319768/meta-1-million-donation-trump-inauguration">Meta</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24320063/amazon-is-donating-1-million-to-trumps-inauguration">Amazon</a>, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320643/sam-altman-is-donating-to-trumps-inauguration-too">OpenAI CEO Sam Altman</a> all donated $1 million apiece to Trump’s inauguration, while <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-12-17-2024/card/uber-and-its-ceo-khosrowshahi-each-give-1-million-to-trump-inauguration-ljEyNPvUB6xTr6iA2mpE">Uber and its CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi</a>, each contributed $1 million. Many of these tech execs have already met with Trump, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is even hosting an inauguration party for the incoming president, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/us/politics/mark-zuckerberg-donald-trump-inauguration.html">according to <em>The New York Times</em></a>.</p> <p id="qy4Xbi">These sizable donations surpass the amount most of these companies contributed to President Joe Biden’s inauguration fund in 2021. A <a href="https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00765040/1513848/f132">filing with the Federal Election Commission</a> shows Uber donated $1 million to the event, followed by Microsoft with a $500,000 contribution, Google at $337,500, and Amazon at $276,509. Apple donated just $43,200 to Biden’s inauguration, while Meta and OpenAI didn’t contribute at all.</p> <div id="9pqE2o"> <iframe title="Biden vs Trump donations" aria-label="Split Bars" id="datawrapper-chart-yEXrC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yEXrC/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="254" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}(); </script> </div> <p id="Lc4lMy">In the letters, Sens. Warren and Bennet draw attention to the regulatory scrutiny the Biden administration has directed toward big tech firms. “You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions,” the lawmakers write. “These donations raise questions about corruption and the influence of corporate money on the Trump administration, and Congress and the public deserve answers.”</p> <div id="RnXeBC"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">funny, they never sent me one of these for contributing to democrats... <a href="https://t.co/xjpanXSb5D">pic.twitter.com/xjpanXSb5D</a></p>— Sam Altman (@sama) <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1880303311842341152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="ok9a6d"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Biden warns nation about the rise of American tech oligarchs","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345045/biden-warns-against-oligarchs-tech-industrial-complex"},{"title":"Tech leaders kiss the ring","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/31/24282719/tech-leaders-trump-jeff-bezos-zuckerberg-pichai"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="myhTok"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345045/biden-warns-against-oligarchs-tech-industrial-complex">Biden echoed these concerns</a> in a farewell message this week, saying he was particularly worried about the “potential rise of a tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country.”</p> <p id="TrA1Hc">Sens. Warren and Bennet have posed several questions to Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Uber, asking for their “rationale” behind the contributions as well as “when and under what circumstances” the companies decided to make a donation. They’re giving the companies until January 30th to respond.</p> <p id="M5ybuP"><em><strong>Update, January 17th</strong></em><em>: Added post from Altman.</em></p>
  2. Here are the best iPad deals right now

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:52:34 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A photo of the iPad Mini on a coffee table." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fyzkBue_lNc-nLfyLeLFjTUvSi8=/0x3:4240x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66899976/iPad_Mini_1.79.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Apple’s latest iPad Mini is currently on sale for an all-time low of $399.</em> | Photo: David Pierce / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="wlNlq4">While the best iPad deals usually land during major sale events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, many great iPad deals are attainable outside those times. The day-to-day discounts may come and go like changing winds, but there’s often something to be saved, particularly on the more affordable iPads. The most recent <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24146276/apple-ipad-pro-oled-features-specs-let-loose-event">iPad Pro and iPad Air</a> are also starting to see substantial price reductions, and you can even save a bit on Apple’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/22/24275956/apple-ipad-mini-2024-review">new iPad Mini</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><div id="8iS4ez"><div data-anthem-component="aside:11906226"></div></div></div> <p id="WBzk5S">It’s difficult to know where exactly you can find the most notable iPad deals unless you’re scouring the major retailers on a daily basis. But that’s often what our deal hunters at <em>The Verge </em>are doing each and every day, so let us help you out. Below, we’ve listed the best deals you can get on each iPad model that is currently available, from the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9FPHY6?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">cheapo ninth-gen iPad</a> of 2021 to the latest models equipped with Apple’s powerful M2 and M4 chips.</p> <div><aside id="5Isa1o"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"iOS 18.2 is rolling out now, adding ChatGPT integration and more Apple Intelligence tools","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24317119/ios-18-2-apple-intelligence-chatgpt-genmoji"},{"title":"In iPadOS 18, the whole iPad is a calculator app","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/16/24194423/math-notes-ipad-ios-18-calculator-app"},{"title":"The best deals on MacBooks right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/22399419/apple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="hb2n3u">The best <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23639378/best-ipad-apple-buy-model-price#:~:text=Seifert%20/%20The%20Verge-,The%20best%20budget%20iPad%3A%20ninth%2Dgen%20iPad,-%E2%86%B4">iPad (2021)</a> deals</h2> <p id="fMZ13y">Announced alongside the iPhone 13 way back in 2021, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23639378/best-ipad-apple-buy-model-price#:~:text=Seifert%20/%20The%20Verge-,The%20best%20budget%20iPad%3A%20ninth%2Dgen%20iPad,-%E2%86%B4">ninth-gen iPad</a> is Apple’s aging entry-level tablet, one that’s still great at carrying out everyday tasks despite having been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24151124/apple-ipad-headphone-jack">discontinued</a>. The ninth-gen model originally started at $329 with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage, which arguably makes the newer 10th-gen model the better deal if you don’t need a home button or a headphone jack, as it now starts at $349 and is often on sale for even less.</p> <p id="rLWRaU">The last-gen iPad has been receiving a steep discount for quite a while, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find in most configurations. In fact, we’d recommend you buy the base 10th-gen iPad instead, which is only $10 more than the lowest price we’re currently seeing for the 2021 iPad. That said, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G91TLNJ?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/d9a5ad0w0njv4">Best Buy</a> are selling the step-up 256GB variant for $399.99 ($80 off). That’s not the best deal we’ve seen, considering it’s been as low as $280 before, but that’s still a bit cheaper than the comparable 2022 model.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="Zyh0l4"><q>A last-gen model is still worth considering</q></aside></div> <p id="WMpIom">The last-gen iPad uses an A13 Bionic processor and a 12MP wide-angle camera with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/21/22395325/ipad-pro-pan-zoom-video-conferencing-microsoft-teams">Center Stage</a>, a feature designed to keep you framed up and centered while on video calls. The tablet also carries over a number of features from its predecessor, such as the 10.2-inch display, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the home button, and a smart connector for connecting a smart keyboard.</p> <div id="eOtg7g"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:10752834"></div></div> <h2 id="CM2y8j">The best <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23418039/apple-ipad-review-10th-gen-2022-10-9-tablet-ipados">iPad (2022)</a> deals</h2> <p id="gWdr2t">Although the newer <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23418039/apple-ipad-review-10th-gen-2022-10-9-tablet-ipados"><strong>10th-gen iPad</strong></a> came out in late 2022, it’s still an excellent tablet — one we consider to be the best value for most people (once <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24151124/apple-ipad-headphone-jack#:~:text=The%2010th%2Dgen%20iPad%20is%20now%20the%20sole%20entry%2Dlevel%20iPad%20in%20Apple%E2%80%99s%20official%20lineup%20and%2C%20as%20such%2C%20has%20received%20a%20%24100%20price%20cut.">Apple dropped its price</a>). The latest iPad modernizes the design with a switch to USB-C, uniform bezels with no home button, a side power button with a fingerprint sensor, and a larger display, but it eliminates the 3.5mm headphone jack.</p> <p id="A8cnFi">In the past, you could often buy Apple’s latest entry-level iPad for $349 ($100 off its initial launch price) — which is now the MSRP. Right now, however, the base model with 64GB of storage is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2022-10-9-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi/dp/B0BJLXMVMV?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F2022-Apple-10-9-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi-64GB-Silver-10th-Generation%2F1485722187&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> in select colors for $299 ($50 off), which is $50 more than its all-time low. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJLDDCGS/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1731149-REG%2Fapple_mpq83ll_a_10_9_ipad_10th_gen.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F21280354%2Fbest-ipad-deals-apple" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> are selling the 256GB model with Wi-Fi for $469 ($30 off), which is about $60 more than its best price to date. </p> <div id="elDNe4"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11616907"></div></div> <h2 id="njqbEo">The best <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/15/24268079/apple-ipad-mini-2024-specs-price">iPad Mini (2024)</a> deals</h2> <p id="jTw4HZ">The new <strong>seventh-gen iPad Mini</strong> is similar to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22696652/ipad-mini-2021-6th-gen-review">the outgoing model</a> but comes with faster Wi-Fi and USB-C speeds, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a newer A17 Pro processor with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence. Otherwise, it boasts nearly identical specs and features as the last-gen model, meaning it has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a USB-C port, and options for 5G. It may not be worth upgrading if you already own a sixth-gen Mini, but newcomers to the category should appreciate the upgrades.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="rxkup7"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The new iPad Mini has 8GB of RAM","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/20/24274888/the-new-ipad-mini-has-8gb-of-ram"},{"title":"The iPad mini might get an OLED upgrade in 2026","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/24/24164031/ipad-mini-might-get-an-oled-upgrade-in-2026"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="sBkkEE">The 2024 iPad Mini starts at $499 with 128GB of storage, which was the price for the previous generation’s 64GB model. Electing for 256GB of storage brings the price up to $599, and the cellular models start at $649. These are some big numbers for a small iPad, and the larger iPad Air might be worth considering if you prefer your dollar to go further with more screen real estate. But if you want an Apple tablet in the smallest possible form factor, this is where the action is.</p> <p id="9y8XzO">Right now, you can get the 128GB base model with Wi-Fi at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3YF38G?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/ihypwbw5rddk1">Best Buy</a> for $399 ($100 off), which is the lowest price we’ve seen. You can also get the 256GB variant at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3XM94S?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/35c8so6yd343r">Best Buy</a> starting at $499 ($100 off), which is its best price to date.</p> <div id="PnStbd"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12453163"></div></div> <h2 id="UyVwNP">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155407/apple-ipad-air-review-2024">best iPad Air (2024)</a> deals</h2> <p id="HkPt3t">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155407/apple-ipad-air-review-2024"><strong>2024 iPad Air</strong></a> doesn’t feature any groundbreaking changes compared to the 2022 release, but notably, there is now a 13-inch configuration in addition to a base 11-inch model. Apple also added Wi-Fi 6E radios and upgraded the chipset to M2, which enables the hover feature when using Apple’s latest styluses. You can use the newer iPad Air with the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24146454/apple-pencil-pro-ipad-stylus-price-availability-features">Apple Pencil Pro</a> and both <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/20/21227345/magic-keyboard-ipad-pro-tablet-laptop-review-price-specs-features">previous-gen Magic Keyboards</a>, too. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599, while the comparable 13-inch model starts at $799.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="r8o4qn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple’s ‘HomePod with a screen’ may come later in 2025","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24312969/apple-smart-home-display-homepod-screen-third-quarter-2025"},{"title":"The iPad should fold in half","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/15/24177306/apple-foldable-phone-ipados-18"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="WRB6wk">Deals for the 2024 iPad Air started to appear before the latest model even hit store shelves. Right now, you can pick up the 11-inch base model with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-Air-11-inch-Intelligence/dp/B0D3J617D7?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1826812-REG%2Fapple_muwc3ll_a_11_ipad_air_wi_fi.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F21280354%2Fbest-ipad-deals-apple" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> for $549 ($50 off), which is $50 more than its all-time low. As for the 13-inch iPad Air with 128GB of storage, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J5XNCT/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1826732-REG%2Fapple_mv283ll_a_13_ipad_air_wi_fi.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F21280354%2Fbest-ipad-deals-apple" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> are selling it in select colors starting at $729 ($70 off), which is $30 more than its best price to date. </p> <div id="zymN8h"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12331692"></div></div> <div id="yHm7e8"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12335068"></div></div> <h2 id="iuddo9">The best <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155440/apple-ipad-pro-2024-review">iPad Pro (2024)</a> deals</h2> <p id="103JRv">Compared to the latest iPad Air, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155440/apple-ipad-pro-2024-review"><strong>2024 iPad Pro</strong></a> is a far more impressive upgrade. The 11- and 13-inch models start at $999 and $1,299, respectively, and they are the first Apple devices to feature the company’s latest <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24148451/apple-m4-chip-ai-ipad-macbook">M4 chip</a>, which brings moderate performance gains and dedicated hardware for on-device Apple Intelligence processing. The new Pro models can claim other firsts, too, such as being the first iPad models with OLED displays and the lightest Pros yet, which is true for both sizes. They also feature repositioned front-facing cameras that sit along the horizontal edge, which prevent you from looking as though you’re staring off into space on a video call.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="9wFviM"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The new Final Cut Pro hooked me on iPad video editing","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24183158/final-cut-pro-for-ipad-2-final-cut-camera-review"},{"title":"Apple’s foldable iPad could be like ‘two iPad Pros side-by-side’","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/15/24321659/apple-foldable-18-8-inch-ipad-invisible-crease-rumor"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="KfZHJz">As for deals, the 11-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi / 256GB of storage is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J6L2ZC?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for $899 ($100 off), which nearly matches its lowest price to date. The sleek and super-thin 13-inch model, meanwhile, is on sale in its 256GB base configuration at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J98W75/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for $1,195 ($105 off), which remains its second-best price to date.</p> <div id="1erzq2"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12335061"></div></div> <div id="8YwKYm"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12335064"></div></div> <aside id="msYq1u"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside>
  3. Apple is pausing notification summaries for news in the latest iOS 18.3 beta

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:42:24 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="iPhone 16 in blue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NkqPp6Pm4NOSvsMnxVONudRl5yI=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851377/DSC08433.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="KUplRu">Apple has temporarily stopped showing notification summaries for news and entertainment apps as part of the iOS 18.3 developer beta released Thursday, according to reports <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/16/ios-18-3-news-notifications-removed/">from <em>MacRumors</em></a> and <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/01/16/ios-18-3-temporarily-disables-apple-intelligence-notification-summaries-for-select-apps-more/"><em>9to5Mac</em></a>. The Apple Intelligence-powered feature was criticized after it inaccurately summarized content from outlets <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24337681/apple-intelligence-summary-bbc-news-luigi-mangione-response">such as the BBC</a>.</p> <p id="5VEbZm">Apple will reenable the notifications “with a future software update” as it continues to work on the feature, <em>9to5Mac</em> reports. In the new beta, Apple will make it clear that the notification summary feature is a beta and “may contain errors.”</p> <p id="Twn6Ks">Additionally, <em>9to5Mac</em> says Apple will let you disable notifications for specific apps from the lock screen or Notification Center in iOS 18.3 by “swiping, tapping ‘Options,’ then choosing the ‘Turn Off Summaries.’” The company will also use italicized text on the lock screen to make it easier to tell notification summaries and standard notifications apart. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="JhlpWJ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple AI notification summaries exist; rarely useful, often hilarious","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/12/24289939/apple-intelligence-ai-notification-summaries-awkward-funny-bad"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="Z6oovI"><em>The Verge</em> reached out to Apple with a request for more information about these changes but didn’t immediately hear back.</p> <p id="3HqOa1">Last month, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320689/apple-intelligence-summary-bbc-news-unitedhealthcare-luigi-mangione">the BBC called out Apple</a> after the company’s notification summary feature wrongly summarized its coverage of the UnitedHealth shooter, suggesting the outlet reported that Luigi Mangione shot himself. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24337681/apple-intelligence-summary-bbc-news-luigi-mangione-response">Apple later said</a> it would roll out an update to “further clarify when the text being displayed is summarization provided by Apple Intelligence.”</p> <p id="bk4AUu"></p>
  4. Here are the best Apple Watch deals right now

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:34:41 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A person doing the double-tap gesture to dictate a text." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-nhR9Atm7GwfsCJTvYAkoqeMuqA=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66976955/236790_Apple_watch_9_Ultra_2_AKrales_0710.70.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The last-gen Series 9, which isn’t all that different from the Series 10, is on sale starting at $279.</em> | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="5yaz1u">In September, Apple launched its latest smartwatch, introducing the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24246464/apple-watch-series-10-review-smartwatch-wearables">Apple Watch Series 10</a> alongside a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/19/24248380/apple-watch-ultra-2-black-smartwatch-wearables">black rendition</a> of the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23878981/apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-review-double-tap-precision-finding-siri">Apple Watch Ultra 2</a>. Each wearable has its own pros and cons, as does the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23369207/apple-watch-se-2022-review-smartwatch">second-gen Apple Watch SE</a>, but the recent introduction of the new wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><div id="CWUc7k"><div data-anthem-component="aside:11906226"></div></div></div> <p id="sHcaqK">But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/25/24253366/watch-os-11-apple-watch-smartwatch">watchOS 11</a>, launched in September on the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, ultimately leaving those still using an older Series 4 or Series 5 behind.</p> <p id="C0aQBE">That being said, picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, a robust number of features, and plenty of sensors.</p> <p id="M0L8KW">Now, let’s get to the deals.</p> <div><aside id="0Qe5br"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to choose which Apple Watch to buy","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23037217/best-apple-watch-series-se-ultra"},{"title":"The best AirPods deals available right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/21302051/best-apple-airpods-deals"},{"title":"Here are the best iPad deals right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/21280354/best-ipad-deals-apple"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="hZHCRf">The best Apple Watch Series 10 deals</h2> <div id="kuzcBW"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12429524"></div></div> <div id="rOw2iI"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12462708"></div></div> <p id="KCUrjH">The Apple Watch Series 10 represents the latest wearable in Apple’s flagship Series lineup. It features the new S10 SiP chip, faster charging, and a wide-angle OLED display that’s brighter, larger, and easier to read than that of previous models. It weighs half as much as the Ultra, too, and is about 30 percent thinner despite its new 42mm and 46mm sizing. Other upgrades include an added depth and water temperature sensor, as well as a new FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature, the latter of which is also available on the last-gen Series 9 and Ultra 2.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="rPKDmW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA clearance","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/16/24246150/apple-watch-sleep-apnea-detection-fda-approval"},{"title":"The Apple Watch is now a better TV remote","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/19/24249074/apple-watch-watchos-11-tv-remote"},{"title":"Here’s how the new Apple Watch Series 10 stacks up to other models","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24240412/apple-watch-series-10-vs-ultra-2-se-comparison-specs-price"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="PS4qua">While the improvements are certainly welcome, the Series 10 isn’t a vast departure from the prior model, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23878981/apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-review-double-tap-precision-finding-siri">Series 9</a>. That being said, it’s only on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHYQ1VJ/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-Series-10-GPS-42mm-Rose-Gold-Aluminum-Case-with-Light-Blush-Sport-Band-S-M%2F11385057570&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> right now in the 42mm sizing with GPS starting at $383.28 (about $15 off) — a far cry from its all-time low of $329. The GPS-equipped model, meanwhile, is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHNXP5Y/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-Series-10-GPS-42mm-Rose-Gold-Aluminum-Case-with-Light-Blush-Sport-Band-S-M%2F11381354322&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> in the 46mm variant for $411.91 (about $17 off), while the LTE models can be had at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHTCKB1/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-Series-10-GPS-Cellular-46mm-Jet-Black-Aluminum-Case-with-Black-Sport-Band-M-L%2F11381724202&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> starting at $479.36 (about $20 off).</p> <h4 id="D9WbpN"> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24246464/apple-watch-series-10-review-smartwatch-wearables">Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review</a>.</h4> <h2 id="Y5l6zo">The best Apple Watch Series 9 deals</h2> <div id="lbRB1D"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12073005"></div></div> <div id="JK0Ak4"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12152926"></div></div> <p id="ElCzgR">In 2023, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 9 alongside the second-gen Ultra. It uses Apple’s last-gen S9 SiP chip and a second-gen ultra wideband chip, which allows for onboard Siri processing and precision finding with select iPhone models. It also features a brighter, 2,000-nit display and support for Apple’s nifty “double tap” feature — two minor additions that are also present on the Series 10.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="eSbn28"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to customize double tap on the Apple Watch","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23930197/double-tap-apple-watch-how-to-use"},{"title":"The best MagSafe and Qi2 chargers for your iPhone","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23505846/best-magsafe-magnetic-chargers-apple-iphone"},{"title":"The Apple Watch made smartwatches the wearable of choice","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/8/24237890/apple-watch-10-years-smartwatch-wearables"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="eN7K4x">The Series 9 has been out for more than a year, but certain configurations have become increasingly difficult to find with the arrival of Apple’s latest watch. Luckily, the GPS-equipped Series 9 is still on sale in the 45mm configuration at <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-Series-9-GPS-45mm-Midnight-Aluminum-Case-Sport-Band-M-L-Fitness-Tracker-ECG-Apps-Always-On-Retina-Display-Water-Resistant%2F5405516867&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> starting at $279 ($150 off), or at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Smartwatch-Midnight-Aluminum-Resistant/dp/B0CSTJML9X/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/yasd5bsraa32q">Best Buy</a> in the 41mm sizing starting at $309 ($90 off). There are also a handful of deals to be had on the LTE models with cellular connectivity, though none of them undercut the current price of the LTE-equipped Series 10 model by much, hence their exclusion here.</p> <h4 id="1D7GZC"> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23878981/apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-review-double-tap-precision-finding-siri">Read our Apple Watch Series 9 review</a>.</h4> <h2 id="6O6HRb">The best Apple Watch SE deals</h2> <div id="6ryTKo"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11524055"></div></div> <div id="85ubyU"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11754441"></div></div> <p id="GaARPa">The Apple Watch SE <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23328608/apple-watch-se-new-second-gen-price-specs-features-release-date">received a refresh in late 2022</a>. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which is great, but with fewer sensors, no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to the Series 8, Series 9, and Series 10. Those omissions might take this out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after. Best of all, it starts at $249 for the 40mm Wi-Fi / GPS model, which is $30 less than the previous generation’s baseline cost. Opting for cellular connectivity bumps the starting price up to $299 for the 40mm size (44mm adds $20 to each configuration).</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="2c4FDi"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to use wearable tech if you’ve got tattoos","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23567992/wearable-tech-tattoos-fitness-tracking-how-to"},{"title":"Apple Intelligence is here, but it still has a lot to learn","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/28/24279804/apple-intelligence-ios-18-1-siri-ai"},{"title":"Butterfly brings Bluesky to your Apple Watch","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320513/butterfly-brings-bluesky-to-your-apple-watch"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="XvDBRz">At the moment, the best deals on the latest Apple Watch SE can be found at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Smartwatch-Starlight-Aluminium-Detection/dp/B0DGJ736JM/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-SE-2nd-Gen-GPS-40mm-Midnight-Aluminum-Case-with-Midnight-Sport-Band-S-M-Fitness-Sleep-Tracker-Crash-Detection-Heart-Rate-Monitor%2F5054105595&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>, where you can pick the 40mm model with GPS for $199 ($50 off). The 44mm configuration, meanwhile, is available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGJ1W9MF/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-SE-2nd-Gen-GPS-44mm-Silver-Aluminum-Case-with-White-Sport-Band-M-L%2F5053502760%2F&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> for $229 ($50 off). If you want the LTE configuration, the 40mm configuration is currently on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHSG684/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-SE-GPS-Cellular-40mm-Midnight-Aluminum-Case-with-Midnight-Sport-Band-S-M%2F11451100679&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> for $249 ($50 off), or in the larger 44mm sizing at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHXYQRG/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-SE-GPS-Cellular-40mm-Midnight-Aluminum-Case-with-Midnight-Sport-Band-S-M%2F11450519311&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> for $279 ($50 off), its typical sale price.</p> <h4 id="Lwab4G"> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23369207/apple-watch-se-2022-review-smartwatch">Read our Apple Watch SE (second-gen) review</a>.</h4> <h2 id="zdhvKu">The best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals</h2> <div id="vl872D"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12039671" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <p id="58AJpB">The latest Apple Watch Ultra launched at $799 in September with GPS and LTE support, much like the original model. The ultra-capable smartwatch has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model available thus far, along with a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first Ultra. The 49mm smartwatch also packs Apple’s S9 SiP and second-gen ultra wideband chips, just like the Apple Watch Series 9, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, precise GPS tracking, and a bevy of diving-friendly sensors.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="3ANzYj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to use the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23365635/apple-watch-ultra-action-button-how-to"},{"title":"FDA qualifies Apple Watch’s AFib history for use in clinical studies","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/2/24147178/fda-apple-watch-mddt-qualification-afib-history"},{"title":"The next Apple Watch Ultra could have satellite texting","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/10/24318154/apple-watch-ultra-satellite-texting-messaging-blood-pressure-monitoring"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="pluEiH">In recent months, we saw the Apple Watch Ultra 2 dip to as low as $642 ($157 off) in select configurations. Right now, however, it’s only on sale at Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSTGJVKF/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">with a Trail Loop</a> starting at $749 ($50 off) or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSTGZT4Y/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">with an Alpine Loop</a> starting at $759 ($40 off). You can also pick it up at Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHRGSH3/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">with an Ocean Band</a> starting at $734.89 (about $64 off), which is about $45 more than the lowest price we’ve seen on the elastomer-equipped model.</p> <h4 id="RVP6cu"> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23878981/apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-review-double-tap-precision-finding-siri">Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review</a>.</h4> <h2 id="MpVWgd">A note on the more premium models</h2> <p id="7aHrsm">While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways covered here are encased in aluminum (except the Ultra 2, which has a titanium build), Apple does make a more premium range built out of stainless steel and titanium. These offerings are functionally and aesthetically similar to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishings — polished for the stainless steel and brushed for the titanium. However, they start at much steeper prices of $699 and above. They, too, can often be found on sale, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard base models, so we don’t include them here.</p> <aside id="hjNY0P"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside>
  5. The best deals on MacBooks right now

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:45:12 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A professional photographer editing images on a 16-inch MacBook Pro at a wedding." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lCNGdmXODWmkUKFoFjjCXTGioEA=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69195507/247412_Apple_MacBook_Pro_16_M4_Max_ADiBenedetto_0014.79.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>MacBooks are almost always on sale, including newer M4 models.</em> | Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto</figcaption> </figure> <p id="xwWeLm">Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips in a wide range of sizes and price points. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/4/24090015/apple-discontinues-m1-macbook-air-leaving-behind-its-iconic-wedge-design">It discontinued the M1 MacBook Air</a> 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24270706/apple-macbook-pro-m4-pro-max-14-16-announcement-specs">latest 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro</a>. 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.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><div id="bQleYo"><div data-anthem-component="aside:11906226"></div></div></div> <p id="7QDx7u">Although Macs may not experience perpetual discounts, it’s 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. It’s also the only option to find certain SKUs of older models as Apple continues to move forward on newer releases. <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/482924/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Frefurbished%2Fmac&amp;subid1=vergedeals030724" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Apple’s refurbished store</a> 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.</p> <p id="W2m23B">But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.</p> <div><aside id="bbKdr5"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How does the Microsoft Surface Laptop stack up to the MacBook Air?","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24161123/microsoft-surface-vs-macbook-air-comparison"},{"title":"All of Apple’s Macs now start with 16GB of RAM","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24270669/apple-macbook-pro-mac-mini-imac-16gb-ram-doubled-apple-intelligence-ai"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="EVXzol">The best MacBook Air deals</h2> <h3 id="pEzsTQ">M1 MacBook Air</h3> <p id="FJU3RG">The<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/21569603/apple-macbook-air-m1-review-price-specs-features-arm-silicon"><strong>M1 MacBook Air</strong></a> was considered Apple’s entry-level laptop before the M3 model’s arrival prompted Apple to stop selling it directly in its online and brick-and-mortar stores. But while the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/laptop-review/23207440/apple-macbook-air-m2-2022-review">redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air</a> (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. It’s 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 it’s long enough in the tooth to have been fully dethroned in our <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21250695/best-laptops">guide to the best laptops</a>.</p> <p id="yzeZSS">The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s becoming harder to find in new condition, but Walmart has <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/15/24101727/apple-m1-macbook-air-laptop-walmart">committed to keeping it around</a> for the foreseeable future and is currently <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-MacBook-Air-13-3-inch-Laptop-Silver-M1-Chip-8GB-RAM-256GB-storage%2F609040889&amp;subid1=vergedeals040224" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">discounting it to $649</a> ($350 off) — a special sale price that’s hung around since the retailer ran its counter-Prime Day promotions in July. The M1 Air may be a few years old now, but it’s still hard to beat in terms of value, especially when it comes to everyday performance and battery life. </p> <div id="iF2kto"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:9737407"></div></div> <h3 id="3VqFgR">M2 MacBook Air</h3> <p id="OFnopX">The 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 didn’t kick-start a revolution like the M1 generation, it’s a great performer for any user, including more demanding creatives.</p> <p id="8wY2P7">It does have some slight downsides, though, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/1/23191141/apple-macbook-pro-13-m2-base-model-slow-device">slower storage in the base 256GB configuration</a> and a notch cutout in its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, Apple hasn’t 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21250695/best-laptops">best laptops</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="Tzj5E0"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The MacBook Air gets a surprise upgrade to 16GB of RAM ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24282981/apple-macbook-air-m2-m3-16gb-ram-minimum-price-unchanged"},{"title":"The Mac turns 40 —&amp;nbsp;and keeps on moving","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24048479/apple-mac-40-anniversary"},{"title":"How to configure and use hot corners on macOS","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24025728/hot-corners-macos-how-to"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="sfB6ZF">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/laptop-review/23207440/apple-macbook-air-m2-2022-review"><strong>M2-powered MacBook Air 13</strong></a> from 2022 seems to be on its way out, with availability for the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23757441/apple-macbook-air-15-inch-2023-review">15-inch version</a> waning. However, you can get the 13-inch M2 model with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an eight-core GPU at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/2022-Apple-MacBook-Laptop-chip/dp/B0DLHT9VXW?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/wu6vd863qyqe0">Best Buy</a> for $799 ($200 off). You can also get the 13-inch Air with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/2022-Apple-MacBook-Laptop-chip/dp/B0B3CGXWN4/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> starting at $949 ($250 off); however, that’s a significant premium for a configuration that offers less RAM than the base model. </p> <p id="SNlcOS">It’s a bit harder to find discounts on the 15-inch MacBook Air M2. You can still pick up the base model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD at retailers like <a href="https://howl.link/grgdwe7303n8t">Best Buy</a> for $1,299 — or $1,234.05 (about $65 off) if you’re a member of My Best Buy Plus or Total. That being said, you’d be better off going with a discounted M3 model.</p> <div id="EfXX7E"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11464570"></div></div> <h3 id="DTHGG6">M3 MacBook Air</h3> <p id="BPyqR2">The M1 Air and its wedge had to perish for the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24114684/apple-macbook-air-m3-13-15-inch-2024-review"><strong>M3 MacBook Air</strong></a> to exist. Apple’s 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24282981/apple-macbook-air-m2-m3-16gb-ram-minimum-price-unchanged">now considers the 16GB / 256GB model as the starting configuration</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="NNsbFs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple MacBook Air M3 review: small upgrades","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24114684/apple-macbook-air-m3-13-15-inch-2024-review"},{"title":"How to set the default apps in macOS","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24153045/macos-default-apps-email-browser-how-to"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="u6YpSQ">Right now, the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHY19N3?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1860126-REG%2Fapple_mc8k4ll_a_13_macbook_air_m3.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> in its new entry-level configuration with an 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $999 ($100 off), which isn’t exactly a great deal given it’s been $156 cheaper before. You can also find a $200 discount on the 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model with a 10-core GPU, which drops it to $1,099 in select colors at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX21ZSBM?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1814987-REG%2Fapple_mxcr3ll_a_13_6_macbook_air_m3.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>, which is $50 more than its all-time low.</p> <p id="R2sA13">As for the 15-inch MacBook Air M3, you can currently grab it with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage starting at $1,189 ($110 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLJ4J78G?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or $1,199 ($100 off) at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1815077-REG%2Fapple_mba15m305sg_15_macbook_air_m3.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>. You can also get it in the 16GB / 512GB configuration at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23YF4Q?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fbhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1814994-REG%2Fapple_mxd43ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> starting at $1,299 ($200 off).</p> <div id="9L0QUa"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12308738"></div></div> <div id="WZnYnj"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12308734"></div></div> <h2 id="RdiMiF">The best MacBook Pro deals</h2> <p id="nCRMQD">During its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/30/23933672/apple-event-mac-october-news-updates-products-scary-fast">“Scary Fast” event</a> in 2023, 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24270706/apple-macbook-pro-m4-pro-max-14-16-announcement-specs">M4-based machines in October</a>, and we’re already starting to see the discounts on them. That being said, the last-gen M3 models are often the better bargain, as they’re still relatively easy to find and receive steeper discounts.</p> <h3 id="phB246">M3 and M3 Pro MacBook Pro</h3> <p id="GsWReB">The 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23944344/apple-macbook-pro-14-2023-review-m3-specs-battery-ports"><strong>14-inch M3 MacBook Pro</strong></a> 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).</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="3gSH4q"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) review: entry-level enigma","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23944344/apple-macbook-pro-14-2023-review-m3-specs-battery-ports"},{"title":"A bigger iMac is apparently still a possibility","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/11/24217908/a-bigger-imac-is-apparently-still-a-possibility"},{"title":"The Flexbar resurrects the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar as a standalone device ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/3/24311935/flexbar-touchscreen-apple-macbook-pro-touch-bar-kickstarter"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="0Pe67E">The M3 MacBook Pro may be a bit of an odd middle child in some ways, but it’s 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. Availability for the base model with 8GB and 512GB of storage seems to be waning as Apple standardizes 16GB of RAM across its lineup.</p> <p id="TsMOIP">We’re finding it challenging to find the base 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model in stock, but if you don’t mind going with a reputable third-party seller, you can get one with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD starting at $1,349.95 (about $250 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-Laptop-8%E2%80%91core-10%E2%80%91core/dp/B0CM5JLWJK?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. The model with 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is also on sale for $1,399 ($200 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-Laptop-8%E2%80%91core-10%E2%80%91core/dp/B0CM5LZWJ1?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/iq0hgcvmtx5cw">Best Buy</a>, while the step-up configuration with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is going for $1,499 ($200 off) at <a href="https://howl.link/8o3j4fcipypuc">Best Buy</a>.</p> <div id="1NgXxp"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12142224"></div></div> <p id="pY8gb2">The <strong>14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros</strong> 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 you’re willing to pay more, as exhibited by <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23949207/apple-macbook-pro-16-m3-max-review-price-specs">the review unit Apple sent us of the 16-inch model</a>, which cost an eye-watering $7,199.</p> <p id="np8SQE">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 $1,599 ($400 off) at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1793624-REG%2Fapple_mrx33ll_a_14_macbook_pro_with.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>. It was $500 off not long ago, however, making the current discount good but not <em>that</em> good. You can also get the step-up model with 18GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD in space black for $1,999 ($400 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-Laptop-11%E2%80%91core-14%E2%80%91core/dp/B0CM5KK44S?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </p> <p id="LTAMYX">As for the base 16-inch Pro — which comes with an M3 Pro chip, 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD — it’s on sale starting at $2,099.99 (about $400 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-Laptop-12%E2%80%91core-18%E2%80%91core/dp/B0CM5KXTND?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, which is $100 more than the lowest price to date. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1793619-REG%2Fapple_mrw23ll_a_16_macbook_pro_m3.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a> is also selling the 16-inch M3 Pro model with 36GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $2,499 ($400 off).</p> <div id="ccB1So"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12119774"></div></div> <div id="hxZ2Jk"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12151076"></div></div> <h3 id="xG5TsE">M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro</h3> <p id="1s0VzC">Apple released the M4-series MacBook Pro on November 8th. Notably, the base <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24289831/apple-macbook-pro-m4-review-14-2024-laptop-specs-benchmarks"><strong>14-inch M4 MacBook Pro</strong></a> is the first to launch with 16GB of RAM — double the previous generation’s 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. It’s also available in space black.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="bWtPRA"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The M4 MacBook Pro features a quantum dot display","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/15/24297414/m4-macbook-pro-quantum-dot-display"},{"title":"The Verge Guide to macOS ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/21281530/macos-mac-imac-user-guide-how-to-os-tips"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="pUyKtP">The <strong>14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max</strong> 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 hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s 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.</p> <p id="wkRaRq">Deals for the M4 MacBook Pro have already started to roll in. Right now, for example, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is down to $1,449 ($150 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHBYRPS?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1859560-REG%2Fapple_mw2u3ll_a_14_macbook_pro_m4.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>, which is $51 more than its all-time low. You can also get it for $1,499 ($100 off) at <a href="https://howl.link/giixsrnrkv57y">Best Buy</a> and save an extra $50 with a My Best Buy Plus or Total subscription. Meanwhile, the 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) is down to $1,799 ($200 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHDJH98?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/qdgvbfnzovpe7">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1859567-REG%2Fapple_mx2h3ll_a_14_macbook_pro_m4.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>, which is $100 more than its best price to date. </p> <p id="ruxtp9">The base 16-inch MacBook Pro is also on sale with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $2,249 ($250 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-Laptop-14%E2%80%91core-20%E2%80%91core/dp/B0DLHDCN6P?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1859574-REG%2Fapple_mx2x3ll_a_16_macbook_pro_m4.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>, which is its typical sale price.</p> <div id="mm5nhZ"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12466756"></div></div> <div id="C0K9B9"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12466814"></div></div> <div id="110RZa"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12466817"></div></div> <h2 id="dJ3cdr">The best Mac Mini deals</h2> <p id="BEz1ih">There’s a new Mac Mini in town, as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24283861/apple-redesigned-mac-mini-macbook-pro-imac-m4-photos">M4-based models arrived earlier this year</a>. Apple increased the starting RAM from 8GB to 16GB, as it did with the 2024 MacBook Pro and 2024 iMac. That makes Apple’s newest desktop an excellent value, even if you factor in the more aggressive discounts we’ve recently seen on the M2 Mac Mini.</p> <h3 id="3dKqR4">M2 and M2 Pro Mac Mini</h3> <p id="Vny5FQ">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23566070/apple-mac-mini-m2-pro-2023-review"><strong>2023 Mac Mini</strong></a> comes in a base configuration with Apple’s M2 processor or a more powerful configuration with the M2 Pro, both of which have proven to be some of Apple’s 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.</p> <p id="lp6Vbw">The latter model also features an expanded port selection, from two USB-C ports to four. It’s 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 down to $495 ($105 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Desktop-Computer-10%E2%80%91core-Ethernet/dp/B0BSHGHGXR/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1746353-REG%2Fapple_mmfj3ll_a_mac_mini_with_m2.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo</a>, or $499 ($100 off) at <a href="https://howl.link/4awtzxkn6iylf">Best Buy</a>. </p> <div id="P4lnd8"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11723692"></div></div> <h3 id="cUuNKL">M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini</h3> <p id="URTVII">Deals on the last-gen Mac Mini are still available, sure, but we’re also starting to see discounts on the newest models. The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24289730/apple-mac-mini-m4-review"><strong>M4 Mac Mini</strong></a> starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23762570/apple-mac-studio-m2-ultra-2023-review">Mac Studio</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23770770/apple-mac-pro-m2-ultra-2023-review">Mac Pro</a> 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.</p> <p id="UTZOPt">In addition to the odd decision to place the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/29/24282752/the-magic-mouse-haters-are-going-to-have-a-field-day-with-this-one">power button on its underside</a>, 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.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="l1y9GL"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Mac Pro and Studio won’t get the M4 nod until mid-2025","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/19/24160117/ipad-pro-m4-single-core-mac-pro-m2-ultra"},{"title":"I traded in my MacBook and now I’m a desktop convert","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24139303/mac-mini-laptops-desktops"},{"title":"The new Mac Mini takes a small step toward upgradeable storage ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/8/24291328/mac-mini-removable-ssd-storage-nand-chips-upgradability"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="RcPd6R">Right now, you can get the base Mac Mini at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2024-Desktop-Computer-10%E2%80%91core/dp/B0DLBTPDCS?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1859258-REG%2Fapple_mu9d3ll_a_mac_mini_m4_10c_10cgpu_16gb_256gb.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F22399419%2Fapple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&amp;H Photo </a>with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $569 (about $30 off). (It’s also available at <a href="https://howl.link/3kbchdjshydc1">Best Buy</a> for roughly the same price if subscribe to My Best Buy Plus or Total.) If you need more storage, you can step up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $744 ($55 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2024-Desktop-Computer-10%E2%80%91core/dp/B0DLBX4B1K?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, which is $45 more than its lowest price to date. </p> <p id="FBWwRq">We’re not seeing any deals on the M4 Pro model right now, but we’ve previously seen it on sale for as low as $1,369.99 (about $29 off).</p> <div id="4wBOUj"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12465816"></div></div> <aside id="APBdOd"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside>
  6. Adam Scott on using Severance’s weird, retrofuturistic computers

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A still photo of Adam Scott in the Apple TV Plus series Severance." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lwg1yzNrTAUQa7o-HHGRFWEZYeg=/725x0:3115x1593/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73848801/Severance_Photo_020104.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Apple</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="M97G40">Much of <em>Severance</em> — <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24325363/severance-season-2-review-apple-tv-plus">the sci-fi workplace thriller on Apple TV Plus</a> — takes place in a brightly lit office, with characters huddled over strange computers where they do work they’re told is both mysterious and important. In the show, that work looks a bit like an alternate reality take on <em>Minesweeper</em>, except the characters are attempting to find numbers that “feel scary,” even though they don’t know what that really means — and the cast is largely going through the same experience.</p> <p id="2dbTnI">The computers on the show are functional, so when Mark and Helly are moving pixelated numbers around on a screen, that’s something the performers are doing on set. “When you see us, we really are refining numbers,” Adam Scott, who plays Mark and serves as a producer on the show, tells <em>The Verge</em>. “There is actually a way to do it.”</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="0pmPcw"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Severance season 2 somehow gets even weirder, wilder, and darker","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24325363/severance-season-2-review-apple-tv-plus"},{"title":"The weird computers and claustrophobic hallways of Severance","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23013413/severance-apple-tv-plus-production-design-computers"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="4KkJEH">The computers are the brainchild of prop master Cath Miller and production designer Jeremy Hindle. The office-dwelling characters in <em>Severance</em> have undergone a procedure that separates their work selves from their life outside, effectively creating two people, one of whom exists only within the basement offices of Lumon Industries. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23013413/severance-apple-tv-plus-production-design-computers">As Hindle told me back in 2022</a>, this...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24340723/severance-season-2-computers-adam-scott-interview">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  7. Apple and Samsung are neck-and-neck in global smartphone sales with Xiaomi gaining

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:15:22 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Xiaomi 14 showing home screen." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gbqzaFmXA9LTnHnzxbmIfd4to5o=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73847891/DSC06748_processed.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Xiaomi was the fastest growing of the major manufacturers last year.</em> | Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="GskaDq">Worldwide smartphone sales grew in 2024 following two consecutive years of decline according to reports from <a href="https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insight/post-insight-research-notes-blogs-smartphone-market-recovers-in-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/">Counterpoint</a>, <a href="https://canalys.com/newsroom/global-smartphone-market-q4-2024">Canalys</a>, and <a href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS53072325">IDC</a>. The bulk of the growth came from Chinese manufacturers including Xiaomi and Vivo, though Apple and Samsung are still holding strong as the undisputed market leaders.</p> <p id="PxnbNI">Counterpoint reports a 4 percent growth in phone sales across 2024, with IDC and Canalys each reporting 6-7 percent increases in global shipments, though that’s relative to a 2023 that saw the lowest sales figures for a decade. That growth is predicted to continue through 2025.</p> <p id="KC8XI9">“2024 was a year of recovery and normalization after a difficult 2023,” says Counterpoint research director Tarun Pathak. “The market started showing signs of recovery from Q4 2023 and has now grown for five consecutive quarters.”</p> <p id="WPFraH">There’s a little disagreement about who sits on top, with Counterpoint reporting that Samsung led by market share for the year, while IDC and Canalys each claim that Apple took the crown. All three agree that Xiaomi is sitting solid in third though, with a 12 percent increase in unit sales according to Counterpoint, making it the fastest growing of the major players. Counterpoint pegs Xiaomi at 14 percent market share for the year, catching up to Apple’s 18 percent.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A graph from Counterpoint showing global smartphone market share for 2022, 2023, and 2024." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YWZ465DOoGoqq7NeZ7g3Nke1M_E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832177/counterpoint_2024_smartphone_sales.jpg"> <cite>Image: Counterpoint</cite> <figcaption><em>Counterpoint puts Samsung as the leader for 2024, despite slightly reduced market share.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="vxt7jl">Oppo (including OnePlus), Vivo, and the Transsion group — which includes brands Tecno and Infinix — take up the next few spots, helped by strong sales in Asia and growth across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.</p> <p id="KFUkll">Both Counterpoint and IDC attribute some of 2024’s relatively bullish performance to the introduction of phones positioned as AI devices, with AI replacing foldable screens as the hot new thing.</p> <p id="48muIz">“We have seen a decreased demand for foldables in the market, despite intensified promotions and marketing,” says IDC research director Anthony Scarsella. Manufacturers are now “prioritizing new AI advancements at the expense of foldables,” with Counterpoint predicting that by 2028 nine out of ten smartphones above $250 will include generative AI.</p> <p id="fs0Yo1"></p> <p id="eDnQFs"></p>
  8. Parallels is testing x86 emulation on Apple silicon Macs

    Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:39:20 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Picture of an M4 MacBook Pro." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SLe92iUchE2BeCagSDr1p7YXzG8=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73847067/247372_MacBook_Pro_M4_ADiBenedetto_0002.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="IvcexE">Parallels has added support for x86 emulation in Parallels Desktop 20.2, product manager Mikhail Ushakov <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parallels.com%2Fblogs%2Fparallels-desktop-20-2-0%2F&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F14%2F24343774%2Fparallels-windows-10-11-x86-apple-silicon-mac-support-preview" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">wrote in a blog post last week</a>. The “early technology preview” will let you emulate Intel-based hardware on an M1-or-greater Mac, a first for Parallels since Apple’s Arm transition in 2020 — but don’t expect stellar performance.</p> <p id="feBfOF">Parallels says users will be able to:</p> <blockquote> <p id="nBF0Vy">Run existing x86_64 Windows 10, Windows 11*, Windows Server 2019/2022, and some Linux distributives with UEFI BIOS via Parallels Emulator. </p> <p id="IiVSW9">Create new Windows 10 21H2 and Windows Server 2022 virtual machines. </p> </blockquote> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Screenshot of a Windows virtual machine running in macOS." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rnr2-lusnnofKv1jbjh05Gy2Aa4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25831508/image_1024x545.png"> <cite>Image: Parallels</cite> </figure> <p id="Es7kj0">However, performance will be “really slow,” with up to seven-minute boot times, Ushakov says. Other limitations include no external USB device support, Windows 11 24H2 isn’t supported, and you can only emulate 64-bit operating systems, though Ushakov says you can run 32-bit apps.</p> <p id="idJHYs">He writes that the option to start one of these VMs is hidden for now “to avoid false expectations” from those who don’t need x86 emulation.</p> <p id="AwrAMR">Parallels has a longer list of caveats <a href="https://kb.parallels.com/130217?_gl=1*ezwh24*_ga*MjAzNDg2MTQ3OS4xNzM2ODgzNjkx*_ga_CEVYC7924W*MTczNjg4MzY5MC4xLjEuMTczNjg4NTQxNy4wLjAuMA..">in a separate article</a>. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Screenshot showing Microsoft Powerpoint running on a Windows virtual machine. A right-click menu is visible, with “Writing Tools (Mac)” highlighted at the bottom." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kL22uIYfAGWnFxj_q30LrAI5jaI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25831510/image_1_1024x691.png"> <cite>Image: Parallels</cite> <figcaption><em>Parallels now puts Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in the Windows context menu.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="AUboVQ">Version 20.2 brings some other changes, including support for automatic time and time zone syncing in macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon. It also adds Apple’s AI-powered Writing Tools to the Windows right-click menu in Word, Powerpoint, and the classic version of Outlook. Before, you <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parallels.com%2Fblogs%2Fparallels-desktop-20-1-0%2F%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoqzj5VBPax_Y42qm_QsCw2z-gVWs9AgeNo8aZ3eL_0-f_XDRcxy&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F14%2F24343774%2Fparallels-windows-10-11-x86-apple-silicon-mac-support-preview" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">had to use</a> a keyboard shortcut or the macOS menu bar’s Edit menu. </p>
  9. Apple’s latest iPad Mini is down to its lowest price to date

    Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:17:07 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A photo of the iPad Mini, in portrait mode, on a table." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oVv1_AQ08_111Znq7lzRDVkB7yI=/0x0:4230x2820/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73845114/iPad_Mini_8.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The seventh-gen iPad is the cheapest tablet in Apple’s current lineup to support Apple Intelligence. </em> | Photo: David Pierce / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="YamZbC">If you’re in the market for a highly portable tablet, Apple’s smallest tablet has fallen to its lowest price to date at multiple retailers. Right now, the latest <strong>iPad Mini </strong>is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3YF38G?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/38did5ox47dse">Best Buy</a> with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $399 ($100 off). If you need more storage, you can also buy the step-up model with 256GB of storage <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3WGKKB?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">for $499 ($100 off)</a> or the 512GB variant <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3XHBH9?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">for $699 ($100 off)</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="45MWpe"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"iPadOS 16’s Stage Manager is not the future of multitasking you were hoping for","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23420280/ipados-16-stage-manager-review"},{"title":"The iPhone Air could be coming later this year","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/12/24341960/apple-iphone-17-air-slim-foldable-wi-fi-cell-modem"},{"title":"Apple’s foldable iPad could be like ‘two iPad Pros side-by-side’","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/15/24321659/apple-foldable-18-8-inch-ipad-invisible-crease-rumor"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="2VUm7k">With its 8.3-inch screen and lightweight design, the latest iPad Mini is closer in size to the iPhone than any other tablet in Apple’s lineup. As a result, it’s easier to carry on the go and hold with one hand, making it an excellent option if you read a lot on your tablet. Its small size doesn’t come at the expense of performance, though. In fact, the onboard A17 Pro chip is snappier than the A14 Bionic chip found in the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23418039/apple-ipad-review-10th-gen-2022-10-9-tablet-ipados">entry-level iPad</a>, even if it’s not as speedy as the processors in the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155440/apple-ipad-pro-2024-review">M4-powered iPad Pro</a> or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24155407/apple-ipad-air-review-2024">M2-powered Air</a>.</p> <p id="NPeQmW">Unlike the base iPad, the seventh-gen Mini supports <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/28/24279804/apple-intelligence-ios-18-1-siri-ai">Apple Intelligence</a>, so you can take advantage of a host of AI-based features — such as AI-assisted summaries, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/10/24175523/apple-ai-custom-emoji-images-ios18-wwdc">Genmoji</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24317119/ios-18-2-apple-intelligence-chatgpt-genmoji">ChatGPT</a>, and the ability to erase unwanted objects in photos. It also supports the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24146454/apple-pencil-pro-ipad-stylus-price-availability-features">newer Apple Pencil Pro</a>, along with Wi-Fi 6E and faster USB-C performance. They’re pretty iterative updates overall; however, they’re also a lot more appealing at $399 than they are at the tablet’s typical retail price of $499.</p> <h4 id="J58y5B"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/22/24275956/apple-ipad-mini-2024-review">Read our iPad Mini review.</a></h4> <div id="WLqz0Q"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12529162"></div></div> <p id="RZkmIY"></p> <p id="WDztgy"></p>
  10. The iPhone Air could be coming later this year

    Sun, 12 Jan 2025 15:02:37 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Vector illustration of the Apple logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VqWuDsbRLyeE4aEu23CRNiClrKw=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73842088/STK071_APPLE_F.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="20iHfy">Apple may have settled on iPhone 17 Air as the name for the rumored skinny iPhone that’s expected this fall, reports <em>Bloomberg</em>’s Mark Gurman in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-12/apple-2025-plans-iphone-17-smart-home-hub-ios-19-ai-apple-watch-ipads-m5?srnd=undefined">today’s <em>Power On</em> newsletter</a>. He writes that the phone will be “a testing ground for future technologies,” including the tech that leads to the company’s first foldables.</p> <p id="cgq8J1">The name wouldn’t be surprising — both the MacBook Air and iPad Air were the thinnest versions of their lines when they were released. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to carry that forward by being “about 2 millimeters thinner” than current iPhones, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-06/apple-s-modem-chips-pave-way-for-slimmer-iphone-cellular-macs-and-headsets">Gurman has written</a>. Other <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/01/10/kuo-ultra-thin-iphone-17-air-will-be-just-5-5mm-at-thinnest-point/">recent rumors</a> have put it between 5.5mm and 6.25mm thick, which is close to the M4 iPad Pro’s depth and less than the thinnest iPhone so far, the iPhone 6. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="jr7pjT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"iPhone 17 ‘Slim’ rumors are still floating around","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/25/24305670/iphone-17-slim-rumors-sim-card-battery-problems"},{"title":"Apple could bring its ‘Pro’ OLED displays to the entire iPhone 17 line","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/30/24332070/iphone-17-rumor-oled-promotion-120hz-display"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="OCu1UY">The thinness isn’t just a flex — realizing it will help Apple along toward future foldable iPads and iPhones, Gurman writes. And he says the phone could be one of Apple’s first proving grounds for its in-house cell modem, codenamed Sinope, after it <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/31/24284959/iphone-17-wifi-bluetooth-chip-broadcom">debuts in the iPhone SE this spring</a>. This year’s iPhone lineup is also expected to debut Apple-designed Wi-Fi / Bluetooth chips, though Gurman doesn’t go as far as saying that includes the 17 Air.</p> <p id="hYmtMc">Past rumors have said the new 17 Air will get a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/30/24332070/iphone-17-rumor-oled-promotion-120hz-display">6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display</a> — Apple’s 120Hz variable refresh rate screen used only on iPhone Pro models so far — and that it will have just a <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2024/10/18/iphone-17-slim-specs-new-rumors/">single 48-megapixel camera lens</a> on the back, with a 24-megapixel selfie camera. It may have Apple’s A19 chip and, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/11/24217924/iphone-se-apple-intelligence-support-generative-ai-rumor">like the iPhone SE 4</a>, is expected to pack 8GB of RAM to run Apple Intelligence AI features. </p>
  11. Maybe giant gaming handhelds are where it’s at

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) gaming tablet mounted in a clamp-style controller, sitting beside the much smaller Steam Deck." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-BE3cdTIJIGbp2GBhmLabXCV2H4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852547/257510_Asus_ROG_Flow_Z13_tablet_2025_handheld_ADiBenedetto_0001.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A whole Steam Deck fits within the screen of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet. Bigger is better, right?</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>I added controllers to a 13-inch gaming tablet and I don’t regret it.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/17/24344308/asus-rog-flow-acer-nitro-blaze-steam-deck-giant-pc-handheld-experiment">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  12. Casio’s new Comfy calculator shifts its solar panel up for aesthetics

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:47:58 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A close-up photo of the solar panel on the top edge of the Casio Comfy JT-200T calculator." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o-zYaqJy2aQ04wLUYkQICksMtRk=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73850897/casio_calculator.5.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Comfy JT-200T calculator’s solar panel is located on its top edge where you won’t see it.</em> | Image: Casio Japan</figcaption> </figure> <p id="UO3ILN">Calculator aesthetics are apparently very important to some people, so Casio Japan has <a href="https://www.casio.co.jp/release/2025/0116-jt200t/">announced a new Comfy JT-200T solar-powered model</a> that relocates its solar cell to the top edge keeping it out of sight while you’re crunching numbers.</p> <p id="5311cl">The calculator is also available in five muted colors to better match your desk decor: off white, dark gray, grayish pink, grayish green, and grayish blue. It will be <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casio.com%2Fjp%2Fbasic-calculators%2Fproduct.JT-200T-WE%2F&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F16%2F24345129%2Fcasio-japan-calculator-comfy-jt-200-design-solar-power-panel" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">released on January 30th</a>, 2025 in Japan for ¥3,850, or around $25.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The five color options of the Casio Comfy JT-200T calculator." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gLDgvlN2ZpOEyl1lo4yYsv4gpEo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25833873/casio_calculator_2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Casio Japan</cite> <figcaption><em>The calculator is available in off white, dark gray, grayish pink, grayish green, and grayish blue color options.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="UEUVBw">There’s no indication the new position of the solar panel will affect its exposure to indoor lighting and power generation capabilities, but it is slightly angled upwards and a bit larger than the solar panels on <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casio.com%2Fjp%2Fbasic-calculators%2Fdesign%2F%23comfy&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F16%2F24345129%2Fcasio-japan-calculator-comfy-jt-200-design-solar-power-panel" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Casio’s other design-focused models</a>.</p> <p id="hGoxKI">The company says the new model will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the very first calculator Casio released in 1965. However, the Comfy JT-200T has more in common with the company’s first personal calculator, as it uses the same key font as the <a href="http://arithmomuseum.com/album.php?cat=c&amp;id=333&amp;lang=en">Casio Mini released in 1972</a>.</p> <div id="fNTLIx"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yGHR312sjU?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="YpkisT">The calculator’s case is made from a mix of recycled plastic and mica which helps hide scratches, there’s a spring-loaded stand on the back that will elevate it about eight degrees, and it features a 12-digit segmented LCD display. Its number-crunching capabilities are basic, but it does include dedicated tax buttons potentially making it appealing to accountants not entirely devoted to spreadsheets.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Three other design-focused calculators from Casio." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vslnV_gyPVCOMS8b4Lq5tV-5SPU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25833941/casio_calculator_3.jpg"> <cite>Image: Casio Japan</cite> <figcaption><em>Other models in Casio’s design-focused line of calculators feature a small solar panel located just above their displays.</em></figcaption> </figure>
  13. Insta360’s new Flow 2 Pro gimbal can keep multiple people perfectly framed

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A person using the Insta360 Flow Pro 2 smartphone gimbal to film themselves plus two young kids playing soccer." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kZC8duoQ8VTOMgKaRpunB7KyKIc=/0x0:2082x1388/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73850485/isnta360pro2_1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is able to keep multiple subjects in frame, even while they’re all moving.</em> | Image: Insta360</figcaption> </figure> <p id="zDTZ5Q">Insta360 has announced a new version of its Flow Pro stabilized smartphone gimbal after <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/9/24194816/this-149-phone-gimbal-can-leverage-apples-tracking-tech">releasing the original last July</a>. The new Insta360 Flow 2 Pro introduces the company’s upgraded Deep Track 4.0 AI tracking technology that can now track multiple people while also providing more flexibility in how tracked subjects are framed. The company says it has also strengthened the gimbal’s retractable tripod legs, improving its use as a hands-free autonomous camera operator.</p> <p id="kPBRlg">The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is available starting today for $159.99 in stone gray and summit white color options. That’s about $10 more expensive than the Flow Pro but the same price as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/29/23661377/insta360-flow-smartphone-gimbal-selfie-stick-tripod-stabilization-tracking">Insta360’s first Flow gimbal</a> that debuted in early 2023.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Insta360 Pro 2 Flow gimbal perched on a rock with its tripod legs extended filming a child and adult." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RBqL9ybuV8oJ6H0qzQOoN5uq1JQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832441/isnta360pro2_3.jpg"> <cite>Image: Insta360</cite> <figcaption><em>The gimbal can track people using Apple’s DockKit framework if you prefer the iPhone’s native camera app.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="CFfE4T">As with the original Flow Pro, the Flow 2 Pro supports <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/7/23753103/apple-iphone-pet-tracking-camera-motorized-mount-dockkit">Apple’s DockKit</a> framework, allowing the gimbal to track people while using the iPhone’s native Camera app as well as other third-party camera apps, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/24/24184789/blackmagic-design-free-camera-app-android-samsung-galaxy-google-pixel">Blackmagic Camera</a>. A glowing ring light on the gimbal lets users know when tracking is active and working.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Several dancers performing outside being tracked in the Insta360 camera app." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6dVxpbE1HiekeY_KHjnZeG9dJTw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832386/isnta360pro2_4.jpg"> <cite>Image: Insta360</cite> <figcaption><em>Filming a dance routine? Insta360’s camera app can now ensure a group of performers remains centered in frame.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="2V0oHL">But the Flow 2 Pro becomes far more capable when used with Insta360’s own camera app, available for iOS and Android. Using its Deep Track 4.0 technology, the app can now track multiple subjects and ensure that an entire group remains centered in frame, even while they’re moving. It also supports tracking nonhuman subjects like animals and random objects and tracking while zoomed in on a subject up to 15x.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person walking down a sidewalk being filmed through the Insta360 camera app." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r9JcOPzu5uQh4HEDmJG0_1PVKVs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832402/isnta360pro2_5.jpg"> <cite>Image: Insta360</cite> <figcaption><em>Insta360’s camera app now offers more flexible framing options while tracking subjects.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="YpH2R6">Insta360 is also introducing another new tracking feature called Pro Framing Grid. Users can select one of nine different grid squares to change where a tracked subject appears in frame, allowing for more creativity with framing than just having the target centered at all times.</p> <p id="tnKSOg">The new Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is slightly lighter than its predecessor — 357 grams compared to 366 grams, respectively — with the same estimated 10 hours of battery life while perched on a flat surface using its tripod legs. When using it handheld, which requires continuous stabilization, battery life will be reduced, but Insta360 doesn’t say by how much.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person using the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro’s selfie mirror to frame themselves." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cwyj1XCZBb2OFoUldDV8EHvYIFk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832410/isnta360pro2_2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Insta360</cite> <figcaption><em>A small mirror on the back of the gimbal allows the subject to frame themselves while using a smartphone’s rear camera to shoot selfies.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="qBwCsn">A new mirror on the back of the gimbal’s mount allows users to frame themselves while shooting selfies using their smartphone’s higher-quality rear cameras when the screen isn’t visible. For other times when the screen isn’t visible, like when a subject is filming themselves at a distance, Insta360 now allows the gimbal and recording to be controlled remotely using either an additional smartphone or an Apple Watch. Framing can be adjusted by swiping the Apple Watch’s screen to pan the gimbal around, while its zoom can be changed by turning the Digital Crown.</p>
  14. Obsbot’s Tiny SE is a $99 pan and tilt webcam that tracks your movements

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:21:43 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Obsbot Tiny SE webcam mounted on top of a monitor." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hd12WC1Ogk14BMdJzKWDeIS6oKw=/0x1:1907x1272/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73849531/obsbot_tiny_se1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Tiny SE includes an integrated stand allowing it to sit atop a laptop’s screen or a monitor.</em> | Image: Obsbot</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Ybxktk">Obsbot has announced a $99 webcam with a two-axis motorized mount that’s capable of tracking and dynamically reframing subjects. The Tiny SE is <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.obsbot.com%2Fstore%2Fproducts%2Ftiny-se&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F15%2F24344635%2Fobsbot-tiny-se-webcam-pan-tilt-zoom-1080p" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">available now</a> for $99, making it one of the cheapest ways to add a tracking camera to your streaming setup.</p> <p id="Q9gsnh">To hit that price tag for a two-axis gimbal-mounted webcam with tracking capabilities, the Tiny SE comes with one notable limitation: it tops out at 1080p. For comparison, the $199 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24253008/insta360-webcam-link-2-2c">Insta360 Link 2</a> can do 4K at up to 30fps, while Obsbot still offers its <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.obsbot.com%2Fstore%2Fproducts%2Ftiny-2-lite&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F15%2F24344635%2Fobsbot-tiny-se-webcam-pan-tilt-zoom-1080p" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">4K-capable Tiny 2 Lite</a> for $179. </p> <p id="WphPES">Image quality will be lower than more expensive options, but the Tiny SE should still outperform the webcams built into many laptops. It can stream at 1080p at up to 100fps (or up to 120fps with the resolution dropped to 720p) and supports <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/20/23519193/google-pixel-8-camera-rumor-staggered-hdr-sensor">staggered HDR</a> recording at up to 60fps. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A simulated image of the Obsbot Tiny SE camera tracking a person’s upper torso." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RcJEZaq2RD6-hE076BV8qNr9gwQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832902/obsbot_tiny_se2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Obsbot</cite> <figcaption><em>The Tiny SE’s tracking can be limited to certain parts of the body like a person’s hands or their upper or lower torso.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="7gkHRa">The webcam can reframe and tighten up a shot so it better focuses on a person and what they’re interacting with, and it can be limited to track specific body parts like the lower body or the hand, or to keep their face hidden. But with no optical zoom capabilities — only 4x digital zoom — image quality will be further reduced. Using the Obsbot Center app, available for Windows and macOS, you can even adjust the composition of a shot, so tracked targets don’t always appear in the middle of the frame.</p> <p id="Dps8YR">Other features include the ability to use hand gestures to manually adjust the framing of a shot while on camera, a built-in microphone with three noise reduction levels, background blur for increased privacy, and a standard tripod<strong> </strong>mount on the bottom for more flexibility on where it can be used.</p>
  15. Dremel put a stud sensor and laser level into its new multipurpose drill

    Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:18:45 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Dremel Blueprint Multi-Drill being used to attach an object to a wall with a screw." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vJa8h9rRbLCmXkb_bKEV987ePXg=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73846037/dremel_drill1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Multi-Drill incorporates three tools commonly used by DIYers.</em> | Image: Dremel</figcaption> </figure> <p id="heYwyG">Dremel has announced a new multi-functional drill designed for DIYers working on smaller projects around their homes like attaching a TV mount to a wall. The <a href="https://www.dremel.com/us/en/mkt/blueprint/blueprint-feature-page-multi-drill-dd12v-s1">Blueprint Multi-Drill</a> can be used to drill holes or drive screws but also features an integrated stud sensor and a removable laser level. </p> <p id="daamCz">The Multi-Drill is available now through <a href="https://www.dremel.com/us/en/p/dd12v-s1-f013dd12aa">Dremel’s online store</a> for $99.99, but can also be found at retailers like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-Blueprint-Integrated-Detachable-DD12V-S1/dp/B0DPNJML54?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/482924/456723/8154?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FDremel-Blueprint-12V-Cordless-1-4-in-Drill-Driver-with-Integrated-Stud-Finder-and-Detachable-Laser-Level-DD12V-S1%2F332728615&amp;sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Home Depot</a>.</p> <p id="KJCHks">Powered by a 12V brushless motor and an included rechargeable battery, the Multi-Drill has a top speed of 800 RPM and produces ‎175 inch-pounds of torque. For comparison, <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2606-20">Amazon also sells a $100 18V Milwaukee drill</a> (without a battery) with a top speed of 1,800 RPM and 500 inch-pounds of torque. You won’t want to tackle building a shed or deck with Dremel’s new tool, but it’s powerful enough for lighter tasks like drilling into studs or driving screws while assembling Ikea furniture.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person using the Dremel Blueprint Multi-Drill’s stud sensor to mark its location on a wall." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HvoJZWLQ_A7UvZ-c2oSxncH_bpY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25831006/dremel_drill2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Dremel</cite> <figcaption><em>The Multi-Drill’s integrated stud sensor detects the edges of hidden beams.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="xcaj5Q">The drill’s knuckle guard includes an LED light targeted at the tip of its drill bit for extra illumination, as well as a stud sensor for finding the edges of a wooden beam hidden behind drywall. Its functionality is basic compared to dedicated stud sensors that can indicate the center of a beam and even warn when hidden electrical wires are detected. But this stud sensor will never be misplaced in the middle of a project.</p> <div id="m42E8s"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_udMV04XL4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="FOSo84">The Multi-Drill’s integrated but removable leveling tool features two bubble levels ensuring it’s properly positioned vertically and horizontally before projecting a level laser reference line. So as not to leave marks or holes behind when attached to a wall, Dremel’s tiny laser level uses reusable mounting putty. It also features its own rechargeable battery that can be topped off with a standard USB-C cable.</p> <p id="6mR8Tr">The multi-functional approach Dremel is taking here isn’t going to appeal to professionals. The Multi-Drill is designed to give amateur renovators a basic set of tools and features for tackling smaller projects without the need for a toolbox to keep them all organized. In addition to a rechargeable battery and the laser level, Dremel also includes a set of nine driver bits of varying sizes and standards, plus three drill bits.</p>
  16. Samsung is adding two new Galaxy Ring sizes

    Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:15:18 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Cat paw sneakily reaching out to swipe the Galaxy Ring" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h9f0r7GVm4jtA4UkhZ1nV021Wd4=/253x337:1788x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73844244/galaxyring_5.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="NyDd7a">Samsung is making the Galaxy Ring available to more people by <a href="https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-enhanced-sleep-health-features-expanded-galaxy-ring-availability/#_ftn1">adding size 14 and 15 rings</a> to its options starting on January 22nd. With the expansion, which was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/19/24324958/samsung-galaxy-ring-wearables-bigger-size">rumored last month</a>, the company says its ring sizes now run from five to 15, though it caveats that both size and color availability will vary by market. </p> <p id="G9jMBG">The new sizes bring the Galaxy Ring closer to competitor Oura, which already offers its smart ring in sizes four to 15. Samsung’s announcement didn’t include details about the ring’s weight or battery life, but the current lineup’s larger size 12 and 13 rings use bigger batteries and can <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24205156/samsung-galaxy-ring-review-smart-ring-wearables">last an extra day versus the others</a>. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="WdOJMJ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Galaxy Ring keeps you in Samsung’s orbit","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24205156/samsung-galaxy-ring-review-smart-ring-wearables"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="jvWzeS">The bigger options will be nice for those at the upper end of its size range, particularly if they’re only a half-size up. As my colleague Victoria Song wrote in <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24163871/smart-rings-samsung-galaxy-ring-oura-ring-sizing-wearables">her smart ring sizing guide</a>, even if you’re able to slide the ring on, it could be hard to take it off again as your fingers swell in response to things like the food you’ve eaten or the environment you’re in.</p> <p id="IkrzEd">Samsung also announced it’s going to sell its smart ring in 16 more countries, including Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Greece, and South Africa, starting on February 7th, though the exact date for each release will vary, it writes. </p>
  17. The best actually real stuff at CES 2025

    Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EFL2oVXmM5Bkred5lWhRBQQgFTI=/0x1:2040x1361/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73841917/Installer_66.0.png" /> </figure> <p id="KmXnFl">Hi, friends! Welcome to <em>Installer</em> No. 66, your guide to the best and <em>Verge</em>-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, happy 2025, and also you can read all the old editions at the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/installer-newsletter"><em>Installer</em> homepage</a>.) </p> <p id="bANBj1">This week, I’ve been reading about <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/"><strong>loneliness</strong></a> and <a href="https://defector.com/a-comprehensive-and-maddening-history-of-color-star-would-be-titans-of-just-about-anything"><strong>Web3 scams</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/business/media/dick-wolf-on-call-amazon-prime.html"><strong>the future of procedural TV</strong></a>, watching <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/533535-deadpool-wolverine?language=en-US"><em><strong>Deadpool &amp; Wolverine</strong></em></a><em> </em>on an airplane like the director intended, rewatching <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/95396-severance?language=en-US"><em><strong>Severance</strong></em></a><em> </em>and <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/93405?language=en-US"><em><strong>Squid Game</strong></em></a><em> </em>to get ready for the second seasons, eagerly awaiting the return of <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/61987-kids-baking-championship?language=en-US"><em><strong>Kids Baking Championship</strong></em></a><em>, </em>wondering if that’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdQaiDT-Ecg"><strong>real Sara Dietschy or AI Sara Dietschy</strong></a>, and giving an <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/482924/1631013/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fapple-news%2F" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Apple News Plus</strong></a> subscription a whirl as my go-to news source. </p> <p id="V2L24S">I also have for you a big report from CES in Las Vegas. This edition of <em>Installer </em>is a little different than most, just because we saw so many new things, and so many new things launched, and in many cases, it’s hard to know whether any of it will ever hit shelves. So think of this as part <em>Installer, </em>part CES recap, part “David hopes desperately these things actually ship” list. But I tried hard to pick out the stuff I’m confident will actually end up on sale at some point soon and might be worth your money. I’m sure I’ll be wrong about a few...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/12/24340864/ces-2025-tvs-nvidia-ai-gaming-installer">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  18. Coming back to CES after a decade-long break was a trip

    Sat, 11 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Photo of a smartphone taking a picture of transparent display panels." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3DI0Qd3qsBCvAkAOshUMVYOc5wM=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73840253/dsc08924_processed.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Cool screens are still undefeated at CES.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="UVIgEZ">Twelve years ago, I could have told you exactly what happened at my first CES and what happened at my third. Each was a chapter with a beginning, middle, and end; the lines between them drawn clearly. But now, 15 years since I attended my first CES, it’s a lot fuzzier. I know I missed my flight home at that first show. I know I saw a lot of cameras at first, and then progressively fewer cameras over the years. I know there were team dinners and early meetings, but I couldn’t tell you what happened when. </p> <p id="xcCqMk">What I <em>do </em>know about my first CESes is that I had — and I cannot stress this enough — <em>no clue what I was doing.</em> The same went for CES two, three, and four, to varying degrees. I think I had a Pentax DSLR loaned to me by a colleague. I had a work-issued BlackBerry and, I’m pretty sure, insisted on wearing nice dresses and impractical shoes to evening events. There was no Uber at the beginning, and you could spend an hour waiting in a cab line at the airport. We stayed at the MGM Grand, which housed live lions at the time.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="vBneQc"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"CES 2025: all the news, gadgets, and surprises","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/4/24307731/ces-2025-tvs-gaming-smart-home-wearables-news"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="VbTWAw">I broke an 11-year streak of <em>not</em> going to CES this year, which gave me a rare opportunity. It’s not often in life that we get to step back and see something...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/11/24340285/ces-2025-robots-ai-sphere">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  19. This versatile MagSafe smartphone light can also charge your phone in a pinch

    Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:13:52 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Godox MA5R smartphone light attached and disconnected from an iPhone." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8Bw3C_Fs7cStZK9iBizkIy9Stro=/0x0:1053x702/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73838804/godox1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Godox MA5R will be available for just $49.99.</em> | Image: Godox</figcaption> </figure> <p id="aEv35j">Godox, a company known for its professional photography gear like flashes and reflective umbrellas, has announced a new lighting product for smartphones. Its <a href="https://www.godox.com/product-a/MA5R.html#specs">MA5R is a magnetic power bank</a> with an array of diffused color-changing LEDs on the back that can improve phone photography while keeping battery anxiety in check. It’s priced at $49, and while you can <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1873068-REG%2Fgodox_ma5r_red_litemons_ma5r_rgb_led.html&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2025%2F1%2F10%2F24340649%2Fgodox-ma52-rgb-magnetic-smartphone-led-light-selfie" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">preorder it</a> through online specialty stores, official availability isn’t known.</p> <p id="MxlLgT">The MA5R attaches to MagSafe-compatible iPhones, smartphones supporting the Qi2 wireless standard, or mobile devices upgraded with a magnetic ring on the back. It can also be used handheld, but Godox didn’t include a standard tripod mount for attaching it to stands — an odd omission given the company’s lineup of pro gear.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Godox MA5R smartphone light glowing in four different colors." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TaTjtOafcPbBJ_1HYnj4recDCNU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25825680/godox3.jpg"> <cite>Image: Godox</cite> <figcaption><em>The MA5R uses color-changing LEDs to reproduce a wide range of colors and color temperatures.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="dpbGyB">The accessory can be controlled through the Godox mobile app over Bluetooth, which allows its color temperature to be adjusted across a wide range — from 1800K (warmer) to 10000K (cooler) — so you can match the lighting in almost any environment. You can also opt for a wide range of colors if you’re looking for a more dramatic lighting effect or choose one of “14 pre-programmed special effects,” which could be useful when shooting video.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person using the Godox MA5R’s selfie light to take a photo of themselves." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0ygGM7OKNEDE3BLsVUige37e7d4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25825688/godox2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Godox</cite> <figcaption><em>The MA5R includes an additional smaller LED on the other side that can be used to improve the lighting of selfies.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="syZ656">On the other side of the MA5R, next to its magnetic mount, is a small display showing battery life and lighting brightness. There’s also a smaller front-facing LED light that can be used to improve selfies by rotating the accessory while it’s attached to a phone. It offers a smaller range of color temperature adjustments between 2800K and 6500K.</p> <div id="dxM6vk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxSd56qxKWk?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="paTQDa">The added lights mean the MA5R is 13 millimeters thick, so it’s not exactly going to disappear when attached to your phone. And it’s only got a 5,000mAh battery inside. That’s enough to keep its LEDs running for up to three hours, 40 minutes at full brightness or up to seven hours, 20 minutes at half brightness, but not quite enough to fully recharge many smartphones more than once.</p> <p id="sShYrE">Wireless charging also stops while the LEDs are turned on, so maybe think of the MA5R’s charging capabilities as a bonus feature for what looks like a solid portable lighting solution.</p>
  20. Swappable lenses let you place this laser projector exactly where you want it

    Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:01:27 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Valerion’s VisionMaster Max projector in a display case." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jSK-FuWJBcRqnsCxAjk290Vupj0=/0x0:2336x1557/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73838545/valerion1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Valerion’s VisionMaster Max projector at the company’s CES 2025 booth.</em> | Image: Valerion</figcaption> </figure> <p id="kzyZkP">Valerion announced a new feature for its <a href="https://www.valerion.com/global/product/valerion-visionmaster-4k-rgb-triple-laser-projector?model=Max">VisionMaster Max projector</a> at CES 2025 that will improve setup flexibility. The company will offer alternate lenses for the projector — a feature typically only offered on professional-grade home theater hardware — that can be swapped by users to change the size of the image it produces or how far it can project. That will accommodate a wider range of installations, from smaller living rooms to spacious dedicated home theaters, without sacrificing image resolution.</p> <p id="6bXfIM">The VisionMaster Max was originally announced at IFA 2024 by Valerion, which is a sister brand to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23056908/awol-vision-projector-review-short-throw-tv-replacement">AWOL Vision that focuses on ultrashort throw (UST) projectors</a>. The brand’s VisionMaster line debuted through a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/valerionvisionmaster/valerion-visionmaster-cinematic-grade-rgb-laser-projector">Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign</a> last October, including the Max model, which offered an optical zoom feature that allows it to project images from 40 to 300 inches in size.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A persion positions the Valerion VisionMaster Max projector sitting on a small side table." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F_rGKTLivdari1amEpfmkhX2veU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25825580/valerion2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Valerion</cite> <figcaption><em>The VisionMaster Max may not look compact, but it’s relatively small given it incorporates a pair of 12-watt speakers.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="VeDTRd">The swappable lenses are a new feature for the projector, which is <a href="https://www.valerion.com/global/product/valerion-visionmaster-4k-rgb-triple-laser-projector?model=Max">now available for purchase</a> for $3,999. Valerion hasn’t announced which additional lens options will be available for the VisionMaster Max or how much they’ll add to the price. The stock lens has a throw ratio of 0.9-1.5:1, while Valerion was showing off an alternative with a 1.3-2.1:1 throw ratio — better for use in larger rooms — at CES, <a href="https://newatlas.com/home-entertainment/valerion-visionmaster-max-interchangeable-lens/">according to <em>New Atlas</em></a>.</p> <div id="NurX1a"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B4IMTQB0mNE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="19Tned">The upgraded version of the VisionMaster Max offers the same features and functionality as the one announced at IFA. It’s a 4K triple laser projector capable of producing 3,000 ISO lumens of brightness, according to Valerion, and has the ability to upscale lower-res content using AI. It supports the IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 Plus standards and includes a low input lag mode for gamers with refresh rates up to 240Hz when stepping down to a 1080p resolution.</p> <p id="HN7egs">The VisionMaster Max is an all-in-one projector, so it includes a pair of 12-watt speakers with support for DTS:X and Dolby Audio. It’s got three HDMI ports, including one with eARC support. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it can be connected to the internet using an ethernet cable if the wireless internet signal in your home theater is problematic. And the projector runs Google TV, so you can install apps for various streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.</p>
  21. Automakers sue to block Biden’s ‘flawed’ automatic emergency braking rule

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:06:01 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Traffic on 42nd Street in New York City" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jHVJHMn-9JZlrzvy4ErKF1McVR8=/176x0:4898x3148/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73853467/2193954673.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="KsBoKo"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/30/24145182/automatic-emergency-braking-vehicle-rule-usdot-crash">A new rule</a> requiring all vehicles to have automatic emergency braking is “flawed” and should be repealed, <a href="https://www.autosinnovate.org/posts/testimony/Auto%20Innovators%20AEB%20Petition%20Filing.pdf">a new lawsuit</a> filed by the auto industry’s main lobbying group says. </p> <p id="F2yDAl">The suit was filed in US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by the Alliance of Automotive Innovation, which represents most of the major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Toyota. The group is asking the court to overturn the new rule, which was finalized last year, requiring all vehicles to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) by 2029. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="AJCX4v"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Goodyear’s smart tires can sense rain and ice for improved emergency braking ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24336892/goodyear-tire-sightline-aeb-rain-snow"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="Lfrr1R">Under the rule, all vehicles will be required to be able to “stop and avoid contact” with other vehicles at speeds of up to 62mph. In addition, AEB systems must apply the brakes automatically “up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected.” Vehicles must also be able to detect pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/31/23743854/usdot-automatic-emergency-braking-aeb-rule-pedestrian">The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the new rule will help prevent hundreds of deaths</a> and tens of thousands of injuries every year.</p> <p id="lcg0Yd">But after the rule was finalized, the alliance <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/24/24185107/aeb-nhtsa-reconsider-auto-industry">petitioned NHTSA to “reconsider” it</a>, arguing that current technology was insufficient to meet the high standards outlined by the regulation. The group also claimed that its suggestions were rejected during the rulemaking process, and urged NHTSA to reconsider several key provisions in order to make it more achievable by the target date.</p> <p id="swqwrf">But NHTSA denied the group’s petition, stating that the requirements were “practicable” and that the overall aim is to “force” the industry to adopt new technology in order to meet the goals of saving lives and preventing injuries. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="C5IlLX"><q>“NHTSA acknowledged that the final rule is technology-forcing”</q></aside></div> <p id="KdplGY">“NHTSA acknowledged that the final rule is technology-forcing,” <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27349.pdf">the agency said in its response</a>, “but emphasized that the standard is practicable and no single current vehicle must meet every requirement for an FMVSS to be considered practicable under the Safety Act.”</p> <p id="iziI7l">The auto alliance says that it has spent “more than a billion dollars” developing AEB over the years, but doesn’t want this lawsuit to be seen as undermining its own technology. And it says it much prefers the “<a href="https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/u-s-dot-and-iihs-announce-historic-commitment-of-20-automakers-to-make-automatic-emergency-braking-standard-on-new-vehicles">voluntary agreement</a>” that preceded the mandate. </p> <p id="v8GA5L">“This litigation by Alliance for Automotive Innovation <em>should not</em> be interpreted as opposition to AEB, a lack of confidence in the technology, or an objection to AEB’s widest possible deployment across the U.S. vehicle fleet,” <a href="https://www.autosinnovate.org/posts/press-release/automakers-seek-repeal-of-biden-dot-flawed-aeb-rule">the group says in a press release</a>. “Rather, this litigation is about ensuring a rule that maximizes driver and pedestrian safety and is technologically feasible.” </p> <p id="oXvabX">But consumer and safety advocates aren’t buying it. </p> <p id="eSBBXj">“The AEB Rule is the most impactful regulation for roadway safety issued in years,” said Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, in a statement. “Considering that automaking is America’s largest manufacturing sector, employs 10 million Americans, generates five percent of the U.S. GDP and drives $1 trillion into the economy annually, it is remarkable that it would be unable to meet the requirements in the AEB Rule by September 2029.”</p> <p id="F39Kt8">And William Wallace, <em>Consumer Report</em>’s director of safety advocacy, said, “It is profoundly disappointing that automakers are suing to block this lifesaving automatic emergency braking rule. Car companies have brought impressive safety technology to our roads, but AEB performance among new vehicle models is uneven. This rule is needed because everyone on our roads should be able to benefit from automatic emergency braking systems that meet reasonable minimum standards.”</p>
  22. SpaceX’s fiery Starship explosion put on a fantastic show but delayed and diverted flights

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:25:20 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The falling debris field that followed the recent SpaceX Starship explosion." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XgVBNpSm8mDJJEHmFKBayFc5RKA=/0x0:850x567/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73853311/spacex_debris.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The falling debris field from the SpaceX Starship explosion lit up the night sky over the Caribbean,</em> | Screenshot: YouTube</figcaption> </figure> <p id="b3L6ij">Falling debris from the SpaceX Starship explosion yesterday created what looked like a meteor shower, or a colorful fireworks show based on videos shared by people in the area, but it also delayed flights. </p> <p id="UzTBzB">Eight and a half minutes <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24345430/spacex-starship-rocket-launch-time-watch-live">after launch yesterday</a>, the upper stage of the SpaceX Starship “<a href="https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1880033318936199643">experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly</a>,” following the separation from its booster and the start of its ascent to space.</p> <p id="UuKAnf">The footage of the explosion’s aftermath was shared to social media and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1i34dki/starship_blew_up_in_front_of_us_had_to_divert/">Reddit</a>. Some of it was recorded inside planes flying nearby, and many flights were diverted around the debris field, or delayed until all the fragments touched down.</p> <p id="qpOnMf">The Federal Aviation Administration said it had “briefly slowed and diverted planes around the area where space debris was falling,” according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/spacex-launches-seventh-starship-mock-satellite-deployment-test-2025-01-16/"><em>Reuters</em></a>.</p> <p id="iNcXoP">The 7th test flight of Starship was at least a partial success, marking the second time SpaceX <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/13/24269029/spacex-starship-launch-super-heavy-chopstick-launch-tower-return-fifth-flight-test">successfully caught the Super Heavy booster</a> with its launch tower. It was also the first time one of the booster’s Raptor engines was reused from a previous flight. </p> <p id="GDf3US">The launch was a testbed for a redesigned propulsion system, an improved flight computer, and the craft’s heat shield. It’s unclear if any of these were factors in the failure, but <a href="https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-7#">SpaceX says</a> that, according to “initial data,” the explosion was potentially the result of a fire that developed in the ship’s rear section.</p> <p id="y7BSOt">The company says that “Starship flew within its designated launch corridor” and “any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area.” The falling debris put on a show in the evening sky over the Caribbean and was captured by several tourists who seemed both amazed and slightly anxious about what they were witnessing.</p> <div id="J8vWWL"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/cnnbrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cnnbrk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cnni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cnni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Pardon_Me_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pardon_Me_22</a> appears to be a meteor shower over Turks and Caicos this evening.. Wow!!! Flew right over @ClubMedTurkoise <a href="https://t.co/OL7vq8vbkH">pic.twitter.com/OL7vq8vbkH</a></p>— Joshua Johnson (@JoshAJohnson10) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshAJohnson10/status/1880029060761538882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div id="SvOAME"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just saw the most insane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacedebris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacedebris</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteorshower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteorshower</a> right now in Turks and Caicos ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>⁩ what is it?? <a href="https://t.co/a7f4MbEB8Q">pic.twitter.com/a7f4MbEB8Q</a></p>— Dean Olson (@deankolson87) <a href="https://twitter.com/deankolson87/status/1880026759133032662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div id="zb3x4O"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">This just happened in the sky over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/turksandcaicos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#turksandcaicos</a> ☄️ ‍♀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aliens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aliens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/firework?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#firework</a>??? <a href="https://t.co/OwodvImSVC">pic.twitter.com/OwodvImSVC</a></p>— Sally Alington (@sallyethos) <a href="https://twitter.com/sallyethos/status/1880031475938259034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div id="ximBWC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UkbuN8grJmY?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <div id="p3UNAJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0zC0K0YZEzg?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <div id="vtJPBl"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none"> <p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/v1kyg6YtTg">pic.twitter.com/v1kyg6YtTg</a></p>— andres (@_thatonedolphin) <a href="https://twitter.com/_thatonedolphin/status/1880043659099533342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div id="Q2k3Iy"> <div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive" style="height: 500px; padding-bottom: 0;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1i34dki/starship_blew_up_in_front_of_us_had_to_divert/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=mweb3x&amp;utm_name=post_embed&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=1" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Faviation%2Fcomments%2F1i34dki%2Fstarship_blew_up_in_front_of_us_had_to_divert%2F%3Futm_source%3Dshare%26utm_medium%3Dmweb3x%26utm_name%3Dpost_embed%26utm_term%3D1%26utm_content%3D1&amp;key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197"></a></div></div> <script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div id="fopog8"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">After SpaceX Starship’s rapid unscheduled disassembly, our most tracked flights are all aircraft holding or diverting to avoid any potential debris. <a href="https://t.co/CzXnD5YvZg">https://t.co/CzXnD5YvZg</a> <a href="https://t.co/4FTa4zI24V">pic.twitter.com/4FTa4zI24V</a></p>— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) <a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1880038519739150811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <p id="rLeHFj">A screenshot shared by the flight tracking website <a href="https://x.com/flightradar24/status/1880038519739150811">FlightRadar24 to its X account</a> yesterday showed several aircraft in holding patterns or being diverted following the incident, while another showed flight departures from Miami and For Lauderdale airports <a href="https://x.com/flightradar24/status/1880046869260492868">being delayed by 45 minutes</a>.</p> <p id="jXrsEV">The last time SpaceX lost the Starship was during its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/14/24100501/spacex-starship-launch-third-flight-test-success">third test flight last March</a>. Although it was the first flight where the Starship completed its full-duration ascent burn, SpaceX lost contact with the spacecraft shortly before it was expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean.</p>
  23. GM banned from selling your driving data for five years

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:27:08 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The GM logo in blue and white" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G1YuifP3WqNRYcpnOig3-vP6F1U=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851709/acastro_STK057_02.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration: Alex Castro / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="FMf6tA">General Motors and its subsidiary OnStar are banned from selling customer geolocation and driving behavior data for five years, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-takes-action-against-general-motors-sharing-drivers-precise-location-driving-behavior-data">the Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday</a>. </p> <p id="WUE6IC">The settlement comes after <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html?ref=oembed">a <em>New York Times</em> investigation</a> found that GM had been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/11/24097803/is-your-car-snitching-on-your-driving-habits">collecting micro-details</a> about its customers’ driving habits, including acceleration, braking, and trip length — and then selling it to insurance companies and third-party data brokers like LexisNexis and Verisk. Clueless vehicle owners were then left wondering why their insurance premiums were going up. </p> <blockquote><p id="2n7qzg">For example, one consumer told a GM customer service representative that “[w]hen I signed up for this, it was so OnStar could track me. They said nothing about reporting it to a third party. Nothing. […] You guys are affecting our bottom line. I pay you, now you’re making me pay more to my insurance company.”</p></blockquote> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="5ORnqs"><q>“I pay you, now you’re making me pay more to my insurance company.”</q></aside></div> <p id="ZShH7F">FTC accused GM of using a “misleading enrollment process” to get vehicle owners to sign up for its OnStar connected vehicle service and Smart Driver feature. The automaker failed to disclose to customers that it was collecting their data, nor did GM seek out their consent to sell it to third parties. After the <em>Times</em> exposed the practice, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/22/24109057/gm-will-no-longer-sell-your-driving-data-to-third-party-companies">GM said</a> it was discontinuing its OnStar Smart Driver program. </p> <p id="kpcRKc">“GM monitored and sold people’s precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. “With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans’ privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance.”</p> <p id="4PwhBR">The settlement also requires GM to obtain consent from customers before collecting their driving behavior data, and allow them to request and delete their data if they choose. </p> <p id="3TBCV4">GM said in an <a href="https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2025/jan/0117-gm.html">unsigned statement</a> that it was committed to customer privacy. </p>
  24. Tesla says the Cybertruck is ‘bestselling,’ so why is it offering discounts?

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:23:21 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Digital photo collage of a Tesla Cybertruck." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wbGjsjNhrRkrmbukRQJ4B9Py-pc=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851221/STKS493_CYBERTRUCK_CVIRGINIA_B.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="jnieps">Tesla is declaring the Cybertruck to be “America’s bestselling electric pickup truck in 2024.” And yet, for the first time, the company is offering discounts of up to $2,600 on the low-poly truck, a sign that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/3/24334954/tesla-cybertruck-sales-demand-expectation-elon-musk">demand may not be as strong</a> as Tesla would like you to think. </p> <p id="cprueZ">The discounts, which appear on <a href="https://www.tesla.com/inventory/new/ct?arrangeby=savings&amp;amp;zip=94105&amp;amp;range=0">the company’s inventory webpage</a>, are as high as $1,600 for brand-new Cybertrucks and up to $2,600 for slightly used demo versions of the truck. The price reduction you see will depend on how you configure your Cybertruck.</p> <p id="bjRQxS">The discounts come as the electric vehicle market is suddenly brimming with a multitude of offerings, from established players like Chevy and Hyundai to upstarts like Rivian and Lucid. People shopping for an electric truck, in particular, have a lot of options, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Hummer and Sierra EVs, and Rivian R1T. </p> <div id="LE5EGt"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The truck that<br><br>“they won’t make” &amp; that “nobody will buy” <br><br>… has become America’s bestselling electric pickup truck in 2024<br><br>Thank you Cybertruck owners! <a href="https://t.co/8YBFNeCXjh">pic.twitter.com/8YBFNeCXjh</a></p>— Cybertruck (@cybertruck) <a href="https://twitter.com/cybertruck/status/1879622205849346111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <p id="4CZJa8">But the Cybertruck is outselling all of those options, according to Tesla. How do we know? You’re just going to have to take Tesla’s word on it, because it doesn’t break out sales numbers for the Cybertruck — instead just lumping them in with its “other models,” like the Model S, Model X, and Tesla Semi. <a href="https://electrek.co/2025/01/15/tesla-claims-cybertruck-is-best-selling-electric-pickup-without-even-confiming-sales/">As noticed by <em>Electrek</em></a>, that stands in contrast to how Ford reports its sales numbers. </p> <p id="xQyAEk">For example, <a href="https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2025/01/03/fourth-quarter-full-year-sales.html">Ford said</a> it sold 33,510 F-150 Lightnings in 2024. And Tesla sold an estimated 40,000 Cybertrucks, which would back up its claim that it’s the bestselling electric truck in the US. But again, those are just estimates. </p> <p id="I5ScpN">The discounts certainly add a wrinkle to Tesla’s claim. Prices tend to be reduced when a manufacturer has too many cars to sell. And since Tesla bypasses the traditional dealership model to sell vehicles directly to customers, the discounts come directly from the company. </p> <p id="b3Ucph">After <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2024/12/24/teslas-original-cybertruck-showing-up-on-inventory-page-indicating-weakness/">appearing on the company’s inventory page</a> late last year, Foundation series Cybertrucks were recently removed. And earlier this month, Tesla asked factory employees working on the Cybertruck line to stay home for three days, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-cuts-cybertruck-workforce-production-model-y-2025-1">according to <em>Business Insider</em></a>. It would seem as if demand is starting to weaken — a phenomenon being experienced by almost every automaker with EVs to sell. After selling cars to all the early adopters, companies are struggling to push their products on more price-conscious, mass-market shoppers. </p> <p id="GylHLr">All of this evidence points to weakening demand for the Cybertruck. The EV certainly has its fans, but the polarizing design as well as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24296301/elon-musk-donald-trump-tesla-evs-climate-change-auto-industry-tariffs-decoder-podcast">Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s hard-right politics</a> have been factors in the truck’s diminishing appeal. </p> <p id="qZhDg4">And with EV incentives likely to disappear under President-elect Donald Trump and tariffs expected to roil the auto industry, the Cybertruck looks like it’s in for an even harsher 2025. </p>
  25. Meet the brothers who built NYC’s favorite congestion pricing tracking tool

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="New York City launches traffic fee to curb congestion" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BtJSJWmFLu9AI_dtVqf_kQ85_SM=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851068/2192290858.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol / Anadolu via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="KnKfDw">Now that New York City has finally flipped the switch on congestion pricing, the big question is: Will it work? And if so, how well?</p> <p id="miZIlE">To find out, all eyes turned to an unassuming new web tool called <a href="https://www.congestion-pricing-tracker.com/">the Congestion Pricing Tracker</a>. The brainchild of two college-age brothers, the tracker uses real-time traffic data from Google Maps to calculate traffic times for chosen routes and days. The data is presented as a line graph of traffic times before and after congestion pricing went into effect on January 5th. Compare one line to the other to see whether traffic times have increased or decreased.</p> <p id="AsghJU">Unsurprisingly, depending on the route and time of day, the new tolling scheme seems to be working — perhaps even better than expected. Since January 5th, most drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours will pay $9 — or $2.25 for late nights and weekends. And that fee appears to be doing what it set out to do, which is to change the behavior of the people behind the wheel and funnel millions of dollars into needed transit improvements. </p> <figure class="e-image"> </figure> <p id="7BpqwM">That was what initially drew brothers Benjamin and Joshua Moshes to the project. Benjamin, a senior studying math and...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24344732/nyc-congestion-pricing-tracker-data-google-maps">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  26. Polestar announces Polestar 7 SUV amid flagging sales and regulatory hurdles

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:47:29 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Vector illustration of the Polestar logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FwGQD8Bm3eMNlBzSSTjSENYVsE0=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73850706/STKB313_POLESTAR_D.5.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="0NjAFt">Polestar may be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343497/biden-china-vehicle-software-ban-polestar-waymo">facing a possible ban in the US</a>, but the Sweden-by-way-of-China manufacturer isn’t going to let that stop it from releasing new products. The company provided a business update on Thursday, during which it announced a new model, the Polestar 7 compact SUV, that will be produced in Europe. </p> <p id="f1Ynjz">Little was revealed about the Polestar 7 — we didn’t even get a look at a prototype — but the company said it will be a “very progressive SUV” with “a strong USP,” or unique selling point. It’s unclear when the vehicle will go into production or even where in Europe it will be built. (Sweden seems like a likely bet.)</p> <p id="OOoBYq">“We will enter the compact SUV segment, by the way the biggest and fastest growing segment in the world, and we will obviously make sure it comes with all the Polestar DNA,” <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/28/24230413/polestar-ceo-thomas-ingenlath-stepping-down">the company’s new CEO, Michael Lohscheller</a>, said.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="IZppzs"><q>“We will obviously make sure it comes with all the Polestar DNA”</q></aside></div> <p id="Lq3eVs">The update, which took the form of a professionally produced sit-down interview with Lohscheller, didn’t touch on Polestar’s regulatory trouble in the US. The Biden administration recently finalized a ban on connected vehicle software from China, a move that Polestar has said would “effectively prohibit” it from selling EVs in the US. </p> <p id="hQarAN">In fact, the US wasn’t mentioned at all during the 27-minute video — perhaps a reflection of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/6/24289494/trump-election-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-tesla-elon-musk">the strong headwinds EVs are facing under the incoming Trump administration</a>. Instead, the company said it expects to launch soon in France, which is one of the fastest-growing markets for EVs. </p> <p id="DilKB7">This represents a significant shift in the company’s position from the past few years. Polestar was laser-focused on the US market with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295069/polestar-3-rwd-price-range-tax-credit">the Polestar 3</a>, a two-row SUV manufactured at its factory in South Carolina in order to qualify for generous incentives under the Biden administration. EV sales were looking strong when the Polestar 3 was announced, but now sales have slowed thanks to high prices, charging challenges, and politics. Many of those incentives put in place by President Joe Biden are likely to be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/21/24302592/trump-ev-tax-credit-auto-alliance-av-framework">eliminated under President-elect Donald Trump</a>.</p> <p id="DQf9wI">In a statement, Polestar said it was in the process of adapting its operations to comply with the new regulations. <em>“</em>The U.S. is and will remain an important market for Polestar and we always ensure that our cars comply with regulations in the countries in which we operate,” Polestar spokesperson Michael Ofiara said. “The now finalized legislation is expected to be implemented with the model year 2027. We are in advanced stages to adapt our future models to make sure they comply with the regulation in terms of hardware, software and suppliers. Therefore, we will make sure to comply with all regulations.”</p> <p id="Bh2nls">Polestar also reported <a href="https://investors.polestar.com/news-releases/news-release-details/polestar-publishes-selected-results-third-quarter-and-updates-fy">its third quarter earnings today</a> (the company is lagging behind other companies in reporting its earnings), including a $323 million net loss. It sold 12,548 cars, which was down 8 percent compared to its Q3 sales in 2023. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="pGU0O2"><q>$323 million net loss</q></aside></div> <p id="nB1Syb">The company also said it no longer expects similar revenue in 2024 as it earned in 2023, nor a positive gross profit margin for the fourth quarter. Instead, Polestar is expecting “a mid-teens percentage decline in revenue and a negative gross margin around the same level as full year 2023, as the fourth quarter product mix was negatively impacted by fewer than expected Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 sales.”</p> <p id="UiOjM3">But amid these challenges, Lohscheller said he was convinced that Polestar was still on the right track. He predicted “positive” adjusted earnings for 2025 and free cash flow, in which Polestar would be generating more money from its business operations than it is losing in 2027. </p> <p id="GQf7kX">“Really, 2024 is a transitional year for Polestar,” said Lohscheller, who previously served as CEO of the Stellantis-owned Opel. “But I feel we are well positioned now going into 2025 with the right cars, with the right distribution, and obviously a much much better focus on significant cost reduction and increasing efficiency.”</p> <p id="zfww6t"><em><strong>Update January 16th:</strong></em><em> Updated to include a statement from a Polestar spokesperson.</em></p>
  27. ChargePoint is doing something about all the EV charger cable-cutting crooks

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="chargepoint charging station stall with grass hill background" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cabee2JY-BS3gC0AIn3OwyZ0xy0=/0x109:2040x1469/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73850476/aliptak_180919_2960_5205.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Andrew Liptak / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="R2Hglh">ChargePoint has had enough of vandalizing thieves who saw through EV charger cables to steal valuable copper — so now it’s making new “cut-resistant” cables and adding alarm systems in an attempt to mitigate the damage.</p> <p id="VqlHdl">ChargePoint’s VP of product management Steve Farrell tells <em>The Verge</em> the cable uses a patent-pending technology that includes strategically placed steel to provide protection. Although the design may make the cables a bit larger and less flexible, Farrell wrote that usability won’t be impacted, and that most users “will not notice the difference” with the changes. The new cable can be retrofitted on commercial and fleet charging stations (both AC and DC models) made by the company.</p> <p id="1TUjzV">Farrell also says the cables were tested against “commonly used devices,” including wirecutters, bolt cutters, and battery powered tools. ChargePoint was “satisfied with its ability to significantly increase the time, effort, and resources (i.e. tools) required to sever cables.”</p> <p id="fy2Vsk">ChargePoint is planning to license out the new cable design to other “select” EV charger OEMs that may want to try it out to combat copper crooks. Vandalized EV stations <a href="https://apnews.com/article/electric-vehicles-charging-cables-stolen-copper-tesla-5f003686cade63fade2e8d7dd3402f3a">are a rising problem</a> that adds to the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/6/24214581/electric-vehicle-charging-reliability-study-chargehelp">already unreliable electric vehicle infrastructure</a> in the US. The new cables are expected to be available for licensing by the middle of 2025.</p> <p id="kEogKw">Tougher cables aren’t the only theft deterrent ChargePoint is launching soon. The company has also developed new “ChargePoint Protect” security software that turns its EV stations into “highly effective” alarm systems. The software can detect tampering with the cables in real-time and engage alarms to scare thieves away while also sending out text messages and email alerts to EV stall owners.</p> <p id="orVuvO">ChargePoint Protect works on most of the company’s existing commercial EV charger models except for some older models, according to Farrell. The update is free to station owners, will arrive over the air, and will be available later this month.</p>
  28. USDOT sues Southwest Airlines over ‘chronically delayed’ flights

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:42:32 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="US-AVIATION-TRANSPORTATION" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ahx7L-GM4Nmpqk2YN5Fk1mktrI4=/1x0:3537x2357/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73849565/2189090677.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="v71BLq">The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-01/Complaint%20Against%20Southwest%20Airlines.pdf">is suing</a> Southwest Airlines for “illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and disrupting passengers’ travel,” <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-sues-southwest-airlines-chronically-delayed-flights">according to a press release</a>.</p> <p id="eX9vQ8">The USDOT’s investigation found that “Southwest operated two chronically delayed flights — one between Chicago Midway International Airport and Oakland, Calif, and another between Baltimore, Md. and Cleveland, Ohio — that resulted in 180 flight disruptions for passengers between April and August 2022,” per the release. “Each flight was chronically delayed for five straight months.”</p> <p id="vMYcoX">A flight is considered chronically delayed if “it is flown at least 10 times a month and arrives more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time,” the USDOT says.</p> <p id="gkKwZN">“Southwest is disappointed that DOT chose to file a lawsuit over two flights that occurred more than two years ago,” Southwest spokesperson Laura Swift says in a statement to <em>The Verge</em>. “Since DOT issued its Chronically Delayed Flight (CDF) policy in 2009, Southwest has operated more than 20 million flights with no other CDF violations. Any claim that these two flights represent an unrealistic schedule is simply not credible when compared with our performance over the past 15 years. In 2024, Southwest led the industry by completing more than 99% of its flights without cancellation.”</p> <p id="AGr6re">In addition, the USDOT is taking “enforcement action” against Frontier Airlines for operating chronically delayed flights. USDOT has fined Frontier $650,000 in civil penalties; the US Treasury will be paid $325,000, while the other $325,000 will be suspended if Frontier “does not operate any chronically delayed flights in the next three years,” the USDOT says.</p> <p id="hfRM7D">Frontier Airlines spokesperson Jennifer F. de la Cruz declined to comment.</p> <p id="69bHkW">Earlier this month, USDOT announced <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-penalizes-jetblue-chronic-flight-delays">a $2 million penalty against JetBlue</a> for operating chronically delayed flights. The USDOT also fined Southwest Airlines <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/18/24006045/southwest-fined-dot-holiday-delays-fund">in 2023</a> over a holiday meltdown that stranded millions in 2022.</p>
  29. Cars with Android Automotive are about to get a lot more apps

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:17:29 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Asphalt 2 Nitro running on a car screen" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AEXdeFPSFJn-YiZ-no5T862e7dM=/0x0:4032x2688/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73849188/IMG_5234.0.jpeg" /> <figcaption>Image: Umar Shakir / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Fsx9vx">Google is set to launch its Android Automotive <a href="https://developer.android.com/training/cars/car-ready-mobile-apps">app conversion program</a> this February that helps developers convert their Android apps to in-vehicle screens.</p> <p id="8htvFW">As reported by <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/new-android-automotive-apps-3516416/"><em>Android Authority</em></a>, the “Car ready mobile apps program” guides Android developers to make slight changes to apps so they can be available in vehicles with Google Play Store in the dash. </p> <p id="cCKWiD">To start, Google is specifically looking for streaming entertainment, gaming, and browser apps, and they need compatibility with x86 processors since many cars aren’t using Arm chips.</p> <p id="c9SphH">However, a compatibility mode option can also get many apps working in Android Automotive even without following all the guidelines. Google had said it would create an easier path for in-car app approval <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/15/24157310/google-built-in-android-auto-max-peacock-rivian">last May</a> during its I/O 2024 developer conference.</p> <p id="C3wFmw">There’s already a growing number of Google Play Store apps in some Android Automotive vehicles such as the Lincoln Nautilus that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/21/24229743/lincoln-nautilus-ford-digital-experience-infotainment-review">we reviewed in September</a>. It has games such as <em>Angry Birds</em>, streaming apps like Max and Crunchy Roll, and meeting apps like WebEx that ran similarly to their Android tablet version counterparts. </p> <p id="9bJtOJ">However, the selection is still slim overall, with primarily car-relevant apps like Waze and A Better Route Planner making the list. Come February, expect a lot more apps to trickle into the dash.</p>
  30. Trump’s transportation pick says he’ll let Tesla investigations proceed

    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:30:04 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Senate Hearing Considers Nomination Of Sean Duffy To Be Transportation Secretary" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DMtWfQKTP3_tyPiZbWgmD1kt7oM=/0x1:4500x3001/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73848967/2193463332.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="W8vo4o">Sean Duffy, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Transportation, said he would allow <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/26/24141403/tesla-autopilot-nhtsa-investigation-recall-software-fix">safety investigations into Tesla’s advanced driving technology</a> to proceed, possibly setting himself up for a clash with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/6/24289494/trump-election-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-tesla-elon-musk">a top supporter of the president-elect</a>. </p> <p id="E1dZN6">Duffy, a former Republican congressman, lobbyist, and Fox News personality, made the comments during his confirmation hearing Wednesday in front of the Senate Commerce Committee. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) asked whether he could maintain objectivity in investigating Tesla, which is headed by Trump donor and supporter Elon Musk. </p> <p id="bllHw8">“Yes, I commit to this committee and to you that I will let NHTSA do their investigation,” he said. “I think I also mentioned to you that a lot of the players in these spaces, I haven’t met any of them.”</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="M6gu7b"><q>“Yes, I commit to this committee and to you that I will let NHTSA do their investigation”</q></aside></div> <p id="0dTV41">Duffy’s comments follow months of reporting about Musk’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24296301/elon-musk-donald-trump-tesla-evs-climate-change-auto-industry-tariffs-decoder-podcast">unprecedented influence</a> over Trump’s transition, in which the Tesla CEO has sat in on meetings with potential nominees, vetted new hires, and volunteered to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/12/24295165/trump-elon-musk-doge-cut-government-spending">co-lead a committee to oversee massive spending cuts</a>. Trump is also reportedly weighing policy decisions that would favor Musk’s business, such as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320515/trump-tesla-crash-reporting-adas-nhtsa-sgo">eliminating a crash reporting rule</a> for partial and fully autonomous vehicles. </p> <p id="plOhcd">During the Biden administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched several investigations into the safety of Tesla’s automated driving technology. One the largest probes resulted in a December 2023 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/13/23999683/tesla-autopilot-defect-software-update-recall-nhtsa">recall of more than 2 million Tesla vehicles</a> to install better safeguards for the company’s Autopilot driver assist feature. NHTSA launched another investigation into the adequacy of the recall. </p> <p id="FLVteX">Duffy didn’t say anything more about stepping into a role that could put him at odds with Musk. But he did comment on the needs for national legislation to better regulate the safe rollout of autonomous vehicles. He said: </p> <blockquote><p id="YhVgR5">This is not just a wonderful technology that has a potential of making our roads safer, but this is a national security issue. We can’t fall behind China or other countries as it comes to AV technology. Right now, we have a patchwork of laws from state to state. I believe there has to be a federal law by which all of these innovators can abide by it, no matter if they’re in Texas or in California or somewhere else. And again, I’ll always make sure that safety is key. But after safety, we want to give a wide runway for these companies and innovators to create products that are going to bring us this new technology that, again, can revolutionize the way we get items, how we travel, whether you’re taking an Uber or ... It can be remarkable and exciting.</p></blockquote> <p id="TPZLgQ">As transportation secretary, Duffy has a bully pulpit to advocate for a national law for self-driving cars. And its been reported that Trump is in favor of passing such a bill once taking office. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="7YsJkk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Pete Buttigieg has a few things to say on his way out","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/24338378/pete-buttigieg-dot-interview-ev-sales-trump-musk"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="GQopw3">But Congress has taken up several proposals over the past decade, with little to show for it. And its unclear whether major differences will be settled by the time the next opportunity arises. </p> <p id="ir8xK6">The federal government has largely taken a back seat to in regulating autonomous vehicles, leaving states to develop their own rulebooks for safe deployment — which Duffy said was not ideal. Legislation that would dramatically increase the number of AVs on the road has been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/27/23809784/av-congress-hearing-legislation-stalled-china-liability">stalled in Congress for over seven years</a>, with lawmakers at odds over a range of issues, including safety, liability, and the right number of exemptions from federal motor vehicle safety standards.</p> <p id="gYi6di">Meanwhile, NHTSA has recently released new <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-proposes-national-program-vehicles-automated-driving-systems">voluntary framework for autonomous vehicles</a> that aims to ease the rollout of fully driverless cars. </p>
  31. Nintendo omits original Donkey Kong Country Returns team from the remaster’s credits

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:21:59 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A screenshot from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P9Qmk9d97MOAZGNk0f0sHlFefXA=/0x0:1620x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73853499/Switch_DonkeyKongCountryReturnsHD_scrn_19.0.png" /> <figcaption>Image: Nintendo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="OlBXlm"><em>Donkey Kong Country Returns HD</em>, the just-launched port of the 2010 Wii game, doesn’t include individual members of the original Retro Studios development team in the credits, <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-addresses-donkey-kong-country-returns-hd-credits-controversy/1100-6528879/">as reported by <em>GameSpot</em></a>. Since the discovery, however, Nintendo has commented on the omission, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-responds-to-donkey-kong-credits-furore-says-it-values-contributions-that-all-staff-make">giving a statement to <em>Eurogamer</em></a>.</p> <p id="0cRNdb">“We believe in giving proper credit for anyone involved in making or contributing to a game’s creation, and value the contributions that all staff make during the development process,” the statement reads, which is sourced only to Nintendo and not to a specific individual. The game’s credits reveal that the port was done by Forever Entertainment.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="lsejUK"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Donkey Kong Country Returns is a little easier on the Switch — but still hard as hell","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24343009/donkey-kong-country-returns-hd-review-nintendo-switch"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="bWiDCS">Crediting is <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/video-game-crediting-is-still-a-huge-problem-but-one-group-of-volunteers-is-working-on-solutions">an industry-wide issue</a>, and this isn’t the first time Nintendo has come under scrutiny for its crediting decisions. Some developers who worked on the original <em>Metroid Prime</em> — another Retro Studios game — were unhappy that <em>Metroid Prime Remastered’s </em>credits <a href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-gaming-e6e43a9d-510c-4746-ba2c-a855bf908692.html">didn’t include the full original credits</a>. And external translators have expressed frustrations with being left out of credits for some major Nintendo games, <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/nintendo-s-systemic-policy-of-miscredting-is-harming-external-translators"><em>Game Developer</em> reported last year</a>.</p> <p id="i1Emhg">As of late, Nintendo has also been somewhat cagey about things like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23860180/mario-new-voice-actor-super-bros-wonder-nintendo">voice actors</a> and the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/mario-and-luigi-brotherships-secret-developer-has-been-revealed-as-octopath-travelers-acquire">specific studios developing its games</a>.</p>
  32. Here’s how to play the Switch 2 early

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:12:10 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Image of new Mario Kart Nintendo Switch 2 controllers." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uW7SeNWUVcBrtv1ojN0TiG-1gs4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73853056/STKR001_NINTENDO_SWITCH_2_f.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: The Verge, Nintendo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="AbkoW7">Nintendo’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345091/nintendo-switch-2-hands-on-event-schedule">taking the Switch 2 on tour</a>. With the console now revealed, the next question on everyone’s mind (outside of what games will be available at launch) is when will we be able to get our hands on it. While Nintendo hasn’t shared the release date for the console, it is offering the chance for the public to preview it before launch at a series of live events held across the world. Here’s what you need to know in order to demo the Switch 2.</p> <p id="E8Focp">The Switch 2 will be demoed in several cities across North America: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Toronto. You can see the exact dates and locations <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-switch-2-experience/">on Nintendo’s website here</a>. (There will also be events across Europe and Asia with registration for <a href="https://experience.nintendo.com/?_gl=1*1j9ey0o*_gcl_au*MTEyMjUzODAzOC4xNzMzMzI4MzA0*_ga*MTI3MjM4ODg2Ny4xNzI0NzY5NjE1*_ga_8CCMZ61YS8*MTczNzEzMzI2Mi4xLjAuMTczNzEzMzI2Mi4wLjAuMA..#/events/10447?lang=en-GB">London</a> and <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/jp/event/experience/index.html">Tokyo</a> already live.) But getting the chance to play for yourself isn’t as simple as showing up and waiting in line. There’s a registration process to go through first and registering doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in.</p> <p id="FqFOXJ">First, anyone who wishes to attend must have a Nintendo account, including children aged seven years or older. If you don’t have an account, they’re free to make and young children can be registered under a Nintendo family account. Children younger than seven don’t need to register.</p> <p id="Fm5GhB">For families or folks who want to attend as a group of up to six people, all members must have a Nintendo account that’s linked to <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/What-Is-a-Nintendo-Account-Family-Group-1468055.html?srsltid=AfmBOopLwr000OYi6T0j1PEc0T6l1a4WVfRzCpmVYR51ky10T-2YVY-v">a Nintendo Family group</a> and everyone in the group must attend the same session.</p> <p id="1IhJFA">Registration opens on Friday January 17th at 12PM PT / 3PM ET and closes on January 26th. Tickets are free but awarded by lottery, similar to what Nintendo does for admission to its museum. So once you’ve registered, you have to wait. There are multiple hour-long sessions for each day of the event but you can only register for one time slot. (Really, Nintendo?) Trying to sign-up for additional time slots will require you to cancel your previous registration.</p> <p id="ZUrnvP">The website doesn’t indicate exactly when folks will be notified if they’ve been selected, just that it should happen shortly after the registration window closes.</p> <p id="FzEsHh">As with anything Nintendo, demand will be high so if you’re vying for a chance to see the Switch 2 early, good luck. You’ll need it.</p> <p id="l5je9T"></p> <p id="VsRA4J"></p>
  33. Some of the Switch’s 2 first accessories are all about Mario Kart

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:50:03 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Nacon Folding Steering Wheel for Joy-Con Controllers Nintendo Switch 2 against a white background." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g6G43lajrgVDH44gTEuHlclw-kQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852814/switch_2_accessory.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Nacon’s folding steering wheel for the Switch 2 will be priced at around $30.</em> | Image: Nacon</figcaption> </figure> <p id="wuPyOx">During the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer">Switch 2 reveal</a>, Nintendo teased the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24337198/switch-2-mario-kart-nintendo">next entry in its <em>Mario Kart</em> series</a>. We likely won’t know more details about the follow-up to <em>Mario Kart 8</em> until Nintendo’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24236766/nintendo-switch-2-games-direct-date-time">Switch 2 Direct event in April</a>, but Nacon has already announced some of the first accessories for the new handheld designed to improve the ergonomics of its Joy-Con controllers for racing games, as <a href="https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/01/nacon-reveals-new-switch-2-accessory-range-including-mario-kart-wheels">spotted by Nintendo Life</a>.</p> <p id="7kNsgu">Several companies were prepping peripherals for the Switch 2 well before Nintendo officially revealed its new design, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320659/nintendo-switch-2-dbrand-killswitch">Dbrand</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/8/24339396/nintendo-switch-2-genki-ces-2025">Genki</a>, and <a href="https://www.theshortcut.com/p/new-nintendo-switch-2-leak-all-but-confirms-how-the-console-will-look">smaller accessory makers</a> whose cases and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/switch-2-cases-screen-protectors-already-for-sale-via-chinese-sellers">screen protectors</a> gave us our first peeks at the console’s redesign.</p> <p id="aHNsVq"><a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/accessories/accessories/nintendo-switch-2">Nacon’s Switch 2 lineup</a> features several accessories similar to what’s been available for the original Switch for the past seven years. These include <a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/black-hard-transport-case-nintendo-switch-2">carrying cases</a>, <a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/tempered-glass-protection-nintendo-switch-2">screen protectors</a>, <a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/black-silicone-case-nintendo-switch-2">silicone wraps</a>, <a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/ac-charger-65-watts-nintendo-switch-2">USB-C chargers</a>, and even tiny steering wheels for individual Joy-Cons for using motion controls in <em>Mario Kart</em>.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Three images of the Nacon Folding Steering Wheel for Joy-Con Controllers Nintendo Switch 2 from different angles." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/by1v-SG3J_ubwRt3Hg37TGnNI_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25835117/nacon2.jpg"> <cite>Image: Nacon</cite> <figcaption><em>Nacon’s Switch 2 steering wheel looks like a step-up to similar accessories released for the original Switch.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="DUSIWc">Most interesting is a <a href="https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/folding-steering-wheel-joy-con-controllers-nintendo-switch-2">more elaborate steering wheel accessory</a> for the Switch 2 that looks similar to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/19/24202067/sim-lab-formula-one-racing-gaming-mercedes-amg-petronas">racing wheels available for PC simulators</a>, but without features like force feedback. For €29.90 (about $30) it features suction cups on the base so it can be secured to a desk or table and a folding design allowing the wheel, which houses both the Switch 2’s left and right Joy-Cons, to be used at different angles.</p> <p id="dhI4Rd">Unfortunately, while all the new accessories are listed on Nacon’s UK site, none of them are available for preorder or include shipping dates that could give a hint of when Nintendo plans to release the Switch 2.</p>
  34. Maybe giant gaming handhelds are where it’s at

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) gaming tablet mounted in a clamp-style controller, sitting beside the much smaller Steam Deck." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-BE3cdTIJIGbp2GBhmLabXCV2H4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852547/257510_Asus_ROG_Flow_Z13_tablet_2025_handheld_ADiBenedetto_0001.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A whole Steam Deck fits within the screen of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet. Bigger is better, right?</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>I added controllers to a 13-inch gaming tablet and I don’t regret it.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/17/24344308/asus-rog-flow-acer-nitro-blaze-steam-deck-giant-pc-handheld-experiment">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  35. Nintendo’s Switch 2 is here — sort of

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:47:19 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="A photo of the Nintendo Switch, on a blue Vergecast illustration." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z0Vcc_vHb5Et6tteIFZ5fsoPr1s=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852529/VRG_VST_0117_Site.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: The Verge, Nintendo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="DOt5aE"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24284512/nintendo-switch-2-direct-news-trailers-games-features">The Switch 2 exists</a>. We know that for sure. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345191/nintendo-switch-2-bigger-screen">It’s bigger</a> — seems like we know that, too. But what else do we know about the sequel to one of Nintendo’s most innovative and bestselling consoles? Maybe not as much as you might think.</p> <p id="kWd77g">On <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/vergecast">this episode of <em>The Vergecast</em></a><em>, </em>we run down everything we know, and don’t know, about the Switch 2. <em>The Verge</em>’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/authors/richard-lawler">Richard Lawler</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/authors/ash-parrish">Ash Parrish</a>, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/authors/andrew-webster">Andrew Webster</a> join the show to explain all the new stuff <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer">we saw in Nintendo’s trailer</a>, all the things we’re still wondering about, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24344511/nintendo-switch-2-features-specs-handheld-dock-upgrade-comparison">why exactly</a> Nintendo chooses to launch its consoles this way. It’s all a little odd, but let’s be honest: it’s the Switch 2. What else did you need to know?</p> <div id="i2nMfW"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP2196889103" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div> <p id="aMHY7m">After that, <em>The Verge</em>’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/authors/adi-robertson">Adi Robertson</a> joins the show to talk about the week’s whipsawing policy news. The TikTok <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344299/tiktok-shutdown-us-ban-supreme-court">ban</a> — or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343933/tiktok-employee-memo-supreme-court-us-ban">non-ban</a>, or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343459/tiktok-ban-extension-sen-markey-270-day-proposal">later-ban</a>, or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344739/donald-trump-is-reportedly-considering-an-executive-order-to-delay-the-tiktok-ban">kinda-sorta ban</a> — is closer than ever, and there’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344584/supreme-court-fsc-paxton-oral-arguments-pornhub-age-verification">another tech-related case</a> in front of the Supreme Court that could prove just as consequential. We debate whether <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343507/elon-musk-tiktok-ban-china-trump">Elon Musk might save TikTok</a>, whether anything at all is likely to happen on Sunday, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343834/rednote-xiaohongshu-chinese-app-tiktok-ban">whether RedNote and Lemon8</a> are the future of anything.</p> <p id="N7twdH">Finally, in the lightning round, Richard and David run down some of the week’s other news, from the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/24342179/sonos-ceo-patrick-spence-resignation-reason-app">ousting of Sonos CEO Patrick Spence</a> to the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24342567/blue-origin-launch-sucessful">first successful Blue Origin launch</a>. There’s also some news about <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/12/24341960/apple-iphone-17-air-slim-foldable-wi-fi-cell-modem">the iPhone 17 Air</a> being a thing, a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344628/super-bowl-lix-tubi-stream-free-fox">new streaming destination</a> for the Super Bowl, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344381/drake-umg-lawsuit-kendrick-lamar-not-like-us">some Drake updates</a>.</p> <div id="ho5ZR8"> <div data-analytics-viewport="video" data-analytics-action="volume:view:article:middle" data-analytics-label="Nintendo’s Switch 2 is here — sort of | The Vergecast|118917" data-volume-uuid="0f3d06fd0" data-volume-id="118917" data-analytics-placement="article:middle" data-volume-placement="article" data-volume-autoplay="false" id="volume-placement-347" class="volume-video" data-volume-player-choice="youtube"></div> </div> <p id="KbRGqR">If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started, beginning with the Switch 2:</p> <ul> <li id="awEKNW"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24284512/nintendo-switch-2-direct-news-trailers-games-features">Nintendo Switch 2 announcement: all the news on the next console</a></li> <li id="otTihA"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer">The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been announced</a></li> <li id="Glr1PK"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24343722/switch-2-joy-cons-details-magnets-drift-nintendo">Everything we know about the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers</a></li> <li id="tsneQK"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24343666/nintendo-switch-2-cartridge-backwards-compatibility">The Nintendo Switch 2 supports original Switch cartridges</a></li> <li id="KpXMwu"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24337198/switch-2-mario-kart-nintendo">Nintendo teases a new Mario Kart for the Switch 2</a></li> <li id="Ruqe0Q"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24236766/nintendo-switch-2-games-direct-date-time">Nintendo announces Switch 2 Direct for April</a></li> <li id="oG50jZ"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24344511/nintendo-switch-2-features-specs-handheld-dock-upgrade-comparison">The Switch 2 is boring — and that’s exactly what Nintendo needs</a></li> <li id="NEDi3S"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345191/nintendo-switch-2-bigger-screen">The Switch 2’s bigger screen is just what I wanted</a></li> </ul> <p id="0WZwYq">And on TikTok and the Supreme Court:</p> <ul> <li id="Hp8iYe"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344299/tiktok-shutdown-us-ban-supreme-court">TikTok reportedly plans ‘immediate’ Sunday shutdown in the US if it’s banned</a></li> <li id="Gzbz9K"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343459/tiktok-ban-extension-sen-markey-270-day-proposal">TikTok ban: Sen. Markey tries to give a 270-day extension</a></li> <li id="scfnSP"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343933/tiktok-employee-memo-supreme-court-us-ban">TikTok says it’s planning for ‘various scenarios’ ahead of possible US ban</a></li> <li id="pkg2qn"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343507/elon-musk-tiktok-ban-china-trump">Elon Musk is reportedly trying to save TikTok</a></li> <li id="qurm4l"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344739/donald-trump-is-reportedly-considering-an-executive-order-to-delay-the-tiktok-ban">Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to delay the TikTok ban</a></li> <li id="zoMdaM"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345036/duolingo-is-the-real-winner-in-the-tiktok-ban">Duolingo is the real winner in the TikTok ban</a></li> <li id="WvXqvo"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/24342986/rednote-xiaohongshu-chinese-social-media-app-tiktok-ban">What is RedNote? The Chinese app gaining popularity as TikTok ban approaches</a></li> <li id="axCTeg"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343834/rednote-xiaohongshu-chinese-app-tiktok-ban">RedNote: what it’s like using the Chinese app TikTokers are flocking to</a></li> </ul> <p id="97LJIP">And in the lightning round:</p> <ul> <li id="ttrVkY"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/24342179/sonos-ceo-patrick-spence-resignation-reason-app">Sonos CEO Patrick Spence steps down after disastrous app launch</a></li> <li id="4SWfuL"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/24342354/sonos-interim-ceo-tom-conrad-employee-letter">Sonos’ interim CEO hits all the right notes in first letter to employees</a></li> <li id="Tc2ogV"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/12/24341960/apple-iphone-17-air-slim-foldable-wi-fi-cell-modem">The iPhone Air could be coming later this year</a></li> <li id="DcdWGS"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344628/super-bowl-lix-tubi-stream-free-fox">Super Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi</a></li> <li id="gkQtBg"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344381/drake-umg-lawsuit-kendrick-lamar-not-like-us">Drake sues his label, UMG, saying ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory</a></li> <li id="WCbu1a"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24342567/blue-origin-launch-sucessful">Bezos’ Blue Origin successfully launches SpaceX rival</a></li> </ul>
  36. Sony cancels an unannounced live service God of War game

    Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:17:18 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5TRT643Wy0HWjeOY8EpgeP5E9Hk=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73852013/large_1.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>God of War</figcaption> </figure> <p id="J3B37x">Just a couple of years ago, Sony <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/23/23735274/sony-playstation-new-franchises-live-service-games-business">had a dozen new live service games in development</a>, but that number keeps dropping. It was already down to six <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/9/23953640/sony-pushes-back-its-live-service-game-ambitions">by the end of 2023</a>, before the well-received launch of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24337875/sony-playstation-horizon-zero-dawn-helldivers-2-ghosts-of-tsushima-movie-tv-show"><em>Helldivers II</em></a><em> </em>and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24234909/sony-concord-ps5-shutdown-poor-sales-launch-pc">the disaster that was <em>Concord </em></a>in 2024. Now, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-16/sony-cancels-two-more-playstation-projects"><em>Bloomberg’s</em> Jason Schreier has confirmed</a> with Sony that two unannounced live service projects have been canceled.</p> <p id="1k4fZq">One was from <em>Syphon Filter</em> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/25/18514683/days-gone-review-ps4-open-world-zombie-game"><em>Days Gone</em></a> developer Bend Games, while Schreier <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social/post/3lfvfm2febc2e">reports</a> the other shuttered title was a live-service <em>God of War </em>game that Bluepoint Games “has been working on for the last couple of years.”</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="vTQlSI"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Concord was worse than bad — it was forgettable ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/4/24235163/concord-cancellation-live-service-games"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="vsOldU">Bluepoint Games is one of several developers Sony <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/30/22665426/sony-buys-bluepoint-games-remake-remaster-demons-souls-shadow-ico-uncharted">acquired in recent years</a> as it was building up a queue of live service projects, with many ports and remasters under its belt, including <em>Demon’s Souls</em>, the first three <em>Uncharted </em>games, <em>Shadow of the Colossus</em>, and others. Now, Schreier says the studios won’t close, but there’s no word yet on what their next projects will be. </p> <p id="PEk6Ku">The live service approach to gaming once seemed wide open following the success of <em>Fortnite </em>and other titles, but games like <em>Concord</em>, <em>Anthem</em>, and <em>Redfall </em>have shown how difficult it can be. At Sony alone, the list of canceled service titles <em>Bloomberg </em>has already reported on included the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-12-22/playstation-employees-at-insomniac-studio-fear-identity-theft-after-massive-hack">Spider-Man game</a> revealed by the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/19/24007570/insomniac-games-hack-wolverine-x-men-ryhsida">Insomniac ransomware breach</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-27/sony-cuts-900-jobs-in-gaming-shuts-down-london-division"><em>Twisted Metal</em></a>, and a Destiny-linked game <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-08-02/sony-s-bungie-maker-of-halo-and-destiny-faces-reckoning-after-mass-layoff">from Bungie</a> called <em>Payback. </em></p> <p id="4JSunf">However, we’re still expecting to hear more about Bungie’s revived <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23735830/bungie-marathon-sci-fi-pvp-extraction-shooter"><em>Marathon</em></a><em> </em>extraction shooter and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/24/23732791/fairgames-playstation-showcase-ps5-sony-haven-studios"><em>Fairgames</em></a>, a PvP heist title from <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/21/22989187/sony-playstation-haven-studios-acquisition-jade-raymond-new-multiplayer-game">Haven Studios</a>.</p> <div id="1cDQ5N"> <blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:2mkgbhbhqvappkkorf2bzyrp/app.bsky.feed.post/3lfvfrztbks25" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreicskv46islp4dglbxfm4kt6og5ktpx4dsngjzbsyzs7pnk6rbn7ym"> <p lang="en">PlayStation did not say whether the cancellations will lead to layoffs but did say the studios will not close. A spokesperson for PlayStation tells Bloomberg the company is working with Bend and Bluepoint to determine their next projects</p>— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2mkgbhbhqvappkkorf2bzyrp?ref_src=embed">Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2mkgbhbhqvappkkorf2bzyrp/post/3lfvfrztbks25?ref_src=embed">2025-01-16T23:13:09.439Z</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <p id="jXvj1m"></p> <p id="UyFn2n"></p>
  37. Trading is coming to Pokémon TCG Pocket later this month (with some caveats)

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:26:56 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Promo art for Pokémon TCG Pocket’s Mythical Island expansion depicting a pink cat-like creature flying in the sky above an island." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9jPy0i7R_fafkctRke6tjXao0Oo=/80x0:944x576/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851790/Pokemon_Trading_Card_Game_Pocket_Mythical_Island_Key_Art.0.png" /> <figcaption>The Pokémon Company</figcaption> </figure> <p id="3J5R6l">It’s coming a little later than we initially thought, but The Pokémon Company (TCPi) has finally announced when <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/19/24248306/pokemon-tcg-pocket-hands-on"><em>Pokémon TCG Pocket</em></a>’s long-awaited <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/14/24296690/pokemon-tcg-pocket-trade-cards">trading functionality</a> is rolling out.</p> <p id="58mdI3">Today, TCPi revealed that, along with <em>Pokémon TCG Pocket</em>’s next set of cards, the game’s trading feature is set to launch later this month. TCPi didn’t specify an exact date in its statement about the update, but it did explain that trading will involve some restrictions and costs.</p> <p id="wuFpB2">In order to swap cards, people will first have to be friends with one another in the game. Trades can only occur if players are offering up cards with the same rarity, meaning that you won’t be able to trade powerful EX cards for more common ones that are easier to pull. Additionally, TCPi trading is limited to cards that have rarities of 1-4 diamonds or a single star full-art cards, and TCPi noted that “items must be consumed in order to trade.”</p> <p id="jWOo3t">It’s not clear which particular items players will need for trades, but it feels likely that the process will involve spending Poké gold, one of <em>Pocket</em>’s <a href="https://kotaku.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-in-game-currency-gold-rewards-1851693684">multiple in-game currencies</a> that can be purchased in exchange for real money. The item requirement sounds like logical (but not exactly welcome) way for <em>Pocket</em> to generate even more revenue given how easy it is to accumulate certain duplicates from every set. </p> <p id="Rovg3t">In a follow-up <a href="https://x.com/PokemonTCGP/status/1880027099836411924">post to X</a>, <em>Pocket</em>’s official account stated that it was hearing people’s immediate concerns about how this is all going to work in practice, and encouraged everyone to provide more feedback once the feature is out.</p>
  38. Sony’s black PlayStation 5 accessories are now available for preorder

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:55:22 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RPBvx5JLKK4j_y0l2lV8CozLUX4=/0x0:3240x2160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851749/Black_Sont_Pulse_Elite_Wireless_Headset_Image.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Sony</figcaption> </figure> <p id="NrEXIj"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338113/ps5-accessories-midnight-black-ps-portal-dual-sense-edge">Sony announced</a> a collection of black PlayStation 5 accessories in the midst of CES last week, and you can now preorder them ahead of their release date on February 20th. The new DualSense Edge controller ($199.99), Pulse Elite headset ($149.99), Pulse Explore wireless earbuds ($199.99), and PlayStation Portal ($199.99) are all available for preorder from <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fdirect.playstation.com%2Fen-us%2Faccessories%2Fps5%2Fchoose-your-color&amp;referrer=theverge.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24345367%2Fsony-black-dualsense-edge-pulse-explore-elite-playstation-portal-preorder-buy-release-date" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sony</a>, Amazon, and a string of other retailers starting today.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="TIBgze"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Here’s the Nintendo Switch 2","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer"},{"title":"The Last of Us Part 2 on PC requires a PSN account, too","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/9/24340000/the-last-of-us-part-2-pc-playstation-network"},{"title":"The best PS5 games in 2024","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24322806/ps5-best-games-2024-playstation-sony"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="3Yns2t">Sony’s new PS5 accessories are just as sleek as the black DualSense controller <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/13/22831965/sony-ps5-covers-faceplates-colors-new-controllers">Sony released in 2021</a>. The PS Portal now sports black buttons like the DualSense Edge, while retaining the slick black accents found on the white model. The Pulse Explore earbuds, meanwhile, now come with a jet-black charging case, while the Pulse Elite headset comes with a black charging hanger and a felt carrying case.</p> <p id="czo3lW">Despite the new look, none of the accessories introduce new features. The black PS Portal is the same handheld remote player <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24012547/sony-playstation-portal-handheld-remote-player-ps5-chiaki-review">we reviewed in 2023</a>, with the same lengthy battery life and limitations as the white model (except it now <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/19/24300991/playstation-portal-cloud-streaming-update-beta-ps5-games">supports cloud streaming</a>). The new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23957860/sony-pulse-explore-playstation-earbuds-impressions">Pulse Explore</a> and Pulse Elite support Sony’s low latency lossless wireless audio codec and are compatible with the PS5, PS Portal, Windows PCs, and macOS. As for the black <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23564531/sony-dualsense-edge-wireless-controller-ps5-features-review">DualSense Edge</a>, the wireless gamepad continues to offer deep customization and great software integration with the PS5.</p> <div id="0N1GMm"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12531668"></div></div> <div id="I6jl6B"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12531663"></div></div> <div id="ai0yVu"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12531665"></div></div> <div id="eRVsOr"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12531653"></div></div> <aside id="Ptjse2"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside>
  39. All our unanswered questions about the Nintendo Switch 2

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="Image of the Nintendo Switch 2." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nDpAzblXXUA6W69xbQmCfTMXusg=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73851179/STKR001_NINTENDO_SWITCH_2_B.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: The Verge, Nintendo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="353znt">Nintendo <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer">has finally revealed its new console</a>, debuting the Switch 2 <a href="https://youtu.be/itpcsQQvgAQ?si=VDfmRNPpVOUhOhZo">with a short video</a> that went heavy on visuals but light on information. The video was paired with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250116009204/en/">a brief follow-up press release from Nintendo</a> that <em>also</em> didn’t go into much detail, with the company ostensibly saving all the juicy stuff for <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24236766/nintendo-switch-2-games-direct-date-time">the Switch 2 Direct set to take place on April 2nd</a>. While we wait for official word, here are the burning questions we still have about the Nintendo Switch 2.</p> <h3 id="9S98K0">What are the Switch 2’s specs?</h3> <p id="mnM9fp">Perhaps the most glaring omission in the Switch 2 reveal was the fact that Nintendo didn’t say anything about how powerful the new console is. We can see that the console is bigger, but what’s the screen size? <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/22711889/nintendo-switch-oled-review">Is it OLED</a> or LCD? Is the screen resolution still 720p? <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/29/22701210/nintendo-switch-4k-pro-rumors-oled">Is 4K resolution supported</a>? </p> <p id="FrAVzD">Though visible for a few brief moments, the reveal video showed off the Switch 2’s new dock. What’s the docked resolution? Is it just a charging shell, or is it still required for TV play? Can you dock the Switch 2 in the original Switch dock, or will it support all the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21349885/genki-covert-dock-review-price-portable-nintendo-switch-usbc-hdmi-adapter">super-portable third-party docks</a>? </p> <p id="iwqRvJ">The Switch 2 also features a second USB-C port at the top. It’s likely there to offer a way to...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24344718/nintendo-switch-2-specs-date-price-launch-games-mario-kart">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
  40. The Switch 2 is almost here — but PC handhelds are giving it big competition

    Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:36:02 -0000

    <figure> <img alt="The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lCXHiarbL0xet1c1I81i882FWic=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73836360/247466_CES_2025_Lenovo_Legion_Go_S_SteamOS_ADiBenedetto_0006.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="FiIqFq">The first Nintendo Switch basically had the road to itself, and Nintendo <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/2/14787082/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-review">instantly proved</a> just how awesome a hybrid console and handheld could be, leading to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/7/24150926/nintendo-expects-switch-to-become-its-best-selling-console-ever-this-year">massive success</a>. We now know that the Switch 2 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/23872810/nintendo-switch-2-next-generation-console-features-trailer">is set to launch in 2025</a>, but it will be released into a world that’s packed with very capable handheld gaming PCs that could present an interesting challenge to Nintendo, especially following news from CES 2025.</p> <p id="9hMEts">Valve’s Steam Deck kicked off the handheld gaming PC push in large part because its Linux-based SteamOS makes playing your games just about as easy as it is on consoles. That’s why one of the biggest CES announcements is that Valve is going to let people install SteamOS on other handhelds <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338405/valve-steamos-beta-other-handhelds-beyond-steam-deck">as soon as April</a>, potentially making the entire handheld PC gaming market a lot more appealing.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="co2YmL"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Switch 2 is boring — and that’s exactly what Nintendo needs ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24344511/nintendo-switch-2-features-specs-handheld-dock-upgrade-comparison"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="SFKGd4">The first official non-Valve device with SteamOS is set to be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338028/lenovo-legion-go-s-steam-windows">Lenovo’s $499 Legion Go S</a>, which launches in May. But it’s not hard to imagine a near-term future where many other hardware makers announce their own SteamOS handhelds, meaning the magic of SteamOS might be available in all kinds of interesting devices very soon. (And hopefully, the increased competition means Valve will make the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/21/23884863/valve-steam-deck-2-refresh-upgrade-cpu-2025">eventual next Steam Deck</a> <em>really</em> good.)</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Lenovo Legion Go S next to a Steam Deck OLED." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nGkizMGGFvwneUOAaCFmZHEZagM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25820488/247466_CES_2025_Lenovo_Legion_Go_S_SteamOS_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg"> <cite>Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge</cite> <figcaption><em>The Lenovo Legion Go S next to a Steam Deck OLED.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="mgcDmF">CES 2025 featured a bunch of other handheld gaming hardware, too, like the chonk that is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24335423/acer-handheld-gaming-pc-nitro-blaze-8-11-specs-price">Acer’s Nitro Blaze 11</a>. It has a gigantic 10.95-inch screen, detachable controllers, and a kickstand. It’s huge! Intel and Tencent also made a handheld with an 11-inch screen, and theirs <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24337860/intel-brought-a-big-honking-stereo-3d-handheld-gaming-pc-to-ces-2025">has stereo 3D</a>. My colleague Sean Hollister finally got to see <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338654/i-finally-touched-the-msi-claw-8-ai-plus">the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus</a>. Razer made <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24336841/razer-handheld-dock-chroma-pc-remote-play-price-availability">a docking station</a> that works with handheld gaming PCs. And in a CES panel, Microsoft promised news about changes to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338778/microsoft-xbox-handheld-pc-gaming">the handheld Windows experience</a> for later this year, which could improve things for people who already own Windows-based hardware.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="xzGTOu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Acer made an enormous 11-inch gaming handheld","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24335423/acer-handheld-gaming-pc-nitro-blaze-8-11-specs-price"},{"title":"Razer’s RGB dock turns gaming handhelds and phones into TV consoles","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24336841/razer-handheld-dock-chroma-pc-remote-play-price-availability"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="RMfgP7">That’s a lot of cool stuff! But Nintendo is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(character)#:~:text=In%20a%20match%20against%20boxing,is%20given%20at%20800%20pounds.">800-pound gorilla</a> in the room, and as interesting as all of the PC gaming hardware is, the Switch 2 already looks like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24345191/nintendo-switch-2-bigger-screen">a very compelling upgrade</a>: we already know it has a bigger screen, potentially better Joy-Cons, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24337198/switch-2-mario-kart-nintendo">a new <em>Mario Kart</em></a>. While Nintendo hasn’t shared detailed performance specs, the Switch 2 will likely be much more powerful than the original and will probably have splashy new games in other marquee Nintendo franchises. (I’d bet already-announced Switch games like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23768041/metroid-prime-4-nintendo-direct-trailer"><em>Metroid Prime 4: Beyond</em></a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/27/24083767/pokemon-legends-z-a-nintendo-switch-2025-launch-date"><em>Pokémon Legends: Z-A</em></a> will get some kind of Switch 2 boost, too.)</p> <p id="IlT4vU">And right out of the gate, the Switch 2 will also have an enormous library, as it will be backward compatible <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/16/24343666/nintendo-switch-2-cartridge-backwards-compatibility">with physical and digital Switch games</a> — a catalog that includes many of the indie hits that are also some of the best games on handheld PCs.</p> <p id="u5E1lg">Back in 2017, when the original Switch launched, there wasn’t anything like it. The Switch 2 will compete in a much more crowded field — and one that’s getting even more crowded after CES 2025. Hopefully, the competition means everyone makes better hardware and better games. It’s a great time for handhelds.</p> <p id="9uk7KP"><em><strong>Update January 16th</strong></em><em>: Added details about the Switch 2 following its official announcement.</em></p>