The Verge

The Trump administration's AI testing framework excludes open models and cannot restrict them post-release. The framework was established after an executive order in June requiring AI companies to share frontier models with the government before release to address cybersecurity risks.

Signal now allows users to link multiple phones, including Android and iPhone, to a single account. The update enables message syncing across devices and optional transfer of end-to-end encrypted messages to mitigate security risks. The feature is available with Signal versions 8.20 (Android) and 8.22 (iPhone/iPad).

Microsoft is increasing prices for Xbox consoles in the EU and UK by up to €200 or £170, with the 1TB Xbox Series X rising by over 30% and the 512GB Xbox Series S by over 43% due to soaring RAM and storage costs driven by the AI industry.

Illustrators criticize generative AI startups for using their work without permission, leading to legal battles and the emergence of startups like Pippa that claim to offer more ethical AI solutions. Pippa markets its text-to-video model as a user-focused alternative to competitors.

Android Headlines leaked the Pixel 11 lineup's specs and prices, confirming a $100 price increase to $899 for the base model with 256GB storage. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models see RAM reduced to 12GB and prices raised to $1,099 and $1,299, respectively. The entire lineup will feature Tensor G6 and Titan M3 chips.

The OG reading app Installer No. 138 received a significant update, featuring coverage of topics like Meta glasses, mechanical keyboards, the history of the first chatbot, and other tech and culture highlights.

A new painless tattoo method is being tested at a London railway station, described as a hybrid between a biolab and traditional tattoo studio. The process, which permanently marks skin without pain, was demonstrated with a small sparkle design. The article is published by The Verge.

Sony has decided to discontinue physical game disc production for PlayStation despite fan backlash. The company's CFO, Lin Tao, stated that digitalization trends are the primary reason for the decision, and Sony remains committed to proceeding cautiously.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined priorities to return Xbox to growth and improve profits following a major restructuring that included layoffs and studio spin-offs. She aims to achieve these goals by the end of fiscal year 2027.

SwitchBot has released the Battery Circulator Fan 2 Pro, a portable smart fan with a 3,600mAh battery offering up to 70 hours of low-speed operation. Priced at $119.99, it features improved wind speed, throw distance, and native Matter-over-Wi-Fi integration, eliminating the need for a separate SwitchBot Hub. The fan is designed for medium-sized rooms, balconies, or family tents.

The article discusses advancements in AI-powered dictation technology, highlighting improved speech processing capabilities in apps like WisprFlow, Monologue, Spokenly, and Handy. The author notes these tools are increasingly effective for tasks like writing emails and messages, though some formatting quirks remain.

The article discusses the rise of vertical video across social and media platforms, highlighting how platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat initially had distinct focuses before vertical video became prominent.

Luke The Maker, a Louisville-based creator, designed a 3D-printed pistol-shaped case for the Xteink X4 e-reader called 'Gundle.' The case, modeled after a real gun, cannot fire bullets and serves no functional purpose beyond holding the e-reader.

The article discusses the improving quality of folding and flipping phones, alongside personal tech experiments with apps, YouTube content, and design documentaries. Key topics include testing new app redesigns, exploring TikTok sound trends, and reviewing tech gadgets.

Meta has paused its plan to charge a $20 monthly subscription fee for a smart glasses feature that operates locally without cloud dependency, following backlash. The company still intends to introduce subscription-based fees for certain premium features in the future, while the accessibility feature 'Conversation Focus' will remain free during its Early Access Program.

Qualcomm plans to increase its prices by a double-digit percentage starting September 1st, citing an inability to absorb higher supplier costs due to ongoing component shortages. The company stated it attempted to source components from alternate suppliers before announcing the hikes, which are expected to have a ripple effect, particularly on smartphone manufacturers.

Google introduced a new account access method allowing users to sign in with a selfie video if they are locked out, have forgotten their password, or lack access to their usual devices or two-factor authentication apps. The feature requires capturing a short video of the user's face with head movements to match a pre-recorded video stored by Google.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, in London will unveil new devices including a redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8. The event starts at 9AM ET / 6AM PT and is invite-only, with foldables expected to be the main focus.

The Clapper was a problematic smart home gadget that required precise clapping sequences to function and risked damaging devices, yet it became a viral sensation. The article discusses its history from its original name 'The Great American Turn-On' to its debut in a notable advertising campaign, as featured in The Verge's Version History.

The article discusses the decline of physical games, noting that the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI will not be released on disc. It highlights the shift from physical retail purchases at stores like Best Buy and GameStop to digital formats, as described through the author's nostalgic experience with physical game media.

The 2023 Solar Car Challenge, a 30th-anniversary event, features high school students racing solar-powered vehicles in a 630-mile road race from Fort Worth to Fort Stockton, Texas. Participants design and build their own cars using off-the-shelf parts and 3D-printed materials, with the winner determined by the most driven miles.

Dave Eggers criticized OpenAI's ChatGPT for having a 'catastrophic' impact on educators during a talk to company staff. The author, known for his work in literature and nonprofit initiatives, addressed approximately 200 employees at OpenAI, as reported by The Verge.

Facial recognition smart locks offer hands-free unlocking, eliminating the need for passcodes or physical interaction. The technology leverages existing facial recognition capabilities, similar to smartphones, and is positioned as a more reliable alternative to geofencing. Innovations like ultrawideband (UWB) radio are highlighted as advancements in this space.

Apple is increasing the price of AppleCare Plus for Macs and iPads by $0.50 per month or $5 annually for new subscribers, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The change, which affects new sign-ups but not existing subscribers, follows a similar price increase for iPhones last year. Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment on the new pricing.

The Federal Communications Commission will vote on August 6th to end the national ownership cap rule, which limits a single company from owning broadcast stations reaching more than 39% of US TV households. Republican Chair Brendan Carr argues the rule is obsolete due to the rise of social media and streaming platforms, which can reach audiences without relying on public airwaves.

Apple's self-driving car program, which never materialized, led to the development of the Neural Engine, a key component of Apple's on-device AI processing. The Neural Engine debuted with the iPhone X and A11 Bionic, primarily used for computer vision features like FaceID and Animoji.

The article discusses how Philips Hue has successfully addressed key smart home challenges, such as seamless control and adaptability without requiring major renovations. The Verge's analysis highlights Hue as a leading example of achieving an intuitive, invisible smart home experience.

The Oura Ring 5 is reviewed as a casual health tracker and the best smart ring on the market, though it's not ideal for those prioritizing detailed fitness tracking. Current Oura users are advised against upgrading due to the recent release of the Oura Ring 4 and its ceramic variant.

A planned data center in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County, faces opposition, reflecting broader community conflicts over AI data center expansions. Apple's 2015 Ireland data center project set a precedent for such disputes, as current debates focus on power grid strain from AI infrastructure.

SpaceX is on track for record-setting Starlink satellite deployments, launching 29 more satellites last night and 1,589 in the first half of 2026, surpassing its 2025 pace. The company has deployed over 12,400 Starlink satellites since inception, with nearly 11,000 still operational.

Meta is developing prototype 'super sensing' smart glasses that continuously record audio and take photos every few seconds. The glasses would allow users to query Meta AI about the captured data, though raw footage and audio may not be stored or accessible to the user.

Nothing launched the Ear 3A wireless earbuds with a new pink color option and the ability to record audio directly on the device. Priced at $99, they maintain the same cost as the original Ear (a) despite recent market trends of price increases.

Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist and immunologist, works to combat scientific and medical misinformation. He authored the book 'All About Allergies' and collaborates with colleagues like Dr. Idrees. The article highlights his efforts to address the spread of misinformation on platforms like TikTok.

Wealthy Americans are using AI to educate their children through companies like Forge Prep and Alpha School, which charge high fees for AI tutors and workshops. Silicon Valley figures, such as venture capitalist Shaun Johnson, are prominent adopters of this model.

Keurig revolutionized office coffee by enabling single-cup brewing, improving convenience and quality. However, the widespread adoption of K-Cups and Keurig machines led to their ubiquity in both offices and homes, surpassing initial expectations.

The article discusses Microsoft's Summer Game Fest showcase featuring games like Halo, Gears of War, and Fable, as well as a translucent Xbox. The newsletter 'The Stepback' examines the bleak state of the video game industry.

Matic’s robot vacuum will increase in price by $250 to $1,495 starting September 9th due to rising component costs. The company offers a free year of replacement bags and extended return policy to six months for direct purchases. The product is praised for its navigation, suction, offline operation, and low-maintenance design.

The Epomaker RT98 is a mechanical keyboard featuring a modular number pad that can be moved to either side, offering a customizable setup with a retro aesthetic, CRT-like screen, and VIA compatibility. It is described as a budget-friendly option with a 'clever compromise' for users seeking a tenkey layout.

The Ikko MindOne Pro is a small phone with a square screen and a flip-up camera that can function as a stand. It includes a Clicks-style keyboard accessory with a magnetic ring and headphone jack, but the reviewer found it unappealing despite various usage attempts.

Fanfiction communities are launching efforts to identify writers using generative AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT, but the methods employed are questionable and risk falsely accusing legitimate authors. The movement, initiated by an anonymous X account, has sparked debate over unreliable detection techniques and the broader implications for creative communities.