The Verge

Polestar, a Swedish EV brand majority-owned by China's Geely, announced it will stop selling vehicles in the US starting with the 2027 model year after the federal government denied its authorization to continue sales due to a rule banning Chinese-made connected vehicle software. The decision has left existing US owners and dealers uncertain about vehicle servicing and support.

Meta is found in breach of the EU's Digital Services Act over the 'addictive' design of Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission criticized features like personalized recommendations, autoplay, and infinite scroll for harming user wellbeing and may force a redesign and impose a $12 billion fine.

Microsoft's carbon emissions increased by 25% in 2025, reaching 34 million metric tons, driven by datacenter expansion and the cessation of purchasing certain renewable energy certificates. The company aims to achieve carbon negativity by 2030.

Fidji Simo is leaving her full-time role as OpenAI's AGI chief and transitioning to a part-time advisor due to a neuroimmune condition. Around the same time, COO Brad Lightcap and CMO Kate Rouch also stepped down, with Rouch citing health reasons and planning to return to a more narrowly scoped role.

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.

The author prefers Valve's Steam Machine over their PS5 and Xbox Series X due to Steam library compatibility and cloud saves, despite acknowledging its drawbacks. They would purchase the $1,049 Steam Machine for its integration with Steam's ecosystem.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that could require autonomous vehicles to use lidar and radar sensors, challenging Tesla's camera-only approach. The law aims to resolve a long-standing debate over whether cameras alone are sufficient for safe driverless operation.

Samsung will launch a new wide foldable phone on July 22nd during its Galaxy Unpacked event, expanding its foldable line to a third format. The device is expected to compete with Huawei's Pura X Max and Apple's rumored foldable iPhone, alongside updated versions of existing Flip and Fold models.

Meta is updating its smart glasses to disable the camera if the privacy LED light is tampered with, addressing modders who have physically altered the light. The update follows previous attempts to prevent tampering by alerting users when the light is blocked.

Andrew Scott Hastings used a 3D printer to create firearm lower receivers and machine gun switches, which federal prosecutors allege were intended for al-Qaida operatives. ATF agents later arrested two men in Colorado Springs for producing illegal machine gun components using 3D printers.

Nothing has launched its first B-series phone, the Phone 4B, which skips the US market. The device combines design elements from the 4A and 4A Pro models and replaces the naming convention of last year's Phone 3A Lite, positioning itself as a lower-tier product compared to the A-series.

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.

A new Google Workspace commercial imagines the founding fathers using Google's collaboration tools and Gemini AI to draft the Declaration of Independence. The ad shows Ben Franklin texting Thomas Jefferson, AI transcribing a document, and Gemini assisting with scheduling and note-taking during a Google Meet call.

The Sourdough Sidekick, co-developed with King Arthur Baking Company, automates sourdough starter management by feeding it flour and water on a set schedule. The device aims to simplify the tedious aspects of sourdough baking, allowing users to focus on kneading and shaping.

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.

Vizio's 65-inch Mini LED Quantum TV, priced under $398, is a budget quantum-dot TV with high brightness and accurate color. Despite its smart OS, the TV excels as a 'dumb TV' due to its performance and affordability. Vizio, acquired by Walmart in 2024, has remained largely quiet since the acquisition.

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.