The Verge
Snap’s first AR Spectacles are an ambitious, impractical start
Mainstream AR glasses are still years away
The VergeThe VergeBungie celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Destiny 2 with off-brand Halo gear
A lot is happening in the world of Destiny 2 today. Bungie is celebrating its 30th Anniversary inside Destiny 2, with a big content drop that includes Halo-like guns. A trailer for Destiny 2’s new Bungie 30th Anniversary pack shows off a Magnum-like sidearm in Destiny 2, alongside a Battle Rifle-like pulse rifle in the looter shooter.
Both guns appear to look and feel like the original Halo weapons, but there’s no mention of an official crossover with Microsoft anywhere. It doesn’t appear that Bungie secured the official rights from Microsoft to put the actual Halo guns it originally created in Destiny 2 and has instead done a good job at producing replicas that nod to the past.
Bungie just revealed a Halo-like Battle Rifle and Magnum...
The VergeDiscord’s new Premium Memberships let creators monetize servers
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Discord is starting to test a new Premium Memberships feature that will allow creators to monetize their servers. An initial pilot is going live today with around 10 creators who will pave the way for Discord’s 150 million monthly active users to pay to access a range of channels or servers and support creators.
Premium Memberships offer what a number of creators have already been experimenting with: a way to offer more content or access to community members. Discord communities will be able to create tiered perks, view analytics on member engagement, and lock channels or even entire servers to paying subscribers.
Image: Discord
Discord’s new Premium Memberships include tiers for community servers.
“We see...
The VergeThe Verge’s favorite guilty pleasures
Photo: Ember Technologies
We all have stuff that we’ve bought ourselves — or asked others to buy for us — that makes us happy, even if we suspect our friends may not understand why it’s so great. It could be a $100-plus coffee cup that keeps your liquid at the exact right temperature. Or a video game that you’ve been playing for years. Or a hair styler that is way expensive but would make you look fabulous.
We asked the staff of The Verge what some of their guilty pleasures are, and the braver among us volunteered some answers. Here they are.
GE Opal 2.0 ice machine
I’m hesitant to call it a “guilty” pleasure because I have used this $550 (or more) GE Opal 2.0 ice machine every day for nearly a full year and not once have I felt guilt about spending such an...
The VergeTwitter acquires messaging platform Quill to make DMs suck less
Twitter is acquiring Quill | Quill
Twitter has acquired Slack-like messaging app Quill with an eye toward improving messaging services, including direct messages, the company announced Tuesday. In a tweet thread announcing the deal, Nick Caldwell, general manager for core tech at Twitter, described Quill as a “fresher, more deliberate way to communicate. We’re bringing their experience and creativity to Twitter as we work to make messaging tools like DMs a more useful & expressive way people can have conversations on the service.”
.@ludwig and his talented team built Quill as a fresher, more deliberate way to communicate. We’re bringing their experience and creativity to Twitter as we work to make messaging tools like DMs a more useful & expressive way people can have...
The VergeAmazon Echo devices still available for Black Friday Prices
Echo Show devices are still available for their lowest prices ever. | Amazon
Black Friday has come and gone, but many awesome deals are still sticking around. Amazon and Best Buy are still offering the second-gen Echo Show 5 for $44.99, the lowest price we’ve seen for this smart device. And while not quite the same price we saw on Cyber Monday, the Echo Show 8 is also available for a sizeable $40 discount, taking the price of this smart screen down to just $94.99. Both of these second-generation smart displays are similar in form and function, with the Echo Show 8 featuring a slightly larger screen and a more powerful, 13MP camera.
Dan Seifert reviewed both the Echo Show 5 and Show 8 for us when they launched this past summer. He concluded that the Echo Show 5 remains a solid option, even though the iterative...
The VergeFrom a meme to $47 million: ConstitutionDAO, crypto, and the future of crowdfunding
Photo Illustration by Grayson Blackmon / The Verge
The real Constitution is the friends we made along the way
The VergeNow you can listen to recorded Twitter Spaces on iOS, Android, and the web
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Twitter is now letting all users across iOS, Android, and web listen to recordings of Spaces, which can come in handy for listeners who are late to a live broadcast. This comes after Clubhouse rolled out recordings for its audio-only chatrooms in September.
Twitter is also giving “some” hosts the ability to record Spaces on iOS and Android. Previously, only iOS users could listen to and record Spaces.
Some updates on recorded Spaces:
▪️ The option to record a Space is available for some hosts on both iOS and Android.
▪️ The option to listen to a recording of a Space is available for everyone on iOS, Android, and now web!— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) December 6, 2021
Hosts can start recording a Space by toggling on the “Record...
The VergeThe Mess Comes Home
When Infosys announced construction on its planned headquarters in Indianapolis in 2018, it was a coup for the Trump administration. Although few have heard of the company today, Infosys is an IT firm best known for outsourcing jobs from the US to India in the ’80s and ’90s, the same sort of company Trump targeted during his campaign and through executive orders as president. Good American jobs were being moved overseas by firms like Infosys, according to Trump. Now, they would be bringing 3,000 jobs to Indiana and 10,000 jobs nationwide — well-paying tech jobs at that.
For Infosys’ president, Ravi Kumar, the new headquarters was just one part of a larger project to revitalize the American dream. “The American dream is all about, ‘I...
The VergeUncharted’s remastered Legacy of Thieves Collection is coming to PS5 on January 28th
Sony has officially announced a release date for its remastered Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5: it’ll be out on Janaury 28th. That release date is only for the PS5 version, though. Sony still hasn’t put a date on the PC port beyond the same vague “2022” date it had originally announced.
Sony also added that existing owners of either Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, or the digital two-pack PS4 bundle of both will be able to upgrade to the remastered Legacy of Thieves Collection on PS5 for $10, rather than buying the new collection again for the full $49.99.
There are a few caveats with the new collection, though. Players who got a copy of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End for free...
The VergeSonos now supports Amazon Music’s Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos tracks
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
As it previously promised, Sonos is today rolling out support for Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos tracks from Amazon Music Unlimited. After downloading the latest system update for their Sonos speakers, Amazon Music subscribers will see new badges on the Now Playing screen that clearly identify the quality of whatever music you’re playing. Sonos already supported CD-quality HD tracks on Amazon Music, as it does for other services as well.
These new badges will show either HD (lossless 16-bit stream), Ultra HD (lossless 24-bit stream), or Dolby Atmos. Sonos notes that for lossless music, the maximum sample rate supported is 48kHz.
Image: Sonos
You’ll see badges on the Now Playing screen to indicate music quality.
The...
The VergeThe best floodlight camera to buy right now
These security cameras will shed some light on your smart home
The VergeSpringboard: The Secret History of the First Real Smartphone is out now
How the early pioneers of the smartphone almost made it big
The VergeThe Verge is now on your smart TV
Watch your favorite videos in 4K
The VergeHow to recover when your Facebook account is hacked
Illustration by Ori Toor
There’s only so much you can do
The VergeAmazon Alexa’s new elder care service launches today
Amazon’s Alexa Together launches today. | Image: Amazon
First announced at Amazon’s fall hardware event, Alexa Together is officially launching today, Tuesday, December 7th. A new subscription service that expands on the existing Alexa Care Hub, Alexa Together is designed to offer a minimally invasive way to use Amazon’s voice assistant and associated Echo speakers to both assist and keep tabs on an elderly loved one or other person who requires a caregiver.
Almost since Alexa launched, industrious families have found ways to make the artificially intelligent assistant help them when it comes to looking after a remote loved one. Electronically “dropping in” on an elderly family member to check on them and sharing Alexa accounts so that they can see their activity have been simple — if...
The VergeWhat you learn after 350 hours of Joe Rogan
Photo by Michael Schwartz/WireImage
Here I am. Back again in your inbox on a Tuesday, in the final weeks before Christmas, New Year’s, and, for you business folks, the end of the quarter. For today’s Hot Pod, I interviewed the Media Matters researcher who listened to over 350 hours of The Joe Rogan Experience this year and reported back on what we’re all missing. He says the show, for those of us who aren’t spending our time there, is currently best described as a “cesspool of toxic masculinity that discusses elk hunting, mixed martial arts, anti-trans views, and harmful health information about the coronavirus pandemic.”
We’ll also discuss separate — but, in some cases, related — Spotify situations and more “greenwashing” in podcast ads. More, more, more, just in time for...
The VergeSpringboard: the secret history of the first real smartphone is now available on YouTube
In 1998, Donna Dubinsky and Jeff Hawkins quit Palm, a company they’d founded, to begin a new one: Handspring. They had a simple goal in mind: to eventually create the smartphone. Years before any of the technology was actually ready, their tiny startup began laying the necessary groundwork for what would become the Treo.
In Springboard: the secret history of the first real smartphone, we document the history of Handspring, from its dramatic beginnings to its tragic end. Along the way, we hear from five of the key players who tried to invent the modern smartphone years before the technology world was ready for it. It’s a story that interweaves the dotcom crash, technological innovations, wireless carrier resistance, and much more.
You can...
The VergeMeta’s kid-focused Messenger app is getting a dark mode and new voice effects
Messenger Kids’ new features in action. | Image: Meta
Messenger Kids, the child-friendly version of Meta’s Messenger service (aka Facebook Messenger), is being updated with a dark mode, as well as new audio effects for voice messages, the service has announced.
Dark mode came to the main Messenger app at the beginning of 2019, but now it’s also coming to the version of the app that’s designed for children between the ages of six and 12. Perfect for any kids preparing for a difficult teenage goth phase. It’s coming to the iOS version of the app first, with Android to follow.
Meanwhile, voice effects are rolling out in the weeks ahead and, like the service’s dark mode, will be coming to iOS first. They sound like a fun addition, working with the service’s existing voice messages feature to...
The VergeThe best deals on MacBooks right now
The 2020 MacBook Air, one of the best laptops you can get, is now available at Amazon starting at $850.
With multiple configurations and various models to choose from, including ones equipped with Apple’s M1 processor, finding a deal on a MacBook or Mac Mini is not all that difficult. It’s a slightly different story for the newer M1 Pro and M1 Max-equipped MacBook Pros, but any bit of savings you can get on the hit new Pro models is sure to be worthwhile.
Here, we’ll run through the discounts that are currently available for the latest MacBook models, as well as any deals to be had on the Mac Mini. Of course, there are also frequent discounts available for older Intel-based configurations — which are compatible with the recently released macOS Monterey — but we strongly recommend opting for a newer model now that Apple has introduced its...
The VergeAfter decades of surveillance, Muslims struggle with how much to share online
Illustration by Ori Toor
The long shadow of NYPD surveillance after 9/11
The VergeGoogle’s Gmail app now lets you make voice and video calls
Calls can be initiated from the top right of a chat. | Image: Google
One-on-one voice and video calls are now rolling out for Google Chat inside the Gmail app on iOS and Android, Google has announced. The feature was first announced in September, but as of December 6th it’s started rolling out for anyone with Google Workspace, G Suite, or personal Google accounts.
It’s previously been possible to start calls from within the Gmail app, but until now it’s involved sending an invite to a Google Meet video conferencing call, which feels excessive for a one-on-one conversation. Going forward, however, there’ll be simple phone and video icons in the top right of every one-on-one chat which can be used for calls.
It’s a simple addition, but it’s one that furthers Google’s goal of making Gmail the central hub...
The VergeInstagram to introduce parental control features next year
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Instagram will roll out new parental control features on its platform in March, the service’s head Adam Mosseri has announced in a blog post. They’ll allow parents and guardians to see how much time their teenagers spend on Instagram, set time limits, and get notified if their child reports someone. The controls were announced as a package of new features designed to make the platform a safer place, particularly for its teenage users.
Although Mosseri’s post says these safety features have been in the works for “a long time,” their announcement comes in the wake of a series of damaging revelations about the Meta-owned social network. Most notably, internal documents leaked by whistleblower Frances Haugen showed Instagram was aware that...
The VergeSamsung combines mobile and consumer electronics businesses
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Samsung Electronics has announced an internal reorganization of its businesses with several changes to leadership. The company will have two new CEOs overseeing two divisions: Device Solutions, which is the semiconductors business, and a new SET Division that includes mobile, TVs, and consumer electronics. It’s the biggest change to Samsung’s structure since 2017, when the company appointed three leaders for three separate divisions.
Jong-hee (JH) Han, the head of the Visual Display business, is also now a co-CEO with responsibility for the SET division. Samsung credits him with having led the company to the top position in TV sales worldwide for 15 years running and says he is “expected to strengthen the synergies among the different...
The VergeHalo Infinite won’t let you pick levels to replay — but that’s going to change
Master Chief and The Weapon in_Halo Infinite._ | Image: Microsoft
Halo Infinite’s campaign launches on Wednesday, but after your first trip through the story, you won’t be able to replay missions without starting all the way over, Microsoft confirmed to Polygon. It’s a significant omission, since it means you won’t be able to get collectibles you miss the first time around. It also means Infinite is the first Halo game without a way to go back and easily replay a chapter.
That might not always be the case, though, as developer 343 Industries wants to add the feature down the line, the studio told The Verge. “We haven’t announced a date but that is being worked on,” 343 Industries associate creative director Paul Crocker said in an interview.
“We want to have replay that works well, and when you have a...
The VergeDonald Trump’s media company has a new CEO: soon-to-be-former-Rep. Devin Nunes
Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. | Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
The SEC just revealed an investigation into the plans for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) named Digital World Acquisition Corp. to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) and start trading on the NASDAQ, so what’s next for the burgeoning social media/media giant?
Naturally, TMTG has just announced a splashy new hire as its CEO, recruiting Congressman Devin G. Nunes. Nunes is a supporter, and defender of Trump who served on the House Intelligence Committee as it investigated allegations Russia helped the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. Yes, that’s also “I sued Twitter for letting Devin Nunes’ Mom and Devin Nunes’ Cow insult me” Devin G. Nunes.
The congressman plans to leave the U.S. House of Representatives...
The VergeElon Musk says the US should ‘get rid of all’ government subsidies
Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images
Elon Musk said Monday at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO summit that he doesn’t think the United States needs the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill — or any government subsidies, for that matter. “Just delete them all,” he said.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO said during the interview that he’s concerned about the federal deficit. “We’ve spent so much money.. the federal budget deficit is insane,” he said.
“I would say... can the whole bill. Don’t pass it, that’s my recommendation,” Musk said.
Musk pointed out that Tesla has been selling its electric cars for more than a year in the US without the $7,500 federal tax credit, without taking a demand hit. Most other automakers, save for General Motors, are still eligible for the credit.
...
The VergeThe best deals on true wireless earbuds right now
Photo by Becca Farsace / The Verge
When it comes to true wireless earbuds, there are a ton of brands and products to choose from. Whether you enjoy the unconventional design of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live or prefer Jabra’s compact Elite 75t, there’s a pair of wireless earbuds for just about everyone.
Regardless of which brand you prefer, we’ve compiled some of the best deals on wireless earbuds available right now. Of course, if you want to do more research before making a buying decision, we also encourage you to read our guide to the best wireless earbuds, which can help you determine which pair of earbuds are right for you.
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Apple AirPods deals
If you own an iPhone or multiple Apple products, the AirPods...
The VergeI regret to inform you that Digital Human as a Service (DHaaS) is now an acronym
Science fiction movies have prepared us for the distinct possibility that artificial intelligence will walk among us someday. How soon? No one can say — but that isn’t stopping a raft of companies by trying to sell “digital humans” before that whole _intelligence_thing gets figured out. Ah, but what if you don’t want to buy a digital human because that sounds icky? Rent one, of course! That’s why we now have the regrettable acronym Digital Human as a Service (DHaaS).
The actual news here is that Japanese telecom giant KDDI has partnered with a firm named Mawari (which means something along the lines of “surroundings” in Japanese) to create a virtual assistant you can “see” through the window of your smartphone in augmented reality, one...
The VergeThe best deals on 4K TVs
LG’s A1 OLED is now available for just shy of $900, making it one of the most affordable OLEDs to date. | Image: LG
There are a lot of 4K TVs available to choose from, complete with a wide variety of prices and performance. And while we saw some incredible TV deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, fret not, as there are still plenty available for those looking to pick up a TV for the holidays. Even if your budget is less than $500, you can get a good 4K TV in a bigger size than you might expect. Whether you want a secondary TV for the bedroom or a high-end OLED that’s built for a cinema-like experience, we’ve picked out the best TV deals across four common categories.
Note: We provide regular updates to this post so be sure to check back periodically for the most up-to-date info on the best deals available.