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Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Thu, Jun 18, 2026, 5:26 PM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • AI continues its relentless march, with startups like Baseten reportedly seeking massive funding rounds and companies like Snap spinning off AI teams, while OpenAI beefs up its ranks ahead of a potential IPO.
  • The automotive sector is facing scrutiny, with Rivian owners suing over alleged false promises regarding self-driving features and Waymo recalling thousands of robotaxis due to safety concerns.
  • Tech giants are navigating new regulatory landscapes and market shifts, from Apple opening its App Store to competition in Brazil to Amazon aiming to challenge Nvidia directly with its own AI chips.
  • The broader societal impact of technology is a growing concern, evidenced by negative sentiment towards AI in dating, government-mandated fast lanes for AI data centers, and the ongoing debate about digital privacy and data breaches.
  • While some companies focus on innovation and expanding offerings, like Adobe integrating AI into its creative suite and Spotify launching reserved ticket sales, others face challenges like labor disputes and the high cost of developing advanced technologies.

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The Verge

  • Valve is so behind on Steam Controller orders that some won’t ship until 2027 2 hours ago by Jay Peters
    Entertainment, Gaming, News, PC Gaming

    Valve has some good news and bad news about Steam Controllers. The good news: if you make a reservation for a Steam Controller, the company will now show you one of three estimates of when you'll be able to actually order your gamepad: by September 2026, by December 2026, or sometime in 2027. The bad news: any reservations made today "indicate a 2027 date for shipping," Valve says . "We have no plans to stop making Steam Controller," according to Valve. "But as we look at the current demand compared to how many we know we can make by the

  • You can now use the Game Boy Camera with your phone 2 hours ago by Andrew Liszewski
    Gadgets, Gaming, News, Tech

    You don’t need a Game Boy Camera or a GB Operator dock to use Epilogue’s new Flashback app. | Image: Epilogue The $50 GB Operator is an accessory that lets you connect, play, and authenticate Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges on PCs and other devices. Now it's getting some new functionality for the Game Boy Camera. After turning the Game Boy Camera into a charmingly awful desktop webcam two years ago, device-maker Epilogue has just released an iOS / Android mobile app so you can take photos while the Game Boy accessory is connected to

  • HBO Max’s annual plans are 28 percent off right now 3 hours ago by Sheena Vasani
    Deals, Gadgets, HBO, Streaming, Tech, Verge Shopping

    You can stream Sinners and other recent Oscar winners for less with HBO Max's sale. | Image: Warner Bros. Pictures The easiest way to save on a streaming service is often to pay for a year upfront, which HBO Max is currently making a lot cheaper. Through July 15, 2026, new and returning subscribers can get 28 percent off any of HBO Max’s yearly plans , bringing the ad-supported tier down to $78.99 ($31 off) per year, the Standard plan to $132.99 ($52 off) per year, and the Premium tier to $164.99 per year ($65 off). That’s up to 40

  • Snap’s Specs look good on nobody 3 hours ago by David Pierce
    Gadgets, Podcasts, Snapchat, Streaming, Tech, Vergecast

    Snap's new smart glasses are probably the most impressive bit of face-computer technology we've seen. They're not VR-headset huge; they don't have a big charging puck; thanks to Snap's many years of AR lens development, they're likely to have a lot of features right out of the box. (Yes, they're $2,195, but that may just be what all this tech costs right now.) Snap is clearly at the front of this race. And then… you see the pictures. The pictures of Snap CEO Evan Spiegel wearing the new Specs , as the enormous and heavy stems smash down on his

  • The best early Amazon Prime Day deals so far 3 hours ago by Cameron Faulkner
    Deals, Gadgets, Prime Day, Verge Shopping

    The products pictured here aren’t on sale, but we certainly hope they will be soon. | Image: Alex Parkin / The Verge Amazon’s earlier-than-usual Prime Day doesn’t begin until June 23rd, but there are several even earlier deals on must-have products that you can check out right now. To name some examples, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are selling at their cheapest-ever price at Amazon and Walmart (though, the sale keeps playing peek-a-boo). Also, you can grab Ring’s latest battery-powered doorbell for $60 off and it includes a free Indoor Cam Plus with purchase. There are also enough early Apple deals


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