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Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Sat, May 16, 2026, 11:44 PM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • OpenAI is making significant moves, with Greg Brockman now heading product strategy and the company partnering with Malta to offer ChatGPT Plus to all citizens, while also launching a personal finance version that connects to bank accounts.
  • The AI industry continues its gold rush, though not everyone is benefiting equally, and caution is emerging, as exemplified by ArXiv's new policy to ban authors who let AI do all the work.
  • The tech industry is grappling with the growing pains of AI, from massive investments in AI chips like Cerebras to the drive for new energy sources to power data centers, and even exploring AI's use in defense with companies like GoPro.
  • Privacy and security remain major concerns, with a hotel check-in system exposing millions of personal documents and Tesla facing scrutiny over robotaxi crashes involving teleoperators.
  • Startups are still attracting significant venture capital, with Nectar Social raising $30M and Meridian Ventures launching a fund focused on MBA-deferred founders, despite some VC firms like General Catalyst posting 'rage bait' content.

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The Verge

  • Snap, YouTube, and TikTok settle suit over harm to students 10 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    Creators, Facebook, Law, Meta, News, Policy, Snapchat, Social Media, Streaming, Tech, TikTok, YouTube

    Schools say social media is hurting grades and creating a mental health crisis. | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge Snap, YouTube, and TikTok have settled the first lawsuit of its kind, alleging that social media addiction has cost public schools massive amounts of money, according to Bloomberg . The suit, filed by the Breathitt County School District in Kentucky, claims that social media has disrupted learning and created a mental health crisis, straining budgets. The terms of the settlement have not been revealed yet, and Meta is still facing a trial in the same suit, which is viewed as

  • Sony tries to explain that its AI Camera Assistant doesn’t suck 13 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    AI, Cameras, Gadgets, News, Sony, Tech

    The variety of terrible is impressive. After Sony drew some unwanted attention for a post demonstrating its AI Camera Assistant on the Xperia 1 XIII , it's trying to clarify how the feature works. The company says it doesn't edit photos, but makes suggestions based on lighting, depth, and subject. Point the camera at something, and it will give you four options for changing exposure, color, and background blur. In its product video, Sony says that the AI Camera Assistant will also suggest "the most photogenic angle." Though the clip only shows it suggesting that someone zoom in, which is

  • NPR’s Manoush Zomorodi talks about living with too much tech 14 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    Column, Interview, Report

    Manoush Zomorodi tackled tech’s effect on our brains, now she’s looking at our bodies. | Image: Tory WIlliams Manoush Zamorodi is an accomplished reporter, podcast host, and author. Her new book, Body Electric , takes a comprehensive look at how technology is impacting our physical health . It's a collaboration between NPR and Columbia University Medical Center that picks up where her first title, Bored and Brilliant , left off. That book looked at how technology was hampering our mental health. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like being constantly attached to a device is sapping their energy

  • Turtle Beach made a good SteelSeries headset clone that’s $50 less 15 hours ago by Cameron Faulkner
    Gadgets, Gaming, Hands-on, PC Gaming, Reviews, Tech, Verge Shopping

    Both of these headsets are stellar in different ways. I really liked the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless , so the company didn't have to say much to get me excited about its successor. The $399 Nova Pro Omni that came out on May 5th has a similar design to the 2022 model, but with some new and improved features - support for wireless hi-res audio (24-bit / 96kHz audio over 2.4GHz), better mic quality, and compatibility with all consoles in every model, to name the big ones. All the $599 Nova Elite has on the Omni is better build

  • Here are 40 of our favorite deals from REI’s massive Anniversary Sale 16 hours ago by Sheena Vasani
    Deals, Gadgets, Tech, Verge Shopping

    The last-gen InReach Mini 2 might require a subscription to use, but we guarantee it’s far more durable than your phone. | Image: Garmin REI’s annual Anniversary Sale — the retailer’s biggest of the year — has arrived , bringing with it discounts on all kinds of outdoor essentials. If you’ve got a camping trip coming up, now is a good time to stock up on the basics, whether it be a tent , sleeping pad , or stove . If your summer plans involve hiking or heading into the backcountry, there are also savings to be had on everything


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