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Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 12:26 AM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • In the AI space, OpenAI is reportedly bolstering its team ahead of an IPO, while startups like Baseten are seeking massive funding rounds. Snap has spun off its AI video unit, Dotmo, citing costs, and Amazon is looking to compete more directly with Nvidia by selling its own AI chips.
  • The tech industry is grappling with AI's societal impact, with reports of negative sentiment towards AI in dating apps and a government-mandated fast lane for AI data centers to the grid. Meanwhile, concerns arise about AI's role in reality TV and potential job security issues for tech workers opposing data center expansion.
  • Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, evidenced by a major Texas government data breach exposing millions of driver's licenses and passports, and the discovery of thousands of GitHub repositories distributing malware.
  • The automotive tech sector is facing legal challenges, with Rivian owners filing lawsuits alleging false promises regarding self-driving features and Waymo recalling robotaxis due to potential freeway navigation errors.
  • Apples moves to open its App Store to third-party competition in Brazil, while the tech industry continues to explore new frontiers from AI-powered wellness apps and new hardware like smart glasses and updated audio equipment, to the resurgence of retro tech like old iPods.

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The Verge

  • Valve is so behind on Steam Controller orders that some won’t ship until 2027 8 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 9 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 10 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 10 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 10 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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