The latest tech news about the world's best (and sometimes worst) hardware, apps, and much more. From top companies like Google and Apple to tiny startups vying for your attention, Verge Tech has the latest in what matters in technology daily.
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Acura’s Performance EV concept looks like an angry sports boat
The new concept represents the first electric vehicle Honda and Acura will make without GM’s Ultium platform.
You can now use the Meta Quest as a screen for HDMI devices
The new Meta Quest HDMI Link app allows the headset to connect and display video from devices like consoles and streaming boxes.
9to5Google and Android Central point out that after Google announced its new Pixel 9 lineup with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, its store listing for the original foldable Pixel phone went away.
However, Android Central has heard from Google that it will return after the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s launch, which is scheduled for September 4th.
This in-depth story about Silicon Valley power couple Ben and Felicia Horowitz suggests that the catalyst for their political about-face was receiving criticism from the left. “Multiple sources close to the couple said the social media backlash affected them deeply.”
[The San Francisco Standard]
Michael Fisher’s latest video has a great interview with Google devices boss Rick Osterloh. When asked whether Google has interest in creating a more affordable flip-style Pixel, Osterloh suggests that Samsung and Motorola have that foldables category pretty well handled for now.
As for adopting Qi2 wireless charging, he says it’s “a matter of time.” Maybe the Pixel X?
I’m sure a lot more people would pay attention to in-flight safety videos if they featured Pokémon — like this one from Japanese airline ANA.
Jessica Grose writes in the NYT about educators struggling with students using AI in the classroom. One major worry expressed is that relying on it for brainstorming and writing could make students less likely to power through tough assignments on their own.
It’s almost as if the speed of available technology is making them assume that their human brains should have all the answers.
Right now, teachers have to deal with this issue on their own; some policymakers “appear to have drunk the Kool-Aid on artificial intelligence.”
[The New York Times]
Originally announced in October of 2022 when the PC version was celebrating its 25th anniversary, Age of Empires Mobile, developed by TiMi Studio Group and World’s Edge, will finally be released on October 17th.
Ahead of the launch, the game is now available for preorder on both the App Store and Google Play.
After over a decade, The Onion will once again appear in print — this time, as a monthly newspaper delivered to your doorstep. The satirical outlet, which now has new owners, will charge $5 / month for the newspaper if you sign up by August 31st.
Reviews
Tapo’s new flagship doorbell camera does more for less
HP’s OmniBook X 14 is a barely disguised business laptop with great battery life
OnePlus’ Pad 2 has a sharp display with a price tag that stings
Good luck with the PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter — you’ll need it
Designed for bedroom use, the $799 (on sale for $599) GV50 features a pivoting base so it can project on a wall or the ceiling above a bed.
It runs Google TV so streaming apps like Netflix can be installed, and support for DisplayPort Alt Mode means the Nintendo Switch can be connected using just a single USB-C cable.
Gemini is taking over Google
On The Vergecast: Google’s latest AI push, Apple’s increasing regulatory mess, and some seriously nice TVs.
In a new filing, DOJ says it’s “not trying to litigate in secret,” but that the court should be able to review classified information that led Congress to determine the divest-or-ban bill was necessary. In its own filing, TikTok says the government’s arguments for the bill are riddled with errors and omissions.
Microsoft is adding a toggle to let you only enable HDR on your monitor when you’re streaming video from services like Netflix or YouTube on Windows 11. It’s a nice change that will mean you don’t have to have HDR enabled all the time and run into issues sharing your screen with others in apps or taking washed out screenshots.
The Danish minister feared by Big Tech and who Donald Trump called the EU’s “tax lady,” will not be reappointed for a third term, the FT reports.
“She is astonishing in terms of stamina,” said one EU official who regularly worked with Vestager. “It’s absolutely crazy. She read all the stuff . . . round the clock and had hundreds of meetings and she is still alive.”
US tech CEOs shouldn’t celebrate too quickly, though, as the attention-seeking Musk-baiting French commissioner Thierry Breton is said to be in contention for the role
[Financial Times]