Author: News Room
Let’s be real: the internet is full of a lot of the same stuff. From derivative content on social media to websites that all look the same, what was once a portal to new worlds and experiences has been feeling a bit dry recently, like I’ve seen all this stuff before. And now, even the products being sold to us — clothing, home decor, gadgets, and more — are looking eerily similar to one another.This week on The Vergecast, guest host Mia Sato talks to YouTube fitness pioneer Cassey Ho (better known as Blogilates) about the well-oiled machine that is…
Fitbit has just quietly rolled out a free update that could shake up how you read your sleep stats – and if your recent sleep scores look a little different, this is the reason why. In a move to boost accuracy, Fitbit has updated its sleep tracking algorithm to better reflect what’s actually going on when your head hits the pillow. The change means you might notice your recorded sleep stages, total sleep time and time spent awake look a bit different from what you’re used to. The update, announced on the Fitbit forum, is designed to pick up on…
Google DeepMind is releasing a new version of its AI “world” model, called Genie 3, capable of generating 3D environments that users and AI agents can interact with in real time. The company is also promising that users will be able to interact with the worlds for much longer than before and that the model will actually remember where things are when you look away from them.World models are a type of AI system that can simulate environments for purposes like education, entertainment, or to help train robots or AI agents. With world models, you give them a prompt and…
Motorola has teamed up with Swarovski to give its iconic flip phone a sparkling new look. The result? The Brilliant Collection – a limited-edition release that blends familiar tech with a big dose of bling. At the centre is the Motorola Razr 60, reworked in shimmering Pantone Ice Melt and detailed with 35 hand-set Swarovski crystals. That includes a larger 26-facet gem on the hinge, designed to catch the light every time you open it. Even the volume buttons have had a crystal-inspired refresh. It’s the same pocketable flip phone underneath, just with a flashier finish on top. There’s also…
Is your home full of dust, dog hair and gunk? Running the vacuum cleaner over the floors is just too much of a hassle? One of the best robot vacuum cleaners could be the answer. It’ll work with your smart speaker, too. Robo vacs will keep your house looking spotless, and you’ll barely have to do any work – just empty it every now and then, and you’ll have mastered basic personal hygiene with minimal effort… OK, so they aren’t just for slobs that can’t be bothered to clean up, but a robot vac will keep dust down to a…
Google is set to take the wraps off the latest additions to the Pixel lineup in just a couple of weeks, but some devices might not be available at launch. A new report from WinFuture suggests that Google is having “supply chain problems” that could push back the release of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a until October 9th, 2025.That means that, following the Made by Google event on August 20th, users may only be able to purchase the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. As noted by WinFuture, Google…
Introduction Samsung is seemingly out to please everyone with its 2025 flip phones. While the Z Flip 7 has been given a thoroughly modern makeover, the firm has also launched its first Fan Edition clamshell, bringing back familiar features at a more palatable price. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE isn’t quite a Z Flip 6 under a new name. Samsung has swapped to its own silicon, and introduced a new version of Android – before Google itself could do so with its Pixel range. But there’s plenty here you’ve heard before, including a pair of outer cameras, a modest…
Microsoft isn’t done celebrating its 50th anniversary just yet. Multiple employees tell me that Microsoft has created limited edition Windows XP-themed Crocs. They even come with a Clippy shoe charm if the Bliss wallpaper on your feet wasn’t enough 50-year nostalgia.The anniversary edition Crocs are currently available for preorder for Microsoft employees, who “get first dibs” ahead of a “worldwide launch,” I’m told. The $80 pair of Crocs include a six-pack of Microsoft Jibbitz that you can attach to your shoes, with nostalgic options like the original MSN logo, the Internet Explorer icon, Clippy, and a mouse pointer.On top the…
xAI’s new Grok Imagine tool is an AI image and video generator that encourages users to make NSFW content. In contrast to rival generative AI video tools like Google’s Veo and OpenAI’s Sora, which try to block users from generating anything seedy, the Grok chatbot’s Imagine feature provides a “Spicy” generation mode that actively directs it to spit out nudity and sexualized content.Grok Imagine includes text-to-image capabilities that allow users to generate pictures based on descriptions, or an image-to-video tool to make short clips, complete with audio effects like Google’s Veo 3 model. Unlike Veo, however, Grok Imagine won’t generate…
Seiko has finally made it official. While watch fans have been calling red-and-blue bezels “Pepsi” models for decades – largely thanks to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master – this is the first time the drinks giant has actually teamed up with a watchmaker. The new Seiko 5 Sports x Pepsi Limited Editions mark the first collaboration between Seiko and Pepsi, and it’s a fizzy slice of watch world history. There are two models in the collection, each “limited” to 7000 pieces (so not really limited at all). The SSK047 is a 42.5mm SKX-style GMT in black, with a bi-directional bezel in…
After repeatedly leaving customers without smart control of their lights, Sengled has been booted from Amazon’s Works With Alexa program. As first reported by TechHive, beginning August 1st, Sengled’s Alexa skill for controlling its line of LED lights, plugs, switches, and sensors with your voice and routines is no longer available.In a statement to The Verge explaining the decision, Amazon spokesperson Lauren Raemhild said, “We hold a high bar for the Alexa experience. Sengled has experienced a series of prolonged outages over the past few months that have not been resolved, preventing customers from being able to use Sengled’s Alexa…
8BitDo has created its first wireless Xbox controller in partnership with Rare, a game studio acquired by Microsoft. The officially licensed controller features a gold and blue design, with plenty of Easter eggs to celebrate Rare’s 40th anniversary.The $89.99 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox — Rare 40th Anniversary Edition (yes, that’s the product name!) can connect to an Xbox console via a 2.4GHz wireless connection or a USB-C cable. The wireless connection works through a small USB dongle and not Microsoft’s native Xbox Wireless protocol. You can also use Bluetooth to connect the controller to mobile devices.This Rare special…