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Eddy Cue explains why Apple won’t make a search engine

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:21:22 -0000

<figure> <img alt="An illustration of the Apple logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2YF7uAlhTxSp3htVsblK983LHY4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73810245/STK071_ACastro_apple_0003.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration: The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="uMd4xs">Apple senior VP of services Eddy Cue says Apple will not create a search engine to compete with Google as it “would cost billions of dollars and take many years,” as recorded in a motion to intervene <a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18552824/united-states-of-america-v-google-llc/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc">filed</a> with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday. The purpose of the motion is to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/24/24329149/apple-would-like-to-step-in-to-defend-its-google-search-deal">participate in the penalty phase</a> of the DOJ’s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/23/24328087/google-proposed-final-judgement-search-monopoly-antitrust-default-contracts">antitrust case</a> against Google, where as much as $20 billion could be at stake for Apple in its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/2/24147007/google-paid-apple-20-billion-in-2022-to-be-safaris-default-search-engine">ongoing default search engine deal</a> with Google.</p> <p id="T3EHLR">The DOJ and Google have disagreed on how to address Google’s monopoly on general-purpose search engines, but both parties have <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/23/24328087/google-proposed-final-judgement-search-monopoly-antitrust-default-contracts">tentatively accepted cutting or renegotiating</a> its Apple partnership. Last week Google proposed a three-year ban on strict long-term exclusivity deals involving any ”proprietary Apple feature or functionality.”</p> <p id="rsfNrR">Cue warns that removing the search deal would ultimately hurt Apple and benefit Google:</p> <blockquote><p id="NPr996">If this Court prohibits Google from sharing revenue for search distribution, Apple would have two unacceptable choices. It could still let users in the United States choose Google as a search engine for Safari, but Apple could not receive any share of the resulting revenue, so Google would obtain valuable access to Apple's users at no cost. Or Apple could remove Google Search as a choice on Safari. But because customers prefer Google, removing it as an option would harm both Apple and its customers.</p></blockquote> <p id="jUpzUx">As reported by <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/24/apple-explains-why-it-wont-make-search-engine/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>, Cue said Apple making its own general search engine would be “economically risky” and suggests AI chatbots are the next big evolution to search. Apple also noted <a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205.1111.1.pdf">in the filing</a> that it would have to adopt targeted advertising as a core service to make search viable, which would fit badly with its privacy-focused business model.</p> <p id="IYnqxW">Cue also says that “only Apple can speak to what kinds of future collaborations can best serve its users” and warns that the DOJ’s proposed remedies would “hamstring” Apple from fulfilling its customers’ needs.</p>
Even Apple wasn’t able to make VR headsets mainstream in 2024

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing VR and AR glasses of 2024." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FCzrwpVuaeaemj7fxhf4omQUP6U=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73810031/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_VR.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Glasses may be more promising as the head-worn computers of the future — and there’s a chance Apple might be looking in that direction.</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap p-large-text" id="7p2GVe">Apple’s Vision Pro headset is an incredible piece of technology, but even Apple’s design and marketing magic <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/23/24277584/apple-vision-pro-manufacturing-cutback">hasn’t been enough to</a> convince many people to don a VR headset for an entire day. Instead, people seem more willing to use discreet wearables like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, and products like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses — so Apple’s headset isn’t making the waves the company would have wanted.</p> <p id="yX02TZ">Of course, an instant transformation of the computing landscape wasn’t exactly the point of the Vision Pro. Apple was clearly launching its headset for Apple enthusiasts, first adopters, and people who love VR. At a starting price of $3,499, the barrier of entry was just too high to expect the device to be a hit from the jump. Even CEO Tim Cook called it <a href="https://www.wsj.com/style/tim-cook-interview-apple-intelligence-vision-pro-48c59018">an “early-adopter product.”</a></p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person wearing a Vision Pro headset." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MVbMc3h1VTSt7HWtig9ngkPTQ0k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25255979/246965_vision_pro_AKrales_0015.jpg"> <figcaption><em>Would you really want to wear this all day?</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="Nc3lNM">Nearly a year from launch, though, Apple hasn’t done enough to demonstrate why the Vision Pro should be a potential showcase of the future of computing. It’s taking a long time to put together its immersive content library, and while those are great demonstrations of what’s possible, the videos have been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/10/24266816/submerged-apple-vision-pro-immersive-film">short and isolating</a>. There aren’t many great games, either.</p> <p id="lR26Zm">Yes, Apple keeps adding cool new software features. The <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/04/visionos-2-2-adds-new-wide-and-ultrawide-settings-for-mac-virtual-display/">wide and ultra widescreen settings</a> for using a Mac display seem exceptionally useful. But those are pretty specific options for pretty specific use cases. There still isn’t an immediate, obvious reason to buy a Vision Pro the way there usually is with the company’s newest iPhones and Macs. If I bought a Vision Pro today, I wouldn’t know what to do with it besides give myself a bigger Mac screen or watch movies, and I don’t think either of those are worth the exorbitant price.</p> <p id="umUFk5">It seems Apple may have already acknowledged that the Vision Pro might not be the future, either. The company has reportedly scaled back production and focused efforts on <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/18/24181106/apple-vision-pro-team-cheaper-headset">a cheaper version of the headset</a> (perhaps just called Apple Vision?).</p> <p id="ZU2Kp8">If Apple still wants to make a splash in VR, the company might need to race to get its next product out the door. It can be argued that Meta has the best VR headsets and ecosystem on the market right now — and a very clear lineup for consumers to consider. Its most affordable offering is the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meta.com%2Fquest%2Fquest-3s%2F%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoq232asvRsVYDw0SVMuWpf961Rw4Jll6D_XQ8hMfIaEpby-UhXI&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24303262%2Fapple-vision-pro-vr-mainstream-meta-glasses" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$299 Quest 3S</a>, which has the same chip as the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23906313/meta-quest-3-review-vr-mixed-reality-headset">$499 Quest 3</a>, meaning you can access the same experiences across both headsets. The price difference between the two largely comes down to displays and storage, and I’d argue that the cheaper Quest 3S is an excellent VR headset for most people.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Verge’s Adi Robertson wearing a Meta Quest Pro headset." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C7bbLdpkjy-eSZ4iDSxGivAJajY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24159372/226369_Meta_Quest_Pro_AKrales_0042.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The Meta Quest Pro, which launched at $1,499, was a flop.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="5HaaR3">But like the Vision Pro, Meta hasn’t really found a way to make its headsets much more than a great way to play VR games. The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23451629/meta-quest-pro-vr-headset-horizon-review">Quest Pro</a>, which Meta pitched in part as a headset for work, was such a flop that the company discontinued it only <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/25/24253322/meta-quest-pro-2-discontinued-vr">two years after it launched</a>. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meta.com%2Fexperiences%2Fmeta-horizon-worlds%2F2532035600194083%2F%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoobZhWe3zUnitiyTWprnfOsBc87Ni-feBp0OwxTUAWL0pdBnzxg&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24303262%2Fapple-vision-pro-vr-mainstream-meta-glasses" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em>Horizon Worlds</em></a>, the company’s 3D social network, still feels amateur and barren, despite the company’s efforts to make it a better place to hang out.</p> <p id="D8EG10">When I put on a Meta headset, I find that I just want to play games, either serious titles like <em>Batman: Arkham Shadow</em> or lighter fare like <em>Maestro</em>, where you conduct a virtual orchestra. I don’t care about the mixed reality features except to glance at my phone or computer screen to make a note or check notifications. You can make a pretty solid living selling game consoles, as Sony and Nintendo know very well, but it’s a far cry from the full-fledged computing platform Mark Zuckerberg once promised.</p> <p id="Vu917B">I just don’t know if any tech company is going to crack the code on how to make VR headsets anything but solo technology. Yes, you can use VR headsets to interact with other people over the internet. But putting on a VR headset at home means I can’t look my wife in the eye; if I’m going to look at a screen, I’d prefer to look at one that we can share or that I can easily put off to the side. And even if you’re fine with VR being mostly a solo thing, VR headsets don’t fit neatly into everyday life unless you have a good amount of space in your home for them. (And hopefully your controllers haven’t run out of battery power!) </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A person wearing Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses on a busy street." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iY908qaJNYrsW1c2B4dpwxvYJA4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25012301/236834_Ray_Ban_Meta_Smart_Glasses_AKrales_0879.jpg"> <figcaption><em>Maybe AR glasses are the way to go.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="rwVOph">Perhaps that’s why glasses seem like a much more promising option for computers that you wear on your face. Augmented reality glasses have been an aspirational goal for a long time, and you can see why. It’s much easier to make eye contact with somebody while you’re wearing glasses. Meta may have already proved that the glasses form factor works: its relatively simple <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23922425/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-review">Ray-Ban Meta glasses</a>, which have a camera, speakers, and look fashionable, are already <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/21/24276144/the-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-are-taking-off-globally">a huge hit</a>.</p> <p id="pNWFyr">If glasses-equipped cameras do truly go mainstream, I have some concerns <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/28/24256310/meta-ray-bans-cameras-future-connect">that I’ve already written about</a>. But I also wrote about the immediate appeal of the tech: whenever I wear the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I find myself snapping tons of photos because it’s so much fun to capture my point of view without holding up a phone. And because they look like regular glasses, I can walk around and most people will think that they’re glasses, unlike a VR headset, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvkgmyfMPks">which just looks silly in public</a>.</p> <p id="r6ffeH">It seems that Apple might be eyeing computer glasses as well; the company <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-04/apple-explores-push-into-smart-glasses-with-atlas-user-study">reportedly launched</a> an internal study about the market. I think even glasses with some basic tech would make <em>way</em> more sense for Apple than a VR headset, especially if they let you easily snap photos and listen to podcasts. These devices could be years off, though, meaning that, right now, Apple is stuck selling VR headsets that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/27/24142810/apple-vision-pro-ebay-low-prices">barely anyone wants</a>. </p>
The 8 best shows to stream on Apple TV Plus

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing The Verge’s favorite 2024 shows on Apple+." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sOmcwPWqj-Qed4x8hiapmiIevGA=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807746/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_APPLE.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>It was another sci-fi-heavy year for Apple’s streaming service.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24306458/apple-tv-plus-best-shows-2024-streaming">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
2024: a good year for earbuds

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing earbuds of 2024" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rqo4Z8sud69HZVCU3BD5KZehFaQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807641/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_HEADPHONES.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>This year paved the way for a future where earbuds are much more than audio accessories.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24307485/best-earbuds-2024-apple-sony-jabra-nothing">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Halide Mark III is coming with color grades, HDR, and early access for subscribers

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:14:38 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A logo design for Halide Mark III." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2-uH0WXudH71gQHKF11ZMYvFc5c=/111x0:1890x1186/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73806710/hero_adjustment.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Lux Optics</figcaption> </figure> <p id="g5lm46">Lux Optics has released a loose product roadmap for its next big iPhone photo app, Halide 3.0 (which it’s calling Halide Mark III). After being more forthright than usual in the development of its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/29/24167144/kino-iphone-video-app-prores-log">Kino video app</a>, which was recently <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24319158/apple-crowns-kino-the-iphone-app-of-the-year">awarded iPhone app of the year for 2024</a> by Apple, Lux is giving the next version of its popular photo app a touch of the Steam indie dev treatment. </p> <p id="5ljEfA">Not only is Lux already hyping key upcoming features in <a href="https://www.lux.camera/the-road-to-halide-mark-3/">a blog post</a> by cofounder Ben Sandofsky, but it also plans to open up the development process via a <a href="https://discord.com/invite/cGjhm26X">Discord server</a>, where users can give feedback once they start trying Halide Mark III.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="LT2VBu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Halide’s Process Zero feature captures photos with no AI processing","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/14/24220178/halide-camera-app-process-zero-ai"},{"title":"Now Halide is on your iPhone’s lockscreen","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/16/24246547/iphone-ios-18-halide-camera-app-lock-screen"},{"title":"AI is fixing — and ruining — our photos","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/8/24264652/ai-photos-apple-google-halide-vergecast"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="8WsWqG">So far, Lux has detailed three upcoming features for Halide Mark III that subscribers will be able to try early: Color Grades, HDR photos, and an app redesign. Color grades will operate a lot like they do in Kino, with users able to quickly load an aesthetic look / color palette based on Lux’s own creations, film stocks, and imported recipes cooked by other users. In addition to what sounds like Lux’s take on Fujifilm’s film emulations, Halide Mark III will also include the developer’s take on HDR photos — now that iOS 18’s Adaptive HDR feature is making it easier to view HDR images on more platforms.</p> <div id="yv8ok8"> <blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bm6alt3pzlqm2ckwqo2wdlge/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldynq2b4nk2e" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihryqznlxbkbifrp4kfwcahgimxfaju6vmyvez22vtyxdgdnd73lq"> <p lang="en">Closing out the year doing things a bit different: sharing our Halide 3.0 roadmap, including its three major features! We’re also launching a Halide community Discord so we can bounce ideas off fans, solicit feedback on early builds, and more! www.lux.camera/the-road-to-...</p>— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bm6alt3pzlqm2ckwqo2wdlge?ref_src=embed">Ben Sandofsky (@sandofsky.com)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bm6alt3pzlqm2ckwqo2wdlge/post/3ldynq2b4nk2e?ref_src=embed">2024-12-23T19:22:48.678Z</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <p id="Kr4D6a">Not much has been revealed so far about Halide 3.0’s redesigned interface, but Sandofsky said in the blog post that form follows function, and “if Halide’s version of Instant Grade goes as smooth as we think it will, we’ll make grade-picking central to the UI, just like Kino.”</p> <p id="aGupS0">Sandofsky’s blog post also didn’t go into further detail about when Halide Mark III will ship beyond sometime in 2025, and it didn’t say how much Halide Mark III will cost. But the <a href="https://www.threads.net/@halideapp">@halideapp account</a> on Threads <a href="https://www.threads.net/@halideapp/post/DD7sp_ryrLZ">indicated to a commenter</a> that Mark III will be included for Mark II users, and an upgrade for v1 users.</p>
The AI smartphones that never materialized in 2024

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing phones from 2024." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wznGZenrksbSXoOKJhPMjfspfuw=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73805032/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_PHONES.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Despite loud proclamations, AI on smartphones is still mostly a sideshow. </p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24315181/ai-smartphones-2024-apple-intelligence-gemini-samsung">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Apple is working on a doorbell camera with Face ID

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:16:45 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A picture of a Google Nest doorbell camera." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DegdTlM8pQk14RipXA0Dxk3K3B4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73803121/226345_Nest_Doorbell_wired_JTuphy_0006.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A Google Nest doorbell camera.</em> | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Ujb5qH">Apple is working on a new smart doorbell camera that uses Face ID to unlock your door, according to <em>Bloomberg</em>’s Mark Gurman in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-12-22/apple-explores-amazon-ring-doorbell-competitor-with-face-id-airpods-heart-rate?srnd=undefined">today’s <em>Power On</em> newsletter</a>. The camera could be released by the end of 2025 “at the soonest,” Gurman writes.</p> <p id="5my31O">The lock would work just like your iPhone, automatically unlocking your door when you or another resident looks at it. Like biometric login info on other Apple devices, the camera would be equipped with the company’s Secure Enclave chip that stores and processes Face ID information separately from the rest of the system’s hardware.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="hGZ9DC"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple’s first smart display needs to make the smart home just work ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/22/24302381/apple-smart-display-homepad-smart-home-control"},{"title":"Apple could launch a smart security camera in 2026","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/12/24294508/apple-home-camera-smart-security-camera-2026"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="kN10FC">Gurman writes that this device will “likely” work with existing third-party HomeKit smart locks and that the company may also partner with a smart lock company “to offer a complete system on day one.” He expects the camera will make use of Apple’s in-house “Proxima” combination Wi-Fi / Bluetooth chip that’s rumored for new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319970/new-apple-homepod-mini-tv-proxima-wifi-bluetooth-chip">HomePod Mini and Apple TV devices</a> next year.</p> <p id="SUdbMF">This doorbell camera joins a broader collection of rumors surrounding a renewed Apple push into the smart home that’s centered around Apple Intelligence. Those include another new smart home camera, a possible Apple-branded TV, and new smart home displays — one a simple iPad-like device that magnetically attaches to wall mounts or speaker bases, while another display sits on the end of a robotic arm attached to a larger base. </p>
An iPhone owner’s guide to living off the app grid

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A photo showing the iPhone 16 Pro" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EHpTMr0D4hvF6yLFCiXllVEFasI=/0x0:2700x1800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73803084/247263_iphone_16_pro_AKrales_0799.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Do we really need all this?</em> | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p--has-dropcap p-large-text" id="TsWPwV">The grid is a comfortable place to live.</p> <p id="J86mxH">The app grid, I mean: the rows and rows of app icons on your iPhone’s homescreen. It’s familiar. Safe. It’s how I’ve lived with my various phones over the past decade. But at some point, it started to feel oppressive. </p> <p id="amFgEt">All those icons staring at me in the face, vying for my attention. The clutter! The distracting little notification badges! The grid was a reasonable way to organize apps when I had like, ten of them. There are sixty on the iPhone I’m using now, and I set it up from scratch a few months ago. </p> <p id="dlTxlR">Naturally, living off-grid or in a non-traditional homescreen arrangement has been possible for much longer on Android. Google’s OS lets you keep your screen clear and just find your apps in the app drawer, which is always a swipe away. You can even <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/4/22266910/niagara-android-launcher-minamalist-one-hand-commute">replace the launcher entirely</a>. But iOS — where every new app you download winds up on your homescreen by default — hasn’t exactly made it easy to abandon the grid. </p> <div id="8VfIiv"> <div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive" style="padding-bottom: 94.8611%;"><a href="https://www.threads.net/@verge/post/Cx5mnDYrpS9" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.threads.net%2F%40verge%2Fpost%2FCx5mnDYrpS9%3Fxmt%3DAQGzwuIWuE3omsjkw2oe6TTWktER_al7PSTRjIdFJjprXw&key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197"></a></div></div> </div> <p id="KY9k92">That <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/22/21291695/apple-ios-14-updates-home-screen-redesign-features-release-date-wwdc-2020">started to change</a> when iOS 14 added widgets, an app library, and the ability to hide apps from your homescreen — though I haven’t developed the muscle memory to use it much. Now, iOS 18 adds <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/16/24245582/ios-18-review-customization-apple-intelligence-siri">even more flexibility</a>. You...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/22/24325858/iphone-minimalist-homescreen-ios-18-widgets-shortcuts">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Josh King’s viral slide-out MagSafe gamepad found a home at OhSnap and looks amazing

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:57:22 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Two shots of a gamepad attached to an iPhone, with fold out grips and joysticks visible underneath its sliding frame." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MmrB95emzkExBn4dL0a9pZ8lew0=/14x0:1787x1182/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73800466/mcon_controller_josh_king_ohsnap.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Josh King / OhSnap</figcaption> </figure> <p id="7as9kp">When 19-year-old Josh King suggested he would single-handedly redefine mobile gaming with his 3D-printed gamepad, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuSGXmsvp_Q">drawing a direct line from himself to Steve Jobs</a>, I have to admit I thought it was a bit much!</p> <p id="4i21th">But it’s no longer just a 3D-printed controller. OhSnap, the company behind <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/4/24262221/this-40-magnetic-phone-grip-does-what-popsockets-cant-and-its-on-sale">the excellent magnetic PopSocket alternatives I showed you in October</a>, is now officially turning his design into the coolest looking gamepad attachment I’ve ever seen for a phone: </p> <div id="m1VQVg"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIgugX2gODE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="6MVGYe">It’s no taller or wider than an iPhone, so it should slide into a pocket. It’s got a MagSafe pattern of magnets to attach it to your magnetic ring device. You don’t have to remove it to use your phone like a phone, because the whole gamepad retracts underneath<em>,</em> a little like the slide-out keyboard phones (or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/23/21452167/sony-xperia-play-2-playstation-phone-prototype-concept-leaked-images">PlayStation Phones</a>) of old — and now, it’s mounted on a spring-loaded arm that pops out at the push of a button and also slightly angles your device towards your face.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SSthO8J3qlG5Y8EbAEYPU7z1Ixo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800120/mcon_pop_gamepad.gif"> <cite>Video by Josh King / OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>The OhSnap Mcon’s hinge in action.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="nOQYVk">OhSnap even found room for a pair of Nintendo Switch-esque analog sticks, with drift-resistant Hall effect sensors, and pair of fold-out grips so you can (theoretically) hold it more like a full-size gamepad. The sticks are clickable buttons, and it’s got a full set of shoulder buttons and triggers as well.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3xuPmM6iRjl4EFdlZiMmKI8osm0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800127/Hands.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>An illustration with the grips unfolded.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="2UZV8A">Two months ago, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/24272743/nintendo-retro-game-corps-russ-crandall-profile-youtube-emulation-dmca-takedown-copyright-strike">Retro Game Corps</a> came away <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3969hkkFSE">impressed with a prototype</a>, and it seems King has been <em>very</em> busy since then. As he explains <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIgugX2gODE">on YouTube</a>, he initially tried to start his own company around the gamepad, even attracted a few investors, manufactured some boards and was working toward injection molding, before he started running out of money and reached out to OhSnap about a partnership. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PLK0gjcchArk1prhkITL7Fc2_BM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800128/Colorways__1_.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption> <em>It’ll be available in black and white at launch, though King says they’re working </em><a class="ql-link" href="https://youtu.be/bIgugX2gODE?si=SwSY8ccyQ8s87ALR&t=202" target="_blank"><em>on different mix and match colorful parts</em></a><em> so you can style it.</em> </figcaption> </figure> <p id="TwfTKs">Speaking of money, we don’t have any idea how much it’ll cost, particularly at retail — OhSnap is planning to launch a Kickstarter on January 2nd to raise funds. <a href="https://ohsnap.com/pages/mcon-signup-page">It’s taking signups here for now</a>.</p> <p id="ybuPy7">I should be getting my own hands on a prototype next month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and I’ll let you know how it feels. </p> <div id="vSZLLj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J3969hkkFSE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="IJGFw2"></p> <p id="7GHnq7"></p>
Apple begins pulling iPhone SE, 14, and 14 Plus from EU

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:43:55 -0000

<figure> <img alt="iPhone 14 in blue next to iPhone 14 Plus in purple" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZfyQTfx6vOKZPQ_YU6HhWSbqfFE=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73799518/DSC03728_processed.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus lack USB-C ports.</em> | Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="cZDcAC">Starting <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/8/23499754/usb-c-iphone-european-union-legislation-charger-lightning-enforcement-date">December 28th</a>, all new phones sold in the European Union must have USB-C. And while that deadline is still about a week away, Apple has begun pulling the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus — the last models with Apple’s proprietary lightning port — from its Swiss online store. </p> <p id="Q8pPbJ">The removal was first spotted by <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/20/iphone-14-iphone-se-unavailable-in-switzerland/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>, based on a report earlier this month from French publication <a href="https://www.igen.fr/iphone/2024/12/apple-va-arreter-la-vente-des-iphone-se-et-iphone-14-dans-lunion-europeenne-147523"><em>iGeneration</em></a><em>. The Verge</em> has since confirmed that the Swiss online Apple Store will state that any configuration of the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus is “currently unavailable” if you try to put it in your cart. However, other online Apple Stores in EU countries, such as France and Spain, currently still have the phones in stock. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Screenshot of Swiss online Apple Store showing iPhone 14 as unavailable" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TMpaA-rrdNPkAsiW09DWCX7UNC0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799172/Screenshot_2024_12_20_at_9.58.20_AM.png"> <cite>Screenshot: Apple</cite> <figcaption><em>The Swiss online Apple Store says the iPhone 14 is currently unavailable.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="zwUGmb">Given the December 28th deadline, Apple’s other EU stores will soon follow suit. That said, it’s unclear why Apple decided to pull stock from Switzerland a week early or if it will do the same with other countries. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. </p> <p id="VhuHD6">The EU regulation is also why Apple finally switched over the USB-C for the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23879726/apple-iphone-15-plus-review">iPhone 15</a> in 2023. As for the iPhone SE, a fourth-gen model is rumored for early 2025 with USB-C and other upgrades like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24234749/apple-iphone-se-4th-generation-oled-display-rumor-leak">an OLED display</a>.</p>
The Barbie Phone is plastic, fantastic, and impractical

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:30:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo of Barbie Phone by HMD" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8936kPCXW3NqRJFsVQZgm0fVQiA=/0x1:2000x1334/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807709/247465_Barbie_Phone_AJohnson_0004.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>Hi, Barbie!</em></figcaption> </figure> <p class="p--has-dropcap p-large-text" id="R1rc6o"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hmd.com%2Fen_us%2Fhmd-barbie-phone%3Fsku%3DAHM2850USA01BB1&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24325045%2Fbarbie-phone-hmd-mattel-kai-os" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Barbie Phone</a>, much like the doll it pays tribute to, is a thing of beauty. But like that doll whose proportions, historically, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-26465106">are impossible</a>, the Barbie Phone just isn’t built for the modern world.</p> <p id="5Od6TP">Even if the ultra-feminine aesthetic isn’t your thing — and it’s not really mine — you have to hand it to the Barbie flip phone. From the box it comes in, to the interchangeable back plates, rhinestone stickers, and Barbie-fied interface, it’s a delight. The charger and battery are both pink, though they’re a lighter shade than Mattel’s trademarked <a href="https://www.pantone.com/articles/colors/beyond-barbie-an-homage-to-pantone-pinks">Barbie Pink (Pantone 219</a>). The phone says “Hi Barbie!” when you turn it on. It’s the definition of committing to the bit.</p> <div id="3NhbUc"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12511719"></div></div> <p id="bP1P5d">The breezy fun of the Barbie aesthetic, Pantone 219 or otherwise, is at odds with the actual experience of using the phone. It’s based on one of HMD’s feature phones, and it runs an operating system called KaiOS. The phone is designed for basic connectivity — texting, calling, emails — and even includes a web browser.<strong> </strong></p> <p id="66jrcM"><strong></strong>According to HMD, in addition to being cute,<strong> </strong>the nostalgic design and limited feature set are supposed to encourage you to disconnect and spend time with your friends IRL. There are a series of...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24325045/barbie-phone-hmd-mattel-kai-os">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
2024: a good year for earbuds

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing earbuds of 2024" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rqo4Z8sud69HZVCU3BD5KZehFaQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807641/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_HEADPHONES.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>This year paved the way for a future where earbuds are much more than audio accessories.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24307485/best-earbuds-2024-apple-sony-jabra-nothing">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
This solid aluminum keyboard costs as much as a MacBook Pro

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:13:50 -0000

<figure> <img alt="The Icebreaker keyboard by Serene Industries on a desk." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YzA4mx0736Tv0X395vLtw5-ybxE=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807500/Icebreaker_keyboard_desk.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Serene Industries</figcaption> </figure> <p id="TrJ2eR">If statement keyboards are your thing and you have some <em>serious</em> cash to burn, you should check out this brutalist flagship offering from Serene Industries. <a href="https://www.serene.industries/">The Icebreaker</a> is a wedge-shaped mechanical keyboard constructed from a single block of CNC-machined aluminum, featuring hot-swappable aluminum keycaps with configurable RGB backlighting.</p> <p id="bz4Ju7"><a href="https://serene-industries.webflow.io/product/the-icebreaker-clear-pre-order">Preorders are available now</a>, with pricing starting at $1,500 for the wired version. A Bluetooth wireless and a wired version with magnetic hall effect switches are also available for $1,600 — the same price as a new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24289831/apple-macbook-pro-m4-review-14-2024-laptop-specs-benchmarks">14-inch M4 MacBook Pro</a>. The keyboard base comes in two colors — clear or black — with the latter option costing an additional $500. Serene Industries hasn’t provided an ETA on delivery, but says production will begin when pre-orders close on January 28th.</p> <div><div class="c-image-grid"> <div class="c-image-grid__item"> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XqGdhzz-95T-0bJHjgHSLTZUCBk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25804409/Icebreaker_keyboard_main.jpg"> <cite>Image: Serene Industries</cite> <figcaption><em>The design is very striking if you like a Cybertruck kinda vibe.</em></figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="c-image-grid__item"> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YrqEl9-LJRVKX6M4eZSkgNcEU0I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25804410/Icebreaker_keyboard_hed.jpg"> <cite>Image: Serene Industries</cite> <figcaption><em>The keycaps appear lightly textured, alongside being ergonomically shaped for fingertips.</em></figcaption> </figure> </div> </div></div> <p id="JylSGC">The Icebreaker comes in a 65 percent layout and measures 450 x 44 x 24mm (around 17.7 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches). It sports a configurable integrated EC11 rotatory dial, dual silicone dampeners to help reduce noise and vibrations, and a 4,000 mAh battery that supports a battery life of around three months according to Serene Industries. The specifications don’t mention how much the keyboard weighs or what “full height” switches it comes with. We’ve asked Serene Industries to clarify and will update this piece if we hear back.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OrPu2ZRh9K1lnDDOgNJ2ibkIM8Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25804411/Icebreaker_keyboard_side_profiles.jpg"> <cite>Image: Serene Industries</cite> <figcaption><em>Here’s a look at the Icebreaker’s rear and side profiles, showing its aggressive wedge-shaped.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="jhqBrE">There’s also premium features like “micro-perforations” on each keycap to allow the LED backlight to shine through, and 1/4-20 inch mounting points — three on the USB-C port face, and four at the base — for users to attach accessories like tripod mounts, monitor arms, or…axe handles.</p> <p id="22qW6Z">The design was partly inspired by the Flatiron Building in New York City, according to Serene Industries founder Denis Agarkov. When the Icebreaker was first announced in January 2024, <a href="https://www.nullsociety.co/encyclopedia/the-icebreaker-the-keyboard-redefining-art-and-functionality">Agarkov told <em>Null Society</em></a> that he aimed “to create a keyboard that goes against the prevailing trends, adopting a more distinctive and challenging design.” It’s certainly an expensive conversation starter for any keyboard collectors who want something more niche than your typical DIY kits.</p>
The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:19:15 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photograph of brightly colored gifts scattered on a graphic background of vibrant patterned paper." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jn5vPGijZj_9jMXWlJje3eVdaJ8=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73709099/247215_Holiday_GG_2024_AKrales_MAIN_LEDE_2040x1360.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>A collection of fun, affordable, and unique gifts fit for everyone on your list.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24224043/holiday-gift-guide-2024-best-ideas-unique-tech-gadgets">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review: slightly larger, slightly faster, slightly better

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:30:00 -0000

<p>Performance upgrades and screen improvements make the new Paperwhite’s minor updates feel more substantial.</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap p-large-text" id="knzFVu">Three years have passed since Amazon last updated its flagship e-reader, and while this year’s Kindle lineup seemed focused on <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24303322/amazon-kindle-colorsoft-e-reader-review">Amazon’s first color offering</a>, the Paperwhite still got some <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271197/amazon-kindle-paperwhite-e-reader-12th-gen-2024">welcome improvements</a>. With a higher-contrast screen and snappier performance, the 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite remains the best e-reader on the market.</p> <p id="0FrNPn">I tested the $199.99 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which is $40 more than the $159.99 basic Paperwhite. The screen and internals are the same, but the Signature Edition includes an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustments, 32GB of storage rather than 16GB, no lockscreen ads, wireless charging, and a metallic finish on the back. The metallic jade version I was sent looked great (metallic black and raspberry are also options) but felt slightly less grippy than the plastic of the base Paperwhite.</p> <div><div id="zwB0jm"><div data-anthem-component="scorecard:12511761"></div></div></div> <p id="6RdQe5">The new Paperwhite features a 300ppi screen with a small bump in size from 6.8 to seven inches — not really enough to be noticeable, but enough to let you squeeze a few extra lines of text on a page. Thanks to smaller bezels, the new Paperwhite is just a few millimeters larger than the previous version while managing to be slightly thinner; in use, it feels nearly identical. This year’s model also <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271197/amazon-kindle-paperwhite-e-reader-12th-gen-2024">brings the display flush with the bezels</a>, although it’s another subtle improvement.</p> <div class="c-wide-block"> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition compared to the previous version released three years ago." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dYVjNyaPIDEMqFQ9pgF794BRfRg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799339/247464_Kindle_Paperwhite_ALiszewski_0004.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The new Paperwhite (right) has noticeably improved screen contrast over the previous version (left).</em></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p id="ALM0HH">What <em>is</em> noticeable is the increased contrast. Thanks to the use of an oxide thin-film transistor on the screen, the new Paperwhite has the highest contrast ratio of any e-reader I’ve ever tested. The benefits aren’t immediately obvious when you’re reading plain text, but the deeper blacks make the screen look closer to an actual printed page. It gives illustrations, pictures, and book covers more pop and presence, and makes comics and manga panels look sharper. The new screen occasionally made some of the fine text in Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto’s <em>Ultimate Spider-Man: Married with Children </em>appear bolder and easier to read without zooming in.</p> <p id="hu3tD3">It’s not a feature that’s as flashy as a color E Ink screen, but it’s easily the new model’s best upgrade, and it’s going to make it hard to return to my Kobo Libra 2.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition e-reader compared to the previous model." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uMxx5uyPYGh0xb-jSdIMYwAHbo4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799338/247464_Kindle_Paperwhite_ALiszewski_0003.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The Paperwhite released in 2021 (left) compared to the new 2024 version (right).</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="c9sHyq">Amazon has also improved the new Paperwhite’s lighting, giving the screen a more neutral tone at its default settings. The last generation Paperwhite’s screen skews a little cooler, but with both Paperwhite models’ warmth sliders turned up, the differences are indistinguishable.</p> <p id="gKoakF">This is also the first Paperwhite to use a dual-core processor (the Oasis, rest in peace, <a href="https://www.anandtech.com/show/12367/the-amazon-kindle-oasis-2017-review-a-premium-take-on-the-ereader/3">had a dual-core processor</a> back in 2017). The 1GHz Mediatek CPU would be painfully slow for a device with an LCD screen, but it makes a big difference on an e-reader. Amazon’s claims of 25 percent faster page turns weren’t noticeable when I was reading text — the refresh rate of the E Ink screen is the limiting factor there — but I was genuinely surprised at how much faster it opened half-gigabyte, image-heavy PDF files I sideloaded. On the 11th-generation Paperwhite there’s a pause that makes me wonder if the device is going to choke on the files, but the new Paperwhite opens them instantaneously and flips through the pages nearly as fast as it does with plain text.</p> <p id="RfH9Ka">The user interface also feels faster. It’s still not as fast or responsive as a smartphone or tablet, and zooming in and out of comics and photos can still feel sluggish, but scrolling through book lists, navigating Amazon’s book store, and popping in and out of various menus is satisfyingly speedy. Or at least as speedy as it can be with the limitations of E Ink.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="U8DkWc"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review: good color is a good start","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24303322/amazon-kindle-colorsoft-e-reader-review"},{"title":"Kobo’s great color e-readers are held back by lock-in","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/4/24158251/kobo-libra-clara-colour-e-reader-review"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="Dtt0JY">Amazon claims the new Paperwhite can be used for up to 12 weeks between charges, but that’s when limiting your reading to just 30 minutes a day at half screen brightness and wireless features turned off. After an hour reading, jumping back and forth between books and PDFs, and browsing other titles on Amazon’s online store with screen brightness set to 75 percent, the new Paperwhite lost five percent of its charge. With that daily routine I’d expect to squeeze about three weeks out of the Paperwhite’s battery, and potentially even longer if I wasn’t so indecisive about what I was reading.</p> <p id="TpxPyH">If you’re a Kindle user who’s upgraded in the past few years, the new Paperwhite’s functionality will feel familiar. If you’re switching from competitors like Kobo, you may find yourself running into some frustrating limitations. Sideloading documents like PDFs or ePUB files is harder than it needs to be, since Kindle devices no longer connect to computers as external drives. You need to use Amazon’s online services or desktop apps to get e-books and other documents onto the Paperwhite, and both options are clunky.</p> <p id="o2aoXt">Text customization is also limited in the Kindle OS compared to Kobo devices, which offer finer adjustments for font size, line spacing, and margins. Although I find the Paperwhite’s formatting options too simplified, I can see the appeal for those wanting a device that’s very easy to use. I like that you can save your adjustments as custom themes — it’s a feature I wish Kobo would add — but I can’t understand why Amazon limits each device to just five custom themes.</p> <p id="f2D0lK">Borrowing library books is also easier on a Kobo. The new Paperwhite still requires you to use the Libby app or website on a separate device to browse and borrow titles. Kobo’s e-readers have Overdrive built-in, and while they do <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/4/24158251/kobo-libra-clara-colour-e-reader-review">obfuscate the borrowing process</a>, you don’t need to pull out your phone to do so.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The Kobo Clara BW next to the new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kAqJvYLZ0JrLae55FgTYlofAUYI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799342/247464_Kindle_Paperwhite_ALiszewski_0006.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The Kobo Clara BW (left) introduced earlier this year has a smaller recessed screen that doesn’t look as good as the new Paperwhite (right).</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="AXdrfe">But Kobo seems to be focusing on color e-readers and larger E Ink note-taking devices these days, and its black-and-white e-reader options are now limited. The $129.99 Kobo Clara BW uses the same E Ink Carta 1300 screen as the new Paperwhite, but it’s only six inches, and its contrast doesn’t look as good. Its all-plastic body and sunken screen also feel cheaper than the new Paperwhite’s. And while the $269.99 Kobo Sage has page turn buttons and stylus support, it’s more of a hybrid e-reader and note-taking device; I find that the eight-inch screen makes it too big to be a take-anywhere e-reader. </p> <div class="c-wide-block"> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition compared to the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5UetboB-1-ZnjjmRwtsCyYODMD8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799344/247464_Kindle_Paperwhite_ALiszewski_0007.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The Kindle Colorsoft (left) next to the new Paperwhite (right).</em></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="XUkfFT">Although it’s not a significant upgrade, the new Kindle Paperwhite remains the best e-reader you can buy, with a beautiful black-and-white screen that feels closer to printed paper than any e-reader I’ve tested and a UI that’s faster and more responsive than the previous version. If you’re on the hunt for your first e-reader, the new Paperwhite should be at the top of your list.</p> <p id="gqxQdF">Although the basic Amazon Kindle is cheaper at $109.99, the better screen, adjustable warmth lighting, and waterproofing — extra insurance if you read in the bath or at the beach — make the new Paperwhite worth the extra money.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="The back of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition featuring a metallic jade finish." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cKHwNwjiLQYePOUlptyj6_5e1JU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25799340/247464_Kindle_Paperwhite_ALiszewski_0005.jpg"> <figcaption><em>The new Paperwhite Signature Edition is available with a back panel featuring a metallic jade or raspberry finish that looks great but feels slightly less grippy.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="51v9Qt">Is the Signature Edition worth an extra $40? Wireless charging isn’t necessary given the Paperwhite’s battery life, and it can be frustrating to align properly. But the ambient light sensor can save you the swipe and tap needed to adjust screen brightness manually if you take your Kindle everywhere (warmth settings don’t automatically adjust) and extra storage is always welcome on a device with no memory card slot. When you factor in the $20 Amazon charges to remove lockscreen ads from the basic Paperwhite, the Signature Edition is the way to go.</p> <p class="c-end-para" id="GcBD7U">Unless you read a lot of large PDF files and are frustrated by laggy performance, the new Paperwhite isn’t a necessary upgrade over the 2021 model. But it’s a different story if you’ve got an even older Paperwhite model or other aging Kindle. When you add up the past six years of improvements — including USB-C, color-temp-adjustable lighting, a larger screen with better contrast, and better performance — it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.</p> <p id="K6fT1V"><em>Photography by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge</em></p>
The AI smartphones that never materialized in 2024

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing phones from 2024." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wznGZenrksbSXoOKJhPMjfspfuw=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73805032/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_PHONES.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Despite loud proclamations, AI on smartphones is still mostly a sideshow. </p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24315181/ai-smartphones-2024-apple-intelligence-gemini-samsung">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Apple is working on a doorbell camera with Face ID

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:16:45 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A picture of a Google Nest doorbell camera." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DegdTlM8pQk14RipXA0Dxk3K3B4=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73803121/226345_Nest_Doorbell_wired_JTuphy_0006.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A Google Nest doorbell camera.</em> | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Ujb5qH">Apple is working on a new smart doorbell camera that uses Face ID to unlock your door, according to <em>Bloomberg</em>’s Mark Gurman in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-12-22/apple-explores-amazon-ring-doorbell-competitor-with-face-id-airpods-heart-rate?srnd=undefined">today’s <em>Power On</em> newsletter</a>. The camera could be released by the end of 2025 “at the soonest,” Gurman writes.</p> <p id="5my31O">The lock would work just like your iPhone, automatically unlocking your door when you or another resident looks at it. Like biometric login info on other Apple devices, the camera would be equipped with the company’s Secure Enclave chip that stores and processes Face ID information separately from the rest of the system’s hardware.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="hGZ9DC"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Apple’s first smart display needs to make the smart home just work ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/22/24302381/apple-smart-display-homepad-smart-home-control"},{"title":"Apple could launch a smart security camera in 2026","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/12/24294508/apple-home-camera-smart-security-camera-2026"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="kN10FC">Gurman writes that this device will “likely” work with existing third-party HomeKit smart locks and that the company may also partner with a smart lock company “to offer a complete system on day one.” He expects the camera will make use of Apple’s in-house “Proxima” combination Wi-Fi / Bluetooth chip that’s rumored for new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319970/new-apple-homepod-mini-tv-proxima-wifi-bluetooth-chip">HomePod Mini and Apple TV devices</a> next year.</p> <p id="SUdbMF">This doorbell camera joins a broader collection of rumors surrounding a renewed Apple push into the smart home that’s centered around Apple Intelligence. Those include another new smart home camera, a possible Apple-branded TV, and new smart home displays — one a simple iPad-like device that magnetically attaches to wall mounts or speaker bases, while another display sits on the end of a robotic arm attached to a larger base. </p>
A new and better way to control your smart home

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cHR4Ekgw5OoLfCK4P-J9eupUA5E=/0x1:2028x1353/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73803008/installer_65.0.png" /> </figure> <p id="Q2uDzk">Hi, friends! Welcome to <em>Installer</em> No. 65, your guide to the best and <em>Verge</em>-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, get ready to take up all your phone’s storage space, and also you can read all the old editions at the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/installer-newsletter"><em>Installer</em> homepage</a>.) </p> <p id="Io3UUK">This is the last <em>Installer</em> of the year! I’m taking a couple of weeks off for the holidays, and I hope you’re getting some relaxation in too. Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed to this newsletter, emailed me your recommendations, told me I’m a lunatic about to-do lists, and generally been part of the Installerverse this year. Making this newsletter is so much fun, and I’m so thrilled to get to do it with you. Bigger and better next year!</p> <p id="HcTg6q">This week, I’ve been reading about <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/2025/01/the-ghosts-in-the-machine-liz-pelly-spotify-musicians/"><strong>Spotify’s ghost artists</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://www.essesmag.com/articles/the-tao-of-a-tv-lifer?__readwiseLocation="><strong>Formula 1</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/how-and-why-barry-jenkins-made-mufasa-for-disney.html?origSession=D241122p1ObrcCr+WlakrrXAijbwkLiv5OiXrMV65mZlp7EwhY%3D&__readwiseLocation="><em><strong>Mufasa</strong></em></a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6005172/2024/12/19/woody-johnson-jets-madden-sons/"><strong>the deeply silly New York Jets</strong></a><strong>, </strong>watching <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1290287-hot-frosty?language=en-US"><em><strong>Hot Frosty</strong></em></a><em> </em>(you can judge me, it’s fine) and re-watching <a href="https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/4608-30-rock?language=en-US"><em><strong>30 Rock</strong></em></a><em>, </em>beating <a href="https://www.playbalatro.com/"><em><strong>Balatro</strong></em></a><em> </em>for the very first time, and trying to convince my toddler that it’s actually not fun and cool and great to wake up at 4am every day.</p> <p id="4rP8s6">I also have for you a nifty new smart home controller, a new app for the future of social networks, the next Sonic movie, and much more. Plus,...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/22/24325938/home-assistant-voice-sonic-3-flipboard-surf-installer">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
ModRetro Chromatic review: an arms dealer’s Game Boy is among the best ever made

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

<p>Stellar hardware from a controversial figure.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24303052/modretro-chromatic-review-game-boy-color-handheld-palmer-luckey">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Josh King’s viral slide-out MagSafe gamepad found a home at OhSnap and looks amazing

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:57:22 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Two shots of a gamepad attached to an iPhone, with fold out grips and joysticks visible underneath its sliding frame." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MmrB95emzkExBn4dL0a9pZ8lew0=/14x0:1787x1182/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73800466/mcon_controller_josh_king_ohsnap.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Josh King / OhSnap</figcaption> </figure> <p id="7as9kp">When 19-year-old Josh King suggested he would single-handedly redefine mobile gaming with his 3D-printed gamepad, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuSGXmsvp_Q">drawing a direct line from himself to Steve Jobs</a>, I have to admit I thought it was a bit much!</p> <p id="4i21th">But it’s no longer just a 3D-printed controller. OhSnap, the company behind <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/4/24262221/this-40-magnetic-phone-grip-does-what-popsockets-cant-and-its-on-sale">the excellent magnetic PopSocket alternatives I showed you in October</a>, is now officially turning his design into the coolest looking gamepad attachment I’ve ever seen for a phone: </p> <div id="m1VQVg"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIgugX2gODE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="6MVGYe">It’s no taller or wider than an iPhone, so it should slide into a pocket. It’s got a MagSafe pattern of magnets to attach it to your magnetic ring device. You don’t have to remove it to use your phone like a phone, because the whole gamepad retracts underneath<em>,</em> a little like the slide-out keyboard phones (or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/23/21452167/sony-xperia-play-2-playstation-phone-prototype-concept-leaked-images">PlayStation Phones</a>) of old — and now, it’s mounted on a spring-loaded arm that pops out at the push of a button and also slightly angles your device towards your face.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SSthO8J3qlG5Y8EbAEYPU7z1Ixo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800120/mcon_pop_gamepad.gif"> <cite>Video by Josh King / OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>The OhSnap Mcon’s hinge in action.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="nOQYVk">OhSnap even found room for a pair of Nintendo Switch-esque analog sticks, with drift-resistant Hall effect sensors, and pair of fold-out grips so you can (theoretically) hold it more like a full-size gamepad. The sticks are clickable buttons, and it’s got a full set of shoulder buttons and triggers as well.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3xuPmM6iRjl4EFdlZiMmKI8osm0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800127/Hands.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>An illustration with the grips unfolded.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="2UZV8A">Two months ago, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/24272743/nintendo-retro-game-corps-russ-crandall-profile-youtube-emulation-dmca-takedown-copyright-strike">Retro Game Corps</a> came away <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3969hkkFSE">impressed with a prototype</a>, and it seems King has been <em>very</em> busy since then. As he explains <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIgugX2gODE">on YouTube</a>, he initially tried to start his own company around the gamepad, even attracted a few investors, manufactured some boards and was working toward injection molding, before he started running out of money and reached out to OhSnap about a partnership. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PLK0gjcchArk1prhkITL7Fc2_BM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800128/Colorways__1_.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption> <em>It’ll be available in black and white at launch, though King says they’re working </em><a class="ql-link" href="https://youtu.be/bIgugX2gODE?si=SwSY8ccyQ8s87ALR&t=202" target="_blank"><em>on different mix and match colorful parts</em></a><em> so you can style it.</em> </figcaption> </figure> <p id="TwfTKs">Speaking of money, we don’t have any idea how much it’ll cost, particularly at retail — OhSnap is planning to launch a Kickstarter on January 2nd to raise funds. <a href="https://ohsnap.com/pages/mcon-signup-page">It’s taking signups here for now</a>.</p> <p id="ybuPy7">I should be getting my own hands on a prototype next month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and I’ll let you know how it feels. </p> <div id="vSZLLj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J3969hkkFSE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="IJGFw2"></p> <p id="7GHnq7"></p>
American Airlines resumes flights across the US following ‘technical issues’

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:52:05 -0000

<figure> <img alt="American Airlines At San Diego International Airport" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3ZwxRWDPlRq87rVWDp3q9PmE7OE=/0x0:6431x4287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807529/2187692982.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="AjY0c0">American Airlines temporarily grounded all of its flights in the US this morning due to unspecified technical issues, disrupting travel at the start of a busy Christmas Eve. Service has now resumed as of 8AM ET according to a statement <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/24/business/american-airlines-delays-cancellations/index.html">American Airlines spokesperson Sarah Jantz provided to <em>CNN</em></a>.</p> <p id="Sf2Fzd">The airline suffered a massive system outage according to <a href="https://x.com/777_ace_7777/status/1871529441148768426">multiple travelers</a> <a href="https://x.com/annamactv/status/1871518231938433367">on X who</a> <a href="https://x.com/SACKsonville17/status/1871513983683067982">are facing delays</a>, which prevented boarding passes from being scanned and flights from departing. A <a href="https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_otherdis.jsp?advn=17&adv_date=12242024&facId=DCC/DCC&title=AAL+MAIN+AND+SUBS+GROUND+STOP&titleDate=12/24/24">notice published on the Federal Aviation Administration website</a> at 6.50AM ET said that the airline grounded all flights nationwide. An <a href="https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_otherdis.jsp?advn=26&adv_date=12242024&facId=DCC/DCC&title=AAL+GROUND+STOP+CANCELLATION&titleDate=12/24/24">FAA update posted at 7.50AM ET</a> has since announced that the nationwide groundstop has been canceled. </p> <p id="TkGniy">The airline hasn’t given any details on what caused the technical issues.</p> <p id="zUaLMq">“We’re currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights,” American Airlines said <a href="https://x.com/AmericanAir/status/1871520528206295120">in a statement on X</a> before flights resumed. “Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we’ll have you safely on your way to your destination.”</p> <p id="dpGq7y"><em><strong>Update, December 24th: </strong></em><em>American Airlines flights have now resumed nationwide.</em></p>
Hyundai will give its EV customers free NACS adapters in early 2025

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:05:33 -0000

<figure> <img alt="closeup of Ioniq 5 port on the rear right side of car with Tesla charging stall in background" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FMu6N6Kpjn2IjzgU0vF6O7AzTwk=/0x0:5000x3333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73806698/Large_64635_HyundaitoOfferFreeNACSDCEVAdapterstoEnhanceChargingConvenienceforEVOwners.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>An Ioniq 5 using a CCS to NACS adapter to charge at a Supercharger.</em> | Image: Hyundai</figcaption> </figure> <p id="sKgc9q">Hyundai announced it will <a href="https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/4339">start distributing free CCS to Tesla NACS adapters</a> to its EV customers in the first quarter of 2025. The adapters will enable vehicles such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 to connect to “20,000-plus” Tesla Supercharger stations. The free adapter is available to those who purchased or leased their Hyundai EVs on or before January 31st, 2025.</p> <p id="3CslAe">The NACS adapter deal includes 2024 and earlier Kona Electric, Ioniq hatchback, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6. It also includes the 2025 Ioniq 6, 2025 Ioniq 5 N, 2025 Kona Electric, and Genesis brand EVs (a full list will be revealed next year). You can request the free adapter through the My Hyundai <a href="https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/">owner portal</a>.</p> <p id="o5r6bp">Hyundai’s sister brand, Kia, is also giving free NACS adapters <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24252996/kia-nacs-supercharger-adapter-access-date-information">to some owners starting in early 2025</a>.</p> <p id="70M3mB">Meanwhile, the 2025 Ioniq 5 with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24235272/hyundai-2025-ioniq-5-tesla-nacs-ev-charging-supercharger">a native Tesla port</a> will have Supercharger access as soon as it ships to customers. Tesla posted on X that it has already <a href="https://x.com/TeslaCharging/status/1871278107732402577">flipped the switch</a>, enabling the 2025 Ioniq 5 to charge at Superchargers. Still, owners with older CCS-native models must wait for the Hyundai-approved adapters to get access.</p> <div id="luHTd0"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 drivers with NACS native charging ports now have access to 20k+ Tesla Superchargers through the Tesla App, drivers with existing CCS charging will have access with a Hyundai approved adapter in Q1.<br><br>Download the Tesla app to charge →<a href="https://t.co/JRMxRtmK7p">https://t.co/JRMxRtmK7p</a> <a href="https://t.co/neOFxPNm6T">https://t.co/neOFxPNm6T</a></p>— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeslaCharging/status/1871278107732402577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <p id="mqzgmV"></p>
McLaren Artura review: a plug-in hybrid for the 1 percent

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HRT8Fa6ryIrVEHediCkPM7IVOCM=/153x0:2000x1231/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73804924/PeterNelsonMcLarenArtura1.0.jpeg" /> </figure> <p>A hybrid supercar that can run on electricity alone, while still delivering that twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 experience</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/23/24325168/mclaren-artura-review-hybrid-specs-price">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Honda and Nissan plan to merge as we enter the age of electric cars

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:14:44 -0000

<figure> <img alt="JAPAN-AUTOMOBILE-HONDA-NISSAN-COMPANY" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kkv0aFM6pWIRdZtq7GYPrw42qJc=/0x0:4242x2828/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73804870/2190571551.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="bFgRWb">Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge as the Japanese automakers struggle with competition from rival brands in the electric vehicle market. <a href="https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2024/c241223beng.html">The two companies confirmed on Monday</a> that they had signed a memorandum of understanding that would create the third largest car maker by sales, behind Toyota and Volkswagen.</p> <p id="RX47HO">Nissan alliance member <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/1/24211319/honda-nissan-mitsubishi-ev-development-partnership">Mitsubishi Motors is also in talks</a> with Honda and Nissan to join the integration, with a decision expected by the end of January. Based on the market capital of all three companies, a finalized merger could result in an entity worth more than 50 billion dollars. Honda will initially lead the management of the merged company according to Honda president, Toshihiro Mibe, with the aim to complete a formal merger agreement by June and finalize the deal by August 2026.</p> <p id="q0hQA2">“Creation of new mobility value by bringing together the resources including knowledge, talents, and technologies that Honda and Nissan have been developing over the long years is essential to overcome challenging environmental shifts that the auto industry is facing,” Mibe said in a statement. </p> <p id="siQdj5">The<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/17/24323448/honda-nissan-merger-talks-memorandum-ev"> proposed merger was initially teased last week</a>, and aims to establish a joint holding company to tackle growing global competition from brands like Tesla and China’s BYD in the EV market. The deal would also help to rescue the struggling Nissan, which saw its net earnings in mid-2024 fall by more than 90 percent year over year, and announced plans in November <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62jng5299jo">to lay off thousands of workers</a>.</p> <p id="wQXypP">“If realized, I believe that by uniting the strengths of both companies, we can deliver unparalleled value to customers worldwide who appreciate our respective brands,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. “Together, we can create a unique way for them to enjoy cars that neither company could achieve alone.”</p> <p id="9oOHJh">Ex-Nissan boss <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-20/ghosn-says-honda-deal-talks-indicate-nissan-is-in-panic-mode">Carlos Ghosn told <em>Bloomberg</em> </a>on Friday that the merger is a “desperate move” by Nissan, and that it’s “not a pragmatic deal because frankly, the synergies between the two companies are difficult to find.” The company has been in turmoil since Ghosn was arrested by Japanese authorities in 2018 over charges of financial misconduct.</p>
All of Canoo’s employees are reportedly on a ‘mandatory unpaid break’

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 18:11:54 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A photo showing a Canoo EV" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TsPTKoS8z6HM4ZOfSALnq2kQgDg=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73803491/canoo_van_photo.0.jpeg" /> <figcaption>Image: Canoo</figcaption> </figure> <p id="h23IF4">Days after furloughing dozens of its employees without pay, EV startup Canoo told the remainder of its staff they will be on a “mandatory unpaid break” through at least the end of the year, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/20/ev-startup-canoo-places-remaining-employees-on-a-mandatory-unpaid-break/"><em>TechCrunch </em>reported</a> Friday<em>.</em> A company email seen by the outlet said employees would be locked out of Canoo’s systems by the end of Friday, with their benefits continuing through the end of this month.</p> <p id="7mUBKI">The report follows Canoo’s <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/18/2999399/0/en/Canoo-Announces-Furloughs-and-Factory-Idle-as-it-Focuses-on-Finalizing-Securing-Capital.html">announcement</a> last week that it was idling its Oklahoma factories and furloughing employees while it worked “to finalize securing the capital necessary to move forward with its operations.” As <em>TechCrunch</em> notes, the company reported that it had only about $700,000 left in the bank last month.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="73qRW7"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Canoo, struggling EV startup, is trying to stay afloat on government largesse","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/12/23792450/canoo-ev-nasa-artemis-defense-government"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="ObcHO9">Also on Friday, the company <a href="https://investors.canoo.com/news-presentations/press-releases/detail/158/canoo-inc-announces-1-for-20-reverse-stock-split-effective">announced</a> a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective December 24th. Canoo says the consolidation aims to keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq exchange and attract “a broader group of institutional and retail investors.”</p> <p id="Jx004k">Canoo was founded in 2017 to sell electric vans and trucks to adventure-seeking customers but has mostly only ever made vehicles for the US government. As <em>The Verge</em>’s Andrew Hawkins <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/12/23792450/canoo-ev-nasa-artemis-defense-government">wrote last year</a>, analysts have warned of its risk of insolvency as it’s teetered on the edge of running out of cash since 2022. Canoo has lost a steady stream of executives since then, including <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/canoo-hit-with-two-supplier-lawsuits-as-last-remaining-co-founder-leaves/">all of its founders</a> and, more recently, its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/5/24289195/canoos-cfo-and-general-counsel-have-resigned">CFO and general counsel</a>. </p>
NHTSA finally releases new rules for self-driving cars — but there’s a twist

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:35:08 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo illustration of an autonomous vehicle." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4nHEEM1FpYWMdb3-KL4r5C5s4rQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73799772/STK418_Autonomous_Vehicles_Cvirginia_D.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photo from Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="Gj3oyx">The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-proposes-national-program-vehicles-automated-driving-systems">announced a new “voluntary national framework for the evaluation and oversight” of autonomous vehicles</a>, a bureaucratic first step that could eventually open the floodgates for fully driverless cars. But there’s a twist: the agency wants self-driving car companies to cough up more data. </p> <p id="N05zlp">The proposed rules were first announced last year as the <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2024-12/nprm-av-step-2024-web.pdf">ADS-Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency and Evaluation Program</a>, also known as AV STEP. This program would allow the agency to authorize the sale and commercialization of more vehicles without traditional controls, like pedals and steering wheels, without hitting the annual cap on the number of exemptions to safety requirements. NHTSA is promising “an exemption pathway that is tailored for ADS-equipped vehicles,” suggesting a less onerous, time-consuming process for the release of fully driverless vehicles. </p> <p id="hHBhbK">In exchange, the agency is requesting more data from the companies that operate driverless cars, arguing that greater transparency is needed to foster public trust in the technology. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="yACDSG"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Robotaxis are driving on thin ice ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/15/23831170/robotaxi-cpuc-sf-waymo-cruise-traffic-halt"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="8NV5sO">“AV STEP would provide a valuable national framework at a pivotal time in the development of [automated driving system] technology. Safe, transparent, and responsible development is critical for this technology to be trusted by the public and reach its full potential. This proposal lays the foundation for those goals and supports NHTSA’s safety mission,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Adam Raviv said in a press release. “We encourage everyone to comment on our proposed program.</p> <p id="YhQC8y">By kick-starting the rulemaking process, the Biden administration is giving a pretty big end-of-the-year holiday gift to the companies that have been laboring for decades on autonomous vehicle technology without any national regulatory framework to guide them. </p> <p id="int4j9">The federal government has largely taken a back seat to in regulating autonomous vehicles, leaving states to develop their own rulebooks for safe deployment. Legislation that would dramatically increase the number of AVs on the road has been <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/27/23809784/av-congress-hearing-legislation-stalled-china-liability">stalled in Congress for over seven years</a>, with lawmakers at odds over a range of issues, including safety, liability, and the right number of exemptions from federal motor vehicle safety standards.</p> <p id="5vrRx7">The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is the government’s official checklist for everything a car needs before it can be sold to customers, including steering wheels, pedals, and sideview mirrors. Driverless cars typically don’t need these controls, forcing companies to request exemptions to safety rules from the federal government before they can put their vehicles on the road. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="F0o44R"><q>Safety regulators keep a tight grip on these exemptions</q></aside></div> <p id="uIIidk">But safety regulators keep a tight grip on these exemptions. There is a cap of 2,500 exemptions that each company is allowed to request. And to date, only one company, Nuro, has <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/6/21125358/nuro-self-driving-delivery-robot-r2-fmvss-exemption">received an FMVSS exemption for its low-speed delivery robots</a> that aren’t large enough for human passengers. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/7/23863390/cruise-origin-robotaxi-regulatory-approval-nhtsa">General Motors tried for two years to get an exemption</a> for its driverless Cruise vehicles before eventually giving up. (Earlier this month, GM said it would <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/10/24318259/gm-cruise-shutdown-robotaxi-super-cruise">stop funding Cruise</a>.)</p> <p id="kEs5NJ">Whether AV STEP survives into the next Trump administration, though, is an open question. For one, the incoming president is reportedly looking to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320515/trump-tesla-crash-reporting-adas-nhtsa-sgo">quash a Biden-era transparency rule</a> that requires companies operating vehicles with driver assist, as well as self-driving cars, to report crashes and injuries to the federal government. Scrapping the crash reporting rule would greatly benefit Tesla, which to date, has <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/26/24141361/tesla-autopilot-fsd-nhtsa-investigation-report-crash-death">reported the highest number of crashes</a>. And Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a close advisor and donor to Trump. </p> <p id="xmgMNi">The fact that NHTSA is choosing to highlight the “enhanced transparency” under AV STEP could lead some to conclude that this rule is dead on arrival. After all, Trump is currently trying to kill the only transparency rule currently on the books for self-driving cars. Still, Musk is also lobbying Trump to ease restrictions on fully autonomous vehicles in advance of Tesla’s plans to produce its own <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/10/24265530/tesla-robotaxi-elon-musk-features-range-price-release-date">robotaxi in 2026</a>. So anything’s possible.</p> <p id="CnsLjd">Safety advocates are calling the notice of proposed rulemaking “premature” and unnecessary. In a statement, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety President Cathy Chase notes that the proposal is oddly timed, coming after the auto industry said it was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/24/24185107/aeb-nhtsa-reconsider-auto-industry">lobbying NHTSA to scrap</a> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/30/24145182/automatic-emergency-braking-vehicle-rule-usdot-crash">a new rule requiring automatic emergency braking</a> in new vehicles by 2029.</p> <p id="vRxIB1">“With the auto industry vociferously stating it is not feasible to comply with parts of the AEB rule with widely used braking technologies in five years, allowing far more complex technology to control more driving functionalities without meeting minimum safety standards is incongruous at best and potentially deadly at worst,” Chase said.</p> <p id="avWdeP"></p> <p id="zZ0IrK"></p>
Senators rip into automakers for selling customer data and blocking right to repair

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="General Motors factory" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bDLN3BINfGevWZhz9wWkwGmqVUY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73798961/2148007846.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Getty</figcaption> </figure> <p id="mJi84V">A bipartisan group of senators is calling out the auto industry for its “hypocritical, profit-driven” opposition to national right-to-repair legislation, while also selling customer data to insurance companies and other third-party interests. </p> <p id="attVbY">In a letter sent to the CEOs of the top automakers, the trio of legislators — Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) — urge them to better protect customer privacy, while also dropping their opposition to state and national right-to-repair efforts. </p> <p id="STJ3HS">“Right-to-repair laws support consumer choice and prevent automakers from using restrictive repair laws to their financial advantage,” the senators write. “It is clear that the motivation behind automotive companies’ avoidance of complying with right-to-repair laws is not due to a concern for consumer security or privacy, but instead a hypocritical, profit-driven reaction.”</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="ZlRb4B"><q>“Right-to-repair laws support consumer choice and prevent automakers from using restrictive repair laws to their financial advantage.”</q></aside></div> <p id="iEsAnk">For years, the right-to-repair movement has largely focused on consumer electronics, like phones and laptops. But lately, the idea that you should get to decide how and where to repair your own products has grown to include cars, especially as more vehicles on the road have essentially become giant computers on wheels. </p> <p id="fuAiuv">Along with that, automakers have taken to collecting vast amounts of data on their millions of customers, including driving habits, that they then turn around and sell to third-party data brokers. Earlier this year, <em>The</em> <em>New York Times</em> published an investigation into General Motors’ practice of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/22/24109057/gm-will-no-longer-sell-your-driving-data-to-third-party-companies">providing microdetails about its customers’ driving habits</a>, including acceleration, braking, and trip length, to insurance companies — without their consent. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="7saarW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The right-to-repair movement is just getting started","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23951200/right-to-repair-law-apple-ifixit-iphone"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="q3u8Wf">Several states have passed right-to-repair laws in recent years, aiming to protect consumers from high prices and unscrupulous practices. In 2020, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure to give car owners and independent repair shops greater access to vehicle repair data. But automakers sued to block the law, and four years later, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/31/business/right-to-repair-automotive-law-vote-massachusetts/">the law remains dormant</a>. </p> <div id="m77KbI"> <p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a title="View 2024.12.19 Letter to Automakers Re Right-To-Repair and Data Sharing (Combined) on Scribd" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdocument%2F806694533%2F2024-12-19-Letter-to-Automakers-Re-Right-To-Repair-and-Data-Sharing-Combined%23from_embed&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F20%2F24325236%2Fcar-right-to-repair-data-collect-senator-letter" style="text-decoration: underline;" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2024.12.19 Letter to Automakers Re Right-To-Repair and Data Sharing (Combined)</a> by <a title="View ahawkins8223's profile on Scribd" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fuser%2F112638498%2Fahawkins8223%23from_embed&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F20%2F24325236%2Fcar-right-to-repair-data-collect-senator-letter" style="text-decoration: underline;" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ahawkins8223</a> on Scribd</p> <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" title="2024.12.19 Letter to Automakers Re Right-To-Repair and Data Sharing (Combined)" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/806694533/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-Jm20lgknptx6HM9o5JoJ" data-auto-height="false" data-aspect-ratio="0.75" scrolling="no" id="doc_34236" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> <p id="XgCoVb">The auto industry <a href="https://www.autosinnovate.org/RightToRepair">claims to support right to repair</a>. And some facts bear this out. For decades, small, independent auto body and repair shops flourished thanks to the idea that car maintenance is universal — that anyone with a socket wrench and some grease can repair or modify their own vehicle. </p> <p id="Jhbknx">But as cars have become more connected, a lot of that work now relies on data and access to the digital information needed to diagnose and repair vehicles. And right-to-repair advocates, along with independent repair shops, are worried that major automakers are trying to kill their businesses by funneling all the work to their franchised dealerships, which typically cost more than the smaller garages. </p> <p id="SRHsec">In the letter, Warren, Merkley, and Hawley demand that automakers drop their “fierce opposition” to these right-to-repair laws, calling it “hypocritical” and monopolistic. </p> <blockquote><p id="uZlRPy">As the gatekeepers of vehicle parts, equipment, and data, automobile manufacturers have the power to place restrictions on the necessary tools and information for repairs, particularly as cars increasingly incorporate electronic components. This often leaves car owners with no other option than to have their vehicles serviced by official dealerships, entrenching auto manufacturers’ dominance and eliminating competition from independent repair shops.</p></blockquote> <p id="PFhbPz">Automakers have raised cybersecurity concerns, including the specter of some bad actor <a href="https://www.autosinnovate.org/RightToRepair">remote hacking your car while driving it</a>, as an excuse for fighting right-to-repair laws. But these concerns are “based on speculative future risks rather than facts,” the senators note. They cite a Federal Trade Commission study that found “no empirical evidence” backing up the auto industry’s claims that independent shops would be more or less likely to compromise customer data than authorized ones. </p> <p id="0aJ1c1">It’s more likely that auto companies want to limit access to vehicle data for profit-driven reasons, the senators say. And that despite loudly proclaiming to care about cybersecurity, few companies actually comply with basic security standards when collecting, sharing, or selling consumer data. </p> <blockquote><p id="JusoV5">While carmakers have been fighting tooth and nail against right-to-repair laws that would require them to share vehicle data with consumers and independent repairers, they have simultaneously been sharing large amounts of sensitive consumer data with insurance companies and other third parties for profit — often without clear consumer consent. In fact, some car companies use the threat of increased insurance costs to push consumers to opt into safe driving features, and then use those features to collect and sell the user data.</p></blockquote> <p id="QsL1pT">The senators conclude by urging the auto CEOs to abandon their hypocritical opposition to right-to-repair laws, while also pressing them to answer a list of questions about their data-gathering practices. </p> <p id="Iu5m2d">“We’re pushing these automakers to stop ripping Americans off,” Warren said in a statement to <em>The Verge</em>. “Americans deserve the right to repair their cars wherever they choose, and independent repair shops deserve a chance to compete with these giants.”</p> <p id="wX5L0m"></p> <p id="t3XZnY"></p>
Waymo still doing better than humans at preventing injuries and property damage

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Waymo robotaxi" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4TB6VpOx85gyrPECQfp197zKLE=/0x2:8192x5463/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73796928/1788129593.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Jason Henry / AFP via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p id="hXlFme">Waymo’s autonomous vehicles cause less property damage and fewer bodily injuries when they crash than human-driven vehicles, according to a study that relies on an analysis of insurance data. </p> <p id="q7Kl00">The study is the product of the collaboration between Waymo and insurer Swiss Re, which analyzed liability claims related to collisions from 25.3 million fully autonomous miles driven by Waymo in four cities: Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. They then compared those miles to human driver baselines, which are based on Swiss Re’s data from over 500,000 claims and over 200 billion miles traveled. </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="BG2Ugp"><q>25.3 million fully autonomous miles </q></aside></div> <p id="KEg459">They found that the performance of Waymo’s vehicles was safer than that of humans, with an 88 percent reduction in property damage claims and a 92 percent reduction in bodily injury claims. Across 25.3 million miles, Waymo was involved in nine property damage claims and two bodily injury claims. The average human driving a similar distance would be expected to have 78 property damage and 26 bodily injury claims, the company says. </p> <p id="tZLMsI">Waymo’s vehicles also performed better when compared to new vehicles equipped with all the latest safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind spot detection. When compared to this group, Waymo’s autonomous driving system showed an 86 percent reduction in property damage claims and a 90 percent reduction in bodily injury claims.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Bvsmbmf--9AIcHF53T3EvOicboU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25796402/SwissRe_Waymo_Infographic.jpg"> </figure> <p id="ZyZBuU">The last time Waymo <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24323593/waymo-year-in-review-robotaxi-trips-miles-growth-cost">did a comparison with Swiss Re’s liability data</a>, it only had 3.8 million fully autonomous miles in California and Arizona. Now, it has a much bigger dataset, with 25.3 million miles. The company recently announced that it had <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24323593/waymo-year-in-review-robotaxi-trips-miles-growth-cost">driven 4 million trips in 2024 alone</a>. </p> <p id="x05PMu">Waymo says it has submitted its latest comparisons with Swiss Re’s insurance data to a scientific journal for publication. </p> <p id="koCPtB">The data is important because there is still a fierce debate about the safety of driverless cars. Companies like Waymo and others say driverless cars are necessary as an antidote to the crisis of traffic fatalities, of which there are around 40,000 a year in the US. They point out that driverless cars never get drunk, tired, or distracted and are able to avoid the human errors that so often lead to crashes and deaths.</p> <p id="jKUUJf">But there is a lack of certainty around the safety of driverless vehicles, mainly because there are far fewer AVs on the road than human-driven vehicles and, thus, less data from which to draw conclusions. Humans drive close to 100 million miles between fatal crashes, so we’re likely to need hundreds of millions of miles from autonomous vehicles before we can start to make more meaningful comparisons about safety.</p> <p id="nfSkGP">Many urbanists and safety advocates say the real solution is actually fewer cars altogether as well as communities that are designed to support more car-free transportation, like bikes, public transportation, and walking. </p> <p id="GvjDI6">Waymo is part of a rapidly dwindling number of companies that’s convinced that autonomous vehicles will play a key role in reducing crashes and improving safety. And it’s one of the few willing to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/5/24235078/waymo-safety-hub-miles-crashes-robotaxi-transparency">publicize its own collisions</a> in order to make that case. </p>
Honda teases reveal of two new Honda Zero EV prototypes

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Honda Zero" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rrsWmgX5qssYGUm5qMxWvhl7MfE=/200x0:2360x1440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73795768/02_Honda_at_CES_2025___Teaser.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Honda</figcaption> </figure> <p id="3GIHjY">Honda teased the reveal of the first two <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/9/24030236/honda-zero-ev-global-series-concept-ces">Honda Zero prototypes</a>, which will be making their official debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. The company also said it would have a new proprietary operating system for the global electric vehicle series to show off.</p> <p id="uMdWyR">Honda announced Honda Zero at CES 2024, describing it as a new “global EV series” that would be “lighter” and more space-age than the current crop of heavy, boxy electric SUVs and trucks. The three defining principles of Honda Zero were “thin,” “light,” and “wise.” And the company would use its learnings from F1 and its robotics work to introduce a new lineup of vehicles that were distinctly of the future. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H0f_PBuKAV03iaMvpXzcBgNf_e4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25796344/01_Honda_at_CES_2025___Teaser.jpg"> </figure> <p id="CfKRvV">At the upcoming CES, Honda says it will expand on its “wise” principle by releasing more details about its new OS, automated driving technologies, and an overview of its system-on-a-chip that will support its Honda Zero vehicles. </p> <p id="HAhR5N">The teaser image features rear profiles of the two concept vehicles first revealed earlier this year: the Saloon and the Space-Hub. The Saloon has a sloping fastback shape with unique rectangular lights in the front and rear that resemble a <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fp%2F664469298&xcust=__vg1218awD__23794277__________________https://www.google.com/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">vintage Black & Decker Dustbuster</a>. The Space-Hub resembles a minivan with minimal overhangs and a rear light that has a similar look to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/7/23443995/amazon-rivian-electric-delivery-van-fleet-ev">Rivian’s electric delivery vans for Amazon</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="63iNfx"><q>Honda says it will expand on its “wise” principle</q></aside></div> <p id="oeRYkO">Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/8/24265238/honda-zero-first-drive-ev-weight-battery-vr-autonomous"><em>Verge </em>contributor Abigail Bassett flew out to Japan</a> to get up close with Honda’s new global EV series. She drove a prototype CR-V equipped with Honda Zero tech and found it to be lighter and more nimble than a Honda Prologue. </p> <blockquote><p id="nGkGut">The new Honda Zero platform feels similar to other EV platforms on the market in terms of acceleration and handling. Because the weight is low in the floor, the prototype CR-V cornered quickly and flat as you approached the limit. The powertrain is quick and responsive, and on the short, front straight that the engineers set up for our test laps, I hit 110km (just shy of 70mph) in a relatively short distance. </p></blockquote> <p id="JbX2ow">It will be interesting to see more production-ready versions of the Saloon and Space-Hub in the flesh, especially with all the chatter about Honda in the background (<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/20/24301613/honda-solid-state-batteries-factory-demo-test-ev">working on solid-state batteries</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/24/24185255/sony-afeela-gran-turismo-privacy-wheel">collaborating with Sony on the Afeela EV</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/17/24323448/honda-nissan-merger-talks-memorandum-ev">potentially merging with Nissan</a>). </p>
GM and ChargePoint plan to install hundreds of fast EV chargers by the end of 2025

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:00:49 -0000

<figure> <img alt="a rest stop with many charging stations with branding from both GM Energy and Chargepoint, a red GMC Denali EV is parked at one spot." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OiCFVPnPn9OlcRzb1wuYpUtlXfI=/0x0:1080x720/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73795528/204.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>A station render with Chargepoint-built GM Energy chargers.</em> | Image: GM</figcaption> </figure> <p id="vYbw6l">GM is <a href="https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2024/dec/1218-chargepoint.html">partnering with ChargePoint</a> to build out a new EV charging network under the GM Energy brand, the companies <a href="https://www.chargepoint.com/about/news/chargepoint-and-general-motors-collaborate-install-many-hundreds-electric-vehicle-fast">announced today</a>. </p> <p id="geofHF">GM plans to install up to 500 DC fast-charging ports at stations deployed in “strategic” places across the US, with some equipped with ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform that supports charge speeds up to 500kW. GM and Chargepoint plan to open the stations “rapidly, with the locations deployed by the end of 2025.”</p> <p id="Nj4TZq">ChargePoint will bring its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/8/24216254/chargepoint-omni-plug-ev-charging-station-nacs-ccs">Omni Port charging hardware</a> for the project, which can connect with vehicles fitted with either CCS or Tesla’s NACS ports so that owners generally would not need to carry an adapter. </p> <p id="WmXYHC">“With ultra-fast charging, Omni Port technology, and excellent customer experiences, this collaboration should be another reason why EV drivers and the EV-curious should be excited,” GM Energy VP Wade Sheffer said in a statement.</p> <p id="tYixCD">This isn’t GM Energy’s only EV charger partnership. The automaker also has an ongoing deal with EVgo that has already installed <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24313038/gm-and-evgo-now-have-over-2000-ev-charging-stalls-and-counting">2,000 DC fast chargers as of December</a>. GM is also building stations with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24313038/gm-and-evgo-now-have-over-2000-ev-charging-stalls-and-counting">Flying J and Pilot truck stops</a>, while also taking a role in the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24176160/ionna-ev-charging-dc-fast-headquarters-network">EV charging consortium Ionna</a> with major players like Hyundai, Kia, BMW, and Stellantis.</p>
The 2TB WD_Black C50 expansion card for Xbox Series X/S hits record low $190

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:14:58 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Western Digital expansion card sitting on Xbox Series S" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KtLMPTxnFyrhGLwWhnRQW-yNxB0=/0x0:1500x1000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73810232/wd_black_c50.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>WD_Black Xbox expansion cards still sport the brand’s trademark rugged exterior, only in a much tinier form.</em> | Image: Western Digital</figcaption> </figure> <p id="qNO3rG">If you’ve just unwrapped a new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21548987/xbox-series-x-review">Xbox Series X</a> or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21549021/xbox-series-s-review">Series S</a> for Christmas, you’ll have enough storage out of the box to download several games. But you’ll quickly feel the squeeze from 100GB-plus installs, especially if you tend to keep a heavy rotation. Expansion cards are your only relief on Xbox consoles if you’re playing titles optimized for Series X/S. Thankfully, you can get a 2TB expansion card cheaper than ever, with <strong>Western Digital’s WD_Black C50</strong> going for $189.99 ($70 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WD_BLACK-Expansion-Officially-Licensed-WDBMPH0020BNC-WCSN/dp/B0DK74LG91?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can also get it in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WD_BLACK-Expansion-Officially-Licensed-WDBMPH0020BNC-WCSN/dp/B0C44B1VSH?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">512GB for $69.99</a> ($10 off) and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WD_BLACK-Expansion-Officially-Licensed-WDBMPH0020BNC-WCSN/dp/B0C44XVWCH?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1TB for $109.99</a> ($48 off). That said, the 2TB model is the better deal in the long run.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="hMXy9B"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best Xbox controller to buy right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23025443/best-xbox-controllers-one-series-x-s"},{"title":"8BitDo’s new mini Xbox controller fits gamers with smaller hands","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/19/24325092/8bitdo-ultimate-mini-wired-microsoft-xbox-controller-rgb-lighting"},{"title":"Microsoft’s new Xbox Series X models have a smaller chip and different cooling ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/15/24270805/microsoft-xbox-series-x-6nm-chip-cooling-changes-motherboard-design-teardown"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="5nFWP7">Because the Series X and Series S use a proprietary storage format, you can’t use an external SSD, an internal NVMe SSD (as you could on the PS5), or a standard external hard drive to play newer games that are optimized for those consoles. You can use those hard drives to <em>store</em> Series X/S games, but expansion cards like the C50 are the only ones you can actually play them from. That’s because they support the platform’s “velocity architecture,” which has a minimum speed requirement and uses unique hardware and software tricks to enable console features like Quick Resume, not to mention other benefits for developers. Anyway, you don’t need to be a computer science major to understand the bottom line: if you want more storage for your Series X/S games, you’ll need an expansion card.</p> <div id="I40MdW"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12118996"></div></div> <h2 id="eNlYh3">A few more deals</h2> <ul> <li id="5v9upE">Now through December 31st, home decor brand <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umbra.com%2Fcollections%2Fend-of-year-sale&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F26%2F24329530%2Fwestern-digital-2tb-wd-black-c50-expansion-card-umbra-cono-smart-lamp-deal-sale" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Umbra is running a sitewide sale</strong></a> that takes 20 percent off most products in its store, including the <strong>Cono portable smart lamp</strong> we <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23863589/favorite-smart-home-gadgets-ifa-2023-tech-show">fell in love with at IFA last year</a> that’s down to $76 ($19 off) at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umbra.com%2Fproducts%2Fcono-lamp&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F26%2F24329530%2Fwestern-digital-2tb-wd-black-c50-expansion-card-umbra-cono-smart-lamp-deal-sale" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Umbra’s online store</a>, for example. Sadly, the taller <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umbra.com%2Fproducts%2Fcup-lamp&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F26%2F24329530%2Fwestern-digital-2tb-wd-black-c50-expansion-card-umbra-cono-smart-lamp-deal-sale" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$130 “Cup” smart lamp</a> with its convenient organizer for a base isn’t discounted, but the Cono is an intriguing tabletop RGB lamp with an X-shaped stand that lets you shine the light vertically or horizontally. As Nanoleaf helped create it, that’s the app you’ll use for manual remote control over Bluetooth. But because it’s also Matter-ready, you can use voice commands and set lighting schedules when it’s connected to a compatible smart home ecosystem.</li> <li id="sCt16g">Although there’s a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/5/23043644/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-2-gaming-mouse-price-release-date-specs">newer model with faster polling rates and USB-C charging</a>, the original <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/18/21562618/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-wireless-gaming-mouse-release-date-price-features-weight"><strong>Logitech G Pro X Superlight</strong></a> is still one of the best gaming mice you can buy. It’s starting around $79.99 (50 percent off) right now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LP6F4Y?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/mdwzzfqjt5uu0">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcomputers.woot.com%2Foffers%2Flogitech-g-pro-x-superlight-wireless-mouse&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F12%2F26%2F24329530%2Fwestern-digital-2tb-wd-black-c50-expansion-card-umbra-cono-smart-lamp-deal-sale" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Woot</a>, which is an all-time low price. Through December 29th, Woot is taking an extra $5 off with code <strong>LOGITECHFIVE</strong>. The Superlight is named for its 63-gram weight, but it drops some fan-favorite features to get there, such as RGB, dedicated DPI buttons, and a weighted scroll wheel. However, you still get five programmable buttons (including two mounted on the left edge) and a 25,600 DPI Hero sensor that offers far more optical resolution than most gamers need. The mouse lasts up to 70 hours per charge, though it uses micro-USB for recharging.</li> <li id="ZIDBQ7">The <strong>Beats Pill</strong> is matching its all-time low of $99.95 ($50 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Portable-Bluetooth-Resistant-Compatible/dp/B0D4STT6C2?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/w4d93m3ecxvna">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbeats-pill-wireless-bluetooth-speaker-champagne-gold%2F-%2FA-92268973&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>. Apple’s refreshed Bluetooth speaker updates the line with features like two-way USB-C charging and lossless audio. It also has native support for some iOS <em>and</em> Android features, including each operating system’s Find My feature and access to Siri and Google Assistant, but you can’t initiate either via voice. The speaker is built for extended outdoor outings, too, with a battery that lasts up to 24 hours per charge and IP67 protection against water and dust. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24185290/beats-pill-2024-bluetooth-speaker-review">Read our review</a>.</li> </ul> <aside id="E00xCC"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside>
2024 has been an amazing year for roguelikes

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage showing The Verge’s favorite roguelike games of 2024." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G33WV4QCklFp7MT1tHGG_8TvukQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73808962/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_ROGUELIKES.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>This year showed that a roguelike can be almost anything.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24312434/best-roguelikes-2024-balatro-hades-2-prince-of-persia">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
There’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Key art from Metaphor: ReFantanzio featuring a blue haired boy wearing a white coat sitting on a throne behind the text “Metaphor: ReFantanzio” with a small woman with red hair in the foreground." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kR1FtC_llLLewAE8pqKJpigRfVc=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73807950/Metaphor_Key_Art_Horizontal.0.png" /> <figcaption>Image: Atlus</figcaption> </figure> <p id="aTsl1A"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24268103/metaphor-refantazio-review-atlus-xbox-persona"><em>Metaphor: ReFantanzio</em></a> is one of 2024’s best games racking up a stack of Game Awards including best RPG, best art direction, and best narrative. But one category in which Metaphor particularly stood out was its music. The soundtrack, produced by Shoji Meguro – the long-time music director of the <em>Persona</em> series, is one of the outstanding achievements in video game music this year, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/18/24299700/flute-guy-japanese-monk-chant-guy-musical-nirvana">particularly its battle theme</a> which became a viral hit. In an interview with <em>The Verge</em>, Meguro talked about his work on the <em>Metaphor</em> soundtrack including what went into what is perhaps the coolest piece of video game battle music ever made. </p> <p id="0U9oI5">Meguro, known for his work <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/23/15387602/persona-5-soundtrack-music">producing the pop-y, jazzy vibes of the <em>Persona</em> soundtracks</a>, acknowledged that <em>Metaphor</em>’s heavy orchestral / choral sound is not something <em>Persona</em> fans would expect from him and definitely outside his own wheelhouse. He said in order to effectively change gears from <em>Persona</em> to <em>Metaphor</em>, he had to relearn classical music theory.</p> <p id="gVC6jT">“But that’s what makes creating this score so exciting,” he said. “When I was first told about <em>Metaphor: ReFantazio</em>, I was told it would be an epic, high-fantasy RPG. And immediately I heard the sound of great...</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/24/24328374/metaphor-refantanzio-battle-music-shoji-meguro-interview">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Here are 40 last-minute gifts you can still nab before Christmas

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 21:41:14 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Xbox Game Pass on the Quest." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B2G1IuSaaMXIuGlG0dB0EhrPoag=/66x0:725x439/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72377404/xboxquest.10.png" /> <figcaption><em>Xbox Game Pass, Spotify subscriptions, retail store gift cards, and other digital products make for great last-minute gifts.</em> | Image: Meta</figcaption> </figure> <p id="ONFJgA">Yes, Christmas is a couple of days away — and yes, we know you have yet to buy a gift. We understand that life gets busy, though, and sometimes it feels like the holidays creep up on you out of nowhere. But before you spiral into a full-blown panic attack, take a deep breath. Luckily for you, the internet is filled with a treasure trove of gift cards, subscriptions, and other great digital gifts you can buy as late as Christmas Day itself.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><div id="qWHWWF"><div data-anthem-component="aside:11935551"></div></div></div> <p id="wnj9zJ">To help make your life a little easier, we’ve curated a list of some of the best digital gifts we’ve either used ourselves or gifted to our friends and family. We’ve organized the list by interests, too, so you can find the perfect present whether your loved one is into the arts, exercise, or something else entirely. That way, you’ll at least be able to gift something more thoughtful than a generic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LLIKVU/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bestbuy.cashstar.com/store/recipient">Best Buy</a>, or <a href="https://giftcards.walmart.com/ip/Basic-Blue-Walmart-eGift-Card/653984410">Walmart</a> gift card — even if those are still totally viable options in our book.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="yrDNCz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224043/holiday-gift-guide-2024-best-ideas-unique-tech-gadgets"},{"title":"The Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $100","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224041/gifts-under-100-best-cheap-tech-ideas-2024-budget"},{"title":"The Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $50","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224039/best-gifts-under-50-ideas-cheap-tech-2024-budget"},{"title":"We rounded up 40 last-minute gifts you can still grab in time for the holidays ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24323542/best-last-minute-gifts-ideas-unique"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="L6SOh0">Gifts for film and TV buffs</h2> <p id="mr7Zua">Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a movie buff or an avid sports fan, there are a number of subscriptions on the market that’ll grant your giftee access to a wide range of content. Below are some of the most popular, as well as a few catered toward anime diehards, horror lovers, and those looking for something more niche.</p> <div id="54QBuT"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11810334" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="9SfkR1">A gift card to a major streaming service like<strong> Netflix</strong> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YD560HA/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fnetflix-gift-card-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-52960756&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a><a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?preselect=53082550#lnk&sharedid=verge&subId2=[]vg[p]23282871[t]w[d]D">,</a> <a href="https://howl.link/2abnpybogkez6">Best Buy</a>, or <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FNetflix-30-Gift-Card-Email-Delivery%2F49232773&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>) or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.max.com%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Max</strong></a> is a good gift that’ll cater to all kinds of passions. On Netflix, they can spend their holiday binging <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24006568/carol-and-the-end-of-world-review-netflix"><em>Carol and the End of World</em></a>, <em>The Crown, Onimusha,</em> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23971416/squid-game-the-challenge-review-netflix"><em>Squid Game: The Challenge</em></a>. Max viewers, meanwhile, can catch up on everything from <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23799181/barbie-review-mattel-warner-bros-greta-gerwig"><em>Barbie</em></a><em> </em>to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23991040/the-last-of-us-season-two-hbo-max-house-of-dragon-euphoria-streaming"><em>The Last of Us</em></a><em>, Euphoria</em>, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/2/23985496/and-no-war-so-bloody-as-a-war-between-dragons"><em>House of the Dragon</em></a>.</li> <li id="2X6vPj">A <a href="https://www.criterion.com/shop/collection/328-gift-cards"><strong>Criterion Channel gift card</strong></a> grants access to over a thousand classic and contemporary Hollywood, international, art house, and independent movies. It also features programming spotlighting directors, stars, genres, and themes, including a “15-minute-a-month film school.”</li> <li id="CTTaVU">For the anime lovers in your life, a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.crunchyroll.com%2Fgiftcertpurchase&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Crunchyroll gift card</strong></a><strong> </strong>provides access to hundreds of anime shows and films shortly after they air in Japan, including <em>Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock,</em> and <em>Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. </em>They can<em> </em>even use the gift to purchase Crunchyroll’s extensive collection of anime figures, vinyl records, and clothes.</li> </ul> <div><aside id="k2T0lk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best entertainment of 2024","url":"https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/24090208/best-entertainment-2024-games-film-tv-streaming"},{"title":"How Netflix took on live TV — and got ready to take on the NFL ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24326196/netflix-live-nfl-paul-tyson-wwe-world-cup"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="bzLG17">Gifts for the gamers</h2> <p id="lWJaiE">If you’re not sure which type of games your giftee prefers, you can gift them an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo subscription. Not only will these memberships grant him access to free digital titles but they also come with perks such as online multiplayer and cloud-based saves, among other incentives.</p> <div id="NZQ8MA"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11812157" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="b5VMAR">If your giftee is a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 owner, a <strong>membership to PlayStation Plus</strong> grants them access to free titles and discounts every month, lets them play games online, and allows them to access cloud-based backups. PlayStation Plus memberships start at $9.99 a month, and you can subscribe directly via <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps-plus/">PlayStation</a> or buy a subscription with a PlayStation Plus gift card, which is available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Store-Gift-Card-Digital/dp/B07C438TMN?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/k4k2ptj6w2ej9">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsony-gift-card%2F-%2FA-93615082&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> in denominations starting at $10 and going up to $250. </li> <li id="cQpjsD">Nintendo Switch lovers, meanwhile, might enjoy an<strong> annual subscription to Nintendo Switch Online</strong>, which starts at $19.99 a year (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Switch-Online-Gift-19-99/dp/B07WP82643?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/r8l8eq8m98yyb">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=nOD%2FrLJHOac&mid=24348&u1=verge&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fgift-cards%2Fdigital-subscriptions%2Fproducts%2Fnintendo-switch-online-12-month-individual-membership%2F176406.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">GameStop</a>). The membership lets giftees play with more than 70 retro games released during the NES, SNES, and original Game Boy eras. They can also play online with friends and access cloud saves. </li> <li id="eXJic9">If you’re willing to fork out extra money, you can also buy an <strong>annual Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription</strong>. In addition to offering all the same benefits as the Switch Online membership, it also grants access to Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64 games, as well as DLC content for some titles. Individual plans cost $49.99 (<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FOnline-Expansion-Pack-Individual-Membership-Nintendo-Switch-Digital%2F2046935912&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>), while a family plan — which allows for up to eight accounts — is currently available via gift card at <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FOnline-Expansion-Pack-Family-Membership-Nintendo-Switch-Digital%2F2406058865&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> for $79.98.</li> <li id="gwGQxL">Alternatively, you could buy a gift card to a store like <strong>GameStop</strong> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gamestop-Gift-Cards-E-mail-Delivery/dp/B00MV9FCFQ?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=nOD%2FrLJHOac&mid=24348&u1=verge&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fgiftcards" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">GameStop</a>), which is useful if you don’t know which console your giftee prefers or want to give them the option of buying accessories and games.</li> </ul> <div><aside id="OSDvHO"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best Xbox controller to buy right now ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23025443/best-xbox-controllers-one-series-x-s"},{"title":"Microsoft&nbsp;wants to make the&nbsp;Xbox&nbsp;app the home of PC gaming ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24318799/microsoft-xbox-app-new-games-homescreen"},{"title":"The slim PS5 is getting a price cut for the holidays ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/12/24294720/sony-playstation-5-ps5-price-cut-holidays"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="cbPl9m">Gifts for the adventurers and globe-trotters</h2> <p id="yY5R8Q">Is your giftee in dire need of a screen break? Fortunately, the internet is filled with travel-oriented gifts, ranging from the obvious — like airline gift cards — to national park passes.</p> <div id="gF4uSc"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11754139" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="f9maSQ">A <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getyourguide.com%2Fgifting%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>GetYourGuide gift card</strong></a> provides an easy way to take advantage of guided tours and fun tourist attractions at various destinations around the world, allowing your loved one to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getyourguide.com%2Ftaormina-l1518%2Ffrom-catania-guided-tour-of-mount-etna-and-taormina-t317297%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">explore volcanoes like Italy’s Mount Etna</a> or swim with <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getyourguide.com%2Fsal-l32380%2Fcape-verde-shark-bay-experience-t283392%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sharks in Cape Verde</a>.</li> <li id="orxHQR">For aspiring polyglots, a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rosettastone.com%2Fbuy%2Fgift%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rosetta Stone membership</strong></a> will make it easy to learn everything from French to Arabic to Japanese from the comfort of their home. Along with lessons, memberships come with helpful extras, including speech recognition tech to get the accent just right. At the moment, Rosetta Stone is offering up to 50 percent off of its plans, with the 12-month tier for learning just one language starting at $126 ($42 off).</li> <li id="E790dL">Finally, a gift card to a rideshare service like<strong> Uber</strong> (also usable for Uber Eats and available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Uber-Gift-Card-Email-Delivery/dp/B079YMX2J6?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/u1a943ya35fr4">Best Buy</a>, <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2F25-uber-and-uber-eats-gift-card-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-91030500&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>) or <strong>Lyft</strong> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lyft-Gift-Card-E-mail-Delivery/dp/B08MW92TWD?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/z6qwx3zh10d3l">Best Buy</a>, <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Flyft-gift-card-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-81530703&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>) will come in handy when they need a ride to the airport or for a ride home if their New Year’s Eve plans include popping a few celebratory shots.</li> </ul> <h2 id="aJWDPk">Gifts for health and wellness fans</h2> <p id="ZfiQzf">For health and wellness enthusiasts, many services offer a wealth of streamable fitness classes to help them get fit at home. Other gifts can help your giftee practice self-care and lighten their load with meditation or even massages. Below, we’ve listed out a range of options that’ll help your giftee take care of both their body and mind.</p> <div id="cvfBmu"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11178489" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="cwWs3H">A gift card for <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.headspace.com%2Fbuy%2Fgift&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Headspace</strong></a>, a popular mindfulness app, offers members access to hundreds of expert-taught meditations, each designed to help them relax, sleep better, and improve their mental health. A gift subscription will run you $38.99 for three months, or you can save by getting 12 months for $48.99 ($21 off).</li> <li id="shrwRk"> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fitbit.com%2Fglobal%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fservices%2Fpremium&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fitbit Premium</strong></a> subscriptions start at $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year (33 percent off) and are available to all, even if your giftee doesn’t own a Fitbit (though, they’ll be able to enjoy more in-depth metrics if they do). A membership comes with thousands of guided and customizable workouts, which cover everything from martial arts and dance to meditation. Fitbit also offers guided programs covering topics like nutrition, along with the option to one-on-one with a professional health coach for an extra $54.99 per month.</li> <li id="hbHGxe">For those who prefer in-person classes to virtual, a gift card that goes toward a<strong> </strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fclasspass.com%2Fgifts%2Fpurchase&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>ClassPass</strong></a> subscription will let your giftee try out thousands of gyms and fitness studios in their local area, not to mention nearby salons and spas.</li> <li id="Z1VFlV">If your giftee is too busy to prepare healthy meals every day, a gift card to <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.blueapron.com/gifts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Blue Apron</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.hellofresh.com/gift" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>HelloFresh</strong></a>, or any meal prep service that offers a healthy selection of meal kits will be very welcome.</li> </ul> <div><aside id="d6Mg9Y"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best fitness trackers to buy right now","url":"https://www.theverge.com/22985108/best-fitness-tracker"},{"title":"Peloton’s new audio-based app is like an invisible strength coach ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24313321/peloton-strength-plus-app-strength-training"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="4UnHil">Gifts for foodies </h2> <p id="rHEZ2l">Whether they’re a diehard foodie, a wine connoisseur, or a caffeine addict, the internet is filled with subscriptions and gift cards for all types. Here are just a few of our favorites:</p> <div id="nf2asB"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12189619" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="YBn3xo">A <strong>Sur La Table gift card </strong>(<a href="https://surlatable.aiy7.net/c/482924/635796/10190?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surlatable.com%2Fgifts%2Fgift-cards%2F&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sur La Table</a>, <a href="https://giftcards.kroger.com/sur-la-table">Kroger</a>, <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.staples.com/sur-la-table-50-gift-card-email-delivery-67522b5000/product_1590419" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Staples</a>) is a great gift for the beloved chef in your life. They can use it to buy whatever they need for the kitchen, as well as to take <a href="https://surlatable.aiy7.net/c/482924/635796/10190?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surlatable.com%2Fcooking-classes%2Fonline-cooking-classes%2F&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">online cooking classes</a> where live instructors help students make everything from chicken piccata to tiramisu. Classes start at $29 per household, with each taking between 90 and 120 minutes a pop.</li> <li id="cZDkTt">For those with a sweet tooth, <a href="https://goldbelly.pxf.io/c/482924/1032087/13451?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldbelly.com%2Frestaurants%2Fsubscriptions%2Fice-cream&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Goldbelly’s monthly ice cream subscription</strong></a> allows them to enjoy up to six pints of ice cream or 24 ice cream sandwiches a month, all of which are sourced from small creameries all over the country. It’s a pricey subscription, however, with a three-month plan going for an eye-watering $298.95. You can explore <a href="https://goldbelly.pxf.io/c/482924/1032087/13451?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldbelly.com%2Frestaurants%2Fsubscriptions&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">other types of subscriptions</a>, too, from <a href="https://goldbelly.pxf.io/c/482924/1032087/13451?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldbelly.com%2Frestaurants%2Fsubscriptions%2Fbbq&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">BBQ</a> to <a href="https://goldbelly.pxf.io/c/482924/1032087/13451?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldbelly.com%2Frestaurants%2Fsubscriptions%2Fmonthly-nyc-subscription&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">New York City staples</a>, or get a <a href="https://goldbelly.pxf.io/c/482924/1032087/13451?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldbelly.com%2Frestaurants%2Fgoldbelly-gift-cards%2Fgift-card&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">gift card</a> to let your recipient order whatever they like.</li> <li id="QlEZwy">These days, it feels like there’s a Starbucks pretty much everywhere you look now, meaning a <strong>Starbucks</strong> gift card (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Braile-Siren-Card-Delivery/dp/B07ZSB9QYL?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/3uxbpnjg9b88x">Best Buy</a>, or <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fstarbucks-card-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-53079766&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>) can help your giftee get their caffeine fix whenever, wherever.</li> <li id="IB0GpX">Sometimes, it’s better to leave the cooking to somebody else. For foodies, a gift card to a food delivery service like <strong>DoorDash</strong> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/DoorDash-Gift-Cards-Email-Delivery/dp/B07ZDX292M/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/8l36pptxn3wlr">Best Buy</a>, <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fdoordash-gift-card-25-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-79314412&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>) means they can nab some crab rangoons from their favorite Chinese restaurant without leaving home.</li> </ul> <h2 id="VVwVGI">Gifts for music lovers</h2> <p id="7Tjw90">Whether your giftee is a musician or just loves to unwind with some music, there are a lot of digital presents you can buy. We all know about <strong>Spotify gift cards</strong> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spotify-Gift-Cards-Email-Delivery/dp/B081611N8B?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/taxukdnheooo5">Best Buy</a>, or <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fspotify-gift-card-email-delivery%2F-%2FA-53176263&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>), but there are also other streaming services that you can gift as a subscription, some of which we’ve highlighted below.</p> <div id="7aq18x"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11375871" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="ZratXr">For the true audiophiles out there, a <strong>Tidal gift card</strong> (<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTidal-20-Gift-Card-Email-Delivery%2F668778621&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>, <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/gifts/brands/tidal">PayPal</a>, or <a href="https://howl.link/o85a970tomwls">Best Buy</a>) is great because it will allow them to stream music in the highest audio quality possible. The ad-free service starts at $10.99 per month and allows giftees to enjoy support for lossless FLAC audio, Dolby Atmos Music, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio formats. If they happen to be a DJ or aspire to become one, paying an extra $9 per month gives them access to the DJ add-on, which offers high-quality catalogs of more than 110 million songs that they can mix on popular DJ software and hardware.</li> <li id="ZoxzQF">If you know somebody who’s always wanted to learn to play the guitar, a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Flifestyle%2Fgifts-novelty%2Ffender-play-prepaid-cards%2F6210112001.html&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fender Play</strong></a> subscription can help them do so thanks to a continuously updated catalog of hundreds of instructor-led video lessons. A subscription typically starts at $19.99 a month, but you can gift them six months for $79.99 or 12 months for $149.99.</li> <li id="q9Faod">A <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vinylmeplease.com%2Fproducts%2Fgift-membership&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Vinyl Me, Please</strong></a><strong> subscription</strong> is perfect for those who love spinning records. Every month, giftees receive vinyl records from their choice of music genre, whether that’s hip-hop, rock, or jazz. The packages also come with booklets so they can learn more about the record, along with access to exclusive discounts. Three-month subscriptions start at $148 and come with a total of four records (one of which is a limited-time bonus).</li> <li id="fYD9Jd">Lastly, a <a href="https://ticketmasterus.cashstar.com/store/recipient?locale=en-us"><strong>Ticketmaster</strong></a> gift card is a present that’ll allow your loved one to buy a ticket to watch their favorite musicians perform live, whether that’s <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fshakira-tickets%2Fartist%2F779049%3Fac_link%3DNTM_Shakira2025_spotlight_3&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Shakira</a>, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fgarth-brooks-tickets%2Fartist%2F732705&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Garth Brooks</a>, or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dthe%2520rolling%2520stones&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Rolling Stones</a>.</li> </ul> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="K16tLV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Verge’s favorite audio gear ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224339/audio-headphone-earbuds-mics-favorites"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="6zRFW6">Gifts for the bookworms </h2> <p id="X2O54M">Obviously, you could just gift a bibliophile a book and they’d probably be happy. But what if you don’t know what your giftee is into or simply want to give them more options? In that case, a gift card to their favorite bookstore or a subscription to something like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/hz/subscribe/ku">Kindle Unlimited</a>, which grants members access to millions of ebooks and even select audiobooks, is a good idea. That said, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alternatives below.</p> <div id="Tu0pZa"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11831219" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="3ocn8T">For fans of Marvel and DC comics, as well as manga like <em>Fairy Tale</em>, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/cu/signup/"><strong>Comixology</strong></a><strong> Unlimited subscription</strong> is perfect. For $5.99 a month, they’ll be able to enjoy over 45,000 comics and graphic novels, not to mention more than 2,400 manga titles from their phone or tablet. Subscribers also get discounts on select digital books.</li> <li id="kLuVI7">You can also gift a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookofthemonth.com%2Fgift&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Book of the Month</strong></a><strong> membership</strong>, which currently starts at $59.99 for a three-book plan. The company curates a small selection of five to seven bestsellers and classics for members every month, making it easy to quickly choose something to read. </li> <li id="vIoDSZ">If your giftee prefers to pick up books from brick-and-mortar bookstores, <strong>a gift card to Barnes & Noble</strong> (<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/gift-cards/_/N-8rg" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Barnes-Noble-Gift-Card-Delivery/dp/B08KZF2678?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>, or <a href="https://howl.link/w5sgzlzlrhy66">Best Buy</a>) might be a good idea. For those who want to support local bookstores, there’s also a gift card for <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbookshop.org%2Fgift_cards&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Bookshop.org</strong></a>.</li> <li id="I2sPG7">For those who prefer traditional newspapers and magazines, you can gift a subscription to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/gift"><em><strong>The New York Times</strong></em></a><strong> </strong>or <a href="https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/"><em><strong>The Washington Post</strong></em></a><strong>, </strong>or publications catered to specific interests like<a href="https://shop.cosmopolitan.com/cosmopolitan-magazine-sem.html"> <em><strong>Cosmopolitan</strong></em></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic.com/pubs/NG/NGM/NGM_BFCM_Holiday_Gift_Tote_Fireside_Oct24.jsp?cds_page_id=281394"><em><strong>National Geographic</strong></em></a><strong>.</strong> </li> </ul> <div><aside id="gXGWVY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Verge’s favorite books from 2024 ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24306925/best-books-2024-staff-picks-favorites"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="FgOtnE">Gifts for the creatives</h2> <p id="rpfFoW">Movie buffs and bibliophiles are easy to shop for, but what do you get the creative type? It’s actually not that hard — just buy them something to help them create, whether that’s an online course or access to a new tool. Below are a few subscriptions and gift cards creators will love that you can also buy last minute.</p> <div id="HJFR9w"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11831253" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul> <li id="kcRg1f">A <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterclass.com%2Fgift&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>MasterClass</strong></a><strong> membership </strong>(which normally starts at $10 a month but is currently 50 percent off for all tiers) provides access to classes taught by world leaders and other subject matter experts, including screenwriters, musicians, and business experts. Going for a Masterclass Plus or Premium subscription allows concurrent viewing on two or six devices, respectively, and also unlocks offline viewing.</li> <li id="tfrCJn">An <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adobe.com%2Fcreativecloud%2Fplans.html&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Adobe Creative Cloud</strong></a><strong> subscription</strong> ($59.99 per month) is a good gift for both aspiring and experienced creative professionals alike, providing access to popular services like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign, and other Adobe apps. Adobe doesn’t yet support gifting subscriptions, so you’ll need to create a new account or login to an existing account your recipient may have. You can also purchase digitally redeemable Creative Cloud subscription codes from partner retailers like <a href="https://howl.link/3uuu8u2te2erv">Best Buy</a>, which has a 12-month plan on sale for $428.92 (about $231 off) right now.</li> <li id="6k0Dfd">If you know somebody trying to learn how to code, a subscription to the coding educational platform <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.codecademy.com%2Fpages%2Fpro&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Codecademy</strong></a> ($29.99 per month) can help them build their portfolio with online courses, a community, fun events, cheat sheets, and other resources. There’s even a $39.99 a month plan for those looking to change career paths, one that offers all the above as well as technical interview help.</li> <li id="jV5Oaa">For giftees into arts and crafts, a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftsy.com%2Fjoin%2F&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F23642026%2Fbest-digital-gift-ideas-online-cards-subscriptions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Craftsy</strong></a><strong> membership</strong> ($123 a year) grants access to more than 2,000 live and on-demand classes led by experts covering everything from baking and cake decorating to woodworking and painting. Members also get to connect with other crafters in the Craftsy community and attend live events.</li> </ul> <div><aside id="6GsxKI"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide for tinkerers ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224047/best-tool-gift-ideas-holiday-2024-handyperson-builders-tinkerers"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="TN8VoU">Gift cards for pretty much anyone</h2> <div id="bf1fUg"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11812100" data-anthem-component-data='{"layout":"full_layout"}'></div></div> <ul><li id="Imt3k2">Sometimes the best gift card is one that’ll give your giftee a ton of options, especially if you’re having a hard time figuring out what they want. Gift cards from major retailers like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-Buy-Gift-Cards-Delivery/dp/B07RTN4C77/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Amazon</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://bestbuy.cashstar.com/store/recipient"><strong>Best Buy</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://giftcards.walmart.com/ip/Basic-Blue-Walmart-eGift-Card/653984410"><strong>Walmart</strong></a><strong>, </strong>and <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbullseye-trio-giftcard%2F-%2FA-54630202%3Fpreselect%3D81480868%23lnk%3Dsametab&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Target</strong></a> are perfect in these situations, namely because they’ll let your giftee choose whatever they like from a wide range of departments.</li></ul> <aside id="7g1Mzd"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside><p id="0RyL9T"><em><strong>Update, December 23rd:</strong></em><em> Updated links, pricing, and info for several digital gifts.</em></p>
ModRetro Chromatic review: an arms dealer’s Game Boy is among the best ever made

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

<p>Stellar hardware from a controversial figure.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24303052/modretro-chromatic-review-game-boy-color-handheld-palmer-luckey">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Josh King’s viral slide-out MagSafe gamepad found a home at OhSnap and looks amazing

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:57:22 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Two shots of a gamepad attached to an iPhone, with fold out grips and joysticks visible underneath its sliding frame." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MmrB95emzkExBn4dL0a9pZ8lew0=/14x0:1787x1182/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73800466/mcon_controller_josh_king_ohsnap.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Josh King / OhSnap</figcaption> </figure> <p id="7as9kp">When 19-year-old Josh King suggested he would single-handedly redefine mobile gaming with his 3D-printed gamepad, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuSGXmsvp_Q">drawing a direct line from himself to Steve Jobs</a>, I have to admit I thought it was a bit much!</p> <p id="4i21th">But it’s no longer just a 3D-printed controller. OhSnap, the company behind <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/4/24262221/this-40-magnetic-phone-grip-does-what-popsockets-cant-and-its-on-sale">the excellent magnetic PopSocket alternatives I showed you in October</a>, is now officially turning his design into the coolest looking gamepad attachment I’ve ever seen for a phone: </p> <div id="m1VQVg"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIgugX2gODE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="6MVGYe">It’s no taller or wider than an iPhone, so it should slide into a pocket. It’s got a MagSafe pattern of magnets to attach it to your magnetic ring device. You don’t have to remove it to use your phone like a phone, because the whole gamepad retracts underneath<em>,</em> a little like the slide-out keyboard phones (or <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/23/21452167/sony-xperia-play-2-playstation-phone-prototype-concept-leaked-images">PlayStation Phones</a>) of old — and now, it’s mounted on a spring-loaded arm that pops out at the push of a button and also slightly angles your device towards your face.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SSthO8J3qlG5Y8EbAEYPU7z1Ixo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800120/mcon_pop_gamepad.gif"> <cite>Video by Josh King / OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>The OhSnap Mcon’s hinge in action.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="nOQYVk">OhSnap even found room for a pair of Nintendo Switch-esque analog sticks, with drift-resistant Hall effect sensors, and pair of fold-out grips so you can (theoretically) hold it more like a full-size gamepad. The sticks are clickable buttons, and it’s got a full set of shoulder buttons and triggers as well.</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3xuPmM6iRjl4EFdlZiMmKI8osm0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800127/Hands.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption><em>An illustration with the grips unfolded.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p id="2UZV8A">Two months ago, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/24272743/nintendo-retro-game-corps-russ-crandall-profile-youtube-emulation-dmca-takedown-copyright-strike">Retro Game Corps</a> came away <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3969hkkFSE">impressed with a prototype</a>, and it seems King has been <em>very</em> busy since then. As he explains <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIgugX2gODE">on YouTube</a>, he initially tried to start his own company around the gamepad, even attracted a few investors, manufactured some boards and was working toward injection molding, before he started running out of money and reached out to OhSnap about a partnership. </p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PLK0gjcchArk1prhkITL7Fc2_BM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25800128/Colorways__1_.jpg"> <cite>Image: OhSnap</cite> <figcaption> <em>It’ll be available in black and white at launch, though King says they’re working </em><a class="ql-link" href="https://youtu.be/bIgugX2gODE?si=SwSY8ccyQ8s87ALR&t=202" target="_blank"><em>on different mix and match colorful parts</em></a><em> so you can style it.</em> </figcaption> </figure> <p id="TwfTKs">Speaking of money, we don’t have any idea how much it’ll cost, particularly at retail — OhSnap is planning to launch a Kickstarter on January 2nd to raise funds. <a href="https://ohsnap.com/pages/mcon-signup-page">It’s taking signups here for now</a>.</p> <p id="ybuPy7">I should be getting my own hands on a prototype next month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and I’ll let you know how it feels. </p> <div id="vSZLLj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J3969hkkFSE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="IJGFw2"></p> <p id="7GHnq7"></p>
The best Xbox controller to buy right now

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:58:02 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A collection of Xbox controllers." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rjGvL-Gn6qO3qPgTLmNdccxOND0=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70908912/acastro_220505_5198_0001.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>From basic and affordable to premium and ultra-customizable, these are the best controllers we’ve tested for Xbox. And they work with PCs, too.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/23025443/best-xbox-controllers-one-series-x-s">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
We rounded up 40 last-minute gifts you can still grab in time for the holidays

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:06:18 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A purple Echo Pop smart speaker on a table surrounded by Ring Pop candy." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w3r5zvVAvopaS9T0Cnk-DwmNHZ8=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73795056/236685_Amazon_Echo_Pop_JTuohy_0001.5.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Echo Pop is a tiny speaker with Alexa-enabled smarts, and is currently down to its best price.</em> | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="ZeIrG4">Believe it or not, we’re now just a few days away from Christmas. Don’t panic if you’ve yet to start your holiday shopping, though! While it might be too late to order <em>some</em> of the gifts on your holiday wish list, plenty of other great presents will arrive in time.. if you know where to look.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><div id="nx1ECJ"><div data-anthem-component="aside:12509930"></div></div></div> <p id="mcfg4U">After doing some digging at various retailers, we’ve found a bunch of gadgets and goods you’ll still be able to tuck under the tree if you order them soon enough. They encompass a wide range of categories, too, from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1XD1ZV3/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">noise-canceling earbuds</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Exercise-Equipment-6-Months-Membership/dp/B0CC62ZG1M/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fitness trackers</a> to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tapo-Brightness-Equivalent-Matter-Certified-L535E/dp/B0CFG9SHPQ?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">smart lights</a>,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFPJYX7P/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> e-readers</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-sound-compact-speaker-Charcoal/dp/B09WNK39JN?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">smart speakers</a>. Best of all, a bunch of them are currently on sale, so you can save some money while you’re at it.</p> <p id="IktxG1">However, keep in mind that Amazon purchases are not likely to arrive on time unless you’ve signed up for a Prime membership. Don’t worry, though, because there are plenty of other retailers — including Best Buy, Target, and Walmart — that will ship your gift in time without requiring you to sign up for a premium subscription.</p> <div><aside id="8DzsGS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide ","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224043/holiday-gift-guide-2024-best-ideas-unique-tech-gadgets"},{"title":"The Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $100","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224041/gifts-under-100-best-cheap-tech-ideas-2024-budget"},{"title":"The Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $50","url":"https://www.theverge.com/24224039/best-gifts-under-50-ideas-cheap-tech-2024-budget"}]}'></div></aside></div> <h2 id="y8cwGZ">Headphones, earbuds, and speakers</h2> <div id="Sz3JYd"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12000289"></div></div> <ul><li id="AnmF7O">If you prefer a pair of noise-canceling headphones, <strong>Sony’s WH-1000XM5 </strong>are available for about $279.99 ($120 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BXYCS74H?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/zq4q4ay41w0xj">Best Buy</a>, and $20 more at <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsony-wh-1000xm5-bluetooth-wireless-noise-canceling-headphones%2F-%2FA-86777236&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a>. The XM5 tune out noise remarkably well, deliver excellent sound, and are extremely comfortable to wear, which are just some of the reasons why they’re <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21345733/best-noise-canceling-headphones">our favorite headphones on the market</a>. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23067645/sony-wh-1000xm5-noise-canceling-headphones-review">Read our review</a>.</li></ul> <div id="OWdFRL"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11958804"></div></div> <ul><li id="7YvjOf">If you want to gift a pair of AirPods to the Apple aficionado in your life, you still have time to do so. The <strong>second-gen AirPods Pro</strong> <strong>with USB-C </strong>will arrive before the holiday when you purchase them for $189.99 ($60 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1XD1ZV3/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/2ckdddv136jnd">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAirPods-Pro-2nd-generation-with-MagSafe-Case-USB-C%2F5689919121&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>. You can also buy the cheaper <strong>AirPods 4 </strong>for $119 ($10 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Headphones-Cancellation-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0DGHMNQ5Z/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, or at <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fapple-airpods-4%2F-%2FA-93606140%3Fpreselect%3D85978615%23lnk%3Dsametab&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/mfuesxrdfjpjt">Best Buy</a> for their full retail price of $129.99. The latter earbuds lack noise cancellation, onboard volume controls, and a built-in speaker on the case, but they still offer great voice call quality and good sound. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23365910/apple-airpods-pro-second-generation-review">Read our second-gen AirPods Pro</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24245570/apple-airpods-4-review">AirPods 4 reviews</a>.</li></ul> <div id="aFYLm0"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12410229"></div></div> <ul><li id="Qxo7Iy">If you want to gift a portable speaker, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/9/24239682/ultimate-ears-miniroll-bluetooth-speaker-price-availability"><strong>UE Miniroll</strong></a><strong> </strong>is available for $49.99 ($30 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears-Ultra-Portable-Waterproof-Bluetooth/dp/B0DCJ9N5XR?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/l1hl2d9qy9czv">Best Buy</a>. Ultimate Ears’ puck-like Bluetooth speaker is small enough to fit in your pocket and features a built-in strap, allowing you to easily attach it to a set of handlebars, your bag, and other objects. The speaker also offers a robust IP67 rating against dust and water, making it a particularly great option for outdoorsy types. </li></ul> <h2 id="mdm2BW">Smart home tech</h2> <div id="N68tLK"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12158526"></div></div> <ul><li id="TDw0dE">The <strong>Blink Video Doorbell</strong> will offer your loved ones peace of mind and arrive in time for Christmas if you pick it up at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08sG2MS3V?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/ccidw59jo9hzb">Best Buy</a>, or <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Famazon-blink-wi-fi-video-doorbell-black%2F-%2FA-82685726&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> for $35.99 ($24 off). The 1080p video doorbell is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22954554/best-video-doorbell-camera">our favorite budget-friendly option</a>, one that nails the essentials with motion-activated recording, alerts, night vision, two-way audio, motion zones, and up to two years of battery life on a pair of AA lithium batteries. </li></ul> <div id="a7W8Ff"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12509299"></div></div> <ul><li id="2xjKXq">It’s not too late to pick up a pair of <strong>Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulbs (L535E)</strong> for $17.99 ($12 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tapo-Brightness-Equivalent-Matter-Certified-L535E/dp/B0CFG9SHPQ?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1792715-REG%2Ftp_link_tapo_l535e_2_pack_tapo_l535e_smart_wi_fi.html&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24323542%2Fbest-last-minute-gifts-ideas-unique" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a>. The color-charging, 1,100-lumen bulbs can display more than 16 million colors and don’t require a hub; they’re also compatible with Matter, so your giftee can connect them to any major smart home platform. </li></ul> <div id="C8qZhd"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12410620"></div></div> <h2 id="Ea3gGI">Tablets and e-readers</h2> <div id="cgUyLT"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12493300"></div></div> <ul> <li id="77akHk">The latest entry-level <strong>Kindle</strong>, which will arrive in time for Christmas, is available in its ad-supported base configuration at <a href="https://howl.link/qxi8q5y6x3hvy">Best Buy</a> or <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Famazon-kindle-6-e-reader-2024%2F-%2FA-93604795%3Fpreselect%3D91563144%23lnk%3Dsametab&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> for $109.99. The new 6-inch model is faster than its predecessor and offers longer battery life, but it doesn’t feature a waterproof exterior like the Paperwhite. That being said, it does boast a sharp 300ppi display, USB-C support, and a pocketable design.</li> <li id="ARQH7h">You can get the <strong>2022 iPad with 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi </strong>in time for Christmas when you order it for $279 ($70 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2022-10-9-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi/dp/B0BJLT98Q7?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/mcqpllru96jq2">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F2022-Apple-10-9-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi-64GB-Silver-10th-Generation%2F1485722187&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>. The entry-level tablet sports a large 10.9-inch display and a USB-C port for fast charging. It’s also relatively snappy thanks to the addition of Apple’s A14 Bionic chip and Wi-Fi 6 support, making it a great tablet for streaming, video chatting, and other tablet needs. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23418039/apple-ipad-review-10th-gen-2022-10-9-tablet-ipados">Read our review.</a> </li> </ul> <div id="P1aBCD"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12447535"></div></div> <ul><li id="6dcUGP">If you’re looking to gift a budget-friendly tablet, the latest <strong>Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet</strong> is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVDN4QS6/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/cmek5ktmakupt">Best Buy</a> with ads and 32GB of storage starting at $54.99 ($45 off). It’s no iPad, but if you just need a cheap slate for playing games, reading, streaming, browsing the web, and other basic tasks, it does the job just fine.</li></ul> <h2 id="ICHowq">Gaming gifts</h2> <div id="urRnk7"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12113209"></div></div> <ul><li id="oPVjh2">The white <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/9/24174793/microsoft-xbox-series-x-white-digital-edition"><strong>Xbox Series X Digital Edition</strong></a><strong> with 1TB of storage </strong>launched in October, but it’s already on sale and will arrive in time for Christmas when you buy it for around $398 ($52 off) at <a href="https://howl.link/5v6gr9anjlt08">Best Buy</a> or <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSeries-X-1TB-no-ODD-All-Digital%2F9623060099&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>. The latest Series X is identical to the original model aside from the new look and expanded storage, with support for 4K gaming at up to 120Hz. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21548987/xbox-series-x-review">Read our original Xbox Series X review</a>.</li></ul> <div id="FBNR1t"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11892805"></div></div> <ul><li id="znFPSI">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/8/23945850/backbone-is-making-some-tweaks-to-its-excellent-mobile-game-controller"><strong>second-gen Backbone One</strong></a><strong> </strong>allows your giftee to turn their iPhone or Android phone into something akin to the Nintendo Switch, and you can buy both the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BACKBONE-Mobile-Gaming-Controller-Lightning-iOS/dp/B0CT1BRLZ9/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lightning model</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BACKBONE-Mobile-Gaming-Controller-Android-iOS/dp/B0CCT2LWT8/?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USB-C version</a> in multiple button layouts for $99.99 ($30 off) at Amazon. The handy mobile controller offers an improved D-pad and face buttons over the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21525741/backbone-one-iphone-ios-controller-gaming-portable-review">first-gen model</a>; it also sports a 3.5mm audio jack, a comfortable design, and magnetic adapters so you can use it while your phone stays in its case, provided it’s compatible.</li></ul> <div id="k9rT8j"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12489091"></div></div> <h2 id="yQfIGu">Health and wellness tech</h2> <div id="3dag05"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12145247"></div></div> <div id="Y696ib"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12483502"></div></div> <ul> <li id="oxnVvc">If you’re looking for a budget-friendly health and wellness gift, the<strong> Te-Rich Weighted Jump Rope</strong> is a good option that should arrive by Christmas when you order it for $20.99 at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Te-Rich-Weighted-Fitness-Skipping-Counter/dp/B08G8D6Z8H?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. The adjustable smart jump rope features a built-in LCD display with a timer and an accurate jump counter, and even provides a rough estimate of calories burned.</li> <li id="TxHpnE">You can still order the <strong>Oura Ring Generation 4</strong> in time for Christmas when you pick it up for $349 at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9WTFDBF?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/l4vm52wk7p77n">Best Buy</a>. The smart ring makes for an excellent sleep and recovery tracker you can use to keep tabs on basic health metrics, including light exercise. It doesn’t offer as many advanced fitness tracking features as a smartwatch, but it’s a lot more stylish and discreet. Plus, it does offer some cool perks of its own, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/5/24313465/oura-symptom-radar-illness-wearable-smart-ring">a new Symptom Radar feature</a> that sends notifications when it thinks you’re getting sick. </li> </ul> <div id="YsHUcz"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12509276"></div></div> <h2 id="GR0I9r">TVs, streaming devices, and soundbars</h2> <div id="jcmZSw"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12509254"></div></div> <ul><li id="RiIUVs">If you’re looking to gift a 4K streaming stick, the latest <strong>Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max</strong> is a good option that’s available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BP9SNVH9?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://howl.link/9jyrzww8dltys">Best Buy</a> for $59.99. Along with offering support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos / Vision, and HDR10 Plus, the streaming device offers impressive integration with Amazon Alexa for hands-free control. It also displays artwork and widgets when idle, which is a cool trick that turns your TV into an Echo Show-like display.</li></ul> <div id="9LavSF"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:11673436"></div></div> <h2 id="YGOwUx">Other great gadgets you can still gift</h2> <div id="s1UCBN"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12491055"></div></div> <div id="0g91dQ"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12491135"></div></div> <ul> <li id="HO4iYQ"> <strong>Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12</strong> should ship in time for you to wrap it up under the tree if you order it at <a href="https://howl.link/lc2npy6kt4uxy">Best Buy</a> or <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ffujifilm-instax-mini-12-camera%2F-%2FA-88743864&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> for $69.99 ($10 off). We consider it to be our <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23133103/best-instant-cameras-fujifilm-polaroid-kodak">best instant camera for most people</a> and a good gift for budding photogs of all ages, namely because it’s incredibly easy to use, comes in all kinds of fun colors, and produces relatively true-to-life prints. </li> <li id="EMRhpY">If you’re looking for something to gift a kid or a <em>Star Wars</em> fan, the <strong>Goliath Power Saber </strong>is on sale at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goliath-Automatic-Extending-Retracting-Extends/dp/B0CZW9KJ2V?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for $35.63 ($15 off) when you clip the on-page coupon (it’s also available starting at $49 at <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgoliath-green-energy-power-saber-toy%2F-%2FA-90553322&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> and <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPower-Saber-Energy-Blade-Green-with-Realistic-Safe-Battle-Action%2F5369411622%2F&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a>). The “power saber” <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/31/24226439/goliath-power-saber-star-wars-lightsaber-hasbro-disney">isn’t an official <em>Star Wars </em>toy</a>, sadly, but it’s a fun light-up blade that can automatically extend and retract; it will also collapse when you actually press it against something, making it a safe gift for kids.</li> </ul> <div id="9aWqXY"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12494282"></div></div> <div id="PYuXJE"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12437142"></div></div> <ul> <li id="EYd7Vk">The <strong>Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light </strong>is a great gift for bookworms that should arrive in time for Christmas when you buy it for $15.99 ($5 off) at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glocusent-Rechargeable-Portable-Brightness-Dimmable/dp/B09W62FR1K?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. The clip-on USB light is a handy accessory for those who like to read at night, as it will illuminate pages with a soft, warm glow that’s not likely to disturb their sleep.</li> <li id="2zIENl">You can still gift <strong>Lego’s Plum Blossom </strong>set when you buy it at <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/482924/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLEGO-Icons-tbd-extra-Botanicals-Icons-2-2024-10369%2F5347312667&sharedid=theverge.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a> for $23.95 (about $6 off). The set consists of 327 pieces, which come together to form an eye-catching floral display that looks great on a mantle or in a home office space.</li> </ul> <div id="2clL6R"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12509274"></div></div> <div id="OKM3zG"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:12340781"></div></div> <aside id="keS5Jf"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"deals"}'></div></aside><p id="mqbhnK"><em><strong>Update, December 20th:</strong></em><em> Adjusted copy to reflect current pricing and availability.</em></p> <p id="OLYKCE"></p> <p id="cws99x"></p>
Squid Game: Unleashed is a fun game and a terrible adaptation

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:41:35 -0000

<figure> <img alt="A screenshot from the video game Squid Game: Unleashed." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sQiNh9WXSIBp4AE-E5Wo3_3913k=/94x0:1107x675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73799627/AAAAQQt0JvGOvlfPV730NOhROhEk0qoJGSXhoZV8VZZrUSUNkAutwLOwq43ifTWdqJbXZBNGEABLDXJeVnDsFr77GndhNGNkyp5iup17gT0au_pDunynGNTpmTkgB1B5PR_m7_UItnFAG0Nabypc3Ie9GdDy.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Netflix</figcaption> </figure> <p id="yf1E8V">In <em>Squid Game</em>, schoolyard games are turned into nightmares, as players compete to survive and — if they’re lucky — earn a massive cash prize. But in <em>Unleashed</em>, a new mobile spinoff that’s part of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22772589/netflix-video-games-app-news-updates">the streamer’s fledgling gaming efforts</a>, those games are <em>fun</em>. It’s a strange experience that sands off much of the appeal of <em>Squid Game</em> in service of making a multiplayer party game.</p> <p id="vA7ds0"><em>Unleashed</em> is sort of like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/5/21355586/fall-guys-ultimate-knockout-pc-ps4-game"><em>Fall Guys</em></a> but in a <em>Squid Game</em> wrapper. You compete against 31 other players across three random games pulled from the show, like “red light, green light” or racing across a bridge made of glass. Slowly other players die off, and by the end one wins a whole bunch of money.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="ctsmKz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Squid Game: The Challenge is a morbid LARP trapped inside a reality TV show","url":"https://www.theverge.com/23971416/squid-game-the-challenge-review-netflix"}]}'></div></aside></div> <p id="nCtE03">Aesthetically, the game mostly follows the show. There are a bunch of characters to play as — some pulled from the show, others new for the game — and even though there’s a cartoon aesthetic, things still get bloody, with players being shot for breaking the rules or crushed under some obstacle. There are the familiar green track suits and masked guards.</p> <p id="V4ieJd">But the connections to the show are really only surface level. There’s no story element, so if you haven’t watched the show, you’d have no idea the kind of personal anguish many of the characters are going through.</p> <div id="QvX63s"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sT-WR6zdJj0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div> <p id="1A3Xrp">In fact, many of the elements that make <em>Unleashed</em> a pretty fun mobile game are also what keep it from being a good adaptation of what <em>Squid Game</em> is all about. In order to reduce frustration, most of the games have respawning. So even if you fail at “red light, green light” and get shot by a guard, it’s not game over. It simply slows you down in a race to be one of a pre-determined number of players to cross the finish line and move on.</p> <p id="pr8Qi7">Similarly, the games can all be completed in a few minutes. This is great for playing short sessions on the go; being stuck in a 30 minute multiplayer match on your phone typically sucks. But when you put elements like the short run time and respawning together it, completely erases any of the tension that’s so core to <em>Squid Game</em>’s appeal.</p> <p id="0ApF59">And despite having no in-app purchases — <em>Unleashed</em> is completely free for Netflix subscribers and, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319725/squid-game-for-everyone">for a limited time, non-subscribers</a> — it’s still structured like a typical free-to-play game. You earn cash from winning matches and completing various goals, which is used to unlock new characters, costumes, and emotes. Every time I log on I’m greeted with a jarring number of pop-ups and notifications letting me know I just unlocked a zombie costume or that there’s a Christmas-themed event going on. Just this morning I was gifted a twerking emote.</p> <p id="AZn1rQ">Yes, now I can make Kang Sae-byeok, whose death was one of the most tragic moments of season 1, twerk in the middle of a deadly obstacle course.</p> <p id="UwkLid"><em>Unleashed</em> isn’t a bad game. In many ways, it’s a clever reinterpretation of online party games for mobile. But, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23971416/squid-game-the-challenge-review-netflix">like most of Netflix’s expansions of the <em>Squid Game</em> universe</a>, it also completely misses the point of the show. It’s sort of like what <em>Fortnite</em> is to the original movie <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23851408/battle-royale-revisited-hunger-games-fortnite-squid-game-criterion"><em>Battle Royale</em></a>: a playful, colorful take on a brutal, piercing story.</p> <p id="v2DHCJ"><em>Fortnite</em> largely avoided the tonal dissonance by creating a cartoon-ish, multiversal world that is far away from an island full of kids killing their classmates. <em>Unleashed</em>, on the other hand, is another part of S<em>quid Game</em> — one that doesn’t seem to understand why the series exists.</p>
The Verge’s 2024 in review

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000

<figure> <img alt="Photo collage of some of The Verge’s favorite gadgets from 2024." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/drZOm0-f96G6KAiHfTVhBltoMTk=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73799170/247333_EOY_Package_Check_In_CVirginia_PACKAGE.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Looking back at a very busy year.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24305538/2024-best-worst-streaming-gaming-tech-list-roundup">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>