The influencer in this Vodafone ad isn’t real
The influencer in this Vodafone ad isn't real Anyone familiar with the AI slop on Pinterest should recognize how unnatural that hair is. I opened TikTok while visiting Germany last week and stumbled across a Vodafone ad being presented by a woman who probably doesn’t exist. The ad includes several “tells” that suggest the presenter […]
Google finally details Gemini usage limits
Google finally details Gemini usage limits Until very recently it wasn’t clear what usage limits were placed on Gemini at the various tiers. Thankfully Google has finally updated its Help Center article detailing “Gemini Apps limits & upgrades for Google AI subscribers.” Gone are the useless descriptors like “limited access” or vague statements like “we […]
GM slows EV production as tax credit nears expiration
GM slows EV production as tax credit nears expiration General Motors is going to be scaling back production of the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, as well as the Chevy Bolt EV as it expects sales of electric vehicles to slow dramatically. The $7,500 consumer tax credit for purchasing a new EV is set to expire […]
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things at the intersection of environment and technology, follow Justine Calma. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. […]
A really cheap way to get really smart lights
A really cheap way to get really smart lights Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 96, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, has your inbox been as busy as mine the past few days?, and also you can read all the old editions at the […]
Pocket Scion is a synth you play with plants
Pocket Scion is a synth you play with plants A few years ago, artist Modern Biology became a viral sensation when he posted videos of himself controlling a modular synth with mushrooms on TikTok. Pocket Scion gives anyone similar capabilities, but without having to spend thousands of dollars on a Eurorack rig – and in […]
Bluetti says it can reduce vanlife power installations to ‘30 minutes’
Bluetti says it can reduce vanlife power installations to '30 minutes' The RVSolar System living its best vanlife. | Image: Bluetti It only took three years, but Bluetti is following EcoFlow’s lead with a fully integrated power system of its own to make vanlifers, off-grid cabins, and boats energy independent. The RVSolar System’s main advantage over […]
Google Pixel 10 review: perfectly fine
Google Pixel 10 review: perfectly fine Pencils down. Asking the Pixel 10 to be more than what it is feels greedy. Google’s non-Pro Pixel is priced fairly at $799, which is significantly less than the $999 Pixel 10 Pro. It comes with some handy upgrades, like Qi2 charging with built-in magnets. Its AI features finally […]
First look: Dyson’s Spot+Scrub Ai robot seeks out stains
First look: Dyson's Spot+Scrub Ai robot seeks out stains The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai is the first robot vacuum mop from the company and the first to use a multifunctional dock. The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai Robot is the company’s first combination robot vacuum and mop. It debuted at Dyson’s Berlin store during the IFA tech show […]
Silicon Valley’s most powerful alliance just got stronger
Silicon Valley's most powerful alliance just got stronger Eddy Cue deserves a raise. As the executive overseeing Apple’s services division, he’s highly incentivized to protect the tens of billions of dollars a year that Google pays to be the default search engine in Safari. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep thinking about it,” he said […]