The Verge·2yGoogle Zero is here — now what?
Google dominates the modern web ecosystem and has the power to change the rules for businesses. Google Zero is the moment when Google Search stops sending traffic to third-party websites. Small businesses like HouseFresh are being negatively impacted by Google's actions.
The Verge·2yThe man who put Doom in a Lego brick is now playing it on a volumetric voxel display
James Brown, a graphics engineer at Weta Workshop, has advanced his hobby of creating innovative displays by building a crystal ball with spinning volumetric light to play *Voxel Doom*. The display operates like a hologram fan but on a 2D panel that spins to create 3D images. He shares his progress and other projects, like volumetric lunar landers and dino heads, on YouTube and Mastodon.
The Verge·2yIndie studio opens up to share canceled Magic School project
Dinosaur Polo Club, creators of *Mini Metro* and *Mini Motorways*, revealed their canceled project *Magic School* due to the need for a larger team. Despite the cancellation, no employees were laid off and their skills will be redirected to new projects within the *Mini* series. The studio's transparency offers a refreshing change in an industry often secretive about such cancellations.
The Verge·2yDiscord’s turning the focus back to games with a new redesign
Discord is rolling out a new app redesign, focusing on gaming and helping people connect before, during, or after playing a game. The company plans to improve the reliability of its voice, video, and streaming technology, while making it easier for users to reach conversations faster. Discord's shift back to gaming comes after a period of growth, staff layoffs, and concerns about child safety.
The Verge·2yEuropean iPhones are more fun now
Apple has added several new features to iPhones in Europe, such as third-party app stores, custom browser engines, and more customizable default apps, due to stricter regulations. These features are not available elsewhere, causing frustration among users. Despite some concessions like retro game emulators, Apple continues to maintain different standards for different regions.
The Verge·2yRaycast is bringing its super-powerful Mac launcher to iOS and Windows
Raycast, a powerful Mac launcher, is expanding to Windows and iOS. The Windows version aims to enhance control over the system, while the iOS version will serve as a companion app with a more visual and proactive interface. Raycast combines deep app integrations, AI chat, and other productivity features, and has recently raised $30 million to further its mission of reducing busywork for users.
The Verge·2yMicrosoft launches a Windows app for iPhones, Macs, and Android devices
Microsoft has launched a new Windows app for a variety of platforms including macOS, iOS, web browsers, Android, and Windows PCs. This app allows users to stream a copy of Windows from sources like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. The app includes features such as a customizable home screen, multi-monitor support, and USB redirection. It is limited to Microsoft work and school accounts and is designed to transition existing Remote Desktop clients. The app is available on the Microsoft Store, Apple’s App Store, and Android's public preview today.
The Verge·2yAll three game console makers have now abandoned X
Nintendo has discontinued support for X integration on the Switch console, following Microsoft and Sony. The update removed the ability to link X accounts and share in-game screenshots. Microsoft and Sony also disabled X access without explicitly mentioning the reason.
The Verge·2yWunderlist’s creators are back with a nifty new to-do app
A new to-do app called Superlist, created by the original team behind Wunderlist, has been released. It combines task management with notes and lists, and offers features such as automatic task recognition and organization. The app is designed for teams at work but can also be used solo, and has a Pro account available for $8 per month per user.
The Verge·2ySamsung’s new image-generating AI tool is a little too good
Samsung's new 'sketch to image' AI tool on the Fold 6 phone generates impressive and sometimes eerily realistic images from basic sketches. While the feature is entertaining, its accuracy raises concerns about distinguishing real from fake images. The tool's ability to seamlessly integrate AI-generated elements into photos could complicate our understanding of authenticity in imagery, especially with how instinctive it is to use.
The Verge·2yThe Nuio Flow split ergonomic keyboard uses magnets to help you find your ideal layout
Nuio, a company founded by brothers with design and manufacturing backgrounds, introduces Flow, a wireless split keyboard system aimed at enhancing ergonomic comfort. The $399 Flow keyboard features a fully split design with radial, wave-shaped keys, proprietary rubber dome switches, and rechargeable batteries. Magnetic accessories like stands, wrist pads, and a compact touchpad allow for customizable layouts. Quality build and design reflect the founders' pedigree, but the system comes with a steep price tag. Preorders are available now, with limited shipping starting December 1st, 2024, and broader options shipping January 1st, 2025.
The Verge·2yApple’s standalone Passwords app works across iOS, iPad, Mac, and Windows
Apple has released a standalone Passwords app that syncs passwords across iOS, iPad, Mac, and Windows. It integrates deeply with Apple logins and family sharing setups and is considered a safer option for security-conscious users.
The Verge·2yFramework Laptop 16, six months later
The Framework Laptop 16 offers great modularity, allowing users to swap out the keyboard, touchpad, ports, and discrete GPU. Initial reviews were critical due to stability issues, but a newer unit with updated firmware has shown improvements. Despite better stability, heat, noise, and some recurring glitches remain concerns. The laptop's unprecedented modularity and repairability are valuable, but performance issues suggest waiting for a future revision.
The Verge·2yMrBeast blames terrible Beast Games conditions on the CrowdStrike outage
The CrowdStrike global IT outage has been blamed for poor conditions at MrBeast's Beast Games reality show, affecting 2,000 contestants with issues like lack of food, medication, and clean underwear. Despite the hardships, MrBeast has not apologized, instead attributing the issues to external factors including the outage, extreme weather, and logistical problems. This follows a pattern seen in other events with similar logistical failures.
The Verge·2yHow to use Windows Terminal and what it’s useful for
Windows Terminal in Windows 11 integrates Command Prompt and PowerShell, offering enhanced command line functionalities. Essential commands include scheduling shutdowns, visualizing folder structures, troubleshooting network issues, obtaining system information, checking disk errors, viewing running tasks, analyzing energy states, verifying system integrity, and obtaining advanced networking details.
The Verge·2yRemote workers using ‘mouse-mover’ technology are getting caught
Employees using 'mouse-mover' technology to simulate productivity on their computers are being caught and fired, as companies rely on monitoring tools to ensure remote employees are actually working. The popularity of working remotely has increased the use of 'mouse jigglers,' creating a cat-and-mouse game between the technology and detection tools. Companies may need to redefine how they measure productivity for employees outside of the office as remote work continues to grow.
The Verge·2yOpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s $27 million mansion is a ‘lemon’ with a leaky pool, lawsuit alleges
Sam Altman’s $27 million mansion in San Francisco is the subject of a lawsuit due to numerous construction issues including a leaky infinity pool and faulty plumbing. The lawsuit alleges that the real estate developer, Troon Pacific, misrepresented the property's condition and conducted subpar workmanship. Repairs are estimated to cost millions and the case highlights ongoing issues with the developer's other projects.
The Verge·2yThis keyboard is a touchscreen that doubles as a second monitor
The DS Pixel Keyboard is a touchscreen keyboard that doubles as a second monitor. It features a detachable frame with physical keys to facilitate touch typing, offers a 1,000Hz or 8,000Hz polling rate, and is available through a Kickstarter campaign. The keyboard is compatible with multiple operating systems and allows extensive customization of its layout and background. It is powered by a 20,000mAh battery with up to 12 hours of use and includes HDMI input and built-in stereo speakers.
The Verge·2yLogitech’s new CEO wants your next mouse to last forever
Logitech's new CEO, Hanneke Faber, aims to make long-lasting 'forever' mice with upgradable features and reduce the company's carbon footprint significantly by 2031. She discusses moving away from some product lines, like smart home devices, and focusing on core areas like personal workspace, gaming, and video conferencing. The integration of AI in Logitech's products and the potential for subscription-based models are also highlighted. Faber emphasizes the importance of product innovation and organizational simplification to drive growth and sustainability.
The Verge·2yThis $56 Casio watch is a retro step tracking dream
The Casio WS-B1000 is a $56 watch that merges retro design with modern step-tracking capabilities. It offers basic features like step counting, stopwatch, timer functions, alarms, and Bluetooth connectivity to sync time with your phone. While it lacks advanced smartwatch functionalities like heart rate monitoring and contactless payments, it provides simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for those who prefer minimalist fitness tracking. The watch is lightweight, runs on a coin cell battery lasting around two years, and is perfect for users seeking a low-tech approach to fitness.
The Verge·2yThe ‘godmother of AI’ has a new startup already worth $1 billion
Fei-Fei Li, known as the 'godmother of AI,' has founded a startup named World Labs, already valued at over $1 billion. World Labs aims to develop AI capable of advanced reasoning by processing visual data in a human-like manner. The startup focuses on creating models that understand three-dimensional worlds, which could have applications in robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and computer vision. Backed by major investors, World Labs intends to push the boundaries of AI in various industries including healthcare and manufacturing.
The Verge·1yComic: how to watch a baby
Parenthood comes with an abrupt and total shift in life, as new parents struggle with exhaustion and the constant need to keep their baby safe and well-cared for. Many turn to baby tracking apps and advanced baby monitors to maintain a semblance of control, creating both comfort and anxiety. Surveillance tools offer a way to keep track of a child's health and activity but can introduce ethical dilemmas and an unhealthy dependency on technology. The evolution of baby monitors, stemming from a historical context, reflects the modern parent's complex relationship with safety and surveillance.
The Verge·2yNothing is requiring employees to be in the office five days a week
Nothing has mandated all 450 employees to work from the company's London office five days a week, citing improved collaboration and innovation as the reasons. CEO Carl Pei emphasized that remote work is not compatible with the company's high ambition and speed. While other tech companies have rolled back remote policies to a three-day in-office requirement, Nothing's full-week mandate may be a tough adjustment for employees used to remote work since the company's inception during Covid in 2020.