25
All of The Verge news from their Twitter Feed If you have a suggestion contact @gilalexandel
Image: Google
Google is rolling out ads in AI Overviews, which means you’ll now start seeing products in some of the search engine’s AI-generated summaries.
Let’s say you’re searching for ways to get a grass stain out of your pants. If you ask Google, its AI-generated response will offer some tips, along with suggestions for products to purchase that could help you remove the stain. The products will appear beneath a “sponsored” header, and Google spokesperson Craig Ewer told The Verge they’ll only show up if a question has a “commercial angle.”
GIF: Google
Google’s AI Overviews could contain relevant products.
Google has been testing ads in AI Overviews since May (https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/21/24161724/google-ai-search-results-ads-test) but says it’s moving forward with a full rollout because it...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260637/googles-ai-overview-ads-launch)
Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge; Getty Images
It had all the makings of a typical recruiting event for a tech startup in San Francisco. There was free food, drinks, and live music generated via code being written in real time (https://x.com/itsandrewgao/status/1841309161868628087).
But there were also mandatory metal detector screenings, ID checks, and security guards everywhere. It was held by Elon Musk at the original Mission District headquarters of OpenAI, which Musk cofounded before leaving after (reportedly) failing to take it over (https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/24/23654701/openai-elon-musk-failed-takeover-report-closed-open-source). And Musk was there to convince people to join his latest startup, xAI.
The timing felt intentional. That same day, OpenAI was hosting its annual Dev Day across town, where CEO Sam Altman had spoken hours earlier to a packed auditorium of developers. The Silicon Valley rumor mill was buzzing about...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24261160/elon-musk-xai-recruiting-party-openai-dev-day-sam-altman)
Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast is fundamentally changing how Magic: The Gathering’s most popular format will operate. Earlier this week, the card game’s publisher announced that it will assume control of the Commander format (https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmagic.wizards.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fannouncements%2Fon-the-future-of-commander&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F10%2F3%2F24260527%2Fmagic-the-gathering-commander-rules-committee-ban) after a week of controversial decisions punctuated by an outpouring of violent harassment. The decision ends the format’s 13-year run as a volunteer-led and community-driven entity wholly independent of Wizards of the Coast.
Last week, the Commander Rules Committee, a volunteer panel of Magic: The Gathering experts, made the decision to ban four highly sought-after and powerful cards (https://mtgcommander.net/index.php/2024/09/), prohibiting their inclusion in Commander decks. In response, some players began harassing committee members, which included sending death and...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260527/magic-the-gathering-commander-rules-committee-ban)
Ken Pillonel has created a protective case that also upgrades old AirPods charging cases to USB-C. | Screenshot: YouTube
Those of us still rocking AirPods with Lightning ports finally have a way to upgrade them to USB-C that doesn’t require complicated modifications or the cost of completely replacing the case. Engineer Ken Pillonel (https://kenp.io/) has created a smart case for older AirPods (https://shop.kenp.io/) models that includes a USB-C charging port on the outside.
The protective cases are made from a durable but flexible 3D-printed plastic and can be installed on an AirPods charging case in about 10 seconds. The USB-C port on the outside passes power along to the AirPods’ Lightning port using some added electronics hidden in the base, but the case is also easily removable should direct access to the Lightning port still be needed.
Image: Ken Pillonel
Pillonel’s...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260280/apple-airpods-pro-max-usb-c-upgrade-ken-pillonel)
The US could bring a shuttered nuclear power plant back to life next year
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259276/nuclear-power-plant-energy-department-loan-palisades
Devolver launches new indie label focused on licensed games
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259402/devolver-digital-big-fan-licensed-indie-games
Sony’s new LinkBuds add voice controls without a smart assistant
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24256202/sony-linkbuds-open-fit-wireless-earbuds-headphones
Halide app update adds new functions for the iPhone 16 Camera Control button
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259340/halide-camera-control-button-exposure-focus-iphone-16
You can keep the door closed on Whirlpool’s new self-drying washers
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259346/whirlpool-washing-machine-freshflow-vent
eBay is off the hook for selling harmful products
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259191/ebay-doj-harmful-polluting-products-lawsuit-dismissed
PlayStation Network is down, knocking PS5 and PS4 gamers offline
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258989/ps5-ps4-playstation-network-down-outage-offline
YouTube’s missing hits will come back now that it has a deal with SESAC
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258734/youtube-sesac-music-licensing-streaming-negotiation
California governor signs one driverless vehicle bill, vetoes two others
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258349/california-governor-signs-veto-autonomous-vehicle-law
Reddit is making sitewide protests basically impossible
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24253727/reddit-communities-subreddits-request-protests
Amazon is launching its own Shark Tank where winners get to be Amazon sellers
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258276/amazon-buy-it-now-show-trailer-shark-tank-jb-smoove
Google’s AI search summaries officially have ads
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260637/googles-ai-overview-ads-launch
Inside Elon Musk’s AI party at OpenAI’s old headquarters
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24261160/elon-musk-xai-recruiting-party-openai-dev-day-sam-altman
How four expensive cards imploded Magic: The Gathering’s most popular format
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260527/magic-the-gathering-commander-rules-committee-ban
A control panel in the control room simulator of the Holtec Palisades Training Center in Covert, Michigan, US, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. | Photo: Getty Images
For the first time, a shuttered nuclear power plant in the US could reopen thanks to federal support. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $1.52 billion loan to help restore a nuclear generating station in Covert Township, Michigan.
Although it’s still a controversial option among environmental advocates, nuclear energy could be on the verge of a renaissance as an alternative to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants are already the biggest source (https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3) of carbon pollution-free energy in the US, and can fill in for renewables when solar and wind power wane.
“It’s a powerful clean energy comeback story.”
“It’s a powerful clean energy comeback story,” White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said in a press release (https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-bringing-back-clean-nuclear-energy-creating-clean-energy-union) yesterday.
The DOE...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259276/nuclear-power-plant-energy-department-loan-palisades)
Image: Big Fan Games
Devolver Digital has announced the creation of a new publishing label designed specifically for licensed games. The label, named Big Fan Games (https://www.bigfangames.com/), is helmed by industry veterans who have worked with brands like Disney, Dark Horse, and more. In a press release, Devolver said that the new company’s goals are “helping independent game developers breathe new life into their favorite movies, comics, TV shows, and cult heroes through the power of video games.” Big Fan already has a number of games on its roster, including Reigns: Game of Thrones, Hellboy Web of Wyrd, and John Wick Hex.
Licensed games were a big portion of the video game industry in the late ’80s and early ’90s. A lot of games that have been enshrined in older gamers’ imagination...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259402/devolver-digital-big-fan-licensed-indie-games)
Sony has updated its LinkBuds line with on-device voice controls and head gestures for answering or dismissing phone calls. | Image: Sony
Sony has announced new versions of its LinkBuds wireless earbuds with “improved wearability” and built-in voice controls, making them easier to leave in your ears all day. Both the new LinkBuds Open (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/truly-wireless-earbuds/p/wfl910-b) and LinkBuds Fit (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/truly-wireless-earbuds/p/wfls910n-b) are available for preorder today for $199.99, alongside a new LinkBuds Speaker (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://electronics.sony.com/audio/speakers/wireless-speakers/p/srsls1-b) debuting at $179.99 that will be limited to the US market.
The original Sony LinkBuds, first announced in early 2022 (https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/15/22933361/sony-linkbuds-price-specs), featured a unique “open ring design (https://www.theverge.com/22933521/sony-linkbuds-earbuds-review-features-specs)” that skipped sound-isolating ear tips for a donut-shaped speaker, allowing ambient sounds to be heard at all times. The new version, now known as the LinkBuds Open, features a similar but smaller design, with a new 11-millimeter speaker to enhance volume and bass performance. Sony also includes...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24256202/sony-linkbuds-open-fit-wireless-earbuds-headphones)
Focus and exposure are now in the Camera Control menu for Halide. | Image: Lux
Halide, a popular advanced camera app for iOS by the company Lux, is releasing a new update that adds manual photography “Adjustments” features for the iPhone 16’s Camera Control (https://www.theverge.com/24247538/apple-iphone-16-pro-review) button. In version 2.17 (now available (http://www.lux.camera/the-iphone-16-pro-camera-review-control/)), you can adjust focus and exposure on Camera Control; there’s also a new “Locked” mode to lock down some manual settings so an accidental swipe won’t ruin your current shoot.
Halide’s founder Sebastiaan De With says the Exposure adjustment can be set with an exposure bias “three times” that of Apple’s (plus or minus 6 EV vs 2) and that the Manual Focus on Camera Control is a “really nice, smooth experience on iPhone.” Lux also has its own review of the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera (http://www.lux.camera/the-iphone-16-pro-camera-review-control/).
Halide already supported the iPhone 16 Camera...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259340/halide-camera-control-button-exposure-focus-iphone-16)
You won’t need to remember to leave the door open on Whirlpool’s new washing machine. | Image: Whirlpool
Whirlpool has announced a new feature for its front-loading washing machines. Called the FreshFlow Vent System (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whirlpool-brand-launches-innovative-freshflow-vent-system-on-new-smart-front-load-washers-302261377.html?tc=eml_cleartime), it will dry the appliance’s drum, door, and rubber seals after a wash cycle. The system will reduce the growth of mold and bacteria and will save you from having to remember to leave the washer door open to passively dry its interior.
The new FreshFlow Vent System is being introduced on a pair of new Whirlpool washing machines ranging in price from $999 to $1,199 that are available now. The new feature doesn’t run automatically once a load of clothing has been washed; instead, the system requires you to close the washer door and start a “Dry Drum” cycle, which uses a fan to completely dry out the interior of the washer.
F...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259346/whirlpool-washing-machine-freshflow-vent)
eBay was shielded from liability in the civil lawsuit by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. | The Verge
A US government lawsuit accusing eBay of selling almost 350,000 polluting and environmentally harmful products — including pesticides and “defeat” devices that let motor vehicles evade emission controls — has been dismissed by a federal judge. On Monday, District Judge Orelia Merchant ruled (https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67832171/united-states-v-ebay-inc/) that eBay isn’t liable for items that users sell on the digital marketplace due to civil protections that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (https://www.eff.org/issues/cda230) provides for online platforms.
Under Section 230, online platforms cannot be held responsible for hosted content unless “it assisted in the development of what made the content unlawful.” The lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice last year (https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/27/23892755/ebay-harmful-polluting-products-violation-doj-epa) alleged that eBay had violated the Clean Air Act (CAA)...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259191/ebay-doj-harmful-polluting-products-lawsuit-dismissed)
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Gamers hoping to spend an evening in front of their PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 may be out of luck unless they enjoy single-player experiences (have you tried Astro Bot?). Sony’s gaming network is suffering a massive outage on Monday night.
The official PSN Service Status page (https://status.playstation.com/) confirms problems affecting everything, “Other, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, PS5, Web.” If it’s PlayStation — it’s not working. The most recent update tagged 9:21PM ET says that for gaming, “You might have difficulty launching games, apps, or network features. We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”
On my end, attempting to launch a game brought up “PS5 error Code WS-116522-7,” and the associated webpage from Sony (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/error-codes/ps5/ws-116522-7/) tells me...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258989/ps5-ps4-playstation-network-down-outage-offline)
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
YouTube has reached a deal with the music licensing organization SESAC that will bring back songs that were removed over the weekend. Many hit songs from artists such as Adele, Nirvana, and others disappeared, which YouTube blamed on the lack of an agreement to renew its existing deal.
In an email to The Verge, SESAC confirmed the new deal but noted that YouTube “unilaterally removed” the songs before their old agreement expired as of October 1st.
Scott Jungmichel, SESAC performing rights president and COO:
“We have reached an agreement with YouTube to equitably compensate SESAC’s songwriters and publishers for the use of their music. We appreciate the support and patience of our affiliates, as well as the artists who perform those...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258734/youtube-sesac-music-licensing-streaming-negotiation)
Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Amid the hullabaloo around California Gavin Newsom vetoing a closely watched artificial intelligence bill (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/29/24232172/california-ai-safety-bill-1047-vetoed-gavin-newsom), three other bills that would regulate a different type of AI — autonomous vehicles — landed on his desk with less fanfare. The governor signed one and vetoed two others.
For the second time in two years, Newsom vetoed legislation (AB 2286) that would have banned autonomous trucks from operating on public roads. He also vetoed another (AB 3061) that would set up new data reporting requirements for AV companies. And he signed a third bill into law (AB 1777) that would create guidelines for when an autonomous vehicle gets in a crash or encounters first responders.
Labor groups have been pushing the state legislature to adopt an AV...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258349/california-governor-signs-veto-autonomous-vehicle-law)
Illustration: The Verge
Reddit is giving its staff a lot more power over the communities on its platform. Starting today, Reddit moderators will not be able to change if their subreddit is public or private without first submitting a request to a Reddit admin. The policy applies to adjusting all community types (https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/15484546290068-Community-settings#h_01H15ATSVVNG35T5X4Y0G3JNKJ), meaning moderators will have to request to make a switch from safe for work to not safe for work, too.
By requiring admin approval for the changes, Reddit is taking away a lever many communities used to protest the company’s API pricing changes last year. By going private, the community becomes inaccessible to the public, making the platform less usable for the average visitor. And that’s part of the reason behind the change.
“The ability to instantly...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24253727/reddit-communities-subreddits-request-protests)
Screenshot: YouTube
Amazon Prime has released a trailer for its spin on the Shark Tank concept: Buy It Now, a JB Smoove-hosted show where people put their product ideas before a panel of investors. The twist is that they’ll also be judged by “The 100,” which Amazon says is an audience of “potential customers” (otherwise known as “people”), and if their products are picked, Amazon will sell them in a special section of the store.
The company announced the show earlier this year but has now released a trailer (https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/press-release/90-seconds-to-success-prime-video-releases-trailer) showing what it will look like. Contestants pitch their ideas to the audience. If the crowd votes for them, then the panelists pick which ones will show up on Amazon’s Buy It Now Store: a new storefront launching alongside the show that viewers can reach...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258276/amazon-buy-it-now-show-trailer-shark-tank-jb-smoove)
Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge
Verizon is experiencing a huge outage affecting its mobile services across the country.
“During the incident we received reports from Paducah, Birmingham, Fairhope, Foley, Mobile, Montgomery, Pelham, Phenix City, Trussville, Valley, Bella Vista, Benton, Bentonville, Brookland, Des Arc, Fayetteville, Heber Springs, Hot Springs Village, Washington, Dover and 1418 other cities,” according to a website tracking the outage (https://outage.report/us/verizon).
There are also more than 100,000 user reports of problems on Downdetector (https://downdetector.com/status/verizon/). Downdetector’s outage map (https://downdetector.com/status/verizon/map/) shows hotspots in many places, including New York and Atlanta. Based on that map, it appears as though the outages are more prevalent on the East Coast.
“We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers,”...
Continue reading… (https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258362/verizon-mobile-services-down-sos-mode)