Tech
Hell Is Us is a cryptic and ambitious meditation on the horrors of war
The opening hours of Hell Is Us are brilliantly confusing. The game tasks you with getting up to speed on a complicated civil war between the Palomists and Sabinians. A deluge of proper nouns is unleashed: Lymbic weaponry, Guardian Detectors, and more. But the clearest way the game communicates that you should feel utterly dumbfounded […]
Loewe Technology Taps Jacob & Co. for Iced-Out Headphones
SummaryGerman tech company Loewe has partnered with jeweller Jacob & Co. for bespoke, diamond-encrusted headphones.The limited-edition device comes in two signature finishes, which will sell for between €99,000 EUR and €119,000 EUR.German electronics brand Loewe has teamed up with American jewelry label Jacob & Co. for a bespoke set of limited-edition, diamond-studded headphones.Marking the first time that Jacob & Co. has partnered with a tech company, the collaborative headphones come in two finishes: "Ice Diamond," which features 14-karat white gold motifs as well as 456 diamonds, and "Noir Rainbow," which houses just under 16 carats of multi-toned sapphires set in 14-karat rose gold.“Rather than just creating an accessory, Jacob & Co. views this as pioneering a new form ...
Chatbots can be manipulated through flattery and peer pressure
Generally, AI chatbots are not supposed to do things like call you names or tell you how to make controlled substances. But, just like a person, with the right psychological tactics, it seems like at least some LLMs can be convinced to break their own rules. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania deployed tactics described […]
The Verge’s favorite gifts for book lovers
What do you gift somebody who loves books? The obvious answer is "a book," but since true bibliophiles are probably sitting on a stack already, it's worth getting a little more creative. Luckily for you, many of us at The Verge are big bookworms ourselves, which is why we rounded up a bunch of clever, […]
Meta is struggling to rein in its AI chatbots
Meta is changing some of the rules governing its chatbots two weeks after a Reuters investigation revealed disturbing ways in which they could, potentially, interact with minors. Now the company has told TechCrunch that its chatbots are being trained not to engage in conversations with minors around self-harm, suicide, or disordered eating, and to avoid […]
AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things AI, follow Hayden Field. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started It all started with J.A.R.V.I.S. Yes, that J.A.R.V.I.S. The one from […]
Verizon’s ‘software issue’ has disconnected many wireless customers across the US
Verizon has confirmed to customers in stores and online that its network is having an issue on Saturday. Many people have been unable to connect and make or receive calls for hours, while DownDetector’s tracker peaked in the afternoon at around 3:30PM ET with more than 20,000 reports. Some customers report their service has continued […]
No, a Windows update probably didn’t brick your SSD
For the last week or two, reports have been circulating that recent Windows 11 updates (specifically KB5063878 and KB5062660) were causing some SSDs using Phison controllers to fail. Tech influencers on YouTube and TikTok were quick to jump on the reports of corrupted data and disappearing drives, laying the blame squarely at Microsoft’s feet. We’re […]
Warner Bros. Hits Pause Button On ‘Mortal Kombat II,’ Delays The Movie Until May 2026
Welp, we won't be seeing Moral Kombat II in theaters this year.
The 20 best Labor Day deals you can grab for $100 or less
Labor Day weekend has finally arrived, and after a week of early discounts trickling in, the sales are now in full swing. From big-screen OLED TVs and outdoor gear to back-to-school essentials like the latest MacBook Air, we rounded up a guide of almost 100 deals we think are worth your time and money. But […]
Discounty adds some bite to cozy life sims
There's a pleasing rhythm to cozy life sims. The virtual days pass, filled with chores of tending crops or running a business, punctuated by strange mysteries or evolving relationships. At their best, these games merge busywork with exploration and storytelling, in a way that makes them hard to step away from. Discounty, from developer Crinkle […]
Why do Waymos keep loitering in front of my house?
When a Waymo pulls up and parks in front of her home on a residential street in West Los Angeles, 10-year-old Morgan rushes to the window. "The Waymo is home!" she says, calling to her parents, Lisa Delgin and Zach Tucker. It is by no means the first time a Waymo has come "home" to […]
