Technology news

UPDATE: Dec. 23, 2024, 5:15 p.m. EST The first four Drops of the day, the Sony LinkBuds S, $100 Uber gift card, Steel Series gaming keyboard, and Samsung Galaxy Watch6, are no longer available. The last one, a $50 Nintendo eShop gift card for $40, dropped at 5 p.m. ET.Best Buy is not letting up on last-minute holiday sales just because Christmas Eve is basically here. In fact, one could argue it's going even harder than some other stores: On top of a 48-hour Flash Sale, Dec. 23 is packed with a

The PayPal Honey browser extension is, in theory, a handy way to find better deals on products while you’re shopping online. But in a video published this weekend, YouTuber MegaLag claims the extension is a “scam” and that Honey has been “stealing money from influencers, including the very ones they paid to promote their product.”
Honey works by popping up an offer to find coupon codes for you while you’re checking out in an online shop. But as MegaLag notes,

Image: Lux Optics 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 Kino video app, which was recently awarded iPhone app of the year for 2024 by Apple, Lux is giving the next version of its popular photo app a touch of the Steam indie dev treatment.Not only is Lux already hyping key upcoming features in a blog post by cofounder Ben Sandofsky, b

An Ioniq 5 using a CCS to NACS adapter to charge at a Supercharger. | Image: Hyundai Hyundai announced it will start distributing free CCS to Tesla NACS adapters 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.
The NACS adapter deal includes 2024 and

Xbox Game Pass, Spotify subscriptions, retail store gift cards, and other digital products make for great last-minute gifts. | Image: Meta 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, s

Boxing Day lands Dec. 26, and along with it, loads of tech deals that are ripe for the taking. As an added perk this year, Dell’s Boxing Day deals are live on Dec. 20, which means you can nab first dibs on the gaming monitor, laptop, or other Dell gear you’ve been frothing for and spend your holiday watching ice hockey or gaming, instead of shopping. Here’s a sampling of the Dell Boxing Day deals you can score now through Jan. 3, and you’ll find tons more online.&nbs

Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images After its victory against Google in an antitrust trial earlier this year, the Department of Justice recently proposed a sweeping set of changes its search business. The DOJ put a lot on the table, demanding that Google sell its Chrome browser, syndicate its search results, and avoid exclusive deals with companies like Apple for default search placement. It even kept open the possibility of forcing an Android sale.
Now, Google has responded with a fa

Illustration by Hugo Herrera / The Verge Google, Salesforce, H&M and other brands have turned to unlikely allies to help them clean up their carbon pollution: sewage treatment plants and paper mills. The companies joined an $80 million plan to take CO2 out of the atmosphere, though the strategies they’re using have yet to show whether they can have a meaningful impact on climate change.
They’re paying $32.1 million to a startup called CREW that aims to trap carbon dioxide emissio

Image: Asus Asus is planning to launch a new Rog Strix laptop at CES on January 6th, 2025, the company confirmed in a post spotted by VideoCardz. The short teaser shared by Asus shows a laptop with RGB lighting that wraps all the way around the bottom of the device, likely making for an even more colorful underglow when compared to previous generations.
Though Asus doesn’t say which Rog Strix models it will introduce, leaked retail listings suggest Asus could reveal new Rog Strix 18 Scar a

Santa might have his sleigh, but this Christmas, Beyoncé is bringing the true holiday magic to Netflix — and the NFL with a Cowboy Carter Christmas. For the first time, Queen Bey will take the halftime stage during NFL Christmas Gameday, streaming live on Netflix on Wednesday, Dec. 25. While the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens battle it out on the field, the real showstopper will be inside Houston’s NRG Stadium, where Beyoncé is set to sleigh slay with the first liv

As Beyoncé prepares to take the stage for her highly anticipated halftime performance during Netflix's live NFL Christmas Gameday, those in the Bey Hive are buzzing with excitement — not just for her electrifying set, but for who might join her. While the full list of special guests remains under Beyoncé's lock and key, speculation is running wild, and one thing is certain: This performance will be full of surprises.SEE ALSO:Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter': Who are the featu

While the internet is abuzz about the jingling keys that is generative AI, some of the biggest companies on the planet are preparing to unveil some of the biggest artificial intelligence integrations at CES 2025.And many of those AI products from companies like Samsung and LG are focused on more practical AI solutions like home appliances.Here's a look at what we can expect at CES 2025.Samsung's AI for All home appliancesThe day before CES 2025 officially opens is expected to be a big one for ma

Healthcare provider Ascension has revealed the sensitive data of 5.6 million patients was compromised in a massive cyberattack earlier this year.The ransomware attack occurred in May and threw the company into turmoil, with patient portals and files inaccessible, elective services postponed, and some ambulances diverted, according to a filing with the Maine Attorney General that was reported by TechRadar. Ascension did not name the hackers, but CNN previously published reports indicating it stem

SAVE UP TO 55%: Board games at Amazon are up to 55% off including the original Catan and Ticket to Ride Europe. Plus, depending on your shipping location, these games are likely to arrive before Dec. 25.Best board game deals at AmazonBest overall board game dealTicket to Ride Europe$49.99 at Amazon(save $10)Get DealBest strategy board game dealCatan $25 at Amazon(save $29.99)Get DealBest two-player board game dealAzul$31.97 at Amazon(save $8.02)Get Deal
Welcome to the week of holiday gatherings.

The XM4 are over four years old, but they still sound great for the money. | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge A couple of months ago, we saw the Sony WH-1000XM4 drop to $129.99, which was an absolute steal for the last-gen noise-canceling headphones. That deal predictably sold out in a heartbeat, and there’s no telling whether we’ll see it that low again, but Amazon is selling them in black for $178.20 (about $170 off), which would be an all-time low if not for said outlier. You can

Dec. 23rd, shop Target's last minute Lego deals online and pick them up at your local store before Christmas — save up to 40% on sets like Lego Star Wars Invisible Hand.The best Lego deals from TargetThe best Lego dealLego Star Wars Invisible Hand 75377$29.99(Save $20)Get DealBest deal for Disney princess fansLego Disney Princess Maleficent's Dragon Form Castle and Horse Set 43240$55.99(Save $14.00)Get DealBest budget Lego dealMarvel War Machine Mech Armor Building Toy 76277$11.99(Save $3.

Illustration by Hugo Herrera / The Verge The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is suing Walmart and payroll service provider Branch Messenger for alleged illegal payment practices for gig workers.The bureau says Walmart was opening direct deposit accounts using Spark delivery drivers’ social security numbers without their consent. The accounts also can come with intense fees that, according to the complaint, would add either 2 percent or $2.99 per transaction, whichever is higher

SAVE $100: As of Dec. 23, the Dyson Supersonic Origin hairdryer is available on the Dyson website for just $299.99, $100 off the list price. Opens in a new windowCredit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Origin $299.99 at Dyson$399.99 Save $100.00Get DealWe wouldn't usually tout the Dyson Supersonic Origin over the original Dyson Supersonic, but this deal actually makes sense. As of Dec. 23, you can snag the Dyson Supersonic Origin (black/nickel) plus three additional attachments for just $299.99. That&rsq

Here's a holiday gift from Elon Musk to X's most loyal customers: The cost of your subscription is going up by nearly 40 percent.According to a new page on X's Help Center titled Premium+ Price Adjustment, the X Premium+ subscription will now cost $22 per month in the U.S., up from the previous $16 monthly fee. Annual subscription costs to X Premium+ are also rising, from $168 to $229 per year.The move from Musk's social media platform was announced over the weekend and officially went into effe

Samsung is set to debut a new, AI-powered refrigerator at CES 2025. The tech company announced the plans in a press release, weeks ahead of the annual, major tech conference in Las Vegas. Samsung said the new fridges will use what it's calling AI Hybrid Cooling technology. Basically, the AI-powered tools will work to anticipate temperatures changes — when unloading groceries, for instance — and keep the refrigerator properly cooled. SEE ALSO:CES 2025 preview: Mashable's guide on what

Apple's push for smart home devices might include a smart doorbell. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a doorbell with facial recognition technology that would wirelessly connect to a deadbolt lock and unlock the door for its residents, like Face ID for iPhone. Tweet may have been deletedReports of a smart doorbell comes after Apple's rumored plans to launch a smart home hub and security camera to compete with Amazon Ring and Google Nest. After cancelling its plans for dev

If we said breakups were hard, that would be an overstatement so strong it would be kind of insulting. But we will say that they’re complicated, and they’re varied – ranging from the "OK-I-guess" to the heartbreaking and messy.Then there are friendship breakups. Less talked about, but perhaps the most complicated. So, how do you manage the delicate dynamics of a friendship breakup? Speaking to those who’ve been on the friendship breakup frontlines and experts in how to ha

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 23:OUR TOP PICKAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K$21.99(save $28 with on-page code 4KHOLIDAYUP)Get DealBEST TABLET DEALAmazon Fire HD 8 tablet$54.99(save $45)Get DealBEST HEADPHONES DEALSony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones$278(save $121.99)Get DealBEST MONITOR DEALSamsung 43-inch M70D smart monitor$349(save $150.99)Get DealBEST HOME SECURITY DEALBlink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera$64.99(save $64.99)Get Deal
Whether you're looking for last-minute gi

Dec. 23rd, Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale is offering doorbuster deals of up to 50% and above on tech products from brands like Apple, Dyson, and JBL.The best deals from Best Buy's 48-Hour SaleBest Bluetooth speaker dealJBL Xtreme3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker$199.99(Save $130)Get DealBest Apple dealApple AirPods Max (Lightning)$379.99(Save $170)Get DealBest TV dealLG 43” UT70 Series UHD Smart webOS TV$199.99(Save $200)Get Deal
You might think that all the great December sales lead up to Chri

SAVE 55%: As of Dec. 23, you can save up to 55% on select Echo devices. Shop the Echo Dot, Echo Spot, or Echo Pop and have it delivered before Christmas. Best Echo deals as of Dec. 23: Best deal overall Echo Spot $44.99 (save $35)Get DealBest runner-up deal Echo Dot $22.99(save $27 )Get DealBest budget pick Echo Pop $17.99(save $22)Get Deal
With Christmas just two days away, it’s hard to believe anything would ship in time to sneak under the tree, but Amazon’s working hard to get eve

SAVE $169.01: The Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) are on sale for $379.99 at Best Buy as of Dec. 23. That's 30% off their $549 MSRP and a match of their record-low Cyber Monday price.Opens in a new windowCredit: AppleApple AirPods Max (Lightning)$379.99 at Best Buy $549.00 Save $169.01Available in silver, space gray, and greenGet DealIt's the most wonderful time for your ears: Best Buy has revived one of the best AirPods deals of 2024 right before the holidays.As of Dec. 23, the Apple AirPods Max

SAVE OVER 90%: A three-month subscription to Audible is on sale for just $0.99 per month, down from the typical price of $14.95 per month. That's a total savings of $41.88.Opens in a new windowCredit: AmazonAudible subscription $0.99 at Amazon $14.95 Save $13.96sale price extends to first three monthsGet DealShopping for last-minute holiday gifts? While it may seem late in the game, there's still time to gift something thoughtful that'll be enjoyed for months to come. Especially great for dealin

The New York Times Games has finally introduced the Connections Archive — an exclusive feature for Games and All Access subscribers. Launched on October 8, the archive allows users to revisit and replay over 450 puzzles from the popular Connections game, which launched in June 2023. Initially accessible on desktop and mobile web, the archive was rolled out to the NYT Games app on iOS and Android later that month. According to Jonathan Knight, head of Games at The New York Times, the archiv

Performance upgrades and screen improvements make the new Paperwhite’s minor updates feel more substantial. Three years have passed since Amazon last updated its flagship e-reader, and while this year’s Kindle lineup seemed focused on Amazon’s first color offering, the Paperwhite still got some welcome improvements. With a higher-contrast screen and snappier performance, the 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite remains the best e-reader on the market.
I tested the $199.99 Kindle P

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes important decisions that affect our everyday lives. These decisions are implemented by firms and institutions in the name of efficiency. They can help determine who gets into college, who lands a job, who receives medical treatment and who qualifies for government assistance. As AI takes on these roles, there is a growing risk of unfair decisions – or the perception of them by those people affected. For example, in college admissions or hiring, these aut

The United Kingdom may soon force social media firms to seek out and remove underage users from their platforms. The UK's Office of Communications, more commonly known as Ofcom, has set out a plan to force tech companies to use facial recognition to ban social media users who are underage. "The sort of thing that we might look to in that space is some of this facial age estimation technology that we see companies bringing in now, which we think is really pretty good at determining who is a child

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 23, the PlayStation VR2 is back down to its Black Friday price of $349.99 ($250 off). It'll be delivered before Christmas if you pick it up at Best Buy, and you'll also get a copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain.Opens in a new windowCredit: SonyPlayStation VR2 + 'Horizon Call of the Mountain' bundle$349.99 at Best Buy $599.99 Save $250.00Get DealIf you haven't ventured into the world of VR gaming yet, the holiday season is a perfect time to do just that. Why? Well, because

The cast of A Complete Unknown—Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro and Ed Norton—delve into the intricate process of portraying figures from Bob Dylan's orbit. From Dylan's input on the screenplay to the emotional weight of embodying Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, the actors share insights, challenges, and how Fanning approached Suze Rotolo’s sacred legacy.A Complete Unknown opens only in theaters Dec. 25.

President-elect Donald Trump wants to keep TikTok — at least, right now he does.At AmericaFest, hosted by Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, on Sunday, Trump said he "did go on TikTok and we had a great response with billions of views." Trump has 14.7 million followers on the app. While his videos regularly have many millions of views, there doesn't appear to be any videos on his TikTok page with "billions of views." The video with the most views is the first he posted, with nearl

Michael Kratsios appearing at the Web Summit in 2019. | Photo by Rita Franca/NurPhoto via Getty Images In a pair of Truth Social posts on Sunday, Donald Trump announced a set of picks for his administration’s tech policy team that will report to David Sacks, Trump’s “AI and crypto czar.” The picks include Michael Kratsios, who will lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) if confirmed by the Senate.Kratsios, who served in Trump’s first term as the Whi

Across Europe, skills shortages are emerging as a key challenge. The Council of the European Union says this is driven by demographic change, demand for new skillsets, and poor working conditions in some sectors. Adding to that, a recent report highlighted that around 42% of Europeans lack basic digital skills, including 37% of those in the workforce. The rapid advancement of AI is adding more pressure. While AI offers the EU a shot in the arm to strengthen the bloc’s innovation and compe

Image: Focus FeaturesRobert Eggers’ Nosferatu gets at the heart of what makes vampires an eternally fascinating fixture in our sexual imaginations. Even if you haven’t seen F.W. Murnau’s original Nosferatu or read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, those stories have undoubtedly shaped your ideas about vampires. They weren’t the first tales about undead ghouls rising from the grave to suck the blood out of the living. But by presenting their monsters in such wildly innovative w