Technology news

Image: Andrew J. Hawkins / The Verge Luminar, which makes lidar sensors for autonomous driving systems, announced today plans to lay off 20 percent of its workforce amid a broader restructuring of its production process.The company, which just announced shipments of its next-generation laser sensors to Volvo, said that it will transition to an “asset light” business model that will see more of its production outsourced to its partners. As part of the restructuring, at least 147 peopl

Does AI have a place in the music industry? At least one label seems to think so.The record label Sub Pop told the Los Angeles Times that the music video for "The Hardest Part," a single release on May 2 by the artist Washed Out, is the first collaboration between a major music artist, filmmaker, and OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video generator. It is also the longest video yet created using AI.The creative team behind the video says that Sora made it possible for them to create something sweepin

Rufino Choque, from the Urus Indigenous community, stands over a boat in the middle of the extinct Poopó Lake, which disappeared in 2015.| Photo by Manuel Seoane Attacks against environmental journalists have risen dramatically across the world, according to a report released by UNESCO to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists surveyed 905 journalists across 129 countries. Between 2009 and last year, more than 70 percent of reporters ex

Image: Getty Images The TSA’s been planning to expand facial recognition to a whopping 430 US airports over the next several years — but a bipartisan group of 14 senators is now challenging that.Facial recognition “poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs,” reads part of the May 2nd letter (via Gizmodo) from Sen

Microsoft is more explicitly banning police departments from using its AI models to identify suspects, according to new conduct language for its Azure OpenAI collaboration.The new language explicitly prohibits using its AI model services "for facial recognition purposes by or for a police department in the United States." It also prohibits use cases in which mobile cameras are used by any law enforcement globally "in the wild" or where patrolling police officers use body-worn or dash-mounted cam

Illustration: The Verge Apple CEO Tim Cook has made it clear that AI features are coming soon, and a new report from AppleInsider offers more details about what we might see in the next version of iOS. One of the big focuses will be on Siri, which will reportedly gain the ability to analyze and summarize texts within the Messages app.
AppleInsider previously said a similar “Intelligent Search” feature is coming to Safari in iOS 18, allowing users to summarize webpages. Apple’s

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge Last week, I placed a big dinner order for myself and several friends through DoorDash. There was no way to add a tip when I placed my order, but I wasn’t too worried — DoorDash assured me I’d be able to tip after the order was placed or delivered.
It was the first time I had used the service since last November, and since then, DoorDash made some big changes: in protest of a New York City law guaranteeing a minimum wage for delivery driv

UPDATE: May. 4, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new laptop deals, pricing, and availability.The very best laptop deals at a glance:Best laptop deal under $300Dell Inspiron 15 (3535))$289.99 at Dell.com(save $160)Get DealBest laptop deal under $600HP Laptop 15t-fd100$459.99 at HP.com(save $540)Get DealBest laptop deal under $900Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch$849 at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo(save $150)Get DealBest laptop deal under $1,200Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2)$

Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge; Getty Images Bounced emails. Stalled projects. Delayed adapters. These are the immediate effects of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s “ultra-hardcore” approach to cost cutting, which has resulted in at least 500 layoffs from the company’s Supercharger business, including the division’s top executive, Rebecca Tinucci.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Tesla was on the verge of making its vehicle charging plug the de facto stan

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios Attention, Democracy Defenders: Helldivers 2 will soon require players on Steam to link their account to a PlayStation Network account. According to the announcement, all new players on Steam will be required to link to a PSN account starting May 6th, while current players will have a little bit longer, with mandatory enforcement delayed until June 4th.According to Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios, linking to a PSN account was always going to be a requi

Eagle-eyed AI watchers suspect that a ChatGPT search engine product — in other words a direct competitor to Google Search — will be here in a matter of days.Yesterday, a post in Y Combinator's Hacker News community noted that a domain name and a security certificate for "search.chatgpt.com" had been created, although that address currently leads to nothing. This could mean anything. A developer at OpenAI could have created that address and certificate for some internal purpose f

iOS 18, the next major iteration of the iPhone operating system, is reportedly going to feature a new suite of AI-powered features designed to keep up with the AI race where Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants are at the forefront.According to a report from AppleInsider, Apple doesn't necessarily care to roll out an AI chatbot like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Instead, the Cupertino-based tech giant is focused on enhancing the capabilities of utilities and apps that already exist with

May just started, but when has that ever stopped retailers from starting their Memorial Day sales early? This year is no different, so it's time to prepare for those summer savings. Here's everything you need to know about this year's big Memorial Day sales, plus some early offers for you to start shopping right now. When is Memorial Day, and when do the sales start?This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27. But, Memorial Day weekend — the time when most of the big sales will be taki

Image: Hisense Hisense is launching the CanvasTV, a matte television designed to display artwork and photos, letting it blend in with the rest of your decor when not in use. If it sounds similar to The Frame by Samsung, that’s because it is — but the difference is that the CanvasTV’s starting price is several hundred dollars cheaper.
The CanvasTV is available in 55 and 65 inches, with the smaller version costing $999 and the larger option priced at $1,300, according to CNET. To

Photo by Paul Hennessy / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Wednesday banning the sale of lab-grown meat in the state. The legislation is a clear handout to the state’s cattle industry: the state’s commissioner of agriculture said it was about protecting “our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture.” But DeSantis’ statements make it clear that, like many of his other pet causes, the lab-grow

SAVE $38: As of May 3, get Star Wars: Squadrons for Xbox from the Microsoft Store for just $1.99. That's 95% off.Opens in a new windowCredit: Microsoft Store"Star Wars: Squadrons"$1.99 at Microsoft Store $39.99 Save $38.00Get DealWho hasn't watched Star Wars and wanted to fly an X-Wing or a TIE Fighter? If you raised your hand, we're wondering if you might hate having fun. Because as far as Star Wars games go, there are few cooler things than hopping into a ship, taking off into space, and going

STAR WARS TECH GEAR: As of May 3, shop the Star Wars Casetify Collection, where you can snag a new Star Wars phone case, iPad or tablet case, laptop sleeve, phone charger, and much more with a selection of galactic designs. Opens in a new windowCredit: CasetifyStar Wars Casetify CollectionStar Wars-inspired phone cases, iPad or tablet cases, laptop sleeves, phone chargers, and more. Shop NowThinking of outfitting your phone with a new case? Or maybe you're just a huge Star Wars fan and you want

Amazon deals of the day at a glance:OUR TOP PICKSamsung Jet 75 Pet cordless stick vacuum$199 at Amazon (save $200)Get DealBEST DEAL FOR NEW MOMSNanit Pro smart baby monitor and wall mount$192.79 at Amazon(save $107.20)Get DealBEST KITCHEN DEALNespresso VertuoPlus coffee and espresso machine with Aeroccino milk frother$153.97 at Amazon(save $65.98)Get DealBEST OUTDOORS DEALThermacell Patio Shield E55 mosquito repellent$29.98 at Amazon(save $10.01)Get Deal
Have some extra money in your pocket head

NEW BEATS HEADPHONES UNDER $200: On May 2, Beats released the Beats Solo 4 headphones. The newest generation of over-ear headphones is available for $199 at Amazon. Opens in a new windowCredit: Beats Beats Solo 4 headphones$199.00 at Amazon Shop NowWith the release of the Beats Solo 4 over-ear headphones, you can score a pair of headphones with the latest upgrades and adaptations without breaking the bank. The new headphones dropped on May 2 for $199 at Amazon in four style-forward colors: Matte

The carriers are at it again. | Illustration: The Verge AT&T has a new optional feature for some of its plans. It’s called Turbo, and for $7 per month, it provides “better speed and stability” for a line of service by upgrading your data plan to “performance data.” AT&T pitches it as an add-on to help with demanding applications, like gaming. Okay, but what exactly is “performance data?” It’s kind of unclear. But we can sort of piece it tog

GET UP TO 35% OFF: As of May 3, you can get up to 35% off Nespresso machines at Amazon, including the Nespresso VertoPlus and Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe.Our top picks: Best deal overallNespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine$146.97 at Amazon(save $62.98)Get DealBest runner-up deal Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine $174.97 at Amazon (save $74.98)Get DealBest budget pick Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine$118.97 at Amazon (save $50.98)Get Deal

On The Idea of You's companion album, the film's star Nicholas Galitzine sings, "I think I need a new direction lately," a sly reference to the boy band One Direction. The album is a clever marketing ploy for a romantic comedy based on a book inspired by One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles. It follows the romance between Styles' stand-in, Hayes Campbell (played by Galitzine), a member of the boy band August Moon, and Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old gallerist and mother. The film's

UPDATE: May. 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m. EDT We've updated this article with the hottest deals available. Be sure to check them out!GET UP TO 70% OFF SELECT TOYS: It's Masturbation May, which means discounts on sex toys, accessories, lube, and more. Our top picksMasturbation May at Lovehoney Lovehoney Up to 50% off select toys Shop Now Masturbation May at Lovers Lovers BOGO 50% off We-Vibe and Playboy Pleasure products Shop Now Masturbation May at Babeland Babeland Up to 70% off Shop Now Masturbation Ma

Image: Laura Normand / The Verge Microsoft is overhauling its security processes after a series of high-profile attacks in recent years. Security is now Microsoft’s “top priority,” the company outlined today in response to ongoing questions about its security practices and the US Cyber Safety Review Board’s labeling of Microsoft’s security culture as “inadequate.”Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is now making it clear to every employee that security should be

Image: Instagram Instagram announced a handful of new features to Stories, including new interactive ways to share music, photos, and videos.
The most intriguing new feature is called Reveal and, when applied, blurs the contents of a story post. The only way viewers can see the post is by DMing the person who shared it.Instagram head Adam Mosseri has said that direct messages are an increasingly important part of the platform and that stories and DMs account for most of Instagram’s growth.

Tomorrow is Star Wars Day. Whether you plan to celebrate by binge-watching the iconic space saga or indulging in some amusing wordplay wishing your friends a happy "May the 4th," the LEGO Store is offering a host of deals that will take your day to the next level. Opens in a new windowCredit: LEOGLEGO Store Star Wars Day saleShop NowAs of today, May 3, the LEGO Store is gearing up for Star Wars Day with free gifts, discounts on select sets, and opportunities for LEGO Insider members to win 2x-4x

Image: The Verge Microsoft is making security its number one priority for every employee, following years of security issues and mounting criticisms. After a scathing report from the US Cyber Safety Review Board recently concluded that “Microsoft’s security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul,” it’s doing just that by outlining a set of security principles and goals that are tied to compensation packages for Microsoft’s senior leadership team.
Last Novem

Image: Hugo Herrera / The Verge The Biden administration is giving automakers a little leeway around some of the strict rules regarding eligibility for the government’s $7,500 tax credit.The final guidance, which was released today, gives car companies a two-year exemption from provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) intended to disqualify EVs with battery minerals from countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea — so-called “foreign entities of concern” (

Estonian mobility startup Bolt has secured a €220mn credit facility as it plans to go public next year.   This type of financing is a more flexible loan option, which allows a business to withdraw and repay funds as needed, on an ongoing basis. Kind of like a credit card for companies.  The credit facility provides Bolt “with additional flexibility as we work towards being IPO-ready,” CEO and founder Markus Villig said in a statement. Lenders include Barclays, Deutsch

Image: Alex Parkin / The Verge The Rabbit R1 is not good. Neither is the Humane AI Pin. Does that signal the end of the AI gadget revolution before it ever really got started? Or is it just that two companies shipped too little, too soon? The whole AI industry is moving fast, and it sometimes makes you wonder where it’s actually headed — or if there’s anywhere at the end of the road.
On this episode of The Vergecast, we discuss our reviews of these new devices, their potential

Image: Alex Parkin / The Verge The Rabbit R1 is not good. Neither is the Humane AI Pin. Does that signal the end of the AI gadget revolution before it ever really got started? Or is it just that two companies shipped too little, too soon? The whole AI industry is moving fast, and it sometimes makes you wonder where it’s actually headed — or if there’s anywhere at the end of the road.
On this episode of The Vergecast, we discuss our reviews of these new devices, their potential

Image: GKids Mars Express is a futuristic detective story about the autonomy of synthetic beings — which is to say, it’s the latest in a long line of sci-fi influenced by Ghost in the Shell and Blade Runner. But while its premise may be familiar, the movie makes up for it with style and energy. The debut feature from director Jérémie Périn, Mars Express features absolutely stunning 2D animation, a fully realized world, and a pulse-pounding story that kept me gues

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge After slamming the Switch emulator Yuzu with a $2.4 million lawsuit that caused it to shut down, Nintendo is now taking aim at its copies. The gaming giant submitted a total of 8,535 takedown notices for Yuzu emulator forks on GitHub, as spotted earlier by TorrentFreak and PCGamer.
When news of Nintendo’s lawsuit against Yuzu first broke, users began preserving the emulator’s code by making copies and uploading it to places like GitHub. But now

We’ve been teased for long enough, Spotify. Just drop the HiFi update already. | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge After years of waiting for Spotify to release the lossless audio tier it promised, some leaked UI elements suggest the project is alive and kicking, if not (dare I say) possibly close to release.Spotify’s current bitrate tops out at 320kbps, but that could soon change if screenshots taken from version 1.2.36 of Spotify by Redditor OhItsTom are accurate. They show what use