Technology

Oregon AG drops bid to delay Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield had sought documents from Paramount regarding its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and requested a 60-day delay from a state circuit court judge to review them. Rayfield has now withdrawn both his civil investigative demand and his effort to postpone the deal's closing. Paramount welcomed the decision, though the AG's office expressed dissatisfaction with how the matter was resolved. A spokesperson for Rayfield indicated that Paramount had signaled it would not comply with the document request, effectively prompting the withdrawal.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Even Realities Launches Camera-Free Smart Glasses Focused on Productivity

Even Realities has introduced a new pair of smart glasses that notably omit a camera, setting them apart from most competitors in the wearable tech space. The device is designed for professionals who frequently attend meetings, deliver presentations, or travel internationally. A key feature targets language barriers, suggesting built-in translation capabilities for users working across different countries. The company is betting that a productivity-first approach, rather than recording or social media features, will appeal to a distinct segment of the market.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

FL Studio CEO Constantin Koehncke engages directly with users via Reddit

Constantin Koehncke, CEO of Image Line, is the executive leading FL Studio, one of the most widely used digital audio workstations in the world. He took charge of Image Line in 2022, having previously served as head of Native Instruments where he led a push toward digital services. Under his leadership, FL Studio has introduced several AI-driven features, including stem separation and a chatbot called Gopher. Koehncke has turned to Reddit as a platform to gather user feedback and interact with the music-making community directly.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Nintendo's Talking Flower toy drops to $29.99 at Amazon and Walmart

Nintendo's Talking Flower, a toy based on a character from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, has received a price cut from $34.99 to $29.99 at Amazon and Walmart. The gadget calls out the time each hour, makes temperature-based comments using a built-in thermometer, and delivers random pre-programmed remarks unprompted. It lacks a microphone and internet connectivity, but includes a button to trigger responses on demand and supports multiple languages. Unlike Nintendo's $110 Alarmo clock, the Talking Flower serves no practical utility beyond novelty and occasional lighthearted reminders. Reviews are mixed, with buyers often finding it annoying yet charming — mirroring the reception of the original in-game character.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

White House picks Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb to lead UAP advisory council

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has been appointed to head the newly formed UAP Science Advisory Council, a body established by the White House, Pentagon, FBI, and intelligence agencies. The council's mandate is to produce scientific reports and guidance aimed at determining the nature of unidentified anomalous phenomena. Loeb, known for his controversial claims about extraterrestrial origins of certain cosmic objects, brings an interdisciplinary team that includes physicists, a pathologist, a computer scientist, a philosopher, and a psychologist. The council will report to the UAP Governing Board, which oversees broader government efforts on the subject.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI hiring product manager to build ChatGPT features for families and seniors

OpenAI is looking to expand ChatGPT's reach into everyday household use by hiring a dedicated product manager. The role focuses on developing experiences tailored for families, caregivers, and older adults. The move signals OpenAI's intent to grow its user base beyond professionals and tech-savvy individuals. The hiring plan was revealed through a publicly posted job listing by the company.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

ICE are heavily armed killers. They’re also huge losers

Federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in December 2025. | Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images Donald Trump's Homeland Security regime has been at the center of two critical stories in the past two weeks. In the first, federal agents shot and killed a man and quickly got to work justifying the use of force under the flimsiest of pretenses. In the other, it made house calls to people who said mean things to them online.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Jupiter-sized planet found surviving its host star's death

Astronomers have discovered a Jupiter-sized planet that appears to have survived the death of its host star. The star is believed to have gone through a red giant phase, which typically expands enough to engulf nearby planets. It remains unclear how the planet managed to escape destruction during this violent stellar evolution. The discovery raises new questions about planetary survival around dying stars.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Dosa Divas Is a Compact RPG That Packs Style and Story Into Under 10 Hours

Dosa Divas is a new roleplaying game reviewed by The Verge that stands out for its brevity in a genre known for sprawling, time-intensive experiences. Unlike typical RPGs with massive worlds and lengthy storylines, the game wraps up in under 10 hours. Despite its compact size, it delivers a strong sense of style and a narrative that balances broad themes with personal drama. The game is being highlighted as an accessible option for players with limited spare time.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

The perfect kit for all your tiny repairs

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 135, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, crank the AC, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been reading about cold plunges and Colson Whitehead and the food truck mafia, finally getting to the theater to see Obsession, watching The Agency because it's apparently everyone's favorite underrated show, nodding sadly to Adam Conover's video about the death of sitcoms, making a lot of noises during the Dune: Part Three trailer, testing Atlas as a visual journal

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

BLM Revises Public Lands Grazing Rules for First Time Since 1995

The Bureau of Land Management is undertaking its first overhaul of grazing regulations in nearly three decades. The proposed changes target rules governing livestock grazing on federally managed public lands. A key concern raised about the revisions is that they could reduce opportunities for public participation in the regulatory process. The last time these regulations were comprehensively updated was in 1995, making this a significant policy shift for land management in the United States.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Joolca Hottap Go Review: A $700 Portable Hot Shower for Off-Grid Living

The Joolca Hottap Go is a $700 portable shower unit developed by Australian company Joolca, designed for use in off-grid settings such as camping, festival trips, and van life. The device features a built-in 12-litre water tank, eliminating the need for an external container and lengthy hoses required by competing products. A reviewer from The Verge tested the unit during a van life trip, using it to rinse off after surfing and to clean up after cooking. The product targets outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers who lack regular access to running water and hot showers. While the price point may seem steep, the reviewer suggests that extended time without bathing facilities can make such an investment feel more justified.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

CISA Admits It Lacked Incident Response Plan During Its Own Security Breach

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has acknowledged a significant procedural failure in handling a recent security incident. The agency admitted it was forced to develop its incident response playbook in real time, rather than having one prepared in advance. CISA conceded it had missed an opportunity to establish a proper response framework before the breach occurred. The revelation raises questions about preparedness at the agency responsible for guiding other organizations on cybersecurity best practices.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Inside Microsoft's Quantum Computing Lab in Denmark

BBC journalist Adrienne Murray was granted rare access to Microsoft's Quantum Lab located in Denmark. The facility is dedicated to advancing quantum computing research and development. Microsoft is among a handful of major tech companies investing heavily in quantum technology. The lab represents a significant part of Microsoft's broader push to achieve breakthroughs in next-generation computing.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Meta Pulls Instagram AI Image Feature After Privacy and Copyright Outcry

Meta has removed an AI-powered feature called Muse Image from Instagram following several days of significant public backlash. Users and Hollywood talent agencies voiced serious concerns over potential privacy violations and copyright infringement linked to the tool. The feature, which was AI-driven, drew criticism shortly after its introduction on the platform. Meta's decision to pull the tool came in direct response to the mounting pressure from affected stakeholders.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Shopping app Phia accused of cookie stuffing to claim unearned affiliate commissions

Phia, a shopping startup co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, is facing allegations of engaging in 'cookie stuffing,' a deceptive affiliate marketing practice. According to a Bloomberg investigation, the app allegedly used this technique to claim commissions on sales it did not genuinely influence or generate. Cookie stuffing involves placing tracking cookies on users' browsers without their knowledge, tricking retailers into crediting the app for purchases. The accusations raise serious ethical and legal questions about the startup's business practices. Phoebe Gates is the daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Flock Safety cease-and-desist letter sparks backlash, but context tells a different story

A Newport Beach lecture series called The Saturday Salon posted what appeared to be a cease-and-desist letter from surveillance tech firm Flock Safety on Instagram, sparking widespread criticism. The post, which garnered over 3,000 likes, prompted accusations that Flock was attempting to silence public debate about its surveillance technology. Flock Safety has previously faced scrutiny over its tools and partnerships with law enforcement agencies. However, a closer reading of the letter's text suggests the situation may be more nuanced than the initial social media reaction implied. The story was reported by The Verge, which reviewed the full contents of the letter.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Arrives 13 Years After Original

The BBC's Tom Gerken has reviewed the newly released remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, the popular pirate-themed action game. The title has been rebuilt entirely from the ground up, rather than receiving a simple remaster. Originally released 13 years ago, the game had developed a strong following among fans of the franchise. The remake has been highly anticipated by players eager to revisit the seafaring adventure with modern production values.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Meta pulls Instagram AI feature following user backlash

Meta has removed a controversial artificial intelligence feature from Instagram after facing significant pushback from its users. The decision was confirmed by Meta to journalist Dylan Byers of Puck News. The feature had drawn criticism from Instagram's user base, prompting the company to act. No further details were provided about the specific nature of the feature or the timeline of its removal.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Meta disables Instagram AI image feature after backlash over consent concerns

Meta has shut down a newly launched feature that allowed users to generate AI images by tagging public Instagram accounts. The tool, announced earlier this week as part of Meta's Muse Image AI model, enabled anyone to use content from public profiles without the account owner's permission. The feature drew significant backlash due to its deepfake potential and lack of consent safeguards. Meta acknowledged the criticism and updated its blog post to confirm the feature had been turned off.

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