Over the years, I’ve managed to build a reliable self-hosted arsenal that includes everything from productivity services and network tools to smart-home-centric utilities and wacky containerized apps.

GPU shopping the last few years hasn't been straightforward, even if you pretend the current AI-induced DRAM price hike didn't happen. Pretty much every major GPU launch has been marred by stock issues, leading to many paying higher premiums for new cards. Despite that, I still bought a new GPU in 2025: a Sapphire NITRO+ RX 9070 XT.

While storing credit and debit cards is what Google Wallet is most known for, the app can actually do a lot more than that. In fact, if you're like me, contactless payments might be the last thing on your mind when you open up the app.

It feels like recently the "Ring Free" home is becoming a badge of honor for privacy enthusiasts. While Amazon's doorbell defined the category, a series of 2024-2025 price hikes and high-profile privacy controversies like the Search Party AI backlash of early 2026 have driven a mass migration towards local-only systems within a smart home.

Halide running on an iPhone. | Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge Lux Optics co-founder Sebastiaan de With made headlines when he joined Apple in late January. The company was behind Halide, one of the most popular photography apps for the iPhone, which gained a cult following for its robust pro-level controls. Apple was apparently a big enough fan that it tried to acquire the developer last summer. Those talks never bore fruit, and eventually the company simply hired de With. At the time, it was widely believed that Apple had poached him from Lux. But new allegations from a lawsuit filed by co-founder Ben Sandofsky in the California Superior Court of Santa Cruz claim de With was fired for financial misc …Read the full story at The Verge.

Like many people, director Valerie Veatch was intrigued when OpenAI first released its Sora text-to-video generative AI model to the public in 2024. Though she didn't fully understand the technology, she was curious about what it could do, and she saw that other artists were building online communities to share their new AI creations. The hope of connecting with people drew Veatch into the AI space, but once she was there, she was shocked to see how often the technology would generate images dripping with racism and sexism.Veatch was even more unsettled by the way her new AI-enthusiast peers did not seem to care that the machine they ralli …Read the full story at The Verge.

You've just picked up a bleeding-edge 14GB/s PCIe Gen 6 NVMe. Your first instinct is to clone your operating system onto it. Stop right there.

Less than a week ago, Apple announced the forthcoming AirPods Max 2, a pair of over-ear headphones that leverage the company’s H2 chip for AI-powered live translation, conversation awareness, and a host of newer features. However, if you’re okay with a pair of earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 offer access to all the same features for less — especially given they’re currently on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for $199.99 ($50 off), matching their second-best price to date.AirPods Pro 3Where to Buy: $249.99 $199.99 at Best Buy $249 $199.99 at Amazon $249 $199.99 at WalmartFor iPhone owners, nothing else really compares to the AirPods Pro 3. Apple’s latest pair of premium earbuds deliver the best active noise cancellation and richest sound of any AirPods model to date, combined with a more comfortable, angled design that fits securely and naturally in your ear canal. They also feature a new XXS ear tip size and a more robust IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them better suited for long-distance runs and various gym activities.Speaking of workouts, the Pro 3 can also pull double duty as a fitness tracker, thanks to a built-in heart rate sensor that works with Apple’s Fitness app to track calories burned across more than 50 workout types. It’s a welcome addition if you don’t use an Apple Watch; however, it may not be as useful for those who already own and rely on Apple’s wearable for its health tracking and wellness features.Lastly, as mentioned up top, the AirPods Pro 3 also boast an H2 chip, allowing for the aforementioned real-time translation features and Apple’s newer Voice Isolation tech, which uses machine learning to isolate and enhance voice quality by removing unwanted background noise. That’s on top of their seamless integration with other Apple devices, mind you, which lets you take advantage of automatic device switching and a Find My-compatible charging case.Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review.Other AirPods dealsAirPods 4Where to Buy: $129 $99.99 at Amazon $129 $99.99 at Walmart $179 $148.99 at Amazon (with ANC)Apple AirPods MaxWhere to Buy: $549 $449.99 at Amazon (USB-C) $549 $449.99 at Walmart (USB-C) $549.99 $449.99 at Best Buy (USB-C)

Over the years, there have been plenty of solutions for running Android apps on your PC, especially on Windows. Microsoft took its own whack at it with the Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11, but even before that, we had solutions like BlueStacks that enabled the same thing, and usually better.

REI’s latest sale is in full swing. The outdoor retailer’s exclusive shopping event runs through Monday, March 23rd, bringing with it a batch of discounts on Garmin watches, tents, portable stoves, and a slew of Verge-approved goodies. As expected, most deals are available only to REI members; however, you can still join the co-op for $30. Members will also receive 20 percent off one full-priced item — or 20 percent off one REI Outlet item — with promo code MEMBER26, meaning you can essentially save on just about any piece of gear.With the exception of a few, the deals themselves aren’t quite as steep or as all-encompassing as what we might see during the retailer’s bigger Labor Day and Memorial Day sales. But with warmer weather already hitting many parts of the US, reservations opening up, and summer fast approaching, it’s never a bad idea to plan ahead.Garmin Forerunner 165 MusicThe Garmin Forerunner 165 Music lets you download songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. It also provides in-depth training metrics; however, it leaves out some of the more advanced features in exchange for a more affordable price. Read our review.Where to Buy: $299.99 $249.99 at Amazon $299.99 $249.99 at Best Buy $299.99 $249.99 at REIDJI Osmo Pocket 3The Pocket 3 features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, three built-in microphones, and a 2-inch rotatable screen. If you’re unhappy with the video your phone captures, DJI’s compact cam makes it easy to get high-quality, stabilized footage, whether you’re vlogging your adventures or filming a wedding. Read our impressions.Where to Buy: $499 $438.99 at REI $499 $439 at B&H Photo $499 $439 at Best BuyNo REI guide would be complete without a sleeping bag. While there are plenty of great options on sale, REI Co-op’s Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag is down to just $82.93 (about $36 off) at REI. The sleeping bag is rated to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit, with a quilt construction, face muffler and draft tube, and a contoured hood that fits snuggly over your head. It also features a durable water repellent finish and includes a stuff sack, so you can pack it down and throw it in your bag.You can get the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol for as low as $37.39 (about $13 off) at REI right now. It’s a relatively lightweight, compact sleeping pad with an accordion-style design that lets you attach it to your backpack. The closed-cell foam also provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the fall.Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: ColorMpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; the case also doubles as a charger, allowing you to top off your phone in a pinch.Where to Buy: $54.95 $19.83 at REI $54.95 $32.97 at AmazonJetBoil MiniMo Cooking SystemJetBoil’s cooking systems aren’t for ultra-light backpackers; however, the MiniMo is incredibly straightforward to use, comes with a 1-liter pot, and heats water in as little as two minutes, making it suitable for everything from freeze-dried meals to a well-deserved cup of cocoa.Where to Buy: $179.99 $134.89 at REI $179.99 $134.99 at JetBoilIf you’re looking for a picnic-friendly Bluetooth speaker, then consider the JBL Flip 7, which has returned to $109.95 ($40 off) — its second-best price to date — at Amazon, Best Buy, and REI. The portable gadget features several upgrades over its predecessor, including a more rugged design, an enhanced tweeter, and an additional two hours of playtime. It also features JBL’s AI Sound Boost technology, which can boost the speaker’s volume without introducing distortion. An IP68 rating, meanwhile, means you can use it by the pool, while a PushLock system lets you attach interchangeable accessories like the included wrist strap.A small, compact chair is nice to have for lounging by the campfire. REI’s Flexlite Camp Chair is a great option now that it’s down to $66.93 (about $23 off) at REI. It features an aluminum frame, a stable four-leg design, and a ripstop polyester seat with water and stain resistance. When you’re done, it can also quickly fold down into a drawstring bag, so you can throw it in your car or tent.JBL Charge 6The Charge 6 is a robust, IP68-rated portable speaker with up to 28 hours of battery life and support for lossless audio over USB-C. Like the JBL Flip 7, it can also analyze your audio to deliver clearer, louder sound and reduce distortion at higher volumes.Where to Buy: $199.95 $159.99 at REI $199.95 $159.95 at Best Buy $199.95 $159.95 at AmazonPatagonia Black Hole Duffel 70LPatagonia’s Black Hole Duffel features a spacious 70-liter capacity, making it an ideal choice for extended trips. The bag features a durable construction that can withstand everyday wear and tear, while padded shoulder straps allow you to carry the bag like a backpack.Where to Buy: $199 at Patagonia $199 $138.93 at REIShokz OpenSwim ProThe OpenSwim Pro offers up to nine hours of battery life, a robust IP68 rating, and a unique triple-sealed design that lets you use the open-style headphones both above the water or up to 2 meters below.Where to Buy: $179.99 $139.99 at REI $179.99 $139.99 at Best Buy $179.99 $139.95 at AmazonThe JBL Vibe Beam 2 have returned to around $39.95 ($25 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, matching their all-time low. The affordable pair of wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation and a helpful transparency mode that allows outside noise to pass through, so you can remain aware of your surroundings. Meanwhile, their IP54 rating provides water and dust resistance, while the wireless earbuds promise up to 10 hours of continuous listening, or 30 hours with the included charging case.Everyone could use a reliable light source to navigate their campsite at night. The Nite Ize Radiant 314 — which is currently down to $31.73 (about $13 off) at REI — provides 314 lumens of brightness, an impact-resistant design, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rechargeable lantern can also last up to 96 hours on a single charge, while the built-in power bank can provide an extra boost of power to your phone in a pinch.Zippo HeatBank 6 Pro Rechargeable Hand WarmerZippo’s rechargeable, IP57-rated hand warmer offers three heat settings and up to six hours of runtime. It can also serve as a 24-lumen flashlight or a 5,200 mAh power bank in a pinch, though, unlike most warmers, it’s only sold as a single unit.Where to Buy: $59.95 $34.93 at REI $59.95 at Zippo $59.95 $50.2 at AmazonREI Wonderland 6 TentREI’s Wonderland 6 is a no-frills, family-friendly tent with a large awning, a partial fly, and enough room to sleep six people. It also features a room divider, just in case you’d like some privacy.Where to Buy: $499 $299.39 at REIIf you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 10,000 Power Bank for just $41.93 (about $28 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 10,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank simultaneously.If you’re planning to go on a night hike, you’re going to need a headlamp. Luckily, the Petzl Tikka Headlamp is on sale at REI for $27.73 (about $7 off). The headlamp is a great basic option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function that prevents it from accidentally turning on when packed.It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the GoBites Bio-Uno Long spork is on sale at REI in multiple colors for a cool $5.93 (about $3 off). I’ve used the sturdy, BPA-free utensil in the backcountry numerous times over the years, mainly because it’s relatively lightweight and saves you from having to pack more than one tool for devouring whatever freeze-dried concoction you opted for.Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft CoolerThe Hopper Flip is a waterproof, soft-sided cooler that can hold up to 24 cans or 16 pounds of ice, making it the perfect companion for a day at the beach.Where to Buy: $250 $200.93 at REI $250 $200 at Yeti $250 $200 at Ace HardwareInsta360 X5The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360-degree camera that offers a larger sensor and new image processing. It can capture 4K footage at up to 120fps or 8K footage at up to 30fps, producing sharp video with rich colors. It also features more durable lenses than prior models, which you can swap out if they get damaged. Read our review.Where to Buy: $549.99 $464.99 at REI $549.99 $464.99 at Insta360 $549.99 $464.99 at Best BuyFormer commerce writer Brandon Russell also contributed to this post.

The funny shape of eggs is the curious lifeblood of Oeuf, the new physics platformer by prolific developer Increpare Games. In a gaming landscape saturated with complex systems dropped into simple games, that grapples with metaphor within straightforward narratives, and that is desperate to bring cinematic sensibilities into gaming, Oeuf only asks that you briefly consider how an egg might move as you roll, slide, and hop across its world.That world is realized in crunchy, '90s-era 3D that brings to mind Ultima and Might and Magic. Like this archaic-seeming style - that Oeuf was released within a month of Resident Evil Requiem is a fun gra …Read the full story at The Verge.

I've mentioned before that, in the past year, I switched to Linux after using Windows pretty much my whole life. And I'm very happy to have made that transition, but one thing I've learned is that Linux can be a little more finicky than Windows in how it wants you to approach things.