Altman recently called on former Apple designer Thomas Meyerhoffer — a Jony Ive hire — to create the retina-scanning Orb (pictured) for Altman’s Worldcoin crypto project. | Image: Worldcoin Apple’s former chief design officer, Jony Ive, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are allegedly exploring opportunities to collaborate on building an unspecified artificial intelligence “hardware device,” according to two sources speaking to The Information. There’s currently no word on what the device will be, or what purpose it serves. The Information claims that Ive and Altman, who are friends, have been discussing what “new hardware for the AI age could look like.” It’s currently unclear if the device will be created by OpenAI or a third-party manufacturer, or indeed if the duo will decide to build the device at all.This wouldn’t be the first time that Altman has partnered with a former Apple designer on new hardware. Thomas Meyerhoffer —... Continue reading…

If you're a power user of Windows 11, you've probably heard of Windows Terminal, or at least tools like CMD and Windows PowerShell. Command-line interfaces (CLI) allow you to take actions on your PC using only basic text input and output, and while it can feel rudimentary to some, it can also be the fastest way to get things done. That's why power users tend to prefer it.

Eufy Clean X8 Pro with its self-emptying station and app. | Image: Eufy Anker’s Eufy division has a new robot vacuum cleaner with more powerful suction than its other offerings, and which can automatically detangle hair and pet fur from its bottom roller brush. The new $649.99 Eufy Clean X8 Pro vacuum is available to purchase today on Amazon and includes many advanced features available in other vacuums, like infrared laser navigation and AI home mapping to both avoid and remember walls and other obstacles. The X8 Pro also features self-emptying abilities, and basic mopping.Anker’s press release states that the Eufy X8 Pro is an “upgraded version” of the 2021 X8 Hybrid, which sold for the same price. The new X8 Pro’s “Twin-Turbine 2.0” motors deliver 4,000 Pa of suction each, more than the X8 Hybrid’s... Continue reading…

Microsoft seems to be very focused on Excel development lately, with the company announcing support for the Python programming language as well as a dedicated Python Editor from the Garage team in the past month or so. Today, the firm has released a changelog covering all the new features it added to its popular spreadsheet software in September 2023, and while the list isn't quite as extensive as last month's, it still contains several nifty advancements.

Back in 2021, Microsoft announced that it is working on making Windows Terminal the default command line interface (CLI) on Windows 11, and this became true in October 2022 when the company replaced Console Host (conhost.exe) with Windows Terminal as the default CLI experience. In the past year or so, Microsoft has been regularly updating Terminal with all sorts of new features like themes support and keyboard text selection. Today, the Redmond tech firm has announced the release of Windows Terminal 1.18 and also revealed the list of new features present in Windows Terminal Preview 1.19, available now.

PowerToys is a very handy utility that allows you to supercharge your Windows usage experience through a collection of nifty tools that increase productivity. It's arguably a must-have app for your Windows usability arsenal and one that Microsoft regularly updates with new features, which isn't surprising given its popularity. Today, the Redmond tech firm has rolled out version 0.74.0 of PowerToys.

Part of the appeal of the Apple ecosystem is how great devices within it work together. Using one of the best iPhones or a great Mac works well, but they're better when paired with each other. For example, it's possible to unlock your Mac by simply wearing your unlocked Apple Watch, saving you time and preserving your security. Some Mac computers ship with biometric authentication, like the M2 MacBook Air or the Mac Studio, but not all models do. That means for many Mac users, the quickest way to unlock their computer will be with an Apple Watch.

Apple has finally removed lightning ports from its iPhones, making the iPhone 15 lineup the first set of phones with USB-C charging ports. While USB-C provides fast charging capabilities, faster transfer speeds, and reverse wired charging, it doesn't offer the convenience, aesthetics, and versatility of wireless chargers. To make things better, most wireless chargers now offer up to 15W power delivery, allowing you to get your phone to full tank in no time.

As of midnight, the Writers Guild of America will no longer be picketing. Instead, members of the union will be poring over new details on the contract negotiated with the AMPTP and deciding whether they will vote to ratify this new contract. (Disclosure: The Verge's editorial staff is also unionized with the Writers Guild of America, East.)The WGA dropped a summary of the contract tonight and it's historic. The flashiest wins for the WGA are around pay increases and artificial intelligence. The pay increases are significant across the board, with notable increases for "high budget subscription video on demand" (think Netflix) and streaming films. “AI is the flashy thing... The data is the game changer.”The WGA says writers of... Continue reading…

Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty Images Hollywood productions are in limbo, even with a new deal between writers and producers, as actors remain on strike over many of the same issues with AI and streaming. Continue reading…

The MacBook Pro (2023) is the best Mac for professionals on the go, as it offers power and portability in a sleek form factor. Though, many users rely on multiple screens when performing certain tasks on macOS Sonoma. This makes working in public spaces somewhat challenging. Fortunately, you can invest in a portable monitor, which easily accompanies you and your Mac wherever you go. Below you will find some of our favorite picks.

Photo by Mario Tama / Getty Images After a nearly five-month-long strike, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is telling its members to lower their picket signs. In a post, the WGA said its Negotiating Committee, WGAW Board, and WGAE Council all voted unanimously to recommend the three-year agreement reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. They will end their strike at 12:01AM PM on Wednesday, sending writers back to work, with a ratification vote scheduled for between October 2nd and October 9th.A summary explaining terms of the deal has been posted so that we can see details of their agreement for the first time, as well as the 94-page deal (embedded below) which is scheduled to remain in effect from September 25th, 2023 through May 1st,... Continue reading…