On paper, smart home products are the biggest quality-of-life improvement you can add to your living space. Being able to control everything from your lighting system to thermostats and security cameras from mobile apps makes them pretty convenient, and you can integrate them with voice-control hubs to manage your smart home with simple voice commands.

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.

This year is shaping up to be a big one for self-driving trucks. In addition to Aurora's plan to deploy hundreds of autonomous big rigs and Waabi expanding into robotaxis, you've also got Kodiak AI aiming to launch its own fully driverless long-haul freight operation by the end of 2026. While robotaxis may still win all the headlines, driverless trucks are making their own progress, slowly but surely. But in a recent interview, Kodiak AI CEO Don Burnette said that deploying autonomous trucks is really only half the battle. He said that while most of his competitors are fussing over details like AI, perception, and mileage milestones, Kodia …Read the full story at The Verge.

An AI assistant that can actually get things done. I've been testing out Gemini's new task automation on the Pixel 10 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which for the first time lets Gemini take the wheel and use apps for you. It's limited to a small subset right now - a handful of food delivery and rideshare services - and it's still in beta. It's slow, it's clunky at times, and it doesn't solve any serious problem you had using your phone. But it's impressive as hell, and I don't think it's hyperbole to say this is a glimpse of the future. We're still a long way off, but this is the first time I've seen a true AI assistant actually working on a phone - not in a keynote presentation or a careful …Read the full story at The Verge.

Building a home lab started as a fun experiment for me, but has since doubled as a way to save money by replacing some subscription-based services with self-hosted alternatives. Google was one of the ecosystems that I was most excited to get out of, since I was paying monthly on a few of their products and never felt right about giving them so much of my data.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale doesn’t kick off until next week, but the retailer is already dropping a host of good deals, especially on robot vacuums. We recently saw Ecovacs’ Deebot X8 and X9 Pro Omni drop to $599 ($501 off) and $679 ($621 off), respectively; however, if you’re looking for a cheaper robot vacuum / mop, the Dreame L10s Pro Ultra is down to $349.98 ($950 off its original list price) at Amazon, matching its lowest price to date. You can also pick it up from Best Buy and Dreame for the same price, the latter with code L10PUXM. Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Robot VacuumWhere to Buy: $1299.99 $349.98 at Amazon $1299.99 $349.99 at Best Buy $1299.99 $349.99 at Dreame (with code L10PUXM)The L10s Pro Ultra is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible. The vacuum’s self-cleaning dock can wash the mops with hot water, dry them with hot air, and automatically dispense cleaning solution. The dock can also empty the robovac’s contents into a 3.2L dust bag, allowing you to go 75 days without emptying it yourself, and refills the water tank as needed. You don’t need to constantly keep an eye on the robovac, either; it uses lidar navigation to map your home and AI-powered obstacle avoidance to clean around clutter.While it’s not as powerful as higher-end models like the aforementioned Ecovacs, the L10s Pro Ultra still delivers a respectable 7,000Pa of suction. It does a good job cleaning hardwood floors, too, with a mop that can lift itself to avoid getting carpets wet and extend into edges, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas. It also lets you choose which rooms to clean, and uses AI to adjust its cleaning approach based on the room type and layout. Plus, it can automatically return to mop areas if it detects they’re still dirty, providing for a more thorough clean.

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)

It just looks like, well, most other MacBook Pros. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge Apple's flagship 16-inch MacBook Pro has reigned supreme in the world of creator-focused laptops since its M-series processor overhaul in 2021. Since then, we've mostly seen the same design with year-over-year chip bumps and small refinements. "If it ain't broke," right?If you want to know everything about this machine, you can read our review of the last-gen M4 Pro / M4 Max models - it pretty much all holds up with the M5 models that replace them. But this time around, in addition to the usual testing and use of the new M5 Max model, it's worth asking a specific new question: whether you should consider a new MacBook Pro if you're current …Read the full story at The Verge.

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.

Most gamers probably know that an overheating GPU can cause thermal throttling, effectively stealing performance from right under their nose. That's why they are fixated on keeping the GPU core temperature under 80℃. Whether it's using MSI Afterburner, HWiNFO, or something else, PC gamers will keep an eye on the core temperature, but ignore another important one. The VRAM temperature is also linked to the optimum performance of your graphics card. If the GPU memory overheats due to excessive load, lack of airflow, or expired thermal pads, your gaming experience will be reduced to a stuttering mess. Most people ignore the VRAM temperature completely, and find something to blame when their performance drops despite a seemingly okay core temperature.

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 120, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, get ready for Pen Opinions, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been reading about Banksy and music apps and influencer agents, watching Netflix docs about the manosphere and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, marveling at Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco writing songs, enjoying Young Sherlock more than I expected, instantly subscribing to Joanna Stern's new tech channel, using the Sleep With Me podcast to fall asleep, and making a lot of brownies with the unbeatable Costco …Read the full story at The Verge.