We've seen mini PCs explode in popularity over the past year or so, offering consumers a versatile and powerful PC in a compact package. And with such high demand, we've seen companies make more powerful machines available, capable of handling pretty much anything you can throw at them.

Remember the good old days when only free AI tiers existed, and you could ask as many questions as you wanted, whenever you wanted, and AI tools weren't yet another subscription competing for space on your monthly bill? Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, that time lasted about as long as it took these companies to figure out how expensive running them actually is. What's worse than having to pay for multiple AI subscriptions is how limited even the highest-tier plans seem to be. The very same plans that once promised unlimited access now come with five-hour windows, weekly caps, and the need to ration a tool you're already paying a premium for!

We've seen a lot of weird things happen in the last few years, and most of them have AI's fingerprints on them somewhere. We watched Jensen Huang walk onstage at GTC with a real, free-roaming robot version of Olaf, saw an AI-generated image of seven tech CEOs who can barely stand each other loitering in what looks like a McDonald's parking lot, and watched the entire internet get redrawn in the style of one Japanese animator over a single weekend.

Late last year, I called Tailscale my most important recommendation for anyone starting a home lab, and I still mean it. It let me actually use my self-hosted services remotely without making network security the first hard blocker I had to clear. No firewall rules, no port forwarding, and Caddy still handling my certificates the way it always had. Things just worked.

The iPad Air supports Apple Pencil Pro, plus hover support. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge Most of Apple’s price increases have gone into effect, resulting in iPads and other products costing hundreds more than they did a few days ago. If last week’s Prime Day sale wasn’t a good time to consider buying an iPad, we found a deal worth considering that’s just under $500 right now. The 128GB iPad Air that has the M3 processor, plus both Wi-Fi and 5G cellular support, costs $499 at Best Buy. At just $50 more than the base iPad (now $449, up from $349), it’s a significantly faster and all-around better tablet.11-inch iPad Air M3The last-gen 11-inch iPad Air features Apple’s fast M3 chip with GPU upgrades like dynamic caching for smoother performance in demanding apps. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the newest Magic Keyboard, which features a larger build and a 14-key function row. Read our review.Where to Buy: $749 $499 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi + 5G)While the last-gen Air matches the base iPad’s 11-inch screen size, the Air has a laminated, antireflective coating, plus a wider color gamut. In other words, it’s the better choice for entertainment or for creating content. In terms of specs, its M3 processor leaps ahead of the A16 with more cores, not to mention Apple Intelligence support (as well as support for iPadOS 27 coming later this year). It also boasts Apple Pencil Pro support.It stacks up well compared to the newer M4 Air, too, which now starts at $749 for the Wi-Fi model, and a whopping $899 for the cellular. The M3 processor is only slightly slower, it has 8GB of memory instead of 12GB, and its wireless radio is older, but it’s otherwise nearly identical, for much less money. $500 for the M3 Air is a steal.Read our iPad Air (M3) review. window.HYPE_DESK_CONFIG = { productImageUrl: "https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/USE-For-Stubborn-Stains-.jpg", productImageAlt: "Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum", productTitle: "Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum", shortDescription: "A robot vacuum built for pet owners who are tired of doing it themselves.", longDescription: "If you have been putting off the robot vacuum upgrade, the X60 Max Ultra is the one worth waiting for. Dreame's 2026 flagship navigates around obstacles with enough precision to actually trust it unsupervised, and the all-in-one docking station handles mop washing, drying, and maintenance automatically. Powerful suction, intelligent cleaning, and a system that takes care of itself so you genuinely do not have to.", purchaseUrl: "https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dreametech.com%2Fproducts%2Fx60-max-ultra-complete-robot-vacuum&xcust=DreameHypedeskPlacement14", purchaseLinkText: "Shop at Dreame" };

OpenAI is releasing some sort of device related to its AI-powered coding tool, Codex, on July 15th. In a video posted to X on Monday, OpenAI shows a square-shaped device with several buttons, alongside the caption, "Your favorite Codex shortcuts are getting an upgrade."This isn't the mysterious AI-powered device OpenAI is working on with former Apple designer Jony Ive, however. As shown in the teaser, OpenAI is launching the device in partnership with Work Louder, a company that sells an array of mechanical keyboards and macro pads with mappable keys, dials, and switches.The silhouette of the device shown by OpenAI looks a bit like Work …Read the full story at The Verge.

Tidal shared its new policies regarding AI-generated music today and how the platform plans to "protect artists" and "inform listeners." Instead of banning it outright, starting on July 15th Tidal will label tracks it has identified as being 100 percent AI-generated with an icon. But starting today those tracks will no longer be monetizable. "Tidal's priority is ensuring royalties go to original works directly produced, written, and performed by people. We will therefore not knowingly attribute royalties to music we identify as wholly AI-generated," the company's announcement reads. The platform didn't specify what tools it's using to iden …Read the full story at The Verge.

The Govee Uplighter in action. | Image: Govee July 4th sales are typically a precursor to what we’d see during a mid-July Prime Day, but obviously things are flipped around this year. Last week’s big Prime Day sale is over, yet there are a number of familiar deals still poking around in the week leading up to the nation’s birthday. Best Buy is hosting its own 4th of July sale, for example. And, if you’re on the hunt for tech and gear for the outdoors, REI is hosting a sale on products that will last through the week. There are even some Apple deals you can get, some of which are selling at pre-price hike levels.We’ll be logging the best July 4th sales we find this week below, keeping the list updated with notable discounts as we spot them.Baseus AM52 power bank (with built-in cable)Through June 30th, Verge readers can get a low price on the best, fastest Qi2 10,000mAh power bank around. This AM52 features a built-in USB-C cable and a soft-touch MagSafe-ready magnet.Where to Buy: $79.99 $42.99 at Amazon (w/ code THEVERGECODE)Asus ROG FalcataThe Falcata is stuffed with features (wired / wireless connectivity, split ergo design, Hall effect customization), and it’s a bargain to get it all at Best Buy’s 4th of July pricing. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349.99 $214.99 at Best Buy11-inch iPad Air M3The last-gen 11-inch iPad Air comes with Apple’s M3 chip and GPU upgrades. It’s available in dark gray, blue, purple, and a “starlight” cream shade. Read our review.Where to Buy: $749 $499 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi + LTE)LG C5 OLED TVLG’s C5 features a 120Hz panel, along with four HDMI 2.1 ports and support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. The gamer-friendly TV also packs all the hallmarks of a modern OLED, including deep black levels and sublime contrast.Where to Buy: $2699.99 $1099.99 at Amazon (65-inch) $1999.99 $1099.99 at Best Buy (65-inch)Apple AirTags (second-generation)Apple’s latest AirTag features an upgraded ultra-wideband chip for more precise location tracking, a noticeably louder speaker, and an expanded Bluetooth range. Read our review.Where to Buy: $99 $89 at Amazon (pack of four) $99 $89 at Best Buy (pack of four) $128.99 $99.99 at Costco (pack of five)OhSnap MCON controllerThe MCON is one of the best mobile controllers for iPhones. While too big for most pockets, its slide-out design is satisfying, and its folding grips make it a bit more comfortable than Backbone’s controller. Watch Sean’s hands-on.Where to Buy: $149.99 $99.99 at Best Buy $149.99 $129.99 at OhSnapOsprey Poco Child CarrierBackpacks make it easy to carry precious cargo, but for a relatively new dad’s most precious cargo — their tiny kiddo — Osprey’s Poco child carrier is a must-have backpacking accessory. It’s comfortable for the kid, and the built-in sunshade and rain protector can keep them relaxed and dry while dad does all the hard work.Where to Buy: $399 $276.95 at Amazon $400 $299.99 at REI $400 $299.95 at OspreySteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro WirelessThe Nova Pro Wireless aims to be the one headset to rule them all. It features multiple ways to connect wirelessly, active noise cancellation, great sound quality, and swappable batteries. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349.99 $249.99 at Amazon (PlayStation, Switch, PC) $349.99 $249.99 at Best Buy (PlayStation, Switch, PC) $349.99 $299.99 at SteelSeriesSamsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo SwitchThe Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of storage, but that won’t get you very far if you’ve built up a medium-sized digital game library. Samsung’s Nintendo-branded 256GB microSD express card doubles the console’s available storage.Where to Buy: $59 $39 at Walmart (256GB) $59.99 $39.99 at Best Buy (256GB) $59 $39.99 at GameStop (256GB)Motorola Razr 2025Look, you could get something boring yet good like Google’s Pixel 10A. Or, for less, you can get a more versatile folding Android phone that has multiple screens.Where to Buy: $699.99 $549.99 at Amazon $699.99 $499.99 at Best BuyApple HomePod (second-gen)Sure, it’s not technically a deal, but rather the pre-price hike amount. Most other retailers are no longer offering the HomePod at this price.Where to Buy: $349.99 $299.99 at Best BuyGlocusent LED Neck Reading LightGlocusent’s LED Neck Reading Light is a great personal book light that illuminates what you’re reading without bothering others. It even has adjustable brightness and warmth settings to dial it in to your liking.Where to Buy: $38.99 $18.99 at Amazon (for Prime members) $38.99 $20.69 at Walmart $38.99 $23.39 at GlocusentNex PlaygroundThe Nex Playground is a motion-controlled console that connects to your TV and uses a built-in camera and AI to track your movements as you play. Designed for ages five and up, it comes with games like Fruit Ninja and Whack-a-Mole Deluxe. You can download more games, including titles featuring popular characters like Elmo, with a paid Play Pass subscription.Where to Buy: $299 $239 at Amazon $299 $239 at Walmart $299 $239 at Best BuyInsta360 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 $434.99 at Amazon $549.99 $434.99 at Best Buy $549.99 $439.99 at REIPeak Design Everyday Sling Bag (3L)Wear it over your shoulder or around your hip. The Everyday Sling Bag has two large and four small internal pockets to hold items, each with a waterproof bottom liner.Where to Buy: $99.95 $79.99 at REIKeychron K2 HE keyboardKeychron’s Hall effect keyboard allows for adjustable, per-key actuation points and rapid trigger support. You can also set dynamic keystrokes (the ability to trigger several different functions depending on how far you press or release a key).Where to Buy: $129.99 $102.99 at Amazon $129.99 $111.99 at Walmart $129.99 $103.99 at KeychronGovee Uplighter Floor LampThe Uplighter is one of the most fascinating floor lamps you can get. It can supply normal light, or you can customize its top-mounted lights to display various colors and soothing patterns across your wall and ceiling. Read Sheena’s hands-on.Where to Buy: $179.99 $125.99 at Amazon $179.99 $125.99 at Walmart $179.99 $125.99 at GoveeKobo Libra ColourThe Libra Colour is one of the first e-readers from Kobo with color. It packs physical-page turning buttons, stylus compatibility, and supports a broad range of file formats, while making it easy to borrow books from the Overdrive library system. Read our review.Where to Buy: $259.99 $229.99 at Best Buy $259.99 $229.99 at Rakuten Kobo $259.99 $229.99 at TargetSony WH-1000XM6 headphonesThey might cost $50 more than their predecessor, but the latest iteration of Sony’s best-in-class noise-canceling headphones up the ante in every way. Sony made subtle improvements to every facet of the WH-1000XM6, from sound quality to ANC performance, while wisely bringing back the foldable, travel-friendly design last seen on the XM4.Where to Buy: $458 $378 at AmazoniPad (2025)Apple’s entry-level iPad is an excellent tablet for casual use, even if it is getting a little long in the tooth. Its high-res screen is great for watching video, and its A16 processor is still fast enough to handle light games and productivity apps. Read our review.Where to Buy: $749 $599.99 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi)

A new proposal would ban the sale of Americans' health and location information to data brokers - including information people reveal to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT or Claude. In the coming weeks, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) are planning to debut a new version of the Health and Location Data Protection Act that's better suited to the AI era. The former version of the bill, first introduced in June 2022, prohibited data brokers from collecting and selling health and location data. Four years later, it's expanded to ban other companies from selling such data to brokers, and to specifically cover …Read the full story at The Verge.

A few weeks ago, I finally set up a proper NAS within my home lab. I went the SAS route, complete with an HBA card off of eBay, and two recertified enterprise drives. I have never run SAS in my own setup before, so naturally, I was on the lookout for any potential problems with my setup, namely temperature, as I've heard that these things can run much hotter than consumer drives.

You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts.Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already be using elsewhere before the WhatsApp username feature officially launches. The username launch will be rolling out gradually over the coming months, and users will be notified when the feature is available in their cou …Read the full story at The Verge.

There are already a few ways to play PlayStation games on the go, but Sony is also rumored to be working on a new handheld. | Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge Sony hinted in a recent Q&A with investors that the next generation PlayStation will offer some kind of experience that lets you play games outside of your living room.Here's the relevant portion from the transcript, emphasis mine:Q: How can you bring back to the PlayStation platform users who migrated to gaming PCs during the COVID period? In aiming for profit growth, are there limitations on what can be done in the short term, or do you see the potential for more significant changes with the next-generation platform?A: PlayStation has long been strongly associated with the idea of playing in the living room. However, in recent yea …Read the full story at The Verge.