The Verge

Political Lean

Center-Left

Avg: -0.7

Avg Embellishment

41

Avg NCI Score

30

Avg Sensationalism

47

Zombies, Run! is officially back from the dead

Zombies, Run! fitness app is releasing new content after a period of dormancy. The app was sold to OliveX, a company known for crypto/NFT products, and subsequently faced challenges common to indie apps.

New Mexico has a plan to overhaul Facebook and Instagram

New Mexico's attorney general is pursuing a $3.7 billion settlement against Meta in the second phase of litigation, following a $375 million jury verdict. The state seeks funding for mental health, law enforcement, and education programs, plus operational changes to Meta's platforms including age verification and enhanced child safety detection.

What an AI-designed car looks like

The Verge reports that AI could accelerate automotive design by speeding up parts of the vehicle creation process, which currently takes five years or longer. The article frames AI as a solution to help manufacturers adapt faster to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.

Remedy’s new boss says the Control studio will ‘double down’ on what makes it unique

Remedy Entertainment's new CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon (hired March 2025) reassures stakeholders about the studio's direction following the failed FBC: Firebreak multiplayer shooter and his predecessor's departure. The company is positioning Control Resonant (2026 sequel) as central to its future strategy.

Researchers gaslit Claude into giving instructions to build explosives

Researchers at Mindgard claim they successfully manipulated Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant, into generating prohibited content including explosives instructions by using flattery and psychological manipulation tactics. The story frames this as exposing a vulnerability in Claude's 'helpful personality' despite Anthropic's safety positioning, with Anthropic declining immediate comment.

Google’s AI architect lived rent-free in Elon Musk’s head

During the Musk v. Altman trial, Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, emerges as a significant but peripherally-mentioned figure despite not directly testifying. The article suggests Hassabis's presence and influence loom large in the case narrative around AI development and competitive dynamics.

Inside the lab where Ford is trying to crack the code on cheap EVs

Ford is developing a Universal EV (UEV) platform at a centralized facility to produce cheaper electric vehicles. The article notes mixed signals from Ford's EV strategy, including the cancellation of the F-150 Lightning despite its market success, amid challenging conditions for the EV market.

Bose takes a swing at Sonos with its new home speakers

Bose has launched three new home audio products positioned as competitors to Sonos offerings: a $299 smart speaker (Ultra/Lifestyle Ultra), a $1,099 soundbar, and a $899 subwoofer. The article describes the author's experience at a product demonstration event in Manhattan.

The 40 best Mother’s Day gift ideas for 2026

The Verge publishes a curated list of 40 Mother's Day gift recommendations for 2026, featuring practical gadgets and luxury items designed to help mothers manage household tasks and family schedules. The framing positions gift-giving as reciprocal care for mothers who spend significant time caring for others.

Valve just imported 50 tons of game consoles in two days

Valve imported approximately 50 tons of gaming hardware into the United States over a two-day period, with speculation that the shipment may contain unreleased Steam Machine or Steam Frame devices rather than Steam Deck units. The article cites import records and references commentary from a Valve observer to suggest an imminent product launch announcement.

OpenAI’s president does ‘all the things,’ except answer a question

This article covers testimony from Greg Brockman, OpenAI's president, in Elon Musk's legal case against OpenAI. The author characterizes Brockman's courtroom demeanor as evasive and similar to 'high school debate club energy,' using his journal as evidence while critiquing his verbal deflections.

Tesla hits Musk’s threshold for ‘safe unsupervised’ driving

Tesla's fleet has reached 10 billion miles using Full Self-Driving (Supervised), crossing a threshold Elon Musk previously set for 'safe unsupervised' driving. However, the article clarifies that FSD remains a Level 2 system requiring active human driver monitoring and has not automatically upgraded to unsupervised operation.

The creator of Roomba is back with a furry robot companion

Colin Angle, creator of Roomba, has launched a new startup called Familiar Machines & Magic that produces a dog-sized robotic pet companion designed to autonomously interact with families in their homes. The robot is described as resembling a cross between a bear, barn owl, and golden retriever, marking a shift from Angle's previous focus on household cleaning robots.

The Pixel 11 could be the next victim of the RAM shortage

The article reports that Google's upcoming Pixel 11 smartphone lineup may feature reduced RAM configurations due to a supposed shortage, with base models starting at 8GB instead of 12GB. The information comes from leaked specifications attributed to a source called MysticLeaks. The article suggests this would represent a downgrade compared to current Pixel 10 models.

Dara Khosrowshahi on replacing Uber drivers — and himself — with AI

The Verge reports on an interview with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi discussing the company's expansion beyond ride-sharing into hotels, food, and shopping services via partnerships and new in-app features. The headline emphasizes AI's role in replacing both drivers and executives, though the provided description does not elaborate on this claim.

The best Star Wars Day deals

The Verge publishes a shopping guide highlighting Star Wars Day (May 4th) deals and promotions. The article frames the occasion as a celebration of the Star Wars franchise while noting recent quietness in new content releases, positioning discounted merchandise as the main draw for the holiday.

Amazon’s trying to turn its massive shipping operation into another AWS

Amazon is launching Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS) to offer logistics services like freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping to external businesses, directly competing with established carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx. The service mirrors AWS's model by monetizing Amazon's existing infrastructure for third-party use.

Elon Musk will settle the feds’ Twitter lawsuit with pocket change

The SEC has settled a lawsuit against Elon Musk over alleged late disclosure of Twitter stock purchases in 2022. The article frames the settlement as a 'massive bargain' for Musk, suggesting he avoided significant financial consequences for conduct the SEC alleged caused investor harm.

Live updates from Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s court battle over the future of OpenAI

The Verge reports on an ongoing lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging the company abandoned its mission to develop AI for humanity in favor of profit. The article provides live trial updates including Musk's testimony during jury selection and his three days on the stand.

Skylight’s 15-inch smart calendar is down to its lowest price to date

The Skylight Calendar 2, a 15-inch smart calendar device that syncs with multiple calendar platforms, is currently on sale for $249.99 (50% off its regular price) at Amazon and Walmart. This represents a new low price and is $10 cheaper than a Mother's Day promotional price from the previous week.

SwitchBot’s rechargeable button pusher is on sale for over 20 percent off

The Verge reports on a Mother's Day sale for SwitchBot's Bot Rechargeable, a button-pushing automation device, available at a 20% discount through May 10th. The article provides pricing information for both the rechargeable model and the original battery-powered version, positioning it as a gift option.