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The Amazon Echo Show 8 is an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

It’s no secret that Amazon is busy overhauling Alexa with generative AI, but a new report from CNBC reveals that the company plans to make people pay extra for it. When Amazon launches its “more conversational” version of Alexa to the public later this year, the company will reportedly make users pay for a subscription separate from its $139 membership to Prime.
This isn’t the first we’ve heard of Amazon charging a subscription for Alexa. Last year, David Limp, Amazon’s former senior vice president of devices and services, told The Verge that Amazon “will end up charging something” for a version of Alexa that’s supercharged with AI. At the time, Limp said the existing version of Alexa would remain free to use.
Amazon declined to comment, pointing to the previous reports and statements. If you’d like to try it out yourself, Amazon is already testing elements of the upgraded Alexa in preview. You can enable it by telling your Echo device, “Alexa, let’s chat,” and Amazon will notify you when you can access the preview.

During the company’s device showcase last September, Amazon showed off the updated Alexa powered by a large language model (LLM). The change gives Alexa a better understanding of conversational phrases and allows it to carry out multiple requests from one command. In April, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wrote in a letter to shareholders that Amazon plans on “an even more intelligent and capable Alexa.”
Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, Amazon, Google, and Apple have all been racing to make their existing assistants more useful with generative AI that can include context, vary in tone, and maintain more natural-sounding conversations. Recent rumors point to a major AI update to Siri that we should hear more about during WWDC next month. Meanwhile, Google has already launched a new Gemini AI assistant that lets users replace the standard Google Assistant on their devices but lacks some existing features like routines and interpreter mode, which lets you translate conversations.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 is an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

It’s no secret that Amazon is busy overhauling Alexa with generative AI, but a new report from CNBC reveals that the company plans to make people pay extra for it. When Amazon launches its “more conversational” version of Alexa to the public later this year, the company will reportedly make users pay for a subscription separate from its $139 membership to Prime.

This isn’t the first we’ve heard of Amazon charging a subscription for Alexa. Last year, David Limp, Amazon’s former senior vice president of devices and services, told The Verge that Amazon “will end up charging something” for a version of Alexa that’s supercharged with AI. At the time, Limp said the existing version of Alexa would remain free to use.

Amazon declined to comment, pointing to the previous reports and statements. If you’d like to try it out yourself, Amazon is already testing elements of the upgraded Alexa in preview. You can enable it by telling your Echo device, “Alexa, let’s chat,” and Amazon will notify you when you can access the preview.

During the company’s device showcase last September, Amazon showed off the updated Alexa powered by a large language model (LLM). The change gives Alexa a better understanding of conversational phrases and allows it to carry out multiple requests from one command. In April, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wrote in a letter to shareholders that Amazon plans on “an even more intelligent and capable Alexa.”

Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, Amazon, Google, and Apple have all been racing to make their existing assistants more useful with generative AI that can include context, vary in tone, and maintain more natural-sounding conversations. Recent rumors point to a major AI update to Siri that we should hear more about during WWDC next month. Meanwhile, Google has already launched a new Gemini AI assistant that lets users replace the standard Google Assistant on their devices but lacks some existing features like routines and interpreter mode, which lets you translate conversations.

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Go ahead, put as many Goombas as you want here. | Screenshot: YouTube

Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker series of games lets you create your own sidescrolling platformer levels using sprites and 3D objects from several entries in the franchise. It’s created a deeply devoted fan base, but it’s only ever let you make sidescrolling levels. Now, a pair of fans have changed that with Mario Builder 64, a new way to make and play your own Super Mario 64 levels — and do so on Nintendo 64 hardware.
It’s technically a ROM hack, but the term doesn’t really capture what this is. The developers, Arthurtilly and rovertronic, describe it as “a toolbox letting you fulfill all of your SM64 dreams.” Just like the Super Mario Maker series, it lets you create your own levels using a special creator interface that borrows a lot from Minecraft, giving you low-res textured (this is the N64 after all) cubes that you can drop in place.

You can also decide what music you want, place items and villains, and even play with Mario 64 conventions. For instance, there’s no hard limit on how many red coins you can require players to collect to get a star.

To use it, you have to patch a Mario 64 ROM file yourself. The developers have a guide for doing so (in addition to the video above), and you’ll need an emulator or an actual Nintendo 64 to play the game with the Builder 64 modifications in place. As Engadget points out, you can do that with a flashcart that supports SD cards — several options are listed in the guide linked above.
I haven’t been able to play around with Mario Builder 64 just yet, but I’m eager to do so as soon as life affords me the time. It looks like a blast, judging by this video from the Good Vibes Gaming YouTube channel. As pointed out in that video, you can download other user-created levels from Level Share Square, a site that hosts levels made for various fan-made Mario level creators.
But how long will Mario Builder 64 last? Only Nintendo knows what its bar is for taking down projects like this, but it has put emulator developers on edge with some high-profile takedowns lately. There’s its $2.4 million settlement with Switch emulator Yuzu’s developers and subsequent obliteration of GitHub-hosted Yuzu forks — and its insistence that the creators of Garry’s Mod remove two decades of Nintendo-related content.
To be fair, Yuzu let people play Tears of the Kingdom before it was released, and people used Garry’s Mod to turn Super Mario 64 into a first-person shooter, which Nintendo probably wasn’t thrilled about. Mario Builder 64 is just doing Super Mario 64 stuff, so maybe it gets a pass, but that probably depends on Nintendo’s plans for the Mario Maker series, which could easily involve something just like Mario Builder 64.

Go ahead, put as many Goombas as you want here. | Screenshot: YouTube

Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker series of games lets you create your own sidescrolling platformer levels using sprites and 3D objects from several entries in the franchise. It’s created a deeply devoted fan base, but it’s only ever let you make sidescrolling levels. Now, a pair of fans have changed that with Mario Builder 64, a new way to make and play your own Super Mario 64 levels — and do so on Nintendo 64 hardware.

It’s technically a ROM hack, but the term doesn’t really capture what this is. The developers, Arthurtilly and rovertronic, describe it as “a toolbox letting you fulfill all of your SM64 dreams.” Just like the Super Mario Maker series, it lets you create your own levels using a special creator interface that borrows a lot from Minecraft, giving you low-res textured (this is the N64 after all) cubes that you can drop in place.

You can also decide what music you want, place items and villains, and even play with Mario 64 conventions. For instance, there’s no hard limit on how many red coins you can require players to collect to get a star.

To use it, you have to patch a Mario 64 ROM file yourself. The developers have a guide for doing so (in addition to the video above), and you’ll need an emulator or an actual Nintendo 64 to play the game with the Builder 64 modifications in place. As Engadget points out, you can do that with a flashcart that supports SD cards — several options are listed in the guide linked above.

I haven’t been able to play around with Mario Builder 64 just yet, but I’m eager to do so as soon as life affords me the time. It looks like a blast, judging by this video from the Good Vibes Gaming YouTube channel. As pointed out in that video, you can download other user-created levels from Level Share Square, a site that hosts levels made for various fan-made Mario level creators.

But how long will Mario Builder 64 last? Only Nintendo knows what its bar is for taking down projects like this, but it has put emulator developers on edge with some high-profile takedowns lately. There’s its $2.4 million settlement with Switch emulator Yuzu’s developers and subsequent obliteration of GitHub-hosted Yuzu forks — and its insistence that the creators of Garry’s Mod remove two decades of Nintendo-related content.

To be fair, Yuzu let people play Tears of the Kingdom before it was released, and people used Garry’s Mod to turn Super Mario 64 into a first-person shooter, which Nintendo probably wasn’t thrilled about. Mario Builder 64 is just doing Super Mario 64 stuff, so maybe it gets a pass, but that probably depends on Nintendo’s plans for the Mario Maker series, which could easily involve something just like Mario Builder 64.

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Nothing’s official just yet, though. | Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge

The Samsung Galaxy Ring might end up costing around $300 to $350. As far as smart rings go, that’s par for the course. It might also come with a monthly subscription of $10 or less. That, unfortunately, is also increasingly common for wearable tech.
None of this is official yet. The rumored prices were posted by leaker Yogesh Brar on X and have been making the rounds in the hours since. But say it were true, it mostly shows that Samsung is looking to follow market trends rather than buck them.
Right now, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is the smart ring that most people have heard of. That starts at $299, with the fully round Horizon version starting at $349. And while you can buy the ring as a standalone device, the vast majority of its features are paywalled with a $5.99 monthly or $69.99 yearly subscription.

Then there’s the $349 Ultrahuman Ring Air, the $279 RingConn Smart Ring, the $281 Circular Ring, and the $269 Evie Ring. These don’t come with a subscription currently, but it’s not guaranteed they’ll all stay that way.
Oura, for instance, didn’t launch with a subscription. That was only introduced with the Gen 3 model, albeit to significant customer backlash. When I spoke with the company about why it had decided to introduce a subscription, I was told that it was, in part, to fund the company’s ongoing scientific research and one-time hardware sales weren’t cutting it.
Samsung has yet to introduce a wearable health subscription, but that doesn’t mean its competitors haven’t. Google has Fitbit Premium for its Pixel Watch lineup, which costs $9.99 monthly. Apple also has its Fitness Plus service, also $9.99 monthly, which gives access to prerecorded exercise classes that integrate with your Apple Watch or iPhone. On the more niche side of the spectrum, the Whoop 4.0 doesn’t charge for hardware. You just sign up for a $30 monthly subscription.
Given that context, it’s unsurprising to see price rumors in this range. The only thing that’d make me do a double take is the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 starts at the same price but would be able to do a lot more. For some folks, that’s always been the primary drawback with smart rings. You’re paying a premium to technically get less.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge
We still don’t know much about the Galaxy Ring, which was teased earlier this year.

What’ll be more interesting to see is what sort of bundling or promotional deals Samsung offers whenever the Galaxy Ring launches later this year. Unlike its smart ring rivals, Samsung already has an ecosystem of wearable gadgets. It can afford to bundle a smartwatch and a smart ring to entice existing users to upgrade. We also have no clue yet as to what that subscription would entail or whether a free tier would be enough for most smartwatch users who primarily see a smart ring as a means to more comfortably track sleep.
Wearable subscriptions are on the rise, even if customers largely hate them. The bigger question is if Samsung can offer enough, either through bundles or features, to make it worth it.

Nothing’s official just yet, though. | Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge

The Samsung Galaxy Ring might end up costing around $300 to $350. As far as smart rings go, that’s par for the course. It might also come with a monthly subscription of $10 or less. That, unfortunately, is also increasingly common for wearable tech.

None of this is official yet. The rumored prices were posted by leaker Yogesh Brar on X and have been making the rounds in the hours since. But say it were true, it mostly shows that Samsung is looking to follow market trends rather than buck them.

Right now, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is the smart ring that most people have heard of. That starts at $299, with the fully round Horizon version starting at $349. And while you can buy the ring as a standalone device, the vast majority of its features are paywalled with a $5.99 monthly or $69.99 yearly subscription.

Then there’s the $349 Ultrahuman Ring Air, the $279 RingConn Smart Ring, the $281 Circular Ring, and the $269 Evie Ring. These don’t come with a subscription currently, but it’s not guaranteed they’ll all stay that way.

Oura, for instance, didn’t launch with a subscription. That was only introduced with the Gen 3 model, albeit to significant customer backlash. When I spoke with the company about why it had decided to introduce a subscription, I was told that it was, in part, to fund the company’s ongoing scientific research and one-time hardware sales weren’t cutting it.

Samsung has yet to introduce a wearable health subscription, but that doesn’t mean its competitors haven’t. Google has Fitbit Premium for its Pixel Watch lineup, which costs $9.99 monthly. Apple also has its Fitness Plus service, also $9.99 monthly, which gives access to prerecorded exercise classes that integrate with your Apple Watch or iPhone. On the more niche side of the spectrum, the Whoop 4.0 doesn’t charge for hardware. You just sign up for a $30 monthly subscription.

Given that context, it’s unsurprising to see price rumors in this range. The only thing that’d make me do a double take is the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 starts at the same price but would be able to do a lot more. For some folks, that’s always been the primary drawback with smart rings. You’re paying a premium to technically get less.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge
We still don’t know much about the Galaxy Ring, which was teased earlier this year.

What’ll be more interesting to see is what sort of bundling or promotional deals Samsung offers whenever the Galaxy Ring launches later this year. Unlike its smart ring rivals, Samsung already has an ecosystem of wearable gadgets. It can afford to bundle a smartwatch and a smart ring to entice existing users to upgrade. We also have no clue yet as to what that subscription would entail or whether a free tier would be enough for most smartwatch users who primarily see a smart ring as a means to more comfortably track sleep.

Wearable subscriptions are on the rise, even if customers largely hate them. The bigger question is if Samsung can offer enough, either through bundles or features, to make it worth it.

Read More 

A level 2 ChargePoint station might attract new guests to this Airbnb location. | Image: ChargePoint

Airbnb is partnering with ChargePoint to provide hosts a discounted option to buy, install, and manage a home EV charger that can help attract EV owners as guests.
Airbnb hosts can purchase these special EV charging packages through a new dedicated online store that offers the charging hardware, installation services, and support services, all in one place. Hosts will get up to 36 percent off the cost of select ChargePoint hardware models, with prices starting at $399. There’s also discounts on other stations, and $100 off on installation services through the site.
The first 1,000 hosts to buy a home charger from ChargePoint will also get an early bird discount of $200, courtesy of Airbnb. It could be a helpful incentive since Level 2 home chargers can cost $1,300 on average to buy and install.
Airbnb says more customers are searching for rentals with EV charging equipment, with searches using the company’s EV charger filter growing more than 80 percent from 2022 to 2023.
It also says listings that have chargers are, on average, booked for more nights and earn more income than ones without them. Airbnb also has a new listing editor for hosts so they can easily add amenities like EV charging stations to their rental and appeal to more guests.
For guests, the experience of using the chargers is similar to any other ChargePoint station, which requires the ChargePoint app to activate. Hosts interested in taking up Airbnb’s offer can visit the dedicated ChargePoint store for more information.

A level 2 ChargePoint station might attract new guests to this Airbnb location. | Image: ChargePoint

Airbnb is partnering with ChargePoint to provide hosts a discounted option to buy, install, and manage a home EV charger that can help attract EV owners as guests.

Airbnb hosts can purchase these special EV charging packages through a new dedicated online store that offers the charging hardware, installation services, and support services, all in one place. Hosts will get up to 36 percent off the cost of select ChargePoint hardware models, with prices starting at $399. There’s also discounts on other stations, and $100 off on installation services through the site.

The first 1,000 hosts to buy a home charger from ChargePoint will also get an early bird discount of $200, courtesy of Airbnb. It could be a helpful incentive since Level 2 home chargers can cost $1,300 on average to buy and install.

Airbnb says more customers are searching for rentals with EV charging equipment, with searches using the company’s EV charger filter growing more than 80 percent from 2022 to 2023.

It also says listings that have chargers are, on average, booked for more nights and earn more income than ones without them. Airbnb also has a new listing editor for hosts so they can easily add amenities like EV charging stations to their rental and appeal to more guests.

For guests, the experience of using the chargers is similar to any other ChargePoint station, which requires the ChargePoint app to activate. Hosts interested in taking up Airbnb’s offer can visit the dedicated ChargePoint store for more information.

Read More 

The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a new $1,500 full-frame camera that comes in four colors.

LUTs. The people want LUTs! Or at least that is what Panasonic thinks with its new $1,500 Lumix S9. The S9 is a full-frame, interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera that has most of the guts of the Lumix S5 II, but with a new slimmed-down body and a dedicated “LUT” button on the back.

The “LUT” button on the S9 is located above the articulating screen.

A LUT, which stands for “Look Up Table,” is a way to alter the color or look of an image via a mathematical formula. In the most basic terms, you can think of it as a fancy way to say “filter.” And the New Lumix S9 can internally store up to 40 different LUTs, though one is reserved for a permanent V-log to 709 LUT.
Using the new Lumix Labs app, you can make custom filters, or you can browse over 80 different filters made by select content creators. Once you’ve made your selection, you can then download them right to the S9. And much like the Fujifilm X100VI, which is known for its robust offering of filters that mimic Fujifilm film stocks, Panasonic is hoping the ability to quickly move between looks will cut out the need to edit photos afterward. In theory, this is a great idea that allows users more control over what happens in the camera, but its success will heavily depend on Panasonic filling the app with pleasing choices — which the company tells me it has plans to do, albeit slowly in order to maintain high color standards. For example, I don’t think we will be seeing any cheesy Instagram-esque filters that apply loads of grain or outlandish hues.

Image: Panasonic
The Lumix S9 comes in four different colors — jet black, crimson red, dark olive, and classical blue.

In fact, the S9 appears directly aimed at the thousands of folks who can’t get their hands on a Fujifilm X100VI — not only as far as filters are concerned but also with the S9’s flashy external styling. For example, the camera comes in four different colors — jet black, crimson red, dark olive, and classical blue — that are sure to turn heads.
However, there are problems. To begin with, the S9 lacks any sort of front grip. In my short time with the S9, I found myself baffled by the choice to make the front of the camera (a crucial point of contact for the right hand) flat. The only form of a grip comes in the form of a small thumb rest around the back, which simply isn’t enough for long use. I also missed having a viewfinder on a camera positioned as a hybrid photo / video device. Although the articulating screen can accommodate most shooting positions, nothing beats the experience of pressing my eye up to a viewfinder to find a frame.

The lack of a hand grip on the front of the Lumix S9 makes it hard to hold for long uses.

Internally the S9 boasts the impressive video specs that the Lumix brand is known for. This includes a 24.2-megapixel sensor that can shoot up to 6K, 30FPS 4:2:0 10-bit video, and a 5-axis IBS unit that is known for its impressive stabilization. But with the camera’s smaller size came the need to cut out the cooling fans of the Lumix S5II, so I will be paying attention to any overheating in my future use.

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Tune in to the video above for sample photos from the S9.
The Lumix S9 will be available today for $1,500. And for Lumix fans who want the power of the Lumix S5 II in a smaller body, the only question that remains is: green, red, blue, or black?

The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a new $1,500 full-frame camera that comes in four colors.

LUTs. The people want LUTs! Or at least that is what Panasonic thinks with its new $1,500 Lumix S9. The S9 is a full-frame, interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera that has most of the guts of the Lumix S5 II, but with a new slimmed-down body and a dedicated “LUT” button on the back.

The “LUT” button on the S9 is located above the articulating screen.

A LUT, which stands for “Look Up Table,” is a way to alter the color or look of an image via a mathematical formula. In the most basic terms, you can think of it as a fancy way to say “filter.” And the New Lumix S9 can internally store up to 40 different LUTs, though one is reserved for a permanent V-log to 709 LUT.

Using the new Lumix Labs app, you can make custom filters, or you can browse over 80 different filters made by select content creators. Once you’ve made your selection, you can then download them right to the S9. And much like the Fujifilm X100VI, which is known for its robust offering of filters that mimic Fujifilm film stocks, Panasonic is hoping the ability to quickly move between looks will cut out the need to edit photos afterward. In theory, this is a great idea that allows users more control over what happens in the camera, but its success will heavily depend on Panasonic filling the app with pleasing choices — which the company tells me it has plans to do, albeit slowly in order to maintain high color standards. For example, I don’t think we will be seeing any cheesy Instagram-esque filters that apply loads of grain or outlandish hues.

Image: Panasonic
The Lumix S9 comes in four different colors — jet black, crimson red, dark olive, and classical blue.

In fact, the S9 appears directly aimed at the thousands of folks who can’t get their hands on a Fujifilm X100VI — not only as far as filters are concerned but also with the S9’s flashy external styling. For example, the camera comes in four different colors — jet black, crimson red, dark olive, and classical blue — that are sure to turn heads.

However, there are problems. To begin with, the S9 lacks any sort of front grip. In my short time with the S9, I found myself baffled by the choice to make the front of the camera (a crucial point of contact for the right hand) flat. The only form of a grip comes in the form of a small thumb rest around the back, which simply isn’t enough for long use. I also missed having a viewfinder on a camera positioned as a hybrid photo / video device. Although the articulating screen can accommodate most shooting positions, nothing beats the experience of pressing my eye up to a viewfinder to find a frame.

The lack of a hand grip on the front of the Lumix S9 makes it hard to hold for long uses.

Internally the S9 boasts the impressive video specs that the Lumix brand is known for. This includes a 24.2-megapixel sensor that can shoot up to 6K, 30FPS 4:2:0 10-bit video, and a 5-axis IBS unit that is known for its impressive stabilization. But with the camera’s smaller size came the need to cut out the cooling fans of the Lumix S5II, so I will be paying attention to any overheating in my future use.

Tune in to the video above for sample photos from the S9.

The Lumix S9 will be available today for $1,500. And for Lumix fans who want the power of the Lumix S5 II in a smaller body, the only question that remains is: green, red, blue, or black?

Read More 

Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box (pictured) already supports the feature. | Image: Walmart

A useful perk has been included in the latest Android update for Google TV that should make it easier to find missing remotes. Android Authority reports that the beta release for Android 14 for TV — announced during last week’s Google I/O conference — contains references to a new “find my remote” feature.
One text string found within the update reads as follows:
There is a button on your Google TV that you can push to play a sound on your remote for 30 seconds. This only works with supported Google TV remote controls. To stop the sound, press any button on your remote.
AFTVNews found the same message is displayed on the Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box that Walmart released earlier this month with support for the new find my remote feature. It also shows a toggle to enable or disable it, and a button to test the sound.

Image: AFTVNews
The message in Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Plus matches that found in the Android 14 for TV update, suggesting this isn’t an exclusive feature.

The remote-finding feature can be triggered by pressing a button on the front of the Onn streaming box, according to AFTVNews, which then causes the bundled remote to beep and flash a small LED light if it’s within 30 feet of the streaming box.
Seeing support for find my remote in Android 14 suggests it isn’t a Walmart exclusive and will be coming to other Google TV devices. Obviously, older Google TV remotes that lack a built-in speaker won’t be able to support the feature even when connected to Google TV devices updated to Android 14.
We have asked Google to clarify when the Android 14 for TV update will be generally available and what devices will be supported.

Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box (pictured) already supports the feature. | Image: Walmart

A useful perk has been included in the latest Android update for Google TV that should make it easier to find missing remotes. Android Authority reports that the beta release for Android 14 for TV — announced during last week’s Google I/O conference — contains references to a new “find my remote” feature.

One text string found within the update reads as follows:

There is a button on your Google TV that you can push to play a sound on your remote for 30 seconds. This only works with supported Google TV remote controls. To stop the sound, press any button on your remote.

AFTVNews found the same message is displayed on the Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box that Walmart released earlier this month with support for the new find my remote feature. It also shows a toggle to enable or disable it, and a button to test the sound.

Image: AFTVNews
The message in Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Plus matches that found in the Android 14 for TV update, suggesting this isn’t an exclusive feature.

The remote-finding feature can be triggered by pressing a button on the front of the Onn streaming box, according to AFTVNews, which then causes the bundled remote to beep and flash a small LED light if it’s within 30 feet of the streaming box.

Seeing support for find my remote in Android 14 suggests it isn’t a Walmart exclusive and will be coming to other Google TV devices. Obviously, older Google TV remotes that lack a built-in speaker won’t be able to support the feature even when connected to Google TV devices updated to Android 14.

We have asked Google to clarify when the Android 14 for TV update will be generally available and what devices will be supported.

Read More 

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Humane, the startup behind the poorly-reviewed AI Pin wearable computer, is already hunting for a potential buyer for its business. That’s according to a report from Bloomberg, which says the company — led by former longtime Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno — is “seeking a price of between $750 million and $1 billion.”
That might be a tough sell after the $699 AI Pin’s debut: the device has been widely panned for its slow responses and a user experience that falls well short of the always-on, wearable AI assistant concept that its founders promised in the run-up to the device’s release. The product was pitched at least partially as a way for people to be more present and reduce their ever-growing dependence on smartphones.

Humane developed its own operating system called CosmOS that runs on the AI Pin. It hooks into a network of AI models to fetch answers for voice queries and to analyze what the built-in camera is pointed at. For some interactions, the device beams out a laser “display” that is shown on the wearer’s inner palm. A monthly subscription is required to keep the device active.
The Bloomberg report notes that Humane has raised $230 million from investors including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is rumored to be developing an unrelated product (in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive) that could better showcase AI’s promise.
Humane was valued at $850 million by investors in 2023, but that was before its first-ever product was universally criticized by reviewers. There are some novel and clever ideas in there, but the AI Pin’s software is underbaked and too inconsistent, and the hardware has exhibited poor battery life and overheating issues. Humane has pledged to address some of those bugs with firmware updates. Just last week, it rolled out OpenAI’s GPT-4o model to further enhance the device’s smarts.
The list of potential buyers for Humane seems quite small considering the price that the startup is hoping to fetch. Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are all making significant pushes into the AI realm — with large language models and generative AI becoming more prevalent by the day — but it’s unclear how much value Humane’s intellectual property would really bring to any of their ongoing efforts.

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Humane, the startup behind the poorly-reviewed AI Pin wearable computer, is already hunting for a potential buyer for its business. That’s according to a report from Bloomberg, which says the company — led by former longtime Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno — is “seeking a price of between $750 million and $1 billion.”

That might be a tough sell after the $699 AI Pin’s debut: the device has been widely panned for its slow responses and a user experience that falls well short of the always-on, wearable AI assistant concept that its founders promised in the run-up to the device’s release. The product was pitched at least partially as a way for people to be more present and reduce their ever-growing dependence on smartphones.

Humane developed its own operating system called CosmOS that runs on the AI Pin. It hooks into a network of AI models to fetch answers for voice queries and to analyze what the built-in camera is pointed at. For some interactions, the device beams out a laser “display” that is shown on the wearer’s inner palm. A monthly subscription is required to keep the device active.

The Bloomberg report notes that Humane has raised $230 million from investors including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is rumored to be developing an unrelated product (in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive) that could better showcase AI’s promise.

Humane was valued at $850 million by investors in 2023, but that was before its first-ever product was universally criticized by reviewers. There are some novel and clever ideas in there, but the AI Pin’s software is underbaked and too inconsistent, and the hardware has exhibited poor battery life and overheating issues. Humane has pledged to address some of those bugs with firmware updates. Just last week, it rolled out OpenAI’s GPT-4o model to further enhance the device’s smarts.

The list of potential buyers for Humane seems quite small considering the price that the startup is hoping to fetch. Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are all making significant pushes into the AI realm — with large language models and generative AI becoming more prevalent by the day — but it’s unclear how much value Humane’s intellectual property would really bring to any of their ongoing efforts.

Read More 

Images: OneXPlayer

Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go a bit too simplistic for you? The OnePlayer X1 Mini is the most gadget-y handheld yet. The upcoming 8.8-inch, 144Hz Windows gaming tablet has:

Two detachable gamepads, like a Nintendo Switch
A magnetically detachable keyboard cover, like a Surface tablet
A kickstand
An easy-access SSD slot under that kickstand (new for handhelds, I believe!)
An Oculink port to connect one of a growing number of eGPUs

Windows Hello automatic face log-in, as well as a fingerprint reader power button
A 65 watt-hour battery, one of the largest in handhelds
Multiple USB4 ports
A controller grip to snap its Joy-Con-alikes together into a wireless gamepad
“Harman EFX tuned audio”

Image: OneXPlayer
You won’t forget where the WASD keys are, that’s for sure.

And, importantly, it’s got a AMD 8840U processor instead of a Intel Core Ultra chip.

Image: OneXPlayer
Not completely toolless — there’s still one screw.

See, the OneXPlayer X1 Mini is a smaller 8.8-inch version of the 10.95-inch OneXPlayer X1 put on sale earlier this year — and that one shipped with the same Intel Core Ultra chip that recently underwhelmed us in the MSI Claw. OneXPlayer has already dramatically cut the price of the larger Intel-powered handheld, and has just announced an AMD 8840U powered version of it as well.

Images: OneXPlayer
Top: OnePlayer X1 Mini. Bottom: OnePlayer X1

But if I had to pick between 10.95-inch or 8.8-inch versions, sight unseen, with the same size 65Wh battery (yes they’re the same size) I’d probably choose portability. Unless the 8.8-inch keyboard is really cramped or something.
Either way, I really want to try it. Hope it doesn’t cost too much! It hasn’t quite begun its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign yet, but I let you know when it does.

Images: OneXPlayer

Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go a bit too simplistic for you? The OnePlayer X1 Mini is the most gadget-y handheld yet. The upcoming 8.8-inch, 144Hz Windows gaming tablet has:

Two detachable gamepads, like a Nintendo Switch
A magnetically detachable keyboard cover, like a Surface tablet
A kickstand
An easy-access SSD slot under that kickstand (new for handhelds, I believe!)
An Oculink port to connect one of a growing number of eGPUs

Windows Hello automatic face log-in, as well as a fingerprint reader power button
A 65 watt-hour battery, one of the largest in handhelds
Multiple USB4 ports
A controller grip to snap its Joy-Con-alikes together into a wireless gamepad
“Harman EFX tuned audio”

Image: OneXPlayer
You won’t forget where the WASD keys are, that’s for sure.

And, importantly, it’s got a AMD 8840U processor instead of a Intel Core Ultra chip.

Image: OneXPlayer
Not completely toolless — there’s still one screw.

See, the OneXPlayer X1 Mini is a smaller 8.8-inch version of the 10.95-inch OneXPlayer X1 put on sale earlier this year — and that one shipped with the same Intel Core Ultra chip that recently underwhelmed us in the MSI Claw. OneXPlayer has already dramatically cut the price of the larger Intel-powered handheld, and has just announced an AMD 8840U powered version of it as well.

Images: OneXPlayer
Top: OnePlayer X1 Mini. Bottom: OnePlayer X1

But if I had to pick between 10.95-inch or 8.8-inch versions, sight unseen, with the same size 65Wh battery (yes they’re the same size) I’d probably choose portability. Unless the 8.8-inch keyboard is really cramped or something.

Either way, I really want to try it. Hope it doesn’t cost too much! It hasn’t quite begun its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign yet, but I let you know when it does.

Read More 

Garmin’s unassuming tacker is daintier than most smartwatches, but is that really such a bad thing? | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

As an avid runner, I understand the appeal of tracking fitness metrics. That said, in recent weeks, I’ve also grown annoyed with the onslaught of notifications I receive on my wrist via my Apple Watch Series 7, which I find to be incredibly distracting. Thankfully, if you’re like me, Garmin’s back-to-basics Lily 2 is on sale at Amazon and direct from Garmin right now for $199.99 ($50 off), its lowest price to date.

Whether it aims to be or not, Garmin’s fashion-forward smartwatch is a throwback to the heyday of Fitbits, Misfits, and Jawbones — you know, basic fitness bands. Its compact, 35mm sizing probably means it’s best suited for women, though, we’d venture to guess it should work for anyone with smaller wrists who wants a touch of style to their wardrobe. It can track all your basic fitness activities (including your sleeping habits), too, and works with both Android and iOS, allowing you to receive text and call notifications. Admittedly, the hidden OLED display on the Lily 2 is a bit difficult to navigate and the watch eschews premium features like built-in GPS, but if you prefer to keep things simple, it’s a great little tracker for casual users that can easily cut back on notification fatigue.

Read our hands-on impressions of the Garmin Lily 2.

More deals, discounts, and ways to save

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us. We’ll be publishing a larger roundup detailing the best holiday savings tomorrow, but if you’re looking to get ahead, Coleman’s Cascade 222 Camping Stove is available from REI, Backcountry, and Colman starting at $126.99 ($43 off). The solid two-burner stove is a slight step up from Coleman’s most basic model, providing you with a bit more cooking precision, a built-in carrying handle, and a handy piezo ignition for getting things started.

Sony’s ULT Field 7 is down to $398 ($102 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony’s online storefront. Like other Bluetooth speakers in the ULT Power Sound series, the mid-tier Field 7 is all about immersing you in lively, bass-heavy sound. Most of the specs on the beefy 20-inch speaker are pretty table-stakes for its class — including its IP67 rating, integrated lighting, and 30-hour runtime — but it also packs a seven-band EQ and an ULT button that lets you toggle between different bass modes, letting you fine-tune its sound on the fly.
Need a streaming device to catch up on House of the Dragon before the second season drops on June 16th? If so, Amazon’s latest Fire TV Cube is currently matching its all-time low of $109.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and The Home Depot. The streaming device / smart speaker hybrid continues to support all the popular 4K HDR formats and remains the fastest device in Amazon’s Fire TV lineup, only now it supports Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and an improved port selection. Read our review.

Garmin’s unassuming tacker is daintier than most smartwatches, but is that really such a bad thing? | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

As an avid runner, I understand the appeal of tracking fitness metrics. That said, in recent weeks, I’ve also grown annoyed with the onslaught of notifications I receive on my wrist via my Apple Watch Series 7, which I find to be incredibly distracting. Thankfully, if you’re like me, Garmin’s back-to-basics Lily 2 is on sale at Amazon and direct from Garmin right now for $199.99 ($50 off), its lowest price to date.

Whether it aims to be or not, Garmin’s fashion-forward smartwatch is a throwback to the heyday of Fitbits, Misfits, and Jawbones — you know, basic fitness bands. Its compact, 35mm sizing probably means it’s best suited for women, though, we’d venture to guess it should work for anyone with smaller wrists who wants a touch of style to their wardrobe. It can track all your basic fitness activities (including your sleeping habits), too, and works with both Android and iOS, allowing you to receive text and call notifications. Admittedly, the hidden OLED display on the Lily 2 is a bit difficult to navigate and the watch eschews premium features like built-in GPS, but if you prefer to keep things simple, it’s a great little tracker for casual users that can easily cut back on notification fatigue.

Read our hands-on impressions of the Garmin Lily 2.

More deals, discounts, and ways to save

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us. We’ll be publishing a larger roundup detailing the best holiday savings tomorrow, but if you’re looking to get ahead, Coleman’s Cascade 222 Camping Stove is available from REI, Backcountry, and Colman starting at $126.99 ($43 off). The solid two-burner stove is a slight step up from Coleman’s most basic model, providing you with a bit more cooking precision, a built-in carrying handle, and a handy piezo ignition for getting things started.

Sony’s ULT Field 7 is down to $398 ($102 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony’s online storefront. Like other Bluetooth speakers in the ULT Power Sound series, the mid-tier Field 7 is all about immersing you in lively, bass-heavy sound. Most of the specs on the beefy 20-inch speaker are pretty table-stakes for its class — including its IP67 rating, integrated lighting, and 30-hour runtime — but it also packs a seven-band EQ and an ULT button that lets you toggle between different bass modes, letting you fine-tune its sound on the fly.
Need a streaming device to catch up on House of the Dragon before the second season drops on June 16th? If so, Amazon’s latest Fire TV Cube is currently matching its all-time low of $109.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and The Home Depot. The streaming device / smart speaker hybrid continues to support all the popular 4K HDR formats and remains the fastest device in Amazon’s Fire TV lineup, only now it supports Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and an improved port selection. Read our review.

Read More 

How the “Add to Chromebook” badge looks like on websites. | Image: Google

Google is making a new “Add to Chromebook” badge that’s designed to make it easier for ChromeOS users to find and install progressive web apps (PWAs) and Android apps. The badge links directly to the web app you’re looking to install or to the Google Play Store (if it’s an Android app), 9to5Google reports.
In a Google I/O session video about ChromeOS, the presenter says many people looking for apps start with a Google search and end up on developers’ websites — a great place to display an Add to Chromebook badge and get ChromeOS users to the app. There isn’t much of a barrier when it comes to finding and installing Android apps on a Chromebook, as most people go straight to the Play Store to install those.
However, web apps often end up as just another Chrome website tab, as it’s not clear how to install the web app to the Chromebook (you need to click the icon on the upper right in Chrome). The great thing about PWAs is that they can be almost as comprehensive as a full app and can run offline but load quicker. If you install them directly to a computer or smartphone homescreen, they’re almost indistinguishable from a regular app. The new “Add to Chromebook” badge makes it a lot more likely that people will be able to find and install those apps.
Google notes that there are more than 100 million monthly web app users on Chrome browsers (all platforms, including ChromeOS), so there are a lot of opportunities for developers to get their apps on the computers.

How the “Add to Chromebook” badge looks like on websites. | Image: Google

Google is making a new “Add to Chromebook” badge that’s designed to make it easier for ChromeOS users to find and install progressive web apps (PWAs) and Android apps. The badge links directly to the web app you’re looking to install or to the Google Play Store (if it’s an Android app), 9to5Google reports.

In a Google I/O session video about ChromeOS, the presenter says many people looking for apps start with a Google search and end up on developers’ websites — a great place to display an Add to Chromebook badge and get ChromeOS users to the app. There isn’t much of a barrier when it comes to finding and installing Android apps on a Chromebook, as most people go straight to the Play Store to install those.

However, web apps often end up as just another Chrome website tab, as it’s not clear how to install the web app to the Chromebook (you need to click the icon on the upper right in Chrome). The great thing about PWAs is that they can be almost as comprehensive as a full app and can run offline but load quicker. If you install them directly to a computer or smartphone homescreen, they’re almost indistinguishable from a regular app. The new “Add to Chromebook” badge makes it a lot more likely that people will be able to find and install those apps.

Google notes that there are more than 100 million monthly web app users on Chrome browsers (all platforms, including ChromeOS), so there are a lot of opportunities for developers to get their apps on the computers.

Read More