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Let’s get physical / Digital might dominate, but some are still holding onto their hard copies.

Why are people buying so many CDs?Why are people buying so many CDs?

A new report shows that CD sales are up over the first half of 2026.

Jay Peters
Sony is killing discs — and showing us why it’s a terrible idea

When digital stores shut down, games get lost alongside them. Welcome to the digital-only future.

Andrew Webster
My streaming fatigue got so bad, I started collecting DVDs

After spending too much time and money on streaming services, DVDs have officially reentered my life.

Emma Roth
The Analogue 3D is the perfect console for N64 collectors
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The company behind the Analogue Pocket is back with its latest game console, which plays N64 games in 4K.

Andrew Webster

Staff picks / Our favorite stories you don’t want to miss.

The PS6 sure sounds like a handheldThe PS6 sure sounds like a handheld

Did Sony try to set the agenda on June 5th?

Sean Hollister
Our ‘explosive diarrhea parasite’ future

Budget cuts are blowing up US health infrastructure — and your toilet.

Gaby Del Valle
OnePlus never had a chance in the US

Carriers and OnePlus were always incompatible

David Imel
‘No company is going to go to jail for you’: Proton’s CTO on balancing privacy, policy, and trust
Play

Bart Butler on encryption, child safety, and why there’s no such thing as a backdoor for only the good guys.

Nilay Patel

Know when to fold 'em / Looks like Samsung is bringing back hot foldable summer.

Samsung’s redesigned Z Fold 8 with a wide display just leakedSamsung’s redesigned Z Fold 8 with a wide display just leaked

Images and specs for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8 were also included in the leak.

Stevie Bonifield
Samsung’s new foldable display is harder to crease and damage

The Flex Titanium display tech is slim, strong, and reduces crease visibility.

Jess Weatherbed
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 leaks a week before launch event

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is reportedly getting a processor upgrade, but not the one some may be hoping for.

Stevie Bonifield
My brief, weird time with the Samsung TriFold

I’m starting to see why Samsung didn’t send me a TriFold to review.

Allison Johnson

Let us cook / Take your gastronomical game to the next level.

This slim ice cream maker could fit in my already crowded kitchenThis slim ice cream maker could fit in my already crowded kitchen

Nutribullet’s Chill has a smaller footprint than the Ninja Creami but enough capacity to make pint cups of ice cream.

Andrew Liszewski
The Sourdough Sidekick automates the boring bit of baking

But I’d only recommend it if you bake at least a loaf a week, and ideally more.

Dominic Preston
Sorry, the Ooni pizza oven is totally worth it

I’ve had an Ooni for a few years now, and I’d still choose it over a barbecue.

Jess Weatherbed
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Netflix acquired Ben Affleck’s AI startup for nearly $600 million.

As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix said in an SEC filing that it paid “approximately” $587 million to acquire a company in March — the same month Netflix announced its deal for InterPositive.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
AWS mistakenly charged some users billions more than usual.

One user even reported an AWS bill of $1.5 trillion, as reported by The Guardian. Scary!

AWS blames the root cause of the problem as “an issue with unit pricing within the estimated billing computation subsystem.” Amazon says that the billing estimates “do not reflect actual usage and charges,” and affected don’t have to take any action right now.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
SpaceX might land another big compute customer: the Department of Defense.

The Pentagon may make a deal where it would pay for billions of dollars of compute from SpaceX, according to The Wall Street Journal.

SpaceX already provides compute to Google and Anthropic, and the company wants to do more in cloud computing, the WSJ says.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
ZA/UM is laying off staff.

“Up to” 32 staffers have been served redundancy or at-risk notices, ZA/UM says. The studio has been the subject of a lot of controversy following the launch of Disco Elysium, and it released a new game this year, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. However, the Zero Parades’ “commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size.“

A message from ZA/UM about layoffs. It reads: Today, we are sharing difficult news. While ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies was released to critical acclaim, its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size. We have served redundancy or at-risk notices impacting up to 32 of our colleagues across all departments at ZA/UM Studio. Their work has made a lasting difference and left its mark on ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, and the studio as a whole. Throughout this difficult process, we have continued to consult and work with representatives of the ZA/UM Workers’ Alliance. This changes the shape of ZA/UM, but not its purpose. Our artistic standards remain unchanged: we will persist. To anyone currently hiring, please consider the colleagues leaving ZA/UM.
Image: ZA/UM
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
To GameStop, discs dying “doesn’t matter,” says CEO.

Software makes up “less than 12 percent of the business,” while collectibles are “over half,” Ryan Cohen said in a Bloomberg interview. “So it’s totally, totally irrelevant.”

The numbers differ a bit in GameStop’s latest quarterly report, where collectibles were 41.8 percent of sales in Q1 2026. But they’re a growing part of GameStop’s business — the Q1 collectibles figure was a jump from 28.9 percent in Q1 2025 — which could soften the blow from the dire future for discs.

Shark’s versatile ChillPill cooling system is back to its best priceShark’s versatile ChillPill cooling system is back to its best price

The rechargeable fan doubles as a dry-touch mister and can be worn, clipped to a bag, or used on a tabletop.

Sheena Vasani
TikTok is testing an AI likeness detection toolTikTok is testing an AI likeness detection tool

Creators can have TikTok scan for unauthorized AI deepfakes.

Jay Peters
Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky says his 30-day warranty is all about trustPebble founder Eric Migicovsky says his 30-day warranty is all about trust

Pebble is also ‘looking into’ offering parts for DIY repairs.

Stevie Bonifield
Apple Music is getting a price hikeApple Music is getting a price hike

Some Apple One plans are getting price increases, too.

Jay Peters
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Samsung’s brighter Freestyle Plus projector is now available.

First announced at CES, the latest version of Samsung’s all-in-one home theater solution is finally available through Samsung’s online store for $1,199.99. That’s a bit steep for 430 ISO lumens and a 1080P resolution when Xgimi’s latest portable does 1,600 ISO lumens for $799, but Samsung’s can correct for distortions on uneven projection surfaces like curtains.

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1/2Image: Samsung
Cameron Faulkner
Cameron Faulkner
Marathon’s game director is passing the baton.

Bungie’s online extraction shooter, Marathon, is having a leadership change as game director Joe Ziegler announced on X that today is his final day with the company. Ziegler, former game director of Valorant, took on the role following former Marathon director Chris Barrett’s firing in August 2024.

Apple’s plot to crush OpenAIApple’s plot to crush OpenAI

Also on The Vergecast: Siri AI is here, OnePlus is leaving, and the cracking face emoji is coming.

David Pierce
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Behold: Jimothy the crab raccoon.

Legend has it that we have smart home security cameras and smartphones to thank for discovering the Seattle-based treasure that is Jimothy. At least this modern cryptid doesn’t appear to be AI slop. Happy Friday.

Cameron Faulkner
Cameron Faulkner
Google Photos got rid of the visual gaps between days, but you can turn them back on.

It used to be easy to tell which photos you took on a certain day in Google Photos. I didn’t realize how much I appreciated those little visual gaps breaking up time until a new update removed them, smashburgering my photos and videos, in favor of a persistent bar hovering at the top of the screen. Thankfully, you can reinsert them by clicking the three vertical dots to the right of that floating bar, then select “Show dates in grid.”

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Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Meta reportedly considers leasing computing power to Anthropic.

Sources tell The New York Times that the deal could be valued at $10 billion over two years, with Anthropic paying Meta in monthly increments. Though Anthropic plans to invest $50 billion in building out its own data centers, it has already struck multibillion-dollar deals to access computing power from SpaceX and TeraWulf.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Apple has reportedly made “multiple offers” this year to try and end the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit.

The DOJ sued Apple in 2024, but the two sides are in “early” and “active” discussions about a settlement, Bloomberg reports.

Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Caviar made a $13,000 Lionel Messi phone with an unannounced Samsung device.

Caviar is back with yet another ridiculously expensive device, and this time, it’s a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with 24-karat gold plating, which is expected to appear at Galaxy Unpacked next week (sans the gold). As spotted by Engadget, Caviar doesn’t list any tech specs, but notes that its device starts with 256GB of storage.

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1/3Image: Caviar
Charles Pulliam-Moore
Charles Pulliam-Moore
One Wish Peacock.

Following its wildly successful theatrical run, Curry Barker’s Obsession is now streaming on Peacock for everyone who wants to be scared silly at home.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Asus’ top-end 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor is $400 offAsus’ top-end 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor is $400 off

We also found deals on an Anker power brick, Sennheiser Accentum earbuds, and the lowest price yet for Marathon on PC.

Brad Bourque
TC Sottek
TC Sottek
I feel the need…

the need for speed brand partnerships. EA’s original live-action trailer for Battlefield 6 immediately killed off celebrities like Zac Efron as a joke, but now the game is embracing Hollywood. Battlefield is partnering with Paramount to include Top Gun heroes (Tom Cruise excluded) as part of its upcoming season 4 update. I might just hop back in to fly the F-14 Tomcat.

Battlefield and Top Gun join forces.
Miles Teller stands point in the Battlefield x Top Gun collaboration.
EA
Samsung’s redesigned Z Fold 8 with a wide display just leakedSamsung’s redesigned Z Fold 8 with a wide display just leaked

Images and specs for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8 were also included in the leak.

Stevie Bonifield
Florida man arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 in crypto using Steam game malwareFlorida man arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 in crypto using Steam game malware

Zyaire Wilkins is accused of working with co-conspirators to launch and market eight malware-embedded Steam games.

Emma Roth
Over half a million power tool batteries have been recalled due to a USB-C charging fire riskOver half a million power tool batteries have been recalled due to a USB-C charging fire risk

The batteries included with several Kobalt electric tools can short-circuit if charged while attached to the tools.

Andrew Liszewski
Bethesda teases Fallout 5 soon after Xbox’s mass layoffsBethesda teases Fallout 5 soon after Xbox’s mass layoffs

Microsoft’s gaming division attempts to share some good news amid the fallout of its large-scale ‘reset.’

Andrew Webster
Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Google is making it easier to share your contact info on Android.

The Google Contacts app is rolling out a new “Your info” card, which shows your image, phone number, email address, and other information — similar to “My Card” on iPhones. Tap into the card, and you’ll see an option to share your details with one of your contacts.

Even Microsoft couldn’t make Windows 11 work well on 8GB of RAM

6

Verge Score

Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Apple and Google ordered to take down AI “nudify” apps.

San Francisco city attorney David Chiu sent cease-and-desist letters to both companies, demanding that they remove 13 apps that can be used to generate nude images of someone without their consent, according to a report from Wired. The letters ask Google and Apple to stop “aiding and abetting” the sale of sexualized AI deepfakes, which is prohibited under California law.

Google spokesperson Dan Jackson tells The Verge that the company suspended the five Android apps cited in Chiu’s letter, adding that the Play Store “does not allow apps that contain sexual content.”

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
It’s Ayaneo’s turn to resurrect and upgrade the Game Boy Advance.

Following the release of Anbernic’s RG34XX handheld last December, Ayaneo has revealed its own updated take on Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance. The company didn’t share any specs for its upcoming Konkr Pocket Advance, but like Anbernic’s it will include four action buttons and potentially rely on emulation instead of a cartridge slot.

The Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Advance cartridge in orange on a desk surrounded by other retro electronics.
Image: Ayaneo
Trump is selling high-speed access to his market-moving Truth Social postsTrump is selling high-speed access to his market-moving Truth Social posts

Truth Social has a new API to deliver real-time access to posts from its ‘most influential accounts.’

Jess Weatherbed
Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Apple reportedly sent legal warnings to dozens of former employees at OpenAI.

Around 40 employees received the letters, which ask for meetings with Apple’s lawyers and tell them to “preserve documents and communications,” according to a report from the Financial Times. Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI last week and accused two of its former employees of helping the AI giant steal its trade secrets.

Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Tesla makes a $225 bike.

Not what anyone expected — or wanted — but a Tesla-branded balance bike is now available for the junior edgelord in your life.

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The war on ‘woke science’ comes for space researchThe war on ‘woke science’ comes for space research

The Planetary Society warns that a new proposal from the Trump administration could seriously harm space science.

Georgina Torbet
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Baseball bans dugout iPads with AI apps.

Major League Baseball is cracking down on league-issued iPads provided to teams since 2016. Teams can no longer install custom apps that tap into generative AI to recommend “substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches.” It seems up to “a third of the league used the dugout iPads for at least one of these purposes.”

God Of War TV series is recasting KratosGod Of War TV series is recasting Kratos

Lead actor Ryan Hurst has left the production after a serious injury.

Jess Weatherbed
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
SpaceX continues dropping below IPO price.

SPCX sunk another three percent in extended trading after last night’s aborted Starship launch, falling further beneath its IPO price of $135. The record-setting IPO made Elon Musk the world’s first (paper) trillionaire. Today he’s worth $838.1 billion. Concerning.

Down and to the right is never good.
Down and to the right is never good.
Screengrab: Google
Jess Weatherbed
Jess Weatherbed
Leading LLM’s are political boot lickers.

A new report from Meta’s Oversight Board that tested popular AI models from Anthropic, DeepSeek, Google, Meta, and OpenAI found that each LLM is significantly less likely to criticize governments and leaders known ​for restricting free speech. The reasons for the refusals are varied and often confusing.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Gemini 3.5 Pro was supposed to launch in June, but it’s still not out.

Google has been working on beefing up the model’s skills, “particularly in coding,” Bloomberg reports.

At I/O in May, Google said that 3.5 Pro was “already being used internally” and that “we look forward to rolling it out next month.”

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
The Game of Thrones RTS has been delayed.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, announced last year for a 2026 release, is now set to launch in early 2027.

“We remain unwavering in our mission to deliver a real-time strategy game set in the world of Westeros that meets the expectations of both RTS players and Game of Thrones fans,” says developer PlaySide. “This decision gives us the time needed to continue building towards that goal and ensure that the game reaches the high level of quality we are aiming for.”

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