78 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Skip to main content
The homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.
The homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.

Tech Archive

Archives for October 2024

Devolver launches new indie label focused on licensed gamesDevolver launches new indie label focused on licensed games
Halide app update adds new functions for the iPhone 16 Camera Control buttonHalide app update adds new functions for the iPhone 16 Camera Control button
Sony’s new LinkBuds add voice controls without a smart assistantSony’s new LinkBuds add voice controls without a smart assistant
You can keep the door closed on Whirlpool’s new self-drying washersYou can keep the door closed on Whirlpool’s new self-drying washers
Microsoft is discontinuing its HoloLens headsetsMicrosoft is discontinuing its HoloLens headsets
Jess Weatherbed
Jess Weatherbed
WhatsApp now has filters and virtual backgrounds.

The new features for video calls include ten filters that adjust color or add things like “Fisheye” lens and “Vintage TV” grain effects, and ten virtual backgrounds that blur your environment, or replace it entirely with a beach, cafe, office, and more.

WhatsApp says the video effects are rolling out starting today, and will be available to all users “in the coming weeks.”

A GIF demonstrating the new video calling filters and background effects for WhatsApp.
There are some pretty funky options in here for virtual backgrounds, alongside similar filter effects found on platforms like Instagram.
Image: WhatsApp
Lauren Feiner
Lauren Feiner
Amazon gets part of the FTC’s antitrust suit dismissed.

In a sealed order, a federal judge granted part of Amazon’s motion to dismiss, but gave the Federal Trade Commission a chance to re-file at least some of those charges by the end of the month. Like Google’s antitrust trials, the judge said this one will be split up into a liability and remedy phase, if the court finds for the FTC.

Pebblebee’s trackers now work on Apple’s or Google’s networksPebblebee’s trackers now work on Apple’s or Google’s networks
Noctua’s flagship PC fan gets bigger and fancierNoctua’s flagship PC fan gets bigger and fancier
Read Microsoft’s optimistic memo about the future of AI companionsRead Microsoft’s optimistic memo about the future of AI companions
Microsoft is using AI to improve Windows searchMicrosoft is using AI to improve Windows search
Microsoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvementsMicrosoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvements
Microsoft Paint is getting Photoshop-like generative AI fill and erase featuresMicrosoft Paint is getting Photoshop-like generative AI fill and erase features
Fortnite creators can now make first-person shootersFortnite creators can now make first-person shooters
Microsoft gives Copilot a voice and vision in its biggest redesign yet

Copilot is transforming into a more personalized AI assistant thanks to Inflection.

Tom Warren

Most Popular

Most Popular
  1. The next Xbox could play every Xbox game ever made
  2. How an OpenAI influencer trip backfired
  3. Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to PC
  4. ‘Not healthy’ LLM use is more common than you think
  5. Don’t screw this up, Marvel