Cameron Faulkner | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-06-05T19:30:34+00:00https://www.theverge.com/authors/cameron-faulkner/rsshttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[4K Blu-rays are three for $33 ahead of Father’s Day]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9443472026-06-05T15:30:34-04:002026-06-06T12:00:00-04:00
Director Damien Chazelle went from La La Land directly into First Man, the latter of which is included in this sale. | Photo by Daniel McFadden / Universal Studios
If you know a dad with a predilection for physical media, he might really dig what you buy for him with this deal at Gruv. Ahead of Father’s Day on June 21st, the online seller (operated by Universal Pictures, in case you didn’t know) is letting you check out with three movies from a large batch for $33 — no code required. Of course, you don’t need to be a dad, or be buying for one, to get in on these deals. To my knowledge, there is no dad verification system at work here.
There aren’t many new releases looped into the sale. Rather, it’s focused on classics — modern as well as those from decades prior — that might round out dad’s collection without breaking the bank. Prices for movies at Gruv range from $13.99 or so to $20, so the total savings vary depending on what you buy. In the event that you only buy one 4K Blu-ray today and it’s your first purchase at Gruv, use the code FIRSTGRUV15 at checkout to save 15 percent off the cost.
Here’s a handful of picks from the group that are eligible for the discount.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[Remarkable’s refurbished Paper Pro bundle is hundreds off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9429992026-06-04T11:46:07-04:002026-06-04T11:46:07-04:00
Color E Ink tablets aren’t usually affordable. I’m not going to say that Woot’s price on a refurbished “good as new” Remarkable Paper Pro is cheap, but it’s pretty fantastic compared to buying one new. Normally $629 just for the tablet, you can get a bundle that includes the big 11.8-inch Paper Pro plus $139 worth of brand new accessories (a Mosaic Weave Book Folio and a Marker Plus) for $509 if you buy it used. The bundle comes with a 90-day warranty, which pales in comparison so Remarkable’s own one-year warranty on refurbished devices. Then again, the same refurbished bundle on the company’s site is $649.
Remarkable Paper Pro bundle (refurbished)
Includes Mosaic Weave Book Folio Cover and Market Plus with eraser.
It’s nice to have a color E Ink so close in price to Remarkable’s newer Paper Pure, a 10.3-inch black and white E Ink tablet for note-taking. While many of their features overlap, you may prefer not just the color capabilities of the Paper Pro, but also its front light. The Paper Pure doesn’t have a light at all. One thing to keep in mind about the Pro’s color-capable screen is that it uses Gallery display tech, which has a slow refresh rate because it renders colors instead of using filters like Kaleido displays.
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More deals to consider
If you’re hunting for a sleek 33-inch soundbar with wired satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer that won’t cost you much, Vizio’s 5.1 SE system is $149.99 at Walmart (down from $228). The soundbar can easily mount to the bottom of most recent Vizio TVs without extra accessories, but its low-profile design won’t look out of place even if you have to set it on your entertainment center. It supports Bluetooth and eARC over HDMI so you won’t have to power it on every time you turn on the TV. The company claims the system can provide Dolby Atmos and DTS X spatial audio, though it’s likely simulated since its included speakers don’t tilt upwards to bounce sound off your ceiling.
Humble has rolled out its fresh batch of games for Choice subscribers. Those who subscribe for $14.99 monthly can get Octopath Traveler 2, Citizen Sleeper 2, Indika, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, and more — all of which you keep even if you choose to cancel. Choice members get a new mix of free games like these every month, as well as discounts on purchases made through Humble’s store. This includes games redeemable on Steam, plus Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 digital titles. In many cases, the discount knocks Nintendo games down to the best prices available on the web.
While we’re on the topic of video games, Bungie’s Marathon first-person extraction shooter just launched its second season of content. There’s an free trial happening now through June 9th that lets you play all that the game offers. If you like what you see, there are plenty of deals happening across all platforms the game is available on. The most affordable deal is at Fanatical, where you can get the Steam title for $25.59 (originally $39.99) without the need for an offer code. The digital download on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is $27.99.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[We’re giving away a Prime Day grab bag loaded with over $800 of free tech]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9363962026-06-04T09:14:40-04:002026-06-04T10:00:00-04:00
A Nomatic Travel Pack filled with so much cool tech that its main compartment barely zips shut. | Image: Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
We’re always testing out new products here The Verge, which presents a bit of a problem for our inventory closet in New York City. It’s literally overflowing with gadgets, new and old, so we’re restoring order by giving some of it away to one lucky person. We’ve stuffed over $800 worth of tech into a Nomatic Travel Pack that could be yours if you’re randomly chosen as the winner of our sweepstakes, which runs through 10AM ET on June 30th.
Our giveaway kicks off ahead of Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day sale, which starts on Tuesday, June 23rd, and lasts through June 26th. We’ll select a winner from the entrants on June 30th, and they’ll be notified via email.
All you need to do is take a few seconds to enter the sweepstakes. It’s as easy as filling in the fields below within the Viralsweep embed. Once you enter, you’ll become a subscriber to our Verge Shopping newsletter, which contains the latest deals, plus links to recent buying guides, reviews, and other relevant articles we think you’ll like. It’ll be especially useful with Prime Day coming up, keeping you in the know of the biggest deals of the sale.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Sweepstakes begins at 10:00am ET on 06/04/2026 and ends at 10:00am ET on 06/30/2026. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C., of legal age of majority and have access to the internet, and a valid email address. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Governed by and subject to the Official Rules, additional eligibility restrictions apply. Vox Media Privacy Policy
Sponsor: Vox Media, LLC, 1701 Rhode Island Ave., Washington DC 20036.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The best Qi2 batteries for iPhone and Pixel]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9393622026-06-04T13:41:10-04:002026-06-03T14:00:00-04:00
Compact power banks have gotten a lot faster in the past year — and it’s not just their USB-C charging speeds that have received a boost. The newest Qi2.2-certified models can wirelessly charge an iPhone 16 or later at up to 25W. Combine that with their ability to magnetically snap on via MagSafe, and you’ve got yourself an essential add-on that’s easy to take on the go.
Qi2 is a magnetic wireless charging standard that’s based on Apple’s MagSafe tech, so almost all modern iPhones support it. While the latest iPhones offer the fastest charging rates, older models (dating back to the iPhone 12) support 15W Qi2 charging speeds, which is still suitably quick. (The iPhone 17E also maxes out at 15W, and the 16E doesn’t have wireless charging at all.)
On the other hand, Android phones are a mixed bag, with very few models supporting Qi2, let alone Qi2.2. Google’s Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold support Qi2 charging at up to 15W; the 10 Pro XL supports Qi 2.2 at up to 25W. Samsung’s Galaxy 26 lineup is “Qi2 Ready,” which means they can use Qi2 chargers at up to 15W if they have a magnet case. And that’s pretty much it.
We know you want the best, whichever phone you have. Some of you may be willing to pay a lot for it, while others may simply want the best possible model for the least amount of money. Of the seven we tested — which vary in features, design, and charging speed — we landed on two picks that should satisfy most people’s needs.
The Qi2.2 battery with the fastest wireless charging speeds
Dimensions: 2.6 x 4 x 0.6 inches, 196 grams / Wireless charging speed: Qi2.2 25W, Qi2 15W / Wired charging speed: Advertised as 45W, but a bit slower / Passthrough charging: Yes / Ports: One USB-C port / Built-in cable: Yes, non-removable / Advertised battery capacity: 10,000mAh, 36Wh
The Baseus PicoGo AM52 is about as no-frills as power banks come, both in design and features. The all-black battery pack has a sleek aluminum case, with soft-touch silicone on the magnetic side to prevent it from scratching your phone while charging. It can charge devices via Qi2.2 and USB-C simultaneously, but using both requires you to press the power button (and there’s a steep speed penalty as it splits the power).
The AM52 consistently offered the fastest wireless charging speeds of any power bank I tested, and it’s often the most affordable of the bunch. It wirelessly charged an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 65 percent in one hour and the Pixel 10 Pro XL to 50 percent, which is on par with the slightly pricier Sharge Icemag 3. The Iniu SnapGo Air slightly outperformed the AM52 in some wireless tests, but lagged behind in others. Baseus’s model lacks a built-in display — meaning you can’t see the remaining charge — but two of the four LED indicators were still full after an hour of wireless charging, indicating it still had some juice left.
I tested the version with a built-in USB-C cable, which usually retails for $64 at Amazon if you’re a Prime member ($4 more than the cordless version). Sometimes, it drops to $40 or so with a coupon, and in terms of wired charging speeds, it was also among the fastest of the seven batteries I tested. It charged both the iPhone and Pixel to about 90 percent capacity within an hour, though it’s not necessarily hard to find a battery that supports fast wired charging.
The Baseus AM52 advertises a top speed of 45W via USB-C, though it didn’t reach those speeds with any of the devices I tested. It topped out at about 38W while connected to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 33W while attached to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, both of which advertise higher wired speeds (the Iniu SnapGo Air topped out at 39W). The Baseus also topped out at 39.1W while plugged into my M2 MacBook Air, which isn’t far from its advertised rating, while the Iniu reached 43W. In other words, get the Iniu if you value fast wired speeds and the Baseus if you want fast wireless charging.
The other Qi2.2 batteries I tested
Sharge’s Icemag 3 (39.1Wh) is the coolest battery of the seven that I tested, and it delivers great wireless and wired charging speeds (25W and 30W, respectively). No issues here, but it usually costs a fair amount more than the Baseus or Iniu model.
Iniu’s SnapGo Air (39.2Wh) came close to being our top pick thanks to its fast wired charging, relatively low price, and LED display that shows remaining charge. But its wireless charging performance was inconsistent.
The Qi2 battery with the most power for the least money
I wasn’t expecting one of the best-performing batteries to be the least expensive model I called in. The iWalk PowerHybrid is a 15W Qi2 charger that’s bulkier than our top pick, and honestly, pretty cheap-looking. But I can’t argue with its charging speeds, or the fact that it’s commonly available for about $35 — half the typical cost of the Baseus AM52. The PowerHybrid also includes a USB-C cable fashioned into a lanyard; however, this one is fully detachable, unlike Baseus’s.
The iWalk charged the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 55 percent in an hour via Qi2 wireless charging. It performed similarly to our Qi2.2 pick while charging the Pixel 10 Pro XL, too, delivering 46 percent of the phone’s total charge in an hour (with 59 percent of the power bank’s battery remaining). Yes, that’s slower than the AM52, but ask yourself: Is a 10 percent speed boost worth nearly twice the price? No judgment if your answer is yes, but those shaking their heads are my kind of people.
The PowerHybrid’s wired charging speeds were in line with other models I tested, allowing me to take the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Pixel 10 Pro XL to 90 percent and 85 percent in an hour, respectively. It also didn’t have any issues reaching its peak 30W charging speeds across multiple devices, which, again, was the case with the AM52.
The iWalk battery has a pretty big quirk, however: It doesn’t automatically turn on when you place a device on its magnetic surface. For Qi2 charging to work, its display (which shows the remaining charge) must be illuminated, which requires you to either press the power button or charge something via its USB-C port. It’s not a big deal, but it might be annoying to some.
The other Qi2 batteries I tested
The Anker MagGo Power Bank (38.5Wh) is hefty and deluxe, with a durable kickstand and a slick display that shows remaining charge and time to charge. But it’s slow considering its high $90 price, managing 15W Qi2 and 27W USB-C charging.
No other battery I tested looks as quirky and futuristic as Aulumu’s M10 (36Wh). It supports Apple Watch charging, plus USB-C charging and Qi2 15W speeds, but it’s costly at $90 and delivers inconsistent wireless charging speeds.
Statik’s SmartCharge Gen 2 (38.5Wh) delivers what a lot of people are likely looking for: a power bank that can plug directly into an outlet, with two built-in USB-C cables, a few ports, not to mention Apple Watch charging. It’s cool and not terribly expensive at $70, but it’s very slow to charge devices.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
A note on efficiency and capacity
Battery packs are convenient, but slower and less efficient than wired power adapters. All the batteries I tested claim 10,000mAh capacity. Milli-Ampere-hours, unlike Watt-hours, depend on battery voltage, so they can be misleading. For example, the Anker MagGo 10K battery I tested is advertised as having 10,000mAh capacity at 3.85V, or 38.5Wh total energy. The Baseus battery I tested is advertised as having 10,000mAh capacity. Fine print on its label reveals that its actual rating is 5,000mAh at 7.2V, or 36Wh. That doesn’t mean it can deliver only half the energy of the Anker; it’s actually only a little bit less. The Watt-hours are what to look for. And none of that has anything to do with the output voltage from the Qi2 charger, anyway.
Wireless charging is also much less efficient than wired. Qi2 is the least bad, but still loses about a quarter of the battery’s energy compared to charging over USB-C. If you want to squeeze the most charge out of your battery, it’s wired all the way. And finally, claimed charging speeds are typically measured in ideal lab conditions; in my tests, charging speeds were rarely as fast as advertised.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[I tested a bunch of Switch 2 screen protectors, and these are the best]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=6949482026-06-02T13:48:33-04:002026-06-02T13:48:33-04:00
This is what a Switch 2 looks like with a glossy glass protector attached to its screen. | Image: Cameron Faulkner/The Verge
A glass screen protector is one of a few essential accessories that I strongly recommend to every Switch 2 owner. In fact, it should be a priority to stick one onto the console’s screen as soon as possible to avoid accidental scratches.
To test the candidates below, I installed and removed Switch 2 screen protectors on my console at an alarming rate, more than any sane person should, and here are the most important takeaways:
Do not buy a flimsy plastic screen protector. They are a waste of money and won’t protect your Switch 2 enough.
It’s impossible to tell different brands’ protectors apart once they’re on your screen; product packaging and the installation process are the biggest differences (as well as the key factors that increase cost).
Some protectors are glossy and some are anti-reflective, each with its own tradeoffs. For my money, glossy is the way to go. The matte finish looks good, but it reduces the screen’s vivid quality and its viewing angles.
Of the options below, it’s easiest to recommend amFilm’s three-pack of glossy screen protectors. Not only is the pack affordable ($9.99 from Amazon), but the tray also allows for perfect alignment of the glass protector for easy, bubble-free installation. I’ve used this company’s screen protectors on various gadgets for years, and I particularly like its glossy option over the matte finish, since it lets the Switch 2’s screen fully shine through.
amFilm three-pack of glossy screen protectors
My go-to screen protector brand for years has been amFilm. Three glossy tempered glass sheets come in the box, and the tools make installation fairly simple. JSAUX’s model is just as good based on my testing, and just as affordable.
In keeping up with some brands that offer faster installations, amFilm offers a two-pack of glossy protectors that includes a “OneTouch” tray. Remove the protector’s bottom film, attach the tray to your device, and then press gently on the protector until it’s fully applied.
Dbrand Prism 2.0 two-pack of glossy screen protectors
Dbrand’s Prism 2.0 includes two glass protectors for the Switch 2, each nestled into plastic cases that fit perfectly around the edges of the console (with the Joy-Con 2 removed). $34.99 is expensive for two protectors, but if simplicity and elegant packaging trump value, then this is a good option.
Genki Aegis Shield two-pack of glossy screen protectors
Genki offers a cheaper alternative to Dbrand with the Aegis Shield. It includes two protectors, and the installation process is nearly identical: just align the plastic frame with the console, pull the tab, and run your finger across the exposed section of the frame. Spigen makes a similar product that costs $24.99 for a two-pack.
Let’s start with one of the most affordable options if you want to go the matte-textured route. AmFilm sells a two-pack of protectors at Amazon for $8.99. The set includes a plastic frame that serves as a guide to align the protector just right. JSAUX makes a similar product that’s the same price.
amFilm OneTouch two-pack of matte screen protectors
AmFilm also sells a two-pack with a OneTouch frame for easier installation. Again, keep in mind that opting for matte over glossy will reduce glare, but at the cost of viewing angles as well as the full vivid quality of the Switch 2’s screen. That’ll be an acceptable tradeoff for some, but not all people.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[Amazon’s four-day Prime Day begins on June 23rd]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9400212026-06-02T10:55:39-04:002026-06-02T08:38:59-04:00
Amazon bucked its usual tradition of having Prime Day in July. Prime Day 2026 is happening in June, kicking off in just a few weeks. Prime members will get access to many deals starting June 23rd at 3:01AM ET through June 27th at 3:01AM ET.
As with Amazon’s previous events, you don’t need to be a Prime member to buy products during Prime Day, but there will likely be member-exclusive sales. Moreover, you’ll get fast shipping on purchases, access to Prime Video, plus other member benefits (like a few $5 pizzas and early access tickets to the new Spider-Man movie).
The company has launched some early deals on its own tech products, including eero, Kindle, Echo, and other gadgets. We anticipate a lot more early deals to come over the next couple weeks leading into the event, and we’ll be sharing the best ones with you soon. We’ll also be highlighting deals happening at competing retailers, like Best Buy, Walmart, and more.
An easy way to keep up with the latest deals you shouldn’t miss is by visiting The Verge, of course. We have some other free, convenient methods for those who prefer to catch up over email. Our Verge Shopping dispatch launches a few times each week, and serves as a roundup for good deals, as well as recent reviews and guides. You can sign up below. We’re also debuting Verge Shopping Deal Alerts, a newsletter that contains a deal we think is too good to miss (and might be sold out before you know it). It’s like breaking news, but for deals.
It’s going to be a busy month full of deals (and developer conferences), so stay tuned for more.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[An affordable, long-lasting AirTag alternative is $15 right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9408302026-06-01T11:24:32-04:002026-06-01T11:24:32-04:00
Gaze into the orb. | Image: The Verge
There are many solid Bluetooth trackers for iPhones that tap into Apple’s expansive Find My network. Some are thin, some are a bit chunkier. And, evidently, some look like tiny soccer balls. Ugreen’s FineTrack 2 glows in the dark, and it has a loud 110-decibel alarm when you need to find it. It’s just $14.99 at Amazon for Prime members (originally $19.99). Ugreen also sells it for $14.99 through its site.
Instead of offering replaceable coin batteries, like many trackers do at this point, the FineTrack 2 has a built-in, non-rechargeable battery that can live for up to seven years. Some may consider that a flaw, but it’ll be nice not to have to worry about replacing its battery for a long while. The ball-shaped tracker also features IP68 water and dust resistance, and includes both a short and long lanyard you can swap out at your leisure.
Other deals to consider
Google’s Pixel Buds 2A, its latest entry-level wireless earbuds, are down to $109 at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy, which is their second-best price to date. They’re stacked with more features than their 2021 predecessor (not to mention cooler colors), including active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio. That’d be enough to make them worth the sale price, but they also feature IP54 protection against sweat, and up to 20 hours of total battery life with the charging case. At $80 more, the pricier Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver slightly longer battery life, a wireless charging-ready case, and loud noise protection. Read our review.
Here’s another deal on headphones: Bose’s first-gen QuietComfort Ultra over-ear wireless headphones are available refurbished in black for $188 (originally $449, but regularly $329 new) at eBay. Notably, Bose is the seller here, and it claims the headphones are in “pristine, like-new condition,” and will arrive in new packaging complete with all accessories. The first-gen QC Ultra headphone are still spectacular when it comes to sound quality, comfort, and for canceling out sounds. The highlight improvements of the $399.99 QC Ultra (Gen 2) include slightly more battery life per charge, lossless audio over USB-C, and an improved transparency mode. Read our review of the first-generation model.
Samsung recently debuted a fleet of gaming monitors, and it’s offering perks for early adopters. One of the most affordable options is the $899.99 27-inch Odyssey G8 G80HF 5K model. If you buy it now through Samsung, you can choose either a $200 Samsung gift card to use on a future purchase, a Music Studio 5 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, or the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro wireless earbuds as your free gift. Its specs are unique compared to other 5K monitors in that it can support 5K at up to 180Hz, or swap to 1440p at 360Hz (most 5K models top out at 60Hz). Plus, its 218 pixel density matches that of the Apple Studio Display and other 5K monitors. Oddly, though, the G80HF lacks a USB-C port for easily connecting a MacBook. Read our 2026 Apple Studio Display review.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The QD-OLED gaming monitor that started it all got a big upgrade]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9389562026-05-28T14:45:47-04:002026-05-31T19:00:00-04:00
The AW3426DW familiar specs, updated design language, and a bunch of QD-OLED enhancements. | Image: Alienware
Alienware is taking to this year’s Computex 2026 in Taipei to announce some cool gaming monitors, most notably two exciting OLED options that are coming at different points this year. First off, the company is debuting the successor to its very first QD-OLED gaming monitor from 2022 with a refreshed design and high-end specs that’s coming in July (price hasn’t yet been shared).
The AW3426DW is a 34-inch curved 3,440 x 1,440 resolution with an 1800R curve, just like its predecessor. But the new model has the latest QD-OLED Penta Tandem screen tech that boosts the peak brightness to 1,300 nits from 1,000 nit in the previous version. Its refresh rate has been boosted from 240Hz to 280Hz.
Part of the five-layer Penta Tandem tech is an anti-reflective screen coating that supposedly cuts down glare and boosts deep blacks even in well-lit rooms. That’s great since black sometimes appears purple-ish on previous QD-OLED generations. Something that hasn’t changed model-to-model is pixel density; this one’s still at 110 pixels per inch, which is a bit low for this size (many 27-inch OLED monitors have a similar pixel density).
Alienware’s flagship monitor of the show is a 39-inch 5K curved ultrawide monitor coming this fall that uses LG Display’s fourth-generation Primary RGB Tandem screen tech. The AW3926QW is slightly curvier than the QD-OLED model mentioned above, measuring at 1500R, making it more immersive. It can show a peak brightness of 1,300 nits while displaying content at up to 5K at a 165Hz refresh rate, with a pixel density of 143 pixels per inch. It offers a dual mode to knock the resolution down to 1080p, bumping up the refresh rate to 330Hz with support for custom resolutions and aspect ratios.
The two OLED models have some traits in common with each other, despite using different screen technology. For one, both use RGB stripe subpixels to sharpen text and other details. Color-fringed text has been an issue for some people with previous generations of QD-OLED panels, but not as much with OLEDs. Both have VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, as well as Dolby Vision HDR support, and both support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync. Also, they’re protected by Alienware’s great three-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects along with burn-in coverage, plus enhanced pixel shifting and refreshing algorithms to extend their lifespan.
Despite the similarities, the 5K monitor simply offers more features. It has a KVM switch to let you control multiple PCs through the monitor with a single keyboard and mouse, plus a USB-C video port with support for 90W of PD passthrough power. Beyond that, it has two HDMI 2.1 ports with fixed rate link (FRL) to let PCs display its full resolution and refresh rate, one of which supports eARC and ARC. It also boasts a single DisplayPort 2.1 port with fast UHBR20 bandwidth. The 34-inch model has two HDMI 2.1 FRL ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 port. No price has been announced for the 5K display, but these features won’t come cheap.
Finally, Alienware has two VA LCD gaming monitors coming in July for well under $500. The $399.99 34-inch ultrawide AW3426DWM and the $299.99 flat AW3226DM have respectable specs. Both go up to 240Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond response time and display 1440p resolution. They feature similar design language to Alienware’s higher-end options, and they support Dolby Vision HDR.
It’s nice to have affordable options, though remember that Alienware’s entry-level 27-inch QD-OLED monitor is $399.99, and by nature of its screen tech, offers much better contrast and color accuracy than either of these upcoming models. It’s a stellar value for the price, as I discovered when I put my own money down on one.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[007 First Light is already discounted for the PS5 and Steam]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9401262026-05-29T19:03:49-04:002026-05-31T10:00:00-04:00
IO Interactive’s 007 First Light is here, and it’s just as stunning a James Bond mov — err, video game — as we hoped it would be. Pardon the confusion, the title’s engaging tutorial really feels like you’re watching a great Bond movie at times. Whether you’re a longtime Hitman fan who’s been eagerly waiting for the studio’s latest game or not, there are deals to be had on both the PlayStation 5 and Steam PC versions.
Costco members, for instance, can already take advantage of an online-only deal on the disc-based PS5 version, which knocks it down to $62.99 (originally $69.99). It’s not a big discount, but it’s currently the best out there across major retailers. If you have a desktop PC or handheld gaming PC powerful enough to run the game, the Steam version is a little cheaper at Fanatical. The standard digital edition is going for $60.89, while the deluxe digital edition, which includes in-game cosmetics, is down to $69.59 (about $10 off).
First Light is similar in a sense to recent Hitman games. It’s a third-person stealth sandbox game, after all, but it has a little more in common with Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series thanks to its hand-to-hand combat system, quippy protagonist, and wide variety of missions that either have you on foot using fun gadgets or behind the wheel of a muscle car.
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The Verge’s 2026 high school graduation gift guide]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9326022026-05-29T13:00:15-04:002026-05-29T13:00:00-04:00
High school graduation is a time of change that might be felt more deeply by family members than by the grads themselves. While some grads may immediately embark on a career path, many continue their education and delve deeper into their studies at college. Either way, they’ll be taking on more responsibility, meaning it’s up to friends and relatives to figure out how to support them.
Support comes in many forms, but a gift or two certainly won’t hurt. Luckily, we’ve compiled a host of Verge-approved gift ideas spanning a wide array of interests and price points. They’ll think of you when they grab their AirPods 4 to tune out distractions while studying, or when they pack a fabulous homemade lunch into their newfangled bento jar. We also have recommendations for travelers, tinkerers, and even soon-to-be caffeine fiends. Late-night study sessions are a thing, after all.
Zojirushi Classic Bento Lunch Jar
Packing a meal from home for work or school shouldn’t be cumbersome or messy. Zojirushi’s bento jar makes it easy to tote a multi-part meal, and it’s equipped with a spork and chopsticks. It features three food bowls of different sizes, one of which is vacuum-sealed to keep its contents hot or cold throughout the day until it’s time to munch.
The Pebblebee Halo is a personal safety tool featuring a flashlight, Apple Find My tracking support, and a silent alert mode that notifies trusted individuals without making any noise. The keyring-ready, water-resistant device can last up to a year on a single charge, and it includes a one-year trial of Alert Live for live emergency location sharing (a $25 value).
Chances are, your grad has never had the pleasure of owning their own drag-and-drop MP3 player. Well, it’s time to change that with Fiio’s Echo Mini, which was designed to look like a cassette player. Its hardware is much nicer than the low-cost MP3 players from the early aughts, especially since you can use it with either wired or wireless headphones (over Bluetooth).
Many modern desks offer a few outlets and USB ports to power your electronics, but Anker’s 10-in-1 Nano Power Strip is packed with them. It clamps to your desk, neatly hugging its surface with a strip containing two plugs, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. The hidden section beneath also boasts four plugs, allowing you to power even more devices.
A pillow for gaming may not be as vital as some of the other gift ideas here, but Mechanism’s accessory is worth considering for its ergonomic benefits. It can alleviate arm strain, and with its wide ecosystem of mounts, you can attach devices like a Nintendo Switch 2 or an Amazon Kindle for effortless entertainment.
A proper toaster oven is the gateway to some good old-fashioned home cooking. Cuisinart’s big, powerful convection oven is easy to use, heats faster than a conventional oven, and, unlike a microwave, cooks food evenly. You can quickly brown the cheese on your pizza or reheat leftovers to taste just like they did at the restaurant, whichever strikes your fancy.
Whether your grad’s path takes them to college or straight into a career, a device made exclusively for note-taking is always nice to have. To that end, Remakerable’s Paper Pure is a great pick, as its textured finish feels similar to writing on paper. The Pure is also great for marking up required reading for school or tailoring a cover letter and résumé.
The AirPods 4 are an entertainment lifeline. They can help chores go by more quickly, provide a relaxing soundtrack for your studies or creative pursuits, and let you enjoy movies and games. When you’re ready to tune everything out, just switch on their active noise cancellation to better focus on your favorite podcast, song, or audiobook.
Luggage doesn’t have to be expensive, but cheaper bags likely won’t have the same charming design — or features — as the Away Carry-On. It’s perfect for packing just enough for a week away, and its durable shell and built-in (TSA-approved) lock will protect your valuables. The bag comes in a multitude of colors, too, and you can easily wheel it through the airport with its 360-degree wheels.
Life tends to get more complicated after high school. Fortunately, the Skylight Calendar 2 can help bring order to your grad’s life, especially if they’re heading to college. The 15-inch smart display shows color-coded schedules at a glance, with built-in tools for assigning chores, meal planning, and more.
If your grad is the outdoorsy type, a lightweight sleeping pad to keep them comfortable during their expeditions is a thoughtful gift. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XTherm NXT is slightly bigger than a 32-ounce water bottle when rolled up, yet it inflates to provide ample comfort and relative warmth, helping your grad relax after an exhausting day on the trail.
As the owner of a cheap reusable water bottle, I’m constantly spilling water when I take a sip. That’s not an issue with Owala’s insulated FreeSip Sway, which lets you drink with either a chug spout or a straw. It also has a lock to prevent spills and comes in a variety of colors and sizes, each with a built-in handle.
There are few signs of love more fitting for a young adult than a personalized box of snacks, which is where Universal Yums comes in. The nifty service lets you send your grad an assortment of popular snacks and candy from around the world, helping them broaden their culinary horizons even if they have no immediate plans to travel abroad.
It’s true that a succulent is one of the easiest plants to care for, making it a good choice for the sometimes-forgetful grad. And yet, Lego’s Flowering Cactus set might be an even better choice. All that’s required to make it bloom is some time and patience to assemble its 482 pieces; it will also look great wherever your grad decides to place it.
A portable battery might seem like an uninspired gift, but Baseus’s AM52 will let your grad use their mobile devices while out and about for longer. Its MagSafe-ready design means it can snap onto newer iPhones and supply up to 25W of power, and because it has a USB-C port, it can also charge a Nintendo Switch 2 and other electronics.
A good travel bag is the kind of gift that a grad may never have to replace. Topo Design’s Dopp Kit is a well-built option we fully endorse, with contrasting colors and a self-standing design that makes it easy to see everything you’ve packed. It’s great for accessing toiletries during trips, or for stowing cables and snacks in between classes or activities.
The MacBook Neo delivers high-end design and respectable performance at a relatively low price point. Apple’s latest laptop starts at $599 and comes in a range of colors that might entice some grads who aren’t jazzed by Apple’s less expressive MacBook models. Its attractive price isn’t a ruse, either; it’s well-built and well-suited for handling most basic tasks, even if it doesn’t offer top-end speed.
If your grad doesn’t already have a Switch 2, they likely have one on their wishlist. Nintendo’s successor to one of the bestselling consoles of all time is more of the same, but better. It features a larger screen, a range of exclusives, and more power, resulting in better-looking games that run at faster frame rates than the original model.
A hybrid electric bike is a big-ticket gift that any bike-loving grad will appreciate. Although it costs as much as a clunker of a car, Trek’s FX+1 Throttle is undoubtedly way cooler. It can last up to 50 miles per charge and reach 20 miles per hour with pedal assistance, and it’s built to be safe to ride, with integrated turn signals and a brake light.
Your average high school grad may not have many uses for an electric screwdriver, but they’ll eventually need one for various odds and ends. When that time comes, Hoto’s PixelDrive will be an asset, thanks to its six torque settings, a set of 30 replaceable bits, a rechargeable battery, and an LED light to illuminate the job at hand.
One of the biggest eyesores in any room is an unused laundry basket, which often takes up a lot of space and requires you to get clever to hide it. Thankfully, Brabantia’s foldable, 10.6-gallon laundry basket is different. It’s there when you need to fill it with clothes, cables, or books, then it folds up flat so you can easily hide it from sight.
It’s easier than ever to give your living space a unique look with smart lights. Govee’s Strip Light 2 Pro is a customizable strip of LED lights you can set to any color, cut to size, and install via adhesive. You can put them wherever you want to add a pop of color, such as under cabinets, behind the couch, or around art pieces on your wall.
If your grad is about to experience living alone (or at least away from home) for the first time, there’s never been a better time to instill the importance of cleaning up after themselves. Black & Decker’s Dustbuster can’t go toe-to-toe with a robot vacuum, but the rechargeable handheld is great for cleaning nooks and crannies at home or in the car, especially with its pull-out crevice tool.
Of the many gadgets in our gift guide, your grad might use Ulitmate Ears’ Wonderboom 4 the most. The waterproof, IP67-rated Bluetooth speaker punches above its weight in terms of sound performance, and you can pair two units wirelessly for stereo sound. It’s as good a speaker for the shower as it is for small parties and beach excursions.
A MagSafe wallet isn’t a new concept, but Nomad’s Leather Mag Wallet is a more refined option. If you happen to lose it, you can track it down via Apple’s Find My app. It also has a built-in battery that lasts up to five months, which you can easily top off using either a MagSafe or Qi wireless charger thanks to its built-in charging coil.
Rumpl’s OG Puffy Blanket is great for cozying up at night next to a fire or keeping warm while you’re trying to catch some Z’s during camping trips. Its VersaWeave shell is water- and weather-resistant, too, and its corners can be driven into the ground with stakes to stay put. The fact that it weighs just over two pounds is merely a plus.
Even if coffee is easy to come by in your grad’s neighborhood, having a reliable coffee maker at home is invaluable. True, your grad may not drink 12 cups of joe at once, but Ninja’s programmable brewer is useful to have on hand when guests stop by and need the powers of the almighty bean juice to get them through the day (or night).
Most gifts on our list supply fun and convenience, but consider this one of the few that can save your grad some precious time as they focus on other things. A seven-egg cooker can ease the burden of prepping some hearty meals, or help you start the process of making deviled egg hors d’oeuvres for a party.
Lamicall’s magnetic cord organizers are simple yet effective tools that belong in every grad’s home. They hold the ends of your most frequently used cables so they don’t fall to the floor when you unplug them, and the low-cost accessories can be stuck to the side of your desk or kitchen counter. They also work great behind your entertainment center or wherever else is convenient.
A deck of playing cards can bring together groups of all ages. Themed decks are even more fun, as Theory11’s Stranger Things pack proves. The premium set contains plenty of Easter eggs from the hit Netflix show, and each card features high-quality embossing and foil details, giving your favorite card games a supernatural twist.
AA batteries are typically annoying to deal with. You buy them, they die, and then you throw them away. Zepath’s are different. They’re rechargeable and ship in a compact, flip-top USB-C charging case that makes them easy to organize and charge, so they’ll be ready whenever you need them.
Sure, your grad’s phone can capture great photos, but can it print them at a moment’s notice? For that, nothing beats an instant camera like Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 41, which can spit out pictures that immediately become keepsakes for friends and family. The slick, flash-equipped option even has a selfie mirror, making it easy to take all sorts of shots.
