Chris Welch

Former Senior Reviewer

Chris WelchJan 17, 2024

Google’s Circle to Search feels like a modern take on a very old Android feature.

Today Google and Samsung introduced Circle to Search, a new way of searching for information about something on your phone’s screen without switching apps.

I’ve been at The Verge long enough to remember Now on Tap — an Android feature that Google announced way back in 2015. The concept was very similar: hold down the home button, and Google would hunt for more details about whatever content was on your display at that moment.

They’re not identical, mind you. With the newer approach, you’re circling something to make your interest much more obvious. And AI smarts have (hopefully) come a long way compared to Now on Tap’s inconsistent performance.

Amazon’s latest Fire TVs can now use AI to generate custom art backgrounds

Chris WelchJan 17, 2024

Sony brought its new PS5 colors to CES

Chris WelchJan 9, 2024

Chris WelchJan 8, 2024

Samsung’s CES keynote starts in 20 minutes, and the theme is unmistakable.

Samsung is about to kick off its CES 2024 keynote presentation. You can expect to hear all about new TVs, smart home tech, and maybe even a few surprises.

But the throughline for everything discussed on stage will be AI. I’ve been to CES many times, and artificial intelligence has never dominated the show quite like this — and we’re only on day one.

Chris WelchJan 8, 2024

TCL is releasing a giant 115-inch model of its excellent QM8 Mini LED TV.

All of the big TV manufacturers will tell you that huge screens are really having a moment with consumers, and TCL has been pushing that message for a while now.

During its CES 2024 press conference, the company announced a 115-inch version of the QM8 Mini LED TV, which has received very positive reviews over the last several months for its top-tier brightness and superb reduction of visible blooming.

TCL’s other CES products include new soundbars, plus US-bound tablets featuring the company’s signature NXTPAPER matte displays.

A marketing image of TCL’s 115-inch QM8 TV.

Image: TCL

Chris WelchJan 8, 2024

Yes, you can mount LG’s transparent TV to the wall if you want.

When LG showcased its new Signature OLED T at CES, the transparent TV was surrounded by furniture and shelving. But the company’s press release confirms you won’t have to use that stuff.

The OLED T comes in standalone, against-the-wall, or wall mount options. Customers can further customize by adding standing or floating shelves on either or both sides of the screen to best suit their unique tastes and preferences.

So you can hang it to the wall like any other TV if that’s your preference. You’d just better be sure things look clean back there.