TC Sottek
It’s video game fashion week at Polygon.
I had no idea video game cosmetics had become a billion-dollar industry, but it makes sense. I don’t want to talk about how much I’ve spent on Dota 2 outfits.
TC Sottek
Senior Editor
Senior Editor
More From TC Sottek
TC Sottek
Did Microsoft make a macro mistake?
The company is rebranding Office as “365.” Sure, there’s precedent for the brand, but there’s also external precedent. Lots of companies have used “365,” including Whole Foods, which uses the number as its official product brand for stuff like organic beans and kale. It’s a sad day for a legendary brand, in my opinion.
TC Sottek
Finally, an automated pulley system to dangle your phone in the air.
I’ve dropped my phone on my face in bed enough times for this joke gadget to seem downright practical. Put it on Kickstarter — I dare you.
TC Sottek
My Twitch streamer of the week is Reapz.
Hello, night Verge. The admins are asleep, so I’m going to post one of my favorite streams.
I spend a lot of time watching Twitch, and I’m constantly amazed by the creativity of variety streamers. Today I’m calling attention to Reapz: an Aussie who has one of the most creative technical setups I’ve seen. With a virtual soundstage and desk, he’s created the closest thing I’ve seen to a late night host on Twitch.
Reapz - Twitch
[Twitch]
TC Sottek
Puerto Rico goes completely dark, again.
Nearly five years ago, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, killing thousands and causing the worst blackout in US history. Reuters reports that the island is without power once again after Hurricane Fiona struck early Sunday.
In 2017, US officials told The Verge that the island couldn’t repair its way out of disaster and would need to rebuild. But just days before Fiona hit, the GAO reported that only $1 billion has been spent on long-term rebuilding projects out of a $32 billion fund.
TC Sottek
President Biden says “the pandemic is over” — but that’s not just his call.
Even though Biden also said that COVID-19 is still a problem, expect this 60 Minutes soundbite to become the center of a heated political argument about whether the pandemic is really over. As Verge health reporter Nicole Wetsman explained last year, the “end” of the pandemic won’t come from one person declaring it so — even if that person is a world leader.
TC Sottek
Hear me out: global eSIM domination should look like Windows browser choice.
After hunting for a data plan in Australia this week, I’m excited by Apple’s move to drop the physical SIM tray from the iPhone — it could put pressure on global eSIM adoption. But eSIMs are still pretty clunky since you need to scan a QR code or download a carrier app to activate them. Data is the most important thing on any phone, so shouldn’t it be the easiest thing to shop for? I hope someday clicking “Add Cellular Plan” on the iPhone brings you to a centralized menu of carrier plans that are rated by speed and price.
The iPhone 14 won’t have a SIM tray in the US
Nathan Edwards
TC Sottek
Here’s how to see the most active discussions across The Verge.
We have new comments! And probably my favorite feature so far is the “Discussions” tab. Check it out when you open comments on any story — it will show you the most active discussions across the entire site, and also where you’ve most recently posted.