13 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Bob Ross comes to LG Gallery Plus.

Is the inclusion of “happy little trees” in ad-loving LG’s digital art gallery enough of a reason to connect its TVs to the internet. Probably not.

If this is your house maybe you should consider buying original art instead?
If this is your house maybe you should consider buying original art instead?
Image: LG
Terrence O'Brien
Terrence O'Brien
Apple is considering a screen-free wearable.

With the success of Whoop and other screen-free fitness bands like the Fitbit Air, Polar Loop, and Helio Strap, it’s not a surprise that the company is weighing its options. But nothing is set in stone yet. According to Mark Gurman:

The company is considering new devices with no displays, as well as different types of screens and various sizes. While unlikely to hit the market, round screens have even been considered. I’m told the work also includes potentially adding premium models beyond the Ultra and Hermès variants. On the lower end, Apple is considering more affordable concepts besides the current SE model.

Terrence O'Brien
Terrence O'Brien
Looks like the Pixel Watch 5 is getting a Steph Curry edition too.

Just like the orange and grey special edition of the Fitbit Air we got in May, a new leak shows the Pixel Watch 5 with a similar band, suggesting Steph Curry will be lending his name to more Google gear.

Image of Steph Curry special edition Google Pixel Watch 5
Image: MyMobiles
Musician and entrepreneur Tom Vek is building a digital music player, but don’t call it retro

The Sleevenote creator is ready for the offline resurgence, but wants to move on from CDs and cassettes.

Terrence O'Brien
Is this $450 laptop from an unknown brand too good to be true?

3

Verge Score

Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yeeeeeeeeeessssssss.

Antonio G. Di Benedetto
The only instant cameras worth your money

Whether you’re after inexpensive film, vintage prints, or a camera with more creative control, these are our top picks.

Sheena Vasani
Cameron Faulkner
Cameron Faulkner
Google’s Pixelsnap charger-embedded stand is half off.

The Pixelsnap wireless charging puck capable of up to 25W Qi2 charging speeds is $40 by itself, so why not buy the stand version that’s $34.99 (originally $69.99) right now at Amazon? The slick magnetic charging stand works with Pixel 10 phones and presumably the upcoming Pixel 11 phones, too.

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

Samsung’s Z Fold 8 Ultra is more of the same, but better than ever

8

Verge Score

It doesn’t quite feel ‘Ultra,’ but it’s a comprehensive improvement on last year’s phone.

Dominic Preston
Stevie Bonifield
Stevie Bonifield
Framework says hackers accessed its customers’ data.

I woke up to an email from Framework this morning letting me know my data was included in a “limited” data breach at one of Framework’s partners reported on August 6th. Framework says hackers accessed “customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, and addresses” but not order or payment info.

A screenshot of a data breach notification from Framework
Image: Framework
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Brad Bourque
Save $600 on Asus’ dual-screen laptop.

The unique Asus Zenbook Duo has two 14-inch touchscreen OLED displays, and can be used either in traditional laptop mode or dual-screen mode. Best Buy has the 2025 edition with a Intel Core 9 Ultra CPU and 32GB of LPDDR5X memory discounted by $600 until 12:01 AM CT on August 7th, 2026, bringing the price down to $1,999.99. Read our review of the 2026 edition.

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

Stevie Bonifield
Stevie Bonifield
Nothing could launch six new phones in 2027.

Co-founder Akis Evangelidis told Times Now Tech that the company may double the number of phones it launches next year while “expanding its product portfolio across multiple categories,” including audio. He also says Nothing’s “looking at different ways” to launch a new CMF Phone next year, after this year’s was cancelled.

It’s still too early to discuss individual products, but I can say we’ve launched three smartphones (Nothing Phone 4a, Phone 4a Pro and Phone 4b) this year, and we’re looking to launch twice that number next year. We’ll share more details closer to launch, but the idea is to have a wider range of smartphones.

Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
Feast your eyes on Hideo Kojima’s transparent CD player.

It’s a limited-edition orange Death Stranding version of km5’s CP1, a wireless CD player with USB-C charging, 7-8 hour battery, Bluetooth and 3.5mm output — plus optional screw mounts for your wall. Out of stock, but neon yellon is still available without Kojima’s touches. A worthy addition to our transparent gadget StoryStream.

<em>Here’s a gallery of the new orange and older neon yellow version.</em>
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Here’s a gallery of the new orange and older neon yellow version.
Images: km5
Jess Weatherbed
Jess Weatherbed
Oh look, more Pixel Watch 5 leaks.

Several leaks have already given us a good idea of what Google’s upcoming smartwatch launch will probably look like, but now some new marketing images shared by Evan Blass also show what features we can expect. Check out Android Authority’s breakdown of the “Ask Gemini” integration and health features shown in the leaks.

<em>The new leaks suggest an “Ask Gemini” integration will be available.</em>
<em>Here’s a closer look at the control dial.</em>
<em>The Fitbit Personal Health Coach feature will probably be supported. No suprises there.</em>
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The new leaks suggest an “Ask Gemini” integration will be available.
Image leaked by Evan Blass
Stevie Bonifield
Stevie Bonifield
Peloton’s releasing new hardware next year, but it won’t be wearables.

In an earnings call on Thursday, CEO Peter Stern said in fall 2027, “we will introduce the first products in new categories.” Peloton also plans to integrate as many third-party wearables as possible into its AI platform with data flowing back and forth, instead of launching its own watch or ring.

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Hyperkin’s cartridge-playing SNES handheld is coming to Europe with two new colors.

Unlike many retro handhelds that require access to ROM files, Hyperkin’s SupaBoy plays original Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges from all regions on its 4.3-inch display. After 14 years the console is finally coming to Europe alongside two new color options: bright red crimson and transparent prime.

<em>Both the SupaBoy Crimson (left) and SupaBoy Prime (right) are expected to ship this fall with an estimated price of $129.99 / €129.99 / £119.99.</em>
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Both the SupaBoy Crimson (left) and SupaBoy Prime (right) are expected to ship this fall with an estimated price of $129.99 / €129.99 / £119.99.
Image: Hyperkin
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Timex’s new Retroware watches update its iconic Ironman design.

There’s no smart functionality, but if you also grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s when Timex’s Ironman collection was popular amongst more than just triathletes, you might find these two new $149 Retroware Digital pieces hard to resist. They both feature oversized displays, monochromatic resin cases, and Timex’s Indiglo lighting.

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

<em>Timex’s Retroware Digital watch is available with a blue case and matching strap, or a black version with an inverted display.</em>
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Timex’s Retroware Digital watch is available with a blue case and matching strap, or a black version with an inverted display.
Image: Timex
Stevie Bonifield
Stevie Bonifield
Peloton turns its first net profit even as it keeps losing subscribers.

CEO Peter Stern said in the company’s latest earnings report that “Peloton delivered its first full year of net profitability” in 2026, after launching a new hardware lineup that initially had “weaker-than-expected” sales. At the same time, Peloton lost 247,000 subscribers year-over-year.

Dominic Preston
Dominic Preston
Bose’s next headphones leak with new colors and a tweaked design.

Leaker OnLeaks has shared renders of the second generation QuietComfort headphones, which appear to be launching in six colors with contrasting ear cups and more synthetic leather detailing. More worrying: I can’t spot a headphone jack anywhere on these, suggesting that wired audio might be limited to USB-C.

1/6Image: OnLeaks / HotEUDeals
Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
This Steam Machine-inspired 5.5-liter PC is so damn clean.

Yes, it’s bigger than the 3.8-liter Steam Machine and the 4.5-liter Framework Desktop, but nicnic’s DIY desktop oozes style — and fits Valve’s open-source “Inkterface” e-paper status screen. If you don’t care for slime green, why not print your own in any color you like? The files are free.

David Pierce
David Pierce
Today’s Vergecast: E Ink, the fediverse, and smart Puka shells.

You have questions. We have (some) answers! For this week’s hotline episode, Travis Larchuk asks David your questions about E Ink-ish screens, federated messaging, minimalist phones, AI wearables, and what we got wrong about wide foldables. And don’t forget, you can always call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com to get your questions in about anything and everything. Bonus points if it involves popping your two collars.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Nothing is using AI in promo materials for its new headphones.

Right now, I can see two images and a video on CMF by Nothing’s X feed about its Clip Pro earbuds that include hard-to-see disclosures about the use of AI: “Contains AI-generated imagery. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.” 9to5Google reports that some other images have been deleted as well.

A promotional image of CMF’s Clip Pro earbuds that has an AI disclosure.
The AI disclosure is alongside the right side of this image. It’s very faint.
Image: CMF by Nothing
Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
What if Steam Machine faceplate = Steam Controller Dock?

And it’s got its own little kickstand to prop it up separately?? WANT. Check out more photos of NefariousnessWhole25’s prototype (and a few other cool Steam Machine faceplates from Reddit) in our gallery below.

<em><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1ve3942/new_face_plate/">This Super Famicom one’s by interfreak</a> on Reddit.</em>
<em>And of course an obligatory GabeCube <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1vb3tc1/ive_been_making_a_few_custom_steam_machine/">from harrisoncassidy.</a></em>
I love <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1v46os6/steam_machine_faceplate/">PortGames’ toaster</a> (or wooden slatwall?) too!
And <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1uq5kx8/i_made_a_radar_face_plate_for_the_steam_machine/">this retro radar</a> just plain looks cool.
1/8Image: NefariousnessWhole25 (Reddit)
Cameron Faulkner
Cameron Faulkner
It’s a good week for deals on multiplayer friend games with prox chat.

Big Walk came out this week, and it seems like a hoot if you have friends or family to play with. It’s $14.99 (down from $19.99) on Steam. Peak, which popularized the “friendslop” subgenre of co-op games, is even cheaper at Fanatical. You can grab the game for $3.75 (usually $8) today.

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

Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
Go-go-gadget-giveaway.

I recently revealed our weekly Today I’m Toying With giveaway technically goes live at 9AM ET each Wednesday… someone was paying attention, because they’ve already entered this week’s! Join them for a chance at LOTS more gadgets we can’t ethically keep. The biggest prizes are still available, and there’s an email entry option in the official rules.

We’re giving away these things and a whole lot more.
We’re giving away these things and a whole lot more.
Traveling this summer? Don’t go without these essential gadgets

A couple dozen tech upgrades to make this summer’s trip(s) the best they can be.

Cameron Faulkner, Sheena Vasani and 1 more
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Is this Asus’ first Googlebook?

9to5Google obtained images of the unannounced device — I included one below, but check 9to5’s story to see them all. Lenovo Googlebook devices also leaked recently.

We probably won’t have to wait too long for official announcements, as the first Googlebooks are set to launch in the fall.

A purported image of an Asus Googlebook.
Image: 9to5Google
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Brad Bourque
Google’s original folding Pixel is on sale for less than $500.

Woot has the unlocked 256GB Google Pixel Fold discounted to $459.99, coming close to its lowest price ever. While the 2023 model can’t hang with the latest in terms of performance or durability, it’s a way to try out a foldable without spending $1,000 or more. Plus, it will get software updates until June 2028. Read our review.

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

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers have been recalled following a fatality.

Several different models sold through Amazon, Walmart, and Ocoopa’s online store have been recalled after 1,480 reports of the devices overheating resulting in 15 fires, 350 burns, and the death of an 83-year-old in California, according to the USCPSC. Consumers with recalled hardware can reach out to Ocoopa for a full refund.

1/6Image: Ocoopa