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Asus chases Elgato with its own secondary touchscreen display
Asus's latest gaming monitor is a little smaller than usual. The ROG Strix XG129C, announced on Friday, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen IPS display that's intended to be a sidekick for a larger main monitor, similar to the 14.1-inch secondary display in the 2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15. It's a slightly smaller competitor to Corsair's Xeneon Edge, which has a 14.5-inch display, but the same 720p resolution.
Asus says the XG129C covers 125 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a one-year subscription for the hardware monitoring tool AIDA64 Extreme, which would usually cost $65. Besides actin …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Amazon is adding a vertical video feed to Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is joining Netflix and Disney Plus in adding a vertical feed of videos to its streaming app. The new "Clips" feed will offer a stream of short-form videos from shows and movies, with options to jump into the full title, rent, or buy it.
Prime Video previously offered a TikTok-style feed with NBA game highlights, but now you can see snippets from titles offered on the platform by scrolling down to the Clips carousel on the app's homepage. "Every time you visit the experience, you'll see something new based on your viewing history," Prime Video says.
You can also add shows and movies to your watchlist from the Clips feed a …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Here is Yarbo’s promise to fix the robot mower that ran me over
Yesterday, I told you how a hacker ran me over with a robot lawn mower. We explained how thousands of these bladed Chinese robots, made by Yarbo, could be hijacked with ease - exposing people's GPS coordinates, Wi-Fi passwords, email addresses, and more to any casual hacker who comes along.
Today, Yarbo has issued a thorough 1,200-word response that you can read in full below. The company is confirming the security researcher's findings, apologizing, and providing a detailed plan to tackle many of its self-created security issues head-on. Yarbo writes that it's already temporarily cut off remote access and is addressing many of its most he …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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All the latest updates on AI data centers
Massive new data centers are the physical foundation for tech companies’ hopes and dreams for AI. But the rush to expand warehouses full of energy-hungry servers has also kicked up fights across the world over their impact on power grids, utility bills, nearby communities, and the environment.
From audacious plans to launch data centers into space to the latest legal battles over pollution, The Verge has the biggest news and reporting surrounding data centers.
43 percent of Americans blame data centers as a major reason for rising power bills.
A 40,000-acre data center project was just approved in Utah, despite outcry from the community.
A political battleground is forming around data centers.
Are AI data centers coming to your area?
Data centers will soon have to complete “mandatory” energy usage surveys.
“A data center should not be a potential death sentence for a community’s health.”
Senators are pushing to find out how much electricity data centers actually use
Lake Tahoe has to look for a new power source as data center demand soars.
How the spiraling Iran conflict could affect data centers and electricity costs
Seven tech giants signed Trump’s pledge to keep electricity costs from spiking around data centers
Trump claims tech companies will sign deals next week to pay for their own power supply
Anthropic says it’ll try to keep its data centers from raising electricity costs
How an ‘icepocalypse’ raises more questions about Meta’s biggest data center project
Microsoft wants to rewire data centers to save space
New York is considering two bills to rein in the AI industry
Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI to build data centers in space — or so he says
It’s a new heyday for gas thanks to data centers
Microsoft gets approval to build 15 data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
Meta is spending millions to convince people that data centers are cool and you like them
The winter storm tested power grids straining to accommodate AI data centers
Microsoft wants to build 15 data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
OpenAI says its data centers will pay for their own energy and limit water usage
ICE hits Meta data center project.
Microsoft scrambles to quell fury around its new AI data centers
Data center projects are dropping like flies.
That’s a lot of money for just one data center job.
Alphabet is acquiring a data center company.
Communities are rising up against data centers — and winning
Billionaires want data centers everywhere, including space
AI’s water and electricity use soars in 2025
Racks of AI chips are too damn heavy
The scramble to launch data centers into space is heating up
Data center construction moratorium is gaining steam
Satya Nadella acknowledged that data centers are “putting a lot of pressure” on power grids.
The largest power grid system in the US is considering rolling blackouts because of energy-hungry data centers.
Data centers in Oregon might be helping to drive an increase in cancer and miscarriages
Data centers are already influencing the global forecast for clean energy.
Google is turning on the gas for its data centers
Why data centers are building their own power plants
Electricity costs are up to 267 percent higher than they used to be in communities near data centers.
OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank announced five new AI data centers as part of Stargate.
Tech companies ‘be on alert,’ NAACP says with new guiding principles for data centers
Amazon is investing billions more into its Mississippi data centers.
CBS News reports OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank will announce a “Stargate” AI data center project.
Go read this report on Arizona data centers and those without power in the state.
Meta is putting a $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana.
xAI competitors are flying spy planes over the ‘Colossus’ data center.
New AI data centers could raise Americans’ electricity bills.
Some Memphis residents are pissed about xAI’s new data center.
xAI faces accusations its data center is polluting the air.
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ABC and Disney accuse Trump admin of violating First Amendment rights
ABC is accusing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of violating its First Amendment rights by making "major shifts in policy and practice" that the network claims will chill free speech.
The network is asking the FCC to "affirm its long-standing approach to the bona fide news interview exemption" for daytime talk show The View, and the agency's support of "public interest services provided by broadcast stations." ABC says that a series of actions from the FCC "suggests that the Commission is implementing major shifts in policy and practice," and that "requires the action of the full Commission and the oversight of the courts." The …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Judge rules DOGE used ChatGPT in a way that was both dumb and illegal
The Department of Government Efficiency's cancellation of over $100 million in grants was unconstitutional, according to a ruling on Thursday. In the 143-page decision, US District Judge Colleen McMahon cites DOGE's process for eliminating grants, which involved using ChatGPT to determine if something is related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The ruling, which stems from a 2025 lawsuit filed by humanities groups, says "it could not be more obvious that DOGE used the mere presence of particular, protected characteristics to disqualify grants from continued funding" from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Judge McMah …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Apple reportedly has a deal to use Intel-made chips again
Apple and Intel reached a "preliminary agreement" for Intel to make chips for Apple hardware, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Apple had famously moved on from Intel-powered computers with its highly successful transition to Apple Silicon, but now it appears the two companies will be working closely together again.
Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO in March 2025, and in August, the US government took a 10 percent stake in the company.
The WSJ says that it's "still unclear" what Apple products will get Intel chips. Apple and Intel didn't immediately reply to a request for comment from The Verge.
Bloomberg reported this we …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Someone out-Trumped the Trump phone
These are just five of the 29 versions of the Aurora Lux that Dreame claims it will release. | Screenshot: Dreame
Where's the Trump phone? We're going to keep talking about it every week. We've reached out, as usual, to ask about the Trump phone's whereabouts. This week, Trump Mobile has been trumped.
It's been another long week without the Trump phone, but it's no longer the only nonexistent phone I have to worry about. Robot vacuum manufacturer Dreame has announced its own set of phones that are unlikely to ever launch, and one of them takes the Trump phone playbook and amps it up to 11.
I was alerted to the existence of Dreame's two new phones shortly after I filed last week's report on the T1 Phone's PTCRB certification, though they "launched" las …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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The 46 best last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas for 2026
Whether it's managing a busy home or looking out for everyone around them, moms spend a lot of time every day caring for others. This Sunday, Mother's Day, is an opportunity to return the favor, so we've rounded up practical gadgets and little luxuries that can lighten her load.
This year's picks are designed to support moms in a variety of ways, regardless of their interests. Some of our recs, like Roborock's mop-equipped Q10 Plus, can help save precious time, while smart screens like the Skylight Calendar 2 can help take the stress out of managing a busy family schedule. Other gifts are all about relaxation and self-care, whether through …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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The Steam Controller’s reservation queue is open
After quickly selling out of the Steam Controller on May 4th, Valve has launched a reservation system to ensure that you can get one without too much hassle. You may not get one as quickly as you'd like to, but at least you can now easily reserve the $99 controller.
If your Steam account is in good standing, and you've purchased something on the account before April 27th of this year, you'll be able to reserve one. Essentially, this will hold your place in line for future restocks. Once a controller is available for you, you'll get an email prompting you to purchase. You'll have 72 hours to purchase your Steam Controller before it gets offe …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Teenage Engineering’s KO Sidekick is a mixer with fun performance effects
The EP-136 KO Sidekick sandwiched between two KO-II samplers. | Image: Teenage Engineering
The EP-136 KO Sidekick is Teenage Engineering's stylish new two-channel mixer, clearly designed to connect two of its KO-II samplers for live performances and DJ sets. Though, it can connect any two audio sources, not just TE gear. The mixer leaked a couple of times, but what those leaks didn't show was that it's also a robust effects processor that brings some of TE's beloved punch-in effects to any instrument in your arsenal.
The EP-136 by default supports two stereo ins, but can also be switched to four mono inputs using split audio adapters. In addition, it supports two stereo channels over USB-C, so you can actually use it to control …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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PlayStation sees AI as a ‘powerful tool’ to help make games
As part of an earnings presentation on Friday, Sony shared how it's thinking about AI at the company, including many details about how it's evaluating AI as part of making PlayStation games. Generative AI has recently been showing up in bigger games - though many indie developers still reject it - and while Sony calls AI a "powerful tool," it says that the "vision, the design, and the emotional impact of our games will always come from the talent of our studios and performers." and that "AI is meant to augment their capabilities, not to replace them."
At its own studios, Sony says that developers are "automating repetitive workflows, improv …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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The company that owns Moog, Akai Pro, and Numark is buying Native Instruments
Native Instruments' suite of music production software and gear, including Traktor and Kontakt, will soon live under the inMusic umbrella alongside other music tech brands like Akai Professional and Moog Music. As MusicRadar reports, Native Instruments CEO Nick Williams said the company was looking for a buyer in March, following news it had entered bankruptcy proceedings in Germany.
In a blog post announcing the deal, Williams called the acquisition a "fresh start," meaning that for the company's brands, "Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance, Brainworx - all of it continues."
The two companies have collaborated in the past, as in …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Microsoft was worried OpenAI would run off to Amazon and ‘shit-talk’ Azure
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott. | Image: Getty Images
When OpenAI was busy experimenting with AI-powered gaming bots, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were in the early days of forming an AI partnership. Court documents from the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial have provided a rare look at the communications between Microsoft's top executives about investing in OpenAI and fears the AI startup could "storm off to Amazon" and "shit-talk" Microsoft.
Just days after OpenAI showed a bot beating a Dota 2 professional in the summer of 2017, Altman responded to Nadella's congratulations email with a proposal for a much bigger partnership with OpenAI to fund its next phase of AI resear …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Everyone should follow Logitech and put extra USB ports on iPad keyboard cases
Logitech is introducing a new feature to its rugged iPad Combo 4 keyboard case that addresses an ongoing issue with the tablet as Apple continues to push it towards being a laptop alternative. The new Rugged Combo 4c and 4c Touch cases, compatible with the 10th and 11th-gen iPads, add a second USB-C port to accommodate accessories like wired mice, headphones, and external drives while the tablet is still plugged into power. Let's hope every iPad keyboard case maker copies Logitech.
As with the original Combo 4 that debuted a couple of years ago, the new 4c versions are specifically designed for use by schools and are generally only sold to …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Google Fitbit Air preorders come with a second band for free
The fog-colored Fitbit Air looks sharp, and it’s not available at Amazon. | Image: Google
Google’s new Fitbit Air, the $99.99 screenless fitness tracker, comes out on May 26th. It’s the company’s first Fitbit release in four years, and you can use it on iOS or Android phones without a paid subscription if all you want to do is track activities, sleep, and basic health metrics (heart rate, breathing rate, etc.). However, for a monthly $9.99 fee, it can tap into Gemini AI-powered features that aim to help you make improvements to your workouts and recovery.
All purchases include a textile/polyurethane band that the sensor-filled puck fits into. A perk of preordering ahead of launch is that you’ll get a free second band, or enough store credit to buy one on your own, depending on where you buy from. Amazon is offering the berry, blue, or black color options (but not the greenish fog) that include a silicone band, in white or black, in small or large, for $99.99 (normally $134.99). You can make your choice of band color and size on the Fitbit Air product page.
Fitbit Air
Where to Buy:
$134.99 $99.99 at Amazon (includes free band)
$134.99 $99.99 at Google (includes $35 credit)
$134.99 $99.99 at Best Buy (includes free band)
Best Buy is also including a free silicone band with preorders of the Fitbit Air. All you have to do is add one to cart, then a small, black silicone band will be added automatically. Unfortunately, you can’t choose which color or size you get with your preorder at Best Buy, but it’s obviously no big deal if you wanted a small, black band anyway.
Lastly, the Google Store is offering an incentive to preorder. The company will simply reward you with $35 in store credit once the preorder ships so you can buy the one you want.
We have a piece up on the Fitbit Air, with info on its capabilities, and how it stacks up against older Fitbit models (as well as the competition). The team behind the Air is also readying the new Google Health app for launch on iOS and Android, which will bring deep, personalized health metrics so you can get even more out of your tracker. We’ll have a review of the new Fitbit Air in the coming weeks.
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Govee’s solar-powered string lights are already on sale for 20 percent off
I’m not sure if we’ve mentioned this yet, but Govee has been on a tear lately, having recently announced everything from rechargeable table lamps to multicolor, Matter-compatible ceiling lights that can display custom images with retro, pixelated flair. In April, the company also unveiled a 34-foot set of Outdoor Solar String Lights, which are now on sale at Amazon for $79.99 ($20 off) thanks to an on-page coupon.
Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights
Where to Buy:
$99.99 $79.99 at Amazon (with on-page coupon)
$99.99 $89.99 at Govee
$99.99 $89.99 at Lowe’s
Although you can charge Govee’s first set of solar-powered string lights via USB-C, they can last up to 13 hours using the included 6W panel and its integrated 4,800mAh battery, which requires a single day of sunlight to fully charge. Each of the eight all-weather, IP67-rated LED bulbs has a maximum brightness of 50 lumens, though, unsurprisingly, Govee’s runtime estimates assume you limit the brightness to just 10 lumens. The higher the intensity, the shorter the battery life.
Like most of Govee’s color-changing smart bulbs, the company’s Solar String Lights can produce warm white light or one of 16 million different hues, which you can set using Govee’s accompanying mobile app for Android and iOS. There, you’ll also be able to choose from 100 preset scenes, schedule the lights and their brightness intensity, or even set them to dynamically react to whatever music is playing in the background. I’ve always found the latter feature to be somewhat gimmicky party trick, but hey, to each their own, right?
More ways to save today
Amazon Pet Days doesn’t kick off until May 11th; however, you can already save on the Petcube Fountain at Amazon, where you can grab it with a stainless steel basin starting at $59.99 ($10 off). The excellent fountain features a spacious 57-ounce water tank, four-layer filtration, a 2,600mAh battery that can last about three weeks per charge, and a UV-C light that supposedly keeps unwanted bacteria at bay. It’s also surprisingly quiet, which is one of the reasons we flagged it as one of our favorite pieces of pet tech.
Now through May 10th (or while supplies last), Verge readers can purchase the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra at Wellbots for $786.75 (about $393 off) when they use promo code VERGEAQUA25 at checkout. The roller-style mopping vacuum is one of Dreame’s more unique models in that it packs 30,000Pa of suction power and, more impressively, the ability to clean itself in real time. It also has lidar navigation, can climb small (read: 3.15-inch) thresholds, and comes with a multifunction charging dock that isn’t a total eyesore.
I admit, I am nowhere near as jazzed about the upcoming Star Fox game as some of my colleagues. That said, if Fox McCloud’s recent appearance in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the mere thought of replaying Star Fox 64 with redesigned characters and upgraded visuals have you excited, you can preorder a physical copy at Amazon and Walmart for $49.94 ($10 off). That’s the same price as the digital edition, mind you, but given Nintendo is now charging $10 more for the physical edition of all upcoming Switch 2 titles, it’s still a welcome discount for anyone who prefers a hard copy.
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The future of game consoles is looking bleak
It's been a real good news / bad news week for Nintendo. Out of nowhere on Wednesday, the company announced a lush remake of Star Fox 64, jolting the dormant franchise to life and helping to fill out a relatively sparse lineup for the Switch 2 for the rest of the year. But then on Friday, Nintendo announced news that had seemed inevitable, but is nonetheless significant: the Switch 2 is getting a price hike and will soon cost $50 more. Nintendo was the last holdout in a console space that has been ravaged by rising costs thanks to a combination of tariffs and the global memory shortage. And with the Switch 2 getting more expensive, console g …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Tesla is recalling its cheaper Cybertruck because the wheels might fall off
Tesla is recalling its RWD Cybertruck Long Range over faulty brake rotors that could cause the wheels to fall off, as spotted earlier by MotorTrend. In a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, Tesla says "brake rotor stud holes may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub."
The recall affects all 173 of the $70,000 Cybertrucks sold by Tesla, which come with 18-inch steel wheels. The company notes that it has identified three warranty claims potentially linked to the issue, but it's "not aware of any collisions, fatalities, or injuries" related to the recall.
This is the 11th Cybertruck recall …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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What’s the role of a simple fitness band in the AI health era?
Fitness bands can’t be as simple as they once were before the AI health boom. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.
A fitness band is for bettering yourself, but casually. It's lightweight, easy to wear, and not something you have to think too hard about. It's cheaper than a smartwatch. You get your steps, basic heart rate, and some sleep tracking. Maybe you can see the time, maybe you can't. But unlike many wearables today, a fitness tracker wasn't truly meant to be a companion for your phone and all the overwhelm that comes wit …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Boox’s new page-turning e-reader remote is a tiny two-button keyboard
Tappy connects to various devices over Bluetooth, not just Boox’s hardware. | Image: Boox
Boox has announced its own alternative to the Kobo Remote that offers more functionality than just turning the page while reading on its tablets and e-readers. The Tappy can also be used to scroll vertical content in browsers or social media apps and skip to the next or previous track when listening to music or audiobooks. It's available now through Boox's online store and Amazon for $25.99, making it slightly cheaper than Kobo's, but Boox says the Tappy will work with more than just its own devices.
While Kobo's remote is reminiscent of a game controller like the Wiimote, Tappy looks more like a retro typewriter that's been distilled down …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Everybody wants to rule the AI world
Sometimes, companies pick CEOs based on carefully laid succession plans designed to maximize investor confidence and future performance. Other times, apparently, companies pick CEOs based on a bunch of video calls while the current CEO is texting the former CEO about who the new CEO even is. Such was the story of The Blip, the days in 2024 when Sam Altman was ousted from OpenAI. We knew that situation was chaotic; the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial is showing just how chaotic it really was.
Verge subscribers, don't forget you get exclusive access to ad-free Vergecast wherever you get your podcasts. Head here. Not a subscriber? You can sign …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Nanoleaf bets its future on robots, red light therapy, and AI
Nanoleaf teased a trio of new products focused on embodied AI as it looks to move its brand beyond smart lighting. | Image: Nanoleaf
Smart lighting company Nanoleaf has been unusually quiet recently. While competitors such as Govee and Philips Hue have been pumping out new products and innovative features at an impressive pace, Nanoleaf has launched just a handful of smart lighting products in the last two years. There's a reason for this lull - the company has been going through a "brand evolution" focused on wellness, robotics, and, of course, AI.
"The smart home is getting kind of boring," says the ever-candid Gimmy Chu, CEO and cofounder of Nanoleaf, which he now doesn't want me to call a smart lighting company. "Our brand needs to evolve to incorporate some of the …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Apple’s education discount now requires proof that you’re a student
Watch models like the Apple Watch Series 11 (pictured) are also now available at discounted education rates for the first time. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Apple now requires proof of eligibility from US customers who purchase products online at discounted education rates, which also apply to the Apple Watch for the first time. According to a new pop-up message displayed on Apple's education webstore, Apple is directing students, parents, and teachers to verify their status via Unidays' third-party verification service - a system the Cupertino company has already implemented in other countries, including the UK.
Apple Insider reports that the Unidays service is now also being rolled out to Apple customers in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Chile. Eligible customers can use an email a …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Sony’s PS5 sales plummet amid price rises and a memory crisis
Sony sold just 1.5 million PS5 consoles in its most recent fourth fiscal quarter, down 46 percent year over year. The slump in PS5 sales comes after Sony raised the price of its PS5 consoles twice over the past year, pushing the price of the regular PS5 from $499.99 all the way up to $649.99.
Sony blamed "continued pressures in the global economic landscape," for the price hikes in March, amid an ongoing memory crisis and pressure from the war in Iran. Sony now forecasts that annual gaming revenue will drop 6 percent, but these forecasts could be impacted by ongoing memory costs. "We plan to base our PS5 hardware sales in FY26 on the volume …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Nintendo is raising Switch 2 prices
Nintendo is raising the price of its Switch 2 console globally, "in light of changes in market conditions," and is now forecasting a drop in sales over the next year. Starting September 1st, the Switch 2 will cost $499.99 in the US, up from its current $449.99 price.
At the same time, prices will also increase by $50 in Canada ($679.99, up from $629.99) and €40 in Europe, bringing it to €499.99 (about $587). The price increases in Japan go into effect sooner, on May 25th, and impact a greater range of Switch products. The Switch 2 will increase from ¥49,980 (about $318) to ¥59,980 (about $382), with similar increases being applied to the o …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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A hacker ran me over with a robot lawn mower
A Yarbo lawnmower with a trimmer attachment. | Image: Yarbo
I'm lying in the dirt. It's coming for me. Then, with a lurch, it's climbing up my chest. If Andreas Makris doesn't stop the 200-pound robot lawn mower in time, it could drag its blades across my body.
Makris certainly can't reach over and hit the emergency stop button - he's nearly 6,000 miles away, having hacked this robot from the other side of the planet, to demonstrate the gaping security holes in Yarbo's robot lawn mowers. And I've made the questionable decision of lying down in the mower's path - to see just how far Makris, the security researcher who discovered those flaws, is able to push the mower.
By the time the mower touches m …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Did Microsoft just tease a new Xbox UI?
Microsoft showed off a "consistent" Xbox UI across handhelds, consoles, and cloud gaming during its Xbox keynote at the Game Developers Conference in March. At the time it was difficult to see if there was anything new about the UI from the videos and photos captured during the event, but Microsoft has now given us a closer look at it thanks to a new video of the keynote that was published earlier today.
Jason Ronald, VP of next generation at Xbox, showed off the UI while mentioning that players had been noticing "a lot of fragmentation within the experience" across devices, and an overall lack of consistency. "What the team has been doing …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Live updates from Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s court battle over the future of OpenAI
Sam Altman and Elon Musk are facing off in a high-stakes trial that could alter the future of OpenAI and its most well-known product, ChatGPT. In 2024, Musk filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its founding mission of developing AI to benefit humanity and shifting focus to boosting profits instead.
Elon Musk, his financial manager and Neuralink CEO, Jared Birchall, and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman have already testified before the jury. Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member who shares four children with Musk, took the stand on Wednesday, and the courtroom also watched former OpenAI CTO Mura Murati’s videotaped deposition.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to appear on Monday, May 11th, with OpenAI cofounder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever lined up to testify after that.
Musk was a cofounder of OpenAI and claims that Altman and Brockman tricked him into giving the company money, only to turn their backs on their original goal. However, OpenAI says that “This lawsuit has always been a baseless and jealous bid to derail a competitor” in a bid to boost Musk’s own SpaceX / xAI / X companies that have launched Grok as a competitor to ChatGPT.
In his lawsuit, Musk is asking for the removal of Altman and Brockman, and for OpenAI to stop operating as a public benefit corporation. Musk has also demanded that OpenAI’s nonprofit receive up to $150 billion in damages he’s asking for if he wins the case.
People to Know
Plaintiff
Elon Musk — plaintiff, OpenAI cofounder and now CEO of rival xAI
Steven Molo — lead counsel for plaintiff
Jared Birchall — manager of Musk’s family office
Shivon Zilis — former OpenAI board member who shares multiple children with Musk
Defendant
Sam Altman — defendant, CEO of OpenAI
William Savitt — lead counsel for defendant
Greg Brockman — president of OpenAI as well as a cofounder
Ilya Sutskever — former chief scientist at OpenAI and a cofounder
Judge
Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers — aka YGR, trial judge
Here’s all the latest on the trial between Musk and Altman:
Oh this tack is more effective. Then OpenAI lawyer is going after Columbia…
Mira Murati’s deposition pulled back the curtain on Sam Altman’s ouster
This cross of Schizer is pretty weak.
Basically everything Schizer is saying is couched as a hypothetical…
We are now hearing from David Schizer, one of Musk’s expert witnesses.
We are still listening to McCauley.
Tasha McCauley is testifying now in a video deposition.
“Do you have any idea how you ended up in this courtroom?”
I am having a hard time taking Rosie Campbell seriously.
We are now hearing from Rosie Campbell, a former OpenAI employee.
OpenAI’s board discussed merging with Anthropic during “the Blip.”
Helen Toner is now talking about the board’s decision-making process.
YGR is back on the bench.
Musk’s biggest loyalist became his biggest liability
We are going through the removal of Sam Altman from OpenAI in detail.
Toner is relating how Sam Altman’s firing happened.
Toner says she found out about ChatGPT by seeing screenshots on Twitter.
Making AI models is “more like alchemy than chemistry,” Toner says.
We are now looking at Helen Toner’s deposition.
Microsoft would like to be excluded from this narrative.
“It’s not in my neurons,” Zilis says, instead of “I don’t remember.”
Sarah Eddy, an attorney representing OpenAI, got sarcastic with Zilis.
Shivon Zilis brainstormed possible scenarios for AI.
Musk offered Sam Altman a board seat at Tesla…
Shivon’s emails aren’t great for Musk.
The big sticking point for Brockman and Sutskever was control.
Sam Altman loves exclamation marks.
Mira Murati tells the court that she couldn’t trust Sam Altman’s words
Zilis’ past emails mentioned in court proceedings include her referencing a potential “conversion to for-profit” for OpenAI.
This is getting interesting.
Zilis sent Altman a text message of support after his 2023 ouster.
Zilis said another concern she had about Altman related to OpenAI’s potential deal with Helion.
Also in the spirit of clarifications this morning…
Zilis said she had major concerns about OpenAI’s board not being notified in advance of ChatGPT’s release.
Zilis said that the fallout from Altman’s 2023 ouster changed her view of OpenAI’s Microsoft deal.
When asked how much Musk works per week, Zilis laughed.
Musk’s team has called Shivon Zilis.
Murati says problems with Altman persisted after he returned to the company.
“OpenAI was at catastrophic risk of falling apart” when Altman was fired, Murati says.
We are seeing video testimony from Mira Murati’s deposition.
We are clearing up “a few inaccuracies from yesterday.”
We are taking care of some matters before the jury comes in.
Microsoft and OpenAI’s definition of AGI was just revealed.
The jurors look as bored as I feel.
Brockman steps down. We are looking at the video deposition of Robert Wu.
Brockman is telling the truth about considering removing Musk from the board.
Every time Molo makes a summary of Brockman’s testimony, Brockman objects to it.
We are now fighting about “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a non-profit.”
One other thing I don’t understand…
Molo is trying to reiterate what he did more effectively yesterday.
“You had no problems answering your lawyers’ questions,” Molo is practically yelling.
Molo asks Brockman if Musk was “being mean” to him.
We are back to quibbling.
We are now discussing the OpenAI Foundation layoffs.
Microsoft is done, bless them.
Microsoft is now getting to talk to Brockman.
The blip.
We are now discussing Shivon Zilis.
We are now going through the assorted releases of GPT models.
When Musk resigned, he gave a speech to OpenAI’s employees that might have been demoralizing…
One observation from Brockman and Sutskever’s emails.
We are now recontextualizing more entries from Brockman.
There were discussions between Brockman, Altman, and Sutskever about removing Musk from the board.
We are back from a break.
“I thought he was going to hit me,” Brockman says of Musk.
Elon Musk doesn’t love anything he can’t control.
Sam Altman discussed an equal equity split…
We are now discussing Brockman’s journal.
Brockman talks Dota 2.
Elon Musk tried to get Bill Gates to donate to OpenAI.
First sidebar of the trial.
OpenAI had layoffs at Musk’s insistence.
Greg Brockman tells the court that while at OpenAI, he and three others worked at Tesla.
YGR is on the bench.
Google’s AI architect lived rent-free in Elon Musk’s head
OpenAI’s president does ‘all the things,’ except answer a question
Jury is sent out for the day.
We are hearing about the early days of OpenAI.
Early worries about Musk came from Ilya Sutskever.
Brockman is describing his bromance with Altman.
“I do all the things.”
Brockman says we are 80 percent of the way to AGI.
Open AI’s direct examination of Brockman is pretty sedate so far… aside from Tesla.
OpenAI’s lawyers are now getting their shot at Brockman.
For real, I think nerds should not testify in court.
We are now looking at Brockman’s other financial dealings.
We finished with the Microsoft investment pretty quickly.
Altman didn’t return after we took our break.
We are presently having a fight about purple boxes.
We have been doing the same question for perhaps the last five minutes.
“Financially what will take me to $1B?”
“His story will correctly be that we weren’t honest with him in the end about still wanting to do the for profit just without him.”
Greg Brockman’s journal: “it’d be wrong to steal the non-profit from him.”
Brockman is not doing himself any favors.
Brockman’s cross-examination isn’t as testy as Musk’s, but he’s also pushing back on a lot of questions.
Is sending stuff to Sam Teller and Shivon Zilis the same as sending it to Musk?
Brockman and Altman’s alliance?
“Is Demis Hassabis evil?”
Greg Brockman is talking about the earliest days of OpenAI.
Greg Brockman and Sam Altman have just entered the courtroom.
We’re done with Russell.
“The age of abundance for Elon.”
Oh now we have some meat.
Elon Musk’s expert doesn’t follow him on X.
I am befuddled by this expert testimony.
We are dealing with the cross now.
Sure is lucky that mentions of Grok’s safety issues got limited.
Individual vs. systemic risk.
We now have a very boring expert witness testifying to AI risks.
Stuart Russell is here to tell us about AI.
“I need that today. That’s good. I like that.”
Greg Brockman won’t be asked about Musk’s threat.
Elon Musk tried to settle before the trial — and got threatening.
Musk v. Altman is getting a live audio stream next week.
OpenAI Tesla receipts and other Musk v. Altman documents.
All the evidence revealed so far in Musk v. Altman
Here’s how Gabe Newell and Hideo Kojima ended up in the Musk v. Altman evidence.
The craziest part of Musk v. Altman happened while the jury was out of the room
Jury is being dismissed early so YGR can deal with an objection to Birchall’s testimony.
Birchall is actually very funny outside of court? Good for him.
We are now hearing about the pause in quarterly donations.
We’re back.
Second break of the day.
Birchall cross.
Elon Musk confirms xAI used OpenAI’s models to train Grok
Birchall has just been asked about the four Teslas.
Birchall testifies about Musk’s contributions to OpenAI.
A woman in the gallery has lowered a sleep mask over her eyes and is attempting to sleep.
Musk steps down. He may be recalled.
We are on re-cross. Musk is getting testy again.
The Microsoft investment comes back up.
And we’re back.
We’re in break — and I just checked out something interesting.
Elon Musk’s robot army definitely will not kill you.
Musk insists he wasn’t kneecapping OpenAI.
Musk seems notably more subdued today.
“At least change the name,” Musk says he told Altman.
Elon Musk v. Capitalism.
An “ongoing conversation” around open source.
We’re still talking about whether Musk read the term sheet.
The jurors have been seated.
Musk has just entered the courtroom.
“Issues of extinction are excluded.”
Good morning!
Elon Musk’s worst enemy in court is Elon Musk
Freedom!
Unfortunately we will not be talking about safety details of any specific product.
The jury is leaving for the day. “I suspect it’s a nice day out there,” YGR says.
MechaHitler might be a bad look for the AI safety defender.
Musk’s broader AI safety commitment (or lack thereof) comes up.
This is so testy.
Did Musk even read the OpenAI term sheet?
Musk asked Shivon Zilis to stay “close and friendly” with OpenAI to keep info flowing.
Musk says xAI probably won’t be the first to get to AGI.
We’re back from a break, talking about SpaceX and xAI.
Don’t worry about Tesla’s robot army!
“You mostly do unfair questions.”
“It’s a free country.”
“Will you answer my question?”
Musk’s desire for control comes up again.
“This is a hypothetical.”
Did Musk initially envision OpenAI as a corporation?
Musk is being combative on cross already.
“I did say that I would commit up to a billion dollars, yes.”
Is Tesla really not working on AGI?
Musk is returning to the stand.
At times, being a judge is much like being a kindergarten teacher.
We’re on a break.
“I mean, all due respect to Microsoft, do you really want Microsoft controlling digital superintelligence?”
“What’s going on here this is a bait and switch.”
A Musk-Altman spat about Microsoft.
Musk really cannot help himself.
“Capped profit” wasn’t an issue, even when Microsoft got involved.
“Tesla is not pursuing AGI.”
Musk is more on his game today.
“After I received these reassurances that OpenAI would continue to be a nonprofit I continued to donate over $10 million.”
“I actually was a fool who provided free funding for them to create a startup.”
More discussion of who would own OpenAI.
“I don’t lose my temper,” says Elon Musk.
“2017 was a hard year, and we’ve made mistakes.”
“I formed many for-profit tech companies, and could have done so with OAI,”
“Crystal clear focus.”
Sam Altman has just entered the room, right ahead of the jury.
A member of the public just got dressed down by YGR about taking photos.
Musk v. Altman et al. is back in session.
In naming OpenAI, Elon Musk worried anything related to the Turing Test could mean bad PR.
Elon Musk appeared more petty than prepared
That’s a wrap!
YGR scolds OpenAI for taking inconsistent positions on the origin of its name.
Elon Musk tells the jury that all he wants to do is save humanity
Arguments over ownership.
Apparently OpenAI could have had an ICO.
“I was not averse to a small for-profit,” Musk says.
We’re reading emails between Musk and Jensen Huang.
Musk says nonprofit was non-negotiable for OpenAI.
We’re at the founding of OpenAI.
Musk says he would have created something like OpenAI on his own.
Musk recalls meeting Sam Altman.
Sam Altman left during a break, but Elon Musk’s lawyer didn’t notice.
“Here we are in 2026 and AI is scary smart.”
“I have extreme concerns about AI,” says Musk.
AI will be as smart as “any human as soon as next year.”
Musk claims he has time for SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and the Boring Company because he works a lot.
Musk is telling the jury he (co)founded Tesla.
Neuralink’s long-term goal is… AI?
“There need to be things that people are excited about that make life worth living … Being out there among the stars can excite everyone.”
A little Musk biography.
Elon Musk, looking funereal in a black suit with a black tie, says “it’s not okay to steal a charity.”
Elon Musk takes the stand in high-profile trial against OpenAI
We are back from a break.
Elon Musk will be the first witness in Musk v. Altman.
“Microsoft unlocked with OpenAI a virtuous cycle.”
Microsoft enters the chat.
“We are here because Mr. Musk didn’t get his way at OpenAI.”
“[Musk] demanded control, he demanded the ability to make all the decisions without regard to the other founders.”
OpenAI lawyers argue that Elon was right in the middle of discussions about a for-profit pivot.
“Musk was furious that OpenAI succeeded.”
OpenAI: Musk’s lawsuit is a “pageant of hypocrisy.”
Sam Altman’s “related party conflicted transactions” are how he made money on OpenAI, Molo says.
Technical difficulties.
OpenAI is like a museum store that has looted the Picassos and pocketed the profits.
AGI might be out of fashion in the AI world, but it will be at the center of this trial.
“The defendants in this case stole a charity.”
Musk and Altman go to court
Good morning from the Musk v. Altman line outside the courtroom.
Jury selection in Musk v. Altman: ‘People don’t like him’
We have a jury.
Elon Musk’s lawyer tried to get some jurors thrown out for disliking Musk.
Apparently things are exciting outside.
We have gone through the first 20 potential jurors.
Voir dire has begun.
The Elon Musk vs. OpenAI trial starts today.
Elon Musk drops fraud claims against OpenAI and Sam Altman before trial.
Musk vs. Altman is here, and it’s going to get messy
Elon Musk is about to be a very busy boy!
‘Sideshow’ concerns and billionaire dreams: What I learned from Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI
Elon Musk’s xAI is suing OpenAI and Apple
Inside Elon Musk’s messy breakup with OpenAI
Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman again
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ChatGPT’s ‘Trusted Contact’ will alert loved ones of safety concerns
OpenAI is launching an optional safety feature for ChatGPT that allows adult users to assign an emergency contact for mental health and safety concerns. Friends, family members, or caregivers designated as a "Trusted Contact" will be notified if OpenAI detects that a person may have discussed topics like self-harm or suicide with the chatbot.
"Trusted Contact is designed around a simple, expert-validated premise: when someone may be in crisis, connecting with someone they know and trust can make a meaningful difference," OpenAI said in its announcement. "It offers another layer of support alongside the localized helplines already available …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Valve is fighting Steam Controller scalpers with a new reservations system
Valve's new Steam Controller sold out quickly when it went on sale on Monday, and the company is going to open a "reservations queue" on Friday at 1PM ET for anyone who missed that initial run.
When the controller initially went on sale, many potential buyers experienced difficulties checking out before the controller went out of stock, and some sellers on eBay posted listings for the controllers that were considerably more expensive than Valve's $99 asking price. "While we were happy to see such a high level of interest, the experience for a lot of you trying to buy it was incredibly frustrating," Valve says. It's making changes to "improv …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Peak Design is taking up to 50 percent off some of our favorite camera bags
Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack Zip features a unique wraparound zipper that provides quick access to your belongings. | Image: Peak Design
To celebrate founder Peter Dering’s birthday, Peak Design is taking up to 50 percent off a host of bags and accessories through May 8. The sale includes steep discounts on many of the company’s most popular backpacks and bags, as well as a couple of other items, including camera accessories.
Many Verge staffers are fans of Peak Design, in part because the company is known for making durable, weatherproof products that can house a range of gadgets. Most of its bags are built to carry a lot of gear without feeling bulky or disorganized, thanks to thoughtful extras like expandable storage, quick-access openings, and customizable dividers, which make them great for daily commutes and summer travel alike. Plus, most Peak Design gear is backed by a lifetime warranty, so if something breaks or stops working during normal use, the company will repair or replace it.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite deals from Peak Design’s ongoing sale, including backpacks, carry-on roller bags, camera organizers, and more.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip features an all-around zipper that makes it easy to quickly access your items from the top or sides. Its weatherproof canvas shell protects valuables, while flexible internal dividers help keep cameras and other tech organized rather than piling at the bottom. It also features dedicated sleeves for a 14-inch laptop or tablet, expandable pockets for water bottles and carry straps, slip pockets for smaller items, and a built-in key tether.
Where to Buy:
$199.95 $159.99 at Best Buy (15-liter)
$199.95 $139.96 at Peak Design (15-liter)
$229.95 $160.96 at Peak Design (20-liter)
Peak Design Field Pouch V2
The weather-resistant Peak Design Field Pouch V2 works as a small sling or crossbody bag with an adjustable strap, a belt pouch, or an organizer you can stash inside a larger backpack. Its roll-top design lets the pouch expand to hold more gear or compress down to save space, while internal stretch and zip pockets help you better organize accessories like cords and lenses.
Where to Buy:
$49.95 $34.96 at Peak Design
$49.95 $34.97 at B&H Photo
Peak Everyday Sling
The Peak Design Everyday Sling is a small, weatherproof crossbody bag that comes in multiple sizes, depending on how much gear you carry, whether that’s a single lens, a DSLR camera, or even a 13-inch laptop. It features adjustable internal dividers to keep gear organized and protected, along with and adjustable strap and expandable internal pockets for stashing smaller accessories.
Where to Buy:
$99.95 $69.96 at Peak Design (3-liter)
$129.95 $90.96 at Peak Design (6-liter)
$169.95 $118.96 at Peak Design (10-liter)
Peak Design Roller Pro
Peak Design’s four-wheeled Roller Pro is easy to carry yet maximizes packing space. Its front opening lets you unpack in tight spaces, while exterior pockets keep essentials like passports easily accessible. It also has both internal and external straps to help secure or carry extra gear, as well as a magnetically sealed laptop sleeve for stowing a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
$599.95 $479.96 at Best Buy
$599.95 $479.96 at Peak Design
$599.95 $479.96 at B&H Photo
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack is a weatherproof camera and everyday bag with a magnetic top clasp and side zippers for quick access to your gear. It features three adjustable internal dividers for organization, an Anchor Link key tether, expandable side pockets for water bottles or tripods, and space for a 16-inch laptop. Adjustable shoulder straps, a removable chest strap, and external carry straps also make it comfortable to carry a wide range of gear. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
$279.95 $195.96 at Peak Design (20-liter)
$299.95 $209.96 at Peak Design (30-liter)
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack (25-liter)
Peak Design’s lightweight Outdoor Backpack features a roll-top design that expands from 20 to 25 liters for extra storage. A large zip panel makes organizing gear easier, while oversized external pockets provide quick access to items like water bottles or jackets. It also includes external carry cords, a built-in key tether, attachment points for Peak Design’s Capture Clip system, and compatibility with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
$249.95 $174.96 at Peak Design
$249.95 $174.96 at B&H Photo
$250 $187 at Huckberry
Peak Design Motorcycle Mirror Phone Mount
Peak Design’s Motorcycle Mirror Phone Mount securely attaches your phone to your motorcycle or scooter, keeping it visible while you ride. It’s easy to snap off with a press of a button, even with gloves on, and it’s fully adjustable for better viewing angles. The weather-resistant mount is also available with optional support for Qi2 wireless charging, so you can charge your phone while you’re out and about.
Where to Buy:
$99.95 $79.96 at Peak Design (non-charging)
$169.95 $135.96 at Peak Design (charging)
Peak Design Camera Cube (refurbished)
Peak Design’s Camera Cubes are padded, weatherproof organizers that allow you to safely store camera, video, or drone gear in a backpack or travel bag. They come with customizable internal dividers to help you organize different kinds of gear, and each cube features weather-resistant zippers and wide zip openings for easier access.
Where to Buy:
$49.95 $44.96 at Peak Design (extra small)
$59.95 $53.96 at Peak Design (small)
$99.95 $89.96 at Peak Design (medium)
Peak Design Leash (refurbished)
The Peak Design Leash is a lightweight, minimalist camera strap designed for photographers. It can be worn as a sling, neck strap, or safety tether, and it’s relatively easy to remove. Dual quick-adjusters also make it easy to tighten or loosen the strap with one hand, while its slim design makes it easy to stash it in a pocket or camera bag when not in use.
Where to Buy:
$49.95 $40.46 at Peak Design (gray)
$49.95 $40.46 at Peak Design (blue)
$49.95 $44.96 at Peak Design (black)
Peak Design Anchor Links (refurbished)
Peak Design’s Anchor Links are small clips that make it faster and easier to attach or remove straps from cameras, binoculars, or other gear. Instead of repeatedly threading straps through tiny loops every time you want to remove them, you leave the small “Anchor” loops attached to your device, letting you click compatible straps on and off in seconds.
Where to Buy:
$29.95 $26.96 at Peak Design
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SpaceX has a $55 billion plan to build AI chips in Texas
Elon Musk's plans to get into the AI chip manufacturing business are going to be costly. As the New York Times and CNBC report, SpaceX is planning to invest at least $55 billion into its "Terafab" chip plant in Austin, Texas. That's according to the details of a public hearing notice filed in Grimes County, Texas, for a meeting to request tax breaks for the project.
The company says that if additional phases are constructed, its investment could someday balloon to $119 billion total. When Musk initially announced the project in March, he shared ambitious plans for it to produce enough chips to support up to 200 gigawatts per year of computi …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Apple’s AirPods with cameras for AI are apparently close to production
AirPods Pro 3 | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Apple's rumored AirPods with cameras are nearing a stage where the company will test early mass production, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Currently, Apple testers are "actively using" prototypes that are in the design validation test stage, which is one step before the production validation test stage.
The AirPods' cameras "aren't designed" to snap photos or video but instead can take in "visual information in low resolution" that users can query Siri about, like asking the AI assistant what they should cook with the ingredients they have in front of them, according to Gurman. They may also use the cameras to help with things like turn-b …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Mira Murati’s deposition pulled back the curtain on Sam Altman’s ouster
The week leading up to Thanksgiving 2023 was the AI industry's biggest soap opera moment. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was abruptly ousted from his role at the ChatGPT maker. The explanation? That Altman was "not consistently candid in his communications with the board." Now, via witness testimony and trial exhibits in Musk v. Altman, the public is getting a concrete look behind the scenes of that dramatic weekend for the first time, much of it centered on former CTO Mira Murati.
It was a unique situation in that the roller coaster of a power play - which seemed to change every hour - took place, in many ways, publicly. The board's strikingly vagu …
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Canvas is down as ShinyHunters threatens to leak schools’ data
The Instructure-owned learning management platform, Canvas, is down after recently confirming a massive data breach that impacted student names, email addresses, ID numbers, and messages. Students attempting to access the system on Thursday saw a message from the hacking group ShinyHunters, which claimed responsibility for the attack:
ShinyHunters has breached Instructure (again). Instead of contacting us to resolve it they ignored us and did some "security patches." If any of the schools in the affected list are interested in preventing the release of their data, please consult with a cyber advisory firm and contact us privately at TOX to …
Read the full story at The Verge.
