Netflix is getting more comfortable with ads Illustration by Nick Barclay / The VergeWith Netflix raking in 8 million more global subscribers over the past few months, the streamer is turning its attention to its ad-supported plan — and for good reason. The budget-friendly tier now accounts for over 45 percent of all new signups in markets where ads are available, according to its second q…

Instagram is adding expiring and semiprivate comments Image: InstagramInstagram Notes — a temporary away status-like feature — is expanding, the company announced today. Users will now be able to leave Notes on Reels and grid posts, where their comments will float on top of the content in little bubbles. Like Notes, these comments are temporary — they’ll disappear after three days unless you delete…

Google solves its Pixel 9 Pro leaks by just showing the phone early Image: GoogleGoogle has revealed the Pixel 9 Pro following a series of leaks that revealed the phone in great detail, including hands-on videos and comparisons to other recent devices. The company plans to show off more about the Pixel 9 lineup as well as its other upcoming devices, with an event at Google HQ in California on August 13th. In a v…

The FBI said it found the Trump rally shooter’s Steam account, then took it back Image: The VergeFBI officials told Congress on Wednesday that the 20-year-old who shot at former President Donald Trump may have posted a warning on Steam before the attack — but CNN is now reporting that investigators think the account is fake. Important update here: The FBI briefed senators yesterday that they believed this Steam account did…

The Boys season 4 finale gets a disclaimer following Trump rally shooting Image: AmazonThe Boys has always reveled in its lampooning of the US’s fraught political landscape, but following the recent Trump rally shooting, Amazon has retitled the show’s season 4 finale and added a new disclaimer stating that the show is not meant to be a reflection of reality. Though “Assassination Run” was the original title of The Boy…

Ladies and gentlemen, The Weeknd (on Apple Vision Pro) Image: AppleApple is launching new “immersive” video content for the Vision Pro over the next few months, including one from The Weeknd, a close-up view of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, and “the first scripted short film captured in Apple Immersive Video.” The new series and film will come exclusively to the Vision Pro, allowing wearers to watc…

Boost Mobile is getting a $25 monthly unlimited plan The new Boost Mobile logo has the Infinite part included. | Image: Boost MobileBoost Mobile, the historically MVNO wireless carrier acquired by Disk Network (which rejoined EchoStar), has relaunched as an umbrella company that now includes Boost Infinite and combines all its pre- and post-paid services. Along with the rebranding, Boost Mobile is…

Fiio’s DM13 brings welcome upgrades to Sony’s classic Discman Initially available in silver, the Fiio DM13 will eventually be released in four additional colors. | Image: FiioIt’s time to dig out those CD binders you refused to part with. Fiio, a Chinese audio gear maker, is releasing a $179 portable CD player in September that brings with it modern upgrades the Sony Discman never had — including support f…

The biggest names in AI have teamed up to promote AI security Illustration: Alex Castro / The VergeGoogle, OpenAI, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Intel, and other big names in AI are coming together to form the Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI), according to an announcement on Thursday. The initiative aims to address a “fragmented landscape of AI security” by providing access to open-source methodologies, framew…

Hisense’s new TV is just like Samsung’s Frame but costs a lot less The 65-inch version of the CanvasTV is now available, while a 55-inch version will arrive later this summer. | Image: HisenseHisense’s CanvasTV, a matte screen television designed to blend into your home decor as a piece of artwork when you’re not watching TV, is now available in a 65-inch model for $1,299.99. A smaller 55-inch version, expected…

OpenAI is releasing a cheaper, smarter model Image: The VergeOpenAI is releasing a lighter, cheaper model for developers to tinker with called GPT-4o Mini. It costs significantly less than full-sized models and is said to be more capable than GPT-3.5. Building apps using OpenAI’s models can rack up a huge bill. Developers without the means to afford to tinker with it can get priced out of …

Dune: Prophecy hits HBO in November Image: HBOHBO’s Dune prequel series now has a premiere date — or month, at least. The upcoming show, called Dune: Prophecy, will hit both HBO and Max in November. The “HBO Original” also got a fresh teaser, which makes it look like the six-episode-long show will be filled with plenty of political maneuvering. That makes a lot of sense, given tha…

Metaverse expert Matthew Ball still believes in the 3D internet Illustration by Alex Castro / The VergeThis week on Decoder, I talked to author Matthew Ball, who was last on the show in 2022 to discuss his book “The Metaverse: And How it Will Revolutionize Everything.” It’s 2024, and it’s safe to say that has not happened yet. But Matt’s still on the case — in fact, he just performed an almost complete updat…

Splitgate’s portal-hopping sequel announced for 2025 Image: 1047 GamesSplitgate isn’t dead yet. On Thursday, developer 1047 Games revealed a cinematic trailer for Splitgate 2, a revamped version of the free-to-play multiplayer shooter, which uses the same portal mechanic that made the game so fun the first time around. When Splitgate 2 launches in 2025, it will come with some notable upgrades. The…

Meta won’t release its multimodal Llama AI model in the EU Illustration by Nick Barclay / The VergeMeta says it won’t be launching its upcoming multimodal AI model — capable of handling video, audio, images, and text — in the European Union, citing regulatory concerns. The decision will prevent European companies from using the multimodal model, despite it being released under an open license. “We will …

Voicemod Key brings voice changing and soundboards to Xbox and PlayStation Image: VoicemodPopular voice changing software Voicemod is finally going to work with game consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. While Voicemod has been available as an app on Windows PCs for more than five years, platform limitations have forced Voicemod to create dedicated hardware to bring its popular voice changer and so…

The best Amazon Prime Day deals you can still shop Image: Shira Inbar for The VergeAmazon’s discount extravaganza might technically be over, but if you still have cash to spare, these leftover deals are worth a second look. Continue reading…

Nintendo finally made its own Joy-Con controller charging station Nintendo now offers its own Joy-Con charger. | Image: Nintendo EuropeNintendo has announced its own standalone charger for the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers arriving on October 17th. It’s an accessory that many Switch gamers would have welcomed seven years ago when the handheld launched, and while third parties have long offered alternatives, Nin…

Flintlock is so close to being a great Dark Souls for newcomers Image: Kepler InteractiveIt has some clever ideas but struggles with a lack of polish and repetitive gameplay. Continue reading…

Lilium strikes sales deal with Saudi Arabia for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft Image: LiliumLilium, an electric aviation company based in Germany, says it has secured a binding sales agreement for up to 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with Saudia Group, which operates the largest airline carrier in Saudi Arabia and is wholly owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement is a “firm order” f…