Growing up in the Midwest, small cars were the norm with models like the Volvo 240, Dodge Dart, and Honda Accord. Trucks were rare and usually compact like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux. Gradually, these small vehicles gave way to increasingly larger SUVs. Nowadays, compact SUVs are almost nonexistent in the market. Major manufacturers like Ford and GM have phased out most of their sedan production in North America, signaling a dramatic shift in consumer preferences towards bigger vehicles.
Tech companies often hype AI as a game-changer, yet concrete examples of its practical use can be scarce. At The Verge, we've tested numerous AI tools to identify real-world applications that truly deliver value. In a bonus episode of The Vergecast, Senior Reviewer Victoria Song and other staff discuss scenarios where AI tools have proven genuinely helpful.
Passwords remain the most common way to verify users across apps and services, even as passkeys, which offer enhanced security, are gradually being adopted. Since it's important to use unique passwords for each device and app, password managers are essential tools for managing and safeguarding these credentials. Many platforms come with their own password management solutions, such as Apple's iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, and Microsoft's Edge browser Credential Manager.
Following itch.io's removal of over 20,000 pages of adult content, creators are feeling betrayed and uncertain about the future. With fewer platforms allowing adult material sales, creators face challenges to their livelihoods. However, there's a growing movement among them and their communities to find new ways to sustain their work and resist the shrinking market. As Brad Guigar, a smut comic artist, notes, the community is now actively taking steps instead of just expressing anxiety.
Halfway through President Donald Trump's second term, his administration has escalated the removal of online environmental information, marking a 70% increase in federal website changes during his first 100 days in 2025 compared to 2017. Federal bodies are now more aggressively deleting public environmental resources online, signaling a progression of his administration's polluting policies. This development points to a broader trend of environmental data being less accessible to the public under his current term, potentially facilitating less transparency in environmental governance.
During a recent family camping trip to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park amidst a severe heat dome, we faced extreme temperatures above 100 degrees with no air conditioning. Camping in our Rockwood Mini Lite RV without access to campsite electrical or water hookups, we relied heavily on gadgets like the EcoFlow portable power station to keep our fridge running and provide portable cooling. These devices were crucial in helping us manage the harsh, sweltering conditions and saved our vacation.
Arranging seating can be a stressful task, especially for big events, as finding the perfect spot for each individual feels like a complex puzzle. 'Is This Seat Taken?' turns this challenge into a fun and relaxing game where players place tiny geometric shapes representing people into seats that fit their needs. For example, in a bus setting, a triangular character might prefer to sit near certain passengers, making the game both engaging and satisfying as you find the right arrangement.
Returning to work or school after summer break can be challenging, but the Aura Aspen digital frame makes it easier to keep your favorite memories on display. Available now for around $199 — a new low price with $30 off — from Amazon, Best Buy, and Aura. The Aura Aspen features a 12-inch LCD display with slim bezels, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and an anti-glare matte screen that gives photos a lifelike appearance. It supports photo uploads via a companion app, cloud syncing with iCloud or Google Photos, or email from anywhere. Users can also add captions, display Live Photos from iPhone, and show 30-second videos with sound. The frame's design includes an adjustable metal stand for a traditional photo frame feel. Plus, it allows ongoing updates, seamlessly sharing new photos with family or friends. Below the Aura Aspen deal, additional offers include discounted refurbished Kindles, Garmin satellite communicators, and the Satechi Magnetic MagSafe Wallet, enhancing tech convenience and connectivity.
RFK Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, envisions every American wearing a health-monitoring wearable within four years as part of his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. He believes wearables can empower individuals to take control of their health by tracking lifestyle effects on health metrics. He cited personal anecdotes of friends improving health outcomes through such devices. However, the reality of achieving this vision and its health benefits is more complex than suggested.
Instagram recently introduced its Map feature, allowing users to share their active location with selected friends or view posts and Reels tagged by location. The feature has sparked mixed reactions, with concerns about privacy and safety, especially for vulnerable individuals. Meta emphasized that the feature is opt-in and does not share live locations without user consent. To disable location sharing, users can go to Messages, tap Map, access Settings, and select "no one" to stop sharing. If location access isn't enabled, the map feature remains off by default. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri clarified that the map shows location-tagged posts, not live-tracked locations, with design improvements planned soon.