As WWDC 2025 unfolds, Apple's atmosphere in Cupertino feels notably different from previous years. The excitement from 2023 around the Vision Pro headset and 2024's AI innovations have given way to a more cautious mood. The Vision Pro, once a highlight, is reportedly facing production cuts due to slow sales and can be found discounted on eBay, suggesting pricing issues. Apple's AI efforts have stalled, with underwhelming feature rollouts and significant delays to a promised Siri update. Internal challenges have seemingly impacted progress, leading to the removal of ads showcasing unready Siri functionalities. Additionally, legal hurdles persist, including a California court order from 2021 requiring Apple to permit developers to add external purchase links.
With the recent departure of Commissioners Nathan Simington and Geoffrey Starks, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now down to two members: Republican Chairman Brendan Carr and Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez. This reduction falls below the quorum threshold for the typically five-person panel, stalling key decisions on broadband regulations, telecommunications mergers, and spectrum auctions. Despite President Trump's nomination of Olivia Trusty to the commission, the Senate has yet to confirm her, leaving the FCC in a deadlock. Chairman Carr has vowed to continue working despite the diminished panel.
Senate Commerce Republicans have included a ten-year moratorium on state AI regulations in the latest budget package influenced by President Donald Trump's administration. The broad provision has raised concerns among lawmakers and civil society groups that it could eliminate essential consumer protections. Supporters argue it prevents companies from facing a complex array of state rules, while critics fear it may exempt Big Tech from state legal frameworks without establishing federal standards, potentially leaving consumers and workers unprotected. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) warns this moratorium could block states from enacting basic AI regulations needed to safeguard consumers and prevent discrimination and other harmful practices.
With WWDC just days away, Apple’s latest AirPods Pro with USB-C are back on sale at their best price of $169, a $70 discount available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. These second-generation earbuds offer enhanced noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and exclusive features for iPhone users like spatial audio with head tracking, Find My integration, and automatic device switching. The charging case includes a U1 chip for precise tracking, and upcoming software updates will enable clinical-grade hearing aid capabilities, benefiting users with hearing loss.
When HBO adapted the beloved video game The Last of Us, fans found comfort in one familiar element: Gustavo Santaolalla's haunting guitar score. Despite changes in story and cast, Santaolalla's tension-filled music remained unchanged, preserving the essence of the game. Series creator Neil Druckmann emphasized that Santaolalla's soundtrack forms part of The Last of Us' core identity. Avoiding orchestral scores helped retain the game's fans for the series. Santaolalla, originally from Buenos Aires and a pioneer of rock nacional, blends English rock and Argentine folk. After relocating to Los Angeles, his distinctive music gained attention in film and media.
Father's Day is a time to honor and appreciate all the efforts dads put into their families and communities. As a new dad myself, I understand the hard work involved, making this day the perfect opportunity to express love and gratitude through thoughtful gifts. Whether your dad loves practical gadgets or unique presents, our curated selection has something for everyone. We mostly feature tech gifts, like fast-charging portable batteries and Sony's foldable WH-1000XM6 headphones, but also include non-tech options such as Kurt Vonnegut's recently unveiled two-player board game and a mountable Lego van Gogh replica. We've recently updated pricing and availability, adding new picks like HoverAir's X1 drone. Contributions included insights from Brandon Widder. Discover these perfect Father's Day gifts with us at The Verge.
The Wholesome Direct 2025 showcased many charming games available to play immediately. Highlights include Camper Van: Make it Home, where you customize a cozy camper and embark on a personal journey; Fireside Feelings, a comfort-focused game featuring a cute animal engaging in warm conversations around a fire; and Instants, a puzzle-scrapbooking game about organizing family photos to unlock stories and history. These titles exemplify the cozy and heartwarming experiences the Wholesome Direct offers for players without any wait.
At the Bitcoin Conference held at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Faryar Shirzad, chief policy officer at Coinbase, announced the company's sponsorship of the America250 initiative. This caused surprise given Coinbase's stature as the leading crypto exchange and a significant Bitcoin holder. The announcement took place in a relatively empty room during a day themed 'Code and Country', featuring panels with Republican figures and campaign consultants including Chris LaCivita, who co-chaired Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.
A real-time strategy game set in the world of Westeros is finally coming. The new title, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, is described as a classic, premium RTS for PC that lets players command various houses and factions from George R.R. Martin's fantasy universe. Developed by PlaySide Studios, it features both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes. Players can choose to lead House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King in intense free-for-all battles involving strategic alliances, deceit, and tactical warfare. Each faction has unique strategies, heroes, and units including infantry, cavalry, siege weapons, giants, and dragons. This game marks a natural and exciting expansion of the Game of Thrones franchise and is scheduled for release in 2026. A real-time strategy game set in the world of Westeros is finally coming. The new title, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, is described as a classic, premium RTS for PC that lets players command various houses and factions from George R.R. Martin's fantasy universe. Developed by PlaySide Studios, it features both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes. Players can choose to lead House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King in intense free-for-all battles involving strategic alliances, deceit, and tactical warfare. Each faction has unique strategies, heroes, and units including infantry, cavalry, siege weapons, giants, and dragons. This game marks a natural and exciting expansion of the Game of Thrones franchise and is scheduled for release in 2026.