Father's Day is a special occasion to recognize and appreciate the hard work and love dads put into their families and communities. As a new dad, I can personally attest to the effort it takes. This Father’s Day, show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift. Whether your dad enjoys practical gadgets or unique, clever items, The Verge’s curated list has something for everyone. From tech favorites like rapid-charging power banks and Sony’s innovative WH-1000XM6 foldable headphones to novel non-tech gifts like Kurt Vonnegut’s two-player board game or a mountable Lego rendition of Van Gogh, there's a perfect gift to express your love and gratitude. Explore these handpicked selections from The Verge staff and find the ideal present for dad this year.
A team of Purdue University students has set a new Guinness World Record with their custom-built robot, Purdubik’s Cube, solving a Rubik's Cube in just 0.103 seconds, surpassing the previous record by a significant margin. Their achievement involved not only building a faster robot but also using innovative technology such as high-speed low-res cameras, a specially reinforced Rubik's Cube, and a solving technique inspired by human speed cubers. This breakthrough follows a decade of advances since the first robotic solver, Cubestormer 3, which solved the puzzle in 3.253 seconds in 2014, marking extraordinary progress in robotic engineering and problem-solving speed.
An internal document titled "ChatGPT: H1 2025 Strategy" reveals OpenAI's goal to evolve ChatGPT into an AI super assistant that intimately understands users and assists with a wide range of tasks. The strategy outlines that by the first half of 2025, ChatGPT will transform from a chatbot into a highly capable assistant that acts like a smart, trustworthy, and emotionally intelligent personal aide. Advancements in AI models, computer tool integration, and innovative interaction methods like multimodality will enable ChatGPT to perform agentic tasks efficiently and expressively, becoming an intelligent entity deeply connected to users' needs.
Twitch has announced several new updates at TwitchCon Europe, including the introduction of vertical livestreams and an open beta test for 2K streaming. The vertical livestream feature will enhance the viewing experience on mobile devices by allowing streams to be viewed in portrait mode. Twitch plans to enable dual format streaming, letting viewers watch streams in vertical or horizontal mode based on their device orientation. The feature will initially roll out to a small group of channels this summer and expand later in the year. Additionally, Twitch is launching an open beta for streaming at 1440p (2K) quality, available to all Twitch partners and affiliates, offering a noticeable improvement in stream clarity and detail compared to 1080p.
Since its launch in 2022, Playdate has seen many games, but its seasonal format offers something special. The second season has just begun, featuring 12 games released over six weeks, priced at $39 for the full season. The original season introduced 24 games weekly, showcasing the handheld’s charm and its crank control. Season 2 starts strong with diverse titles like Fulcrum Defender by Subset Games, which combines classic shoot 'em up mechanics with the innovative crank control. This season also introduces a mysterious and bizarre element, keeping players intrigued.
The Slate Truck has sparked a lot of interest, prompting many questions and some skepticism. We've compiled answers to the most common queries about this compact electric pickup. The Slate is designed primarily for everyday utility rather than heavy-duty towing or cargo. Key specifications compare the Slate to Ford's hybrid Maverick and the F-150 4×2 V6. The Slate delivers 201 horsepower, weighs 3,602 pounds, supports a maximum payload of 1,433 pounds, and can tow up to 1,000 pounds with a bed length of 54.5 feet. In comparison, the Ford Maverick offers 191 horsepower and higher towing capacity, while the F-150 provides significantly more power and towing capabilities. The Slate seats two and is tailored for users needing a practical, efficient pickup for daily tasks.
As the Switch 2 launch approaches, both analysts and gamers are eager to see how Nintendo will follow up on its most successful home console. Early demand, seen in the struggle to pre-order, indicates a strong launch. However, concerns such as tariffs, rising cost of living, and a saturated gaming market may impact the console’s long-term success. The Verge consulted experts and gamers who emphasize that while Switch 2 is expected to have a blockbuster debut, its sustainability is uncertain. Comparisons to the Wii U, Nintendo's notable failure due to poor design and game offerings, are frequent. The Wii U sold less than 14 million units compared to over 100 million for the Wii. Nintendo aims for a similar launch success but future challenges remain.
Sony has reduced the price of its premium DualSense Edge controller from $199.99 to a discounted $169 until June 11th, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony. This high-end controller for the PlayStation 5 offers extensive customization, including up to four personalized profiles, adjustable stick sensitivity, rear button controls, and interchangeable stick modules. It also features adjustable trigger stops for competitive gaming precision, along with the same haptics and adaptive triggers of the standard DualSense. The Edge includes two styles of rear paddles and a locking charging cable, but its wireless battery lasts around eight hours, slightly less than the original DualSense. Additional tech deals include discounts on the Oura Ring Generation 3 smart ring, Govee's Gaming Pixel Light, and Anker’s MagGo Wireless Charging Station with special promo codes available until early June.
SpaceX recently lost contact with its Starship rocket following a launch on March 6, 2025, marking yet another explosive failure during testing. While it may seem alarming, experts like Wendy Whitman Cobb from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies explain this level of failure is normal during the development of complex new space technologies. Unlike traditional space agencies such as NASA or companies like United Launch Alliance, which adopt a slow and cautious testing approach, SpaceX pursues a rapid development and testing cycle. This method leads to more frequent visible failures but accelerates progress. NASA's Space Launch System, in contrast, has been in development for over a decade using a more deliberate and confident testing strategy. This unconventional approach by SpaceX challenges historical norms in rocket development.
According to a New York Times report, Elon Musk's use of ketamine and other drugs in 2024 was far more extensive than he previously admitted. While Musk told Don Lemon he used ketamine in small amounts biweekly to treat depression, sources reveal he was sometimes taking it daily, affecting his health and mixing it with other substances. Concerns about his drug use, mood swings, and personal behavior were noted by those close to him during the period, which coincided with his endorsement of Donald Trump and his leadership of DOGE. The report also highlights that despite mandatory drug tests at his companies, Musk reportedly received prior warnings. Past reports have mentioned his use of LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms at private parties attended by close associates and Tesla board members.