Nikon has announced that it will increase its product prices in the US from June 23rd, 2025, due to tariffs on Chinese-made goods imposed by the US government. Although specific products and price increases have not yet been disclosed, the increase is aimed at offsetting tariff-related costs. Nikon expressed commitment to delivering high-quality imaging products and will monitor tariff developments to make further pricing adjustments if necessary. The tariffs are expected to reduce Nikon's profits by around $70 million in the next fiscal year. This price adjustment follows similar moves by other camera companies like Blackmagic Design, Canon, Sony, Leica, Fujifilm, and Sigma, who have also raised prices or adjusted plans due to tariffs impacting the camera gear market.
During its antitrust trial, Meta argued that Instagram and WhatsApp reached their full potential because of Meta's stewardship, countering claims that the apps could have flourished independently. Meta called witnesses including WhatsApp cofounder Brian Acton to demonstrate how the company enhanced these platforms' growth and utility. This defense contrasted with Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom's assertion that Meta limited resources and that Instagram would succeed on its own. Meta also highlighted TikTok as a significant competitor.
Hello, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 84, your weekly guide to the coolest and most interesting things around. This week, I've been exploring platforms like Mubi and Around The Horn, moving all my journals to Diarly, trying out Matt D'Avella's workout routine, catching up on Clarkson's Farm, and spending quality time watching Helper Cars with my toddler. I’ve also been testing Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, revisiting Fortnite, and diving deep into the first Star Wars movie. Plus, I have news about a new blockbuster movie, a revamped mobile game, a new season of a favorite show, and an affordable set-top box worth checking out. It’s been a busy and exciting week! As always, I love hearing what you’re into—send your recommendations and tips to installer@theverge.com, and don’t forget to share Installer with your friends!
In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) managed nearly 16.8 million flights across U.S. airspace, a significant increase from previous years. However, the FAA relies on an air traffic control system from the early 1990s, which is now outdated and insufficient for current demand. Chronic budget constraints and understaffing have worsened the situation, forcing the FAA into suboptimal and sometimes unsafe solutions. These issues culminated in a major outage at Newark Liberty International Airport on April 28th, where pilots lost contact with controllers managing approach and departure airspace, leading to delays, cancellations, and safety concerns.
In City Bus Manager, players experience the challenge and responsibility of managing public transportation in a city that mirrors their own. The game integrates OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, enabling players to interact with familiar streets and landmarks while planning efficient transit routes. City Bus Manager is among a niche group of management simulation games, including Global Farmer, NIMBY Rails, and Logistical: Earth, which utilize OSM's community-generated global map data. This approach allows players to build realistic farms, railways, and delivery systems worldwide based on actual geographic information. Initially uncertain about the technical feasibility, PeDePe's co-founder Niklas Polster emphasized the significant advantage of this open license, providing access to extensive real-world data for game development.
Android Auto is introducing several new features following the Google I/O developer conference. The Spotify app on Android Auto is getting an update with new media app templates, including Spotify Jam, which allows multiple users to share control and add songs to a playlist via a QR code. This feature is more inclusive than Apple's SharePlay as it works across all devices. Additionally, Google is adding Quick Share support for cars with Google built-in to enhance navigation features, and passkey support for security. A light mode theme for Android Auto is in development, providing a visual refresh. Google also announced the upcoming availability of web browsers and video apps for Android Auto, usable only when the car is parked, with gaming apps already in beta. Weather app support has moved out of beta, signifying expanded app availability for the infotainment system.
Gemini, integrated directly into Chrome, provides users with an AI-powered assistant accessible via a dedicated button in the browser's top-right corner. Unlike traditional chatbots accessed via web apps, Gemini can 'see' and interact with the content on your screen as you browse. Currently available in early access for AI Pro or AI Ultra subscribers using Beta, Dev, or Canary versions of Chrome, Gemini can summarize web articles and highlight news insights, such as new Nintendo Switch Online games and updates like the Elden Ring film adaptation and Steam Deck's update. However, its capabilities are limited to the visible screen content and cannot interact with elements beyond that, such as comment sections. This integration marks an initial step in Google's broader goal to develop more 'agentic' AI assistants that do more proactively on users' behalf.
Hisense’s U65QF QLED TV, featuring a 144Hz panel and built-in Google TV, is currently discounted to $529.99 for a limited period. Memorial Day weekend offers more than just festivities — it's a prime time to grab incredible tech discounts. Though the holiday is on May 26th, many retailers have started rolling out deals early on popular gadgets ranging from premium TVs like LG's C4 OLED to Garmin's Forerunner 265 smartwatch, both hitting their lowest prices yet. Additionally, shoppers can find great deals on practical tech including video doorbells, location trackers, discounted MacBooks, Hoto handheld vacuums, and more. Whether buying for yourself or looking for a thoughtful graduation gift, there's something for everyone in this diverse selection of tech offers.
DJI is reportedly gearing up to introduce three new drones in the near future: the Mini 5 Pro, Avata 3, and Neo 2, according to leaks from DroneXL. New leaked images and videos showcase distinct design upgrades like the Avata 3's repositioned battery and larger camera, featuring four-blade propellers, and a redesigned Neo 2 prototype with updated propeller guards. Alongside the drones, a new FCC filing hints at the Mini 5 Pro boasting a sizeable 33.5Wh battery and enhanced wireless transmission capabilities allowing video streaming up to 25 kilometers away, surpassing its predecessor. The Mini 5 Pro is anticipated to launch in September. Additionally, DJI is developing the Osmo Nano, a wearable modular display action camera, as well as other accessories like the Mic 3 and Osmo 360 camera, although release dates remain unspecified.
Starting in 2027, Disney Plus will be the exclusive streaming platform for CoComelon outside of YouTube, as reported by Bloomberg. All eight seasons of the popular children's show will move from Netflix, where it has been available since 2020. CoComelon, known for its simple, CG-animated nursery rhyme vignettes, was the second most-streamed show on Netflix in 2023 with 601 million views. However, its viewership has declined by nearly 60% over the past few years, dropping from the fifth to outside the top 10 most-watched shows last year. Disney is expected to pay tens of millions annually for the rights, coinciding with the release of the first CoComelon movie in theaters in 2027.