Demis Hassabis said this might be the ‘foothills of the singularity.’ What?
Welcome to a "profound moment for humanity," according to Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, who closed out Google I/O's keynote presentation on Tuesday, saying:
Google's cutting-edge research and products will help unlock AGI's incredible potential for the benefit of the entire world. When we look back at this time, I think we will realize that we were standing in the foothills of the singularity.
It will be a profound moment for humanity. This technology will be a force multiplier for human ingenuity and usher in a new golden age of scientific discovery and progress, improving the lives of everyone, everywhere. We look forward to bu …
We react to Google I/O 2026
What better way to unwind from a two-hour-long keynote presentation than to pour over the weirdest and wildest details, from a Gmail bot you can converse with to DeepMind's leader saying the singularity is near. The Vergecast went live right after the show, with Senior AI Reporter Hayden Field joining me to discuss the highlights.
First up, we talk about the buzzword of the show: agents, which seem to be Google's new answer to making AI useful. Google has a new service called Spark that sounds a lot like a Gemini-flavored OpenClaw, upgrades to its Antigravity platform, and a bunch of agents that will shop for you and track search topics. We …
The future of Google is a search box that does everything
Last year, after watching Google's I/O keynote, I wrote that it felt like Google's future was Google googling. After watching this year's I/O keynote on Tuesday, I don't think Google just wants to google for you - I think it wants to do everything for you, all from a search box.
Take the trusty Google search bar itself, something Google is generally hesitant to update, which is getting some updates. It will "dynamically" expand as you type longer queries. It will offer "AI-powered suggestions" that Google claims will "go beyond autocomplete," which could cause you to fill in the blanks of a search in a way you didn't intend but may or may n …
Nintendo’s $500 Switch 2 bundle includes a game, and it’s available now
Nintendo recently teased the “Choose Your Game” Switch 2 console and digital game bundle, coming in early June. However, multiple retailers (including Nintendo itself) are already offering the $499.99 bundle. The list currently includes GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy, and the Nintendo Store. It’s a deal worth hopping on ahead of the holiday season, since Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 to $499.99 in September.
While the Switch 2 console currently costs $449.99 by itself, the bundle includes a full-price game with up to a $30 discount. You can choose between one of three digital games to redeem upon setup: Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, and Mario Kart World. Each of those are regularly $69.99 except for World, which retails for $79.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 “Choose Your Game” bundle
Choose between Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and Pokémon Pokopia.
Where to Buy:
None of the games offered as part of the bundle will take up much of the Switch 2’s 256GB internal SSD. Mario Kart World takes up the most space of the three, requiring 22GB. However, you may eventually own enough games to exceed its capacity, so we recommend considering a 256GB Samsung microSD Express card to double your available storage. There’s currently a deal on those happening at Amazon, where you can buy one for $47.99 (originally $79.99).
To redeem your game, enter the eShop from the Switch 2’s home screen. Then select “enter code” on the left side of the page. You’ll then enter the 16-character code provided in your bundle, then make your game selection.
Google’s AI future demands trust — and your personal data
Google has big promises for its AI-powered future - and a lot of it depends on your trust. At I/O 2026, Google described a bunch of new tools that it claims will make your life easier. Gemini Spark, Google's always-on AI agent, can help organize an upcoming event, while Daily Brief can offer a rundown of what to expect during your day. Google is even expanding access to Gmail's AI inbox, which can generate custom to-do lists and draft personalized replies based on your emails.
Many of these features seem genuinely useful, but at the heart of each of them is an AI engine that runs on a trove of personal information. While other AI companies, …
Here are our favorite Memorial Day deals (so far)
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and the holiday’s sales include plenty of deals on gadgets that can help you make the most of the season. If your plans involve beach days, pool parties, or backyard barbecues, now’s a great time to pick up a portable Bluetooth speaker, as many of our favorite models are currently on sale. You’ll also find worthwhile TV deals, along with discounts on smart thermostats to help keep your home cool and your energy costs low. And, if you’re planning on heading out of town, there are deals on noise-canceling headphones, portable chargers, and other travel-friendly gadgets.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best Memorial Day deals currently available. To give you more options as you shop, we’ve included good deals from a range of retailers, including ones that aren’t running their own Memorial Day sales.
Earbuds and headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
The second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have dynamic, rich sound and the best noise cancellation currently available in a pair of true wireless earbuds. They’re a terrific pick if you want to listen to your music in peace. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are on sale for $149.99 ($100 off) at Best Buy, which matches their all-time low price. The wireless earbuds are our top pick for Samsung Galaxy phone device owners, thanks to their comfortable AirPods-inspired design, terrific sound quality, and good noise cancellation. They also offer helpful voice controls that let you adjust volume or playback without a wake word, while delivering excellent voice call quality. Read our review.
Nothing Ear (a)
Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds have the same general design as the company’s previous earbuds — but you can get these in a snazzy yellow. They include ANC, more than decent sound quality, and other features like multipoint for just under $100. Read our impressions.
Where to Buy:
- Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds are down to $199.99 ($100 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is $20 shy of their best price to date. If sound quality matters most, they’re an easy recommendation, delivering rich, detailed audio with EQ customization to fine-tune the listening experience. Optional wing tips are included to help keep them secure and comfortable. Read our review.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (first-gen)
The older QC Ultra were a replacement for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 with a more travel-friendly design, spatial audio, and better call quality. Thankfully, they still offer excellent comfort and some of the best noise cancellation available. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Sony WH-1000XM5
Despite being a last-gen model, these headphones still offer impressive sound quality and top-notch noise cancellation. They’re comfortable to wear for hours, can last up to 40 hours on a charge, and support extras like audio sharing and Gemini Live. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon and Best Buy are selling the last-gen AirPods Max (USB-C) for $449 ($100 off), which is $50 shy of their all-time low. Apple’s luxe over-ear headphones offer a premium design and work especially well with other Apple devices. They still deliver great sound quality and effective noise cancellation, even if the newer model has a slight edge. Read our review.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The OpenRun Pro 2 are Shokz’s best bone conduction headphones yet, with better sound and more bass than their predecessor. Our reviewer Victoria Song praised their cozy fit as well as their USB-C charging (goodbye, proprietary charger!). Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Speakers
Sonos Move 2
With double the battery life of its predecessor and better-sounding stereo audio, the Sonos Move 2’s improvements don’t stop there. It supports line-in audio, can stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers, and more. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- JBL’s Flip 7 speaker is on sale for $99.95 ($50 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which matches its best price to date. The portable Bluetooth speaker builds on the Flip 6 with more durable IP68 dust and water resistance and improved sound that can reach higher volumes without sounding harsh. JBL’s new PushLock system also lets you easily swap in accessories, like the included wrist strap.
- Bose’s SoundLink Plus is down to $209 ($50 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Bose, which is its second-best price this year and $30 shy of its all-time low. In his review, The Verge’s John Higgins called it a “great beach speaker,” as it offers impressively loud sound for its size, up to 20 hours of battery life, and a durable IP67-rated design that can handle pool days. Read our review.
JBL Charge 6
The Charge 6 is a robust, IP68-rated portable speaker with up to 28 hours of battery life and support for lossless audio over USB-C. Like the JBL Flip 7, it can also analyze your audio to deliver clearer, louder sound and reduce distortion at higher volumes.
Where to Buy:
- Bose’s SoundLink Micro is on sale for $99 ($30 off) at Amazon and Best Buy , matching its all-time low price. It’s a good pick if you want something more portable than the larger SoundLink Plus. It won’t deliver the same room-filling sound, but it’s pocket-friendly, features a rugged IP67 design, and offers up to 12 hours of battery life, making it easier to take on the go.
- The portable Beats Pill speaker is on sale for $99.99 ($50 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The pill-shaped speaker improves on its predecessor with up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, while adding two-way USB-C charging and lossless audio support. It also introduces an IP67-rated design and native Find My support on both Android and iOS if it goes missing. Read our review.
TVs and streaming devices
LG B5 OLED TV
LG’s B5 TV is a great way to get OLED picture quality for less. It features support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, along with a 120Hz panel and four HDMI 2.1 ports for hooking up the latest gaming consoles. It also runs LG’s webOS platform, supports Amazon Alexa, and provides easy access to a wide range of popular streaming apps.
Where to Buy:
LG C5 OLED TV
LG’s C5 features a 120Hz panel, along with four HDMI 2.1 ports and support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. The gamer-friendly TV also packs all the hallmarks of a modern OLED, including deep black levels and sublime contrast.
Where to Buy:
- Multiple configurations of Sony’s Bravia 8 II TV are on sale, with the 65-inch on sale for $2,598 at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sony — its second-best price so far this year. Crowned the “king of TV” in Value Electronics’ 2025 shootout, the exceptionally bright OLED TV boasts excellent color accuracy and a snappy 120Hz refresh rate. It also runs on Google TV and supports both Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. Read our review.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K features support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos / Vision, and HDR10 Plus. It also runs on Fire TV’s updated OS, which offers personalized recommendations, quicker access to favorite apps, and Alexa Plus support.
Where to Buy:
- If you want a little more speed and storage than Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers, its 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is $5 shy of its all-time low. It, too, runs on the new and improved Fire TV OS and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and Dolby Atmos. However, it adds faster performance, double the storage (16GB), and Wi-Fi 6E support. It also comes with a more capable remote, the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, which adds a button for live TV channel listings. Read our review.
Hisense CanvasTV
The last-gen 4K TV features an anti-glare matte screen that makes the artwork it displays while idle look like an actual painting. The S7N also has a QLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and four HDMI ports, while offering access to more than 1,000 free art pieces.
Where to Buy:
- The latest Amazon Fire TV Cube is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $109.99 ($30 off), which is its second-best price of the year but $30 more than its all-time low. Amazon’s latest Fire TV Cube combines a 4K streaming box with an Echo speaker, letting you play music, stream content in Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, and control your TV and other smart home devices with hands-free Alexa voice commands. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster, more reliable connectivity.
Samsung S95F
Samsung S95F is a premium 4K OLED TV with a little something for everyone. Its glare-resistant screen makes it a good choice for rooms with a lot of light. Gamers will appreciate the TV’s 120Hz refresh rate, four HDMI ports, and support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync technologies, which reduce graphical abnormalities like screen tearing or blurriness when playing fast-paced games.
In a TV Shootout whose judges included The Verge’s Nilay Patel, the TV’s HDR performance was second only to Sony’s Bravia 8 II. The S95F also has Amazon Alexa built in, so it can be integrated easily into a home with Echo speakers and similarly-compatible smart home accessories.
In a TV Shootout whose judges included The Verge’s Nilay Patel, the TV’s HDR performance was second only to Sony’s Bravia 8 II. The S95F also has Amazon Alexa built in, so it can be integrated easily into a home with Echo speakers and similarly-compatible smart home accessories.
Where to Buy:
Smart home
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (second-gen)
Ring’s latest Battery Doorbell Plus offers sharper 2K video and improved 6x zoom over the previous model, while retaining a head-to-toe view, night vision, motion alerts, and two-way talk. Optional AI-powered features, including activity summaries and facial recognition, are free for a month then cost $19.99 monthly afterward.
Where to Buy:
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro delivers high-quality video with adjustable, accurate radar-powered motion detection, 2,000 lumens of light, and a good digital zoom. It offers smart alerts for people or motion, and works with Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings.
Where to Buy:
- Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium is on sale for $229.99 ($30 off) at Amazon and directly from Ecobee, which is within $30 of its lowest price to date. The high-end smart thermostat can adjust temperatures based on where you are in your home, send alerts if your home gets too hot or cold while you’re away, and even track basic indoor air quality metrics like humidity, VOCs, and carbon dioxide. It also works well with Alexa, Siri, Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT, while doubling as a decent smart speaker. Read our review.
- If you don’t need all the features offered by Ecobee’s top-tier model, Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Enhanced is on sale for $169.99 ($30 off) at Amazon and directly from Ecobee, which is one of its better prices so far this year. It also adjusts temperatures based on whether anyone’s home and works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings. Compared to the Premium model, though, you can’t use it as a doorbell, and it lacks indoor air quality monitoring and built-in voice control.
- Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Essential is on sale for $119.99 ($20 off) at Amazon and directly from Ecobee, which is also one of its better prices in recent months. The company’s most affordable thermostat covers the basics, letting you control your home’s temperature, create schedules in the app, and use Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Assistant. It also sends intruder alerts, but unlike Ecobee’s pricier models, it can’t automatically adjust temperatures based on activity in your home.
Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni
The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni features an extendable mop that can clean itself, just like its predecessor. However, it also features Ecovacs’ Boosted Large-Airflow Suction Technology, which optimizes the airflow path from intake to exhaust, rather than relying solely on suction power.
Where to Buy:
- If you want something even more capable, Ecovacs’ new Deebot X12 OmniCyclone is on sale for $1,249 ($250 off) at Amazon and directly from Ecovacs, matching its best price. The flagship is a more powerful with 22,000Pa suction, while offering a wider 10.6-inch roller mop that continuously rinses itself. It uses cameras and AI to detect dried stains, then sprays water and cleaning solution to help loosen stubborn messes before scrubbing them away.
Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera
This is a great wired doorbell camera, and the only one that can use an Ecobee thermostat as a video intercom, making it a no-brainer for Ecobee households, as long as you can hook it to your doorbell wiring.
Where to Buy:
Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 1500/H
The high-end robot mower uses 360-degree lidar navigation and dual-camera AI vision to map your yard. Its all-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension also let it tackle steep slopes up to 80 percent, while you can also set up to 15 mowing zones and no-go areas for areas like pools.
Where to Buy:
- The Mill Food Recycler is on sale for $874 when you buy it directly from Mill, which isn’t quite its best price to date but still a nice discount on the clever kitchen appliance. Designed to help reduce food waste, the trash can transforms things like fruit peels, leftovers, and other scraps into a dry, compost-like material overnight, helping cut down on odors and the amount of trash your household produces. Read our review.
Eve Energy Smart Plug
Not only does this smart plug offer the most detailed energy monitoring of any we have ever tested but it also works with Matter-over-Thread and is an especially good choice for Apple Home users.
Where to Buy:
Gaming
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is an original open-world adventure set in the vast universe of the iconic film series. It stars Kay Vess, a protagonist looking to steal from criminal overlords to gain her freedom. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- You can buy the physical version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows at Best Buy for $34.99 ($15 off) and Target. The open-world game follows a shinobi assassin and a powerful samurai caught in the midst of political unrest in feudal Japan. Its stealth mechanics are intuitive, and there’s a satisfying amount of action, too. Read our review.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller features a dedicated button for saving clips and screenshots, as well as sharing them online. It also offers Bluetooth support and a USB-C port for charging Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.
Where to Buy:
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 is an amusing looter-shooter that supports solo play or up to four-player co-op. Players take on the role of one of four Vault Hunters searching for mythical vaults while trying to take on the planet’s immoral dictator. It’s full of great characters and has the mindlessly fun vibe of a dumb action movie. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Laptops and tablets
iPad (2025)
Apple’s entry-level iPad is an excellent tablet for casual use, even if it is getting a little long in the tooth. Its high-res screen is great for watching video, and its A16 processor is still fast enough to handle light games and productivity apps. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The latest 11-inch iPad Pro with 256GB of storage is down to $899 ($100 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is $100 shy of its all-time low. If you prefer a bigger screen, the 13-inch Wi-Fi model with 256GB of storage is also on sale for at Amazon and Best Buy for around $1,195 ($105 off). Apple’s newest iPad Pro is its fastest tablet yet, packing the M5 chip along with faster storage speeds, quicker charging, and a new N1 chip that handles wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. Read our review.
15-inch MacBook Air (M5)
Powered by Apple’s new M5 chip, the latest MacBook Airs are more powerful than prior models and offer double the base storage (512GB). They also support faster wireless standards, specifically Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Chargers and power banks
Anker Laptop Power Bank
Anker’s 25,000mAh power bank sports two built-in USB-C cables (one of which is retractable), plus one USB-C and USB-A port. It tops out at 165W when charging two devices simultaneously, or 130W when charging three or four.
Where to Buy:
- If you need a reliable power bank, Anker’s Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is on sale for $39.99 ($10 off) at Amazon, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The small battery pack can wirelessly charge iPhones at up to 7.5W, while the built-in USB-C cable delivers up to 30W fast charging for devices. It also doubles as an adjustable stand, making it handy for watching videos or keeping an eye on notifications while charging.
Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display, 180° Foldable)
Anker’s latest single-port USB-C charger offers up to 45W of power, foldable prongs, and a front-facing “smart display” that lets you see the charge level, power flow, and other useful information at a glance.
Where to Buy:
- Satechi’s 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 25W is on sale for $116.99 ($13 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Satechi, which is a new low price. The adjustable, foldable stand can wirelessly deliver up to 25W to compatible iPhones while simultaneously fast charging an Apple Watch and topping up your AirPods, but it also works with a range of Qi, Qi2, and Qi2.2-compatible Android phones and wireless earbuds. Satechi also includes a 45W USB-C adapter along with three international adapters, making it a useful travel companion.
Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is small but mighty, delivering 500W of power in a package that features seven output ports and weighs just 13 pounds.
Where to Buy:
- Goal Zero is taking 25 percent off a range of portable power stations, including the Yeti 700, which is currently $524.89 ($175 off). The portable power station can power up to nine devices at once through its AC, USB-C, USB-A, and 12V ports. Compared to the smaller Yeti 300 (on sale for $262.89) and Yeti 500 (on sale for $374.89), the higher-end model offers greater battery capacity and power output, making it a better fit for simultaneously running multiple laptops, phones, lights — or even small appliances.
Miscellaneous
Dyson PencilWash
Dyson’s super-slim PencilWash is designed to scrub away spills and stains on hard floors, using a microfiber wet roller and pressurized hydration system to clean tile, laminate, and sealed wood while extracting dirty water as it goes. Its nearly flat design makes it easy to reach under furniture, and it comes with a charging dock.
Where to Buy:
- The newer Ray-Ban Meta 2 smart glasses are also on sale for around $319 ($60 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Meta, which marks a new low price. They’re a minor upgrade over the last-gen model, with the biggest improvements being battery life and camera quality. The newer pair can last up to eight hours on a charge, which is double that of the original model, while the camera can capture sharper 3K video at 30fps. Read our review.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) smart glasses
Developed in partnership with Ray-Ban, Meta’s last-gen smart glasses can perform a range of tasks. They can capture 1080p video and play music, and thanks to a suite of AI-based features, you can even use them to translate from a myriad of languages in real time. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The Insta360 Link 2 Pro is down to $229.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Insta360. The premium 4K webcam uses a large 1/1.3-inch sensor for sharper image quality and better low-light performance than its predecessor, though its resolution still maxes out at 4K/30fps or 1080p at up to 60fps. It features a two-axis gimbal and dual microphones with AI noise cancellation, while retaining features like AI tracking to help keep you centered if you move around.
Insta360 X5
The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360-degree camera that offers a larger sensor and new image processing. It can capture 4K footage at up to 120fps or 8K footage at up to 30fps, producing sharp video with rich colors. It also features more durable lenses than prior models, which you can swap out if they get damaged. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is on sale for $499.99 ($150 off) from Best Buy and Dyson. The dryer can automatically adjust heat, airflow, and timing according to your styling preferences, with the app letting you set up a profile based on factors like your hair type, length, and skill level. From there, it can guide you through a more customized curling routine. Dyson also includes three attachments, including a conical barrel, a diffuser designed for waves and curls, and a blade concentrator.
BioLite Site Lights
BioLite’s ultra-versatile Site Light kit comes with six weatherproof bulbs, which can illuminate up to 1,000 square feet when hung or properly staked. You don’t need to bring a charger, either, as the included carrying case doubles as a solar charger for the lights.
Where to Buy:
- The Amazfit Active 2 is on sale for $89.99 ($10 off) at Best Buy, which is $10 shy of its lowest price to date. It’s a surprisingly capable budget fitness tracker, with features like continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, offline navigation, and battery life that can lasts up to nine days. Read our review.
BioLite FirePit Plus
BioLite’s portable FirePit Plus cuts back on unwanted smoke, functions either as a charcoal or wood-fueled grill, and fans the flames via a large battery pack and built-in fan.
Where to Buy:
Democrats preview how they’d go after the Ticketmaster settlement if they regain power
A handful of Democrats called an unofficial hearing on Capitol Hill Monday to slam the Department of Justice's "trivial" and "pathetic" settlement with Live Nation-Ticketmaster, previewing how they might go after Trump administration antitrust deals if they win back congressional power in November.
While the DOJ settlement with Live Nation, which came one week into trial and with a promise of up to $280 million, received copious pushback, Democrats don't at the moment have the power in either chamber to set committee agendas. That meant that Monday's so-called shadow hearing looked different than most official proceedings. Instead of sitti …
Ugreen’s new soccer ball-shaped tracker has up to 7 years of battery life
Ugreen has announced a new Apple Find My-compatible tracker with a novel design that limits where you can hide it, but greatly benefits battery life. Inspired by "major football tournaments" the company doesn't call out by name, the Ugreen FineTrack 2 is shaped like a soccer ball and is designed to be used hanging off your keys or bags. It's much larger than an Apple AirTag or credit card-sized trackers, but still small enough to bury in a suitcase or stick in your car's glove compartment.
The waterproof FineTrack 2 is available now for $19.99 and comes with a 600mAh CR2450 battery good for around five to seven years of use with Apple's Fin …
Kickstarter just killed its new mature content rules
Last week, we noted Kickstarter's new content guidelines, which had some pretty weird new additions, including a prohibition on "sexual wellness products that are not designed for insertion or penetration and are not marketed primarily for sexual gratification." Those rules have now been eliminated and the company has restored an earlier version of its guidelines.
In an apology letter issued today from COO Sean Leow, Kickstarter confirmed that the new rules were influenced by the payment processor Stripe:
The updates to the rules were primarily driven by requirements from our payments processor, Stripe. Stripe operates under its own legal …
Gemini will use Volvo’s external cameras to interpret parking signs
Gemini is gaining the power of sight and mobility. Today at the I/O conference, Google and Volvo announced that the AI-powered assistant will be able to access external cameras in the upcoming EX60 SUV to help explain and interpret its surroundings to vehicle owners. The upgrade is possible thanks to Volvo's use of Google's embedded Android Automotive as its vehicle operating system.
Google posits that the first use case will be to ask Gemini to translate difficult-to-understand parking signs, though the company obviously sees other future applications as possible as well. Google envisions a camera-enabled Gemini recalling a road sign, inte …