DJI will pay $30K to the man who accidentally hacked 7,000 Romo robovacs
On Valentine's Day, I brought you a story that's since made headlines all around the world: How one man, just trying to steer his DJI robot vacuum with a PlayStation gamepad, discovered an entire network of 7,000 remote-control DJI robots ready to let him peek into other people's homes.
To be clear, DJI had already begun addressing some of the related vulnerabilities before the man, Sammy Azdoufal, showed The Verge just how much he could access. But it wasn't clear whether DJI would pay him for his discovery, particularly after how it treated security researcher Kevin Finisterre back in 2017 - or how soon DJI might fully patch the additiona …
Valve says it still plans to ship the Steam Machine in 2026
A blog post from Valve on Friday initially seemed to throw cold water on the idea that the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller would arrive in 2026 at all. But Valve tells The Verge it did not mean to suggest that - and that all three pieces of hardware will indeed ship this year, despite challenges from the ongoing memory shortage.
Earlier today, Valve wrote that "we hope to ship in 2026," which sounded like a downgrade from Valve's earlier promises. As recently as last month, the company explicitly said it had not changed its plans to ship all three new hardware products "in the first half of the year," even though that its …
Grammarly is using our identities without permission
Grammarly's "expert review" feature offers to give users writing advice "inspired by" subject matter experts, including recently deceased professors, as Wired reported on Wednesday. When I tried the feature out myself, I found some experts that came as a surprise for a different reason - one of them was my boss.
The AI-generated feedback included comments that appeared to be from The Verge's editor-in-chief, Nilay Patel, as well as editor-at-large David Pierce and senior editors Sean Hollister and Tom Warren, none of whom gave Grammarly permission to include them in the "expert reviews."
The feature, which launched in August, claims to h …
The best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 is the cheapest one you can find
Unlike the original Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for storing and playing games. While physically identical to microSD cards (aside from a small, easy-to-miss “EX” emblem etched onto the front of the card, as highlighted in the main image above), microSD Express cards are significantly faster. They advertise a 4.4x increase in transfer speeds over regular microSD cards.
That speed boost is necessary for loading Switch 2 games that have more detailed textures and larger worlds than those that are possible on the original Switch. You may not need to buy one immediately, however, unless you foresee quickly using up the Switch 2’s built-in 256GB SSD.
If you do want a microSD Express card, there are many options available. Yet, all of them boast the same speed and performance. I suggest getting the most affordable microSD Express card you can find and buying it from a brand you trust, just in case anything goes wrong with it while the warranty is still valid.
While microSD Express cards were initially very expensive — costing nearly $200 for 1TB of extra storage — prices have come down a bit for certain storage amounts. What’s more, deals occasionally drop the price of the 256GB and 512GB models below the price of some games ($35 for 256GB and $75 for 512GB are among the lowest prices we’ve seen on Amazon). The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB in size, although 1TB is the largest capacity available, with some cards selling for up to $200 a pop. Walmart’s Onn model is a beacon of light even when there are no deals, as the regular cost for its 512GB model is around $84.
If you’re in the market for one of these storage expansion cards, we’ve listed the available options below.
Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB)
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PNY microSD Express card
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Sandisk microSD Express card
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GameStop microSD Express card
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Lexar microSD Express card
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Update, March 6th: Updated pricing and availability.
The Trump administration says it can’t process tariff refunds because of computer problems
The US Customs and Border Protection says it currently can't comply with an order to process billions of dollars in refunds stemming from tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. In a filing on Friday, CBP executive director Brandon Lord says the agency's digital import processing system is "not well suited to a task of this scale," as reported earlier by CNBC.
The CBP's admission comes after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) last month. This week, the International Trade Court ruled that importers impacted by the tariffs are entitled to refunds with i …
Nintendo is suing the US government for a refund of Trump’s illegal tariffs
Nintendo of America is suing the US government over President Trump's tariffs and is demanding a "prompt refund, with interest" of any duties that it has paid, according to a complaint filed in the US Court of International Trade, as reported previously by Aftermath.
The Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy "reciprocal" tariffs was illegal, without specifying how any refunds might work.
Nintendo announced launch details for the Switch 2, including a planned preorder date of April 9th, on the same day Trump announced plans to implement broad tariffs on imports f …
The best deals on MacBooks right now
It’s 2026, and that means Apple sells MacBooks equipped with not just its capable M-series processors but A-series chips that were previously exclusive to the iPhone. With the MacBook Neo starting at $599, the company now offers a wider range of options with more sizes and price points than ever before, all of which run the company’s newest operating system, macOS 26.
Purchasing a new MacBook is easy if all you want is an affordable laptop. But if you have more specific needs and use cases that require a lot of power, or if you want to connect multiple 6K displays, it gets more complicated. That said, finding a deal on a relatively speedy model is surprisingly easy if you know where to look.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see various MacBooks discounted by up to $800, although the quality of deals fluctuates frequently. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. It’s also the only option to find certain configurations of older models as Apple continues to launch newer versions. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty and generally discounts new units by up to 20 percent.
But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
The best MacBook Neo deals
Apple recently announced the MacBook Neo, a 13-inch laptop that aims to take on premium Chromebooks and midrange Windows laptops. Its design is somewhat similar to other MacBook models, but there are a handful of differences, ranging from the placement of the headphone jack and speakers to the thickness of the screen’s bezel (there’s also no keyboard backlighting). The most notable difference, however, is what powers it: the Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chipset, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro. It also comes with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, although it’s capped at 8GB of RAM.
Believe it or not, there’s already a deal happening on Apple’s forthcoming budget laptop. It’s a small one, but if you buy the 256GB ($599) or 512GB version ($699) ahead of its release on March 11th, Best Buy will throw in a $25 e-gift card with your purchase.
MacBook Neo (with $25 e-gift card)
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The best MacBook Air deals
M5 MacBook Air
Earlier this month, Apple released an updated MacBook Air, which is available in 13- and 15-inch configurations with an M5 processor. In almost every way, there’s nothing new here, except for the starting price and base storage capacity. The most affordable option retails for $1,099 — $100 more than the cheapest M4 model — but it offers twice as much storage at 512GB. Not just that, Apple says its SSD is faster than the last-gen model (the company claims its read / write speeds are twice as fast). It also features support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 7, which are spec improvements that may or may not matter to you, or result in noticeable improvements compared to the previous model.
Ahead of the laptop’s release on March 11th, Best Buy is offering a $50 gift card when you buy the M5 MacBook Air, though the laptops are also available from other retailers. The 13-inch model with an M5 processor (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is $1,099 at Best Buy, while the 15-inch version that’s similar except for offering a 10-core GPU, a larger battery, and a slightly higher-res screen due to the size increase (but with the same 224 pixels per inch clarity) starts at $1,299 from Best Buy.
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M5, 2026)
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Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M5, 2026)
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M4 MacBook Air
Last year’s 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs have both previously received sizable discounts, and this might be your last chance to get them before Apple phases out the last-gen M4 model in favor of its newer version. Thankfully, you can currently pick up the 13-inch base model with a 10-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage on sale at Amazon starting at $899 ($100 off), which is $100 more than its all-time low.
If you prefer the larger 15-inch model, the entry-level configuration with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is on sale starting at $999 ($200 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo, which is among the best-ever prices we’ve seen for this model.
13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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The best MacBook Pro deals
M5 MacBook Pro
Apple’s latest revision of the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro has the M5 processor. The generational leap will be felt most by those who have an older MacBook Pro, not those upgrading from the M4, unless you use specific AI apps that tap into the chip’s new Neural Accelerators. As for other design changes and upgrades to the inside and outside of this MacBook Pro, there really aren’t any major ones to note; in fact, it’s so similar to the M4 model that our reviewer Antonio Di Benedetto had to write “M5” on a sticky note just to be able to tell them apart. That being said, it’s still an amazing laptop, one that’s just now starting to get minor discounts.
The 14.2-inch base model with the M5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is down to $1,449 ($150 off) at Amazon, which is $100 shy of its best price to date. It’s worth picking over the M4 MacBook Pro, especially since that model is tough to find in stock and, more importantly, currently costs more than the newer, better version.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025)
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M5 Pro / Max MacBook Pro
Apple’s recent announce-a-thon included the debut of M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of its MacBook Pro lineup, giving content creators new machines to lust over. Like the other laptops introduced for 2026 (except the Neo), not much has changed on the outside compared to the last-gen version. However, prices for each configuration have gone up; the M5 Pro model starts at $200 higher than the M4 Pro, while the M5 Max is $400 more than the starting M4 Max model. Similarly, they’re available in 14- and 16-inch configurations, and each starts with 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, with plenty of upgrade paths for those with deep pockets.
There currently aren’t any discounts available on the new M5 Pro / Max models, but you can get a $100 gift card when you preorder either the 14-inch or 16-inch M5 Pro or M5 Max models at Best Buy.
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max, 2026)
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M4 Pro MacBook Pro
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips launched with a big increase in RAM over the previous generation, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View, as well as the optional nano-texture display option.
As of right now, the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro is the only model receiving significant discounts. For example, the 14-inch M4 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $1,799 ($200 off). It’s a solid discount, especially considering that Apple’s most affordable M5 Pro model currently costs $400 more.
The base 16-inch MacBook Pro, meanwhile, is available with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage starting at $2,239 ($260 off) at Amazon, which isn’t great compared to previous deals.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
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The best Mac Mini deals
The newest Mac Minis in town are the M4-based models, which arrived in 2024. Apple reduced the desktop’s horizontal footprint and paired it with its M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and brings it in line with other base-model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.
M4 Mac Mini
Deals on the newest Mac Mini are a bit easier to come by now than they were at launch. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. The M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.
In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port.
In the past, we’ve seen the base Mac Mini drop to as low as $469, but right now, the sales aren’t particularly noteworthy. It’s on sale at B&H Photo with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $549 ($50 off). If you need more storage, you can step up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $748 ($51 off) at Amazon. No deals are currently available for the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports and faster storage, and starts at $1,399.
Apple Mac Mini (M4)
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Update, March 6th: Updated to reflect current prices / availability and add several new laptops, including the MacBook Neo, the M5 iteration of the MacBook Air, and the M5 Pro / Max MacBook Pro models.
The AI Doc is an overwrought hype piece for doomers and accelerationists alike
We are in the thick of a massive push to incorporate generative AI into almost every aspect of our lives, but it is still easy to be confused about what it is and how it works. It doesn't help that many of gen AI's proponents and detractors both speak about it with a feverish hyperbole that comes across like fantastical ad copy. And the rate at which AI firms release new iterations of their products can make it hard to keep track of what's going on in the industry as a whole.
In The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, codirectors Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell attempt to make sense of this moment in gen AI's rise to prominence The f …
You can already save up to $50 on the new M4 iPad Air
In case you missed it, Apple announced a host of new devices this week, including both a new phone and a cheaper laptop. It also unveiled the M4-powered iPad Air, which is already receiving a preorder discount ahead of its March 11th debut. Right now, the 128GB / Wi-Fi model is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart starting at $559 ($40 off), while the LTE config is selling for $709 ($40 off) at Best Buy.
If you want more storage space, Amazon and Walmart are also both selling the 11-inch model with 256GB and Wi-Fi for $649 ($50 off). The larger 13-inch variant, meanwhile, can be found at the same retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, in its base configuration with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $749 ($50 off).
11-inch iPad Air M4
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13-inch iPad Air M4
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Admittedly, the new iPad Airs aren’t drastically different from their predecessors, but they do stand out due to their performance gains. They now run on Apple’s M4 chip, which Apple says makes them up to 30 percent faster (and over twice as fast as the M1 Air from 2020). The new models also offer 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB, which should help with multitasking and more demanding apps.
In addition, both sizes feature Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster connectivity. Said chip also allows for Thread support, meaning it should be easier to connect and control compatible smart home devices from your tablet.
Other than that, though, the new iPad Airs should look familiar. Both support Apple Intelligence, like the 2025 models, along with windowed multitasking and other features unique to iPadOS 26. Battery life looks to be about the same on paper, too, and they’re compatible with the same host of accessories, including the Apple Pencil USB-C, the Apple Pencil Pro, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
A few more gadget deals
- You can grab Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller at Amazon in white or black for around $43 ($22 off), which is $5 shy of the all-time low we saw in December. The comfortable gamepad is the one we recommend for most Xbox gamers given its tight sticks and triggers, along with its dish-shaped D-pad, which offers a satisfying clickiness. It runs on AA batteries, too, which adds a level of flexibility since you can swap in rechargeable AAs or a battery pack; it also works as a wired controller over USB-C.
- Now through March 8th, Verge readers can pick up Garmin’s 42mm Forerunner 265 at Wellbots for $339 ($111 off) with code THEVERGE110. The terrific wearable features dual-frequency GPS and impressive battery life for an OLED watch, allowing you to eke out up to two weeks on a single charge. It’s also great for runners and offers a wide range of training metrics, from form-related data like stride length to a Race Predictor feature, which estimates how long you might take to finish a marathon or 5K based on your training history.
- Anker’s Soundcore AeroFit 2 are available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Soundcore (with code WS7DV2TVUB9E) for around $79.98 ($50 off), which is $10 more than their best price to date. The open-ear headphones make it easy to stay aware of your surroundings, and come with four adjustable ear hooks to help them stay securely in place. They also offer an IP55 rating for water resistance, wireless charging, and up to 10 hours of battery life. What’s really neat, though, is that they support AI-powered translation, allowing you to translate over 100 languages in real-time.
The Trump phone was a no-show at the world’s biggest mobile show
Where's the Trump phone? We're going to keep talking about it every week. We've reached out, as usual, to ask about the Trump phone's whereabouts. This time, we tried, and failed, to find it at the world's biggest mobile trade show.
This week Barcelona was taken over by the tech industry as Mobile World Congress descended on the Spanish city. The world's biggest mobile show, MWC featured product launches from Xiaomi and Honor, colossal booths from Samsung and Motorola, and appearances from major carriers including T-Mobile and AT&T. You know who was missing? Trump Mobile.
After the Trump-themed network missed its chance to appear at CES, t …