Last night, I stayed up way too late playing through the Great Plateau section of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and I'm falling in love with the game all over again.
The opening moments of Breath of the Wild are iconic. The wide shot of Hyrule you see after leaving that first cave is breathtaking, showing you the world of possibilities ahead. Solving the puzzles on the Great Plateau requires some real creativity and experimentation, especially to survive the colder parts of the area. All of that magic is still there with the Switch 2 version of the game, which you can get as a $9.99 upgrade if you already own the Switch version or as a standalone $69.99 purchase, but it all plays better.
As far as I could tell, the frame rate stayed at a steady 60fps no matter where I went in my initial explorations, which makes the game feel much smoother and more responsive. That was nice for my skirmishes with the Great Plateau's Bokoblins; they're basic enemies, but I liked sparring with them at the faster frame rate all the same. The game also has a higher resolution on Switch 2, and while the graphics aren't improved too dramatically from the original …
Apple is planning some significant design changes across its core apps, including Phone, Camera, and Safari, that it will announce at WWDC next week, according to a report from Bloomberg. For its Phone app, Apple will reportedly add a new view that puts favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a “single, scrollable window.”
Bloomberg notes that this new view will be optional, and that users can switch back to the old layout using a toggle within the Phone app. The design tweaks are part of the broader, visionOS-inspired changes Apple is expected to make across its operating systems, which will reportedly now be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
In line with the “digital glass” elements that Bloomberg says Apple will incorporate across its operating systems, the outlet reports that Safari will get a “more transparent and glassy address bar.” The company is reportedly planning to simplify the Camera app as well, which YouTuber Jon Prosser hinted at earlier this year. As previously reported by 9to5Mac, Apple may also add support for polls in Messages, along with the ability to set background images that sync across devices — similar to WhatsApp.
Other changes mentioned by Bloomberg include expanding the Mac’s Preview app to iPadOS and iOS, allowing users to open and annotate PDFs on their mobile devices. Bloomberg shared more details about Apple’s rumored Games app, too, which could feature Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search tabs. Despite rumors that Apple is planning to change the shape of its app icons, Bloomberg reports that they will “largely” stay the same.
Based on recent predictions, WWDC is shaping up to have a focus on operating system-centered revamps, rather than major advancements in AI. Though Bloomberg notes that Apple will likely add AI-powered live translation of phone calls and texts, we will likely have to wait for a future event to see the company’s fully upgraded Siri.
Now in its third year, the Access-Ability Summer Showcase is back to redress the lack of meaningful accessibility information across the ongoing video game showcase season. As we see progress broadly slow down, it's also a timely reminder of the good work that's still happening in pursuit of greater accessibility in gaming.
"At a time where we are seeing a slowdown in accessibility adoption in the AAA games space," organizer Laura Kate Dale says, "we're showing that there are interesting accessible games being made, games with unique and interesting features, and that being accessible is something that can bring an additional audience to purchase and play your games."
The showcase is growing, too. In 2025, it's longer, more packed with games, and streamed concurrently on Twitch, Youtube (where it's also available on-demand), and on Steam's front page. That growth comes with its own challenges - mitigated this year by Many Cats Studio stepping in as sponsor - but the AA Summer Showcase provides an accessible platform in response to the eye-watering costs of showcasing elsewhere (it has previously been reported that presenting trailers across Summer Game Fest starts at $250,000), …
You can use many of 8BitDo’s wireless controllers with the Switch 2 following a simple firmware update. | Image: 8BitDo
8BitDo announced that eight of its flagship controllers are now compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 following a firmware update.
Although some companies had early access to the Switch 2’s specs to build accessories like cases and screen protectors, many had to wait until launch day to ensure their devices were compatible with the new console.
8BitDo has an extensive line of controllers that are already compatible with the original Switch, including an all-button arcade controller launching in July. The new firmware update is available for the following models:
Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller
Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller
Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
SN30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad
USB Wireless Adapter 2
USB Wireless Adapter
The company said more updates are coming soon.
8BitDo provides multiple tools for updating the firmware on its controllers. There’s an Upgrade app available for macOS and Windows PCs that downloads and installs new firmware when a controller is connected to the computer with a USB cable.
You can also use 8BitDo Ultimate Software for Windows, Android and iOS mobile devices, or the newer 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, which is only available for Windows and macOS. You can check which version of the Ultimate Software that your 8BitDo controller is compatible with on the company’s website.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5th, and with it, so did a bunch of games. Some are first-party Nintendo titles, though most are third-party offerings, including some notable ports of games we’ve been enjoying for a while on other gaming platforms. We bundled together all of the Switch 2 accessories in one, easy to browse article, so we’re doing the same for the launch games. In addition to prices, we’ll include install size, and whether the game is on the cartridge in full, or if it’s one of Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards (they’re cartridges that entitle you to a digital download, and that can be resold without issue).
OpenAI says it’s forced to store deleted ChatGPT conversations “indefinitely” due to a court order issued as part of The New York Times’ copyright lawsuit against it. In a post on Thursday, OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap says the company is appealing the court’s decision, which he calls an “overreach” that “abandons long-standing privacy norms and weakens privacy protections.”
Last month, a court ordered OpenAI to preserve “all output log data that would otherwise be deleted,” even if a user requests the deletion of a chat or if privacy laws require OpenAI to delete data. OpenAI’s policies state that when a user deletes a chat, it retains it for 30 days before permanently deleting it. The company must now put a pause on this policy until the court says otherwise.
OpenAI says the court order will impact free, Pro, Plus, and Team ChatGPT users. It won’t affect ChatGPT Enterprise or ChatGPT Edu customers, or businesses that have a zero data retention agreement. OpenAI adds that the data won’t be public, and “only a small, audited OpenAI legal and security team” will be able to access the stored information for legal purposes.
The Timessued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement in 2023, accusing the companies of “copying and using millions” of the newspaper’s articles to train their AI models. The publication argues that saving user data could help preserve evidence to support its case.
“We think this was an inappropriate request that sets a bad precedent,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a post on X. “We will fight any demand that compromises our users’ privacy; this is a core principle.” The New York Times declined to comment.
A big phone for people who don’t want to carry a big phone. | ⠀
Oh shit. Did I leave my phone at home?
I experienced that moment repeatedly while testing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. I'd glance into my bag, or note the lack of weight in my jacket pocket, and my stomach would drop. The phone isn't there. But lo and behold, after another moment of digging through my purse, or by reaching into my pocket, I'd find it. These moments don't usually happen when I'm carrying a big phone - but the Galaxy S25 Edge isn't your average big phone.
On paper it might not sound so impressive. The Edge is 1.5 millimeters thinner than the Galaxy S25 Plus and about an ounce lighter. That's what all this fuss is about? I was skeptical, too. And I haven't been completely slim-phone-pilled by the S25 Edge, either. But after living with it for a couple of weeks, I've come around to the idea as a pleasant alternative to chunky phones I can barely wedge into an evening bag. Especially since I've been able to draw one important conclusion: the battery life is fine.
It feels like a cop-out to say that you really have to hold the S25 Edge to understand it, but I'll say it anyway. Maybe after a decade holding phones that are roughly the same size and weight we've become …
When I first started using Signal, I would connect with friends using our phone numbers. Now, I use Signal to find people to interview for stories, which is why some of my social media posts and articles include a note telling folks how they can reach me on the app.
Needless to say, I'd rather not plaster my phone number all over the internet. So it's a relief that Signal lets you create a username in order to keep your phone number private. Other people can find you on the app using that username, and they won't be able to see your phone number. (By the way, if you're a current or former worker for a federal science agency and want to connect, you can reach me on Signal at bqe210.91.) Even if you're not a reporter, it can be easier to exchange a short username with someone rather than a phone number.
You can keep it mysterious and call yourself whatever you want
In Signal, you actually use two different names: a profile name and a username. As we've discussed, the username is what others search for on the app to find you. Once you start messaging each other, they'll see your profile name. If your username is very different from what people usually call you, you can take thi …
This year's developer conference is coming to a close, but most years the last one is the biggest one: Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, when the company announces its software plans for the year to come. This year feels different, though. Apple is reportedly planning a redesign that will touch all its operating systems, and a new naming scheme to tie them all more closely together. Is that enough for a company under this much pressure? Regulators are changing the way Apple's business works; developers continue to be frustrated with Apple's rules and machinations; competitors are leaving Apple's AI efforts behind. So what does Apple really need to show, and prove, at WWDC?
On this episode of The Vergecast, Nilay, David, and The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern talk through everything we're expecting at WWDC - and all the things we're not expecting. (Here's a good MacRumors rundown of it all.) We're likely to hear more about AI integrations, and more ways developers can access those integrations. We might hear a lot about Shortcuts. Will we see more multitasking options, both on the iPhone and iPad? Will your AirPods turn into remote camera shutters? Can AI fix your batter …
When you're preparing to move, you can find yourself faced with a lot of paper documents. Holiday cards, leases, letters, tax documents, notes, doodles - whatever - can really stack up over time. If your choices are only "keep" or "trash," it can be hard to let go, even if you choose one of the more responsible ways to get rid of your stuff. Digitization makes these decisions easier by adding a third option: create a virtual version for safekeeping and say goodbye to the physical paper.
These days, digitization only requires a smartphone or a tablet, but you'll want to optimize the process while reducing the risk of data loss.
Decide what to do with your papers
In my experience - and I've been digitizing boxes upon boxes of documents for the past six months - there are only a few types of records worth keeping on hand after creating a digital version. These are original government documents, legal agreements such as a will or a current lease, items that might lose their form or meaning when reduced to images on a screen, and anything you may want to display in your home.
Of course, there will be exceptions. Maybe you decide to toss every birthday card but keep the one your …
There is no better way to elevate your living room than by elevating that big TV from a stand and onto a wall. Wall-mounting a TV may seem daunting, but if your space allows it you can reclaim precious real estate on your entertainment center and help your living area feel more open and airy. It'll also have the benefit of keeping your precious TV out of reach from meddlesome children or rambunctious pets
All it takes are some basic tools, a bit of labor, and a buddy to help lift larger TVs. Here's all you need to prepare yourself.
Get ready
Pick a wall mount
TV wall mounts are a commodity item these days, so there are all kinds of similar looking models from all kinds of brands. Amazon is awash with options and even Amazon Basics sells some.
The first things you want to look for are what size of TV a mount is rated for, and how much weight it can hold. Check the tech specs of your exact TV model, and make sure you're well within the mount's range.
You should also double-check the VESA sizing of your TV, and ensure the wall mount is compatible. VESA mount sizes correspond to the distance between the bolt connector holes on the rear of your TV.
United Airlines is expanding its in-flight entertainment catalog with audiobooks and video podcasts, courtesy of Spotify. The partnership with Spotify provides passengers with free access to more than 450 hours of curated playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts, including Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Dave Chang Show, and The Comment Section with Drew Afualo.
This content is available now across more than 130,000 seat-based entertainment screens on United flights. Spotify says this is the first time it’s offered audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline, with the United partnership allowing passengers to access Spotify content without creating an account for the streaming service.
“Spotify has a huge audience and people love their content,” MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn said in the announcement. “And now our customers can enjoy it all in a simple and easy way, at 35,000 feet.
United says it’s working on adding the ability for passengers to sign into their own Spotify accounts on the in-flight entertainment screen via their personal device. The feature is expected to be available in 2026 and will allow users to pick up where they left off on playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts, and enjoy video content for the latter on a large screen without setting up a tablet or laptop.
Passengers on United’s Starlink-equipped planes can already browse and stream Spotify on their own devices, alongside other services like YouTube and Apple Music. The upgraded in-flight Wi-Fi was introduced in March and can be accessed for free by logging into a MileagePlus loyalty program account, with streaming supported gate-to-gate.
Some people reported an unwelcome surprise after picking up their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at GameStop: staples used to attach receipts to Switch 2 boxes ended up damaging the screens on the console, as reported by IGN. However, GameStop says this was an issue that was “isolated” to a single store and that it has already offered replacements.
When you open the box for the Switch 2, the tablet / screen part of the device is just under the top flap of the packaging. The tablet’s proximity to the top of the box possibly explains how staples could get through and poke holes in the screen — especially if the person using the stapler gave it a solid push.
Reports started trickling in overnight as people got their preorders. In this post on X, for example, you can see photos of two dots on the box, a bag, and the screen.
To IGN, a GameStop spokesperson said that it was “investigating the matter” and promised to “make customers whole.” And on Thursday, one Reddit user affected by the problem said that they spoke with a GameStop manager who said they would be able to exchange their damaged unit.
“We’ve addressed a unique case of staples damaging Switch 2 screens – isolated to one store,” GameStop says in a post on X. “Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated.”
For the past couple of years, the virtual FediForum conference has offered a glimpse at what’s new in the open social web, with last year’s big news being Threads’ foray into the fediverse. This year’s presentation was no different, with several developers showing off new apps that will help to expand the ecosystem of decentralized social networks.
Bonfire Social, one of the new apps, is meant to serve as a framework for creating digital communities, each with their own governance and style.
During FediForum, Bonfire announced that they’re releasing Bonfire Social 1.0 as the first “flavor” of the platform. Bonfire Social comes with a “a pre-configured bundle of Bonfire extensions that defines which features are included,” like custom feeds, profiles, and threaded discussions, along with the ability to share posts and follow other users.
The makers of Bonfire are working on other “flavors” of the platform, including Bonfire Community, which is geared toward private groups and organizations, as well as Open Science, a platform designed for collaboration between academic communities. Bonfire Social federates with Mastodon, Peertube, Mobilizon, and others. You can install Bonfire Social now or check out the demo.
Another new service announced at FediForum is Channel.org, which is designed to help you curate the content you see across the open social web. Users can tailor their feed by tracking specific hashtags and users, including bridged Bluesky accounts and RSS parrots. Other users can follow the channels you create, which are distributed across the Fediverse, Bluesky, and over RSS. You can filter out certain keywords and mute accounts not related to the topics you want to follow, and there are also built-in filters that block NSFW content and hate speech.
Channel.org is built on a customized Mastodon server run by the Newsmast Foundation, a fediverse-focused charity based in the UK, and it sounds like a neat way to create an ultra-curated social feed. The service is currently available in an invite-only beta, but you can sign up for the waitlist to receive updates. You can check out some examples of channels from Channel.org’s website.
One of the other notable services highlighted today was Bounce, an app that allows you to move your Bluesky account to Mastodon, all without losing any of your followers. The app is built by A New Social, the creators of the Bridgy Fed tool that Bounce uses to connect your Bluesky account to Mastodon. Once your account is bridged, Bounce can then transfer personal data servers using the “move” capability offered by ActivityPub and the AT Protocol, letting you retain your Bluesky followers — and the people you follow — when heading to Mastodon.
Ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch, Nintendo said that the eShop would be improved and run more smoothly on the new console. Based on our initial testing at The Verge, it’s immediately apparent that the Switch 2’s eShop is much better.
On the original Switch, the eShop can be extremely sluggish. Even just moving from one section to another can have a lag, and clicking into a game sometimes takes a bit to load before you can even go through the process of buying it. The delays and slow navigation make using the shop a huge pain; I personally often defaulted to buying digital games on Nintendo’s website because it was a better experience.
On the Switch 2, the eShop is way faster. It’s all much more snappy, with much less lag browsing through sections and loading up game pages. Just take a look at this video comparing jumping into the eShop on both consoles, captured by my colleague Tristan Cooper – it’s dramatically faster on the Switch 2:
And how about if you want to search for Deltarune? Again, way quicker on the Switch 2.
“Thanks to the system’s performance capabilities, Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 has been improved and runs smoothly even when displaying a large number of games,” Switch 2 director Takuhiro Dohta said in an interview published in April. “We believe the act of finding the game you want to play is itself part of the game system experience.”
Right now, the eShop feels like one part of the Switch 2 experience that’s a huge upgrade. Hopefully, that will end up making it a better place to find great games.
Razer’s new Phantom Collection makes the brand’s Chroma RGB lighting more visible. | Image: Razer
Razer has announced a new Phantom Collection featuring updated versions of four of its accessories designed to enhance a feature the brand is probably best known for: LED accent lighting. The company even sells wireless earbuds that glow, but they’re not included in the Phantom Collection which features shells and other components made from translucent green plastic that makes each product’s RGB LEDs shine brighter while also revealing the components inside each device.
“By revealing the inner workings of our devices, we’re not just showcasing our engineering — we’re turning each product into a statement piece that reflects the soul of innovation,” said Charlie Bolton, Razer’s Global Head of Design, in a press release from the company today. The Phantom Collection is available now through Razer’s online store as well as authorized resellers worldwide.
We are all rubber-necking at a car crash, aren’t we?
Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two of the most media-addled personalities of our time, are publicly torching their relationship by posting on the public social media networks they each respectively own. I have seen theories that this is kayfabe, and I don't buy it. Trump and Musk have publicly shit-talked people, including each other, before turning around and working with them. But this is real; threats are being made. I'm just not sure how serious it is.
"Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore."
Let's back up. Starting last week, Musk began making escalating angry remarks about the Big Beautiful Bill that eliminated the EV tax credits. Trump, unusually tactful, did not respond. That may have been because Musk has not yet donated $100 million he promised to a Trump-owned PAC. This morning, Trump said he was "very disappointed with Elon," who "knew this bill better than anyone."
"Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," Trump added.
Trump had hardly finished speaking when Musk went on X, his social media network, to say "False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that alm …
Wing, the drone company owned by Alphabet, and Walmart are expanding their delivery partnership to five new cities in the US, the companies announced today. Customers who shop at Walmart stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa will soon have the ability to request a drone deliver their online shopping orders.
Walmart and Wing currently offer drone delivery at approximately 15 stores in northwest Arkansas and Dallas-Fort Worth. Today’s announcement will bring an additional 100 stores into the fold.
“As we look ahead, drone delivery will remain a key part of our commitment to redefining retail,” said Greg Cathey, SVP, Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation, in a statement. “We’re pushing the boundaries of convenience to better serve our customers, making shopping faster and easier than ever before.”
Walmart has been working with a number of drone operators, but it seems to be most happy with its partnership with Wing. Since launching drone delivery in 2021, Walmart says it has completed more than 150,000 deliveries — sometimes within 30 minutes of the order being placed.
There are a few restrictions: Customers must live within six miles of a store under FAA rules governing drone operations “beyond the visual line of sight.” An order needs to be under a certain weight to qualify for drone delivery, but Walmart says that covers everything from groceries to health and wellness products to household goods.
Since launching drone delivery in 2021, Walmart says it has completed more than 150,000 deliveries
Wing’s flagship drone is designed to handle payloads of up to 2.5 pounds, while its newer models can handle up to five pounds. The company says that it has enough battery power to complete 12 miles round trip while cruising at a top speed of 65 mph. The drones use tethers and grappling hooks to pick up and drop off small bags and cardboard boxes on customers’ front lawns. Wing says it has completed over 450,000 residential deliveries since its inception in 2012. Wing also conducts drone deliveries for DoorDash in Dallas and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Wing is also thinking about other ways to improve the efficiency of its delivery network. It created a system that enables its drones to dynamically take pickup and delivery jobs back to back without needing to report back to an originating base. This system includes the use of Autoloader stations, which are installed at retailers’ parking lots for employees to load a prepared order when ready. When a drone is available, it can lower a rope to grab it without anyone waiting around.
Drone delivery companies claim that by shifting more deliveries to small electric multi-rotor aircraft, fewer polluting trucks will be needed for last-mile deliveries. It’s a similar pitch being made by sidewalk robot companies delivering takeout orders to residents of Los Angeles and other cities.
So, you got (or are soon getting) a Nintendo Switch 2. You're probably ready to throw your original Switch into storage, but before that, you should transfer all of your data to the new console.
Good news: it's easy for those who have a Switch 2. Not only that, it's easy even if you don't yet have the new console. Nintendo developed a clever solution for those who haven't upgrade yet, letting original Switch owners back up their entire account to a remote server, where it will be stored for one year.
No matter your situation, here's a step-by-step guide to transferring all of your data to the new console.
How to transfer your Switch data to Switch 2 using a local connection
This section assumes that you are in possession of a Switch 2. On the Switch 2, proceed with the initial setup dialog options until you get to the System Transfer screen. Select Start System Transfer, then note that you'll need to connect to the internet, and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
On your original Switch, make sure it's updated to the latest software version, then open the Settings app. From there, scroll to System, then select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. Make sure your consoles are …
As part of my job as a tech writer, and as part of my ongoing efforts to get organized at some point, I've tested a whole pile of note-taking apps through the years: the simple, the sophisticated, the quirky, the AI-powered, and on it goes. It's a popular app category, and there's no shortage of options.
Amid all these different choices, one of the apps that I find myself regularly coming back to is Google Keep. It's fast and easy to get around, it works on just about any device, and once you dig a little deeper into its colorful sticky note interface, there are plenty of useful features to take advantage of.
Whether you're a current Google Keep user looking to do more with the app or you're wondering whether Google Keep has enough to tempt you away from whatever note-taking system you're using at the moment, these are some of its most appealing features.
Change the look
Right from the start, the colorful Post-it note look of Google Keep gives you a neat way of arranging your notes: yellow for to-dos and blue for shopping lists, for example, or whatever suits you.
There are 11 different pastel colors to pick from besides the default white, and on top of that, you've got nine …
