Skip to main content

Today’s Storystream

Feed refreshed 6 seconds ago

They're everywhere

W
External Link
Wes Davis
Broadcom is reportedly eyeing Intel, too.

Following reports that TSMC is considering buying Intel’s chip manufacturing business at the Trump administration’s encouragement, The Wall Street Journal writes that Broadcom is separately kicking Intel’s tires, but a bid is only likely “if it finds a partner for Intel’s manufacturing business.”

WSJ’s anonymous sources say Intel interim executive chairman Frank Yeary is leading talks with possible buyers and the Trump administration, but is saying his focus is “maximizing value for Intel shareholders.”

W
External Link
Wes Davis
Ads may come to Apple Maps.

Apple told employees in a recent meeting that it’s considering the change, according to Mark Gurman in today’s issue of Power On for Bloomberg. The ads would be similar to those in Google Maps, with businesses paying to show up higher in search results or stand out on the map itself.

The change wouldn’t necessarily be soon, as Gurman writes that there is “no timeline or active engineering being done.”

W
External Link
Wes Davis
A reminder that there is a way out of Google’s AI Search.

I’m not talking about using something like Kagi, although that’s one way to do it. Last year, I directed Verge readers to a Tedium blog post explaining how to add “udm=14” to your browser’s default search URL to get rid of Google Search AI Overviews.

If that’s a headache, there’s also Tedium author Ernie Smith’s website that builds the “disenshittification Konami code” into your searches. Alternatively, you could just use cussword-laden searches.

W
Twitter
Wes Davis
Now anyone can buy an Alarmo.

Nintendo’s motion-sensing (and Doom-playing, with some unsanctioned modification) alarm clock is now available for anyone in the US to buy from its online store “while supplies last,” the company announced yesterday.

Nintendo also plans to sell the adorable clock at select retailers next month.

Just For You

Just For You
    S
    Sean Hollister
    Could TSMC take over Intel’s chip factories?

    Yesterday, President Trump accused TSMC: “Taiwan took our chip business away.”

    But Bloomberg and The New York Times have anonymous sources saying Trump’s pick for commerce secretary is encouraging TSMC to do a deal. Bloomberg’s source says TSMC is open to it; The NYT’s sources suggest Intel might be interested too; its board reportedly approached TSMC and its interim chairman reportedly met directly with both TSMC’s CEO and Trump’s people.

    And yet, Reuters now reports that Trump is “unlikely” to support a foreign firm operating Intel’s factories. Intel’s CHIPS Act money also came with strings attached that could interfere, but Reuters reports that Trump may be renegotiating those deals.

    J
    External Link
    Jay Peters
    Siri’s biggest improvements might arrive later than expected.

    Apple is still working on some big AI-powered upgrades to Siri, but instead of launching with iOS 18.4, they may be limited or delayed until iOS 18.5, Bloomberg reports.

    J
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Get a look at this stunner.

    We just got the first glimpse of the TM7, the next generation of my favorite robotic sous chef, the Thermomix TM6. The smart multi-cooker debuted in an Instagram story and sports an all-new streamlined design, possibly some RGB lighting, and definitely a much bigger screen. And is that a drawer handle I see?

    It’s launching in Europe first and coming to the US in late 2025. I’m hoping for voice control and some better smart kitchen integrations.

    The TM7 is the next gen of the all-in-one multi-cooker that can chop, cook, saute, sous vide, knead, steam, blend, and more.
    The TM7 is the next gen of the all-in-one multi-cooker that can chop, cook, saute, sous vide, knead, steam, blend, and more.
    Image: Vorwerk
    N
    External Link
    Nathan Edwards
    The surprisingly deep history of a ubiquitous font.

    Marcin Wichary, the author of Shift Happens — an exhaustively researched, beautifully designed and photographed history of the keyboard — is back with a deep dive into Gorton, a font found on keyboards, intercoms, camera lenses, and engraved signs across the world, with a special focus on Manhattan. The article is classic Wichary: it goes very deep and is full of beautiful photographs and interactive elements. It’s a real delight after the week we’ve had.

    E
    Emma Roth
    Perplexity’s new Deep Research tool is free to use.

    The AI search engine’s new tool “performs dozens of searches, reads hundreds of sources, and reasons through the material to autonomously deliver a comprehensive report.” It’s similar to the research tools offered by ChatGPT and Google Gemini, but it’s available to free users with a “limited number of answers” each day.

    A standard answer from Perplexity (left) vs. a Deep Research response (right).
    A standard answer from Perplexity (left) vs. a Deep Research response (right).
    Image: Perplexity
    E
    Emma Roth
    Windows 11 is testing another Game Pass ad for your Settings menu.

    The ad encourages you to “recruit your squad” with a free trial of PC Game Pass that you can share with friends. Microsoft says the ad will only appear if you’re signed into your Microsoft account and “meet the required eligibility criteria,” similar to the other Game Pass ad it tested last year. It’s rolling out now to the Dev and Beta Channels in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3281.

    Image: Microsoft
    J
    External Link
    Jay Peters
    The AP is losing access to the Oval Office.

    President Donald Trump’s administration is upset that the Associate Press won’t use the name Gulf of America. AP reporters have been blocked from covering some administration events this week.

    AP journalists will still have White House credentials, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budowich says on X.

    J
    External Link
    Jay Peters
    Paid subreddits are coming this year.

    CEO Steve Huffman confirmed the plan in a video AMA released as part of the company’s earnings, as spotted by Ars Technica. Huffman hinted last year that Reddit was considering paid subreddits.

    J
    Jacob Kastrenakes
    Enough with the sign-outs.

    No seriously, we were annoyed by that bug, too.

    A bunch of you flagged that our site kept signing you out of your commenting accounts this week. Our product team got on the case and pushed out a fix a little while ago. You should now stay logged in day-to-day — let us know if you run into any other big issues.

    A
    Twitter
    Andrew Webster
    Ice cold.

    Fortnite’s new crime-themed season drops in a week, and Epic has already revealed the line-up of characters you can expect with the battle pass. They include Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat and... a rapping pickle.

    A
    Andrew Liszewski
    TIL you can buy a remote to turn the page on your e-reader.

    If you’re trying to stay huddled and warm under the covers while enjoying a good ebook, there are tiny robotic fingers — triggered by a wireless remote you can keep under the blankets — that clamp onto e-readers and tap the edge of the screen to turn the page for you.

    Book Riot and Wirecutter both have recommendations, but you can find many versions on Amazon for less than $20.

    If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.

    A Kindle on a stand on a desk upgraded with a wireless remote.
    Reaching to tap your Kindle’s screen is an unnecessary exertion.
    Image: Amazon
    A
    Andrew Liszewski
    Spielberg is producing a sequel to The Goonies.

    Almost 40 years after the original was released in June 1985, Warner Bros. has hired Potsy Ponciroli to write the script for a sequel to The Goonies, with Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Holly Bario producing for Amblin Entertainment, alongside Chris Columbus. Lauren Shuler Donner will executive produce, according to a report from Variety. It’s unknown who will direct the sequel, and there are no details on its plot or cast yet.

    A still from the Warner Bros. movie The Goonies.
    The Goonies first hit theaters on June 7th, 1985.
    Image: Warner Bros.
    M
    External Link
    Mia Sato
    Workers at the nuclear weapons agency are frantically being called back.

    Mass layoffs that happened Thursday night at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) are being paused, ABC News reports. The layoffs were part of Donald Trump’s gutting of key federal workforces — including the people maintaining the country’s nuclear stockpile.

    U
    Umar Shakir
    Xiaomi’s Leica-fied 15 Ultra launches March 2nd.

    A post on X reveals the date of Xiaomi’s launch event for its 15-series devices, including the 15 Ultra. According to the specs that leaked earlier, the 15 Ultra is rumored to have four cameras, including a new 200MP periscope system.

    Xiaomi date 03.02 “see you at the pinnacle, Xiaomi launch march 2025”
    Image: Xiaomi