2 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Gadgets Archive

Archives for August 2026

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Nothing is using AI in promo materials for its new headphones.

Right now, I can see two images and a video on CMF by Nothing’s X feed about its Clip Pro earbuds that include hard-to-see disclosures about the use of AI: “Contains AI-generated imagery. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.” 9to5Google reports that some other images have been deleted as well.

A promotional image of CMF’s Clip Pro earbuds that has an AI disclosure.
The AI disclosure is alongside the right side of this image. It’s very faint.
Image: CMF by Nothing
Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
What if Steam Machine faceplate = Steam Controller Dock?

And it’s got its own little kickstand to prop it up separately?? WANT. Check out more photos of NefariousnessWhole25’s prototype (and a few other cool Steam Machine faceplates from Reddit) in our gallery below.

<em><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1ve3942/new_face_plate/">This Super Famicom one’s by interfreak</a> on Reddit.</em>
<em>And of course an obligatory GabeCube <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1vb3tc1/ive_been_making_a_few_custom_steam_machine/">from harrisoncassidy.</a></em>
I love <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1v46os6/steam_machine_faceplate/">PortGames’ toaster</a> (or wooden slatwall?) too!
And <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1uq5kx8/i_made_a_radar_face_plate_for_the_steam_machine/">this retro radar</a> just plain looks cool.
1/8Image: NefariousnessWhole25 (Reddit)
Cameron Faulkner
Cameron Faulkner
It’s a good week for deals on multiplayer friend games with prox chat.

Big Walk came out this week, and it seems like a hoot if you have friends or family to play with. It’s $14.99 (down from $19.99) on Steam. Peak, which popularized the “friendslop” subgenre of co-op games, is even cheaper at Fanatical. You can grab the game for $3.75 (usually $8) today.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
Go-go-gadget-giveaway.

I recently revealed our weekly Today I’m Toying With giveaway technically goes live at 9AM ET each Wednesday… someone was paying attention, because they’ve already entered this week’s! Join them for a chance at LOTS more gadgets we can’t ethically keep. The biggest prizes are still available, and there’s an email entry option in the official rules.

We’re giving away these things and a whole lot more.
We’re giving away these things and a whole lot more.
Traveling this summer? Don’t go without these essential gadgets

A couple dozen tech upgrades to make this summer’s trip(s) the best they can be.

Cameron Faulkner, Sheena Vasani and 1 more
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Is this Asus’ first Googlebook?

9to5Google obtained images of the unannounced device — I included one below, but check 9to5’s story to see them all. Lenovo Googlebook devices also leaked recently.

We probably won’t have to wait too long for official announcements, as the first Googlebooks are set to launch in the fall.

A purported image of an Asus Googlebook.
Image: 9to5Google
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Brad Bourque
Google’s original folding Pixel is on sale for less than $500.

Woot has the unlocked 256GB Google Pixel Fold discounted to $459.99, coming close to its lowest price ever. While the 2023 model can’t hang with the latest in terms of performance or durability, it’s a way to try out a foldable without spending $1,000 or more. Plus, it will get software updates until June 2028. Read our review.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers have been recalled following a fatality.

Several different models sold through Amazon, Walmart, and Ocoopa’s online store have been recalled after 1,480 reports of the devices overheating resulting in 15 fires, 350 burns, and the death of an 83-year-old in California, according to the USCPSC. Consumers with recalled hardware can reach out to Ocoopa for a full refund.

1/6Image: Ocoopa
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Casio’s new ring watch adds vibrating alerts and heart rate tracking.

The company’s original smart ring is getting some big upgrades to compete with the Oura ring. The CRW-H001M-8 will launch in China first for around $295 with fitness tracking that includes a heart rate monitor and thermometer plus vibrating alerts for notifications from a connected phone. But you’ll need to charge the new model with a proprietary cable.

<em>Unlike the previous versions of Casio’s ring watch, the new smart model needs to be regularly charged using a proprietary cable.</em>
1/3Image: Casio