Starting September 9, Australian law requires online game and app storefronts to verify that buyers are over 18. Steam is meeting this requirement by asking users to link a bank card rather than submit government ID or biometric data, mirroring the approach it already uses in the UK. Credit cards work reliably since Australian issuers only give them to adults, but debit cards—often held by minors—only pass verification under narrower conditions tied to specific bank and network flags.
WIRED published a guide identifying nine Windows laptops that compete with Apple's MacBooks on quality and performance, alongside broader advice on choosing a laptop. The guide recommends spending $750 to $1,000 for a 13- or 14-inch machine with at least 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and modern chips like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series or Intel's Core Ultra lineup. It cites models such as the Dell 14 Plus and HP OmniBook 5 14 as strong examples in this price range.
A workplace consultant describes coaching a client whose budget and headcount request got lost inside a dense slide deck full of revenue charts and staffing data. The consultant argues the core ask should come first, not buried behind supporting evidence, and offers a four-step framework for structuring presentations so leadership actually absorbs the request.
A reviewer tested Vari's Ergo electric standing desk over several months, finding it easy to assemble in about 10 minutes and stable across its full height range of 25 to 50.5 inches. The desk uses a quiet dual-motor lift system, supports up to 200 pounds, offers four programmable height presets, and comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
The Verge's Decoder podcast, hosted by Nilay Patel with producers Nick Statt and Greg Ott, released a mailbag episode responding to audience feedback gathered since April across email, YouTube, Spotify, Bluesky and Threads. The hosts singled out a prior video described as the 'software brain' segment as the most discussed piece of content on the show in the past six months.
A self-taught electronics enthusiast named Mike has completed his third vacuum tube computer this decade, detailing the project on Hackaday. The 8-bit machine relies on 460 recycled 1950s Soviet 6N3P double triode tubes and germanium diodes instead of transistors or microprocessors, requiring 10-15 minutes to warm up before it can run and giving off a burning-dust smell during operation.
Arthur Ashe Stadium, home of the US Open, has developed a reputation as the loudest Grand Slam venue, with fans talking, moving and cheering throughout points rather than observing the hushed decorum typical of Wimbledon or Roland Garros. Contributing factors include the arena's party-like atmosphere, popular concessions like the Honey Deuce cocktail, and a younger, more casual crowd that treats matches as social events. Tournament organizers and players are now grappling with whether to preserve this energetic vibe or push for stricter etiquette enforcement.
The death of a 16-year-old girl in Sydney, believed to have followed consensual strangulation during sex, has renewed calls to prohibit depictions of choking in pornography. The case echoes a similar UK ban enacted months earlier, though researchers say public understanding of the practice's dangers remains limited. Adult industry figures argue that banning such content won't stop it from circulating or replace the need for better sex education.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, unveiled at its 'Surprise and shine' event, introduce a mechanical variable aperture camera with four selectable f-stops plus an automatic mode. Testing at Apple Park showed the feature can produce sharp starburst effects around bright light sources, a result of how the physical aperture blades converge when stopped down.
Defense contractor RTX has entered a collaboration with fusion energy startup Xcimer Energy to explore applications of laser fusion technology, an approach with roots in Cold War-era research. The partnership aims to investigate whether high-powered laser systems originally developed for energy generation could be adapted for defense purposes, including countering missiles and drones.
In a personal interview, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes described how raising her 3-year-old son has become her most effective way to disconnect from her phone, saying outings like hiking or beach trips leave her happier than screen time ever did. She also detailed her strict inbox habits, keeping unread emails at zero and total messages under ten, and noted her Spotify listening is now dominated by children's music like Raffi and Ms. Rachel.
Apple detailed its A20 Pro chip, which will power the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. Built on a 2nm process, the chip features a six-core CPU with two new 'super cores' up to 20% faster than the A19 Pro, a redesigned seven-core GPU with 40% better graphics performance, and a dual Neural Engine offering twice the AI compute of its predecessor. Apple also boosted memory bandwidth by 50% and added neural accelerators to every CPU core.
GoKawiil