Brad Bourque | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-07-30T18:36:37+00:00https://www.theverge.com/authors/bradbourque/rsshttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 is $40 off at Costco and comes with over $50 in freebies]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9732112026-07-30T14:36:37-04:002026-07-30T15:00:00-04:00
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 9. | Photo: Dominic Preston / The Verge
The Galaxy Watch 9 launches on August 7th, and not only does Costco have the best preorder incentives we’ve seen so far, the watch is also discounted. The deal includes the 40mm Watch 9 in cream or graphite, two wireless fast chargersfor the watch, and a $50 Costco gift card, all for $339.99 — $40 less than the list price for the watch on its own directly from Samsung. The discounted priceerases the $30 gen-to-gen price bump, and the extra chargers and gift card further sweeten the deal. If you aren’t a Costco member, a year of membership is only $65, which is less than the value of the free items in this purchase.
There are some changes to the new watches from the Watch 8. The brand says the new chip, a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite, is built specifically for AI performance, and there are new health tracking features, plus better battery life, to boot. We got to spend some time with the Watch 9 and Watch 2 Ultra at Samsung’s July 2026 Unpacked event, so make sure to read our initial impressions of both watches if you’re curious about how the upgrades feel ahead of their early August launch.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Cyberpunk 2077 packs a lot of fun into its discounted $20 price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9727772026-07-29T17:02:50-04:002026-07-29T17:02:50-04:00
CyberPunk 2077’s world is vibrant and dangerous. | Image: CD Projekt Red
Over the last few years, CD Projekt Red put a ton of work into fixing Cyberpunk 2077, squashing bugs, polishing content, and even launching new DLC in 2023, Phantom Liberty. As a result, this game has gone from a source for funny, glitch-fueled videos to a world I’ve returned to a number of times to live out my futuristic fantasies. A big discount happening across almost all platforms makes it a lot more accessible.
Usually $59.99 for the standard edition, the game is priced at $17.99 at Steam. Its Ultimate Edition, which includes the Phantom Liberty DLC (usually $29.99 on its own), is discounted to $33.10. Xbox has the standard edition for $17.99 (usually $59.99), and the Ultimate Edition for $33.60 (usually $79.99). Sony is selling the base game for PS4 and PS5 for $19.99 (usually $49.99), while the Ultimate Edition on PS5 is $35.49 (usually $70.99).
GameStop sells pre-owned physical copies of Cyberpunk 2077 for $18.99 for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 (we can’t link directly to the pre-owned copies, so you’ll have to manually select the option). The older copies will automatically upgrade to their current-generation versions for free when played on an Xbox Series S/X or PlayStation 5.
It’s generous to say that theambitious RPG was only a bit buggy at launch. In fact, its performance issues were glaring enough to cause both Sony and Microsoft to offer extended refunds. After all the bug fixes and improvements, the game is now a commonly-used performance benchmark for PC and console gaming. While its most advanced ray tracing modes are reserved for few platforms, it’s a visually-stunning game no matter where you play it. Plus, continued updates have given players more options for getting the most out of their time in Night City.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[This comfy gaming headset that can play audio from two sources is $25]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9720212026-07-28T15:18:15-04:002026-07-28T15:18:15-04:00
The Hybrid adds Bluetooth functionality to the wired H3, seen here. | Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
While most gaming headsets have moved towards low-latency wireless connections, there’s something to be said for a budget-friendly, capable wired headset. The EPOS H3 Hybrid is on sale for just $24.99 at Woot, a whopping 75 percent off its original price of $99.99. It has an unorthodox batch of features: USB-A and 3.5mm options for connecting to a controller or a PC, and Bluetooth support for listening to music and taking calls. Notably, it can play audio from wired and wireless sources concurrently, and it can last up to 37 hours per charge.
My colleague Cameron Faulkner spent some time with the wired-only version of this headset five years ago, and was impressed by its balanced sound profile, comfortable fit, and generously-sized volume knob. He had some qualms about USB connectivity and lack of sidetone, both of which seem to have been addressed in the Hybrid version of the headset that’s available at a steep discount right now. This version also has two microphones — a removable boom mic and a built-in microphone — so you can still take calls via Bluetooth without looking like an airline pilot.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Save $150 on this smart indoor bike trainer that can keep you riding during the off months]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9716342026-07-28T14:02:25-04:002026-07-28T13:48:03-04:00
While the summer months are great for putting in the miles on your favorite bike, it can be frustrating to have to hang it up when the weather turns. This smart bike trainer turns your road bike into an indoor exercise bike, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to your PC, iOS, or Android device, and support for a wide variety of interactive and training apps. Multiple retailers have the Kickr Core 2 on sale for $399.99 (usually $549.99) in both the Cog and Click version (Wahoo, Amazon) which fits 8-13 speed bikes, and the version with an included 11-speed cassette (Wahoo, Amazon).
One of the main advantages to a trainer like the Kickr is access to dynamically adjustable resistance, which can work in concert with training apps to tune your workout, or interact with riding apps to replicate inclines and group rides. If you use heart rate or cadence trackers, the Kickr Core 2 can connect directly to them with ANT+ support, and the Cog and Click version includes controllers for changing your virtual gears that hook to your handlebars. I use mine to keep pedaling during the winter months in the Pacific Northwest, joining other cyclists from all over the world for group rides, challenges, and races using Zwift.
Other deals to consider
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is on sale at Amazon for $76.18, within a dollar of its all-time low price. This gaming headset has features designed for competitive gamers, including sound isolating ear cups to keep you focused, a wideband microphone so your teammates hear your callouts clearly, and a low-latency 2.4GHz connection. They’re compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, and mobile devices.
Costco members can grab the Dell Ultra Sharp 32-inch 6K monitor for $799.99, a $200 break from the usual price. While the 60Hz refresh and IPS panel aren’t exactly cutting-edge, the screen makes up for it with a super dense 6144 x 3456 resolution, where it has few direct competitors. This screen would be a great fit for an office setup, with a built-in webcam for taking meetings and KVM support for switching between multiple systems quickly. For connectivity, it supports HDMI and Mini DisplayPort at 6K, Thunderbolt 4, and 2.5GbE Ethernet.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door for the Nintendo Switch 2 is on sale for $31.99 at Woot, almost half off the usual price of $59.99. This classic Gamecube game has been remastered for newer consoles, and sees you guiding a 2D version of Mario through a turn-based RPG where you’ll upgrade your abilities, solve puzzles, and fight a variety of enemies. It has a unique art style and gameplay elements you won’t find in other non-paper Mario games.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Razer’s analog Huntsman V3 Pro is over 20 percent off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9715572026-07-27T17:29:22-04:002026-07-27T17:29:22-04:00
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro features doubleshot PBT keycaps.
Gaming keyboards have evolved over the years to add RGB LEDs, extra knobs, and buttons with screens, but one feature has remained fairly consistent: the mechanical switch. That’s slowly changing, with brands introducing adjustable optical switches that are more customizable and have a faster response time. Razer’s Huntsman V3 Pro TKL is a compact, wired optionon sale at Amazon for $124.99 (usually $159.99).
Optical switches constantly read the height of each key, opening up a wealth of new features that traditional mechanical switches don’t support. For example, you can set the activation height for different keys, down to 0.1mm for the lightest touch, or up to 4mm for keys you don’t want to accidentally press at the wrong time, and they can reset without reaching the top height for faster repeated presses.
Like some other keyboards with optical switches, you can use a function Razer calls “Snap Tap” to prioritize specific key inputs over each other, letting you rock back and forth between your strafing keys in a shooter, for example. The feature is turned off by default, and is banned in some games like Counter-Strike 2, but can be switched on at the keyboard level or in the Razer Synapse app.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Teenage Engineering’s unique music machines are 30 percent off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9706852026-07-24T13:42:46-04:002026-07-25T11:00:00-04:00
Teenage Engineering’s OP-XY has a huge number of functions. | Photo by Terrence O’Brien / The Verge
With elements from synthesizers, loopers, and effects pedals, Teenage Engineering’s devices lie somewhere between musical instrument and modern art. These grooveboxes, as they’re often called, are capable of helping you producesongs in real time from a single unit, with an eye-catching design language. A wide swath of the brand’s offerings are 30 percent off at Guitar Center when you use code TE30, atAmazon when you click the on-page coupon for whichever product you’re interested in, and B&H Photo (discount applied automatically at checkout). The terms for the Amazon coupon claim it will run through August 8th, 2026, while Guitar Center deal is listed as “limited time.”
The OP-XY is one of the flagship units, which my colleague Terrence O’Brien described as a “greatest hits tour for Teenage Engineering.” Normally $2,299, the discount code brings the price down to a more palatable $1,609.30, which is a lot cheaper, but still pretty pricey for an aspiring musician. That said, it’s loaded with features for both production and live performance, and has a premium, durable build quality that reflects its price point. It’s currently sold out at Amazon, but in stock and discounted at Guitar Center and B&H Photo. Read our Teenage Engineering OP-XY review.
The model I’m most tempted by is the EP-40 Riddim, a compact sampler with a library of over 400 built-in synth settings and effects particularly well-suited for producing dub and reggae music, plus 128MB of storage for your own loops and recorded sounds. It’s a bit less intimidating for a beginner than the OP-XY, both in terms of price point and features, and itstighter genre focus may help concentrate your efforts and onboarding. Normally $329, the EP-40 is $230.30 at Amazon, Guitar Center, and B&H Photo during the promotion.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[The Echo Show 21 is a great smart home hub that’s $80 off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9702542026-07-23T16:36:40-04:002026-07-23T16:36:40-04:00
Echo Show's 21 attached to the adjustable stand, which is sold separately (and also discounted). | Image: Amazon
Split between buying a smart calendar, a kitchen TV, a smart home hub, and a smart display? Amazon’s Echo Show 21 is all of those things in one, with a huge 21-inch screen. You can use it to control your smart lights, glance at recipes, watch TV shows, and more. Currently, Best Buy and Home Depot have the product on sale for $319.99 (usually $399.99), matching the lowest price we’ve seen to date.
Amazon Echo Show 21
The Echo Show 21 can act as the centerpiece of any burgeoning smart home. The 1080p smart display is a Matter and Thread controller, meaning you can locally control compatible devices using voice commands or a range of widgets. Its built-in auto-framing camera also facilitates video calls. Plus, it has decent speakers for music and other features shared among Alexa displays.
The Echo Show 21’s smart home controls are unique to it and the smaller Echo Show 15 that’s just $20 cheaper. They boast support for Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, providing seamless control for numerous devices. The included voice remote can’t interact with widgets or Alexa skills, but you can use it to control your streaming services or other media. There’s a built-in 13-megapixel camera, too, in case you want to video chat with a pal, with auto-framing to keep you centered even if you’re rushing around the house.
The panel is designed to mount on the wall, but if you’d rather set it on a counter or bookshelf, Best Buy is selling the adjustable stand for $99.99 (usually $124.99). The stand tilts up to 30 degrees, and swivels a full 360 degrees in case you want it in the center of your room, or on a kitchen island.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Corsair’s PC case with a panoramic glass design is $70 off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9603312026-07-23T12:59:23-04:002026-07-23T13:20:00-04:00
If only the air looked this cool as it flows through the Frame 4500X RS. | Image: Corsair
On the hunt for a PC case that’s loaded with features and has a unique look? Amazon, Best Buy, and Corsair are selling the Corsair Frame 4500X RS for $119.99, a $70 discount from the usual price. The versatile case supports motherboards up to EATX, GPUs up to 460mm in length, and has a seamless panoramic glass window that wraps around its front and left side. The case includes three fans with reverse rotors mounted to its right side, letting the ARGB lighting shine into the case while they pull in air.
While the panoramic window might draw more attention, one of this case’s standout functional features is Corsair’s Infinirail system. Rather than having individual holes for fan screws, there are long slots on sliding rails, giving you more flexibility with cooling components and configuration. As a result, you can fit radiators up to 280mm or 360mm on the top or side of the case, depending on whether you opt for 120mm or 140mm case fans.
The case also supports rear connection motherboards like this Gigabyte X870 Aorus for cleaner cable runs, and is ready for vertical GPU mounting if you buy a riser cable. There are some other nice inclusions as well, like an anti-sag GPU support arm, and the screws come in a reusable box rather than a series of tiny plastic bags. The case includes a two year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[Price-hiked iPads are a little cheaper right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9690032026-07-22T15:14:31-04:002026-07-22T15:14:31-04:00
The iPad Pro M5 is one of the iPads discounted for the sale. | Image: The Verge
A number of Apple products got more expensive last month, so we’re happy to find deals wherever and whenever we can. If you’re searching for a high-end iPad, one of the more notable deals currently happening is on the 13-inch iPad ProM5 with 512GB of storage. Normally $1,699, it’s $150 off at Amazon, costing $1,549.99. It’s $100 off at Best Buy. This is the most premium iPad that Apple sells, with impressive performance from its M5 processor, a gorgeous OLED screen, up to 60W of fast charging, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. Read our iPad Pro (2025) review.
There’s also a deep discount on some configurations of the 11-inchiPad Air M3. This model sports 1TB of storage, an optional 5G cellular connection, and it’s marked down to $749, a $500 discount from the suggested retail price. While the M3 chip is on the older side, you get 1TB of storage for just $40 more than the base M4 version with 128GB. The discount is available in all four colors: blue, purple, space gray, and starlight. Read our Apple iPad Air M3 review.
11-inch iPad Air M3
The last-gen 11-inch iPad Air comes with Apple’s M3 chip and GPU upgrades. It’s available in dark gray, blue, purple, and a “starlight” cream shade. Read our review.
Sony is selling refurbished Playstation 5 Slim consoles for $499, a $100 break from the usual price. They may have some minor cosmetic imperfections, but are tested and certified by Sony to perform just as well as a new console. These slightly older digital only models have the full 1TB of storage, as opposed to the newer 825GB models, and have a one year warranty in case there are any issues.
Normally $99.99, a four pack of the second-generation Apple AirTags are on sale for $89.99 at Amazon, matching their lowest price ever. The updated version of Apple’s popular Bluetooth tracker boosts the speaker volume, making it easier to find your stuff, and have more precise tracking. They’re still easy to setup, with one-touch pairing on iOS devices, and will run for over a year on a single replaceable battery.
Amazon has the Razer Viper V3 Pro wireless gaming mouse listed for $99.99, about $30 lower than its usual price. The symmetrical mouse features an 8K polling rate and 35K DPI sensor, specs that will let you customize it to your play style, and eight programmable buttons to put every action right where you need it. At just 54 grams, the Viper V3 Pro is impressively lightweight, yet it still manages to last 95 hours of battery life on a single charge. There are plenty of less expensive gaming mice on the market, but this one’s well-rounded.
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[How the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 phones compare]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9686822026-07-22T13:57:41-04:002026-07-22T11:47:10-04:00
Showing off the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. | Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Samsung’s latest round of folding Galaxy Z phones and updated smartwatches were announced at its July 2026 Unpacked event and are set to launch on August 7th. The Galaxy Z Flip 8, Fold 8, and Fold 8 Ultra don’t seem geared toward people who bought last year’s model; aside from a few design updates and AI features, there’s not a whole lot that’s new — unless we’re talking about the Z Fold 8.
The Z Fold 8 is the foldable that will probably get the most attention in the US this year, that is, unless Apple’s rumored foldable arrives in the coming months. While its name makes it sound like the successor to last year’s Z Fold 7, it’s a new, shorter variation that starts at $1,899.99. It has a 7.6-inch main screen and a 5.5-inch exterior screen — noticeably smaller than the new $2,099.99 Z Fold 8 Ultra. It’s nearly as feature-packed as the Ultra, with some exceptions, like having a 50-megapixel main camera instead of a 200-megapixel lens, and a slightly smaller 4,800mAh battery. There are three configurations, with the 256GB and 512GB models sporting 12GB of memory and the 1TB model upgraded to 16GB of RAM.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is, in a lot of ways, a direct follow-up to the Z Fold 7, but with a new name. It has a 8-inch main screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen that are the same size and resolution as the previous model, along with the aforementioned 200-megapixel camera with 3x telephoto optical zoom. It has the same storage and memory configurations of the smaller Fold 8.
Lastly, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the most affordable model, starting at $1,199.99. Of the three foldables, the Flip 8 seems to have the fewest hardware updates. Its battery capacity is unchanged, as are its camera specs. However, it has the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 instead of the Exynos 2500 used in the Flip 7. We’ll have to wait until the review to see if that change will bring improvements; our review of last year’s flip phone didn’t highlight performance issues with the Samsung-made chip.
While that covers some of the surface-level changes, we have the full spec sheets below for your perusal.
