2 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Thomas Ricker

Thomas Ricker

Deputy Editor

Deputy Editor

    More From Thomas Ricker

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    BYD’s first K-Car is now on sale in Japan.

    There are few things more Japanese than the kei minicar, which is now under threat from China. Starting today, BYD’s all-electric, five-door Racco is available to buy locally for less than ¥2 million (about $12,200) with a range of 210 kilometers (130 miles).

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Telstra users get Starlink-enabled apps.

    Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service continues to evolve beyond basic SMS/messaging to provide light data connectivity in cellular dead zones. Telstra customers in Australia with compatible phones can now use it for apps like Apple Weather, Google Maps, AllTrails, and WhatsApp. T-Mobile users in the US have had similar app support since October.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Amazon wants to launch 5,105 new direct-to-device satellites.

    The FCC application was submitted on Saturday. The low-Earth orbit satellites would communicate directly with unmodified mobile phones and IoT devices, and operate in concert with Amazon’s burgeoning Leo constellation (which requires a dish for connectivity) and the Globalstar system used by iPhones that Amazon is acquiring.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Here comes the Chinese RAM.

    Chipmaker Changxin Technology Group is now the most valuable China-listed company after IPO’ing this morning, rising nearly 500 percent on speculation that RAMageddon will drive demand for its memory chips in a market dominated by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. Tim Cook’s said to have asked for an exception to use CXMT’s chips in Apple products sold in China to keep costs down.

    Forget expensive sleepbuds. Buy this pillow instead

    A lo-fi solution for hi-fi side-sleepers.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    VW’s in trouble.

    Shortly after confirming it was looking at closing plants and cutting up to 100,000 jobs, the world’s 2nd largest auto company posted miserable financials and a desperate outlook as it lays the ground work for a radical overhaul of its business under threat from Chinese upstarts.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Vote for the new Euro banknotes.

    Ten designs have been shortlisted for the next series of European banknotes. You can vote for your favorite until September 21st, ahead of the final selection expected later this year.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    More budget Google Home cameras arrive at Walmart.

    The Google partnership has yielded two new Onn outdoor security cameras: the $34.87 Outdoor Camera Plug-In and $77 Floodlight Camera Hardwired. Each 1080p HDR camera features live views, night vision and two-way talk accessible from the Google Home app. You’ll need a Premium subscription to unlock AI-driven features like event descriptions, searchable video history, and daily summaries.

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

    Google Home security on a budget, until you add that recurring subscription fee.
    Google Home security on a budget, until you add that recurring subscription fee.
    Image: Google
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Gemini Live is now available on some early Google Home devices.

    Google’s more powerful, conversational assistant for the home is now available on first-generation Google Home Mini speaker and Google Nest Hub display. You’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription to make it work though.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    You’re a “traitor” if you don’t use our Chinese chips.

    That was the message to Chinese companies from a confidant of leader Xi Jinping, who’s heading up domestic efforts to overcome Nvidia’s stranglehold on cutting-edge AI chips. Go read this report from the Wall Street Journal that lays out the global stakes and the likelihood that China can repeat the playbook that saw it upending (and then dominating) industries like drones, EVs, display panels, solar, batteries… you get the idea.