AI as a creative partner, not a replacement
Sari Azout, founder of the curation platform Sublime, is building AI into her product to enhance human creativity. She discusses this approach and her new tool, Podcast Magic, in a new Vergecast episode.
Author: Darren Holt
Darren Holt brings a distinctive perspective to technology journalism through his specialized focus on industrial computing and automation systems, where he deciphers complex technical landscapes for both enterprise leaders and engineering professionals. His analytical approach to emerging technologies—particularly industrial IoT and smart infrastructure—stems from hands-on experience evaluating how automation transforms traditional manufacturing and logistics operations. With an eye for practical implementation, Darren consistently identifies the intersection points between bleeding-edge innovation and real-world industrial applications, offering readers actionable insights into technology's evolving role in physical operations.
KDE Plasma 6.6 Saves Memory, Adds Color Pipeline Support
KDE’s next desktop environment update is shaping up with some significant under-the-hood improvements. Plasma 6.6 will use less memory and bring better color control for modern displays.
EU fines X €120 million over deceptive blue check marks
The European Union has hit X with a major fine over its paid verification system. Regulators say the platform deceives users because the blue check mark no longer verifies who is behind an account.
Commodities in 2025: Volatility, Tariffs, and a Four-Out-of-Five Score
A look back at Bloomberg’s 2025 commodity predictions shows a year defined by a return of volatility, spurred by global tariffs. While themes like laggard mean reversion played out, peak supply and reinflation remain open debates for the future.
HPE’s AI Networking Push After Juniper Deal: Big Claims, Bigger Questions
HPE is betting big that its newly combined Aruba and Juniper networking portfolio, packed with AI features, will create a new market leader. CEO Antonio Neri claims massive customer savings and strong partner growth, but integrating a $13.4B acquisition is never simple. The real test is just beginni
Google’s Gemini Home Beta is a Slow, Frustrating Rollout
Google has begun replacing Assistant with Gemini on smart home devices, but the rollout is a crawl. After an initial wave in late October, most beta testers are still locked out.
Fallout’s creator is back at Obsidian, working on something secret
Legendary designer Tim Cain has officially returned to Obsidian Entertainment as a full-time developer. He’s already working on a new project, but he’s sworn everyone to secrecy. This marks his second stint at the studio after working on titles like The Outer Worlds.
The $1 Trillion AI Bubble That Tech CEOs Say Isn’t There
Top tech leaders are pushing back hard against the idea that AI is an overinflated bubble, even as evidence mounts. They see a “ten-year super cycle,” while others see warning signs eerily similar to the dotcom bust.
Apple’s Design Shakeup Has Insiders “Giddy” for New Era
Following the news that Apple’s VP of Human Interface Design, Alan Dye, is leaving for Meta, a senior designer is publicly celebrating his replacement. Chan Karunamuni, who worked on the Dynamic Island and iPhone X gestures, says he “could not be more excited” for the new era under Steve Lemay. This
The Middle East is Building the World’s Next Data Center Backbone
The global data center map is being redrawn. Fueled by AI and sovereignty demands, the Middle East is emerging as a critical hub, with capacity set to triple from 1GW to 3.3GW in five years. The race is now about smart, fast, and sovereign infrastructure.