A buggy Sonos mystery
On this episode of The Vergecast, Will tells us about his post-vacation Sonos discovery, how he discovered he's not the only person on the internet trying to get the ants out of his speakers, and what he ultimately learned about insects and electronics. Some of the wild conspiracy theories are just that — but some might be for real.
After that, The Verge 's Andru Marino joins the show to talk about the boom in AI-generated podcasts. Andru has spent weeks listening to the jovial NotebookLM bot-hosts talk about everything from news to recipes to esoteric gadget instructions, and has learned a lot about why this medium works so well for people. And what it takes for a human to make a good podcast.
Finally, we answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about smart lights, with help from The Verge 's Jennifer Pattison Tuohy. She explains that there are smart bulbs, and there are smart switches, and there's often not much way to do both.
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The Verge
11 hours ago
- The Verge
Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same
Epic has won again. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will not overturn the unanimous jury verdict from 2023 that Google's app store and payments system have become illegal monopolies — and it appears to be pressing play on a previously paused permanent injunction that would crack open Android to undo the damage of those monopolies. Today, a three-judge panel affirmed the lower court's decision in Epic v. Google, according to an full opinion you can read below — and Google will now appeal again, the company confirms to The Verge. It could be appealed to the Supreme Court next. Judge M. Margaret McKeown begins her opinion for the panel: In the world of adrenaline-fueled survival that epitomizes the video game Fortnite, winners are decided in blazes of destruction and glory. By contrast, the outcome of this case—centered on Fortnite's developer, Epic Games, and the Google Android platform—turns on longstanding principles of trial procedure, antitrust, and injunctive remedies. 'Total victory in the Epic v Google appeal!' tweets Epic CEO Tim Sweeney. Google will appeal: 'This decision will significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation that has always been central to the Android ecosystem. Our top priority remains protecting our users, developers and partners, and maintaining a secure platform as we continue our appeal,' writes Google global head of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement shared with The Verge. But the Google Play Store may not be protected from the consequences of its monopoly while Google appeals — it may need to start cracking open Android for third-party stores the way Judge James Donato ruled in his permanent injunction back in 2024. Last October, Donato pressed pause on all but one specific piece of his ruling while Google appealed, but today, Judge McKeown writes 'The stay motion on appeal is denied as moot in light of our decision.' 'The stay is lifted,' Epic spokesperson Cat McCormack confirms to The Verge. And as a result, Epic says it will put its own app store within Google's app store. 'Thanks to the verdict, the Epic Games Store for Android will be coming to the Google Play Store!' Sweeney tweeted. The consequences of the full permanent injunction would stretch far beyond Epic's game Fortnite: they would force Google to effectively open up its app store to competition for three whole years. Google would have to distribute other rival app stores within the Google Play store, too, give rivals access to the full catalog of Google Play apps, and it would be banned from a variety of anticompetitive practices including a requirement that apps use Google Play Billing. You can read a summary of the details here. Epic originally sued both Google and Apple in 2020 over the removal of its hit game Fortnite from both stores, though the case was more complicated than that. Epic intentionally used Fortnite as a wedge to challenge the app store monopolies, and in the case of Apple, it mostly lost. The appeals court did recognize Epic's gambit today, writing that 'Google removed Fortnite from the Play Store after Epic embedded secret code into the app's software' that bypassed Google's payment systems. (Epic has never denied it.) But Epic v. Google turned out to be a very different case, we saw when attending the trial in person and reading all the receipts. A jury saw secret revenue sharing deals between Google, smartphone makers, and game developers. The jury saw internal emails between Google execs that suggested Google was scared of how Epic might convince its fellow game developers to join or create rival app stores, creating unwanted competition for Google. Here are a few thoughts about why Epic won against Google, but not Apple. Today, the Ninth Circuit rejected the idea that the decision in the Apple case should impact the Google case, at least in terms of the all-important question of market definition, aka 'can Google really have a monopoly on Android apps if it's competing against Apple?' 'The market definition question was neither identical to the issue in this case nor litigated and decided in Apple,' McKeown writes, adding that the 'commercial realities are different': Apple's 'walled garden' is, as the district court in Apple noted, markedly different from Google's 'open distribution' approach […] Google admits as much, noting that 'Android's open philosophy offers users and developers wider choices' than iOS does, even as that openness 'limit[s] Google's ability to directly protect users from encountering malware and security threats when they download apps.' As a consequence of its business model, Apple does not license iOS to other OEMs in the way that Google licenses Android to Samsung, Motorola, and other smartphone manufacturers. She also uses McDonalds and Chick-fil-A to make a point that markets can overlap: McDonald's might compete against Chick-fil-A in the fast- food market yet not compete against Chick-fil-A in the hamburger fast-food market (and instead compete with Wendy's, Burger King, Sonic, and In-N-Out Burger. Although Google and Apple compete for mobile-gaming downloads and mobile-gaming in-app transactions, they do not compete in the Android-only app distribution and in-app billing markets. Those two markets, Android app distribution and in-app billing, are where a jury unanimously decided that Google has a monopoly. Developing… we're adding more to this story now, refresh in a few minutes for more. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Sean Hollister Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Google Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Google adds Video Overviews to NotebookLM
NotebookLM, the Google research tool that gained notoriety for its AI-generated podcasts, is introducing a feature called Video Overviews. As the name suggests, this tool automatically creates videos on requested topics and pulls data from a user's uploaded images, diagrams, quotes and documents. It's rolling out right now, but there are some caveats. These overviews are only available in English, though Google says more languages are on the way. Also, the tool doesn't make videos in a conventional sense. It creates slideshows with narration. Despite this limitation, the company says the feature is "uniquely effective for explaining data, demonstrating processes and making abstract concepts more tangible." Google also says it'll be expanding the toolset in the future, so it won't always be just a slideshow machine. Video Overviews do currently offer some handy playback options. There's the ability to skip back and forth by 10 seconds and adjust the playback speed. The company is also updating NotebookLM's Studio tab. It's getting a visual refresh, which rolls out "over the next few weeks" to all users. Google has certainly been busy iterating on the platform these past few months. It released an official NotebookLM app back in May and began offering curated "featured notebooks" earlier this month. This lets users experiment with the platform with pre-approved topics like William Shakespeare, so newbies won't have to actually upload anything. Audio-only overviews are also now available in over 50 languages.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Don't Want to Spend Big Bucks for a Surround-Sound System? These Soundbars Are a Great Alternative.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A soundbar is a must-have sound upgrade for almost any new TV. Due to their ultra-thin design, today's television sets can't physically accommodate large speaker units, frequently falling short in delivering a sound that's worthy of the beautiful visuals they provide. High-quality speakers need space, which, unlike old-school sets whose tube screen made them double as large pieces of furniture, modern TVs don't offer. Thankfully, a soundbar bring better sound for your onscreen content. These products' multiple speaker units and wireless connectivity also make them great for enjoying audio content without powering up your TV. Because ultra-thin TVs have long been the standard for mainstream consumers, today's market is jam-packed with soundbars in all price points—from affordable to premium. Between form factors, hardware specs, and audio capabilities, there's a lot to consider. To help you find the best soundbar for your needs and budget, I spent months testing high-rated models from leading brands. The Best Soundbars in 2025 Best Overall: Sonos Arc Ultra Best Value: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 Best Budget: Polk Audio Signa S2 Best Compact: Bose Smart Soundbar Best for Audiophiles: Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 How I Tested Soundbars I've been testing audio gear, including soundbars, since 2011. To put the ones on this list through their paces, I spent weeks with each one as my primary source of home audio entertainment, connecting it to my TV. I streamed movies, series, and live sports, especially Dolby Atmos-enhanced content, from Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and Hulu, among other leading platforms. Of course, I also streamed an eclectic selection of music to every soundbar. In addition to scrutinizing the bass, treble, and mid-range audio capabilities of each product, I paid particular attention to its dialogue clarity. I looked for options to adjust both the sound and the voice delivery in each device. With all of the above in mind, enjoy better sound at home with one of the soundbars I vouch for Ultra $999.00 at The Sonos Arc Ultra—the audio brand's range-topping soundbar—is the best for most consumers, with exceptional audio performance across the board, straightforward setup, and intuitive controls. As a Sonos product, the Arc Ultra easily integrates into an existing setup of speakers from the same manufacturer. Better yet, linking the device to a Sonos Sub and a pair of rear Era 100 or Era 300 speakers can create a full surround sound system that rivals your local movie theater. Equipped with fourteen audio drivers, the Sonos Arc Ultra performed up to the heavy expectations set by its price tag. I was equally impressed by its powerful bass output, crisp treble, and dialogue clarity. I like that the soundbar can seamlessly connect to the excellent Sonos Ace headphones to deliver multi-dimensional sound without disturbing others. Using the app, I was also able to adjust the sound and treble intensity, as well as enhance the speech by choosing from four levels. Achieving the right placement for the speaker was intuitive as well. The Sonos app utilized my phone's built-in microphones to tailor the soundbar's sound for my living room. The process took only a couple of minutes. Sonos offers the Arc Ultra in black or white. The optional speakers for expanding the setup are available in matching CORE 200 $549.99 at The Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 is the best pick for buyers who want a soundbar for under $500. The product lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, unlike my pricier suggestions, which is a downside. Still, its agreeable price, stylish looks, and solid audio performance make it worthy of your attention. Sound-wise, the first thing that impressed me about the Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 was its thunderous bass, powered by a duo of 4-inch subwoofers. Their low-end output brought a welcome touch of excitement to any on-screen content, from films to video games, making it more engaging. Needless to say, I loved listening to bass-heavy downtempo tracks on the soundbar over a Bluetooth link. The Klipsch Connect companion app offers a robust selection of sound customization tools, including a graphic equalizer and an option to enhance scenes with dialogue. A night mode is also available, which tones down the bass to minimize disturbance to others. Given the low-end power of the Flexus CORE 200, the functionality is a welcome addition to its feature set. You can expand the Flexus CORE 200 into a surround sound system via an additional Klipsch subwoofer and surround sound speakers, all while keeping your budget in three-digit territory. The subwoofer features a 10-inch speaker that perfectly complements the soundbar's already powerful S2 $199.00 at The Polk Audio Signa S2 is the soundbar to get if you are looking for a TV audio upgrade on a tight budget. For roughly $200, it offers an impressively slim profile and great sound for the money. Unlike the rest of my picks, the affordably priced Signa S2 comes with a bundled wireless subwoofer, which adds value to the package. When it comes to audio performance, the Polk Audio Signa S2 predictably falls short compared to more expensive soundbars. The product lacks Dolby Atmos support and the upward-facing audio drivers required for a true spatial audio experience. That said, the device's four built-in audio drivers produce respectable, though less immersive, virtual surround sound that's infinitely more enjoyable than what other TVs' onboard speakers offer. The same goes for the entertaining bass rumble from the included subwoofer. I like the low-key design of the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar, as well as its compact and intuitive bundled remote control. The essential accessory's convenient buttons include dedicated keys for adjusting the bass and the voice Soundbar $549.00 at The Smart Soundbar by Bose is my top pick for small spaces. Measuring just a tad over 27 inches wide, the product has an impressively compact footprint without skimping on features and performance. Of course, the Smart Soundbar is also upgradeable into a surround sound system via an optional bass module and surround speakers. The device's five-speaker setup includes a pair of upward-facing units for multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound. Experiencing the latter while streaming enhanced content made me feel like I was using a bigger soundbar. Thanks to proprietary Bose technology, the soundbar made standard audio content sound more entertaining, if not quite as captivating as Dolby Atmos sound. In addition to impressing me with sound that belies its size, the Bose offering excelled at clearly reproducing scenes that included dialogue. Enabling a dedicated AI mode for voice enhancement in the Bose app helped significantly with this challenging task. The app also helped me customize the sound and connect more speakers to the Smart Soundbar. Another reason I recommend the Bose Smart Soundbar is its excellent set of wireless connectivity features. The Wi-Fi-enabled device can stream from any smartphone, computer, or tablet, thanks to Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast Theater Bar 8 $848.00 at Sony's Bravia Theater Bar 8 soundbar, in addition to providing cinema-grade sound to complement any TV, can also stream audio in lossless formats. This standout feature makes the product a particularly exciting upgrade option for audiophiles who plan to use their soundbar as a high-fidelity standalone speaker, rather than just an essential TV companion. The Bar 8 can even eke out more detail from lower-quality audio through sophisticated upscaling technology. Of all the soundbars I tested, the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 offered the highest level of detail, with 11 onboard speakers and spacial-mapping technology that mimics a surround-sound system setup. Plus, it was easy to optimize sound for my space via the app. Unsurprisingly, the Bravia Theater Bar 8 integrates particularly well with Sony's latest TVs. If you already own one, it's your best bet. Budget and space permitting, you can expand the Bar 8 into a surround sound system by adding a subwoofer and rear speakers. The pricier Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 is an even better option for audiophiles. Its wider footprint and 13 integrated speakers bring an even more powerful sound that's worth the premium, especially if you set it up in a larger space. What to Consider Sound Dolby Atmos is the most important audio feature to look for in a soundbar. The spatial audio experience you'll get will make any Dolby Atmos-enhanced content you watch, from blockbuster movies to live sports, more lifelike. The audio standard is widely available on all streaming services, so don't skip it unless you are shopping on a super tight budget. Look for a soundbar with upward-facing audio drivers to get the best Dolby Atmos experience. Some lower-cost models can deliver virtual Dolby Atmos without the upward-firing speakers, but I really recommend spending a bit more to get a properly equipped option. The extra hardware makes a big difference. Speaking of hardware, the number of speakers a soundbar packs is also important to consider while shopping. More audio drivers naturally result in a bigger and more detailed sound with a wider soundstage. Don't settle for less than four audio drivers in a soundbar, even if you are shopping on a tight budget. The channel configuration of a soundbar, although undeniably technical, is also a crucial factor in making a purchasing decision. The essential spec is showcased via three numbers, separated by dots. The first number shows the number of front-facing speakers a soundbar has, the second one measures the downward-facing bass drivers, while the third displays the quantity of upward-facing units (if any). The more audio channels a soundbar has, the more immersive its sound will be. The channel count reflects the number of perceived directions the sound will reach you. Having experienced products across the price spectrum, I can confirm that more expensive soundbars with more audio channels sound noticeably more engaging. Size When not wall-mounted, soundbars should be placed right in front of a TV and underneath its screen, with the second option being the most commonly used setup among consumers. The width of a soundbar is particularly important in such scenarios, so be sure to measure your TV unit to confirm it fits before making a purchase. I learned the importance of this task the hard way a while back. Full-size soundbars measure around 50 inches in width, making them perfectly suitable for a big-screen TV with a 65-inch or larger panel, including 75- and 85-inch options. Smaller ones would suffice if your TV has a 55-inch or smaller screen, or you don't want to overspend on an upgrade. Connectivity HDMI is the default wired connectivity option for all soundbars, regardless of their price tag. Connecting them to a TV is as easy as plugging their bundled cable into its eARC HDMI connector. Fancier soundbars at higher price points feature HDMI 2.1 passthrough connectivity, which allows consumers to connect, say, a high-powered gaming console directly for a more enjoyable sound experience. Wi-Fi connectivity is mandatory for a high-end soundbar. It allows the product to stream higher-quality audio and link with other speakers in a multi-room setup. Soundbars with Wi-Fi also support Apple AirPlay 2 and/or Google Chromecast wireless protocols, making it super easy to stream audio from a phone, tablet, or computer. Additional Features A companion app is standard for most new soundbars. Only budget-friendly ones lack one, but their lower cost makes up for the omission. An app makes setting up a soundbar, customizing its sound, and keeping it up to date with updates easy. I prefer using an app to control a soundbar over a bundled remote control. The essential accessory is curiously not included with Sonos soundbars, but I didn't miss it. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
