Reading List

The most recent articles from a list of feeds I subscribe to.

Rockstar workers push to unionize ahead of GTA VI’s launch

Workers at Grand Theft Auto VI developer Rockstar Games have submitted a request for their union, the IWGB Game Workers Union, to be voluntarily recognized, according to a press release. The request follows Rockstar firing more than 30 staffers last year in a move accused of being "union busting." According to the release, IWGB members […]

Google’s killing off Tenor GIF searches in other apps

The GIF-picking interfaces in some of your favorite online platforms might look different going forward, as Google prepares to shut down the Tenor API today. While the Tenor website, along with its searchable GIF library, will remain live, platforms like X, Discord, Bluesky, and WhatsApp that previously integrated the API are now having to migrate […]

Xbox weighs canceling Blade game and shuttering Arkane

Microsoft is set to announce a wave of layoffs for its Xbox studios and employees next week. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans tell The Verge that the layoffs will lead to studio closures or spinoffs, potential mergers of studios, and canceled games. I understand Microsoft is currently weighing closing at least five studios, including the […]

The Bose Soundlink Max is $120 off ahead of the July 4th weekend

The Bose Soundlink Max is usually $399, but has been on steep discount this week at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Bose for $279. This Bluetooth speaker has a big and bold sound, with a wide soundstage that impressed us in our review. It’s great for the outdoors thanks to its IP67 rating, meaning […]

What is a quantum computer good for? Absolutely nothing — yet

To this day, we have yet to see a quantum computer conclusively perform a single useful task. Existing machines are simply too small and error-ridden to solve commercially relevant problems. That hasn't stopped Donald Trump's science adviser from promising a "quantum computer powerful enough for scientific discovery by 2028" and Trump from issuing a new […]