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A screenshot of today’s NYT Connections on the alternate puzzle creator . | Screenshot by Jay Peters / The Verge The New York Times wants to shut down a copy of its popular Connections word game. The publication sent a cease and desist letter to the owner of a website that lets you make your own Connections games. The site also has a full archive of all of the NYT’s past Connections puzzles, which the NYT keeps behind a paywall. The Connections creator website is built and run by Anthony Salazar, a freelance web developer who runs the creative studio Swellgarfo . Earlier this month, striking New York Times tech workers used Salazar’s Connections tool to make their own strike-themed puzzle . Salazar previously told me that he built the archive using the NYT’s publicly available API. In the letter, which Salazar shared with The Verge , the NYT’s counsel... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/gp0kVWX

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge Google has given us a glimpse at what’s coming in the next major version of Android. The first preview release for Android 16 is available for developers starting today, which expands the photo library and medical data-sharing capabilities in apps. A change moving Android’s release timeline forward was announced last month, which could help third-party Android phones released in 2025 avoid waiting months to receive the latest major updates. Android Developer head Matthew McCullough says, “This is the start of Android having more frequent API releases as part of our effort to drive faster innovation in apps and devices.” The preview available today allows developers to embed Android’s photo picker — the menu that lets users select... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/xmqYgwI

The original Steam Controller, and a prototype that preceded it. | Image: Sean Hollister / The Verge Two years ago, Valve told The Verge it wanted a successor to its cult classic Steam Controller , whose incredibly customizable buttons and touchpads paved the way for the Steam Deck handheld PC. Now, Valve watcher Brad Lynch claims a Steam Controller 2 — codename “Ibex” — is actually getting made. His sources tell him the Steam Controller 2 is currently being tooled for mass production, and it’s apparently not the only new Valve gamepad on the way! Codename for Steam Controller 2 is “Ibex” Separate product from Deckard’s “Roy” controller(s) Both are being tooled for a mass production goal in their factories right now. That’s why I know they’re in later stages of productization — Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 19, 2024 Remember t... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/EShZk7d

Illustration: The Verge Google Gemini can now “remember” certain things about you, such as your interests and personal preferences. The change is rolling out to subscribers with access to Gemini Advanced, and it will allow the AI chatbot to tailor its responses based on your needs, according to Gemini’s most recent release notes . As noted by Google, you can share your interests, as well as details about your work, hobbies, or aspirations, while chatting with Gemini. You can also enter relevant details about yourself within the bot’s “Saved Info” page , such as telling it to only suggest vegetarian recipes, or that you work as an accountant. Rolling out starting today, you can ask Gemini Advanced to remember your interests and preferences for more helpful,... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/4ZqKGbt

Minecraft could soon be coming to a theme park near you. UK theme park company Merlin Entertainments has announced the completion of a $110 million deal with developer Mojang to open Minecraft -themed attractions in the US and the UK . The attractions are planned to open in 2026 and 2027 and will either be new additions to existing parks or a wholly new experience. The game seems well-suited for the theme park treatment with in-game activities like mine cart rides, fighting creepers, taking trips to the The Nether, and more. Minecraft joins a number of video game franchises and companies making the jump into theme parks and other forms of entertainment. Nintendo opened its theme park Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 .... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/4Pa0EQX

Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge Google might be preparing to make big changes to its laptop and tablet hardware by making the software on its Chromebooks resemble what you’d find on a tablet. One report from Android Authority suggests that Google has a “multi-year project” in the works for migrating ChromeOS to Android, while a second one from the same outlet indicates Google may be planning a second Pixel tablet that comes with a foldable keyboard cover. That tracks with the moves Google has made in recent months. In June, Google announced that ChromeOS “will soon be developed on large portions of the Android stack” to make the engineering process easier and bring AI features to ChromeOS faster. Google also merged its Android and hardware teams , began testing desktop... Continue reading… from The Verge - All Posts https://ift.tt/gEvf3Iy