theverge--2020-08-19--The best laptop you can buy

The best laptop you can buy

Welcome to our guide to the best laptops of 2020 .
We live in a world where smartphones are ubiquitous , tablets are commonplace , and even smartwatches are a thing that people talk about on the regular .
But throughout all of these advances , the humble laptop has persevered — and for good reason .
When it comes time to work , whether that 's editing photos , writing a lot of emails , composing documents , or staying in touch with colleagues and family , we ’ re here to help you find the best laptop for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy a bad laptop , but what separates the best laptops from good laptops is how they balance power , efficiency , portability , and comfort .
The best laptop should have a fantastic keyboard and trackpad — after all , those are the two biggest reasons you 'd choose a laptop over a smartphone or tablet .
Its display should be easy on the eyes , bright , and sharp enough that you are n't distracted by jagged edges and visible pixels .
It should be powerful enough for most anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaming .
It should be easy to carry around from place to place , and it should be able to last all day without needing to be plugged in .
That ’ s why our pick for the best laptop of 2020 is the Dell XPS 13 .
It ’ s a device that does just about everything right .
While it ’ s certainly not a perfect device , there are no major flaws .
It ’ s a great pick for productivity , browsing , and even light gaming .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mac users is the MacBook Air ( 2020 ) .
Apple fixed the Air ’ s biggest problem — the keyboard — and upgraded to more modern processors .
Our other picks for the best laptops of 2020 include the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 , the MacBook Pro 16 , and the HP Elite Dragonfly .
Check out the full list of best laptops below .
The Best Laptops in 2020 The best laptop you can buy If you ’ re looking for a laptop that does just about everything right , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It features a sturdy build , 10th Gen Intel processors with powerful integrated graphics , and a nearly bezel-free 16:10 panel .
The display is what you ’ ll likely notice first .
It has a 91.5 percent screen-to-body ratio with a bottom bezel of just 4.6mm .
You can configure the XPS with a 1920 x 1200 pixel or 4K display , but the lower-resolution model should be adequate for anyone who ’ s not doing creative work .
It delivers up to 500 nits of brightness ( plenty for working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and accurate , vivid colors .
It ’ ll also give you significantly better battery life , in addition to the lower cost .
You can customize a number of other specs ; the current base model has a Core i5-1035G1 , 8GB RAM , a 256GB SSD , and a 1920 x 1200 non-touch display .
( There ’ s allegedly a model with a Core i3 and 4GB RAM floating around , but it ’ s not currently listed on Dell ’ s website .
You should avoid it if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this base model to anyone who just wants to browse ; if you plan on gaming or creative work , it ’ s worth upgrading for more storage and RAM .
The latest XPS 13 excels at productivity and even has enough power for light gaming The Ice Lake processor features Intel ’ s new Iris Plus integrated graphics , which delivered exceptional performance for an integrated GPU .
You ’ ll still want a discrete graphics card for serious gaming , but you ’ ll have no problem running lighter fare like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , it delivers comparable performance to some lower-tier graphics cards , such as Nvidia ’ s MX150 that came in older versions of the Razer Blade Stealth .
When it comes to the other basics , the XPS beats its competition in just about every way .
We got an acceptable seven hours of battery life and even three hours of light gaming .
( League of Legends was playable for about 85 percent of that time . )
The keyboard and touchpad are among the best in their categories as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.58 inches thick , it ’ s quite portable .
The biggest knock against the XPS 13 is its limited port selection .
With just two Thunderbolt 3 ports , a headphone jack , and a microSD slot , it ’ s getting into MacBook territory ( though it does ship with a USB-C to USB-A dongle ) .
The 720p webcam is also pretty terrible , though , in Dell ’ s defense , it had to squeeze the thing into a 2.25mm top bezel .
These are legitimate concerns that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But for most users , they won ’ t be as important as the fundamentals : build quality , keyboard , touchpad , display , and performance .
The XPS excels in all of those areas , earning it our top recommendation .
The best laptop for Mac users The 2020 MacBook Air is the best option for most people who prefer the Apple ecosystem .
The Air comes with 10th Gen Intel processors ( though in a lower power variation than the XPS 13 ) , a sharp Retina display , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ configuration ( including a Core i3 , 8GB RAM , and 256GB storage ) comes in under $ 1,000 , but we recommend that you go for , at minimum , the upgraded model with a Core i5 processor .
MacBook keyboards have been almost universally maligned for the past few years .
But the 2020 Air inherited the new-and-improved keyboard from the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro , which brings back the “ inverted T ” arrow layout and keys with 1mm of travel .
There ’ s no Touch Bar , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and most users should be fine with the standard top row and function keys .
It does retain the Touch ID fingerprint scanner for easy logins and payment authentication .
The MacBook Air is the default Apple laptop for most people You can configure the Air with three different Y-series chips , maxing out at a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7 .
We had no problem with the 1.1GHz Core i5 , though ; it handled Chrome , Slack , Zoom , and Lightroom just fine , and had single-threaded Geekbench scores in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro .
Where you might run into trouble is with heavy workloads that need to run for long periods of time , such as rendering graphics or exporting video .
We witnessed some thermal throttling in these cases , and clock speeds were capped at less than half of the processor ’ s boost .
That means if you ’ re doing heavy creative work or other tasks that really push the CPU , you ’ re likely to experience slowdown and a very loud fan .
The MacBook Air does have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one is battery life .
We got about five hours using a workflow of Chrome , Slack , Zoom , and Lightroom with the screen on maximum brightness .
You ’ ll probably get more juice if you dim the screen and stick with Apple ’ s apps , but we expect most people will want to keep the brightness high ( it only gets up to 400 nits ) , and third-party programs are necessities for many .
Despite those downsides , though , the MacBook Air will serve as a competent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has the excellent design , display , performance , and ( finally ) keyboard that we expect from Apple .
Power users who need the Pro probably know who they are ; everyone else should be just fine with the Air .
Needs for laptops can vary widely .
Some people need to do intense video editing and should pony up for a pro machine .
Others just need a reliable keyboard and a few windows , so something less powerful will do .
Some might want a super light laptop that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some will want a portable gaming machine capable of running all of the latest titles .
Others want a tall aspect-ratio screen , which is much more comfortable to use than a cramped 16:9 display if you primarily do your work in Office documents or a web browser .
Below , we ’ ve got recommendations for all of those use cases and more .
There are plenty of great options in the Windows PC world , complete with the latest processors and designs , and Apple ’ s MacBook lineup has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgraded performance .
The Zephyrus G14 is an astonishingly powerful gaming laptop for a low price ( relative to other notebooks with comparable hardware ) .
It pairs AMD ’ s new Ryzen 9 4900HS with an Nvidia RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU and a 120HZ display , and it can run demanding games at their highest settings without a problem .
It ’ s also quite light for such a powerful laptop , weighing just over 3.5 pounds .
Its battery life is also impressive for a gaming rig ; we got almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t need to be a gamer to appreciate the Zephyrus G14 .
It ’ s also a great notebook for business and everyday multitasking with a unique retro design .
Plus , the keyboard and touchpad are exceptional and quiet enough not to bother officemates .
On the flip side , if you need to use your laptop for videoconferences , the G14 would not be a great choice , as it lacks a webcam .
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best Apple laptop for power users .
Apple dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historically had about MacBook Pros , and if you can stomach the price , there ’ s not a lot else to complain about .
Most importantly , the keyboard is good again .
The keys have a full millimeter of travel , and while the typing experience isn ’ t exceptional , it ’ s a world away from the maligned butterfly keyboard of MacBooks past .
It ’ s fairly quiet , too .
This MacBook also features the best sound you ’ ll find on a laptop .
Apple has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including two woofers .
The result is balanced audio with audible bass and great stereo separation .
For those who need a laptop that can crank through editing video , working with multiple audio tracks , or processing large batches of photos , the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the king of the hill .
You don ’ t need to spend $ 1,000 to get a laptop that looks and feels premium .
The HP Envy x360 2020 is one of the best midrange laptops you can buy , thanks to its sturdy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and excellent performance .
Part of what makes the Envy so great is that HP has ported over a number of elements from its excellent 2019 flagship , the Spectre x360 , including the thin and light chassis , and nearly bezel-free display with an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio .
The touchscreen ( which supports HP ’ s MPP2.0 pen ) is bright and looks great .
( You can choose a 300-nit , 400-nit , or 1,000-nit panel ) .
And HP has added a row of convenient hotkeys to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microphone and webcam .
But the most exciting feature is inside : The new Envy x360 is powered by AMD ’ s Ryzen 4000 series .
The Ryzen 5-4500U in my model did an outstanding job with a fairly heavy load of multitasking .
And AMD ’ s integrated Raedon graphics delivered good gaming performance comparable to what you ’ d expect from a lower-powered discrete GPU .
If you ’ re a business professional and money is no object for you or your company , you can ’ t do better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model is the first Dragonfly that features HP ’ s super-secure SureView Reflect technology , which tints the screen so that snoops can ’ t see what you ’ re doing while you ’ re working in public .
When it ’ s not tinted , the display gets quite bright ( over 700 nits ) and has great viewing angles .
The new Dragonfly is also the first laptop to include a built-in Tile tracker .
That means if you lose the device , you can use the Tile smartphone app to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in Bluetooth range ) or locate it anywhere in the world using Tile ’ s crowd-finding network .
The tracker can work for a limited time even when the laptop is off .
Almost everything else about the Dragonfly is good ; it has some of the best battery life of any laptop on the market ( we got over 11 hours ) , a sleek and stunning 2-in-1 design , and an exceptional keyboard .
Plus , it incorporates sustainable material , including ocean-bound plastics and recycled DVDs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper business laptops that will suit the needs of most professionals just fine .
But if you ’ re looking for the best of the best , it ’ s the unambiguous winner .
Lenovo ’ s Chromebook Duet is a great convertible laptop for kids , or anyone who wants a reliable secondary driver for browsing and games .
It ’ s a nice-looking , well-made 10-inch device that comes with a detachable keyboard and kickstand .
The Duet is tailor-made to be used around the house and on the go , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 hours of battery life .
Its MediaTek processor isn ’ t designed to shoulder heavy loads , but it ’ s just fine for browsing in a couple tabs , watching Netflix , or playing Android games — it even handles photo editing pretty well .
The Duet also features a new “ tablet mode ” for Chrome OS , which supports an Android-inspired gesture navigation system and a unique Chrome layout optimized for tablet use .
The Chromebook Duet is an absolute steal for its low price , and is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a tight budget .
The Spectre x360 is a premium-level 2-in-1 Windows laptop with the latest processor options from Intel , a vibrant touchscreen , and more port options than are found on other laptops in this segment .
The x360 weighs less than three pounds and is about two-thirds of an inch thick when closed , which makes it very easy to travel with .
The latest model has a smaller footprint than before , thanks to shrunken bezels above and below the screen , but it still maintains a full-size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it provides both facial and fingerprint biometric authentication , so you can choose which way you prefer to log in .
HP updated the trackpad drivers it uses in the latest model to Microsoft ’ s Precision set and the experience is improved over the older versions to the point where it ’ s no longer an issue .
The x360 ’ s trackpad is now right up there with the best Windows trackpad options ( which are still a tick behind what you get on a MacBook ) in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejection .
The biggest argument against the x360 is that it has a 16:9 display , as opposed to the 16:10 or 3:2 screens you ’ ll find on Dell or Microsoft ’ s computers .
Those taller aspect ratios are much better for productivity work , whether that ’ s working in two documents side by side or researching on the web without having to scroll as much .
But unless you are very particular about your screen ’ s aspect ratio , most people won ’ t find this to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyday users If you ’ re looking for a MacBook that ’ s more powerful than the Air , but isn ’ t as pricey as the 16-inch Pro , the MacBook Pro 13 hits the sweet spot in the middle .
It has a bright 500-nit screen , excellent speakers and — finally — a keyboard that ’ s actually reliable .
There are two models you can consider depending on your needs : the “ base ” model has 8th-Gen Intel processors and two Thunderbolt 3 processors , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thunderbolt 3 ports ( as well as 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD ) .
If you can afford it , we recommend stepping up to the pricier version , as the performance difference between the two generations is noticeable .
The best Chromebook of 2020 For high school and college students , or anyone else who needs an affordable , portable machine , a Chromebook can be a great option .
Though it ’ s not the cheapest model available , Acer ’ s Chromebook Spin 713 offers top-notch performance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and other laptops ) .
It can be equipped with a Core i3 , Core i5 , or Core i7 — the i5 model we tested handled a heavy multitasking load without any slowdown , heat , or noise .
Add all-day battery life , an excellent keyboard , and a generous port selection that includes a full-size HDMI , and there ’ s very little not to like .
But where the 713 really shines is its display .
The 3:2 gives you extra space for comfortable multitasking , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — I actually preferred it to my MacBook Pro ’ s screen .
Between its standout performance , peripherals , and portability , this is really the Chromebook to beat .
The Gigabyte Aero 15 is a colorful , powerful laptop for creative professionals .
This 15.6-inch workstation pairs a bright OLED screen with an eight-core i7-10875H processor and Nvidia ’ s cutting-edge GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU .
It also comes with a laundry list of ports , including a full SD-card slot , so you ’ ll be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitors , and other equipment without a problem .
We also found that it was able to run demanding games on their highest settings at acceptable frame rates , and export 4K video as fast as any other laptop we ’ ve tested .
This is an expensive machine , and if you just want to play games , it ’ s probably not worth spending so much money on an OLED screen .
But if you need the combination of the high resolution and the high-powered specs , the Aero 15 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XPS 15 with up to an eight-core Core i7 processor , Nvidia ’ s GTX 1650 Ti graphics , and a 3840 x 2400 touchscreen .
Those specs are overkill for most people , but they ’ re ideal for anyone who needs to edit video or do other heavy creative work with Adobe Premiere .
We recommend that anyone who ’ s just browsing and streaming go for the 1920 x 1200 screen and a Core i5 , which will save you significant money .
( We also experienced some heat management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i7 unit . )
The XPS 15 isn ’ t a serious gaming rig , but the GTX 1650 Ti can help out with creative tasks .
Our model was able to export a five-minute , 33-second video in Adobe Premiere Pro in just four and a half minutes — which is faster than we got with the 16-inch MacBook Pro .
If you ’ re looking for a large , attractive Windows laptop that packs decent power , this is the one for you .
AMD rewrote the rules of gaming laptops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s made a splash in the budget gaming range as well with the G5 15 SE .
This laptop ran every popular title we threw at it at very playable frame rates — and the games looked great on our model ’ s 144Hz FreeSync screen .
( You can choose a 60Hz panel as well ) .
The Radeon RX 5600M GPU gets a boost from AMD ’ s SmartShift feature , which pushes power between the CPU and GPU depending on where it ’ s needed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaming , the G5 also makes a good daily driver .
It does a great job with graphically intensive work as well as general multitasking , and the fans stayed quiet throughout our testing .
And there ’ s a better port selection than we ’ d generally expect to see at this price point , including an SD card reader , an audio jack , two USB 2.0 Type-A , a Mini DisplayPort , HDMi 2.0 , a USB 3.2 Gen 1 , an Ethernet , and a USB-C with DisplayPort .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its price , and is the budget gaming rig to beat .
The XPS 17 is a workstation for professionals who need a huge screen and huge power .
Its 17-inch 3840 x 2400 display allows you room to comfortably work in multiple tabs and apps , and it ’ s also bright enough to use for outdoor work without much obtrusive glare .
It contains H-series Intel processors , and can be configured with discrete RTX GPUs — our model had an RTX 2060 Max Q .
That system flew through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and didn ’ t burn itself up in the process , thanks to a new cooling system from Dell that includes a chassis-wide vapor chamber .
Best of all , those specs and screen manage to function without decimating the XPS ’ s battery life ; our unit ( with a 97Wh brick ) was able to last a full work day .
The 2020 Blade Stealth 13 isn ’ t the most powerful gaming laptop out there , but it ’ s certainly the prettiest one .
Not only is it one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market — but it ’ s also one of the nicest-looking laptops , period .
You ’ ll get a 120Hz screen — the fastest 13.3-inch screen out there — a colorful keyboard , good speakers , and even a decent webcam .
It ’ s a convenient notebook to carry around , weighing just 3.11 pounds and delivering close to all-day battery life on less demanding profiles .
The gaming results you get aren ’ t the best gaming results around , and don ’ t touch those of the Zephyrus G14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serviceable , and this is the laptop to get if you prefer a portable ultrabook design .

We test a wide variety of laptops each year here at The Verge, and many of them are very good. But you can’t buy them all. So to help with your purchasing decisions I’ve done the very difficult (very difficult, trust me) task here of selecting 15 of the most exceptional devices out there for this Best Laptop of 2023 page. Whether you’re looking for a Chromebook, a gaming laptop, a 2-in-1 convertible, an ultralight notebook, or something that’s a little bit of each, I’ve got multiple options for you here. These aren’t necessarily the best laptops of all time, but they are, in my opinion, the best laptops you can buy right now.
My current pick for the best laptop of 2023 is the MacBook Air. It’s a device that does just about everything right. While it’s certainly not perfect, there are no major flaws. It’s a great pick for productivity, browsing, and even light gaming.
It's getting harder to buy a bad laptop, but what separates the best laptops from good laptops is how they balance power, efficiency, portability, and comfort. The top laptop should have a fantastic keyboard and trackpad — after all, those are the two biggest reasons you'd choose a laptop over a smartphone or tablet. Its display should be easy on the eyes, bright, and sharp enough that you aren't distracted by jagged edges and visible pixels. It should be powerful enough for most anything short of intensive video editing and advanced gaming. It should be easy to carry around from place to place, and it should be able to last all day without needing to be plugged in.
Our other picks for the best laptops, Chromebooks, and 2-in-1s include the the MacBook Pro 16 and the HP Spectre x360 14. Check out the full list of best laptop picks below or our roundup of the best gaming laptops, if you’re looking for a powerful machine that doesn’t sacrifice portability.
What we’re looking for Value: Price is a very important factor in evaluating devices for this page. We’re seeking laptops that offer great value for their asking price, and that are the best of the best compared to other laptops in their price category. The more expensive a device, the more exceptional it has to be to make it on here. Performance: We want laptops with enough power to accommodate their target audience. An ultraportable laptop should be able to handle a standard office workload without excessive heat or fan noise. A gaming laptop should run today’s popular games. Screen: We like displays that are color-accurate and bright. Design: We’re looking for laptops with a solid, durable build that can handle a standard amount of briefcase wear-and-tear. Battery life: Battery life is much more important in some categories than it is in others. That said, in general, we assume that most shoppers are choosing a laptop over a desktop because they value some ability to work away from a plug. Battery life gives a user more freedom and makes a device more reliable for travel, so we consider it here. Port selection: The more ports, the better. We try to keep our picks as current as possible, but we may include an older device over its newer generation if we feel that the newer generation is a significant downgrade. We rarely recommend devices that are more than two years old.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2)
The best laptop of 2023
MacBook Air with M2 (2022) $ 949 $ 1199 21 % off $ 949 $ 949 $ 1199 21 % off The redesigned MacBook Air is a thin, lightweight device powered by Apple’s latest chip. The M2 model also touts a 1080p webcam and a better display than its predecessor, while retaining features like long battery life and MagSafe charging. $1099 at Apple$949 at Best Buy
CPU: M2 / GPU: M2/ RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 24GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB / Display: 13.6-inch IPS display, 2560 x 1664, 60Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches / Weight: 2.7 pounds
The latest MacBook Air, powered by Apple’s M2 processor, is the best laptop for most people.
The base model, which includes 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU, starts at $1,199. A model with 512GB of storage, which is what we recommend for most people and will let you keep using the laptop for longer, costs $1,399.
The Air has lost the wedge-shape design that was its calling card for years but retains many of the other excellent features of years past, including MagSafe charging, Touch ID, and the scissor-switch keyboard, and adds a new 1080p webcam and two new color options.
The Apple MacBook Air is the best laptop of 2023. Photo by Becca Farsace / The Verge
The M2 processor inside isn’t as fast or powerful as the M1 Pro or M1 Max you get in the larger (and more expensive) MacBook Pro models, but it’s still mighty fast. In our testing, it was able to handle intense office workloads with little to no heat or slowdown. Given how thin and light this device is, it delivers a combination of power and portability that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in many other machines out there.
The M2 Air didn’t give us quite as much battery life as the 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook did in our rundown testing, but we would still expect it to last most people a full day of continuous use.
Apple is continuing to sell the M1 MacBook Air, which was released in 2020. If the M2 MacBook Air is out of your price range, we recommend that you consider the M1 model.
Read our MacBook Air review.
2. MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch)
The best Macbook for creators
CPU: M1 Pro, M1 Max / GPU: M1 Pro, M1 Max / RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 96GB/ Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB / Display: 14.2/16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3024 x 1964/3456 x 2234, adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61/14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches / Weight: 3.5/4.7 pounds (M2 Pro), 3.6/4.8 pounds (M2 Max)
It may be confusing to see both the 2021 MacBook Pro models (with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips) and the 2023 MacBook Pro models (with the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips) on this list. The 2023 models are more powerful devices — but because of their high price, they’re also more niche devices, and we recommend them mostly to professionals who need every ounce of power. We see the 2021 models, which can now be found at much lower prices, as better purchases for a more mainstream audience. That’s why they’re higher on this list.
In our benchmarks, which test a variety of creative tasks including encoding, playback, and export time, the MacBook Pro 16 did better than any laptop we’ve ever used — the only other machines that have come close to matching this thing in some of our benchmarks are high-end desktop PCs. The battery life is also record-shattering. The 16-inch configuration with the M1 Pro processor lasted 16 hours in my testing — making it the longest-lasting laptop we’ve ever reviewed. (The M1 Max configuration doesn’t last quite as long, but still got us through a work day.)
Elsewhere, we have basically no complaints about the 2021 MacBook Pro. It has a gorgeous display that can reach 1,000 nits when playing HDR content. It pairs that with the best set of speakers we’ve ever heard from a laptop. And these Pro models can output to multiple external displays, while the Air is limited to one.
If you’re looking for a machine that can accommodate a demanding workload while also serving as an excellent multimedia device when you’re off the clock, you’ll likely be satisfied with what the M1 Pro and M1 Max can do.
If you’re a creative professional who doesn’t quite want to pay the price of the MacBook Pro 16, or you’re looking for something more compact, you’re probably better suited to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. This device is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than its 16-inch counterpart, but it comes with the same monstrous processor options and the same stellar screen.
We didn’t see much of a difference in benchmark scores between the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks with the same processors — the 14-incher actually outperformed the 16-inchers in some of our tests. The primary difference to consider, apart from the sizes of these devices, is battery life. The 16-inch chassis allows for a significantly bigger battery, and the 16-inch M1 Pro model lasted several hours longer than the 14-inch M1 Pro model did in our testing.
Read our MacBook Pro 14 and 16 review.
3. Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14
The best dual-screen laptop
CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H / GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4050, RTX 4060 / RAM: 32GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB / Display: 14.5-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 120Hz + 12.7-inch IPS, 2880 x 864, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 12.74 x 8.85 x 0.7 inches/ Weight: 3.86 pounds
Finally, there is a dual-screen laptop we can actually recommend buying. In the past, the dual-screen form factor has felt gimmicky, difficult to see, and difficult to use. But in the Zenbook Duo 14, Asus has angled the screen significantly higher than before, made it higher resolution, and given it an anti-glare etching that’s made it actually useful.
The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 OLED has not one, but two high-resolution screens. Photo by Monica Chin / The Verge
Using Asus’s ScreenXpert software, Zenbook Pro Duo users essentially have a small, crisp secondary OLED monitor on their keyboard deck. This second screen can also be turned into a giant touchpad (which is helpful since the actual touchpad the device comes with is pretty tiny. The device also comes with high-performance chips from Intel and Nvidia, and a roomy 16:10 primary screen. While the keyboard-in-the-front layout won’t be for everyone, this innovative device is the best choice for shoppers who want multiple screens in one.
Read our Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED review.
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The best gaming laptop
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 $ 1900 The ROG Zephyrus G14 is an astonishingly powerful gaming laptop. Its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and GeForce RTX 3060 can push powerful, smooth graphics performance in games with its QHD display while also being surprisingly efficient for other tasks. $1900 at Best Buy
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS / GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700S / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 14-inch IPS, 2560 x 1600, 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 12.28 x 8.94 x 0.73/ Weight: 3.64 pounds
You want to be careful with this one, because some of the models are too expensive for what they offer. Make sure that you’re buying the $1,649.99 SKU with the 6700S GPU. We feel that this model, specifically, is the best 14-inch gaming laptop you can buy. It’s a perfectly portable device at just 3.79 pounds and 0.77 inches thick, and it comes with a great keyboard, touchpad, port selection, and screen. The frame rates it produced in our testing were solid, and we didn’t see a huge difference in performance between the 6700S and 6800S models. And we got all-day battery life, which you don’t see in gaming laptops every day.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the lightweight gaming laptop to buy. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
If you are interested in having an animated grid of colored lights on your computer, you can also pay more for a model that has Asus’s AniMe Matrix. We don’t think these models offer particularly good value for their price, but they do have some cute benefits – you can customize them to display words or images of your choice, and there’s a virtual pet on it that you can play with.
Read our Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review.
5. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
The best Chromebook
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 128GB / Display: 15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz / Dimensions: 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73/ Weight: 4.3 pounds
Asus surprised us with its Chromebook Flip CX5, a gorgeous $800 laptop that happens to run Chrome OS. It’s as sturdy and well-built as all kinds of Windows laptops at higher price points, and sports a unique smooth texture. It includes fully-fledged laptop specs, including a 57Wh battery, which provide speedy performance, long battery life, and quick charging.
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is a massive, powerful Chromebook. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales
You get all kinds of ports, including an HDMI and a microSD slot. The speakers sound great, and the keyboard is comfortable. Asus hasn’t skimped on CX5’s chassis or its performance — it’s absolutely the product to buy if you’re looking for a Chromebook with a big screen.
Read our Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 review.
6. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro and M2 Max)
Best video editing laptop
CPU: M2 Pro, M2 Max / GPU: M2 Pro, M2 Max / RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 96GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB / Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456 x 2234, adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches / Weight: 4.7 pounds (M2 Pro), 4.8 pounds (M2 Max)
If you’re a professional with a heavy workload looking for the best in power, graphics, and battery life that Apple has to offer, you want the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s brand-new M2 Pro or M2 Max. It won’t come cheap – models start at $2,499 – but it is one of the most powerful and longest-lasting laptops you can buy. To reiterate, we believe that most creators should go for a discounted M1 Pro or M1 Max laptop over this one — the newest M2 Pro and M2 Max are best for the most deep-pocketed of power users.
The 2023 MacBook Pro looks very similar to the 2021 MacBook Pro, with the same camera notch, the same port selection (including MagSafe charging), and the same exceptional speaker system.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a good option for power users. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
In testing, we’ve found that the M2 Max provides several additional hours of battery life over the M1 Max that powered the 2021 MacBook Pro 16. The M2 Max also has more multicore and single-core CPU power, and a lot more graphic power, than the M1 Max did. That won’t make a difference for standard home and office tasks, but can save you some time if your occupation requires a really powerful PC.
For more guidance on which M2 MacBook to buy, we’ve got a video breaking down the M2 lineup.
Read our MacBook Pro 16 review.
7. MacBook Air 15
The best 15-inch laptop
CPU: M2 / GPU: M2 / RAM: 16GB, 16GB, 24GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB / Display: 15.3-inch IPS display, 2880 x 1864, 60Hz no touch option / Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches / Weight: 3.3 pounds
The MacBook Pro 15 is the 15-inch laptop that a lot of people have been waiting for. It’s got a large, gorgeous screen, but it’s much lighter and less expensive than the 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are currently available. It has the same M2 chip that powers the 13-inch MacBook Air further up this list, but its larger chassis allows for a bit of extra cooling (and therefore, slightly more performance). For those who like the portability of the 13-inch MacBook Air but want more screen space to work with, the Air 15 is the option.
The MacBook Air 16 is a lightweight, big-screen laptop. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The 15-inch Air does have a few compromises that the 14-inch and 16-inch Pro don’t. Most importantly, its port selection is limited to two USB-C Thunderbolt, one MagSafe, and one headphone jack, and all but the headphone jack are crammed onto the left side. It also only supports one external display, which is a frustrating limitation for some. Nevertheless, as a more affordable and portable option than Apple’s other big-screen offerings, the Air will still be the best choice for a lot of people.
Read our MacBook Air 15 review.
8. Framework Laptop
A repairable laptop for DIYers
Framework Laptop 13 $ 849 The Framework Laptop 13 is the best laptop for those who want full control of their experience. Everything from the processor and RAM to the keyboard and bezels is user-upgradeable. $849 at Framework
CPU: Intel Core i5-1340P/i7-1360P/17-1370P, AMD Ryzen 7 7840U / GPU: Intel UHD/Iris Xe, Radeon 700M / RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB / Storage: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB / Display: 13.5 inch IPS, 2256 x 1540, 60Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches / Weight: 2.87 pounds
If you want a 13-inch laptop that you can configure and assemble yourself, from the ground up, the Framework Laptop 13 is pretty much your only option. The Framework is a modular laptop that users can repair and upgrade over the length of their ownership. Everything from the RAM, to the storage, to even the processor can be upgraded down the line. The company has even come out with upgrades for parts like speakers and hinges that you can install yourself. Not only can you buy it as a prebuilt system, but you can also order it as a DIY kit, allowing you to assemble the entire thing yourself and swap out parts as you please.
Repairability aside, the Framework has a number of laudable features as a laptop itself. The display is bright and high-resolution, the speakers are great, and the chassis is quite portable, coming in at under three pounds. The 3:2 aspect ratio provides a lot of room to work, and still a somewhat rare find on today’s market.
The Framework Laptop 13 is one of very few 13-inch laptops with this degree of repairability. Photo by Monica Chin / The Verge
That said, I won’t pretend that this is the best 13-inch laptop you can buy; on its own merits, it is an unremarkable system with a somewhat generic look and plasticky build, particularly compared to others in its price category. Nevertheless, the Framework’s standout feature is the unprecedented access it allows its users to replace and repair its parts. We’d love to see more companies make that kind of commitment to sustainable design.
Read our Framework Laptop 13 review.
9. Dell XPS 13
The best Windows laptop
Dell XPS 13 $ 999 Dell’s XPS 13 is the ultimate execution on the traditional thin-and-light clamshell laptop design. It’s sleek and compact, has a great keyboard and trackpad, and has excellent performance. $999 at Dell
CPU: Intel Core i7-1250U / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB / Display: 13.4 inch IPS, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 11.63 x 7.86 x 0.55 inches / Weight: 2.59 pounds
The Dell XPS 13 is a compact and reliable laptop. Its beautiful chassis, excellent 16:10 display, and great performance make it an excellent choice for general-purpose users. At well under three pounds and just over half an inch thick, it’s a dream for travel and on-the-go work.
The specs of our test unit (a Core i5 configuration) were just fine for the work tasks I needed to do. I do recommend using the Silent cooling profile if you don’t need heavyweight performance, as the fans get going very easily on this model.
The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops of 2023. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
There is also a fancier Dell XPS 13 Plus available for purchase, which includes all kinds of new features the XPS 13 doesn’t have including an OLED display option, borderless haptic touchpad, and LED touch function keys, as well as a more powerful P-series processor. I don’t recommend that model over this one for most people, but it’s worth looking into if you want something a bit funkier with a higher-resolution screen.
Read our Dell XPS 13 review.
10. Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
The best OLED laptop
CPU: Intel Core i7-1355U / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 32GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 13.3-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 60Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.66 x 8.52 x 0.43 inches / Weight: 2.2 pounds
If your top priority is a lightweight laptop with an excellent screen, look no further than the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED. Powered by Intel’s new 13th-Gen processors, it’s an astonishingly lightweight device with a neat, unique design. The lid doesn’t pick up fingerprints, which is a very rare thing to be able to say about dark laptops.
In addition to its compact build, the Zenbook S 13 has a solid port selection including HDMI 2.1, USB-A, and multiple Thunderbolt ports. The OLED display is sharp and roomy, and looks quite nice.
The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is the best laptop you can buy with a 13-inch OLED screen. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The Intel processor in my test model did an excellent job with my multitasking workload. It can get loud while completing heavier tasks like gaming, but a built-in Whisper Mode will keep it quiet during everyday productivity work (which is the sort of workload this device is best suited for).
Read our Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED review.
11. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
The best laptop under $400
CPU: Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno graphics/ RAM: 4Gb, 8GB / Storage: 128GB / Display: 10.95-inch IPS, 2000 x 1200, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches / Weight: 1.14 pounds
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a great, tiny laptop for budget shoppers. It comes with a magnetic detachable keyboard that’s a breeze to pop on and off. The screen also supports USI styluses, though a stylus is not included in the price. The keyboard is included in the price, however, as is the magnetic back cover and kickstand.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a great option for anyone shopping on a tight budget. Photo by Monica Chin / The Verge
Day-to-day, this laptop is quite usable for light work and leisure. It has a sharp, bright 11-inch screen and a surprisingly comfortable keyboard and touchpad. The battery life is close to all-day. But the real draw of this device is its portability — it’s just 2.09 pounds with the keyboard attached, making it quite convenient to carry around and whip out to use on the go.
Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 review.
12. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch)
A lower-cost thin and light option
CPU: Intel Core i5 1235U, Core i7-1255U / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB / Display: 13.5-inch IPS, 2256 x 1504, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.8 x .57 inches / Weight: 2.8 pounds
The Surface Laptop 5 looks and feels quite similar to last year’s Surface Laptop 4. Like its predecessor, the Laptop 5 is thin, light, and well built, with Microsoft’s signature elegant style. Newly this year, the Laptop 5 supports Thunderbolt 4 — but unlike last year, there are only Intel models, with no AMD ones available.
The Surface Laptop 5 is a thin and light work machine. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Inside, the 12th-Gen processors delivery satisfactory performance, particularly single-core tasks. We felt no heat or fan noise during our testing, which was remarkable considering the device’s thin profile. Our tasks looked quite sharp on the 3:2, 13-inch display as well. Our primary complaint was the battery life, which is okay, but not amazing, and a decrease from last year’s results.
Read our Surface Laptop 5 review.
13. Razer Blade 16
The best laptop for AAA gaming
CPU: Intel Core i9-13980HX, Core i9-13950HX / GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060, RTX 4070, RTX 4080, RTX 4090 / RAM: 16GB, 32GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 16-inch Mini-LED, Dual UHD/FHD+, 120Hz/240Hz / Dimensions: 13.98 x 9.61 x 0.87 inches / Weight: 5.4 pounds
The Razer Blade 16 is an incredible purchase for gamers with very, very deep pockets. Equipped with top-end chips from Nvidia and Intel, it can run most of today’s’ most demanding games at their highest settings with all the effects you want. Add Razer’s signature suave chassis and fun (but unobtrusive) RGB keyboard, and there’s little to complain about.
But it’s not just the performance that stands out — games also look great. The Blade comes with an optional Mini LED screen. Not only does the panel deliver rich and vivid colors, but it also has a dual-mode feature that allows you to swap between native UDH Plus /120Hz and FHD Plus/240Hz modes with one click.
The Razer Blade 16 is the premium gaming laptop to buy. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
You don’t need to spend this much on a gaming laptop in order to get a good gaming experience, as some of the entries earlier on this list prove. But if you’re looking for the best performance and best display you can squeeze out of the 16-inch form factor, this is the choice for you. It’s a luxury gaming experience for a luxury price.
Read our Razer Blade 16 review.
14. HP Dragonfly Pro
The best business laptop
HP Elite Dragonfly Pro $ 1550 The HP Elite Dragonfly Pro is one of the best business laptops for freelancers and self-employed customers. It performs quite well and comes with extra service. $1550 at HP
CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U, AMD Ryzen 77736U / GPU: Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon/ RAM: 16GB, 32GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / Display: 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1200/2560 x 1600, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 12.39 x 8.78 x 0.72 inches / Weight: 3.42 pounds
While part of HP’s Dragonfly business line, the Dragonfly Pro isn’t being sold to IT departments — it’s tailored to self-employed individuals and freelance workers. It’s powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series, and its performance rivaled that of the M2 MacBook Pro in our testing. Battery life, while not quite M2-level, was enough to power through a full day unplugged. There’s little to object to among the other features as well. The speakers sound good, the webcam delivers a detailed picture, the keyboard is comfortable, and the screen is quite bright. In typical HP fashion, the chassis is quite well built with a sleek and professional look.
The HP Dragonfly Pro is the best business laptop you can buy. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The Dragonfly Pro comes with an optional 24/7 live support service, which you can access via a hotkey on the right side of the keyboard. It’s included with the first year, and then it’s $10.99 per month. This isn’t something we think most people will need, but if you’re interested in having access to that sort of program, this is the laptop for you.
15. HP Spectre x360 13.5
The best convertible Windows laptop
CPU: Intel Core i5 1235U, Core i7 1255U, Core i7-1355U / GPU: Intel UHD, Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB / Display: 13.5-inch IPS, 60Hz, 1920 x 1280/OLED, 3000 x 2000, touch option / Dimensions: 11.75 x 8.67 x 0.67 inches / Weight: 3.01 pounds
The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is a drop-dead gorgeous machine with a sturdy build and a premium look and feel. It’s got a roomy 3:2 OLED screen with adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz that’s vivid, crisp, and bright. You also get a comfortable keyboard, clear and bass-heavy audio, and a practical port selection. (There are even ports on the corners.) HP ships it with a number of webcam features via its GlamCam package, which you can use to “glam” your video calling experience if that is of interest.
Performance (on the unit we received) was quite speedy, and was cool and quiet throughout much of our day-to-day testing. If you’re looking for a sleek and beautiful device, you should look no further than HP’s Spectre line.
The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is one of the best convertible laptops you can buy — but it has a few compromises to be aware of. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
This machine comes with a couple major caveats, however. First, the battery life is not great. We averaged between four and five hours of continuous use. That’s not necessarily unexpected given the screen’s high resolution and refresh rate, but it will still make the Spectre an impractical buy for some people. We’d expect many of the laptops that are higher on this list to last at least a couple hours longer to a charge.
The other thing to note is that this package doesn’t come cheap. Many customers will find better battery life and similar performance in any number of less expensive products. The Spectre is worth a splurge only if you really need a 2-in-1 convertible (a form factor that’s become much harder to find these days), if battery life isn’t a priority for you, and if you value beauty and craftsmanship above all else.
Read our HP Spectre x360 14 review.
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theverge--2020-08-19--With titles like Battletoads and Grounded, Xbox Game Pass is inching closer to becoming like Netflix

You probably know the feeling : you set out to find something new on Netflix , but end up spending more time browsing than actually watching .
There ’ s just so much there that it can be hard to make a choice .
Recently I ’ ve been having the same issue every time I turn on my Xbox .
Game Pass , Microsoft ’ s subscription service , is much like Netflix and other video streaming services in that , for a monthly fee , you have access to a broad range of experiences .
If you follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll know that Game Pass is a place for the company ’ s big first-party games .
With a subscription you can play every Halo or Gears of War title .
When Halo Infinite is available next year , you won ’ t need to buy it — the game will debut on Game Pass at launch .
Steadily , though , the service has become home to a much larger array of games .
The blockbusters are still there , but so are the smaller or quirkier titles that won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players hooked once they sign up .
Take Battletoads , for instance .
The game , which launches tomorrow , is perhaps the ideal Game Pass game .
Battletoads is a return of the iconic beat ‘ em up from 1991 , and largely stays true to the original .
That means hard ( though not quite as punishing ) side-scrolling action ; strange , colorful levels to explore ; and humor designed to appeal to a 12-year-old .
There are a lot of things I don ’ t like about Battletoads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not really into the new art style , which gives it the feel of a direct-to-video show from the ‘ 90s .
It ’ s certainly not on par with the recent revival of Streets of Rage , which was perhaps the ideal modern beat ‘ em up .
Here ’ s the thing : none of that really matters .
When a game is available through a subscription service and you ’ re not paying for it directly , it changes how you evaluate it .
Think of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrible movie like Bright on Netflix , but I ’ d never pay to see it in a theater .
The same goes for games .
Battletoads isn ’ t amazing , and I ’ m not immune to its flaws , but I ’ m enjoying it enough to keep playing — and chances are I might not have ever played in the first place had it been available only as a direct purchase .
Game Pass is starting to hit a critical mass of these kinds of experiences .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet interesting , but also titles I wouldn ’ t have thought to try if they had a price tag attached .
I ’ m not a big fan of survival games , yet here I am playing the recently-launched Grounded , which is essentially Honey I Shrunk the Kids : The Game .
You play as a tiny teen trying to survive a suburban backyard , where ants are the size of small cars and a single drop of water can save your life .
It ’ s fun to just wander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bugs interact with each other , and learning a few crafting recipes .
It ’ s also a game I wouldn ’ t have experienced if it weren ’ t on Game Pass .
A subscription service needs more than just big hits .
You may sign up for Netflix to watch The Witcher , but you also need things like Too Hot to Handle or Midnight Diner : Tokyo Stories to round out the experience .
For me , the Game Pass library has already hit that sweet spot .
Aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few days alone I ’ ve played Carrion ( a thrilling action game where you are the monster , escaping a human lab ) , Spiritfarer ( a beautiful management game about death ) , and the original Final Fantasy VII ( I ’ ve been thinking about going back to it since April ) .
I also downloaded The Master Chief Collection to refresh my memory before Infinite ’ s launch , and Sea of Thieves because , well , I keep meaning to try it .
Oh , and Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control got me in the mood .
I ’ ve also been considering another playthrough of Dragon Quest XI and ... well , you can see the problem here .
Game Pass isn ’ t perfect , and notable titles still come and go like any subscription service .
( Red Dead Redemption II is the most recent example . )
But it ’ s still the first gaming service where I ’ ve felt paralyzed by choice in this way .
Even Apple Arcade , which I still use , hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting game comes out once or twice a month , I play it on my iPad , and then I forget about the service until I get a new notification .
I don ’ t have a queue on Apple Arcade the way I do on my Xbox .
Now I just need help figuring out what to play next .

You probably know the feeling: you set out to find something new on Netflix, but end up spending more time browsing than actually watching. There’s just so much there that it can be hard to make a choice. Recently I’ve been having the same issue every time I turn on my Xbox.
Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service, is much like Netflix and other video streaming services in that, for a monthly fee, you have access to a broad range of experiences. If you follow Microsoft’s marketing, you’ll know that Game Pass is a place for the company’s big first-party games. With a subscription you can play every Halo or Gears of War title. When Halo Infinite is available next year, you won’t need to buy it — the game will debut on Game Pass at launch.
Steadily, though, the service has become home to a much larger array of games. The blockbusters are still there, but so are the smaller or quirkier titles that won’t necessarily sell subscriptions, but can keep players hooked once they sign up. Take Battletoads, for instance. The game, which launches tomorrow, is perhaps the ideal Game Pass game.
Grounded.
Battletoads is a return of the iconic beat ‘em up from 1991, and largely stays true to the original. That means hard (though not quite as punishing) side-scrolling action; strange, colorful levels to explore; and humor designed to appeal to a 12-year-old. There are a lot of things I don’t like about Battletoads. The voice acting is cringe-worthy, and I’m not really into the new art style, which gives it the feel of a direct-to-video show from the ‘90s. It’s certainly not on par with the recent revival of Streets of Rage, which was perhaps the ideal modern beat ‘em up.
Here’s the thing: none of that really matters. When a game is available through a subscription service and you’re not paying for it directly, it changes how you evaluate it. Think of it like this. I’ll watch a terrible movie like Bright on Netflix, but I’d never pay to see it in a theater. The same goes for games. Battletoads isn’t amazing, and I’m not immune to its flaws, but I’m enjoying it enough to keep playing — and chances are I might not have ever played in the first place had it been available only as a direct purchase.
Game Pass is starting to hit a critical mass of these kinds of experiences. Not just games that are maybe below average yet interesting, but also titles I wouldn’t have thought to try if they had a price tag attached. I’m not a big fan of survival games, yet here I am playing the recently-launched Grounded, which is essentially Honey I Shrunk the Kids: The Game. You play as a tiny teen trying to survive a suburban backyard, where ants are the size of small cars and a single drop of water can save your life. It’s fun to just wander around for an hour, watching how the bugs interact with each other, and learning a few crafting recipes. It’s also a game I wouldn’t have experienced if it weren’t on Game Pass.
A subscription service needs more than just big hits. You may sign up for Netflix to watch The Witcher, but you also need things like Too Hot to Handle or Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories to round out the experience. For me, the Game Pass library has already hit that sweet spot. Aside from Battletoads and Grounded, over the last few days alone I’ve played Carrion (a thrilling action game where you are the monster, escaping a human lab), Spiritfarer (a beautiful management game about death), and the original Final Fantasy VII (I’ve been thinking about going back to it since April).
Carrion.
I also downloaded The Master Chief Collection to refresh my memory before Infinite’s launch, and Sea of Thieves because, well, I keep meaning to try it. Oh, and Alan Wake, because the upcoming expansion for Control got me in the mood. I’ve also been considering another playthrough of Dragon Quest XI and... well, you can see the problem here.
Game Pass isn’t perfect, and notable titles still come and go like any subscription service. (Red Dead Redemption II is the most recent example.) But it’s still the first gaming service where I’ve felt paralyzed by choice in this way. Even Apple Arcade, which I still use, hasn’t managed this. Instead, an interesting game comes out once or twice a month, I play it on my iPad, and then I forget about the service until I get a new notification. I don’t have a queue on Apple Arcade the way I do on my Xbox.


theverge--2020-08-19--Los Angeles settles Weather Channel lawsuit, lets it keep selling location data to advertisers

Los Angeles has settled its lawsuit against the operator of The Weather Channel app .
The city filed litigation against the company in 2019 , alleging that the app misled millions of people into granting access to their personal location data and sold that data to third parties .
While IBM is celebrating this moment by calling those original claims “ baseless ” in a statement to The Verge , it sounds like they were largely true — since the only thing the settlement requires is for The Weather Channel to proactively warn users that yes , your location data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the settlement , the app ’ s operator , TWC Product and Technology LLC , and the app ’ s owner , IBM Corporation , have agreed to revise the location-tracking disclosure screens to “ ensure transparency and informed consent ” for users .
Here ’ s what those new disclosures might look like ( bolding ours ) : Did you know that if you allow access to your device ’ s location and barometric pressure sensor data , it enables us automatically to provide you with more accurate local forecasts ?
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant permission , we use your device ’ s location to deliver forecasts and weather alerts .
We also may use and share this information with trusted partners for ads , and to provide and improve our Services .
Regardless of whether or not you allow location access , you can always receive accurate local forecasts by manually entering a location .
You can change permissions at any time .
Learn More .
How We Use and Share Location Information We collect your device ’ s location information and pressure sensor data through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you certain location-based features like forecasts , weather alerts , and ads , and to provide and improve our Services .
The way we collect that information is different depending on whether you are accessing the Services through a website or mobile application .
You can still use our application without giving us permission to access your device ’ s location services by manually entering a location in the search field .
However , if you disable your device ’ s location services , you will not have access to some of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exact location .
If you grant permission , we may use and share your device ’ s location to deliver you ads relevant to your location , and to provide and improve the Services .
If you ’ ve also enabled personalized advertising , we may use and share your device ’ s location data with trusted partners to deliver ads that are relevant to you based on places you may have visited ( for example , coffee shops ) .
For more information on these trusted partners and the use and sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the section on sharing data in our Privacy Policy .
To learn more about how we use and share your device ’ s data and our commitment to protecting your privacy , visit our Privacy Policy .
TWC and IBM also agreed to notify Los Angeles of any future changes to these disclosure screens for the next two years , and give the city another opportunity to potentially challenge them in court .
The Weather Channel app is one of the more popular services in the United States “ The Weather Company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location data , ” an IBM spokesperson tells The Verge .
“ We fundamentally disagreed with this lawsuit from the start , and during the case , we showed that the claims were baseless.
” The Weather Channel app is one of the more popular services in the United States .
It ’ s the number one app in the “ Weather ” category on iOS , and the company claims that in 2019 , the app had over 50 million active users worldwide .
IBM acquired the digital portion of The Weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Los Angeles says that separate from the settlement , IBM is donating tech to the city and Los Angeles County to help with contract tracing and data storage during the coronavirus pandemic .

How We Use and Share Location Information
We collect your device’s location information and pressure sensor data through our applications so that we can offer you certain location-based features like forecasts, weather alerts, and ads, and to provide and improve our Services. The way we collect that information is different depending on whether you are accessing the Services through a website or mobile application.
You can still use our application without giving us permission to access your device’s location services by manually entering a location in the search field. However, if you disable your device’s location services, you will not have access to some of our features like real-time weather alerts for an exact location. If you grant permission, we may use and share your device’s location to deliver you ads relevant to your location, and to provide and improve the Services.
If you’ve also enabled personalized advertising, we may use and share your device’s location data with trusted partners to deliver ads that are relevant to you based on places you may have visited (for example, coffee shops). For more information on these trusted partners and the use and sharing of location data, you can review the section on sharing data in our Privacy Policy.
To learn more about how we use and share your device’s data and our commitment to protecting your privacy, visit our Privacy Policy.


theverge--2020-08-19--Facebook is making Oculus’s worst feature unavoidable

Yesterday , Facebook infuriated the VR world , announcing plans to require a Facebook login for future VR headsets .
The decision broke an early promise from Oculus founder Palmer Luckey and was almost universally reviled online , with critics raising concerns about intrusive data collection , targeted advertising , and being forced to use a service they hated .
On the Oculus subreddit , some users posted bitter memes about Farmville and data harvesting , while others swapped recommendations for other headsets .
One posted a cartoon of Oculus as a sinking ship .
The truth is probably a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time — when it acquired Oculus in 2014 , Minecraft creator Markus “ Notch ” Persson furiously killed a deal to put his game on Oculus Rift , only to be “ officially over being upset ” months later .
( Minecraft was sold to Microsoft and appeared on the Rift soon after its launch . )
And Oculus presents plenty of other benefits that could overcome skeptics ’ distaste .
But Facebook is also stoking controversy during a deep scrutiny of its acquisitions and privacy practices .
Even if its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s causing real concern particularly at the margins of VR — a small industry where the margins really matter .
There ’ s one major argument against a mass Oculus exodus : while yesterday ’ s change causes problems for a small group of headset owners , many won ’ t notice much difference .
Facebook has real privacy issues , and VR produces vast amounts of data about your movement and surroundings .
But Facebook already owned that data .
Facebook can see if you ’ re using a Facebook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether or not they ’ re linked .
Buying any Oculus app with a credit card requires sharing as much sensitive data as a bare-bones Facebook profile .
If you ’ re a home VR user , Facebook is just spotlighting a privacy trade-off people have been making for years .
Despite a wave of posts about people selling their Oculus Quest headsets , the odds seem stacked against a consumer revolt .
There ’ s no mass deactivation to focus anger into coordinated action , since separate accounts will work until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future unreleased devices ” will require a Facebook account .
The change apparently doesn ’ t affect Oculus for Business customers either , and businesses are a bigger and more stable market than consumers .
Developers need all the headset users they can find What about developers ?
Oculus needs popular apps to attract users , and some designers say forced Facebook integration is a deal-breaker .
“ I deactivated my Facebook account earlier this year , and don ’ t plan on devving for Quest / Oculus ever again , ” Blarp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the name Cabbibo ) told me on Twitter after the announcement .
But dropping Oculus is a serious sacrifice .
Developers need the biggest audience they can get , which means releasing across all VR platforms .
Oculus is one of a few companies backing VR game development at a large scale .
The standalone Oculus Quest is one of VR ’ s most popular headsets — and with good reason , given its versatility , solid design , and robust catalog of Facebook-owned games .
As Ben Kuchera of Polygon writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games and great hardware ... owned and controlled by the one company I would want to keep as far away from the technology as possible.
” Facebook has weathered bigger furors over clearer harms , including the Cambridge Analytica scandal ’ s # DeleteFacebook campaign and an advertiser boycott over hate speech .
Add this to all the factors above , and it ’ s highly plausible that the login controversy will blow over .
But Oculus is also more vulnerable than Facebook as a whole .
Facebook is an incredibly sticky and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , social lives , and relationships of 2.5 billion people in early 2020 .
Oculus headset numbers are scant , but they ’ re estimated in the millions , toward the top of a very small market .
The company ’ s success still hinges on having the best hardware and software experience , not just an overwhelming incumbent advantage .
Oculus ’ s competitors have seized on this controversy .
HTC ’ s Vive Twitter account jumped into the Oculus announcement thread and pitched the Vive Cosmos headset to angry VR fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of VR , boasted that the upcoming Reverb G2 would be “ no Facebook account needed.
” Oculus competitors like Valve , which runs a cross-platform storefront , can earn money off almost anybody with a PC headset .
But the Oculus Store is Rift- and Quest-only , so every hardware sale it loses is a lost software customer as well .
If Facebook is extremely unlucky , this controversy puts Oculus in regulators ’ crosshairs .
Lawmakers have questioned Oculus ’ s privacy policies before , and investigators are currently poring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company is abusing its power and collecting unconscionable amounts of user data .
There ’ s also a newfound enthusiasm for splitting up tech giants .
Spinning off a VR headset division is probably low on reformers ’ priority list , but rousing data privacy fears around an acquired company doesn ’ t exactly help Facebook .
Oculus is a small part of Facebook : even after the company ’ s non-advertising revenue spiked in early 2020 , that money equaled less than 2 percent of its ad revenue .
But VR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole industry .
Requiring Facebook integration hurts extremely privacy-conscious users that avoid the Oculus Store , and it removes a formal layer of data separation that many people ( including me ) appreciate .
Facebook is making yet-unexplained privacy policy changes too .
Facebook will be fine if a few thousand alienated Quest owners stop buying software , but even small losses could knock out indie developers with razor-thin margins .
The Quest is one of the only headsets that doesn ’ t require a gaming PC or console , and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would-be Oculus hardware customers , others may just decide to stay away .
Facebook integration also makes non-personal Quest use more difficult .
“ My own Facebook gripes aside , this is a practical nightmare for those of us who administer shared devices in schools and libraries , ” wrote Northwestern University Knight Lab member Rebecca Poulson on Twitter .
An Oculus spokesperson says organizations can use Oculus for Business and implement their own login systems .
But the more inconvenient using a headset becomes , the more likely these niche user bases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VR industry , every headset counts .
Facebook ’ s login change is especially frustrating because it seemingly offers users so little .
People who want Facebook-specific features can already get them .
Some headset owners buy deeply into the platform ’ s full ecosystem , but others rely on third-party stores like Steam , and this change only antagonizes them .
Facebook says centralization will help create a simpler moderation process , but it ’ s not clear why that can ’ t be streamlined internally instead .
In its announcement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already log in with a Facebook account .
So it may be worth the backlash to encourage greater social engagement or avoid maintaining two separate account systems .
But it ’ s also one of the persistent reminders that Oculus ’ s success — achieved at least partly with Facebook ’ s money and connections — has come at a cost .
If you love Facebook , Oculus headsets are already built for you .
If you hate Facebook , Oculus just made its single worst feature almost impossible to avoid .

Yesterday, Facebook infuriated the VR world, announcing plans to require a Facebook login for future VR headsets. The decision broke an early promise from Oculus founder Palmer Luckey and was almost universally reviled online, with critics raising concerns about intrusive data collection, targeted advertising, and being forced to use a service they hated. On the Oculus subreddit, some users posted bitter memes about Farmville and data harvesting, while others swapped recommendations for other headsets. One posted a cartoon of Oculus as a sinking ship.
The truth is probably a lot less dire. Facebook-related boycotts fizzle all the time — when it acquired Oculus in 2014, Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson furiously killed a deal to put his game on Oculus Rift, only to be “officially over being upset” months later. (Minecraft was sold to Microsoft and appeared on the Rift soon after its launch.) And Oculus presents plenty of other benefits that could overcome skeptics’ distaste.
But Facebook is also stoking controversy during a deep scrutiny of its acquisitions and privacy practices. Even if its decision works for many users, it’s causing real concern particularly at the margins of VR — a small industry where the margins really matter.
Facebook already owned the data Oculus collects
There’s one major argument against a mass Oculus exodus: while yesterday’s change causes problems for a small group of headset owners, many won’t notice much difference. Facebook has real privacy issues, and VR produces vast amounts of data about your movement and surroundings. But Facebook already owned that data. Facebook can see if you’re using a Facebook and Oculus account from the same IP address, whether or not they’re linked. Buying any Oculus app with a credit card requires sharing as much sensitive data as a bare-bones Facebook profile. If you’re a home VR user, Facebook is just spotlighting a privacy trade-off people have been making for years.
Despite a wave of posts about people selling their Oculus Quest headsets, the odds seem stacked against a consumer revolt. There’s no mass deactivation to focus anger into coordinated action since separate accounts will work until 2023, although Oculus says “all future unreleased devices” will require a Facebook account. The change apparently doesn’t affect Oculus for Business customers either, and businesses are a bigger and more stable market than consumers.
Developers need all the headset users they can find
What about developers? Oculus needs popular apps to attract users, and some designers say forced Facebook integration is a deal-breaker. “I deactivated my Facebook account earlier this year, and don’t plan on devving for Quest / Oculus ever again,” Blarp! creator Isaac Cohen (who works under the name Cabbibo) told me on Twitter after the announcement.
But dropping Oculus is a serious sacrifice. Developers need the biggest audience they can get, which means releasing across all VR platforms. Oculus is one of a few companies backing VR game development at a large scale. The standalone Oculus Quest is one of VR’s most popular headsets — and with good reason, given its versatility, solid design, and a robust catalog of Facebook-owned games. As Ben Kuchera of Polygon writes, the Quest is “great video games and great hardware ... owned and controlled by the one company I would want to keep as far away from the technology as possible.”
Facebook has weathered bigger furors over clearer harms, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal’s #DeleteFacebook campaign and an advertiser boycott over hate speech. Add this to all the factors above, and it’s highly plausible that the login controversy will blow over.
But Oculus is also more vulnerable than Facebook as a whole. Facebook is an incredibly sticky and ubiquitous service; it mediated the jobs, social lives, and relationships of 2.5 billion people in early 2020. Oculus headset numbers are scant, but they’re estimated in the millions, toward the top of a very small market. The company’s success still hinges on having the best hardware and software experience, not just an overwhelming incumbent advantage.
Oculus’ competitors have seized on this controversy. HTC’s Vive Twitter account jumped into the Oculus announcement thread and pitched the Vive Cosmos headset to angry VR fans. Joanna Popper, HP’s head of VR, boasted that the upcoming Reverb G2 would be “no Facebook account needed.” Oculus competitors like Valve, which runs a cross-platform storefront, can earn money off almost anybody with a PC headset. But the Oculus Store is Rift- and Quest-only, so every hardware sale it loses is a lost software customer as well.
Lawmakers have questioned Oculus privacy policies before
If Facebook is extremely unlucky, this controversy puts Oculus in regulators’ crosshairs. Lawmakers have questioned Oculus’ privacy policies before, and investigators are currently poring over past Facebook acquisitions for evidence that the company is abusing its power and collecting unconscionable amounts of user data. There’s also a newfound enthusiasm for splitting up tech giants. Spinning off a VR headset division is probably low on reformers’ priority list, but rousing data privacy fears around an acquired company doesn’t exactly help Facebook.
Oculus is a small part of Facebook: even after the company’s non-advertising revenue spiked in early 2020, that money equaled less than 2 percent of its ad revenue. But VR enthusiasts worry that a backlash could shrink the whole industry.
Requiring Facebook integration hurts extremely privacy-conscious users that avoid the Oculus Store, and it removes a formal layer of data separation that many people (including me) appreciate. Facebook is making yet-unexplained privacy policy changes too. Facebook will be fine if a few thousand alienated Quest owners stop buying software, but even small losses could knock out indie developers with razor-thin margins. The Quest is one of the only headsets that doesn’t require a gaming PC or console, and even if HTC or Sony nab some disillusioned would-be Oculus hardware customers, others may just decide to stay away.
“This is a practical nightmare.”
Facebook integration also makes non-personal Quest use more difficult. “My own Facebook gripes aside, this is a practical nightmare for those of us who administer shared devices in schools and libraries,” wrote Northwestern University Knight Lab member Rebecca Poulson on Twitter. An Oculus spokesperson says organizations can use Oculus for Business and implement their own login systems. But the more inconvenient using a headset becomes, the more likely these niche user bases will wither — and in the current VR industry, every headset counts.
Facebook’s login change is especially frustrating because it seemingly offers users so little. People who want Facebook-specific features can already get them. Some headset owners buy deeply into the platform’s full ecosystem, but others rely on third-party stores like Steam, and this change only antagonizes them. Facebook says centralization will help create a simpler moderation process, but it’s not clear why that can’t be streamlined internally instead.


theverge--2020-08-19--Fortnite can still be reinstalled on iOS, even after Apple removed it

Fortnite disappeared from the App Store last week as part of developer Epic Games ’ big legal and regulatory showdown with Apple , but the battle royale hit is not gone entirely .
If you ’ ve never downloaded the game before , you ’ re pretty much out of luck for now — and we recommend avoiding any of the eBay listings that appear to be popping up to hawk iPhones with the game installed for as much as $ 10,000 .
That sounds suspect .
Those who have the game downloaded already can still play it of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least until the next big patch launches , as Apple does not have the ability to forcibly remove software from your device .
But for those who ’ ve downloaded Fortnite at least once in the past but perhaps offloaded it or removed it manually , there is still a way to reinstall the game on your iOS device of choice .
Here ’ s how : • Go to the “ My Purchases ” section of the App Store , found by clicking on your avatar ( typically whatever Memoji or photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ID contact image ) in the top righthand corner of any of the main screens .
• From there , tap “ purchased , ” then “ My Purchases ” to find your app directory of all iOS apps you ’ ve ever downloaded .
• The app should show up , and tapping the cloud icon will initiate the downloading process .
You ’ ll still have to install the nearly 10GB collection of app files , as Fortnite exists on mobile as a kind of shell for the larger chunk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epic servers .
But going through this process will put the app back on your home screen and make it available to play once updated , for now at least .
The trick even works if any member of an Apple Family Sharing plan has ever downloaded Fortnite on iOS in the past .
It ’ s not quite right to call this a loophole , as this behavior has always existed in one form or another for iOS apps .
For instance , you could still play Flappy Bird for years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ App Store , until Apple switched away from 32-bit apps with the launch of iOS 11 in 2017 and the game ceased functioning .
We ’ ve known iOS apps could be reinstalled like this , but Fortnite is a special case But given the unprecedented action Apple took to remove Fortnite from the App Store and then threaten Epic with the termination of its inclusion in its developer program , it ’ s a good idea to get Fortnite back on your iOS device if you ’ re interested in keeping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real-world controversy surrounding it .
There ’ s no telling how long this Fortnite struggle will persist , and whether Epic will ever decide to give in to Apple ’ s demands and remove its own in-app payment method .
As of right now , you can still take Epic up on its price cut offer by paying less for Fortnite v-bucks if you decide to circumvent Apple and its controversial 30 percent cut .
Epic has said that the game ’ s next season , Chapter 2 Season 4 , will launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be available on the iOS version of the game due to the ongoing disagreement .
That ’ s also one day before Apple said it would terminate Epic ’ s developer account and “ cut Epic off from iOS and Mac development tools.
” Epic has filed for a preliminary injunction against Apple to prevent this from happening , but we ’ re awaiting judgement on that matter .

Update September 1st, 10:43AM ET: The following article has been updated following Apple’s termination of Epic Games’ developer account. That action made it impossible to reinstall all Epic apps associated with that account, including Fortnite and the Inifinity Blade trilogy. The headline has been updated to reflect this fact.
Fortnite disappeared from the App Store last month as part of developer Epic Games’ big legal and regulatory showdown with Apple, but the battle royale hit was not gone entirely — at least not for a little while. Apple terminated Epic’s developer account last week, making it impossible to reinstall iOS versions of Epic’s apps, but there was a short period of time during which iPhone and iPad owners were still able to get their hands on Fortnite using a lesser-known feature of iOS.
If you’ve never downloaded Fortnite, you’re out of luck for now — and we recommend avoiding any of the eBay listings that appear to be popping up to hawk iPhones with the game installed for as much as $10,000. That sounds suspect.
Those who have the game downloaded already can still play it, of course, and even install update files. But since the launch of Chapter 2: Season 4 last week, iOS players no longer have access to the latest content, including the Marvel-themed new season. Players who play exclusively on iPhone and iPad (as well as macOS) are also unable to use crossplay with other systems.
For those who had downloaded Fortnite at least once in the past but perhaps offloaded it or removed it manually, there was still a way to reinstall the game on your iOS device of choice. Here’s how that method worked before Apple terminated Epic’s account:
Go to the “My Purchases” section of the App Store, which can be found by clicking on your avatar (typically whatever Memoji or photo you’ve chosen for your Apple ID contact image) in the top right-hand corner of any of the main screens From there, tap “purchased,” then “My Purchases” to find your app directory of all iOS apps you’ve ever downloaded Search “Fortnite” The app should show up, and tapping the cloud icon will initiate the downloading process
Screenshots by Nick Statt/ The Verge
You still needed to install the nearly 10GB collection of app files, as Fortnite exists on mobile as a kind of shell for the larger chunk of game files that must be retrieved from Epic servers. But going through that process would have put the app back on your home screen and made it available to play once updated, for now at least. The trick even works if any member of an Apple Family Sharing plan has ever downloaded Fortnite on iOS in the past.
It’s not quite right to call this a loophole, as this behavior has always existed in one form or another for iOS apps. For instance, you could still play Flappy Bird for years after its creator pulled the game from the App Store, until Apple switched away from 32-bit apps with the launch of iOS 11 in 2017 and the game ceased functioning.
We’ve known iOS apps could be reinstalled like this, but Fortnite is a special case
As part of Apple’s termination of Epic’s developer account, Epic is no longer able to submit new apps to the App Store or issue updates to any existing ones. And with the apps completely delisted, they can’t be reinstalled even if you search for and find them in your purchase history. Trying to do so just results in a message reading, “This item is no longer available.”


theverge--2020-08-19--Airbnb has filed to go public

Airbnb has filed to go public

Airbnb has filed documents to begin its initial public offering , the company said on Wednesday .
Airbnb ’ s securities registration filing remains confidential , but it has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission , beginning the process that will ultimately allow everyday investors to purchase shares in the company for the first time .
The company has yet to determine the specifics of the public offering , including share price and the number of shares to be offered .
Airbnb had previously discussed its intention to go public this month despite the ongoing financial fallout from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars in refunds and cancellations on Airbnb ’ s platform .
In the wake of that economic damage , The Wall Street Journal valued the company at $ 18 billion , about half of its peak value of $ 31 billion in 2017 .
Airbnb will be forced to make significant disclosures as part of the IPO process , including the detailing of business risks , debt holdings , and any outstanding legal threats to the company ’ s operations .
But because the S-1 form was filed confidentially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in the process .

Airbnb has filed documents to begin its initial public offering, the company said on Wednesday. Airbnb’s securities registration filing remains confidential, but it has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, beginning the process that will ultimately allow everyday investors to purchase shares in the company for the first time.
The company has yet to determine the specifics of the public offering, including share price and the number of shares to be offered.
Airbnb had previously discussed its intention to go public this month despite the ongoing financial fallout from the pandemic, which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds and cancellations on Airbnb’s platform. In the wake of that economic damage, The Wall Street Journal valued the company at $18 billion, about half of its peak value of $31 billion in 2017.


theverge--2020-08-19--Twitch star Timthetatman finally won a game of Fall Guys

While the world writhes in the clutches of a seemingly never-ending wave of chaos , one Twitch streamer ’ s heartwarming struggle to win a game of the new battle royale sensation Fall Guys is a story we can all happily rally around .
Timothy “ TimTheTatMan ” Betar , a streamer best known for playing popular battle royale games and his tight friendships with other well-known names in the Fornite and adjacent communities , has been struggling to claim a crown since the release of UK developer Mediatonic ’ s Fall Guys : Ultimate Knockout on August 4th .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration morphed into a meme , with the official Fall Guys Twitter account goading and trolling him for his failures and fellow streamers poking fun .
But on Wednesday , Tim claimed victory — and did so with close to 340,000 live viewers on Twitch .
In the two weeks since its release , Fall Guys has become a global sensation , routinely holding a top spot on Twitch and attracting players everywhere to its slapstick game show-inspired antics , relatively smooth difficulty curve , and all-around cartoony and pastel aesthetic .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , made even more rewarding by how easy it is to become engrossed by its simple challenge : be the last jellybean-shaped avatar left standing out of a group of 60 .
It combines all the competitive appeal of Fortnite or Call of Duty : Warzone with the accessibility and kid-friendly vibe of a Nintendo classic like Mario Party .
It ’ s not that hard to win — that ’ s part of the appeal .
But it does require a bit of good luck and some stern and measured focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coveted dub was no easy feat .
Time and again , he would fall victim to an ill-timed dive or one of the game ’ s signature moments of utter , uncontrollable randomness that sends you , and not the person next to you , flying off the map or squirming in the air as you land in a pool of pink slime .
Eventually , it seemed like other forces were at play .
Some contestants looked to be openly griefing Tim by watching his stream and attempting to compete in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shoved until eliminated .
In one viral clip , he can be seen falling right through the floor , the victim of an apparent rare glitch .
But against all odds , Tim prevailed , winning a final round of the mini-game Hex-A-Gone to claim his first crown .
Within minutes , the hashtags # hedidit and # iwashere began trending , and congrats from some of gaming ’ s biggest names poured in quick .

While the world writhes in the clutches of a seemingly never-ending wave of chaos, one Twitch streamer’s heartwarming struggle to win a game of the new battle royale sensation Fall Guys is a story we can all happily rally around.
Timothy “TimTheTatMan” Betar, a streamer best known for playing popular battle royale games and his tight friendships with other well-known names in the Fornite and adjacent communities, has been struggling to claim a crown since the release of UK developer Mediatonic’s Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout on August 4th.
His countless failed attempts and increasingly comical frustration morphed into a meme, with the official Fall Guys Twitter account goading and trolling him for his failures and fellow streamers poking fun.
But on Wednesday, Tim claimed victory — and did so with close to 340,000 live viewers on Twitch.
In the two weeks since its release, Fall Guys has become a global sensation, routinely holding a top spot on Twitch and attracting players everywhere to its slapstick game show-inspired antics, relatively smooth difficulty curve, and all-around cartoony and pastel aesthetic.
It’s the feel-good game of the summer, made even more rewarding by how easy it is to become engrossed by its simple challenge: be the last jellybean-shaped avatar left standing out of a group of 60. It combines all the competitive appeal of Fortnite or Call of Duty: Warzone with the accessibility and kid-friendly vibe of a Nintendo classic like Mario Party.
It’s not that hard to win — that’s part of the appeal. But it does require a bit of good luck and some stern and measured focus. Yet for TimTheTatMan, getting the coveted dub was no easy feat. Time and again, he would fall victim to an ill-timed dive or one of the game’s signature moments of utter, uncontrollable randomness that sends you, and not the person next to you, flying off the map or squirming in the air as you land in a pool of pink slime.
Eventually, it seemed like other forces were at play. Some contestants looked to be openly griefing Tim by watching his stream and attempting to compete in his lobby, where he would get grabbed and shoved until eliminated. In one viral clip, he can be seen falling right through the floor, the victim of an apparent rare glitch.


theverge--2020-08-19--Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War is official, will be ‘inspired by actual events’

Call of Duty : Warzone may have somewhat overshadowed the rest of the Call of Duty franchise , with the battle royale racking up 75 million downloads as of this month — but of course Activision also wants to develop a new flagship Call of Duty campaign , and its name has just been revealed as Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War .
That ’ s according to the official YouTube teaser you can watch above , which leaves us with many , many questions , primarily 1 ) what does the game actually look like , 2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how does one properly punctuate the game ’ s name ?
( Is it Call of Duty : Black Ops : Cold War ?
Probably not . )
It does , however , promise that the game will be “ inspired by actual events , ” and features a real speech by a real KGB defector to help illustrate its point .
Compare to this video : And here are a couple of old articles about Bezmenov that the real-life CIA filed away in its reading library .
According to snippets of text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players may play — or interact with — an alleged Soviet spy codenamed “ Perseus ” whose goal was to “ subvert the U.S. to ensure Soviet dominance in the arms race.
” The real-life CIA has at least one article about a “ Perseus ” as well , who was supposedly among the spies that stole US nuclear secrets from the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos .
That part would have happened during World War II , though .
The game will be formally unveiled on August 26th .
Until then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share — except perhaps the game ’ s tagline , “ Know your history or be doomed to repeat it , ” and that its YouTube description mentions the name “ Verdansk , ” which just so happens to be the location of Warzone ’ s primary map and was also featured in Modern Warfare .
Activision has promised that Warzone will be tied to future games in the Call of Duty series , and it sounds like that might be starting now .
As Polygon points out , there was also an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The teaser ’ s release was timed with members of the Call of Duty community completing a multi-day ARG that involved various forms of Cold War-style code breaking , which led them to secret rooms inside the Verdansk map in Call of Duty : Warzone — which seems to imply there could be a connection between Black Ops : Cold War and Warzone .
The ARG also included a variety of video tapes , each corresponding to a year in Cold War history , with similar clips to the ones in this teaser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treyarch and Raven Software , which had previously each tweeted that they ’ d been working with each other , and Raven specifically said that it was developing “ this year ’ s Call of Duty ” — suggesting that Cold War may ship before the year is out .
That ’ s something we basically already knew as well .

Call of Duty: Warzone may have somewhat overshadowed the rest of the Call of Duty franchise, with the battle royale racking up 75 million downloads as of this month — but of course Activision also wants to develop a new flagship Call of Duty campaign, and its name has just been revealed as Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War.
That’s according to the official YouTube teaser you can watch above, which leaves us with many, many questions, primarily 1) what does the game actually look like, 2) is it next-gen, and 3) how does one properly punctuate the game’s name? (Is it Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War? Probably not.)
It does, however, promise that the game will be “inspired by actual events,” and features a real speech by a real KGB defector to help illustrate its point. Compare to this video:
And here are a couple of old articles about Bezmenov that the real-life CIA filed away in its reading library.
According to snippets of text that flash during the teaser video, players may play — or interact with — an alleged Soviet spy codenamed “Perseus” whose goal was to “subvert the U.S. to ensure Soviet dominance in the arms race.” The real-life CIA has at least one article about a “Perseus” as well, who was supposedly among the spies that stole US nuclear secrets from the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos. That part would have happened during World War II, though.
The game will be formally unveiled on August 26th. Until then, there isn’t much more to share — except perhaps the game’s tagline, “Know your history or be doomed to repeat it,” and that its YouTube description mentions the name “Verdansk,” which just so happens to be the location of Warzone’s primary map and was also featured in Modern Warfare.
Activision has promised that Warzone will be tied to future games in the Call of Duty series, and it sounds like that might be starting now. As Polygon points out, there was also an ARG leading up to this teaser:
The teaser’s release was timed with members of the Call of Duty community completing a multi-day ARG that involved various forms of Cold War-style code breaking, which led them to secret rooms inside the Verdansk map in Call of Duty: Warzone — which seems to imply there could be a connection between Black Ops: Cold War and Warzone. The ARG also included a variety of video tapes, each corresponding to a year in Cold War history, with similar clips to the ones in this teaser.
The game will be developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, which had previously each tweeted that they’d been working with each other, and Raven specifically said that it was developing “this year’s Call of Duty” — suggesting that Cold War may ship before the year is out.