Trump threatens 25% tariffs on iPhones made outside the US

German tech newsletter Notebookcheck reports that the U.S. has imposed a surprising 20% tariff on Taiwan to compel TSMC to acquire a 49% minority stake in Intel, which includes an IP transfer and a commitment to invest an additional $400 billion in the U.S., on top of the already planned $165 billion. Want More Context? 🔎

The OnePlus 13, launched in January 2025, stands out as a major advancement in smartphone technology, particularly for its new water resistance features. This model continues OnePlus's trend of innovation, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the smartphone market. Want More Context? 🔎

Shaun Thompson, who was wrongly identified as a suspect by live facial recognition technology, is challenging the Metropolitan Police in a High Court case described as "stop and search on steroids." He aims to bring attention to the potential dangers of such technology, especially for vulnerable individuals, while the Met defends its use as lawful amidst plans to double its deployments. Want More Context? 🔎

The Library of Congress acknowledged a coding error that led to the temporary deletion of sections of the US Constitution from its website, prompting public concern and discussion. The missing parts were restored within hours, and the Library emphasized the importance of maintaining its digital resources while stating that the issue had been resolved. Want More Context? 🔎

In 2008, a viral video showcased Snowball, an Eleanora cockatoo, dancing to the Backstreet Boys, highlighting birds' ability to synchronize movements to music, a trait once thought unique to humans. Recent research revealed 30 distinct dance moves in various parrot species, suggesting their dancing behavior is more complex than understood, with implications for improving their well-being in captivity. Want More Context? 🔎

I’m excited to announce The Stepback, a weekly subscriber-only newsletter edited by me for The Verge, featuring a new story each Sunday from various writers. The first issue, launching August 10th, will explore topics like auto trends and foldable phones, available exclusively to Verge subscribers for $7 monthly or $50 annually. Want More Context? 🔎