Sony raises PlayStation Plus short-subscription prices in select regions
Sony is increasing the price of one-month and three-month PlayStation Plus subscriptions in select regions starting May 20th. The Essential tier will see a $1 increase for one-month and $3 for three-month plans in the US.
Sony announced price increases for short-term PlayStation Plus subscriptions in certain markets, citing ongoing market conditions. The changes take effect on May 20th. One-month subscriptions will start at $10.99 in the US, €9.99 in Europe, and £7.99 in the UK. Three-month plans will begin at $27.99, €27.99, and £21.99, respectively.
In the United States, the Essential tier sees a $1 rise for the one-month option and a $3 increase for the three-month plan. It remains unclear whether other PlayStation Plus tiers, such as Extra or Premium, will also face price adjustments. Sony did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The company did not specify which regions are affected by the price hikes. Current subscribers may be impacted depending on their renewal dates and plan duration. Sony advised users to check their subscription details for any changes.
PlayStation Plus offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential provides online multiplayer, monthly games, and cloud storage. Extra adds a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games, while Premium includes classic titles and game trials.
The price increase follows a trend of subscription service adjustments across the gaming industry. Sony last raised PlayStation Plus prices in 2023, when it introduced the new tier structure and increased annual plan costs.
For users considering a subscription, the new pricing will apply to new purchases and renewals after May 20th. Existing subscribers may lock in current rates if they extend their plans before the effective date.
Sony's official statement attributed the change to "ongoing market conditions," a phrase often used to describe inflationary pressures or currency fluctuations. The company did not provide further details on the rationale.
The Verge reported the news earlier today. Sony has not announced any changes to annual subscription prices at this time.
Dyson PencilWash hits new low of $249.99 for Memorial Day
Dyson's cordless PencilWash floor cleaner is now available for $249.99, a $100 discount, at Amazon, Target, and Dyson for Memorial Day. The slim device is designed for hard floors and features a pressurized hydration system and microfiber wet roller.
Dyson’s PencilWash, a cordless floor cleaner designed for hard surfaces, has reached its lowest price to date at $249.99 ahead of Memorial Day. The $100 discount brings the device down from its regular $349.99 price point. The offer is available at Amazon, Target, and Dyson’s own website.
The PencilWash features a 1.5-inch-diameter handle and a design that allows it to lie nearly flat, enabling it to slide under furniture and into tight spaces that larger cleaners cannot reach. It is built for tile, laminate, and sealed wood floors. The device uses a pressurized hydration system combined with a microfiber wet roller to scrub spills while extracting dirty water with each pass, ensuring fresh water is always used for cleaning.
A Max mode is included for tackling dried-on or particularly stubborn messes. The flexible neck helps users steer around obstacles. The PencilWash is designed to be low-maintenance: debris and wastewater are collected directly in the head rather than traveling up through the machine, preventing them from becoming trapped in a filter. The device also avoids leaving floors soaking wet.
The cleaner comes with a sleek charging dock that provides 30 minutes of runtime per charge. A backup battery can be purchased separately for $99.99. The 300ml clean water tank covers over 1,000 square feet on the lowest hydration setting before needing a refill.
Dyson launched the PencilWash earlier this year as a slim alternative to its larger floor cleaners. The Memorial Day promotion marks the first significant price drop since its release. The discount is available now while supplies last.
Jury sides with Sam Altman in Elon Musk's OpenAI lawsuit
A jury found that Elon Musk's claims against Sam Altman were barred by the statute of limitations or failed on the merits. The verdict is advisory, but the judge accepted it.
A jury delivered a unanimous verdict in the high-profile tech trial Musk v. Altman after roughly two hours of deliberation. The panel determined that two of Musk's claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and a third claim failed due to the dismissal of one of those claims. The jury served in an advisory capacity, meaning its role was to provide a non-binding opinion to the presiding judge. US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers holds the final legal authority in the case. She accepted the jury's decision, effectively ending the trial in favor of Sam Altman. The case centered on Musk's allegations regarding the founding and operation of OpenAI. Musk had claimed breach of charitable trust, among other charges, against Altman and the organization. The jury found that the breach of charitable trust claim was time-barred under the applicable statute of limitations. The other claims were similarly dismissed or failed to meet legal standards. The trial attracted significant attention due to the prominence of both parties and the implications for the AI industry. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left the board in 2018. He later filed suit, alleging that Altman and OpenAI had strayed from the nonprofit's original mission. The verdict marks a legal victory for Altman and OpenAI, though the advisory nature of the jury's decision means the judge could have overruled it. Judge Rogers chose to accept the verdict, bringing the case to a close. The full story is available at The Verge.
The Verge's 2026 college graduation gift guide: practical picks for new grads
The Verge has curated a 2026 college graduation gift guide featuring dozens of ideas that celebrate the accomplishment and prepare graduates for post-college life. The guide includes practical items like clothes steamers to ease the transition into adulthood.
Graduating from college is exciting, but it can also feel slightly terrifying. Along with celebrating a huge accomplishment, many grads jump right into looking for a job. Some might be getting their first apartment, too, which brings on a whole new set of responsibilities. That's why getting the right graduation gift is so important: They aren't merely celebratory, they can make these huge transitions feel a little less overwhelming.
The Verge has curated dozens of gift ideas that celebrate their accomplishment and prepare them for life after college. Some of our picks are practical, meant to make adulting less daunting, including clothes steamers. Other selections focus on tech gadgets, home essentials, and personal accessories that blend utility with a touch of luxury.
For the tech-savvy graduate, the guide recommends items like portable chargers, wireless earbuds, and smart home devices. These gifts help new grads stay connected and organized as they navigate job searches and new living spaces. The guide also includes subscription services for streaming, productivity tools, or meal kits that offer ongoing value.
Home essentials feature prominently, with suggestions for kitchen gadgets, bedding sets, and small appliances. A quality coffee maker or a set of cookware can make a first apartment feel more like home. The guide also highlights decor items that add personality without breaking the bank.
Personal accessories such as stylish backpacks, watches, and jewelry are included for those who want a more sentimental gift. These items serve as daily reminders of the graduate's achievement. The guide emphasizes that the best gifts combine thoughtfulness with practicality.
The Verge's guide is available online now, with prices ranging from under $20 to several hundred dollars. Each item includes a brief description and a link to purchase. The guide will be updated throughout the graduation season as new products become available.
For the full list of recommendations, readers can visit The Verge's website. The guide is designed to help gift-givers find something meaningful that supports the graduate's next chapter. Whether it's a tool for the workplace or a comfort for the home, each pick aims to make the transition smoother.
Kin Health raises $9M for AI-powered patient visit notetaker
Kin Health has raised $9 million to develop an AI notetaker that records doctor visits and provides summaries. The app aims to help patients remember medical advice and share it with family.
Kin Health announced a $9 million funding round for its AI-powered notetaker designed for patients. The app records doctor visits and generates summaries of the meetings, including next steps. Users can share these summaries with family and friends if they choose.
The technology functions similarly to meeting notetakers used in workplaces. It captures audio during medical appointments and processes it through AI to extract key information. The summaries highlight important details such as diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions.
Kin Health's founders identified a common problem where patients forget or misunderstand medical advice after leaving the doctor's office. The app aims to bridge that gap by providing a reliable record of the visit. Patients often struggle to recall complex medical information, especially during stressful appointments.
The $9 million in funding will support product development and expansion. Investors include several venture capital firms focused on healthcare technology. The company plans to use the capital to refine its AI models and improve accuracy across different medical specialties.
Kin Health emphasizes privacy and security in its design. The app encrypts recordings and summaries, and users control who can access their data. The company complies with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA to protect patient information.
The app is currently available for download on iOS and Android platforms. Kin Health offers a free tier with limited features and a premium subscription for unlimited recordings and sharing options. The premium plan costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Kin Health's CEO stated that the goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare. The company believes that better recall of medical advice leads to improved health outcomes. The funding round closed in early October 2023.








