[Editor’s note: Monica Chin is The Verge’s former senior laptop reviewer, currently taking a break from tech journalism. But some things are hard to quit.]
Technology
I really hope Asus didn’t ruin the Zephyrus G14
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25211122/010724_CES_2024_Asus_Zephyrus_G14_G16_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?ssl=1 "I really hope Asus didn’t ruin the Zephyrus G14")
Once upon a time, in the olden days of March 2020, a little company called Asus released a spritely whippersnapper of a gaming laptop called the ROG Zephyrus G14. It weighed just over 3.5 pounds, and it was powered by a truly monstrous AMD processor, the likes of which had never been seen in a 14-inch form factor.
I still remember reviewing that laptop, almost four years ago, like it was yesterday. I remember running the Red Dead Redemption 2 benchmark — the ultimate test at that time — over and over again, poring over the game settings, trying desperately to figure out what I’d messed up to make the egregiously high frame rates I was seeing make sense. (The best Intel had to offer at the time, remember, was Comet Lake. And, well, we don’t talk about Comet Lake in this household.)
And then there was the design. The G14 sported a retro aesthetic, spaceship-y in nature with large, luxuriously comfortable keycaps and a keyboard font that evoked Johnny Rockets. The lid eschewed the smooth and sleek aesthetic around which laptops were just beginning to converge at that time, opting instead to be covered with a curious but totally unique dot matrix. If you paid a bit (okay, a lot) of extra money, those dots became animated LEDs that you could do all kinds of funky things with, from raising a virtual pet to making a dude’s head continuously explode. Since then, there’s been a G14 model that doubles as a DJ deck and another covered in obscure shapes with “BLACK HOLES IN THE NOW” scrawled across the bottom. It has never been a laptop concerned with blending in.
I remember emailing Asus to ask if the $1,449 price they’d sent me was a typo — shouldn’t something this exceptional be $1,000 more? And I viscerally remember the feeling I got when Asus’ representative replied that no, believe it or not, that was the real price. It was a realization that this computer was something new — that this computer was something different.
The G14 went on to create what was essentially a new category of gaming laptop over the next few years. The product’s popularity made it basically impossible to buy for quite some time. It’s been a huge product for Asus, a near-consistent presence on Best Buy’s bestseller lists, and, anecdotally, one of the gaming laptops I most often saw in the wild.
These days, innovative 14-inch rigs abound. Asus’ wasn’t the first ultraportable gaming notebook — that honor, of course, belongs to the Razer Blade — but the Zephyrus G14 still proved to everyone that not only could heavy-duty games run well on a 14-inch laptop with all-day battery life and a funky, bold design, but also that such a machine did not need to cost an arm and a leg.
It redefined the category, in other words, by being the exact opposite of a MacBook in basically every way.
Fast-forward to CES 2024. The G14, which has largely retained a facsimile of its 2020 chassis since release, was unveiled with a major redesign. It is much thinner and much lighter. The spaceship vibe is no more. Gone is the dot matrix, as are the exploding heads and virtual fauna that it wrought. The lid is now sleek and professional, with a — I don’t know, is it a slash? — across the center as the sole decoration. Everything about it is rounder, more polished, and prestige. As reports from the show have pointed out, it suddenly looks, feels, and seems a heck of a lot like a MacBook.
The G14 is far from the only CES release that’s blatantly chasing the Mac line when it comes to design. Dell has swapped out its 15-inch and 17-inch XPS configurations for a 14-incher and 16-incher, respectively (sound familiar?). The models have lost not only their full-sized SD slot (sigh), but also their physical function row in favor of haptic touch buttons (another thing a certain Cupertino company tried). Everyone and their mother is grumpy about it. And it’s emblematic of a larger trend we’ve been seeing throughout the computing space in recent years, in which 13-inchers and 14-inchers are converging on a boardroom aesthetic while getting thinner and lighter at all costs.
Now, I understand the desire to emulate the MacBook. It’s a phenomenal line of computers. It’s on top of Best Laptop pages all across the internet, and there’s little disagreement as to its value.
But there are a few things I really hope manufacturers will keep in mind as they mull over whether to scrap designs that were unique and different in pursuit of the MacBook’s look and feel. The first is that the MacBook is not just its look and feel. It’s much more.
I would argue that the reason Apple computers have become the machine that, like, every professional has is, moreso than anything else, their performance. It’s the category-topping power of both their chips and their battery life — it’s the combination of strength and efficiency that they offer. After all, the early-2020 MacBook Pro 13 and the late-2020 MacBook Pro 13 had very similar chassis, but only the latter had both category-topping performance and category-topping battery life, and it only took a few months to totally eclipse its Intel counterpart’s sales. Category-topping performance and category-topping battery life, incidentally, are also what the G14 has had for several years.
I don’t mean to imply that design is unimportant. I am saying that the pursuit of thinness, sleekness, suaveness, whatever you want to call it, often comes with costs.
We’ve seen that play out time and time again. You can look to the transition from the Dell XPS 13, an all-around exceptional laptop that was topping Best pages in the pre-M1 era, to the Dell XPS 13 Plus, a flaming fireball of an ultrabook with about five minutes of battery life, a shallow touchpad, disappointing performance, and a frustrating keyboard that got middling reviews from pretty much everyone. (Tom’s Guide, noted fans of the XPS line, slammed it as “a stunning step backwards.”)
You can look to the ThinkPad Z-series, which had to leave out most of the features that make ThinkPads world renowned in order to maintain a slim frame. The Razer Blade has been doing the thin-and-sleek thing for years on end, and it has consistently been louder, hotter, pricier, and worse in the battery life department than the G14. Heck, you can even look to Apple. After all, the thin-at-all-costs mindset is what subjected us to five years of butterfly keyboard.
I hope this isn’t what’s happening to the G14, the XPS 13, and other major laptops that received redesigns at CES this year. But I’m seeing some warning signs. Last year’s G14 could accommodate up to an RTX 4090 — Nvidia’s top guns — while this year’s caps out at an RTX 4070. I can’t be certain that this is due to the thinner chassis’s reduced cooling capacity, but that seems a likely explanation.
And then there’s battery life, which has long been one of the G14’s most outstanding features. Not only does the 2024 G14 have a smaller battery than its predecessor, but it has a higher-resolution OLED screen. Don’t get me wrong: I love me an OLED screen, especially for gaming, and the Zephyrus’ looks great. But last year’s QHD Mini LED panel was already stunning, with some reviewers reporting that it was basically as good as an OLED. And high-resolution OLED screens combined with H-series processors are rarely a recipe for exceptional battery life. I’ll point you, again, to the XPS 13 Plus. The Acer Swift 3. The HP Pavilion Plus 14. The Asus Zenbook 14X OLED. The HP Spectre x360 13.5. I mean, literally, just take your pick.
I understand the impulse to follow the cool kids to their cafeteria table. Truly, I do. But the Zephyrus G14 had a good thing going. It wasn’t for everyone, but it was wholly and unapologetically itself. It would be a shame, as Windows machines across the market race to catch the MacBook, if such bold products disappeared.
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Congress narrowly voted to fund President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, giving the Department of Homeland Security $70 billion over the next three years.
The house voted 214 to 212 in favor of the reconciliation bill Tuesday, following the Senate’s 52-47 vote last Friday morning. The vote fell largely along party lines. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Senate Republican to vote against it. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), initially voted against the bill — meaning it would have failed — but changed his vote after huddling with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK), according to The Hill. No Democrats voted in favor of the funding bill, which was done through a budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
In a speech on the House floor ahead of the Tuesday vote, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) criticized Republicans for using the budget reconciliation process to avoid negotiating with Democrats, and emphasized ICE’s lack of popularity with the American people.
“At its core, this Republican reconciliation budget bill is a statement about priorities, and the priorities represented in this budget bill could not be more out of step with the needs and values of the American people,” Scanlon said.
Scanlon noted that DHS has yet to spend $100 billion of the nearly $200 billion it received under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She added that Trump has not only expanded ICE’s reach by increasingly going after legal immigrants but also weaponized DHS against its critics. The bill, she said, will “supercharge” Trump’s abuses.
After the House markup last Friday, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that the bill not only lacks sufficient reforms but also cuts funding for cybersecurity and TSA, whose workers went weeks without pay during the DHS shutdown.
The funding bill comes at a time of deep unpopularity for ICE. One recent poll found that just 33 percent of voters approve of how the agency is doing its job.
And it comes amid yet another threat from border czar Tom Homan to flood New York City with ICE agents. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Homan said he would send “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” to New York City if the state government passed a bill limiting cooperation with DHS.
“Providing a quarter trillion dollars to an administration promising that the public ‘ain’t seen shit yet’ when it comes to mass deportation is a historic mistake,” Todd Schulte, president of the immigration reform group FWD.us, said in a statement. “Supercharging the funding for these already out of control systems will come with terrible human consequences and continue to be met with increasing opposition from voters.”
Correction, June 9th: A previous version of this story said Rep. Tim Walberg voted against the funding bill. He initially voted against it but then changed his vote to support it.
Update, June 9th: This story has been updated to include comment from FWD.us president Todd Schulte.
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Food prices have a way of sneaking up on you. One week, your usual grocery run feels normal. The next week, a few basics suddenly cost a lot more than you expected.
That is why money-saving food apps are worth a closer look. All of these apps are free to download or sign up for, but you still pay for any food, groceries or purchases you make through them.
Some help you find discounted groceries before stores toss them. Others connect you with surprise meals, receipt rewards, free local listings or recipes based on what you already have at home.
The trick is knowing which app fits the way you actually shop. Here are eight apps that can help you stretch your food budget, reduce waste and maybe make your next receipt feel a little less painful.
10 THINGS TO STOP PAYING FOR TO SAVE MONEY NOW
Food savings apps can help shoppers find discounted groceries, restaurant meals, receipt rewards and free local food listings. (iStock)
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1) Flashfood
Flashfood helps you find discounted groceries from participating stores near you. The app focuses on food that is still good but getting close to its best-by date. You browse local deals in the app, pay through the app and pick up your order in the store. Flashfood says shoppers can find grocery deals for up to 50% off. That can include produce, meat, dairy, pantry items and other staples, depending on what stores near you have available.
- Best for: Discounted grocery pickup.
- How you save: Buy marked-down groceries from participating stores before they go to waste.
- Good to know: Availability depends on participating stores near you.
2) Misfits Market
Misfits Market delivers groceries to your door. The company says it offers high-quality rescued foods and lets you choose what goes in your order. After signing up, you receive a weekly shopping window. You can review your cart, remove items, add groceries and skip orders when needed. This can work well if you want grocery delivery and like the idea of reducing food waste at the same time. Misfits Market says there are no subscription fees or order obligations. You can skip, pause or cancel.
- Best for: Grocery delivery with rescued food.
- How you save: Order discounted groceries, including rescued or excess food, delivered to your door.
- Good to know: Delivery depends on your ZIP code. Misfits Market says it serves nearly every ZIP code in the contiguous U.S., with limited service in select areas.
Misfits Market lets you customize grocery deliveries with rescued or excess food that may cost less than traditional shopping.
3) Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go helps you buy surplus food from nearby restaurants, bakeries, cafés and stores. The app uses “Surprise Bags,” which means you usually know the type of food and pickup window, but not every exact item inside. That surprise part can be fun, especially if you like trying local spots. It can also be less ideal if you need a very specific dinner plan. Too Good To Go says users can save and enjoy food at half price or less.
- Best for: Discounted restaurant and bakery food.
- How you save: Buy discounted Surprise Bags from local restaurants, bakeries, cafés and stores.
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Food savings apps work best when they match how you already shop, pick up food, save receipts or plan meals. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
4) Olio
Olio connects people locally so they can give away food and other useful items. The app says you can browse free food from local shops and neighbors. You may also find books, toys, toiletries and household items. This one feels more community-based than a regular coupon app. It can be especially helpful if you live in an active area where neighbors and local shops often post.
- Best for: Free local food and household items.
- How you save: Find free food and household items shared by neighbors or local businesses.
- Good to know: Results depend heavily on your local community.
5) SuperCook
SuperCook helps you turn the food already in your kitchen into meals. You enter the ingredients you have at home, and the app suggests recipes you can make. That can save money in a different way. Instead of buying more groceries, you may find a way to use the half bag of rice, frozen vegetables or canned beans you already paid for.
- Best for: Using up food you already have.
- How you save: Turn ingredients you already have into meals, so you can avoid another grocery run.
- Good to know: This one does not give cash back. It helps you avoid extra spending and food waste.
6) Ibotta
Ibotta gives you cash back on eligible purchases. Before you shop, you add cash-back offers in the app. After shopping in-store, you submit your receipt. Ibotta says you can withdraw earnings once you reach $20. It’s great because it can work with groceries and other everyday purchases. The key is remembering to add offers before you shop and submit your receipt after.
- Best for: Grocery cash back.
- How you save: Earn cash back on eligible grocery and everyday purchases after you submit receipts.
- Good to know: You need to match the right offers and follow the redemption steps.
7) Fetch
Fetch turns receipts into points. You shop, snap receipts and earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. Fetch says you can earn points from in-store or online shopping, plus offers from participating brands. This app can be simple because you do not always need to pick offers before you shop. Still, special offers can help you earn more points.
- Best for: Turning receipts into gift cards.
- How you save: Snap receipts to earn points you can redeem for gift cards.
- Good to know: Points vary by receipt, brands and offers.
Fetch turns receipts into points you can redeem for gift cards from popular retailers.
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Receipt rewards apps such as Ibotta, Fetch and Upside can help shoppers earn cash back or gift cards on eligible purchases. (SDI Productions/Getty Images)
8) Upside
Upside is best known for gas savings, but it can also work for groceries and restaurants where offers are available. You open the app, claim a cash-back offer near you, shop as usual and pay with a credit or debit card.
- Best for: Cash back on groceries, gas and dining.
- How you save: Claim cash-back offers on gas, groceries and restaurants at participating locations.
- Good to know: Grocery and restaurant offers depend on participating locations near you.
For direct links to each app and any available CyberGuy savings codes, visit CyberGuy.com and search for “8 apps that can help you cut your food bill.”
Which app should you try first?
Start with the app that fits your normal routine. If you already shop at grocery stores in person, try Flashfood or Ibotta. If you save receipts anyway, Fetch is an easy add-on. If you order groceries online, Misfits Market may be worth checking. If you like trying local food, Too Good To Go can be a fun way to save. If your fridge is full, but dinner still feels impossible, SuperCook may help you avoid another grocery run. For gas and food cash back in one place, Upside deserves a look. For free local food and community sharing, Olio may surprise you, depending on where you live.
A few smart tips before using food savings apps
Before you download every app on this list, take a moment to think about your habits. First, check whether the app works in your area. Some apps depend on local stores, restaurants or community activity. If there are no nearby offers, the app may not help much yet.
Next, watch pickup windows. Apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go can save you money, but they also require timing. If you miss the pickup, you may lose the deal. Also, avoid buying food only because it looks cheap. A discounted item saves money only if you actually use it. Finally, read the app’s privacy settings. These apps often work through location, receipts, purchases and rewards accounts. Use only the permissions you feel comfortable sharing.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Food savings apps can help, but they work best when they match your real life. Flashfood and Too Good To Go are great for deal hunters who can pick up food nearby. Misfits Market works better for people who want groceries delivered. Ibotta, Fetch and Upside can help you earn something back from purchases you already make. SuperCook and Olio come at savings from a different angle. One helps you use what you already bought. The other connects you with local people and shops that share food and useful items. The biggest takeaway? Do not let the app make you spend more. Use it as a tool, not a temptation.
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MacOS 27 Golden Gate will usher in a bunch of changes to the Mac when it’s released later this year, with its biggest new features revolving around Siri AI. But for now, using the first developer beta, Siri AI is only offered through a waitlist. So what’s available to try is mostly about how the upcoming operating system looks and feels.
You’re not welcomed with any fanfare when you boot up the macOS 27 developer beta (that’ll probably come later), but there’s reason to celebrate. Jump to the appearance settings, and you find that Apple now has a Liquid Glass slider, allowing users to set the amount of UI transparency in macOS. On one end of the slider, it’s as seethrough as Liquid Glass gets, and on the other end the transparent accents are heavily frosted. Golden Gate starts you in the middle of the slider by default, for just a touch of frosting — perhaps a gentle admission that the original look went too far. You sadly can’t go fully opaque, but this frosted look does greatly reduce the distracting elements of Liquid Glass.
After spending just a short while with Golden Gate, I already prefer the minimum transparency look. I’d crank that slider in the full version and never turn back. For the strongest Liquid Glass haters out there, the Reduce Transparency option is still available in the Accessibility settings, but using it is like taking a hammer to all that glass — introducing lots of harsh gray and black backgrounds to the dock, Menu Bar, and Control Center.
The absolute wins for macOS 27’s design is the return of edge-to-edge sidebars with colorful icons and the increased corner radii of windows across the OS. The former is basically a backtrack to the way sidebars used to look (which looked better and easier to parse, with less wasted space). And the latter is just logical. How on Earth did Apple get so high on its own design supply that it allowed windowed apps to have mismatched corners?
I do have my nitpicks — the new battery icon taken from iOS is less legible (really, I hate it). Also, after Apple finally added the most basic window snapping feature in Sequoia, it hasn’t refined it one bit. Both Tahoe and now Golden Gate are leaving me wanting better and faster tiling controls like Windows 11, as well as the simple ability to rename virtual desktops. But so far, nothing.
Apple says Golden Gate is supposed to feel snappier, with faster search indexing. It’s too early to tell how much of a difference this makes on the MacBook Neo I’m testing it on — especially since dev betas are notoriously buggy and unstable. Using Spotlight search for local files on Golden Gate performed similar to another Neo I had on-hand running macOS 26 Tahoe. And opening apps on both systems side-by-side led to mixed results: Golden Gate opened Lightroom Classic and Slack faster, but Tahoe was faster to open Photoshop and Steam. I hope Apple’s under the hood improvements to memory and CPU usage will really show on the MacBook Neo, which could use all the efficiency it can get, but the jury’s out for now.
There’s still more to come with further beta releases of macOS 27, where we’ll at some point be able to fully test Siri AI, Visual Intelligence, and the revamped Spotlight Search. Last year’s power user-focused Spotlight with clipboard history was a nice improvement, but I’m skeptical that Siri AI being baked into Spotlight will be quite the gamechanger Apple’s billing it as. I’ll keep an open mind and be looking to find out once I’m off the waitlist.
For now, I’m relieved Apple is slightly backpedaling on Liquid Glass. While the look was never quite as bad on the Mac as it was on iOS, it’s a welcome change to be able to turn down these transparencies and get a little closer to the old looks from Sequoia. That and the other bits of UI polish are a nice upgrade on their own. Now, Apple has to show that it can nail all the new AI features, too — I’m eager to see how it fares.
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