Connect with us

Technology

The Verge’s favorite home office keepsakes

Published

on

The Verge’s favorite home office keepsakes

Back in the Mad Men days, the only thing that might interrupt the corporate blandness of a workspace might be a photo of your family or maybe a coffee cup with a funny saying. But nowadays, especially if we’re working at home, we can have some pretty interesting, weird, or just plain nice-looking items on our desks.

We asked the folks here at The Verge what they have on their desks or in their offices that they keep just for the hell of it — because they like it, because it means something special, or just because. Here are some of the answers we got.

A looping gif of our late cat Pouncey on my keyboard’s LCD

Antonio G. Di Benedetto, commerce / deals writer

The LCD on the keyboard can show data — or lovely GIFs.
GIF: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Advertisement

One year ago, my wife and I were forced to say goodbye to one of our two beloved cats, Pouncey. She was a caring companion of over 11 years that my wife adopted as a kitten shortly before we started dating, making her a fixture in our relationship. That made it all the more traumatic when our farewell, due to her deteriorating health, was more sudden than expected. But in addition to all the photos and videos we have to remind us of our bestest girl (apologies to our eight-month-old daughter), I’m given a heart-warming reminder of Pouncey every time I sit down at my desk.

When I got my Meletrix Zoom75 mechanical keyboard from a long-awaited group buy preorder last year, I opted for the built-in LCD add-on because — well, why not? And, maybe unsurprisingly, once I built my board with that little screen inside it, I wondered, “Okay, what do I do with this thing?” So, I left it displaying something boring like battery level.

After Pouncey’s passing, I reconsidered the looping GIF feature and decided to put a cute clip of our girl on there. The GIF was just a burst of images from a random day, and if you look closely, you can see her eyes adorably widen once she notices me taking her picture. We now refer to it as The Pouncey Keyboard, and while it’s bittersweet to see her nuzzling on my desk but unable to feel her soft fur or hear her gentle purrs, I love seeing “our Pouncey-girl” every day.

$209

A gasket-mount 75 percent keyboard with many user-swappable options like a rotary knob, LCD, and decorative external weights / back plates.

Advertisement

The Legend of Zelda Heart Container Icon Light

Sean Hollister, senior editor

The Legend of Zelda heart container is sitting on the speaker.
Photo: Sean Hollister / The Verge

Whenever I’m feeling a little worn out, I’ve got an extra life sitting on my desk. My family bought me this Legend of Zelda heart container one year ago, so it encapsulates their love, too! (Less significant if you buy it for yourself, so I’d recommend gifting it instead.) It glows when you press the front button, and that’s it. Two AA batteries won’t power it for months on end, so turn it off when you’re feeling cheerful again! You can also import a Tears of the Kingdom version based on the newer game.

Red heart light Red heart light Red heart light Red heart light

$40

Advertisement

The iconic heart symbol from the Legend of Zelda — it glows with a soft red light.

Command spring wall clips

Allison Johnson, reviewer

These clips let you exhibit family art without damaging the walls.
Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge

I get cold feet about putting nails in the wall in my office (which, incidentally, is also my bedroom). So, I end up with a pile of little things I kind of want to put on the wall but can’t commit to, like something my kid drew or the mess of tech event badges in my desk drawer. But recently, I’ve been on a command strip kick, putting up little hooks and clips around the house, and I started using them to decorate the wall behind my desk. 

Advertisement

The clothespin-type clips are perfect; I can swap in a new piece of cute kid artwork whenever I want, and I don’t have to commit to their placement. That’ll come in handy if I want to rearrange my office — er, bedroom — and I’ve never had a problem taking them off the wall damage-free.

Hand taping clip to the wall, other clips hold photosHand taping clip to the wall, other clips hold photosHand taping clip to the wall, other clips hold photosHand taping clip to the wall, other clips hold photos

$17

Clips for hanging photos, reminders, towels, etc. that won’t damage your walls.

TWSBI Eco fountain pen

Adi Robertson, senior tech & policy editor

Advertisement

This fountain pen is attractive, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
Photo: Adi Robertson / The Verge

I keep a paper planner and notepad(s) for tracking stories and meetings, and the TWSBI Eco (in creme rose gold with burgundy Noodler’s ink) is my favorite writing implement for all of them. It’s a reasonably priced fountain pen that’s attractive, not hard to fill, and feels good to fidget with.

Rose-gold fountain pen in three pieces on table top.Rose-gold fountain pen in three pieces on table top.Rose-gold fountain pen in three pieces on table top.Rose-gold fountain pen in three pieces on table top.

$53

A high-quality good-looking fountain pen at an economical price.

Link amiibo for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Advertisement

The Link amiibo is not only magical, but inspiring.
Photo: Jay Peters / The Verge

I’m not really one for desk trinkets, but I love this Link amiibo for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I get inspired by the way Link seems to be using his Ultrahand powers to craft a better world around him. If he can do it, maybe I can, too — though I might have to make things happen without a magical arm.

Amiibo of Link from The Legend of Zelda with his arm outstretched.Amiibo of Link from The Legend of Zelda with his arm outstretched.Amiibo of Link from The Legend of Zelda with his arm outstretched.Amiibo of Link from The Legend of Zelda with his arm outstretched.

$16

An amiibo of Link using his magic arm in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Kirby pencil case

Advertisement

Kylie Robison, senior AI reporter

My tiny Moleskine notebook keeps track of my whole life — I go through about two a year. That’s where I keep my weekly and monthly calendars, along with any source / general meeting notes. I use micron pens because they’re simply the best, and I keep them in a Kirby pencil case that I’ve even shown off in Verge videos (see above). I just recently redid my entire home office, and part of that was lots of decor, my favorite being an LED Majora’s Mask.

Neon sign made to resemble Majora’s Mask.Neon sign made to resemble Majora’s Mask.Neon sign made to resemble Majora’s Mask.Neon sign made to resemble Majora’s Mask.

$40

A neon gaming sign in the form of Majora’s Mask from The Legend of Zelda.

Dorothy Parker finger puppet

Advertisement

Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

Dorothy Parker finger pupper
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

I love Dorothy Parker, both for her writing and for her acrid personality. I once even bought a bottle of gin because it was named after her (and, to tell you the truth, it wasn’t half bad). So, when I spotted her among a plethora of famous people finger puppets at a book fair a few years ago, I simply had to buy it. The Parker puppet has a small magnet on the back of its head, so it can easily hang on any metal surface. In fact, I brought it with me when I started working at The Verge, and when I accidentally left it in the office during lockdown in 2020, I was bereft. Luckily, Dorothy hung in there throughout the pandemic, and she’s now back in my home office, grinning sardonically at me.

Finger puppet in the image of Josephine Baker.Finger puppet in the image of Josephine Baker.Finger puppet in the image of Josephine Baker.Finger puppet in the image of Josephine Baker.

$8

A plethora of finger puppets made to resemble a variety of celebrities from the past and present, with a magnet on the back so they can hang from your fridge.

Advertisement

Cute desk note holder

Victoria Song, senior reviewer

This cat-shaped desk holder can hold notes that are motivational or just plain fun.
Photo: Victoria Song / The Verge

A while back, a friend gave me this adorable cat-shaped desk note holder as a souvenir from Beijing. At first, I didn’t know what to do with it. Then, I started putting motivational notes into it, and surprisingly, that worked. After a while, I started printing or writing out the occasional meme. (Why, yes, I did write the entirety of Vice President Kamala Harris’ coconut tree speech on a Post-It one week.) When I’m really in need of strength, I stick on a photocard of my favorite K-pop singer.

This only really holds one note at a time, which helps keep me creative week-to-week. Most importantly, it reminds me to take breaks and laugh at myself whenever I get too self-serious. I don’t know where to get this exact desk note holder, but you can find a bunch of fun ones on Amazon and Etsy.

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

Published

on

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

Advertisement

Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

Continue Reading

Technology

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

Published

on

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

Advertisement
  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

Advertisement

2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

Advertisement

FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

Advertisement

Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

Advertisement

1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

Advertisement

6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Technology

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Published

on

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending