Technology

Xbox boss: “I think we should have a handheld, too”

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

Xbox boss: “I think we should have a handheld, too”

Microsoft’s Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, has been dropping hints about a potential Xbox handheld for months now. Earlier this year he said he was “a big fan of handhelds,” after liking posts on X that mention the possibility of this new hardware. Now, in an interview with IGN Spencer says “I think we should have a handheld, too.”

It’s the biggest hint yet that Microsoft is working on an Xbox handheld, something that’s been long-rumored. “The future for us in hardware is pretty awesome. The work that the team is doing around different form factors and different ways to play, I’m incredibly excited about,” said Spencer. “Today was about the games… but we will have a time to come out and talk more about platform.”

Pressed on whether an Xbox handheld would stream games or play them locally, Spencer dropped a further hint that Microsoft is looking at a true handheld gaming device rather than something like the PlayStation Portal. “I like my ROG Ally, my Lenovo Legion Go, my Steam Deck. I think being able to play games locally is really important,” said Spencer.

Earlier this year Spencer talked about wanting a compact Xbox mode on a handheld gaming PC. “I want to be able to boot into the Xbox app in a full screen, but in a compact mode,” said Spencer in a Polygon interview. “Like I want it to feel like the dash of my Xbox when I turn on the television. [Except I want it] on those devices.”

I suspect what Microsoft is working on is an Xbox handheld that’s Windows-based, but that has the ability to run Xbox games and the full Xbox dashboard. On The Vergecast earlier this year, I discussed my ideal for an Xbox handheld. It would run Windows at its core but never expose this to you so it looks and feels like an Xbox console, but if you want to run Steam games or Xbox games, you can.

Technology

Power bank feature creep is out of control

Published

4 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Power bank feature creep is out of control

There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports.

Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points. It’s especially prevalent amongst the bigger power banks that can also charge laptops, those that butt right up to the “airline friendly” 99Wh (around 27,650mAh) size limit.

At CES 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards power banks with integrated cables, which is very convenient. But a similar trend to slap large, energy-sapping displays onto these portable batteries is just silly. And that’s just the start of the atrocities witnessed in recent months.

EcoFlow’s modular accessories are easy to lose and that big display sucks power, is difficult to navigate, and requires a screensaver.

Image: EcoFlow

The power bank that pushed things over the edge for me is the $270 EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank 27k that I received for review. Here’s my review: it’s bad. Do. Not. Buy. As a power bank, it tries too hard to do too much, making it too expensive, too big, too slow, and too heavy.

The snap-on decorative faceplates are ridiculous and the proprietary magnetic modules for its Apple Watch charger and retractable USB-C cable are too easy to misplace.

The giant display EcoFlow uses scratches easily and is too dim to easily read outdoors. The confusing UX on the Rapid Pro X model is especially offensive in its touch-sensitive clumsiness. Nobody needs a display that takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep and plays swirly graphics and blinking eyeballs when awake, slowly sapping the power bank’s energy reserves. The fact that it has a screensaver tells me that the product team completely lost the plot.

Anker’s also guilty of putting large displays onto its power banks. Most people don’t need anything more than four dots to show the remaining capacity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a power bank without a colorful LCD display. In the 20,000mAh range, Anker doesn’t even list a display-less model anymore. I, like many Verge readers, love to see the actually wattage pumping in and out of those ports — but the vast majority of people have no need for that.

Anker’s fast-charging, proprietary dock upsell.

Image: Anker

Anker, like EcoFlow, also offers power banks with proprietary pogo-pin connectors, Both companies use those connectors to lure owners into buying expensive desk chargers that don’t work with anything else. Those extra-fast charging speeds are unlikely to justify the premium expense for most people.

Most people, even tech savvy Verge readers, don’t even need a power bank that can output 140W of power delivery over USB-C. The majority of non-gaming laptops require 65W or less. And the primary computing device for most people — the phone — only requires about 20W.

We certainly don’t need power banks with built-in hotspots when that’s already built into our Android and iOS phones. Baseus made one anyway.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are becoming a common feature in some flagship power banks. I’m all for remotely monitoring massive power stations used to power off-grid homes and campers, but not a portable power bank that’s charging the phone in your hand or is plugged into a nearby wall jack.

The phone you’re charging also has a flashlight.

Image: Pangootek

We also don’t need integrated flashlights. Why random Amazon brand, why?

All these extra “features” just add weight, size, and cost to power banks. They also increase the risk that something will go wrong on a device that’s meant to always be with you and just work when you need it. And power banks don’t need any extra help justifying a recall.

Kickstands and integrated cables are useful features I’ll pay extra for.

Image: Kuxiu

One power bank trend I can get behind is integrated cables like the retractable version found on EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k (note the lack of “X” in the name). Always having a properly specced cable that matches the device’s max input and output is super convenient. I like that Kuxiu’s S3 MagSafe power bank, for example, neatly wraps the cable around the chassis to plug into a hidden USB-C jack. That way the cable can be replaced if it frays or breaks.

I’m also a fan of adding kickstands to MagSafe power banks that prop phones up at your preferred angle for extended viewing or recording. More importantly, a few companies are now adopting semi-solid state chemistry that makes their power banks less susceptible to thermal runaway, which was an industry plague in 2025. They cost more to buy, but they’re cheaper to own over their extended lifetimes.

Sharge’s counter argument to everything I’ve written.

Image: Sharge

I can’t help but enjoy the look of Sharge’s Retractable 3-in-1 Power Bank, even though its integrated wall outlet and underwhelming specs for a battery pack of this size and price completely undercuts my entire argument. I’m a sucker for Braun design, forgive me!

Basic power banks like Anker’s PowerCore 10k are a rarity these days.

Image: Anker

There are still basic power banks available that charge phones and even laptops without too much feature creep and attempted upsell. If all you want is to charge your phone then there’s Anker’s trusty $26 PowerCore 10k or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nitecore’s $65 NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank. If you also want to charge laptops then you might consider INIU’s delightfully named Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank Fastest 140W 25000mAh for $90, or even Belkin’s more capable $150 UltraCharge Pro Laptop Power Bank 27K coming in March.

The fastest and most powerful power banks with lots of gee-whiz features will often generate headlines for pushing the envelope of what’s possible. But the “best” power bank might not be best for you, when basic affordability is all you really need.

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Thomas Ricker

Technology

How to send free digital invitations on iPhone

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

How to send free digital invitations on iPhone

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Creating invitations should feel easy, not stressful. Apple’s Invites app makes it simple to create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools, even if your guests do not use iPhones.

You can design the invite, track responses, and share photos after the event, all from your iPhone. Below is a clear step-by-step guide with exact instructions so you can get it right the first time.

Oh, and if you want more options beyond Apple’s Invites app, we also cover the best invitation apps for both iPhone and Android.

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Apple’s Invites app lets users create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools directly from an iPhone, making event planning faster and easier. (Katharina Kausche/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Why Apple Invites makes event planning easier

Apple Invites keeps everything in one place. You design the invite, manage RSVPs and share memories without switching apps. You can:

Create invitations for parties, meetings and family events
Let guests RSVP from any device
Share photos, playlists and links after the event

Apple Invites system requirements

Before you start, confirm these basics. You need:

An iPhone running iOS 18 or newer
An iCloud+ subscription to create invitations

Guests can view and RSVP without an iCloud+ subscription. The steps in this article were tested on an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 26.2.

Download Apple Invites from the App Store

First, install the Apple Invites app.

Open the App Store.
Search for Apple Invites.
Download the app named Apple Invites to avoid confusion.

Open the Invites app after installation.

How to create a free digital invitation with RSVP on iPhone

You are now ready to build your invitation.

Start a new invitation in Apple Invites

Open the Invites app.
If this is your first time, tap Create Invitation.

If you have created invites before, tap the plus icon in the top corner.

Add a background image to your invitation

Tap Add Background.
Choose one option:PhotosCameraPlayground using Apple Intelligence on supported modelsYou can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
Photos
Camera
Playground using Apple Intelligence on supported models
You can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.

Grant photo or camera access if prompted.

Add event details like title, date and location

Next, fill in the key information.

Tap Event Title and enter the name of your event.Choose from four available fonts.
Choose from four available fonts.
Tap Date and Time.Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
Tap Location.Enable Location Services if prompted.
Enable Location Services if prompted.
Tap Add a Description to include event details or notes.

If you add both a date and a location, the app automatically shows:

The weather forecast for that day
A Maps link with directions

Add optional features like photos, links and playlists

You can add several optional features to enhance your invitation.

Add a shared photo album so guests can view and upload photos by tapping Create Album
Add a website link, such as a gift registry, by tapping Add a Link
Add a shared Apple Music playlist guests can listen to and add songs to by tapping Add Playlist

Add a Tile to bundle photos, playlists or links in one place by tapping Add Tile

Preview and create your invitation

Before sending, review everything.

Tap Preview.
Review how the invitation will look to guests.
Tap Next in the upper-right corner.
Wait a few seconds while the invite is created.

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Apple Invites allows hosts to design invites, track guest responses and share photos without requiring guests to own an iPhone. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone

Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.

Invite guests using a public link

Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
Messages
Mail
Share Link
Copy Link
Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.

Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.

Invite guests individually

Scroll to Invite Individuals.
Tap Choose a Guest.
Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
Click Select Contacts
Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
Tap Allow Selected Contacts
Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link

This option sends a unique link to a single guest.

Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.

How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone

Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.

Invite guests using a public link

Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
Messages
Mail
Share Link
Copy Link
Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.

Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.

Invite guests individually

Scroll to Invite Individuals.
Tap Choose a Guest.
Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
Click Select Contacts
Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
Tap Allow Selected Contacts
Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link

This option sends a unique link to a single guest.

Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.

Manage event settings and RSVP notifications

You stay in control after sending.

Tap the Settings icon inside the invite.
Adjust guest permissions and RSVP options.
Enable notifications to receive alerts when guests respond.
Set plus one limits or block additional guests if needed.

Your invitation appears on the app home screen under Upcoming.

Edit an invite after sending it

Plans change, and edits are allowed.

Open the invite from the Upcoming list.
Tap the More Button (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
Click Edit to update details.
Changes sync automatically for guests.

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With Apple Invites, users can manage event details, RSVPs and shared content all in one place using iOS 18 or newer. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pro tip: duplicate invitations for recurring events

If you host a recurring event, such as a book club, save time.

Open an existing invitation.
Tap the More button. (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
Select Duplicate.
Adjust the date, time or details as needed.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple Invites makes event planning feel simple again. You can create free digital invitations, send them in seconds and track RSVPs without chasing people down. Everything lives in one place, from guest lists to shared photos, which saves time and reduces stress. Best of all, guests do not need an iPhone to respond. That makes Apple Invites practical for real life, not just Apple users. Whether you are planning a birthday, a family dinner, or a casual meetup, this app helps you focus on the event rather than the logistics.

Would you consider replacing paper invites or group texts with Apple Invites, or are you still planning events the old way? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Nvidia’s GeForce Now is getting native Linux and Fire TV apps

Published

16 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Nvidia’s GeForce Now is getting native Linux and Fire TV apps

Nvidia’s RTX 5080 rollout for its GeForce Now cloud gaming service is now complete, so it’s ready to announce some additional features for subscribers. In the coming months, Nvidia is planning to launch native GeForce Now apps for Linux and Amazon’s Fire TV devices, alongside flight control support for its cloud gaming service.

The native Linux app is a highly requested feature for GeForce Now, especially as subscribers have had to rely on unofficial apps or browser tweaks to get access to the service. A beta of GeForce Now for Linux will be available initially for Ubuntu 24.04 and newer soon, nearly a year after Nvidia made it easier to access GeForce Now on the Linux-based SteamOS.

“Right now, the GeForce Now Linux app is going to launch first as a beta on Ubuntu 24.04 primarily because this is a long-term support release that enables stable graphics drivers and consistent system libraries,” says Michael McSorley, product marketing manager at Nvidia, in a briefing with The Verge. “As we continually test the app, we’re going to be expanding formal support to additional [Linux] distributions in the coming weeks.”

Nvidia is also further expanding GeForce Now into the living room with support for Amazon Fire TV devices. The app will launch early this year for Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and 4K Max initially, allowing owners to stream PC games to their TV with just a controller.

If you’re a fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Nvidia is also introducing full flight control support for GeForce Now so that devices from Thrustmaster and Logitech will work on its cloud gaming service. That means you can connect a joystick or yoke to an underpowered laptop and stream a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with the controls all working in the game.

Nvidia is also enabling automatic sign-in for Battle.net accounts on GeForce Now this week, with Gaijin.net account support soon. And if you’re wondering when GeForce Now will finally launch in India, as Nvidia promised last year, it has been delayed to “sometime in Q1, 2026,” according to McSorley.