The Verge - Apple August 30, 2026

China’s robots race ahead

Humanoid robot competes in the optional boxing routine event during the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games at National Speed Skating Oval on August 26, 2026 in Beijing, China. | Image: Getty Images This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more…

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The Verge - Apple Aug 30, 2026

Chess.com launched a poker site and is planning even more classic games

Chess.com has done one thing, and one thing very well, for almost 20 years, but now it's going beyond its domain name. The biggest name in online chess quietly launched its first companion site in beta back in May: Gambit, a free online poker website where players can learn the game without risking…

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The Verge - Apple Aug 30, 2026

Two new small, powerful Macs

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 142, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, how is it almost September already, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been remembering Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and…

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The Verge - Apple Aug 29, 2026

Vicariously hike the Appalachian in the gorgeous A Trail Tale

Inspired by Oregon Trail, but minus the dysentery. | Screenshot: Terrence O’Brien / The Verge I used to be an avid hiker and would try to go backpacking a few times a year. I always dreamed of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, but life kind of got in the way. (Turns out jobs, wives, and children ar…

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