Image: Jack Bullard for The Verge In Stardew Valley, you can usually only speak to characters a few times per day. This limitation has led to a number of mods that add things for them to say so that players can spend more time with their virtual pals. But like many games, Stardew recently turned to AI, resulting in the addition of a mod with the ability to have theoretically endless conversations with your favorite farm companion. “The reception has been a lot better than I initially thought [it would be],” says modder DualityOfSoul. In the comments on Nexus Mods, users have called it “brilliant” and “one of the best mods out this year.” To function, the mod plugs into OpenAI’s API. The implementation is impressive but limited in its own way. Every character... Continue reading…

Illustration: Beatrice Sala The FBI has arrested an Alabama man who is accused of hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission’s X account in January. The indictment (PDF) alleges that 25-year-old Eric Council Jr. worked with co-conspirators to take control of the account and post a fake message from SEC Chair Gary Gensler about Bitcoin ETFs that caused the price of Bitcoin to jump by more than $1,000 momentarily. To carry out this scheme, Council is accused of creating a fake ID using the information belonging to the person in control of the SEC’s X account. He then allegedly tricked AT&T into providing a SIM card with the victim’s phone number and install it into a new iPhone he purchased. Finally, Council was able to gain control of the SEC’s account using... Continue reading…

Image: The Verge Xbox is putting on a 20-minute “no fluff, all games” showcase from third-party studios. Continue reading…

Bluetooth speakers are as popular now as they have ever been, and it seems like every tech company on the planet sells a wide range of portable speakers. It's great to have all those options, but it also means that picking the right Bluetooth speaker for you can be pretty intimidating. The expert product reviewers at BGR have tested dozens of different models in recent years, with a combined 250+ hours of testing in that time span. In this guide, you'll find the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers that we've found based on extensive testing. We'll also give you several options that are ideal if you prioritize budget, sound quality, portability, or something else. Our top picks Best overall: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Most affordable: Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Best mid-range option: Anker Soundcore Flare Best premium option: Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II Most portable: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Best battery life: Marshall Stockwell II The list above is for people who have already done some legwork and are currently trying to narrow down their choices. If one or two of your picks are on there, it means you have fantastic taste, and it's time to pull the trigger. Or, if you're just getting started and you want more info on each of our top picks, keep reading to learn about what makes each of the waterproof Bluetooth speakers above so impressive. 1. Best overall: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Rating: 5 Stars Surprisingly Bigger 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features bigger 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtimeOutdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear14 Hours of Boom: With a battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every momentWaterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: 360-degree sound, floats in water, good battery life for its size, compact design, pair two for stereo sound Cons: Not as loud as larger speakers Whether you're in the pool or the beach, you want to be able to hear the music. With the WONDERBOOM 4 by Ultimate Ears, that won't be an issue. That's because it has a special outdoor boost button that instantly increases loudness and clarity, so you can hear it better in any outdoor setting. This speaker also has 14 hours of battery life, allowing you to use it all day without worrying about recharging it. This delivers 360° of sound and great bass. It has an IP67 rating, meaning it's waterproof, dustproof, and can float. The fact that you can actually put it in the pool and swim alongside it makes it the best model for the pool. You can pause, play, or skip right from the speaker itself. Plus, there's a dedicated "double up" button that lets you quickly and easily pair two WONDERBOOM 4 speakers together for stereo sound. Ultimate Ears - Shop Now 2. Most affordable: Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Rating: 4 Stars ORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER - Designed and Engineered by Cambridge SoundWorks in the USA, the OontZ Angle 3 bluetooth speaker with its unique triangular design, offers high-quality crystal-clear stereo sound for a truly immersive listening experience. This portable bluetooth speaker can be placed either flat or standing up, providing versatile placement options to suit your needs. BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: Good sound quality, excellent battery life, great price Cons: Poor bass response compared to pricier models The Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 portable Bluetooth speaker is the best affordable wireless speaker out there. It punches well above its weight, with sound quality typically found in more expensive options. It also has an upgraded 100-foot Bluetooth range, so you don't have to worry about how far away you are with your smartphone. Perhaps best of all, its IPX5 water-resistance rating protects against splashes, so you can use it by the pool without splashes damaging it. This is designed for you to have greater sound clarity, so you'll get the music quality you expect. While the sound quality isn't elite, it impresses, especially for the price. And, thanks to the Volume Booster 10+ watt power AMP, this pumps out more volume without distortion. The unique, triangular design also helps deliver sound at all angles. It connects easily with your devices, and the battery lasts for a rather long time. OontZ Angle 3 - Shop Now 3. Best mid-range option: Anker Soundcore Flare Anker Soundcore Flare Rating: 4 Stars 360° Immersive Sound: Experience a portable party with intense sound, thanks to the combination of dual drivers, passive radiators, and BassUp technology, delivering 20W of powerful audio.IPX7 Fully Waterproof: Keep the party going no matter the weather with the Flare 2 portable Bluetooth speaker's complete water resistance. It can even withstand full submersion in water. BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: 12-hour battery life, IPX7 waterproof, light ring Cons: Bass isn't great Anker is a brand that's known for offering terrific quality products at affordable prices, but we still weren't prepared for how impressive the Anker Soundcore Flare was the first time we tested it. This delivers an immersive experience with 360-degree sound and the audio is bass-driven. The dual driver and passive radiators combine with BassUp technology to generate a portable party with 20W of intense sound. The Flare offers 12 hours of playtime, which is impressive. Also, it is IPX7 waterproof, so it'll be safe to use by the pool. PartyCast lets you link over 100 Flare speakers to take your party to the next level, basically creating a concert wherever you are. Anker also added a fun design element with a ring that will light up and pulse to the music. You can control a lot of the settings, including the colors, from the Soundcore app. Anker Soundcore Flare - Shop Now 4. Best premium option: Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II Rating: 4.5 Stars MORE SOUND ALL AROUND: Engineered to deliver true 360 sound for consistent, uniform coverage from a bluetooth speaker. SoundLink Revolve-plus II plays louder and deeper with longer battery life than SoundLink Revolve IIIMPROVED BATTERY LIFE: With up to 17 hours from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you get more play time than the original SoundLink Revolve-plus speaker. Charging is easy via the Micro-B USB port BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: Amazing sound quality, 17 hours of battery life, 360° sound projection Cons: Expensive If you want the best in the business, look to a company that has been making incredible audio products for decades. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II portable Bluetooth speaker is a top-of-the-line portable Bluetooth speaker in every regard. From the sound quality and 360-degree audio projection to jaw-dropping 17-hour battery life, the Revolve+ is as good as it gets. This model plays longer and louder than the original Revolve+, too. It is a durable portable speaker with an IP55 water and dust resistance rating. It has a built-in mic for taking phone calls. Voice prompts walk you through pairing your device to the speaker. The speaker also supports Amazon Alexa, so voice controls allow you to control all your smart home gadgets, ask questions, and more. The Bose app is extremely simple to navigate, allowing you to better control your speaker and customize your listening experience. However, the bass isn't this speaker's strongest suit. So, if that's a make-or-break element for you, you may want to go with our next recommendation instead. Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II - Shop Now 5. Most portable: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Rating: 4.5 Stars Sound bigger than it looks: A peak power of 2x140 watts contained in a sleek, small speaker. Beosound A1 brings soul-stirring sound to any trip.Waterproof for life's thrills and spills: Share your soundtrack on the go. A durable, wireless speaker designed for life on the road, chilled pool holidays or a hectic home life. BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: Slim and intuitive design, Alexa support, good sound for its size Cons: Bluetooth connection could be better One of the best Bluetooth speakers you're going to find to carry around in a bag or pocket is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen portable Bluetooth speaker. It is so portable, waterproof, and rugged. I was actually shocked by how good this model sounds for a speaker that's so small. The A1 2nd Gen has a slim and intuitive design with an easy-to-use button interface. It's also ultra-lightweight, so you can carry it anywhere without having to worry about it. There's also a long cord that you can hold onto, or you can hang it from something while you're listening. Bang & Olufsen's Beosound A1 2nd Gen has support for the Alexa voice assistant with Far Field technology. It also has an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating. It weighs just over a pound and comes in multiple colors, plus it has 18 hours of battery life. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen - Shop Now Best battery life: Marshall Stockwell II Marshall Stockwell II Rating: 4 Stars Stockwell II offers 20+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge. Its pint-sized frame and guitar inspired carry strap make it perfect to take with you.Waterproof : YesUtilizes True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Experience absolute 360° sound where every spot is a sweet spot BGR may receive a commission BGR may receive a commission Shop Now Pros: 20 hours of battery life, multi-directional "True Stereophonic" sound Cons: Isn't loud enough for larger gatherings The Marshall Stockwell II portable Bluetooth speaker will help you get more out of your sound. It offers 20 hours of portable playtime on a single charge. This model utilizes a True Stereophonic sound projection system, which is a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. It delivers 360° of sound, so no matter where you sit, you'll be in a sweet spot. The sound quality is impressive, though it doesn't get quite as loud as some other models in this price range. The Stockwell II is IPX4 water-resistant and equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This is one of the best Bluetooth speakers that have multi-device functionality, so you can easily switch between two connected Bluetooth devices. Also, the guitar-inspired carry strap is an awesome touch, and we love that it's styled after a Marshall amp. Marshall Stockwell II - Shop Now The post We splashed around for 250+ hours to find the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers appeared first on BGR. 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Mitzi Gaynor, the effervescent dancer and actor who starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film of "South Pacific" and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly, has died at 93.

The Secret Service is "not waiting to act" and has "significantly improved our readiness, operational, and organizational communications and implemented enhanced protective operations for the former president and other protectees," Acting Director Ronald Rowe said.

An Alabama man was arrested on Thursday over criminal charges that he hacked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's X account earlier this year, in an action that caused Bitcoin's value to spike, federal prosecutors announced.

The Hostage Families Forum is calling on the Israeli government to leverage Hamas' leader Yahya Sinwar's apparent death to secure an immediate deal to release the hostages still being held captive.

The plagiarism consultant used by The New York Times to examine multiple questionable passages of Vice President Kamala Harris' 2009 book said further scrutiny revealed that the surfaced cases were "more serious" than he originally thought.

A probabilistic new map of the universe surrounding the Milky Way reveals that our galaxy is likely part of an even larger "basin of attraction" than we previously assumed.