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Where does virtual reality go next? Right now, there seem to be two paths: Portable and self-contained headsets or those connected to computers and consoles. Valve is clearly betting on the second way with the Index, its first VR hardware. It crams in just about every feature you’d expect from a high-end headset, including some truly transformative finger-sensing controllers. It’s just too bad the entire Index package costs $999, putting it out of reach for most people. It’s a boundary-pushing headset meant to keep the VR industry from getting stale.

A post shared by Engadget (@engadget) on Jun 28, 2019 at 10:31am PDT

1. Last.fm goes independent after breaking up with Paramount Skydance

   Last.fm is now an independent company, nearly two decades after it was acquired by CBS.

2. Android Auto is getting a big makeover for 2026

   Upgrades include a revamped UI, support for widgets, immersive 3D maps and more.

3. Googlebooks are the Android-based evolution of the Chromebook

   Google's only giving us a tease of what it has planned for its new laptop lineup.

4. Nintendo just announced a $500 Switch 2 bundle that includes a first-party game

   The console price shoots up in September, so this might be a good way to save some cash.

5. Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returns to Prime Video in November

   Season three of Amazon's Lord of the Rings show skips forward several years from the second season finale.

6. Alan Wake comes to horror game Phasmophobia

   This is a free update on all platforms.

7. Rivian is rolling out its AI-powered voice assistant

   It will be available on all Rivian Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles, as well as on the R2 when it launches.

8. Google employee accused of making $1 million from insider trading on Polymarket

   Who could have seen this coming?

9. Amazon rolls out its new 30-minute delivery option in a number of cities across the US

   Amazon Now is coming to "dozens" of locations in 2026.

10. Hey @meta.ai is that true? Threads is testing a Grok-like AI feature

    What could go wrong?