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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. iOS end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling today in beta

   Look for the new lock icon in your Android chats.

2. Google announces its first-ever discovery of a zero-day exploit made with AI

   The Google Threat Intelligence Group said its proactive measures stopped a "mass exploitation event."

3. OpenADR and Matter are collaborating to let your smart home talk to the grid

   This should make it easier to connect appliances to demand response programs.

4. Venmo's redesigned app offers more discreet payments by default

   New users will automatically have post visibility set to friends only instead of public.

5. OpenAI sued by spouse of FSU shooting victim

   Florida's attorney general also opened an investigation into ChatGPT recently on similar grounds.

6. Discord's Nitro subscription now includes a slightly nerfed Xbox Game Pass

   The Nitro Rewards program also includes discounts on Logitech G and SteelSeries gear.

7. NBC is turning Wordle into a TV show

   The NYT's word game has been pretty much everywhere else.

8. Forza Horizon 6 has leaked a week ahead of launch

   Unencrypted files were downloaded from Steam and shared by pirates.

9. TikTok is rolling out an ad-free option in the UK

   It's the first time an ad-free subscription has been offered in an English-speaking country.

10. Samsung's Bespoke update is big step towards a useful AI for your fridge

    Running a software upgrade on a fridge feels strange, but these are the times we live in.