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The Verge’s favorite summer gear for 2025

The Verge’s favorite summer gear for 2025

Two years ago, we published a list of our favorite summer gear — and it’s time to do it again!

Things can get a little tense out there in the world, so sometimes you have to pause and take a breath. We’re looking forward to taking some time for ourselves by hiking, biking, or hanging out and listening to our favorite tunes, maybe accompanied by some soft-serve ice cream to cool things down. We’ve asked our staff about the gadgets they plan to use this summer to help get away and have fun. Here’s what some of them recommend.

There’s nothing that brings a smile to my family’s faces faster than soft-serve ice cream. It’s definitely something we bond over, although usually it’s when we’re on the way back from the beach or as an after-dinner treat while on vacation. So, when I got a chance to try the new Ninja Swirl Creami at home, I jumped on it.

An ice-cream maker and soft-serve dispenser in one, the Ninja makes ice cream on one side and then dollops it out in soft-serve form on the other. Unlike my previous attempts at making homemade frozen treats from scratch with my KitchenAid stand mixer, the Ninja makes this super easy to do. (You still need to be patient as it has to freeze for 24 hours.)

But the real bonus — and what made this a big hit in my house — is that you can stick store-bought ice cream into it and turn it into soft-serve in seconds; no waiting required, just endless sundae bowls and swirl cones on tap for summer hangouts. The only downside (other than price) is that we only got two decent-sized soft-serve cones out of each 16-oz pint container. Luckily, it comes with two containers, which helped keep the ice cream flowing.

I’ve also enjoyed creating unusual frozen delights in the Ninja. Inspired by a very active Reddit forum, we tried frozen tomato soup (really yummy), fresh watermelon mixed with condensed milk (ah-ma-zing), and my son’s morning protein smoothies in frozen form — the perfect way to prep him for a day of lifeguarding at the local pool. – Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, smart home reviewer

Two sunscren applicators, one floating in close-up, one upright and smaller.Two sunscren applicators, one floating in close-up, one upright and smaller.

As a pasty redhead from a large ginger family, I relish every opportunity to nag about the importance of wearing sunscreen — especially when the summer heat is pounding and everyone starts getting their fleshy bits out. If you’re someone who avoids applying the stuff because it makes your hands feel gross, then allow me to remove that excuse for you: sunscreen applicators are a convenient and mess-free solution that can help you protect your skin without itching to wipe your greasy hands on clothes or sandy towels.

They’re great for applying sunscreen to your kids, too. The Solar Buddies version I use has a big handle, spongy applicator, and a roller dispenser that ensures even small hands have a good grip and don’t look like they’ve dunked themselves in frosting. You just have to fill them with your sunscreen of choice, giving some added flexibility around the brand and SPF (but please, please consider sticking with a factor of 50 plus).

Because the applicator screws tightly closed, it can also help prevent any explosions from occurring in your bag compared to the usual squeeze bottles. Nobody likes a sunscreen sandwich. — Jess Weatherbed, news writer

Biker rider wearing backpack with river and bike in backgroundBiker rider wearing backpack with river and bike in background

If you’re itching to get out on a bike ride even when it’s 85-plus degrees, you don’t want to be stuck without an adequate supply of water. I only have room for one drink holder on my bike, so I’ve found that it’s just far more convenient to carry water on my back with the aptly named CamelBak Hydrobak hydration pack. It’s a lightweight backpack that holds up to 1.5 liters of water, which it says is enough for a two-hour bike ride.

The backpack also comes with a handy straw that you just lift up and drink from, preventing you from having to stop and drink from your water bottle (unless you’re coordinated enough to take a sip while riding, which I am not). It also keeps your water relatively cool even when the sun is beating down your back.

Aside from storing water, there’s a zipper pocket where you can store car keys, your ID, and other small items. It’s not just ideal for biking, either. Many people use the CamelBak Hydrobak on long hikes, runs, and even for music festivals. — Emma Roth, news writer

Two people holding UE WonderBoom 4 speakers, one blue and one pink.Two people holding UE WonderBoom 4 speakers, one blue and one pink.

I try to bring a Bluetooth speaker everywhere with me when the weather’s good. A pool party, a park day, a golf outing, a hang on the back patio — it’s all better with music! There are obviously lots of good speakers out there, but for me the UE Wonderboom 4 is the perfect one. It’s only $100, it’s small but loud enough to work just about anywhere, its battery lasts all day and then some, it’s waterproof, and it floats. (All the colors look nice, by the way, but… get the blue one.) There are fancier speakers with more features, and the $200 Megaboom does sound a lot better, but I keep a Wonderboom in my trunk, and it has made me the party hero more times than I can count. — David Pierce, editor-at-large

Two people walking down a street wearing backpacks.Two people walking down a street wearing backpacks.

The summer months mean more family walks, hikes, and time outdoors, and one of my favorite ways of exercising in the process is rucking. You don’t need a fancy GoRuck to go rucking; just throw as much weight as you want to carry into any sturdy backpack that feels good on you. But, while the Ruckers may be a little over-the-top on their “tacticool” looks for some folks, they are incredibly well made and nicely designed for weighted walks or even crossfit-style workouts. — Antonio G. Di Benedetto, reviewer

ThermoFlask thermos in a metal basket with a towel and sunhatThermoFlask thermos in a metal basket with a towel and sunhat

Ever since I got scolded at urgent care (turns out the mysterious shooting pain in the back of my head was due to dehydration), this 40-oz flask has rarely left my side. It was a gift from a friend who works outside under the Los Angeles sun all year long, so trust her experience. This hefty bottle fits perfectly into my life — although not in any of the gym equipment cup holders, due to its generous girth (holder-friendly shapes are also available). I am to consume roughly two of these bottles’ worth of water daily, particularly when it gets hot in the summertime. Aside from being a sturdy receptacle, it really is a thermos, so it keeps my water cold for hours. — Marina Galperina, senior tech editor

Walking stickWalking stick

For years, a close friend and I would go birding together, and one of our favorite late spring treks was to Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania to observe the yearly raptor migration. Unfortunately, my friend never had strong ankles, and as the years passed, the trek up and down the mountain became more difficult. After she had one bad slip, I went to a local REI store and bought her a lightweight walking pole. She loved it. It came with a rubber tip for flat surfaces like sidewalks and a pointed tip for muddy or rocky terrain. It was lightweight and adjustable, and it had a comfortable grip. It could be quickly compressed and stored in her bag or the trunk of her car, and then expanded and used for hiking or just strolling. It was, she once told me, the most useful birthday gift I ever gave her.

The walking pole I bought her is no longer available, but Leki’s Legend Black Carbon one is pretty close. — Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

Person sitting on silvery fold-out blanket in kPerson sitting on silvery fold-out blanket in k

I never thought I’d marvel at the design and engineering of a blanket until I tried this one from Matador. Made from a waterproof and surprisingly durable fabric given how thin it is, the Pocket Blanket is large enough to accommodate up to four adults when unfurled but folds up into its own built-in storage bag that’s about the size of a deck of cards. Refolding the Pocket Blanket is easy, thanks to a subtle printed pattern showing where all the fold lines should be, and it can be secured to the ground using either built-in metal corner stakes or small pockets that can be filled and weighed down with sand. We rarely leave the house without at least one slipped into a bag, and keep extras in the glove boxes of our cars. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter

Thermacell mosquito repeller, a small black semi-circular unit, sitting on a picnic table.Thermacell mosquito repeller, a small black semi-circular unit, sitting on a picnic table.

My biggest deterrent to spending some time outside are bugs, mosquitos specifically. I wish they’d bug off. They have me looking like I’m doing interpretive dancing to avoid being poked. Thankfully, a gadget that I got last year has made it so that I don’t need to be (as) protective of my exposed skin.

Thermacell makes rechargeable and refillable mosquito repellers. I got the E-Series model, which creates a safe zone where you likely won’t be bitten. It lasts a little over five hours per charge, meaning I get more than one use out of it before needing to charge it again. Just be sure not to use it in an environment where there isn’t proper ventilation; Thermacell notes that its ingredients shouldn’t be a concern for people or pets, but I don’t want too much insecticide around my loved ones — or my food. — Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor

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official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.

Key Features the Game Offers

Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.

Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.

Pre-Registration Rewards

Level Infinite Launches Gangstar Mirage City in India with Pre-Registrations
	
Level Infinite has opened pre-registrations for Gangstar Mirage City, the newest game in Gameloft’s long-running Gangstar series. Indian players can now enroll on the official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.



Key Features the Game Offers



Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.



Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.



Pre-Registration Rewards






Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.



The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.



Languages and Availability



Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite

Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.

The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.

Languages and Availability

Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite">Level Infinite Launches Gangstar Mirage City in India with Pre-Registrations
	
Level Infinite has opened pre-registrations for Gangstar Mirage City, the newest game in Gameloft’s long-running Gangstar series. Indian players can now enroll on the official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.



Key Features the Game Offers



Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.



Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.



Pre-Registration Rewards






Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.



The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.



Languages and Availability



Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite

before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.

Key Features the Game Offers

Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.

Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.

Pre-Registration Rewards

Level Infinite Launches Gangstar Mirage City in India with Pre-Registrations
	
Level Infinite has opened pre-registrations for Gangstar Mirage City, the newest game in Gameloft’s long-running Gangstar series. Indian players can now enroll on the official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.



Key Features the Game Offers



Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.



Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.



Pre-Registration Rewards






Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.



The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.



Languages and Availability



Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite

Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.

The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.

Languages and Availability

Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite">Level Infinite Launches Gangstar Mirage City in India with Pre-Registrations

Level Infinite has opened pre-registrations for Gangstar Mirage City, the newest game in Gameloft’s long-running Gangstar series. Indian players can now enroll on the official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.

Key Features the Game Offers

Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.

Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.

Pre-Registration Rewards

Level Infinite Launches Gangstar Mirage City in India with Pre-Registrations
	
Level Infinite has opened pre-registrations for Gangstar Mirage City, the newest game in Gameloft’s long-running Gangstar series. Indian players can now enroll on the official website before the game’s soft launch in August 2026. Players who register for the game will receive rewards upon its release. There will be mission stories and open-world gameplay. According to the developer, player choices will influence certain missions and gameplay events.



Key Features the Game Offers



Gangstar Mirage City brings together open-world exploration, racing, and action in a single experience. In addition to story missions, players can explore different parts of the city, collect vehicles, and compete in street races. The game also includes cooperative heists, allowing friends to complete missions together.



Building a criminal empire is yet another important aspect of the game. Capturing territories can help players enhance their influence and generate revenue. They can also personalize their weapons and vehicles according to the requirements of specific missions and fights. If you are one of those people who like competitive gaming, you can join the team fights, vehicle fights, last-man-standing games, and PvP-based objective games. The developers have also confirmed that more arenas and multiplayer content will arrive in future updates.



Pre-Registration Rewards






Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.



The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.



Languages and Availability



Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite

Players who have already signed up for Gangstar Mirage City can participate in the Global Vault Heist campaign, scheduled prior to the game’s soft launch. This campaign offers rewards available only to early participants. More rewards will become available to those who are signed up for the event as more people sign up. Participants can also invite up to three friends to join the campaign. Each successful invitation unlocks extra bonuses, allowing groups to start the game with additional rewards when the soft launch begins.

The pre-registration campaign also lets players join one of four in-game factions before launch. Each group has its own background and role in the game’s world. The Family focuses on power and influence, while O-Rage represents a more rebellious approach. The Ghosts are known for underground street racing, whereas Jersey Boyz control the city’s supply chain. Choosing a faction also unlocks a unique avatar reward for launch.

Languages and Availability

Gangstar Mirage City will begin its soft launch on August 20, 2026, and will be available on Android and iOS. There will be nine language options in the game, allowing gamers from various regions to play in their preferred language. Those interested can already complete the pre-registration process through the official website.

#Level #Infinite #Launches #Gangstar #Mirage #City #India #PreRegistrationsLevel Infinite

Yesterday, OpenAI released its latest voice model, GPT-Live-1. The company called it “a new generation of voice models for natural human-AI interaction.” The full-duplex model allows ChatGPT to talk and listen at the same time, giving the back-and-forth a more conversational flow. It’s designed to be smarter, faster, and more natural.

Sounds great! Let’s see how it handles the internet’s one-man voice model red team, TikToker @huskistaken (aka Husk), when he tests out its capabilities by giving the model something simple:

Ooh, so close. Husk gave ChatGPT the straightforward request to tell him how many times the letter E appears in the number “seventeen,” and the voice model managed to get halfway there by answering “two.” It then offered a very awkward sign-off when Husk ended the conversation. Maybe that’s a query that GPT-Live-2 will be able to handle.

To be fair, Husk isn’t really testing any of the new features that OpenAI highlighted with the release of its new model, which, by most accounts, seems like it’s more capable when it comes to things like live translation than previous iterations. But he is giving the model a very simple benchmarking test that, despite being OpenAI’s flagship voice model, it still failed spectacularly.

It seems OpenAI knows just how bad this looks, too. Jason Liu, a Developer Experience Engineer on OpenAI Codex, reposted the video with a very succinct, “FUCK.”

Husk’s made a habit of terrorizing OpenAI over its voice model for some time now, making viral videos out of how poorly it handles certain prompts. One of his videos—in which he tasks ChatGPT with setting a timer and watching it fail—made it all the way to CEO Sam Altman, who tried to laugh it off in a very “I’m not mad, please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad” kinda way.

Husk is not alone in giving GPT-Live-1 the old stress test. Another user on X gave the model the “Strawberry” test, asking it to count the number of times the letter R appears in the word “strawberry.” It’s a classic, and one that most AI models can answer correctly by now (whether that’s because they really know there are 3 Rs or because they’ve been trained on how to respond to prevent embarrassment is another question), but GPT-Live-1 gets tripped up by it.

Another user noted a new annoyance that has arisen from the model’s full-duplex functionality: While the model now allows ChatGPT to say things like “mhm” and “yeah” while you talk to confirm it is listening, it apparently is incapable of simply shutting up and not doing that. It seems ChatGPT has built an interrupting machine. Just what we’ve all been waiting for.

READ MORE:

The Future Is Always Listening: OpenAI Says Its New Voice Assistant Is ‘One Step Closer to a Truly Accessible AGI’

OpenAI Is Tired of Seeing All Those Videos of People Clowning on Its Voice Mode

#OpenAI #Beat #TikTokerartifical intelligence,ChatGPT,OpenAI,voice model">OpenAI Just Can’t Beat This TikToker
                Yesterday, OpenAI released its latest voice model, GPT-Live-1. The company called it “a new generation of voice models for natural human-AI interaction.” The full-duplex model allows ChatGPT to talk and listen at the same time, giving the back-and-forth a more conversational flow. It’s designed to be smarter, faster, and more natural. Sounds great! Let’s see how it handles the internet’s one-man voice model red team, TikToker @huskistaken (aka Husk), when he tests out its capabilities by giving the model something simple:  Had to give the new voice model the classic test pic.twitter.com/fQYHbBRNuL — Husk (@huskirl) July 8, 2026  Ooh, so close. Husk gave ChatGPT the straightforward request to tell him how many times the letter E appears in the number “seventeen,” and the voice model managed to get halfway there by answering “two.” It then offered a very awkward sign-off when Husk ended the conversation. Maybe that’s a query that GPT-Live-2 will be able to handle.

 To be fair, Husk isn’t really testing any of the new features that OpenAI highlighted with the release of its new model, which, by most accounts, seems like it’s more capable when it comes to things like live translation than previous iterations. But he is giving the model a very simple benchmarking test that, despite being OpenAI’s flagship voice model, it still failed spectacularly.

 It seems OpenAI knows just how bad this looks, too. Jason Liu, a Developer Experience Engineer on OpenAI Codex, reposted the video with a very succinct, “FUCK.” Husk’s made a habit of terrorizing OpenAI over its voice model for some time now, making viral videos out of how poorly it handles certain prompts. One of his videos—in which he tasks ChatGPT with setting a timer and watching it fail—made it all the way to CEO Sam Altman, who tried to laugh it off in a very “I’m not mad, please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad” kinda way.

 Husk is not alone in giving GPT-Live-1 the old stress test. Another user on X gave the model the “Strawberry” test, asking it to count the number of times the letter R appears in the word “strawberry.” It’s a classic, and one that most AI models can answer correctly by now (whether that’s because they really know there are 3 Rs or because they’ve been trained on how to respond to prevent embarrassment is another question), but GPT-Live-1 gets tripped up by it.  OpenAI’s brand new voice model vs counting the r’s in strawberry. I really tried to help it along. pic.twitter.com/Pm0RfLyxIA — Himelstech (@himelstech) July 9, 2026  Another user noted a new annoyance that has arisen from the model’s full-duplex functionality: While the model now allows ChatGPT to say things like “mhm” and “yeah” while you talk to confirm it is listening, it apparently is incapable of simply shutting up and not doing that. It seems ChatGPT has built an interrupting machine. Just what we’ve all been waiting for. READ MORE: The Future Is Always Listening: OpenAI Says Its New Voice Assistant Is ‘One Step Closer to a Truly Accessible AGI’ OpenAI Is Tired of Seeing All Those Videos of People Clowning on Its Voice Mode      #OpenAI #Beat #TikTokerartifical intelligence,ChatGPT,OpenAI,voice model

called it “a new generation of voice models for natural human-AI interaction.” The full-duplex model allows ChatGPT to talk and listen at the same time, giving the back-and-forth a more conversational flow. It’s designed to be smarter, faster, and more natural.

Sounds great! Let’s see how it handles the internet’s one-man voice model red team, TikToker @huskistaken (aka Husk), when he tests out its capabilities by giving the model something simple:

Ooh, so close. Husk gave ChatGPT the straightforward request to tell him how many times the letter E appears in the number “seventeen,” and the voice model managed to get halfway there by answering “two.” It then offered a very awkward sign-off when Husk ended the conversation. Maybe that’s a query that GPT-Live-2 will be able to handle.

To be fair, Husk isn’t really testing any of the new features that OpenAI highlighted with the release of its new model, which, by most accounts, seems like it’s more capable when it comes to things like live translation than previous iterations. But he is giving the model a very simple benchmarking test that, despite being OpenAI’s flagship voice model, it still failed spectacularly.

It seems OpenAI knows just how bad this looks, too. Jason Liu, a Developer Experience Engineer on OpenAI Codex, reposted the video with a very succinct, “FUCK.”

Husk’s made a habit of terrorizing OpenAI over its voice model for some time now, making viral videos out of how poorly it handles certain prompts. One of his videos—in which he tasks ChatGPT with setting a timer and watching it fail—made it all the way to CEO Sam Altman, who tried to laugh it off in a very “I’m not mad, please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad” kinda way.

Husk is not alone in giving GPT-Live-1 the old stress test. Another user on X gave the model the “Strawberry” test, asking it to count the number of times the letter R appears in the word “strawberry.” It’s a classic, and one that most AI models can answer correctly by now (whether that’s because they really know there are 3 Rs or because they’ve been trained on how to respond to prevent embarrassment is another question), but GPT-Live-1 gets tripped up by it.

Another user noted a new annoyance that has arisen from the model’s full-duplex functionality: While the model now allows ChatGPT to say things like “mhm” and “yeah” while you talk to confirm it is listening, it apparently is incapable of simply shutting up and not doing that. It seems ChatGPT has built an interrupting machine. Just what we’ve all been waiting for.

READ MORE:

The Future Is Always Listening: OpenAI Says Its New Voice Assistant Is ‘One Step Closer to a Truly Accessible AGI’

OpenAI Is Tired of Seeing All Those Videos of People Clowning on Its Voice Mode

#OpenAI #Beat #TikTokerartifical intelligence,ChatGPT,OpenAI,voice model">OpenAI Just Can’t Beat This TikTokerOpenAI Just Can’t Beat This TikToker
                Yesterday, OpenAI released its latest voice model, GPT-Live-1. The company called it “a new generation of voice models for natural human-AI interaction.” The full-duplex model allows ChatGPT to talk and listen at the same time, giving the back-and-forth a more conversational flow. It’s designed to be smarter, faster, and more natural. Sounds great! Let’s see how it handles the internet’s one-man voice model red team, TikToker @huskistaken (aka Husk), when he tests out its capabilities by giving the model something simple:  Had to give the new voice model the classic test pic.twitter.com/fQYHbBRNuL — Husk (@huskirl) July 8, 2026  Ooh, so close. Husk gave ChatGPT the straightforward request to tell him how many times the letter E appears in the number “seventeen,” and the voice model managed to get halfway there by answering “two.” It then offered a very awkward sign-off when Husk ended the conversation. Maybe that’s a query that GPT-Live-2 will be able to handle.

 To be fair, Husk isn’t really testing any of the new features that OpenAI highlighted with the release of its new model, which, by most accounts, seems like it’s more capable when it comes to things like live translation than previous iterations. But he is giving the model a very simple benchmarking test that, despite being OpenAI’s flagship voice model, it still failed spectacularly.

 It seems OpenAI knows just how bad this looks, too. Jason Liu, a Developer Experience Engineer on OpenAI Codex, reposted the video with a very succinct, “FUCK.” Husk’s made a habit of terrorizing OpenAI over its voice model for some time now, making viral videos out of how poorly it handles certain prompts. One of his videos—in which he tasks ChatGPT with setting a timer and watching it fail—made it all the way to CEO Sam Altman, who tried to laugh it off in a very “I’m not mad, please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad” kinda way.

 Husk is not alone in giving GPT-Live-1 the old stress test. Another user on X gave the model the “Strawberry” test, asking it to count the number of times the letter R appears in the word “strawberry.” It’s a classic, and one that most AI models can answer correctly by now (whether that’s because they really know there are 3 Rs or because they’ve been trained on how to respond to prevent embarrassment is another question), but GPT-Live-1 gets tripped up by it.  OpenAI’s brand new voice model vs counting the r’s in strawberry. I really tried to help it along. pic.twitter.com/Pm0RfLyxIA — Himelstech (@himelstech) July 9, 2026  Another user noted a new annoyance that has arisen from the model’s full-duplex functionality: While the model now allows ChatGPT to say things like “mhm” and “yeah” while you talk to confirm it is listening, it apparently is incapable of simply shutting up and not doing that. It seems ChatGPT has built an interrupting machine. Just what we’ve all been waiting for. READ MORE: The Future Is Always Listening: OpenAI Says Its New Voice Assistant Is ‘One Step Closer to a Truly Accessible AGI’ OpenAI Is Tired of Seeing All Those Videos of People Clowning on Its Voice Mode      #OpenAI #Beat #TikTokerartifical intelligence,ChatGPT,OpenAI,voice model

Yesterday, OpenAI released its latest voice model, GPT-Live-1. The company called it “a new generation of voice models for natural human-AI interaction.” The full-duplex model allows ChatGPT to talk and listen at the same time, giving the back-and-forth a more conversational flow. It’s designed to be smarter, faster, and more natural.

Sounds great! Let’s see how it handles the internet’s one-man voice model red team, TikToker @huskistaken (aka Husk), when he tests out its capabilities by giving the model something simple:

Ooh, so close. Husk gave ChatGPT the straightforward request to tell him how many times the letter E appears in the number “seventeen,” and the voice model managed to get halfway there by answering “two.” It then offered a very awkward sign-off when Husk ended the conversation. Maybe that’s a query that GPT-Live-2 will be able to handle.

To be fair, Husk isn’t really testing any of the new features that OpenAI highlighted with the release of its new model, which, by most accounts, seems like it’s more capable when it comes to things like live translation than previous iterations. But he is giving the model a very simple benchmarking test that, despite being OpenAI’s flagship voice model, it still failed spectacularly.

It seems OpenAI knows just how bad this looks, too. Jason Liu, a Developer Experience Engineer on OpenAI Codex, reposted the video with a very succinct, “FUCK.”

Husk’s made a habit of terrorizing OpenAI over its voice model for some time now, making viral videos out of how poorly it handles certain prompts. One of his videos—in which he tasks ChatGPT with setting a timer and watching it fail—made it all the way to CEO Sam Altman, who tried to laugh it off in a very “I’m not mad, please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad” kinda way.

Husk is not alone in giving GPT-Live-1 the old stress test. Another user on X gave the model the “Strawberry” test, asking it to count the number of times the letter R appears in the word “strawberry.” It’s a classic, and one that most AI models can answer correctly by now (whether that’s because they really know there are 3 Rs or because they’ve been trained on how to respond to prevent embarrassment is another question), but GPT-Live-1 gets tripped up by it.

Another user noted a new annoyance that has arisen from the model’s full-duplex functionality: While the model now allows ChatGPT to say things like “mhm” and “yeah” while you talk to confirm it is listening, it apparently is incapable of simply shutting up and not doing that. It seems ChatGPT has built an interrupting machine. Just what we’ve all been waiting for.

READ MORE:

The Future Is Always Listening: OpenAI Says Its New Voice Assistant Is ‘One Step Closer to a Truly Accessible AGI’

OpenAI Is Tired of Seeing All Those Videos of People Clowning on Its Voice Mode

#OpenAI #Beat #TikTokerartifical intelligence,ChatGPT,OpenAI,voice model

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