Skip to main content

Thomas Ricker

Thomas Ricker

Deputy Editor

Deputy Editor

Thomas’ first gadget memory was typing 7734 into his father’s inverted, HP-35 scientific calculator. Clearly fated to tech blogging, he would have to wait another 20 years before the rise of the medium. A degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering led Thomas to Silicon Valley just prior to the dot-com boom. In June of 2011, Thomas wrote his 1,362,258th word for Engadget, leaving to help launch The Verge.

More From Thomas Ricker

Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Aurzen’s fun little tri-fold projector goes Pro.

The autofocusing and keystone-correcting projector I enjoyed last year is now twice as bright (200 ANSI lumens) with a bump to 1080p. It supports AirPlay, Google Cast, and “an industry-first Type-C direct projection for Nintendo Switch.” The Zip Pro is notably larger, lasts up to 2.5 hours off battery, supports Bluetooth audio when its itty-bitty stereo speakers won’t do, and can be preordered for $579.99 — nearly double the cost of the original 720p model. Have a look at Aurzen’s weak-sauce AI imagery for more details.

<em>The tri-fold design makes it super portable and adaptable.</em>
<em>It measures 115mm × 97mm × 44mm / 4.53 × 3.82 × 1.73 inches when folded.</em>
<em>The future, envisioned in the 1950s.</em>
<em>How it compares to the previous model.</em>
<em>lol, these renders suck.</em>
<em>Generative AI is so fun!</em>
<em>Okay.</em>
<em>Okaaaay.</em>
<em>200 ANSI lumens will need blackout conditions to be enjoyable.</em>
<em>You go, biz boy.</em>
1/10
The tri-fold design makes it super portable and adaptable.
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Xgimi’s 4K 120Hz UST projector starts at just $2,199.

That’s less than half the price of other 4k 120Hz ultra-short throw projectors, but it requires a $50 preorder deposit on Xgimi’s Aura 3 Max, else the price rises to $2,399. For that you get specs like 5,700 ISO Lumens and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio for a giant, 120-inch image projected onto the wall from just eight inches away. VRR, ALLM, and a claimed input lag as low as 1ms also makes it great for gamers and sports fans who can afford to hate televisions.

You’ll also want to pay extra for an ALR screen to maximize that image contrast and color.
You’ll also want to pay extra for an ALR screen to maximize that image contrast and color.
Image: Xgimi
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Dbrand goes minimal.

Its new MNML sub-brand makes simple and clean cases to protect iPhones, Pixel and Galaxy phones, and AirPods for “people that hate Dbrand.” The initial range launches in four colors with a sandstone texture on September 9th, the same day as Apple’s iPhone event — hint. Prices range from $29.95 to $39.95.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

The MNML range launches on September 9th.
The MNML range launches on September 9th.
Image: Dbrand
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Here’s the real Trump Phone.

It’s a customized Cisco and you can’t have it. Nobody tell Dom.

Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Nextdoor is taking on Yelp.

The social media app for neighborhoods is doubling-down on local business discovery with a new “Local Faves” hub that promotes verified neighbor recommendations to combat fake online reviews. “Local businesses have always grown through word of mouth. Online, though, reviews can be bought, manipulated, or faked,” says Nextdoor CEO Nirav Tolia. “Nextdoor’s approach mirrors the value of real word of mouth: a real neighbor, in a real neighborhood, sharing a business they’ve actually used.”

Nextdoor says it can provide an honest discovery platform to businesses “that can’t be bought.”
Nextdoor says it can provide an honest discovery platform to businesses “that can’t be bought.”
Image: Nextdoor
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Roland launches its first piano with built-in Wi-Fi.

The $749 FP-40 connects to the company’s Piano Sphere app for “personalized learning, feedback, and motivation.”

John Ternus is now the CEO of AppleJohn Ternus is now the CEO of Apple
Richard Lawler and Thomas Ricker