The Bastl Kalimba is a wild synth that thinks it’s a...

Introduction

Looking for what's happening in tech and culture today? Here are the top 10 stories from The Verge as of May 11, 2026. The Verge covers the intersection of technology, science, art, and culture, with in-depth reporting on the products, companies, and people shaping our digital lives.

📌 Previously: Canvas (Instructure) LMS Down in Ongoing Ransomware Attack — catch up on yesterday's tech news.

Today's Top 10 Stories on The Verge

#1 — The Bastl Kalimba is a wild synth that thinks it’s a thumb piano

Make no mistake, the Bastl Kalimba is a synthesizer, you just play it like a kalimba. Its tines don't really make much sound. There is an internal mic that you can blend in for a little acoustic spice, but it's mostly driven by the synth engine that combines physical modeling and FM. The tines are

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/927638/the-bastl-kalimba-is-a-wild-synth-that-thinks-its-a-thumb-piano

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#2 — Ashnymph’s Childhood EP is exhilarating dance goth rock

I've got to thank my oldest friend and concert buddy, Tim, for turning me on to this one. Ashnymph is a London band that blends post-punk melodies with Krautrock rhythms and industrial grime. Their debut EP, Childhood, drifts between dreamy vocals buried in layers of reverb and four-on-the-floor dancefloor pounding. It's a thrilling opening salvo

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/927620/ashnymph-childhood-ep-music-review

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#3 — Cricut’s $99 craft cutting machine helped me feel creative again

I've always been skeptical of products that claim to help you lead a more creative life. But one recently won me over. I've spent three weeks with the Cricut Joy 2, a smart cutting and drawing machine that made it easy for me to get back into making stickers, cards, bookmarks, and more. The small

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/924281/cricut-joy-2-smart-cutting-machine-printer-hands-on

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#4 — Writers are fleeing the Substack Tax

Substack, the once buzzy newsletter platform, is losing a new swath of writers to rival platforms most people haven't heard of. Just last month, The Ankler, one of Substack's most popular publications, left for a platform that gives it more control over its site. Others who have departed Substack within the past year voiced similar

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/927294/substack-tax-ghost-beehiiv

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#5 — Netflix may have finally figured out games

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on Netflix, follow Andrew Webster. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here.

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/column/926250/netflix-tv-games-strategy

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#6 — Vivo’s X300 Ultra has the best cameras in any phone

A few months ago, I wrote that the telephoto camera is the only lens that matters any more, at least when it comes to Ultra-class flagships. As phones got better, cameras became where manufacturers tried to stand out. As cameras got better, telephoto lenses became the next point of focus. The most recent Ultra phones

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/926067/vivos-x300-ultra-has-the-best-cameras-in-any-phone

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#7 — Dyson’s powerful 360 Vis Nav robovac is down to $279.99 for a limited time

If you’re tired of running your vacuum multiple times just to get the dirt and debris out of the carpets in your living room, Dyson’s360 Vis Nav is worth a look. It’s one of the more powerful robot vacuums currently available, and now through May 11th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/926942/dyson-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-woot-dust-busting-deals-sale

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#8 — These great digital gifts will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day

And just like that, Mother’s Day is tomorrow, May 10th, which is too soon for most online purchases to arrive in time. That said, you aren’t alone if you waited too long to pick up a gift this year, and you definitely aren’t alone in feeling guilty for considering digital gifts instead of something your

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/927310/best-digital-gift-ideas-mothers-day-online-cards-subscriptions-2026

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#9 — Let it snow

Water gets all the credit. When gaming companies want to show off new graphics technology, things tend to get wet; splashing waves that are only possible with the latest physics engine, or puddles that can reflect the world around them thanks to ray tracing. But there's something special about snow. It might not be as

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/926911/snow-video-games-moomins-froggy

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#10 — The game that makes me actually want to exercise

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 127, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, my Scorpion challenges your Sub-Zero to a duel, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been reading about Hasan Piker and lines and

Read full article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/927177/zombies-run-boox-billie-eilish-installer

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Why These Tech News Stories Matter

The Verge's reporting reflects what is moving the technology industry — from AI and consumer hardware to platform policy and the business of Big Tech. Today's headlines capture the stories driving the conversation in Silicon Valley and beyond.

About The Verge

The Verge (theverge.com) is an American technology news website operated by Vox Media. Founded in 2011, it is known for its product reviews, longform features, and original reporting on technology, science, and culture.

Source: https://www.theverge.com
Updated: May 11, 2026