Spotify is enabling podcast creators to earn more money through the platform by providing their fans with a way to pay to access exclusive content. First announced in May, the new Memberships subscription feature is starting to roll out in 34 regions today, allowing podcasters to offer perks including additional content, early access, bonus episodes, […]
Spotify’s new podcast memberships let you pay for extra perks

Original reporting
The Verge: read the full reportFollow this story
Earlier reports and follow-ups on the same developing story.
Related stories
SpaceX alum’s aviation startup, Reliable Robotics, lands $115M, topping $1B valuation
Reliable Robotics extended its Series D round with $115 million in equity and $25 million in debt.

TikTok employees said they knew about child safety issues, but execs failed to act
TikTok was repeatedly warned by its own staffers about risks its platform posed to child safety, according to court records obtained by NPR. The publication reports that employees were frustrated over TikTok executives failing to appropriately act on concerns they raised, including minors bypassing age-restricted content, and appearing in "transactional sexual content" the company could […]
US orders federal agencies to remove China’s DeepSeek AI from their systems
The US has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek products and third-party services built using its technology, citing national security concerns.

Adobe Lightroom mobile can now open closed eyes in photos with a simple tap
Adobe announced yesterday that the mobile version of Lightroom, available for iOS, iPadOS, and Android, can now open closed eyes in photos using generative AI with just a single tap. When the app detects a person, or a group of people, have their eyes closed in a photo it will automatically present users with a […]
Inspired Capital closes $450M fourth fund as New York pushes back on Silicon Valley’s gravitational pull
The raise comes as venture dollars pile up on the West Coast.

Wii Sports is back on the Switch 2, and it rules
Wii Sports holds an important place in Nintendo's history. It's the best-selling piece of software the company has ever made, one that permeated culture in surprising ways, and its success helped rejuvenate Nintendo after a period of steady decline. It also kicked off one of the company's most important and unassuming franchises. While subsequent sports […]