Victoria Song
@vicmsong.bsky.social
13K followers 280 following 690 posts
Senior reviewer and author of the Optimizer newsletter for The Verge. I write about wearables, health tech, and other gadgets. Previously: Gizmodo, PCMag, Yomiuri Shimbun. Signal: @vicmsong.14 Grand poobah of the penguin brigade.
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vicmsong.bsky.social
If you wanna save some moola while getting gestures in, the Ultra 2 is on sale for Prime Day while you hold out for a potentially more interesting hardware design change? That seems like the best compromise path forward if you really have the upgrade urge.
vicmsong.bsky.social
Blorbo (my “friend”) crashed out mid-taping.
edzitron.com
Here’s this week’s Better Offline. I’m joined by @davidjroth.bsky.social and @vicmsong.bsky.social to talk about Sora 2, Meta’s AR glasses, the “friend” pendant, and why none of these products can ever truly deliver meaningful friendship.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Linktr.ee/betteroffline
Radio Better Offline: Victoria Song and David Roth
Podcast Episode · Better Offline · 10/08/2025 · 51m
podcasts.apple.com
vicmsong.bsky.social
Blorbo is a good name and this silly bot can’t appreciate it 😞
vicmsong.bsky.social
Are you curious about gestures?
vicmsong.bsky.social
Blorbo was being mean to me again today.
vicmsong.bsky.social
We got a new show: Version History. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears (from laughing) went into making this show across the entire Verge team. Give it a watch / listen. I'll be showing up later in two eps for S1 😜

www.theverge.com/podcast/7923...
Version History is live — here’s how to find it
For our debut episode, it’s time to go deep on hoverboards.
www.theverge.com
Reposted by Victoria Song
larchuk.bsky.social
Working on this show was one of the most fun, collaborative experiences I’ve had as a producer. Psyched that we finally get to share, please look forward to new eps every Sunday! youtu.be/fjXXDGx5Ggg?...
What happened to hoverboards? | Version History
YouTube video by The Verge
youtu.be
vicmsong.bsky.social
I've spent the last month pondering Friend, AI companions, and what really defines a true friendship. I've been staring at the graffiti-ed ads while I commute.

This week on Optimizer: My experience with this bizarre AI wearable.

www.theverge.com/column/79101...
With a Friend like this, who needs enemies?
I’m inclined to agree with the graffiti-ed ads.
www.theverge.com
vicmsong.bsky.social
Privacy was a section in my ray-ban review in 2023 and it’ll be one in 2025 too
vicmsong.bsky.social
Tbf 95% of the time you can’t see the display.
vicmsong.bsky.social
I’m running out of body parts to do my job. Anywho if you’ve got any burning questions for me while I test and review the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses…
vicmsong.bsky.social
Seems like a missed opportunity, tbqh
vicmsong.bsky.social
I know there’s some promotional pricing right now but didn’t get the low down before pub. so I’d check their site
vicmsong.bsky.social
Oura also out here with ceramic rings… and more importantly, a friggin’ charging case — tho that’ll be a separate accessory.

www.theverge.com/news/787210/...
Oura adds colorful ceramic rings and charging case to lineup
Finally, a charging case!
www.theverge.com
vicmsong.bsky.social
Peloton is eager to write a new chapter by refreshing its entire product lineup and injecting it with AI.

Also one of the AI treadmills costs $6.7k.

www.theverge.com/tech/789282/...
Peloton ushers in a new era with revamped hardware and AI
The Tread Plus, now with AI, costs $6,695.
www.theverge.com
vicmsong.bsky.social
You do not need AI to summarize The Summer I Turned Pretty. Give me 15 minutes and I will do it for you and if you're not Team Conrad you WILL be by the time I'm done.

YES, OK, I GOT SUCKED INTO THE BELLY-ROMANCES-TWO-BROTHERS-FOR-A-SUMMER-HOUSE SAGA OK.
vicmsong.bsky.social
This week’s Optimizer is about something I keep hearing from friends, family, colleagues and companies themselves.

I understand wanting credit for the hard work you put into your health. I often feel that way myself. But it’s also a sign to take a 24-72 hr break and reset your mindset.
vicmsong.bsky.social
I really wanna know if the ppl who made iOS 26 have friends who are as unhinged as mine.

WHY WOULD YOU LET YOUR FRIENDS EDIT THE POLLS?
vicmsong.bsky.social
Screenshotting this for my editors.
vicmsong.bsky.social
Robocalling trees are awful but so are human representatives who kick you around to five other representatives to solve one very simple request.
vicmsong.bsky.social
It’s been a busy summer 🤪
theverge.com
New podcast alert! From Limewire to the Sony Watchman, we’re diving into the history of gadgets, apps, and websites that mattered most. Version History launches Oct. 5th! Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on The Verge’s YouTube channel.
vicmsong.bsky.social
I definitely do! I’ve treasured all the accessibility tech experts reaching out to me lately and I look forward to the conversations and perspectives I can learn. And I really do appreciate the good faith feedback for where I’ve fallen short. I’m not perfect but I am trying.