theverge--2020-02-21--Bloomberg’s debate performance shows that Facebook ads will only get you so far

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As of Tuesday , Michael Bloomberg had spent $ 233 million on digital and television ads .
This spending purchased him , according to an impressive visualization from the Washington Post , 30,000 digital ads a minute .
The billionaire candidate for the Democratic nomination has spent more on advertising than every other Democratic candidate combined .
Bloomberg has also spent much more than President Trump , who has invested a relatively paltry $ 19 million in digital and TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election is that it was won by the candidate who had the superior mastery of Facebook — Trump , whose campaign did a now-legendary job of creating and iterating on direct-response ads that built up his email list and donor rolls while also continuously serving up red meat to his fan base .
If you hold that view , you might look at Bloomberg ’ s campaign and wonder if this cycle ’ s Facebook power user and assume he was about to walk away with the nomination .
Bloomberg ’ s spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who worried that a general election in which two extremely wealthy men competed against one another largely on the basis of their spending power represented another step down the road to authoritarian plutocracy .
These concerns were amplified by Bloomberg ’ s shameless use of influencer marketing , which — thanks to Facebook ’ s rather confused rules on the subject — arguably allows him to skirt transparency and fact-checking requirements .
All of which made Wednesday ’ s Democratic debate , in which Bloomberg squared off against his rivals for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Would this be the stage on which Bloomberg , flush with cash and dominating social platforms and TV advertising , steamroll his rivals ?
It would not be .
“ Bloomberg hammered , ” read the headline in ... Bloomberg .
Here are ( brave ! )
reporters Craig Gordon and Gregory Korte : He spent most of the debate on the defensive , from attacks by Warren but also moderates Joe Biden , Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar who all took turns taking swipes at the former mayor .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up much , and there were only flashes of the straight-talking candidate familiar to New Yorkers who made him mayor three times , when he was a Republican who won in the heavily Democratic city .
It was the first time many Americans saw Bloomberg live on a debate stage , and not just in his ubiquitous television ads on which he has spent more than $ 400 million , a record in a presidential campaign .
There was a wide gap between the smooth , confident candidate portrayed in those ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irritable candidate on the debate stage .
“ Let me finish , ” he said several times as the debate intensified .
“ What am I , chicken liver ?
” he added when he couldn ’ t get attention from the moderators .
It was indeed the opinion of the other candidates on stage , and possibly the moderators , and definitely the people I happened to be watching the debate with , that Bloomberg was chicken liver .
This opinion was heightened by what BuzzFeed characterized , accurately , as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( The takedowns on Twitter were , as you may have seen , even more savage . )
Of course , it ’ s all just talk until the next primary , which is set for Saturday in Nevada , and which Sen. Bernie Sanders is favored to win .
But the real test will come March 3rd — Super Tuesday — when 14 states hold primaries .
National polls suggest that Sanders is in the lead .
It seems increasingly plausible that after March 3rd , Sanders will be the presumptive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg , platforms , and money will be a footnote in history .
Which isn ’ t to say that platforms won ’ t play a big role in the election .
Political consultants I ’ ve spoken with say they are likely to play an outsized role , particularly in how less informed voters — think white working class men in the Midwest — get their news .
But after this week ’ s events , if Michael Bloomberg is to play a role , it seems increasingly likely that it won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms .
Trending up : TikTok rolled out a series of videos where influencers encourage people to get off their phones and go outside .
It shows that TikTok is trying to avoid some of the mistakes of certain other highly addictive social apps .
Trending down : The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has opened an investigation into Google for pregnancy discrimination against an employee .
The employee said her supervisor made discriminatory remarks against pregnant women and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviews .
⭐ Russia is interfering in the 2020 US presidential election , intelligence officials say .
And you ’ ll never guess who they ’ ve endorsed !
Here are Adam Goldman , Julian E. Barnes , Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos in the New York Times : ⭐ Twitter is experimenting with adding brightly colored labels directly beneath lies and misinformation posted by politicians and public figures .
The move is part of a new policy to target misinformation , which the company plans to roll out on March 5th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll see !
One thing Twitter says it would label as manipulated media : this Bloomberg tweet based on footage from last night ’ s debate .
( Makena Kelly / The Verge ) Bernie Sanders suggested that Russian bots could be behind some of the vicious tweets from his Twitter fan base .
Disinformation experts say that charge lacks evidence , and is irresponsible .
( Sam Stein / Daily Beast ) Nevada Democrats say they ’ re worried about Saturday ’ s caucus .
The group had originally planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Iowa caucus debacle .
They say not to expect results immediately .
( William Turton and Gregory Korte / Bloomberg ) The Trump administration is siding with Oracle in a pivotal Supreme Court battle with Google over whether the search giant flouted copyright law when it copied 11,500 lines of Oracle ’ s code more than 10 years ago .
Oracle founder CEO just threw a big fundraiser for the president .
Politics — sometimes it ’ s that easy !
( Emily Birnbaum / The Hill ) Some Oracle employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the latest sign that employee activism is spreading throughout the industry .
( Nico Grant / Bloomberg ) Five takeaways from the Department of Justice ’ s Section 230 hearing this week .
Facebook and Google are getting lots of attention ; Amazon and Airbnb , not so much .
( Adi Robertson / The Verge ) A man filed a Federal Trade Commission complaint against YouTube after trolls repeatedly uploaded the video of his daughter ’ s murder .
“ The complaint alleges that YouTube misrepresents how much violent content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell users that the responsibility to get videos of victims ’ deaths taken down is on them — and most often , on the families of the victims themselves.
” ( Samantha Cole / Vice ) Google used to encourage employees to “ act like owners.
” Now the company appears to be clamping down on many forms of employee activism .
Here ’ s a long magazine piece about what happened to some of the employees who spoke out .
( Noam Scheiber and Kate Conger / New York Times Magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Hulu and Roku , revealing loopholes in federal election laws .
Today , nothing requires these digital providers to disclose whom the ads target , unlike with traditional broadcasters .
( Tony Romm / The Washington Post ) The House Committee on Oversight and Reform sent Amazon a letter demanding answers about Ring ’ s partnerships with governments and police departments .
They also asked for information about Ring ’ s data collection policies .
( Alfred Ng / CNET ) How conservatives made inroads at Facebook .
This story largely rehearses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains this good quote : “ Facebook does not speak Republican .
...
This is what they know about Republicans : Tell them ‘ yes ’ or they will hurt us.
” ( Craig Timberg / Washington Post ) Facebook ’ s manager of global affairs and governance spoke about the questions and tradeoffs surrounding the Oversight Board .
( Berkman Klein Center / Medium ) Florida Republicans ’ Facebook page had a manager who was apparently based in Turkmenistan .
At least until these reporters started making inquiries .
( Eric Levai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chinese government instructed tech companies Alibaba and Tencent to develop a color-coded system to classify people based on their health conditions and travel history .
The move is part of China ’ s attempts to control the coronavirus outbreak as people begin to return to work .
( Liza Lin / The Wall Street Journal ) ⭐ The most popular YouTube videos about the coronavirus are being made in India .
Many contain a mixture of hoaxes and half-truths , making them difficult to fact-check .
Ryan Broderick and Pranav Dixit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature that makes it easier to thread multiple tweets together .
Now users can now link tweets while composing them .
( Chance Miller / 9To5Mac ) On-demand therapy apps like Better Help are making mental health care more accessible .
But they ’ re also largely unregulated .
That ’ s allowing them to share potentially sensitive user data with third-party services like Facebook , Google , and Snapchat .
( Molly Osberg and Dhruv Mehrotra / Jezebel ) Quinn Norton talks about what it ’ s actually like to get canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly loses their career over tweets , Norton describes a story that still has no happy ending .
( Quinn Norton / Empty Wheel ) Facebook pulled out of the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco over coronavirus concerns .
( Salvador Rodriguez / CNBC ) Facebook security prevented a former employee of Cambridge Analytica from entering its New York headquarters for a happy hour last week .
The move raised questions about the scope of the social media giant ’ s security blacklist and its policy toward people associated with the infamous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BuzzFeed ) Women in Cambodia are using Facebook Messenger to contact family planning organizations to get advice on abortions and sexual health .
( Gina Rushton / BuzzFeed ) Julie Zhuo , a 14-year Facebook veteran who served as vice president of product design , left to start a new firm with another Facebooker .
Plant influencers are rising in popularity on Instagram .
So are pricey rare plant scams like the one described here ( Arielle Pardes / Wired ) This website creates karaoke songs out of any YouTube video .
Youka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” isolates vocals from tracks and pulls lyrics from sites online .
( Dami Lee / The Verge ) Just when I was starting to think email was the last good platform , here comes Christopher Miller with this story in BuzzFeed : I trust that the Department of Justice will be announcing hearings about email safety momentarily .
Send us tips , comments , questions , and epic Bloomberg clapbacks : casey @ theverge.com and zoe @ theverge.com .

As of Tuesday, Michael Bloomberg had spent $233 million on digital and television ads. This spending purchased him, according to an impressive visualization from the Washington Post, 30,000 digital ads a minute. The billionaire candidate for the Democratic nomination has spent more on advertising than every other Democratic candidate combined. Bloomberg has also spent much more than President Trump, who has invested a relatively paltry $19 million in digital and TV ads.
One view of the 2016 election is that it was won by the candidate who had the superior mastery of Facebook — Trump, whose campaign did a now-legendary job of creating and iterating on direct-response ads that built up his email list and donor rolls while also continuously serving up red meat to his fan base. If you hold that view, you might look at Bloomberg’s campaign and wonder if this cycle’s Facebook power user and assume he was about to walk away with the nomination.
Bloomberg’s spending raised concerns among more progressive Democrats, who worried that a general election in which two extremely wealthy men competed against one another largely on the basis of their spending power represented another step down the road to authoritarian plutocracy. These concerns were amplified by Bloomberg’s shameless use of influencer marketing, which — thanks to Facebook’s rather confused rules on the subject — arguably allows him to skirt transparency and fact-checking requirements.
All of which made Wednesday’s Democratic debate, in which Bloomberg squared off against his rivals for the first time, feel like a critical moment. Would this be the stage on which Bloomberg, flush with cash and dominating social platforms and TV advertising, steamroll his rivals?
It would not be.
“Bloomberg hammered,” read the headline in ... Bloomberg. Here are (brave!) reporters Craig Gordon and Gregory Korte:
He spent most of the debate on the defensive, from attacks by Warren but also moderates Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar who all took turns taking swipes at the former mayor. He was too busy defending his record to talk it up much, and there were only flashes of the straight-talking candidate familiar to New Yorkers who made him mayor three times, when he was a Republican who won in the heavily Democratic city. It was the first time many Americans saw Bloomberg live on a debate stage, and not just in his ubiquitous television ads on which he has spent more than $400 million, a record in a presidential campaign. There was a wide gap between the smooth, confident candidate portrayed in those ads and the less sure-footed and at times irritable candidate on the debate stage. “Let me finish,” he said several times as the debate intensified. “What am I, chicken liver?” he added when he couldn’t get attention from the moderators.
It was indeed the opinion of the other candidates on stage, and possibly the moderators, and definitely the people I happened to be watching the debate with, that Bloomberg was chicken liver. This opinion was heightened by what BuzzFeed characterized, accurately, as “savage takedowns” from the other Democrats. (The takedowns on Twitter were, as you may have seen, even more savage.)
Of course, it’s all just talk until the next primary, which is set for Saturday in Nevada, and which Sen. Bernie Sanders is favored to win. But the real test will come March 3rd — Super Tuesday — when 14 states hold primaries. National polls suggest that Sanders is in the lead. It seems increasingly plausible that after March 3rd, Sanders will be the presumptive nominee — and the entire story about Bloomberg, platforms, and money will be a footnote in history.
Which isn’t to say that platforms won’t play a big role in the election. Political consultants I’ve spoken with say they are likely to play an outsized role, particularly in how less informed voters — think white working class men in the Midwest — get their news.
But after this week’s events, if Michael Bloomberg is to play a role, it seems increasingly likely that it won’t be as a candidate.
The Ratio
Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms.
🔼 Trending up: TikTok rolled out a series of videos where influencers encourage people to get off their phones and go outside. It shows that TikTok is trying to avoid some of the mistakes of certain other highly addictive social apps.
🔽 Trending down: The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has opened an investigation into Google for pregnancy discrimination against an employee. The employee said her supervisor made discriminatory remarks against pregnant women and that the company retaliated against her with poor performance reviews.
Governing
⭐ Russia is interfering in the 2020 US presidential election, intelligence officials say. And you’ll never guess who they’ve endorsed! Here are Adam Goldman, Julian E. Barnes, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos in the New York Times:
Intelligence officials warned House lawmakers last week that Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump re-elected, five people familiar with the matter said, in a disclosure that angered Mr. Trump, who complained that Democrats would use it against him.
⭐ Twitter is experimenting with adding brightly colored labels directly beneath lies and misinformation posted by politicians and public figures. The move is part of a new policy to target misinformation, which the company plans to roll out on March 5th, reports NBC’s Ben Collins. We’ll see!
In this version, disinformation or misleading information posted by public figures will be corrected directly beneath the tweet by fact-checkers and journalists who are verified on the platform, and possibly other users who will participate in a new “community reports” feature, which the demo claims is “like Wikipedia.” [...] The demo features bright red and orange badges for tweets that have been deemed “harmfully misleading,” in nearly the same size as the tweet itself and prominently displayed directly below the tweet that contains the harmful misinformation.
Bernie Sanders suggested that Russian bots could be behind some of the vicious tweets from his Twitter fan base. Disinformation experts say that charge lacks evidence, and is irresponsible. (Sam Stein / Daily Beast)
Nevada Democrats say they’re worried about Saturday’s caucus. The group had originally planned to use the app at the heart of the Iowa caucus debacle. They say not to expect results immediately. (William Turton and Gregory Korte / Bloomberg)
The Trump administration is siding with Oracle in a pivotal Supreme Court battle with Google over whether the search giant flouted copyright law when it copied 11,500 lines of Oracle’s code more than 10 years ago. Oracle founder CEO just threw a big fundraiser for the president. Politics — sometimes it’s that easy! (Emily Birnbaum / The Hill)
Five takeaways from the Department of Justice’s Section 230 hearing this week. Facebook and Google are getting lots of attention; Amazon and Airbnb, not so much. (Adi Robertson / The Verge)
A man filed a Federal Trade Commission complaint against YouTube after trolls repeatedly uploaded the video of his daughter’s murder. “The complaint alleges that YouTube misrepresents how much violent content is on the site, and fails to tell users that the responsibility to get videos of victims’ deaths taken down is on them — and most often, on the families of the victims themselves.” (Samantha Cole / Vice)
Google used to encourage employees to “act like owners.” Now the company appears to be clamping down on many forms of employee activism. Here’s a long magazine piece about what happened to some of the employees who spoke out. (Noam Scheiber and Kate Conger / New York Times Magazine)
Political ads are flooding streaming services like Hulu and Roku, revealing loopholes in federal election laws. Today, nothing requires these digital providers to disclose whom the ads target, unlike with traditional broadcasters. (Tony Romm / The Washington Post)
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform sent Amazon a letter demanding answers about Ring’s partnerships with governments and police departments. They also asked for information about Ring’s data collection policies. (Alfred Ng / CNET)
How conservatives made inroads at Facebook. This story largely rehearses things we already know, but it contains this good quote: “Facebook does not speak Republican. ... This is what they know about Republicans: Tell them ‘yes’ or they will hurt us.” (Craig Timberg / Washington Post)
Facebook’s manager of global affairs and governance spoke about the questions and tradeoffs surrounding the Oversight Board. (Berkman Klein Center / Medium)
Florida Republicans’ Facebook page had a manager who was apparently based in Turkmenistan. At least until these reporters started making inquiries. (Eric Levai and Scott Stedman / Forensic News)
The Chinese government instructed tech companies Alibaba and Tencent to develop a color-coded system to classify people based on their health conditions and travel history. The move is part of China’s attempts to control the coronavirus outbreak as people begin to return to work. (Liza Lin / The Wall Street Journal)
Industry
⭐ The most popular YouTube videos about the coronavirus are being made in India. Many contain a mixture of hoaxes and half-truths, making them difficult to fact-check. Ryan Broderick and Pranav Dixit from BuzzFeed report:
“Most Indians coming online for the first time start by streaming YouTube videos because it’s free,” Rebelo said. She said that most fact-checking efforts in India are only being done in English and Hindi, so things are even more complicated for videos being created in regional languages. It’s also hard to fact-check videos that mix truth and hoax freely together. “It’s difficult to debunk a video with half-truths. A lot of it is harmless advice, but none of the videos actually tell you to go to a doctor, which is what you should do,” she said. This mixture of false and true is exactly what characterizes the seven-minute Hindi-language coronavirus explainer by Wonderful Secrets of the World. Halfway into it, the narrator makes the false claim that “Chinese people have a huge appetite for dog meat, cat meat, snake meat, bird’s nest soup, and bat soup. Scientists say this virus has spread through bats.”
Twitter launched a new feature that makes it easier to thread multiple tweets together. Now users can now link tweets while composing them. (Chance Miller / 9To5Mac)
On-demand therapy apps like Better Help are making mental health care more accessible. But they’re also largely unregulated. That’s allowing them to share potentially sensitive user data with third-party services like Facebook, Google, and Snapchat. (Molly Osberg and Dhruv Mehrotra / Jezebel)
Quinn Norton talks about what it’s actually like to get canceled. Despite conventional wisdom that no one truly loses their career over tweets, Norton describes a story that still has no happy ending. (Quinn Norton / Empty Wheel)
Facebook pulled out of the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco over coronavirus concerns. (Salvador Rodriguez / CNBC)
Facebook security prevented a former employee of Cambridge Analytica from entering its New York headquarters for a happy hour last week. The move raised questions about the scope of the social media giant’s security blacklist and its policy toward people associated with the infamous data firm. (Joseph Bernstein / BuzzFeed)
Women in Cambodia are using Facebook Messenger to contact family planning organizations to get advice on abortions and sexual health. (Gina Rushton / BuzzFeed)
Plant influencers are rising in popularity on Instagram. So are pricey rare plant scams like the one described here (Arielle Pardes / Wired)
This website creates karaoke songs out of any YouTube video. Youka, short for “YouTube to karaoke,” isolates vocals from tracks and pulls lyrics from sites online. (Dami Lee / The Verge)
And finally...
Just when I was starting to think email was the last good platform, here comes Christopher Miller with this story in BuzzFeed:
Protests and clashes with riot police have broken out in several places after a mass email claiming to be from Ukraine’s health ministry spread false information that there were five cases of coronavirus in the country, on the same day a plane carrying evacuees from China arrived. Protesters have smashed the windows of buses carrying evacuees and set fire to makeshift barricades. But the email, sent to the Ministry of Health’s entire contact list, had actually originated from outside Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement. Only two Ukrainians have been infected with the coronavirus and they are aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, and they’ve already recovered.
I trust that the Department of Justice will be announcing hearings about email safety momentarily.
Talk to us


theverge--2020-02-21--LG V60 ThinQ shown off in leaked press render

A press render claiming to be LG ’ s unannounced V60 ThinQ has been published by Android Headlines , showing a handset with a small teardrop notch , a dedicated Google Assistant button , and a gold frame .
Although not confirmed by the leak , the phone was expected to be announced at the now-cancelled Mobile World Congress .
Text on the phone ’ s display reads February 24th , the day MWC 2020 was originally scheduled to begin .
Although the image doesn ’ t show the rear of the device , a previous leak suggested that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quad-camera array , four microphones , and a 3.5mm headphone jack , making LG one of the few manufacturers to still offer it on a flagship device ( LG does love a good DAC ) .
The leak also claimed the phone will have a 5,000mAh battery , up from the 4,000mAh battery found in last year ’ s 5G-ready LG V50 ThinQ .
Separate leaks have claimed the Android 10 phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor and 8GB of RAM .
There ’ s no sign of LG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ThinQ , which Yonhap reported in December would be announced at MWC .
LG announced a similar accessory with its previous G8X handset , which could be used to give you enough screen real estate to do two things on the device , such as watching YouTube on one screen while browsing the web on the other .
With MWC now cancelled , it ’ s unclear when LG might announce its V60 ThinQ , or when the phone might be released .
When LG initially withdrew from the trade show , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate events in the near future to announce its 2020 mobile products.
” With the device presumably ready for a late February reveal , these “ separate events ” can ’ t be too far away .

A press render claiming to be LG’s unannounced V60 ThinQ has been published by Android Headlines, showing a handset with a small teardrop notch, a dedicated Google Assistant button, and a gold frame. Although not confirmed by the leak, the phone was expected to be announced at the now-cancelled Mobile World Congress. Text on the phone’s display reads February 24th, the day MWC 2020 was originally scheduled to begin.
Although the image doesn’t show the rear of the device, a previous leak suggested that the LG V60 ThinQ will be equipped with a quad-camera array, four microphones, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making LG one of the few manufacturers to still offer it on a flagship device (LG does love a good DAC). The leak also claimed the phone will have a 5,000mAh battery, up from the 4,000mAh battery found in last year’s 5G-ready LG V50 ThinQ. Separate leaks have claimed the Android 10 phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor and 8GB of RAM.
A previous leak claimed the phone would have a 5,000mAh battery and four microphones. Photo by Evan Blass
There’s no sign of LG’s dual-screen accessory for the V60 ThinQ, which Yonhap reported in December would be announced at MWC. LG announced a similar accessory with its previous G8X handset, which could be used to give you enough screen real estate to do two things on the device, such as watching YouTube on one screen while browsing the web on the other.


theverge--2020-02-21--Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory is back on track following environmental challenge

Preparation work for Tesla ’ s Gigafactory near Berlin can continue , less than a week after work had to be paused due to concerns raised by local environmental activists , Bloomberg reports .
Yesterday , a court ruled that local authorities hadn ’ t sidestepped regulations in allowing Tesla ’ s tree felling work to begin .
The electric car company is currently in the process of clearing 92 hectares of forest in Gruenheide , east of Berlin , in preparation for the construction of its first European Gigafactory .
Any delay could have had a big impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since the breeding period for local wildlife begins next month .
The region ’ s economy minister has argued that the forest needs to be cleared by mid-March , otherwise work risks being delayed by as much as nine months .
Two-thirds was already cleared before the work was stopped , according to Bloomberg .
Tesla plans to have the factory up and running by the middle of next year .
92 hectares of forest needs to be cleared Local environmental group Guene Liga Brandenburg had raised concerns about the project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s water supply , and put too much strain on local transport infrastructure .
Concerns were also raised that the tree felling work had been allowed to begin before the March 5th deadline for environmental groups to comment on the project had passed .
Tesla ’ s Berlin Gigafactory will be its fourth worldwide , alongside its existing Gigafactories in the USA and China .
Eventually , the company hopes that its European factory will produce as many as 500,000 cars a year , and employ 12,000 people .

Preparation work for Tesla’s Gigafactory near Berlin can continue, less than a week after work had to be paused due to concerns raised by local environmental activists, Bloomberg reports. Yesterday, a court ruled that local authorities hadn’t sidestepped regulations in allowing Tesla’s tree felling work to begin. The electric car company is currently in the process of clearing 92 hectares of forest in Gruenheide, east of Berlin, in preparation for the construction of its first European Gigafactory.
Any delay could have had a big impact on Tesla’s schedule for the factory, since the breeding period for local wildlife begins next month. The region’s economy minister has argued that the forest needs to be cleared by mid-March, otherwise work risks being delayed by as much as nine months. Two-thirds was already cleared before the work was stopped, according to Bloomberg. Tesla plans to have the factory up and running by the middle of next year.
92 hectares of forest needs to be cleared
Local environmental group Gruene Liga Brandenburg had raised concerns about the project, saying that it could threaten the region’s water supply, and put too much strain on local transport infrastructure. Concerns were also raised that the tree felling work had been allowed to begin before the March 5th deadline for environmental groups to comment on the project had passed.


theverge--2020-02-21--Here’s where you can preorder the Samsung Galaxy S20

If you ’ re hoping to score a Samsung Galaxy S20 , S20 Plus , or S20 Ultra on launch day ( Friday , March 6th ) , it ’ s a good idea to preorder one .
You can do that right now , following a two-week waiting period since Samsung announced the phones .
Why should you preorder ?
In general , it ’ s a good idea if you want your new phone on launch day — or earlier , in some cases .
Another reason to consider it is because Samsung is offering some good incentives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you don ’ t preorder .
Here ’ s the skinny : • Place your order before March 6th , and Samsung will give S20 buyers a $ 100 voucher to use at its online store .
The S20 Plus will net you a $ 150 gift card , and the S20 Ultra comes with a $ 200 credit .
Just make sure to redeem it through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android with your proof of purchase .
( Note : You ’ ll be eligible for this credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Samsung Galaxy S20 phone ) • Starting February 21st , you can trade in your old smartphone through Samsung , Best Buy , or the Shop Samsung phone app and get up to $ 700 off the cost of your new S20 device .
Best of all , if you ’ re buying through a carrier through one of the links below , those offers stack on top of the credit Samsung will gift you .
You ’ ll find all of the S20-related preorder and trade-in info we ’ ve received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only configuration of the Galaxy S20 that Samsung offers in the US has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage ( with 1TB of microSD storage ) .
It costs $ 999.99 and you can preorder it from Samsung directly .
Right below , you ’ ll find a link to do that .
• Verizon will offer the S20 for $ 41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan .
However , this device won ’ t be available for preorder on February 21st — it actually won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( See below for preorder details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra ) .
The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “ sub-6 ” 5G networks , which Verizon does not utilize for 5G .
The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network .
If it ’ s crucial that you have access to Verizon ’ s 5G network , the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage in your area .
Last note : The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch , though only for LTE service .
you ’ ll be eligible for Samsung ’ s preorder credit no matter where you buy • T-Mobile offers the S20 for $ 41.67 per month for 24 months .
It requires $ 0 down .
• AT & T offers the phone for $ 33.24 per month over 30 months .
You can get an S20 for free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 30-month period ) if you sign up for an AT & T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over , you can still get $ 500 off .
• Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $ 41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease , and it ’ s holding a few promotions that might save you some money .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll pay $ 0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone ( monthly credits of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service ) .
Secondly , if you lease an S20 at full price ( $ 41.67 per month ) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take $ 300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 if you switch to its service between when preorders begin and April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 .
Unlike the S20 , Samsung ’ s Galaxy S20 Plus comes in two configurations , one with 128GB of storage and another with 512GB of storage ( both support up to 1TB of microSD storage ) .
Prices start at $ 1,199 for the 128GB model and work up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 512GB of internal storage space .
• Verizon will sell the S20 Plus at $ 49.99 per month for its 24-month payment plan .
You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits , but it ’ s a little complicated .
If you buy an S20 Plus , you can get $ 1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone ( paid back with monthly credits ) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan .
This offer stacks with a $ 150 credit paid back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll get just for buying one of the phones .
Alternatively , existing customers only can save up to $ 300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device .
This trade-in offer stacks with the $ 150 credit mentioned above , but you won ’ t be eligible to get a free S20 , as detailed near the top of this paragraph .
• T-Mobile will carry the S20 Plus for $ 50 per month for 24 months .
The 128GB version requires $ 0 down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same amount each month , it requires $ 149 down .
• AT & T will offer the phone at $ 40 per month for 30 months .
You can get an S20 Plus for $ 200 ( paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period ) if you trade in your old phone , sign up for an AT & T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
There are a lot of steps , but it might be worth it for you .
• Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $ 50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone , you ’ ll pay $ 8.33 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone ( monthly credits of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service ) .
Secondly , if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ( $ 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles .
• Xfinity will take $ 300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Plus if you switch to its service between when preorders begin and April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plus .
The new S20 Ultra is the high-end option in Samsung ’ s range of flagship phones this year .
It ’ s more “ Ultra ” than the other S20 phones in a few ways .
Check out our roundup that compares each and every spec of the new phones , but here are the highlights : it has a 6.9-inch display versus 6.7 inches in the S20 Plus .
It also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery compared to the S20 Plus ’ 4,500mAh battery and the S20 ’ s 4,000mAh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the optional 16GB of RAM upgrade , and the 108MP wide-angle lens used in its four-lens array .
This phone starts at $ 1,399 , making it one of Samsung ’ s most expensive phones yet .
Add more to that price if you want extra RAM or storage .
• Verizon will offer the S20 Ultra at $ 58.33 per month for its 24-month payment plan .
The carrier says it will reveal more preorder incentives closer to February 21st .
If you buy an S20 Ultra , you can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone ( paid back with monthly credits ) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan .
This offer stacks with a $ 150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you ’ ll get just for buying one of the phones .
Alternatively , existing customers only can save up to $ 300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device .
This trade-in offer stacks with the $ 150 credit mentioned above , but you won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as detailed near the top of this paragraph .
• T-Mobile will offer the phone on preorder .
You ’ ll pay $ 58.34 per month for 24 months with $ 0 down .
If you want the 512GB version , it ’ s $ 58.34 per month as well , but with $ 199 required upfront .
• AT & T will offer the phone starting at $ 46.67 per month for 30 months .
You can get an S20 Ultra for $ 400 ( paid back in monthly credits over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your old phone , sign up for an AT & T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over , you can still get $ 500 off .
• Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $ 58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone , you ’ ll pay $ 16.67 per month for the 18-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service ) .
Secondly , if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ( $ 58.34 per month ) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles .
• Xfinity will take $ 300 off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you switch to its service between when preorders begin and April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Ultra .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see

The Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra are available, following their announcement in early February. If you didn’t preorder, you can get one from numerous retailers and carrier stores around the country.
Below, you’ll find all of the carrier stores and retailers that are selling the phones. However, if you preordered one, it’s likely that you already received your phone. You can now redeem your free credit earned by ordering one before the March 6th cutoff date. Here’s how:
Samsung is giving S20 buyers a $100 voucher to use at its online store. The S20 Plus will net you a $150 gift card, and the S20 Ultra comes with a $200 credit. Redeem your credit through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android by providing your proof of purchase. (Note: You’ll be eligible for this credit regardless of where you choose to buy a Samsung Galaxy S20 phone.)
Photo by Nick Statt / The Verge
Samsung Galaxy S20
The only configuration of the Galaxy S20 that Samsung offers in the US has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (with 1TB of microSD storage). It costs $1,000.
Samsung Galaxy S20 / Starts at $1,000 unlocked $1,000 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB) / Starts at $1,000 unlocked $1,000 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,000 at Amazon
Verizon offers the S20 for $41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan. However, this device won’t be available on launch day. It actually won’t release at Verizon for a few months. (See below for details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.) The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “sub-6” 5G networks, which Verizon does not utilize for 5G. The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network. If it’s crucial that you have access to Verizon’s 5G network, the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day, depending, of course, on the 5G coverage in your area. Last note: The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch, though only for LTE service.
offers the S20 for $41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan. However, this device won’t be available on launch day. It actually won’t release at Verizon for a few months. (See below for details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.) The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “sub-6” 5G networks, which Verizon does not utilize for 5G. The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network. If it’s crucial that you have access to Verizon’s 5G network, the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day, depending, of course, on the 5G coverage in your area. Last note: The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch, though only for LTE service. T-Mobile offers the S20 for $41.67 per month for 24 months. It requires $0 down.
offers the S20 for $41.67 per month for 24 months. It requires $0 down. AT&T offers the phone for $33.24 per month over 30 months. You can get an S20 for free (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off.
offers the phone for $33.24 per month over 30 months. You can get an S20 for free (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease, and it’s holding a few promotions that might save you some money. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 at full price ($41.67 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 for $41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease, and it’s holding a few promotions that might save you some money. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 at full price ($41.67 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
Unlike the S20, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Plus comes in two configurations: one with 128GB of storage and another with 512GB of storage (both support up to 1TB of microSD storage). Prices start at $1,199 for the 128GB model and work up to $1,299 for the step-up phone with 512GB of internal storage space.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Starts at $1,200 unlocked $1,200 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Starts at $1,200 unlocked $1,200 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,200 at Amazon
Verizon sells the S20 Plus for $49.99 per month on its 24-month payment plan. You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits, but it’s a little complicated. If you buy an S20 Plus, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph.
sells the S20 Plus for $49.99 per month on its 24-month payment plan. You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits, but it’s a little complicated. If you buy an S20 Plus, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph. T-Mobile carries the S20 Plus for $50 per month for 24 months. The 128GB version requires $0 down, and while the 512GB model costs the same amount each month, it requires $149 down.
carries the S20 Plus for $50 per month for 24 months. The 128GB version requires $0 down, and while the 512GB model costs the same amount each month, it requires $149 down. AT&T offers the phone at $40 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Plus for $200 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. There are a lot of steps, but it might be worth it for you.
offers the phone at $40 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Plus for $200 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. There are a lot of steps, but it might be worth it for you. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $8.33 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone (monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service). Secondly, if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ($50 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 for $50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $8.33 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone (monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service). Secondly, if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ($50 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Plus if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Plus.
Photo by Dieter Bohn / The Verge
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The new S20 Ultra is the high-end option in Samsung’s range of flagship phones this year. It’s more “Ultra” than the other S20 phones in a few ways. Check out our roundup that compares each and every spec of the new phones, but here are the highlights: it has a 6.9-inch display versus 6.7 inches on the S20 Plus. It also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery compared to the S20 Plus’ 4,500mAh battery and the S20’s 4,000mAh pack.
The crucial differences come down to the optional 16GB of RAM upgrade and the 108MP wide-angle lens used in its four-lens array. This phone starts at $1,399, making it one of Samsung’s most expensive phones yet. Add more to that price if you want extra RAM or storage.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Starts at $1,400 unlocked $1,400 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Starts at $1,400 unlocked $1,400 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,400 at Amazon
Verizon offers the S20 Ultra at $58.33 per month for its 24-month payment plan. If you buy an S20 Ultra, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph.
offers the S20 Ultra at $58.33 per month for its 24-month payment plan. If you buy an S20 Ultra, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph. T-Mobile offers the phone. You’ll pay $58.34 per month for 24 months with $0 down. If you want the 512GB version, it’s $58.34 per month as well, but with $199 required upfront.
offers the phone. You’ll pay $58.34 per month for 24 months with $0 down. If you want the 512GB version, it’s $58.34 per month as well, but with $199 required upfront. AT&T sells the phone starting at $46.67 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Ultra for $400 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off.
sells the phone starting at $46.67 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Ultra for $400 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $16.67 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ($58.34 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $16.67 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ($58.34 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Ultra if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Ultra.


theverge--2020-02-20--Quibi shares some clues about how its app might work

Quibi ’ s apps are now available for preorder on the App Store and Play Store , and they give a look at how the mobile streaming app might actually work when it launches on April 6th ( via TechCrunch ) .
Based on the renders in the listings , Quibi seems like it looks and feels like , well , a streaming video app .
You can check out all of the available renders in the gallery below : Quibi tells The Verge that the screenshots in the listings were also shown at CES in January , but declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final app will look like .
But there are a few interesting details in them that are worth observing .
When browsing content in the app , it looks like there will be four tabs on the bottom bar , labeled “ For You , ” “ Browse , ” “ Following , ” and “ Downloads.
” “ For You ” promotes shows using big cards that remind me a lot of the cards in the App Store ’ s “ Today ” tab .
“ Browse ” appears as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top , a spot for a marquee show up under that , and a horizontally scrolling list of trending shows under that .
And the “ Downloads ” tab looks like it lists out the shows you have downloaded with nice , big thumbnail previews .
The renders also show what watching a video on Quibi might actually look like .
The boldest design choice , in my opinion , is the vertical seek bar when in portrait mode , which seems like it could be a really handy way to scrub through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UI looks fine and doesn ’ t seem like it will block much of the onscreen content .
In January , Quibi showed off the app ’ s “ TurnStyle ” feature , which lets you instantly switch between portrait and landscape when you ’ re watching a show .
And it ’ s been rolling out trailers for its shows and ads to try to explain the service over the past few weeks .

Quibi’s apps are now available for preorder on the App Store and Play Store, and they give a look at how the mobile streaming app might actually work when it launches on April 6th (via TechCrunch).
Based on the renders in the listings, Quibi seems like it looks and feels like, well, a streaming video app. You can check out all of the available renders in the gallery below:
Previous Next
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1 / 5
Quibi tells The Verge that the screenshots in the listings were also shown at CES in January, but declined to say if the renders are what the final app will look like. But there are a few interesting details in them that are worth observing.
When browsing content in the app, it looks like there will be four tabs on the bottom bar, labeled “For You,” “Browse,” “Following,” and “Downloads.” “For You” promotes shows using big cards that remind me a lot of the cards in the App Store’s “Today” tab. “Browse” appears as if it will have a search bar up top, a spot for a marquee show up under that, and a horizontally scrolling list of trending shows under that. And the “Downloads” tab looks like it lists out the shows you have downloaded with nice, big thumbnail previews.
The renders also show what watching a video on Quibi might actually look like. The boldest design choice, in my opinion, is the vertical seek bar when in portrait mode, which seems like it could be a really handy way to scrub through a video. Otherwise, the playback UI looks fine and doesn’t seem like it will block much of the onscreen content.
In January, Quibi showed off the app’s “TurnStyle” feature, which lets you instantly switch between portrait and landscape when you’re watching a show. And it’s been rolling out trailers for its shows and ads to try to explain the service over the past few weeks.


theverge--2020-02-21--Google addresses Huawei ban and warns customers not to sideload apps like Gmail and YouTube

Google on Friday evening published a support article meant to clarify the ongoing situation with Huawei .
Last year , the United States government barred companies in the US from working with the Chinese hardware maker .
“ Google is prohibited from working with Huawei on new device models or providing Google ’ s apps including Gmail , Maps , YouTube , the Play Store and others for preload or download on these devices , ” Tristan Ostrowski , legal director for Android and Google Play , wrote in the post , which was picked up by 9to5Google .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of confusion around what ’ s going on — and exactly which products are subject to the Google services ban .
We have continued to receive a number of questions about new Huawei devices ( e.g.
, new models launching now , or earlier models launched after May 16 , 2019 but now becoming available in new regions of the world ) and whether Google ’ s apps and services can be used on these devices .
We wanted to provide clear guidance to those asking these important questions .
The article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct comments on the Huawei saga yet .
The company steers clear of weighing in on whether Huawei poses any threat to US national security , which intelligence agencies and lawmakers have insisted is the case .
“ Our focus has been protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei devices around the world , ” Ostrowski wrote .
“ We have continued to work with Huawei , in compliance with government regulations , to provide security updates and updates to Google ’ s apps and services on existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so as long as it is permitted.
” Huawei products released on or before May 16th , 2019 may continue to get those updates — for now .
But anything that came later is considered “ uncertified , ” as Google has been unable to put those devices through its “ rigorous ” security checks or preload them with Google Play Protect software , which can detect when hardware has been compromised .
But Google does have a warning for customers with newer Huawei products : don ’ t try to sideload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or other Google software onto those uncertified devices .
Because the company can ’ t guarantee that they ’ re the real deal or free of malware .
Google is trying to avoid the politics side of this , while also sternly dissuading people from going the backdoor route to maintain access to the company ’ s popular services .
Ostrowski ends the support article by outlining how to see whether the Android device you ’ re using has been certified under Google Play Protect .
“ To check if your device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store app on your Android phone , tap ‘ Menu ’ and look for ‘ Settings.
’ You will see if your device is certified under ‘ Play Protect certification .
’ ’

Google on Friday evening published a support article meant to clarify the ongoing situation with Huawei. Last year, the United States government barred companies in the US from working with the Chinese hardware maker. “Google is prohibited from working with Huawei on new device models or providing Google’s apps including Gmail, Maps, YouTube, the Play Store and others for preload or download on these devices,” Tristan Ostrowski, legal director for Android and Google Play, wrote in the post, which was picked up by 9to5Google.
According to Google, there’s still plenty of confusion around what’s going on — and exactly which products are subject to the Google services ban.
We have continued to receive a number of questions about new Huawei devices (e.g., new models launching now, or earlier models launched after May 16, 2019 but now becoming available in new regions of the world) and whether Google’s apps and services can be used on these devices. We wanted to provide clear guidance to those asking these important questions.
The article contains some of Google’s most direct comments on the Huawei saga yet. The company steers clear of weighing in on whether Huawei poses any threat to US national security, which intelligence agencies and lawmakers have insisted is the case. “Our focus has been protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei devices around the world,” Ostrowski wrote. “We have continued to work with Huawei, in compliance with government regulations, to provide security updates and updates to Google’s apps and services on existing devices, and we will continue to do so as long as it is permitted.”
Huawei products released on or before May 16th, 2019 may continue to get those updates — for now. But anything that came later is considered “uncertified,” as Google has been unable to put those devices through its “rigorous” security checks or preload them with Google Play Protect software, which can detect when hardware has been compromised.
But Google does have a warning for customers with newer Huawei products: don’t try to sideload Gmail, YouTube, the Play Store, or other Google software onto those uncertified devices. Because the company can’t guarantee that they’re the real deal or free of malware.
Sideloaded Google apps will not work reliably because we do not allow these services to run on uncertified devices where security may be compromised. Sideloading Google’s apps also carries a high risk of installing an app that has been altered or tampered with in ways that can compromise user security.


theverge--2020-02-21--Twitter’s messy verification process is making candidates wait

On Friday morning , Jeff Sites , a challenger to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan , didn ’ t have a blue verification badge on his official Twitter page .
Sites had announced his campaign months earlier , so he should have been verified months ago .
It caught the eye of one volunteer named Nancy Levine , who has been monitoring Twitter ’ s plan to verify all 2020 candidates , and has been lobbying Twitter on Sites ’ behalf specifically .
After speaking with Levine , The Verge contacted Twitter to inquire about the nature of the delay ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , the Sites situation illustrates the ongoing messiness of Twitter ’ s verification process , which the platform touts as a key tool in preventing disinformation .
Twitter says it has verified 822 candidates since it unveiled the 2020 plan in December , yet still relies on people like Levine , who has no ties to any campaign , to prod them into action .
Here ’ s how the process is supposed to work : Ballotpedia verifies that a candidate is legitimate , either by the candidate contacting them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once Ballotpedia has verified the candidate , it adds them to a list of candidates provided to Twitter on a weekly basis .
Twitter is supposed to then double-check the information and give the candidate the blue check mark .
Levine has been keeping an eye on which 2020 candidates are verified and not , and reached out to The Verge Friday morning to point out Sites was still not verified , even though his primary election is coming up on March 17th .
Levine has become a watchdog of sorts for candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contacted reporters and people at Twitter directly about more than a dozen 2020 candidates , many of whom are quickly verified following her inquiries .
Levine , who leans toward Democratic candidates , says she has not seen any evidence of bias against one party ; she found Republicans and Democrats awaiting Twitter ’ s verification , sometimes several weeks after the candidate ’ s Ballotpedia page was complete .
Levine has a history of this sort of rabble-rousing , first entering the public eye by trying to convince New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman who ran an unregistered pet charity .
Margaret Sullivan , who was the Times ’ public editor at the time , called Levine “ one of the most persistent people I ’ ve ever come in contact with.
” Levine says she has kept after Twitter about the verification process because she believes it levels the playing field .
“ Verification of candidates is important , both to confer legitimacy and credibility of candidates — and also to ensure structural advantages on Twitter , e.g.
, search placement , ” Levine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In the age of dystopian disinformation , validating candidates and their messaging is more important than ever.
” Twitter admits the rolling process has some lag time between when candidates are registered with Ballotpedia and when Twitter verifies them .
Twitter paused its general verification process in 2017 , after it was criticized for verifying the account of a white supremacist .
The company says the goal in verifying primary candidates is to avoid giving unfair advantage to incumbents in primary races , who usually have higher visibility than challengers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , provide details about what office a candidate is running for , and proved popular with candidates during the midterm elections , Twitter says .
Beginning March 3rd , otherwise known as Super Tuesday , the platform will bring back the official election labels for candidates who qualify for the general election .
Verifying candidates is one part of Twitter ’ s larger mission — sometimes successful , sometimes less so — to prevent misinformation about the 2020 elections from spreading on its platform .
Just before the Iowa caucuses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report instances of voter suppression .
A drop-down menu lets users choose “ it ’ s misleading about a political election ” or “ it intends to suppress or intimidate someone from voting ” as options .
And on March 5th , Twitter is expected to unveil its media manipulation policy aimed at curbing the use of fabricated videos and images on the platform .
For its part , Twitter says its goal with verifying primary candidates is to make sure voters have as much accurate , unbiased information about candidates as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its inception — verifying candidates and the election label program — has been focused on being nonpartisan , ” said Twitter spokesperson Nicholas Pacilio .

On Friday morning, Jeff Sites, a challenger to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, didn’t have a blue verification badge on his official Twitter page. Sites had announced his campaign months earlier, so he should have been verified months ago. It caught the eye of one volunteer named Nancy Levine, who has been monitoring Twitter’s plan to verify all 2020 candidates, and has been lobbying Twitter on Sites’ behalf specifically.
After speaking with Levine, The Verge contacted Twitter to inquire about the nature of the delay; within hours, the candidate was verified.
Still, the Sites situation illustrates the ongoing messiness of Twitter’s verification process, which the platform touts as a key tool in preventing disinformation. Twitter says it has verified 822 candidates since it unveiled the 2020 plan in December, yet still relies on people like Levine, who has no ties to any campaign, to prod them into action.
Here’s how the process is supposed to work: Ballotpedia verifies that a candidate is legitimate, either by the candidate contacting them, or reaching out to the campaign. Once Ballotpedia has verified the candidate, it adds them to a list of candidates provided to Twitter on a weekly basis. Twitter is supposed to then double-check the information and give the candidate the blue check mark.
Levine has been keeping an eye on which 2020 candidates are verified and not, and reached out to The Verge Friday morning to point out Sites was still not verified, even though his primary election is coming up on March 17th. Levine has become a watchdog of sorts for candidates’ Twitter badges.
She says she’s contacted reporters and people at Twitter directly about more than a dozen 2020 candidates, many of whom are quickly verified following her inquiries. Levine, who leans toward Democratic candidates, says she has not seen any evidence of bias against one party; she found Republicans and Democrats awaiting Twitter’s verification, sometimes several weeks after the candidate’s Ballotpedia page was complete.
Levine has a history of this sort of rabble-rousing, first entering the public eye by trying to convince New York Times to update a decade-old story about a woman who ran an unregistered pet charity. Margaret Sullivan, who was the Times’ public editor at the time, called Levine “one of the most persistent people I’ve ever come in contact with.”
Levine says she has kept after Twitter about the verification process because she believes it levels the playing field. “Verification of candidates is important, both to confer legitimacy and credibility of candidates — and also to ensure structural advantages on Twitter, e.g., search placement,” Levine writes in an email to The Verge. “In the age of dystopian disinformation, validating candidates and their messaging is more important than ever.”
Twitter admits the rolling process has some lag time between when candidates are registered with Ballotpedia and when Twitter verifies them. Twitter paused its general verification process in 2017, after it was criticized for verifying the account of a white supremacist. The company says the goal in verifying primary candidates is to avoid giving unfair advantage to incumbents in primary races, who usually have higher visibility than challengers.
The election labels, which Twitter introduced in 2018, provide details about what office a candidate is running for, and proved popular with candidates during the midterm elections, Twitter says. Beginning March 3rd, otherwise known as Super Tuesday, the platform will bring back the official election labels for candidates who qualify for the general election.
Image: Twitter
Verifying candidates is one part of Twitter’s larger mission — sometimes successful, sometimes less so — to prevent misinformation about the 2020 elections from spreading on its platform. Just before the Iowa caucuses, Twitter introduced a tool for US users to report instances of voter suppression. A drop-down menu lets users choose “it’s misleading about a political election” or “it intends to suppress or intimidate someone from voting” as options. And on March 5th, Twitter is expected to unveil its media manipulation policy aimed at curbing the use of fabricated videos and images on the platform.


theverge--2020-02-21--NBCUniversal reportedly close to acquiring Walmart’s Vudu video service

NBCUniversal is in advanced talks to acquire Vudu , the Walmart-owned video service , according to The Wall Street Journal .
Though the talks “ may not result in a deal , ” it sounds like NBCUniversal — part of Comcast , an investor in The Verge ’ s parent company Vox Media — has a number of ideas for what it would do with Vudu .
“ Vudu ’ s ad-supported service would serve as a complement to Peacock , ” which is NBCUniversal ’ s upcoming , standalone streaming service , according to the Journal .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be tied into Fandango .
( Did you know the app you might often buy movie tickets with is owned by Comcast ?
Now you do . )
Fandango also operates its own FandangoNOW streaming service , but it doesn ’ t have nearly the same pickup as Vudu among consumers .
The ad-supported free tier of Vudu was introduced in October 2016 , and the service now offers a large mix of TV shows and movies that can be streamed on demand without paying anything .
As the Journal notes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these ad-supported services in recent years .
Roku has found major success with The Roku Channel .
Viacom bought Pluto TV in 2019 .
And today , the Journal also ( separately ) reported that Fox is interested in scooping up Tubi , another ad-supported video streaming platform .
Vudu has also dabbled in original programming , but nothing has really resonated with viewers .
Vudu might lose its luster with home theater enthusiasts Free streaming aside , Vudu is well-regarded among home theater enthusiasts for its excellent video streaming quality , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
Even before 4K took over , Vudu concentrated on improving 1080p streaming with its “ HDX ” rental tier .
The company has also run various disc-to-digital programs to help consumers add the movies they own on DVD or Blu-ray to their digital collection .
For the people who enjoy using Vudu , these changes floated in the Journal ’ s report probably aren ’ t going to bring about much excitement .
An NBCUniversal-owned Vudu could quickly get very bloated , and Vudu would lose the independent status that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last several years .
Now , it sounds like it ’ ll be yet another tool in NBCUniversal ’ s streaming wars arsenal .
Both NBCUniversal and Walmart declined to comment on the rumored discussions , but reports last fall made clear that the retail giant was looking to find a buyer for its video streaming business .
Vudu is used on over 100 million devices , Walmart said at the time .

NBCUniversal is in advanced talks to acquire Vudu, the Walmart-owned video service, according to The Wall Street Journal. Though the talks “may not result in a deal,” it sounds like NBCUniversal — part of Comcast, an investor in The Verge’s parent company Vox Media — has a number of ideas for what it would do with Vudu.
“Vudu’s ad-supported service would serve as a complement to Peacock,” which is NBCUniversal’s upcoming, standalone streaming service, according to the Journal. Meanwhile, the digital movie rentals and purchases business would be tied into Fandango. (Did you know the app you might often buy movie tickets with is owned by Comcast? Now you do.) Fandango also operates its own FandangoNOW streaming service, but it doesn’t have nearly the same pickup as Vudu among consumers.
The ad-supported free tier of Vudu was introduced in October 2016, and the service now offers a large mix of TV shows and movies that can be streamed on demand without paying anything. As the Journal notes, there’s been increased interest in these ad-supported services in recent years. Roku has found major success with The Roku Channel. Viacom bought Pluto TV in 2019. And today, the Journal also (separately) reported that Fox is interested in scooping up Tubi, another ad-supported video streaming platform. Vudu has also dabbled in original programming, but nothing has really resonated with viewers.
Vudu might lose its luster with home theater enthusiasts
Free streaming aside, Vudu is well-regarded among home theater enthusiasts for its excellent video streaming quality, which uses higher bit rates than some other services. Even before 4K took over, Vudu concentrated on improving 1080p streaming with its “HDX” rental tier. The company has also run various disc-to-digital programs to help consumers add the movies they own on DVD or Blu-ray to their digital collection.
For the people who enjoy using Vudu, these changes floated in the Journal’s report probably aren’t going to bring about much excitement. An NBCUniversal-owned Vudu could quickly get very bloated, and Vudu would lose the independent status that has helped carve out its niche over the last several years. Now, it sounds like it’ll be yet another tool in NBCUniversal’s streaming wars arsenal.


theverge--2020-02-21--Friends cast will make millions of dollars to return for a reunion special on HBO Max

It ’ s the one where the gang gets back together — and all it reportedly cost was $ 3 million for each main cast member .
Jennifer Aniston , Lisa Kudrow , Courteney Cox , David Schwimmer , Matt LeBlanc , and Matthew Perry will all return for a one-off special that ’ s set to debut along with HBO Max in May .
The cast “ will earn more than double their former per-episode fee for the reunion and be paid between $ 2.5 million and $ 3 million for the special , ” according to The Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous sources .
That ’ s more than double what the actors were paid per episode in the 10th and last season in 2004 .
Friends is a big deal to HBO Max , and WarnerMedia as a whole .
The company paid more than $ 425 million in 2019 to secure the exclusive rights to the series .
Friends was previously on Netflix , but left the streaming service on January 1st .
The entire collection of Friends and the special will be available when Max launches , although there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ is a big deal to HBO Max , and WarnerMedia as a whole The Friends special also provides HBO Max with something the service desperately needs : appointment TV that will drive subscribers .
Disney was able to generate hype for its streaming service , Disney Plus , through weekly episodes of The Mandalorian .
The show , which introduced the world to Baby Yoda , became a constant talking point online for eight weeks .
HBO Max is also one of the priciest entrants in the streaming wars , at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Apple TV Plus , Disney Plus , Hulu , and Peacock , range between $ 5 and $ 12 monthly .
So HBO Max has to justify its premium , and it seems to be using buzzworthy attractions like the Friends special to do it , as well as an impressive catalog of movies and TV shows that includes The Matrix , The Big Bang Theory , and the majority of the DC movies .
Existing HBO subscribers on AT & T ( approximately 10 million ) and HBO Now direct billing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Customers who subscribe to AT & T ’ s premium video , mobile , and broadband packages will be offered bundles at launch with HBO Max at no additional cost , according to an AT & T press release .

It’s the one where the gang gets back together — and all it reportedly cost was $3 million for each main cast member.
Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry will all return for a one-off special that’s set to debut along with HBO Max in May. The cast “will earn more than double their former per-episode fee for the reunion and be paid between $2.5 million and $3 million for the special,” according to The Hollywood Reporter, which was reporting based on anonymous sources. That’s more than double what the actors were paid per episode in the 10th and last season in 2004.
Friends is a big deal to HBO Max, and WarnerMedia as a whole. The company paid more than $425 million in 2019 to secure the exclusive rights to the series. Friends was previously on Netflix, but left the streaming service on January 1st. The entire collection of Friends and the special will be available when Max launches, although there’s no specific date yet.
‘Friends’ is a big deal to HBO Max, and WarnerMedia as a whole
The Friends special also provides HBO Max with something the service desperately needs: appointment TV that will drive subscribers. Disney was able to generate hype for its streaming service, Disney Plus, through weekly episodes of The Mandalorian. The show, which introduced the world to Baby Yoda, became a constant talking point online for eight weeks.
HBO Max is also one of the priciest entrants in the streaming wars, at $14.99 a month. Most competitors, including Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Peacock, range between $5 and $12 monthly. So HBO Max has to justify its premium, and it seems to be using buzzworthy attractions like the Friends special to do it, as well as an impressive catalog of movies and TV shows that includes The Matrix, The Big Bang Theory, and the majority of the DC movies.


theverge--2020-02-21--Russia is interfering in Democratic primary to help Sanders, officials say

Russia is interfering in the Democratic primary to help Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaign , US officials reportedly told the Sanders camp according to The Washington Post .
According to a subsequent report by The New York Times , Sanders received the briefing about a month ago .
There are few details from either report about what substantive actions Russia took to advance Sanders ’ campaign .
The White House and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have also been briefed on Russia ’ s latest interference efforts .
In a statement responding to the news , Sanders harshly criticized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference .
“ Unlike Donald Trump , I do not consider Vladimir Putin a good friend .
He is an autocratic thug who is attempting to destroy democracy and crush dissent in Russia , ” Sanders said .
“ I stand firmly against their efforts , and any other foreign power that wants to interfere in our election.
” It ’ s a partial replay of the 2016 primary , in which Russian troll campaigns used social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to hurt Hillary Clinton ’ s candidacy and back Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to disown online harassers that claim to support his candidacy , commonly referred to as “ Bernie bros , ” on the internet , at both a CNN town hall on Tuesday and Wednesday night ’ s Democratic debate in Las Vegas , Nevada .
Sanders responded , suggesting that the harassment campaigns could be led by Russian operatives , not just his real supporters .
“ All of us remember 2016 , and what we remember is efforts by Russians and others to try to interfere in our elections and divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
“ I ’ m not saying that ’ s happening , but it would not shock me.
” US intelligence officials have also notified lawmakers that the foreign country is also working to advance Donald Trump ’ s reelection , as reported by The New York Times on Thursday .
As a response to this discovery , Trump cursed his acting Intelligence Director Joseph Maguire for allowing the briefing , apparently seeing it as giving Democrats a political advantage .
Maguire formally resigned on Friday .
Update 5:48PM ET : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the briefing from the NYT .

Russia is interfering in the Democratic primary to help Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, US officials reportedly told the Sanders camp according to The Washington Post. According to a subsequent report by The New York Times, Sanders received the briefing about a month ago.
There are few details from either report about what substantive actions Russia took to advance Sanders’ campaign. The White House and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have also been briefed on Russia’s latest interference efforts.
In a statement responding to the news, Sanders harshly criticized the Russian government and any efforts at election interference. “Unlike Donald Trump, I do not consider Vladimir Putin a good friend. He is an autocratic thug who is attempting to destroy democracy and crush dissent in Russia,” Sanders said. “I stand firmly against their efforts, and any other foreign power that wants to interfere in our election.”
It’s a partial replay of the 2016 primary, in which Russian troll campaigns used social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to hurt Hillary Clinton’s candidacy and back Sanders.
Earlier this week, Sanders was asked to disown online harassers that claim to support his candidacy, commonly referred to as “Bernie bros,” on the internet, at both a CNN town hall on Tuesday and Wednesday night’s Democratic debate in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sanders responded, suggesting that the harassment campaigns could be led by Russian operatives, not just his real supporters.
“All of us remember 2016, and what we remember is efforts by Russians and others to try to interfere in our elections and divide us up,” Sanders said earlier this week. “I’m not saying that’s happening, but it would not shock me.”
US intelligence officials have also notified lawmakers that the foreign country is also working to advance Donald Trump’s reelection, as reported by The New York Times on Thursday. As a response to this discovery, Trump cursed his acting Intelligence Director Joseph Maguire for allowing the briefing, apparently seeing it as giving Democrats a political advantage. Maguire formally resigned on Friday.


theverge--2020-02-21--Fortnite will let players mute the Rickroll emote in order to avoid getting copyright claimed

Fortnite introduced its Rick Astley-inspired emote just one week ago , and the company has already rolled out an update to let PC players mute the music in response to complaints : creators said they were getting copyright claims over the licensed track that plays when the emote is used .
When a player uses the “ Never Gon na ” emote , part of Astley ’ s famous song , “ Never Gon na Give You Up , ” begins to play and their character starts dancing along .
The addition marked one of the biggest songs backing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what led to trouble .
YouTube creators who played Fortnite and uploaded videos that included the emote got caught by YouTube ’ s copyright detection system ; essentially , the company that owns the rights to Astley ’ s track were claiming copyright infringement , and creators weren ’ t able to earn money on their videos .
The setting is only available on PCs for now , but Epic plans to bring it to all other platforms eventually .
“ Starting in the 12.00 patch , creators playing on PC have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds , ” a tweet from Fortnite ’ s official support Twitter account reads .
“ This option will be available on all platforms in a future patch .
Navigate to the Audio Options in the Settings menu to enable this feature.
” Fortnite is one of the biggest games in the world , and it ’ s a core part of YouTube and Twitch ’ s gaming communities .
There are a number of full-time streamers and YouTube creators who solely produce Fortnite-related videos and streams .
If they ’ re unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infringement , it becomes a financial problem that affects both creators and viewers .
While it ’ s clear that Epic licensed Astley ’ s song , which defined early memes for an entire generation of people , the company didn ’ t think of how this would affect its creator base .
Giving players the ability to mute might take away from the fun of the emote , but it ’ s a good middle ground for now .
It also allows Epic to pursue other popular tracks for its game while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt .

Fortnite introduced its Rick Astley-inspired emote just one week ago, and the company has already rolled out an update to let PC players mute the music in response to complaints: creators said they were getting copyright claims over the licensed track that plays when the emote is used.
When a player uses the “Never Gonna” emote, part of Astley’s famous song, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” begins to play and their character starts dancing along. The addition marked one of the biggest songs backing a Fortnite emote — and that’s what led to trouble. YouTube creators who played Fortnite and uploaded videos that included the emote got caught by YouTube’s copyright detection system; essentially, the company that owns the rights to Astley’s track were claiming copyright infringement, and creators weren’t able to earn money on their videos.
The setting is only available on PCs for now, but Epic plans to bring it to all other platforms eventually. “Starting in the 12.00 patch, creators playing on PC have the ability to mute licensed emote music and sounds,” a tweet from Fortnite’s official support Twitter account reads. “This option will be available on all platforms in a future patch. Navigate to the Audio Options in the Settings menu to enable this feature.”
Fortnite is one of the biggest games in the world, and it’s a core part of YouTube and Twitch’s gaming communities. There are a number of full-time streamers and YouTube creators who solely produce Fortnite-related videos and streams. If they’re unable to monetize their content because of copyright infringement, it becomes a financial problem that affects both creators and viewers.


theverge--2020-02-21--Bethesda follows Activision in pulling games from Nvidia’s GeForce Now

Nvidia ’ s GeForce Now cloud gaming service has had a somewhat rocky launch since it exited beta earlier this month , and it ’ s getting even rockier .
The company says it ’ s now losing games from major publisher Bethesda Softworks , which owns Bethesda Game Studios series like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls as well as id Software franchises like Doom .
According to Nvidia , one title that will stick around is Wolfenstein : Youngblood , for reasons the company is not disclosing .
This announcement comes just a week after GeForce Now lost access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a licensing dispute .
Apparently , Nvidia had access to Activision Blizzard titles when GeForce Now was still in beta , but it never got full permission once the service became a commercial product and Nvidia started charging $ 5 a month for it .
Prior to that , the service was free to use if you actually managed to get off the wait list .
GeForce Now is showcasing the thorny nature of cloud gaming After GeForce Now entered what Nvidia is calling its public trial , there was also reportedly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform ’ s model , which allows subscribers to buy games on other platforms , like Steam , and use them on GeForce Now .
It ’ s a major difference between Nvidia ’ s service and other models like Google Stadia and it ’ s arguably much more consumer-friendly , but it also means some publishers , like Activision , won ’ t play ball if cloud gaming users aren ’ t buying a separate copy of a game .
It ’ s unclear if the same set of issues is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden removal of all of the publisher ’ s games , save the lone Wolfenstein title , does seem to indicate some sort of licensing dispute that came to a head .
Nvidia addressed some of these issues in a blog post published yesterday .
“ This trial is an important transitional period where gamers , developers and publishers can try the premium experience with minimal commitment while we continue to refine our offering , ” the company wrote .
“ As we approach a paid service , some publishers may choose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , they maintain control over their content and decide whether the game you purchase includes streaming on GeForce Now.
” Nvidia said it expects these game removals to be “ few and far between.
” It ’ s not all doom and gloom for GeForce Now .
The service managed to exit beta before its primary competitor , Google Stadia , launched its planned free tier , giving it an edge over the pricier Stadia Pro option that ’ s on the market now .
Just yesterday , Nvidia also announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Projekt Red ’ s much-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 on launch day come September , which is a huge win for Nvidia that brings one of the most-hyped upcoming releases of the year to its cloud gaming service .
( Cyberpunk 2077 is also coming to Stadia , but it ’ s not clear if Google secured it for launch day . )

Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service has had a somewhat rocky launch since it exited beta earlier this month, and it’s getting even rockier. The company says it’s now losing games from major publisher Bethesda Softworks, which owns Bethesda Game Studios series like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls as well as id Software franchises like Doom. According to Nvidia, one title that will stick around is Wolfenstein: Youngblood, for reasons the company is not disclosing.
This announcement comes just a week after GeForce Now lost access to all Activision Blizzard titles due to a licensing dispute. Apparently, Nvidia had access to Activision Blizzard titles when GeForce Now was still in beta, but it never got full permission once the service became a commercial product and Nvidia started charging $5 a month for it. Prior to that, the service was free to use if you actually managed to get off the wait list.
GeForce Now is showcasing the thorny nature of cloud gaming
After GeForce Now entered what Nvidia is calling its public trial, there was also reportedly a disagreement between the two companies over the platform’s model, which allows subscribers to buy games on other platforms, like Steam, and use them on GeForce Now. It’s a major difference between Nvidia’s service and other models like Google Stadia and it’s arguably much more consumer-friendly, but it also means some publishers, like Activision, won’t play ball if cloud gaming users aren’t buying a separate copy of a game.
It’s unclear if the same set of issues is at play here with Bethesda, but the sudden removal of all of the publisher’s games, save the lone Wolfenstein title, does seem to indicate some sort of licensing dispute that came to a head.
Nvidia addressed some of these issues in a blog post published yesterday. “This trial is an important transitional period where gamers, developers and publishers can try the premium experience with minimal commitment while we continue to refine our offering,” the company wrote. “As we approach a paid service, some publishers may choose to remove games before the trial period ends. Ultimately, they maintain control over their content and decide whether the game you purchase includes streaming on GeForce Now.” Nvidia said it expects these game removals to be “few and far between.”