theverge--2020-06-29--The human cost of Trump’s guest worker ban

On June 22nd , 2020 , President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of guest workers to the United States , supposedly in response to unprecedented unemployment levels .
Specifically , the proclamation ordered immigration officials to deny entry stamps to a range of guest worker visas , including H-1Bs .
The result is that , for tens of thousands of valid visa holders , entry to the United States is no longer guaranteed .
In theory , the proclamation makes exceptions for medical workers and scientists involved in coronavirus research .
But the unusual enforcement mechanism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that most of those distinctions have been lost in the chaos , as foreign-born workers and their employers adjust to the new status quo .
The Verge spoke to four people affected by the order — some caught outside the country and unable to return , others on US soil but unable to leave .
All four requested anonymity out of the reasonable fear that immigration officials might retaliate if they spoke out publicly .
Their statements have been edited for clarity , and in some cases , identifying information has been removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the quoted individuals , we have reproduced their understanding of the situation directly .
This is not a legal analysis .
Anyone seeking information on how the proclamation affects their personal status should consult an immigration lawyer .
Michael , from Egypt , working at a tech company in the Bay Area I ’ m in the US right now , so my situation is that if I leave , I can ’ t get back .
My brother was going to get married this year in Egypt .
I figured I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My brother was planning the wedding around that .
But now that I can ’ t get the stamp , I don ’ t know what we ’ re going to do .
I feel like I ’ m selectively imprisoned .
If someone from my family gets sick , I can ’ t go back .
The pandemic is happening in Egypt , too , and I can ’ t help them .
I can ’ t even go to funerals .
You start to think , “ What would I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really had to leave ?
” I have an apartment here that I rent .
I have all my stuff here .
Should I just sell all my stuff before I go , not knowing if I ’ m going to be able to come back ?
And then if I can somehow get back into the US , I ’ ll buy all my stuff again ?
It ’ s crazy .
“ We did everything right .
And it ’ s just not working.
” It ’ s funny because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little differently , none of this would have affected me .
Until recently , I was still on an extension of my student visa , the F-1 .
I applied for the H-1B because I ’ m a worker now , so I should get the worker visa , but I still had years left on the Student visa .
If I just hadn ’ t applied for the H-1B , my F-1 would still be valid , and I could leave the country without any problems .
But now I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t valid and a valid visa that doesn ’ t work .
I left Egypt after the revolution , and this is not the America that I signed up for .
I appreciate the opportunities that I was given to learn .
But after the education , things have been crazy .
I invested seven years here , and then I have to invest more years to get a green card and five more years to get citizenship , all to stay in a country that can ’ t keep its promises and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did everything right .
And it ’ s just not working .
The promises keep changing .
It ’ s just a flaky country .
In some ways , you feel like , that ’ s the American dream ?
It ’ s not really a good dream .
Sara , from India , a medical researcher in New York I ’ m in the US right now , but I can ’ t leave since the proclamation because I wouldn ’ t be able to come back .
My husband is overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my child , and now we don ’ t know when he will be able to join us .
He ’ s a professor at a US university , but he ’ s teaching at a branch campus in another country .
He was in the process of getting a different visa so he could come back , but now everything is on hold and so it won ’ t be possible .
“ Will we abandon our parents and not know what will happen to them ?
Or leave our homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biomedical research , but my current project doesn ’ t have to do with COVID .
We actually have a COVID project ongoing at my lab , and I may switch to that just because I ’ m interested in it , but I ’ m still not sure if that will actually exclude me from the ban .
We got a very straight answer from our university that if you don ’ t have a visa stamp , don ’ t leave the country because you won ’ t be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say anything about exceptions .
My parents are 80 years old , they don ’ t have anyone to look after them because I ’ m the only child .
Anyone can catch COVID , especially in a country like India .
If something happens , I ’ ll have to decide whether to leave my job and just go there .
All the friends I ’ ve talked to , that ’ s the main concern we all have : what will happen if our elderly parents become sick ?
Will we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will happen to them ?
Or leave our homes and never come back ?
I think about my son ’ s future and what it would mean for him to grow up outside the US .
It ’ s an inhuman situation .
I live in a free country and a free world .
No authority should be able to tell me , don ’ t go there .
In 2020 , that should not exist in a democratic country .
We never faced this kind of situation before .
We had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , getting jobs and living the rest of our lives here .
Now we are rethinking all of that .
Maybe we need to consider some other country where at least we ’ ll be respected and have freedom .
Ana , from India , working at a tech company in Connecticut I come from a working class South Indian family .
My parents pooled all of their savings so I could get my master ’ s degree .
They sent me in 2015 so I could find a job , start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debts I have in India .
My sister went to the US two years later , so I could help her with the tuition fee and living expenses .
She had finished three semesters of her master ’ s degree when she tore her meniscus and needed surgery .
We decided to get the surgery in India so my parents could care for her , and because we couldn ’ t afford the deductibles in the US .
This is what average , working class families in India do .
Our lives depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our greatest strength lies in that .
When something like this proclamation happens , it doesn ’ t just affect me , but my siblings , my parents and my grandparents .
Now my sister and I are in India , and I don ’ t think my H-1B will let me return to the US .
I ’ m good at my job , but I ’ m worried I ’ ll be fired if I can ’ t get back , which would mean losing my H-1B status entirely .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but she can ’ t pay for school if I can ’ t keep my job , which would mean losing her student visa too .
It makes me so angry that I don ’ t have a right to defend the career I built .
I hope the people in charge understand how hard it is for families like mine .
This is tearing families apart as much as any natural disaster , except that there are people in power who are making it happen and have the power to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound for a hospital residency program in a major East Coast city My residency program was supposed to start the same day the proclamation came down , so I have the visa but they ’ re waiting on the stamp .
Instead of treating coronavirus patients , I ’ m stuck with my wife in Moscow , not sure if we ’ ll ever make it to the US .
I already quit my job here and sold almost everything I own .
I have to move out of my apartment by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five days or so .
Half of the people in my residency program are stuck outside the country because of the same immigration issues .
We have a lot of COVID-19 patients in our hospital , and I ’ m part of the team that cares for those patients on a daily basis , especially in the intensive care unit .
Now the staff is swamped because they have to do twice as much work .
“ I couldn ’ t get a straight answer about whether I ’ m exempt .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what to tell me.
” In theory , doctors involved in treating coronavirus are exempt from the order , but for a lot of residents in my program , the problems are bigger than just getting the stamp .
Either they can ’ t leave the countries of origin because there are no flights or there ’ s a travel ban or they can ’ t reach the embassy because it ’ s completely shut down .
A friend in another program told me they were down to 20 percent staff .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia are still accepting emergency appointments like mine .
My visa was taken by the embassy on June 19th for processing , but then I heard back on Monday that the proclamation was holding it up .
I couldn ’ t get a straight answer about whether I ’ m exempt .
I think they just didn ’ t know what to tell me .
I tried asking the State Department on Twitter for any details about exemption criteria , if it means that my wife is also exempt , but they just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They don ’ t really know what to do about it .
[ Ed .
note : Shortly after this interview was conducted , Alexander received his passport from the embassy with the approved visa attached .
The consular officer said he “ probably should be okay ” to enter the US , but he was advised to contact Customs and Border Protection officials at his port of entry in advance .
Those officials referred him back to the embassy and would not commit to a specific interpretation of his status .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without clear knowledge of what to do , ” he said . ]

On June 22nd, 2020, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of guest workers to the United States, supposedly in response to unprecedented unemployment levels. Specifically, the proclamation ordered immigration officials to deny entry stamps to a range of guest worker visas, including H-1Bs. The result is that, for a range of valid visa holders, entry to the United States is no longer guaranteed.
In theory, the proclamation makes exceptions for medical workers and scientists involved in coronavirus research. But the unusual enforcement mechanism and immediate impact of the proclamation have meant that most of those distinctions have been lost in the chaos, as foreign-born workers and their employers adjust to the new status quo.
The Verge spoke to four people affected by the order — some caught outside the country and unable to return, others on US soil but unable to leave. All four requested anonymity out of the reasonable fear that immigration officials might retaliate if they spoke out publicly. Their statements have been edited for clarity, and in some cases, identifying information has been removed.
Out of respect to the experience of the quoted individuals, we have reproduced their understanding of the situation directly. This is not a legal analysis. Anyone seeking information on how the proclamation affects their personal status should consult an immigration lawyer.
Photo illustration by William Joel | Photo by Robert Alexander / Getty Images
Michael, from Egypt, working at a tech company in the Bay Area
I’m in the US right now, so my situation is that if I leave, I can’t get back. My brother was going to get married this year in Egypt. I figured I would get the stamp on October 1st. My brother was planning the wedding around that. But now that I can’t get the stamp, I don’t know what we’re going to do.
I feel like I’m selectively imprisoned. If someone from my family gets sick, I can’t go back. The pandemic is happening in Egypt, too, and I can’t help them. I can’t even go to funerals. You start to think, “What would I do if something went wrong, if I really had to leave?” I have an apartment here that I rent. I have all my stuff here. Should I just sell all my stuff before I go, not knowing if I’m going to be able to come back? And then if I can somehow get back into the US, I’ll buy all my stuff again? It’s crazy.
“We did everything right. And it’s just not working.”
It’s funny because, if it had happened just a little differently, none of this would have affected me. Until recently, I was still on an extension of my student visa, the F-1. I applied for the H-1B because I’m a worker now, so I should get the worker visa, but I still had years left on the Student visa. If I just hadn’t applied for the H-1B, my F-1 would still be valid, and I could leave the country without any problems. But now I’ve got a working visa that isn’t valid and a valid visa that doesn’t work.
I left Egypt after the revolution, and this is not the America that I signed up for. I appreciate the opportunities that I was given to learn. But after the education, things have been crazy. I invested seven years here, and then I have to invest more years to get a green card and five more years to get citizenship, all to stay in a country that can’t keep its promises and is run by a clown.
We did everything right. And it’s just not working. The promises keep changing. It’s just a flaky country. In some ways, you feel like, that’s the American dream? It’s not really a good dream.
Photo illustration by William Joel
Sara, from India, a medical researcher in New York
I was in New York when the proclamation came down. My husband is overseas, so I’m here with my child, and now we don’t know when he will be able to join us. He’s a professor at a US university, but he’s teaching at a branch campus in another country. He was in the process of getting a different visa so he could come back, but now everything is on hold and so it won’t be possible.
“Will we abandon our parents and not know what will happen to them? Or leave our homes and never come back?”
I do biomedical research, but my current project doesn’t have to do with COVID. We actually have a COVID project ongoing at my lab, and I may switch to that just because I’m interested in it, but I’m still not sure if that will actually exclude me from the ban. We got a very straight answer from our university that if you don’t have a visa stamp, don’t leave the country because you won’t be able to get back. They didn’t say anything about exceptions.
My parents are 80 years old, they don’t have anyone to look after them because I’m the only child. Anyone can catch COVID, especially in a country like India. If something happens, I’ll have to decide whether to leave my job and just go there. All the friends I’ve talked to, that’s the main concern we all have: what will happen if our elderly parents become sick? Will we abandon our parents and not know what will happen to them? Or leave our homes and never come back? I think about my son’s future and what it would mean for him to grow up outside the US. It’s an inhuman situation.
I live in a free country and a free world. No authority should be able to tell me, don’t go there. In 2020, that should not exist in a democratic country. We never faced this kind of situation before. We had a lot of dreams of doing our research here, getting jobs and living the rest of our lives here. Now we are rethinking all of that. Maybe we need to consider some other country where at least we’ll be respected and have freedom.
Photo illustration by William Joel | Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images
Ana, from India, working at a tech company in Connecticut
I come from a working class South Indian family. My parents pooled all of their savings so I could get my master’s degree. They sent me in 2015 so I could find a job, start paying back my education loan and other debts I have in India. My sister went to the US two years later, so I could help her with the tuition fee and living expenses.
She had finished three semesters of her master’s degree when she tore her meniscus and needed surgery. We decided to get the surgery in India so my parents could care for her, and because we couldn’t afford the deductibles in the US.
“This is tearing families apart.”
This is what average, working class families in India do. Our lives depend on each other as a family and our greatest strength lies in that. When something like this proclamation happens, it doesn’t just affect me, but my siblings, my parents and my grandparents.
Now my sister and I are in India, and I don’t think my H-1B will let me return to the US. I’m good at my job, but I’m worried I’ll be fired if I can’t get back, which would mean losing my H-1B status entirely. My sister can re-enter under her student visa, but she can’t pay for school if I can’t keep my job, which would mean losing her student visa too.
It makes me so angry that I don’t have a right to defend the career I built. I hope the people in charge understand how hard it is for families like mine. This is tearing families apart as much as any natural disaster, except that there are people in power who are making it happen and have the power to stop it.
Photo illustration by William Joel | Photo by Zach Gibson / Getty Images
Alexander, from Russia, bound for a hospital residency program in a major East Coast city
My residency program was supposed to start the same day the proclamation came down, so I have the visa but they’re waiting on the stamp. Instead of treating coronavirus patients, I’m stuck with my wife in Moscow, not sure if we’ll ever make it to the US. I already quit my job here and sold almost everything I own. I have to move out of my apartment by the end of June, which is in five days or so.
Half of the people in my residency program are stuck outside the country because of the same immigration issues. We have a lot of COVID-19 patients in our hospital, and I’m part of the team that cares for those patients on a daily basis, especially in the intensive care unit. Now the staff is swamped because they have to do twice as much work.
“I couldn’t get a straight answer about whether I’m exempt. I think they just didn’t know what to tell me.”
In theory, doctors involved in treating coronavirus are exempt from the order, but for a lot of residents in my program, the problems are bigger than just getting the stamp. Either they can’t leave the countries of origin because there are no flights or there’s a travel ban or they can’t reach the embassy because it’s completely shut down. A friend in another program told me they were down to 20 percent staff.
I’m lucky because the embassies in Russia are still accepting emergency appointments like mine. My visa was taken by the embassy on June 19th for processing, but then I heard back on Monday that the proclamation was holding it up. I couldn’t get a straight answer about whether I’m exempt. I think they just didn’t know what to tell me.
I tried asking the State Department on Twitter for any details about exemption criteria, if it means that my wife is also exempt, but they just kept referring me to the proclamation. They don’t really know what to do about it.


theverge--2020-06-29--Level Lock review: smarts you can’t see

Level Lock review: smarts you can’t see

Smart locks typically come in two general styles : ones that replace your existing deadbolt and require obvious electronics or interfaces mounted on the inside or outside of the door , or ones that just bolt on top of your existing deadbolt , allowing you to keep most of your original hardware , including your keys .
Both designs typically allow you to control the lock with your phone or through automations , but neither is particularly discreet .
The Level Lock is a new smart lock that bucks those trends : once it ’ s installed , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its electronics and mechanics inside your existing deadbolt lock .
It still allows you to open and close the lock remotely with your phone or your voice through Apple ’ s HomeKit platform ( more on this later ) or manually with the same key that you ’ ve always used .
But unless you know the Level Lock is there , you ’ d never suspect the modified deadbolt had any smarts at all .
It has the same exterior and interior appearance as before and even the action of manually turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard deadbolt with no whirring or grinding from a motor .
At $ 229 , the Level Lock is certainly demanding a premium for its discreet design .
And as I ’ ll get into , it isn ’ t as fully featured as other smart locks you can buy .
If you are really in love with the way your existing deadbolt looks but still want to add some basic smarts to it , the Level Lock is perhaps the one for you .
The Level Lock works by essentially replacing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the bolt itself .
The electronics for communicating with your phone ( a Bluetooth radio ) and the motor necessary to push and pull the bolt open and closed sit in between the existing keyhole on the outside of the door and lever on the inside .
You basically take apart your existing lock , remove the inner mechanism and bolt , install the Level mechanism and bolt , and then screw the lever back in .
The whole process , including replacing the strike plate on the door frame , takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a CR2 battery that Level claims will last “ over a year ” before needing to be replaced .
You can monitor the battery ’ s life in the Level app .
In the three weeks or so I ’ ve been testing the lock , it ’ s never dropped from “ full.
” The app itself is extremely basic , and this is where the Level Lock ’ s limitations begin .
You can use the app to create an account , assign the lock to your account , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are within Bluetooth range .
You can also set up an auto-locking feature that will lock the bolt after a set period of time and provide time-limited passes for others to use the lock .
Both the iOS and Android versions of the app are essentially identical , with the same sparse ( to the point where it almost looks incomplete ) design and feature set .
The only smart home platform that the Level Lock works with is Apple ’ s HomeKit , and you need to have a HomeKit hub ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or iPad ) set up in your home to use it .
This is the only way to control the lock when you ’ re not home or to set up any automations on the lock .
It does not work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant , at least not as of the time I ’ m publishing this review .
When I asked about other platforms , a spokesperson said the company has “ plans to expand support to other platforms in the future but [ it ’ s ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relying entirely on Apple ’ s HomeKit platform for any automations or geofencing features ( such as automatically unlocking the door when you come home ) leaves the Level Lock a bit behind August and other smart locks .
In my experience , Apple ’ s geofencing features aren ’ t the most reliable .
And since you have to manually confirm on the phone each time you want it to unlock the door , it ’ s not nearly as automatic or seamless as the August ’ s automatic unlocking .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time to communicate with the Level Lock to determine its status or issue it a command .
On the other hand , voice control of the lock via Siri works well and doesn ’ t suffer too long of a delay from when I say a command and the lock responds .
The lock makes an audible chime whenever it successfully opens or closes the bolt .
Since the Level Lock only works with HomeKit , I wouldn ’ t bother with it if you ’ re an Android user .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it when out of the house or set up any automations .
The only thing you could do is push a button in the Level app when you ’ re within Bluetooth range to lock or unlock the door .
Level Lock ’ s limitations are frustrating in general , and if I were looking at a smart lock for my main entrance , I ’ d probably go with one of the more fully featured locks available , even if they are complete eyesores in comparison .
As a technological endeavor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive , and it points toward a time when we can have all kinds of smart technology embedded in our homes without being reminded it ’ s there every time we get home .
It ’ s just not quite there yet .

Smart locks typically come in two general styles: ones that replace your existing deadbolt and require obvious electronics or interfaces mounted on the inside or outside of the door, or ones that just bolt on top of your existing deadbolt, allowing you to keep most of your original hardware, including your keys. Both designs typically allow you to control the lock with your phone or through automations, but neither is particularly discreet.
The Level Lock is a new smart lock that bucks those trends: once it’s installed, it’s completely invisible and hides all of its electronics and mechanics inside your existing deadbolt lock. It still allows you to open and close the lock remotely with your phone or your voice through Apple’s HomeKit platform (more on this later) or manually with the same key that you’ve always used. But unless you know the Level Lock is there, you’d never suspect the modified deadbolt had any smarts at all. It has the same exterior and interior appearance as before and even the action of manually turning the lever is as smooth as a standard deadbolt with no whirring or grinding from a motor.
At $229, the Level Lock is certainly demanding a premium for its discreet design. And as I’ll get into, it isn’t as fully featured as other smart locks you can buy. If you are really in love with the way your existing deadbolt looks but still want to add some basic smarts to it, the Level Lock is perhaps the one for you.
7 Verge Score Level Home Lock $ 229 The Good Invisible design
Easy installation
Compatible with most standard US deadbolts
Long battery life
Lets you keep your existing keys The Bad Expensive
Limited feature set
Only works with Apple HomeKit
App experience is rough
No remote control or automation on Android $229 at Level Home How we rate and review products
The Level Lock works by essentially replacing the inner workings of your existing deadbolt, including the bolt itself. The electronics for communicating with your phone (a Bluetooth radio) and the motor necessary to push and pull the bolt open and closed sit in between the existing keyhole on the outside of the door and lever on the inside. You basically take apart your existing lock, remove the inner mechanism and bolt, install the Level mechanism and bolt, and then screw the lever back in. The whole process, including replacing the strike plate on the door frame, takes about 10 minutes.
Once the Level Lock’s components are inside the bolt, you use your existing lever and keyhole to finish the installation. It’s impossible to tell that the Level Lock is installed when the door is closed.
Inside the bolt is a CR2 battery that Level claims will last “over a year” before needing to be replaced. You can monitor the battery’s life in the Level app. In the three weeks or so I’ve been testing the lock, it’s never dropped from “full.”
The app itself is extremely basic, and this is where the Level Lock’s limitations begin. You can use the app to create an account, assign the lock to your account, and lock or unlock the door when you are within Bluetooth range. You can also set up an auto-locking feature that will lock the bolt after a set period of time and provide time-limited passes for others to use the lock. Both the iOS and Android versions of the app are essentially identical, with the same sparse (to the point where it almost looks incomplete) design and feature set.
A demo of how the Level Lock works once it’s installed in a deadbolt.
The only smart home platform that the Level Lock works with is Apple’s HomeKit, and you need to have a HomeKit hub (such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) set up in your home to use it. This is the only way to control the lock when you’re not home or to set up any automations on the lock. It does not work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, at least not as of the time I’m publishing this review. When I asked about other platforms, a spokesperson said the company has “plans to expand support to other platforms in the future but [it’s] not sharing specifics at this time.”
Relying entirely on Apple’s HomeKit platform for any automations or geofencing features (such as automatically unlocking the door when you come home) leaves the Level Lock a bit behind August and other smart locks. In my experience, Apple’s geofencing features aren’t the most reliable. And since you have to manually confirm on the phone each time you want it to unlock the door, it’s not nearly as automatic or seamless as the August’s automatic unlocking. The Apple Home app can also take a long time to communicate with the Level Lock to determine its status or issue it a command. On the other hand, voice control of the lock via Siri works well and doesn’t suffer too long of a delay from when I say a command and the lock responds. The lock makes an audible chime whenever it successfully opens or closes the bolt.
The Level app is extremely basic and lacks much in the way of design or features.
Since the Level Lock only works with HomeKit, I wouldn’t bother with it if you’re an Android user. You’d have no way to control it when out of the house or set up any automations. The only thing you could do is push a button in the Level app when you’re within Bluetooth range to lock or unlock the door.
Level Lock’s limitations are frustrating in general, and if I were looking at a smart lock for my main entrance, I’d probably go with one of the more fully featured locks available, even if they are complete eyesores in comparison. As a technological endeavor, though, the Level Lock is very impressive, and it points toward a time when we can have all kinds of smart technology embedded in our homes without being reminded it’s there every time we get home. It’s just not quite there yet.
Agree to Continue: Level Lock Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we’re going to start counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate. The Level Lock requires that you create an account with Level and provide it access to the Bluetooth radio on your phone. Once you’ve created an account with your email address and phone number, Level’s privacy policy says it collects the following data: Setup information you provide
Contact information
Direct actions to the device, mechanically and remotely
Technical information from the device
Mobile location data
Bluetooth data The company says it uses this data “to provide, develop and improve Level Products, including to make assessments and recommendations about product use.” It also says it does not “share personal information for any commercial or marketing purpose unrelated to the activation and delivery of Level Products without asking you first.” It will share personal information under a select number of conditions, as detailed in its privacy policy. The final tally of contracts that must be agreed to with the Level Lock is one.


theverge--2020-06-29--Go read this story about how Telegram evaded its Russian ban

Earlier this month , the Russian authorities lifted their ban on the Telegram messaging app , citing the company ’ s willingness to help with its counterterrorism efforts .
However , despite the official ban being in effect for over two years , Telegram has reportedly remained accessible in the country for much of that time .
In a new feature , The Washington Post has written how Telegram ’ s founder Pavel Durov , “ humiliated and outmaneuvered Russia ’ s state telecommunications regulator , ” in preventing the app from being successfully banned .
Unsurprisingly , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Telegram initially gained the attention of the Russian authorities because it had reportedly become one of the apps of choice for the country ’ s opposition groups .
The authorities wanted access to the encrypted messages of Telegram users but Durov wasn ’ t in a hurry to give this up .
The reason was that Telegram found ways around the regulator ’ s firewalls .
It routed its traffic through US cloud services from the likes of Amazon and Google , hiding it from view .
In combination with its changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roskomnadzor , Russia ’ s internet censor , tried to block Telegram , other sites and services got caught in the crossfire , according to Andrei Soldatov , a Russian investigative journalist and security services expert .
But this tactic proved controversial with some companies : “ Telegram effectively made big platforms with lots of users — companies were hosted on them — hostages , ” Soldatov said , adding that the digital disturbance raised the awareness of ordinary users who may not have even been on Telegram .
“ Opinions were divided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Soldatov said .
“ While digital activists praised it — it made the Telegram issue a national and even international one — the Russian companies hosted on Amazon got blocked due to incompetence of Roskomnadzor .
And they blamed Telegram , not the Russian authorities.
” These tactics would reportedly not have worked in countries like Iran or China where internet censorship efforts are more sophisticated , but they were enough to get the Russian authorities to give up on their attempts to ban Telegram .
Instead , in a strange twist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Washington Post ’ s piece is a great look at what a relatively small service was able to achieve when it was determined to stay online , and it ’ s well worth reading .

“Telegram effectively made big platforms with lots of users — companies were hosted on them — hostages,” Soldatov said, adding that the digital disturbance raised the awareness of ordinary users who may not have even been on Telegram.
“Opinions were divided over the ethics of these tactics,” Soldatov said. “While digital activists praised it — it made the Telegram issue a national and even international one — the Russian companies hosted on Amazon got blocked due to incompetence of Roskomnadzor. And they blamed Telegram, not the Russian authorities.”


theverge--2020-06-29--Microsoft’s new Windows File Recovery tool lets you retrieve deleted documents

Microsoft is releasing its own Windows File Recovery tool , designed to retrieve files you ’ ve mistakenly deleted .
Windows File Recovery is a command line app that will recover a variety of files and documents from local hard drives , USB drives , and even SD cards from cameras .
Recovery of files on cloud storage or network file shares is not supported , though .
Like any file recovery tool , you ’ ll need to use it as soon as possible on deleted files to ensure they haven ’ t been overwritten .
You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new tool to recover MP3 files , MP4 videos , PDF documents , JPEG images , and typical Word , Excel , and PowerPoint documents .
Microsoft ’ s file recovery tool has a default mode that ’ s designed primarily for NTFS file systems .
It will recover files from a corrupted disk or after you ’ ve formatted a disk .
A second signature mode will likely be the more popular option , allowing users to recover specific file types across FAT , exFAT , and ReFS file systems .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retrieve files .
Windows File Recovery will be a useful tool for anyone who has accidentally deleted an important document , or wiped a drive clean by mistake .
Microsoft already provides a Previous Versions feature in Windows 10 that lets you recovery documents you may have deleted , but you have to specifically enable this using a File History feature that ’ s disabled by default .

Microsoft is releasing its own Windows File Recovery tool, designed to retrieve files you’ve mistakenly deleted. Windows File Recovery is a command line app that will recover a variety of files and documents from local hard drives, USB drives, and even SD cards from cameras. Recovery of files on cloud storage or network file shares is not supported, though.
Like any file recovery tool, you’ll need to use it as soon as possible on deleted files to ensure they haven’t been overwritten. You’ll be able to use Microsoft’s new tool to recover MP3 files, MP4 videos, PDF documents, JPEG images, and typical Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.
Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery app.
Microsoft’s file recovery tool has a default mode that’s designed primarily for NTFS file systems. It will recover files from a corrupted disk or after you’ve formatted a disk. A second signature mode will likely be the more popular option, allowing users to recover specific file types across FAT, exFAT, and ReFS file systems. This signature mode may also take longer to retrieve files.


theverge--2020-06-29--GitHub went down for two hours, affecting thousands of software developers

GitHub went down for thousands of software developers this morning .
The Microsoft-owned service , which provides version control via Git and hosting for software development , experienced issues for more than two hours .
GitHub users experienced errors logging into the service , and some were even unable to use their integrated development environment ( IDE ) due to how closely linked software development is to the service .
GitHub said it was investigating the outage , before identifying the errors and fixing them after more than two hours of problems .
GitHub is a large code repository that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies hosting entire projects and code on the service .
Apple , Amazon , Google , Facebook , and many other big tech companies use GitHub .
There are more than 100 million repositories hosted on GitHub , and 40 million developers contribute to them .
Microsoft acquired GitHub for $ 7.5 billion back in 2018 , and has been gradually improving the service for developers .
Microsoft reduced the price of GitHub ’ s most popular paid tiers earlier this year , and moved a key feature of all its paid plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , June 29th 7:45AM ET : GitHub has now resolved the outage .

GitHub went down for thousands of software developers this morning. The Microsoft-owned service, which provides version control via Git and hosting for software development, experienced issues for more than two hours. GitHub users experienced errors logging into the service, and some were even unable to use their integrated development environment (IDE) due to how closely linked software development is to the service.
GitHub said it was investigating the outage, before identifying the errors and fixing them after more than two hours of problems.
GitHub is a large code repository that has become very popular with developers and companies hosting entire projects and code on the service. Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and many other big tech companies use GitHub. There are more than 100 million repositories hosted on GitHub, and 40 million developers contribute to them.
Microsoft acquired GitHub for $7.5 billion back in 2018, and has been gradually improving the service for developers. Microsoft reduced the price of GitHub’s most popular paid tiers earlier this year, and moved a key feature of all its paid plans into its the free option.


theverge--2020-06-29--American Airlines will resume booking flights to capacity, as COVID-19 cases soar

American Airlines will resume booking its flights to capacity starting July 1st , the company has announced .
The policy is similar to that of United Airlines , which ABC News reports has never blocked out seats or put a cap on the capacity of its flights .
However , the approach contrasts sharply with other airlines , who are continuing to enforce capacity caps in order to allow for in-plane social distancing as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States is on the rise .
The airline industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun Times reports that at its lowest point in April , American Airlines ’ passenger numbers were down by around 95 percent .
Although passenger bookings have since increased , the number of people passing through US airports is still a quarter of what it was a year ago .
American Airlines started limiting bookings to around 85 percent of a plane ’ s capacity in April , according to the Chicago Sun Times .
American will have measures in place to try and stop the spread of the virus United CEO Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing is even possible on planes , Chicago Sun Times reports , since people are less than six feet away from one another , even when middle seats are left empty .
The Boston Globe reports that American ’ s CEO Doug Parker has expressed similar concerns .
However , a union representative from the Allied Pilots Association , countered that this “ doesn ’ t mean you surrender to it and throw the airplane out there with every seat filled.
” American says it has other measures to help prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers if they ’ re booked onto crowded flights and will give them the option of moving their reservation at no extra cost , and at check-in will ask customers to certify that they ’ ve been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the previous 14 days .
Customers will also be allowed to move seats once boarded , subject to limitations .
American is implementing other safeguards like more thorough cleaning , HEPA filters to clean the air more frequently , and a mandatory face mask requirement .
Multiple airlines are requiring passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , a group of major US airlines — including American Airlines , United Airlines , Delta Air Lines , JetBlue , and Southwest — made face coverings mandatory for all passengers , with exceptions made for eating or drinking , young children , or people with a medical reason or disability that prevented them from wearing a mask .
While American and United are proceeding without capacity limits , other airlines will maintain theirs throughout the summer .
Delta is capping seating at 60 percent in the main cabin and 50 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with blocking middle seats , ABC News reports .
Southwest Airlines is blocking out middle seats over the same time period , while JetBlue is blocking middle seats through the end of July .
The announcement comes as the US is seeing an uptick in new COVID-19 cases .
Yesterday , the COVID Tracking Project said that there were 42,000 new cases of the virus in the country , following three record days of new cases .
Although more testing explains part of the increase , the percentage of positive tests is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from John Hopkins University .
“ I can ’ t imagine a worse time to tell passengers that the airplanes they may be on will be completely full , ” a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association , a union representing American Airlines ’ pilots , told the Chicago Sun Times , noting that the move could harm public confidence in flying .

American Airlines will resume booking its flights to capacity starting July 1st, the company has announced. The policy is similar to that of United Airlines, which ABC News reports has never blocked out seats or put a cap on the capacity of its flights. However, the approach contrasts sharply with other airlines, who are continuing to enforce capacity caps in order to allow for in-plane social distancing as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States is on the rise.
The airline industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with passenger numbers plummeting. The Chicago Sun Times reports that at its lowest point in April, American Airlines’ passenger numbers were down by around 95 percent. Although passenger bookings have since increased, the number of people passing through US airports is still a quarter of what it was a year ago.
American Airlines started limiting bookings to around 85 percent of a plane’s capacity in April, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
American will have measures in place to try and stop the spread of the virus
United CEO Scott Kirby has cast doubt on whether social distancing is even possible on planes, Chicago Sun Times reports, since people are less than six feet away from one another, even when middle seats are left empty. The Boston Globe reports that American’s CEO Doug Parker has expressed similar concerns. However, a union representative from the Allied Pilots Association, countered that this “doesn’t mean you surrender to it and throw the airplane out there with every seat filled.”
American says it has other measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. It will notify customers if they’re booked onto crowded flights and will give them the option of moving their reservation at no extra cost, and at check-in will ask customers to certify that they’ve been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the previous 14 days. Customers will also be allowed to move seats once boarded, subject to limitations. American is implementing other safeguards like more thorough cleaning, HEPA filters to clean the air more frequently, and a mandatory face mask requirement.
Multiple airlines are requiring passengers to wear face masks. Earlier this month, a group of major US airlines — including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest — made face coverings mandatory for all passengers, with exceptions made for eating or drinking, young children, or people with a medical reason or disability that prevented them from wearing a mask.
While American and United are proceeding without capacity limits, other airlines will maintain theirs throughout the summer. Delta is capping seating at 60 percent in the main cabin and 50 percent in first class through September 30th, along with blocking middle seats, ABC News reports. Southwest Airlines is blocking out middle seats over the same time period, while JetBlue is blocking middle seats through the end of July.


theverge--2020-06-28--2020 iPhones won’t come with a power adapter or earbuds, says Kuo

This year ’ s new iPhones might not have as much in the box as you ’ re used to .
According to well-connected analyst Ming-chi Kuo , Apple is planning to stop including a power adapter and EarPods in the box with 2020 models , and will even remove the power adapter from the new iPhone SE ’ s packaging later this year .
Kuo ’ s research note was reported on by AppleInsider , MacRumors , and 9to5Mac .
Apple is attempting to offset the cost increases that come with upgrading the iPhone range to 5G , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more eco-friendly and also reduce shipping costs , since more phones could fit into a single shipment .
( Encouraging more sales of AirPods can ’ t hurt , either . )
Right now Apple includes EarPods with all iPhones , a 5W USB-A adapter with the 11 and SE , and an 18W USB-C adapter with the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max .
Last year ’ s inclusion of the 18W charger came after years of widespread complaints regarding the slow 5W adapter , so it would be surprising to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not clear , however , whether that will be the case across the whole iPhone line .
Separately , Apple is said to be developing a new 20W fast charger that will come alongside new iPad models .
Kuo believes a 10.8-inch iPad is coming at some point this year , with an 8.5-inch iPad mini set for the first half of 2021 .
These iPads will apparently come with the new 20W charger , which will otherwise be available as a separate purchase for iPhone owners .

This year’s new iPhones might not have as much in the box as you’re used to. According to well-connected analyst Ming-chi Kuo, Apple is planning to stop including a power adapter and EarPods in the box with 2020 models, and will even remove the power adapter from the new iPhone SE’s packaging later this year. Kuo’s research note was reported on by AppleInsider, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac.
Apple is attempting to offset the cost increases that come with upgrading the iPhone range to 5G, according to Kuo. Smaller packaging would be more eco-friendly and also reduce shipping costs, since more phones could fit into a single shipment. (Encouraging more sales of AirPods can’t hurt, either.)
Right now Apple includes EarPods with all iPhones, a 5W USB-A adapter with the 11 and SE, and an 18W USB-C adapter with the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. Last year’s inclusion of the 18W charger came after years of widespread complaints regarding the slow 5W adapter, so it would be surprising to see it disappear so quickly. It’s not clear, however, whether that will be the case across the whole iPhone line.


theverge--2020-06-12--Go read this BuzzFeed News story about how Peloton workers feared for their safety

Peloton enjoyed huge demand for its high-end exercise bikes in the first quarter of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic , which kept gyms closed and antsy homebound people seeking exercise .
The company continued streaming live classes from its New York City set well after competitors had halted live classes , but it finally closed its studios on April 3rd after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 .
But a new report from BuzzFeed News says the workers who delivered the bikes to customers ’ homes felt unprotected from catching the coronavirus at work : [ W ] hile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep up with consumer demand and rapidly expanding market share , the warehouse and delivery workers who assemble , repair , and deliver Peloton equipment were apoplectic .
According to internal communications reviewed by BuzzFeed News , some felt the company ’ s decision to designate delivery of pricey exercise bikes as essential during a pandemic was reckless and put them in danger of contracting the coronavirus .
“ I ’ m actually livid right now , ” one Peloton employee wrote in a post to an internal company message board .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our safety or health.
” Others echoed concerns that the company wasn ’ t taking the risk of their exposure seriously .
Peloton offered $ 100 hazard pay to delivery workers who found it woefully insufficient , with one worker summing it up on an internal message board : “ That $ 100 really told y ’ all what they think we ’ re worth after killing ourselves for them peak season.
” In March , the company paused sales of its treadmill , which requires a worker to assemble it in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to sell and deliver bikes , even though office workers at Peloton were told to work from home , BuzzFeed reports .
Peloton told BuzzFeed that it had “ followed CDC and public health guidelines throughout the pandemic.
” Its CEO told Time magazine that keeping up its customer service was “ tricky operational stuff.
” Caroline O ’ Donovan at BuzzFeed News has been all over the labor-during-the-pandemic beat , chronicling working conditions at Amazon and reporting on the ethics of grocery delivery during a health emergency .
Her report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large company making a profit during the pandemic on the backs of its most vulnerable workers , without taking steps to make them feel safe .

[W]hile Peloton’s leadership was scrambling to keep up with consumer demand and rapidly expanding market share, the warehouse and delivery workers who assemble, repair, and deliver Peloton equipment were apoplectic. According to internal communications reviewed by BuzzFeed News, some felt the company’s decision to designate delivery of pricey exercise bikes as essential during a pandemic was reckless and put them in danger of contracting the coronavirus.
“I’m actually livid right now,” one Peloton employee wrote in a post to an internal company message board. “Peloton really doesn’t care about our safety or health.” Others echoed concerns that the company wasn’t taking the risk of their exposure seriously.


theverge--2020-07-01--NBC and CBS’ new Peacock deal highlights how complicated keeping up with streaming will become

NBCUniversal and ViacomCBS have struck a new deal that allows a number of TV shows and movies from ViacomCBS ’ s library to stream on NBCUniversal ’ s new streaming service , Peacock .
Ray Donovan , The Affair , Undercover Boss , The Game , Everybody Hates Chris , Real Husbands of Hollywood , and more will be available to stream on Peacock when the streaming service fully launches on July 15th .
This part isn ’ t an exclusive deal .
The aforementioned shows , along with other ViacomCBS series that land on Peacock , will also stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Showtime and CBS All Access .
ViacomCBS , a direct competitor to NBCUniversal , will keep its best IP — like Star Trek shows , CSI , NCIS , and The Good Wife — for its streaming service , CBS All Access .
Films from Paramount ’ s library like The Godfather trilogy , Catch Me If You Can , The Talented Mr. Ripley , American Beauty , Patriot Games , Last Holiday , Fatal Attraction , The Firm , and An Officer and a Gentleman will also “ stream on Peacock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2022 , and 2023.
” That means although these movies will stream exclusively on Peacock for a select period of time , they can move to other streaming services before and after , like CBS All Access or Netflix .
Licensing deals !
In a lot of ways , they ’ re very boring .
In other ways , they ’ re why “ what ’ s leaving and coming to Netflix ” or other streaming service lists are so popular .
Keeping up with what streaming service you need to watch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Take The Godfather trilogy , for example : ViacomCBS might license the trilogy to Netflix for a few months before giving it to Peacock , and then possibly move it to another service like CBS All Access .
NBCUniversal also has licensing deals with Sony and Warner Bros. , according to Variety .
There are two different core strategy moves from the major players in the streaming spaces : total exclusivity or licensing There are two different core strategy moves from the major players in the streaming spaces : total exclusivity or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Apple TV Plus , Amazon Prime Video , and , most notably , Netflix operate .
When it comes to their original series and movies , the goal is to put everything in one place and offer it exclusively on that service .
They don ’ t license out .
The companies might have licensed content on their platforms to add as many offerings as possible , but Netflix isn ’ t likely to license out Stranger Things .
The nice aspect of this strategy is that people aren ’ t left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — it ’ s only on Netflix .
Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , and Apple TV Plus don ’ t have the decades-long library of IP that ViacomCBS , NBCUniversal , and Disney do .
Since the latter companies have huge libraries , they can license a number of their titles to other streamers for additional revenue while also building up their own exclusive originals offering .
Disney licenses ABC shows to Netflix , for example , but uses its most popular brands as an exclusivity play on Disney Plus .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked to bring as many titles it licensed out ( like some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies that were streaming on Netflix ) back to Disney Plus as exclusive offerings .
All of this impacts how we watch what we watch Licensing makes sense .
Running streaming services is an expensive task that takes years for a company to start making a profit .
Part of ViacomCBS ’ s strategy is to find “ no risk ” revenue opportunities for the company , according to CEO Bob Bakish , and a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why a SpongeBob SquarePants spinoff is happening on Netflix , but all past seasons of Nickelodeon ’ s popular show will stream on CBS All Access .
WarnerMedia also reportedly paid ViacomCBS $ 500 million to carry every season of South Park on HBO Max .
It ’ s a win-win ; ViacomCBS is able to earn additional revenue , and streaming services like Peacock and HBO Max can offer popular shows and movies to subscribers .
All of this impacts how we watch what we watch .
As my colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With streaming catalogs continuing to shift and change over the coming months and years ... finding who has the rights to the movie you want to watch is only going to get more difficult .
”

NBCUniversal and ViacomCBS have struck a new deal that allows a number of TV shows and movies from ViacomCBS’s library to stream on NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, Peacock.
Ray Donovan, The Affair, Undercover Boss, The Game, Everybody Hates Chris, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and more will be available to stream on Peacock when the streaming service fully launches on July 15th.
This part isn’t an exclusive deal. The aforementioned shows, along with other ViacomCBS series that land on Peacock, will also stream on their respective ViacomCBS streaming services, including Showtime and CBS All Access. ViacomCBS, a direct competitor to NBCUniversal, will keep its best IP — like Star Trek shows, CSI, NCIS, and The Good Wife — for its streaming service, CBS All Access.
(Disclosure: Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, is also an investor in Vox Media, The Verge’s parent company.)
Films from Paramount’s library like The Godfather trilogy, Catch Me If You Can, The Talented Mr. Ripley, American Beauty, Patriot Games, Last Holiday, Fatal Attraction, The Firm, and An Officer and a Gentleman will also “stream on Peacock in limited exclusivity windows throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.” That means although these movies will stream exclusively on Peacock for a select period of time, they can move to other streaming services before and after, like CBS All Access or Netflix.
Licensing deals! In a lot of ways, they’re very boring. In other ways, they’re why “what’s leaving and coming to Netflix” or other streaming service lists are so popular. Keeping up with what streaming service you need to watch a movie or a show is sometimes tedious. Take The Godfather trilogy, for example: ViacomCBS might license the trilogy to Netflix for a few months before giving it to Peacock, and then possibly move it to another service like CBS All Access. NBCUniversal also has licensing deals with Sony and Warner Bros., according to Variety.
There are two different core strategy moves from the major players in the streaming spaces: total exclusivity or licensing
There are two different core strategy moves from the major players in the streaming spaces: total exclusivity or licensing. The former is how services like Apple TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and, most notably, Netflix operate. When it comes to their original series and movies, the goal is to put everything in one place and offer it exclusively on that service. They don’t license out. The companies might have licensed content on their platforms to add as many offerings as possible, but Netflix isn’t likely to license out Stranger Things. The nice aspect of this strategy is that people aren’t left wondering where a Netflix show is playing — it’s only on Netflix.
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV Plus don’t have the decades-long library of IP that ViacomCBS, NBCUniversal, and Disney do. Since the latter companies have huge libraries, they can license a number of their titles to other streamers for additional revenue while also building up their own exclusive originals offering. Disney licenses ABC shows to Netflix, for example, but uses its most popular brands as an exclusivity play on Disney Plus. Since Disney Plus launched, Disney has also worked to bring as many titles it licensed out (like some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies that were streaming on Netflix) back to Disney Plus as exclusive offerings.
All of this impacts how we watch what we watch
Licensing makes sense. Running streaming services is an expensive task that takes years for a company to start making a profit. Part of ViacomCBS’s strategy is to find “no risk” revenue opportunities for the company, according to CEO Bob Bakish, and a big part of that is streaming. That’s why a SpongeBob SquarePants spinoff is happening on Netflix, but all past seasons of Nickelodeon’s popular show will stream on CBS All Access. WarnerMedia also reportedly paid ViacomCBS $500 million to carry every season of South Park on HBO Max. It’s a win-win; ViacomCBS is able to earn additional revenue, and streaming services like Peacock and HBO Max can offer popular shows and movies to subscribers.


theverge--2020-07-01--The best wireless earbuds to buy right now

It ’ s a good time to buy a pair of true wireless earbuds .
Whether your top priority is sound quality , comfort , battery life , voice call quality , or noise cancellation , the current field of products is full of great options .
I ’ ve spent a lot of time testing dozens of wireless earbuds from Apple , Samsung , Jabra , Sony , Anker , Microsoft , Amazon , Google , and the best wireless earbuds for you will depend on what you hope to get from them .
There ’ s no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything .
For general everyday listening , the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are the best wireless earbuds .
Got an iPhone ?
Nothing beats the AirPods Pro .
If you ’ re focused on productivity and multitasking during these days of working at home , the Jabra Elite 75t are the best wireless earbuds for those jobs .
If you ’ re after something sportier , that ’ s where the Powerbeats Pro win out .
For people who demand the absolute best sound quality , Sennheiser is the go-to .
And if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great for the price , Sony ’ s WF-XB700s are a favorite .
Remember that getting the most out of earbuds requires a good seal in your ear .
Always try the various ear tip sizes that come with whichever buds you purchase — and don ’ t be afraid to experiment with different sizes in each ear .
Ears are funny like that .
Many of these earbuds have apps you can install on your phone to further personalize their sound and controls the way you want .
The best wireless earbuds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Galaxy Buds Plus that they ’ re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a dependable set of true wireless earbuds at a fair price .
With up to 11 hours of continuous battery life , they can outlast every other set of earbuds in this roundup .
And whenever it does eventually come time to rejuice them , you can just drop the case onto a wireless charger .
The Galaxy Buds Plus feel light in the ears but stay seated firmly and are comfortable to wear for extended periods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colors — unlike Apple ’ s AirPods — and the sound quality is noticeably improved over their predecessors .
Samsung ’ s two-way drivers deliver emphatic bass and highlight the mid frequencies in a way that other earbuds often skimp on .
Music plays smooth across a variety of genres , from pop to EDM to classical .
You can personalize that EQ tuning ( and adjust ambient sound preferences ) using Samsung ’ s companion mobile app , which is available on both Android and iPhone .
Samsung also improved the microphone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are much better at handling voice calls than the original Galaxy Buds were .
Their sweat resistance doesn ’ t quite reach par with other earbuds in this price range , and they lack noise cancellation , but those are about the only knocks I can direct at the Galaxy Buds Plus .
If you ’ re in Apple ’ s ecosystem , there ’ s no beating the AirPods Pro .
From the seamless setup to quickly switching between your iPhone , iPad , or Mac , the experience is fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the regular , one-size-fits-most AirPods , and the active noise cancellation helps to drown out your surroundings when you only want to hear your tunes .
When it does come time to hear what ’ s happening around you , Apple ’ s transparency mode offers the most natural-sounding amplification of ambient noise that I ’ ve heard yet .
The AirPods Pro are known for balanced , clear audio .
They can ’ t compete with Samsung , Jabra , or others ( including Apple ’ s own Powerbeats Pro ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With 4.5 hours of battery life with noise canceling on , battery life is decent if not a class-leader — but the case has enough juice to recharge them several times .
Voice call quality is second to none , so these ( and the standard AirPods ) are the go-to pick if you ’ re often chatting with people through your earbuds .
Apple plans to update the AirPods Pro with new features this fall , including seamless , automatic switching between Apple devices .
( Don ’ t worry : incoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you ’ re doing something on your iPad or Mac . )
The other new addition is spatial audio , which will use head tracking to deliver a “ theater-like ” surround sound experience .
Here ’ s a tip : if none of the included ear tips get you a perfect seal , I recommend a set of memory foam tips like those from Comply or Dekoni .
Best wireless earbuds for multitasking ( and lots of bass ) Jabra ’ s earbuds have an advantage that remains rare among true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with two devices simultaneously .
Every other product on this list requires you to switch from one paired device to the other , but with the Jabras , you can listen to tunes on your laptop while staying connected to your phone in case a call comes in .
The Elite 75ts offer full-bodied , powerful sound with an extra dose of bass .
You can adjust the EQ using Jabra ’ s app , which also includes numerous other features for tailoring the earbuds to your liking .
Their physical controls are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are comfortable over lengthy periods of time .
Jabra backs them with a two-year warranty , a longer period of support than most , in the event you experience any hardware issues .
( One of my 75t buds recently stopped taking a charge out of nowhere , so it can happen . )
There ’ s still no beating the Powerbeats Pro if you ’ re looking for a set of earbuds for your workouts or runs .
Their ear hook design keeps them planted on your ears during intense exercise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the nine hours of continuous battery life should get you through just about any marathon .
And the sound quality is killer , with plenty of bass and an immersive soundstage that will keep you motivated through every set .
This spring , Apple released a new batch of Powerbeats Pro colors .
Though the company didn ’ t make any significant hardware changes , I haven ’ t run into some of the annoyances — like one earbud failing to charge or not turning out when removed from the case — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe it ’ s luck , or maybe Apple quietly made some fixes .
If you deem yourself an audiophile and rank pristine sound above everything else , it ’ s worth taking a look at Sennheiser ’ s Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds .
The audio is lush , detailed , and sublime .
Active noise cancellation helps keep you lost in your favorite albums , even if the Sennheisers fall behind our other top picks in areas like battery life and ease of use .
The bigger downside is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premium sound : the True Momentum Wireless earbuds cost $ 300 , which puts them on a higher pricing tier than everything else on this list .
Sony ’ s entry-level earbuds were released without much fanfare a few months ago , but I think they ’ re a real standout .
They ’ ve already seen sale prices of below $ 100 , and for that , you get a pair of earbuds that can kick out powerful bass and latch into your ears with remarkable stability — no support fins or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here : these earbuds don ’ t have an ambient sound mode , they won ’ t pause your music when you take them out , and they lack any kind of mobile app support for EQ adjustments .
But in the time I ’ ve spent using them , I haven ’ t really cared about any of that .
The WF-XB700 earbuds sound downright terrific for the price , the connection stability is rock solid ( with no audio sync issues when watching videos ) , and their ingenious charging case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it should , thanks to a slightly transparent lid .
You can ’ t really ask for better battery life than the nine hours you ’ ll get from these , and they ’ re IPX4 water and sweat resistant .
The textured finish probably won ’ t appeal to everyone , but it means you won ’ t have to put up with scratches or smudges on the earbuds or case .
I can ’ t call them the best true wireless earbuds you can get , but I think a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the WF-XB700s if they wanted to save some money .
They ’ re a real gem and nail that price / performance balance terrifically .

It’s hard to buy a bad pair of wireless earbuds these days, and with constant discounts and deals wherever you look, now is as good of a time as any to splurge on the pair you’ve been eyeing. The market has come a long way since the early era of true wireless earbuds when we had to deal with mediocre sound quality and unreliable performance, all for the sake of ditching cables. Things are much different now. After several product generations of learned lessons, companies like Sony, Apple, Samsung, and others are releasing their most impressive earbuds to date.
You can get phenomenal noise cancellation and sound quality in the premium tier of earbuds if you’re willing to spend big. But those aren’t always the most important criteria for everyone: maybe you’re looking for the perfect fitness earbuds or for a set that works just as well for Zoom calls as for playing your favorite playlists and podcasts.
What I’m looking for Comfort No matter how they sound, what good are earbuds if you don’t enjoy wearing them? Ears come in all shapes and sizes, so the comfort factor is highly subjective. Most of our picks include several sizes of ear tips; usually they’re silicone, but some companies use foam (or both). Again, which you like better comes down to personal preference. Silicone tips are more common, but foam can expand to fill more of your ear for a better seal. The most important tip I can offer is to try different-sized tips in each ear: you might find that one of your ears needs something bigger or smaller than the other. Good sound Just like with comfort, we all have our own inclinations for what we want from sound quality. Some people are bass-heads who can’t live without a thumping low end. Personally, I care more about dynamics, clarity, and definition from the music I’m listening to. I want vocals to ring through naturally and instruments to be well separated in the sound stage. I look for earbuds that can bring out the subtle details in my favorite songs. Active noise cancellation What was once a luxury feature is now the status quo. Many of our top picks include active noise cancellation to help quiet the raucous outside world. Whether you’re trying to concentrate at the office or rest while traveling, noise cancellation can be a huge help. However, some people hate the “plugged up” feeling of earbuds and prefer open-style buds that help maintain full awareness of their surroundings. Long battery life Most earbuds these days can reach between five and six hours of continuous battery life with ANC enabled. Some models can exceed that (and over-ear headphones tend to last much longer on a charge), but the convenience of being able to just pop your earbuds back into their case for more juice makes the tradeoff easier to live with. Water resistance Even if you don’t intend to use your earbuds for fitness purposes, there’s always a chance of getting caught out in the rain while wearing them. At minimum, you should be looking for earbuds that offer IPX4 water resistance. This safeguards them from splashes of water (and sweat), so they should be cut out for the hazards of daily life.
Tech companies are increasingly making their earbuds work best with their own products through exclusive features and functionality, so that’s another thing to consider as you shop around. If you want a perk like head-tracking spatial audio, you’ll need to use AirPods with an iPhone, Samsung buds with a Samsung phone, and so on.
The best overall wireless earbuds
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam (XS, S, M, L)
Just like their predecessors, Sony’s new WF-1000XM5 earbuds have again topped our recommendations for the overall best noise-canceling earbuds. Thanks to their larger drivers, the audio quality is more detailed and dynamic than before while still retaining the warmth and clarity that made the 1000XM4s so enjoyable. Sony has also further improved its ANC and is nearing the same territory as Bose’s QC Earbuds II. These earbuds do a terrific job of eliminating background noise. Battery life can stretch to eight hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation turned on.
Some people found the WF-1000XM4s to be bulky and uncomfortable, so this time around, Sony has managed to shrink the 1000XM5s by 25 percent. Like before, the company includes foam-style tips that expand in your ears to create an excellent seal — and now there’s a fourth (extra small) set of tips in the box.
The WF-1000XM5s are smaller and more comfortable than their M4 predecessors.
On Android phones, the 1000XM5s support Sony’s LDAC codec for higher-quality music playback. And they’re capable of dynamic head tracking spatial audio through supported video apps like Netflix. But even if you’re not using LDAC (or have an iPhone), these are up there with the very best audio-focused premium earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 — with substantially better noise cancellation to boot. They’re also capable of multipoint Bluetooth, so you can pair with two devices at the same time.
It’s worth noting that there were many reports of battery issues with the 1000XM4s over time as those earbuds aged, but Sony claims to have rectified that problem with the new model by tweaking the charging algorithm.
The best earbuds under $100
Noise cancellation: No / Battery life: 7 hours / Water resistance: IPX55 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Sometimes all you need are the fundamentals, and that’s where Jabra’s Elite 3 earbuds manage to rise above the crowded field of sub-$100 competition. Their sound puts some emphasis on the bass but still manages to come through nicely balanced overall with very good clarity for this price range.
The earbuds last for up to seven hours of continuous playback, and the compact case holds three additional charges. Their large physical buttons are easy to use, and the earbuds are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance.
The Jabra Elite 3 are the best wireless earbuds under $100. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
The Elite 3s lack the multipoint feature that Jabra has long been known for — that’s the main sacrifice you make for the price — but in an improvement from past models, either earbud can be used standalone in mono mode. And they’re extremely comfortable to wear for long stretches. You don’t get features like active noise cancellation or wireless charging (though Jabra does include a so-so transparency mode), but the Elite 3s perform reliably with a strong Bluetooth signal. They’re a terrific value for the money.
The best noise-canceling earbuds
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are the most powerful noise-canceling earbuds on the market. Of all our top picks, these do the best job at offering peace and quiet from the cacophony of daily life and putting you in a private bubble with your music playlists or favorite podcasts.
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy.
The QC Earbuds II are considerably smaller than Bose’s original QuietComfort Earbuds, and the same can be said of the included charging case — though it unfortunately lacks wireless charging. Audio quality is rich and dynamic, delivering more bass thump than, say, Apple’s AirPods Pro. And by switching to a two-piece ear tip / stabilizer fitting process, Bose’s latest flagship buds should fit a wider range of ears more comfortably.
The best earbuds for working out
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
The long-reigning champ of fitness earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro, have finally been defeated. And fittingly, they’ve been outdone by Beats’ latest earbuds. The Beats Fit Pro trade the ear hooks of the Powerbeats for a new wing tip design that keeps them securely locked in your ears during even the most vigorous workouts. As a result, these earbuds have a much smaller form factor — and their carrying case is mercifully far more manageable. The way these earbuds magnetically latch into the case also means you don’t have to worry about one or both buds failing to charge in the case, which was a common annoyance with the Powerbeats Pro.
Unlike the Powerbeats Pro, the Fit Pros include active noise cancellation. And they’re on par with the AirPods Pro in that department, so you’ll be able to exercise without distraction. When you do want to stay alert to your surroundings, the transparency mode is also as natural-sounding and clear as on the AirPod Pros.
The Beats Fit Pro are the best earbuds for running and working out.
The earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance. While that’s not as robust as some other fitness-focused buds, it should be sufficient to survive sweat and outdoor runs in various conditions. The Fit Pros have easy-to-use physical button controls, and although they lack the dedicated volume rocker of the Powerbeats Pro, you’ve got the option to remap a long-press of each earbud to adjust volume instead of toggling noise cancellation.
If you’re an iPhone owner, the Fit Pros offer Apple-only features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio, auto device switching, Find My integration, and more. For Android users, Beats has an app that will let you adjust settings and see the battery status of the earbuds and case, among other functions.
The best earbuds for iPhone owners
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
For those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the second-generation AirPods Pro combine an appealing mix of top-notch noise cancellation and refined sound compared to the original pair. As always, they also include numerous features — spatial audio, audio sharing, automatic syncing across iCloud devices, etc. — that make them an ideal companion to the company’s other devices. They’re also the only AirPods that come with different sizes of ear tips for a customizable fit — now including an extra small option.
The second-gen AirPods Pro remain the best choice for people who own Apple devices.
The AirPods Pro have a compact case that supports wireless charging. Setting them up is as simple as holding the open case near your iPhone. The earbuds are lightweight and fit snugly in most ears. Their force sensor pinch controls are easy to get down, and with the second-gen model, Apple added swipe-based volume controls. The AirPods Pro have traditionally ranked among the best wireless earbuds when it comes to voice call quality, and the second-gen earbuds don’t disappoint. Their ANC is improved over the original model and now right up there with Sony, and transparency mode has gained the ability to quickly damper sudden, loud noises that might happen around you.
Where the AirPods stand out is with their Apple-only features like head tracking for spatial audio, automatic device switching, extensive Find My support, and so on. The charging case now features a built-in speaker and a U1 chip for pinpoint location tracking. The second-gen AirPods Pro have better sound and noise canceling capabilities than the originals and retain their deep integration with Apple’s hardware ecosystem.
The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX7 / Bluetooth codecs: Samsung seamless, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sound terrific, and that’s before you take advantage of the optional 24-bit audio support. Compared to the first Pros, these have a smaller, lighter design that doesn’t protrude from your ears, and the audio quality is second only to the Sennheisers among our favorite earbud picks.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have fantastic sound quality and a very comfortable fit.
Like the AirPods Pro with Apple devices, the Buds 2 Pro offer Samsung-only tricks like head tracking for spatial audio, auto device switching between Samsung devices, and so on. The compact charging case supports wireless charging, and the Buds 2 Pro have a worry-free IPX7 rating against water and sweat, making them even more durable than the AirPods.
The best earbuds for Google Pixel phone owners
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 7 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Google finally nailed wireless earbuds with the Pixel Buds Pro. Thanks to their impressive noise cancellation, good sound quality, and comfortable fit, they greatly improve upon the flawed second-generation Pixel Buds. Most important of all, they don’t exhibit any of the connectivity issues and audio dropouts that plagued Google’s earlier buds.
Instead, the Pixel Buds Pro deliver a consistently great listening experience with lengthy battery life to go along with it. They also include multipoint Bluetooth support, so you can pair Google’s flagship earbuds with two devices at the same time. It’s a hugely convenient feature that Apple, Bose, Samsung, and Sony have yet to bring to their respective earbuds.
If you’ve got a Google phone, the Pixel Buds Pro are a great choice.
Pixel phone owners get bonuses like easier settings (the Pixel Buds controls are built right into the native phone settings), and thanks to a recent software update, these earbuds now support head tracking spatial audio. That’s a nice option to have for enhanced immersion when watching movies and other entertainment.
The best earbuds if you own both Apple and Android devices
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)
Beats’ Studio Buds Plus are an upgraded, better performing revision of the Studio Buds released in 2021. This time the company has made the noise cancellation more powerful while also improving the quality of the transparency mode and extending battery life. If you’re going for style points, it doesn’t get much cooler than the translucent color option. These earbuds are very tiny and rank up with the best in terms of overall comfort.
The translucent color option has a very ‘90s vibe.
What’s interesting about the Studio Buds Plus is that they use a proprietary chip that allows them to support native software features on both iOS and Android. Plenty of earbuds offer companion apps on each platform, but in the case of the Beats, they work with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device. You also get simple one-tap pairing no matter which OS you’re using.
The drawback to this dual-ecosystem life is that Apple customers don’t get all the usual bells and whistles that come with AirPods or even the Beats Fit Pro; you lose out on audio sharing, head tracking spatial audio, and other tricks. Wireless charging and an ear detection sensor (for auto-pause when a bud is removed) are also MIA, which stings a bit considering the price.
The best earbuds for sound quality
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 7 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AptX Adaptive, AptX, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
The third generation of Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless earbuds deliver tremendous, detailed sound quality that stands above nearly all competitors. They’re a joy to listen to, and even better, they’re now smaller and more comfortable than previous models — with a case that finally supports wireless charging. The active noise cancellation can’t compete with the likes of Apple, Sony, and Bose, but if you care more about lush, intricate sound, the MTW3s won’t disappoint in the slightest.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds sound absolutely fantastic.
Unlike past iterations, these earbuds come with optional wing tips to help keep them securely locked in your ears. That could prove helpful for running or when hitting the gym. Sennheiser allows for plenty of EQ customization using its mobile app, and the Momentum True Wireless 3s support a range of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive.
The best earbuds for voice calls on iPhone
Noise cancellation: No / Battery life: 6 hours / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: None
Apple’s third-generation AirPods have a new design with shorter stems than the original model. But even with their mics now being farther from your mouth, they still perform very well on calls — and there are bigger improvements to sound quality and fit / comfort that make upgrading to the so-called AirPods 3 worthwhile.
Apple’s AirPods 3 are the best earbuds for voice calls and sound much better than their predecessors. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Apple has also added new features that were previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro, like head tracking spatial audio and deeper Find My integration for hunting down your misplaced buds. And the case is now optimized to work with Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging system. The AirPods still have a one-size-fits-most hard plastic form factor, so you’ll want to try them before buying to make sure they’re the right match for your ears. But if they are, these are Apple’s best regular AirPods yet by a wide margin.
The best earbuds for voice calls on Android
Noise cancellation: No / Battery life: 5.5 hours / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Fitting supporters (XS, S, M, L, XL)
Sony’s unconventional-looking LinkBuds have a donut hole right in the middle of each earbud. This surprisingly comfortable design is meant to allow in outside noise and keep you aware of your surroundings at all times. But it also means that the LinkBuds won’t be for everyone — especially those people who prefer to drown out the world when listening to their music.
Sony’s LinkBuds are the best earbuds for voice calls on Android. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
But more than their quirky fit, the LinkBuds’ greatest strength is stellar performance on voice calls. Sony reworked its voice isolation algorithms for these earbuds, and as a result, the LinkBuds are several rungs above nearly all competitors minus AirPods. If you’re looking for something you can pop into your ears throughout the workday, the LinkBuds don’t disappoint.
The best earbuds for standout style
Nothing Ear 2 $ 149 The second-generation earbuds from Nothing carry over the same stylish looks, but make big improvements where it counts to sound quality and noise cancellation. They also add new features like multipoint. $149 at Nothing
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 4 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Nothing’s second-generation earbuds, the Ear 2s, preserve the stylish look of the originals while making big strides in sound quality and active noise cancellation. With their semi-translucent design and unique charging case, the Ear 2 earbuds are sure to catch some attention when sitting beside earbuds from more established brands.
The Nothing Ear 2 earbuds look very similar to their predecessors. Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge
The Ear 2 earbuds also add multipoint connectivity, a feature that the first pair lacked, to let you pair with two audio sources at the same time. The $149 price has gone up a bit compared to the Ear 1, but at least you don’t have to break the bank for the fresh looks and audio improvements that come with the Ear 2s.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge except where specified


theverge--2020-07-01--Dish now owns Boost Mobile, following sale from T-Mobile

Dish now owns Boost Mobile , bringing Dish — after years of speculation — into the consumer wireless market where it can start to compete with Verizon , AT & T , and T-Mobile .
Boost was previously part of Sprint , which is now owned by T-Mobile .
T-Mobile was required to sell Boost in order to get federal approval for its acquisition of Sprint , which closed in April .
As part of the agreement , Dish is paying $ 1.4 billion for Boost and other Sprint prepaid assets .
Dish also secured access to T-Mobile ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscribers to use T-Mobile ’ s network while Dish builds out its own 5G service .
Dish says the new Boost Mobile has more than 9 million subscribers .
It ’ s a start , but it means Boost is incredibly tiny compared to the big carriers , which have 100 million subscribers or more .
Over the coming years , Dish plans to build out a 5G network and become a full-on competitor to Verizon , AT & T , and T-Mobile .
Dish has spent years buying up wireless spectrum that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it hadn ’ t built that out or launched a consumer service until now .
Approval of the T-Mobile-Sprint merger was heavily predicated on the idea that Dish would fill the gap left by Sprint and become a new fourth nationwide carrier .
That ’ s a lot easier said than done , but as of today , the very first steps are complete .
Dish says it ’ s still looking for vendors to handle the construction of its own network .
Boost will now be led by Dish COO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new logo for Boost , which is ... just the Dish logo somewhat incoherently shoved into the Boost logo , as seen in the image above .

Dish now owns Boost Mobile, bringing Dish — after years of speculation — into the consumer wireless market where it can start to compete with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Boost was previously part of Sprint, which is now owned by T-Mobile. T-Mobile was required to sell Boost in order to get federal approval for its acquisition of Sprint, which closed in April.
As part of the agreement, Dish is paying $1.4 billion for Boost and other Sprint prepaid assets. Dish also secured access to T-Mobile’s network for seven years, allowing its subscribers to use T-Mobile’s network while Dish builds out its own 5G service.
Dish says the new Boost Mobile has more than 9 million subscribers. It’s a start, but it means Boost is incredibly tiny compared to the big carriers, which have 100 million subscribers or more.
Over the coming years, Dish plans to build out a 5G network and become a full-on competitor to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Dish has spent years buying up wireless spectrum that could be used for a mobile network, but it hadn’t built that out or launched a consumer service until now.
Approval of the T-Mobile-Sprint merger was heavily predicated on the idea that Dish would fill the gap left by Sprint and become a new fourth nationwide carrier. That’s a lot easier said than done, but as of today, the very first steps are complete. Dish says it’s still looking for vendors to handle the construction of its own network.


theverge--2020-07-01--WhatsApp’s contact-adding QR codes and animated stickers officially announced

WhatsApp has announced a collection of new features that are coming to the Facebook-owned messaging service in the coming weeks .
We ’ ve already heard about a few of them , like QR codes , that can be used to quickly add new contacts or animated stickers , thanks to their appearance in beta versions of WhatsApp .
But now their existence is official , and we know they ’ ll be out of beta soon .
Being able to add contacts via QR code is one of the more interesting features on the list since it means you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly scanning the code rather than having to enter their full phone number .
Group video calls are also being tweaked to allow you to quickly maximize the video feed of any one of a call ’ s maximum of eight participants , and there ’ s also going to be a new video icon added to group chats of up to eight people to allow you to quickly start a group video call in the first place .
Meanwhile , animated stickers are a lot like the service ’ s current stickers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there ’ s also a new dark mode for the service ’ s desktop and web clients to match the dark mode that launched in its mobile apps earlier this year .
Finally , if you ’ re using WhatsApp on a KaiOS smartphone like the Nokia 2720 Flip , you ’ re now able to use WhatsApp ’ s stories-style Status feature .
WhatsApp says that dark mode for web and the Status feature for KaiOS are live now and that the video maximization feature will be coming out in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , animated stickers , and the new group calling button will be arriving in the coming weeks .

WhatsApp has announced a collection of new features that are coming to the Facebook-owned messaging service in the coming weeks. We’ve already heard about a few of them, like QR codes, that can be used to quickly add new contacts or animated stickers, thanks to their appearance in beta versions of WhatsApp. But now their existence is official, and we know they’ll be out of beta soon.
Being able to add contacts via QR code is one of the more interesting features on the list since it means you can quickly add a new contact by quickly scanning the code rather than having to enter their full phone number. Group video calls are also being tweaked to allow you to quickly maximize the video feed of any one of a call’s maximum of eight participants, and there’s also going to be a new video icon added to group chats of up to eight people to allow you to quickly start a group video call in the first place.
The new features include Animated Stickers, QR codes that can be used to add new contacts, and a dark mode for the service’s desktop client. Image: WhatsApp
Meanwhile, animated stickers are a lot like the service’s current stickers, only with simple animations added, and there’s also a new dark mode for the service’s desktop and web clients to match the dark mode that launched in its mobile apps earlier this year. Finally, if you’re using WhatsApp on a KaiOS smartphone like the Nokia 2720 Flip, you’re now able to use WhatsApp’s stories-style Status feature.


theverge--2020-07-01--First images of Samsung’s 5G Galaxy Z Flip leak via Chinese regulator

Images of Samsung ’ s unannounced 5G foldable , the Galaxy Z Flip 5G , have appeared online , thanks to a listing from China ’ s TENAA certification center .
MySmartPrice reports that the listing initially went live without the images attached , confirming some key specs for the device , but new photos have revealed its design .
From the images , it looks as though the phone will be almost identical to its LTE variant , barring a new matte silver color scheme .
The unannounced phone was also recently certified by the Federal Communications Commission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the TENAA suggest that the phone is getting a small spec bump and will be powered by a Snapdragon 865 Plus rather than the Snapdragon 855 Plus we saw on the LTE model .
There ’ s still 8GB of RAM , but the batteries are listed with capacities of 2,500mAh and 704mAh , compared to the total capacity of 3,300mAh the phone had previously .
There could also be a small change made in the camera department , with a 12-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by a 10- rather than 12-megapixel ultrawide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re looking at a more or less identical device .
There ’ s no information in the listing about when the phone could be announced or released .
But the appearance of both the TENAA and FCC certifications suggest an official announcement can ’ t be too far away .

Images of Samsung’s unannounced 5G foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, have appeared online, thanks to a listing from China’s TENAA certification center. MySmartPrice reports that the listing initially went live without the images attached, confirming some key specs for the device, but new photos have revealed its design. From the images, it looks as though the phone will be almost identical to its LTE variant, barring a new matte silver color scheme. The unannounced phone was also recently certified by the Federal Communications Commission.
According to MySmartPrice, the specs listed by the TENAA suggest that the phone is getting a small spec bump and will be powered by a Snapdragon 865 Plus rather than the Snapdragon 855 Plus we saw on the LTE model. There’s still 8GB of RAM, but the batteries are listed with capacities of 2,500mAh and 704mAh, compared to the total capacity of 3,300mAh the phone had previously.
The handset looks to feature a new silver color scheme. Image: TENAA Reports suggest the ultrawide camera may be 10 megapixels this time around. Image: TENAA
There could also be a small change made in the camera department, with a 12-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by a 10- rather than 12-megapixel ultrawide, MySmartPrice notes. Otherwise, we’re looking at a more or less identical device.