theverge--2020-10-21--Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ software is starting to roll out to select customers

Tesla sent out the first “ Full Self-Driving ” beta software update to a select group of customers this week , CEO Elon Musk tweeted Tuesday .
On an earnings call Wednesday , Musk said more Tesla owners would get the update as the weeks progress , with the goal of a “ wide release ” by the end of the year .
Only those customers in Tesla ’ s Early Access Program will receive the software update , that will enable drivers to access Autopilot ’ s partially automated driver assist system on city streets .
The early access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help iron out software bugs .
Musk said that Tesla was approaching this software update “ very cautiously ” because the “ world is a complex and messy place.
” In a letter to investors , Tesla said its Autopilot team “ has been focused on a fundamental architectural rewrite of our neural networks and control algorithms .
This rewrite will allow the remaining driving features to be released.
” This rewrite , Musk has said , will allow Tesla ’ s vehicles to interpret their environment in four dimensions rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic improvement in performance and faster software updates .
Previously , Musk has described a “ feature complete ” version of Full Self-Driving as enabling the car to drive from someone ’ s home to their work without intervention .
Drivers will still need to be ready to take control if the car runs into a problem .
Some experts have taken issue with the way Musk talks about these features in the past , arguing he is muddying the waters by overselling a Tesla car ’ s capabilities .
Autopilot can center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around curves , and adjust the car ’ s speed based on the vehicle ahead .
The “ Navigate on Autopilot ” feature can suggest — and perform — lane changes to get around slower vehicles , and steer a Tesla toward highway interchanges and exits .
Another feature can slow a Tesla to a stop at traffic lights and stop signs .
The company has yet to allow its customers hands-off control of the vehicle at medium speeds , where they are more likely to encounter traffic signals , intersections , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform some of these tasks if a road ’ s lane markers are faded or missing , and it can ’ t make turns .
The driver must have a hand on the wheel at all times , too , or else Autopilot will flash a series of warnings before ultimately disengaging entirely .
But when those features work in concert , it can feel like the car is driving itself — but a driver is still liable if the car makes a mistake or crashes .
( There have been a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autopilot enabled . )
On the call , Musk argued that Tesla ’ s self-driving advantage comes from having a large fleet of vehicles — around 930,000 — already on the road .
Those cars record situations and provide training data to improve the neural networks needed for the artificial intelligence software that powers self-driving cars .
The company ’ s approach to autonomous vehicles is primarily focused on computer vision , or using cameras — just like humans — to recognize and understand the world .
“ Having on the order of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and specifically feedback on strange corner case situations that you just can ’ t even come up with in simulation — this is a thing that is really valuable , ” Musk said .

Tesla sent out the first “Full Self-Driving” beta software update to a select group of customers this week, CEO Elon Musk tweeted Tuesday. On an earnings call Wednesday, Musk said more Tesla owners would get the update as the weeks progress, with the goal of a “wide release” by the end of the year.
Only those customers in Tesla’s Early Access Program will receive the software update, that will enable drivers to access Autopilot’s partially automated driver assist system on city streets. The early access program is used as a testing platform to help iron out software bugs.
Musk said that Tesla was approaching this software update “very cautiously” because the “world is a complex and messy place.” In a letter to investors, Tesla said its Autopilot team “has been focused on a fundamental architectural rewrite of our neural networks and control algorithms. This rewrite will allow the remaining driving features to be released.”
This rewrite, Musk has said, will allow Tesla’s vehicles to interpret their environment in four dimensions rather than two, which should result in a dramatic improvement in performance and faster software updates.
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Previously, Musk has described a “feature complete” version of Full Self-Driving as enabling the car to drive from someone’s home to their work without intervention. Drivers will still need to be ready to take control if the car runs into a problem. Some experts have taken issue with the way Musk talks about these features in the past, arguing he is muddying the waters by overselling a Tesla car’s capabilities.
Autopilot can center a Tesla in a lane, even around curves, and adjust the car’s speed based on the vehicle ahead. The “Navigate on Autopilot” feature can suggest — and perform — lane changes to get around slower vehicles, and steer a Tesla toward highway interchanges and exits. Another feature can slow a Tesla to a stop at traffic lights and stop signs. The company has yet to allow its customers hands-off control of the vehicle at medium speeds, where they are more likely to encounter traffic signals, intersections, and other complexities.
Autopilot can’t perform some of these tasks if a road’s lane markers are faded or missing, and it can’t make turns. The driver must have a hand on the wheel at all times, too, or else Autopilot will flash a series of warnings before ultimately disengaging entirely. But when those features work in concert, it can feel like the car is driving itself — but a driver is still liable if the car makes a mistake or crashes. (There have been a number of fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles with Autopilot enabled.)
On the call, Musk argued that Tesla’s self-driving advantage comes from having a large fleet of vehicles — around 930,000 — already on the road. Those cars record situations and provide training data to improve the neural networks needed for the artificial intelligence software that powers self-driving cars. The company’s approach to autonomous vehicles is primarily focused on computer vision, or using cameras — just like humans — to recognize and understand the world.


theverge--2020-10-21--Eric Schmidt, who bought YouTube for a premium, thinks social networks are ‘amplifiers for idiots’

The Verge used to have a fine tradition of cataloging all of the times when Eric Schmidt stuck his foot in his mouth , and today ’ s feels like a worthy addition : the former Google CEO and executive chairman has decided that social networks are “ amplifiers for idiots.
” The fuller quote , according to Bloomberg : “ The context of social networks serving as amplifiers for idiots and crazy people is not what we intended.
” Without knowing who “ we ” refers to , you might think he ’ s talking about how the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Facebook and Twitter from creating echo chambers and polarizing politics around the world ( though some argue we can ’ t blame social networks alone ) .
He ’ s certainly a member of the tech elite , one who had the ear of many other CEOs and even engaged in some extremely shady dealings that way .
But you may recall that Schmidt also personally controlled one of the biggest social networks for many years : YouTube .
He presided over the $ 1.65 billion buyout in 2006 and did it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paying as much as $ 1 billion more than he thought it was worth at the time .
He then stayed on as Google ’ s CEO until 2011 and was Alphabet ’ s executive chairman until early 2018 .
This year , YouTube finally revealed it makes $ 15 billion a year , so perhaps the purchase has now been justified on purely financial terms .
Societally , however , it sounds more like he ’ s apologizing that the golden age of YouTube is over .
It ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also asked about the landmark antitrust case Google ’ s currently facing down with the Department of Justice , and Bloomberg has this gem of a quote : I guess antitrust only kicks in once you ’ ve locked out every competitor and now serve literally every human being on earth ?

The Verge used to have a fine tradition of cataloging all of the times when Eric Schmidt stuck his foot in his mouth, and today’s feels like a worthy addition: the former Google CEO and executive chairman has decided that social networks are “amplifiers for idiots.”
The fuller quote, according to Bloomberg: “The context of social networks serving as amplifiers for idiots and crazy people is not what we intended.”
Without knowing who “we” refers to, you might think he’s talking about how the entire tech industry has failed to keep sites like Facebook and Twitter from creating echo chambers and polarizing politics around the world (though some argue we can’t blame social networks alone).
He’s certainly a member of the tech elite, one who had the ear of many other CEOs and even engaged in some extremely shady dealings that way.
“Not what we intended”
But you may recall that Schmidt also personally controlled one of the biggest social networks for many years: YouTube. He presided over the $1.65 billion buyout in 2006 and did it precisely in his role as a visionary, paying as much as $1 billion more than he thought it was worth at the time. He then stayed on as Google’s CEO until 2011 and was Alphabet’s executive chairman until early 2018.
This year, YouTube finally revealed it makes $15 billion a year, so perhaps the purchase has now been justified on purely financial terms. Societally, however, it sounds more like he’s apologizing that the golden age of YouTube is over. It’s “not what we intended.”
Schmidt was also asked about the landmark antitrust case Google’s currently facing down with the Department of Justice, and Bloomberg has this gem of a quote:
“I would be careful about these dominance arguments. I just don’t agree with them,” Schmidt said. “Google’s market share is not 100%.”


theverge--2020-10-21--Artists are irked by Twitter’s change to retweets

Artists on Twitter have a request : stop quote-tweeting their work .
It ’ s all the more pressing now that Twitter has , temporarily at least , changed its retweet system to encourage users to quote tweets and add their own words on top , rather than simply boost someone else ’ s message .
Artists say quote tweets take attention away from their profiles , making it harder for them to be discovered , while someone else gets the glory .
“ When you ’ re quote tweeting an artist , it ’ s almost like saying ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say about this piece is more important than the actual piece , ’ ” RadiantG , an artist , journalist , and indie game developer , told The Verge .
Twitter made the change yesterday as part of an effort to “ encourage more thoughtful consideration ” of tweets — and presumably , to curb the spread of misinformation — around the US election .
Twitter no longer plainly presents the option to retweet someone else ’ s post and instead jumps straight into the quote retweet interface .
You can still post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment , but the interface is designed to discourage it .
Twitter said the change was “ temporary ” and would remain in place through “ at least the end of Election week.
” It ’ s a problem for artists who have found Twitter to be a particularly useful platform for getting discovered and getting work .
Amalas Rosa , an illustrator whose work includes video game concept art , album artwork , and an in-progress graphic novel , said that most of her jobs have come through people finding her work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rosa said , “ a lot of remote work is actually due to Twitter.
” Radiant said that all of his commissions this year have come through Twitter .
That ’ s why it ’ s important to artists that they get the signal boost directly when someone wants to share their work .
“ It ’ s easy to go to our profile , ” Rosa said , “ but many people don ’ t check it out if it ’ s only a quote retweet that ’ s doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t mind when people quote-tweet her work , but she ’ s concerned the new interface will confuse people who might otherwise want to directly promote an artist .
In response to Twitter ’ s change , artists have been retweeting each others ’ messages about the new system , with some posts gaining thousands of retweets .
Several artists have annotated screenshots about how to skirt the new system and send a plain retweet .
One artist even illustrated a diagram about how to avoid the quote retweet .
Quote tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s update was put in place .
Many artists already had “ No QRT ” ( for “ no quote retweet ” ) or a similar request in their name , bio , or location , Radiant said .
Twitter said it was aware of artists ’ concerns , though the company didn ’ t indicate that it would make any adjustments .
“ We heard your overall feedback and understand that some of you , like artists who share their work on Twitter , value Retweets , ” the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retweet by not adding anything into the QT composer.
” While the change remains in place , artists will have to keep educating followers about best practices for supporting their work , Radiant said .
“ We ’ re not telling you how to use the platform , ” Radiant said .
“ All I ’ m saying is how to best support us .
”

Artists on Twitter have a request: stop quote-tweeting their work.
It’s all the more pressing now that Twitter has, temporarily at least, changed its retweet system to encourage users to quote tweets and add their own words on top, rather than simply boost someone else’s message. Artists say quote tweets take attention away from their profiles, making it harder for them to be discovered, while someone else gets the glory.
“When you’re quote tweeting an artist, it’s almost like saying ‘I feel like what I have to say about this piece is more important than the actual piece,’” RadiantG, an artist, journalist, and indie game developer, told The Verge.
Twitter made the change yesterday as part of an effort to “encourage more thoughtful consideration” of tweets — and presumably, to curb the spread of misinformation — around the US election. Twitter no longer plainly presents the option to retweet someone else’s post and instead jumps straight into the quote retweet interface. You can still post a straight retweet by not adding a comment, but the interface is designed to discourage it. Twitter said the change was “temporary” and would remain in place through “at least the end of Election week.”
It’s a problem for artists who have found Twitter to be a particularly useful platform for getting discovered and getting work. Amalas Rosa, an illustrator whose work includes video game concept art, album artwork, and an in-progress graphic novel, said that most of her jobs have come through people finding her work on Twitter. “Especially this year,” Rosa said, “a lot of remote work is actually due to Twitter.” Radiant said that all of his commissions this year have come through Twitter.
That’s why it’s important to artists that they get the signal boost directly when someone wants to share their work. “It’s easy to go to our profile,” Rosa said, “but many people don’t check it out if it’s only a quote retweet that’s doing the numbers.” Rosa said she doesn’t mind when people quote-tweet her work, but she’s concerned the new interface will confuse people who might otherwise want to directly promote an artist.
In response to Twitter’s change, artists have been retweeting each others’ messages about the new system, with some posts gaining thousands of retweets. Several artists have annotated screenshots about how to skirt the new system and send a plain retweet. One artist even illustrated a diagram about how to avoid the quote retweet.
Quote tweets were a sore spot even before this week’s update was put in place. Many artists already had “No QRT” (for “no quote retweet”) or a similar request in their name, bio, or location, Radiant said.
Twitter said it was aware of artists’ concerns, though the company didn’t indicate that it would make any adjustments. “We heard your overall feedback and understand that some of you, like artists who share their work on Twitter, value Retweets,” the company wrote yesterday. “You can still Retweet by not adding anything into the QT composer.”
While the change remains in place, artists will have to keep educating followers about best practices for supporting their work, Radiant said.


theverge--2020-10-21--Jared Leto’s Joker is joining Zack Snyder’s Justice League director’s cut

Just when we thought the drama surrounding Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League couldn ’ t get any weirder , it seems Jared Leto ’ s ... .
controversial take on the Joker will be appearing in the director ’ s cut of the 2017 superhero team-up when it hits HBO Max next year .
Leto , who infamously played the role of the Batman villain in 2016 ’ s Suicide Squad , is reportedly joining the ongoing reshoots for the new Justice League cut , according to The Hollywood Reporter .
It ’ s not entirely clear what role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the re-edited film .
Despite the controversy over Leto ’ s edgy interpretation of the villain , the character has only had a minor role ( at best ) in the live-action DC films .
Leto himself has only appeared in a few scenes in Suicide Squad ( although there are reports that his role in the film was cut down in post-production ) .
Leto ’ s character was also referenced — but did not appear — in Harley Quinn : Birds of Prey , released earlier this year , which follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wake of her breakup with the villain .
It ’ s not clear how Leto ’ s Joker will fit into the new cut The news that Leto ’ s Joker will feature into Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League is also perplexing in a larger sense , given that Leto was never slated to appear in any of the original versions of Justice League — even Snyder ’ s original cut of the film from before he stepped down — outside of some vague , debunked rumors from the summer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be using the reshoots ( which will also reportedly feature Ben Affleck , Ray Fisher , and Amber Heard ) for his own cut of Justice League to introduce an entirely new character to the story could indicate more substantial changes from both his original version of the film as well as the final theatrical cut that director Joss Whedon finished back in 2017 .
The history of the so-called “ Snyder Cut ” is ultimately a long and complicated one .
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear : whatever the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends up being when it comes out next year , it ’ ll have grown beyond even Snyder ’ s original intentions for the film .

Just when we thought the drama surrounding Zack Snyder’s Justice League couldn’t get any weirder, it seems Jared Leto’s.... controversial take on the Joker will be appearing in the director’s cut of the 2017 superhero team-up when it hits HBO Max next year.
Leto, who infamously played the role of the Batman villain in 2016’s Suicide Squad, is reportedly joining the ongoing reshoots for the new Justice League cut, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s not entirely clear what role Leto’s Joker will play in the re-edited film. Despite the controversy over Leto’s edgy interpretation of the villain, the character has only had a minor role (at best) in the live-action DC films. Leto himself has only appeared in a few scenes in Suicide Squad (although there are reports that his role in the film was cut down in post-production). Leto’s character was also referenced — but did not appear — in Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, released earlier this year, which follows Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in the wake of her breakup with the villain.
It’s not clear how Leto’s Joker will fit into the new cut
The news that Leto’s Joker will feature into Zack Snyder’s Justice League is also perplexing in a larger sense, given that Leto was never slated to appear in any of the original versions of Justice League — even Snyder’s original cut of the film from before he stepped down — outside of some vague, debunked rumors from the summer of 2016.
The fact that Snyder appears to be using the reshoots (which will also reportedly feature Ben Affleck, Ray Fisher, and Amber Heard) for his own cut of Justice League to introduce an entirely new character to the story could indicate more substantial changes from both his original version of the film as well as the final theatrical cut that director Joss Whedon finished back in 2017.


theverge--2020-10-21--Exclusive: Wisconsin report confirms Foxconn’s so-called LCD factory isn’t real

A state report on Foxconn ’ s Wisconsin factory depicts a project gone far off course .
The report , issued this month by Wisconsin ’ s Division of Executive Budget and Finance and obtained through a records request , confirms that the company has not built the enormous Gen 10.5 LCD factory specified in its contract .
It also says that the building the company claims is a smaller Gen 6 LCD factory shows no signs of manufacturing LCDs in the foreseeable future and “ may be better suited for demonstration purposes.
” The report notes that Foxconn received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fab ” for storage , which The Verge first reported this week .
Furthermore , according to an industry expert consulted by the state , Foxconn has not ordered the equipment that would be needed to make LCDs .
If the building were to be used as an LCD manufacturing facility , the expert notes it would be the smallest Gen 6 in the world and “ would appear to be more of a showcase than a business viable for the long term.
” “ Taxpayers fully performed their side of the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not.
” If any LCD-related manufacturing were to take place in the building , the analysis says , it would likely only be the final assembly of components produced elsewhere and imported to Wisconsin .
Such a project would have a vastly smaller impact on local supply chains and employ nowhere near the 13,000 workers anticipated in Foxconn ’ s contract with the state .
Wisconsin Secretary of the Department of Administration Joel Brennan said in an interview with The Verge today that “ clearly the Gen 6 that ’ s been discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to other Gen 6 fabs around the world.
” Brennan said the memo was an effort to consult industry experts to better understand the scope of Foxconn ’ s current project and its potential impact on the state .
“ There was justified criticism of the [ former Governor Scott ] Walker administration for entering into this contract , and not really getting any outside experts for an industry that was new to Wisconsin , ” Brennan said .
“ This is about making sure that we can use the best expertise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government so that we can make the best decisions possible.
” The report provides the fullest articulation of the state ’ s reason for rejecting Foxconn ’ s subsidy payments so far .
Last week , the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation ( WEDC ) , which oversees the deal , denied the company its first installment of the nearly $ 3 billion refundable tax credits because it hasn ’ t built the “ Gen 10.5 Fab ” specified in its contract .
The project Foxconn has pursued instead , the new analysis says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidy package passed by then-Gov .
Scott Walker , nor required the infrastructure state and local governments have built to support it .
“ Taxpayers fully performed their side of the agreement to date , while the Recipients have not , ” the report says .
In fact , “ state taxpayers have spent as much if not more than ” Foxconn has on improvements to the company ’ s supposed manufacturing campus .
The Verge previously reported that state and local governments spent at least $ 400 million on the project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will likely never need .
Foxconn listed approximately $ 300 million in capital expenses at the end of 2019 .
There is no foreseeable way that the Foxconn project will employ anywhere near the number of people it was supposed to under the contract with Wisconsin .
At the end of last year , it employed only 281 eligible under the terms of the contract , rather than the 2,080 it was supposed to , or even the 520 it needed to employ to get tax subsidies .
By the end of 2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
And those numbers are going in the wrong direction .
The Verge ’ s investigation found that Foxconn recruited large numbers of local college students and foreign recent graduates on visas late in 2019 as it tried to hit the employment threshold needed to receive subsidies , only to lay off many employees once the deadline passed .
The state report notes that Foxconn ’ s employment numbers have fallen this year , and “ a pattern of hiring spikes at the year-end December job reporting deadline followed by drops in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foxconn ’ s contractual obligation to maintain employment levels for several years .
“ The melding of cultures that has taken place in recent years is somewhat reflected in the documentary ‘ American Factory.
’ ” The state has been warning Foxconn that its current project is ineligible for subsidies for over 16 months , but the company has so far declined to revise the contract .
A settlement period this summer ended without an agreement .
WEDC did not respond to a request for comment but has previously stated its openness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Foxconn is currently doing .
“ I have expressed to you my commitment to help negotiate fair terms to support Foxconn ’ s new and substantially changed vision for the project , ” WEDC CEO Missy Hughes wrote to Foxconn with the subsidy denial .
“ WEDC ’ s door remains wide open to support your business expansion in Wisconsin.
” Foxconn did not respond to a prepublication request for comment for The Verge ’ s investigation this week , but it later issued a statement denying it had hired employees only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s failure to build LCDs and two years spent veering from idea to idea ( co-working , fish farming , building giant glass spheres ) , the company said “ Foxconn ’ s progress in Wisconsin has been achieved despite man growing pains that includes the need to explore new business opportunities , adjust to changes in global customer requirements , and a constantly evolving global technology industry.
” As for the chaotic and toxic work environment reported by many Foxconn employees , the company said : “ Many Wisconsin employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the assimilation of cultural differences , adapting to changing business needs , and finding ways to contribute to the company as their roles have evolve .
The melding of cultures that has taken place in recent years is somewhat reflected in the documentary American Factory.
” The Verge reported that a Foxconn executive mandated employees watch the Netflix movie , in which a Chinese glass company ’ s foray into the Midwest founders amid culture clashes , and American management is replaced with Chinese leadership .
Foxconn employees saw it as alarmingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it remains committed to Wisconsin but that WEDC ’ s denial of subsidies “ threatens the good faith negotiations ” over a new contract .
A statement the same day from Foxconn founder Terry Gou , however , struck a more ominous tone , linking the future of the project to continued state support and , implicitly , to President Donald Trump ’ s reelection .
“ Foxconn will work as a partner with those who treat the company as a partner , ” Gou wrote .
“ Foxconn will remain committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our project and investment in Wisconsin as long as policymakers at the federal , state , and local levels remain committed to Foxconn and the very important technology development goals driving the company ’ s investments , as President Trump has done.
” Foxconn did not respond to a request for comment .

A state report on Foxconn’s Wisconsin factory depicts a project gone far off course. The report, issued this month by Wisconsin’s Division of Executive Budget and Finance and obtained through a records request, confirms that the company has not built the enormous Gen 10.5 LCD factory specified in its contract. It also says that the building the company claims is a smaller Gen 6 LCD factory shows no signs of manufacturing LCDs in the foreseeable future and “may be better suited for demonstration purposes.”
The report notes that Foxconn received a permit to use its so-called “Fab” for storage, which The Verge first reported this week. Furthermore, according to an industry expert consulted by the state, Foxconn has not ordered the equipment that would be needed to make LCDs. If the building were to be used as an LCD manufacturing facility, the expert notes it would be the smallest Gen 6 in the world and “would appear to be more of a showcase than a business viable for the long term.”
“Taxpayers fully performed their side of the agreement to date, while the Recipients have not.”
If any LCD-related manufacturing were to take place in the building, the analysis says, it would likely only be the final assembly of components produced elsewhere and imported to Wisconsin. Such a project would have a vastly smaller impact on local supply chains and employ nowhere near the 13,000 workers anticipated in Foxconn’s contract with the state.
Wisconsin Secretary of the Department of Administration Joel Brennan said in an interview with The Verge today that “clearly the Gen 6 that’s been discussed and built in Mount Pleasant is not similar to other Gen 6 fabs around the world.” Brennan said the memo was an effort to consult industry experts to better understand the scope of Foxconn’s current project and its potential impact on the state. “There was justified criticism of the [former Governor Scott] Walker administration for entering into this contract, and not really getting any outside experts for an industry that was new to Wisconsin,” Brennan said. “This is about making sure that we can use the best expertise that we have inside and outside state government so that we can make the best decisions possible.”
The report provides the fullest articulation of the state’s reason for rejecting Foxconn’s subsidy payments so far. Last week, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), which oversees the deal, denied the company its first installment of the nearly $3 billion refundable tax credits because it hasn’t built the “Gen 10.5 Fab” specified in its contract.
The project Foxconn has pursued instead, the new analysis says, would not have warranted the record-breaking subsidy package passed by then-Gov. Scott Walker, nor required the infrastructure state and local governments have built to support it. “Taxpayers fully performed their side of the agreement to date, while the Recipients have not,” the report says. In fact, “state taxpayers have spent as much if not more than” Foxconn has on improvements to the company’s supposed manufacturing campus. The Verge previously reported that state and local governments spent at least $400 million on the project, mostly on land and infrastructure the company will likely never need. Foxconn listed approximately $300 million in capital expenses at the end of 2019.
There is no foreseeable way that the Foxconn project will employ anywhere near the number of people it was supposed to under the contract with Wisconsin. At the end of last year, it employed only 281 eligible under the terms of the contract, rather than the 2,080 it was supposed to, or even the 520 it needed to employ to get tax subsidies. By the end of 2022, it was supposed to employ 13,000 workers. And those numbers are going in the wrong direction. The Verge’s investigation found that Foxconn recruited large numbers of local college students and foreign recent graduates on visas late in 2019 as it tried to hit the employment threshold needed to receive subsidies, only to lay off many employees once the deadline passed. The state report notes that Foxconn’s employment numbers have fallen this year, and “a pattern of hiring spikes at the year-end December job reporting deadline followed by drops in the following months” fails to meet Foxconn’s contractual obligation to maintain employment levels for several years.
“The melding of cultures that has taken place in recent years is somewhat reflected in the documentary ‘American Factory.’”
The state has been warning Foxconn that its current project is ineligible for subsidies for over 16 months, but the company has so far declined to revise the contract. A settlement period this summer ended without an agreement. WEDC did not respond to a request for comment but has previously stated its openness to revising the contract to reflect whatever it is Foxconn is currently doing.
“I have expressed to you my commitment to help negotiate fair terms to support Foxconn’s new and substantially changed vision for the project,” WEDC CEO Missy Hughes wrote to Foxconn with the subsidy denial. “WEDC’s door remains wide open to support your business expansion in Wisconsin.”
Foxconn did not respond to a prepublication request for comment for The Verge’s investigation this week, but it later issued a statement denying it had hired employees only to get tax subsidies.
Regarding the company’s failure to build LCDs and two years spent veering from idea to idea (co-working, fish farming, building giant glass spheres), the company said “Foxconn’s progress in Wisconsin has been achieved despite many growing pains that includes the need to explore new business opportunities, adjust to changes in global customer requirements, and a constantly evolving global technology industry.”
As for the chaotic and toxic work environment reported by many Foxconn employees, the company said: “Many Wisconsin employees have found success embracing our challenges such as the assimilation of cultural differences, adapting to changing business needs, and finding ways to contribute to the company as their roles have evolve. The melding of cultures that has taken place in recent years is somewhat reflected in the documentary American Factory.”
The Verge reported that a Foxconn executive mandated employees watch the Netflix movie, in which a Chinese glass company’s foray into the Midwest founders amid culture clashes, and American management is replaced with Chinese leadership. Foxconn employees saw it as alarmingly similar to their own experience.
Foxconn said it remains committed to Wisconsin but that WEDC’s denial of subsidies “threatens the good faith negotiations” over a new contract.
A statement the same day from Foxconn founder Terry Gou, however, struck a more ominous tone, linking the future of the project to continued state support and, implicitly, to President Donald Trump’s reelection. “Foxconn will work as a partner with those who treat the company as a partner,” Gou wrote. “Foxconn will remain committed to the completion and continued expansion of our project and investment in Wisconsin as long as policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels remain committed to Foxconn and the very important technology development goals driving the company’s investments, as President Trump has done.”


theverge--2020-10-21--Ubisoft Connect adding crossplay, cross-saves to Watch Dogs: Legion and more

Ubisoft is merging its loyalty program , Ubisoft Club , and desktop app Uplay into Ubisoft Connect , the developer announced .
In addition to a rewards program , it will introduce crossplay and cross-progression in games such as Assassin ’ s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs : Legion .
The new hub will be available for free , but it requires a Ubisoft account .
Ubisoft Connect “ aims at giving the best environment for all players to enjoy their games and connect with each others whatever the device , ” Ubisoft said .
Players who use the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XP for playing games and completing in-game challenges .
Gaining XP will allow players to level up their Ubisoft Connect accounts , which will award a second currency , Units , that can be used to unlock various rewards for different games .
Additionally , players will be able to see what their friends are up to and get news through the service ’ s Feed .
Ubisoft Connect will launch on October 29th , alongside Watch Dogs : Legion ; the developer plans to include Connect in all “ major upcoming ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include For Honor , Ghost Recon Breakpoint , Hyper Scape , Steep , Tom Clancy ’ s Rainbow Six Siege , and Tom Clancy ’ s The Division 2 .
More information on how the service works and benefits is available in an FAQ .

The new hub will be available for free, but it requires a Ubisoft account. Ubisoft Connect “aims at giving the best environment for all players to enjoy their games and connect with each others whatever the device,” Ubisoft said. Players who use the service will be able to earn Ubisoft Connect XP for playing games and completing in-game challenges. Gaining XP will allow players to level up their Ubisoft Connect accounts, which will award a second currency, Units, that can be used to unlock various rewards for different games. Additionally, players will be able to see what their friends are up to and get news through the service’s Feed.


theverge--2020-10-22--HBO Max has 28.7 million subscribers, but not all of them are actually watching yet

HBO Max , the new premium streaming channel from AT & T ’ s Warner Media , said in its earnings report on Thursday that 8.6 million customers have activated their subscriptions to the service in the third quarter , bringing the total number of HBO and HBO Max subscribers in the US to 38 million — ahead of the company ’ s target of 37 million for the end of 2020 — and 57 million globally .
AT & T counts “ activations ” as well as subscribers , as many customers who already pay for HBO have access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package , but haven ’ t yet activated that subscription and started watching .
According to the earnings report , 28.7 million customers were eligible to get HBO Max at the end of the third quarter , but activations of HBO Max to date number 12.7 million , meaning about half of the existing HBO subscribers who could get HBO Max for free haven ’ t yet watched Max content ( and may not be aware it ’ s available to them ) .
And HBO Max still isn ’ t on major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an impact on subscriber growth .
The rest of AT & T ’ s third quarter results were mixed .
Its cable division , which includes DirecTV , lost 627,000 customers in the quarter .
but broadband subscribers were up by 158,000 , including more than 100,000 subscribers on one of its Keep Americans Connected plans .
Its wireless division saw an increase of 645,000 postpaid phone subscribers .
AT & T saw a profit of $ 2.8 billion in the third quarter , down from $ 3.7 billion a year ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in at $ 42.3 billion compared to $ 44.6 billion in the year-ago quarter .
Its Warner Bros. division saw revenue drop 28 percent to $ 2.5 billion , taking a hit from closed theaters and movie releases delayed until next year .
HBO ’ s third quarter revenue was down 2.1 percent to $ 1.8 billion .

HBO Max, the new premium streaming channel from AT&T’s Warner Media, said in its earnings report on Thursday that 8.6 million customers have activated their subscriptions to the service in the third quarter, bringing the total number of HBO and HBO Max subscribers in the US to 38 million — ahead of the company’s target of 37 million for the end of 2020 — and 57 million globally.
AT&T counts “activations” as well as subscribers, as many customers who already pay for HBO have access to HBO Max as part of their package, but haven’t yet activated that subscription and started watching. According to the earnings report, 28.7 million customers were eligible to get HBO Max at the end of the third quarter, but activations of HBO Max to date number 12.7 million, meaning about half of the existing HBO subscribers who could get HBO Max for free haven’t yet watched Max content (and may not be aware it’s available to them). And HBO Max still isn’t on major platforms like Roku, which likely has had an impact on subscriber growth.
The rest of AT&T’s third quarter results were mixed. Its cable division, which includes DirecTV, lost 627,000 customers in the quarter. but broadband subscribers were up by 158,000, including more than 100,000 subscribers on one of its Keep Americans Connected plans. Its wireless division saw an increase of 645,000 postpaid phone subscribers.
AT&T saw a profit of $2.8 billion in the third quarter, down from $3.7 billion a year ago. Revenue was also lower, coming in at $42.3 billion compared to $44.6 billion in the year-ago quarter. Its Warner Bros. division saw revenue drop 28 percent to $2.5 billion, taking a hit from closed theaters and movie releases delayed until next year. HBO’s third quarter revenue was down 2.1 percent to $1.8 billion.


theverge--2020-10-22--Corsair’s HS75 XB Wireless sounds better than most $150 gaming headsets

I mentioned in a recent review of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless that my ideal low-cost headset has to be comfortable , have great sound quality , and support for USB-C charging .
Apparently , I need to raise the bar a little , as more headsets other than the HyperX can satisfy those requirements .
The latest to do that is Corsair ’ s HS75 XB Wireless , a $ 150 gaming headset made to work on the Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One without the need for a USB dongle .
It also works on PCs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapter , which is how I tested this model .
The HS75 XB Wireless has open-back ear cups with 50mm drivers that push out a lovely , warm sound , with bass and highs coming through without stepping on each other .
Compared to closed-back designs , this open-back design results in a fuller , more lifelike sound that doesn ’ t seem as compressed .
Trying out songs like “ Jewelry ” by Blood Orange shows off the range nicely , providing twinkles of instrumentation to test its highs and a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the song to test out the bass .
Of course , this headset is made primarily for gaming , and its audio chops are put to good use there , too .
I tested it for a few hours with Hades , my latest addiction .
All of the action came through just as intensely as I wanted , making each run all the more gripping .
The sound quality was great , and the free Dolby Atmos app helps to fill it out with virtual surround sound .
In Hades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do better or get more enjoyment .
But where positional audio comes into play is with a VR game like Half-Life : Alyx , which I ’ ve been spending more time with since the Oculus Quest 2 released .
Using the HS75 XB Wireless with Atmos enabled , the experience is more engrossing ( and downright terrifying since I last left off in a headcrab-infested area ) .
It actually got a little too intense at some point — so I ’ d consider that a success for this headset .
Sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sounds more like a high-end set of headphones than gaming headsets I ’ m accustomed to testing .
This wireless headset has solid build quality and doesn ’ t feel too heavy or tight on my head .
The size adjusters on each side of the headband click rigidly into place , and it supports head sizes far larger than my own rather large head .
A metal grille covers each of the cups , surrounded at the edges with grippy plastic .
Unfortunately , the ear cups on this model don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I always like that for portability , though it ’ s rare to find in a gaming headset .
Corsair covers the inside of each ear cup in a leather-like material , and they don ’ t feel too toasty because of the open-back design that lets some air in .
However , this will be more of a con than a pro for some gamers , as that design also lets a good amount of sound in and out .
It seems a little contradictory that Corsair ’ s focus on positional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t effectively keep out the noise .
On the other hand , as long as you don ’ t need pin-drop silence , it shouldn ’ t be much of a bother .
Using the HS75 XB Wireless ’ controls is simpler than with most headsets .
Corsair opted for a symmetrical layout for each ear cup .
Visually , both sides mirror each other , but on the left , a dial controls the volume , with a button beneath it to mute or unmute the adjustable ( and removable ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in a chat and game audio mix dial , residing above a power button .
This isn ’ t the first headset to feature an intuitive way to adjust the chat / game audio mix , but it ’ s always appreciated .
As I touched on earlier , this model supports USB-C charging , improving over the Micro USB port used with Corsair ’ s HS70 headset .
More and more headsets are making the jump to USB-C , and while it might seem like a small shift , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USB and usually results in faster recharge times .
Corsair claims 20 hours of battery life per charge , and I haven ’ t yet been able to drain it fully .
This isn ’ t best-in-class longevity , but it should last for a few sessions without needing to be topped up .
There isn ’ t an overwhelming number of wireless gaming headsets that work with Xbox consoles .
But compared to some of the newer options , like the $ 150 SteelSeries Arctis 7X and the $ 120 Astro A20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a better option when it comes to sound quality , ease of use , and comfort .
Not that any of those models are bad , but if you ’ re particular about attention to fine detail , Corsair ’ s $ 150 headset stands out just a bit beyond what ’ s currently out there .

I mentioned in a recent review of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless that my ideal low-cost headset has to be comfortable, have great sound quality, and support for USB-C charging. Apparently, I need to raise the bar a little, as more headsets other than the HyperX can satisfy those requirements. The latest to do that is Corsair’s HS75 XB Wireless, a $150 gaming headset made to work on the Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One without the need for a USB dongle. It also works on PCs via Microsoft’s wireless Xbox USB adapter, which is how I tested this model.
The HS75 XB Wireless has open-back ear cups with 50mm drivers that push out a lovely, warm sound, with bass and highs coming through without stepping on each other. Compared to closed-back designs, this open-back design results in a fuller, more lifelike sound that doesn’t seem as compressed. Trying out songs like “Jewelry” by Blood Orange shows off the range nicely, providing twinkles of instrumentation to test its highs and a big beat coming through in the second half of the song to test out the bass.
8.5 Verge Score Corsair HS75 XB Wireless $ 149.9 The Good Very comfortable
Elegant design
Symmetrical button layout
Fantastic sound quality The Bad Not best-in-class battery performance
Works only on Xbox and PCs that have the Xbox wireless adapter
Open-back ear cups let in a lot of outside sound $150 at Amazon$150 at Corsair How we rate and review products
Of course, this headset is made primarily for gaming, and its audio chops are put to good use there, too. I tested it for a few hours with Hades, my latest addiction. All of the action came through just as intensely as I wanted, making each run all the more gripping. The sound quality was great, and the free Dolby Atmos app helps to fill it out with virtual surround sound.
An inside view of the plush ear cups.
In Hades, positional audio isn’t necessary to do better or get more enjoyment. But where positional audio comes into play is with a VR game like Half-Life: Alyx, which I’ve been spending more time with since the Oculus Quest 2 released. Using the HS75 XB Wireless with Atmos enabled, the experience is more engrossing (and downright terrifying since I last left off in a headcrab-infested area). It actually got a little too intense at some point — so I’d consider that a success for this headset.
Sound aside, the HS75 XB Wireless looks and sounds more like a high-end set of headphones than gaming headsets I’m accustomed to testing. This wireless headset has solid build quality and doesn’t feel too heavy or tight on my head. The size adjusters on each side of the headband click rigidly into place, and it supports head sizes far larger than my own rather large head. A metal grille covers each of the cups, surrounded at the edges with grippy plastic. Unfortunately, the ear cups on this model don’t swivel to lay flat. I always like that for portability, though it’s rare to find in a gaming headset.
Corsair covers the inside of each ear cup in a leather-like material, and they don’t feel too toasty because of the open-back design that lets some air in. However, this will be more of a con than a pro for some gamers, as that design also lets a good amount of sound in and out. It seems a little contradictory that Corsair’s focus on positional audio comes in a headset that can’t effectively keep out the noise. On the other hand, as long as you don’t need pin-drop silence, it shouldn’t be much of a bother.
The button layout looks the same on each side, but the left features a volume dial and mute, while the right side features a game / chat dial and the power button.
Using the HS75 XB Wireless’ controls is simpler than with most headsets. Corsair opted for a symmetrical layout for each ear cup. Visually, both sides mirror each other, but on the left, a dial controls the volume, with a button beneath it to mute or unmute the adjustable (and removable) microphone. On the right, Corsair put in a chat and game audio mix dial, residing above a power button. This isn’t the first headset to feature an intuitive way to adjust the chat / game audio mix, but it’s always appreciated.
As I touched on earlier, this model supports USB-C charging, improving over the Micro USB port used with Corsair’s HS70 headset. More and more headsets are making the jump to USB-C, and while it might seem like a small shift, it’s easier to plug in than Micro USB and usually results in faster recharge times. Corsair claims 20 hours of battery life per charge, and I haven’t yet been able to drain it fully. This isn’t best-in-class longevity, but it should last for a few sessions without needing to be topped up.
There isn’t an overwhelming number of wireless gaming headsets that work with Xbox consoles. But compared to some of the newer options, like the $150 SteelSeries Arctis 7X and the $120 Astro A20 Gen 2, the HS75 XB Wireless is a better option when it comes to sound quality, ease of use, and comfort. Not that any of those models are bad, but if you’re particular about attention to fine detail, Corsair’s $150 headset stands out just a bit beyond what’s currently out there.


theverge--2020-10-22--Amazon Echo (2020) review: music of the sphere

The smart speaker competition this year is the hottest it ’ s ever been .
Google has finally refreshed its midrange smart speaker with the impressively good Nest Audio .
Apple has seen the error of its HomePod ways and is coming out with the much more accessible HomePod mini .
And Amazon , naturally , is not standing still .
It has a brand-new Echo with the biggest overhaul in design and sound quality since the first Echo surprised the world back in 2014 .
And it ’ s all for the same $ 99.99 price as last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nest Audio , and the HomePod mini .
Amazon also has a brand-new Echo Dot lineup that , well , echoes the design of the larger model , shrinking it down and bringing it to an even lower price point .
I ’ ll be covering the Echo Dot in a separate piece , but if it ’ s anything like the larger Echo , it ’ s going to be impressive .
Because the new 4th-Gen Echo sounds incredible .
The Echo ’ s design has been completely overhauled — the cylindrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spheres now .
The new Echo is essentially a 5-inch ball with a flat side on the bottom , so it doesn ’ t roll off the table .
It ’ s vaguely melon-like in appearance , though I also can ’ t deny the Death Star vibes it projects .
According to Amazon , the ball shape is meant to improve the speaker ’ s acoustic properties and allows for more flexibility with the placement of the drivers inside .
It also offers a fuller cavity behind the woofer for better bass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Echo is physically deeper than the Nest Audio , which is a little bit taller .
That depth allows Amazon to use two tweeters ( each 0.8-inch ) compared to the Nest ’ s single one , while still fitting in a 3-inch woofer and enough space for it to radiate bass .
The net effect is the Echo has a greater sound stage than the Nest and fills larger rooms better with sound .
It also has noticeably better bass — you can feel it in the floor as well as just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I haven ’ t experienced from a $ 100 smart speaker before .
The top half of the ball is covered in fabric , and you can get it in dark gray , light gray , or a new light blue .
At the very apex are four buttons : volume up , volume down , microphone mute , and the “ action ” button , which puts the speaker into listening mode without you having to say “ Alexa ” .
Around back you ’ ll find the power port and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the other Echo speakers for hooking it up to a larger sound system .
There ’ s also a built-in Bluetooth radio for connecting directly to a device and playing whatever audio source you want .
Alexa ’ s signature LED light ring is now on the bottom This new shape necessitates moving the signature LED light ring that lets you know when Alexa is listening for a voice command , when it ’ s muted , when you have a notification , or the volume level of the speaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which might be harder to see from a distance .
But in my experience that was a non-issue : the light ring ’ s glow reflects off the surface of whatever you put the Echo on and it ’ s bright enough to see from across the room .
Lastly , the design is also much more directional than the prior models .
Instead of trying to splash sound in all directions , the Echo ’ s woofer is pointed towards the front at a 45-degree upwards angle , while the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left and slightly right .
It ’ s clear that you are meant to face the speaker when listening to it , and it isn ’ t expected to be placed in the center of a room .
In all , the design is a radical departure for both Amazon and what we ’ ve collectively come to expect a smart speaker to look like .
I like it .
I also really like the sound that comes out of the new Echo .
As mentioned , it sounds better than the Nest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unique shape .
It also utilizes the same kind of active room tuning that is typically found on more expensive speakers from Sonos , Apple , Google , and even Amazon itself .
The new Echo will use the mics built into it to listen to the room and continuously gauge its size and shape .
It will then adjust its audio output accordingly .
This isn ’ t a feature that ’ s been available on speakers at this price before — neither the Nest Audio nor the HomePod mini have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantify the difference this room tuning makes , especially since I can ’ t turn it on or off at will .
But in combination with the three drivers and larger size , the Echo produces an impressively full sound .
It appears that Amazon designed it for slightly larger rooms — the company recommends sitting ten feet away ( and no closer than six feet ) from it for the best experience .
If you ’ re in a smaller space , the Echo Dot ’ s more compact , yet similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amazon also claims that the Echo benefits from Dolby Audio tuning , but it stops short of supporting the 3D Atmos audio that the larger and more expensive Echo Studio is capable of ( no big loss there ) .
In general , the Echo has a wide soundstage , deeper bass than typically found on speakers at this price , and some stereo separation thanks to those two tweeters .
It also gets loud — when I compared it side by side with the Sonos One , a speaker that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to go toe-to-toe with the Sonos in terms of output .
The Echo isn ’ t quite able to match the Sonos on sound quality , and I do prefer the sound of the Sonos overall .
But the differences are small : the Echo can sound more “ processed ” at times and it lacks the warmth in the midrange that the Sonos is so good at .
Those differences did not stop me from enjoying the music coming out of the Echo , however , whether that was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tom Petty ’ s Wildflowers ; the driving , harmonized guitar riffs on Spirit Adrift ’ s Enlightened In Eternity ; or the ambient Tycho beats I typically listen to while working .
( I used Spotify for my testing , but the Echo supports all of the major music services , save for YouTube Music . )
The Echo is good at allowing each instrument in the mix to shine , something prior models were horribly poor at , without drowning out vocals or mids with too much bass .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparkly ” , but they are pleasant and never grating , even at high volumes .
I ’ ve come to not expect much bass from smart speakers , especially at this price , so the fact that I could feel the bass drum in the floor was a nice surprise .
It ’ s not going to replace a subwoofer at a house party , but it ’ s definitely more bass than the Nest Audio provides , even though both it and the Echo have the same size woofer .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speakers into a stereo configuration , and doing so produces a wall of sound that you ’ d expect to come from much larger or more expensive speakers .
It also provides a much more obvious stereo separation than the two tweeters in a single Echo are able to manage on their own .
But I don ’ t think most people will find it necessary to buy two and use them in stereo — a single Echo gets plenty loud enough on its own , even in my open-concept living room with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two Echo speakers in stereo definitely makes more sense if you pair them with a FireTV for a home theater setup . )
The Echo also sounds good for spoken word audio , whether that ’ s a podcast playing through Pocket Casts or an Audible audio book .
It remains a versatile speaker for a wide variety of uses .
As a smart speaker , the new Echo is capable of all the things that Echo speakers have been doing for years .
You can ask Alexa to control smart home gadgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , add things to a shopping list , and so on .
The list of things that Alexa can do continues to grow by the day , but most people still use smart speakers for the basics — music , alarms , timers , etc — and the Echo is very good at all of those .
It ’ s also very good at picking up the “ Alexa ” wake word , and I don ’ t have to raise my voice for it to hear me even when music is playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can say about the Nest Audio , where I have to consciously speak over the music to skip a track or adjust volumes .
We ’ ll have to see how the HomePod mini fares in this regard when we ’ re able to test it .
The Echo is good at picking up voice commands even while music is playing Amazon is using its new AZ1 Neural Edge processor in the new Echo , which is designed to speed up voice recognition .
Unfortunately , that won ’ t be enabled until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been able to test it .
In general , Alexa on the Echo responds relatively quickly and faster than Google tends to on the Nest Audio .
Siri has traditionally responded quicker than either Alexa or the Google Assistant on the original HomePod — again , we ’ ll have to see how the HomePod mini does when we get a chance to test it .
As if Amazon didn ’ t stack enough into the new Echo to make it a compelling option against the competition , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside of it .
You can connect Zigbee devices such as lightbulbs , door sensors , and more right to the Echo without the need for a secondary hub , and then manage and control them through voice commands or via the Alexa smartphone app .
There ’ s even a temperature sensor in the Echo , which can be used to trigger Alexa routines such as turning on a fan or air conditioner .
The Echo also supports Amazon ’ s new Sidewalk network , but until that actually launches , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will mean or how important it will be .
The progression of Amazon ’ s mainstream Echo speaker has been a long journey , from an odd , Pringles-can shape with admittedly terrible sound , to better-looking and sounding cylinders , to what we have now , a spherical speaker that legitimately sounds good .
For a long time , if you wanted a smart speaker but cared even a little about sound quality , your choices have been to pay more for a Sonos One , a HomePod , or Amazon ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar for sound quality at this price point But now Amazon has brought excellent sound quality and a ton of features to a price that ’ s much more accessible .
That price is likely to get better once Amazon ’ s frequent and aggressive discounts are available for the new Echo .
If you already have Alexa speakers in your home , whether that ’ s a cheap Echo Dot or an older Echo model , the new Echo is a noticeable upgrade to throw into the mix .
And if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the past half-decade but haven ’ t jumped in yet , the new Echo is an excellent place to start .
It ’ s a great-sounding speaker that also happens to do a million other things .

Part of / The Verge Guide to Amazon Alexa
The smart speaker competition this year is the hottest it’s ever been. Google has finally refreshed its midrange smart speaker with the impressively good Nest Audio. Apple has seen the error of its HomePod ways and is coming out with the much more accessible HomePod mini.
And Amazon, naturally, is not standing still. It has a brand-new Echo with the biggest overhaul in design and sound quality since the first Echo surprised the world back in 2014. And it’s all for the same $99.99 price as last year’s 3rd Gen Echo, the Nest Audio, and the HomePod mini.
Amazon also has a brand-new Echo Dot lineup that, well, echoes the design of the larger model, shrinking it down and bringing it to an even lower price point. I’ll be covering the Echo Dot in a separate piece, but if it’s anything like the larger Echo, it’s going to be impressive.
Because the new 4th-Gen Echo sounds incredible.
8.5 Verge Score Amazon Echo (4th Gen) $ 99.99 The Good Loud, room filling sound
Bass you can hear and feel
Integrated smart home hub
Good voice response The Bad Music can sound overly “processed” at times
Lacks warmth in the midtones $100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy How we rate and review products
The Echo’s design has been completely overhauled — the cylindrical shape is out, everything is about spheres now. The new Echo is essentially a 5-inch ball with a flat side on the bottom, so it doesn’t roll off the table. It’s vaguely melon-like in appearance, though I also can’t deny the Death Star vibes it projects.
According to Amazon, the ball shape is meant to improve the speaker’s acoustic properties and allows for more flexibility with the placement of the drivers inside. It also offers a fuller cavity behind the woofer for better bass response.
And sure enough, the Echo is physically deeper than the Nest Audio, which is a little bit taller. That depth allows Amazon to use two tweeters (each 0.8-inch) compared to the Nest’s single one, while still fitting in a 3-inch woofer and enough space for it to radiate bass.
The net effect is the Echo has a greater sound stage than the Nest and fills larger rooms better with sound. It also has noticeably better bass — you can feel it in the floor as well as just hearing it. That’s something I haven’t experienced from a $100 smart speaker before.
The top half of the sphere is covered in fabric. It’s definitely got some Death Star vibes. From the side, you can see how much deeper the Echo is compared to the Nest Audio
The top half of the ball is covered in fabric, and you can get it in dark gray, light gray, or a new light blue. At the very apex are four buttons: volume up, volume down, microphone mute, and the “action” button, which puts the speaker into listening mode without you having to say “Alexa”. Around back you’ll find the power port and the same 3.5mm jack that’s on all of the other Echo speakers for hooking it up to a larger sound system. There’s also a built-in Bluetooth radio for connecting directly to a device and playing whatever audio source you want.
Alexa’s signature LED light ring is now on the bottom
This new shape necessitates moving the signature LED light ring that lets you know when Alexa is listening for a voice command, when it’s muted, when you have a notification, or the volume level of the speaker. It’s now on the bottom, which might be harder to see from a distance. But in my experience that was a non-issue: the light ring’s glow reflects off the surface of whatever you put the Echo on and it’s bright enough to see from across the room.
Lastly, the design is also much more directional than the prior models. Instead of trying to splash sound in all directions, the Echo’s woofer is pointed towards the front at a 45-degree upwards angle, while the two tweeters are below it, facing slightly left and slightly right. It’s clear that you are meant to face the speaker when listening to it, and it isn’t expected to be placed in the center of a room.
In all, the design is a radical departure for both Amazon and what we’ve collectively come to expect a smart speaker to look like. I like it.
On top are buttons for controlling volume and Alexa’s responses
I also really like the sound that comes out of the new Echo. As mentioned, it sounds better than the Nest Audio thanks to its larger physical size and unique shape. It also utilizes the same kind of active room tuning that is typically found on more expensive speakers from Sonos, Apple, Google, and even Amazon itself.
The new Echo will use the mics built into it to listen to the room and continuously gauge its size and shape. It will then adjust its audio output accordingly. This isn’t a feature that’s been available on speakers at this price before — neither the Nest Audio nor the HomePod mini have it.
Agree to Continue: Amazon Echo 4th Gen 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. In order to use the Amazon Echo, you’ll need to download the Alexa app for iOS and Android. An Amazon account is required to sign in. By signing up for one of those, you must agree to its conditions of use. After that, the Alexa app will ask what sort of device you want to connect with. Just know that once you click on the device, you agree to a whole host of mandatory terms. In Amazon’s own words: “By proceeding, you agree to Amazon’s conditions of use and all of the terms found here.” You can explore the documentation at that link, but below, we’ve listed the 12 terms to which you must agree. Alexa Terms of Use
Amazon Conditions of Use
Amazon Privacy Policy
Children’s Privacy Disclosure
Amazon Prime Terms
Amazon Music Terms of Use
Kindle Store Terms of Use
Audible Service Conditions of Use
Amazon Dash Replenishment Terms of Use
Amazon FreeTime Unlimited Terms & Conditions, and Kindle FreeTime Unlimited T&C
Amazon Photos Terms of Use
Amazon Device Terms of Use In addition to the standard Alexa features, you will have to agree to whatever terms of service are required for your preferred music service, whether that’s Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, or something else. Final tally: 13 mandatory agreements and more optional agreements depending on what music services you use.
It’s hard to quantify the difference this room tuning makes, especially since I can’t turn it on or off at will. But in combination with the three drivers and larger size, the Echo produces an impressively full sound. It appears that Amazon designed it for slightly larger rooms — the company recommends sitting ten feet away (and no closer than six feet) from it for the best experience. If you’re in a smaller space, the Echo Dot’s more compact, yet similar, design is likely a better fit.
Amazon also claims that the Echo benefits from Dolby Audio tuning, but it stops short of supporting the 3D Atmos audio that the larger and more expensive Echo Studio is capable of (no big loss there).
In general, the Echo has a wide soundstage, deeper bass than typically found on speakers at this price, and some stereo separation thanks to those two tweeters. It also gets loud — when I compared it side by side with the Sonos One, a speaker that’s twice as expensive, the Echo was able to go toe-to-toe with the Sonos in terms of output.
The Echo isn’t quite able to match the Sonos on sound quality, and I do prefer the sound of the Sonos overall. But the differences are small: the Echo can sound more “processed” at times and it lacks the warmth in the midrange that the Sonos is so good at.
Those differences did not stop me from enjoying the music coming out of the Echo, however, whether that was the acoustic home recordings on the recent rerelease of Tom Petty’s Wildflowers; the driving, harmonized guitar riffs on Spirit Adrift’s Enlightened In Eternity; or the ambient Tycho beats I typically listen to while working. (I used Spotify for my testing, but the Echo supports all of the major music services, save for YouTube Music.) The Echo is good at allowing each instrument in the mix to shine, something prior models were horribly poor at, without drowning out vocals or mids with too much bass. I wouldn’t call the trebles “sparkly”, but they are pleasant and never grating, even at high volumes.
I’ve come to not expect much bass from smart speakers, especially at this price, so the fact that I could feel the bass drum in the floor was a nice surprise. It’s not going to replace a subwoofer at a house party, but it’s definitely more bass than the Nest Audio provides, even though both it and the Echo have the same size woofer.
It’s possible to pair two Echo speakers into a stereo configuration, and doing so produces a wall of sound that you’d expect to come from much larger or more expensive speakers. It also provides a much more obvious stereo separation than the two tweeters in a single Echo are able to manage on their own.
But I don’t think most people will find it necessary to buy two and use them in stereo — a single Echo gets plenty loud enough on its own, even in my open-concept living room with a high, sloped ceiling. (Two Echo speakers in stereo definitely makes more sense if you pair them with a FireTV for a home theater setup.)
The Echo also sounds good for spoken word audio, whether that’s a podcast playing through Pocket Casts or an Audible audio book. It remains a versatile speaker for a wide variety of uses.
From left to right: Sonos One, Google Nest Audio, Amazon Echo 4th Gen, Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen
As a smart speaker, the new Echo is capable of all the things that Echo speakers have been doing for years. You can ask Alexa to control smart home gadgets, set timers, give weather reports, add things to a shopping list, and so on. The list of things that Alexa can do continues to grow by the day, but most people still use smart speakers for the basics — music, alarms, timers, etc — and the Echo is very good at all of those.
It’s also very good at picking up the “Alexa” wake word, and I don’t have to raise my voice for it to hear me even when music is playing. That’s not something I can say about the Nest Audio, where I have to consciously speak over the music to skip a track or adjust volumes. We’ll have to see how the HomePod mini fares in this regard when we’re able to test it.
The Echo is good at picking up voice commands even while music is playing
Amazon is using its new AZ1 Neural Edge processor in the new Echo, which is designed to speed up voice recognition. Unfortunately, that won’t be enabled until later this year, so I haven’t been able to test it. In general, Alexa on the Echo responds relatively quickly and faster than Google tends to on the Nest Audio. Siri has traditionally responded quicker than either Alexa or the Google Assistant on the original HomePod — again, we’ll have to see how the HomePod mini does when we get a chance to test it.
As if Amazon didn’t stack enough into the new Echo to make it a compelling option against the competition, it’s also included a full smart home hub inside of it. You can connect Zigbee devices such as lightbulbs, door sensors, and more right to the Echo without the need for a secondary hub, and then manage and control them through voice commands or via the Alexa smartphone app. There’s even a temperature sensor in the Echo, which can be used to trigger Alexa routines such as turning on a fan or air conditioner.
The Echo also supports Amazon’s new Sidewalk network, but until that actually launches, it’s hard to say what it will mean or how important it will be.
The glowing LED light ring is on the bottom now, but it’s still easy to see from afar
The progression of Amazon’s mainstream Echo speaker has been a long journey, from an odd, Pringles-can shape with admittedly terrible sound, to better-looking and sounding cylinders, to what we have now, a spherical speaker that legitimately sounds good. For a long time, if you wanted a smart speaker but cared even a little about sound quality, your choices have been to pay more for a Sonos One, a HomePod, or Amazon’s larger Echo Studio.
A new bar for sound quality at this price point
But now Amazon has brought excellent sound quality and a ton of features to a price that’s much more accessible. That price is likely to get better once Amazon’s frequent and aggressive discounts are available for the new Echo. If you already have Alexa speakers in your home, whether that’s a cheap Echo Dot or an older Echo model, the new Echo is a noticeable upgrade to throw into the mix.
And if you have been eyeing the smart speaker world for the past half-decade but haven’t jumped in yet, the new Echo is an excellent place to start. It’s a great-sounding speaker that also happens to do a million other things.


theverge--2020-10-22--Duolingo’s bilingual true crime podcast will entertain you while you learn Spanish

Language learning app Duolingo is debuting what it says is the world ’ s first bilingual true crime podcast designed for people learning Spanish .
El Gran Robo Argentino ( The Great Argentine Heist ) tells the story of the 2006 robbery of a Banco Rio bank in Buenos Aires , where five men stole a fortune worth $ 20 million .
It ’ s quite the riveting drama ; without giving too much away , the robbers became folk heroes in Argentina , and the heist was the subject of a movie — El Robo del Siglo— in Argentina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read Josh Dean ’ s great retelling of the tale in GQ ( but obviously , spoiler alerts ) .
The Duolingo podcast will be a serialized season of the Duolingo Spanish Podcast , which is geared toward Spanish learners and has 39 million unique downloads , the company said .
The six-episode season includes interviews with real people who were part of the heist , including journalists , investigators , and even one of the bank robbers .
The episodes will be narrated by podcast host and journalist Martina Castro .
Duolingo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Gran Robo Argentino marks its ninth season , and its first presented in a serialized format .
In addition to its Spanish-for-English-speakers podcast , Duolingo has a French podcast for English speakers and an English podcast for Spanish speakers .
For the Spanish podcast episodes , native speakers tell stories in easy-to-understand Spanish alongside English narration by Castro .
The bilingual structure , which alternates between Spanish and English , lets English speakers follow along with the story without getting lost .
Duolingo works with each storyteller , coaching them on speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the vocabulary in every episode is mapped out so it meets the Common European Framework of Reference ( CEFR ) — the international standard for measuring language proficiency — for a speaker of intermediate-level Spanish .
El Gran Robo Argentina launches today , wherever you get your podcasts .

Language learning app Duolingo is debuting what it says is the world’s first bilingual true crime podcast designed for people learning Spanish. El Gran Robo Argentino (The Great Argentine Heist) tells the story of the 2006 robbery of a Banco Rio bank in Buenos Aires, where five men stole a fortune worth $20 million.
It’s quite the riveting drama; without giving too much away, the robbers became folk heroes in Argentina, and the heist was the subject of a movie — El Robo del Siglo— in Argentina earlier this year. For more, read Josh Dean’s great retelling of the tale in GQ (but obviously, spoiler alerts).
The Duolingo podcast will be a serialized season of the Duolingo Spanish Podcast, which is geared toward Spanish learners and has 39 million unique downloads, the company said. The six-episode season includes interviews with real people who were part of the heist, including journalists, investigators, and even one of the bank robbers. The episodes will be narrated by podcast host and journalist Martina Castro.
Duolingo launched its Spanish podcast in 2017. El Gran Robo Argentino marks its ninth season, and its first presented in a serialized format. In addition to its Spanish-for-English-speakers podcast, Duolingo has a French podcast for English speakers and an English podcast for Spanish speakers.
For the Spanish podcast episodes, native speakers tell stories in easy-to-understand Spanish alongside English narration by Castro. The bilingual structure, which alternates between Spanish and English, lets English speakers follow along with the story without getting lost. Duolingo works with each storyteller, coaching them on speaking more slowly than they normally might, and the vocabulary in every episode is mapped out so it meets the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) — the international standard for measuring language proficiency — for a speaker of intermediate-level Spanish.


theverge--2020-10-22--Google tests smart displays that activate without a wake word

A new feature being internally tested at Google could remove the need to say “ Hey Google ” before voicing commands to Nest Hub smart displays , Android Central reports .
Instead , the feature codenamed “ Blue Steel ” could allow the device to simply sense your presence , and proactively listen for commands without first needing to hear the wake word .
The functionality has been shown off in a video posted to YouTube by Jan Boromeusz , who Android Central notes previously leaked features like the Nest Hub ’ s new dark mode prior to its official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be seen asking for a variety of information , all without once uttering the words “ Hey Google.
” His Nest Hub Max smart display is reportedly running leaked internal firmware meant for testing within Google , and it ’ s unclear if the company has any plans to release the functionality publicly .
Blue Steel is currently being tested internally The speculation is that the Nest Hub Max is using its existing ultrasound sensing to sense a person ’ s presence and start listening .
At the moment , the smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information it shows .
However , in the future , this same technology could allow it to listen out for voice commands when it knows you ’ re nearby .
Ars Technica speculates that it could also use its camera ’ s Face Match feature to get a better idea of who ’ s speaking .
Boromeusz shows an option to turned Blue Steel on and off in the smart display ’ s settings menu .
If released to the public , Blue Steel could raise privacy concerns .
A key element of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they only pay attention to what you ’ re saying after they hear the wake word .
Relying upon proximity detection alone increases the risk of the devices hearing something they ’ re not supposed to , at the expense of your privacy .
That said , “ Blue Steel ” could make for a useful optional feature for some .
Having to repeatedly say “ Hey Google ” or “ Ok Google ” before every voice command can be a pain , and this potentially makes accessing information you need far quicker @

A new feature being internally tested at Google could remove the need to say “Hey Google” before voicing commands to Nest Hub smart displays, Android Central reports. Instead, the feature codenamed “Blue Steel” could allow the device to simply sense your presence, and proactively listen for commands without first needing to hear the wake word.
The functionality has been shown off in a video posted to YouTube by Jan Boromeusz, who Android Central notes previously leaked features like the Nest Hub’s new dark mode prior to its official announcement. In the video, Boromeusz can be seen asking for a variety of information, all without once uttering the words “Hey Google.” His Nest Hub Max smart display is reportedly running leaked internal firmware meant for testing within Google, and it’s unclear if the company has any plans to release the functionality publicly.
Blue Steel is currently being tested internally
The speculation is that the Nest Hub Max is using its existing ultrasound sensing to sense a person’s presence and start listening. At the moment, the smart display uses this to simply adjust the information it shows. However, in the future, this same technology could allow it to listen out for voice commands when it knows you’re nearby. Ars Technica speculates that it could also use its camera’s Face Match feature to get a better idea of who’s speaking. Boromeusz shows an option to turned Blue Steel on and off in the smart display’s settings menu.
If released to the public, Blue Steel could raise privacy concerns. A key element of current smart speakers and displays is that they only pay attention to what you’re saying after they hear the wake word. Relying upon proximity detection alone increases the risk of the devices hearing something they’re not supposed to, at the expense of your privacy.


theverge--2020-10-22--Microsoft wants to cut down pollution from its business travel

Microsoft announced a new effort today to reduce pollution coming from some of its employees ’ flights .
It plans to buy credits for sustainable aviation fuel to cover travel on the commercial flight routes most frequented by its employees during business trips .
It will buy the credits from Dutch company SkyNRG , which will then supply cleaner-burning fuel to Alaska Airlines .
The less-polluting flights will be operated by Alaska Airlines for travel between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ( near Microsoft ’ s corporate headquarters ) and San Francisco , San Jose , and Los Angeles international airports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in the US with used cooking oil or other plant oils .
When it ’ s burned , the fuel could emit 75 percent fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional , kerosene-based jet fuel , SkyNRG claims .
This is Microsoft ’ s latest move to address their greenhouse gas emissions .
In January , it pledged to remove more planet-heating carbon dioxide than it emits by 2030 .
It also said that by 2050 , it would draw down all the emissions it ’ s ever released since its founding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide doesn ’ t yet exist .
Right now , the clearest way to avert more catastrophic climate change is to put out less pollution in the first place .
When it comes to business travel , that means taking fewer flights and switching to cleaner fuels .
“ We hope this sustainable aviation fuel model will be used by other companies as a way to reduce the environmental impact of their business travel , ” Judson Althoff , executive vice president of worldwide commercial business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Business travel accounted for about three percent of Microsoft ’ s carbon footprint during its 2019 fiscal year , according to a company factsheet .
That climate pollution , equivalent to 392,557 metric tons of carbon dioxide , is roughly the same amount that 84,809 passenger vehicles might produce in a year .
Although it ’ s a small fraction of Microsoft ’ s overall emissions , pollution from the company ’ s business travel has grown steadily since 2017 .
Until the COVID-19 pandemic grounded flights en masse this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fastest growing sources of global greenhouse gas emissions .
If the industry was a country , it would be one of the top ten carbon polluters in the world .
Driven by concerns for the climate , activists sparked a worldwide trend shunning air travel in 2017 .
The pandemic devastated domestic and international travel this year , resulting in a nearly 47 percent drop in emissions from the sector during the first seven months of 2020 .
Microsoft says it ’ s currently allowing some employees to travel for “ critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more travel to resume when COVID-19 case numbers decline .
Reducing flights is still the best way to reduce emissions When more planes do start flying again , airlines will have to keep net emissions for international flights at 2019 levels , thanks to a decision by the United Nations ’ aviation body , the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ) , earlier this year .
Reducing flights is still the best way to reduce emissions , but the airline industry , and frequent fliers like Microsoft are looking at alternatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ large , electrified commercial planes , which leaves cleaner-burning fuels as the best option to reduce pollution from flights .
Back in 2016 , ICAO estimated that if sustainable aviation fuel powers every international flight by 2050 , it would slash emissions by 63 percent .
Microsoft ’ s announcement is one small step in that direction .

Microsoft announced a new effort today to reduce pollution coming from some of its employees’ flights. It plans to buy credits for sustainable aviation fuel to cover travel on the commercial flight routes most frequented by its employees during business trips.
It will buy the credits from Dutch company SkyNRG, which will then supply cleaner-burning fuel to Alaska Airlines. The less-polluting flights will be operated by Alaska Airlines for travel between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (near Microsoft’s corporate headquarters) and San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles international airports.
The fuel could emit 80 percent fewer CO2 emissions
The fuel that SkyNRG provides would be made in the US with used cooking oil or other plant oils. When it’s burned, the fuel could emit 75 percent fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional, kerosene-based jet fuel, SkyNRG claims.
This is Microsoft’s latest move to address their greenhouse gas emissions. In January, it pledged to remove more planet-heating carbon dioxide than it emits by 2030. It also said that by 2050, it would draw down all the emissions it’s ever released since its founding. Despite the splashy announcement, the technology needed to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide doesn’t yet exist. Right now, the clearest way to avert more catastrophic climate change is to put out less pollution in the first place. When it comes to business travel, that means taking fewer flights and switching to cleaner fuels.
“We hope this sustainable aviation fuel model will be used by other companies as a way to reduce the environmental impact of their business travel,” Judson Althoff, executive vice president of worldwide commercial business at Microsoft, said in a statement.
Business travel accounted for about three percent of Microsoft’s carbon footprint during its 2019 fiscal year, according to a company factsheet. That climate pollution, equivalent to 392,557 metric tons of carbon dioxide, is roughly the same amount that 84,809 passenger vehicles might produce in a year. Although it’s a small fraction of Microsoft’s overall emissions, pollution from the company’s business travel has grown steadily since 2017.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic grounded flights en masse this year, aviation was one of the world’s fastest growing sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. If the industry was a country, it would be one of the top ten carbon polluters in the world. Driven by concerns for the climate, activists sparked a worldwide trend shunning air travel in 2017.
The pandemic devastated domestic and international travel this year, resulting in a nearly 47 percent drop in emissions from the sector during the first seven months of 2020. Microsoft says it’s currently allowing some employees to travel for “critical services and sales,” and expects more travel to resume when COVID-19 case numbers decline.
Reducing flights is still the best way to reduce emissions
When more planes do start flying again, airlines will have to keep net emissions for international flights at 2019 levels, thanks to a decision by the United Nations’ aviation body, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), earlier this year. Reducing flights is still the best way to reduce emissions, but the airline industry, and frequent fliers like Microsoft are looking at alternatives. Batteries are still too heavy to power large, electrified commercial planes, which leaves cleaner-burning fuels as the best option to reduce pollution from flights.


theverge--2020-10-22--Porsche’s Taycan is the first car with a native Apple Podcasts app

Porsche ’ s all-electric Taycan is the first car to get full Apple Podcasts integration , allowing owners to natively access Apple ’ s library of 1.5 million shows see its podcast charts , the company has announced .
The car ’ s infotainment system is also getting support for Apple Music ’ s lyrics feature , which will be displayed on the passenger-side display .
The features are available in new Taycan cars now , and will roll out to existing cars in January , the company says .
Apple Podcasts has previously been available to stream to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CarPlay , but the native app means you don ’ t have to connect your phone to start listening .
It also means the app can stream over the vehicle ’ s built-in data connection ( you get three years of data with the purchase of the car ) .
Apple Music ’ s lyrics feature was not previously available over CarPlay .
As well as listing to shows , Porsche owners will be able to sync their podcast listening with other devices via their Apple ID .
Voice control is supported via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts is the second built-in Apple app that Porsche ’ s Taycan has been the first to get , after the Apple Music app last year .
Android users haven ’ t been so lucky since the Taycan still lacks support for Android Auto .
There are signs that Porsche is softening its stance on Google ’ s car infotainment system however , after the company added support for it earlier this year in an upgraded infotainment system for older cars .

Porsche’s all-electric Taycan is the first car to get full Apple Podcasts integration, allowing owners to natively access Apple’s library of 1.5 million shows see its podcast charts, the company has announced. The car’s infotainment system is also getting support for Apple Music’s lyrics feature, which will be displayed on the passenger-side display. The features are available in new Taycan cars now, and will roll out to existing cars in January, the company says.
Apple Podcasts has previously been available to stream to the Taycan’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay, but the native app means you don’t have to connect your phone to start listening. It also means the app can stream over the vehicle’s built-in data connection (you get three years of data with the purchase of the car). Apple Music’s lyrics feature was not previously available over CarPlay.
Joining the car’s existing CarPlay support
As well as listing to shows, Porsche owners will be able to sync their podcast listening with other devices via their Apple ID. Voice control is supported via Porsche’s Voice Assistant.


theverge--2020-10-22--Uber and Lyft lose appeal, ordered again to classify drivers as employees

Uber and Lyft were ordered by California ’ s court of appeals to classify their drivers as employees .
In a 74-page opinion , the court affirmed the injunction that was issued on August 10th requiring Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees within 30 days .
But it ’ s unlikely this ruling will go into effect before California voters weigh in on a ballot measure , Prop 22 , that would exempt Uber , Lyft and other gig economy companies from the state law making it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 30 days after the appeals ruling The injunction won ’ t go into effect until 30 days after the appeals ruling .
Still , it ’ s a sign that Uber and Lyft have a lot riding on the passage of Prop 22 .
The companies , along with DoorDash and other gig economy companies , are spending $ 186 million to win over the electorate .
Nonetheless , public officials and driver groups celebrated the court ruling .
“ This is a huge victory for drivers , ” the pro-Prop 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The city attorney of San Francisco simply tweeted , “ Drivers are employees.
” Uber and Lyft said they are exploring their “ appeal options , ” and may take the case to the state ’ s Supreme Court .
“ Today ’ s ruling means that if the voters don ’ t say Yes on Proposition 22 , rideshare drivers will be prevented from continuing to work as independent contractors , putting hundreds of thousands of Californians out of work and likely shutting down ridesharing throughout much of the state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyft spokesperson said , “ This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop .
22.
” “ This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop .
22 ” The battle over Prop 22 has been heating up in recent weeks , as polling shows the electorate sharply divided over whether Uber and Lyft should treat drivers like employees .
A group of Uber drivers sued the company today claiming the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app violates workers ’ rights .
The drivers are seeking up to $ 260 million in penalties .
The August 10th ruling was in response to a preliminary injunction filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as part of a lawsuit alleging the companies are in violation of the state ’ s AB5 law that went into effect on January 1st .
The law enshrines the so-called “ ABC test ” to determine if someone is a contractor or an employee , and generally makes it more difficult for companies like Uber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Uber and Lyft say most drivers prefer to be independent because of the flexibility and ability to set their own hours .
But labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of traditional benefits like health insurance and workers ’ compensation , as well as forces drivers to shoulder all the costs of their work .
Uber and Lyft , along with DoorDash , are funding a ballot measure , Proposition 22 , that would allow them to sidestep AB5 and continue classifying their workers as independent contractors .
A recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of drivers — as well as voters — support the plan .

Uber and Lyft were ordered by California’s court of appeals late Thursday to classify their drivers as employees. In a 74-page opinion, the court affirmed the injunction that was issued on August 10th requiring Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees within 30 days.
But it’s unlikely this ruling will go into effect before California voters have a chance to weigh in on a ballot measure, Prop 22, that would exempt Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy companies from the state law making it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors.
The injunction won’t go into effect until 30 days after the appeals ruling
The injunction doesn’t go into effect until 30 days after the appeals ruling. Still, it’s a sign of how much is riding on Prop 22, which Uber and Lyft have collectively spent $186 million to get passed.
Public officials and driver groups celebrated the court ruling. “This is a huge victory for drivers,” the anti-Prop 22 group Gig Workers Rising said in a statement. The city attorney of San Francisco simply tweeted, “Drivers are employees.”
Uber and Lyft have both claimed that they would leave California if forced to classify drivers as employees. Uber’s CEO also predicted a sharp increase in fare prices and fewer drivers allowed on the app if Prop 22 fails.
In separate statements, Uber and Lyft said they are exploring their appeal options, which may include taking the case to the California Supreme Court. “Today’s ruling means that if the voters don’t say Yes on Proposition 22, rideshare drivers will be prevented from continuing to work as independent contractors, putting hundreds of thousands of Californians out of work and likely shutting down ridesharing throughout much of the state,” an Uber spokesperson added.
A Lyft spokesperson said, “This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop. 22.”
“This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop. 22”
The battle over Prop 22 has been heating up in recent weeks, as polling shows the electorate sharply divided over whether Uber and Lyft should treat drivers like employees. The airwaves have been blanketed with pro- and anti-Prop 22 advertisements (mostly pro, given Uber and Lyft’s spending advantage over their opponents). A group of Uber drivers sued the company today claiming the “constant barrage” of messages in its app violates workers’ rights. The drivers are seeking up to $260 million in penalties.
The August 10th ruling was in response to a preliminary injunction filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as part of a lawsuit alleging the companies are in violation of the state’s AB5 law that went into effect on January 1st. The law enshrines the so-called “ABC test” to determine if someone is a contractor or an employee, and generally makes it more difficult for companies like Uber and Lyft to classify workers as independent contractors.
Uber and Lyft say most drivers prefer to be independent because of the flexibility and ability to set their own hours. But labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of traditional benefits like health insurance and workers’ compensation, as well as forces drivers to shoulder all the costs of their work.