theverge--2020-06-21--Perry Mason doesn’t quite justify its lavish reboot

In an era where everything is up for grabs for rebooting , Perry Mason is one of the strangest .
The show takes its name from a 1957 CBS series that focused on the eponymous criminal defense attorney from author Erle Stanley Gardner ’ s detective stories .
Perry Mason ran for nine years in its initial run , followed by an ill-fated ’ 70s revival and a more successful stretch of TV movies throughout the ’ 80s and ’ 90s .
HBO ’ s new Perry Mason miniseries , however , has little in common with these previous iterations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drama and more an old-school hard-boiled detective story with a prestige TV sheen .
And what a sheen it is : Perry Mason is gorgeous to look at and sink into .
Its portrayal of 1930s California is beautifully shot and populated by an excellent cast .
It ’ s just frustratingly messy for a show so lovingly put together .
The series begins with a crime .
Matthew and Emily Dodson ( Nate Corddry and Gayle Rankin ) are on the phone with the kidnapper of their baby , Charlie , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
As they leave the money and race to their baby ’ s location , they discover that the person responsible never had any intentions of returning their son , and all they ’ re left with is a corpse .
The grotesque crime becomes a media flashpoint , and Perry Mason ( Matthew Rhys , every bit as fun to watch as he was on The Americans ) — a down-on-his luck , alcoholic World War I vet scraping by as a private investigator — becomes the only person willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of little Charlie Dodson .
The show has all the trappings of film noir .
Systemic corruption abounds in law enforcement and government , men are suspicious of and threatened by women who dare to step beyond gender roles , and the wholesomeness of Hollywood is portrayed as the sham it was .
But it feels mostly paint by numbers .
You recognize Perry Mason as a well-constructed noir , but it ’ s unclear why this noir in 2020 .
Merely replicating the bigotry of the past does not make a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detective story that ’ s strangely reluctant to go all-in on being a mystery .
While it is concerned with one long case — the ransom and subsequent grotesque murder of an infant — that case ’ s twists and turns are meandering and muddy , as the effort to trace the ways a horrific murder ripples through every aspect of the community begins to feel more labored than natural or revealing .
Some of the ways the story sprawls is commendable .
The miniseries clearly wants to take some care into including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set in that era often overlook .
A prominent plot thread is an Evangelical revival sweeping California in that time , a moment in history that ’ s rarely explored in pop culture ( and something that also , coincidentally , is a plot point in Penny Dreadful : City of Angels , which is set in the same period ) .
As Sister Alice , the charismatic leader of the Radiant Assembly of God , Orphan Black ’ s Tatiana Maslany gives a fantastic performance that shines a light on a complicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between World Wars had far-reaching effects on American culture .
But like every other facet of post-War Los Angeles that Perry Mason dives into , it rarely feels satisfying .
The long , slow development of Paul Drake ( Chris Chalk ) , a black police officer who finds himself caught between American racism and police corruption , feels rote in the wake of a more satisfying , confrontational show like Watchmen .
Merely replicating the bigotry of the past does not make a period portrait more compelling ; in fact , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slick , easy-to-watch television that ’ s hard to make a strong case for .
It ’ s strange to argue that a mystery about a child ’ s murder is a breezy watch , but style goes a long way toward massaging substance that ’ s less than compelling , and if it were any longer than eight episodes , it would be an easy skip .
But for a relatively straightforward period piece ?
It ’ s fine to slip into , even if , like everyone else in Perry ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In an era where everything is up for grabs for rebooting, Perry Mason is one of the strangest. The show takes its name from a 1957 CBS series that focused on the eponymous criminal defense attorney from author Erle Stanley Gardner’s detective stories. Perry Mason ran for nine years in its initial run, followed by an ill-fated ’70s revival and a more successful stretch of TV movies throughout the ’80s and ’90s. HBO’s new Perry Mason miniseries, however, has little in common with these previous iterations — it’s less a legal drama and more an old-school hard-boiled detective story with a prestige TV sheen.
And what a sheen it is: Perry Mason is gorgeous to look at and sink into. Its portrayal of 1930s California is beautifully shot and populated by an excellent cast. It’s just frustratingly messy for a show so lovingly put together.
The series begins with a crime. Matthew and Emily Dodson (Nate Corddry and Gayle Rankin) are on the phone with the kidnapper of their baby, Charlie, a suitcase full of ransom money ready to go. As they leave the money and race to their baby’s location, they discover that the person responsible never had any intentions of returning their son, and all they’re left with is a corpse.
The grotesque crime becomes a media flashpoint, and Perry Mason (Matthew Rhys, every bit as fun to watch as he was on The Americans) — a down-on-his luck, alcoholic World War I vet scraping by as a private investigator — becomes the only person willing to get to the bottom of the death of little Charlie Dodson.
The show has all the trappings of film noir. Systemic corruption abounds in law enforcement and government, men are suspicious of and threatened by women who dare to step beyond gender roles, and the wholesomeness of Hollywood is portrayed as the sham it was. But it feels mostly paint by numbers. You recognize Perry Mason as a well-constructed noir, but it’s unclear why this noir in 2020.
Merely replicating the bigotry of the past does not make a period portrait more compelling
Perry Mason is a detective story that’s strangely reluctant to go all-in on being a mystery. While it is concerned with one long case — the ransom and subsequent grotesque murder of an infant — that case’s twists and turns are meandering and muddy, as the effort to trace the ways a horrific murder ripples through every aspect of the community begins to feel more labored than natural or revealing.
Some of the ways the story sprawls is commendable. The miniseries clearly wants to take some care into including aspects of its period setting that stories set in that era often overlook. A prominent plot thread is an Evangelical revival sweeping California in that time, a moment in history that’s rarely explored in pop culture (and something that also, coincidentally, is a plot point in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, which is set in the same period). As Sister Alice, the charismatic leader of the Radiant Assembly of God, Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany gives a fantastic performance that shines a light on a complicated moment in history, as the depression between World Wars had far-reaching effects on American culture.
But like every other facet of post-War Los Angeles that Perry Mason dives into, it rarely feels satisfying. The long, slow development of Paul Drake (Chris Chalk), a black police officer who finds himself caught between American racism and police corruption, feels rote in the wake of a more satisfying, confrontational show like Watchmen. Merely replicating the bigotry of the past does not make a period portrait more compelling; in fact, it’s exhausting.


theverge--2020-06-22--Spotify is testing interactive podcast ads so you never have to remember a promo code again

Spotify wants to ensure you never forget a podcast advertiser ’ s promo code again .
The company announced today that it ’ s testing a new feature called “ In-App Offers ” that give podcasts the ability to keep an embedded link on their episode pages that , when tapped , leads to an advertiser ’ s webpage .
That webpage will automatically load with the promo code inserted .
This way , people don ’ t have to remember podcast ads ’ promo codes or go out of their way to find an advertiser ’ s website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start for Spotify ’ s interactive ads .
The company is looking for ways to “ create more of a direct funnel for brands , ” like bringing people to their website with a promo code automatically inserted , Jay Richman , head of ads business and platform at Spotify , tells The Verge .
“ I think you could start to then piece together what a potential roadmap could look like , just based on the model with which we view this opportunity , ” Richman says .
“ So , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to productize the coupon code.
” The test is first launching with Harry ’ s in the US on the podcast Last Podcast on the Left and with Hello Fresh in Germany on the podcast Herrengedeck .
The interactive tool will only be live on each episode page for as long as the campaign runs , and not all listeners will see it .
Spotify launched its Streaming Ad Insertion technology , or SAI , in January , which inserts ads into podcasts as people listen to them .
This means ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s demographics and other data points in real time .
As part of today ’ s news , the company says it ’ s expanding that technology to additional advertisers in the US and to select advertisers in Germany .
SAI is only used on Spotify ’ s own , exclusive shows right now , and a spokesperson says they have 100 monetizable shows .
Of course , making this technology available to only Spotify shows could encourage advertisers to spend money on the company ’ s programming over others .
This could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t spending as much on shows outside Spotify ’ s purview , or if Spotify opened the technology up to outside shows , it could take a cut of revenue from those ad sales .

Spotify wants to ensure you never forget a podcast advertiser’s promo code again. The company announced today that it’s testing a new feature called “In-App Offers” that give podcasts the ability to keep an embedded link on their episode pages that, when tapped, leads to an advertiser’s webpage. That webpage will automatically load with the promo code inserted. This way, people don’t have to remember podcast ads’ promo codes or go out of their way to find an advertiser’s website.
The new feature is apparently just the start for Spotify’s interactive ads. The company is looking for ways to “create more of a direct funnel for brands,” like bringing people to their website with a promo code automatically inserted, Jay Richman, head of ads business and platform at Spotify, tells The Verge.
“I think you could start to then piece together what a potential roadmap could look like, just based on the model with which we view this opportunity,” Richman says. “So, it is one step in a larger innovation path to productize the coupon code.”
The test is first launching with Harry’s in the US on the podcast Last Podcast on the Left and with Hello Fresh in Germany on the podcast Herrengedeck. The interactive tool will only be live on each episode page for as long as the campaign runs, and not all listeners will see it.
GIF: Spotify
Spotify launched its Streaming Ad Insertion technology, or SAI, in January, which inserts ads into podcasts as people listen to them. This means ads are targeted based on a person’s demographics and other data points in real time. As part of today’s news, the company says it’s expanding that technology to additional advertisers in the US and to select advertisers in Germany. SAI is only used on Spotify’s own, exclusive shows right now, and a spokesperson says they have 100 monetizable shows.


theverge--2020-06-22--Apple WWDC 2020 keynote: how to watch today’s live stream online

Apple ’ s Worldwide Developers Conference ( WWDC ) is going to be entirely virtual this year , but that doesn ’ t mean there won ’ t be some really interesting stuff to see .
The keynote will start at 10AM PT / 1PM ET on Monday , June 22nd .
There are a lot of rumors being passed around about what can be expected .
While the main focus will probably be on iOS 14 , there is a great deal of talk about the chance that Apple is planning to announce a shift from Intel processors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibilities include a new iMac , Apple TV , and / or Apple Watch , not to mention updates to tvOS and macOS .
But outside of what is going to be announced , one of the really great things about this year ’ s WWDC is that , since it is completely online , anyone can sit in , not only on the keynote , but on the engineering sessions and developer forums as well .
Want to know more ?
To find out , watch the keynote and follow our reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proceedings .
It starts at 1PM ET / 10AM PT / 6PM BST .
Following the keynote , engineering sessions and developer forums will be available online through June 26th via the Apple Developer website or the Apple Developer app .
We have the live stream video embedded up top , so you can stick around here to watch when it begins .
Otherwise , head to these links .
• Tune in to The Verge ’ s Apple WWDC 2020 live blog for expert commentary • Apple is streaming the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye on @ verge on Instagram for live updates

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is going to be entirely virtual this year, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some really interesting stuff to see. The keynote will start at 10AM PT / 1PM ET on Monday, June 22nd.
There are a lot of rumors being passed around about what can be expected. While the main focus will probably be on iOS 14, there is a great deal of talk about the chance that Apple is planning to announce a shift from Intel processors to its own custom-designed ARM-based chips. Other possibilities include a new iMac, Apple TV, and / or Apple Watch, not to mention updates to tvOS and macOS.
But outside of what is going to be announced, one of the really great things about this year’s WWDC is that, since it is completely online, anyone can sit in, not only on the keynote, but on the engineering sessions and developer forums as well.
Want to know more? To find out, watch the keynote and follow our reporters as they contribute their expert commentary on the proceedings.
WHEN DOES WWDC 2020 START?
It starts at 1PM ET / 10AM PT / 6PM BST. Following the keynote, engineering sessions and developer forums will be available online through June 26th via the Apple Developer website or the Apple Developer app.
WHERE CAN I WATCH WWDC 2020?


theverge--2020-06-22--Virgin Galactic will organize private passenger trips to the space station for NASA

Richard Branson ’ s space tourism venture , Virgin Galactic , will start coordinating private astronaut trips to the International Space Station for NASA — a new partnership aimed at increasing commercial use of the space agency ’ s orbiting outpost .
Thanks to a new Space Act Agreement with NASA , Virgin Galactic is tasked with putting together a “ new private orbital astronaut readiness program , ” for the agency .
That means finding companies or organizations with an interest in sending people to the space station — for whatever reason — and then finding the right transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galactic will also be responsible for coordinating the necessary resources , both in space and on the ground , to make these trips successful .
It ’ s a similar mission to that of Space Adventures , a space tourism company that has put together trips to space for wealthy tourists .
However , Virgin Galactic says it ’ s looking for a wide variety of customers , beyond the ones who just want a fun trip to space .
“ This is not just for potentially private space travelers , but could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers , ” George Whitesides , Virgin Galactic ’ s CEO , tells The Verge , noting that people from all over the world could fly through this program .
“ This is not just for potentially private space travelers , but could also be for researchers or even government researchers.
” This new focus on orbital spaceflight may seem odd for Virgin Galactic , which has been mostly focused on suborbital spaceflight for the last decade and a half .
Virgin Galactic ’ s main business revolves around sending paying customers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s rocket-powered spaceplane , VSS Unity .
The passenger vehicle is designed to take off in midair after deploying from underneath the wing of a carrier aircraft .
It climbs to a height of about 55 miles , giving any prospective passengers a short taste of weightlessness , before gliding back to Earth and landing on a runway .
Virgin Galactic has yet to begin commercial operations of its space tourism business , and it has only sent five people to space on two separate test flights .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it qualified to run this kind of program for NASA .
Additionally , many of the people who work at Virgin Galactic have experience on past human spaceflight programs at NASA .
“ We actually have grown on a lot of that experience to build the suborbital program in the first place , ” Mike Moses , Virgin Galactic ’ s president who worked as the launch integration manager for the Space Shuttle Program , tells The Verge .
“ It ’ s obviously a reduced down version , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not going for multiple days .
But a lot of the philosophies are the same .
A lot of the rationale is the same.
” Virgin Galactic is developing an astronaut training program for its future customers who will fly on the company ’ s spaceplane out of Spaceport America in New Mexico .
And through this new agreement , Virgin Galactic will draw on that experience and develop another training program for the customers it finds for NASA .
Though that program will be tailored to prepare people for orbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new training program may entail riding on Virgin Galactic ’ s spaceplane , providing customers with some experience of space and weightlessness before they head to orbit for a longer stay .
The company ’ s spaceplane also pulls extra Gs when it ascends to space , as do rockets taking off to orbit .
Experiencing that firsthand could also be valuable for training , according to the company .
Virgin Galactic says prospective astronauts will also use some of the company ’ s facilities at Spaceport America in New Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new training program may entail riding on Virgin Galactic ’ s spaceplane “ We want to put the right package around it , so it ’ s not just ‘ Go to a class and listen to a PowerPoint for three hours , ’ ” says Moses .
“ How do you make that an engaging and enjoyable experience that you ’ re going to want to be able to do ?
” NASA says it will ultimately review the plan that Virgin Galactic puts together .
“ Under the agreement , NASA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Virgin Galactic ’ s plan to develop a new private orbital astronaut readiness program to enable private astronaut missions to the International Space Station , ” NASA said in a statement to The Verge .
“ Virgin Galactic ’ s plans to develop a new private orbital astronaut readiness program directly support NASA ’ s broad strategy to facilitate the commercialization of low-Earth orbit by U.S. entities.
” This news comes after NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine also announced plans to fly NASA astronauts on suborbital vehicles , like Virgin Galactic ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist rocket .
Bridenstine didn ’ t provide much detail on that , saying those plans would come out sometime this week .
The partnership also means that Virgin Galactic will take on a new role as a broker , procuring customers , resources , and transportation to make these trips possible .
Right now , the company has a handful of new transportation options , geared toward flying people to orbit .
SpaceX ’ s Crew Dragon just sent its first two passengers to the ISS and should start regularly flying people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boeing is also developing a crew capsule called the CST-100 Starliner to take people to orbit , though the vehicle likely won ’ t fly its first passengers until next year at the earliest .
Each seat on the Crew Dragon runs a little less than $ 60 million , while a seat on the Starliner costs around $ 90 million .
Meanwhile , there is a third non-American option for getting to orbit : Russia ’ s Soyuz capsule , which has been the sole method for getting astronauts to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Space Shuttle program ended in 2011 .
Historically , NASA has paid about $ 80 million for one seat on the Soyuz .
Though these are the only three options for getting humans to the International Space Station , Virgin Galactic would not comment on which vehicles are being considered for flights .
However , Moses said the training program that the company develops will have to be tailored , depending on which capsules the people take to space .
SpaceX , for instance , has developed various hardware at its facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it ’ s like to fly on the Crew Dragon , which could come in handy for training .
“ What you ’ re going to do while you ’ re there is the other big piece we ’ re really looking forward to sinking our teeth into.
” Virgin Galactic says it ’ s in preliminary discussions with prospective customers interested in sending people to the space station for a variety of different reasons — from commercial purposes to research .
The company is also looking at a way to train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the space station when they ’ re up there , depending on the reason for their visit .
“ What you ’ re going to do while you ’ re there is the other big piece we ’ re really looking forward to sinking our teeth into , ” Moses says .
“ How to prepare you while you ’ re there and then support you once you ’ re on station.
” This new program feeds into a larger goal for NASA of opening up the International Space Station to more commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has mainly been a place for government and academic research , but the space agency announced last year that it will allow companies access to the ISS for commercial purposes , such as filming ads or movies , and even allow these companies to send their own private astronauts to the station .
So far , a company called Axiom , aimed at building a private space station , announced plans to send its own representatives to the ISS via a Crew Dragon capsule late next year .
“ The exciting thing here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step towards opening up low Earth orbit to a diverse renaissance of activity , and we ’ re happy to be a part of it , ” says Whitesides .

Richard Branson’s space tourism venture, Virgin Galactic, will start coordinating private astronaut trips to the International Space Station for NASA — a new partnership aimed at increasing commercial use of the space agency’s orbiting outpost.
Thanks to a new Space Act Agreement with NASA, Virgin Galactic is tasked with putting together a “new private orbital astronaut readiness program,” for the agency. That means finding companies or organizations with an interest in sending people to the space station — for whatever reason — and then finding the right transportation to get them up there. Virgin Galactic will also be responsible for coordinating the necessary resources, both in space and on the ground, to make these trips successful.
It’s a similar mission to that of Space Adventures, a space tourism company that has put together trips to space for wealthy tourists. However, Virgin Galactic says it’s looking for a wide variety of customers, beyond the ones who just want a fun trip to space. “This is not just for potentially private space travelers, but could also be for researchers or even government researchers,” George Whitesides, Virgin Galactic’s CEO, tells The Verge, noting that people from all over the world could fly through this program.
“This is not just for potentially private space travelers, but could also be for researchers or even government researchers.”
This new focus on orbital spaceflight may seem odd for Virgin Galactic, which has been mostly focused on suborbital spaceflight for the last decade and a half. Virgin Galactic’s main business revolves around sending paying customers to the edge of space and back on the company’s rocket-powered spaceplane, VSS Unity. The passenger vehicle is designed to take off in midair after deploying from underneath the wing of a carrier aircraft. It climbs to a height of about 55 miles, giving any prospective passengers a short taste of weightlessness, before gliding back to Earth and landing on a runway.
Virgin Galactic has yet to begin commercial operations of its space tourism business, and it has only sent five people to space on two separate test flights. But the company argues that its experience so far makes it qualified to run this kind of program for NASA. Additionally, many of the people who work at Virgin Galactic have experience on past human spaceflight programs at NASA. “We actually have grown on a lot of that experience to build the suborbital program in the first place,” Mike Moses, Virgin Galactic’s president who worked as the launch integration manager for the Space Shuttle Program, tells The Verge. “It’s obviously a reduced down version, and it’s a little more simplified — you’re not going for multiple days. But a lot of the philosophies are the same. A lot of the rationale is the same.”
Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane VSS Unity. Image: Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is developing an astronaut training program for its future customers who will fly on the company’s spaceplane out of Spaceport America in New Mexico. And through this new agreement, Virgin Galactic will draw on that experience and develop another training program for the customers it finds for NASA. Though that program will be tailored to prepare people for orbit and how to use the space station.
The new training program may entail riding on Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane, providing customers with some experience of space and weightlessness before they head to orbit for a longer stay. The company’s spaceplane also pulls extra Gs when it ascends to space, as do rockets taking off to orbit. Experiencing that firsthand could also be valuable for training, according to the company. Virgin Galactic says prospective astronauts will also use some of the company’s facilities at Spaceport America in New Mexico to prepare for their journeys.
The new training program may entail riding on Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane
“We want to put the right package around it, so it’s not just ‘Go to a class and listen to a PowerPoint for three hours,’” says Moses. “How do you make that an engaging and enjoyable experience that you’re going to want to be able to do?”
NASA says it will ultimately review the plan that Virgin Galactic puts together. “Under the agreement, NASA will conduct an assessment of the feasibility of Virgin Galactic’s plan to develop a new private orbital astronaut readiness program to enable private astronaut missions to the International Space Station,” NASA said in a statement to The Verge. “Virgin Galactic’s plans to develop a new private orbital astronaut readiness program directly support NASA’s broad strategy to facilitate the commercialization of low-Earth orbit by U.S. entities.”
This news comes after NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine also announced plans to fly NASA astronauts on suborbital vehicles, like Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane and rival Blue Origin’s tourist rocket. Bridenstine didn’t provide much detail on that, saying those plans would come out sometime this week.
The partnership also means that Virgin Galactic will take on a new role as a broker, procuring customers, resources, and transportation to make these trips possible. Right now, the company has a handful of new transportation options, geared toward flying people to orbit. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon just sent its first two passengers to the ISS and should start regularly flying people to and from orbit later this year. Boeing is also developing a crew capsule called the CST-100 Starliner to take people to orbit, though the vehicle likely won’t fly its first passengers until next year at the earliest. Each seat on the Crew Dragon runs a little less than $60 million, while a seat on the Starliner costs around $90 million.
Meanwhile, there is a third non-American option for getting to orbit: Russia’s Soyuz capsule, which has been the sole method for getting astronauts to and from the space station since NASA’s Space Shuttle program ended in 2011. Historically, NASA has paid about $80 million for one seat on the Soyuz.
Though these are the only three options for getting humans to the International Space Station, Virgin Galactic would not comment on which vehicles are being considered for flights. However, Moses said the training program that the company develops will have to be tailored, depending on which capsules the people take to space. SpaceX, for instance, has developed various hardware at its facilities in Hawthorne, California, to simulate what it’s like to fly on the Crew Dragon, which could come in handy for training.
“What you’re going to do while you’re there is the other big piece we’re really looking forward to sinking our teeth into.”
Virgin Galactic says it’s in preliminary discussions with prospective customers interested in sending people to the space station for a variety of different reasons — from commercial purposes to research. The company is also looking at a way to train customers for how they’ll use the space station when they’re up there, depending on the reason for their visit. “What you’re going to do while you’re there is the other big piece we’re really looking forward to sinking our teeth into,” Moses says. “How to prepare you while you’re there and then support you once you’re on station.”
This new program feeds into a larger goal for NASA of opening up the International Space Station to more commercial pursuits. For decades, the ISS has mainly been a place for government and academic research, but the space agency announced last year that it will allow companies access to the ISS for commercial purposes, such as filming ads or movies, and even allow these companies to send their own private astronauts to the station. So far, a company called Axiom, aimed at building a private space station, announced plans to send its own representatives to the ISS via a Crew Dragon capsule late next year.


theverge--2020-06-22--Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 leaks again

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 leaks again

Less than a week after getting a glimpse at Samsung ’ s Galaxy Watch 3 , more photos of the wearable have apparently leaked from TechTalkTV .
This time the smart watch ’ s screen is turned on , showing us a familiar looking interface that strongly suggests we ’ re looking at another Tizen-powered smartwatch from Samsung .
Otherwise , there ’ s not too much more we can learn from the images .
SamMobile notes that the Calendar and Galaxy Store app icons appear to have a slightly different design and color than their existing versions , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at an updated version of Tizen OS .
As a recap , we ’ re expecting the Galaxy Watch 3 to be available in 45mm and 41mm sizes , as well in Wi-Fi only and LTE variants .
Heart rate , blood pressure monitors , and an ECG sensor have also been rumored , and regulatory filings point at support for GPS and a 5ATM rating that should mean it ’ s water resistant at a depth of 50 meters for up to 10 minutes at a time .
There haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement or release date , but with Samsung expected to announce its new Galaxy Note phone in a few months time , the speculation is that we could see the new smart watch alongside it .

Less than a week after getting a glimpse at Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3, more photos of the wearable have apparently leaked from TechTalkTV. This time the smart watch’s screen is turned on, showing us a familiar looking interface that strongly suggests we’re looking at another Tizen-powered smartwatch from Samsung.
Otherwise, there’s not too much more we can learn from the images. SamMobile notes that the Calendar and Galaxy Store app icons appear to have a slightly different design and color than their existing versions, which makes sense given we’re probably looking at an updated version of Tizen OS.
The images show icons for Samsung’s typical smart watch apps, although some of the designs have changed slightly. Image: @Mr_TechTalkTV
As a recap, we’re expecting the Galaxy Watch 3 to be available in 45mm and 41mm sizes, as well in Wi-Fi only and LTE variants. Heart rate, blood pressure monitors, and an ECG sensor have also been rumored, and regulatory filings point at support for GPS and a 5ATM rating that should mean it’s water resistant at a depth of 50 meters for up to 10 minutes at a time.


theverge--2020-06-22--Fujifilm’s webcam app supports more cameras today and macOS soon

Fujifilm recently joined Canon and Panasonic in developing an app to let you use its high-end cameras as high-quality webcams @ @ @ @ @ been left out — Fujifilm X Webcam has so far been Windows-only .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ though , as the company has confirmed that the tool will get Mac support in @ @ @ @ @ expanding the number of X-series mirrorless cameras that work with Fujifilm X Webcam .
New @ @ @ @ @ X-A7 is out today , letting you hook up each camera over USB for webcam @ @ @ @ @ total number of supported X-series cameras to eight , including the X-H1 , X-Pro2 , @ @ @ @ @ , and X-T4 .
Fujifilm X Webcam also works with all three GFX medium format @ @

Fujifilm recently joined Canon and Panasonic in developing an app to let you use its high-end cameras as high-quality webcams, but Mac users have been left out — Fujifilm X Webcam has so far been Windows-only. That’s changing next month, though, as the company has confirmed that the tool will get Mac support in mid-July.
Fujifilm is also expanding the number of X-series mirrorless cameras that work with Fujifilm X Webcam. New firmware for the X-T200 and X-A7 is out today, letting you hook up each camera over USB for webcam functionality. That brings the total number of supported X-series cameras to eight, including the X-H1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, X-T2, X-T3, and X-T4. Fujifilm X Webcam also works with all three GFX medium format cameras.


theverge--2020-06-21--First ARM Macs will be MacBook Pros and an all-new iMac: report

Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited Mac transition from Intel to ARM processors today at its online WWDC 2020 keynote , and analyst Ming-chi Kuo has issued his predictions for the first Macs that will use the new Apple-designed processors .
His research note was reported on by MacRumors , 9to5Mac , and AppleInsider .
First of all , Kuo says the last new Intel-based Mac ever will be a brand new iMac design with thinner bezels and a 24-inch display .
This iMac is said to be planned for a release in Q3 2020 , but an ARM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of next year .
The first ARM Mac is likely to be a 13-inch MacBook Pro in Q4 2020 or Q1 2021 , Kuo says ; the form factor is believed to be similar to the current model .
Production of the Intel version will reportedly cease once the ARM model is introduced , though there ’ s no word on whether the same will be true for the iMac .
Kuo also believes a new ARM-based MacBook design will start production in mid-2021 .
Apple ’ s transition to a fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , according to Kuo .
The analyst expects the new ARM machines to outperform their Intel predecessors by 50 to 100 percent , though the actual performance will of course depend on what Apple decides to prioritize with the new designs .
If a hypothetical Apple processor is 50 percent more efficient than a given Intel chip , for example , that headroom could theoretically be spent on extending battery life at similar speeds or on achieving faster performance within the same thermal envelope .
Apple choosing the MacBook Pro and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mirror the history of the last Mac processor transition .
At WWDC 2005 , Apple announced that it would move from PowerPC processors to Intel for performance reasons , then in January 2006 the company released its first Intel-based Macs : an iMac with a Core Duo inside the old G5 chassis , and the all-new MacBook Pro that replaced the PowerBook G4 .
As such , it ’ s likely that actual ARM-based consumer Mac hardware won ’ t be shown off at WWDC 2020 .
Apple may instead make test hardware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be adapted to run on ARM processors in time for the computers ’ launch .

Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited Mac transition from Intel to ARM processors today at its online WWDC 2020 keynote, and analyst Ming-chi Kuo has issued his predictions for the first Macs that will use the new Apple-designed processors. His research note was reported on by MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and AppleInsider.
First of all, Kuo says the last new Intel-based Mac ever will be a brand new iMac design with thinner bezels and a 24-inch display. This iMac is said to be planned for a release in Q3 2020, but an ARM version will follow it in the first quarter of next year.
The first ARM Mac is likely to be a 13-inch MacBook Pro in Q4 2020 or Q1 2021, Kuo says; the form factor is believed to be similar to the current model. Production of the Intel version will reportedly cease once the ARM model is introduced, though there’s no word on whether the same will be true for the iMac. Kuo also believes a new ARM-based MacBook design will start production in mid-2021.
Apple’s transition to a fully ARM-based lineup will take 12 to 18 months, according to Kuo. The analyst expects the new ARM machines to outperform their Intel predecessors by 50 to 100 percent, though the actual performance will of course depend on what Apple decides to prioritize with the new designs. If a hypothetical Apple processor is 50 percent more efficient than a given Intel chip, for example, that headroom could theoretically be spent on extending battery life at similar speeds or on achieving faster performance within the same thermal envelope.
Apple choosing the MacBook Pro and the iMac as its first ARM-based Macs would mirror the history of the last Mac processor transition. At WWDC 2005, Apple announced that it would move from PowerPC processors to Intel for performance reasons, then in January 2006 the company released its first Intel-based Macs: an iMac with a Core Duo inside the old G5 chassis, and the all-new MacBook Pro that replaced the PowerBook G4.


theverge--2020-06-22--Rad Power Bikes’ latest model, the RadMission, is its slimmest and cheapest electric bike yet

Rad Power Bikes , one of the top electric bike manufacturers in the US , is out with a new slimmed- and stripped-down city commuter called the RadMission Electric Metro Bike .
This bike is no frills , with a single-speed drivetrain , a torquey 500W geared hub motor , and a battery that ’ s somehow smaller than Rad Power Bikes ’ regular packs but just as powerful .
But the real shocker is the price .
The Seattle-based company , which is known for its value-based prices , is offering the RadMission at an introductory price of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s about $ 500 less than most of Rad Power Bikes ’ lineup .
( No word yet on what the regular , non-introductory price will be . )
the real shocker is the price That will certainly help attract anyone emerging bleary-eyed from their coronavirus lockdown ready to get back to some semblance of normalcy , while also playing it safe and cautious .
Public transit is making a comeback — but slowly .
Cars are quickly going to become an unsustainable choice for most places .
And many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train or bus .
A bike — and especially an electric bike — has quickly become a must-have for anyone living in a city or suburban community .
Rad Power Bikes co-founders Mike Radenbaugh and Ty Collins have been working like crazy to keep up with spiking demand , rolling out a number of new and refreshed models in the first half of 2020 , like the RadRunner Plus , upgraded RadRover , and totally revamped RadWagon cargo bike .
The RadMission is meant to pay tribute to the “ no-frills bike culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in San Francisco ’ s Mission District in their mid-20s .
“ I ’ m really hoping that this is the first ebike for people who are just waking up to the fact that they don ’ t need a car to survive anymore , ” Radenbaugh said in a blog post .
“ Bikes like these can get you from Point A to Point B , cut down on emissions , save money on gas , and ultimately change the entire transportation game.
” “ I ’ m really hoping that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just waking up to the fact that they don ’ t need a car to survive anymore ” When it comes to electric bikes , weight is a serious obstacle for many people , especially city residents .
The idea of lugging a 70-80 pound beast up a few flights of stairs is untenable to most apartment dweller .
The RadMission seeks to address this pain point , clocking in at under 50lbs , or around 15lbs lighter than the company ’ s standard e-bike weight .
Obviously , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , analog bike .
And the RadMission is still heavier — and more expensive — than budget e-bike brands like Swagtron .
It ’ s also not as powerful as Rad Power Bikes ’ other models , rocking a 500W motor compared to the 750W versions found on the company ’ s RadRover and RadRunner .
Cheaper and lighter , but also perhaps a bit pokier , especially when attacking hills ?
Tough to say .
The bike ’ s 500W is more than enough power for novices , but perhaps not enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed .
We ’ ll need a few days in the saddle to know for sure .
The RadMission is not an e-bike designed specifically to haul cargo or kids ( the total carrying capacity is 275lbs ) .
It ’ s also not supposed to look like your grandma ’ s e-bike .
Since a large segment of e-bike shoppers are older adults or people with knee sensitivities , you get a lot of low-step , fat-tire variants .
This is aimed at millennial commuters who would be satisfied with the minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good while slashing down a city street .
A Class-2 e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph , the RadMission comes with a twist throttle on the riser-style handlebars that is sure to come in handy when starting from a dead stop .
The powertrain offers four levels of assist .
The frame comes in two sizes , a high-step with a 31-inch standover height , and a mid-step 28-inch standover height .
Narrower tires are meant to offer less rolling resistance while providing the reliable feel of a commuter bike .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Power Bikes continue to expand its lineup by offering more affordable models rather than aiming for the over-serviced luxury segment .
The fact that the company still feels compelled to release a new bike that ’ s cheaper than its already affordable lineup is a testament to Rad Power Bikes ’ commitment to getting more people to take the plunge and go electric .

Rad Power Bikes, one of the top electric bike manufacturers in the US, is out with a new slimmed- and stripped-down city commuter called the RadMission Electric Metro Bike. This bike is no frills, with a single-speed drivetrain, a torquey 500W geared hub motor, and a battery that’s somehow smaller than Rad Power Bikes’ regular packs but just as powerful.
But the real shocker is the price. The Seattle-based company, which is known for its value-based prices, is offering the RadMission at an introductory price of $999 — its cheapest model yet. That’s about $500 less than most of Rad Power Bikes’ lineup. (No word yet on what the regular, non-introductory price will be.)
the real shocker is the price
That will certainly help attract anyone emerging bleary-eyed from their coronavirus lockdown ready to get back to some semblance of normalcy, while also playing it safe and cautious. Public transit is making a comeback — but slowly. Cars are quickly going to become an unsustainable choice for most places. And many people are understandably wary about squeezing onto a train or bus. A bike — and especially an electric bike — has quickly become a must-have for anyone living in a city or suburban community.
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Rad Power Bikes co-founders Mike Radenbaugh and Ty Collins have been working like crazy to keep up with spiking demand, rolling out a number of new and refreshed models in the first half of 2020, like the RadRunner Plus, upgraded RadRover, and totally revamped RadWagon cargo bike.
The RadMission is meant to pay tribute to the “no-frills bike culture” Collins and Radenbaugh saw growing up in San Francisco’s Mission District in their mid-20s.
“I’m really hoping that this is the first ebike for people who are just waking up to the fact that they don’t need a car to survive anymore,” Radenbaugh said in a blog post. “Bikes like these can get you from Point A to Point B, cut down on emissions, save money on gas, and ultimately change the entire transportation game.”
“I’m really hoping that this is the first ebike for people who are just waking up to the fact that they don’t need a car to survive anymore”
When it comes to electric bikes, weight is a serious obstacle for many people, especially city residents. The idea of lugging a 70-80 pound beast up a few flights of stairs is untenable to most apartment dweller. The RadMission seeks to address this pain point, clocking in at under 50lbs, or around 15lbs lighter than the company’s standard e-bike weight.
Obviously, that’s still a lot more than a standard, analog bike. And the RadMission is still heavier — and more expensive — than budget e-bike brands like Swagtron. It’s also not as powerful as Rad Power Bikes’ other models, rocking a 500W motor compared to the 750W versions found on the company’s RadRover and RadRunner.
Related Cities are transforming as electric bike sales skyrocket
Cheaper and lighter, but also perhaps a bit pokier, especially when attacking hills? Tough to say. The bike’s 500W is more than enough power for novices, but perhaps not enough for experienced riders or those who crave speed. We’ll need a few days in the saddle to know for sure.
The RadMission is not an e-bike designed specifically to haul cargo or kids (the total carrying capacity is 275lbs). It’s also not supposed to look like your grandma’s e-bike. Since a large segment of e-bike shoppers are older adults or people with knee sensitivities, you get a lot of low-step, fat-tire variants. This is aimed at millennial commuters who would be satisfied with the minimum in specs and still want to look good while slashing down a city street.
A Class-2 e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph, the RadMission comes with a twist throttle on the riser-style handlebars that is sure to come in handy when starting from a dead stop. The powertrain offers four levels of assist. The frame comes in two sizes, a high-step with a 31-inch standover height, and a mid-step 28-inch standover height. Narrower tires are meant to offer less rolling resistance while providing the reliable feel of a commuter bike.


theverge--2020-06-22--Google speaks out against Trump’s halt to guest worker visas

On Monday , President Trump issued a proclamation suspending a range of visa programs — including the guest worker visas , like the H-1B , commonly used by tech companies to attract overseas talent .
The new restrictions apply primarily to new visa applicants or H1-B holders who are currently out of the country .
A range of tech companies and industry groups have already pushed back against the proclamation , casting the order as a threat to the tech industry and US innovation more broadly .
In a statement to The Verge , Google emphasized the contributions of immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing the new restrictions .
“ Immigrants have not only fueled technological breakthroughs and created new businesses and jobs but have also enriched American life , ” said Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda .
“ America ’ s continued success depends on companies having access to the best talent from around the world .
Particularly now , we need that talent to help contribute to America ’ s economic recovery.
” Google is one of the top sponsors of H-1B visas among large tech companies Google is one of the top sponsors of H-1B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 6,500 applications for guest worker visas in 2019 .
The program , which is capped at 85,000 workers nationally , has been controversial for a number of reasons .
A recent OneZero report found that H-1B workers were more vulnerable to discrimination because their immigration status was tied to employment , which left them “ feeling like an underclass.
” The Information Technology Industry Council — an industry group that includes nearly every major tech company , including Google — emphasized the H-1B visa ’ s importance in maintaining the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s executive action stands to upend the ability of U.S. employers — in the tech sector and beyond — to hire the men and women they need to strengthen their workforce , repower the economy , and drive innovation , ” the group said in a statement .
“ At a critical time for the U.S. economy , it will have a dangerous impact on the economic recovery and growth for years to come.
” The Internet Association — whose members include Apple , Facebook , Amazon and Google — took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplished H-1B visa holders in the U.S. create American jobs and help our economy grow , ” the group said in a statement .
“ All industries benefit from a visa system that allows U.S. companies to attract the best and brightest no matter where they ’ re from.
” In 2017 , the Trump administration suspended fast processing of H-1B visas , supposedly as a way to reduce overall wait times .
A month later , the White House ordered a broad review of the program , although the results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s order was described as a response to the economic damage wrought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .

On Monday, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending a range of visa programs — including the guest worker visas, like the H-1B, commonly used by tech companies to attract overseas talent. The new restrictions apply primarily to new visa applicants or H1-B holders who are currently out of the country.
A range of tech companies and industry groups have already pushed back against the proclamation, casting the order as a threat to the tech industry and US innovation more broadly.
In a statement to The Verge, Google emphasized the contributions of immigrants to American public life, without directly addressing the new restrictions.
“Immigrants have not only fueled technological breakthroughs and created new businesses and jobs but have also enriched American life,” said Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda. “America’s continued success depends on companies having access to the best talent from around the world. Particularly now, we need that talent to help contribute to America’s economic recovery.”
Google is one of the top sponsors of H-1B visas among large tech companies
Google is one of the top sponsors of H-1B visas among large tech companies, filing more than 6,500 applications for guest worker visas in 2019.
The program, which is capped at 85,000 workers nationally, has been controversial for a number of reasons. A recent OneZero report found that H-1B workers were more vulnerable to discrimination because their immigration status was tied to employment, which left them “feeling like an underclass.”
The Information Technology Industry Council — an industry group that includes nearly every major tech company, including Google — emphasized the H-1B visa’s importance in maintaining the industry’s competitive edge.
“Today’s executive action stands to upend the ability of U.S. employers — in the tech sector and beyond — to hire the men and women they need to strengthen their workforce, repower the economy, and drive innovation,” the group said in a statement. “At a critical time for the U.S. economy, it will have a dangerous impact on the economic recovery and growth for years to come.”
The Internet Association — whose members include Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Google — took a similar line. “The diverse and accomplished H-1B visa holders in the U.S. create American jobs and help our economy grow,” the group said in a statement. “All industries benefit from a visa system that allows U.S. companies to attract the best and brightest no matter where they’re from.”


theverge--2020-06-22--Big Sur is officially macOS 11.0 as Apple finally leaves OS X behind

Mac OS X is finally finished , with Apple confirming that it ’ s officially moving to macOS 11 with the newly announced Big Sur update after almost 20 years of OS X ( or macOS 10 . )
That means that this fall , users will finally be upgrading from the 10.X versions that Apple has been using for nearly two decades to version 11.0 .
The original version of Mac OS X ( which Apple rebranded to macOS to better match its iOS , watchOS , and tvOS software brands with the release of macOS Sierra back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beta for $ 29.99 back in September of 2000 , as a successor to Mac OS 9 , the last of the “ classic ” Apple operating systems that dated back to the original Macintosh in 1984 .
The release of Mac OS X was a dividing line in the sand between the original era of Apple ’ s computers and the birth of a new generation of devices .
Apple would spend the next decade further refining and enhancing OS X , with updates released far more sporadically than the now-annual releases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s software .
The earlier versions of OS X — famously named after their “ big cat ” codenames , like Jaguar , Lion , Leopard , and Tiger — were actually paid upgrades that customers had to purchase , not free downloads .
OS X also spanned generations of Apple hardware , from the early PowerPC days of the iMac and MacBook , to the Intel shift of 2005 , to newer devices like the ultra-thin MacBook Air or the astronomically priced Mac Pro .
Starting in 2011 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releases of OS X ; in 2013 , with the release of OS X Mavericks , the company would ditch the cat names and turn OS X into free , annual updates .
The shift to macOS 11.0 is a surprising one for Apple , given that at one point it seemed that Apple was married to the idea of simply using OS X / macOS 10 as its brand name for its software for the foreseeable future .
Microsoft even had began to follow suite , with the company declaring back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ final version of Windows.
” With Apple moving on to macOS 11 , though , it ’ s anyone ’ s guess what happens next .
Will next year see a shift towards iOS-like version numbers with the release of macOS 12 ?
Or have we begun a new era of macOS 11 updates , with version 11.1 , 11.2 , and so forth set to be released each fall for the next two decades ?
Still , the shift now marks a fitting end of the road for OS X @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest reinvention from Intel-based chips to new , ARM-based Apple Silicon products that will further blur the lines between its mobile iOS and iPadOS devices and its laptop and desktop computers .
OS X defined the Mac for generations of hardware and software .
It ’ ll be exciting to see just what Apple has planned next .

Mac OS X is finally finished, with Apple confirming that it’s officially moving to macOS 11 with the newly announced Big Sur update after almost 20 years of OS X (or macOS 10.) That means that this fall, users will finally be upgrading from the 10.X versions that Apple has been using for nearly two decades to version 11.0.
Yes, macOS 11.
The original version of Mac OS X (which Apple rebranded to macOS to better match its iOS, watchOS, and tvOS software brands with the release of macOS Sierra back in 2016) was released as a public beta for $29.99 back in September of 2000, as a successor to Mac OS 9, the last of the “classic” Apple operating systems that dated back to the original Macintosh in 1984. The release of Mac OS X was a dividing line in the sand between the original era of Apple’s computers and the birth of a new generation of devices.
Apple would spend the next decade further refining and enhancing OS X, with updates released far more sporadically than the now-annual releases that have come to define all of the company’s software. The earlier versions of OS X — famously named after their “big cat” codenames, like Jaguar, Lion, Leopard, and Tiger — were actually paid upgrades that customers had to purchase, not free downloads. OS X also spanned generations of Apple hardware, from the early PowerPC days of the iMac and MacBook, to the Intel shift of 2005, to newer devices like the ultra-thin MacBook Air or the astronomically priced Mac Pro.
End of an era
Starting in 2011, Apple would begin to shift to annual releases of OS X; in 2013, with the release of OS X Mavericks, the company would ditch the cat names and turn OS X into free, annual updates.
The shift to macOS 11.0 is a surprising one for Apple, given that at one point it seemed that Apple was married to the idea of simply using OS X / macOS 10 as its brand name for its software for the foreseeable future. Microsoft even had began to follow suite, with the company declaring back in 2015 that it viewed Windows 10 as the “final version of Windows.”
With Apple moving on to macOS 11, though, it’s anyone’s guess what happens next. Will next year see a shift towards iOS-like version numbers with the release of macOS 12? Or have we begun a new era of macOS 11 updates, with version 11.1, 11.2, and so forth set to be released each fall for the next two decades?
Still, the shift now marks a fitting end of the road for OS X, though, as Apple begins its latest reinvention from Intel-based chips to new, ARM-based Apple Silicon products that will further blur the lines between its mobile iOS and iPadOS devices and its laptop and desktop computers.


theverge--2020-06-22--After outcry, Apple will let developers challenge App Store guidelines

Apple today announced two major changes to how it handles App Store disputes with third-party developers .
The first is that Apple will now allow developers to appeal a specific violation of an App Store guideline , and that there will also be a separate process for challenging the guideline itself .
Additionally , Apple says it will no longer delay app updates intended to fix bugs and other core functions over App Store disputes .
“ Additionally , two changes are coming to the app review process and will be implemented this summer .
First , developers will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether an app violates a given guideline of the App Store Review Guidelines , but will also have a mechanism to challenge the guideline itself , ” reads a press release from Apple published this afternoon .
“ Second , for apps that are already on the App Store , bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues .
Developers will instead be able to address the issue in their next submission.
” Apple is revamping its appeals process and no longer holding back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of Apple ’ s high-profile showdown with Hey , a new email service from software developer Basecamp .
The service launched last week as an invite-only website and a companion iOS app , with a full launch slated for July .
But after initially approving the app , Apple later rejected Basecamp ’ s subsequent updates and kicked off what became a very public feud between the company and Basecamp ’ s co-founders , CEO Jason Fried and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson , over whether Hey could exist in the App Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The feud , inconveniently for Apple , coincided with the announcement of two antitrust probes from the European Union last week that were spurred in part from complaints from longtime Apple rivals like Spotify .
The central dispute in this case was whether Hey qualified for an exemption to rules around in-app purchases , which Basecamp decided not to include because the company does not want to give Apple its standard App Store revenue cut .
Apple said Hey did not and claimed Basecamp ’ s iOS app violated three App Store guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or purchase access to Hey from mobile .
Fried and Heinemeier Hansson claimed that the decision was evidence of inconsistency and greed on Apple ’ s part given the numerous apps , like Netflix and business software , that do qualify for such exemptions and have existed in the App Store without in-app purchase options for years .
Heinemeier Hansson in particular became very vocal , calling Apple “ gangsters.
” His comments touched a nerve among members of the developer community and Apple critics over long-held gripes with how the company manages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its sometimes antagonist guidelines and enforcement .
The resulting controversy risked overshadowing Apple ’ s splashy WWDC event , which began earlier today with a virtual keynote address featuring big product announcements like iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur .
Apple last week tried to head off any future escalation of the feud by outlining its reasoning in a letter signed from the App Review Board , which it disseminated to Basecamp and media organizations .
Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller also conducted interviews with members of the press .
But Heinemeier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week engaging in lengthy Twitter threads critical of Apple and giving interviews of his own , was displeased with the letter and the denial of Basecamp ’ s appeal .
He and Fried continued to publish blog posts and tweets calling Apple out .
On Monday , ahead of the keynote , Apple capitulated , allowing Hey ’ s updates to go through only after a compromise from Basecamp in which the company now lets you sign up for a burner account that expires after two weeks .
It remains to be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Basecamp will need to make more changes in the future ; the app still does not include an in-app purchase option .
But it appears the fight , as ugly as it was , may have led to rather positive and broad changes to the App Store appeals process in favor of developers .
It ’ s certainly not clear how easy it will be to successfully challenge an App Store guideline , but it does seem as if it will be easier to appeal any decision from Apple now without fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates delayed .

Apple today announced two major changes to how it handles App Store disputes with third-party developers. The first is that Apple will now allow developers to appeal a specific violation of an App Store guideline, and that there will also be a separate process for challenging the guideline itself. Additionally, Apple says it will no longer delay app updates intended to fix bugs and other core functions over App Store disputes.
“Additionally, two changes are coming to the app review process and will be implemented this summer. First, developers will not only be able to appeal decisions about whether an app violates a given guideline of the App Store Review Guidelines, but will also have a mechanism to challenge the guideline itself,” reads a press release from Apple published this afternoon. “Second, for apps that are already on the App Store, bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues. Developers will instead be able to address the issue in their next submission.”
Apple is revamping its appeals process and no longer holding back bug fixes
The changes come in the wake of Apple’s high-profile showdown with Hey, a new email service from software developer Basecamp. The service launched last week as an invite-only website and a companion iOS app, with a full launch slated for July. But after initially approving the app, Apple later rejected Basecamp’s subsequent updates and kicked off what became a very public feud between the company and Basecamp’s co-founders, CEO Jason Fried and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson, over whether Hey could exist in the App Store in its current form at all. The feud, inconveniently for Apple, coincided with the announcement of two antitrust probes from the European Union last week that were spurred in part from complaints from longtime Apple rivals like Spotify.
The central dispute in this case was whether Hey qualified for an exemption to rules around in-app purchases, which Basecamp decided not to include because the company does not want to give Apple its standard App Store revenue cut. Apple said Hey did not and claimed Basecamp’s iOS app violated three App Store guidelines by not allowing you to sign up or purchase access to Hey from mobile. Fried and Heinemeier Hansson claimed that the decision was evidence of inconsistency and greed on Apple’s part given the numerous apps, like Netflix and business software, that do qualify for such exemptions and have existed in the App Store without in-app purchase options for years.
Heinemeier Hansson in particular became very vocal, calling Apple “gangsters.” His comments touched a nerve among members of the developer community and Apple critics over long-held gripes with how the company manages the App Store, charges fees, and its sometimes antagonist guidelines and enforcement.
The resulting controversy risked overshadowing Apple’s splashy WWDC event, which began earlier today with a virtual keynote address featuring big product announcements like iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur. Apple last week tried to head off any future escalation of the feud by outlining its reasoning in a letter signed from the App Review Board, which it disseminated to Basecamp and media organizations. Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller also conducted interviews with members of the press.
But Heinemeier Hansson, who spent most of the week engaging in lengthy Twitter threads critical of Apple and giving interviews of his own, was displeased with the letter and the denial of Basecamp’s appeal. He and Fried continued to publish blog posts and tweets calling Apple out.
On Monday, ahead of the keynote, Apple capitulated, allowing Hey’s updates to go through only after a compromise from Basecamp in which the company now lets you sign up for a burner account that expires after two weeks. It remains to be seen whether this move will satisfy Apple or whether Basecamp will need to make more changes in the future; the app still does not include an in-app purchase option.


theverge--2020-06-22--Google employees demand the company end police contracts

Over 1,650 Google employees have signed an open letter to CEO Sundar Pichai demanding the company stop selling its technology to police forces across the US .
The letter comes as protests against police brutality , spurred by the killing of George Floyd , continue to spread for the fifth straight week .
“ The past weeks have shown us that addressing racism is not merely an issue of words , but of actions taken to dismantle the actual structures that perpetuate it , ” the letter , written by the employee group Googlers Against Racism , reads .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary conversations with our family , friends and peers , we are also incredibly disappointed by our company ’ s response.
” “ We should not be in the business of criminalizing Black existence while we chant that Black Lives Matter.
” Employees are specifically calling out Google ’ s ongoing Cloud contract with the Clarkstown Police Department in New York , which was sued for allegedly conducting illegal surveillance on Black Lives Matter protestors in 2015 .
They ’ re also highlighting the company ’ s indirect support of a sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross the US-Mexico border .
To workers , the partnerships stand in sharp contrast to the external statements of racial equity that executives like Pichai have been making .
While the company has pledged $ 175 million to support black business owners and job seekers , and YouTube created a $ 100 million fund to amplify the voices of black creators , it continues to profit from police contracts .
“ We should not be in the business of criminalizing Black existence while we chant that Black Lives Matter , ” the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after Amazon announced a one year moratorium on police using its facial recognition tool Rekognition .
IBM went even further , pledging to stop developing facial recognition technology altogether , due to potential human rights abuses .
So far , Google hasn ’ t said whether it plans to continue its work with law enforcement agencies .
The letter has been circulating among Google employees since last Wednesday and has received a notable amount of support in that short time .
So far , employees say they have not received an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , a Google spokesperson tells The Verge the company has no plans to cease its work with the government , law enforcement agencies , or police departments , citing Google ’ s ethics guidelines as protections against abuse .
“ We ’ re committed to work that makes a meaningful difference to combat systemic racism , and our employees have made over 500 product suggestions in recent weeks , which we are reviewing .
On this one , we were the first major company to deiced , years ago , to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have very clear AI Principles that prohibit its use or sale for surveillance , ” the statement reads .
“ We have longstanding terms of use for generally available computing platforms like Gmail , GSuite , and Google Cloud Platform , and these these products will remain available for Governments and local authorities , including police departments , to use .
”

Over 1,650 Google employees have signed an open letter to CEO Sundar Pichai demanding the company stop selling its technology to police forces across the US. The letter comes as protests against police brutality, spurred by the killing of George Floyd, continue to spread for the fifth straight week.
“The past weeks have shown us that addressing racism is not merely an issue of words, but of actions taken to dismantle the actual structures that perpetuate it,” the letter, written by the employee group Googlers Against Racism, reads. “While we as individuals hold difficult but necessary conversations with our family, friends and peers, we are also incredibly disappointed by our company’s response.”
“We should not be in the business of criminalizing Black existence while we chant that Black Lives Matter.”
To workers, the partnerships stand in sharp contrast to the external statements of racial equity that executives like Pichai have been making. While the company has pledged $175 million to support black business owners and job seekers, and YouTube created a $100 million fund to amplify the voices of black creators, it continues to profit from police contracts. “We should not be in the business of criminalizing Black existence while we chant that Black Lives Matter,” the letter says.
The demand comes roughly two weeks after Amazon announced a one year moratorium on police using its facial recognition tool Rekognition. IBM went even further, pledging to stop developing facial recognition technology altogether, due to potential human rights abuses. So far, Google hasn’t said whether it plans to continue its work with law enforcement agencies.
The letter has been circulating among Google employees since last Wednesday and has received a notable amount of support in that short time. So far, employees say they have not received an official response from company management.
In a statement, a Google spokesperson tells The Verge the company has no plans to cease its work with the government, law enforcement agencies, or police departments, citing Google’s ethics guidelines as protections against abuse.
“We’re committed to work that makes a meaningful difference to combat systemic racism, and our employees have made over 500 product suggestions in recent weeks, which we are reviewing. On this one, we were the first major company to deiced, years ago, to not make facial recognition commercial available and we have very clear AI Principles that prohibit its use or sale for surveillance,” the statement reads. “We have longstanding terms of use for generally available computing platforms like Gmail, GSuite, and Google Cloud Platform, and these these products will remain available for Governments and local authorities, including police departments, to use.”


theverge--2020-06-22--Here are all the devices that can run iOS and iPadOS 14, macOS Big Sur, and watchOS 7

At WWDC , Apple announced its latest software for all its devices : iOS 14 , iPadOS 14 , watchOS 7 , and macOS Big Sur .
But that new software won ’ t be coming to all of Apple ’ s currently supported hardware — as is the case every year , a few older devices didn ’ t make the cut .
Here ’ s what will — and won ’ t — be getting software updates this year .
iOS and iPadOS are the easiest : if your device currently runs iOS and iPadOS 13 , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , with no new devices set to lose support this year .
For iOS 14 , that includes the following devices : While iPadOS 14 will be coming to all of these tablets : The biggest hits are coming to the Apple Watch lineup : watchOS 7 will only run on the Apple Watch Series 3 , Series 4 , and Series 5 , with the Series 1 and Series 2 models both set to lose support .
Additionally , Apple warns that “ not all features are available on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your Apple Watch is getting the new update , it might not get all the new features depending on how old it is .
Lastly , there ’ s macOS Big Sur , which will run on the following Mac devices .
• iMac Pro ( 2017 and later — i.e.
, all models ) Not making the cut for Big Sur : 2012 MacBook Airs , the mid-2012 and early-2013 MacBook Pros , the 2012 and 2013 Mac minis , and 2012 and 2013 iMacs .
If you ’ re not sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the cut , you can check by following Apple ’ s guide here .

At WWDC, Apple announced its latest software for all its devices: iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, and macOS Big Sur. But that new software won’t be coming to all of Apple’s currently supported hardware — as is the case every year, a few older devices didn’t make the cut. Here’s what will — and won’t — be getting software updates this year.
iOS and iPadOS are the easiest: if your device currently runs iOS and iPadOS 13, it’ll run iOS and iPadOS 14, too, with no new devices set to lose support this year.
For iOS 14, that includes the following devices:
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPod touch (7th generation)
While iPadOS 14 will be coming to all of these tablets:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad (7th generation)
iPad (6th generation)
iPad (5th generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad mini 4
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad Air 2
The biggest hits are coming to the Apple Watch lineup: watchOS 7 will only run on the Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5, with the Series 1 and Series 2 models both set to lose support.
Additionally, Apple warns that “not all features are available on all devices,” meaning that even if your Apple Watch is getting the new update, it might not get all the new features depending on how old it is.
Lastly, there’s macOS Big Sur, which will run on the following Mac devices.
MacBook (2015 and later)
MacBook Air (2013 and later)
MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later
Mac mini (2014 and later)
iMac (2014 and later)
iMac Pro (2017 and later — i.e., all models)
Mac Pro (2013 and later)


theverge--2020-06-22--Apple opens up its network of iPhones to help you find Tile-like lost gadget trackers

Apple plans to extend its Find My network for locating real-world devices to third-party companies , the iPhone maker announced this afternoon during its State of the Union developer address following today ’ s WWDC keynote .
Soon , Apple says compatible devices — including those without internet connectivity — will be able to sync to the network and become locatable when you open the Find My app .
The most obvious candidate here is Tile , the popular maker of square Bluetooth trackers you can attach to your wallet or keys .
“ Introducing a new program that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power of the vast Find My network , ” reads a developer page for the new feature , which Apple detailed today with a documentation preview .
“ With hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world , advanced end-to-end encryption , and industry-leading security , users can locate their items within the Find My app with the peace of mind that their privacy is protected.
” The program is set to launch later this year The Find My app , originally called Find My iPhone , relies on a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , as well as Bluetooth , to locate lost devices on a map .
It ’ s been baked into the iPhone since 2017 and it ’ s now a native app across all of Apple ’ s operating systems , including macOS and watchOS .
The Bluetooth functionality is presumably how devices without internet connections will be supported , similar to how locator tags from companies like Tile function .
Apple first added offline support for the Find My app using Bluetooth-powered mesh networking last year .
Apple says “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is extremely data and battery efficient , ” and the company clarifies that “ this technology is only intended for use in commercial accessories that will be distributed or sold.
” The program will be made available by the end of the year , the FAQ says , and developers can submit an interest form now to be considered .
This move may be a helping hand to companies Apple intends to soon compete with , primarily Tile and its various smaller competitors , with its unannounced AirTags , which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and have been uncovered extensively in recent leaks .
( It ’ s unclear when Apple plans to announce them , but this fall during its iPhone event seems likely . )
Apple is also facing increasing pressure from regulators in Europe and the US for the ways in which it competes with and extracts fees from developers through its App Store policies and through giving selective access to certain operating system features , like access to NFC and the new U1 locator chip , to its own software without extending that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while it sounds plenty useful for all sorts of consumer electronic devices out there , may help in easing that pressure .

Apple plans to extend its Find My network for locating real-world devices to third-party companies, the iPhone maker announced this afternoon during its State of the Union developer address following today’s WWDC keynote. Soon, Apple says compatible devices — including those without internet connectivity — will be able to sync to the network and become locatable when you open the Find My app. The most obvious candidate here is Tile, the popular maker of square Bluetooth trackers you can attach to your wallet or keys.
“Introducing a new program that will let customers locate your products using the power of the vast Find My network,” reads a developer page for the new feature, which Apple detailed today with a documentation preview. “With hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world, advanced end-to-end encryption, and industry-leading security, users can locate their items within the Find My app with the peace of mind that their privacy is protected.”
The program is set to launch later this year
The Find My app, originally called Find My iPhone, relies on a series of signals like internet connectivity and GPS-powered location services, as well as Bluetooth, to locate lost devices on a map. It’s been baked into the iPhone since 2017 and it’s now a native app across all of Apple’s operating systems, including macOS and watchOS. The Bluetooth functionality is presumably how devices without internet connections will be supported, similar to how locator tags from companies like Tile function. Apple first added offline support for the Find My app using Bluetooth-powered mesh networking last year.
Apple says “the entire interaction is end-to-end encrypted, anonymous, and is extremely data and battery efficient,” and the company clarifies that “this technology is only intended for use in commercial accessories that will be distributed or sold.” The program will be made available by the end of the year, the FAQ says, and developers can submit an interest form now to be considered.
This move may be a helping hand to companies Apple intends to soon compete with, primarily Tile and its various smaller competitors, with its unannounced AirTags, which have reportedly been in the works for some time and have been uncovered extensively in recent leaks. (It’s unclear when Apple plans to announce them, but this fall during its iPhone event seems likely.)


theverge--2020-06-22--New SpongeBob SquarePants movie ditches theatrical release for streaming premiere

Following in the footsteps of Trolls World Tour and Scoob !
, The SpongeBob Movie : Sponge on the Run will skip its theatrical release and head straight to video-on-demand marketplaces before landing on CBS All Access .
The SpongeBob Movie : Sponge on the Run was originally slated to hit theaters on August 7th , but is now delayed to 2021 .
The movie will premiere first on premium video-on-demand services ( like Amazon , iTunes , and other marketplaces ) for an undisclosed amount of time before it moves to CBS All Access .
By the time it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all prior seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants will also be available to stream , the company confirmed today .
Earlier seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants are available for non-cable customers to watch via NickHits on Amazon — a separate Nickelodeon channel of sorts that offers access to a number of Nickelodeon shows for $ 7.99 a month .
“ We ’ re happy to give kids and families a much-deserved lift in any way we can , and the PVOD release of the new SpongeBob theatrical and putting all seasons of the TV series on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best ways I can think of to get immersed in the optimism and joy that this terrific character represents , ” said Ramsey Naito , executive vice president of Nickelodeon ’ s animation production and development division .
The timing of it sheds some light on how the studio sees the marketplace moving over the next several weeks and month ViacomCBS isn ’ t the first studio to move one of its films to a digital release , but the timing of it sheds some light on how the studio sees the marketplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Questions about whether audiences will head out to theaters to watch a movie while the pandemic rages , and directives from organizations like the CDC that suggest avoiding being in close proximity of other people , still linger .
Warner Bros. delayed Christopher Nolan ’ s highly anticipated time-bending blockbuster , Tenet , by two weeks from July 17th to July 31st , and analysts are questioning whether Disney will delay Mulan again from its current July 24th spot .
Movies geared toward children have seen some success going the digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trolls World Tour , and Scoob !
saw some action .
SpongeBob has more in common with those two films than Tenet , Mulan , or Wonder Woman 1984 , which was also recently delayed for a second time by Warner Bros .
Although it ’ s unlikely that The SpongeBob Movie : Sponge on the Run will make as much going strictly digital as it might have in theaters , it ’ s a movie that ViacomCBS can pivot as a direct-to-consumer release .
It ’ s not Tenet , Mulan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or James Bond , where theatrical release is a big component .
Plus , bringing it to CBS All Access at the same time that ViacomCBS continues its expansion and rebranding of its streaming service makes sense for the company .
AMC Theaters warned investors about its shaky future following financial fallout from the pandemic Arguably , the group most frustrated by the decision is the National Association of Theater Owners ( NATO ) .
The organization has come out swinging over the last few months as major studios including Disney , NBCUniversal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove their movies from theaters and go straight to consumers .
Universal ’ s decision to make Trolls World Tour a digital exclusive led to a lengthy statement from AMC Theaters chair-CEO Adam Aron .
“ It is disappointing to us , but Jeff ’ s comments as to Universal ’ s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice , ” Aron wrote , referring to comments made by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in a Wall Street Journal interview .
“ Therefore , effectively immediately AMC will no longer play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatres in the United States , Europe or the Middle East.
” Earlier this month , AMC Theaters warned investors about its shaky future following financial fallout from the pandemic .
The company noted in publicly released documents that “ substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
” Studios have pushed back against AMC Theaters and others , reiterating their commitment to the theatrical release .
As it stands right now , it seems unlikely that major blockbusters from the biggest studios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusives .
That said , Disney , NBCUniversal , WarnerMedia , and ViacomCBS all have their own streaming services , so it ’ s likely some titles will continue to pivot going forward as studios remain uneasy about theater attendance .

Following in the footsteps of Trolls World Tour and Scoob!, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will skip its theatrical release and head straight to video-on-demand marketplaces before landing on CBS All Access.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run was originally slated to hit theaters on August 7th, but is now delayed to 2021. The movie will premiere first on premium video-on-demand services (like Amazon, iTunes, and other marketplaces) for an undisclosed amount of time before it moves to CBS All Access.
By the time it does move to CBS All Access, all prior seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants will also be available to stream, the company confirmed today. Earlier seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants are available for non-cable customers to watch via NickHits on Amazon — a separate Nickelodeon channel of sorts that offers access to a number of Nickelodeon shows for $7.99 a month.
“We’re happy to give kids and families a much-deserved lift in any way we can, and the PVOD release of the new SpongeBob theatrical and putting all seasons of the TV series on CBS All Access are two of the best ways I can think of to get immersed in the optimism and joy that this terrific character represents,” said Ramsey Naito, executive vice president of Nickelodeon’s animation production and development division.
The timing of it sheds some light on how the studio sees the marketplace moving over the next several weeks and month
ViacomCBS isn’t the first studio to move one of its films to a digital release, but the timing of it sheds some light on how the studio sees the marketplace moving over the next several weeks and months. Questions about whether audiences will head out to theaters to watch a movie while the pandemic rages, and directives from organizations like the CDC that suggest avoiding being in close proximity of other people, still linger. Warner Bros. delayed Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated time-bending blockbuster, Tenet, by two weeks from July 17th to July 31st, and analysts are questioning whether Disney will delay Mulan again from its current July 24th spot.
Movies geared toward children have seen some success going the digital route. NBCUniversal spouted big numbers for Trolls World Tour, and Scoob! saw some action. SpongeBob has more in common with those two films than Tenet, Mulan, or Wonder Woman 1984, which was also recently delayed for a second time by Warner Bros.
Although it’s unlikely that The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will make as much going strictly digital as it might have in theaters, it’s a movie that ViacomCBS can pivot as a direct-to-consumer release. It’s not Tenet, Mulan, Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984, or James Bond, where theatrical release is a big component. Plus, bringing it to CBS All Access at the same time that ViacomCBS continues its expansion and rebranding of its streaming service makes sense for the company.
AMC Theaters warned investors about its shaky future following financial fallout from the pandemic
Arguably, the group most frustrated by the decision is the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). The organization has come out swinging over the last few months as major studios including Disney, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., and now ViacomCBS remove their movies from theaters and go straight to consumers. Universal’s decision to make Trolls World Tour a digital exclusive led to a lengthy statement from AMC Theaters chair-CEO Adam Aron.
“It is disappointing to us, but Jeff’s comments as to Universal’s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice,” Aron wrote, referring to comments made by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in a Wall Street Journal interview. “Therefore, effectively immediately AMC will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theatres in the United States, Europe or the Middle East.”
Earlier this month, AMC Theaters warned investors about its shaky future following financial fallout from the pandemic. The company noted in publicly released documents that “substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.” Studios have pushed back against AMC Theaters and others, reiterating their commitment to the theatrical release.


theverge--2020-06-22--iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 will let you set default email and browser apps

Apple is finally allowing iPhone and iPad owners to alter default email and browser apps in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 .
The company briefly revealed the major change during a slide in the WWDC keynote today , noting that the updates allow users to “ set default email and browser apps.
” Apple didn ’ t detail this change fully during its keynote , but a section of the iOS 14 preview page says you can “ set a default web browser and email app that launch when you click a link or want to compose a new mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verge that developers will have to update their apps in order to support the feature .
Apple has only mentioned browser and email apps so far , so it ’ s likely limited to just these two types of apps rather than broader default apps for digital assistants or music apps .
The change to default email and browser apps will now allow iPad and iPhone owners to select email apps like Gmail or Outlook to handle email links by default , or Chrome , Firefox , Edge , and many other browsers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 .
Unfortunately , Apple has also confirmed that third-party browsers will still be required to use Apple ’ s WebKit as their underlying browsing engine , so the main differences from Safari will be in user interface and syncing options .
Update , June 22nd , 3:00PM ET : The article has been updated to reflect that the new default apps customization is also available on iOS 14 .
Update , June 22nd , 4:50PM ET : Added information about WebKit requirements and developers needing to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Apple is finally allowing iPhone and iPad owners to alter default email and browser apps in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. The company briefly revealed the major change during a slide in the WWDC keynote today, noting that the updates allow users to “set default email and browser apps.”
Apple didn’t detail this change fully during its keynote, but a section of the iOS 14 preview page says you can “set a default web browser and email app that launch when you click a link or want to compose a new mail message.” The company confirmed to The Verge that developers will have to update their apps in order to support the feature.
Image: Apple
Apple has only mentioned browser and email apps so far, so it’s likely limited to just these two types of apps rather than broader default apps for digital assistants or music apps. The change to default email and browser apps will now allow iPad and iPhone owners to select email apps like Gmail or Outlook to handle email links by default, or Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and many other browsers as the default to handle web links throughout iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.
Unfortunately, Apple has also confirmed that third-party browsers will still be required to use Apple’s WebKit as their underlying browsing engine, so the main differences from Safari will be in user interface and syncing options.
Update, June 22nd, 3:00PM ET: The article has been updated to reflect that the new default apps customization is also available on iOS 14.


theverge--2020-06-22--Apple TV 4K will at last play YouTube in 4K with tvOS 14 update

One of the biggest upgrades coming to tvOS 14 is one that Apple didn ’ t mention during today ’ s WWDC presentation .
Buried on the preview page for the update ( coming this fall ) is news that YouTube content will finally be able to be viewed in 4K starting with tvOS 14 .
Currently , YouTube ’ s app has a maximum resolution of 1080p on Apple ’ s 4K streaming box — even for UHD videos .
That ’ s because Apple has so far refused to support the VP9 codec that ’ s the foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Verge has reached out to both YouTube and Apple for more details on what led to this change .
The text on Apple ’ s website does specify that this applies to “ the latest YouTube videos , ” so it could be a change on YouTube ’ s side .
The company might now be utilizing the AV1 codec as it has started doing on Android TV , but there ’ s no confirmation of that yet .
Apple makes no similar mention of 4K YouTube coming to Safari as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other new tvOS 14 features include expanded picture-in-picture support and deeper HomeKit integration for smart home accessories .

One of the biggest upgrades coming to tvOS 14 is one that Apple didn’t mention during today’s WWDC presentation. Buried on the preview page for the update (coming this fall) is news that YouTube content will finally be able to be viewed in 4K starting with tvOS 14.
Currently, YouTube’s app has a maximum resolution of 1080p on Apple’s 4K streaming box — even for UHD videos. That’s because Apple has so far refused to support the VP9 codec that’s the foundation of YouTube’s 4K library.
The Verge has reached out to both YouTube and Apple for more details on what led to this change. The text on Apple’s website does specify that this applies to “the latest YouTube videos,” so it could be a change on YouTube’s side. The company might now be utilizing the AV1 codec as it has started doing on Android TV, but there’s no confirmation of that yet.
Apple makes no similar mention of 4K YouTube coming to Safari as part of the macOS Big Sur update.