theverge--2020-02-28--The Catholic Church proposes AI regulations that ‘protect people’

Vatican officials are calling for stricter ethical standards on the development of artificial intelligence , with tech giants IBM and Microsoft being the first companies to sign its new initiative .
The “ Rome Call for AI Ethics ” lays out six broad principles : transparency , inclusion , responsibility , impartiality , reliability , and security and privacy .
These principles say that technology should “ protect people , ” particularly the “ weak and underprivileged.
” They also urge policymakers across the world to create new forms of regulation on “ advanced technologies that have a higher risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes facial recognition .
AI must be “ shaped at the outset by human interests and values ” “ AI is incredibly promising technology that can help us make the world smarter , healthier , and more prosperous , ” IBM vice president John Kelly III said after the initiative ’ s signing .
“ But only if it is shaped at the outset by human interests and values.
” The Vatican wants to ensure that companies are not using AI as a means to collect data without the consent of individuals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political benefit .
In one recent example , it was shown that thousands of federal government agencies and private companies were using software owned by face recognition company Clearview AI , which scraped facial data without people ’ s knowledge .
The company ’ s database , which features more than 3 billion images pulled from various online sites , is being used by law enforcement to catch persons of interest .
The document also says that a “ duty of explanation ” must be established and that AI-based algorithms should provide individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their decisions to ensure that there is no bias .
Last year , US lawmakers introduced a bill that would do just that and allow the Federal Trade Commission to create rules that would force these companies to evaluate automated systems containing “ highly sensitive ” information .
Vatican officials hope to increase the number of signatories for its AI ethics initiative in the coming months .
They also hope to collaborate with universities across the globe to promote more scientific research into ethical AI guidelines .

Vatican officials are calling for stricter ethical standards on the development of artificial intelligence, with tech giants IBM and Microsoft being the first companies to sign its new initiative.
The “Rome Call for AI Ethics” lays out six broad principles: transparency, inclusion, responsibility, impartiality, reliability, and security and privacy. These principles say that technology should “protect people,” particularly the “weak and underprivileged.” They also urge policymakers across the world to create new forms of regulation on “advanced technologies that have a higher risk of impacting human rights,” which includes facial recognition.
AI must be “shaped at the outset by human interests and values”
“AI is incredibly promising technology that can help us make the world smarter, healthier, and more prosperous,” IBM vice president John Kelly III said after the initiative’s signing. “But only if it is shaped at the outset by human interests and values.”
The Vatican wants to ensure that companies are not using AI as a means to collect data without the consent of individuals and then using that data for commercial or political benefit. In one recent example, it was shown that thousands of federal government agencies and private companies were using software owned by face recognition company Clearview AI, which scraped facial data without people’s knowledge. The company’s database, which features more than 3 billion images pulled from various online sites, is being used by law enforcement to catch persons of interest.
The document also says that a “duty of explanation” must be established and that AI-based algorithms should provide individuals with information on how these algorithms came to their decisions to ensure that there is no bias. Last year, US lawmakers introduced a bill that would do just that and allow the Federal Trade Commission to create rules that would force these companies to evaluate automated systems containing “highly sensitive” information.


theverge--2020-02-28--Moment will stop developing its Pro Camera app for Android

Moment has informed users that it will no longer be developing its Moment Pro Camera app for Android ( via Android Police ) .
The app isn ’ t required to use Moment ’ s lenses , but it provided additional controls for serious photographers .
Moment blames the difficulty of making the app compatible across the many different versions of Android made by phone makers .
“ We love Android , ” said co-founder Marc Barros in an email to Moment customers that was shared with The Verge , “ but unfortunately , we don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Here ’ s Barros ’ explanation of the challenges in developing the Android app , from his email : The short story is that phone makers like to create their own flavor of Android , each with different amounts of access to select camera features .
The result has been a random compatibility list where each phone has different features in the app by phone model .
The problem only gets worse every time a new version of Android comes out because it breaks the custom modifications these phone makers have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The Verge , Barros said that iOS standardizes access to camera features .
That means that it ’ s easier for Moment to make sure the iOS version of the Pro Camera app works across devices .
But Barros said different versions of Android aren ’ t consistent in how developers can access camera features , sometimes even on phones from the same vendor , forcing Moment to spend a lot of time on compatibility instead of on new features .
Barros says the Moment Pro Camera app will remain in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now for $ 3.99 .
You ’ ll also still be able to use Moment lenses with your Android phone , and Barros pledged to The Verge that “ we ’ re all in on Android with cases and products.
” But as new versions of Android are released and as new phones come out , Moment won ’ t be updating its app Pro Camera app to work with them .

Moment has informed users that it will no longer be developing its Moment Pro Camera app for Android (via Android Police). The app isn’t required to use Moment’s lenses, but it provided additional controls for serious photographers. Moment blames the difficulty of making the app compatible across the many different versions of Android made by phone makers.
“We love Android,” said co-founder Marc Barros in an email to Moment customers that was shared with The Verge, “but unfortunately, we don’t have the engineering bandwidth to continue developing this app.”
Here’s Barros’ explanation of the challenges in developing the Android app, from his email:
The short story is that phone makers like to create their own flavor of Android, each with different amounts of access to select camera features. The result has been a random compatibility list where each phone has different features in the app by phone model. The problem only gets worse every time a new version of Android comes out because it breaks the custom modifications these phone makers have made with their phones.
In an interview with The Verge, Barros said that iOS standardizes access to camera features. That means that it’s easier for Moment to make sure the iOS version of the Pro Camera app works across devices. But Barros said different versions of Android aren’t consistent in how developers can access camera features, sometimes even on phones from the same vendor, forcing Moment to spend a lot of time on compatibility instead of on new features.


theverge--2020-02-28--Facebook Messenger is getting a much simpler new design

Facebook Messenger is getting even simpler with the removal of the Discover tab , which was an attempt from the social network to inject its ill-fated chatbot platform into its private messaging app .
The change was first announced in August of last year , and TechCrunch now reports that the switchover will begin happening starting next week .
Following an extensive Messenger redesign announced back in 2018 , Facebook pledged to make the app simpler and less cluttered after years of bloat , a direct result of the do-everything design philosophy Messenger followed under chief David Marcus .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s blockchain division , which oversees the company ’ s Libra cryptocurrency project . )
Now , under the leadership of former head of product and Messenger VP Stan Chudnovsky , the app has been streamlined and brought back in line with its core role as a functional messaging app .
Part of that process has meant removing all the business-focused elements of the app that weren ’ t serving users and were instead only there to help promote Messenger as some kind of text-based customer service hub .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what it looks like now under the new design , courtesy of social media manager Jeff Higgins at AMI Social Media , who provided TechCrunch with screenshots of the update : The Discover tab , the one on the far right in the pre-redesign image , used to be where you ’ d find business accounts , some of which were operated by artificial intelligence bots as part of a broad but ultimately unsuccessful push to use the AI tech to try and revolutionize customer service .
You could also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attempt to revive its once flourishing web-based gaming platform in a mobile setting .
Instant Games still exist on the web , but they ’ re being removed alongside Discover in this new Messenger update .
The games can ’ t be accessed from the main Facebook app , either .
In the new design , Facebook is promoting a “ People ” section where you can see large squares dedicated to friends who have recently updated their Facebook Stories , as well as a contact list organized to promote your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s much cleaner and should go a long way in making Messenger easier to navigate when you ’ re not flooded by peripheral features and attempts to grab your attention .

Facebook Messenger is getting even simpler with the removal of the Discover tab, which was an attempt from the social network to inject its ill-fated chatbot platform into its private messaging app. The change was first announced in August of last year, and TechCrunch now reports that the switchover will begin happening starting next week.
Following an extensive Messenger redesign announced back in 2018, Facebook pledged to make the app simpler and less cluttered after years of bloat, a direct result of the do-everything design philosophy Messenger followed under chief David Marcus. (Marcus is now in charge of Facebook’s blockchain division, which oversees the company’s Libra cryptocurrency project.)
Now, under the leadership of former head of product and Messenger VP Stan Chudnovsky, the app has been streamlined and brought back in line with its core role as a functional messaging app. Part of that process has meant removing all the business-focused elements of the app that weren’t serving users and were instead only there to help promote Messenger as some kind of text-based customer service hub.
Here’s what Messenger used to look like:
Image: Facebook
Here’s what it looks like now under the new design, courtesy of social media manager Jeff Higgins at AMI Social Media, who provided TechCrunch with screenshots of the update:
The Discover tab, the one on the far right in the pre-redesign image, used to be where you’d find business accounts, some of which were operated by artificial intelligence bots as part of a broad but ultimately unsuccessful push to use the AI tech to try and revolutionize customer service.
The tab also contained Facebook Instant Games, the company’s attempt to revive its once flourishing web-based gaming platform in a mobile setting. Instant Games still exist on the web and in the main Facebook app, but they’re being removed in Messenger alongside the chatbots in this new update.


theverge--2020-03-01--Lionkiller turns the legend of Mulan into an interactive story during the Opium Wars

It can be difficult to find time to finish a video game , especially if you only have a few hours a week to play .
In our biweekly column Short Play we suggest video games that can be started and finished in a weekend .
Tools like Twine have made it easier than ever to make interactive text-based games .
But while they can be simple to make , that doesn ’ t make it any easier to tell an engaging story .
As a writer , you have nowhere to hide : there aren ’ t graphical avatars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and voice acting to help tell the story .
It ’ s just words and hyperlinks .
Despite that , games like Lionkiller show just how engaging and powerful interactive fiction can be — even if they only have words to work with .
Lionkiller is a reinterpretation of the legend of famous 4th or 5th century female Chinese warrior Hua Mulan .
It deviates from the original source material and the well-known Disney adaptation by setting the story during the first part of the mid-19th century Opium Wars between the Chinese and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that started due to British merchants illegally smuggling and selling highly addictive opium to try to balance their trade deficit for luxury goods from China .
The Chinese government was not particularly keen on this , to say the least .
Lionkiller starts with Mulan working at a flower shop , and the choices you make influence how her story plays out in both big and small ways , much like they do in games like Life is Strange or Telltale ’ s The Walking Dead .
Does Mulan join the army to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or her brother who has fled ?
Or maybe in place of her love interest so that she can live her dream ?
It ’ s not these choices that keep you engaged and interacting with the story .
Instead , it is a combination of the writing — which is brief but impactful — and the way it uses text links almost like cuts in a film or TV show .
Effectively , all Twine games are a number of webpages full of text , in which there are colored text links @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another , or sometimes they add , remove , or change the text on the current page .
In Lionkiller each of these pages feels less like reading a page of a book and more like a shot or moment in a larger movie scene , with the links that go between pages feeling like cuts between shots or scenes .
The links that add or change the text work much like if you were a film editor , giving you moments where it adds or changes a shot to more explicitly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And with these links being optional , your choice to interact with them feels as though you are helping to create the scene .
What ’ s great about these interactions is the way they become as automatic as turning a page in a book .
It just sort of happens and becomes part of the flow of reading .
You ’ re never overly conscious of how much you are interacting , but you also don ’ t settle in as a passive reader where the appearance of an interaction feels surprising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lionkiller is also a great reminder of how rarely interactive fiction games are recognized beyond their niche .
This is despite the fact that they ’ re often incredibly accessible to play , only requiring a web browser .
Given the amount of reading the average person does , it ’ s a style of game that should appeal to more people — and it deserves more attention than it currently gets .
was created by Sisi Jiang .
You can get it on ( Windows , macOS , Linux , iOS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It takes about two hours to finish .

It can be difficult to find time to finish a video game, especially if you only have a few hours a week to play. In our biweekly column Short Play we suggest video games that can be started and finished in a weekend.
Tools like Twine have made it easier than ever to make interactive text-based games. But while they can be simple to make, that doesn’t make it any easier to tell an engaging story. As a writer, you have nowhere to hide: there aren’t graphical avatars for the player to control or music and voice acting to help tell the story. It’s just words and hyperlinks. Despite that, games like Lionkiller show just how engaging and powerful interactive fiction can be — even if they only have words to work with.
Lionkiller is a reinterpretation of the legend of famous 4th or 5th century female Chinese warrior Hua Mulan. It deviates from the original source material and the well-known Disney adaptation by setting the story during the first part of the mid-19th century Opium Wars between the Chinese and British. It’s a war that started due to British merchants illegally smuggling and selling highly addictive opium to try to balance their trade deficit for luxury goods from China. The Chinese government was not particularly keen on this, to say the least.
Lionkiller starts with Mulan working at a flower shop, and the choices you make influence how her story plays out in both big and small ways, much like they do in games like Life is Strange or Telltale’s The Walking Dead. Does Mulan join the army to keep their father from getting drafted? Or her brother who has fled? Or maybe in place of her love interest so that she can live her dream?
It’s not these choices that keep you engaged and interacting with the story. Instead, it is a combination of the writing — which is brief but impactful — and the way it uses text links almost like cuts in a film or TV show. Effectively, all Twine games are a number of webpages full of text, in which there are colored text links you click to go from one page to another, or sometimes they add, remove, or change the text on the current page.
In Lionkiller each of these pages feels less like reading a page of a book and more like a shot or moment in a larger movie scene, with the links that go between pages feeling like cuts between shots or scenes. The links that add or change the text work much like if you were a film editor, giving you moments where it adds or changes a shot to more explicitly express the subtext of a scene. And with these links being optional, your choice to interact with them feels as though you are helping to create the scene.
What’s great about these interactions is the way they become as automatic as turning a page in a book. It just sort of happens and becomes part of the flow of reading. You’re never overly conscious of how much you are interacting, but you also don’t settle in as a passive reader where the appearance of an interaction feels surprising.
Aside from being a great game, Lionkiller is also a great reminder of how rarely interactive fiction games are recognized beyond their niche. This is despite the fact that they’re often incredibly accessible to play, only requiring a web browser. Given the amount of reading the average person does, it’s a style of game that should appeal to more people — and it deserves more attention than it currently gets.


theverge--2020-03-01--Run an America full of talking animals in Democratic Socialism Simulator

There are simulation games that try to be neutral .
SimCity never lays out its philosophy of urban planning .
Democracy lets you rewrite its rules to role-play any democratic system .
These are games that aim to reflect reality , and sometimes , developers even recoil at the idea that they have an ideology at all .
Democratic Socialism Simulator is not that kind of allegedly dispassionate system .
It ’ s a new project from Molleindustria , the studio founded by Carnegie Mellon professor and developer Paolo Pedercini , known for games like Phone Story and Every Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and part leftist in-joke , DSS makes you the first Democratic Socialist president of America and then pelts you with scandals , lobbyists , and impending environmental doom , all played out with colorful talking animals .
DSS ’ s interface lays its ( literal ) cards on the table , encouraging you to rebuild America based on ecological sustainability , economic equality , worker organization , and citizen engagement — “ all the good stuff , ” as the game labels its “ people ’ s power ” meter .
This happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advisors put forward policy questions , which can be as serious as building a border wall or as trivial as picking your outfit for a speech .
You drag the card toward one of two options , and the game responds with short- and long-term consequences .
Instead of being a monarch , though , you ’ re the president .
So your choices don ’ t just make you more or less popular .
Some aren ’ t possible without a congressional majority , which depends on Democrats ’ performance in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many voters you win or alienate .
Choices may disappoint your advisers or even make them quit — and since they ’ re all cute anthropomorphized animals , like a polar bear conservationist or black panther civil rights leader , this is emotionally devastating .
The game requires more pragmatism than its name suggests .
In an introduction to the game , Pedercini says it ’ s not designed as a “ power fantasy ” for democratic socialists , but as a way to conceptualize ambitious policies like the Green New Deal while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peruse a spreadsheet with every choice and consequence .
So its options aren ’ t all socialist , socialist options don ’ t always have positive effects , and you can ’ t steamroll opposition by disregarding traditional politics .
( Let the deficit grow too much , and even Jacobin — sorry , “ Jackalin ” — will scold you ! )
The game includes hard fail states like losing your reelection bid , being asked to resign , and failing that , getting forcibly escorted out of office .
At best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a new president with a decent Democratic approval rating , solid policy record , and substantially reduced carbon footprint .
My DSS playthroughs were governed by inertia and compromise .
I got kicked out of office twice : once as an unwavering socialist , and once as a corporatist xenophobe who blew my budget on deportations .
Otherwise , I stayed the course in predictable ways .
I ’ d put my weight behind nationalizing Google or massively taxing pollution , then throw a bone to billionaires with a conciliatory meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leftism .
Then indulge a little righteous satisfaction ( end cash bail ! )
, as a treat .
But pragmatic isn ’ t the same as amoral .
DSS is written like a lighthearted but devout DSA Twitter account , poking fun at overblown military budgets ( “ Budget Item : Space Force ...
Still figuring out its purpose .
Very promising ” ) , timid centrist Democrats , and a hyperventilating Fox News anchor who is literally a fox .
It allows for different political positions , but it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nor suggest that players are simply expressing themselves in a judgment-free sandbox .
At the same time , Pedercini suggests that DSS doesn ’ t have a straightforward message about socialism , partly because it ’ s based so much on randomness and unintended consequences .
The text emphasizes that you ’ re playing out simulations , which — by their nature — are fraught with simplifications , artificial limits , and potentially straight-up mistakes .
So instead of being a commentary on whether socialism “ works ” or how to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political game that treats democratic socialist policies like reasonable ideas , then plays out their trade-offs in a surprisingly adorable setting .
That ’ s more than enough reason to give it a try .
Democratic Socialism Simulator is available on Android , macOS , Windows , and Linux , and it ’ s awaiting App Store approval on iOS .

There are simulation games that try to be neutral. SimCity never lays out its philosophy of urban planning. Democracy lets you rewrite its rules to role-play any democratic system. These are games that aim to reflect reality, and sometimes, developers even recoil at the idea that they have an ideology at all.
Democratic Socialism Simulator is not that kind of allegedly dispassionate system. It’s a new project from Molleindustria, the studio founded by Carnegie Mellon professor and developer Paolo Pedercini, known for games like Phone Story and Every Day the Same Dream. Part wry edutainment and part leftist in-joke, DSS makes you the first Democratic Socialist president of America and then pelts you with scandals, lobbyists, and impending environmental doom, all played out with colorful talking animals.
DSS’s interface lays its (literal) cards on the table, encouraging you to rebuild America based on ecological sustainability, economic equality, worker organization, and citizen engagement — “all the good stuff,” as the game labels its “people’s power” meter. This happens through a Reigns-style binary choice system. Advisors put forward policy questions, which can be as serious as building a border wall or as trivial as picking your outfit for a speech. You drag the card toward one of two options, and the game responds with short- and long-term consequences.
Instead of being a monarch, though, you’re the president. So your choices don’t just make you more or less popular. Some aren’t possible without a congressional majority, which depends on Democrats’ performance in the midterm elections, which depend on how many voters you win or alienate. Choices may disappoint your advisers or even make them quit — and since they’re all cute anthropomorphized animals, like a polar bear conservationist or black panther civil rights leader, this is emotionally devastating.
Swipe left on the Space Force
The game requires more pragmatism than its name suggests. In an introduction to the game, Pedercini says it’s not designed as a “power fantasy” for democratic socialists, but as a way to conceptualize ambitious policies like the Green New Deal while exploring their obstacles — you can even peruse a spreadsheet with every choice and consequence. So its options aren’t all socialist, socialist options don’t always have positive effects, and you can’t steamroll opposition by disregarding traditional politics. (Let the deficit grow too much, and even Jacobin — sorry, “Jackalin” — will scold you!)
The game includes hard fail states like losing your reelection bid, being asked to resign, and failing that, getting forcibly escorted out of office. At best, you’ll pass the country to a new president with a decent Democratic approval rating, solid policy record, and substantially reduced carbon footprint.
My DSS playthroughs were governed by inertia and compromise. I got kicked out of office twice: once as an unwavering socialist, and once as a corporatist xenophobe who blew my budget on deportations. Otherwise, I stayed the course in predictable ways. I’d put my weight behind nationalizing Google or massively taxing pollution, then throw a bone to billionaires with a conciliatory meeting. Regretfully swipe left on some smaller acts of leftism. Then indulge a little righteous satisfaction (end cash bail!), as a treat.
But pragmatic isn’t the same as amoral. DSS is written like a lighthearted but devout DSA Twitter account, poking fun at overblown military budgets (“Budget Item: Space Force ... Still figuring out its purpose. Very promising”), timid centrist Democrats, and a hyperventilating Fox News anchor who is literally a fox. It allows for different political positions, but it doesn’t present them as equally ethical, nor suggest that players are simply expressing themselves in a judgment-free sandbox.
At the same time, Pedercini suggests that DSS doesn’t have a straightforward message about socialism, partly because it’s based so much on randomness and unintended consequences. The text emphasizes that you’re playing out simulations, which — by their nature — are fraught with simplifications, artificial limits, and potentially straight-up mistakes. So instead of being a commentary on whether socialism “works” or how to achieve it, Democratic Socialism Simulator is simply a political game that treats democratic socialist policies like reasonable ideas, then plays out their trade-offs in a surprisingly adorable setting. That’s more than enough reason to give it a try.


theverge--2020-03-01--From The Strategist: the 10 best eco-friendly condoms and lubes

Looking for eco-friendly condoms is complicated .
Kim Marks , the owner of As You Like It , a nontoxic and environmentally conscious sex shop in Eugene , Oregon , describes the concept as a Catch-22 : “ Condoms are onetime use , but we need them for safe sex , ” she says .
Matthew Nolan , the co-author of the Oh Joy Sex Toy book series who runs a website of the same name , agrees .
“ Condoms are super tricky , ” he says .
“ Almost all condoms are made from latex or a latex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrade .
The best thing you can aim for is a cruelty-free , considerate condom manufacturer.
” And there are a handful of companies that go the extra mile to ensure that their rubber and manufacturing processes are sustainable .
“ As an FDA-approved item , condoms are highly regulated , ” says Coyote Amrich , the director of purchasing and product development at Good Vibrations .
“ As such , there are only so many ways a condom can appeal to people looking for a more responsible brand.
” There are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are transparent about their manufacturing , and most of the nine experts we spoke to recommended their condoms .
And in talking about eco-friendly condoms , Marks also stresses the importance of paying attention to the lube used on them .
Below are the four eco-friendly condom brands our experts recommend , along with the best vegan , organic , and cruelty-free lubes to use with them .
Glyde condoms were the most recommended by our panelists , with Marks , Amrich , Nolan , Searah Deysach of Chicago-based sex shop Early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boutique , and sex-toy reviewer and designer Venus O ’ Hara all recommending them by name .
A certified B Corporation based in Australia , Glyde touts itself as the “ first certified ethical , vegan , and fair-trade premium condom brand ” and produces products that are free of glycerin , parabens , talc , and other harmful chemicals .
Made from sustainably grown , non-GMO natural rubber that ’ s sourced from worker-owned-and-operated producers with fair-trade and labor practices , the condoms are also considered vegan because they ’ re free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredient common in many other brands .
“ They have been around for a long time , we trust them , and their condoms are great , ” says Deysach .
“ I think they are a really top-notch and trustworthy company.
” Glyde ’ s are also the “ only condom certified ethical and vegan by the Vegan Society , ” according to the brand .
Sustain also sells condoms that are non-GMO , vegan , fair trade , and made from natural latex .
The rubber is sourced from a Forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides free medical facilities for workers and schools for their children .
Free of dyes , fragrances , and nitrosamine , Sustain is more “ vagina friendly ” and hypoallergenic , according to Ligon , who recommended the condoms along with Marks , Amrich , Nolan , and Lisa Lawless of Holistic Wisdom , a shop that specializes in nontoxic , eco-friendly sexual wellness products .
Jenelle Marie Pierce , a spokesperson for matchmaking service PositiveSingles and the executive director of The STI Project ( a website that promotes sexual health with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmitted infections ) , recommends Lovability ’ s condoms , which are made with 100 percent natural vegan latex and are free of dyes , fragrances , irritating chemicals , and spermicide .
Pierce , who “ has seen firsthand how an STI diagnosis can strip your autonomy and make you feel as though you are not sexually healthy or deserving of pleasure , ” appreciates the company ’ s “ empowering and uplifting ” messaging , saying that “ they ’ re all about making the customer feel good about their sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FDA-approved condoms are pre-lubricated with long-lasting silicone lubrication .
If you prefer to use a latex-free condom , Ligon recommends the new brand Unique , which makes its condoms with synthetic polyethylene resin .
The condoms , which are vegan and odorless , are a third of the thickness of other condoms and three times stronger than those made with standard latex , according to the brand .
“ In general , latex-free condoms are more hypoallergenic and cause fewer reactions for people ( even if they don ’ t have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a bonus , Unique ’ s condoms come in ultra-thin packaging , which is better for the environment as there ’ s less waste to throw out .
“ For the widest selection of body-friendly lubes , I ’ m a fan of Sliquid , ” says Epiphora , a sex-toy reviewer and blogger at Hey Epiphora .
“ Their robust line features an array of water- , silicone- , and oil-based options , none of which contain potentially irritating ingredients such as glycerin or parabens.
” Nolan , O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the owner of Baltimore-based sex-toy shop Sugar , are also fans , with Jones saying the brand “ uses some of the fewest ingredients and one of the safest preservatives on the market.
” Epiphora and two others specifically called out this water-based H2O lube .
“ I love that it ’ s made with minimal ingredients , and it ’ s also body safe , ” says Pierce , who adds that body safe ( which generally means nontoxic and nonporous ) is “ especially important for people who have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genital infections , like yeast or bacterial vaginosis , because outside chemical ingredients can interact with and disrupt the body ’ s natural balance of flora.
” Sliquid has a base of purified water and is free of glycerin and parabens .
It ’ s also 100 percent vegan friendly , cruelty free , and compatible for use with latex , rubber , and plastic .
O ’ Hara , who ’ s vegan and avoids lubricants unless she ’ s using a pelvic-floor trainer , swears by Sliquid H2O because “ it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying , “ I love the simple , no-frills formula.
” While H2O isn ’ t organic ( Jones says there ’ s no such thing as organic water ) , Sliquid does make a line of organic lubricants that have an aloe vera base , are formulated with 95 percent organic ingredients , and are NSF certified .
For another body-safe , water-based lube , Deysach recommends Hathor ’ s Sutil Luxe original formula , which she keeps by her bedside .
She says it ’ s a staff favorite at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really gentle , pH balanced , and stays slippery for a long time.
” Made with botanical eco-certified ingredients , it ’ s hypoallergenic and paraben and glycerin free .
It also comes in biodegradable packaging , which Deysach says is rare for lube .
Epiphora is also a fan of Sutil , but prefers Hathor ’ s Original Lubricant Pure , which has a “ midrange viscosity slide.
” “ When it comes to picking out a condom , you are experimenting a little bit , and that ’ s why picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body safe is really important , ” Marks explains .
“ Some people need to have latex-free condoms , but other people are just reacting to the lube that the condom companies are using on their products.
” If the lube that comes with your condom of choice doesn ’ t work for you , she suggests wiping it off and slathering it with one that does .
Her choice is Aloe Cadabra , “ one of the most organic lubes on the market , ” she says .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ menopausal and postmenopausal vaginal moisturizer , which means it ’ s excellent for anybody dealing with vaginal dryness or irritation.
” The all-natural lube contains more than 95 percent of organic aloe vera in each tube , and is enriched with vitamin E oil and other natural ingredients to enhance its feel .
It ’ s also vegan and pH balanced .
Marks also likes Good Clean Love , as it , too , is certified organic and contains aloe vera .
The water-based formulation is pH balanced , free of petrochemicals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infused with lemon and vanilla for “ a light flavor , ” according to the product description .
Coconu is an oil-based lube made from natural ingredients that Marks also recommends .
The coconut oil formula is USDA-certified organic , hypoallergenic , cruelty free , and edible ( it contains no alcohol , petroleum , parabens , gluten , fragrances , and dyes ) .
If you ’ re looking for a silicone-based lubricant , Pierce and Nolan both recommend Überlube .
Pierce likes that it ’ s “ body safe and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s important that it ’ s not used with silicone toys , as the silicone in the lube can break down the silicone in the toy .
“ If you ’ re going to enjoy a toy with these lubricants , pick one that is not made from the same material , ” she says .
As far as uses , Pierce says that silicone lubes are great for all kinds of sex , noting they ’ re “ especially great for marathon , rough , or anal activities , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t get sticky , and their endurance helps ensure that your endurance is matched with fewer cuts and tears or discomfort from a lack of sustained lubrication.
” While it isn ’ t organic , Überlube is made with pure silicone and a tiny bit of vitamin E for smoothness , and it contains no animal products .
It ’ s also vegan and cruelty free .
Other things it ’ s free of include gluten , glycerin , parabens , scents , and flavors .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see

Looking for eco-friendly condoms is complicated. Kim Marks, the owner of As You Like It, a nontoxic and environmentally conscious sex shop in Eugene, Oregon, describes the concept as a Catch-22: “Condoms are onetime use, but we need them for safe sex,” she says. Matthew Nolan, the co-author of the Oh Joy Sex Toy book series who runs a website of the same name, agrees. “Condoms are super tricky,” he says. “Almost all condoms are made from latex or a latex derivative — stuff that takes forever to degrade. The best thing you can aim for is a cruelty-free, considerate condom manufacturer.” And there are a handful of companies that go the extra mile to ensure that their rubber and manufacturing processes are sustainable.
“As an FDA-approved item, condoms are highly regulated,” says Coyote Amrich, the director of purchasing and product development at Good Vibrations. “As such, there are only so many ways a condom can appeal to people looking for a more responsible brand.” There are two main companies, Glyde and Sustain, that are transparent about their manufacturing, and most of the nine experts we spoke to recommended their condoms. And in talking about eco-friendly condoms, Marks also stresses the importance of paying attention to the lube used on them. Below are the four eco-friendly condom brands our experts recommend, along with the best vegan, organic, and cruelty-free lubes to use with them.
Best eco-friendly condoms
Glyde Ultra Thin premium condoms
Glyde condoms were the most recommended by our panelists, with Marks, Amrich, Nolan, Searah Deysach of Chicago-based sex shop Early to Bed, Zoë Ligon of Spectrum Boutique, and sex-toy reviewer and designer Venus O’Hara all recommending them by name. A certified B Corporation based in Australia, Glyde touts itself as the “first certified ethical, vegan, and fair-trade premium condom brand” and produces products that are free of glycerin, parabens, talc, and other harmful chemicals. Made from sustainably grown, non-GMO natural rubber that’s sourced from worker-owned-and-operated producers with fair-trade and labor practices, the condoms are also considered vegan because they’re free of casein, which is a dairy-derived ingredient common in many other brands. “They have been around for a long time, we trust them, and their condoms are great,” says Deysach. “I think they are a really top-notch and trustworthy company.” Glyde’s are also the “only condom certified ethical and vegan by the Vegan Society,” according to the brand.
Glyde Ultra Thin premium condoms / Best eco-friendly condoms $16 on Amazon
Sustain Natural Ultra Thin latex condoms
Sustain also sells condoms that are non-GMO, vegan, fair trade, and made from natural latex. The rubber is sourced from a Forest Stewardship Council–certified plantation in southern India that provides free medical facilities for workers and schools for their children. Free of dyes, fragrances, and nitrosamine, Sustain is more “vagina friendly” and hypoallergenic, according to Ligon, who recommended the condoms along with Marks, Amrich, Nolan, and Lisa Lawless of Holistic Wisdom, a shop that specializes in nontoxic, eco-friendly sexual wellness products.
Sustain Natural Ultra Thin latex condoms / Best eco-friendly condoms $10 on Amazon
Lovability Condoms
Jenelle Marie Pierce, a spokesperson for matchmaking service PositiveSingles and the executive director of The STI Project (a website that promotes sexual health with a focus on breaking the stigma of sexually transmitted infections), recommends Lovability’s condoms, which are made with 100 percent natural vegan latex and are free of dyes, fragrances, irritating chemicals, and spermicide. Pierce, who “has seen firsthand how an STI diagnosis can strip your autonomy and make you feel as though you are not sexually healthy or deserving of pleasure,” appreciates the company’s “empowering and uplifting” messaging, saying that “they’re all about making the customer feel good about their sexual health and their pursuit of pleasure.” The FDA-approved condoms are pre-lubricated with long-lasting silicone lubrication.
Lovability Condoms / Best eco-friendly condoms $8 at Urban Outfitters
Best eco-friendly latex-free condoms
Unique Latex-Free Condoms
If you prefer to use a latex-free condom, Ligon recommends the new brand Unique, which makes its condoms with synthetic polyethylene resin. The condoms, which are vegan and odorless, are a third of the thickness of other condoms and three times stronger than those made with standard latex, according to the brand. “In general, latex-free condoms are more hypoallergenic and cause fewer reactions for people (even if they don’t have a latex allergy),” Ligon says. As a bonus, Unique’s condoms come in ultra-thin packaging, which is better for the environment as there’s less waste to throw out.
Unique Latex-Free Condoms / Best eco-friendly latex-free condoms $8 on Unique
Unique Plus Latex-Free Condoms / Best eco-friendly latex-free condoms $8 on Spectrum Boutique
Best eco-friendly personal lubricants
Sliquid H2O original water-based lubricant
“For the widest selection of body-friendly lubes, I’m a fan of Sliquid,” says Epiphora, a sex-toy reviewer and blogger at Hey Epiphora. “Their robust line features an array of water-, silicone-, and oil-based options, none of which contain potentially irritating ingredients such as glycerin or parabens.” Nolan, O’Hara, Pierce, and Jacquelyn Jones, the owner of Baltimore-based sex-toy shop Sugar, are also fans, with Jones saying the brand “uses some of the fewest ingredients and one of the safest preservatives on the market.” Epiphora and two others specifically called out this water-based H2O lube. “I love that it’s made with minimal ingredients, and it’s also body safe,” says Pierce, who adds that body safe (which generally means nontoxic and nonporous) is “especially important for people who have an STI or those who are prone to genital infections, like yeast or bacterial vaginosis, because outside chemical ingredients can interact with and disrupt the body’s natural balance of flora.” Sliquid has a base of purified water and is free of glycerin and parabens. It’s also 100 percent vegan friendly, cruelty free, and compatible for use with latex, rubber, and plastic. O’Hara, who’s vegan and avoids lubricants unless she’s using a pelvic-floor trainer, swears by Sliquid H2O because “it’s so pure.” Epiphora agrees, saying, “I love the simple, no-frills formula.” While H2O isn’t organic (Jones says there’s no such thing as organic water), Sliquid does make a line of organic lubricants that have an aloe vera base, are formulated with 95 percent organic ingredients, and are NSF certified.
Sliquid H2O original water-based lubricant / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $12 on Amazon
Sutil Luxe original formula, 2 oz.
For another body-safe, water-based lube, Deysach recommends Hathor’s Sutil Luxe original formula, which she keeps by her bedside. She says it’s a staff favorite at her store, adding “Sutil is really gentle, pH balanced, and stays slippery for a long time.” Made with botanical eco-certified ingredients, it’s hypoallergenic and paraben and glycerin free. It also comes in biodegradable packaging, which Deysach says is rare for lube. Epiphora is also a fan of Sutil, but prefers Hathor’s Original Lubricant Pure, which has a “midrange viscosity slide.”
Sutil Luxe original formula, 2 oz. / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $15 on Early 2 Bed
Sutil Luxe original formula, 2 oz. / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $13 on Hathor
Aloe Cadabra Organic Personal Lubricant and Moisturizer
“When it comes to picking out a condom, you are experimenting a little bit, and that’s why picking out the lube that’s really body safe is really important,” Marks explains. “Some people need to have latex-free condoms, but other people are just reacting to the lube that the condom companies are using on their products.” If the lube that comes with your condom of choice doesn’t work for you, she suggests wiping it off and slathering it with one that does. Her choice is Aloe Cadabra, “one of the most organic lubes on the market,” she says. “It’s NSF certified and designed as this amazing menopausal and postmenopausal vaginal moisturizer, which means it’s excellent for anybody dealing with vaginal dryness or irritation.” The all-natural lube contains more than 95 percent of organic aloe vera in each tube, and is enriched with vitamin E oil and other natural ingredients to enhance its feel. It’s also vegan and pH balanced.
Aloe Cadabra Organic Personal Lubricant and Moisturizer / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $27 for 3 on Amazon
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant
Marks also likes Good Clean Love, as it, too, is certified organic and contains aloe vera. The water-based formulation is pH balanced, free of petrochemicals, parabens, and glycerin, and is infused with lemon and vanilla for “a light flavor,” according to the product description.
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $22 for 2 on Amazon
Coconu oil-based organic lubricant
Coconu is an oil-based lube made from natural ingredients that Marks also recommends. The coconut oil formula is USDA-certified organic, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, and edible (it contains no alcohol, petroleum, parabens, gluten, fragrances, and dyes).
Coconu oil-based organic lubricant / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $25 on As You Like It
Coconu oil-based organic lubricant / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $25 on Coconu
Überlube luxury lubricant
If you’re looking for a silicone-based lubricant, Pierce and Nolan both recommend Überlube. Pierce likes that it’s “body safe and has versatile applications,” but notes that it’s important that it’s not used with silicone toys, as the silicone in the lube can break down the silicone in the toy. “If you’re going to enjoy a toy with these lubricants, pick one that is not made from the same material,” she says. As far as uses, Pierce says that silicone lubes are great for all kinds of sex, noting they’re “especially great for marathon, rough, or anal activities, because they last a long time, they don’t get sticky, and their endurance helps ensure that your endurance is matched with fewer cuts and tears or discomfort from a lack of sustained lubrication.” While it isn’t organic, Überlube is made with pure silicone and a tiny bit of vitamin E for smoothness, and it contains no animal products. It’s also vegan and cruelty free. Other things it’s free of include gluten, glycerin, parabens, scents, and flavors.
Überlube luxury lubricant / Best eco-friendly personal lubricants $18 on Amazon


theverge--2020-02-29--First U.S. coronavirus death confirmed in Washington state

A person in Washington state died after contracting the novel coronavirus , health authorities announced on Saturday .
It is the first death attributed to the virus in the U.S. Officials also announced two new cases in Washington state linked to a long-term care facility , including the first confirmed case in a healthcare worker in the United States .
“ We are dealing with an emergency evolving situation , ” Amy Reynolds , of the Washington state health department , told the Associated Press .
A spokesperson for EvergreenHealth Medical Center in King County , Washington confirmed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The patient who died was a man in his 50s with chronic underlying health conditions , Jeff Duchin , a health officer for Public Health , Seattle & King County said during a press conference today .
It is not yet known how or when he contracted the virus .
The other two cases announced today were both linked to a long-term care facility in Washington state .
One was a resident of the facility , a woman in her 70s who remains in serious condition .
The other was a healthcare worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 40s , who officials say is in satisfactory condition .
Of the 108 residents and 180 staff at the facility , 27 residents and 25 staff members have symptoms of the virus , Duchin said .
Symptoms include a fever , cough , and shortness of breath .
Testing to confirm whether or not those individuals have COVID-19 is underway .
Having an outbreak of the virus in a long-term nursing facility is particularly concerning for public health officials .
“ We are very concerned about an outbreak in a facility where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duchin said .
While most cases of COVID-19 are mild , elderly people and people with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk for severe symptoms of the virus .
The news of the death and the new cases comes one day after three new cases of coronavirus with unknown origin were reported in the United States .
Before this week , the only confirmed cases of the virus in the country originated after a person traveled to an area of the world hard-hit by the disease , or developed after a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cases with unknown origins are alarming to health authorities because their presence indicates that the disease is likely circulating within the population .
“ It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19 .
Our hearts go out to his family and friends , ” Jay Inslee , the governor of Washington , said in a statement .
“ We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus.
” The virus , which causes the disease COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world since it emerged in China in December .
The respiratory disease has infected more than 85,000 people and killed more than 2,900 .
In the United States , 66 people with COVID-19 have been identified .
Until last week , the only people who were tested for the virus in the United States were people who had traveled to areas where the virus was circulating , or who had close contact with confirmed cases .
After a public backlash against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s testing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the expansion , more cases were swiftly identified .
Even before the announcement today of a healthcare worker with COVID-19 , the healthcare industry has been bracing for the virus .
In California , 124 nurses and other healthcare workers at UC Davis Hospital , have been told to quarantine themselves at home , a healthcare union said on Friday .
Those workers are believed to have been exposed to the virus at the hospital , where one coronavirus patient sought treatment .
Officials are currently emphasizing the need for preparedness over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While there is some spread in some communities there is no national spread of COVID-19 at this time , ” Nancy Messonnier , director of CDC ’ s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease said at a press conference today .
Messonnier and Duchin both recommended that people take basic precautions to prevent the spread of illness .
That includes staying home from work or school if you are sick , and washing your hands regularly .

A person in Washington state died after contracting the novel coronavirus, health authorities announced on Saturday. It is the first death attributed to the virus in the U.S. Officials also announced two new cases in Washington state linked to a long-term care facility, including the first confirmed case in a healthcare worker in the United States.
“We are dealing with an emergency evolving situation,” Amy Reynolds, of the Washington state health department, told the Associated Press. A spokesperson for EvergreenHealth Medical Center in King County, Washington confirmed to the AP that the patient died there. The patient who died was a man in his 50s with chronic underlying health conditions, Jeff Duchin, a health officer for Public Health, Seattle & King County said during a press conference today. It is not yet known how or when he contracted the virus.
The other two cases announced today were both linked to a long-term care facility in Washington state. One was a resident of the facility, a woman in her 70s who remains in serious condition. The other was a healthcare worker at the facility, a woman in her 40s, who officials say is in satisfactory condition. Of the 108 residents and 180 staff at the facility, 27 residents and 25 staff members have symptoms of the virus, Duchin said. Symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Testing to confirm whether or not those individuals have COVID-19 is underway.
Having an outbreak of the virus in a long-term nursing facility is particularly concerning for public health officials. “We are very concerned about an outbreak in a facility where there are many older people,” Duchin said. While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, elderly people and people with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk for severe symptoms of the virus.
The news of the death and the new cases comes one day after three new cases of coronavirus with unknown origin were reported in the United States. Before this week, the only confirmed cases of the virus in the country originated after a person traveled to an area of the world hard-hit by the disease, or developed after a person had close contact with a confirmed case. Cases with unknown origins are alarming to health authorities because their presence indicates that the disease is likely circulating within the population.
“It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington, said in a statement. “We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus.”
The virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has spread to 57 countries around the world since it emerged in China in December. The respiratory disease has infected more than 85,000 people and killed more than 2,900. In the United States, 66 people with COVID-19 have been identified.
Until last week, the only people who were tested for the virus in the United States were people who had traveled to areas where the virus was circulating, or who had close contact with confirmed cases. After a public backlash against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s testing restrictions, the testing criteria were expanded. After the expansion, more cases were swiftly identified.
Even before the announcement today of a healthcare worker with COVID-19, the healthcare industry has been bracing for the virus. In California, 124 nurses and other healthcare workers at UC Davis Hospital, have been told to quarantine themselves at home, a healthcare union said on Friday. Those workers are believed to have been exposed to the virus at the hospital, where one coronavirus patient sought treatment.
Officials are currently emphasizing the need for preparedness over panic in the United States. “While there is some spread in some communities there is no national spread of COVID-19 at this time,” Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease said at a press conference today. Messonnier and Duchin both recommended that people take basic precautions to prevent the spread of illness. That includes staying home from work or school if you are sick, and washing your hands regularly.


theverge--2020-02-29--This is the last week to preorder Samsung’s Galaxy S20

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see our ethics policy .
Samsung ’ s new Galaxy S20 series of phones will release this coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you with a whole week to decide whether you want to preorder the S20 , S20 Plus , or S20 Ultra .
There ’ s nothing wrong with waiting for release day before you make a decision .
But if you ’ re already planning on buying one , you ’ ll get looped into some good preorder incentives if you commit this week .
No matter which retailer you decide to preorder a phone through , running your receipt through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android will get you some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S20 buyers a $ 100 voucher to use at its online store .
The S20 Plus will net you a $ 150 gift card , and the S20 Ultra comes with a $ 200 credit .
The best preorder incentives available right now are at Amazon where each phone comes with a set of Galaxy Buds truly wireless earphones and a Duo wireless charging pad at no extra cost .
These gadgets are perks that you ’ ll get in addition to the aforementioned gift card .
Amazon ’ s deal is hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to trade a phone in .
If you do , you ’ ll pay even less for your preorder if you choose to trade in your old device and buy through Samsung .
Samsung is offering up to $ 700 in credit toward your new S20 phone .
Best Buy is also accepting trades .
If you ’ re interested , check out our comprehensive list of retailer and carrier pricing and their respective preorder perks .
You can get a two-pack of Google ’ s Nest Hub smart displays for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs that much for a single display , so you 're getting 50 percent off each one .
There are a lot of smart displays to choose between , and they range in price and features .
My colleague Dan Seifert recommends this model if you ’ re invested in Google services and really want to show off the photos from your Google Photos collection .
Its screen can automatically adjust to the lighting in your room , making the photos appear more to look more like paper than a screen .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 off at Wellbots while supplies last .
It ’ s offered in a few different price configurations that differ in terms of battery power , color , and the kind of brake mechanism .
But no matter which one you choose , you ’ ll be getting a capable bike with fat tires that can push through difficult terrain .
This model usually starts at $ 1,999 , but you can get it for $ 1,699 and up now .

Samsung’s new Galaxy S20 series of phones will release this coming Friday, March 6th. This leaves you with a whole week to decide whether you want to preorder the S20, S20 Plus, or S20 Ultra.
There’s nothing wrong with waiting for release day before you make a decision. But if you’re already planning on buying one, you’ll get looped into some good preorder incentives if you commit this week.
No matter which retailer you decide to preorder a phone through, running your receipt through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android will get you some gift card credit. Samsung will give S20 buyers a $100 voucher to use at its online store. The S20 Plus will net you a $150 gift card, and the S20 Ultra comes with a $200 credit.
The best preorder incentives available right now are at Amazon where each phone comes with a set of Galaxy Buds truly wireless earphones and a Duo wireless charging pad at no extra cost. These gadgets are perks that you’ll get in addition to the aforementioned gift card.
Samsung Galaxy S20 / Preorders include Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charger $999 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus / Preorders include Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charger $1,199 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra / Preorders include Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charger $1,399 at Amazon
Amazon’s deal is hard to beat if you don’t want to trade a phone in. If you do, you’ll pay even less for your preorder if you choose to trade in your old device and buy through Samsung. Samsung is offering up to $700 in credit toward your new S20 phone. Best Buy is also accepting trades. If you’re interested, check out our comprehensive list of retailer and carrier pricing and their respective preorder perks.
Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge
You can get a two-pack of Google’s Nest Hub smart displays for $130 at Best Buy. It usually costs that much for a single display, so you're getting 50 percent off each one. There are a lot of smart displays to choose between, and they range in price and features. My colleague Dan Seifert recommends this model if you’re invested in Google services and really want to show off the photos from your Google Photos collection. Its screen can automatically adjust to the lighting in your room, making the photos appear more to look more like paper than a screen.
Google Nest Hub (two-pack) / Was $259, now 50% off $130 at Best Buy
Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
The Mate X electric folding bike is $300 off at Wellbots while supplies last. It’s offered in a few different price configurations that differ in terms of battery power, color, and the kind of brake mechanism. But no matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting a capable bike with fat tires that can push through difficult terrain. This model usually starts at $1,999, but you can get it for $1,699 and up now.
Mate X (Jet Grey, 14Ah) / Was $1,999, now 15% off with offer code THEVERGEBIKE $1,699 at Wellbots


theverge--2020-02-29--YouTube TV will keep streaming Fox RSNs and YES Network during negotiations with Sinclair

Sports fans don ’ t have to worry about their local teams disappearing from YouTube TV after all .
Not yet , anyway .
Last night , YouTube tweeted that it has agreed to a temporary extension with Sinclair Broadcast Group , which now owns many Fox-branded regional sports networks ( RSNs ) and the YES Network , to keep those channels in its lineup as the two sides hammer out a longer-term carriage agreement .
Earlier in the week , YouTube TV emailed customers to notify them that the sports networks would likely be leaving the service on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewal .
“ This is a reflection of the rising cost of sports content , ” the company said in a follow-up tweet .
“ You may have noticed several other TV services have also decided to remove FOX Regional Sports Networks from their lineups.
” ( Dish ’ s Sling TV and FuboTV are the services referenced there ; Sinclair ’ s networks remain available on Hulu with Live TV and AT & T TV Now . )
Sinclair fired back and claimed it was offering YouTube “ the best terms under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks .
Unfortunately , they alone decided to drop these channels citing ‘ rising costs ’ despite our offer to actually lower the fees they pay us.
” Sinclair also mentioned that it offered YouTube an extension but hadn ’ t heard back from the company about it .
Now that extension is in place .
“ We ’ ll be sure to share an update as soon we we have more info on a potential timeline , ” YouTube said last night .
Of course , keeping all of that programming available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monthly subscription for everyone in the near future .
YouTube TV currently costs $ 49.99 per month .

Sports fans don’t have to worry about their local teams disappearing from YouTube TV after all. Not yet, anyway. Last night, YouTube tweeted that it has agreed to a temporary extension with Sinclair Broadcast Group, which now owns many Fox-branded regional sports networks (RSNs) and the YES Network, to keep those channels in its lineup as the two sides hammer out a longer-term carriage agreement.
Earlier in the week, YouTube TV emailed customers to notify them that the sports networks would likely be leaving the service on February 29th due to stalled talks on a renewal. “This is a reflection of the rising cost of sports content,” the company said in a follow-up tweet. “You may have noticed several other TV services have also decided to remove FOX Regional Sports Networks from their lineups.” (Dish’s Sling TV and FuboTV are the services referenced there; Sinclair’s networks remain available on Hulu with Live TV and AT&T TV Now.)
Sinclair fired back and claimed it was offering YouTube “the best terms under which their competitors carry our regional sports networks. Unfortunately, they alone decided to drop these channels citing ‘rising costs’ despite our offer to actually lower the fees they pay us.” Sinclair also mentioned that it offered YouTube an extension but hadn’t heard back from the company about it. Now that extension is in place. “We’ll be sure to share an update as soon we we have more info on a potential timeline,” YouTube said last night.


theverge--2020-02-29--How to stop Spectrum junk mail

How to stop Spectrum junk mail

For years , I have been getting inundated with physical junk mail from my internet service provider ( ISP ) , Charter Spectrum ( formerly Time Warner Cable ) .
In huge red capital letters , the envelopes are stamped “ OPEN UPON RECEIPT ” or “ NOTICE ” or “ IMPORTANT ACCOUNT INFORMATION.
” I always open them , just in case there is a legitimate problem and my internet is about to be shut off .
Every single time , I get duped .
Instead of legitimate account notices , the mailers are ads trying to get me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services from Spectrum .
In addition to tree-killing paper mailers I can at least recycle , Spectrum often likes to mix in unrecyclable thick plastic cards .
It ’ s not like I can switch internet service providers to get away from the obnoxious mailers .
My building isn ’ t wired for any other ISP , so I don ’ t have a choice if I want internet .
According to an April 2018 report by the New York City Mayor ’ s Office , 69 percent of NYC households have only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; as of 2016 , at least 24 million Americans had no broadband provider at all .
So like many of Spectrum ’ s 26 million US broadband internet subscribers , I thought I had to accept misleading junk mail as a cost of getting my internet .
But thanks to a tip from Verge reader KO , I found out you can opt out of Spectrum junk mail online and tell Spectrum not to call , email , or come knocking with sales offers .
As a bonus , the privacy page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lets you easily opt out of letting Spectrum use your personal data to target ads to you .
Spectrum does deserve some credit for this ; Verizon Fios makes you call a 1-800 number , reread your contract for instructions , and then navigate two separate sections of your account preferences to achieve the same results .
Where to opt out of Spectrum junk mail • Opt out by phone by calling 1-855-75-SPECTRUM For the rest of the instructions , we will assume you ’ re filling out the online form ; however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll go through a similar process if you call .
Information you will need to provide • Your first and last name • Your phone number , if requesting Do Not Call • Your email address , if requesting Do Not Email Opt out of Spectrum junk mail and sales calls You can opt out of receiving marketing and sales offers from Spectrum by phone , email , physical mail , and door-to-door sales .
You will still receive actual account notifications about your service via these channels , even if you opt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify yourself as a current customer and fill out all of the address fields • Now , check the four boxes for Do Not Call , Do Not Email , Do Not Mail , and Do Not Knock .
For Do Not Call , you ’ ll need to provide a phone number or numbers .
You can also add up to two additional addresses to your Do Not Mail and Do Not Knock requests .
None of these are immediate fixes .
Spectrum says Do Not Email can take up to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 30 days , and Do Not Mail and Do Not Knock can take up to 60 days .
I submitted my opt-out notice on February 26th , and I will update this post if I continue to receive mail after the 60-day mark .
Before you complete the CAPTCHA and submit , pause to expand the section called “ Additional Privacy Preferences.
” It should be at the bottom , right after the Do Not Knock section .
If you don ’ t see it , go back to the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answered “ Yes ” to the question “ Are you a current customer ?
” Opt out of Spectrum using your data to target ads In “ Additional Privacy Preferences , ” you can opt out of letting Spectrum use your personal information to customize ads for you .
While Spectrum heavily disclaims that “ Your personally identifiable information is not disclosed to the third-party advertisers ... and we do not share your personally identifiable information with third parties for their own marketing or advertising purposes , ” there have been reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” data like browsing habits .
So opting out here is a good idea if you care about your privacy .
• Check the box labeled “ Do Not Use CPNI ” to opt out of marketing based on your “ customer proprietary network information ” or “ CPNI , ” which sends you promotions based on the “ quantity , technical configuration , type , destination , location , and amount of your use of the Spectrum telecommunications services , and information about your Spectrum phone service that is contained on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ads online where Spectrum targets you with custom ads on its sites as well as third-party sites and apps using personal information “ such as your zip code , information about your current subscription , use of our products or services , or other demographic and generally available information.
” This only impacts how the ads Spectrum serves are targeted , not online ads in general .
If you move or get a new account , you ’ ll need to resubmit this request .
• Opt out of interest-based ads on television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ads you see are targeted based on your location or other things Spectrum knows about you , such as “ your use of our products or services or information that we receive from others.
” Note : all of these are opting out of how Spectrum acts on your personal data ; you ’ re not opting out of Spectrum ’ s data collection altogether .
California only : opt out of Spectrum selling your data If you identified yourself as a current customer and claimed your state as California at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA ) means you ’ ll get an extra option called “ Opt-Out of Sale of Personal Information ( California Consumers Only ) , ” and you can check that box as well .
The CCPA also means you can request that Spectrum send you all of your data or delete it from its systems .
That involves filling out a separate form , which you can find here .
Now , all you have to do is complete the CAPTCHA , submit , and wait up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take effect .
Are you having similar problems with another ISP ?
Let us know in the comments !

For years, I have been getting inundated with physical junk mail from my internet service provider (ISP), Charter Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable). In huge red capital letters, the envelopes are stamped “OPEN UPON RECEIPT” or “NOTICE” or “IMPORTANT ACCOUNT INFORMATION.”
I always open them, just in case there is a legitimate problem and my internet is about to be shut off. Every single time, I get duped. Instead of legitimate account notices, the mailers are ads trying to get me to upgrade my plan or buy more services from Spectrum. In addition to tree-killing paper mailers I can at least recycle, Spectrum often likes to mix in unrecyclable thick plastic cards.
It’s not like I can switch internet service providers to get away from the obnoxious mailers. My building isn’t wired for any other ISP, so I don’t have a choice if I want internet. According to an April 2018 report by the New York City Mayor’s Office, 69 percent of NYC households have only one or two options for broadband providers; as of 2016, at least 24 million Americans had no broadband provider at all. So like many of Spectrum’s 26 million US broadband internet subscribers, I thought I had to accept misleading junk mail as a cost of getting my internet.
But thanks to a tip from Verge reader KO, I found out you can opt out of Spectrum junk mail online and tell Spectrum not to call, email, or come knocking with sales offers. As a bonus, the privacy page where you opt out of spam also lets you easily opt out of letting Spectrum use your personal data to target ads to you. Spectrum does deserve some credit for this; Verizon Fios makes you call a 1-800 number, reread your contract for instructions, and then navigate two separate sections of your account preferences to achieve the same results.
Where to opt out of Spectrum junk mail
Opt out online here
Opt out by phone by calling 1-855-75-SPECTRUM
For the rest of the instructions, we will assume you’re filling out the online form; however, it’s probable you’ll go through a similar process if you call.
Information you will need to provide
Your first and last name
Your street address
Your phone number, if requesting Do Not Call
Your email address, if requesting Do Not Email
Opt out of Spectrum junk mail and sales calls
You can opt out of receiving marketing and sales offers from Spectrum by phone, email, physical mail, and door-to-door sales. You will still receive actual account notifications about your service via these channels, even if you opt out of marketing.
First, identify yourself as a current customer and fill out all of the address fields
Now, check the four boxes for Do Not Call, Do Not Email, Do Not Mail, and Do Not Knock. For Do Not Call, you’ll need to provide a phone number or numbers. You can also add up to two additional addresses to your Do Not Mail and Do Not Knock requests.
None of these are immediate fixes. Spectrum says Do Not Email can take up to 10 days, Do Not Call can take up to 30 days, and Do Not Mail and Do Not Knock can take up to 60 days. I submitted my opt-out notice on February 26th, and I will update this post if I continue to receive mail after the 60-day mark.
Before you complete the CAPTCHA and submit, pause to expand the section called “Additional Privacy Preferences.” It should be at the bottom, right after the Do Not Knock section. If you don’t see it, go back to the top of the form and make sure you answered “Yes” to the question “Are you a current customer?”
Opt out of Spectrum using your data to target ads
In “Additional Privacy Preferences,” you can opt out of letting Spectrum use your personal information to customize ads for you. While Spectrum heavily disclaims that “Your personally identifiable information is not disclosed to the third-party advertisers... and we do not share your personally identifiable information with third parties for their own marketing or advertising purposes,” there have been reports of individual people being identified from “anonymous” data like browsing habits. So opting out here is a good idea if you care about your privacy.
(Side note: data sharing by your ISP to target ads would have been restricted or prohibited altogether by Federal Communications Commission internet privacy rules that Congress shut down in 2018. Alas.)
Check the box labeled “Do Not Use CPNI” to opt out of marketing based on your “customer proprietary network information” or “CPNI,” which sends you promotions based on the “quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and amount of your use of the Spectrum telecommunications services, and information about your Spectrum phone service that is contained on your bill.”
Opt out of interest-based ads online where Spectrum targets you with custom ads on its sites as well as third-party sites and apps using personal information “such as your zip code, information about your current subscription, use of our products or services, or other demographic and generally available information.” This only impacts how the ads Spectrum serves are targeted, not online ads in general. If you move or get a new account, you’ll need to resubmit this request.
Opt out of interest-based ads on television and then on TV applications where some of the ads you see are targeted based on your location or other things Spectrum knows about you, such as “your use of our products or services or information that we receive from others.”
Note: all of these are opting out of how Spectrum acts on your personal data; you’re not opting out of Spectrum’s data collection altogether.
California only: opt out of Spectrum selling your data
If you identified yourself as a current customer and claimed your state as California at the top of the form, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) means you’ll get an extra option called “Opt-Out of Sale of Personal Information (California Consumers Only),” and you can check that box as well.
The CCPA also means you can request that Spectrum send you all of your data or delete it from its systems. That involves filling out a separate form, which you can find here.
Confirm you’re not a robot and submit!
Now, all you have to do is complete the CAPTCHA, submit, and wait up to 60 days for all of your preferences to take effect.
Are you having similar problems with another ISP?


theverge--2020-02-29--9 new trailers you should watch this week

As the leader of The Verge ’ s Pride & Prejudice ( 2005 ) fan group , I obviously went to go see Emma last weekend .
It was great !
The trailer made me worried that the film would be too stylized and stark , but I was actually really impressed at how it balanced those elements were while still telling the straight story .
The film uses a lot of the stylized humor to set up its characters and world , then slowly fades it out as the drama ratchets up .
Emma ’ s father is constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dressed down before he ’ s built back up , and a secondary character is annoying to exaggerated lengths , nicely setting up how she later impacts the plot .
Finding that balance between stylized humor and natural storytelling always seems challenging , and I love how much it happens in setups and payoffs here .
It all tends to work together , with the funnier moments ( like the introduction of an elaborate picture frame ) cooling down and setting up important moments down the road where those ridiculous elements are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out nine trailers from this week below .
Last week , HBO put out the first trailer for Westworld season 3 — but naturally , because this is Westworld , there was also a series of hidden trailers for fans to uncover ... which they quickly did .
There ’ s some very cool new imagery in the one above .
You can also check out another two here .
The show returns on March 15th .
Chances are , sometime in the last decade , you saw a gorgeous sci-fi painting online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those paintings from Simon Stålenhag are now being turned into a TV series on Amazon , and so far , it looks like the series is doing a good job of building out his wonderful worlds .
The show premieres on April 3rd .
Jordan Peele produces this new take on Candyman , a 1992 horror movie that explored racial segregation in Chicago .
This trailer mostly highlights the slasher elements , but there ’ s obviously a lot more for the film to explore .
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Watchmen stars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of my favorite movies of 2018 was Skate Kitchen , which built a fictional story around an all-women skate group in New York City .
Now the director behind that movie is teaming up the same crew of skaters again to make a TV series around them .
It should be sweet .
It starts on May 1st .
Self Made : Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J .
Walker Madam C.J .
Walker was the first woman in America to become a self-made millionaire , born to enslaved parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product line for black women .
Now , Netflix is turning her story into a series starring Octavia Spencer .
It comes out on March 20th .
La La Land director Damien Chazelle is making a limited series for Netflix , and obviously , it ’ s about jazz .
This teaser doesn ’ t show much , but it ’ s worth keeping an eye on .
The show debuts on May 8th .
Meek Mill costars in this film about a teenager in Baltimore who gets in over his head while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
The film debuted at Sundance , and now it ’ s headed to theaters on April 17th .
HBO has a new movie coming out with a wonderfully eclectic cast — Hugh Jackman , Allison Janney , and Ray Romano — about a beloved Long Island school superintendent who turns out to have been stealing millions of dollars over decades .
It ’ s based on a true story .
The movie premieres on April 25th .
A24 has a new horror movie coming up , and you know what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually looks like it ’ s a lot more of a standard fare horror pic with lots of blood and creepy religious imagery .
It comes out on April 3rd .

As the leader of The Verge’s Pride & Prejudice (2005) fan group, I obviously went to go see Emma last weekend. It was great! The trailer made me worried that the film would be too stylized and stark, but I was actually really impressed at how it balanced those elements were while still telling the straight story.
The film uses a lot of the stylized humor to set up its characters and world, then slowly fades it out as the drama ratchets up. Emma’s father is constantly ridiculous, a key love interest is dressed down before he’s built back up, and a secondary character is annoying to exaggerated lengths, nicely setting up how she later impacts the plot.
Finding that balance between stylized humor and natural storytelling always seems challenging, and I love how much it happens in setups and payoffs here. It all tends to work together, with the funnier moments (like the introduction of an elaborate picture frame) cooling down and setting up important moments down the road where those ridiculous elements are now just part of the scenery.
Check out nine trailers from this week below.
Westworld
Last week, HBO put out the first trailer for Westworld season 3 — but naturally, because this is Westworld, there was also a series of hidden trailers for fans to uncover... which they quickly did. There’s some very cool new imagery in the one above. You can also check out another two here. The show returns on March 15th.
Tales From the Loop
Chances are, sometime in the last decade, you saw a gorgeous sci-fi painting online showing strange machines in rural landscapes. Those paintings from Simon Stålenhag are now being turned into a TV series on Amazon, and so far, it looks like the series is doing a good job of building out his wonderful worlds. The show premieres on April 3rd.
Candyman
Jordan Peele produces this new take on Candyman, a 1992 horror movie that explored racial segregation in Chicago. This trailer mostly highlights the slasher elements, but there’s obviously a lot more for the film to explore. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Watchmen stars. The film comes out on June 12th.
Betty
One of my favorite movies of 2018 was Skate Kitchen, which built a fictional story around an all-women skate group in New York City. Now the director behind that movie is teaming up the same crew of skaters again to make a TV series around them. It should be sweet. It starts on May 1st.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker was the first woman in America to become a self-made millionaire, born to enslaved parents and eventually launching a hugely successful beauty product line for black women. Now, Netflix is turning her story into a series starring Octavia Spencer. It comes out on March 20th.
The Eddy
La La Land director Damien Chazelle is making a limited series for Netflix, and obviously, it’s about jazz. This teaser doesn’t show much, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. The show debuts on May 8th.
Charm City Kings
Meek Mill costars in this film about a teenager in Baltimore who gets in over his head while trying to join the local dirt bike scene. The film debuted at Sundance, and now it’s headed to theaters on April 17th.
Bad Education
HBO has a new movie coming out with a wonderfully eclectic cast — Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, and Ray Romano — about a beloved Long Island school superintendent who turns out to have been stealing millions of dollars over decades. It’s based on a true story. The movie premieres on April 25th.
Saint Maud


theverge--2020-02-29--Bob Iger got Disney into the streaming wars, so what happens once he’s gone?

Between 2006 and now , Disney spent around $ 100 billion to become the unbeatable giant it is today , snapping up Pixar , Marvel Studios , Lucasfilm , BAMTech , and 21st Century Fox .
While the acquisitions were made as the result of teamwork across a number of divisions , they were mostly led by two people : Bob Iger , who was CEO up until Tuesday , and Kevin Mayer , head of Disney ’ s direct-to-consumer division and the man in charge of all things streaming .
Now , with Iger preparing to leave by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what comes next for Mayer .
Mayer helped develop Disney ’ s current streaming landscape and was largely seen as the company ’ s heir apparent .
So it came as a surprise to many when Disney announced its parks head , Bob Chapek , would be the next CEO .
Mayer knows streaming better than anyone besides Iger — certainly better than Chapek , who ’ s never worked with the direct-to-consumer vertical .
Disney needs to chart a smooth course as competition heats up , its global rollout continues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN Plus , and even Hulu .
But with Iger leaving and Chapek getting the CEO position , there ’ s growing concern around one big question : what happens if Mayer leaves ?
Between 2006 and now , Disney spent around $ 100 billion to become the unbeatable giant it is today A former Disney executive told The Verge that “ anytime there is a CEO transition , whether it ’ s a formal or informal breakup , the losers in the bake-off tend to leave.
” It ’ s happened before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studios head Jeffrey Katzenberg ( now head of Quibi ) thought he would become second-in-command to then CEO Michael Eisner , and therefore in the running for CEO .
Instead , he was passed over in the wake of former chief operating officer Frank Wells ’ death , and left the company months later .
In 2016 , Tom Staggs , a chief financial officer turned parks head turned chief operating officer , left when it was made clear he wasn ’ t going to be CEO .
“ My guess is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the executive told The Verge .
“ My recommendation is they do whatever they possibly can to keep him.
” Disney ’ s streaming strategy is off to a strong start , but the company has already hit some major roadblocks .
Production issues have affected a few high-profile original shows , executive changes are occurring at Hulu , product teams are still being integrated throughout BAMTech as teams work on ESPN Plus and Disney Plus and , perhaps most importantly , Disney Plus ’ identity is still being formed .
Iger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know on what comes next , but Iger won ’ t be at Disney in 22 months ’ time .
Disney ’ s new CEO doesn ’ t have experience with streaming , and it ’ s an area that Iger has routinely called the future of the company .
It ’ s not a self-running , autonomous paradise yet , like many other parts of Disney have become .
The first problem is building out a steady stream of shows for Disney Plus .
One of Disney Plus ’ most anticipated Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is facing major rewrites and delays .
There were also rumors that Hawkeye , a series based on Jeremy Renner ’ s Avengers character , was facing production issues , although Disney representatives told me the show is still on its schedule .
And outside of Marvel , Star Wars , and Pixar originals , there are only three other scripted Disney Plus originals in development — a Proud Family reboot , a Turner & Hooch series , and a Mighty Ducks spinoff .
“ My recommendation is they do whatever they possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is trying to fix those issues , there also seems to be confusion over what is a Disney Plus title and what belongs on Hulu .
Two series originally produced for Disney Plus — High Fidelity and Love , Victor — moved to Hulu after being considered inappropriate for Disney ’ s PG audience .
A third show , Lizzie McGuire , is undergoing similar issues , according to the former showrunner .
Actress Hilary Duff hinted at ongoing problems with the show , whose production is currently stalled , similar to Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and cementing an identity takes time .
It took HBO a long time to become the version of HBO people know the network as today .
But Disney ’ s streaming division is far from being in a state of smooth sailing despite the company seeing massive subscriber growth on Disney Plus , Hulu , and ESPN Plus .
( Hours before Disney announced Chapek as the new CEO , Hulu instated a new CEO as well . )
It ’ s dizzying trying to keep track of it all .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much longer , Mayer is one of the only people at the executive level with a firm understanding of what needs to happen next .
Ensuring that Mayer , who has overseen the acquisitions of every major Disney franchise and has handled the launch of every streaming product , stays is seen by some as crucial .
It ’ s a fact that Disney ’ s board is “ keenly aware of , ” according to Brian Stafford , CEO of Diligent , a leader in the corporate governance space .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it all “ It takes more than one executive to run the business , ” Stafford said .
“ The board is going to try and do whatever they can to retain their most strategic executives .
You always worry about resignations of executives after a succession .
I would be shocked if the board didn ’ t have many , many conversations just about talent , and what the talent looks like , and what the opportunities are .
This is among the most important decision the board will make.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
Disney is one of the biggest players in the space .
Disney Plus is set to launch in the UK and other territories in just a few weeks , and Disney is looking to add a significant batch of new subscribers on top of the stunningly impressive 28 million its accrued domestically .
The company is trying to bring its streaming platforms to international markets — that includes Hulu and ESPN Plus .
Mayer lacks a number of qualities that Chapek has when it comes to being CEO .
He never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he doesn ’ t have much operational experience , he didn ’ t work in the programming divisions , and he has a reputation for being brash .
He ’ s also regarded , however , as someone who sees potential where others don ’ t .
Former Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel told The Wall Street Journal in 2019 , “ Kevin got it when most everyone still didn ’ t. ” When Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox , Iger told investors on a call that the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin ’ s unbelievably hard work.
” It ’ s not like Disney is suddenly going to start doing poorly .
Disney is in fantastic shape , but again , streaming is a marathon , not a sprint .
Iger is sticking around to help Chapek learn the ropes of being a CEO , and also focusing more heavily on creative projects .
That ’ s good — but having someone like Mayer who can continue running Disney ’ s streaming division the way he and Iger planned to for years is crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Between 2006 and now, Disney spent around $100 billion to become the unbeatable giant it is today, snapping up Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, BAMTech, and 21st Century Fox. While the acquisitions were made as the result of teamwork across a number of divisions, they were mostly led by two people: Bob Iger, who was CEO up until Tuesday, and Kevin Mayer, head of Disney’s direct-to-consumer division and the man in charge of all things streaming. Now, with Iger preparing to leave by the end of 2021, all eyes are on what comes next for Mayer.
Mayer helped develop Disney’s current streaming landscape and was largely seen as the company’s heir apparent. So it came as a surprise to many when Disney announced its parks head, Bob Chapek, would be the next CEO.
Mayer knows streaming better than anyone besides Iger — certainly better than Chapek, who’s never worked with the direct-to-consumer vertical. Disney needs to chart a smooth course as competition heats up, its global rollout continues, and it builds out Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and even Hulu. But with Iger leaving and Chapek getting the CEO position, there’s growing concern around one big question: what happens if Mayer leaves?
Between 2006 and now, Disney spent around $100 billion to become the unbeatable giant it is today
A former Disney executive told The Verge that “anytime there is a CEO transition, whether it’s a formal or informal breakup, the losers in the bake-off tend to leave.” It’s happened before. In 1994, former Walt Disney Studios head Jeffrey Katzenberg (now head of Quibi) thought he would become second-in-command to then CEO Michael Eisner, and therefore in the running for CEO. Instead, he was passed over in the wake of former chief operating officer Frank Wells’ death, and left the company months later. In 2016, Tom Staggs, a chief financial officer turned parks head turned chief operating officer, left when it was made clear he wasn’t going to be CEO.
“My guess is that he won’t stay,” the executive told The Verge. “My recommendation is they do whatever they possibly can to keep him.”
A work in progress
Disney’s streaming strategy is off to a strong start, but the company has already hit some major roadblocks. Production issues have affected a few high-profile original shows, executive changes are occurring at Hulu, product teams are still being integrated throughout BAMTech as teams work on ESPN Plus and Disney Plus and, perhaps most importantly, Disney Plus’ identity is still being formed.
Iger and Mayer are the best people in the know on what comes next, but Iger won’t be at Disney in 22 months’ time. Disney’s new CEO doesn’t have experience with streaming, and it’s an area that Iger has routinely called the future of the company. It’s not a self-running, autonomous paradise yet, like many other parts of Disney have become.
The first problem is building out a steady stream of shows for Disney Plus. One of Disney Plus’ most anticipated Star Wars series, an Obi-Wan spinoff, is facing major rewrites and delays. There were also rumors that Hawkeye, a series based on Jeremy Renner’s Avengers character, was facing production issues, although Disney representatives told me the show is still on its schedule. And outside of Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar originals, there are only three other scripted Disney Plus originals in development — a Proud Family reboot, a Turner & Hooch series, and a Mighty Ducks spinoff.
“My recommendation is they do whatever they possibly can to keep him”
While Disney is trying to fix those issues, there also seems to be confusion over what is a Disney Plus title and what belongs on Hulu. Two series originally produced for Disney Plus — High Fidelity and Love, Victor — moved to Hulu after being considered inappropriate for Disney’s PG audience. A third show, Lizzie McGuire, is undergoing similar issues, according to the former showrunner. Actress Hilary Duff hinted at ongoing problems with the show, whose production is currently stalled, similar to Love, Victor.
Production issues are unavoidable, and cementing an identity takes time. It took HBO a long time to become the version of HBO people know the network as today. But Disney’s streaming division is far from being in a state of smooth sailing despite the company seeing massive subscriber growth on Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. (Hours before Disney announced Chapek as the new CEO, Hulu instated a new CEO as well.)
It’s dizzying trying to keep track of it all. With Iger not planning to stick around for too much longer, Mayer is one of the only people at the executive level with a firm understanding of what needs to happen next. Ensuring that Mayer, who has overseen the acquisitions of every major Disney franchise and has handled the launch of every streaming product, stays is seen by some as crucial. It’s a fact that Disney’s board is “keenly aware of,” according to Brian Stafford, CEO of Diligent, a leader in the corporate governance space.
It’s dizzying trying to keep track of it all
“It takes more than one executive to run the business,” Stafford said. “The board is going to try and do whatever they can to retain their most strategic executives. You always worry about resignations of executives after a succession. I would be shocked if the board didn’t have many, many conversations just about talent, and what the talent looks like, and what the opportunities are. This is among the most important decision the board will make.”
The colloquial streaming wars are just heating up. Disney is one of the biggest players in the space. Disney Plus is set to launch in the UK and other territories in just a few weeks, and Disney is looking to add a significant batch of new subscribers on top of the stunningly impressive 28 million its accrued domestically. The company is trying to bring its streaming platforms to international markets — that includes Hulu and ESPN Plus.
Mayer lacks a number of qualities that Chapek has when it comes to being CEO. He never managed a big team up until recently, he doesn’t have much operational experience, he didn’t work in the programming divisions, and he has a reputation for being brash. He’s also regarded, however, as someone who sees potential where others don’t. Former Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel told The Wall Street Journal in 2019, “Kevin got it when most everyone still didn’t.” When Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Iger told investors on a call that the deal “wouldn’t be possible without Kevin’s unbelievably hard work.”