theverge--2020-09-03--Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a Switch racer that uses RC cars

During a surprise announcement today , Nintendo revealed the latest Mario Kart — and it ’ s an unexpected one .
Mario Kart Live : Home Circuit is a racing game , but one where players use their Switch to drive remote-controlled cars .
The cars , along with a virtual racecourse , then appear on the Switch ’ s screen .
It ’ s sort of an augmented reality take on the iconic racer .
Here ’ s how Nintendo describes it : The physical kart responds to boosts in-game and in the real world , stops when hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different ways depending on the race .
Players place gates to create a custom course layout in their home , where the only limit is their imagination .
Race against Koopalings in Grand Prix , unlock a variety of course customizations and costumes for Mario or Luigi , and play with up to four players in local multiplayer mode .
Home Circuit is expected to launch on October 16th , and it will come in two varieties — Mario and Luigi — for $ 99.99 each .
You can check out Nintendo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below :

The physical kart responds to boosts in-game and in the real world, stops when hit with an item and can be affected in different ways depending on the race. Players place gates to create a custom course layout in their home, where the only limit is their imagination. Race against Koopalings in Grand Prix, unlock a variety of course customizations and costumes for Mario or Luigi, and play with up to four players in local multiplayer mode.


theverge--2020-09-03--Nintendo is releasing a 35th Anniversary Super Mario Brothers Game and Watch

Nintendo is going back to the beginning with a modern version of its original Game & Watch handheld that ’ @ @ @ @ @ full color LCD display and can play Super Mario Bros. , in honor of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The new handled was announced during a surprise Nintendo Direct showcase .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ Bros. , the handheld can also play Super Mario Bros : The Lost Levels , @ @ @ @ @ Game & Watch : Ball that stars Mario ( instead of Mr. Game & Watch @ @ @ @ @ Game & Watch device , it also functions as a digital clock , and Nintendo @ @ @ @ @ “ little touches ” and easter eggs to celebrate the milestone anniversary .
The Super @ @ @ @ @ handheld will be released on November 13th in “ limited production , ” although no @ @ @ @ @ .

Nintendo is going back to the beginning with a modern version of its original Game & Watch handheld that’s been revamped with a full-color LCD. It can play Super Mario Bros. in honor of the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The new handled was announced during a surprise Nintendo Direct showcase.
In addition to Super Mario Bros., the handheld can also play Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2) and an updated version of Game & Watch: Ball that stars Mario (instead of Mr. Game & Watch).
The design is based on the original +Control Pad from 1980, and like the original Game & Watch device, it also functions as a digital clock, which includes 35 “little touches” and Easter eggs to celebrate the milestone anniversary.


theverge--2020-09-03--European Vega rocket successfully returns to flight after a year-long hiatus

Late Wednesday night , European launch provider Arianespace successfully launched its Vega rocket from French Guiana , the vehicle ’ s first flight in more than a year .
The return-to-flight launch was a demonstration mission that sent 53 small satellites into orbit around Earth .
Originally scheduled to fly earlier this year , the launch endured multiple delays , including COVID-19 restrictions and terrible weather .
Last night , after months of waiting , Vega finally took to the skies and successfully deployed every single satellite it was carrying into orbit .
The flight ’ s main goal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispenser The flight ’ s main goal was to demonstrate a new , unique launch dispenser designed by the European Space Agency and Avio , capable of deploying multiple types of satellites while on one trip to space .
A key aspect of its design is that it consists of building blocks that can be taken apart and mixed and matched to fit different-sized satellites .
This launch included satellites from Planet , Kepler , Swarm Technologies , and more .
They will observe conditions on Earth , monitor air quality , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future launches could include an even more varied payload .
“ Our dispenser is unique because it is very flexible , and you can adapt to different missions , ” Stella Guillen , vice president of sales and marketing for Arianespace , tells The Verge .
“ You can carry different sizes of satellites from [ standardized ] CubeSats to micro-satellites .
You can actually take it apart and put it on different missions.
” Since it can be broken down , the dispenser will allow Arianespace to fly CubeSats or microsatellites on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one or two satellites on board .
Ultimately , Arianespace hopes to fly full ride-share missions like the Vega launch a couple of times each year .
It ’ s been more than a year since the Vega rocket has seen space .
In July 2019 , the rocket experienced some kind of problem just two minutes into launch after its two stages separated and its upper stage ignited .
The failure destroyed the rocket and the military satellite it was carrying .
Ultimately , Arianespace concluded that there was a structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s motor .
Up until then , Vega had a 100 percent success rate , but the failure prompted insurance rates for satellite missions to increase .
It ’ s been more than a year since the Vega rocket has seen space Now that Vega is flying again , Arianespace hopes that the rocket will become something of a Goldilocks ride-share option for small satellite operators .
There are multiple ways to get tiny satellites into space right now , either by hitching rides on much larger rockets such as SpaceX ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlas V — or by launching on a dedicated small rocket like Rocket Lab ’ s Electron .
Those options have their benefits and their drawbacks .
“ If you have a bigger vehicle that has a lot of space , which will allow you to have good pricing , you have to pack a lot of satellites in there and you have to send everybody to the same orbit , which doesn ’ t give you much flexibility if you want to go to a different altitude , for example , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , if you ’ re too little , if it is on a dedicated flight , it could be very expensive.
” Guillen notes that medium-sized Vega will still allow for lots of satellites to ride at one time , helping to minimize cost .
She also says that a future , more powerful version of Vega , called Vega-C , will be able to do some boost maneuvers in flight , allowing the vehicle to drop satellites off at different orbits if necessary .
Vega is also one of two options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s other vehicle is the Ariane 5 , soon to be upgraded to the Ariane 6 , which is used to launch much heavier missions to higher orbits .
“ I think together the two new launch vehicles in Vega-C and the Ariane 6 complement each other very well so that we can basically launch any size to any orbit at any time , ” says Guillen .
“ I think it ’ s a very , very unique situation for us .
”

Late Wednesday night, European launch provider Arianespace successfully launched its Vega rocket from French Guiana, the vehicle’s first flight in more than a year. The return-to-flight launch was a demonstration mission that sent 53 small satellites into orbit around Earth.
Originally scheduled to fly earlier this year, the launch endured multiple delays, including COVID-19 restrictions and terrible weather. Last night, after months of waiting, Vega finally took to the skies and successfully deployed every single satellite it was carrying into orbit.
The flight’s main goal was to demonstrate a new, unique launch dispenser
The flight’s main goal was to demonstrate a new, unique launch dispenser designed by the European Space Agency and Avio, capable of deploying multiple types of satellites while on one trip to space. A key aspect of its design is that it consists of building blocks that can be taken apart and mixed and matched to fit different-sized satellites. This launch included satellites from Planet, Kepler, Swarm Technologies, and more. They will observe conditions on Earth, monitor air quality, and track ships, among other tasks. Future launches could include an even more varied payload.
“Our dispenser is unique because it is very flexible, and you can adapt to different missions,” Stella Guillen, vice president of sales and marketing for Arianespace, tells The Verge. “You can carry different sizes of satellites from [standardized] CubeSats to micro-satellites. You can actually take it apart and put it on different missions.”
Part of the dispenser on Vega’s launch Image: Arianespace
Since it can be broken down, the dispenser will allow Arianespace to fly CubeSats or microsatellites on upcoming missions that would have normally had just one or two satellites on board. Ultimately, Arianespace hopes to fly full ride-share missions like the Vega launch a couple of times each year.
It’s been more than a year since the Vega rocket has seen space. In July 2019, the rocket experienced some kind of problem just two minutes into launch after its two stages separated and its upper stage ignited. The failure destroyed the rocket and the military satellite it was carrying. Ultimately, Arianespace concluded that there was a structural failure in part of the second stage’s motor. Up until then, Vega had a 100 percent success rate, but the failure prompted insurance rates for satellite missions to increase.
It’s been more than a year since the Vega rocket has seen space
Now that Vega is flying again, Arianespace hopes that the rocket will become something of a Goldilocks ride-share option for small satellite operators. There are multiple ways to get tiny satellites into space right now, either by hitching rides on much larger rockets such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 or ULA’s Atlas V — or by launching on a dedicated small rocket like Rocket Lab’s Electron. Those options have their benefits and their drawbacks. “If you have a bigger vehicle that has a lot of space, which will allow you to have good pricing, you have to pack a lot of satellites in there and you have to send everybody to the same orbit, which doesn’t give you much flexibility if you want to go to a different altitude, for example,” Guillen says. “At the same time, if you’re too little, if it is on a dedicated flight, it could be very expensive.”


theverge--2020-09-03--Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 is the perfect remaster

For developers , revisiting a classic game has always been a tricky proposition .
Games tend to age poorly — whether it ’ s the graphics , controls , or subject matter — and so they ’ re regularly rereleased in an attempt to update them for modern tastes .
It ’ s a tricky balancing act .
Change too much , and the game loses what made it interesting in the first place .
Change too little , and it will feel like a relic .
Few games get it right .
But Tony Hawk ’ s Pro Skater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might just be the perfect video game remaster .
If the awkward title wasn ’ t clear , THPS1+2 is essentially a remake of the original two Tony Hawk games .
It takes the core elements — expect the same stages and characters — but modernizes them in a few ways .
The most obvious is the visual presentation .
The chunky , blurry skaters and cityscapes of the original are gone .
The new games look incredible ; the characters look like , well , themselves , with realistic animations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the in-game model of Tony Hawk , you immediately know who it is .
A similar level of care has gone into the levels .
Cities are instantly recognizable .
If you ’ ve ever been to Riverside Park or nearly been run down by a yellow cab , you ’ ll feel right at home in the New York City stage .
Similarly , San Francisco ’ s streets have just the right blend of green space and myriad architectural styles , while Portland ’ s Burnside park is constantly battered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remarkably , while the levels all look completely modern , they have almost identical layouts compared to the original games .
They ’ re not exactly the same , but pretty close ; I was able to navigate malls and warehouses mostly through muscle memory , and even used 20-year-old FAQs to find some hidden spots .
THPS1+2 also nails the feel of how the original games played .
The Tony Hawk series has never been a pure simulation of skateboarding , but it ’ s also not a full-on arcade experience either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It lets you experience the creativity of the sport and the satisfaction of seeing your ideas in motion , but without the same level of time and dedication required to actually skateboard .
That ’ s not to say that it ’ s simple .
Pulling off long combos still requires quick reflexes and the ability to remember what every button does .
But it ’ s at least achievable .
When I bail in Tony Hawk , it ’ s almost always because I screw up .
In that way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you see your error and can then give it another shot almost immediately .
( I can ’ t count the number of times I restarted a session to get the perfect run . )
That was true 20 years ago , and it ’ s still true here .
One of the best things about the new release is how it ’ s structured .
You ’ re doing most of the same things as before .
There are tours where you play through levels in order , trying to nail high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hidden around the park .
Yes , you ’ ll still scour malls for the letters S-K-A-T-E and search for hidden textbooks at a high school .
These little challenges are great because they give less-skilled players — like *cough* me — something to aim for even when they can ’ t hit a particularly high point total .
You unlock these stages in order , and you can also jump back and forth between THPS and its sequel at will .
I found this particularly helpful when I was stuck on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could do in the meantime .
There ’ s also a “ ranked and free skate ” mode where you can play through any level — even if you haven ’ t unlocked it yet — either to rank up on the online leaderboards or just to mess around with no time limit .
What makes this all work is it ’ s completely seamless ; the progress in each game and mode pools together as you level up your profile and earn money to get new gear .
Really , seamless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THPS1+2 as a whole .
There ’ s a lot going on — including online multiplayer ( which I haven ’ t had a chance to check out ) and a create-a-park mode ( which I don ’ t have the imagination for ) — but it ’ s all linked .
Leveling up my profile in a single-player tour might unlock a new item for the creative mode so that I can then design a new stage and share it online .
It ’ s all very cohesive .
This also extends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
THPS1+2 features the original cast of skaters , but they ’ ve been updated so that they look like they do right now .
Hawk and Chad Muska and Rodney Mullen are now in middle age , and that ’ s reflected in the game .
They ’ re also joined by a cast of younger stars , including the likes of Aori Nishimura and Tyshawn Jones .
Again , the skaters aren ’ t separated in any way by age or when they first appeared in the series ; it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talented pros .
You simply pick your favorite .
Maybe there ’ s something about skate culture that makes it all fit together so well despite the time difference .
But whatever it is , it works .
Here ’ s a good example : I spent a lot of time building my own custom skater to look like me , and I spent even more time ( and in-game cash ) buying lots of clothes and skateboard parts to outfit him .
Right now , my virtual likeness is riding on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a teenager and wearing the Nyjah Huston sneakers that I just missed out on buying earlier this year .
Clothing from the ‘ 90s sits alongside brand-new Nike gear , and none of it feels out of place .
There ’ s also a lot to be excited about moving forward .
I ’ ve never been handy with level creators , but I can ’ t wait to see what the community does when they get a hold of it .
It takes a while to unlock all of the parts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
And I ’ m hoping we ’ ll get a deluge of inventive parks , Super Mario Maker-style .
I ’ m also very interested to see whether or the game picks up steam on Twitch .
Skate videos have become a staple of platforms like Instagram and TikTok , and I ’ m hoping the same will happen here .
I ’ m never going to top the in-game leaderboards , but I ’ d definitely watch the players who can .
Whatever happens in the future , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honors the legacy of the original games and updates it in smart ways .
What made those first games so special is the care and attention they put into representing skate culture , whether it was the music , the clothing , or the gameplay itself .
That ’ s all intact here , with all of the modern upgrades you ’ d expect , from realistic visuals to new music to online support .
Earlier this year , Rodney Mullen , one of the most influential skaters in history , told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the essence of skating in a way that is pure and that stands the test of time.
” The best proof of that is how much fun I ’ ve had playing them all over again .
is available on September 4th on the PS4 , Xbox One , and PC .

Part of / The best games of 2020
For developers, revisiting a classic game has always been a tricky proposition.
Games tend to age poorly — whether it’s the graphics, controls, or subject matter — and so they’re regularly rereleased in an attempt to update them for modern tastes. It’s a tricky balancing act. Change too much, and the game loses what made it interesting in the first place. Change too little, and it will feel like a relic. Few games get it right. But Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 nails that balance: it might just be the perfect video game remaster.
If the awkward title wasn’t clear, THPS1+2 is essentially a remake of the original two Tony Hawk games. It takes the core elements — expect the same stages and characters — but modernizes them in a few ways. The most obvious is the visual presentation. The chunky, blurry skaters and cityscapes of the original are gone. The new games look incredible; the characters look like, well, themselves, with realistic animations and detailed faces and clothes. When you see the in-game model of Tony Hawk, you immediately know who it is.
A similar level of care has gone into the levels. Cities are instantly recognizable. If you’ve ever been to Riverside Park or nearly been run down by a yellow cab, you’ll feel right at home in the New York City stage. Similarly, San Francisco’s streets have just the right blend of green space and myriad architectural styles, while Portland’s Burnside park is constantly battered by a very Oregon heavy rain. Remarkably, while the levels all look completely modern, they have almost identical layouts compared to the original games. They’re not exactly the same, but pretty close; I was able to navigate malls and warehouses mostly through muscle memory, and even used 20-year-old FAQs to find some hidden spots.
THPS1+2 also nails the feel of how the original games played. The Tony Hawk series has never been a pure simulation of skateboarding, but it’s also not a full-on arcade experience either. It sits somewhere in the middle. It lets you experience the creativity of the sport and the satisfaction of seeing your ideas in motion, but without the same level of time and dedication required to actually skateboard. That’s not to say that it’s simple. Pulling off long combos still requires quick reflexes and the ability to remember what every button does. But it’s at least achievable. When I bail in Tony Hawk, it’s almost always because I screw up. In that way, it’s like real skateboarding: you see your error and can then give it another shot almost immediately. (I can’t count the number of times I restarted a session to get the perfect run.) That was true 20 years ago, and it’s still true here.
One of the best things about the new release is how it’s structured. You’re doing most of the same things as before. There are tours where you play through levels in order, trying to nail high scores for tricks or finding particular things hidden around the park. Yes, you’ll still scour malls for the letters S-K-A-T-E and search for hidden textbooks at a high school. These little challenges are great because they give less-skilled players — like *cough* me — something to aim for even when they can’t hit a particularly high point total.
Photo: Activision “Overnight, it was a household name. I was a household name.” - Chad Muska on the impact of the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
You unlock these stages in order, and you can also jump back and forth between THPS and its sequel at will. I found this particularly helpful when I was stuck on a challenge, as I had something else I could do in the meantime. There’s also a “ranked and free skate” mode where you can play through any level — even if you haven’t unlocked it yet — either to rank up on the online leaderboards or just to mess around with no time limit. What makes this all work is it’s completely seamless; the progress in each game and mode pools together as you level up your profile and earn money to get new gear.
Really, seamless might be the best word to describe THPS1+2 as a whole. There’s a lot going on — including online multiplayer (which I haven’t had a chance to check out) and a create-a-park mode (which I don’t have the imagination for) — but it’s all linked. Leveling up my profile in a single-player tour might unlock a new item for the creative mode so that I can then design a new stage and share it online. It’s all very cohesive.
This also extends to the cultural aspects of the experience. THPS1+2 features the original cast of skaters, but they’ve been updated so that they look like they do right now. Hawk and Chad Muska and Rodney Mullen are now in middle age, and that’s reflected in the game. They’re also joined by a cast of younger stars, including the likes of Aori Nishimura and Tyshawn Jones. Again, the skaters aren’t separated in any way by age or when they first appeared in the series; it’s just a big cast of incredibly talented pros. You simply pick your favorite.
Maybe there’s something about skate culture that makes it all fit together so well despite the time difference. But whatever it is, it works. Here’s a good example: I spent a lot of time building my own custom skater to look like me, and I spent even more time (and in-game cash) buying lots of clothes and skateboard parts to outfit him. Right now, my virtual likeness is riding on the Kareem Campbell deck I always wanted as a teenager and wearing the Nyjah Huston sneakers that I just missed out on buying earlier this year. Clothing from the ‘90s sits alongside brand-new Nike gear, and none of it feels out of place.
There’s also a lot to be excited about moving forward. I’ve never been handy with level creators, but I can’t wait to see what the community does when they get a hold of it. It takes a while to unlock all of the parts, but the actual tools are easy to use. And I’m hoping we’ll get a deluge of inventive parks, Super Mario Maker-style. I’m also very interested to see whether or the game picks up steam on Twitch. Skate videos have become a staple of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and I’m hoping the same will happen here. I’m never going to top the in-game leaderboards, but I’d definitely watch the players who can.
Whatever happens in the future, though, the important thing is that THPS1+2 both honors the legacy of the original games and updates it in smart ways. What made those first games so special is the care and attention they put into representing skate culture, whether it was the music, the clothing, or the gameplay itself. That’s all intact here, with all of the modern upgrades you’d expect, from realistic visuals to new music to online support.
Earlier this year, Rodney Mullen, one of the most influential skaters in history, told me that “the Tony Hawk games captured the essence of skating in a way that is pure and that stands the test of time.” The best proof of that is how much fun I’ve had playing them all over again.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is available on September 4th on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.


theverge--2020-09-03--Pixel 4A vs. iPhone SE: battle of the budget cameras

I get asked almost weekly what the best budget camera system is for someone who doesn ’ t know much about photography , and my answer is almost always the same : what phone do you have ?
Thanks to smartphones , taking great photos no longer requires learning a camera system , image editing , and the ins and outs of photography .
In the latest episode of our YouTube series Full Frame , I put the top two cameras you can buy for under $ 400 to the test .
It ’ s an all-out camera battle between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 400 iPhone SE in NYC .
The iPhone SE ’ s 12MP single rear camera is the same single camera found on the iPhone 8 , while the Pixel 4A ’ s 12.2MP single rear camera is the same system Google has used since the Pixel 2 .
Although these cameras have very different processors , both are extremely capable in perfect lighting conditions , and differentiating them feels nitpicky .
One noticeable difference , though , is where the Pixel evens out the exposure , the iPhone is not afraid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more contrast .
You can see it in the black lines of the mural and the shadows of the trees on the concrete most clearly .
I like this level of contrast , especially if it means I won ’ t have to apply and mess with an Instagram filter when I go to post it .
You start to notice more of a difference between these two systems when you take a portrait mode photo .
On the Pixel , the frame crops in 1.5x , while on the iPhone , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pixel ’ s portrait mode feels like putting on a longer lens , which , usually , is what I would do to take a portrait on a camera with interchangeable lenses .
But on a phone , it often forced me to back up to get a good frame of the subject , and I much preferred the wider angle portrait mode of the iPhone .
Both cameras ’ cutouts of their subjects are passable , with the occasional wacky software choice to leave in a leg or not cut around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great portrait mode photo still feels lucky .
Shooting at night is what gives the Pixel its upper edge — because the SE , well , doesn ’ t have night mode at all .
I am still blown away by the Pixel ’ s Night Sight feature .
There are times when the Pixel ’ s camera can see more of an object in the dark than I can .
But the iPhone simply isn ’ t equipped with the software to make that happen , leaving the photos dark and needing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins at night , the iPhone dominates in processing power .
Inside the SE is Apple ’ s newest A13 chip , and it ’ s fast — like wicked fast .
I often caught the Pixel ’ s Snapdragon 730G processor working on images for a bit after I took them .
When it comes to how quickly you can open the camera app , take a photo , and then review it , the iPhone wins .
For under $ 400 , both cameras are tiny powerhouses that produce sharp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many more samples , beautiful b-roll of NYC , and my pick for best budget phone camera , you ’ ll have to tune in to this episode of Full Frame .

I get asked almost weekly what the best budget camera system is for someone who doesn’t know much about photography, and my answer is almost always the same: what phone do you have? Thanks to smartphones, taking great photos no longer requires learning a camera system, image editing, and the ins and outs of photography.
In the latest episode of our YouTube series Full Frame, I put the top two cameras you can buy for under $400 to the test. It’s an all-out camera battle between the $350 Pixel 4A and the $400 iPhone SE in NYC.
The iPhone SE and the Pixel 4A both have single read camera systems.
The iPhone SE’s 12MP single rear camera is the same single camera found on the iPhone 8, while the Pixel 4A’s 12.2MP single rear camera is the same system Google has used since the Pixel 2. Although these cameras have very different processors, both are extremely capable in perfect lighting conditions, and differentiating them feels nitpicky.
Pixel 4A on the left, iPhone SE on the right
One noticeable difference, though, is where the Pixel evens out the exposure, the iPhone is not afraid to hold on to the shadows and create more contrast. You can see it in the black lines of the mural and the shadows of the trees on the concrete most clearly. I like this level of contrast, especially if it means I won’t have to apply and mess with an Instagram filter when I go to post it.
Pixel 4A on the left, iPhone SE on the right taken from the same distance away from the subject
You start to notice more of a difference between these two systems when you take a portrait mode photo. On the Pixel, the frame crops in 1.5x, while on the iPhone, there is no crop at all.
Using the Pixel’s portrait mode feels like putting on a longer lens, which, usually, is what I would do to take a portrait on a camera with interchangeable lenses. But on a phone, it often forced me to back up to get a good frame of the subject, and I much preferred the wider angle portrait mode of the iPhone. Both cameras’ cutouts of their subjects are passable, with the occasional wacky software choice to leave in a leg or not cut around hair all that well. Getting a great portrait mode photo still feels lucky.
Pixel 4A on the left with Night Sight on, iPhone SE on the right
Shooting at night is what gives the Pixel its upper edge — because the SE, well, doesn’t have night mode at all. I am still blown away by the Pixel’s Night Sight feature. There are times when the Pixel’s camera can see more of an object in the dark than I can. But the iPhone simply isn’t equipped with the software to make that happen, leaving the photos dark and needing a brightening boost.
The iPhone SE’s 12MP rear camera. The Pixel 4A’s 12.2MP rear camera.
While the Pixel wins at night, the iPhone dominates in processing power. Inside the SE is Apple’s newest A13 chip, and it’s fast — like wicked fast. I often caught the Pixel’s Snapdragon 730G processor working on images for a bit after I took them. When it comes to how quickly you can open the camera app, take a photo, and then review it, the iPhone wins.
For under $400, both cameras are tiny powerhouses that produce sharp, balanced photos. But if you want many more samples, beautiful b-roll of NYC, and my pick for best budget phone camera, you’ll have to tune in to this episode of Full Frame.
Photography by Becca Farsace / The Verge
Related I built my own camera with a Raspberry Pi 4


theverge--2020-09-03--Activists call on Facebook to ban armed event listings after Kenosha shooting

In the aftermath of the Kenosha shooting , an activist group called Change the Terms is calling on Facebook to institute new policies around potentially dangerous content , including a blanket ban on “ event pages that encourage people to bring weapons to events.
” In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday , group called for a broad enhancement of Facebook ’ s moderation against extremism , including more automated tools for proactive enforcement and better systems for detecting event pages that promote violence .
Another recommendation echoes an internal Facebook report ( obtained by Buzzfeed News last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in user feedback reports .
“ We can not stress enough the urgency of our requests , ” the letter reads .
“ You have the power to save lives and significantly influence the health of our democracy.
” Reached for comment , Facebook said it was considering the recommendations , but declined to comment further .
“ We are reviewing Change the Terms ’ thoughtful suggestions and look forward to continuing the ongoing conversation with them , ” a Facebook representative said .
The questions come after the killing of two protestors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a number of militia-linked event listings on Facebook had encouraged armed attendance .
A number of Facebook users reported the pages as likely to incite violence , but moderators refused to remove them prior to the shooting .
The morning after the rally , Facebook pulled down the pages , affirming that they did violate Facebook policy .
In a public speech , Mark Zuckerberg called the decision “ an operational error ” resulting from the specialized training given to the moderators who enforce the platform ’ s Dangerous Individuals and Organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is mixed , and is more lax than many of its competitors .
Unlike Google , Facebook does not block gun ads , provided they ’ re made by a registered dealer and are in accordance with local laws .
Facebook prohibits personal gun sales as a matter of policy , but in practice , moderation has been ineffective in driving such sales off the platform .
But for activists , the issue is too urgent to delay .
“ Facebook must commit to stopping hate , and invest more in doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-founder of Change the Terms .
“ It ’ s not hard to distinguish between white supremacist and militia groups and those protesting hate ... .
It ’ s even easier to identify and remove violent groups calling for people to bring weapons to in person events organized on Facebook .
”

In the aftermath of the Kenosha shooting, an activist group called Change the Terms is calling on Facebook to institute new policies around potentially dangerous content, including a blanket ban on “event pages that encourage people to bring weapons to events.”
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, group called for a broad enhancement of Facebook’s moderation against extremism, including more automated tools for proactive enforcement and better systems for detecting event pages that promote violence. Another recommendation echoes an internal Facebook report (obtained by Buzzfeed News last week) that suggested better monitoring of spikes in user feedback reports.
“We cannot stress enough the urgency of our requests,” the letter reads. “You have the power to save lives and significantly influence the health of our democracy.”
Reached for comment, Facebook said it was considering the recommendations, but declined to comment further. “We are reviewing Change the Terms’ thoughtful suggestions and look forward to continuing the ongoing conversation with them,” a Facebook representative said.
The questions come after the killing of two protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which came after a number of militia-linked event listings on Facebook had encouraged armed attendance. A number of Facebook users reported the pages as likely to incite violence, but moderators refused to remove them prior to the shooting.
The morning after the rally, Facebook pulled down the pages, affirming that they did violate Facebook policy. In a public speech, Mark Zuckerberg called the decision “an operational error” resulting from the specialized training given to the moderators who enforce the platform’s Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy.
Facebook policy on firearm moderation is mixed, and is more lax than many of its competitors. Unlike Google, Facebook does not block gun ads, provided they’re made by a registered dealer and are in accordance with local laws. Facebook prohibits personal gun sales as a matter of policy, but in practice, moderation has been ineffective in driving such sales off the platform.


theverge--2020-09-03--All tech products should be designed like my toaster

I write about and review cutting edge tech products for a living , yet every time I pick up a new piece of hardware I always think about my toaster .
Not because I ’ m obsessed with bread , but more that my toaster is designed for how humans actually use gadgets .
I use my toaster every week , and it ’ s a constant reminder of how other products are often badly designed .
Most toasters are pretty simple , you drop one , maybe two pieces of bread inside the top , pull a lever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes flying out as if it just woke up from a dough-induced nightmare .
The results can vary widely , from a perfectly golden slice to a visit from the fire department .
My toaster is a little different .
The designers have clearly thought about how humans actually want to toast bread , bagels , and crumpets ( yes , it ’ s a weird British thing ) .
There ’ s a setting for bagels that only turns on the inside sections of the heating elements so you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also makes it easy to toast bread you ’ ve stored in the freezer .
These are both useful additions , but the two buttons that really set it apart are “ quick look ” and “ a bit more.
” The quick look gradually lifts your toast or bagel to the top so you can check on its progress during the toasting phase .
A bit more lowers it back down for more cooking time .
These two buttons , and their simple naming , are designed to reflect the messy reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other baked goods .
Bread varies in thickness and density making it impossible for toaster presets to make a perfectly toasted slice every time .
My toaster reflects the complex reality of life with a couple of buttons that are easy to understand and even easier to use .
Now I know my toaster isn ’ t perfect ( even this model from 1948 had some great ideas ) but I wish more tech products were designed with me in mind .
Human-centric design has definitely progressed in recent years , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a device and be blasted with notifications , pointless questions , and a barrage of information overload that ultimately makes it more difficult to use .
I often pick up a new gadget and question why the camera is placed in a certain location , or the buttons feel stiff or clunky , or why it ’ s still not using USB-C.
Didn ’ t anyone try to use it ?
I ’ m not a product designer , engineer , or even really a qualified expert on how hardware should be designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of thought and consideration has been put into how people use things on a daily basis .
It often feels like half my job is nitpicking , but these small product design choices hugely influence how we interact with technology every single day .
As we move increasingly to an era where devices are full of sensors and make smart decisions for you based on algorithms and machine learning , I hope that the trend of designing for humans first becomes ever more apparent .
We ’ ve wasted too many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machines , ATMs , and other pieces of technology that could really benefit from a total overhaul .
If everything worked like my toaster , life would get just a tiny bit less stressful .

I write about and review cutting edge tech products for a living, yet every time I pick up a new piece of hardware I always think about my toaster. Not because I’m obsessed with bread, but more that my toaster is designed for how humans actually use gadgets. I use my toaster every week, and it’s a constant reminder of how other products are often badly designed.
Most toasters are pretty simple, you drop one, maybe two pieces of bread inside the top, pull a lever, and a few minutes later your toast comes flying out as if it just woke up from a dough-induced nightmare. The results can vary widely, from a perfectly golden slice to a visit from the fire department. My toaster is a little different.
Breville SmartToaster 2-Slice Toaster / All tech products should be designed like this toaster. $130 at Crate & Barrel
The designers have clearly thought about how humans actually want to toast bread, bagels, and crumpets (yes, it’s a weird British thing). There’s a setting for bagels that only turns on the inside sections of the heating elements so you don’t toast the outside. A frozen button also makes it easy to toast bread you’ve stored in the freezer. These are both useful additions, but the two buttons that really set it apart are “quick look” and “a bit more.” The quick look gradually lifts your toast or bagel to the top so you can check on its progress during the toasting phase. A bit more lowers it back down for more cooking time.
These two buttons, and their simple naming, are designed to reflect the messy reality of toasting bread, bagels, and other baked goods. Bread varies in thickness and density making it impossible for toaster presets to make a perfectly toasted slice every time. My toaster reflects the complex reality of life with a couple of buttons that are easy to understand and even easier to use.
Now I know my toaster isn’t perfect (even this model from 1948 had some great ideas) but I wish more tech products were designed with me in mind. Human-centric design has definitely progressed in recent years, but it’s still common to power on a device and be blasted with notifications, pointless questions, and a barrage of information overload that ultimately makes it more difficult to use. I often pick up a new gadget and question why the camera is placed in a certain location, or the buttons feel stiff or clunky, or why it’s still not using USB-C. Didn’t anyone try to use it?
I’m not a product designer, engineer, or even really a qualified expert on how hardware should be designed, but I definitely appreciate when a lot of thought and consideration has been put into how people use things on a daily basis. It often feels like half my job is nitpicking, but these small product design choices hugely influence how we interact with technology every single day.


theverge--2020-09-03--TCL announces two Android tablets, new true wireless earbuds, and a smartwatch for seniors

As part of its IFA 2020 announcements , TCL is today launching a slew of new gadgets including a pair of tablets , new true wireless earbuds , and a smartwatch for seniors .
The Android tablets are perhaps the most interesting products of the bunch , as the higher-end model features a 10.36-inch widescreen ( 2000x1200 ) display with slim bezels ; it even comes with a stylus .
The internal specs aren ’ t going to come anywhere close to something like Samsung ’ s Galaxy Tab S7 , but the company is positioning the TCL 10 Tab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos or conducting video calls thanks to its dual far-field microphones .
It ’ s set to ship in the fourth quarter for €299 ( 4G model ) and €249 ( Wi-Fi only ) .
There ’ s also the TCL 10 Tab Mid for even less money , though you ’ ll have to put up with chunkier bezels around its 8-inch screen .
The 10 Tab Mid is powered by a Snapdragon 665 and offers a “ powerful speaker system , ” according to the company .
Both tablets feature a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their screens output reduced blue light .
The TCL 10 Tab Mid is also coming in Q4 for €229 .
Next up are the company ’ s latest true wireless earbuds , the MoveAudio S200 , which are joining the budget-priced tier at under €100 .
They ’ re rather AirPod-like in design , but TCL says you can expect 3.5 hours of continuous battery life ( up to 23 total with the case ) , low latency when watching videos , and convenience features like auto-pause when an earbud is removed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic noise reduction ( when on calls ) to keep your voice coming through loud and clear .
The MoveAudio S200 earbuds are IP54 dust and water resistant and will retail for €99 when they ’ re released globally at the end of this month ; color choices include black , white , and teal blue — though the latter only applies to the case .
Last up is a connected watch for seniors that TCL is calling the MoveTime Family Watch .
With activity tracking , fall detection , heart rate monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intended “ to help seniors maintain their independence.
” The watch also offers medication and activity reminders .
If a fall is detected , emergency contacts are notified within 60 seconds and are provided with the wearer ’ s location .
The Family Watch will also display alerts if it detects an irregularly fast or slow heart rate .
It ’ s got a 41x48.5mm OLED display ( with optimized , larger icons ) and is IP67 water and dust resistant .
TCL says meets “ CCPA and GDPR compliance to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will launch this fall in North America and Europe for €229 .
As part of its IFA showing , TCL is also providing some minor updates on its concepts and prototypes like the “ waterfall ” display and foldables .
Most interesting among the new stuff is what the company refers to as “ NXTPAPER ” technology , which it says is “ the artistic combination of screen and paper and the culmination of two years of product research and design as well as 11 patents for eye protection .
This display technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visual experience in full color with no flicker and no harmful blue light.
” TCL says NXTPAPER is designed for use in tablets , but like its other future-looking technologies , the company has nothing to share in regards to actual , shipping products that might put NXTPAPER to use .
As for foldable phones , TCL is still sitting things out — for now .

As part of its IFA 2020 announcements, TCL is today launching a slew of new gadgets including a pair of tablets, new true wireless earbuds, and a smartwatch for seniors.
The Android tablets are perhaps the most interesting products of the bunch, as the higher-end model features a 10.36-inch widescreen (2000x1200) display with slim bezels; it even comes with a stylus. The internal specs aren’t going to come anywhere close to something like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7, but the company is positioning the TCL 10 Tab Max as an excellent choice for watching videos or conducting video calls thanks to its dual far-field microphones. It’s set to ship in the fourth quarter for €299 (4G model) and €249 (Wi-Fi only).
Image: TCL
There’s also the TCL 10 Tab Mid for even less money, though you’ll have to put up with chunkier bezels around its 8-inch screen. The 10 Tab Mid is powered by a Snapdragon 665 and offers a “powerful speaker system,” according to the company. Both tablets feature a dedicated kids mode, and TCL says their screens output reduced blue light. The TCL 10 Tab Mid is also coming in Q4 for €229.
Next up are the company’s latest true wireless earbuds, the MoveAudio S200, which are joining the budget-priced tier at under €100. They’re rather AirPod-like in design, but TCL says you can expect 3.5 hours of continuous battery life (up to 23 total with the case), low latency when watching videos, and convenience features like auto-pause when an earbud is removed. The buds have four beamforming mics and electronic noise reduction (when on calls) to keep your voice coming through loud and clear. The MoveAudio S200 earbuds are IP54 dust and water resistant and will retail for €99 when they’re released globally at the end of this month; color choices include black, white, and teal blue — though the latter only applies to the case.
Image: TCL
Last up is a connected watch for seniors that TCL is calling the MoveTime Family Watch. With activity tracking, fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and hands-free calling, the device is intended “to help seniors maintain their independence.” The watch also offers medication and activity reminders. If a fall is detected, emergency contacts are notified within 60 seconds and are provided with the wearer’s location. The Family Watch will also display alerts if it detects an irregularly fast or slow heart rate.
Image: TCL
It’s got a 41x48.5mm OLED display (with optimized, larger icons) and is IP67 water and dust resistant. TCL says meets “CCPA and GDPR compliance to protect user privacy.” The MoveTime Family Watch will launch this fall in North America and Europe for €229.


theverge--2020-09-03--Facebook will stop accepting new political ads a week before the US presidential election

Facebook will stop taking new political advertising in the United States in the seven days leading up to the election , CEO Mark Zuckerberg said today as part of a series of steps the company is taking to protect against election interference .
“ The US elections are just two months away , and with COVID-19 affecting communities across the country , I ’ m concerned about the challenges people could face when voting , ” Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post announcing the move .
“ I ’ m also worried that with our nation so divided and election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be finalized , there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country.
” Candidates and political action committees will continue to be able to buy ads that have already received at least one impression by October 27th , the company said .
They can also choose to target those existing ads at different groups or adjust their level of spending .
But they won ’ t be able to launch new creative campaigns — a hedge against candidates spreading misinformation during a particularly fraught moment in the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise between critics who demanded that the company stop selling advertising altogether and political campaigners who argued that ads benefit lesser-known candidates and can be essential for get-out-the-vote efforts .
It is not likely to placate critics who argue that Facebook ’ s policy against fact-checking political ads allows it to profit from misinformation and the steady erosion of American democracy .
But it may prevent the worst efforts to spread hoaxes and dread in an election that has been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic , voter fears over physically going to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in voting .
• Putting the company ’ s “ Voter Information Center ” at the top of the Facebook and Instagram feeds .
The widget contains accurate , verified information and videos about how to vote , and will remain at the top of the feed until Election Day .
It will begin appearing this week for all US users , Facebook said .
• Using the Voter Information Center to educate Americans about the fact that the winner of the presidency may not be declared the night of the election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to be counted .
• Providing live , official election results as they become available through a partnership with Reuters .
The information will appear in the Voter Information Center , and Facebook will also deliver updates via push notifications .
• Removing posts that contain “ clear misinformation ” about COVID-19 and voting .
• Adding a link to accurate information about COVID-19 to posts that attempt to discourage people from voting by invoking fears about the disease .
• Adding a label to any candidate or campaign post that attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official .
The label will direct users to information from Reuters .
• Adding a label to posts that attempt to cast doubt on the outcome of the election .
The company also said it would expand its policies against voter suppression to include “ implicit misrepresentations ” about the process , even if they don ’ t discourage voting .
The statement “ I hear anybody with a driver ’ s license gets a ballot this year ” will no longer be allowed under the expanded policy , Facebook said .
Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify posts aimed at suppressing voters will begin starting now , the company said .
In the past , it worked with local election officials starting 72 hours before the election to look for posts with misleading information about voting .
Given this election ’ s expected reliance on mail-in voting , that work needs to begin today , the company said .
Finally , Facebook will temporarily restrict the number of people you can forward links to in Messenger to five per message .
That move began August 17th and will roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The company adopted similar restrictions for WhatsApp last year .
News that Facebook was considering a short-term political ad ban broke in July , when Zuckerberg discussed it in an all-hands meeting with his staff .
The company has previously made all ads on the service viewable in a public library , and allowed users to “ turn off ” political ads .
Still , other platforms have taken a more restrictive approach .
Twitter banned political advertising last year , and Google acted to limit campaigns ’ ability to micro-target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is strong enough to withstand this challenge and deliver a free and fair election — even if it takes time for every vote to be counted , ” Zuckerberg said in his post .
“ We ’ ve voted during global pandemics before .
We can do this .
But it ’ s going to take a concerted effort by all of us — political parties and candidates , election authorities , the media and social networks , and ultimately voters as well — to live up to our responsibilities .
”

Facebook will stop taking new political advertising in the United States in the seven days leading up to the election, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said today as part of a series of steps the company is taking to protect against election interference.
“The US elections are just two months away, and with COVID-19 affecting communities across the country, I’m concerned about the challenges people could face when voting,” Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post announcing the move. “I’m also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country.”
Candidates and political action committees will continue to be able to buy ads that have already received at least one impression by October 27th, the company said. They can also choose to target those existing ads at different groups or adjust their level of spending. But they won’t be able to launch new creative campaigns — a hedge against candidates spreading misinformation during a particularly fraught moment in the company’s history.
The move represents a compromise between critics who demanded that the company stop selling advertising altogether and political campaigners who argued that ads benefit lesser-known candidates and can be essential for get-out-the-vote efforts. It is not likely to placate critics who argue that Facebook’s policy against fact-checking political ads allows it to profit from misinformation and the steady erosion of American democracy. But it may prevent the worst efforts to spread hoaxes and dread in an election that has been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, voter fears over physically going to the polls, and a new reliance on mail-in voting.
Other steps announced by Facebook today include:
Putting the company’s “Voter Information Center” at the top of the Facebook and Instagram feeds. The widget contains accurate, verified information and videos about how to vote, and will remain at the top of the feed until Election Day. It will begin appearing this week for all US users, Facebook said.
Using the Voter Information Center to educate Americans about the fact that the winner of the presidency may not be declared the night of the election, as mail-in ballots could take days or weeks to be counted.
Providing live, official election results as they become available through a partnership with Reuters. The information will appear in the Voter Information Center, and Facebook will also deliver updates via push notifications.
Removing posts that contain “clear misinformation” about COVID-19 and voting.
Adding a link to accurate information about COVID-19 to posts that attempt to discourage people from voting by invoking fears about the disease.
Adding a label to any candidate or campaign post that attempts to declare victory before the results are official. The label will direct users to information from Reuters.
Adding a label to posts that attempt to cast doubt on the outcome of the election.
The company also said it would expand its policies against voter suppression to include “implicit misrepresentations” about the process, even if they don’t discourage voting. The statement “I hear anybody with a driver’s license gets a ballot this year” will no longer be allowed under the expanded policy, Facebook said.
Facebook’s work with election officials to identify posts aimed at suppressing voters will begin starting now, the company said. In the past, it worked with local election officials starting 72 hours before the election to look for posts with misleading information about voting. Given this election’s expected reliance on mail-in voting, that work needs to begin today, the company said.
Finally, Facebook will temporarily restrict the number of people you can forward links to in Messenger to five per message. That move began August 17th and will roll out globally later this month, Facebook said. The company adopted similar restrictions for WhatsApp last year.


theverge--2020-09-03--Apple to let app developers offer free or discounted subscriptions via offer codes

Apple will soon let developers offer discounted or free subscriptions via new offer codes , the company has announced .
Developers will be able to distribute these one-time use codes physically or electronically , which Apple says could help them acquire new subscribers , retain existing ones , or “ win back ” lapsed customers .
Apple says the feature is coming “ later this year , ” and will be available to customers using iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 .
App developers have previously been able to offer discounted pricing or introductory offers for subscriptions on Apple devices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more granular control .
Acquire new subscribers , retain existing ones , or “ win back ” lapsed customers According to a new section added to Apple ’ s developer documentation , developers will be able to distribute the codes either in-person or online .
For example , codes could be made available alongside the purchase of a product or sent in an email .
Customers will be able to redeem them on the App Store , via the web , or directly in-app .
An example screenshot posted by Apple ( above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives one month of a subscription for free , before reverting to its usual $ 4.99 a month pricing .
The new functionality comes as Apple is facing fierce criticism from the likes of Epic Games , Hey email developer Basecamp , and others , over a perceived Apple Tax .
With a few exceptions , developers are required to use Apple ’ s built-in payment infrastructure , which means having to give the company a 30 percent cut of any subscriptions or in-app purchases .
The new offer codes don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should give developers a little more flexibility over how they attract and retain subscribers .

Apple will soon let developers offer discounted or free subscriptions via new offer codes, the company has announced. Developers will be able to distribute these one-time use codes physically or electronically, which Apple says could help them acquire new subscribers, retain existing ones, or “win back” lapsed customers. Apple says the feature is coming “later this year,” and will be available to customers using iOS 14 or iPadOS 14.
App developers have previously been able to offer discounted pricing or introductory offers for subscriptions on Apple devices, but the new codes should give developers more granular control.
Acquire new subscribers, retain existing ones, or “win back” lapsed customers
According to a new section added to Apple’s developer documentation, developers will be able to distribute the codes either in-person or online. For example, codes could be made available alongside the purchase of a product or sent in an email. Customers will be able to redeem them on the App Store, via the web, or directly in-app. An example screenshot posted by Apple (above) shows an offer redemption screen that gives one month of a subscription for free, before reverting to its usual $4.99 a month pricing.


theverge--2020-09-03--Go read this CNET story about the Avengers game that wasn’t

In 2011 , before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became an unstoppable box office and cultural force , THQ Studio Australia @ @ @ @ @ a video game tie-in for an upcoming movie called The Avengers .
Not the Destiny-esque @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s being released tomorrow — an Avengers game that never saw the light @ @ @ @ @ superhero brawler , instead of the traditional behind-the-character perspective .
A game on a deadline @ @ @ @ @ beat up his filing cabinet with an umbrella , and another decided to repeatedly stab @ @ @ @ @ kitchen knife .
That ’ s the story from Mark Serrels at CNET , and @ @ @ @ @ and juicy anecdotes from the developers and publishing execs who tried to make it a @ @ @ @ @ moved their lives across the world only for the game to eventually be canceled .
@ @ @ @ @ footage of the game .
If you ’ re at all curious what could have @ @ @ @ @ here .

In 2011, before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became an unstoppable box office and cultural force, THQ Studio Australia was hard at work on a video game tie-in for an upcoming movie called The Avengers.
Not the Destiny-esque Marvel’s Avengers game that’s being released tomorrow — an Avengers game that never saw the light of day.
A first-person superhero brawler, instead of the traditional behind-the-character perspective.
A game on a deadline so stressful that one developer beat up his filing cabinet with an umbrella, and another decided to repeatedly stab his desk with a giant kitchen knife.
That’s the story from Mark Serrels at CNET, and it comes chock-full of testimony and juicy anecdotes from the developers and publishing execs who tried to make it a reality — some of whom moved their lives across the world only for the game to eventually be canceled. There’s even never-before-seen footage of the game.


theverge--2020-09-03--The Aorus 15P is a light gaming laptop designed for esports pros

Gigabyte has announced the Aorus 15P , a portable laptop tailored to professional gaming .
It ’ s available now on Gigabyte ’ s online store , starting at $ 1,599.99 .
The company says it worked with esports teams , including G2 Esports , to design the new laptop .
It weighs 4.4 pounds ( 2kg ) — which is portable so far as gaming laptops go — and it ’ s 0.9 inches thick .
Gigabyte says the chassis passed “ a series of pressure tests ” for durability .
Gigabyte is promising up to eight hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic prediction for a gaming rig ( and this one has a per-key RGB keyboard , which might draw some extra power ) .
Specs-wise , the 15P comes with a 144Hz display .
It ’ s powered by Intel ’ s Core i7-10750H and up to 32GB of RAM .
You can select a GeForce RTX 2060 or an RTX 2070 with Max-Q design .
For ports , you ’ ve got three USB-A , one USB-C , an HDMI , an SD card reader , a headphone jack , and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ port .
The big question with thin gaming laptops is always the cooling : Gigabyte says the device will incorporate its Windforce Infinity cooling system , which includes two 12-volt fans , five heat pipes , and multiple vents to keep up its frame rates .
Hopefully , we ’ ll be able to test that claim for ourselves later this month .

Gigabyte has announced the Aorus 15P, a portable laptop tailored to professional gaming. It’s available now on Gigabyte’s online store, starting at $1,599.99.
The company says it worked with esports teams, including G2 Esports, to design the new laptop. It weighs 4.4 pounds (2kg) — which is portable so far as gaming laptops go — and it’s 0.9 inches thick. Gigabyte says the chassis passed “a series of pressure tests” for durability.
Gigabyte is promising up to eight hours of battery life, which is certainly an optimistic prediction for a gaming rig (and this one has a per-key RGB keyboard, which might draw some extra power).
The Aorus 15P under the Prime95 and Furmark stress tests. Gigabyte says the unit’s temperature is 32 degrees Celsius. Image: Gigabyte
Specs-wise, the 15P comes with a 144Hz display. It’s powered by Intel’s Core i7-10750H and up to 32GB of RAM. You can select a GeForce RTX 2060 or an RTX 2070 with Max-Q design. For ports, you’ve got three USB-A, one USB-C, an HDMI, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet, in addition to the charging port.


theverge--2020-09-03--T-Mobile’s LG Velvet has a different processor inside, and it’s an interesting choice

We weren ’ t huge fans of the LG Velvet , the design-first , specs-second flagship smartphone the company released this summer .
The sleek phone felt stuttery in our review .
But what if I told you the T-Mobile variant comes with a different chip ?
Today , T-Mobile announced it ’ s brought an LG Velvet to the United States with a MediaTek Dimensity 1000C processor inside , instead of the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 and 765G it usually employs .
It ’ s one of the first times in recent memory we ’ ve seen a MediaTek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it ’ s a significant milestone for a company that generally plays second-fiddle to Qualcomm , if nothing else .
The question is whether T-Mobile is now giving you a faster chip than the existing LG Velvet can get you , and that ’ s not clear yet .
At first glance , it might like you ’ re getting a entire tier higher chip in the exact same phone , because ( at least in anecdotal benchmarks ) MediaTek ’ s Dimensity 1000 is no slouch : AnTuTu rated the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variants up near Qualcomm ’ s flagship Snapdragon 865 , 855 and 855+ chips , as well as Huawei ’ s Kirin 980 , 985 and 990 .
This “ 1000C ” sounds like it should be an “ 810 ” But upon close examination , it appears that T-Mobile and MediaTek are trying to trick us with branding , because the actual specs of this “ Dimensity 1000C ” hew much closer to MediaTek ’ s cheaper Dimensity 800 instead .
They both have octa-core CPUs and ARM Mali graphics , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.6GHz and comes with nine Mali-G77 GPU cores , the 1000C tops out at 2GHz with only five Mali-G57 GPU cores .
( The Dimensity 800 is 2GHz but with four GPU cores ; the Dimensity 820 is 2.6GHz with five . )
It ’ s also maybe a little telling that T-Mobile ’ s product page currently states the phone comes with a Dimensity 800 , though a spokesperson tells us that will be corrected soon .
One thing it does add from the Dimensity 1000 series , though : AV1 hardware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streams that Netflix , YouTube , and others are rolling out .
Still , the Dimensity 1000C could still be competitive with Qualcomm ’ s Snapdragon 765G , and it won ’ t cost you more money : T-Mobile plans to sell it for $ 588 off-contract , similar to the $ 599 you ’ ll pay for the other model at AT & T , and less than the $ 699 it costs for a Verizon model that supports its millimeter-wave 5G network .

We weren’t huge fans of the LG Velvet, the design-first, specs-second flagship smartphone the company released this summer. The sleek phone felt stuttery in our review. But what if I told you the T-Mobile variant comes with a different chip?
Today, T-Mobile announced it’s brought an LG Velvet to the United States with a MediaTek Dimensity 1000C processor inside, instead of the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 and 765G it usually employs. It’s one of the first times in recent memory we’ve seen a MediaTek chip in a US flagship phone, so it’s a significant milestone for a company that generally plays second-fiddle to Qualcomm, if nothing else.
The question is whether T-Mobile is now giving you a faster chip than the existing LG Velvet can get you, and that’s not clear yet. At first glance, it might like you’re getting a entire tier higher chip in the exact same phone, because (at least in anecdotal benchmarks) MediaTek’s Dimensity 1000 is no slouch: AnTuTu rated the company’s other Dimensity 1000+ and 1000L variants up near Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 865, 855 and 855+ chips, as well as Huawei’s Kirin 980, 985 and 990.
This “1000C” sounds like it should be an “810”
But upon close examination, it appears that T-Mobile and MediaTek are trying to trick us with branding, because the actual specs of this “Dimensity 1000C” hew much closer to MediaTek’s cheaper Dimensity 800 instead. They both have octa-core CPUs and ARM Mali graphics, but where a Dimensity 1000 tops out at 2.6GHz and comes with nine Mali-G77 GPU cores, the 1000C tops out at 2GHz with only five Mali-G57 GPU cores. (The Dimensity 800 is 2GHz but with four GPU cores; the Dimensity 820 is 2.6GHz with five.)
It’s also maybe a little telling that T-Mobile’s product page currently states the phone comes with a Dimensity 800, though a spokesperson tells us that will be corrected soon. One thing it does add from the Dimensity 1000 series, though: AV1 hardware decoding, for the data saving video streams that Netflix, YouTube, and others are rolling out.


theverge--2020-09-03--Star Trek cast members will reunite Sept. 8th for a free 24-hour virtual celebration

On September 8th , CBS All Access is holding an all-day streaming event to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the premiere of the original Star Trek television show .
I ’ ll admit I skimmed the email announcement until I found what I was looking for : yes , Patrick Stewart aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard will be part of the Star Trek panel discussions and will even reunite with Jonathan Frakes aka William Riker aka Number One aka Ensign Babyface .
You can tell I am a ) respectful of Star Trek because I didn ’ t go with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage !
” pun in my lede , and b ) I have a somewhat limited scope of interest in the Star Trek universe .
But I think that ’ s OK !
Unlike that other space-related franchise , you can fully enjoy one aspect of the Star Trek dynasty and it doesn ’ t mean you ’ re any less of a fan .
So , if you like The Next Generation and Voyager , or prefer the newer movies with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto as Kirk and Spock to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t mean you don ’ t respect William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy .
Live long and prosper , fellow fans ( OK one pun , sorry ) .
It ’ s always been a universe open to new ideas ; later this year Star Trek Discovery will introduce the franchise ’ s first non-binary and transgender characters .
For US-based fans , the day will kick off early at 3AM ET , and feature a marathon of episodes from eight different Star Trek TV shows .
At 3PM ET , the marathon pauses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wheaton aka Wesley Crusher , and Mica Burton ( daughter of TNG star LeVar Burton ) as well as other stars from the franchise .
Then the marathon resumes at 6:30PM ET and runs until midnight .
The event will stream free on the Star Trek website , and doesn ’ t require a CBS All Access subscription .
Themed streaming events have become the norm during the coronavirus pandemic , if anything can be called “ normal ” right now .
Last month ’ s DC ’ s FanDome set the standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleague Julia Alexander wrote ; the eight-hour virtual convention spotlighted some of its biggest upcoming films , including The Batman , Flash , Wonder Woman 1984 , and Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League — as well as interviews , rapid Q & As , and tributes to the world of DC .
So other streaming events need to step it up .
Star Trek Day ’ s lineup looks promising ; in addition to the panels and marathon , there will be previews of what ’ s coming up across the Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hold a virtual “ pub quiz ” on Twitch starting at 7PM ET .
They ’ re also planning Star Trek emojis on Twitter , and of course , there will be merch .
And relevant to my interests , the Picard + The Next Generation panel starts at 3:05PM ET .
Check out the full schedule of events here .

On September 8th, CBS All Access is holding an all-day streaming event to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the premiere of the original Star Trek television show. I’ll admit I skimmed the email announcement until I found what I was looking for: yes, Patrick Stewart aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard will be part of the Star Trek panel discussions and will even reunite with Jonathan Frakes aka William Riker aka Number One aka Ensign Babyface.
You can tell I am a) respectful of Star Trek because I didn’t go with a cheap “boldly go” or “engage!” pun in my lede, and b) I have a somewhat limited scope of interest in the Star Trek universe. But I think that’s OK! Unlike that other space-related franchise, you can fully enjoy one aspect of the Star Trek dynasty and it doesn’t mean you’re any less of a fan. So, if you like The Next Generation and Voyager, or prefer the newer movies with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto as Kirk and Spock to the older TV series, it doesn’t mean you don’t respect William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Live long and prosper, fellow fans (OK one pun, sorry).
It’s always been a universe open to new ideas; later this year Star Trek Discovery will introduce the franchise’s first non-binary and transgender characters.
For US-based fans, the day will kick off early at 3AM ET, and feature a marathon of episodes from eight different Star Trek TV shows. At 3PM ET, the marathon pauses for global panels, hosted by Wil Wheaton aka Wesley Crusher, and Mica Burton (daughter of TNG star LeVar Burton) as well as other stars from the franchise. Then the marathon resumes at 6:30PM ET and runs until midnight.
The event will stream free on the Star Trek website, and doesn’t require a CBS All Access subscription.
Themed streaming events have become the norm during the coronavirus pandemic, if anything can be called “normal” right now. Last month’s DC’s FanDome set the standard for these kinds of events, my colleague Julia Alexander wrote; the eight-hour virtual convention spotlighted some of its biggest upcoming films, including The Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman 1984, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League — as well as interviews, rapid Q&As, and tributes to the world of DC. So other streaming events need to step it up.
Star Trek Day’s lineup looks promising; in addition to the panels and marathon, there will be previews of what’s coming up across the Star Trek universe, and CBS All Access will hold a virtual “pub quiz” on Twitch starting at 7PM ET. They’re also planning Star Trek emojis on Twitter, and of course, there will be merch.


theverge--2020-09-03--Logitech G’s new Playmaster software is here to help you get good at Counter-Strike

Logitech G has announced a new esports training program for Counter-Strike : Global Offensive called Playmaster , which is designed to help assess your skills and help you practice specific techniques , like tracking players , moving , and ( of course ) shooting .
The company is taking this seriously , too .
It ’ s built custom maps and levels within CS : GO to help both assess players ’ current skill levels and for practice .
It ’ s also worked with the Lero Esports Science Research Lab at the University of Limerick to develop the software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement , Playmaster is “ backed by science.
” To start , players take a roughly 30-minute skill test that will allow the software to get a baseline reading for where you ’ re at now and your specific strengths and weaknesses .
You ’ ll also be able to see where you fall skill-wise against the rest of the community and professional esports players .
Then , Playmaster will generate a specific training curriculum for you to practice .
Right now , Playmaster only works with CS : GO and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , although it ’ s possible that the roster of games and the price tag could increase in the future .

Logitech G has announced a new esports training program for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive called Playmaster, which is designed to help assess your skills and help you practice specific techniques, like tracking players, moving, and (of course) shooting.
The company is taking this seriously, too. It’s built custom maps and levels within CS:GO to help both assess players’ current skill levels and for practice. It’s also worked with the Lero Esports Science Research Lab at the University of Limerick to develop the software — as the company proudly boasts in the announcement, Playmaster is “backed by science.”
To start, players take a roughly 30-minute skill test that will allow the software to get a baseline reading for where you’re at now and your specific strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also be able to see where you fall skill-wise against the rest of the community and professional esports players. Then, Playmaster will generate a specific training curriculum for you to practice.


theverge--2020-09-03--You can now download your Twitter data again and see what hackers could’ve nabbed

If you ’ re curious what kind of data Twitter stores on you — and what those hackers could have stolen during their big bitcoin scam — you can now find out once again .
Twitter has reenabled the ability to download archives of “ Your Twitter Data , ” nearly two months after shutting off the feature as a precaution against further hacking .
To access it , go to Settings > Account > Your Twitter data and you should see a screen like the one below , where you ’ ll need to type in your password to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re using a phone app , it may shove you over to the mobile website instead .
It also might take a while before the archive is ready : I pressed the button an hour ago , and I ’ m still waiting for the in-app notification so I can actually download it .
Twitter had a pretty good reason to shut the feature off .
Not only did the big bitcoin scam rope in high-profile accounts including President Barack Obama , Democratic nominee Joe Biden , and Tesla CEO Elon Musk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these “ Your Twitter Data ” archives , potentially stealing private messages and other personal data from an array of users .
Three people have been charged for the huge hack so far , including one Florida teen who authorities believe was the “ mastermind ” behind the operation — but the FBI is still looking for additional suspects , and reportedly already suspect an additional 16-year-old from Massachusetts .
Here ’ s everything we learned about the Florida teen from his Zoombombed hearing in August .

If you’re curious what kind of data Twitter stores on you — and what those hackers could have stolen during their big bitcoin scam — you can now find out once again. Twitter has reenabled the ability to download archives of “Your Twitter Data,” nearly two months after shutting off the feature as a precaution against further hacking.
To access it, go to Settings > Account > Your Twitter data and you should see a screen like the one below, where you’ll need to type in your password to start the transfer. If you’re using a phone app, it may shove you over to the mobile website instead.
It also might take a while before the archive is ready: I pressed the button an hour ago, and I’m still waiting for the in-app notification so I can actually download it.
Twitter had a pretty good reason to shut the feature off. Not only did the big bitcoin scam rope in high-profile accounts including President Barack Obama, Democratic nominee Joe Biden, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, but hackers also got access to some of these “Your Twitter Data” archives, potentially stealing private messages and other personal data from an array of users.


theverge--2020-09-03--Justice Department reportedly plans to file antitrust case against Google as early as this month

The Department of Justice is preparing to file antitrust charges against Google ’ s parent company Alphabet possibly as early as this month , The New York Times reported .
Attorney General William Barr is moving forward with the case despite the objections of Justice Department lawyers who say they need more time to prepare their case and worry that pushing to file charges this month could weaken the case , according to the Times .
The Justice Department opened its probe into Google last June , reportedly with a focus on its massive search business and other parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened another , broader probe last July to investigate whether big technology firms like Amazon , Facebook , and Google were stifling competition .
The department said the review would “ consider the widespread concerns that consumers , businesses , and entrepreneurs have expressed about search , social media , and some retail services online.
” The CEOs of Apple , Google , Facebook , and Amazon testified before the House Judiciary Committee on July 29th as part of the antitrust investigation and were peppered with questions about their companies ’ business practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google for some time , telling senators at his confirmation hearing last January that he would like to see the Justice Department look into big tech companies .
“ I don ’ t think big is necessarily bad , but I think a lot of people wonder [ how ] these big behemoths have taken shape in Silicon Valley.
” President Trump has complained without evidence for some time that Google is biased against him , tweeting in 2018 that a search for “ Trump News ” brought up entirely negative results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressing voices of Conservatives and hiding information and news that is good.
” Google spokesman Jose Castaneda told the Times the company was going to “ continue to engage with ongoing investigations.
” He declined to comment to The Verge .
The Justice Department did not reply to a request for comment .

The Department of Justice is preparing to file antitrust charges against Google’s parent company Alphabet possibly as early as this month, The New York Times reported. Attorney General William Barr is moving forward with the case despite the objections of Justice Department lawyers who say they need more time to prepare their case and worry that pushing to file charges this month could weaken the case, according to the Times.
The Justice Department opened its probe into Google last June, reportedly with a focus on its massive search business and other parts of the company. The Justice Department also opened another, broader probe last July to investigate whether big technology firms like Amazon, Facebook, and Google were stifling competition. The department said the review would “consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses, and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online.”
The CEOs of Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon testified before the House Judiciary Committee on July 29th as part of the antitrust investigation and were peppered with questions about their companies’ business practices.
Barr has been interested in investigating Google for some time, telling senators at his confirmation hearing last January that he would like to see the Justice Department look into big tech companies. “I don’t think big is necessarily bad, but I think a lot of people wonder [how] these big behemoths have taken shape in Silicon Valley.”
President Trump has complained without evidence for some time that Google is biased against him, tweeting in 2018 that a search for “Trump News” brought up entirely negative results, and that “Google & others are suppressing voices of Conservatives and hiding information and news that is good.”
Google spokesman Jose Castaneda told the Times the company was going to “continue to engage with ongoing investigations.” He declined to comment to The Verge.
The Justice Department did not reply to a request for comment.