theverge--2020-03-05--The Invisible Man haunts us the way abusers always have

From the 1920s until the ’ 50s , Universal Studios produced a number of horror movies that were largely adapted from literature .
Each creature feature spawned a franchise , the definitive , iconic version of that character in popular culture .
Dracula , The Wolf Man , Frankenstein ’ s Monster .
They were , as pop historians will remind you , the films that comprised Hollywood ’ s first cinematic universe , a constellation of interrelated films that defined horror .
As Old Hollywood faded and the studio system collapsed , these horror films became enshrined as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monsters , of course , were men .
After a number of aborted attempts to revive the Universal Monsters over the last decade , 2020 marks the first success : Leigh Whannell ’ s arresting , critically acclaimed reimagining of The Invisible Man .
In Whannells ’ film , H.G .
Wells ’ novel is updated to be a harrowing story of domestic abuse .
It follows a woman named Cecilia Kass ( Elisabeth Moss ) as she attempts to escape Adrian Griffin ( Oliver Jackson-Cohen ) , her abusive and manipulative boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invisible .
In a smart update from the Invisible Man of Wells ’ novel , this one is tech royalty : a man who has accrued wealth and power for his work in the field of optics .
His most startling achievement is one that he has kept to himself : a bodysuit composed of cameras and lenses , which allows the wearer to completely vanish from sight , thanks to technological trickery .
While the nature of Griffin ’ s abuse is purposefully vague , its severity is made clear in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbearably tense sequence where Cecilia executes a meticulously planned escape from Griffin ’ s palatial beachfront home , quietly leaving his bed to flee in the dead of night .
Cecilia ’ s flight sends Griffin into a deranged , manipulative campaign of revenge .
He fakes his death and dons his suit in order to disappear from the world and begin an elaborate plan to gaslight his ex .
He taunts her silently , making others doubt her sanity ; he drugs her and sabotages job interviews and arranges some of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a posthumous windfall that makes her look suspicious .
He is , largely , successful .
By the film ’ s midpoint , Cecilia is isolated from anyone who would care about her .
And even though she knows her ex is tormenting her , who would believe her claims of being followed by a person no one can see ?
The horror of The Invisible Man comes from the knowledge that not only would Griffin ’ s schemes work should such a technology exist , but also from knowing that they already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women are routinely questioned and undermined ; the machinations of men who abuse them routinely ignored by other men or , worse , facilitated by them .
Men do not need to vanish from literal sight in order to perpetuate this form of gendered evil .
They just need a different kind of visibility : an absence of scrutiny .
As far as they ’ re concerned , a man you aren ’ t looking at might as well be an invisible one .
Earlier this year , Anna Wiener ’ s Uncanny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author ’ s seduction by Silicon Valley .
Written with the grim knowledge of hindsight , Wiener details how she abandoned the travails of New York ’ s exploitative publishing business for the greener , wealthier pastures of the Bay Area .
The horror of the book unfolds slowly , as the significance of what the men who hire her are building barely register for anyone witnessing it .
As a liberal arts major hired to help several startups with the soft skills necessary for customer support , Wiener ’ s outsider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who hire her are doing , but as she notes throughout , not nearly enough .
any scandal can be weathered if the men in charge can convince investors to continue spending money Perhaps the most significant portion of Wiener ’ s story takes place during her tenure at a data analytics startup , a company that built a tool for other companies to query massive amounts of user data in ways that facilitated the monetization of that data : things like customer behavior , targeted advertisements , and intimate records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no one using the many tech services born from the Silicon Valley boom knew that these companies even had this sort of data on their customers .
No one knew how complete a picture of their lives it could provide .
And , most vitally , no one knew the kind of people they were trusting with it .
They were almost always men — men with a narcissistic vision of a world reshaped by the code they wrote and the venture capitalist funding necessary to make it a reality .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that what they were doing just made sense , that the world would be better if their products redefined and disrupted the world as it was .
These men , who built tools that were adopted faster than any oversight on them could be implemented , had a window into the lives of everyone who used their products .
Then came whistleblowers who revealed the sheer level of power these startups had come to amass invisibly , a world where everyone was under constant surveillance by the devices they used , where their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they weren ’ t even allowed to know about .
None of this mattered much in the end .
In Silicon Valley , you do not need a viable business to succeed , you just need a growing one .
Under this formula , any scandal can be weathered if the men in charge can convince investors to continue spending money on them .
The monster here , the algorithms and code built to manipulate and use lines and lines of data that comprised our digital lives , remained out of sight because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a clear image of what they were building .
No one saw that these software applications were giving the men who built them indiscriminate power to know anything and surveil anyone with complete anonymity .
And now , the world has been remade into their playground , theirs to manipulate at scale to get what they want , laughing at government officials who do not comprehend the scope of their power , too slow to do anything about it .
Who cares if you know their names or what they look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sight long enough to get what they wanted .
This evil is an old one , and while technology has accelerated it on a massive scale , it was never really necessary .
In Kitty ’ s Green ’ s film , The Assistant , we never see any crime committed .
It defines its monster using negative space , outlining his figure in absentia .
Understood to be a story about Harvey Weinstein , The Assistant chooses to explore how men like Weinstein retain power through a story that is both specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective to Jane ( Julia Garner ) , the eponymous assistant in the offices of a New York production company that is , like the man who runs it , unnamed .
The Assistant follows Jane for one very long day in the office .
Jane spends much of the film ’ s runtime doing the most mundane of tasks : opening packages , stocking water and snacks , making copies , sneaking a bite of food in whenever she can .
More often , she can not .
They were aided and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women who helped While the executive who runs the company is not named or shown , he is present .
We hear him bellowing on the phone or in the next room over , a voice with words that can not be made out , even as their intent is clear .
We see his shadow and know of his whereabouts .
Jane must arrange travel plans , field angry calls from his wife , and book a hotel room for a young woman who is being flown into town .
A woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will visit .
In perhaps the movie ’ s only moment of comedy , Jane , who must endure an abusive phone call from The Boss after a minor mistake , is coached by her male co-workers on how to compose an adequate apology email .
The laugh , if you can find one in you , is short-lived because it comes with the knowledge that the men helping Jane have decided their careers are more important than doing anything about abuse .
There can be great profit in looking the other way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistant is careful to elucidate the many reasons why its monster is in power .
Jane is supported by wealthy parents and a social class that understands that connections can make or break a career .
She is socialized to believe that a dream job comes with the cost of never complaining because there is always someone who will put up with what you won ’ t , likely for less money .
She is hamstrung by an HR department that knows women are not liable to be believed by anyone and eager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her boss ’ s indiscretions as borne from jealousy .
She is surrounded by countless people who also hear her boss scream and berate people , cut checks that are left out of company books ; who see the jewelry left behind on the office floor and know why she must wipe down her boss ’ s couch after a “ visitor ” is there ; who know why that boss would put up a potential new assistant in a hotel .
This is another truth about how men like this win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become invisible solely by means of their own .
They were aided and abetted by others , the men and women who helped , stayed silent , or looked the other way .
In The Invisible Man , Cecilia is not the only person who is haunted by Adrian Griffin .
After Griffin fakes his death , Cecilia is approached by his brother Tom , a lawyer and the executor of Adrian ’ s will .
Tom is the character the film arguably has the most contempt for , a spineless man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his abusive brother .
He is initially benevolent as he awards Cecilia her windfall ; when Cecilia learns that Adrian has become invisible , he is sympathetic , saying that Adrian had abused him , too .
They were both victims in the thrall of an abusive man valorized by his success in a world that vindicated him , he says .
In the film ’ s third act , Tom reveals that he knows his brother is alive and that he is following his instructions .
Crucially , The Invisible Man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicity .
The audience never learns if Tom is under duress like he claims or if he is a willing accomplice .
We never learn because it does not matter .
Adrian wins time after time because he is concealed , and he is concealed because he is brilliant and celebrated for it .
This gives him the cover , and the power , to keep people within his grasp and to extend the reach of his abuse .
Powerful men of Adrian ’ s sort are everywhere .
They became so because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant , they were out of the public eye .
They were monstrous because they were unseen .
The problem is that these men know that remaining unseen is how they remain in control .
The problem is that only a few people ever manage to see them for what they are in the first place .
The problem is that when they tell us what they ’ ve seen , we never believe them because the monster hasn ’ t come for us — yet .

From the 1920s until the ’50s, Universal Studios produced a number of horror movies that were largely adapted from literature. Each creature feature spawned a franchise, the definitive, iconic version of that character in popular culture. Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster. They were, as pop historians will remind you, the films that comprised Hollywood’s first cinematic universe, a constellation of interrelated films that defined horror. As Old Hollywood faded and the studio system collapsed, these horror films became enshrined as the Universal Classic Monsters. Most of these monsters, of course, were men.
After a number of aborted attempts to revive the Universal Monsters over the last decade, 2020 marks the first success: Leigh Whannell’s arresting, critically acclaimed reimagining of The Invisible Man. In Whannells’ film, H.G. Wells’ novel is updated to be a harrowing story of domestic abuse. It follows a woman named Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) as she attempts to escape Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), her abusive and manipulative boyfriend after he acquires the ability to become invisible.
In a smart update from the Invisible Man of Wells’ novel, this one is tech royalty: a man who has accrued wealth and power for his work in the field of optics. His most startling achievement is one that he has kept to himself: a bodysuit composed of cameras and lenses, which allows the wearer to completely vanish from sight, thanks to technological trickery.
While the nature of Griffin’s abuse is purposefully vague, its severity is made clear in the opening scene. It’s an unbearably tense sequence where Cecilia executes a meticulously planned escape from Griffin’s palatial beachfront home, quietly leaving his bed to flee in the dead of night.
Cecilia’s flight sends Griffin into a deranged, manipulative campaign of revenge. He fakes his death and dons his suit in order to disappear from the world and begin an elaborate plan to gaslight his ex. He taunts her silently, making others doubt her sanity; he drugs her and sabotages job interviews and arranges some of his considerable fortune to go to her in a posthumous windfall that makes her look suspicious. He is, largely, successful. By the film’s midpoint, Cecilia is isolated from anyone who would care about her. And even though she knows her ex is tormenting her, who would believe her claims of being followed by a person no one can see?
The horror of The Invisible Man comes from the knowledge that not only would Griffin’s schemes work should such a technology exist, but also from knowing that they already do. The sanity and stability of women are routinely questioned and undermined; the machinations of men who abuse them routinely ignored by other men or, worse, facilitated by them. Men do not need to vanish from literal sight in order to perpetuate this form of gendered evil. They just need a different kind of visibility: an absence of scrutiny. As far as they’re concerned, a man you aren’t looking at might as well be an invisible one.
Earlier this year, Anna Wiener’s Uncanny Valley was published, a memoir chronicling the author’s seduction by Silicon Valley. Written with the grim knowledge of hindsight, Wiener details how she abandoned the travails of New York’s exploitative publishing business for the greener, wealthier pastures of the Bay Area.
The horror of the book unfolds slowly, as the significance of what the men who hire her are building barely register for anyone witnessing it. As a liberal arts major hired to help several startups with the soft skills necessary for customer support, Wiener’s outsider status allows her some perspective into what the people who hire her are doing, but as she notes throughout, not nearly enough.
any scandal can be weathered if the men in charge can convince investors to continue spending money
Perhaps the most significant portion of Wiener’s story takes place during her tenure at a data analytics startup, a company that built a tool for other companies to query massive amounts of user data in ways that facilitated the monetization of that data: things like customer behavior, targeted advertisements, and intimate records of user activity. At the time, no one using the many tech services born from the Silicon Valley boom knew that these companies even had this sort of data on their customers. No one knew how complete a picture of their lives it could provide. And, most vitally, no one knew the kind of people they were trusting with it.
They were almost always men — men with a narcissistic vision of a world reshaped by the code they wrote and the venture capitalist funding necessary to make it a reality. These men told themselves they were pragmatists, that what they were doing just made sense, that the world would be better if their products redefined and disrupted the world as it was. These men, who built tools that were adopted faster than any oversight on them could be implemented, had a window into the lives of everyone who used their products.
Then came whistleblowers who revealed the sheer level of power these startups had come to amass invisibly, a world where everyone was under constant surveillance by the devices they used, where their lives were for sale in a market they weren’t even allowed to know about.
None of this mattered much in the end. In Silicon Valley, you do not need a viable business to succeed, you just need a growing one. Under this formula, any scandal can be weathered if the men in charge can convince investors to continue spending money on them.
The monster here, the algorithms and code built to manipulate and use lines and lines of data that comprised our digital lives, remained out of sight because no one ever stepped back far enough to get a clear image of what they were building. No one saw that these software applications were giving the men who built them indiscriminate power to know anything and surveil anyone with complete anonymity. And now, the world has been remade into their playground, theirs to manipulate at scale to get what they want, laughing at government officials who do not comprehend the scope of their power, too slow to do anything about it. Who cares if you know their names or what they look like know? They stayed out of sight long enough to get what they wanted.
This evil is an old one, and while technology has accelerated it on a massive scale, it was never really necessary. In Kitty’s Green’s film, The Assistant, we never see any crime committed. It defines its monster using negative space, outlining his figure in absentia. Understood to be a story about Harvey Weinstein, The Assistant chooses to explore how men like Weinstein retain power through a story that is both specific and universal. The Assistant limits its perspective to Jane (Julia Garner), the eponymous assistant in the offices of a New York production company that is, like the man who runs it, unnamed.
The Assistant follows Jane for one very long day in the office. Jane spends much of the film’s runtime doing the most mundane of tasks: opening packages, stocking water and snacks, making copies, sneaking a bite of food in whenever she can. More often, she cannot.
They were aided and abetted by others, the men and women who helped
While the executive who runs the company is not named or shown, he is present. We hear him bellowing on the phone or in the next room over, a voice with words that cannot be made out, even as their intent is clear. We see his shadow and know of his whereabouts. Jane must arrange travel plans, field angry calls from his wife, and book a hotel room for a young woman who is being flown into town. A woman who her boss, she knows, will visit.
In perhaps the movie’s only moment of comedy, Jane, who must endure an abusive phone call from The Boss after a minor mistake, is coached by her male co-workers on how to compose an adequate apology email. The laugh, if you can find one in you, is short-lived because it comes with the knowledge that the men helping Jane have decided their careers are more important than doing anything about abuse. There can be great profit in looking the other way.
Despite its limited scope, The Assistant is careful to elucidate the many reasons why its monster is in power. Jane is supported by wealthy parents and a social class that understands that connections can make or break a career. She is socialized to believe that a dream job comes with the cost of never complaining because there is always someone who will put up with what you won’t, likely for less money. She is hamstrung by an HR department that knows women are not liable to be believed by anyone and eager to frame any complaint she may have about her boss’s indiscretions as borne from jealousy. She is surrounded by countless people who also hear her boss scream and berate people, cut checks that are left out of company books; who see the jewelry left behind on the office floor and know why she must wipe down her boss’s couch after a “visitor” is there; who know why that boss would put up a potential new assistant in a hotel.
This is another truth about how men like this win for so long: they did not become invisible solely by means of their own. They were aided and abetted by others, the men and women who helped, stayed silent, or looked the other way.
In The Invisible Man, Cecilia is not the only person who is haunted by Adrian Griffin. After Griffin fakes his death, Cecilia is approached by his brother Tom, a lawyer and the executor of Adrian’s will. Tom is the character the film arguably has the most contempt for, a spineless man who agrees to pose as the posthumous specter of his abusive brother. He is initially benevolent as he awards Cecilia her windfall; when Cecilia learns that Adrian has become invisible, he is sympathetic, saying that Adrian had abused him, too. They were both victims in the thrall of an abusive man valorized by his success in a world that vindicated him, he says.
In the film’s third act, Tom reveals that he knows his brother is alive and that he is following his instructions. Crucially, The Invisible Man never reveals Tom’s level of complicity. The audience never learns if Tom is under duress like he claims or if he is a willing accomplice. We never learn because it does not matter. Adrian wins time after time because he is concealed, and he is concealed because he is brilliant and celebrated for it. This gives him the cover, and the power, to keep people within his grasp and to extend the reach of his abuse.
Powerful men of Adrian’s sort are everywhere. They became so because they were afforded anonymity, they were brilliant, they were out of the public eye. They were monstrous because they were unseen.


theverge--2020-03-05--Pokimane signs multiyear deal to stay on Twitch

As other notable streamers continue to leave Twitch for other platforms , one of the service ’ s biggest stars is staying put : today , Imane “ Pokimane ” Anys announced that she has signed a “ multi-year deal ” to remain on the platform .
Terms of the deal were not disclosed .
Anys is Twitch ’ s biggest female star , with more than 3.9 million followers , and she ’ s long been a mainstay , having started streaming way back in 2013 .
She even has her own Fortnite emote .
“ Since I began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , the platform has given me such an incredible opportunity to create content and connect with people around the world , ” Anys said in a statement .
“ The community of streamers on Twitch , as well as the community I ’ ve built around my channel , both mean so much to me .
I want to continue to make a lasting impact on the world of live streaming , and I truly believe there ’ s no other place that has the infrastructure and tools that will allow me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as platforms like Twitch , Mixer , Facebook Gaming , and YouTube battle it out for the most popular talent .
While Twitch has long been synonymous with live-streaming , other services have been signing stars in an attempt to gain marketshare .
It all started when Tyler “ Ninja ” Blevins left Twitch to join Microsoft ’ s Mixer , and there ’ s been a steady stream of defectors since .
100 Thieves stars Jack “ Courage ” Dunlop and Rachel “ Valkyrae ” Hofstetter moved to YouTube , Hearthstone player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , and Fortnite stars like Soleil “ Ewok ” Wheeler and Michael “ Shroud ” Grzesiek followed Blevins to Mixer .
And that ’ s just to name a few .
Twitch , meanwhile , has attempted to stop the exodus by locking down key figures .
Back in December , the service resigned Ben “ DrLupo ” Lupo , Timothy “ TimTheTatman ” Betar , and Saqib “ Lirik ” Zahid to exclusive deals .
Anys is the latest to join that list .
“ Creators like Pokimane are driving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live streaming and speak to the way in which the Twitch platform has grown to reach new audiences , ” Michael Aragon , Twitch ’ s senior VP of content and partnerships , said in a statement .
“ We couldn ’ t be more excited that Twitch will be her home for years to come .
”

As other notable streamers continue to leave Twitch for other platforms, one of the service’s biggest stars is staying put: today, Imane “Pokimane” Anys announced that she has signed a “multi-year deal” to remain on the platform. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Anys is Twitch’s biggest female star, with more than 3.9 million followers, and she’s long been a mainstay, having started streaming way back in 2013. She even has her own Fortnite emote.
“Since I began my gaming career on Twitch six years ago, the platform has given me such an incredible opportunity to create content and connect with people around the world,” Anys said in a statement. “The community of streamers on Twitch, as well as the community I’ve built around my channel, both mean so much to me. I want to continue to make a lasting impact on the world of live streaming, and I truly believe there’s no other place that has the infrastructure and tools that will allow me to do so.”
Photo: Epic Games Read next: How one company orchestrated a talent war between Twitch, Mixer, and YouTube


theverge--2020-03-06--Here’s where you can buy the Samsung Galaxy S20

The Samsung Galaxy S20 , S20 Plus , and S20 Ultra are available , following their announcement in early February .
If you didn ’ t preorder , you can get one from numerous retailers and carrier stores around the country .
Below , you ’ ll find all of the carrier stores and retailers that are selling the phones .
However , if you preordered one , it ’ s likely that you already received your phone .
You can now redeem your free credit earned by ordering one before the March 6th cutoff date .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Redeem your credit through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android by providing your proof of purchase .
( Note : You ’ ll be eligible for this credit regardless of where you choose to buy a Samsung Galaxy S20 phone . )
The only configuration of the Galaxy S20 that Samsung offers in the US has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storage ( with 1TB of microSD storage ) .
It costs $ 1,000 .
• Verizon offers the S20 for $ 41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan .
However , this device won ’ t be available on launch day .
It actually won ’ t release at Verizon for a few months .
( See below for details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra . )
The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “ sub-6 ” 5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 5G .
The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network .
If it ’ s crucial that you have access to Verizon ’ s 5G network , the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day , depending , of course , on the 5G coverage in your area .
Last note : The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch , though only for LTE service .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month for 24 months .
It requires $ 0 down .
• AT & T offers the phone for $ 33.24 per month over 30 months .
You can get an S20 for free ( paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period ) if you sign up for an AT & T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over , you can still get $ 500 off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease , and it ’ s holding a few promotions that might save you some money .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone , you ’ ll pay $ 0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone .
( Monthly credits of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service . )
Secondly , if you lease an S20 at full price ( $ 41.67 per month ) as part of an upgrade or new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles .
• Xfinity is taking $ 300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 if you switch to its service until April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 .
Unlike the S20 , Samsung ’ s Galaxy S20 Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 128GB of storage and another with 512GB of storage ( both support up to 1TB of microSD storage ) .
Prices start at $ 1,199 for the 128GB model and work up to $ 1,299 for the step-up phone with 512GB of internal storage space .
• Verizon sells the S20 Plus for $ 49.99 per month on its 24-month payment plan .
You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits , but it ’ s a little complicated .
If you buy an S20 Plus , you can get $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( paid back with monthly credits ) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan .
This offer stacks with a $ 150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you ’ ll get just for buying one of the phones .
Alternatively , existing customers only can save up to $ 300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device .
This trade-in offer stacks with the $ 150 credit mentioned above , but you won ’ t be eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed near the top of this paragraph .
• T-Mobile carries the S20 Plus for $ 50 per month for 24 months .
The 128GB version requires $ 0 down , and while the 512GB model costs the same amount each month , it requires $ 149 down .
• AT & T offers the phone at $ 40 per month for 30 months .
You can get an S20 Plus for $ 200 ( paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period ) if you trade in your old phone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over , you can still get $ 500 off .
There are a lot of steps , but it might be worth it for you .
• Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $ 50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone , you ’ ll pay $ 8.33 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone ( monthly credits of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service ) .
Secondly , if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ( $ 50 per month ) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles .
• Xfinity is taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galaxy S20 Plus if you switch to its service until April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Plus .
The new S20 Ultra is the high-end option in Samsung ’ s range of flagship phones this year .
It ’ s more “ Ultra ” than the other S20 phones in a few ways .
Check out our roundup that compares each and every spec of the new phones , but here are the highlights : it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the S20 Plus .
It also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery compared to the S20 Plus ’ 4,500mAh battery and the S20 ’ s 4,000mAh pack .
The crucial differences come down to the optional 16GB of RAM upgrade and the 108MP wide-angle lens used in its four-lens array .
This phone starts at $ 1,399 , making it one of Samsung ’ s most expensive phones yet .
Add more to that price if you want extra RAM or storage .
• Verizon offers the S20 Ultra at $ 58.33 per month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you buy an S20 Ultra , you can get $ 1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone ( paid back with monthly credits ) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan .
This offer stacks with a $ 150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you ’ ll get just for buying one of the phones .
Alternatively , existing customers only can save up to $ 300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device .
This trade-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioned above , but you won ’ t be eligible to get a free S20 , as detailed near the top of this paragraph .
• T-Mobile offers the phone .
You ’ ll pay $ 58.34 per month for 24 months with $ 0 down .
If you want the 512GB version , it ’ s $ 58.34 per month as well , but with $ 199 required upfront .
• AT & T sells the phone starting at $ 46.67 per month for 30 months .
You can get an S20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in monthly credits over a 30-month period ) if you trade in your old phone , sign up for an AT & T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan , port over your number , and agree to a device payment plan .
If you don ’ t port your number over , you can still get $ 500 off .
• Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $ 58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease .
If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month for the 18-month lease of the phone .
( Monthly credits of $ 41.67 begin after two months of service . )
Secondly , if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ( $ 58.34 per month ) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line , you ’ ll get an S20 for free .
To be clear , you ’ ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout , but monthly credits of $ 41.67 will start to appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking $ 300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Ultra if you switch to its service until April 5th .
It also says that existing users can get a $ 300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Ultra .
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

The Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra are available, following their announcement in early February. If you didn’t preorder, you can get one from numerous retailers and carrier stores around the country.
Below, you’ll find all of the carrier stores and retailers that are selling the phones. However, if you preordered one, it’s likely that you already received your phone. You can now redeem your free credit earned by ordering one before the March 6th cutoff date. Here’s how:
Samsung is giving 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. Redeem your credit through the Shop Samsung app on iOS or Android by providing your proof of purchase. (Note: You’ll be eligible for this credit regardless of where you choose to buy a Samsung Galaxy S20 phone.)
Photo by Nick Statt / The Verge
Samsung Galaxy S20
The only configuration of the Galaxy S20 that Samsung offers in the US has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (with 1TB of microSD storage). It costs $1,000.
Samsung Galaxy S20 / Starts at $1,000 unlocked $1,000 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB) / Starts at $1,000 unlocked $1,000 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,000 at Amazon
Verizon offers the S20 for $41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan. However, this device won’t be available on launch day. It actually won’t release at Verizon for a few months. (See below for details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.) The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “sub-6” 5G networks, which Verizon does not utilize for 5G. The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network. If it’s crucial that you have access to Verizon’s 5G network, the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day, depending, of course, on the 5G coverage in your area. Last note: The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch, though only for LTE service.
offers the S20 for $41.66 per month on its 24-month device payment plan. However, this device won’t be available on launch day. It actually won’t release at Verizon for a few months. (See below for details on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.) The reason for the delay is because the version of the S20 launching through other carriers works with “sub-6” 5G networks, which Verizon does not utilize for 5G. The version to be released later in the year will support its millimeter-wave 5G network. If it’s crucial that you have access to Verizon’s 5G network, the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will both work with it on launch day, depending, of course, on the 5G coverage in your area. Last note: The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung that the unlocked Galaxy S20 will be compatible with Verizon at launch, though only for LTE service. T-Mobile offers the S20 for $41.67 per month for 24 months. It requires $0 down.
offers the S20 for $41.67 per month for 24 months. It requires $0 down. AT&T offers the phone for $33.24 per month over 30 months. You can get an S20 for free (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off.
offers the phone for $33.24 per month over 30 months. You can get an S20 for free (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease, and it’s holding a few promotions that might save you some money. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 at full price ($41.67 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 for $41.67 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease, and it’s holding a few promotions that might save you some money. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $0 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 at full price ($41.67 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
Unlike the S20, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Plus comes in two configurations: one with 128GB of storage and another with 512GB of storage (both support up to 1TB of microSD storage). Prices start at $1,199 for the 128GB model and work up to $1,299 for the step-up phone with 512GB of internal storage space.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Starts at $1,200 unlocked $1,200 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Starts at $1,200 unlocked $1,200 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,200 at Amazon
Verizon sells the S20 Plus for $49.99 per month on its 24-month payment plan. You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits, but it’s a little complicated. If you buy an S20 Plus, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph.
sells the S20 Plus for $49.99 per month on its 24-month payment plan. You can get some discounts by way of monthly credits, but it’s a little complicated. If you buy an S20 Plus, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Plus when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph. T-Mobile carries the S20 Plus for $50 per month for 24 months. The 128GB version requires $0 down, and while the 512GB model costs the same amount each month, it requires $149 down.
carries the S20 Plus for $50 per month for 24 months. The 128GB version requires $0 down, and while the 512GB model costs the same amount each month, it requires $149 down. AT&T offers the phone at $40 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Plus for $200 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. There are a lot of steps, but it might be worth it for you.
offers the phone at $40 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Plus for $200 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. There are a lot of steps, but it might be worth it for you. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 for $50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $8.33 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone (monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service). Secondly, if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ($50 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 for $50 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $8.33 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone (monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service). Secondly, if you lease an S20 Plus at full price ($50 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Plus if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Plus.
Photo by Dieter Bohn / The Verge
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The new S20 Ultra is the high-end option in Samsung’s range of flagship phones this year. It’s more “Ultra” than the other S20 phones in a few ways. Check out our roundup that compares each and every spec of the new phones, but here are the highlights: it has a 6.9-inch display versus 6.7 inches on the S20 Plus. It also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery compared to the S20 Plus’ 4,500mAh battery and the S20’s 4,000mAh pack.
The crucial differences come down to the optional 16GB of RAM upgrade and the 108MP wide-angle lens used in its four-lens array. This phone starts at $1,399, making it one of Samsung’s most expensive phones yet. Add more to that price if you want extra RAM or storage.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Starts at $1,400 unlocked $1,400 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Starts at $1,400 unlocked $1,400 at B&H Photo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) / Includes Galaxy Buds and Duo wireless charging pad for free $1,400 at Amazon
Verizon offers the S20 Ultra at $58.33 per month for its 24-month payment plan. If you buy an S20 Ultra, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph.
offers the S20 Ultra at $58.33 per month for its 24-month payment plan. If you buy an S20 Ultra, you can get $1,050 off another Galaxy S20 series phone (paid back with monthly credits) when you open a new line and sign up for a payment plan. This offer stacks with a $150 credit paid back to you over 24 months that you’ll get just for buying one of the phones. Alternatively, existing customers only can save up to $300 on the S20 Ultra when they upgrade and trade in their old device. This trade-in offer stacks with the $150 credit mentioned above, but you won’t be eligible to get a free S20, as detailed near the top of this paragraph. T-Mobile offers the phone. You’ll pay $58.34 per month for 24 months with $0 down. If you want the 512GB version, it’s $58.34 per month as well, but with $199 required upfront.
offers the phone. You’ll pay $58.34 per month for 24 months with $0 down. If you want the 512GB version, it’s $58.34 per month as well, but with $199 required upfront. AT&T sells the phone starting at $46.67 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Ultra for $400 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off.
sells the phone starting at $46.67 per month for 30 months. You can get an S20 Ultra for $400 (paid back in monthly credits over a 30-month period) if you trade in your old phone, sign up for an AT&T Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, port over your number, and agree to a device payment plan. If you don’t port your number over, you can still get $500 off. Sprint offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $16.67 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ($58.34 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles.
offers the Galaxy S20 Ultra for $58.34 with its 18-month Sprint Flex lease. If you switch to Sprint and trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer Samsung phone, you’ll pay $16.67 per month for the 18-month lease of the phone. (Monthly credits of $41.67 begin after two months of service.) Secondly, if you lease an S20 Ultra at full price ($58.34 per month) as part of an upgrade or new line and agree to open another new line, you’ll get an S20 for free. To be clear, you’ll pay tax on the second phone when you checkout, but monthly credits of $41.67 will start to appear after two billing cycles. Xfinity is taking $300 off the price of a Galaxy S20 Ultra if you switch to its service until April 5th. It also says that existing users can get a $300 prepaid gift card when they buy the S20 Ultra.


theverge--2020-03-06--Will America ever get urban transit right?

The coronavirus justifiably continues to dominate the news , and tech news in particular .
I ’ ve got a big section below on that , but today I want to put out a small ( and hopefully premature ) eulogy for a company whose products I have never personally used but still very much believe in : Boosted , the electric skateboard maker .
Sean O ’ Kane has been keeping a close eye on a company that has been near the brink for longer than most people have realized , and it finally went over earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate disaster , there will be postmortems that point to any number of failures or problems .
When lots of things go wrong , any one thing can be blamed as “ the cause.
” But it ’ s hard to avoid the impression that a trade war combined with a risky bet on a new product was a big part of what happened here .
Actually , several “ micromobility ” companies have fallen on hard times recently .
Even if , like me , you have never and may never ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to lament .
I ’ ve spent what some might think is an inordinate amount of space in this newsletter praising electric bicycles , but I make no apologies for it .
I think they — and other personal electric vehicles — should be an essential part of the transit plan for any large city .
There are a thousand reasons for that which I could name and which would wash over you as typical green-policy moralizing about street design , emissions , car culture , transit , and so on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I don ’ t think they ’ re what make people love Boosted boards .
I think it ’ s something much more primal and relatable : freedom .
Indulge me for a second : I just bought a regular non-electric bicycle to ride around my city last weekend and it took just a few rides for me to remember why I love commuting by bike so much .
It connects you to a city in a way that other modes of transportation like cars , buses , subways , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and electric scooters and all manner of other personal mobility gadgets do the same thing .
This is all very vague , so let me try to explain just by comparing the experience of moving around a city at 15mph or so to other transportation methods .
These observations are super obvious to a lot of people , but I think a lot of Americans in particular don ’ t have first-hand experience with any of this , so : • Compared to a car , you ’ re out in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and metal box .
This sounds very woo-woo , but it really does make you feel more involved .
It also means you ’ re not stuck in traffic .
You ’ re less worried about parking , and maintenance is cheaper .
• Walking does that too , of course !
But walking doesn ’ t open up the city to you in the same way a faster vehicle can .
You ’ re able to go much further , for one thing .
But it also changes your mental map of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get a different feel for places and their relation to each other .
Walking connects you to your neighborhood , while bikes and boards connect you with a whole city .
• Trains and buses are great ways to get around a city , but they don ’ t necessarily help you build that mental map .
You get on , ride to a new place , and start walking .
Again , none of this is especially revelatory when you just read it , but experiencing a city in this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to know it and love it in a new way .
This experience is so common in certain parts of the world that this must all seem elementary , but here in the US , the default experience of a city doesn ’ t happen at this scale .
Here ’ s an analogy that might resonate with some Americans , specifically those who grew up in the suburbs or the country .
You might remember the rush of freedom that came with your first car .
Suddenly you ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t have before .
That ’ s what micromobility has been like for me , again .
That ’ s why Boosted ’ s bust is such a bummer for the people who loved its products .
It ’ s not that they felt like cool future skater kids .
It ’ s that the boards provide a sense of independence and freedom at a human scale .
They connect you to a city and make more of it feel like your own neighborhood .
My friend and former colleague Sam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and captured some of this in a video along with some other thoughts .
Are there problems with scooters and bikes and boards ?
Hell yes .
The way Bird and Lime dumped thousands of scooters on unsuspecting cities .
The way those scooters break down incredibly quickly .
The dangers of riding one of these vehicles on streets shared with cars .
It is a long list .
But it ’ s a list of problems that is significantly shorter than a similar list you could make for cars .
I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , I hope that here in America we can encourage our local city planners to find ways to get us out of cars and on to the streets .
It ’ s better for the environment — but it is also better for our civics and our sense of place .
Jay Peters is one of our reporters who ’ s been all over this story .
Here ’ s a story he wrote about what big tech companies are doing to protect their employees — including moving all interviews with new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county that is home to the headquarters for Apple , Google , and Facebook has ratcheted up its recommendations regarding large gatherings , travel , and working from home .
┏ Apple is experiencing a shortage of replacement iPhones due to coronavirus .
┏ Etsy has started cracking down on coronavirus merchandise .
Good .
┏ Senator slams Amazon over coronavirus price gouging on hand sanitizer and face masks .
┏ Facebook is giving free ads to the World Health Organization to fight COVID-19 misinformation .
┏ Effective communication is critical during emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviews Glen Nowak , director of of the Center for Health and Risk Communication at the University of Georgia .
┏ TCL ’ s new foldable and rollable concepts imagine a wild future of phones .
These are fun but also so far from being a reality — I just don ’ t see TCL having the chops to truly solve the durability issues at play on these wild designs .
But I love that there are so many wild designs out in smartphone land again .
The real point of these phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a brand .
The company wants to make a big push to sell phones under its own brand name this year instead of just being a white label for others .
( LG ’ s loss is maybe TCL ’ s gain is the working theory , in my opinion ) .
The goal is simple : later this year when you see a TCL phone in a carrier store , you won ’ t think “ what the hell is a TCL ?
” ┏ Sonos is getting rid of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older devices .
Chris Welch explains the new rules , which by the way don ’ t change the fundamental decision to cease updates on older products .
I ’ m fine with that ( all computers age out ) , but the original way Sonos bricked old devices was as dumb as a pile of ... bricks .
┏ Google Assistant can now read webpages aloud in 42 different languages .
Google continues to do a great job using its machine learning to improve accessibility .
┏ GM unveils a new electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take on Tesla .
If GM is for real here , this is a massive story .
Not an “ ooh can they take on Tesla ?
” kind of massive story , but a “ finally , the beginning of the end of the internal combustion engine ” kind of massive story .
Unfortunately , in a Q & A afterwards , GM executives were fairly timid about saying customers should want to switch .
┏ Smile , the new Microlino and Microletta electrics are here .
I love them and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ┏ The US is too hooked on trucks and SUVs for Fiat ’ s new 500 EV .
Such a shame that this won ’ t come to the US .
More from The Verge ┏ This backpack has it all : Kevlar , batteries , and a federal investigation .
You want to read Ashley Carman ’ s incredible profile of an $ 800,000 Kickstarter failure and the person behind it .
┏ This Xiaomi-backed smartwatch has incredible battery life .
Sam Byford likes this watch , I might give it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Android that put me off the whole idea of testing it even though a bunch of readers had asked for it .
┏ Quibi has raised close to $ 2 billion , and it hasn ’ t even launched yet .
Quibi is the Mike Bloomberg presidential campaign of streaming apps .
An expenditure of money so colossal that people feel as though they have to pay attention because surely there ’ s something real and potentially very successful behind it all .

The coronavirus justifiably continues to dominate the news, and tech news in particular. I’ve got a big section below on that, but today I want to put out a small (and hopefully premature) eulogy for a company whose products I have never personally used but still very much believe in: Boosted, the electric skateboard maker.
Sean O’Kane has been keeping a close eye on a company that has been near the brink for longer than most people have realized, and it finally went over earlier this week with massive layoffs. As with any corporate disaster, there will be postmortems that point to any number of failures or problems. When lots of things go wrong, any one thing can be blamed as “the cause.” But it’s hard to avoid the impression that a trade war combined with a risky bet on a new product was a big part of what happened here.
Actually, several “micromobility” companies have fallen on hard times recently. Even if, like me, you have never and may never ride an electric skateboard, their downfall is something to lament.
You are reading Processor, a newsletter about computers, software, and tech by Dieter Bohn. Dieter writes about consumer tech, software, and the most important tech news of the day from The Verge. You can read an archive of Processor newsletters here and subscribe to all of The Verge’s great videos here! Subscribe
By subscribing, you are agreeing to receive a daily newsletter from The Verge that highlights top stories of the day, as well as occasional messages from sponsors and / or partners of The Verge.
I’ve spent what some might think is an inordinate amount of space in this newsletter praising electric bicycles, but I make no apologies for it. I think they — and other personal electric vehicles — should be an essential part of the transit plan for any large city.
There are a thousand reasons for that which I could name and which would wash over you as typical green-policy moralizing about street design, emissions, car culture, transit, and so on and so on. These are all important, but I don’t think they’re what make people love Boosted boards. I think it’s something much more primal and relatable: freedom.
Indulge me for a second: I just bought a regular non-electric bicycle to ride around my city last weekend and it took just a few rides for me to remember why I love commuting by bike so much. It connects you to a city in a way that other modes of transportation like cars, buses, subways, and even walking cannot. Boosted boards and electric scooters and all manner of other personal mobility gadgets do the same thing.
This is all very vague, so let me try to explain just by comparing the experience of moving around a city at 15mph or so to other transportation methods. These observations are super obvious to a lot of people, but I think a lot of Americans in particular don’t have first-hand experience with any of this, so:
Compared to a car , you’re out in the world instead of tucked away in a glass and metal box. This sounds very woo-woo, but it really does make you feel more involved. It also means you’re not stuck in traffic. You’re less worried about parking, and maintenance is cheaper.
, you’re out in the world instead of tucked away in a glass and metal box. This sounds very woo-woo, but it really does make you feel more involved. It also means you’re not stuck in traffic. You’re less worried about parking, and maintenance is cheaper. Walking does that too, of course! But walking doesn’t open up the city to you in the same way a faster vehicle can. You’re able to go much further, for one thing. But it also changes your mental map of the city. As you ride around you get a different feel for places and their relation to each other. Walking connects you to your neighborhood, while bikes and boards connect you with a whole city.
does that too, of course! But walking doesn’t open up the city to you in the same way a faster vehicle can. You’re able to go much further, for one thing. But it also changes your mental map of the city. As you ride around you get a different feel for places and their relation to each other. Walking connects you to your neighborhood, while bikes and boards connect you with a whole city. Trains and buses are great ways to get around a city, but they don’t necessarily help you build that mental map. You get on, ride to a new place, and start walking.
Again, none of this is especially revelatory when you just read it, but experiencing a city in this way changes your relationship to it. You come to know it and love it in a new way. This experience is so common in certain parts of the world that this must all seem elementary, but here in the US, the default experience of a city doesn’t happen at this scale.
Here’s an analogy that might resonate with some Americans, specifically those who grew up in the suburbs or the country. You might remember the rush of freedom that came with your first car. Suddenly you’ve got a sense of independence and opportunity you didn’t have before. That’s what micromobility has been like for me, again.
That’s why Boosted’s bust is such a bummer for the people who loved its products. It’s not that they felt like cool future skater kids. It’s that the boards provide a sense of independence and freedom at a human scale. They connect you to a city and make more of it feel like your own neighborhood.
My friend and former colleague Sam Sheffer is a huge fan of Boosted and captured some of this in a video along with some other thoughts.
Are there problems with scooters and bikes and boards? Hell yes. The way Bird and Lime dumped thousands of scooters on unsuspecting cities. The way those scooters break down incredibly quickly. The dangers of riding one of these vehicles on streets shared with cars. It is a long list. But it’s a list of problems that is significantly shorter than a similar list you could make for cars.
I hope Boosted pulls through. But more than that, I hope that here in America we can encourage our local city planners to find ways to get us out of cars and on to the streets. It’s better for the environment — but it is also better for our civics and our sense of place.
Verge Deal of the day Apple’s AirPods Pro are $30 off at Amazon Normally $250, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are down to $220 at Amazon. Compared to the standard AirPods, these feature better sound quality and noise cancellation. We’ve seen these drop a bit lower in price before, but that’s a pretty rare occurrence. 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 . Prices displayed are based on the MSRP at time of posting.
Coronavirus
Jay Peters is one of our reporters who’s been all over this story. Here’s a story he wrote about what big tech companies are doing to protect their employees — including moving all interviews with new job candidates to video conferences. The county that is home to the headquarters for Apple, Google, and Facebook has ratcheted up its recommendations regarding large gatherings, travel, and working from home.
If your iPhone is heavily damaged — to the point of needing to be replaced — there will reportedly be a limited supply of replacement devices to swap it out for over the course of the next two to four weeks. The report also notes that some Apple Store locations are short on individual parts, meaning that in those cases, minor repairs that are normally handled in-store may not be possible due to shortages.
┏ Effective communication is critical during emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak. Nicole Wetsman interviews Glen Nowak, director of of the Center for Health and Risk Communication at the University of Georgia.
There are examples of both the good and the bad. One challenge is that, early on, there have been mixed messages from government officials in the US and around the world about what’s happening, and the level of threat the virus poses. There’s probably not been enough articulation of why public health officials are concerned.
Product news
┏ TCL’s new foldable and rollable concepts imagine a wild future of phones. These are fun but also so far from being a reality — I just don’t see TCL having the chops to truly solve the durability issues at play on these wild designs. But I love that there are so many wild designs out in smartphone land again.
The real point of these phones is to get you to recognize TCL as a brand. The company wants to make a big push to sell phones under its own brand name this year instead of just being a white label for others. (LG’s loss is maybe TCL’s gain is the working theory, in my opinion). The goal is simple: later this year when you see a TCL phone in a carrier store, you won’t think “what the hell is a TCL?”
┏ Sonos is getting rid of the controversial Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices. Chris Welch explains the new rules, which by the way don’t change the fundamental decision to cease updates on older products. I’m fine with that (all computers age out), but the original way Sonos bricked old devices was as dumb as a pile of ...bricks.
With the change, Sonos is now giving customers full control over what happens with the older gadgets they’re “trading” up from. They can choose to keep it, give it to someone, recycle it at a local e-waste facility, or send it to Sonos and let the company handle the responsible recycling part.
┏ Google Assistant can now read webpages aloud in 42 different languages. Google continues to do a great job using its machine learning to improve accessibility.
Electric vehicle news
┏ GM unveils a new electric vehicle platform and battery in bid to take on Tesla. If GM is for real here, this is a massive story. Not an “ooh can they take on Tesla?” kind of massive story, but a “finally, the beginning of the end of the internal combustion engine” kind of massive story. Unfortunately, in a Q&A afterwards, GM executives were fairly timid about saying customers should want to switch.
┏ Smile, the new Microlino and Microletta electrics are here. I love them and we must protect them at all costs.
┏ The US is too hooked on trucks and SUVs for Fiat’s new 500 EV. Such a shame that this won’t come to the US.
More from The Verge
┏ This backpack has it all: Kevlar, batteries, and a federal investigation. You want to read Ashley Carman’s incredible profile of an $800,000 Kickstarter failure and the person behind it.
┏ This Xiaomi-backed smartwatch has incredible battery life. Sam Byford likes this watch, I might give it a try. Earlier Amazfit watches had software on Android that put me off the whole idea of testing it even though a bunch of readers had asked for it.
I would not describe the Amazfit software as an advanced smartwatch OS, but it does the job well enough that the battery life tradeoff will probably be worth it for some people with more passive use cases like fitness tracking and notifications. Power users of more advanced smartwatches from the likes of Samsung or Apple will find it a clear step down.
┏ Quibi has raised close to $2 billion, and it hasn’t even launched yet. Quibi is the Mike Bloomberg presidential campaign of streaming apps. An expenditure of money so colossal that people feel as though they have to pay attention because surely there’s something real and potentially very successful behind it all.
Then Super Tuesday comes.


theverge--2020-03-06--Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone leak hints at even longer battery life

These are the first images of Sony ’ s WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones ; the hotly anticipated followup to the company ’ s beloved WH-1000XM3 over-ear cans due to their extraordinary noise canceling , comfort , and battery life .
The M4s were first spotted by Everton Favretto in photos posted by Anatel , Brazil ’ s version of the FCC .
That helps explains the lack of artistry .
The most striking thing you ’ ll notice is just how similar ( identical ? )
they look to the current M3s .
Fortunately , the Anatel filing also includes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ll have to be careful , however , not to rely too much on the included manual as most of the specs , including the weight and hours of wireless operation , have been replaced by “ XX ” placeholders instead of actual values .
It ’ s clearly a draft document .
Nevertheless , here ’ s how the M4s improve upon the M3s according to the draft manual : • 2W of rated power consumption ( down from 8W ) • 40 hours of operation when connected via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( up from 36 hours ) • Something new called “ speak to chat , ” perhaps making it easier to work with Google Assistant , Siri , and Alexa ( they require a button press now ) Bluetooth 5 and that lower power draw should allow the M4s to operate even longer when in wireless mode — much longer if they ’ re really only consuming 1/4 of the power of the M3s .
That might not be reason to upgrade from last year ’ s Sonys which already have great battery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M4s a very attractive buy if they maintain the $ 349.99 list price .

These are the first images of Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones; the hotly anticipated followup to the company’s beloved WH-1000XM3 over-ear cans due to their extraordinary noise canceling, comfort, and battery life.
The M4s were first spotted by Everton Favretto in photos posted by Anatel, Brazil’s version of the FCC. (Mishaal Rahman also tweeted about the discovery.) That helps explains the lack of artistry. The most striking thing you’ll notice is just how similar (identical?) they look to the current M3s.
Previous Next
1 / 3 Previous Next
1 / 3
Fortunately, the Anatel filing also includes a user manual that hints at changes inside. We’ll have to be careful, however, not to rely too much on the included manual as most of the specs, including the weight and hours of wireless operation, have been replaced by “XX” placeholders instead of actual values. It’s clearly a draft document.
Nevertheless, here’s how the M4s improve upon the M3s according to the draft manual:
Bluetooth v5 (updated from v4.2)
2W of rated power consumption (down from 8W)
40 hours of operation when connected via headphone cable and noise cancelation on max (up from 36 hours)
Something new called “speak to chat,” perhaps making it easier to work with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa (they require a button press now)


theverge--2020-03-06--Oppo’s first smartwatch is the oddly familiar Oppo Watch

As repeatedly teased by Oppo itself , Oppo is making a watch called the Oppo Watch , and today it got revealed in full .
It looks extremely similar to the Apple Watch — not just because of its curved glass and square-ish screen , but also the integrated bands and the black-heavy UI .
Its 4.5mm-thick aluminum frame , however , looks considerably thinner .
The 46mm watch has a 1.91-inch OLED screen with 402x473 resolution .
It does typical smartwatch things like fitness tracking , music playback , heart rate monitoring , and so on , and Oppo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 meters .
It also has eSIM-based cellular connectivity .
Oppo is touting the watch ’ s VOOC fast-charging system , which uses similar technology to the company ’ s smartphones .
The watch is said to be good for 40 hours of regular use on a charge , with a power-saving mode apparently able to last up to 21 days with notifications enabled .
With VOOC , Oppo claims the watch will get a 46-percent charge — good for a day ’ s use — in just 15 minutes , while it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely .
Oppo says the “ ColorOS Watch ” software is based on Android , but it clearly isn ’ t using Google ’ s own Wear OS .
On the other hand , the company hints that versions for other markets may end up running different software .
The Oppo Watch is launching first in China on March 24th for 1,499 yuan ( ~ $ 215 ) , and we ’ re planning to check it out for ourselves as soon as we can .

As repeatedly teased by Oppo itself, Oppo is making a watch called the Oppo Watch, and today it got revealed in full. It looks extremely similar to the Apple Watch — not just because of its curved glass and square-ish screen, but also the integrated bands and the black-heavy UI. Its 4.5mm-thick aluminum frame, however, looks considerably thinner.
The 46mm watch has a 1.91-inch OLED screen with 402x473 resolution. It does typical smartwatch things like fitness tracking, music playback, heart rate monitoring, and so on, and Oppo says it’s water resistant to 50 meters. It also has eSIM-based cellular connectivity.
Oppo is touting the watch’s VOOC fast-charging system, which uses similar technology to the company’s smartphones. The watch is said to be good for 40 hours of regular use on a charge, with a power-saving mode apparently able to last up to 21 days with notifications enabled. With VOOC, Oppo claims the watch will get a 46-percent charge — good for a day’s use — in just 15 minutes, while it’ll take 75 minutes to fill completely.


theverge--2020-03-06--A canceled trip to Africa won’t be enough to save Jack Dorsey’s job

The Interface is a daily column and newsletter about the intersection of social media and democracy .
Subscribe here .
On Tuesday I laid out Elliott Management ’ s case against Jack Dorsey — or at least , what we know about it so far .
The activist investor has acquired a roughly 4 percent stake in Twitter , and has reportedly expressed concerns with Twitter ’ s underperforming stock , its part-time CEO , and Dorsey ’ s stated plans to decamp to Africa for an unspecified period of time this year .
On Thursday , in a roundabout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scheduled appearance at a Morgan Stanley banking conference , and while the interviewer didn ’ t muster a single question about his potential ouster , Dorsey ( obliquely ) answered it nevertheless .
Twitter ’ s investor relations account tweeted some of the highlights .
My favorite was this : Never let it be said that Dorsey lacks the capacity for understatement .
In any case , the CEO no longer plans to spend part of the year in Africa , as Kurt Wagner reported at Bloomberg : For a part-time CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he will continue to run the company from headquarters instead of a different continent is generally not cause for acclaim .
But given the threat Dorsey now faces his leadership , it represented a meaningful concession .
Dorsey went on to make the case that , no matter how it may seem from the outside , his half-decade as CEO has been productive .
“ Five years ago we had to do a really hard reset and that takes time to build from , ” he said .
“ We had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many things.
” There ’ s a sense in which this is true .
When Dorsey returned as Twitter CEO in 2015 , the company was dabbling with Vine , Periscope , the identity platform Digits , and the developer tools Fabric and Crashlytics .
These products had been acquired or built to help Twitter find its way to growth and profitability , which had eluded the company under former CEO Dick Costolo .
But they had come at the expense of attention to the core platform , leading to Twitter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And however fondly ( and justly ) we remember Vine , none became an outsized success .
Since Dorsey ’ s return , Twitter has mostly wound those projects down .
And the company has reinvested in its core product , leading to a notably productive 2019 .
But as we discussed earlier this week , those changes have led to only modest growth and profitability .
Elliott appears ready to argue that Twitter could have , and should have , done better .
Notably , the activist investor has yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Dorsey ’ s leadership — typically the first step in an effort like this .
I ’ m told that the move was not entirely unexpected — Twitter ’ s financial team has anticipated the likelihood of an activist investor making a move against the company for some time , a person familiar with the matter told me , and has staffed up in an effort to prepare for it .
The question is how well you can prepare for Elliott , a hedge fund that once waged a 15-year battle against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been collecting stories about Elliott over the past few days , and many of them would send a shiver down the spine of even a top-performing CEO .
Here ’ s Oliver Staley writing in Quartz in 2017 : How do you prepare for an investor that once seized a naval training vessel ?
More to the point , how does Twitter — a legendarily mistake-prone company — prepare for such an investor ?
Or perhaps I should say investors .
Here ’ s Kara Swisher in the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Elliott often include the line that the hedge fund prefers to work constructively with companies and avoid prolonged dramas .
And yet it ’ s hard to think of something that Twitter has historically been worse at than avoiding drama .
If Dorsey ’ s remarks on stage today were indicative of the company ’ s defense against Elliott , Twitter ’ s case for the CEO to remain in power may be weaker than it thinks .
And the real drama may be about to begin .
Yesterday we included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce the internet blackout in Kashmir .
The company denied the report .
“ We do not customize our products in any way to enable censorship , ” the company told BuzzFeed .
But as BuzzFeed ’ s Pranav Dixit also noted : Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms .
Trending up : Twitter expanded its rules around hate speech to include banning language that dehumanizes people on the basis of their age , disability or a disease .
Trending up : Apple is rejecting coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health institutions .
The App Store currently has very few apps related to the outbreak , and almost no spam .
Trending down : Google is showing ads for products that claim to prevent coronavirus , despite having a policy against them .
The company said it had blocked tens of thousands of ads attempting to capitalize on the outbreak .
Trending down : The Trump campaign is flooding Facebook with deceptive ads about the Census , and Facebook wasn ’ t doing anything about it .
After an outcry on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ads .
That was the right call , but the company ’ s hesitation here lent credence to those who argue the company too often goes out of its way to placate conservatives .
Multiple cases have now been reported in San Francisco and New York City , as the virus begins its “ community transmission ” phase .
Several employees and contractors at big tech companies have begun to be diagnosed as well .
A Facebook contractor in Seattle was diagnosed with the coronavirus .
The company shut down the Seattle office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg ) Salesforce is encouraging all employees in the Seattle area to work remotely for the month of March .
( Salesforce ) Lyft told all San Francisco employees to work from home after learning that a staff member had been in contact with someone who was exposed to the coronavirus .
( Scott Budman / Twitter ) Google has barred employees from traveling internationally for work .
Last week , an employee in Google ’ s Zurich office tested positive for the disease .
( Rob Price / @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to Italy and South Korea as the coronavirus continues to spread .
The company already instating a similar policy for China .
( Mark Gurman / Bloomberg ) LinkedIn made all job interviews virtual due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Google instituted a similar policy on Wednesday .
Apple and Netflix pulled out of South by Southwest due to coronavirus concerns .
Apple had planned to debut three new Apple TV+ projects at the festival , including a Spike Jonze documentary about the Beastie Boys .
( Mark Gurman and Lucas Shaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare for the coronavirus , there are still millions of employees — many of them hourly workers — who can ’ t work from home and lack sufficient paid leave .
( Jeff Green / Bloomberg ) Russia is behind “ swarms of online , false personas ” spreading misinformation about the coronavirus on social media , according to a top State Department official .
The “ entire ecosystem of Russian disinformation is at play , ” they said .
( Tony Romm / The Washington Post ) Meanwhile , Chinese trolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The viral message misleadingly stated that Taiwan ’ s government had lied about the number of coronavirus infections and deaths .
( Craig Silverman / BuzzFeed ) WeChat , China ’ s most popular messaging app , has been censoring keywords relating to the coronavirus outbreak since January 1st .
( Ryan Broderick / BuzzFeed ) The United Arab Emirates is shutting down schools for a month starting on March 8th .
The news has has reignited a debate about an existing ban the government has against Skype , WhatsApp , and FaceTime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s how to spot coronavirus misinformation on social media , according to researchers and fact-checkers .
( Will Oremus / OneZero ) ⭐ Congress introduced a new law called the EARN IT Act that would remove Section 230 legal protections for tech companies that fail to remove child sexual abuse imagery .
A separate , international initiative was also announced to compel the tech industry to embrace voluntary standards for combating the material .
This bears close watching : the EARN IT Act could mean the end of encrypted messaging .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times : To better understand Section 230 , and why it ’ s being dragged into this mess , check out Casey ’ s living guide .
Speaking of legislation : a bill proposed by two Democratic senators would ban YouTube from recommending unboxing videos to children .
Um ... okay .
( Makena Kelly / The Verge ) A federal judge rejected Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ’ s lawsuit against Google .
The lawsuit claimed Google violated the First Amendment by temporarily suspending Gabbard ’ s presidential campaign ads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds that Google isn ’ t bound by the First Amendment — much like the ruling in the Prager University case earlier this month .
This was the right call .
( Steven Overly / Politico ) Elizabeth Warren suspended her presidential campaign after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday .
Warren led the fight to break up Big Tech in 2020 .
( Makena Kelly / The Verge ) Mike Bloomberg also dropped out of the presidential race , as you likely saw But his strategy wasn ’ t a total failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months , Bloomberg built a national media apparatus that sucked up huge amounts of politics ’ most precious and finite resource : attention .
( Charlie Warzel / The New York Times ) Facebook filed a lawsuit against a domain name provider for registering websites masquerading as Facebook domains in order to trick people into clicking on phishing scams .
Namecheap called the move an “ attack on privacy and due process.
” ( Facebook ) Amazon warehouse workers in Illinois are demanding paid sick leave .
They say the company violated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were ill. ( Caroline O ’ Donovan / BuzzFeed ) Russian propagandists are trying to reach Americans with a “ news ” app posing as a free streaming service .
The app , Portable.TV , has direct links to the Russian propaganda outlet RT .
Fun !
( Casey Michel / Daily Beast ) ⭐ TikTok hired cyber security expert Roland Cloutier from ADP as its new chief information security officer .
The news comes after a year of increased scrutiny for the company .
Here ’ s Echo Wang at Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for law enforcement , the rich used it to surveil people at parties and on dates .
The company let investors and clients use the facial recognition app , seemingly wherever they wanted .
( Kashmir Hill / The New York Times ) Wolfcom , a company that makes technology for police , is pitching body cameras with live facial recognition to law enforcement groups across the United States .
The company claims to have sold body cameras to at least 1,500 police departments , universities , and federal organizations already .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people have been posting about Nancy Cartwright , the long-running voice actor behind Bart Simpson , viewing their stories on Instagram .
It turns out her social media team is using a “ mass story viewing ” strategy .
OK !
( David Mack / BuzzFeed ) Ricky Dillon started his YouTube channel in high school , when creators were still niche entertainers .
Now he ’ s reflecting on what has changed in 10 years .
Um , everything ?
( Taylor Lorenz / The New York Times ) Send us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice for fending off activist investors : casey @ theverge.com and zoe @ theverge.com .

On Tuesday I laid out Elliott Management’s case against Jack Dorsey — or at least, what we know about it so far. The activist investor has acquired a roughly 4 percent stake in Twitter, and has reportedly expressed concerns with Twitter’s underperforming stock, its part-time CEO, and Dorsey’s stated plans to decamp to Africa for an unspecified period of time this year.
On Thursday, in a roundabout way, Dorsey responded. He attended a scheduled appearance at a Morgan Stanley banking conference, and while the interviewer didn’t muster a single question about his potential ouster, Dorsey (obliquely) answered it nevertheless. Twitter’s investor relations account tweeted some of the highlights. My favorite was this:
Never let it be said that Dorsey lacks the capacity for understatement.
In any case, the CEO no longer plans to spend part of the year in Africa, as Kurt Wagner reported at Bloomberg:
“I had been working on my plans where I’d work decentralized, as my team and I do when we travel, but in light of Covid-19 and everything else going on I need to re-evaluate,” he said. “Either way we’ll continue to pursue opportunities in Africa.”
For a part-time CEO to announce that, on second thought, he will continue to run the company from headquarters instead of a different continent is generally not cause for acclaim. But given the threat Dorsey now faces to his leadership, it represented a meaningful concession.
Dorsey went on to make the case that, no matter how it may seem from the outside, his half-decade as CEO has been productive. “Five years ago we had to do a really hard reset and that takes time to build from,” he said. “We had been a company that was trying to do too many things.”
There’s a sense in which this is true. When Dorsey returned as Twitter CEO in 2015, the company was dabbling with Vine, Periscope, the identity platform Digits, and the developer tools Fabric and Crashlytics. These products had been acquired or built to help Twitter find its way to growth and profitability, which had eluded the company under former CEO Dick Costolo. But they had come at the expense of attention to the core platform, leading to Twitter’s notorious harassment problem and other issues. And however fondly (and justly) we remember Vine, none became an outsized success.
Since Dorsey’s return, Twitter has mostly wound those projects down. And the company has reinvested in its core product, leading to a notably productive 2019. But as we discussed earlier this week, those changes have led to only modest growth and profitability. Elliott appears ready to argue that Twitter could have, and should have, done better.
Notably, the activist investor has yet to release a public letter making its case against Dorsey’s leadership — typically the first step in an effort like this. I’m told that the move was not entirely unexpected — Twitter’s financial team has anticipated the likelihood of an activist investor making a move against the company for some time, a person familiar with the matter told me, and has staffed up in an effort to prepare for it.
The question is how well you can prepare for Elliott, a hedge fund that once waged a 15-year battle against the government of Argentina and won. I’ve been collecting stories about Elliott over the past few days, and many of them would send a shiver down the spine of even a top-performing CEO. Here’s Oliver Staley writing in Quartz in 2017:
Elliott Management is perhaps most notorious for its 15-year battle with the government of Argentina, whose bonds were owned by the hedge fund. When Argentine president Cristina Kirchner attempted to restructure the debt, Elliott — unlike most of the bonds’ owners — refused to accept a large loss on its investment. It successfully sued in US courts, and in pursuit of Argentine assets, convinced a court in Ghana to detain an Argentine naval training vessel, then docked outside Accra with a crew of 220. After a change of its government, Argentina eventually settled and Singer’s fund received $2.4 billion, almost four times its initial investment. Kirchner, meanwhile, has been indicted for corruption.
How do you prepare for an investor that once seized a naval training vessel? More to the point, how does Twitter — a legendarily mistake-prone company — prepare for such an investor?
Or perhaps I should say investors. Here’s Kara Swisher in the New York Times (emphasis mine):
The cutthroat firm, led by Paul Singer, has bought $1 billion worth of stock in Twitter and has nominated four directors to its eight-person board. If the current talks break down, those seats would most likely be used to oust Mr. Dorsey from Twitter, especially if Elliott gets backing from other investing giants (which it has, according to numerous sources) and from the markets (which reacted well to Elliott’s move by pushing Twitter shares upward from $32 to $36 this week, in a very down market reeling from the coronavirus threat).
Stories about Elliott often include the line that the hedge fund prefers to work constructively with companies and avoid prolonged dramas. And yet it’s hard to think of something that Twitter has historically been worse at than avoiding drama. If Dorsey’s remarks on stage today were indicative of the company’s defense against Elliott, Twitter’s case for the CEO to remain in power may be weaker than it thinks.
And the real drama may be about to begin.
Pushback
Yesterday we included a link on Cisco helping the Indian government enforce the internet blackout in Kashmir. The company denied the report. “We do not customize our products in any way to enable censorship,” the company told BuzzFeed. But as BuzzFeed’s Pranav Dixit also noted:
A 2008 Wired report showed the company had a 90-page internet document detailing how it could help the Chinese government build the “Golden Shield,” also known as the Great Firewall of China, a version of the internet heavily censored by Chinese authorities.
The Ratio
Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms.
🔼 Trending up: Apple is rejecting coronavirus apps that aren’t from recognized health institutions. The App Store currently has very few apps related to the outbreak, and almost no spam.
🔽 Trending down: Google is showing ads for products that claim to prevent coronavirus, despite having a policy against them. The company said it had blocked tens of thousands of ads attempting to capitalize on the outbreak.
🔽 Trending down: The Trump campaign is flooding Facebook with deceptive ads about the Census, and Facebook wasn’t doing anything about it. After an outcry on Thursday, the company reversed course and removed the ads. That was the right call, but the company’s hesitation here lent credence to those who argue the company too often goes out of its way to placate conservatives.
Outbreak
Multiple cases have now been reported in San Francisco and New York City, as the virus begins its “community transmission” phase. Several employees and contractors at big tech companies have begun to be diagnosed as well.
Some headlines.
On the office front:
A Facebook contractor in Seattle was diagnosed with the coronavirus. The company shut down the Seattle office as a precaution until March 9th. (Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg)
Lyft told all San Francisco employees to work from home after learning that a staff member had been in contact with someone who was exposed to the coronavirus. (Scott Budman / Twitter)
On the travel front:
Google has barred employees from traveling internationally for work. Last week, an employee in Google’s Zurich office tested positive for the disease. (Rob Price / Business Insider)
Apple has barred employee travel to Italy and South Korea as the coronavirus continues to spread. The company already instating a similar policy for China. (Mark Gurman / Bloomberg)
LinkedIn made all job interviews virtual due to the coronavirus outbreak. Google instituted a similar policy on Wednesday.
On the conference front:
Apple and Netflix pulled out of South by Southwest due to coronavirus concerns. Apple had planned to debut three new Apple TV+ projects at the festival, including a Spike Jonze documentary about the Beastie Boys. (Mark Gurman and Lucas Shaw / Bloomberg)
Elsewhere:
Russia is behind “swarms of online, false personas” spreading misinformation about the coronavirus on social media, according to a top State Department official. The “entire ecosystem of Russian disinformation is at play,” they said. (Tony Romm / The Washington Post)
Meanwhile, Chinese trolls are spreading coronavirus disinformation in Taiwan. The viral message misleadingly stated that Taiwan’s government had lied about the number of coronavirus infections and deaths. (Craig Silverman / BuzzFeed)
The United Arab Emirates is shutting down schools for a month starting on March 8th. The news has has reignited a debate about an existing ban the government has against Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime. (Sylvia Westall / BloombergQuint)
Governing
⭐ Congress introduced a new law called the EARN IT Act that would remove Section 230 legal protections for tech companies that fail to remove child sexual abuse imagery. A separate, international initiative was also announced to compel the tech industry to embrace voluntary standards for combating the material. This bears close watching: the EARN IT Act could mean the end of encrypted messaging. Here’s Michael H. Keller at The New York Times:
Last year, tech companies reported nearly 70 million images and videos related to online child exploitation. They are obligated to report the material when they become aware of it on their platforms, but they are not required to go looking for it. Companies are generally not responsible for content uploaded by their users, because of a 1990s-era provision in the law known as Section 230. The new bill, called the EARN IT Act, would carve out an exception to that rule. Companies that don’t follow the recommended standards would lose civil liability protections for that type of content. The legislation would also lower the bar for suing those tech firms.
Speaking of legislation: a bill proposed by two Democratic senators would ban YouTube from recommending unboxing videos to children. Um ... okay. (Makena Kelly / The Verge)
A federal judge rejected Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit claimed Google violated the First Amendment by temporarily suspending Gabbard’s presidential campaign ads. The judge rejected this claim on the grounds that Google isn’t bound by the First Amendment — much like the ruling in the Prager University case earlier this month. This was the right call. (Steven Overly / Politico)
Elizabeth Warren suspended her presidential campaign after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday. Warren led the fight to break up Big Tech in 2020. (Makena Kelly / The Verge)
Mike Bloomberg also dropped out of the presidential race, as you likely saw But his strategy wasn’t a total failure, this piece argues. In barely three months, Bloomberg built a national media apparatus that sucked up huge amounts of politics’ most precious and finite resource: attention. (Charlie Warzel / The New York Times)
Facebook filed a lawsuit against a domain name provider for registering websites masquerading as Facebook domains in order to trick people into clicking on phishing scams. Namecheap called the move an “attack on privacy and due process.” (Facebook)
Amazon warehouse workers in Illinois are demanding paid sick leave. They say the company violated local regulations by not paying them when they were ill. (Caroline O’Donovan / BuzzFeed)
Russian propagandists are trying to reach Americans with a “news” app posing as a free streaming service. The app, Portable.TV, has direct links to the Russian propaganda outlet RT. Fun! (Casey Michel / Daily Beast)
Industry
⭐ TikTok hired cyber security expert Roland Cloutier from ADP as its new chief information security officer. The news comes after a year of increased scrutiny for the company. Here’s Echo Wang at Reuters:
“As TikTok grows and serves an ever-larger, more diverse global community, we have a clear responsibility to continue to maximize security on our platform. We are thrilled to have a recognized global expert and leader like Roland to help us deliver on that promise,” [TikTok CEO Alex] Zhu said in a statement. At ADP, Cloutier served as chief security officer, helping ensure that confidential personal information handled by the company remained secure. He worked for ADP for 10 years.
Before Clearview AI became a tool for law enforcement, the rich used it to surveil people at parties and on dates. The company let investors and clients use the facial recognition app, seemingly wherever they wanted. (Kashmir Hill / The New York Times)
Wolfcom, a company that makes technology for police, is pitching body cameras with live facial recognition to law enforcement groups across the United States. The company claims to have sold body cameras to at least 1,500 police departments, universities, and federal organizations already. (Dave Gershgorn / OneZero)
A ton of people have been posting about Nancy Cartwright, the long-running voice actor behind Bart Simpson, viewing their stories on Instagram. It turns out her social media team is using a “mass story viewing” strategy. OK! (David Mack / BuzzFeed)
Ricky Dillon started his YouTube channel in high school, when creators were still niche entertainers. Now he’s reflecting on what has changed in 10 years. Um, everything? (Taylor Lorenz / The New York Times)
And finally...
Talk to us