theverge--2020-09-25--Facebook’s Oversight Board won’t launch in time to oversee the election — and activists aren’t happy

It ’ s been more than a year since Facebook pledged to launch its independent Oversight Board — but with the US election approaching fast , tech critics are getting antsy .
On Friday , a coalition of academics and legal experts announced the formation of the “ Real Facebook Oversight Board , ” an informal group that will publicly call out Facebook ’ s slow action in advance of the election , including early Facebook investor Roger McNamee and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff .
The group also includes leaders of the # StopHateForProfit campaign , which organized a boycott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group plans to hold regular “ board meetings ” to discuss failures of platform policy , with the first scheduled to be hosted by Kara Swisher on October 1 .
In a statement , Zuboff described Facebook as “ a roiling cauldron of lies , violence and danger destabilizing elections and democratic governance around the world.
” The group also include Guardian journalist Carole Cadwalladr , known for her work on the Cambridge Analytica story .
“ This is an emergency response , ” Cadwalladr told NBC News this morning .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of incidents leading up to the election and beyond in which Facebook is crucial.
” The board will hold no power and is largely meant as a symbolic gesture .
Still , it has placed new pressure on Facebook ’ s Oversight Board , which was initially scheduled for launch this summer .
Oversight Board members now estimate that the project will launch in October .
That will be too late to hear cases related to the US election , given the months-long process for fully adjudicating a case .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical systems that will allow users to appeal and the Board to review cases , ” the Oversight Board said .
“ Assuming those tests go to plan , we expect to open user appeals in mid to late October .
Building a process that is thorough , principled and globally effective takes time and our members have been working aggressively to launch as soon as possible.
” Still , the delay has brought forth a new wave of skepticism about the project .
Accountable Tech , a nonprofit that has long criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the failure to oversee campaign content underscored the broader failure of the project .
“ If Oversight Board members want to enact meaningful change , rather than continuing to prop up Facebook ’ s Potemkin court , they should demand real authority or resign and speak out , ” the group said in a statement .

It’s been more than a year since Facebook pledged to launch its independent Oversight Board — but with the US election approaching fast, tech critics are getting antsy.
On Friday, a coalition of academics and legal experts announced the formation of the “Real Facebook Oversight Board,” an informal group that will publicly call out Facebook’s slow action in advance of the election, including early Facebook investor Roger McNamee and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff. The group also includes leaders of the #StopHateForProfit campaign, which organized a boycott by Facebook advertisers earlier this year.
“a roiling cauldron of lies, violence and danger”
The group plans to hold regular “board meetings” to discuss failures of platform policy, with the first scheduled to be hosted by Kara Swisher on October 1. In a statement, Zuboff described Facebook as “a roiling cauldron of lies, violence and danger destabilizing elections and democratic governance around the world.”
The group also include Guardian journalist Carole Cadwalladr, known for her work on the Cambridge Analytica story. “This is an emergency response,” Cadwalladr told NBC News this morning. “We know there are going to be a series of incidents leading up to the election and beyond in which Facebook is crucial.”
The board will hold no power and is largely meant as a symbolic gesture. Still, it has placed new pressure on Facebook’s Oversight Board, which was initially scheduled for launch this summer. Oversight Board members now estimate that the project will launch in October. That will be too late to hear cases related to the US election, given the months-long process for fully adjudicating a case.
“We are currently testing the newly deployed technical systems that will allow users to appeal and the Board to review cases,” the Oversight Board said. “Assuming those tests go to plan, we expect to open user appeals in mid to late October. Building a process that is thorough, principled and globally effective takes time and our members have been working aggressively to launch as soon as possible.”
Still, the delay has brought forth a new wave of skepticism about the project.


theverge--2020-09-25--Turn your Xbox One controller into a throttle-and-stick setup with these 3D-printed parts

Microsoft Flight Simulator has got a lot of people hankering to take to the virtual skies .
But for many the experience isn ’ t complete without a flight stick of some sort .
With lots of these now sold out that can be tough .
But here ’ s a solution : 3D-printed parts that snap onto an Xbox One controller for a DIY conversion into a hands on throttle-and-stick or HOTAS .
This amazing little mod is the work of Akaki Kuumeri , a 3D printing tinkerer who maintains a YouTube channel showing off some of his creations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this mod , too , and it ’ s well worth a watch , just for the groanworthy selection of puns alone .
The mod takes just $ 10 and “ an afternoon of your time ” to make If you want to made the mod yourself , Kuumeri has uploaded the plans to Thingiverse to download for free .
You ’ ll need to have access to a 3D printer , of course , but Kuumeri estimates it ’ ll cost no more than $ 10 and “ an afternoon of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various parts .
Everything just snaps together , and there ’ s even the option to fit elastic bands inside the linkages to adjust the spring force on the stick and throttle .
Some caveats : responding to questions on Reddit , Kuumeri notes that the parts don ’ t work with the Xbox 360 controller or PS4 controller ( though he says he may work on the latter if there ’ s enough interest ) .
By his own account , though , the whole setup works surprisingly smoothly .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slop , which [ on ] the scale of a thumb stick would be too much to play accurately , but they ’ re absolutely perfect , ” he told one questioner .
“ It also helps that the Xbox thumb sticks are on a very smooth hinge themselves.
” So if you ’ ve not been able to grab yourself a flight stick , this looks like the next best thing .

Microsoft Flight Simulator has got a lot of people hankering to take to the virtual skies. But for many the experience isn’t complete without a flight stick of some sort. With lots of these now sold out that can be tough. But here’s a solution: 3D-printed parts that snap onto an Xbox One controller for a DIY conversion into a hands on throttle-and-stick or HOTAS.
This amazing little mod is the work of Akaki Kuumeri, a 3D printing tinkerer who maintains a YouTube channel showing off some of his creations. Kuumeri has made a video for this mod, too, and it’s well worth a watch, just for the groanworthy selection of puns alone.
The mod takes just $10 and “an afternoon of your time” to make
If you want to made the mod yourself, Kuumeri has uploaded the plans to Thingiverse to download for free. You’ll need to have access to a 3D printer, of course, but Kuumeri estimates it’ll cost no more than $10 and “an afternoon of your time” to print and assemble the various parts. Everything just snaps together, and there’s even the option to fit elastic bands inside the linkages to adjust the spring force on the stick and throttle.
Some caveats: responding to questions on Reddit, Kuumeri notes that the parts don’t work with the Xbox 360 controller or PS4 controller (though he says he may work on the latter if there’s enough interest). By his own account, though, the whole setup works surprisingly smoothly. “I expected the ball joints to have some slop, which [on] the scale of a thumb stick would be too much to play accurately, but they’re absolutely perfect,” he told one questioner. “It also helps that the Xbox thumb sticks are on a very smooth hinge themselves.”


theverge--2020-09-25--Windows XP source code leaks online

Windows XP source code leaks online

Microsoft ’ s source code for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 has leaked online .
Torrent files for both operating systems ’ source code have been published on various file sharing sites this week .
It ’ s the first time source code for Windows XP has leaked publicly , although the leaked files claim this code has been shared privately for years .
The Verge has verified the material is legitimate , and we ’ ve reached out to Microsoft to comment on the leak .
It ’ s unlikely that this latest source code leak will pose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running Windows XP machines .
Microsoft ended support for Windows XP back in 2014 , although the company responded to the massive WannaCry malware attack with a highly unusual Windows XP patch in 2017 .
While this is the first time Windows XP source code has appeared publicly , Microsoft does run a special Government Security Program ( GSP ) that allows governments and organizations controlled access to source code and other technical content .
This latest XP leak isn ’ t the first time Microsoft ’ s operating system source code has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windows 10-related source code leaked a few years ago , and Microsoft has even faced a series of Xbox-related source code leaks this year .
Original Xbox and Windows NT 3.5 source code appeared online back in May , just weeks after Xbox Series X graphics source code was stolen and leaked online .
It ’ s not immediately clear how much of the Windows XP source code is included in this leak , but one Windows internals expert has already found Microsoft ’ s NetMeeting user certificate root signing keys .
Parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microsoft ’ s Windows CE operating systems , MS-DOS , and other leaked Microsoft material .
Bizarrely , the files also include references to Bill Gates conspiracy theories , in a clear attempt to spread misinformation .

Microsoft’s source code for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 has leaked online. Torrent files for both operating systems’ source code have been published on various file sharing sites this week. It’s the first time source code for Windows XP has leaked publicly, although the leaked files claim this code has been shared privately for years.
The Verge has verified the material is legitimate, and a Microsoft spokesperson tells us that the company is “investigating the matter.”
It’s unlikely that this latest source code leak will pose any significant threat to companies still stuck running Windows XP machines. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP back in 2014, although the company responded to the massive WannaCry malware attack with a highly unusual Windows XP patch in 2017.
While this is the first time Windows XP source code has appeared publicly, Microsoft does run a special Government Security Program (GSP) that allows governments and organizations controlled access to source code and other technical content.
This latest XP leak isn’t the first time Microsoft’s operating system source code has appeared online. At least 1GB of Windows 10-related source code leaked a few years ago, and Microsoft has even faced a series of Xbox-related source code leaks this year. Original Xbox and Windows NT 3.5 source code appeared online back in May, just weeks after Xbox Series X graphics source code was stolen and leaked online.
It’s not immediately clear how much of the Windows XP source code is included in this leak, but one Windows internals expert has already found Microsoft’s NetMeeting user certificate root signing keys.
Parts of the source code leak also reference Microsoft’s Windows CE operating systems, MS-DOS, and other leaked Microsoft material. Bizarrely, the files also include references to Bill Gates conspiracy theories, in a clear attempt to spread misinformation.


theverge--2020-09-25--Twitter is bringing its ‘read before you retweet’ prompt to all users

Twitter says it ’ s working on bringing its “ read the article before you retweet it ” prompt to all users “ soon.
” The company began testing the prompt in June , which shows up when people go to retweet a story they haven ’ t clicked through to actually read .
Twitter says its motivation is to “ help promote informed discussion.
” Headlines often don ’ t tell the whole story and can even be actively misleading .
Encouraging people to at least read the article they ’ re sharing seems like a smart way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the knee-jerk reactions that can make misinformation viral .
The company shared some results from its initial test of the feature , which was limited to Twitter users on Android .
It says people shown the prompt opened articles 40 percent more often and that the overall proportion of people opening articles before retweeting increased by 33 percent .
The company also said that “ some people ” ( a statistically meaningless phrase ! )
didn ’ t retweet the article after opening it up .
Twitter says it ’ s now “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globally soon ” and that in the future , the prompt will be smaller once it ’ s been shown to users once ( “ because we get that you get it ” ) .
This isn ’ t the only feature Twitter ’ s been testing to improve life on its platform .
Others include a feature that warns users before they send offensive replies and the option to limit who replies to tweets ( which has now been rolled out globally ) .
Hopefully all this experimentation is just a warm-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning shown to all users before they tweet anything at all .

Twitter says it’s working on bringing its “read the article before you retweet it” prompt to all users “soon.” The company began testing the prompt in June, which shows up when people go to retweet a story they haven’t clicked through to actually read.
Twitter says its motivation is to “help promote informed discussion.” Headlines often don’t tell the whole story and can even be actively misleading. Encouraging people to at least read the article they’re sharing seems like a smart way to promote media literacy and stop some of the knee-jerk reactions that can make misinformation viral.
The company shared some results from its initial test of the feature, which was limited to Twitter users on Android. It says people shown the prompt opened articles 40 percent more often and that the overall proportion of people opening articles before retweeting increased by 33 percent. The company also said that “some people” (a statistically meaningless phrase!) didn’t retweet the article after opening it up.
Twitter says it’s now “working on bringing these prompts to everyone globally soon” and that in the future, the prompt will be smaller once it’s been shown to users once (“because we get that you get it”). This isn’t the only feature Twitter’s been testing to improve life on its platform. Others include a feature that warns users before they send offensive replies and the option to limit who replies to tweets (which has now been rolled out globally).


theverge--2020-09-25--Prepare for the ‘iPhone 12 mini,’ suggest recent leaks

We ’ re expecting Apple to announce four new iPhones later this year , and signs and portents increasingly suggest that the smallest will be named the iPhone 12 mini — a title new to the iPhone range but with a solid Apple heritage .
Past and present mini Apple products include the iPod mini , iPad mini , and Mac mini .
So it might be time for a mini iPhone , too .
The name was mentioned earlier this week by established leaker @ L0vetodream , who suggested that the four new iPhones would be called the iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 Pro , and iPhone 12 Pro Max .
Now another leaker , @ duanrui1205 , has shared images showing Apple ’ s “ silicone case stickers , ” complete with names and hand-labeled screen sizes .
They match previous rumors for sizes and specs , with the line-up as follows : • Apple iPhone 12 — 6.1-inch screen ( the same as the iPhone 11 ) • Apple iPhone 12 Pro — 6.1-inch screen ( but with presumably higher specs ) We saw the image via MacRumors , which notes that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that @ duanrui1205 has had some leaking success recently .
They shared a manual showing an all-screen iPad Air that turned out to be on the money .
An iPhone mini with a 5.4-inch screen might eventually take the place of the iPhone SE , currently the smallest handset in Apple ’ s iPhone line-up .
But this would be a surprisingly difficult niche to occupy .
The original SE and its 2020 successor have been widely praised for their value , tried-and-tested design , and pocketable screen sizes ( 4.7 inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the original SE ) .
Not everyone wants a massive phone .
A 5.4-inch iPhone mini would have a larger display than both SE models but could be smaller than the second-generation because of slimmer bezels .
And if the rumors are true that the new iPhones will return to the industrial design of the iPhone 4 and 5 ( think : a rounded rectangle with flat metal edges like the new iPad Pro ) then it might even look like the original iPhone SE .
You can see how the design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below , based on dummy iPhone 12 models sourced by MacRumors : Update , Friday September 25th , 8:50AM ET : Updated to clarify the wording around the size of the rumored iPhone mini compared to the iPhone SE and 2020 iPhone SE .

We’re expecting Apple to announce four new iPhones later this year, and signs and portents increasingly suggest that the smallest will be named the iPhone 12 mini — a title new to the iPhone range but with a solid Apple heritage. Past and present mini Apple products include the iPod mini, iPad mini, and Mac mini. So it might be time for a mini iPhone, too.
The name was mentioned earlier this week by established leaker @L0vetodream, who suggested that the four new iPhones would be called the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Now another leaker, @duanrui1205, has shared images showing Apple’s “silicone case stickers,” complete with names and hand-labeled screen sizes. They match previous rumors for sizes and specs, with the line-up as follows:
Apple iPhone 12 mini — 5.4-inch screen
Apple iPhone 12 — 6.1-inch screen (the same as the iPhone 11)
Apple iPhone 12 Pro — 6.1-inch screen (but with presumably higher specs)
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max — 6.7-inch model (larger than the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max)
We saw the image via MacRumors, which notes that the model numbers are new for Apple, and that @duanrui1205 has had some leaking success recently. They shared a manual showing an all-screen iPad Air that turned out to be on the money.
An iPhone mini with a 5.4-inch screen might eventually take the place of the iPhone SE, currently the smallest handset in Apple’s iPhone line-up. But this would be a surprisingly difficult niche to occupy. The original SE and its 2020 successor have been widely praised for their value, tried-and-tested design, and pocketable screen sizes (4.7 inches for the 2020 model and 4 inches for the original SE). Not everyone wants a massive phone.
A 5.4-inch iPhone mini would have a larger display than both SE models but could be smaller than the second-generation because of slimmer bezels. And if the rumors are true that the new iPhones will return to the industrial design of the iPhone 4 and 5 (think: a rounded rectangle with flat metal edges like the new iPad Pro) then it might even look like the original iPhone SE. You can see how the design and screen sizes compare in the image below, based on dummy iPhone 12 models sourced by MacRumors:


theverge--2020-09-25--Cowboy 3 electric bike review: better safe than sporty

Cowboy has returned with its third-generation e-bike .
It ’ s still the best-looking pedal-assisted electric bike with a removable battery that I ’ ve ever seen having carried forward the same physical design as the original Cowboy .
While the Cowboy 2 from last year was sporty , the Cowboy 3 is mature , focusing on safety rather than fun .
The Cowboy 3 is fitted with a variety of safety features including automatic crash detection , a slower top speed , and new puncture-resistant tires of Cowboy design .
Version three , like the previous model , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light that flashes red when braking .
And believe it or not , Cowboy ’ s finally making fenders .
It ’ s as if this Belgian startup wants to become the Volvo of e-bikes .
Not that that ’ s a bad thing .
The headline feature is automatic crash detection , which the company calls an industry first .
It ’ s available on both Cowboy 3 and older Cowboy 2 bikes via a free software update .
Crash detection works by analyzing data collected from the wheel ’ s speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine if a crash occurred .
The company says it can tell the difference between a crash and emergency braking , dropping your bike on its side , hitting a pothole , or riding over cobblestones .
If a crash is detected , the rider has 60 seconds to confirm they ’ re okay in the app , or else the SIM card integrated into the Cowboy e-bike sends an alert to one , or both , of your predefined emergency contacts .
It also sends along a real-time map showing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike ’ s GPS radio .
I was able to simulate a crash with the help of a soft couch .
After dropping the bike while holding the brake and pressing down on a pedal , the front and rear lights started flashing rapidly to draw attention to the area .
At the same time , a text message was received by my emergency contact saying I “ might have been involved in a bike accident ” with my approximate street address and a link to a live map showing my precise location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useful and even life-saving feature if crash detection performs this well in real-life scenarios .
Otherwise , false alarms could create a lot of stress for loved ones ( Cowboy claims a false positive rate of “ close to zero ” ) .
Another safety feature was added by taking something away : off-road mode , a setting intended for riding Cowboys on private property .
Cowboy e-bikes are now capped at the European limit of 25km/h ( 15.5mph ) .
Previously , Cowboy ’ s off-road mode sneakily boosted the speed cap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the e-bike ’ s sporty riding position .
In practice , I imagine that many , if not most , Cowboy owners used that mode all the time .
I sure did , especially when beyond the city limits where I regularly bike between 25-30km/h .
I really missed the faster , more exciting mode in my testing .
I ’ m told that Cowboy removed it for safety and insurance reasons : Cowboy offers owners Easy Rider insurance plans starting at €8 per month for theft or €10 per month to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a free Find My Bike feature that uses GPS and Bluetooth to help locate your bike .
But you ’ ll need to pay at least €8 per month to receive theft detection notifications .
The anti-theft protection kicks in two minutes after the Cowboy is turned off .
Then , whenever your bike is jostled , presumably by a thief , it ’ ll send an alert to your phone showing the reported GPS location .
The bike can then be tracked with the help of the ( very good ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hone in on your bike with greater precision .
My test bike had theft detection enabled and it worked for the most part .
When enabled , the bike ’ s lights flash briefly ( there ’ s no siren or warning sound ) and the alert arrives quickly in the app .
You can then ignore it or hit “ Find My Bike ” and take your chances with confronting a would-be thief or someone who innocently bumped your bike in the shared bike rack .
Cowboy continues to deliver one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any e-bike As for the ride , Cowboy ’ s own silent 250W rear-hub motor coupled with a new , longer-lasting Gates Carbon Belt drive and lower gear ratio produces a highly intuitive experience .
Power is delivered as soon as the bike detects pressure on the pedal for effortless getaways in the flats , and then the bike ’ s speed and torque sensors constantly adjust power delivery as your pace and pedaling change .
When I tested it on hills , however , I felt the bike lacked the vertical oomph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gogoro ’ s Eeyo 1S , requiring more exertion than I expected .
Nevertheless , overall the Cowboy continues to deliver one of , if not the most natural pedal-assisted ride experiences of any e-bike I ’ ve tested .
My range test delivered 70.5km ( 43.8 miles ) from the 360Wh battery , which is exactly in line with Cowboy ’ s “ up to 70km ” claim .
Best of all , that battery can be removed and taken inside for convenient charging .
The bike is still rideable with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pedal a 16.9kg / 37-pound bike over long distances with just a single gear .
Unfortunately , the Cowboy requires a companion phone as there ’ s no power button on the bike itself .
Most of the time , this won ’ t be a problem , but it only takes one dead phone battery after a long night out to realize how short-sighted this approach is .
New this year is an automatic startup option that uses Bluetooth to detect when you ’ re nearby .
It works so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background .
The new feature means you can leave your phone in a pocket or bag when you ’ re ready to ride .
In practice , it works pretty well : the bike sensed me approaching and then required me to move it a little to actually turn the motor on .
The bike can also be set to turn off automatically , or not , after a period of inactivity , giving you a chance to lock it up with a chain ( or two ) and walk away without triggering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a feature that lets you turn on the bike by removing and reinserting the battery .
It was originally promised last year , but I ’ m told that it ’ s definitely coming by the end of 2020 .
The last big feature for Cowboy owners is the free Cowboy Mobile Service .
While under the two-year guarantee , Cowboy will send a technician to your home , office , or places in between to repair your bike .
The CMS service is currently available in 25 European cities , expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , Cowboy tells me .
Rad Power , for example , offers a similar service but charges a fee for each use .
• Cowboys don ’ t have throttles — they ’ re pedal assist only , and it ’ s either on or off , without power options like eco or sport found on other e-bikes .
• The spongy grips , stock saddle , and wide puncture-resistant tires of Cowboy design did a fine job of gobbling up road vibrations , even on the bumpy bricked roads common in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon , by early October , inform riders about the air quality in the area and suggest the least polluted route .
• Cowboy 3 is now available in two shades of gray to go along with the black model .
• The LEDs in the battery meter on the top tube can be set to bright or dim and are mostly visible in the sun in bright mode .
• The Cowboy logo above the battery meter isn ’ t a power button , but it should be .
• Cowboy 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ounces , making it about 900 grams heavier than the Cowboy 2 due mainly to the beefy new tires .
The mudguards add some additional , undisclosed weight .
It ’ s also made to fit relatively tall riders , measuring 170 to 195cm ( five feet , seven inches to six feet , five inches ) .
• The Cowboy app is one of the best in the business with its clean layout and features that make sense .
The Cowboy 3 is priced at €2,290 / £1,990 ( about $ 2,665 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than both last year ’ s Cowboy 2 and VanMoof ’ s comparable S3 and X3 commuter e-bikes .
But with a VanMoof , the price includes fenders , which are an €89 option from Cowboy , and a kickstand , which Cowboy doesn ’ t offer at all .
At least Cowboy now ships its bikes with bells .
Knowing that you ’ ll get a removable battery , free mobile repairs , and free crash detection helps make the Cowboy ’ s price tag a little easier to accept .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgium , France , Germany , Italy , Luxembourg , Spain , the Netherlands , and the UK , with Denmark in the works .
US sales will happen someday , but right now , the European e-bike market is ten times the US market , says Cowboy , so it ’ s not in a rush .
Cowboy ’ s clearly been busy putting the €33 million in funding it ’ s raised since 2018 to good use to add and improve features while maintaining a pace of slow and steady expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike , made better through a selection of free and subscription-based services that should add real value over the lifetime of the bike .
Still , I can ’ t help but think that it ’ s a little confused .
The geometry puts the rider into a sporty riding position yet its top , pedal-assisted speed has been reduced by 17 percent from last year ’ s model .
And it ’ s sold as a city commuter but lacks urban necessities that should be included as standard components .
The Cowboy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , torn between the recklessness of youth and the stodgy demands of the corporate world , knowing that growing up is inescapable .
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These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see

Cowboy has returned with its third-generation e-bike. It’s still the best-looking pedal-assisted electric bike with a removable battery that I’ve ever seen having carried forward the same physical design as the original Cowboy. While the Cowboy 2 from last year was sporty, the Cowboy 3 is mature, focusing on safety rather than fun.
The Cowboy 3 is fitted with a variety of safety features including automatic crash detection, a slower top speed, and new puncture-resistant tires of Cowboy design. Version three, like the previous model, also has integrated lighting, with a rear light that flashes red when braking. And believe it or not, Cowboy’s finally making fenders.
It’s as if this Belgian startup wants to become the Volvo of e-bikes. Not that that’s a bad thing.
8.5 Verge Score Cowboy Cowboy 3 $ 2536 The Good Looks great
Packed with services like crash detection and in-home repairs
Removable battery with 70km / 43 mile range
Super intuitive and silent pedal assist The Bad A little pricey
RIP 30km/h off-road mode
Fenders and kickstand cost extra $2536 at Cowboy How we rate and review products
The headline feature is automatic crash detection, which the company calls an industry first. It’s available on both Cowboy 3 and older Cowboy 2 bikes via a free software update. Crash detection works by analyzing data collected from the wheel’s speed sensor, torque sensor, and accelerometer to determine if a crash occurred. The company says it can tell the difference between a crash and emergency braking, dropping your bike on its side, hitting a pothole, or riding over cobblestones.
If a crash is detected, the rider has 60 seconds to confirm they’re okay in the app, or else the SIM card integrated into the Cowboy e-bike sends an alert to one, or both, of your predefined emergency contacts. It also sends along a real-time map showing the rider’s position measured by the bike’s GPS radio.
I was able to simulate a crash with the help of a soft couch. After dropping the bike while holding the brake and pressing down on a pedal, the front and rear lights started flashing rapidly to draw attention to the area. At the same time, a text message was received by my emergency contact saying I “might have been involved in a bike accident” with my approximate street address and a link to a live map showing my precise location. I can imagine this being a useful and even life-saving feature if crash detection performs this well in real-life scenarios. Otherwise, false alarms could create a lot of stress for loved ones (Cowboy claims a false positive rate of “close to zero”).
Removable battery and future on / off. 250W single-speed rear-hub motor.
Rear light flashes when braking. Smartphone required.
Another safety feature was added by taking something away: off-road mode, a setting intended for riding Cowboys on private property. Cowboy e-bikes are now capped at the European limit of 25km/h (15.5mph). Previously, Cowboy’s off-road mode sneakily boosted the speed cap to 30km/h (19mph) to complement the e-bike’s sporty riding position. In practice, I imagine that many, if not most, Cowboy owners used that mode all the time. I sure did, especially when beyond the city limits where I regularly bike between 25-30km/h. I really missed the faster, more exciting mode in my testing. I’m told that Cowboy removed it for safety and insurance reasons: Cowboy offers owners Easy Rider insurance plans starting at €8 per month for theft or €10 per month to add damage coverage.
The Cowboy 3 does have a free Find My Bike feature that uses GPS and Bluetooth to help locate your bike. But you’ll need to pay at least €8 per month to receive theft detection notifications. The anti-theft protection kicks in two minutes after the Cowboy is turned off. Then, whenever your bike is jostled, presumably by a thief, it’ll send an alert to your phone showing the reported GPS location. The bike can then be tracked with the help of the (very good) Cowboy app with Bluetooth allowing you to hone in on your bike with greater precision.
My test bike had theft detection enabled and it worked for the most part. When enabled, the bike’s lights flash briefly (there’s no siren or warning sound) and the alert arrives quickly in the app. You can then ignore it or hit “Find My Bike” and take your chances with confronting a would-be thief or someone who innocently bumped your bike in the shared bike rack.
Cowboy continues to deliver one of the most natural pedal-assisted ride experiences of any e-bike
As for the ride, Cowboy’s own silent 250W rear-hub motor coupled with a new, longer-lasting Gates Carbon Belt drive and lower gear ratio produces a highly intuitive experience. Power is delivered as soon as the bike detects pressure on the pedal for effortless getaways in the flats, and then the bike’s speed and torque sensors constantly adjust power delivery as your pace and pedaling change. When I tested it on hills, however, I felt the bike lacked the vertical oomph delivered by other single-speed belt-driven bikes like Gogoro’s Eeyo 1S, requiring more exertion than I expected. Nevertheless, overall the Cowboy continues to deliver one of, if not the most natural pedal-assisted ride experiences of any e-bike I’ve tested.
My range test delivered 70.5km (43.8 miles) from the 360Wh battery, which is exactly in line with Cowboy’s “up to 70km” claim. Best of all, that battery can be removed and taken inside for convenient charging. The bike is still rideable with a dead battery, but many will struggle to pedal a 16.9kg / 37-pound bike over long distances with just a single gear.
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1 / 12 Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge Previous Next
1 / 12 Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
New this year is an automatic startup option that uses Bluetooth to detect when you’re nearby. It works so long as the app is running in the background. The new feature means you can leave your phone in a pocket or bag when you’re ready to ride. In practice, it works pretty well: the bike sensed me approaching and then required me to move it a little to actually turn the motor on. The bike can also be set to turn off automatically, or not, after a period of inactivity, giving you a chance to lock it up with a chain (or two) and walk away without triggering the anti-theft alerts.
After a software update, the Cowboy 3 can now be turned on without a smartphone. The ”Manual Unlock” mode allows the e-bike to be turned on by ejecting and re-inserting the battery within 20 seconds. It’s not very elegant, and requires that you carry the key, but it could keep you from getting stranded should you lose your smartphone or its battery dies.
The last big feature for Cowboy owners is the free Cowboy Mobile Service. While under the two-year guarantee, Cowboy will send a technician to your home, office, or places in between to repair your bike. The CMS service is currently available in 25 European cities, expanding to 70 by the end of the year, Cowboy tells me. Rad Power, for example, offers a similar service but charges a fee for each use.
Other observations:
New feature will route you around areas of poor air quality.
Cowboys don’t have throttles — they’re pedal assist only, and it’s either on or off, without power options like eco or sport found on other e-bikes.
The spongy grips, stock saddle, and wide puncture-resistant tires of Cowboy design did a fine job of gobbling up road vibrations, even on the bumpy bricked roads common in Amsterdam.
The Cowboy app will soon, by early October, inform riders about the air quality in the area and suggest the least polluted route.
Cowboy 3 is now available in two shades of gray to go along with the black model.
The LEDs in the battery meter on the top tube can be set to bright or dim and are mostly visible in the sun in bright mode.
The Cowboy logo above the battery meter isn’t a power button, but it should be.
Cowboy 3 weighs 16.9kg / 37 pounds, four ounces, making it about 900 grams heavier than the Cowboy 2 due mainly to the beefy new tires. The mudguards add some additional, undisclosed weight. It’s also made to fit relatively tall riders, measuring 170 to 195cm (five feet, seven inches to six feet, five inches).
Battery charges in about 3.5 hours.
Hydraulic disc brakes stop the bike with confidence.
The Cowboy app is one of the best in the business with its clean layout and features that make sense.
The Cowboy 3 is priced at €2,290 / £1,990 (about $2,665). That’s €300 more than both last year’s Cowboy 2 and VanMoof’s comparable S3 and X3 commuter e-bikes. But with a VanMoof, the price includes fenders, which are an €89 option from Cowboy, and a kickstand, which Cowboy doesn’t offer at all. At least Cowboy now ships its bikes with bells. Knowing that you’ll get a removable battery, free mobile repairs, and free crash detection helps make the Cowboy’s price tag a little easier to accept.
The third-generation Cowboy is available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK, with Denmark in the works. US sales will happen someday, but right now, the European e-bike market is ten times the US market, says Cowboy, so it’s not in a rush.
Putting €33 million to good use
Cowboy’s clearly been busy putting the €33 million in funding it’s raised since 2018 to good use to add and improve features while maintaining a pace of slow and steady expansion. Cowboy 3 is an excellent electric bike, made better through a selection of free and subscription-based services that should add real value over the lifetime of the bike.
Still, I can’t help but think that it’s a little confused. The geometry puts the rider into a sporty riding position yet its top, pedal-assisted speed has been reduced by 17 percent from last year’s model. And it’s sold as a city commuter but lacks urban necessities that should be included as standard components. The Cowboy 3 reminds me of a college graduate, torn between the recklessness of youth and the stodgy demands of the corporate world, knowing that growing up is inescapable.
Update October 18th, 8:08AM ET: Updated review text after Cowboy rolled out new Manual Unlock procedure to start the Cowboy 3 without a smartphone.
Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge


theverge--2020-09-25--Justice Department opposes TikTok’s request for injunction in new filing

The Justice Department filed its opposition Friday to TikTok ’ s request for an injunction against the Trump administration ’ s looming ban of the app , and the agency pulled no punches .
The DOJ says blocking the the ban would “ infringe on the President ’ s authority to block business-to-business economic transactions with a foreign entity in the midst of a declared national-security emergency.
” The DOJ also alleges that the CEO of TikTok ’ s parent company ByteDance , Zhang Yiming , is a “ mouthpiece ” for the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCP ’ s agenda and messaging.
” Large chunks of the DOJ filing are redacted Large chunks of the DOJ filing are redacted , including a section detailing where the DOJ claims TikTok stores US users ’ data .
The part that ’ s visible claims “ US user data being stored outside of the United States presents significant risks in this case.
” TikTok requested the injunction against the ban on its app in the US , which is due to take effect Sunday .
The company claims a Trump administration order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of speech , and asked a District of Columbia judge to block a rule that would require Apple and Google to remove the app from their stores as of midnight Sunday .
President Trump originally gave ByteDance a September 15th deadline to sell the video-sharing app , then ordered app stores to ban it effective September 20th .
TikTok got a last-minute reprieve after the president approved a tentative deal with Oracle last Sunday .
TikTok sued the administration last month , saying that the decision to ban it exceeded the limits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban an app on national emergency grounds .
The company says it has “ made extraordinary efforts to try to satisfy the government ’ s ever-shifting demands and purported national security concerns , ” including changing the company ’ s ownership and structure .
TikTok did not reply to a request for comment late Friday .
A hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30AM ET .

The Justice Department filed its opposition Friday to TikTok’s request for an injunction against the Trump administration’s looming ban of the app, and the agency pulled no punches. The DOJ says blocking the the ban would “infringe on the President’s authority to block business-to-business economic transactions with a foreign entity in the midst of a declared national-security emergency.”
The DOJ also alleges that the CEO of TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, Zhang Yiming, is a “mouthpiece” for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and is “committed to promoting the CCP’s agenda and messaging.”
Large chunks of the DOJ filing are redacted
Large chunks of the DOJ filing are redacted, including a section detailing where the DOJ claims TikTok stores US users’ data. The part that’s visible claims “US user data being stored outside of the United States presents significant risks in this case.”
TikTok requested the injunction against the ban on its app in the US, which is due to take effect Sunday. The company claims a Trump administration order violates its right to due process and freedom of speech, and asked a District of Columbia judge to block a rule that would require Apple and Google to remove the app from their stores as of midnight Sunday.
President Trump originally gave ByteDance a September 15th deadline to sell the video-sharing app, then ordered app stores to ban it effective September 20th. TikTok got a last-minute reprieve after the president approved a tentative deal with Oracle last Sunday.
TikTok sued the administration last month, saying that the decision to ban it exceeded the limits of the president’s power to ban an app on national emergency grounds. The company says it has “made extraordinary efforts to try to satisfy the government’s ever-shifting demands and purported national security concerns,” including changing the company’s ownership and structure.
TikTok did not reply to a request for comment late Friday.


theverge--2020-09-25--Amazon is also warning Xbox Series X preorder customers that their consoles might show up late

Last week , Amazon informed customers who had pre-ordered the PS5 that they might not actually get their consoles on launch day , and now , Amazon has started to tell people that pre-ordered the Xbox Series X that they might not get that console right when it ’ s out , either , according to reports shared on Twitter Friday evening .
“ We ’ re contacting you about your order of Xbox Series X to let you know in advance that you may not receive this item on the day it is released due to high demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amazon has sent an email giving advance warning that Xbox Series X preorders may not arrive on launch day due to high demand The email is similar to PS5 ’ s ( and similar high demand items in the past ) .
Can only assume Amazon is covering themselves in case shipping is delayed pic.twitter.com/XbFHkAvKqW — Wario64 ( @ Wario64 ) September 25 , 2020 Amazon ’ s notices are yet another annoyance in what has been a messy pre-order season for the next generation of consoles ( and Nvidia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you missed getting an Xbox Series X or an Xbox Series S , it appears that preorders are basically sold out , though the Xbox Twitter account said that you can “ expect more consoles to be available on November 10 .
”

Last week, Amazon informed customers who had pre-ordered the PS5 that they might not actually get their consoles on launch day, and now, Amazon has started to tell people that pre-ordered the Xbox Series X that they might not get that console right when it’s out, either, according to reports shared on Twitter Friday evening.
“We’re contacting you about your order of Xbox Series X to let you know in advance that you may not receive this item on the day it is released due to high demand,” Amazon’s notice reportedly reads.


theverge--2020-09-25--Microsoft had a secret Windows XP theme that made it look like a Mac

Microsoft created a secret Windows XP theme that made the operating system look more like a Mac .
A recent Windows XP source code leak has revealed Microsoft ’ s early work on the operating system and some unreleased themes the company created during its early XP development back in 2000 .
One is labeled “ Candy ” and includes a design that closely resembles Apple ’ s Aqua interface that was first introduced at the Macworld Conference & Expo in 2000 .
Although the theme is incomplete , the Windows XP Start button and various buttons and UI elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Aqua .
Microsoft never released its Aqua theme for Windows XP , and we understand it was used in early source code for the OS .
Windows developers appear to have used the theme as a placeholder to build the theme engine for Windows XP .
The theme itself is described as a “ Whistler skin with eye candy , ” and marked as “ for internal use only.
” Whistler was the codename for Windows XP .
Microsoft famously moved to a blue and green Luna theme for the final version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Price-esque when the OS was originally released in 2001 .
The theme engine in Windows XP was a major update to the OS , allowing for third-party themes and lots of customizability .
Microsoft was developing Windows XP during an era when there was fierce competition with Apple over desktop operating systems .
Later in the ‘ 00s , Apple poked fun at Microsoft with banners at its annual developers conference stating “ Redmond , start your photocopiers.
” Apple also ran a Get a Mac ad campaign focused on the flaws of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the ‘ 90s and ‘ 00s , Windows was heavily influenced by the classic Mac OS and what later became OS X. Apple has also borrowed some Windows features , particularly around windowing , navigation , control panels , and browsing files and folders .
The leak is a rare insight into the early development of an operating system used by millions .
We ’ ve reached out to Microsoft to comment on the unreleased Windows XP theme , and we ’ ll update you accordingly .

Microsoft created a secret Windows XP theme that made the operating system look more like a Mac. A recent Windows XP source code leak has revealed Microsoft’s early work on the operating system and some unreleased themes the company created during its early XP development back in 2000.
One is labeled “Candy” and includes a design that closely resembles Apple’s Aqua interface that was first introduced at the Macworld Conference & Expo in 2000. Although the theme is incomplete, the Windows XP Start button and various buttons and UI elements are clearly themed to match Apple’s Aqua.
Microsoft never released its Aqua theme for Windows XP, and we understand it was used in early source code for the OS. Windows developers appear to have used the theme as a placeholder to build the theme engine for Windows XP. The theme itself is described as a “Whistler skin with eye candy,” and marked as “for internal use only.” Whistler was the codename for Windows XP.
Windows XP aqua buttons.
Microsoft famously moved to a blue and green Luna theme for the final version of XP, which many dubbed Fisher Price-esque when the OS was originally released in 2001. The theme engine in Windows XP was a major update to the OS, allowing for third-party themes and lots of customizability.
Microsoft was developing Windows XP during an era when there was fierce competition with Apple over desktop operating systems. Later in the ‘00s, Apple poked fun at Microsoft with banners at its annual developers conference stating “Redmond, start your photocopiers.” Apple also ran a Get a Mac ad campaign focused on the flaws of Windows, and in particular Windows Vista.
During the ‘90s and ‘00s, Windows was heavily influenced by the classic Mac OS and what later became OS X. Apple has also borrowed some Windows features, particularly around windowing, navigation, control panels, and browsing files and folders.


theverge--2020-09-25--Vergecast: Amazon announces a new fleet of hardware

Amazon announced so many gadgets at one event we had to move our Vergecast recording from Thursday to Friday .
That ’ s what the bulk of this week ’ s show is about .
Nilay Patel , Dieter Bohn , and Dan Seifert discuss all the important announcements from Amazon ’ s fall hardware event this week — a security drone for your home , a spherical Echo , a cloud gaming service , a location-tracking mesh network , new Eero routers , and a whole lot more .
The Vergecast crew examines the new features of these devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the smart home , and which products they think people will actually use .
They even made some time to briefly discuss reviews for Apple ’ s 2020 iPad , iOS 14 , and Fitbit ’ s Sense watch — the episode is longer than Amazon ’ s event .
Listen here or in your preferred podcast player to hear it all .
• CDC removes guidance about airborne spread of the coronavirus • Ring ’ s latest security camera is a drone that flies around inside your house • Ring announces new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon will launch a new location-tracking mesh network system later this year • Amazon redesigns the Echo with a new spherical design and a custom machine learning processor • Amazon ’ s new Echo show 10 moves to look at you • Alexa ’ s latest upgrades help it listen to multiple people and ask clarifying questions • Amazon unveils new Guard Plus subscription for $ 4.99 per month • Amazon ’ s Luna game streaming service is powered by Windows and Nvidia GPUs • iOS 14 basics : how to add widgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Fitbit Sense review : enough bugs to raise your heart rate

Amazon announced so many gadgets at one event we had to move our Vergecast recording from Thursday to Friday. That’s what the bulk of this week’s show is about.
The Vergecast crew examines the new features of these devices, the implications of their use in the smart home, and which products they think people will actually use.
They even made some time to briefly discuss reviews for Apple’s 2020 iPad, iOS 14, and Fitbit’s Sense watch — the episode is longer than Amazon’s event. Listen here or in your preferred podcast player to hear it all.
Stories discussed this week:


theverge--2020-09-25--EU Commission to appeal Apple ruling in Ireland over $14.9 billion tax case

The European Commission is appealing a July court judgment in the ongoing saga of Apple ’ s taxes in Ireland .
Buckle in , this one gets a bit complicated .
And it ’ s likely to drag on for some time .
In July , the General Court of the EU annulled a 2016 ruling by the European Commission .
In that ruling , the commission had determined that Ireland gave Apple a “ sweetheart deal ” that let the iPhone maker pay significantly lower taxes than other businesses .
“ Member States can not give tax benefits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU state aid rules , ” EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in 2016 .
The commission ordered Apple to pay €13 billion ( $ 14.9 billion ) in back taxes to the Irish government .
Ireland and Apple both disputed the decision , with CEO Tim Cook calling the judgment “ total political crap.
” But in the July ruling , the judges said that the commission had failed to make its case .
“ The commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ the commission did not prove , in its alternative line of reasoning , that the contested tax rulings were the result of discretion exercised by the Irish tax authorities.
” The commission said Friday it will appeal the court ’ s July ruling , with Vestager saying in a statement that the court “ has made a number of errors of law.
” “ The General Court has repeatedly confirmed the principle that , while Member States have competence in determining their taxation laws taxation , they must do so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid rules , ” Vestager said .
“ If Member States give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals , this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of State aid rules.
” An Apple spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Verge on Friday that it would review the commission ’ s appeal when it receives it , adding that the company has always abided by the law in Ireland and other places it operates .
“ The General Court categorically annulled the Commission ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not changed since then , ” the spokesperson said .
“ This case has never been about how much tax we pay , rather where we are required to pay it.
” Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told The Irish Times Friday that the appeal was “ expected , ” and that it would likely “ take a number of years further before this matter is further determined .
”

The European Commission is appealing a July court judgment in the ongoing saga of Apple’s taxes in Ireland. Buckle in, this one gets a bit complicated. And it’s likely to drag on for some time.
In July, the General Court of the EU annulled a 2016 ruling by the European Commission. In that ruling, the commission had determined that Ireland gave Apple a “sweetheart deal” that let the iPhone maker pay significantly lower taxes than other businesses. “Member States cannot give tax benefits to selected companies — this is illegal under EU state aid rules,” EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in 2016.
But in the July ruling, the judges said that the commission had failed to make its case. “The commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage” for Apple, they declared, and “the commission did not prove, in its alternative line of reasoning, that the contested tax rulings were the result of discretion exercised by the Irish tax authorities.”
The commission said Friday it will appeal the court’s July ruling, with Vestager saying in a statement that the court “has made a number of errors of law.”
“The General Court has repeatedly confirmed the principle that, while Member States have competence in determining their taxation laws taxation, they must do so in respect of EU law, including State aid rules,” Vestager said. “If Member States give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals, this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of State aid rules.”
An Apple spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Verge on Friday that it would review the commission’s appeal when it receives it, adding that the company has always abided by the law in Ireland and other places it operates. “The General Court categorically annulled the Commission’s case in July and the facts have not changed since then,” the spokesperson said. “This case has never been about how much tax we pay, rather where we are required to pay it.”


theverge--2020-09-25--Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury will reportedly return in new Disney Plus series

Samuel L. Jackson is reportedly returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but this time , he ’ ll be taking on a starring role in a new Nick Fury TV series for Disney Plus .
Details are slim on the project — reported by both Variety and Deadline — which is still in the early stages and has yet to be formally ordered to series .
Kyle Bradstreet , best known for his work as a writer for Mr .
Robot , is also said to be on board the project as a writer and executive producer .
Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connective tissue between the Marvel films Jackson has played the role of the leader of super-spy agency SHIELD in the MCU films since the original Iron Man was released in 2008 .
Appearances by Jackson as Fury have been a key part of the connective tissue between the various films in the expansive film franchise , with Jackson ’ s appearances used to bring characters together or tease upcoming movies in post-credit scenes .
The new Disney Plus series would mark the first time that Jackson has filled the lead role for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a similar role in tying together the various TV series planned for the service .
The new Nick Fury show would join an increasingly long list of Marvel Studios spinoffs that are in the works at the streaming service , including WandaVision ( due out later this year ) , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier ( delayed until 2021 ) , and Loki , along with the animated What If ... ?
( also due for release in 2021 ) .
Marvel Studios has also announced four other series in various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reportedly see Jeremy Renner reprise his role as Clint Barton ; Ms. Marvel , set to focus on the popular Kamala Khan iteration of the stretching superhero ; She-Hulk , which recently cast Orphan Black ’ s Tatiana Maslany in the lead role ; and Moon Knight , which has yet to announce much information .

Samuel L. Jackson is reportedly returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but this time, he’ll be taking on a starring role in a new Nick Fury TV series for Disney Plus.
Details are slim on the project — reported by both Variety and Deadline — which is still in the early stages and has yet to be formally ordered to series. Kyle Bradstreet, best known for his work as a writer for Mr. Robot, is also said to be on board the project as a writer and executive producer.
Jackson has been a key part of the connective tissue between the Marvel films
Jackson has played the role of the leader of super-spy agency SHIELD in the MCU films since the original Iron Man was released in 2008. Appearances by Jackson as Fury have been a key part of the connective tissue between the various films in the expansive film franchise, with Jackson’s appearances used to bring characters together or tease upcoming movies in post-credit scenes. The new Disney Plus series would mark the first time that Jackson has filled the lead role for a Marvel series and could see the actor play a similar role in tying together the various TV series planned for the service.


theverge--2020-09-25--All 45 seasons of Saturday Night Live are coming to Peacock

Saturday Night Live ’ s complete library will be available to stream on NBCUniversal ’ s streaming platform , Peacock , beginning October 1st , according to Variety and Deadline .
It marks the first time in years that the entire library has been available on a mainstream streaming platform , and it ’ s a crucial cornerstone for Peacock .
Saturday Night Live ’ s catalog used to be available to stream in the early 2010s , but that was before the streaming wars kicked off .
Yahoo !
later briefly hosted the back catalog ( alongside behind-the-scenes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and here was a short-lived SNL app .
Still , trying to stream every season using one of the bigger streaming platforms has become a difficult affair .
Hulu currently hosts blocks of seasons ( the first through the fifth , and then seasons 30 through 45 ) , but a lot of it isn ’ t available , including Saturday Night Live ’ s ‘ 80s run .
Now that NBCUniversal has its own streaming service , owning the catalog to one of its most popular , longest-standing shows is pivotal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its entirety is something that NBCUniversal teased earlier this year , but not all seasons were available at launch .
SNL is an important collection for Peacock to have .
It could help drive more users , including those who get Peacock for free as part of their cable package or those signing up for Peacock for an additional fee .
A recent audience trends report from NBCUniversal also showed that Saturday Night Live was one of the most streamed shows on Sundays and Mondays .
This isn ’ t too surprising ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hulu , but giving people the ability to watch the most recent episode alongside 45 past seasons may keep them streaming longer .
Peacock also rolled out with a dedicated Saturday Night Live channel , which acts like traditional cable .
People can click on the channel and tune into a random episode currently airing .
Why did it take this long to get all the seasons available at once ?
It ’ s unclear , but in most cases , it comes down to licensing costs .
Peacock ’ s acquired-content chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the few seasons available on the service at launch were “ a starting point , where we ’ ve done our best sort of portfolio for launch.
” Regardless , the timing is perfect for NBCUniversal and Peacock .
Every season will be available to stream just a couple of days before the show ’ s 46th season kicks off on October 3rd .
Chris Rock is set to host the premiere , with Megan Thee Stallion as musical guest .
Oh , right — it also happens to arrive just two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal allowing Roku users to stream Peacock from their devices .

Saturday Night Live’s complete library will be available to stream on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock, beginning October 1st, according to Variety and Deadline.
It marks the first time in years that the entire library has been available on a mainstream streaming platform, and it’s a crucial cornerstone for Peacock. Saturday Night Live’s catalog used to be available to stream in the early 2010s, but that was before the streaming wars kicked off. Yahoo! later briefly hosted the back catalog (alongside behind-the-scenes and unaired sketches cut for time), and here was a short-lived SNL app. Still, trying to stream every season using one of the bigger streaming platforms has become a difficult affair. Hulu currently hosts blocks of seasons (the first through the fifth, and then seasons 30 through 45), but a lot of it isn’t available, including Saturday Night Live’s ‘80s run.
Now that NBCUniversal has its own streaming service, owning the catalog to one of its most popular, longest-standing shows is pivotal. Saturday Night Live coming to Peacock in its entirety is something that NBCUniversal teased earlier this year, but not all seasons were available at launch. SNL is an important collection for Peacock to have. It could help drive more users, including those who get Peacock for free as part of their cable package or those signing up for Peacock for an additional fee.
A recent audience trends report from NBCUniversal also showed that Saturday Night Live was one of the most streamed shows on Sundays and Mondays. This isn’t too surprising; next-day viewing is important to streamers like Hulu, but giving people the ability to watch the most recent episode alongside 45 past seasons may keep them streaming longer. Peacock also rolled out with a dedicated Saturday Night Live channel, which acts like traditional cable. People can click on the channel and tune into a random episode currently airing.
Why did it take this long to get all the seasons available at once? It’s unclear, but in most cases, it comes down to licensing costs. Peacock’s acquired-content chief Frances Manfredi told Vulture earlier this year that the few seasons available on the service at launch were “a starting point, where we’ve done our best sort of portfolio for launch.”
Regardless, the timing is perfect for NBCUniversal and Peacock. Every season will be available to stream just a couple of days before the show’s 46th season kicks off on October 3rd. Chris Rock is set to host the premiere, with Megan Thee Stallion as musical guest. Oh, right — it also happens to arrive just two weeks after NBCUniversal and Roku inked a deal allowing Roku users to stream Peacock from their devices.


theverge--2020-09-25--Google is banning election ads after polls close on November 3rd

Google is banning advertisers from running ads related to the election after Election Day .
In an email to advertisers , the company said the change is due to the “ unprecedented ” number of votes that will be counted after November 3rd , as reported by Axios .
While the winner of the US presidential election is often announced on election night , this year the process is expected to take longer as more people are voting by mail due to the pandemic .
That window could give the political campaigns of Donald Trump or Joe Biden a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading confusion about the results .
To limit misinformation about the outcome of the vote , Facebook recently announced it will block ads from political campaigns that declare an early victory .
The company is also banning new political ads the week before the election .
Google said its policy blocks ads that mention the election , its results , or that target people based on election-related search queries , Axios reports .
It will apply to ads running across the company ’ s ad-serving platforms , which include Google Ads and YouTube @

Google is banning advertisers from running ads related to the election after Election Day. In an email to advertisers, the company said the change is due to the “unprecedented” number of votes that will be counted after November 3rd, as reported by Axios.
While the winner of the US presidential election is often announced on election night, this year the process is expected to take longer as more people are voting by mail due to the pandemic. That window could give the political campaigns of Donald Trump or Joe Biden a chance to run ads prematurely claiming victory and spreading confusion about the results.
To limit misinformation about the outcome of the vote, Facebook recently announced it will block ads from political campaigns that declare an early victory. The company is also banning new political ads the week before the election.


theverge--2020-09-25--Facebook says it’s been asking Apple to let people change iPhone’s default messages app for years

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 , Apple finally acquiesced to a longtime request from customers : the company introduced an option to change your default apps for browsing the web and handling email .
But many other categories of apps — messages , music , calendar , etc .
— remain stuck on Apple ’ s built-in software .
Facebook isn ’ t too pleased about that .
According to The Information , Facebook is making a more forceful push to convince the iPhone maker to let people choose their own preferred messaging app .
“ We feel people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps and the default on their phone , ” Stan Chudnovsky , Facebook ’ s head of Messenger , told The Information .
“ Generally , everything is moving this direction anyway.
” According to him , Facebook has routinely asked Apple over the years to make it possible for third-party apps to take over as the default messaging client .
The answer has always been no .
“ The main guess is that messaging drives hardware sales , ” he said , when asked why Apple ’ s stance remains unchanged .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Apple ’ s iMessage platform and the features it enables between iPhone owners — voice messages , read receipts , reply / typing indicators , stickers and message effects , Memoji , and more — are a driving factor in why people buy and stick with iPhones .
As MacRumors notes , letting other apps take the place of Messages would require significant changes to iOS , which currently doesn ’ t allow third-party apps to receive SMS text messages sent to an iPhone ’ s phone number .
And seeing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , you ’ d still have to weigh the privacy implications , even if the company has committed to end-to-end encryption for messaging .
Just today , news broke that Apple will temporarily stop taking its usual 30 percent cut from in-app payments for online Facebook events .
This came after Facebook painted Apple ’ s fee as detrimental to businesses trying to endure the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The temporary agreement will expire at the end of 2020 .
And though it represents a small win for Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and still wants to become a bigger part of the iPhone experience — for people who want it — as the company unifies its messaging platform between Instagram , Facebook , and WhatsApp .
As Apple continues to face scrutiny from policymakers and growing public criticism from developers , Facebook seems to think now ’ s the moment to pile on the pressure .

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Apple finally acquiesced to a longtime request from customers: the company introduced an option to change your default apps for browsing the web and handling email. But many other categories of apps — messages, music, calendar, etc. — remain stuck on Apple’s built-in software. Facebook isn’t too pleased about that. According to The Information, Facebook is making a more forceful push to convince the iPhone maker to let people choose their own preferred messaging app.
“We feel people should be able to choose different messaging apps and the default on their phone,” Stan Chudnovsky, Facebook’s head of Messenger, told The Information. “Generally, everything is moving this direction anyway.” According to him, Facebook has routinely asked Apple over the years to make it possible for third-party apps to take over as the default messaging client. The answer has always been no. “The main guess is that messaging drives hardware sales,” he said, when asked why Apple’s stance remains unchanged.
And that’s probably right on: Apple’s iMessage platform and the features it enables between iPhone owners — voice messages, read receipts, reply / typing indicators, stickers and message effects, Memoji, and more — are a driving factor in why people buy and stick with iPhones.
As MacRumors notes, letting other apps take the place of Messages would require significant changes to iOS, which currently doesn’t allow third-party apps to receive SMS text messages sent to an iPhone’s phone number. And seeing as this is Facebook we’re talking about, you’d still have to weigh the privacy implications, even if the company has committed to end-to-end encryption for messaging.


theverge--2020-09-25--Alphabet settles shareholder lawsuit over executive sexual misconduct

Google parent company Alphabet has settled a shareholder lawsuit over its handling of sexual misconduct .
The company has announced policy changes related to the settlement , including a $ 310 million fund for diversity , equity , and inclusion initiatives .
This resolves a complaint that was filed in 2019 , following an explosive report that Google offered multimillion-dollar exit packages to executives who were credibly accused of sexual assault or harassment , including former Android head Andy Rubin .
CNBC reported the news earlier today .
“ This settlement is likely to have lasting , long-term success in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alphabet , ” the shareholders ’ attorney said in a statement to CNBC .
The statement praises the departure of “ enablers and perpetrators , ” including the January resignation of chief legal officer David Drummond — who was also investigated for inappropriate relationships with women — as well as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt ’ s departure from Alphabet ’ s board .
Alphabet had already changed some policies after employees protested , including backing off its forced arbitration rules .
Now , Google ’ s people operations VP Eileen Naughton formally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from shareholders and employees .
They include committing to a “ respectful , safe , and inclusive working environment for all employees and members of our extended workforce ” and offering greater transparency around misconduct investigations .
In addition to these principles , Alphabet will set up a new diversity , equity , and inclusion advisory council to oversee changes at the company .
It will prohibit severance packages for employees who are the subject of a pending sexual misconduct investigation , following an earlier prohibition for employees who were terminated because of @ @

Google parent company Alphabet has settled a shareholder lawsuit over its handling of sexual misconduct. The company has announced policy changes related to the settlement, including a $310 million fund for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This resolves a complaint that was filed in 2019, following an explosive report that Google offered multimillion-dollar exit packages to executives who were credibly accused of sexual assault or harassment, including former Android head Andy Rubin.
CNBC reported the news earlier today. “This settlement is likely to have lasting, long-term success in bringing about major, transformative changes at Alphabet,” the shareholders’ attorney said in a statement to CNBC. The statement praises the departure of “enablers and perpetrators,” including the January resignation of chief legal officer David Drummond — who was also investigated for inappropriate relationships with women — as well as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s departure from Alphabet’s board.
Alphabet had already changed some policies after employees protested, including backing off its forced arbitration rules. Now, Google’s people operations VP Eileen Naughton formally announced five principles apparently developed with input from shareholders and employees. They include committing to a “respectful, safe, and inclusive working environment for all employees and members of our extended workforce” and offering greater transparency around misconduct investigations.


theverge--2020-09-26--The Polestar Precept, an electric sedan powered by Android, is going into production

In February , Chinese electric vehicle company Polestar revealed a gorgeous sedan concept called the Precept that featured a stunning design along with an interior chock-full of sustainable material .
But as with most concepts , it wasn ’ t clear whether the Precept would ever be a real car .
Today , Polestar sweeps away that uncertainty by announcing that the seductive sedan will indeed be going into production .
Polestar started out as the performance sub-brand of Volvo and now has emerged as one of the more interesting Chinese EV companies on the market .
The company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volvo ’ s parent company Geely , recently started delivering the Polestar 2 , its electric sedan with native Android Automotive , to customers in Europe and North America .
Its next car was supposed to be an SUV , the Polestar 3 Its next car was supposed to be an SUV , the Polestar 3 .
But now it seems the automaker will be making another sedan first — which is totally fine .
One of the best things about the Polestar 2 ( which I got to drive last month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t an SUV .
It may be based on the Volvo XC40 platform , but unlike the Audi E-tron or the Mercedes EQC , the Polestar is essentially a hatchback disguised as a sedan .
But the fact that Volvo went with a vehicle that wasn ’ t a pickup truck or SUV as its first battery-electric car is encouraging .
Also encouraging is Polestar ’ s commitment to sustainability .
When it was first released in concept form , the company laid out the Precept ’ s environmental bona fides : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of “ flax-based composites ” ; seats that have been “ 3D-knitted from recycled PET [ or polyethylene terephthalate ] bottles ” ; bolsters and headrests made from recycled cork vinyl ; and carpets made out of reclaimed fishing nets .
“ Consumers want to see change from this industry – not just dreams , ” Thomas Ingenlath , Polestar CEO , said in a statement .
“ Now , Precept becomes an even stronger statement .
We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.
” Polestar also has teased a deeper integration of Android Automotive , Google ’ s native infotainment system , in the Precept .
The sedan will recognize the driver as they approach the car and automatically ready their favorite applications and settings .
Google Assistant would recognize more languages , including local accents , and be capable of more natural conversations .
Polestar also imagines video streaming becoming a bigger component of the in-car experience — while parked or during charging , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Precept will go into production .
Polestar also declined to release relevant specs such as price , battery size , range , and motor configuration .

In February, Chinese electric vehicle company Polestar revealed a gorgeous sedan concept called the Precept that featured a stunning design along with an interior chock-full of sustainable material. But as with most concepts, it wasn’t clear whether the Precept would ever be a real car. Today, Polestar sweeps away that uncertainty by announcing that the seductive sedan will indeed be going into production.
Polestar started out as the performance sub-brand of Volvo and now has emerged as one of the more interesting Chinese EV companies on the market. The company, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Volvo’s parent company Geely, recently started delivering the Polestar 2, its electric sedan with native Android Automotive, to customers in Europe and North America.
Its next car was supposed to be an SUV, the Polestar 3
Its next car was supposed to be an SUV, the Polestar 3. But now it seems the automaker will be making another sedan first — which is totally fine. One of the best things about the Polestar 2 (which I got to drive last month and thoroughly enjoyed) is that it isn’t an SUV. It may be based on the Volvo XC40 platform, but unlike the Audi E-tron or the Mercedes EQC, the Polestar is essentially a hatchback disguised as a sedan. But the fact that Volvo went with a vehicle that wasn’t a pickup truck or SUV as its first battery-electric car is encouraging.
Also encouraging is Polestar’s commitment to sustainability. When it was first released in concept form, the company laid out the Precept’s environmental bona fides: interior panels and seat backs are made out of “flax-based composites”; seats that have been “3D-knitted from recycled PET [or polyethylene terephthalate] bottles”; bolsters and headrests made from recycled cork vinyl; and carpets made out of reclaimed fishing nets.
“Consumers want to see change from this industry – not just dreams,” Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said in a statement. “Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.”
Polestar also has teased a deeper integration of Android Automotive, Google’s native infotainment system, in the Precept. The sedan will recognize the driver as they approach the car and automatically ready their favorite applications and settings. Google Assistant would recognize more languages, including local accents, and be capable of more natural conversations. Polestar also imagines video streaming becoming a bigger component of the in-car experience — while parked or during charging, of course.


theverge--2020-09-26--Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds are $35 off at Woot

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
Samsung ’ s fantastic Galaxy Buds Live , lovingly referred to as “ Galaxy Beans ” due to their shape , are $ 35 off at Woot if you ’ re an Amazon Prime member .
This brings the cost from $ 170 down to $ 135 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with your Prime account on Woot ) .
If you aren ’ t a Prime member , you can still get a great deal .
It ’ s $ 25 off , so $ 145 at checkout .
These sale prices will last until later tonight , unless it sells out before then .
My colleagues Chris Welch and Becca Farsace spent quality time with the Galaxy Buds Live , and you can check out the video review above or the written post here .
What stands out in this model , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other models , is their unconventional design , lengthy battery life and powerful sound .
They boast noise cancellation , but they agree that you shouldn ’ t count on the buds much to silence your surroundings .
The new Apple Watch SE usually starts at $ 279 , but you can get a small but welcome $ 10 discount on the 40mm GPS version at B & H Photo , bringing it down to $ 269 .
Anything that narrows the gap between this newer , faster model and the older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my book .

Samsung’s fantastic Galaxy Buds Live, lovingly referred to as “Galaxy Beans” due to their shape, are $35 off at Woot if you’re an Amazon Prime member. This brings the cost from $170 down to $135 (just make sure you’re signed in with your Prime account on Woot). If you aren’t a Prime member, you can still get a great deal. It’s $25 off, so $145 at checkout. These sale prices will last until later tonight, unless it sells out before then.
My colleagues Chris Welch and Becca Farsace spent quality time with the Galaxy Buds Live, and you can check out the video review above or the written post here. What stands out in this model, compared to the cheaper Galaxy Buds Plus and other models, is their unconventional design, lengthy battery life and powerful sound. They boast noise cancellation, but they agree that you shouldn’t count on the buds much to silence your surroundings.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live / Was $170, now 20% off if you’re an Amazon Prime member and 14% off if you aren’t a Prime member. $135 at Woot
Apple
The new Apple Watch SE usually starts at $279, but you can get a small but welcome $10 discount on the 40mm GPS version at B&H Photo, bringing it down to $269. Anything that narrows the gap between this newer, faster model and the older Series 3 is a good thing in my book.


theverge--2020-09-26--Go read this story about a bizarre harassment campaign by a group of ex-eBay employees

Back in June , authorities in Massachusetts announced they were charging six former eBay employees in connection with the strange harassment campaign of a couple who ran an e-commerce newsletter .
The six had sent the couple , Ina and David Steiner , online threats and abuse , and mailed a bizarre collection of items including live insects and a bloody pig face mask , all for the newsletter ’ s negative coverage of eBay , according to the US Attorney ’ s Boston office .
David Streitfeld of The New York Times spoke with one of the six people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she plans to plead guilty— the charges include conspiring to commit cyberstalking and tamper with witnesses .
If you thought the initial story was weird , buckle up , because this report is full of batshit details .
The couple had their home address doxxed , had their car followed while driving around their neighborhood , had pizzas delivered at all hours— the plot even called for Zea and her teammates to put a tracking device on the Steiners ’ car ( which apparently never happened ) .
Prosecutors say the Global Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ex-eBay employees was known , planned to harass the Steiners secretly , then have eBay step in to put a stop to it .
In this way , they figured , they could trick the Steiners into more positive coverage of the company .
And , according to the Times account , the campaign against the couple was sanctioned by eBay ’ s then-CEO Devin Wenig , a claim he denies : “ I was just speaking off the cuff , ” he says .
The scheme they describe was both completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daft assumptions on the part of eBay about a plot that did not exist .
It stands as a warning about how easily tech companies can feel aggrieved , and the mayhem that can ensue when they do .
And it vividly shows how the internet makes people crazy , often without them ever realizing it .
Ah , aggrieved tech companies that don ’ t know when to chill , of course .
The details in the Times piece— including a photo of the mild-mannered Steiners— are what really make the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a movie ( attn Netflix , you might want to get on this ) .
Do yourself a favor and go check out Inside eBay ’ s Cockroach Cult : The Ghastly Story of a Stalking Scandal in the Times .
It ’ s a great read about a wild tale .

Back in June, authorities in Massachusetts announced they were charging six former eBay employees in connection with the strange harassment campaign of a couple who ran an e-commerce newsletter. The six had sent the couple, Ina and David Steiner, online threats and abuse, and mailed a bizarre collection of items including live insects and a bloody pig face mask, all for the newsletter’s negative coverage of eBay, according to the US Attorney’s Boston office.
David Streitfeld of The New York Times spoke with one of the six people charged, Veronica Zea, who said she plans to plead guilty— the charges include conspiring to commit cyberstalking and tamper with witnesses. If you thought the initial story was weird, buckle up, because this report is full of batshit details.
The Steiners received a book titled “Grief Diaries: Surviving the Loss of a Spouse” and a funeral wreath. They got fly larvae and live spiders and a box of cockroaches. Copies of the September issue of “Hustler: Barely Legal” touting “eye-popping 18-year-olds” arrived at the homes of neighbors with David Steiner’s name on them.
The couple had their home address doxxed, had their car followed while driving around their neighborhood, had pizzas delivered at all hours— the plot even called for Zea and her teammates to put a tracking device on the Steiners’ car (which apparently never happened).
Prosecutors say the Global Security and Resiliency team, as the team of ex-eBay employees was known, planned to harass the Steiners secretly, then have eBay step in to put a stop to it. In this way, they figured, they could trick the Steiners into more positive coverage of the company. And, according to the Times account, the campaign against the couple was sanctioned by eBay’s then-CEO Devin Wenig, a claim he denies: “I was just speaking off the cuff,” he says.
The scheme they describe was both completely malevolent and remarkably inept — full of daft assumptions on the part of eBay about a plot that did not exist. It stands as a warning about how easily tech companies can feel aggrieved, and the mayhem that can ensue when they do. And it vividly shows how the internet makes people crazy, often without them ever realizing it.
Ah, aggrieved tech companies that don’t know when to chill, of course.


theverge--2020-09-26--PSA: Google Meet to limit meetings to 60 minutes on free plans September 30th

Google said in April it would allow unlimited-length meetings in its Google Meet video chat platform for all users until September 30th , and it looks like the company is sticking with that timeline .
After September 30th , free versions of Meet will be limited to meetings no longer than 60 minutes .
“ We don ’ t have anything to communicate regarding changes to the promo and advanced features expiring , ” a Google spokesperson told The Verge in an email Friday .
“ If this changes , we ’ ll be sure to let you know.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google account could create free meetings with up to 100 people , and with no time limit .
Also going away September 30th are access to advanced features for G Suite and G Suite for Education customers , including allowing meetings of up to 250 participants , live-streams of up to 100,000 people within a single domain , and the ability to save meeting recordings to Google Drive .
Those features are normally only available to customers on the “ enterprise ” tier of G Suite , which costs $ 25 per user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videconferencing platforms have been chasing the meteoric rise of Zoom during the coronavirus pandemic , with Meet passing 100 million daily participants back in April .
Of course what this deadline means for most users who don ’ t want to upgrade to a paid Meet plan is that they ’ ll have to limit their conference calls to 60 minutes or less .
Not ... really seeing the downside there .

Google said in April it would allow unlimited-length meetings in its Google Meet video chat platform for all users until September 30th, and it looks like the company is sticking with that timeline. After September 30th, free versions of Meet will be limited to meetings no longer than 60 minutes.
“We don’t have anything to communicate regarding changes to the promo and advanced features expiring,” a Google spokesperson told The Verge in an email Friday. “If this changes, we’ll be sure to let you know.”
Under the extension, anyone with a Google account could create free meetings with up to 100 people, and with no time limit.
Also going away September 30th are access to advanced features for G Suite and G Suite for Education customers, including allowing meetings of up to 250 participants, live-streams of up to 100,000 people within a single domain, and the ability to save meeting recordings to Google Drive. Those features are normally only available to customers on the “enterprise” tier of G Suite, which costs $25 per user per month.
Google Meet and other videconferencing platforms have been chasing the meteoric rise of Zoom during the coronavirus pandemic, with Meet passing 100 million daily participants back in April.


theverge--2020-09-26--US tightens trade restrictions on Chinese chipmaker SMIC

The US Commerce Department has added China ’ s largest chipmaker , Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ( SMIC ) , to its entity list , after it determined there an “ unacceptable risk ” that equipment SMIC received could be used for military purposes , Reuters reported .
The move blocks US computer chip companies from exporting technology to SMIC without an export license .
SMIC is the latest major Chinese firm to be put on the entity list ; the Trump administration added phone manufacturer Huawei to the list in 2019 .
According to The Wall Street Journal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the computer chip industry on Friday that exporting products to SMIC would “ pose an unacceptable risk of diversion to a military end use in the People ’ s Republic of China.
” In April , the administration tightened export rules on shipping goods to China .
It claims it ’ s seeking to keep US companies from selling products that could be used to help strengthen the Chinese military .
SMIC told Reuters in a statement that it makes semiconductors and provides services “ solely for commercial end-users and end-uses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with the Chinese military and does not manufacture for any military end-users or end-uses .
”

The US Commerce Department has added China’s largest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), to its entity list, after it determined there an “unacceptable risk” that equipment SMIC received could be used for military purposes, Reuters reported.
The move blocks US computer chip companies from exporting technology to SMIC without an export license. SMIC is the latest major Chinese firm to be put on the entity list; the Trump administration added phone manufacturer Huawei to the list in 2019.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Commerce Department wrote in a letter to the computer chip industry on Friday that exporting products to SMIC would “pose an unacceptable risk of diversion to a military end use in the People’s Republic of China.”
In April, the administration tightened export rules on shipping goods to China. It claims it’s seeking to keep US companies from selling products that could be used to help strengthen the Chinese military.