theverge--2020-06-23--Amazon is reportedly considering adding live TV to its Prime Video service

Amazon could be planning to bolster its Prime Video service , which is mostly known for its on-demand video offerings , with live TV , according to a report from Protocol and publicly available job listings .
Details are light about what the new live TV services might entail , though the efforts appear to be in their early stages .
One job listing says Amazon is looking for someone who can “ redefine how customers watch 24/7 linear broadcast TV content.
” That person will also be tasked with “ designing the end-to-end customer experience for how customers discover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Linear TV is another way to describe live TV , like what you might watch on a broadcast channel . )
The Prime Video team is also apparently “ building next gen linear catalog systems to provide best-in-class Linear TV experience to Prime Video customers , ” says another job listing .
Amazon is “ actively pursuing ” licensing deals for live and linear programming , according to Protocol .
This wouldn ’ t be Amazon ’ s first foray into live programming .
Amazon has offered NFL Thursday Night Football games on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , and the two companies will continue their partnership thanks to an extension signed in April .
And Amazon announced just last week that it would start streaming Premier League soccer on Twitch starting June 29th .
But these recent job listings and Protocol ’ s report suggest that Amazon is looking to take its live TV ambitions much further by offering some kind of 24/7 service .
Other companies have tried offering live TV with varying degrees of success .
YouTube currently offers YouTube TV , which gives you access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month .
Hulu has a similar service that starts at $ 54.99 per month .
But both of those services have had to raise prices since launch — YouTube TV ’ s price most recently went up in April 2019 , while Hulu ’ s last went up in December .
And Sony shut down its live TV service PlayStation Vue in January after operating it since March 2015 in part because “ the highly competitive Pay TV industry , with expensive content and network deals , has been slower to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied to a request for comment .

Amazon could be planning to bolster its Prime Video service, which is mostly known for its on-demand video offerings, with live TV, according to a report from Protocol and publicly available job listings. Details are light about what the new live TV services might entail, though the efforts appear to be in their early stages.
One job listing says Amazon is looking for someone who can “redefine how customers watch 24/7 linear broadcast TV content.” That person will also be tasked with “designing the end-to-end customer experience for how customers discover and watch Linear TV content.” (Linear TV is another way to describe live TV, like what you might watch on a broadcast channel.) The Prime Video team is also apparently “building next gen linear catalog systems to provide best-in-class Linear TV experience to Prime Video customers,” says another job listing.
Amazon is “actively pursuing” licensing deals for live and linear programming, according to Protocol.
This wouldn’t be Amazon’s first foray into live programming. Amazon has offered NFL Thursday Night Football games on Prime Video and Twitch for a few years, and the two companies will continue their partnership thanks to an extension signed in April. And Amazon announced just last week that it would start streaming Premier League soccer on Twitch starting June 29th. But these recent job listings and Protocol’s report suggest that Amazon is looking to take its live TV ambitions much further by offering some kind of 24/7 service.
Other companies have tried offering live TV with varying degrees of success. YouTube currently offers YouTube TV, which gives you access to many broadcast channels, for $49.99 per month. Hulu has a similar service that starts at $54.99 per month. But both of those services have had to raise prices since launch — YouTube TV’s price most recently went up in April 2019, while Hulu’s last went up in December. And Sony shut down its live TV service PlayStation Vue in January after operating it since March 2015 in part because “the highly competitive Pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected.”


theverge--2020-06-23--Netflix is making it easier for people to remove titles from their ‘continue watching’ row

After browsing for a new movie or TV show to watch on Netflix , people may throw something on before deciding 10 minutes in they ’ re just not that interested .
Netflix ’ s new “ remove from row ” feature is designed to make it easier for people to remove those titles from their currently watching offerings .
The goal is to give people more control over what appears on their Netflix homepage .
The “ continue watching ” row is one of the most prominent , appearing at the top of the homepage .
This makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that someone might be making their way through , or pick right back up where they left off with The Irishman ( if you ’ re like me and it took a few sittings to watch ) .
The annoying thing , however , is that if someone is no longer interested in watching a movie or a TV show , the title doesn ’ t disappear from the row .
It eventually gets pushed down the line as new titles are watched , but it doesn ’ t just go away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature by clicking on a title in the row .
There ’ s an example of how it looks on Android devices in the screenshot below .
Netflix is also making it a little quicker to access episodes , info , and ratings by adding them directly into the menu when people tap on a title .
This should save people from having to go into the movie or TV show ’ s individual landing page .
An example of the shortcut is in the screenshot below .
The “ remove from row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile users on both phone and tablet devices .
Netflix intends to roll the feature out to people using iOS devices on June 29th .
The Verge has asked Netflix for more information about further rollout .

After browsing for a new movie or TV show to watch on Netflix, people may throw something on before deciding 10 minutes in they’re just not that interested. Netflix’s new “remove from row” feature is designed to make it easier for people to remove those titles from their currently watching offerings.
The goal is to give people more control over what appears on their Netflix homepage. The “continue watching” row is one of the most prominent, appearing at the top of the homepage. This makes it easy to jump back into a TV show that someone might be making their way through, or pick right back up where they left off with The Irishman (if you’re like me and it took a few sittings to watch).
The annoying thing, however, is that if someone is no longer interested in watching a movie or a TV show, the title doesn’t disappear from the row. It eventually gets pushed down the line as new titles are watched, but it doesn’t just go away. Now, people can access the feature by clicking on a title in the row. There’s an example of how it looks on Android devices in the screenshot below.
Netflix is also making it a little quicker to access episodes, info, and ratings by adding them directly into the menu when people tap on a title. This should save people from having to go into the movie or TV show’s individual landing page. An example of the shortcut is in the screenshot below.


theverge--2020-06-23--Apple will extend the lifespan of your AirPods by choosing when they charge

Apple is adding a new feature as part of its newly announced iOS 14 that will extend the lifespan of your AirPods .
Apple says the operating system will reduce how quickly your AirPods ’ batteries age by learning when you typically charge them and predicting when to stop charging them automatically .
Instead of charging to 100 percent right away , the AirPods will stop charging at 80 percent , then resume later , so they don ’ t sit at 100 percent over an extended period of time .
Arguably , the AirPods needed such a feature more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Apple products , use a lithium-ion battery , and experts agree that you shouldn ’ t always keep them 100 percent charged ; you can extend a lithium-ion battery ’ s life by minimizing topping off .
This isn ’ t a new idea : many modern phones and laptops , including iPhones and MacBooks , offer a similar feature called Optimized Battery Charging , which can keep their batteries from wearing out prematurely .
Arguably , the AirPods needed such a feature more than phones or laptops ; while you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service center , the AirPods have been criticized for being disposable due to their “ non-modular , glued together design .
”

Apple is adding a new feature as part of its newly announced iOS 14 that will extend the lifespan of your AirPods.
Apple says the operating system will reduce how quickly your AirPods’ batteries age by learning when you typically charge them and predicting when to stop charging them automatically. Instead of charging to 100 percent right away, the AirPods will stop charging at 80 percent, then resume later, so they don’t sit at 100 percent over an extended period of time.
Arguably, the AirPods needed such a feature more than phones or laptops
Most modern devices, including Apple products, use a lithium-ion battery, and experts agree that you shouldn’t always keep them 100 percent charged; you can extend a lithium-ion battery’s life by minimizing topping off.
This isn’t a new idea: many modern phones and laptops, including iPhones and MacBooks, offer a similar feature called Optimized Battery Charging, which can keep their batteries from wearing out prematurely.


theverge--2020-06-23--Twitter restricts Trump threat of ‘serious force’ against protesters

Twitter has continued its policy of labeling — but not removing — rule-breaking tweets from President Donald Trump .
The company restricted a Trump post promising “ serious force ” against a potential Washington , DC equivalent to Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest zone .
“ We ’ ve placed a public interest notice on this Tweet for violating our policy against abusive behavior , specifically , the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group , ” writes Twitter ’ s safety team .
The warning is posted above the tweet and appears if users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s usual policy for world leaders whose tweets serve a “ public interest , ” however , it won ’ t be deleted .
This isn ’ t the first Trump tweet that ’ s been labeled for promoting violence or abuse .
In late May , Twitter censured a tweet that said “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts , ” saying that it glorified violence .
The platform has also labeled “ potentially misleading ” misinformation about mail-in voting and a manipulated video purporting to be a CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ire , and he issued an executive order attacking “ bias ” on social media after the voting fact-check .
Restricted tweets can ’ t be liked or replied to , although they can be retweeted with a comment .
Despite this , Trump ’ s huge social media following almost guarantees any tweet will be widely seen on Twitter .
So the decision is largely symbolic , but it helps Twitter stake out a position of acknowledging and acting on Trump ’ s problematic social media posts — in contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely hands-off approach but did remove a Trump ad for using Nazi imagery last week .
A Facebook post with Trump ’ s “ serious force ” message has so far not been labeled or removed .

Twitter has continued its policy of labeling — but not removing — rule-breaking tweets from President Donald Trump. The company restricted a Trump post promising “serious force” against a potential Washington, DC equivalent to Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest zone.
“We’ve placed a public interest notice on this Tweet for violating our policy against abusive behavior, specifically, the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group,” writes Twitter’s safety team. The warning is posted above the tweet and appears if users try to retweet it. Following Twitter’s usual policy for world leaders whose tweets serve a “public interest,” however, it won’t be deleted.
This isn’t the first Trump tweet that’s been labeled for promoting violence or abuse. In late May, Twitter censured a tweet that said “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” saying that it glorified violence. The platform has also labeled “potentially misleading” misinformation about mail-in voting and a manipulated video purporting to be a CNN broadcast. The labels have drawn Trump’s ire, and he issued an executive order attacking “bias” on social media after the voting fact-check.


theverge--2020-06-23--Guide to streaming: from Disney Plus and HBO Max to NBA League Pass and Crunchyroll

There is a plethora of streaming services available for anyone with a credit card handy .
Hulu and Netflix are general entertainment providers offering licensed content and originals for subscribers .
Others , like anime provider Crunchyroll and NFL Sunday Ticket , are targeted at specific interests .
Streaming services like Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus are flashy newcomers that are trying to find their place in an overly crowded space .
It ’ s getting trickier to figure out where to spend your money every month .
Netflix and Hulu used to be sufficient ; subscribers could watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stranger Things or The Handmaid ’ s Tale .
Now , between live sports , movies , original TV shows , and even nightly news , no single service offers everything .
It ’ s getting more complicated than ever to figure out where to spend your money Take a look at the most popular shows streaming today : Friends and The Office were two of the most-watched shows on Netflix , but Friends has returned to its proper WarnerMedia home now that HBO Max has launched , and The Office will leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of NBCUniversal ’ s new streaming service , Peacock .
New CW shows , which would normally arrive on Netflix after their seasons aired on TV , are now destined for either HBO Max or CBS All Access .
ER and other NBC favorites are on Hulu now , but they will eventually wind up on Peacock .
Having trouble following along ?
So are we .
Some streaming services are better suited for your personal needs .
Instead of listing every platform under the sun , we ’ ve listed a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those sections .
Note : some services may be duplicated depending on the category .
• Pros : Different types of streaming options , incorporation of retail shopping , original series and popular licensed content • Who it ’ s for : People who use Amazon to shop regularly • Cost : $ 8.99 a month for Prime Video only / $ 12.99 a month or $ 120 a year for full Amazon Prime • Pros : Free for anyone who purchased a new Apple product , low cost for standalone subscribers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s for : People looking to stay up to date on the conversation • Cost : $ 4.99 a month , or free for one year for anyone who ’ s purchased a new or refurbished Apple product recently • Top original shows : Dickinson , The Elephant Queen , For All Mankind • Who it ’ s for : Star Trek fans and people looking to binge past classics .
CBS All Access is a general entertainment streaming service .
• Cost : $ 5.99 a month for ad-supported and $ 9.99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exclusive home for Disney TV shows and movies , low cost , entirely family-friendly , large library of shows and movies • Who it ’ s for : Families and Disney aficionados • Cost : $ 6.99 a month or $ 69.99 a year .
It can also be bundled with ad-supported Hulu and sports streaming service ESPN Plus for $ 12.99 a month ( see below ) .
• Top original shows : The Mandalorian , Imagineering Story , High School Musical : The Musical : The Series • Who it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general entertainment streaming service .
It ’ s also a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their HBO Now accounts .
• Cost : $ 14.99 a month .
People with HBO Now , AT & T TV Now , or standard HBO cable subscriptions can get it for free .
• Top original shows : The Wire , Succession , Game of Thrones , The Sopranos , Love Life • Pros : Next-day programming for certain shows , large quantity of shows and movies , reality TV programming , variety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s for : Everyone .
Hulu is a general entertainment streaming service .
• Cost : Ranges from $ 5.99 for an ad-supported plan to $ 60.99 a month for a subscription that includes live TV • Pros : Large quantity of movies and TV shows , easy-to-use interface , variety of genres to choose from , interactive programming • Who it ’ s for : Everyone .
Netflix is a general entertainment streaming service .
• Cost : Ranges from $ 8.99 for a basic plan to $ 15.99 for top-tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Umbrella Academy , You , When They See Us • Who it ’ s for : Peacock is a general entertainment streaming service • Cost : A free ad-supported tier comes with a smaller portion of 7,500 hours of television and film content .
Peacock Premium ( the full 15,000-plus hours of content and access to everything ) with ads will cost $ 4.99 a month , but it will be free to Comcast subscribers .
Peacock Premium without ads will be $ 9.99 a month or $ 4.99 a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Low cost , different types of streaming services , something for everyone • Who it ’ s for : With a sports streaming service , general entertainment platform , and family-friendly option , the Disney Streaming Bundle is made for a wide array of people • Pros : Exclusive home for Disney TV shows and movies , low cost , entirely family-friendly , large library of shows and movies • Who it ’ s for : Families and Disney aficionados • Cost : $ 6.99 a month or $ 69.99 a year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hulu and sports streaming service ESPN Plus for $ 12.99 a year .
• Top original shows : The Mandalorian , Imagineering Story , High School Musical : The Musical : The Series • Pros : Catalog of classic Nickelodeon shows , full seasons available to stream , low cost • Who it ’ s for : Cord-cutters looking for HBO in their TV package • Cost : $ 55 per month for 45-plus channels ; $ 80 per month for 60-plus channels • Who it ’ s for : Cord-cutters looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pros : Cheaper than competitors , different package offerings , ability to rent new movie releases • Who it ’ s for : Cord-cutters not trying to break the bank • Cost : Sling ’ s three different packages come in at $ 30 a month ( Sling Orange , 30-plus channels , or Sling Blue , 40-plus channels ) and $ 45 a month ( Sling Orange and Blue , 50-plus channels ) • Who it ’ s for : Cord-cutters looking for local broadcasts • Pros : Vast library of British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who , classic British series • Who it ’ s for : Anyone looking to watch classic British television • Pros : Classic cartoons all in one spot , family-friendly , new shows , wide variety of content • Who it ’ s for : Adults looking for a nostalgic kick and families • Top original shows : The best part of Boomerang is the collection of classics , like Scooby-Doo , Bugs Bunny , The Jetsons , Johnny Quest , Yogi Bear , Paddington Bear , and Tom and Jerry • Pros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ability to read manga , streaming titles not long after airing in Japan • Cost : $ 7.99 a month , $ 22.99 for three months , or $ 79.99 a year • Who it ’ s for : Anime fans looking for access to original and licensed shows as well as next-day offerings • Cost : There are three plans .
The $ 5.99-a-month ( $ 59.99 annually ) Premium plan comes with ad-free streaming and two simultaneous streams .
The $ 7.99-a-month ( $ 79.99 annually ) Premium Plus plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and two simultaneous streams .
The $ 99.99 annual Premium Plus Ultra plan comes with all of the above plus exclusive member perks .
• Who it ’ s for : If we ’ re being honest , people looking to share pirated content • Cost : A free tier includes playback of anything on your server , as well as podcasts , news , and web shows .
There are also paid tiers at $ 4.99 a month , $ 39.99 a year , or $ 119.99 for a lifetime subscription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscription services and more apps .
• Pros : Huge selection of titles , cost-effective , original movies and TV shows , podcasts , and live-streaming events • Who it ’ s for : Horror aficionados who want more than what ’ s on Netflix or Hulu • Pros : Thematically programmed with special features , a wide array of titles , more than 1,000 classic and contemporary movies • Who it ’ s for : Cinephiles looking for classic films and additional material on beloved titles • Who it ’ s for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kanopy is available • Who it ’ s for : HBO Max is a general entertainment streaming service .
Also a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their HBO Now accounts .
• Cost : $ 14.99 a month .
People with HBO Now , AT & T TV Now , or standard HBO cable subscriptions can get it for free .
• Top original shows : The Wire , Succession , Game of Thrones , The Sopranos , Love Life • Pros : Budget-friendly , good selection of new and older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s for : People who want prestige series on a budget • Who it ’ s for : Fans of specific Starz shows • Who it ’ s for : UFC fans and people looking for a cost-effective way to keep up with sports that air on ESPN • Pros : Plenty of games available to watch , different pricing tiers , single-team subscription , off-season plans • Who it ’ s for : Baseball fans trying to keep up with teams outside of their regional network • Cost : Currently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Previous prices were $ 24.99 a month ( giving people the ability to cancel a little easier ) or $ 116.99 a year for full-league coverage .
A single team subscription was $ 89.99 a year .
• Compatible devices : Roku , Apple TV , Chromecast , Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV , Android TV , PlayStation 4 , and Xbox One • Pros : Subscription packages for individual teams , ability to watch every game , international • Who it ’ s for : Basketball fans trying to keep up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large • Cost : There are four different options : NBA TV ( live games , $ 6.99 a month or $ 49.99 annually ) , One Team ( $ 59.99 annually gets you access to every single game from one team ) , All Teams ( $ 99.99 annually , every single game ) , and All Teams , No Commercials ( $ 124.99 annually , gives you every single game without ads ) • Pros : Every Sunday NFL game that ’ s not broadcasting in your city , Red Zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Football fans who don ’ t live in the same town as their favorite team and fantasy players who need to watch every single game • Cost : Currently , NFL Sunday Ticket is not accepting new subscriptions .
Previous prices were $ 293.94 a season for the games , $ 395.94 a season for the games and Red Zone / Fantasy Zone channels • Compatible devices : Roku , Apple TV , Chromecast , Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , iOS and Android devices • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans looking to not miss out on a big game or favorite team • Cost : Currently , NHL.TV is not accepting new subscriptions .
Previous prices started at $ 24.99 for one month of games , $ 119.99 a year for single team access , and $ 144.99 a year for the entire NHL season ’ s live games • Compatible devices : Roku , Apple TV , Chromecast , Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , iOS and Android devices • Pros : Exclusive league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to replay • Who it ’ s for : Boxing fans , MMA fans , people with interests in sports that aren ’ t the NFL , MLB , MLS , NHL , or NBA

There is a plethora of streaming services available for anyone with a credit card handy. Hulu and Netflix are general entertainment providers offering licensed content and originals for subscribers. Others, like anime provider Crunchyroll and NFL Sunday Ticket, are targeted at specific interests. Streaming services like Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus are flashy newcomers that are trying to find their place in an overly crowded space.
It’s getting trickier to figure out where to spend your money every month. Netflix and Hulu used to be sufficient; subscribers could watch their favorite shows and popular originals like Stranger Things or The Handmaid’s Tale. Now, between live sports, movies, original TV shows, and even nightly news, no single service offers everything.
It’s getting more complicated than ever to figure out where to spend your money
Take a look at the most popular shows streaming today: Friends and The Office were two of the most-watched shows on Netflix, but Friends has returned to its proper WarnerMedia home now that HBO Max has launched, and The Office will leave Netflix in 2021 and be a staple of NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, Peacock. New CW shows, which would normally arrive on Netflix after their seasons aired on TV, are now destined for either HBO Max or CBS All Access. ER and other NBC favorites are on Hulu now, but they will eventually wind up on Peacock. Having trouble following along? So are we.
Some streaming services are better suited for your personal needs. Instead of listing every platform under the sun, we’ve listed a few key categories and the best streaming option in those sections. Note: some services may be duplicated depending on the category.
Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images
Top eight breakdown
Pros: Different types of streaming options, incorporation of retail shopping, original series and popular licensed content
Who it’s for: People who use Amazon to shop regularly
Cost: $8.99 a month for Prime Video only / $12.99 a month or $120 a year for full Amazon Prime
Top original shows: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Transparent, Good Omens, Bosch
Compatible devices: Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, Roku, Google TV, TiVo, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android devices, iOS devices, Fire Phone, Fire tablets
Amazon Prime Video / $8.99 per month (video only); $12.99 per month or $120 annually (full Prime) Subscribe
Pros: Free for anyone who purchased a new Apple product, low cost for standalone subscribers, star-studded shows
Who it’s for: People looking to stay up to date on the conversation
Cost: $4.99 a month, or free for one year for anyone who’s purchased a new or refurbished Apple product recently
Top original shows: Dickinson, The Elephant Queen, For All Mankind
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Browser, iOS, Roku
Apple TV Plus / $4.99 per month Subscribe
Pros: Low cost, popular original series, big library of content
Who it’s for: Star Trek fans and people looking to binge past classics. CBS All Access is a general entertainment streaming service.
Cost: $5.99 a month for ad-supported and $9.99 a month for ad-free
Top original shows: The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery, Strange Angel
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
CBS All Access / $5.99 per month (ad-supported) or $9.99 per month (ad-free) Subscribe
Pros: Exclusive home for Disney TV shows and movies, low cost, entirely family-friendly, large library of shows and movies
Who it’s for: Families and Disney aficionados
Cost: $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. It can also be bundled with ad-supported Hulu and sports streaming service ESPN Plus for $12.99 a month (see below).
Top original shows: The Mandalorian, Imagineering Story, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Disney Plus / $6.99 per month or $69.99 if you pay annually Subscribe
Pros: Includes HBO content, heavy focus on human curation, incredibly large movie and TV show library
Who it’s for: HBO Max is a general entertainment streaming service. It’s also a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their HBO Now accounts.
Cost: $14.99 a month. People with HBO Now, AT&T TV Now, or standard HBO cable subscriptions can get it for free.
Top original shows: The Wire, Succession, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Love Life
Compatible devices: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation
HBO Max / $14.99 per month Subscribe
Pros: Next-day programming for certain shows, large quantity of shows and movies, reality TV programming, variety of genres to choose from
Who it’s for: Everyone. Hulu is a general entertainment streaming service.
Cost: Ranges from $5.99 for an ad-supported plan to $60.99 a month for a subscription that includes live TV
Top original shows: The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Hulu / Starting at $5.99 per month ad-supported, up to $60.99 a month with live TV Subscribe
Pros: Large quantity of movies and TV shows, easy-to-use interface, variety of genres to choose from, interactive programming
Who it’s for: Everyone. Netflix is a general entertainment streaming service.
Cost: Ranges from $8.99 for a basic plan to $15.99 for top-tier
Top original shows: Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, You, When They See Us
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Netflix / Starting at $8.99 per month and up to $15.99 Subscribe
Pros: Live news, some live sports, ad-supported cheaper tier, next-day programming
Who it’s for: Peacock is a general entertainment streaming service
Cost: A free ad-supported tier comes with a smaller portion of 7,500 hours of television and film content. Peacock Premium (the full 15,000-plus hours of content and access to everything) with ads will cost $4.99 a month, but it will be free to Comcast subscribers. Peacock Premium Ad-Free will be $9.99 a month or $4.99 a month for Comcast subscribers.
Top original shows: Brave New World, Intelligence
Compatible devices: Xfinity One, Xfinity Flex, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iPhone, iPad, browsers, Android phone and tablet
Peacock / Starting free and up to $9.99 per month Subscribe
Image: Disney
Bundle options
Pros: Low cost, different types of streaming services, something for everyone
Who it’s for: With a sports streaming service, general entertainment platform, and family-friendly option, the Disney Streaming Bundle is made for a wide array of people
Cost: $12.99 a month
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus bundle / $12.99 per month Subscribe
Family content
Pros: Exclusive home for Disney TV shows and movies, low cost, entirely family-friendly, large library of shows and movies
Who it’s for: Families and Disney aficionados
Cost: $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. It can also be bundled with ad-supported Hulu and sports streaming service ESPN Plus for $12.99 a year.
Top original shows: The Mandalorian, Imagineering Story, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Disney Plus / $6.99 per month or $69.99 if you pay annually Subscribe
Pros: Catalog of classic Nickelodeon shows, full seasons available to stream, low cost
Cost: $7.99 a month or free with Amazon Prime Video Channels subscription
Top original shows: SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, iCarly
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Nick Hits / $7.99 per month or free with an Amazon Prime subscription Subscribe
Pros: Free, recognizable programming
Cost: Free
Top original shows: Sid’s Science Fair, CyberChase Shape Quest
Compatible devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet, Kindle Tablet, Leap Motion (OS X)
PBS Kids / Available for free Subscribe
Live TV
Pros: Includes HBO, cloud DVR capabilities, multiple prestige channels
Who it’s for: Cord-cutters looking for HBO in their TV package
Cost: $55 per month for 45-plus channels; $80 per month for 60-plus channels
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Browsers, iPhone / iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet, Samsung Smart TV, and Android TV
AT&T TV Now / $55 per month for 45-plus channels; $80 per month for 60-plus channels Subscribe
Pros: Comes with Hulu, on-demand playback, affordable pricing
Who it’s for: Cord-cutters looking to bundle a live service with streaming
Cost: $54.99 a month
Compatible devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iPhone, iPad, Browsers, Android Phone Android Tablet, Android TV, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV
Hulu with Live TV / $54.99 per month Subscribe
Pros: Cheaper than competitors, different package offerings, ability to rent new movie releases
Who it’s for: Cord-cutters not trying to break the bank
Cost: Sling’s three different packages come in at $30 a month (Sling Orange, 30-plus channels, or Sling Blue, 40-plus channels) and $45 a month (Sling Orange and Blue, 50-plus channels)
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iPhone, iPad, Browsers, Android Phone, Android Tablet, Android TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and Vizio Smart TV
Sling TV / Package start at $30 per month and go up to $45 per month Subscribe
Pros: Easy-to-use interface, excellent DVR capabilities, local networks
Who it’s for: Cord-cutters looking for local broadcasts
Cost: $64.99 a month
Compatible devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iPhone, iPad, Browsers, Android Phone Android Tablet, Android TV, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV
YouTube TV / $64.99 per month Subscribe
Photo by Stefan Etienne / The Verge
Niche
Pros: Vast library of British television shows, top series like Doctor Who, classic British series
Who it’s for: Anyone looking to watch classic British television
Cost: $6.99 a month or $69.99 annually
Top original shows: Doctor Who, Absolutely Fabulous, Black Adder, Coronation Street
Compatible devices: Browsers, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and Samsung Smart TVs
BritBox / $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: Classic cartoons all in one spot, family-friendly, new shows, wide variety of content
Who it’s for: Adults looking for a nostalgic kick and families
Cost: $4.99 a month or $39.99 annually
Top original shows: The best part of Boomerang is the collection of classics, like Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, The Jetsons, Johnny Quest, Yogi Bear, Paddington Bear, and Tom and Jerry
Compatible devices: Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Kindle, Browser, Amazon FireTV or Fire Stick
Boomerang / $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: The biggest selection of anime titles, ability to read manga, streaming titles not long after airing in Japan
Who it’s for: Anime fans
Cost: $7.99 a month, $22.99 for three months, or $79.99 a year
Compatible devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, iOS, Android, Browsers
Crunchyroll / $7.99 per month, $22.99 for three months, or $79.99 per year Subscribe
Pros: Wide array of DC TV shows, exclusive animated series, classic animated DC films, and digital comic books
Who it’s for: DC comics fans
Cost: $7.99 a month or $74.99 annually
Top original shows: Titans, Harley Quinn, Doom Patrol
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
DC Universe / $7.99 per month or $74.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: Exclusive anime series, expansive library, offline viewing
Who it’s for: Anime fans looking for access to original and licensed shows as well as next-day offerings
Cost: There are three plans. The $5.99-a-month ($59.99 annually) Premium plan comes with ad-free streaming and two simultaneous streams. The $7.99-a-month ($79.99 annually) Premium Plus plan comes with ad-free streaming, offline viewing, and two simultaneous streams. The $99.99 annual Premium Plus Ultra plan comes with all of the above plus exclusive member perks.
Compatible devices: Apple TV, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Kindle, LG and Samsung smart TVs
Funimation / Ranges from $5.99 per month to $99.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: Ability to share content, good movie selection, host downloads
Who it’s for: If we’re being honest, people looking to share pirated content
Cost: A free tier includes playback of anything on your server, as well as podcasts, news, and web shows. There are also paid tiers at $4.99 a month, $39.99 a year, or $119.99 for a lifetime subscription, which gives people access to other subscription services and more apps.
Compatible devices: Browsers, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Alexa, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Sonos, TiVo
Plex / Ranges from free to $119.99 for a lifetime subscription Subscribe
Pros: Huge selection of titles, cost-effective, original movies and TV shows, podcasts, and live-streaming events
Who it’s for: Horror aficionados who want more than what’s on Netflix or Hulu
Cost: $5.99 a month or $56.99 annually
Top original shows: Creepshow, Deadwax
Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Browsers
Shudder / $5.99 per month or $56.99 annually Subscribe
Image: Criterion
Prestige Film
Pros: Thematically programmed with special features, a wide array of titles, more than 1,000 classic and contemporary movies
Who it’s for: Cinephiles looking for classic films and additional material on beloved titles
Cost: $10.99 a month or $99.99 annually
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Browsers, Chromecast, Roku
Criterion Channel / $10.99 per month or $99.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: Free, large catalog of classic movies, wide array of independent titles
Who it’s for: University students and library users where Kanopy is available
Cost: Free
Compatible devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, browsers
Kanopy / Available for free Subscribe
Photo by Presley Ann / Getty Images for WarnerMedia
Prestige TV
Pros: Includes HBO content, heavy focus on human curation, incredibly large movie and TV show library
Who it’s for: HBO Max is a general entertainment streaming service. Also a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their HBO Now accounts.
Cost: $14.99 a month. People with HBO Now, AT&T TV Now, or standard HBO cable subscriptions can get it for free.
Top original shows: The Wire, Succession, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Love Life
Compatible devices: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation
HBO Max / $14.99 per month Subscribe
Pros: Budget-friendly, good selection of new and older series, easy-to-use interface
Who it’s for: People who want prestige series on a budget
Cost: $8.99 a month
Top original shows: Billions, Shameless, The Affair
Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG Smart TVs, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One
Showtime / $8.99 per month Subscribe
Pros: Low cost, award-winning shows, exclusive programming
Who it’s for: Fans of specific Starz shows
Cost: $8.99 a month
Top original shows: Outlander, Girlfriend Experiment, Power, Black Sails
Compatible devices: Kindle Fire Tablet, Amazon Fire TV and Stick, Android Phone, Android Tablets, Android TV, Nexus Player, Nvidia Shield, Razer Forge, Apple TVs, Browsers, iPhone, iPad, Roku, Xbox One
Starz / $8.99 per month Subscribe
Sports
Pros: Carries big UFC fights, a number of other live sports options, low cost
Who it’s for: UFC fans and people looking for a cost-effective way to keep up with sports that air on ESPN
Cost: $4.99 a month or $49.99 annually
Compatible devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, browsers
ESPN Plus / $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually Subscribe
Pros: Plenty of games available to watch, different pricing tiers, single-team subscription, off-season plans
Who it’s for: Baseball fans trying to keep up with teams outside of their regional network
Cost: Currently, MLB.TV is not accepting new subscriptions. Previous prices were $24.99 a month (giving people the ability to cancel a little easier) or $116.99 a year for full-league coverage. A single team subscription was $89.99 a year.
Compatible devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Android TV, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Pros: Subscription packages for individual teams, ability to watch every game, international
Who it’s for: Basketball fans trying to keep up with their team or the NBA at large
Cost: There are four different options: NBA TV (live games, $6.99 a month or $49.99 annually), One Team ($59.99 annually gets you access to every single game from one team), All Teams ($99.99 annually, every single game), and All Teams, No Commercials ($124.99 annually, gives you every single game without ads)
Compatible devices: iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet, Kindle Fire, Roku 3, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Xbox One, PlayStation
NBA League Pass / Plans start at $6.99 per month for live games, up to $124.99 annually for all games ad-free. Subscribe
Pros: Every Sunday NFL game that’s not broadcasting in your city, Red Zone
Who it’s for: Football fans who don’t live in the same town as their favorite team and fantasy players who need to watch every single game
Cost: Currently, NFL Sunday Ticket is not accepting new subscriptions. Previous prices were $293.94 a season for the games, $395.94 a season for the games and Red Zone / Fantasy Zone channels
Compatible devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS and Android devices
Pros: Three different subscription tiers, single team options
Who it’s for: Hockey fans looking to not miss out on a big game or favorite team
Cost: Currently, NHL.TV is not accepting new subscriptions. Previous prices started at $24.99 for one month of games, $119.99 a year for single team access, and $144.99 a year for the entire NHL season’s live games
Compatible devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS and Android devices
Pros: Exclusive league games, available globally, fights are available to replay
Who it’s for: Boxing fans, MMA fans, people with interests in sports that aren’t the NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, or NBA
Cost: $19.99 a month or $99.99 a year
Compatible devices: Android, Fire OS, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and browser
DAZN / $19.99 per month or $99.99 a year Subscribe
DAZN / $19.99 per month or $99.99 a year Subscribe


theverge--2020-06-23--What a machine learning tool that turns Obama white can (and can’t) tell us about AI bias

It ’ s a startling image that illustrates the deep-rooted biases of AI research .
Input a low-resolution picture of Barack Obama , the first black president of the United States , into an algorithm designed to generate depixelated faces , and the output is a white man .
It ’ s not just Obama , either .
Get the same algorithm to generate high-resolution images of actress Lucy Liu or congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from low-resolution inputs , and the resulting faces look distinctly white .
As one popular tweet quoting the Obama example put it : “ This image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in AI.
” But what ’ s causing these outputs and what do they really tell us about AI bias ?
First , we need to know a little a bit about the technology being used here .
The program generating these images is an algorithm called PULSE , which uses a technique known as upscaling to process visual data .
Upscaling is like the “ zoom and enhance ” tropes you see in TV and film , but , unlike in Hollywood , real software can ’ t just generate new data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a low-resolution image into a high-resolution one , the software has to fill in the blanks using machine learning .
In the case of PULSE , the algorithm doing this work is StyleGAN , which was created by researchers from NVIDIA .
Although you might not have heard of StyleGAN before , you ’ re probably familiar with its work .
It ’ s the algorithm responsible for making those eerily realistic human faces that you can see on websites like ThisPersonDoesNotExist.com ; faces so realistic they ’ re often used to generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does is use StyleGAN to “ imagine ” the high-res version of pixelated inputs .
It does this not by “ enhancing ” the original low-res image , but by generating a completely new high-res face that , when pixelated , looks the same as the one inputted by the user .
This means each depixelated image can be upscaled in a variety of ways , the same way a single set of ingredients makes different dishes .
It ’ s also why you can use PULSE to see what Doom guy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even the crying emoji look like at high resolution .
It ’ s not that the algorithm is “ finding ” new detail in the image as in the “ zoom and enhance ” trope ; it ’ s instead inventing new faces that revert to the input data .
This sort of work has been theoretically possible for a few years now , but , as is often the case in the AI world , it reached a larger audience when an easy-to-run version of the code was shared online this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial disparities started to leap out .
PULSE ’ s creators say the trend is clear : when using the algorithm to scale up pixelated images , the algorithm more often generates faces with Caucasian features .
“ This bias is likely inherited from the dataset ” “ It does appear that PULSE is producing white faces much more frequently than faces of people of color , ” wrote the algorithm ’ s creators on Github .
“ This bias is likely inherited from the dataset StyleGAN was trained on [ ... ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are unaware of.
” In other words , because of the data StyleGAN was trained on , when it ’ s trying to come up with a face that looks like the pixelated input image , it defaults to white features .
This problem is extremely common in machine learning , and it ’ s one of the reasons facial recognition algorithms perform worse on non-white and female faces .
Data used to train AI is often skewed toward a single demographic , white men , and when a program sees data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not coincidentally , it ’ s white men who dominate AI research .
But exactly what the Obama example reveals about bias and how the problems it represents might be fixed are complicated questions .
Indeed , they ’ re so complicated that this single image has sparked heated disagreement among AI academics , engineers , and researchers .
On a technical level , some experts aren ’ t sure this is even an example of dataset bias .
The AI artist Mario Klingemann suggests that the PULSE selection algorithm itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame .
Klingemann notes that he was able to use StyleGAN to generate more non-white outputs from the same pixelated Obama image , as shown below : These faces were generated using “ the same concept and the same StyleGAN model ” but different search methods to Pulse , says Klingemann , who says we can ’ t really judge an algorithm from just a few samples .
“ There are probably millions of possible faces that will all reduce to the same pixel pattern and all of them are equally ‘ correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But regardless of the cause , the outputs of the algorithm seem biased — something that the researchers didn ’ t notice before the tool became widely accessible .
This speaks to a different and more pervasive sort of bias : one that operates on a social level .
“ People of color are not outliers .
We ’ re not ‘ edge cases ’ authors can just forget.
” Deborah Raji , a researcher in AI accountability , tells The Verge that this sort of bias is all too typical in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic existence of people of color , the negligence of not testing for this situation is astounding , and likely reflects the lack of diversity we continue to see with respect to who gets to build such systems , ” says Raji .
“ People of color are not outliers .
We ’ re not ‘ edge cases ’ authors can just forget.
” The fact that some researchers seem keen to only address the data side of the bias problem is what sparked larger arguments about the Obama image .
Facebook ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flashpoint for these conversations after tweeting a response to the image saying that “ ML systems are biased when data is biased , ” and adding that this sort of bias is a far more serious problem “ in a deployed product than in an academic paper.
” The implication being : let ’ s not worry too much about this particular example .
Many researchers , Raji among them , took issue with LeCun ’ s framing , pointing out that bias in AI is affected by wider social injustices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct ” data does not deal with the larger injustices .
Others noted that even from the point of view of a purely technical fix , “ fair ” datasets can often be anything but .
For example , a dataset of faces that accurately reflected the demographics of the UK would be predominantly white because the UK is predominantly white .
An algorithm trained on this data would perform better on white faces than non-white faces .
In other words , “ fair ” datasets can still created biased systems .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LeCun acknowledged there were multiple causes for AI bias . )
Raji tells The Verge she was also surprised by LeCun ’ s suggestion that researchers should worry about bias less than engineers producing commercial systems , and that this reflected a lack of awareness at the very highest levels of the industry .
“ Yann LeCun leads an industry lab known for working on many applied research problems that they regularly seek to productize , ” says Raji .
“ I literally can not understand how someone in that position doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in setting up norms for engineering deployments.
” The Verge reached out to LeCun for comment , but didn ’ t receive a response prior to publication .
Many commercial AI systems , for example , are built directly from research data and algorithms without any adjustment for racial or gender disparities .
Failing to address the problem of bias at the research stage just perpetuates existing problems .
In this sense , then , the value of the Obama image isn ’ t that it exposes a single flaw in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicates , at an intuitive level , the pervasive nature of AI bias .
What it hides , however , is that the problem of bias goes far deeper than any dataset or algorithm .
It ’ s a pervasive issue that requires much more than technical fixes .
As one researcher , Vidushi Marda , responded on Twitter to the white faces produced by the algorithm : “ In case it needed to be said explicitly - This isn ’ t a call for ‘ diversity ’ in datasets or ‘ improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a call for a fundamental reconsideration of the institutions and individuals that design , develop , deploy this tech in the first place .
”

It’s a startling image that illustrates the deep-rooted biases of AI research. Input a low-resolution picture of Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, into an algorithm designed to generate depixelated faces, and the output is a white man.
It’s not just Obama, either. Get the same algorithm to generate high-resolution images of actress Lucy Liu or congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from low-resolution inputs, and the resulting faces look distinctly white. As one popular tweet quoting the Obama example put it: “This image speaks volumes about the dangers of bias in AI.”
But what’s causing these outputs and what do they really tell us about AI bias?
First, we need to know a little a bit about the technology being used here. The program generating these images is an algorithm called PULSE, which uses a technique known as upscaling to process visual data. Upscaling is like the “zoom and enhance” tropes you see in TV and film, but, unlike in Hollywood, real software can’t just generate new data from nothing. In order to turn a low-resolution image into a high-resolution one, the software has to fill in the blanks using machine learning.
In the case of PULSE, the algorithm doing this work is StyleGAN, which was created by researchers from NVIDIA. Although you might not have heard of StyleGAN before, you’re probably familiar with its work. It’s the algorithm responsible for making those eerily realistic human faces that you can see on websites like ThisPersonDoesNotExist.com; faces so realistic they’re often used to generate fake social media profiles.
A sample of faces created by StyleGAN, the algorithm that powers PULSE.
What PULSE does is use StyleGAN to “imagine” the high-res version of pixelated inputs. It does this not by “enhancing” the original low-res image, but by generating a completely new high-res face that, when pixelated, looks the same as the one inputted by the user.
This means each depixelated image can be upscaled in a variety of ways, the same way a single set of ingredients makes different dishes. It’s also why you can use PULSE to see what Doom guy, or the hero of Wolfenstein 3D, or even the crying emoji look like at high resolution. It’s not that the algorithm is “finding” new detail in the image as in the “zoom and enhance” trope; it’s instead inventing new faces that revert to the input data.
This sort of work has been theoretically possible for a few years now, but, as is often the case in the AI world, it reached a larger audience when an easy-to-run version of the code was shared online this weekend. That’s when the racial disparities started to leap out.
PULSE’s creators say the trend is clear: when using the algorithm to scale up pixelated images, the algorithm more often generates faces with Caucasian features.
“This bias is likely inherited from the dataset”
“It does appear that PULSE is producing white faces much more frequently than faces of people of color,” wrote the algorithm’s creators on Github. “This bias is likely inherited from the dataset StyleGAN was trained on [...] though there could be other factors that we are unaware of.”
In other words, because of the data StyleGAN was trained on, when it’s trying to come up with a face that looks like the pixelated input image, it defaults to white features.
This problem is extremely common in machine learning, and it’s one of the reasons facial recognition algorithms perform worse on non-white and female faces. Data used to train AI is often skewed toward a single demographic, white men, and when a program sees data not in that demographic it performs poorly. Not coincidentally, it’s white men who dominate AI research.
But exactly what the Obama example reveals about bias and how the problems it represents might be fixed are complicated questions. Indeed, they’re so complicated that this single image has sparked heated disagreement among AI academics, engineers, and researchers.
On a technical level, some experts aren’t sure this is even an example of dataset bias. The AI artist Mario Klingemann suggests that the PULSE selection algorithm itself, rather than the data, is to blame. Klingemann notes that he was able to use StyleGAN to generate more non-white outputs from the same pixelated Obama image, as shown below:
These faces were generated using “the same concept and the same StyleGAN model” but different search methods to Pulse, says Klingemann, who says we can’t really judge an algorithm from just a few samples. “There are probably millions of possible faces that will all reduce to the same pixel pattern and all of them are equally ‘correct,’” he told The Verge.
(Incidentally, this is also the reason why tools like this are unlikely to be of use for surveillance purposes. The faces created by these processes are imaginary and, as the above examples show, have little relation to the ground truth of the input. However, it’s not like huge technical flaws have stopped police from adopting technology in the past.)
But regardless of the cause, the outputs of the algorithm seem biased — something that the researchers didn’t notice before the tool became widely accessible. This speaks to a different and more pervasive sort of bias: one that operates on a social level.
“People of color are not outliers. We’re not ‘edge cases’ authors can just forget.”
Deborah Raji, a researcher in AI accountability, tells The Verge that this sort of bias is all too typical in the AI world. “Given the basic existence of people of color, the negligence of not testing for this situation is astounding, and likely reflects the lack of diversity we continue to see with respect to who gets to build such systems,” says Raji. “People of color are not outliers. We’re not ‘edge cases’ authors can just forget.”
The fact that some researchers seem keen to only address the data side of the bias problem is what sparked larger arguments about the Obama image. Facebook’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun became a flashpoint for these conversations after tweeting a response to the image saying that “ML systems are biased when data is biased,” and adding that this sort of bias is a far more serious problem “in a deployed product than in an academic paper.” The implication being: let’s not worry too much about this particular example.
Many researchers, Raji among them, took issue with LeCun’s framing, pointing out that bias in AI is affected by wider social injustices and prejudices, and that simply using “correct” data does not deal with the larger injustices.
Even “unbiased” data can produce biased results
Others noted that even from the point of view of a purely technical fix, “fair” datasets can often be anything but. For example, a dataset of faces that accurately reflected the demographics of the UK would be predominantly white because the UK is predominantly white. An algorithm trained on this data would perform better on white faces than non-white faces. In other words, “fair” datasets can still created biased systems. (In a later thread on Twitter, LeCun acknowledged there were multiple causes for AI bias.)
Raji tells The Verge she was also surprised by LeCun’s suggestion that researchers should worry about bias less than engineers producing commercial systems, and that this reflected a lack of awareness at the very highest levels of the industry.
“Yann LeCun leads an industry lab known for working on many applied research problems that they regularly seek to productize,” says Raji. “I literally cannot understand how someone in that position doesn’t acknowledge the role that research has in setting up norms for engineering deployments.”
When contacted by The Verge about these comments, LeCun noted that he’d helped set up a number of groups, inside and outside of Facebook, that focus on AI fairness and safety, including the Partnership on AI. “I absolutely never, ever said or even hinted at the fact that research does not play a role is setting up norms,” he told The Verge.
Many commercial AI systems, though, are built directly from research data and algorithms without any adjustment for racial or gender disparities. Failing to address the problem of bias at the research stage just perpetuates existing problems.
In this sense, then, the value of the Obama image isn’t that it exposes a single flaw in a single algorithm; it’s that it communicates, at an intuitive level, the pervasive nature of AI bias. What it hides, however, is that the problem of bias goes far deeper than any dataset or algorithm. It’s a pervasive issue that requires much more than technical fixes.
As one researcher, Vidushi Marda, responded on Twitter to the white faces produced by the algorithm: “In case it needed to be said explicitly - This isn’t a call for ‘diversity’ in datasets or ‘improved accuracy’ in performance - it’s a call for a fundamental reconsideration of the institutions and individuals that design, develop, deploy this tech in the first place.”


theverge--2020-06-23--Bungie releases Destiny 2 items in support of Black Lives Matter

Bungie is providing a novel way for Destiny 2 players to show their support for Black Lives Matter inside the game .
Today , the developer started preorders for what it calls a “ be heard ” enamel pin — it features a black fist gripping a lightning bolt , set above the Black Lives Matter slogan — which costs $ 15 , with all proceeds going toward the Equal Justice Initiative .
The pin isn ’ t expected to start shipping until later this year , but those who purchase will also get a voucher for an in-game emblem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are one of the most prominent aspects in Destiny 2 character customization , appearing alongside players ’ names in profiles and in multiplayer modes .
“ We know that Guardians in Destiny fight for humanity and hope , ” Bungie explained when announcing the initiative last week .
“ And while the real challenges that Black people face are not as easily vanquished as the enemies in our game , we look forward to seeing Guardians come together in this fight as well .
As we said before , we are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including our developers , fans , and neighbors .
Together , we intend to replace injustice with equality wherever we see it.
” While many video game developers and publishers offered little more than stock statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement , others were more proactive .
Activision added a Black Lives Matter loading screen to Call of Duty , while digital storefronts like Itch.io and Humble Bundle raised millions for various associated charities by selling massive bundles of games .

Bungie is providing a novel way for Destiny 2 players to show their support for Black Lives Matter inside the game. Today, the developer started preorders for what it calls a “be heard” enamel pin — it features a black fist gripping a lightning bolt, set above the Black Lives Matter slogan — which costs $15, with all proceeds going toward the Equal Justice Initiative.
The pin isn’t expected to start shipping until later this year, but those who purchase will also get a voucher for an in-game emblem featuring the same visual design. Emblems are one of the most prominent aspects in Destiny 2 character customization, appearing alongside players’ names in profiles and in multiplayer modes.
“We know that Guardians in Destiny fight for humanity and hope,” Bungie explained when announcing the initiative last week. “And while the real challenges that Black people face are not as easily vanquished as the enemies in our game, we look forward to seeing Guardians come together in this fight as well. As we said before, we are committed to standing up for our Black community; including our developers, fans, and neighbors. Together, we intend to replace injustice with equality wherever we see it.”


theverge--2020-06-23--The EU plans to ban US travelers indefinitely after haphazard COVID-19 response

The European Union plans to ban travel from the US when it reopens its borders on July 1st because of the Trump administration ’ s poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , according to a report from The New York Times .
Under current plans , the US would join Brazil and Russia on the list of forbidden countries , as all three countries have had comparably poor responses to the virus since the worldwide outbreak at the beginning of the year .
Travel from China , as well as some developing countries , will be allowed , the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list , the NYT reports , and it expects to submit it to the 27 bloc members next week ahead of the July 1st reopening deadline .
Members are being strongly encouraged to adopt it or else the EU may consider reinstating stricter borders within the bloc to prevent travelers from countries on the list from entering into one country with looser restrictions and crossing the border into another .
The US joins Brazil and Russia on the draft of the EU travel ban list The US , with nearly 2.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has for some time now been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic , while Brazil is second with more than 1.1 million cases and more than 51,000 deaths .
Russia ’ s containment appears better than the US , with under 10,000 reported deaths and a little over half a million confirmed cases .
All three countries are deemed unsafe according to a set of epidemiological criteria the EU has been using to analyze countries .
The primary metric is a measure of the average number of new cases per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU bloc has an average of 14 .
The US score is 107 , while Brazil ’ s is 180 and Russia ’ s is 80 , the NYT reports .
Trump , like Brazil ’ s Jair Bolsonaro and Russia ’ s Vladimir Putin , fumbled the early response to the virus , downplaying the severity and refusing to enact public health and safety measures that could have contained the virus early on .
Trump ’ s most significant response was to ban travel from China in January and from the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to spread through the US due to poor government coordination , planning , and messaging at the federal and state levels .
While rates of new cases have fallen elsewhere , including the EU , the rate of new cases in the US is alarmingly flat .
In parts of the country that are beginning to reopen , the numbers are starting to surge , suggesting a thorough failure to contain the virus .
In the past few days , Trump has also begun erroneously claiming the US testing rate is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inflated number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 despite the obvious reality that positive test results paint about the state of the virus and its spread among US populations .

The European Union plans to ban travel from the US when it reopens its borders on July 1st because of the Trump administration’s poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report from The New York Times. Under current plans, the US would join Brazil and Russia on the list of forbidden countries, as all three countries have had comparably poor responses to the virus since the worldwide outbreak at the beginning of the year. Travel from China, as well as some developing countries, will be allowed, the report states.
The EU is still finalizing the list, the NYT reports, and it expects to submit it to the 27 bloc members next week ahead of the July 1st reopening deadline. Members are being strongly encouraged to adopt it or else the EU may consider reinstating stricter borders within the bloc to prevent travelers from countries on the list from entering into one country with looser restrictions and crossing the border into another.
The US joins Brazil and Russia on the draft of the EU travel ban list
The US, with nearly 2.4 million confirmed cases and more than 123,000 deaths, has for some time now been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Brazil is second with more than 1.1 million cases and more than 51,000 deaths. Russia’s containment appears better than the US, with under 10,000 reported deaths and a little over half a million confirmed cases.
All three countries are deemed unsafe according to a set of epidemiological criteria the EU has been using to analyze countries. The primary metric is a measure of the average number of new cases per 100,000 people over the last 14 days. The EU bloc has an average of 14. The US score is 107, while Brazil’s is 180 and Russia’s is 80, the NYT reports.
Trump, like Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, fumbled the early response to the virus, downplaying the severity and refusing to enact public health and safety measures that could have contained the virus early on. Trump’s most significant response was to ban travel from China in January and from the EU in March, but the virus has continued to spread through the US due to poor government coordination, planning, and messaging at the federal and state levels.


theverge--2020-06-24--After OTF takeover, Trump appointee faces pressure from lawmakers and courts

After an abrupt takeover of the Open Technology Fund ( OTF ) last week , pressure is mounting against Michael Pack , the newly appointed CEO of the US Agency for Global Media ( USAGM ) .
A longtime ally of Steve Bannon , critics say the new appointee is adding a partisan slant to the agency , which also oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Asia .
In a letter sent on Wednesday , nine members of Congress pushed Pack on his abrupt replacement of the leadership and board of OTF , a pivotal internet freedom nonprofit put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sen. Ron Wyden ( D-OR ) , the letter is also signed by Sens .
Ed Markey ( D-MA ) , Cory Booker ( D-NJ ) , and Richard Blumenthal ( D-CT ) , among others .
“ OTF-funded technologies and projects have also delivered enormous benefits to U.S. national security and to Americans in their everyday lives , ” the letter reads .
“ Reports regarding changes to OTF ’ s programming requirements are alarming.
” “ The most egregious breach of that firewall in history ” Over the past eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of internet freedom projects , including Signal , Lets Encrypt , and a range of broader cybersecurity research projects .
Many had expressed concern that Pack would shift the agency to focus entirely on circumventing internet censorship in China , which would divert resources away from dozens of ongoing projects around the world .
The senators call on Pack to maintain OTF ’ s technical advisory board and its support for open-source security audits .
In particular , the letter calls out OTF ’ s requirement that supported projects open-source their code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sidestep to direct money to the Ultrasurf project .
“ The OTF has long followed a policy of only funding projects that are released as open source , have been approved by OTF ’ s independent technical advisory board , and have been subjected to an independent cybersecurity audit , ” the letter continues .
“ We are concerned by statements from OTF ’ s former CEO that USAGM is now seeking to steer its funds to programs that do not meet this necessary qualifications.
” The letter comes on the heels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the OTF and other recently project leaders dismissed in the recent purge .
The lawsuit alleges that Pack lacked the legal authority to carry out the firings , as they constitute a form of political interference that ’ s explicitly forbidden in the statute authorizing the agency .
As the complaint describes it , the OTF and other groups organized under USAGM are insulated from political interference by a “ firewall ” provision in the International Broadcasting Act .
“ Mr .
Pack ’ s actions this past week constitute the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the complaint alleges .
“ It is hard to conceive of a more serious breach of the organizations ’ legally protected independence .
”

After an abrupt takeover of the Open Technology Fund (OTF) last week, pressure is mounting against Michael Pack, the newly appointed CEO of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). A longtime ally of Steve Bannon, critics say the new appointee is adding a partisan slant to the agency, which also oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
In a letter sent on Wednesday, nine members of Congress pushed Pack on his abrupt replacement of the leadership and board of OTF, a pivotal internet freedom nonprofit put in place under President Obama. Led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), the letter is also signed by Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), among others.
“OTF-funded technologies and projects have also delivered enormous benefits to U.S. national security and to Americans in their everyday lives,” the letter reads. “Reports regarding changes to OTF’s programming requirements are alarming.”
“The most egregious breach of that firewall in history”
Over the past eight years, OTF has funded a wide range of internet freedom projects, including Signal, Lets Encrypt, and a range of broader cybersecurity research projects. Many had expressed concern that Pack would shift the agency to focus entirely on circumventing internet censorship in China, which would divert resources away from dozens of ongoing projects around the world.
The senators call on Pack to maintain OTF’s technical advisory board and its support for open-source security audits. In particular, the letter calls out OTF’s requirement that supported projects open-source their code, a requirement that many were hoping to sidestep to direct money to the Ultrasurf project.
“The OTF has long followed a policy of only funding projects that are released as open source, have been approved by OTF’s independent technical advisory board, and have been subjected to an independent cybersecurity audit,” the letter continues. “We are concerned by statements from OTF’s former CEO that USAGM is now seeking to steer its funds to programs that do not meet this necessary qualifications.”
The letter comes on the heels of a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday by OTF and other recent project leaders dismissed in the recent purge. The lawsuit alleges that Pack lacked the legal authority to carry out the firings, as they constitute a form of political interference that’s explicitly forbidden in the statute authorizing the agency.
As the complaint describes it, OTF and other groups organized under USAGM are insulated from political interference by a “firewall” provision in the International Broadcasting Act.


theverge--2020-06-24--Pokémon Unite is a League of Legends-style team-based strategy game

The latest pokémon adventure is a real-time , team-based strategy game called Pokémon Unite .
The game is being developed @ @ @ @ @ Studios , the same studio behind massive free-to-play online games like Honor of Kings and @ @ @ @ @ .
The game looks a lot like MOBAs , particularly League of Legends , with @ @ @ @ @ each other and leveling up over the course of a match while completing objectives .
@ @ @ @ @ reminiscent of existing team strategy games .
It ’ ll be a free-to-start game on @ @ @ @ @ mobile , with crossplay for multiplayer .
Today ’ s news caps off a busy @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week saw the release of the first major expansion for Pokémon Sword and @ @ @ @ @ announcements of New Pokémon Snap for the Switch , Pokémon Café Mix ( which is @ @ @ @ @ an AR game to help kids brush their teeth .

The latest pokémon adventure is a real-time, team-based strategy game called Pokémon Unite. The game is being developed by Tencent’s TiMi Studios, the same studio behind massive free-to-play online games like Honor of Kings and Call of Duty: Mobile.
The game looks a lot like MOBAs, particularly League of Legends, with teams of five battling against each other and leveling up over the course of a match while completing objectives. The multi-lane map is even reminiscent of existing team strategy games. It’ll be a free-to-start game on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile, with crossplay for multiplayer.
Today’s news caps off a busy period for the Pokémon franchise. Last week saw the release of the first major expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, along with the announcements of New Pokémon Snap for the Switch, Pokémon Café Mix (which is out today), and an AR game to help kids brush their teeth.


theverge--2020-06-24--Startup on quest to 3D-print rockets now has a second launch site on the California coast

Rocket startup Relativity Space is expanding its launch sites from one to two , with a new agreement to fly its future rocket out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California .
The deal means Relativity , which already has a lease for a launch site in Cape Canaveral , Florida , will be able to fly from either the East or West Coast of the United States when its rocket is ready .
Based out of Los Angeles , Relativity Space is an ambitious rocket startup aimed at creating the first fully 3D-printed rocket .
The company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Origin , is currently developing its first rocket called the Terran 1 .
The goal is for every part of Terran 1 — including its engines , fuselage , and propellant tanks — to be 3D-printed in order to minimize the amount of workforce needed to manufacture the rocket and bring down costs .
Relativity created its own 3D printer called Stargate to get the job done , and the company recently moved into a new 120,000-square-foot facility in Long Beach , California , to further develop the rocket .
Relativity has signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Vandenberg Air Force Base In January of last year , Relativity announced it had signed an agreement to launch out of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from a site called LC-16 .
The company plans to ramp up construction on the site to prepare for the inaugural flight of the Terran 1 currently scheduled for the end of 2021 .
In the meantime , Relativity has signed a “ Right Of Entry Agreement ” at Vandenberg Air Force Base .
The company is eyeing moving into a site called Building 330 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We have a site identified ; we ’ ve gone through a program review ; we ’ ve done the initial paperwork for actually getting the first step towards a site awarded , ” Tim Ellis , CEO of Relativity Space , tells The Verge .
“ It means that we ’ re actually launching from this facility.
” He says that the new location will allow the company to launch to orbits that pass north to south and over poles , which its rockets could not reach from launching eastward from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of moving into its new launch site , customers are taking notice .
Relativity is also announcing that satellite operator Iridium will launch six satellites on the Terran 1 .
Iridium finished launching its new constellation of satellites in early 2019 , putting up 66 operational satellites and nine in-orbit spares on SpaceX ’ s Falcon 9 rocket .
However , the company manufactured six spare satellites that have remained in storage on the ground , and Iridium wants the option to launch those in the future .
Relativity ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time , with all of the launches taking place out of Vandenberg .
Satellite operator Iridium will also launch six satellites on the Terran 1 Ellis says that the new launch site , combined with Relativity ’ s new 3D-printing technique , helped secure the deal .
“ That ’ s why Iridium chose us , ” he says .
“ It was just confidence in our ability to get a successful launch off , and then also how disruptive the payload performance capability was and price that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech.
” Relativity has said that one flight of its Terran 1 , which can carry roughly 2,755 pounds ( 1,250 kilograms ) to low Earth orbit , will start at $ 10 million .
There ’ s still a long way to go to prove that Relativity ’ s rocket-building technique will work and be cost-effective .
Ellis expects to start piecing together the rocket and doing testing on it toward the end of this year .
But the company has made significant milestones in its short five-year lifetime .
Engineers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple test sites out of NASA ’ s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi .
Late last year , the company announced it had raised a total of $ 185 million , which will be enough to fund its first commercial missions .
Relativity also continues to bring on well-known talent within the space industry .
In May , the company hired Zachary Dunn from SpaceX who had worked for the Elon Musk-led company for more than a decade and was the senior vice president of production and launch .
And despite the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ramping up its hiring .
The addition of a second launch site is just another big milestone , one Ellis hopes will cement the company as a major player .
“ I mean when you look at how many companies are actually bicoastal and have major launch facilities , it ’ s a huge sign of confidence in Relativity ’ s approach , ” he says .

Rocket startup Relativity Space is expanding its launch sites from one to two, with a new agreement to fly its future rocket out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California. The deal means Relativity, which already has a lease for a launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida, will be able to fly from either the East or West Coast of the United States when its rocket is ready.
Based out of Los Angeles, Relativity Space is an ambitious rocket startup aimed at creating the first fully 3D-printed rocket. The company, started by engineers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, is currently developing its first rocket called the Terran 1. The goal is for every part of Terran 1 — including its engines, fuselage, and propellant tanks — to be 3D-printed in order to minimize the amount of workforce needed to manufacture the rocket and bring down costs. Relativity created its own 3D printer called Stargate to get the job done, and the company recently moved into a new 120,000-square-foot facility in Long Beach, California, to further develop the rocket.
Relativity has signed a “Right Of Entry Agreement” at Vandenberg Air Force Base
In January of last year, Relativity announced it had signed an agreement to launch out of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from a site called LC-16. The company plans to ramp up construction on the site to prepare for the inaugural flight of the Terran 1 currently scheduled for the end of 2021. In the meantime, Relativity has signed a “Right Of Entry Agreement” at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The company is eyeing moving into a site called Building 330 and taking over the land surrounding it.
“We have a site identified; we’ve gone through a program review; we’ve done the initial paperwork for actually getting the first step towards a site awarded,” Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity Space, tells The Verge. “It means that we’re actually launching from this facility.” He says that the new location will allow the company to launch to orbits that pass north to south and over poles, which its rockets could not reach from launching eastward from the Cape.
As the company begins the process of moving into its new launch site, customers are taking notice. Relativity is also announcing that satellite operator Iridium will launch six satellites on the Terran 1. Iridium finished launching its new constellation of satellites in early 2019, putting up 66 operational satellites and nine in-orbit spares on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. However, the company manufactured six spare satellites that have remained in storage on the ground, and Iridium wants the option to launch those in the future. Relativity’s Terran 1 will loft one Iridium satellite at a time, with all of the launches taking place out of Vandenberg.
Satellite operator Iridium will also launch six satellites on the Terran 1
Ellis says that the new launch site, combined with Relativity’s new 3D-printing technique, helped secure the deal. “That’s why Iridium chose us,” he says. “It was just confidence in our ability to get a successful launch off, and then also how disruptive the payload performance capability was and price that we’re able to provide because of that 3D-printing tech.” Relativity has said that one flight of its Terran 1, which can carry roughly 2,755 pounds (1,250 kilograms) to low Earth orbit, will start at $10 million.
There’s still a long way to go to prove that Relativity’s rocket-building technique will work and be cost-effective. Ellis expects to start piecing together the rocket and doing testing on it toward the end of this year. But the company has made significant milestones in its short five-year lifetime. Engineers at the company have tested their engines at multiple test sites out of NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Late last year, the company announced it had raised a total of $185 million, which will be enough to fund its first commercial missions. Relativity also continues to bring on well-known talent within the space industry. In May, the company hired Zachary Dunn from SpaceX who had worked for the Elon Musk-led company for more than a decade and was the senior vice president of production and launch. And despite the economic downturn due to COVID-19, Relativity is ramping up its hiring.


theverge--2020-06-24--Why are iOS 14 default apps limited to just browser and email apps?

Apple made a quiet and significant change to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 this week , allowing users to set default email and browser apps .
It ’ s a move that means iPhone and iPad owners will be able to click on web links or email addresses in any app and have them open in their favorite browser or email client .
But that ’ s as far as Apple ’ s default apps choices go .
Apple will still force everyone to use its own apps for photos , maps , music , messaging , calendars , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app is great for the basics , but there are so many better alternatives that offer advanced RAW shooting and other powerful tools that you might want to open from the lock screen shortcut or just appear automatically within apps that leverage the camera .
Apple could improve the camera situation by opening it up to third parties as others have in the past .
While Windows Phone supported default app switching for the camera , Microsoft and Nokia went further by allowing developers to build special third-party “ Lenses ” into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could extend the default way to capture photos without having to switch to different apps , all while having these extensions appear in every app that uses the camera .
Apple Maps has gradually improved over the years , but Google Maps is still far superior outside the US .
Unfortunately , you can ’ t set Google Maps as the universal default for navigation and mapping .
That hasn ’ t changed with iOS 14 , even though many apps already offer a user-adjustable setting to launch Google Maps or Apple Maps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said much about its decision to limit default app changes to just the browser and email , but it certainly feels like an easy capitulation just as the company faces greater scrutiny from regulators over its App Store practices .
Apple has defaulted to its own apps for years , and competitors like Spotify have argued that it uses these defaults to crush competition .
Siri has always been locked to Apple Music , and Spotify only just started working with the digital assistant last year .
Apple also locked the HomePod to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cumbersome process .
Despite Apple ’ s changes to Siri in iOS 13 last year , you still have to awkwardly say , “ Hey Siri , play Taylor Swift on Spotify , ” instead of the default “ play Taylor Swift , ” which pulls songs directly from Apple Music on an iPhone .
iOS 14 also won ’ t allow changes to the default voice assistant .
Siri remains the only legitimate choice for voice commands , and it ’ s not clear if the default search queries within Siri — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Music — will change with this update .
You can at least launch the superior Google Assistant through new back tap gestures that are coming in iOS 14 .
Defaults like Siri pushing you to use Apple Music or Safari returning Google search results also help net Apple billions of dollars in services revenue every year .
While licensing agreements are an opaque area of Apple ’ s business , we do know Google paid $ 1 billion to stay as the default search in Safari back in 2014 .
Some analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 billion per year .
While Apple still generates the majority of its revenue through pure hardware sales , its services business has been growing rapidly in recent years .
This puts an even bigger spotlight on defaults and Apple ’ s ability to leverage its operating system to push its own services in ways that rivals could never do .
Apple decided last year that it ’ s fine for it to use push notifications to promote its new Apple TV Plus subscription service , even though third-party app developers are prohibited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing its walls down , either by choice or because of looming pressure from regulators .
Many iPhone and iPad users will be happy they can finally set default apps for their browser and email apps , but those same people are probably wondering , like I am , why Apple hasn ’ t gone further .

Apple made a quiet and significant change to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 this week, allowing users to set default email and browser apps. It’s a move that means iPhone and iPad owners will be able to click on web links or email addresses in any app and have them open in their favorite browser or email client. But that’s as far as Apple’s default apps choices go. Apple will still force everyone to use its own apps for photos, maps, music, messaging, calendars, and more.
Apple’s built-in camera app is great for the basics, but there are so many better alternatives that offer advanced RAW shooting and other powerful tools that you might want to open from the lock screen shortcut or just appear automatically within apps that leverage the camera. Apple could improve the camera situation by opening it up to third parties as others have in the past.
While Windows Phone supported default app switching for the camera, Microsoft and Nokia went further by allowing developers to build special third-party “Lenses” into the main camera app. It meant you could extend the default way to capture photos without having to switch to different apps, all while having these extensions appear in every app that uses the camera.
Windows Phone Lenses. Image: dpreview
Apple Maps has gradually improved over the years, but Google Maps is still far superior outside the US. Unfortunately, you can’t set Google Maps as the universal default for navigation and mapping. That hasn’t changed with iOS 14, even though many apps already offer a user-adjustable setting to launch Google Maps or Apple Maps by default.
Apple hasn’t said much about its decision to limit default app changes to just the browser and email, but it certainly feels like an easy capitulation just as the company faces greater scrutiny from regulators over its App Store practices. Apple has defaulted to its own apps for years, and competitors like Spotify have argued that it uses these defaults to crush competition.
Siri has always been locked to Apple Music, and Spotify only just started working with the digital assistant last year. Apple also locked the HomePod to Apple Music, making Spotify playback a cumbersome process. Despite Apple’s changes to Siri in iOS 13 last year, you still have to awkwardly say, “Hey Siri, play Taylor Swift on Spotify,” instead of the default “play Taylor Swift,” which pulls songs directly from Apple Music on an iPhone.
iOS 14 also won’t allow changes to the default voice assistant. Siri remains the only legitimate choice for voice commands, and it’s not clear if the default search queries within Siri — like identifying songs and pushing you to Apple Music — will change with this update. You can at least launch the superior Google Assistant through new back tap gestures that are coming in iOS 14.
Apple’s HomePod. Photo by James Bareham / The Verge
Defaults like Siri pushing you to use Apple Music or Safari returning Google search results also help net Apple billions of dollars in services revenue every year. While licensing agreements are an opaque area of Apple’s business, we do know Google paid $1 billion to stay as the default search in Safari back in 2014. Some analysts claim these payments now total over $9 billion per year.
While Apple still generates the majority of its revenue through pure hardware sales, its services business has been growing rapidly in recent years. This puts an even bigger spotlight on defaults and Apple’s ability to leverage its operating system to push its own services in ways that rivals could never do. Apple decided last year that it’s fine for it to use push notifications to promote its new Apple TV Plus subscription service, even though third-party app developers are prohibited from doing this.
Related How Apple makes billions of dollars selling services