theverge--2020-08-10--The big legal questions behind Trump’s TikTok and WeChat bans

The Trump administration has escalated its threats to ban Chinese social media apps TikTok and WeChat within the US , issuing executive orders last week sanctioning them .
The orders will ban “ transactions ” between US entities and the parent companies of TikTok and WeChat ( respectively ByteDance and Tencent ) .
They leave a lot of unanswered questions , but they ’ re a threatening development for the companies , thanks to presidents ’ broad sanctions powers .
On August 6th , Trump declared TikTok and WeChat a “ national emergency ” because of real — but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( IEEPA ) , which lets him ban transactions between US and foreign entities .
This requires less evidence of wrongdoing than putting ByteDance on the Department of Commerce ’ s banned “ entity list , ” something the Trump administration did with Chinese telecom Huawei .
And the likely outcome is similar .
Apple and Google could have to stop offering TikTok and WeChat on their app stores , and other parts of Tencent ’ s massive tech and media empire could suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t necessarily be forced off the network , however , the way they ’ d be with China ’ s site-blocking Great Firewall .
“ The legal authority for these executive orders is incredibly broad , ” says attorney Brian Fleming , a former counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security .
“ It gives the president a lot of latitude to determine and declare national emergencies.
” Trump threatened to use IEEPA powers last year when he demanded US companies leave China .
( He didn ’ t follow through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know exactly what ’ s getting banned now , though .
The rules don ’ t take effect for 45 days , and the orders basically leave “ transactions ” as a blank check , giving the Secretary of Commerce the full 45-day period to list specific prohibitions .
The results might depend on what these companies to do placate Trump .
If ByteDance sells off TikTok , Fleming says , the sanctions for ByteDance itself might be light — and the newly all-American TikTok wouldn ’ t face any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s sanctions have proven far more complicated because of its massive size .
The administration told reporters it ’ s not banning the popular Tencent-owned game League of Legends , for example , but that ’ s not remotely clear in the order .
There ’ s at least one major wrinkle in both cases : while sanctions are nothing new , the ByteDance and Tencent orders ban Americans from accessing a piece of software and ( at least in theory ) the content on its network .
This is unusual and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t apply in other IEEPA cases — including arguments that apps like TikTok are protected speech , or that banning them would infringe on users ’ ability to engage in it .
Would kicking the apps off stores violate the First Amendment ?
The American Civil Liberties Union argues that speech concerns render Trump ’ s order unconstitutional .
“ This is another abuse of emergency powers under the broad guise of national security , ” said ACLU national security head Hina Shamsi in a statement .
“ It would violate the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States by subjecting them to civil and possibly criminal penalties for communicating with family members , friends , or business contacts.
” TechDirt ’ s Mike Masnick also notes that an IEEPA exemption bars “ directly or indirectly ” prohibiting any “ information or informational material ” from import or export .
The category includes CD-ROMs , newswire services , and films .
ByteDance and Tencent could claim apps count as well .
Fleming agrees that the companies could argue either of these cases , but he ’ s skeptical of both .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the First Amendment case against the evidence for a national security threat .
“ There ’ s heavy deference to executive action in this area , especially when national security is invoked , ” he says .
Trump has issued several executive orders that were immediately challenged , but policies like his “ Muslim ban ” immigration restrictions have repeatedly crept back into court after being declared unlawful .
Moreover , we aren ’ t sure who might file a legal case yet .
TikTok said the order had “ no adherence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reportedly planning to sue as early as Tuesday , arguing that it wasn ’ t given reasonable notice of the ban .
On the other hand , if it closes a deal with an American company , there ’ s less reason to invite legal trouble .
Tencent also has motivation to file a legal challenge — among other things , losing its relationship with Apple would deal a huge blow to both companies in the Chinese market .
If the order stands , how much would it affect American app users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ultimately symbolic .
The company was already facing pressure to spin off TikTok from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ( CFIUS ) , and Microsoft seemed likely to seek a deal without this overt ban attempt .
( Twitter is reportedly also interested . )
Tencent ’ s case could be much more important , particularly since there are no clear plans to spin off WeChat in the US .
WeChat has a smaller American presence than TikTok , but many users specifically want to connect with family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the markets would be even more difficult than cutting up TikTok .
Apple and Google haven ’ t said whether they would remove WeChat or TikTok under these orders , but if the order bans transactions and isn ’ t declared unlawful , they ’ d theoretically have to .
The executive orders escalate a US-China trade war that ’ s been running through Trump ’ s entire tenure as president , but their future depends on what happens in November .
If Vice President Joe Biden defeats Trump in the 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse orders like the immigration ban , and he could take a different stance on Chinese social media apps as well .
But early signs suggest he ’ s not a fan of TikTok either — he recently told staff members to delete it from their phones .

The Trump administration has escalated its threats to ban Chinese social media apps TikTok and WeChat within the US, issuing executive orders last week sanctioning them. The orders will ban “transactions” between US entities and the parent companies of TikTok and WeChat (respectively ByteDance and Tencent). They leave a lot of unanswered questions, but they’re a threatening development for the companies, thanks to presidents’ broad sanctions powers.
On August 6th, Trump declared TikTok and WeChat a “national emergency” because of real — but also politically convenient — privacy and security concerns. He invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which lets him ban transactions between US and foreign entities. This requires less evidence of wrongdoing than putting ByteDance on the Department of Commerce’s banned “entity list,” something the Trump administration did with Chinese telecom Huawei. And the likely outcome is similar. Apple and Google could have to stop offering TikTok and WeChat on their app stores, and other parts of Tencent’s massive tech and media empire could suffer too. Existing app users wouldn’t necessarily be forced off the network, however, the way they’d be with China’s site-blocking Great Firewall.
TikTok is now a national emergency
“The legal authority for these executive orders is incredibly broad,” says attorney Brian Fleming, a former counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “It gives the president a lot of latitude to determine and declare national emergencies.” Trump threatened to use IEEPA powers last year when he demanded US companies leave China. (He didn’t follow through with that particular ultimatum.)
We don’t know exactly what’s getting banned now, though. The rules don’t take effect for 45 days, and the orders basically leave “transactions” as a blank check, giving the Secretary of Commerce the full 45-day period to list specific prohibitions. The results might depend on what these companies to do placate Trump.
If ByteDance sells off TikTok, Fleming says, the sanctions for ByteDance itself might be light — and the newly all-American TikTok wouldn’t face any at all. Meanwhile, Tencent’s sanctions have proven far more complicated because of its massive size. The administration told reporters it’s not banning the popular Tencent-owned game League of Legends, for example, but that’s not remotely clear in the order.
There’s at least one major wrinkle in both cases: while sanctions are nothing new, the ByteDance and Tencent orders ban Americans from accessing a piece of software and (at least in theory) the content on its network. This is unusual and could raise First Amendment questions that don’t apply in other IEEPA cases — including arguments that apps like TikTok are protected speech, or that banning them would infringe on users’ ability to engage in it.
Would kicking the apps off stores violate the First Amendment?
The American Civil Liberties Union argues that speech concerns render Trump’s order unconstitutional. “This is another abuse of emergency powers under the broad guise of national security,” said ACLU national security head Hina Shamsi in a statement. “It would violate the First Amendment rights of users in the United States by subjecting them to civil and possibly criminal penalties for communicating with family members, friends, or business contacts.”
TechDirt’s Mike Masnick also notes that an IEEPA exemption bars “directly or indirectly” prohibiting any “information or informational material” from import or export. The category includes CD-ROMs, newswire services, and films. ByteDance and Tencent could claim apps count as well.
Fleming agrees that the companies could argue either of these cases, but he’s skeptical of both. He believes courts would have to weigh the First Amendment case against the evidence for a national security threat. “There’s heavy deference to executive action in this area, especially when national security is invoked,” he says.
Trump has issued several executive orders that were immediately challenged, but policies like his “Muslim ban” immigration restrictions have repeatedly crept back into court after being declared unlawful. Moreover, we aren’t sure who might file a legal case yet. TikTok said the order had “no adherence to the law,” and it’s reportedly planning to sue as early as Tuesday, arguing that it wasn’t given reasonable notice of the ban. On the other hand, if it closes a deal with an American company, there’s less reason to invite legal trouble. Tencent also has motivation to file a legal challenge — among other things, losing its relationship with Apple would deal a huge blow to both companies in the Chinese market.
ByteDance looked ready to sell already
If the order stands, how much would it affect American app users? Well, the ByteDance order might be ultimately symbolic. The company was already facing pressure to spin off TikTok from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and Microsoft seemed likely to seek a deal without this overt ban attempt. (Twitter is reportedly also interested.)
Tencent’s case could be much more important, particularly since there are no clear plans to spin off WeChat in the US. WeChat has a smaller American presence than TikTok, but many users specifically want to connect with family and friends in China, so splitting the markets would be even more difficult than cutting up TikTok. Apple and Google haven’t said whether they would remove WeChat or TikTok under these orders, but if the order bans transactions and isn’t declared unlawful, they’d theoretically have to.


theverge--2020-08-10--E Ink demos a folding e-reader that can also take notes

Folding smartphones are slowly making their way into the mainstream .
Could foldable e-readers be next ?
The E Ink Corporation , the company behind the digital paper tech found in the majority of e-readers , is trying to make it happen .
The firm ’ s R & D lab has been developing foldable e-ink screens for a while , and its latest prototype clearly demonstrates the idea ’ s potential .
The video above comes from GoodEReader.com and shows a foldable e-reader prototype developed by E Ink .
An earlier version came out in June , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five dedicated buttons down the right hand side of the device , and two lightbars positioned at the top of the screen for illumination .
There ’ s also integrated Wacom technology for taking notes , making annotations , and highlighting passages with a stylus .
The overall concept is intriguing .
As with folding smartphones , a foldable e reader promises more screen real estate in a smaller package .
There ’ s also the pleasing familiarity of the folding format , making the device more like a book or notepad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sync reading material and you ’ d have an extremely useful bit of kit .
But it seems the technology is not quite there just yet .
The bezels on this prototype are huge , the flip-up lightbars are reminiscent of gadgets from the 1990s , while note-taking on e-readers generally is still constrained by low latency .
Using e-readers to take notes is certainly a growing market , but it ’ s not yet a seamless enough experience to overtake old fashioned pen and paper .
Still , we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with interest .

Folding smartphones are slowly making their way into the mainstream. Could foldable e-readers be next? The E Ink Corporation, the company behind the digital paper tech found in the majority of e-readers, is trying to make it happen. The firm’s R&D lab has been developing foldable e-ink screens for a while, and its latest prototype clearly demonstrates the idea’s potential.
The video above comes from GoodEReader.com and shows a foldable e-reader prototype developed by E Ink. An earlier version came out in June, but the latest hardware adds a sturdier hinge, five dedicated buttons down the right hand side of the device, and two lightbars positioned at the top of the screen for illumination. There’s also integrated Wacom technology for taking notes, making annotations, and highlighting passages with a stylus.
The folding action looks smooth, even though the prototype hardware isn’t ready for the mainstream. GIF: GoodEReader.com
The overall concept is intriguing. As with folding smartphones, a foldable e reader promises more screen real estate in a smaller package. There’s also the pleasing familiarity of the folding format, making the device more like a book or notepad. Add in the capacity to take notes and sync reading material and you’d have an extremely useful bit of kit.


theverge--2020-08-10--WhatsApp working on multiple device support with chat sync

Facebook-owned WhatsApp appears to be working on new multiple device support with synchronized chat history .
WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ use an account on multiple devices , including a separate iPad app .
WhatsApp currently @ @ @ @ @ Web , which connects back to a phone account .
WhatsApp Web requires a phone @ @ @ @ @ connected to the web , but this new multiple device support won ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ a phone and will allow people to use WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously .
This @ @ @ @ @ which has been rumored for months , will also likely support chat history sync , @ @ @ @ @ their messages across devices .
WABetaInfo also reports that WhatsApp will release its long-rumored iPad @ @ @ @ @ support is ready to be released .
WhatsApp now has 2 billion users and has @ @ @ @ @ the forwarding of viral messages in recent months .
WhatsApp also added a search feature @ @ @ @ @ debunk misinformation that can spread on the messaging service .

Facebook-owned WhatsApp appears to be working on new multiple device support with synchronized chat history. WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is testing the ability to use an account on multiple devices, including a separate iPad app. WhatsApp currently supports multiple devices through WhatsApp Web, which connects back to a phone account.
WhatsApp Web requires a phone to be powered on and connected to the web, but this new multiple device support won’t need to constantly connect back to a phone and will allow people to use WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously.
This new multiple devices feature, which has been rumored for months, will also likely support chat history sync, allowing WhatsApp users to sync their messages across devices. WABetaInfo also reports that WhatsApp will release its long-rumored iPad app once the multiple devices support is ready to be released.


theverge--2020-08-10--Brydge releases new line of ‘Designed for Surface’ keyboards and accessories

On August 17th , Brydge will begin selling a new lineup of Surface accessories that have the “ Designed for Surface ” badge , meaning that they were made in collaboration with Microsoft .
The lineup includes keyboards for the Surface Pro and Surface Go , but the most intriguing product in the group is the $ 99.99 W-Touch standalone trackpad .
It ’ s apparently the first standalone wireless trackpad made for Windows 10 .
The W-Touch is like a Magic Trackpad 2 that ’ s built for Windows 10 instead , coated in a striking black with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connectivity and it supports Precision drivers and multitouch gestures , like pinch to zoom , and multifinger swipes to switch desktops .
This trackpad has a large glass surface to comfortably move around in , measuring at 5.5 inches across and 3.3 inches deep , so a little smaller than Apple ’ s version but still spacious .
The W-Touch is said to delivery one-month battery life , and it recharges via USB-C. One hundred dollars isn ’ t cheap for a trackpad , but as the only standalone , wireless option made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set the price .
I haven ’ t had a chance to try it yet , but it could be a great accessory to have around if a mouse doesn ’ t jive with your workflow .
Brydge is also releasing the W-Type to complement the W-Touch .
It ’ s a full-size wireless keyboard with aluminum detailing and a complete row of function keys .
Right out of the gate , it seems like an excellent value at $ 59.99 .
The overall design , and even the printing on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessory that Microsoft might make — and perhaps severely overcharge for .
The keys use a scissor mechanism and each has 2mm travel , which Brydge claims is the “ perfect ” amount of key travel .
If it ’ s anything like what the Surface Laptop 3 has built in , there ’ s plenty of reason to get excited .
This model has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with support for up to four devices , so you can easily switch the computer to which it ’ s connected .
Brydge claims it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charge .
When it zaps out , you can charge it via USB-C. Rounding out the lineup are the new Brydge 12.3 Pro Plus and 10.5 Go Plus keyboards .
The $ 149.99 Pro Plus model works with the Surface Pro 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 , while the $ 129.99 Go Plus works with the Surface Go and Go 2 .
Both feature Bluetooth 5.0 , backlit keys , Windows Precision trackpads with full multitouch gesture support , USB-C ports for charging , and an antimicrobial coating on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keyboard for the Surface Pro for some time now — this new model has a redesigned hinge , 70 percent larger trackpad , native multi-touch control in Windows , updated Bluetooth connectivity , and a plastic deck as opposed to aluminum .
( The bottom of the keyboard is still metal . )
It also weighs 70 grams less .
Like the Brydge Pro Plus keyboard for the iPad Pro , these turn your Surface into a more traditional clamshell laptop that can be easily balanced on your lap or closed up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to use the Surface as a tablet , you can just pop it out of the Brydge ’ s hinge and go .
Compared to Microsoft ’ s Surface keyboards , the Brydge provides a more stable typing experience and longer travel on the keys .
But it does require charging roughly every three months and Bluetooth isn ’ t as reliable of a connection as the pogo pins the Surface keyboards use .
It also makes the Surface noticeably thicker and heavier , but it ’ s still a quite portable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on sale starting August 17th , and aside from the 10.5 Go Plus that ships the week of September 7th , the others will ship the week of August 31st .

On August 17th, Brydge will begin selling a new lineup of Surface accessories that have the “Designed for Surface” badge, meaning that they were made in collaboration with Microsoft. The lineup includes keyboards for the Surface Pro and Surface Go, but the most intriguing product in the group is the $99.99 W-Touch standalone trackpad. It’s apparently the first standalone wireless trackpad made for Windows 10.
The W-Touch is like a Magic Trackpad 2 that’s built for Windows 10 instead, coated in a striking black with an aluminum build. It has Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity and it supports Precision drivers and multitouch gestures, like pinch to zoom, and multifinger swipes to switch desktops. This trackpad has a large glass surface to comfortably move around in, measuring at 5.5 inches across and 3.3 inches deep, so a little smaller than Apple’s version but still spacious.
The W-Touch is said to delivery one-month battery life, and it recharges via USB-C. One hundred dollars isn’t cheap for a trackpad, but as the only standalone, wireless option made in partnership with Microsoft, Brydge gets to set the price. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but it could be a great accessory to have around if a mouse doesn’t jive with your workflow.
Both the Brydge W-Touch and W-Type claim one month of battery life per charge. Also, each features a USB-C port to make recharging easy. Photo: Brydge
Brydge is also releasing the W-Type to complement the W-Touch. It’s a full-size wireless keyboard with aluminum detailing and a complete row of function keys. Right out of the gate, it seems like an excellent value at $59.99. The overall design, and even the printing on the keys, makes it look like an accessory that Microsoft might make — and perhaps severely overcharge for. The keys use a scissor mechanism and each has 2mm travel, which Brydge claims is the “perfect” amount of key travel. If it’s anything like what the Surface Laptop 3 has built in, there’s plenty of reason to get excited.
This model has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with support for up to four devices, so you can easily switch the computer to which it’s connected. Brydge claims it can last up to a month on a charge. When it zaps out, you can charge it via USB-C.
Rounding out the lineup are the new Brydge 12.3 Pro Plus and 10.5 Go Plus keyboards. The $149.99 Pro Plus model works with the Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, and 7, while the $139.99 Go Plus works with the Surface Go and Go 2. Both feature Bluetooth 5.0, backlit keys, Windows Precision trackpads with full multitouch gesture support, USB-C ports for charging, and an antimicrobial coating on the deck. Brydge has had a keyboard for the Surface Pro for some time now — this new model has a redesigned hinge, 70 percent larger trackpad, native multi-touch control in Windows, updated Bluetooth connectivity, and a plastic deck as opposed to aluminum. (The bottom of the keyboard is still metal.) It also weighs 70 grams less.
The Brydge 12.3 Pro Plus keyboard attaches to the Surface Pro with hinge clamps to turn it into a traditional laptop. Photo: Brydge
Like the Brydge Pro Plus keyboard for the iPad Pro, these turn your Surface into a more traditional clamshell laptop that can be easily balanced on your lap or closed up and thrown in a bag. When you want to use the Surface as a tablet, you can just pop it out of the Brydge’s hinge and go.
Compared to Microsoft’s Surface keyboards, the Brydge provides a more stable typing experience and longer travel on the keys. But it does require charging roughly every three months and Bluetooth isn’t as reliable of a connection as the pogo pins the Surface keyboards use. It also makes the Surface noticeably thicker and heavier, but it’s still a quite portable package.
All of these products will go on sale starting August 17th, and aside from the 10.5 Go Plus that ships the week of September 7th, the others will ship the week of August 31st.


theverge--2020-08-09--Amazon might convert old Sears and JC Penny stores into fulfillment centers

Amazon has had talks with Simon Property Group about converting some of its mall spaces into fulfillment centers , The Wall Street Journal reported .
The conversations started before the coronavirus pandemic , and before the latest wave of bankruptcy filings by mall stalwarts like Lord & Taylor , JCPenney , and Nieman Marcus .
It ’ s a bit of an on-the-nose example of how e-commerce is overtaking the traditional brick-and-mortar retail establishments that used to be at the center of the shopping mall experience .
Simon is the biggest mall owner in the US , and looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind by former anchor tenants like Sears and JCPenney .
Having its fulfillment center warehouses closer to residential areas would help Amazon make deliveries more quickly , the WSJ notes .
It ’ s not clear where or how many stores Amazon is considering , or how smaller mall tenants might feel about sharing a roof with the e-comm retail giant .
Some malls across the US rent parking lots to Amazon vehicles already , but it would be unusual for a company like Simon to lease retail space directly to Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the pandemic has slammed most retailers , Amazon reported in its second-quarter earnings results that it doubled its net profit year over year to $ 5.2 billion .

Amazon has had talks with Simon Property Group about converting some of its mall spaces into fulfillment centers, The Wall Street Journal reported. The conversations started before the coronavirus pandemic, and before the latest wave of bankruptcy filings by mall stalwarts like Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, and Nieman Marcus. It’s a bit of an on-the-nose example of how e-commerce is overtaking the traditional brick-and-mortar retail establishments that used to be at the center of the shopping mall experience.
Simon is the biggest mall owner in the US, and looking to fill empty retail spaces, particularly those left behind by former anchor tenants like Sears and JCPenney. Having its fulfillment center warehouses closer to residential areas would help Amazon make deliveries more quickly, the WSJ notes.
It’s not clear where or how many stores Amazon is considering, or how smaller mall tenants might feel about sharing a roof with the e-comm retail giant. Some malls across the US rent parking lots to Amazon vehicles already, but it would be unusual for a company like Simon to lease retail space directly to Amazon, as the WSJ points out.


theverge--2020-08-10--Nreal’s augmented reality glasses are shipping this month in Korea

The Nreal Light mixed reality glasses are shipping in Korea alongside Samsung ’ s newly announced Galaxy Note 20 .
LG Uplus will sell the glasses as a standalone device for 699,000KRW ( around $ 586 ) , and it ’ s bundling them with the Galaxy Note 20 or LG Velvet and a 5G data plan for 349,500KRW ( around $ 295 ) .
Preorders open on August 11th , and the headsets will be available in stores on August 21st .
The Nreal Light ( also referred to as “ U+ Real Glass ” ) is a light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computing device — in this case , the Galaxy Note 20 .
It uses spatial tracking and projected images to overlay apps onto the real world , and Nreal pitches it as a more spacious alternative to a smartphone when you ’ re watching videos , playing games , or reading websites .
It ’ s promising to support Chrome , Facebook , and Instagram , among other apps , at launch .
The consumer retail version comes with an array of nose clips to fit different faces , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VR cover ” that blocks your outside vision to create a clearer picture .
Nreal previously shipped a $ 1,199 developer kit that included a controller and a dedicated mini-computer .
The consumer version of the glasses will use a phone-based control system , and Nreal announced that it would bring hand tracking to the glasses at some point as well.å Nreal is one of only a few companies still trying to sell general-purpose consumer smart glasses .
Competitor Magic Leap — which sued Nreal for “ blatant copying ” before having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its focus to enterprise mixed reality .
Google acquired the startup North and recently dropped support for the consumer glasses North launched in 2019 .
Augmented reality company Tilt Five is apparently still preparing to launch a pair of holographic glasses , but they ’ re specifically made for tabletop gaming .
China-based Nreal has also signed partnerships with Japanese carrier KDDI and Germany ’ s Deutsche Telekom , including a mixed reality incubator program with the latter .
It hasn ’ t announced plans for a US launch .

The Nreal Light mixed reality glasses are shipping in Korea alongside Samsung’s newly announced Galaxy Note 20. LG Uplus will sell the glasses as a standalone device for 699,000KRW (around $586), and it’s bundling them with the Galaxy Note 20 or LG Velvet and a 5G data plan for 349,500KRW (around $295). Preorders open on August 11th, and the headsets will be available in stores on August 21st.
The Nreal Light (also referred to as “U+ Real Glass”) is a light sunglasses-style headset that tethers to a separate computing device — in this case, the Galaxy Note 20. It uses spatial tracking and projected images to overlay apps onto the real world, and Nreal pitches it as a more spacious alternative to a smartphone when you’re watching videos, playing games, or reading websites. It’s promising to support Chrome, Facebook, and Instagram, among other apps, at launch.
The consumer retail version comes with an array of nose clips to fit different faces, as well as a corrective lens insert and a black “VR cover” that blocks your outside vision to create a clearer picture. Nreal previously shipped a $1,199 developer kit that included a controller and a dedicated mini-computer. The consumer version of the glasses will use a phone-based control system, and Nreal announced that it would bring hand tracking to the glasses at some point as well.
Nreal is one of only a few companies still trying to sell general-purpose consumer smart glasses. Competitor Magic Leap — which sued Nreal for “blatant copying” before having the suit dismissed in June — recently switched its focus to enterprise mixed reality. Google acquired the startup North and recently dropped support for the consumer glasses North launched in 2019. Augmented reality company Tilt Five is apparently still preparing to launch a pair of holographic glasses, but they’re specifically made for tabletop gaming.


theverge--2020-08-10--Google is delaying the shutdown of Chrome apps, but you probably weren’t using them anyway

Google is going to let you use Chrome apps for a little while longer , as the company on Monday announced an extension to its planned timeline to end support for the software ( via 9to5Google ) .
If you aren ’ t familiar with Chrome apps , they ’ re apps that you install in Chrome that work similarly to apps that you ’ d launch from your desktop — like this one for read-it-later app Pocket .
But they aren ’ t widely adopted — Google said that “ approximately 1 percent of users on Windows , Mac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps ” all the way back in August 2016 when it first announced plans to wind down support for the platform .
Chrome apps will work on Windows , Mac , and Linux until June 2021 In January , Google said Chrome apps would stop working on Windows , Mac , and Linux this year ( technically , the company set a June 2020 deadline , but it doesn ’ t look like it actually followed through ) .
Now , Google says Chrome apps will work on those platforms until June 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps on those platforms for an extra year , meaning they ’ ll work through June 2022 .
And if you ’ re a Chrome OS user , Google will now end support for Chrome apps in June 2022 instead of June of next year .
But no matter what platform you ’ re on , Google says support for Chrome apps will end on all platforms by June 2022 .
Chrome extensions will still work , though — and in fact , making an extension is one of the options that Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now need to transition away from Chrome apps but still want to offer similar functionality within the Chrome browser .

Google is going to let you use Chrome apps for a little while longer, as the company on Monday announced an extension to its planned timeline to end support for the software (via 9to5Google).
If you aren’t familiar with Chrome apps, they’re apps that you install in Chrome that work similarly to apps that you’d launch from your desktop — like this one for read-it-later app Pocket. But they aren’t widely adopted — Google said that “approximately 1 percent of users on Windows, Mac, and Linux actively use Chrome packaged apps” all the way back in August 2016 when it first announced plans to wind down support for the platform.
Chrome apps will work on Windows, Mac, and Linux until June 2021
In January, Google said Chrome apps would stop working on Windows, Mac, and Linux this year (technically, the company set a June 2020 deadline, but it doesn’t look like it actually followed through). Now, Google says Chrome apps will work on those platforms until June 2021. Organizations can extend support for Chrome apps on those platforms for an extra year, meaning they’ll work through June 2022.
And if you’re a Chrome OS user, Google will now end support for Chrome apps in June 2022 instead of June of next year. But no matter what platform you’re on, Google says support for Chrome apps will end on all platforms by June 2022.


theverge--2020-08-10--Minecraft: Education Edition is available on Chromebooks just in time for the school year

Microsoft is adding Chromebook support to Minecraft : Education Edition , offering another way for schools to teach virtually this upcoming school year .
Designed specifically for a classroom setting , Minecraft : Education Edition provides tools for educators like virtual chalkboards and a Classroom mode that allows teachers to communicate with their students and view where they are throughout the game world .
Educators can find user-created lessons on the Minecraft : Education Edition website that cover subjects including history and math .
The lessons have players exploring the game ’ s map , like one that has students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elements of the periodic table , that help kids learn by playing the game .
Minecraft : Education Edition originally came out in 2016 Minecraft : Education Edition on Chromebooks will offer the same features as other versions of the game , including cross-play support , so students can collaborate with players on Windows , iPads , and Macs .
On Chromebooks , students will actually be using the Android app of Minecraft : Education Edition which now has added Chrome OS support , so kids and teachers will need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Google Play Store .
Minecraft : Education Edition originally came out in 2016 .
Chromebooks have become the dominant computing platform in US schools , making up nearly 60 percent of computers purchased by K-12 schools in 2018 .
As the school year draws near , some school districts are looking at virtual classrooms as an option because of the coronavirus pandemic .

Microsoft is adding Chromebook support to Minecraft: Education Edition, offering another way for schools to teach virtually this upcoming school year.
Designed specifically for a classroom setting, Minecraft: Education Edition provides tools for educators like virtual chalkboards and a Classroom mode that allows teachers to communicate with their students and view where they are throughout the game world. Educators can find user-created lessons on the Minecraft: Education Edition website that cover subjects including history and math. The lessons have players exploring the game’s map, like one that has students going on a scavenger hunt to learn the elements of the periodic table, that help kids learn by playing the game.
Minecraft: Education Edition originally came out in 2016
Minecraft: Education Edition on Chromebooks will offer the same features as other versions of the game, including cross-play support, so students can collaborate with players on Windows, iPads, and Macs. On Chromebooks, students will actually be using the Android app of Minecraft: Education Edition which now has added Chrome OS support, so kids and teachers will need to be using newer devices that support installing apps from the Google Play Store. Minecraft: Education Edition originally came out in 2016.


theverge--2020-08-10--Hulu will stream Black-ish episode Disney controversially shelved in 2018

In November 2017 , Black-ish creator Kenya Barris wrote an episode of his Emmy-award winning ABC comedy titled “ Please , Baby , Please ” that tackled racism in America , ranging from the Charlottesville protests to kneeling in the NFL .
Just a week before it was set to air in 2018 , Disney shelved it .
Now , the episode will finally see the light of day on Disney ’ s general entertainment streaming service , Hulu .
“ We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us , like many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country and anxious about its future , ” Barris wrote in a statement on Twitter .
“ Those feelings poured onto the page , becoming 22 minutes of television that I was , and still am , incredibly proud of .
‘ Please , Baby , Please ’ didn ’ t make it to air that season and , while much has been speculated about its contents , the episode has never been seen publicly…until now.
” “ We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grappling with the state of our country.
” The episode is available to stream on Hulu right now , but it ’ s unclear if Disney has plans to air the episode on ABC .
The network could use new programming , and there is interest in the Black-ish episode following the company ’ s controversial decision to shelve it .
Originally , the network ’ s primary concerns were “ related to comments that characters made about President Donald Trump , not to the football storyline , ” according to Variety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests around the world fighting racism and injustice .
“ I can not wait for everyone to finally see the episode for themselves and , as was the case nearly three years ago , we hope it inspires some much-needed conversation — not only about what we were grappling with then or how it led to where we are now , but conversations about where we want our country to go moving forward and , most importantly , how we get there together , ” Barris wrote in his statement .
The episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling his son Devante a story about the first year of mankind on Earth , according to The Hollywood Reporter .
Combining allegorical storytelling and very real news clips , including kneeling NFL players and protesters , allows Barris and his team to address the anxiety much of the country faced on year into Trump ’ s presidency , the creator told THR back in 2018 .
Both Disney executives and Barris ’ team were on board with the episode — a high profile production that cost more than $ 3 million and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , a week before the episode were set to air , executives all the way up to then-CEO Bob Iger reportedly expressed concerns over alienating audiences , with Iger speaking to Barris about the “ political sensitivities of being a broadcast network in 2018.
” “ I can not wait for everyone to finally see the episode for themselves.
” Also worth noting : Disney was in the middle of trying to acquire 21st Century Fox .
Angering a Republican-led Department of Justice while trying to make a deal is something Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to THR .
The network suggested Barris and his team make edits to the episode , but “ it wasn ’ t as easy as a nip here or a tuck there , and the sheer tonnage of anti-Trump material rippling through the episode ultimately made the exercise futile , ” according to the Reporter .
Instead , both sides scrapped it .
Barris would go on to leave the ABC family and sign an overall deal with Netflix worth $ 100 million .
Now , the episode will live on Hulu for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general entertainment streaming service surpassed 35 million subscribers in June .

In November 2017, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris wrote an episode of his Emmy-award winning ABC comedy titled “Please, Baby, Please” that tackled racism in America, ranging from the Charlottesville protests to kneeling in the NFL. Just a week before it was set to air in 2018, Disney shelved it. Now, the episode will finally see the light of day on Disney’s general entertainment streaming service, Hulu.
“We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future,” Barris wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Those feelings poured onto the page, becoming 22 minutes of television that I was, and still am, incredibly proud of. ‘Please, Baby, Please’ didn’t make it to air that season and, while much has been speculated about its contents, the episode has never been seen publicly…until now.”
“We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country.”
The episode is available to stream on Hulu right now, but it’s unclear if Disney has plans to air the episode on ABC. The network could use new programming, and there is interest in the Black-ish episode following the company’s controversial decision to shelve it. Originally, the network’s primary concerns were “related to comments that characters made about President Donald Trump, not to the football storyline,” according to Variety. The episode arrives in wake of mass protests around the world fighting racism and injustice.
“I cannot wait for everyone to finally see the episode for themselves and, as was the case nearly three years ago, we hope it inspires some much-needed conversation — not only about what we were grappling with then or how it led to where we are now, but conversations about where we want our country to go moving forward and, most importantly, how we get there together,” Barris wrote in his statement.
The episode focuses on Anthony Anderson’s Dre telling his son Devante a story about the first year of mankind on Earth, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Combining allegorical storytelling and very real news clips, including kneeling NFL players and protesters, allows Barris and his team to address the anxiety much of the country faced on year into Trump’s presidency, the creator told THR back in 2018.
Both Disney executives and Barris’ team were on board with the episode — a high profile production that cost more than $3 million and had talent like Spike Lee attached. Then, a week before the episode were set to air, executives all the way up to then-CEO Bob Iger reportedly expressed concerns over alienating audiences, with Iger speaking to Barris about the “political sensitivities of being a broadcast network in 2018.”
“I cannot wait for everyone to finally see the episode for themselves.”
Also worth noting: Disney was in the middle of trying to acquire 21st Century Fox. Angering a Republican-led Department of Justice while trying to make a deal is something Disney executives apparently wanted to avoid, according to THR.
The network suggested Barris and his team make edits to the episode, but “it wasn’t as easy as a nip here or a tuck there, and the sheer tonnage of anti-Trump material rippling through the episode ultimately made the exercise futile,” according to the Reporter. Instead, both sides scrapped it. Barris would go on to leave the ABC family and sign an overall deal with Netflix worth $100 million.


theverge--2020-08-10--Mobile game controllers without buttons are monstrosities you can buy now

Ask almost anyone you know and they ’ ll probably agree : all good controllers have at least one button .
Who might disagree with that ?
No one you should trust — plus the several manufacturers , including well-known brands like Anker and HyperX , that have started making controllers for your phone that don ’ t have any buttons at all .
These strange new gadgets won ’ t make controlling games via on-screen controls any easier , though they ’ re not completely pointless for people who play PUBG and some other mobile hits that don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s PowerCore Play 6K controller is essentially a $ 36 6,700mAh power bank that ’ s molded into the shape of a controller grip .
Look all you want and you won ’ t find a single button .
But Anker , having gotten its start making affordable power banks , leans in on the battery side of things , so you don ’ t have to worry about running low while you game .
That 6,700mAh of extra juice should give your phone two to three refills ’ worth of charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ output to Android phones via its USB-C port and up to 12W to iPhones or any other device you ’ d want to charge with its USB-A port .
Given that playing games can make your phone run hot , it has a built-in fan to pull the heat away .
That ’ s neat , but I think I ’ d like some buttons please .
HyperX ’ s ChargePlay Clutch is another controller-shaped device that is only concerned with keeping your phone topped up and making it more comfy to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s , this one supports Qi wireless charging in addition to wired charging .
Plus , the 3,000mAh battery on the ChargePlay Clutch is attached magnetically and can be removed , which is a nice touch since I can ’ t imagine too many people would want to carry around a boomerang-shaped battery when they aren ’ t gaming .
This one is $ 59.99 , and that ’ s a lot for a controller without buttons .
But , if you value its removable battery in place of Anker ’ s built-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
As I mentioned before , these grips do have different designs that prioritize more than just battery life , especially for those who mainly play games that don ’ t have solid native controller support .
If you want to see some of the other monstrosities on Amazon , just search “ radiator gamepads ” and prepare to see some amazing art renders , like this one below that shows your phone blasting off .
Granted , some of these options from brands I ’ d never heard of actually go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s grips by bundling in a power bank , a cooling fan , and triggers on each side that press on your phone ’ s screen for you just by clicking them in .
( Buttons , what a concept ! )
As fundamentally limited as some of these faux controllers with few , or no , buttons are , there ’ s currently no other controller on the market that can match the intensity of this model that features realistic pistol grips and triggers .
These grips seem like they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of thing would have been a delight 10 years ago when phones started ballooning in popularity and console-like games first started to legitimize Android and iOS as gaming platforms .
They make less sense now , when Google Stadia and Microsoft ’ s xCloud are poised to bring true console-quality experiences with complex button schemes to phones that work with controllers like the Xbox One and DualShock 4 via Bluetooth .
Plus , gamepads like PowerA ’ s XP5-X attach to your device with a sturdy phone clip , supply a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all at the same time .
If you want elegance , Razer ’ s Kishi has you settled there , though admittedly at a higher cost .

Ask almost anyone you know and they’ll probably agree: all good controllers have at least one button. Who might disagree with that? No one you should trust — plus the several manufacturers, including well-known brands like Anker and HyperX, that have started making controllers for your phone that don’t have any buttons at all.
These strange new gadgets won’t make controlling games via on-screen controls any easier, though they’re not completely pointless for people who play PUBG and some other mobile hits that don’t have official controller support.
They’re mostly power banks with controller grips attached
Anker’s PowerCore Play 6K controller is essentially a $36 6,700mAh power bank that’s molded into the shape of a controller grip. Look all you want and you won’t find a single button. But Anker, having gotten its start making affordable power banks, leans in on the battery side of things, so you don’t have to worry about running low while you game.
That 6,700mAh of extra juice should give your phone two to three refills’ worth of charge, and it supports up to 15W output to Android phones via its USB-C port and up to 12W to iPhones or any other device you’d want to charge with its USB-A port. Given that playing games can make your phone run hot, it has a built-in fan to pull the heat away. That’s neat, but I think I’d like some buttons please.
HyperX’s ChargePlay Clutch supports Qi wireless charging, and it has a removable 3,000mAh battery. HyperX
HyperX’s ChargePlay Clutch is another controller-shaped device that is only concerned with keeping your phone topped up and making it more comfy to hold while you game. Unlike Anker’s, this one supports Qi wireless charging in addition to wired charging.
Plus, the 3,000mAh battery on the ChargePlay Clutch is attached magnetically and can be removed, which is a nice touch since I can’t imagine too many people would want to carry around a boomerang-shaped battery when they aren’t gaming. This one is $59.99, and that’s a lot for a controller without buttons. But, if you value its removable battery in place of Anker’s built-in fan, it might be worth checking out.
As I mentioned before, these grips do have different designs that prioritize more than just battery life, especially for those who mainly play games that don’t have solid native controller support. If you want to see some of the other monstrosities on Amazon, just search “radiator gamepads” and prepare to see some amazing art renders, like this one below that shows your phone blasting off.
Hopefully, the gamepad grip doesn’t actually do this.
Granted, some of these options from brands I’d never heard of actually go a step further than Anker or HyperX’s grips by bundling in a power bank, a cooling fan, and triggers on each side that press on your phone’s screen for you just by clicking them in. (Buttons, what a concept!) As fundamentally limited as some of these faux controllers with few, or no, buttons are, there’s currently no other controller on the market that can match the intensity of this model that features realistic pistol grips and triggers.
These grips seem like they were made for a different time. This sort of thing would have been a delight 10 years ago when phones started ballooning in popularity and console-like games first started to legitimize Android and iOS as gaming platforms.


theverge--2020-08-10--Tim Cook is now a billionaire, but not the Jeff Bezos kind

A new analysis by Bloomberg finds that the net worth of Apple CEO Tim Cook has passed the $ 1 billion mark , officially making him a billionaire .
It ’ s certainly an impressive number , but assuming it ’ s just over $ 1 billion , he ’ s got a long way to go before he catches up to the other CEOs on the Bloomberg Billionaires list .
Jeff Bezos , CEO of Amazon , tops the list at $ 187 billion , followed by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates at $ 121 billion , and Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is only No .
10 on the list , but even he is well ahead of Cook at $ 68.7 billion .
Yes , these are obscene amounts of money , and it ’ s difficult to comprehend how wealthy Bezos is ( especially during a pandemic with a 10 percent unemployment rate and evaporating economic relief ) .
Who cares ?
It ’ s a bunch of rich guys getting richer , right ?
Well , these are the guys — and the list is overwhelmingly men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Alice Walton at No .
16 , with $ 57.1 billion — who run the world ’ s most valuable companies and influence our lives in myriad ways .
As reporter Kashmir Hill has documented , it ’ s nearly impossible to completely extricate oneself from the economy that Google , Amazon , Facebook , Microsoft , and Apple have built .
Cook is a bit of an unusual case among the three comma club , though , because he didn ’ t found Apple , and it ’ s rare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Cook arguably built Apple into the most valuable publicly traded company in the world , beating out Saudi Arabia ’ s state-owned oil company just this July .
Cook spent many years at the company and rebuilt its supply chain using “ just-in-time ” manufacturing principles , like reducing inventory , after Steve Jobs hired him away from Compaq to be Apple ’ s COO .
By most accounts , Cook has taken a more measured , cautious approach than his predecessor , but Apple ’ s revenue and profit have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO .
How that legacy of Apple-building will hold up over time isn ’ t clear ; at the moment , Apple and other companies with big manufacturing operations and customer bases in China are trying to determine how President Trump ’ s ban on some Chinese companies will affect them .
But Apple is rolling right along for the time being ; its recent third quarter earnings showed it ’ s thriving amid the pandemic that has gutted many other companies .
In its third quarter , Apple had $ 59.7 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a year ago .
And it ’ s approaching a market cap of $ 2 trillion .

A new analysis by Bloomberg finds that the net worth of Apple CEO Tim Cook has passed the $1 billion mark, officially making him a billionaire. It’s certainly an impressive number, but assuming it’s just over $1 billion, he’s got a long way to go before he catches up to the other CEOs on the Bloomberg Billionaires list. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, tops the list at $187 billion, followed by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates at $121 billion, and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook at $102 billion. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is only No. 10 on the list, but even he is well ahead of Cook at $68.7 billion.
Yes, these are obscene amounts of money, and it’s difficult to comprehend how wealthy Bezos is (especially during a pandemic with a 10 percent unemployment rate and evaporating economic relief). Who cares? It’s a bunch of rich guys getting richer, right? Well, these are the guys — and the list is overwhelmingly men; the first woman on the list is Alice Walton at No. 16, with $57.1 billion — who run the world’s most valuable companies and influence our lives in myriad ways. As reporter Kashmir Hill has documented, it’s nearly impossible to completely extricate oneself from the economy that Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple have built.
Cook is a bit of an unusual case among the three comma club, though, because he didn’t found Apple, and it’s rare for any non-founder CEO to become a billionaire. But Cook arguably built Apple into the most valuable publicly traded company in the world, beating out Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company just this July. Cook spent many years at the company and rebuilt its supply chain using “just-in-time” manufacturing principles, like reducing inventory, after Steve Jobs hired him away from Compaq to be Apple’s COO. By most accounts, Cook has taken a more measured, cautious approach than his predecessor, but Apple’s revenue and profit have both more than doubled since he became CEO.


theverge--2020-08-10--Uber and Lyft ordered by California judge to classify drivers as employees

A California judge ruled that Uber and Lyft must classify their drivers as employees in a stunning preliminary injunction issued Monday afternoon .
The injunction is stayed for 10 days , however , giving Uber and Lyft an opportunity to appeal the decision .
Uber said it planned to file an immediate emergency appeal to block the ruling from going into effect .
Uber and Lyft are under increasing pressure to fundamentally alter their business models in California , the state where both companies were founded and ultimately prospered .
At issue is the classification of ride-hailing drivers as independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer the flexibility of working as freelancers , while labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of traditional benefits like health insurance and workers ’ compensation .
Uber said it planned to file an immediate emergency appeal In May , California Attorney General Xavier Becerra , along with city attorneys of Los Angeles , San Francisco , and San Diego , sued the companies , arguing that their drivers were misclassified as independent contractors when they should be employees under the state ’ s AB5 law that went into effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion for a preliminary injunction that could compel the ride-hailing companies to classify drivers as employees immediately .
AB5 , which was signed into law last September , enshrines the so-called “ ABC test ” to determine if someone is a contractor or an employee .
“ It ’ s this simple , ” California Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman wrote in his ruling , “ Defendants ’ drivers do not perform work that is ‘ outside the usual course ’ of their business .
Defendants ’ insistence that their businesses are ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is flatly inconsistent with the statutory provisions that govern their businesses as transportation network companies , which are defined as companies that ‘ engage in the transportation of persons by motor vehicle for compensation.
’ ” He added , “ It also flies in the face of economic reality and common sense ... To state the obvious , drivers are central , not tangential , to Uber and Lyft ’ s entire ride-hailing business.
” In a statement hailing the ruling , Becerra said California and its workers “ shouldn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to skip out on their responsibilities .
We ’ re going to keep working to make sure Uber and Lyft play by the rules.
” “ It also flies in the face of economic reality and common sense ” This was just the latest legal blow against Uber and Lyft in California .
Last week , the state ’ s labor commissioner alleged in a pair of lawsuits that the companies were stealing wages from drivers by refusing to classify them as employees .
Drivers ’ groups that have been pressuring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision as forward progress .
“ Today ’ s ruling affirms what California drivers have long known to be true , ” Mike Robinson , a Lyft driver and member of the Mobile Workers Alliance , a group of Southern California drivers , said in a statement , “ workers like me have rights and Uber and Lyft must respect those rights.
” But Uber and Lyft maintain this ruling conflicts with the desires of the majority of drivers and will result in fewer jobs during a global pandemic that is putting strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of drivers want to work independently , and we ’ ve already made significant changes to our app to ensure that remains the case under California law , ” an Uber spokesperson said .
“ When over 3 million Californians are without a job , our elected leaders should be focused on creating work , not trying to shut down an entire industry during an economic depression.
” A Lyft spokesperson agreed .
“ Drivers do not want to be employees , full stop , ” the spokesperson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continue to fight for their independence .
Ultimately , we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers.
” If drivers were classified as employees , Uber and Lyft would be responsible for paying them minimum wage , overtime compensation , paid rest periods , and reimbursements for the cost of driving for the companies , including personal vehicle mileage .
But as independent contractors , drivers receive none of these benefits .
The flurry of lawsuits and court rulings in California comes ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s voters will decide on an Uber-and-Lyft-backed ballot measure that would override AB5 by classifying ride-hail drivers and other gig economy workers as independent contractors .

A California judge ruled that Uber and Lyft must classify their drivers as employees in a stunning preliminary injunction issued Monday afternoon. The injunction is stayed for 10 days, however, giving Uber and Lyft an opportunity to appeal the decision. Uber said it planned to file an immediate emergency appeal to block the ruling from going into effect.
Uber and Lyft are under increasing pressure to fundamentally alter their business models in California, the state where both companies were founded and ultimately prospered. At issue is the classification of ride-hailing drivers as independent contractors. Uber and Lyft say drivers prefer the flexibility of working as freelancers, while labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of traditional benefits like health insurance and workers’ compensation.
Uber said it planned to file an immediate emergency appeal
In May, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, along with city attorneys of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, sued the companies, arguing that their drivers were misclassified as independent contractors when they should be employees under the state’s AB5 law that went into effect on January 1st. Becerra later filed a motion for a preliminary injunction that could compel the ride-hailing companies to classify drivers as employees immediately. AB5, which was signed into law last September, enshrines the so-called “ABC test” to determine if someone is a contractor or an employee.
“It’s this simple,” California Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman wrote in his ruling, “Defendants’ drivers do not perform work that is ‘outside the usual course’ of their business. Defendants’ insistence that their businesses are ‘multi-sided platforms’ rather than transportation companies is flatly inconsistent with the statutory provisions that govern their businesses as transportation network companies, which are defined as companies that ‘engage in the transportation of persons by motor vehicle for compensation.’”
He added, “It also flies in the face of economic reality and common sense... To state the obvious, drivers are central, not tangential, to Uber and Lyft’s entire ride-hailing business.”
In a statement hailing the ruling, Becerra said California and its workers “shouldn’t have to foot the bill when big businesses try to skip out on their responsibilities. We’re going to keep working to make sure Uber and Lyft play by the rules.”
“It also flies in the face of economic reality and common sense”
This was just the latest legal blow against Uber and Lyft in California. Last week, the state’s labor commissioner alleged in a pair of lawsuits that the companies were stealing wages from drivers by refusing to classify them as employees.
Drivers’ groups that have been pressuring the companies to reclassify their drivers celebrated the decision as forward progress. “Today’s ruling affirms what California drivers have long known to be true,” Mike Robinson, a Lyft driver and member of the Mobile Workers Alliance, a group of Southern California drivers, said in a statement, “workers like me have rights and Uber and Lyft must respect those rights.”
But Uber and Lyft maintain this ruling conflicts with the desires of the majority of drivers and will result in fewer jobs during a global pandemic that is putting strain on workers’ finances.
“The vast majority of drivers want to work independently, and we’ve already made significant changes to our app to ensure that remains the case under California law,” an Uber spokesperson said. “When over 3 million Californians are without a job, our elected leaders should be focused on creating work, not trying to shut down an entire industry during an economic depression.”
A Lyft spokesperson agreed. “Drivers do not want to be employees, full stop,” the spokesperson said. “We’ll immediately appeal this ruling and continue to fight for their independence. Ultimately, we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers.”
If drivers were classified as employees, Uber and Lyft would be responsible for paying them minimum wage, overtime compensation, paid rest periods, and reimbursements for the cost of driving for the companies, including personal vehicle mileage. But as independent contractors, drivers receive none of these benefits.


theverge--2020-08-10--Gogo is trying to sell its commercial in-flight internet business

In-flight internet provider Gogo is trying to sell its commercial airline business as it continues to lose money during the COVID-19 pandemic , the company announced on Monday .
CEO Oakleigh Thorne said on a conference call that the company has had “ extensive discussions with multiple parties ” and that he “ feel [ s ] optimistic that a deal may happen.
” A sale would be a huge change of course for Gogo , which pioneered in-flight connectivity .
But the attempted sale comes as Gogo , like many other businesses in the air travel industry , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-flight connectivity to major airlines like Delta , United , and Alaska , lost $ 86 million on $ 96 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2020 .
Its sessions per day in the North American market dropped 91 percent , from 125,000 before the pandemic to just 11,000 in April , though the company says those crept back up to about 40,000 so far in August .
Making matters worse , Thorne said Monday that Gogo was also hurt by airlines retiring dozens of planes that are already equipped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not alone ; Global Eagle , which handles in-flight Wi-Fi for Southwest Airlines , filed for bankruptcy last month . )
To cut costs , the company furloughed some 600 workers in April , slashed executive pay , and laid off another 143 in July — the majority of which were in the company ’ s commercial aviation division .
Gogo applied for but did not receive around $ 230 million in funding from the government ’ s Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with suppliers to renegotiate contracts ) have helped generate “ savings [ that ] should be adequate to tide us through the sunnier days , ” Thorne said Monday on the call .
But , he said , Gogo ’ s executives believe their job is to “ realize the value ” of both its commercial and business aviation businesses “ for our shareholders.
” Since the business aviation division has seen a faster rebound than the commercial division — and since Gogo has less competition there — Thorne said he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be better off if it was combined with a competitor .
“ Gogo commercial aviation brings an attractive and unique set of assets ” to any buyer , Thorne said .
“ We are really proud of the commercial aviation team and the tremendous capabilities they ’ ve built , and think it will have a bright future as part of a larger , more fully integrated entity.
” Gogo has spent the last few years developing satellite-based technology to both lighten the load on its strained air-to-ground network and to help keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ViaSat , which both makes satellites and sells connectivity to airlines .
The company is also working on a 5G network that Thorne said is still slated to launch in 2021 .
Thorne didn ’ t lay out exactly what a sale would look like , and he declined to take questions about the talks that Gogo has already had .
“ Everyone agrees that [ in-flight connectivity ] and commercial aviation is an attractive growth industry .
Airlines are moving to free service , which will drive adoption , and OEMs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications as the quality of in-flight broadband grows in the future , ” Thorne said .
“ But for [ in-flight connectivity ] players to capture this attractive growth potential and drive innovation , the industry would benefit from fundamental changes through either horizontal or vertical business combinations .
”

In-flight internet provider Gogo is trying to sell its commercial airline business as it continues to lose money during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced on Monday. CEO Oakleigh Thorne said on a conference call that the company has had “extensive discussions with multiple parties” and that he “feel[s] optimistic that a deal may happen.”
A sale would be a huge change of course for Gogo, which pioneered in-flight connectivity. But the attempted sale comes as Gogo, like many other businesses in the air travel industry, is struggling. The company, which provides in-flight connectivity to major airlines like Delta, United, and Alaska, lost $86 million on $96 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2020. Its sessions per day in the North American market dropped 91 percent, from 125,000 before the pandemic to just 11,000 in April, though the company says those crept back up to about 40,000 so far in August.
Making matters worse, Thorne said Monday that Gogo was also hurt by airlines retiring dozens of planes that are already equipped with its in-flight connectivity tech. (Gogo is not alone; Global Eagle, which handles in-flight Wi-Fi for Southwest Airlines, filed for bankruptcy last month.)
Gogo says daily in-flight internet sessions dropped 91 percent in April
To cut costs, the company furloughed some 600 workers in April, slashed executive pay, and laid off another 143 in July — the majority of which were in the company’s commercial aviation division. Gogo applied for but did not receive around $230 million in funding from the government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The layoffs and other cost-cutting measures (like working with suppliers to renegotiate contracts) have helped generate “savings [that] should be adequate to tide us through the sunnier days,” Thorne said Monday on the call. But, he said, Gogo’s executives believe their job is to “realize the value” of both its commercial and business aviation businesses “for our shareholders.” Since the business aviation division has seen a faster rebound than the commercial division — and since Gogo has less competition there — Thorne said he believes the company’s commercial business would be better off if it was combined with a competitor.
“Gogo commercial aviation brings an attractive and unique set of assets” to any buyer, Thorne said. “We are really proud of the commercial aviation team and the tremendous capabilities they’ve built, and think it will have a bright future as part of a larger, more fully integrated entity.”
Gogo has spent the last few years developing satellite-based technology to both lighten the load on its strained air-to-ground network and to help keep pace with more vertically integrated competitors like ViaSat, which both makes satellites and sells connectivity to airlines. The company is also working on a 5G network that Thorne said is still slated to launch in 2021. Thorne didn’t lay out exactly what a sale would look like, and he declined to take questions about the talks that Gogo has already had.


theverge--2020-08-10--Microsoft opens xCloud game streaming beta early tomorrow

Microsoft is allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to try its new game streaming feature ( xCloud ) early tomorrow , August 11th .
The software giant will launch a new version of the Xbox Game Pass beta app for Android , which includes game streaming .
While the game streaming feature , known previously as xCloud , will be officially available on September 15th , anyone can grab the beta app from the Google Play Store and try it early from tomorrow onward .
“ As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android , ” explains a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge .
“ Existing Xbox Game Pass ( Beta ) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month .
This limited beta is critical to providing the best possible experience for members at launch and should not be considered indicative of the final experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t have the full 100 or more games that will be available next month , but expect around 30 or so titles to play tomorrow .
Microsoft is still planning to discontinue its Project xCloud Preview on September 11th , ahead of the general launch on September 15th .
If you ’ re interested in trying out game streaming ( xCloud ) tomorrow , then you ’ ll need to be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber and have the Xbox Game Pass ( beta ) app from the Google Play @ @

Microsoft is allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to try its new game streaming feature (xCloud) early tomorrow, August 11th. The software giant will launch a new version of the Xbox Game Pass beta app for Android, which includes game streaming. While the game streaming feature, known previously as xCloud, will be officially available on September 15th, anyone can grab the beta app from the Google Play Store and try it early from tomorrow onward.
“As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we’re entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android,” explains a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge. “Existing Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month. This limited beta is critical to providing the best possible experience for members at launch and should not be considered indicative of the final experience or library.”
This game streaming beta won’t have the full 100 or more games that will be available next month, but expect around 30 or so titles to play tomorrow. Microsoft is still planning to discontinue its Project xCloud Preview on September 11th, ahead of the general launch on September 15th.


theverge--2020-08-10--Disney has no Fox left to give as it renames TV studio to 20th Television

Disney ’ s recently acquired 20th Century Fox TV studio is the latest to have the “ Fox ” name dropped , with the company announcing today that it ’ ll be rebranding the studio to just 20th Television , as part of a larger rebrand for all of Disney ’ s TV studios .
Additionally , Fox 21 Television Studios is getting renamed to Touchstone Television ( a TV brand that Disney stopped using in 2007 ) , as the company works to remove the last traces of the Fox name from its assets .
Disney is also using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its subsidiary ABC Signature under the ABC Signature banner .
New logos and end cards will appear on TV shows this fall , including on episodes of The Simpsons , Family Guy , American Dad , and Bob ’ s Burgers .
Existing episodes on streaming and digital libraries will continue to bear the original logos .
The news comes after Disney enacted a similar name change for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures film studios earlier this year , although those slightly more sensible renames simply dropped the “ Fox ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pictures .
Why Disney decided to go with 20th Television instead of the more aesthetically matching “ 20th Century Television , ” we may never know .
( In fairness , both names are rather outdated given that it ’ s the 21st century and has been so for some time , but I digress . )
Cutting “ Fox ” out of its acquired brands was a requirement of the deal that saw Disney gain control of 21st Century Fox ’ s assets last year , according to Variety .
The goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the former company and the “ New Fox , ” which includes Fox Sports , Fox Business , and the contentious Fox News , as well as ownership of the broadcast Fox TV channel .

Disney’s recently acquired 20th Century Fox TV studio is the latest to have the “Fox” name dropped, with the company announcing today that it’ll be rebranding the studio to just 20th Television, as part of a larger rebrand for all of Disney’s TV studios.
Additionally, Fox 21 Television Studios is getting renamed to Touchstone Television (a TV brand that Disney stopped using in 2007), as the company works to remove the last traces of the Fox name from its assets. Disney is also using the rebranding to merge ABC Studios and its subsidiary ABC Signature under the ABC Signature banner.
New logos and end cards will appear on TV shows this fall, including on episodes of The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, and Bob’s Burgers. Existing episodes on streaming and digital libraries will continue to bear the original logos.
The news comes after Disney enacted a similar name change for 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures film studios earlier this year, although those slightly more sensible renames simply dropped the “Fox” to become 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures. Why Disney decided to go with 20th Television instead of the more aesthetically matching “20th Century Television,” we may never know. (In fairness, both names are rather outdated given that it’s the 21st century and has been so for some time, but I digress.)


theverge--2020-08-11--Russia rushes registration of unproven coronavirus vaccine

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Russia had registered a coronavirus vaccine — but that vaccine is still widely considered unproven , as it has not completed critical clinical trials to prove that it is safe and effective .
Putin also claimed that one of his daughters had received the vaccine .
“ She has taken part in the experiment , ” Putin said , according to The Associated Press .
So far , the vaccine , made by the Gamaleya Institute , has only been tested in relatively small groups of people .
It has not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are designed to demonstrate that vaccines can work safely in the general population .
Instead , Russia plans to vaccinate volunteers , including medical workers and teachers , while those phase III trials are still underway , according to The Washington Post .
The rules for conducting clinical trials are written in blood “ Why are all corporations following the rules , but Russian ones aren ’ t ?
The rules for conducting clinical trials are written in blood .
They can ’ t be violated , ” Svetlana Zavidova , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinical Trials Organizations , told Bloomberg News on Monday .
“ This is a Pandora ’ s Box and we don ’ t know what will happen to people injected with an unproven vaccine.
” The Russian vaccine uses a live , weakened virus to inject genetic material from the coronavirus into human cells .
This triggers an immune response that should help protect people against coronavirus infection in the future .
It ’ s the same method being used by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in their vaccine .
It ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s CanSino vaccine , which was recently approved for use in China ’ s military , even after seeing mixed results in earlier trials .
Countries and research institutions all over the world are racing to be the first to create a vaccine to halt the current coronavirus pandemic .
As of Tuesday morning , the virus has infected more than 20 million people worldwide and killed more than 730,000 .
But experts worry that rushing an untested vaccine to market could have serious consequences .
Rushing an untested vaccine to market could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they ’ re administering the vaccine to anyone , ” Anthony Fauci said at a congressional hearing last month .
There are three major worries with releasing an unproven vaccine to the public .
If the vaccine is unsafe or has severe side effects , then it could harm people , upending their lives .
If the vaccine doesn ’ t work , then people could move through the world with a false sense of security , potentially exacerbating the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those things happens , there ’ s a very serious risk that people ’ s distrust of vaccines will skyrocket , making it harder for public health officials to halt future disease outbreaks — not just this one .
“ Trust in the process of developing new drugs and new medicines is fragile , ” Alex John London , director of the Center for Ethics and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University , told The Verge last week .
“ We can ’ t put it in jeopardy.
” Russia appears to be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process and more focused on being first to approve a vaccine for public use .
In an echo of the Cold War , the vaccine is nicknamed “ Sputnik V , ” after the first satellite .
Some experts worry that the move will create pressure for other countries to cut corners in similar ways .
The Russian approval “ may be another effort to stoke doubts or goad U.S. into forcing early action on our vaccines , ” Scott Gottlieb , former head of the US Food and Drug Administration , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations last month that Russian hackers were targeting vaccine development in the UK , US , and Canada .
Russia denied the claims , and shortly afterward , it announced that it would quickly move its vaccine into phase III trials , with plans to distribute the vaccine widely starting in October .
Putin claimed during the announcement that the vaccine worked “ effectively enough.
” But there ’ s still almost no data to support that claim , which just isn ’ t good enough for many experts .
“ Science takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor of the journal Ethics & Human Research , told The Verge last week .
Maschke was concerned that Russia ’ s plans to move ahead with vaccine approval before completing phase III trials might pressure other countries , including the US , to do the same .
“ We decided in this country that we ’ re going to go through a process that takes longer .
And that ’ s hard to do sometimes when you have pressure because you ’ re saying , ‘ Billy ’ s mom let him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t I , ’ ” Maschke says .
“ I think in the political world , that ’ s going to be a problem.
” Russia is now gambling that its unproven vaccine will work , staking the lives and well-being of its president ’ s daughter , a handful of soldiers , and , soon , teachers and medical workers in the process .
It remains to be seen how that bet will pay off .

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Russia had registered a coronavirus vaccine — but that vaccine is still widely considered unproven, as it has not completed critical clinical trials to prove that it is safe and effective.
Putin also claimed that one of his daughters had received the vaccine. “She has taken part in the experiment,” Putin said, according to The Associated Press. So far, the vaccine, made by the Gamaleya Institute, has only been tested in relatively small groups of people. It has not yet completed the third phase of clinical trials, which are designed to demonstrate that vaccines can work safely in the general population.
Instead, Russia plans to vaccinate volunteers, including medical workers and teachers, while those phase III trials are still underway, according to The Washington Post.
The rules for conducting clinical trials are written in blood
“Why are all corporations following the rules, but Russian ones aren’t? The rules for conducting clinical trials are written in blood. They can’t be violated,” Svetlana Zavidova, executive director of Russian nonprofit Association of Clinical Trials Organizations, told Bloomberg News on Monday. “This is a Pandora’s Box and we don’t know what will happen to people injected with an unproven vaccine.”
The Russian vaccine uses a live, weakened virus to inject genetic material from the coronavirus into human cells. This triggers an immune response that should help protect people against coronavirus infection in the future. It’s the same method being used by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in their vaccine. It’s also the same technique used in China’s CanSino vaccine, which was recently approved for use in China’s military, even after seeing mixed results in earlier trials.
Countries and research institutions all over the world are racing to be the first to create a vaccine to halt the current coronavirus pandemic. As of Tuesday morning, the virus has infected more than 20 million people worldwide and killed more than 730,000. But experts worry that rushing an untested vaccine to market could have serious consequences.
Rushing an untested vaccine to market could have serious consequences
“I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they’re administering the vaccine to anyone,” Anthony Fauci said at a congressional hearing last month.
There are three major worries with releasing an unproven vaccine to the public. If the vaccine is unsafe or has severe side effects, then it could harm people, upending their lives. If the vaccine doesn’t work, then people could move through the world with a false sense of security, potentially exacerbating the spread of disease. And if either of those things happens, there’s a very serious risk that people’s distrust of vaccines will skyrocket, making it harder for public health officials to halt future disease outbreaks — not just this one.
“Trust in the process of developing new drugs and new medicines is fragile,” Alex John London, director of the Center for Ethics and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, told The Verge last week. “We can’t put it in jeopardy.”
Russia appears to be less concerned with trust in the drug development process and more focused on being first to approve a vaccine for public use. In an echo of the Cold War, the vaccine is nicknamed “Sputnik V,” after the first satellite. Some experts worry that the move will create pressure for other countries to cut corners in similar ways. The Russian approval “may be another effort to stoke doubts or goad U.S. into forcing early action on our vaccines,” Scott Gottlieb, former head of the US Food and Drug Administration, said on Twitter.
The approval comes after accusations last month that Russian hackers were targeting vaccine development in the UK, US, and Canada. Russia denied the claims, and shortly afterward, it announced that it would quickly move its vaccine into phase III trials, with plans to distribute the vaccine widely starting in October.
Putin claimed during the announcement that the vaccine worked “effectively enough.” But there’s still almost no data to support that claim, which just isn’t good enough for many experts.
“Science takes a while,” Karen Maschke, editor of the journal Ethics & Human Research, told The Verge last week. Maschke was concerned that Russia’s plans to move ahead with vaccine approval before completing phase III trials might pressure other countries, including the US, to do the same. “We decided in this country that we’re going to go through a process that takes longer. And that’s hard to do sometimes when you have pressure because you’re saying, ‘Billy’s mom let him stay up too late. Why can’t I,’” Maschke says. “I think in the political world, that’s going to be a problem.”
Russia is now gambling that its unproven vaccine will work, staking the lives and well-being of its president’s daughter, a handful of soldiers, and, soon, teachers and medical workers in the process. It remains to be seen how that bet will pay off.


theverge--2020-08-11--Horizon Zero Dawn for PC is a great idea that needs some work

Horizon Zero Dawn came out on PC a few days ago , which would have seemed like an unlikely thing to say this time last year .
This is one of the most acclaimed games available on the PlayStation 4 , and Sony is not known for releasing its exclusive titles elsewhere — they ’ re one of the biggest reasons to buy a PS4 in the first place .
In Horizon Zero Dawn ’ s case , though , the PC release makes obvious sense .
The PS4 is on its way out , with Ghost of Tsushima last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sony before the PS5 ’ s arrival later this year .
And one of the biggest games announced for the PS5 is next year ’ s Zero Dawn sequel , Horizon Forbidden West .
Rereleasing Zero Dawn and its Frozen Wilds expansion on PC , then , is smart marketing for the PS5 .
Sony loses nothing by making the game available to a new audience at this point in the PS4 ’ s life cycle , and maybe some PC players will be sufficiently hooked to take an interest in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have .
( I would not expect Forbidden West to make it to PC for several years , if ever . )
The thinking is sound , but it ’ ll only work if PC players actually have a good experience with Horizon Zero Dawn .
And while the game ’ s overall quality isn ’ t in doubt , the porting job appears not to have received a similar level of attention to detail .
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the PS4 ’ s most technically ambitious games , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced than most gaming PCs today , and it seems a lot of people aren ’ t getting the experience they ’ d expect .
I ’ ve been playing Horizon Zero Dawn on my PC ( GTX 1080 / i5 6600K / 16GB of RAM ) with the day-one patch and the latest Nvidia driver installed , and the results have been decent if not spectacular .
I can get it to run on high settings at 1440p while hovering around 50 frames per second , which appears smooth enough on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halts and stutters when entering a new area , which I thought might have something to do with the game loading from a spinning hard disk .
Then again , that ’ s how it ran on PS4 , too , and I don ’ t remember any stuttering there .
The port does come with options to help stabilize performance , but in my experience , they don ’ t work great .
Locking the game to a supposedly stable 30fps doesn ’ t do anything to fix the hitches .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to even lower frame rates when they do happen .
The same is true of the dynamic resolution mode , which is supposed to keep you at a solid frame rate but does nothing of the sort .
It only kicks in when things are really chugging , and it seems to do so by going down to the next full-resolution step rather than smoothly reducing the pixel count .
But with the “ original ” graphics preset , which , as far as I can tell , looks identical to the PS4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above 60 , and the stuttering is largely reduced .
One of the better reasons to play Horizon Zero Dawn on PC is its support for various resolutions and aspect ratios , including ultrawide monitors .
After all , this game ’ s very title evokes sweeping vistas and long draw distances .
It looks as good as expected , but there ’ s a catch : the cutscenes still run at original resolution , with a weird blurring effect on the side of the screen instead of letterboxes .
I appreciate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , but I think most people would prefer the option to just display the 16:9 cutscenes in their original format if they ’ re not going to be reworked for 21:9 .
Compared to the mostly great PC port of Death Stranding , which shares the same Decima engine , Horizon Zero Dawn is far more taxing on hardware .
Its graphics do scale higher than Death Stranding , which more or less looked the same as the PS4 game in terms of visual assets , but it ’ s harder to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitching , there are some weird quirks — like certain animations remaining stuck at 30fps and anisotropic filtering not working at all — that make Horizon Zero Dawn feel like it wasn ’ t designed to leave the PS4 .
Death Stranding was a competent PC game from the start .
For more in-depth coverage across a variety of machines , which I don ’ t have the capacity to produce by myself , I recommend reading and watching Digital Foundry ’ s excellent work on Horizon Zero Dawn ’ s “ deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , other reports , and Guerrilla ’ s own statement , it ’ s clear that the port hasn ’ t been well-optimized for the PC .
Unfortunately , you just can ’ t expect Horizon Zero Dawn to run as well as other PC games that are also on the PS4 .
I do want to reiterate that Horizon Zero Dawn has mostly been okay on my PC .
It ’ s worse than Death Stranding , but nowhere near as bad as Red Dead Redemption 2 ( which did eventually get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play at higher graphics settings and frame rates than the PS4 version , and with ultrawide support , so ultimately , this is the best version for me despite its issues .
But the reports of poor performance elsewhere are so widespread and disparate across a variety of hardware that I can ’ t really recommend it until there ’ s definitive evidence of comprehensive fixes .
I hope that happens and that the game ends up performing well because it would be great if Sony would put more of its games out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any future ports get a little more time in the oven .
is out now on

Horizon Zero Dawn came out on PC a few days ago, which would have seemed like an unlikely thing to say this time last year. This is one of the most acclaimed games available on the PlayStation 4, and Sony is not known for releasing its exclusive titles elsewhere — they’re one of the biggest reasons to buy a PS4 in the first place.
In Horizon Zero Dawn’s case, though, the PC release makes obvious sense. The PS4 is on its way out, with Ghost of Tsushima last month marking the final major first-party release from Sony before the PS5’s arrival later this year. And one of the biggest games announced for the PS5 is next year’s Zero Dawn sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
Rereleasing Zero Dawn and its Frozen Wilds expansion on PC, then, is smart marketing for the PS5. Sony loses nothing by making the game available to a new audience at this point in the PS4’s life cycle, and maybe some PC players will be sufficiently hooked to take an interest in the PS5 sequel when they otherwise wouldn’t have. (I would not expect Forbidden West to make it to PC for several years, if ever.)
The thinking is sound, but it’ll only work if PC players actually have a good experience with Horizon Zero Dawn. And while the game’s overall quality isn’t in doubt, the porting job appears not to have received a similar level of attention to detail. Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the PS4’s most technically ambitious games, but it was designed for hardware far less advanced than most gaming PCs today, and it seems a lot of people aren’t getting the experience they’d expect.
I’ve been playing Horizon Zero Dawn on my PC (GTX 1080 / i5 6600K / 16GB of RAM) with the day-one patch and the latest Nvidia driver installed, and the results have been decent if not spectacular. I can get it to run on high settings at 1440p while hovering around 50 frames per second, which appears smooth enough on a G-Sync monitor. I do sometimes see halts and stutters when entering a new area, which I thought might have something to do with the game loading from a spinning hard disk. Then again, that’s how it ran on PS4, too, and I don’t remember any stuttering there.
The port does come with options to help stabilize performance, but in my experience, they don’t work great. Locking the game to a supposedly stable 30fps doesn’t do anything to fix the hitches. If anything, it just drives you down to even lower frame rates when they do happen. The same is true of the dynamic resolution mode, which is supposed to keep you at a solid frame rate but does nothing of the sort. It only kicks in when things are really chugging, and it seems to do so by going down to the next full-resolution step rather than smoothly reducing the pixel count. But with the “original” graphics preset, which, as far as I can tell, looks identical to the PS4 version, the frame rate mostly stays above 60, and the stuttering is largely reduced.
One of the better reasons to play Horizon Zero Dawn on PC is its support for various resolutions and aspect ratios, including ultrawide monitors. After all, this game’s very title evokes sweeping vistas and long draw distances. It looks as good as expected, but there’s a catch: the cutscenes still run at original resolution, with a weird blurring effect on the side of the screen instead of letterboxes. I appreciate the effort to make use of the screen space, but I think most people would prefer the option to just display the 16:9 cutscenes in their original format if they’re not going to be reworked for 21:9.
Compared to the mostly great PC port of Death Stranding, which shares the same Decima engine, Horizon Zero Dawn is far more taxing on hardware. Its graphics do scale higher than Death Stranding, which more or less looked the same as the PS4 game in terms of visual assets, but it’s harder to get playable results. Even without the hitching, there are some weird quirks — like certain animations remaining stuck at 30fps and anisotropic filtering not working at all — that make Horizon Zero Dawn feel like it wasn’t designed to leave the PS4. Death Stranding was a competent PC game from the start.
For more in-depth coverage across a variety of machines, which I don’t have the capacity to produce by myself, I recommend reading and watching Digital Foundry’s excellent work on Horizon Zero Dawn’s “deeply disappointing” PC port. Between this, other reports, and Guerrilla’s own statement, it’s clear that the port hasn’t been well-optimized for the PC. Unfortunately, you just can’t expect Horizon Zero Dawn to run as well as other PC games that are also on the PS4.
I do want to reiterate that Horizon Zero Dawn has mostly been okay on my PC. It’s worse than Death Stranding, but nowhere near as bad as Red Dead Redemption 2 (which did eventually get fixed) at launch. I can play at higher graphics settings and frame rates than the PS4 version, and with ultrawide support, so ultimately, this is the best version for me despite its issues. But the reports of poor performance elsewhere are so widespread and disparate across a variety of hardware that I can’t really recommend it until there’s definitive evidence of comprehensive fixes.
I hope that happens and that the game ends up performing well because it would be great if Sony would put more of its games out on PC. But I also hope that any future ports get a little more time in the oven.