theverge--2020-04-20--Faraday Future gets a $9 million government pandemic loan

Electric vehicle startup Faraday Future has obtained a $ 9,167,800 loan from the Small Business Association ’ s Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) , which was recently launched to help small businesses keep people employed during the COVID-19 pandemic , the company tells The Verge .
That ’ s close to the $ 10 million maximum allowed in the program , and the loan will be 100 percent forgiven as long as Faraday Future uses it for payroll , interest on mortgages , rent , or utilities , and doesn ’ t lay off any of the 400 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next eight weeks ( or rehires any who were recently let go ) .
News of the loan was first reported in China by state-funded outlet The Paper .
Faraday Future is not the only EV startup to have gotten one of the PPP loans , either .
Struggling electric trucking startup Workhorse received a PPP loan of $ 1,411,000 , according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) .
Arcimoto , which finally started production on its three-wheeled electric utility vehicle late last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its own recent SEC filing , and CEO Mark Frohnmayer tells The Verge that the startup should have an update on the outcome of that application in the “ coming days.
” The $ 9 million ( and change ) comes at what is a crucial time for Faraday Future .
The company ’ s founder and main financial backer , Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting , personally filed for bankruptcy in October .
While his creditors ( many of which are Chinese companies that lent him money for his failed tech conglomerate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the payment plan he proposed , the process of confirming that plan has dragged on for months .
Jia has said in court filings that potential investors in Faraday Future are waiting for his own personal bankruptcy case to be resolved before putting any money into the EV startup .
Meanwhile , Faraday Future had just $ 6.8 million in the bank at the end of July 2019 , according to financial statements filed as part of Jia ’ s bankruptcy .
It has spent at least $ 30,000 per month on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as $ 284,000 per month to lease its headquarters in Los Angeles , California ( which it sold a year ago in order to generate cash ) .
Faraday Future ’ s also funding Jia ’ s bankruptcy .
One of the startup ’ s holding companies lent him $ 2,687,629 right before he filed , and the court recently approved another $ 6.4 million loan ( which Jia ’ s lawyers say was “ largely ” made up of contributions from the management committee currently running the company ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has otherwise kept the lights on thanks to a $ 45 million loan arranged by restructuring firm Birch Lake , which Faraday Future started working with last May .
While smaller , the loan that Workhorse acquired is also likely crucial to keeping the Ohio-based electric trucking startup afloat .
Sales of its existing electric truck have cratered , and the company ’ s future is now highly dependent on winning the bid to build the United States Postal Service ’ s next-generation mail truck .
Workhorse is also currently highly leveraged like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 million loan at the beginning of 2019 from a hedge fund in order to pay off a previous loan from a different hedge fund .
Workhorse did sell the rights to an electric pickup design to its founder Steve Burns last year for $ 15.8 million , after he created a new EV startup to buy the Lordstown , Ohio factory once occupied by General Motors .
Workhorse will get a cut of any sales of that truck and 1 percent of any equity raise that the startup , called Lordstown Motors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of other EV startups in the United States that are trying to get to production are too big to qualify for the loans .
Lucid Motors , which is backed by Saudi Arabia ’ s sovereign wealth fund , has at least 600 full-time employees at its headquarters in California .
Rivian , which is based in Michigan but already has a number of offices around the country , employs over 2,000 people .
Both of those startups have recently said they ’ re doing well , with employees getting work done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of its vehicles ) .
But some companies that are already making vehicles in the space are putting employees on unpaid leave , like the electric bus and truck division of Chinese conglomerate BYD , which furloughed 465 people ( about 75 percent of the workforce ) at its North American headquarters in Lancaster , California last week , according to the state ’ s employment office .
BYD also furloughed 26 people in its North American energy division and 18 more in its corporate offices .
Update April 20th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of the loan it received from $ 9,176,800 to $ 9,167,800 .
The company also now says that it has paid back the $ 45 million loan set up by Birch Lake .
The article has been updated to reflect these two points .

Electric vehicle startup Faraday Future has obtained a $9,167,800 loan from the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was recently launched to help small businesses keep people employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company tells The Verge.
That’s close to the $10 million maximum allowed in the program, and the loan will be 100 percent forgiven as long as Faraday Future uses it for payroll, interest on mortgages, rent, or utilities, and doesn’t lay off any of the 400 or so employees who are still there for the next eight weeks (or rehires any who were recently let go). News of the loan was first reported in China by state-funded outlet The Paper.
Faraday Future is not the only EV startup to have gotten one of the PPP loans, either. Struggling electric trucking startup Workhorse received a PPP loan of $1,411,000, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Arcimoto, which finally started production on its three-wheeled electric utility vehicle late last year, also applied for a PPP loan according to its own recent SEC filing, and CEO Mark Frohnmayer tells The Verge that the startup should have an update on the outcome of that application in the “coming days.”
The $9 million (and change) comes at what is a crucial time for Faraday Future. The company’s founder and main financial backer, Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting, personally filed for bankruptcy in October. While his creditors (many of which are Chinese companies that lent him money for his failed tech conglomerate, LeEco) are largely on board with the payment plan he proposed, the process of confirming that plan has dragged on for months. Jia has said in court filings that potential investors in Faraday Future are waiting for his own personal bankruptcy case to be resolved before putting any money into the EV startup.
Meanwhile, Faraday Future had just $6.8 million in the bank at the end of July 2019, according to financial statements filed as part of Jia’s bankruptcy. It has spent at least $30,000 per month on Jia’s salary alone since then, as well as $284,000 per month to lease its headquarters in Los Angeles, California (which it sold a year ago in order to generate cash). Faraday Future’s also funding Jia’s bankruptcy. One of the startup’s holding companies lent him $2,687,629 right before he filed, and the court recently approved another $6.4 million loan (which Jia’s lawyers say was “largely” made up of contributions from the management committee currently running the company) from the same entity.
The company has otherwise kept the lights on thanks to a $45 million loan arranged by restructuring firm Birch Lake, which Faraday Future started working with last May.
While smaller, the loan that Workhorse acquired is also likely crucial to keeping the Ohio-based electric trucking startup afloat. Sales of its existing electric truck have cratered, and the company’s future is now highly dependent on winning the bid to build the United States Postal Service’s next-generation mail truck.
Workhorse is also currently highly leveraged like Faraday Future, having taken a $25 million loan at the beginning of 2019 from a hedge fund in order to pay off a previous loan from a different hedge fund. Workhorse did sell the rights to an electric pickup design to its founder Steve Burns last year for $15.8 million, after he created a new EV startup to buy the Lordstown, Ohio factory once occupied by General Motors. Workhorse will get a cut of any sales of that truck and 1 percent of any equity raise that the startup, called Lordstown Motors, is able to secure.
A number of other EV startups in the United States that are trying to get to production are too big to qualify for the loans. Lucid Motors, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has at least 600 full-time employees at its headquarters in California. Rivian, which is based in Michigan but already has a number of offices around the country, employs over 2,000 people.
Both of those startups have recently said they’re doing well, with employees getting work done remotely (though Rivian has pushed back the release of its vehicles). But some companies that are already making vehicles in the space are putting employees on unpaid leave, like the electric bus and truck division of Chinese conglomerate BYD, which furloughed 465 people (about 75 percent of the workforce) at its North American headquarters in Lancaster, California last week, according to the state’s employment office. BYD also furloughed 26 people in its North American energy division and 18 more in its corporate offices.


theverge--2020-04-20--Sewer systems are a window into the coronavirus pandemic

With limitations on COVID-19 testing making it hard to know how many people actually have the disease , some public health experts are turning to the sewer systems for a clearer snapshot .
“ Sewage is a source of information on human health , and can really be transformed into a public health observatory , ” says Newsha Ghaeli , president and co-founder of Biobot , a startup that analyzes wastewater .
Wastewater-based disease monitoring is a relatively new strategy , but it ’ s already been able to predict potential outbreaks of illnesses before cases appear .
In Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poliovirus in the sewage system in 2013 and mounted a vaccination campaign in response .
Research shows that the new coronavirus is found in feces , so it ’ s a good candidate for this approach .
In collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Harvard , and Brigham and Women ’ s Hospital , Biobot analyzed sewage samples taken in Massachusetts in the middle of March .
Based on the amount of virus , it predicted that there were a few thousand people infected in the area .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 400 confirmed cases .
Currently , there are almost 40,000 .
Now , Biobot is analyzing samples from over 100 sewage treatment facilities in 30 states .
Ghaeli told The Verge she hopes the data can give local communities a snapshot of their outbreak and help them determine when it ’ s safe to loosen distancing recommendations .
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity .
What was the company focused on before the COVID-19 pandemic ?
We asked as many government and public health officials as we could one question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern ?
The answer was the opioid epidemic , really across the board here in North America .
We focused our first product around that , which was , up until two months ago , one of the biggest public health concerns in the US .
We launched our opioid product in late 2018 , and from there , we had scaled to about seven communities to sample for opioid levels .
We looked for heroin , fentanyl , fentanyl analogs , and a dozen specific prescription opioid drugs .
But then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are substitution therapies , and Narcan , the overdose reversal drug , to understand their update in a community .
If a community is opening a new methadone clinic , you would want to see methadone consumption increasing .
Why did you decide to jump in on COVID-19 surveillance ?
When the scope of the coronavirus outbreak became clear both here in the US and globally , we knew that as a company we had to respond .
That ’ s why we started Biobot .
We started a partnership with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers at Harvard and Brigham and Women ’ s Hospital in Boston , in order to actually develop the methods and the protocols to measure the virus in sewage .
What did you find when you started examining sewage samples for the coronavirus ?
In late March , we published a paper outlining that work on samples collected in the Massachusetts area .
We were able to successfully detect the virus and start quantifying the amount of virus that we were seeing .
From there , we put forward an estimate of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus and contrast that with the number of confirmed cases .
We then knew that this source of data would be extremely complementary to data on confirmed patients .
Public health departments could use this information to refine their response and to understand the true scope and magnitude of the outbreak .
It could also help them evaluate when and how to start scaling back quarantine-style policy policies and recommendations .
Public health experts have other tools to estimate the true prevalence of COVID-19 in a community , like antibody testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been sick .
How does wastewater analysis fit in with those other techniques ?
It ’ s important to look at different sources of data because each different source is painting a separate sort of vignette of the outbreak .
We need all of these vignettes in order to actually manage this crisis as effectively as possible .
When it comes to sewage prevalence estimates , there are no privacy implications , and the data is not HIPAA protected .
As a result , it can be shared a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it important as a layer of data .
Another thing that we can think about with sewage data is , for example , why do we have these discrepancies where clinical cases are so low when this data from sewage saws that they should be high ?
One of the reasons is obviously that individual testing is limited , so not everybody who is sick has access to a test .
Sewage testing could also be accounting for individuals who are asymptomatic or individuals with very mild symptoms .
Those are people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they ’ re still shedding the virus and they ’ re still using the toilet — so they come up in our samples .
COVID-19 is a problem all over the country , not just in Massachusetts .
How are you expanding the program ?
We launched a campaign soliciting wastewater samples from wastewater treatment facilities all over the US .
This is pro bono .
We ’ re just asking that the treatment facilities pay for the shipping cost for the samples .
We ’ re collecting samples in over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 30 states .
Almost all the participants are sending weekly samples .
The hope is this data is going to start showing where the outbreak is trending , and where we are in that curve .
What are you seeing in that data so far ?
We ’ re generating data on an ongoing basis , and sharing it directly back with the wastewater facilities who have looped in local health departments and COVID response teams .
Our data does more or less correlate with the clinical case rankings or hotspots across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are testing .
Is Biobot going to keep tracking infectious disease even after the coronavirus outbreaks die down ?
Even prior to the COVID outbreak , we knew we wanted to eventually work in infectious diseases as well as continuing with the opioid product .
I think that ’ s what ’ s so great about this technology : we don ’ t need to choose one public health issue over another .
We can actually look at data across multiple different public health priorities at once .
It ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @

With limitations on COVID-19 testing making it hard to know how many people actually have the disease, some public health experts are turning to the sewer systems for a clearer snapshot.
“Sewage is a source of information on human health, and can really be transformed into a public health observatory,” says Newsha Ghaeli, president and co-founder of Biobot, a startup that analyzes wastewater.
Wastewater-based disease monitoring is a relatively new strategy, but it’s already been able to predict potential outbreaks of illnesses before cases appear. In Israel, for example, officials found the poliovirus in the sewage system in 2013 and mounted a vaccination campaign in response. Research shows that the new coronavirus is found in feces, so it’s a good candidate for this approach.
In collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Biobot analyzed sewage samples taken in Massachusetts in the middle of March. Based on the amount of virus, it predicted that there were a few thousand people infected in the area. At the time, there were only just over 400 confirmed cases. Currently, there are almost 40,000.
Now, Biobot is analyzing samples from over 100 sewage treatment facilities in 30 states. Ghaeli told The Verge she hopes the data can give local communities a snapshot of their outbreak and help them determine when it’s safe to loosen distancing recommendations.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
What was the company focused on before the COVID-19 pandemic?
We asked as many government and public health officials as we could one question: what is your biggest public health concern? The answer was the opioid epidemic, really across the board here in North America. We focused our first product around that, which was, up until two months ago, one of the biggest public health concerns in the US. We launched our opioid product in late 2018, and from there, we had scaled to about seven communities to sample for opioid levels.
We looked for heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and a dozen specific prescription opioid drugs. But then we also were measuring methadone and Suboxone, which are substitution therapies, and Narcan, the overdose reversal drug, to understand their update in a community. If a community is opening a new methadone clinic, you would want to see methadone consumption increasing.
Why did you decide to jump in on COVID-19 surveillance?
When the scope of the coronavirus outbreak became clear both here in the US and globally, we knew that as a company we had to respond. That’s why we started Biobot. We started a partnership with a lab at MIT, together with other researchers at Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in order to actually develop the methods and the protocols to measure the virus in sewage.
What did you find when you started examining sewage samples for the coronavirus?
In late March, we published a paper outlining that work on samples collected in the Massachusetts area. We were able to successfully detect the virus and start quantifying the amount of virus that we were seeing. From there, we put forward an estimate of the number of individuals we think are infected with the virus and contrast that with the number of confirmed cases.
We then knew that this source of data would be extremely complementary to data on confirmed patients. Public health departments could use this information to refine their response and to understand the true scope and magnitude of the outbreak. It could also help them evaluate when and how to start scaling back quarantine-style policy policies and recommendations.
Public health experts have other tools to estimate the true prevalence of COVID-19 in a community, like antibody testing, which can hint at how many people have been sick. How does wastewater analysis fit in with those other techniques?
It’s important to look at different sources of data because each different source is painting a separate sort of vignette of the outbreak. We need all of these vignettes in order to actually manage this crisis as effectively as possible.
When it comes to sewage prevalence estimates, there are no privacy implications, and the data is not HIPAA protected. As a result, it can be shared a lot more effectively between response teams, which makes it important as a layer of data.
Another thing that we can think about with sewage data is, for example, why do we have these discrepancies where clinical cases are so low when this data from sewage saws that they should be high? One of the reasons is obviously that individual testing is limited, so not everybody who is sick has access to a test. Sewage testing could also be accounting for individuals who are asymptomatic or individuals with very mild symptoms. Those are people who aren’t even seeking out testing, but they’re still shedding the virus and they’re still using the toilet — so they come up in our samples.
COVID-19 is a problem all over the country, not just in Massachusetts. How are you expanding the program?
We launched a campaign soliciting wastewater samples from wastewater treatment facilities all over the US. This is pro bono. We’re just asking that the treatment facilities pay for the shipping cost for the samples. We’re collecting samples in over 100 locations across the US, representing about 30 states. Almost all the participants are sending weekly samples. The hope is this data is going to start showing where the outbreak is trending, and where we are in that curve.
What are you seeing in that data so far?
We’re generating data on an ongoing basis, and sharing it directly back with the wastewater facilities who have looped in local health departments and COVID response teams. Our data does more or less correlate with the clinical case rankings or hotspots across the US in the limited sites that we are testing.
Is Biobot going to keep tracking infectious disease even after the coronavirus outbreaks die down?


theverge--2020-04-20--Whole Foods is reportedly using a heat map to track stores at risk of unionization

Whole Foods , which is owned by Amazon , is using a heat map to track stores that may be at risk of unionization , according to report from Business Insider .
The heat map apparently uses more than two dozen different metrics to track which Whole Foods stores may unionize .
The heat map focuses on monitoring three main areas : “ external risks , ” “ store risks , ” and “ team member sentiment , ” according to Business Insider .
Here are some examples of “ external risks , ” reports Business Insider : Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scores include local union membership size ; distance in miles between the store and the closest union ; number of charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board alleging labor-law violations ; and a “ labor incident tracker , ” which logs incidents related to organizing and union activity .
Other external factors include the percentage of families within the store ’ s zip code that fall below the poverty line and the local unemployment rate .
Here are some examples of “ store risks ” : And here are some examples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracked : The “ sentiment ” data is pulled from internal employee surveys and “ is likely to be the first score to improve based on your efforts.
” These measures assess employees ’ feedback on the quality and safety of their work environment and whether they feel supported and respected , among other things .
External risks include things the distance between that Whole Foods store and the closest union , charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board .
Amazon has resisted Whole Foods unionization efforts before — in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video to Whole Foods team leaders that was obtained by Gizmodo .
“ Throughout , the video claims Amazon prefers a ‘ direct management ’ structure where employees can bring grievances to their bosses individually , rather than union representation , ” according to Gizmodo .
Whole Foods used similar language about direct management in a statement to Business Insider , which it also shared with The Verge .
“ Whole Foods Market recognizes the rights of our Team Members to decide whether union representation is right for them , ” Whole Foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree with the overwhelming majority of our Team Members that a direct relationship with Whole Foods Market and its leadership , where Team Members have open lines of communication and every individual is empowered to share feedback directly with their team leaders , is best.
” Amazon has not replied to a request for comment from The Verge .
Amazon has a history of aggressively combating unionization efforts , and its anti-labor stance has also come to light due to recent organizing efforts by warehouse employees to protest Amazon ’ s handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late March , Amazon fired a warehouse worker named Chris Smalls who organized a walkout in New York City , claiming he violated COVID-19 safety instructions after coming into contact with a co-worker who tested positive for the virus .
However , Amazon executives later attacked Smalls on Twitter after Sen. Bernie Sanders ( D-VT ) criticized the company .
Shortly after , notes from an Amazon executive meeting obtained by Vice News revealed a plan to publicly smear the worker in an effort to discredit broader labor movements within Amazon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whole Foods provided the same statement to The Verge that it provided to Business Insider .

Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon, is using a heat map to track stores that may be at risk of unionization, according to report from Business Insider.
The heat map apparently uses more than two dozen different metrics to track which Whole Foods stores may unionize. The heat map focuses on monitoring three main areas: “external risks,” “store risks,” and “team member sentiment,” according to Business Insider.
Here are some examples of “external risks,” reports Business Insider:
Some of the factors that contribute to external risk scores include local union membership size; distance in miles between the store and the closest union; number of charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board alleging labor-law violations; and a “labor incident tracker,” which logs incidents related to organizing and union activity. Other external factors include the percentage of families within the store’s zip code that fall below the poverty line and the local unemployment rate.
Here are some examples of “store risks”:
Store-risk metrics include average store compensation, average total store sales, and a “diversity index” that represents the racial and ethnic diversity of every store. Stores at higher risk of unionizing have lower diversity and lower employee compensation, as well as higher total store sales and higher rates of workers’ compensation claims, according to the documents.
And here are some examples of how “team member sentiment” is tracked:
The “sentiment” data is pulled from internal employee surveys and “is likely to be the first score to improve based on your efforts.” These measures assess employees’ feedback on the quality and safety of their work environment and whether they feel supported and respected, among other things. External risks include things the distance between that Whole Foods store and the closest union, charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
Amazon has resisted Whole Foods unionization efforts before — in 2018, the company sent a 45-minute anti-union training video to Whole Foods team leaders that was obtained by Gizmodo. “Throughout, the video claims Amazon prefers a ‘direct management’ structure where employees can bring grievances to their bosses individually, rather than union representation,” according to Gizmodo.
Whole Foods used similar language about direct management in a statement to Business Insider, which it also shared with The Verge. “Whole Foods Market recognizes the rights of our Team Members to decide whether union representation is right for them,” Whole Foods said in the statement. “We agree with the overwhelming majority of our Team Members that a direct relationship with Whole Foods Market and its leadership, where Team Members have open lines of communication and every individual is empowered to share feedback directly with their team leaders, is best.”
Amazon has not replied to a request for comment from The Verge.
Amazon has a history of aggressively combating unionization efforts
Amazon has a history of aggressively combating unionization efforts, and its anti-labor stance has also come to light due to recent organizing efforts by warehouse employees to protest Amazon’s handling of worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. In late March, Amazon fired a warehouse worker named Chris Smalls who organized a walkout in New York City, claiming he violated COVID-19 safety instructions after coming into contact with a co-worker who tested positive for the virus.
However, Amazon executives later attacked Smalls on Twitter after Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) criticized the company. Shortly after, notes from an Amazon executive meeting obtained by Vice News revealed a plan to publicly smear the worker in an effort to discredit broader labor movements within Amazon.


theverge--2020-04-21--VanMoof S3 e-bike review: better than the best

Electric bikes , like cars , come in tiers of quality and prestige .
Dependable commuter bikes start at around $ 1,000 .
At $ 1,500 , they start to look nice , with batteries and motors integrated into the overall aesthetic .
Above $ 2,000 you start seeing sleek designs , advanced electronics , and a preponderance of high-end or original components .
On that scale , VanMoof ’ s premium prices have made it the BMW of e-bikes ( or Tesla , if you prefer ) .
VanMoof is now taking preorders for its newest pedal-assisted electric bikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re follow-ups to the full-sized S2 and compact X2 theft-defying e-bikes released in 2018 and two of the highest-rated e-bikes we ’ ve ever tested .
Despite a similar appearance , VanMoof says the S3 and X3 are “ an upgrade to the S2 and X2 in every way , ” yet they cost $ 400 to $ 1,400 less than VanMoof ’ s previous generations of electrics .
Priced at $ 1,998 / €1,998 , VanMoof is aggressively setting a new entry point for premium e-bikes that can cost well over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s a bold claim that I put to the test for a week of riding an S3 in VanMoof ’ s European home city of Amsterdam .
The S3 and X3 models are essentially the same under the “ hood , ” differing only by frame types and wheel sizes .
The S3 is designed for riders ranging in size from 170 to 210 cm ( 5 feet , 7 inches to 6 feet , 11 inches ) , while the compact X3 fits riders from 155 to 200 cm ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet , 7 inches ) .
Both are available in “ light ” ( white with a bluish tint ) or “ dark ” ( dark gray ) models .
I ’ ve been riding a dark S3 model for the last week .
The S3 and X3 feature a number of improvements , headlined by the following : • More powerful and immediate Turbo Boost • Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes for more accurate braking and less maintenance Let me put it plainly : the S3 is the most sophisticated ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-bike .
Shifting is incredibly smooth the vast majority of the time , without requiring a pause between downstrokes like the $ 5,000 Gocycle GXi .
Occasionally , maybe one of out every 50 shifts , I felt my feet chase the new gear for about a third of a revolution , or I heard a mechanical “ clink ” as the gears advanced .
Otherwise , it was silent and glorious , allowing me to pedal along with constant pressure as the gears shifted beneath me , always returning to first when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to tweak the “ shift down ” and “ shift up ” moments , but the defaults felt just right for me .
I was happy to have that fourth gear , too , something I missed on the Gocycle ’ s electronic three-speed once I got the GXi moving fast .
VanMoof ’ s previous two-speed automatic shifter was purely mechanical , relying on a centrifugal clutch .
The new gearbox is built around an electric e-shifter .
Don ’ t worry , I also tested the S3 with the motor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift , making it easy to ride without the pedal-assist function , despite the bike ’ s 19-kg ( 42-pound ) bulk .
If you do run out of battery , VanMoof tells me that the bike holds enough power in reserve to operate the lights and shifting until you get home to a charger .
The bike ’ s smaller , more refined front-hub motor , like the gears , is also dead silent , even as it pushes out 250W to 350W of continuous power ( 500W peak ) .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I had to strain to hear it above the wind , easily making it one of the quietest motors around .
And the bike is so balanced that I often found myself sitting upright , hands off the grips , riding with “ no hands ” on long , lonely stretches of asphalt during my range test .
Likewise , popping bunny hops off speed bumps was a breeze .
Every e-bike should have VanMoof ’ s Turbo Boost feature .
The button , accessible from the right grip , is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a near-instantaneous boost without feeling jerky .
Push it when you want to make a fast start , climb a hill , or overtake someone quickly .
It ’ s not a throttle , but who cares ?
VanMoof says that the 504Wh-capacity battery will eke out a range of 60 km ( 37 miles ) when riding at full power or up to 150 km ( 93 miles ) when riding in economy .
When I tested the X2 last year against similar claims , I averaged about 60 km per charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the S3 , despite it having the same 403Wh-capacity battery — but I tested with an S3 running pre-release firmware that restricted some of the available power to protect the battery .
As such , I only made it 47 km ( 29.2 miles ) before empty .
I did my test while riding in the 32 km/h ( 20 mph ) US mode ( an app setting I could choose after swiping away a warning that I was located in Europe ) , the maximum of four power-assist settings , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started pedaling or to climb hills — just like I tested the X2 .
With the production firmware , my range would have been extended , VanMoof tells me .
My S3 charged to full in about four hours .
The biggest criticism I have of the S3 applies to all VanMoof e-bikes : the battery can ’ t be removed for charging , although it can be removed for service .
That could be a deal-breaker for many city dwellers , if your only option is to charge the bike in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is smaller in size , making it easier to maneuver through the front door ( or into a lift ) , but it still weighs the same as the S3 , making it very difficult to carry up any stairs .
Other new features found on the S3 and X3 : • New one-piece saddle and pedals ( unfortunately , neither was ready for me to test ) • Scratch-resistant matte finishes after owners complained of scratching on the glossy S2 and X2 models .
The matte grey S3 also looks much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion .
• New “ Ding dong ” horn option sounds just like those big traditional mechanical bells .
That ’ s good because the old VanMoof sonar “ ping ” didn ’ t sound like a bell at all , meaning people sometimes wouldn ’ t move out of the way .
It was also embarrassing to use , though not as embarrassing as the new “ party ” bell .
It ’ s cute , but please , don ’ t ever use this .
( You can disable most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • New grips claim to handle water better ( I did not test this claim , nor do I pretend to understand it ) • The integrated Matrix Display on the top tube now shows the gear you ’ re in with a dot that progresses four ticks across the display , as well as the accurate charging status .
It ’ s mostly visible in daylight , although direct sunlight can obscure it , not that it ’ s something you ’ ll be staring at while riding anyway .
It still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now help reduce spray and flying debris • New one-piece steel discs and brake calipers with the hydraulic elements integrated right into the frame for a clean look • New snap spacers adjust the one-piece handlebar height without having to remove it • The bikes ship in smaller packages for less waste • Every bike now comes with a foot pump and toolbox with wrenches , lubricant , reusable yellow retaining belt , and ... confetti • App will allow you to track your journeys later this summer showing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and duration • Oh , VanMoof doesn ’ t use the “ Electrified ” name anymore with the S3 and X3 That ’ s a lot of newness !
It ’ s also more opportunity for things to go wrong over time .
The VanMoof S2 and X2 were already made of mostly custom or original parts of VanMoof design , and the S3 and X3 use even more , I ’ m told .
VanMoof credits “ industry-first full supply chain control ” and the scale of its e-bike sales for helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that also ensures a high level of quality control to keep repairs to a minimum .
Otherwise , that 4-speed electronic shifter is sure to flummox more than a few local bike shops .
The S3 and X3 also carry over an impressive list of features from previous VanMoofs : • The integrated Kick Lock secures the rear wheel and activates the alarm with a kick of the protruding button .
It still requires proper alignment of the rear wheel to engage , which can be a finicky maneuver , especially at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guides .
The lock can be opened in the app or by tapping out your secret code on the Horn button mounted on the left grip ( my preference ) .
The Kick Lock can feel gimmicky in theft-happy places like Amsterdam where a bike requires two locks to be secured , but it ’ s all you need in cities like Tokyo .
• The built-in alarm system slowly escalates in intensity before disabling the bike ’ s motor and begins broadcasting its location to VanMoof and the owner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs $ 290 / €290 for three years .
If VanMoof ’ s Bike Hunters can ’ t locate your bike within two weeks , they ’ ll replace it with a bike of similar or better age and condition ( first replacement is free , 2nd and 3rd cost $ 98 / €98 ) .
• A Smart Cartridge in the top tube hosting the computer , GSM and Bluetooth theft tracking , and speaker can be removed by the user , as can the battery pack in a pinch , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the whole bike ) .
It ’ s something you may need to do if you don ’ t live close to one of VanMoof ’ s global stores / service centers in Amsterdam , Berlin , London , New York , Paris , San Francisco , Seattle , Taipei , and Tokyo .
• Most cables are hidden , but two cables still snake out of the handlebar , making them susceptible to snagging in bike racks .
It ’ s a shame they ’ re not completely hidden like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rides .
• Automatic chain-tensioning system that requires a few drops of oil now and then • Bikes can be updated over the air when necessary • Large lineup of custom accessories , including front ( coming this summer ) and rear carriers and panniers VanMoof is back with two bikes that are remarkably better than the best e-bikes it ’ s ever built .
They may look similar , but the ride is much improved .
Incredibly , they ’ re priced less than $ 2,000 for the first time , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premium e-bike that offers premium features and a premium riding experience .
That ’ s approaching a mainstream price for a high-quality commuter bike you ’ ll depend on for daily use .
To call the S3 and X3 the best e-bikes below $ 2,000 is easy , but these might be the best e-bikes at any price .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see

Electric bikes, like cars, come in tiers of quality and prestige. Dependable commuter bikes start at around $1,000. At $1,500, they start to look nice, with batteries and motors integrated into the overall aesthetic. Above $2,000 you start seeing sleek designs, advanced electronics, and a preponderance of high-end or original components. On that scale, VanMoof’s premium prices have made it the BMW of e-bikes (or Tesla, if you prefer).
VanMoof is now taking preorders for its newest pedal-assisted electric bikes: the S3 and X3. They’re follow-ups to the full-sized S2 and compact X2 theft-defying e-bikes released in 2018 and two of the highest-rated e-bikes we’ve ever tested.
Despite a similar appearance, VanMoof says the S3 and X3 are “an upgrade to the S2 and X2 in every way,” yet they cost $400 to $1,400 less than VanMoof’s previous generations of electrics. Priced at $1,998 / €1,998, VanMoof is aggressively setting a new entry point for premium e-bikes that can cost well over $3,000.
Better and cheaper? That’s a bold claim that I put to the test for a week in VanMoof’s European home city of Amsterdam.
[Ed. Note: VanMoof made several modifications to the S3 and X3 models at the beginning of 2021, without changing the model names. These can be identified by the “Apple Find My” label underneath the top tube. You can read about the improved saddle, pedals, internal wiring, fender flaps, display, and automatic e-shifter in our review of the PowerBank range extender on a 2021 S3.]
9 Verge Score VanMoof S3 $ 1998 The Good Smooth automatic shifting
Near-silent operation
Improved value for money
Built-in anti-theft with extended recovery service The Bad Battery can’t be removed for charging
Some features can feel gimmicky
Kick Lock finicky to engage
More complexity, more problems? $1998 at VanMoof How we rate and review products
The S3 and X3 models are essentially the same under the “hood,” differing only by frame types and wheel sizes. The S3 is designed for riders ranging in size from 170 to 210 cm (5 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet, 11 inches), while the compact X3 fits riders from 155 to 200 cm (5 feet, 1 inch to 6 feet, 7 inches). Both are available in “light” (white with a bluish tint) or “dark” (dark gray) models. I’ve been riding a dark S3 model for the last week.
The S3 and X3 feature a number of improvements, headlined by the following:
New four-speed electronic gear shifter
More powerful and immediate Turbo Boost
Smaller and nearly silent 250W / 500W front-hub motor
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes for more accurate braking and less maintenance
Let me put it plainly: the S3 is the most sophisticated ride I’ve ever experienced on an e-bike. Shifting is incredibly smooth the vast majority of the time, without requiring a pause between downstrokes like the $5,000 Gocycle GXi. Occasionally, maybe one out of every 50 shifts, I felt my feet chase the new gear for about a third of a revolution, or I heard a mechanical “clink” as the gears advanced. Otherwise, it was silent and glorious, allowing me to pedal along with constant pressure as the gears shifted beneath me, always returning to first when I stopped. The VanMoof app allows you to tweak the “shift down” and “shift up” moments, but the defaults felt just right for me. I was happy to have that fourth gear, too, something I missed on the Gocycle’s electronic three-speed once I got the GXi moving fast.
Cutaway of the new 4-speed electronic shifter. GIF: VanMoof
VanMoof’s previous two-speed automatic shifter was purely mechanical, relying on a centrifugal clutch. The new gearbox is built around an electric e-shifter. Don’t worry, I also tested the S3 with the motor off, and the gears continued to shift, making it easy to ride without the pedal-assist function, despite the bike’s 19-kg (42-pound) bulk. If you do run out of battery, VanMoof tells me that the bike holds enough power in reserve to operate the lights and shifting until you get home to a charger.
The bike’s smaller, more refined front-hub motor, like the gears, is also dead silent, even as it pushes out 250W to 350W of continuous power (500W peak). It’s as quiet as a Cowboy. I had to strain to hear it above the wind, easily making it one of the quietest motors around. And the bike is so balanced that I often found myself sitting upright, hands off the grips, riding with “no hands” on long, lonely stretches of asphalt during my range test. Likewise, popping bunny hops off speed bumps was a breeze.
Every e-bike should have VanMoof’s Turbo Boost feature. The button, accessible from the right grip, is now even more powerful and torquey, giving a near-instantaneous boost without feeling jerky. Push it when you want to make a fast start, climb a hill, or overtake someone quickly. It’s not a throttle, but who cares?
VanMoof says that the 504Wh-capacity battery will eke out a range of 60 km (37 miles) when riding at full power or up to 150 km (93 miles) when riding in economy. When I tested the X2 last year against similar claims, I averaged about 60 km per charge. I didn’t get that on the S3, despite it having the same capacity battery — but I tested with an S3 running pre-release firmware that restricted some of the available power to protect the battery. As such, I only made it 47 km (29.2 miles) before empty. I did my test while riding in the 32 km/h (20 mph) US mode (an app setting I could choose after swiping away a warning that I was located in Europe), the maximum of four power-assist settings, and using the Boost button heavily to get started pedaling or to climb hills — just like I tested the X2. With the production firmware, my range would have been extended, VanMoof tells me. My S3 charged to full in about four hours.
The biggest criticism I have of the S3 applies to all VanMoof e-bikes: the battery can’t be removed for charging, although it can be removed for service. That could be a deal-breaker for many city dwellers, if your only option is to charge the bike in your living room. Yes, the X3 is smaller in size, making it easier to maneuver through the front door (or into a lift), but it still weighs the same as the S3, making it very difficult to carry up any stairs.
Other new features found on the S3 and X3:
New one-piece saddle and pedals (unfortunately, neither was ready for me to test)
Scratch-resistant matte finishes after owners complained of scratching on the glossy S2 and X2 models. The matte grey S3 also looks much better than the glossy S2, in my opinion.
Fortunately, most of the sounds can be disabled in the app.
New “Ding dong” horn option sounds just like those big traditional mechanical bells. That’s good because the old VanMoof sonar “ping” didn’t sound like a bell at all, meaning people sometimes wouldn’t move out of the way. It was also embarrassing to use, though not as embarrassing as the new “party” bell. It’s cute, but please, don’t ever use this. (You can disable most of the sounds in the app.)
New grips claim to handle water better (I did not test this claim, nor do I pretend to understand it)
The integrated Matrix Display on the top tube now shows the gear you’re in with a dot that progresses four ticks across the display, as well as the accurate charging status. It’s mostly visible in daylight, although direct sunlight can obscure it, not that it’s something you’ll be staring at while riding anyway. It still looks very cool.
Fender flaps now help reduce spray and flying debris
New one-piece steel discs and brake calipers with the hydraulic elements integrated right into the frame for a clean look
More compact 36V 4A charger
New snap spacers adjust the one-piece handlebar height without having to remove it
The bikes ship in smaller packages for less waste
Every bike now comes with a foot pump and toolbox with wrenches, lubricant, reusable yellow restraining belt, and... confetti
App will allow you to track your journeys later this summer showing the total number of rides, average speed, distance, and duration
Oh, VanMoof doesn’t use the “Electrified” name anymore with the S3 and X3
That’s a lot of newness! It’s also more opportunity for things to go wrong over time. The VanMoof S2 and X2 were already made of mostly custom or original parts of VanMoof design, and the S3 and X3 use even more, I’m told. VanMoof credits “industry-first full supply chain control” and the scale of its e-bike sales for helping bring down prices. Let’s hope that also ensures a high level of quality control to keep repairs to a minimum. Otherwise, that 4-speed electronic shifter is sure to flummox more than a few local bike shops.
The S3 and X3 also carry over an impressive list of features from previous VanMoofs:
The integrated Kick Lock secures the rear wheel and activates the alarm with a kick of the protruding button. It still requires proper alignment of the rear wheel to engage, which can be a finicky maneuver, especially at night when you can’t see the guides. The lock can be opened in the app or by tapping out your secret code on the Horn button mounted on the left grip (my preference). The Kick Lock can feel gimmicky in theft-happy places like Amsterdam where a bike requires two locks to be secured, but it’s all you need in cities like Tokyo.
The built-in alarm system slowly escalates in intensity before disabling the bike’s motor and begins broadcasting its location to VanMoof and the owner. The optional Peace of Mind theft recovery service costs $290 / €290 for three years. If VanMoof’s Bike Hunters can’t locate your bike within two weeks, they’ll replace it with a bike of similar or better age and condition (first replacement is free, 2nd and 3rd cost $98 / €98).
A Smart Cartridge in the top tube hosting the computer, GSM and Bluetooth theft tracking, and speaker can be removed by the user, as can the battery pack in a pinch, and sent to VanMoof for servicing (instead of the whole bike). It’s something you may need to do if you don’t live close to one of VanMoof’s global stores / service centers in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, Taipei, and Tokyo.
Most cables are hidden, but two cables still snake out of the handlebar, making them susceptible to snagging in bike racks. It’s a shame they’re not completely hidden like the cables on Gocycle bikes and other premium rides.
Chunky 28-inch (S3) and 24-inch (X3) Schwalbe puncture-protection tires
Automatic chain-tensioning system that requires a few drops of oil now and then
Bikes can be updated over the air when necessary
Large lineup of custom accessories, including front (coming this summer) and rear carriers and panniers
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VanMoof is back with two bikes that are remarkably better than the best e-bikes it’s ever built. They may look similar, but the ride is much improved. Incredibly, they’re priced less than $2,000 for the first time, which is all kinds of impressive for a premium e-bike that offers premium features and a premium riding experience. That’s approaching a mainstream price for a high-quality commuter bike you’ll depend on for daily use. To call the S3 and X3 the best e-bikes below $2,000 is easy, but these might be the best e-bikes at any price.


theverge--2020-04-21--The iPad is still an iPad, even with a Magic Keyboard

I ’ m writing this newsletter out to you on the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro .
I used to not be able to write the newsletter with the iPad — my process unfortunately involves dealing directly with HTML code because my newsletter provider hasn ’ t seen fit to update its version of the CKEditor WYSIWYG since 2014 .
Now I can , and I think the reason why is interesting for anybody who wants to push their iPad to do more .
No , the Magic Keyboard hasn ’ t magically solved these problems .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPad already does somewhat nicer .
The iPad with iPadOS remains the most enjoyable computer I use right up to the point where I need to do something complicated , at which point it becomes something else entirely .
On a traditional computer , solving a complicated problem is a matter of searching around the internet until you discover a new ability or find a fix .
It might be beyond your skills , but you rarely are stopped cold .
On the iPad , the first step isn ’ t necessarily looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see if you ’ re even allowed to do the thing you need to do .
For me , it was inspecting HTML source code for particular elements on a web page , which Safari doesn ’ t let you do .
Some of you are reading the previous sentence and scoffing that I ’ d ever ask an iPad to do such a thing .
Others are wondering why I don ’ t just switch newsletter providers or find some other solution that gets around this limitation .
All valid points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have a process that works on Windows , another for macOS , and yet another on ChromeOS .
I wasn ’ t going to let the iPad beat me .
But more to the point , Apple is obstinate — in ways both good and bad .
Obstinately refusing to just copy over all the stuff I think I want from a desktop operating system means that the iPad won ’ t just get used like a desktop OS ( which is what happens with the Surface ) .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hard to know if the iPad will allow you to do something advanced in the first place .
There are rules against apps running certain types of code , for example , which makes it a challenging device for app developers to use .
Was my HTML problem one of those kinds of issues , or was it just something Apple hasn ’ t gotten around to adding yet — like when it added USB drive support ?
I think the answer might be both ?
It turns out that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for automating certain tasks on the iPad — that lets you grab source code .
From there , it was a matter of teaching myself some Siri Shortcut methods then a lot of trial and error .
I think hiding what is a core browser function on every other platform inside the iPad ’ s macro app is loopy , but at least it worked .
What does all of this have to do with the Magic Keyboard ?
Simply this : I think a lot of the pent-up demand for it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if the iPad can finally be made to do things that it still struggles to do today .
I reviewed the Magic Keyboard yesterday and I think it ’ s incredibly well-made .
The trackpad has made manipulating text ten times easier than before , which has in turn made the iPad Pro much more useful to me in situations where I would want to use it like a laptop .
But I never expected the Magic Keyboard to ... magically make some of the limitations I ’ ve run into on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should you .
Sometimes new hardware , even if it has new features like a trackpad , doesn ’ t unlock new features .
Instead , it can just make your experience a little less annoying .
As I noted in the review , I think Apple could have made different design choices that might have helped the Magic Keyboard do more than make using the iPad as a laptop nicer .
I think it makes a better keyboard dock than a mobile keyboard case .
For $ 299 or $ 349 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a keyboard dock .
I ’ d like to say that another company will come in and offer something more versatile for a lower price , but I am not holding my breath .
The lack of third-party iPad Pro accessories that take advantage of the Smart Connector remains one of the weird mysteries in consumer tech — one that I think will never get solved .
┏ Microsoft prepares to launch Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 .
If these reports pan out , it could mean that Microsoft wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more directly for the pro market .
┏ HP ’ s redesigned Envy laptops take a cue from the excellent Spectre x360 .
┏ Samsung ’ s Galaxy S10 Lite will launch in the US on April 17th for $ 650 .
This looks ... well this looks less good in the wake of the iPhone SE announcement .
┏ Apple is tweaking how MacBooks charge to extend battery lifespan .
I love this because it lets me noodle on what symbols mean , my favorite pastime .
Now the full battery icon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean your battery has “ the maximum possible charge , ” but instead “ the maximum charge that ’ s less likely to harm your MacBook ’ s longevity , based on your computer ’ s best interpretation of your recent charging and use habits.
” What amuses me is that I don ’ t think the second one is more complicated than the first one , because semiotics .
I ’ d explain but my boss Nilay would take the newsletter away if I went on .
┏ The new Moto G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameraphones .
Cameron Faulkner is impressed with the cameras in his review .
At $ 250 , you ’ d expect a lot worse .
┏ LG V60 Dual Screen review : V for versatility .
Chris Welch reviews LG ’ s flagship .
There really are a lot of unique things you can do here : Headphone jack !
Dual screen !
Stylus support !
It ’ s a list of priorities that other phone makers ignore — though maybe that ’ s because those features don ’ t sell phones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ battery life ( at the cost of screen quality ) , and battery life is definitely a good way to sell phones .
More from The Verge ┏ Fandango just purchased Vudu from Walmart to better compete against Amazon , iTunes .
Walmart hasn ’ t been the best steward , but it also let Vudu find its niche with premium video quality .
Dearly hoping that Fandango and its parent company ( which , disclosure , has invested in our parent company ) doesn ’ t mess this one up .
┏ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hole since Deepwater Horizon .
On the ten-year anniversary of the spill , Justine Calma looks at the current state of offshore drilling : ┏ Lo-fi beats to quarantine to are booming on YouTube .
Julia Alexander looks at a rising trend right now : ┏ How engineers are operating deep-space probes , Martian rovers , and satellites from their homes .
Imagine running NASA ’ s projects from a chat app like Slack .
Must be a nightmare !
Loren Grush looks into how they do it : ┏ Microsoft launches ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients to help treat sick ones .
┏ Sewer systems are a window into the coronavirus pandemic .
This story from Nicole Wetsman is some good shit .

I’m writing this newsletter out to you on the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. I used to not be able to write the newsletter with the iPad — my process unfortunately involves dealing directly with HTML code because my newsletter provider hasn’t seen fit to update its version of the CKEditor WYSIWYG since 2014. Now I can, and I think the reason why is interesting for anybody who wants to push their iPad to do more.
No, the Magic Keyboard hasn’t magically solved these problems. Instead, it has made the things the iPad already does somewhat nicer. The iPad with iPadOS remains the most enjoyable computer I use right up to the point where I need to do something complicated, at which point it becomes something else entirely.
On a traditional computer, solving a complicated problem is a matter of searching around the internet until you discover a new ability or find a fix. It might be beyond your skills, but you rarely are stopped cold.
On the iPad, the first step isn’t necessarily looking for the solution itself, but looking to see if you’re even allowed to do the thing you need to do. For me, it was inspecting HTML source code for particular elements on a web page, which Safari doesn’t let you do.
You are reading Processor, a newsletter about computers, software, and tech by Dieter Bohn. Dieter writes about consumer tech, software, and the most important tech news of the day from The Verge. You can read an archive of Processor newsletters here and subscribe to all of The Verge’s great videos here! Subscribe
By subscribing, you are agreeing to receive a daily newsletter from The Verge that highlights top stories of the day, as well as occasional messages from sponsors and / or partners of The Verge.
Some of you are reading the previous sentence and scoffing that I’d ever ask an iPad to do such a thing. Others are wondering why I don’t just switch newsletter providers or find some other solution that gets around this limitation.
All valid points, but I’m obstinate. I have a process that works on Windows, another for macOS, and yet another on ChromeOS. I wasn’t going to let the iPad beat me.
But more to the point, Apple is obstinate — in ways both good and bad. Obstinately refusing to just copy over all the stuff I think I want from a desktop operating system means that the iPad won’t just get used like a desktop OS (which is what happens with the Surface).
On the other hand, sometimes that obstinacy means it’s hard to know if the iPad will allow you to do something advanced in the first place. There are rules against apps running certain types of code, for example, which makes it a challenging device for app developers to use. Was my HTML problem one of those kinds of issues, or was it just something Apple hasn’t gotten around to adding yet — like when it added USB drive support?
I think the answer might be both? It turns out that there is a Siri Shortcut — the system for automating certain tasks on the iPad — that lets you grab source code. From there, it was a matter of teaching myself some Siri Shortcut methods then a lot of trial and error. I think hiding what is a core browser function on every other platform inside the iPad’s macro app is loopy, but at least it worked.
What does all of this have to do with the Magic Keyboard? Simply this: I think a lot of the pent-up demand for it and its trackpad is actually pent-up demand to see if the iPad can finally be made to do things that it still struggles to do today.
I reviewed the Magic Keyboard yesterday and I think it’s incredibly well-made. The trackpad has made manipulating text ten times easier than before, which has in turn made the iPad Pro much more useful to me in situations where I would want to use it like a laptop.
But I never expected the Magic Keyboard to ...magically make some of the limitations I’ve run into on the iPad go away, and neither should you. Sometimes new hardware, even if it has new features like a trackpad, doesn’t unlock new features. Instead, it can just make your experience a little less annoying.
As I noted in the review, I think Apple could have made different design choices that might have helped the Magic Keyboard do more than make using the iPad as a laptop nicer. I think it makes a better keyboard dock than a mobile keyboard case.
For $299 or $349, I think you should get much more than a keyboard dock. I’d like to say that another company will come in and offer something more versatile for a lower price, but I am not holding my breath. The lack of third-party iPad Pro accessories that take advantage of the Smart Connector remains one of the weird mysteries in consumer tech — one that I think will never get solved.
Verge Deal of the day Apple’s AirPods Pro are $30 off at Amazon Normally $250, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are down to $220 at Amazon. Compared to the standard AirPods, these feature better sound quality and noise cancellation. We’ve seen these drop a bit lower in price before, but that’s a pretty rare occurrence. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy . Prices displayed are based on the MSRP at time of posting.
Gadget news
┏ Microsoft prepares to launch Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2. If these reports pan out, it could mean that Microsoft wants to take on the MacBook Pro even more directly for the pro market.
┏ Samsung’s Galaxy S10 Lite will launch in the US on April 17th for $650. This looks ... well this looks less good in the wake of the iPhone SE announcement.
┏ Apple is tweaking how MacBooks charge to extend battery lifespan. I love this because it lets me noodle on what symbols mean, my favorite pastime. Now the full battery icon in your menu bar won’t mean your battery has “the maximum possible charge,” but instead “the maximum charge that’s less likely to harm your MacBook’s longevity, based on your computer’s best interpretation of your recent charging and use habits.” What amuses me is that I don’t think the second one is more complicated than the first one, because semiotics. I’d explain but my boss Nilay would take the newsletter away if I went on.
Reviews
┏ The new Moto G Stylus and G Power are surprisingly adept cameraphones. Cameron Faulkner is impressed with the cameras in his review. At $250, you’d expect a lot worse.
┏ LG V60 Dual Screen review: V for versatility. Chris Welch reviews LG’s flagship. There really are a lot of unique things you can do here: Headphone jack! Dual screen! Stylus support! It’s a list of priorities that other phone makers ignore — though maybe that’s because those features don’t sell phones. But Welch says this thing has stellar battery life (at the cost of screen quality), and battery life is definitely a good way to sell phones.
More from The Verge
┏ Fandango just purchased Vudu from Walmart to better compete against Amazon, iTunes. Walmart hasn’t been the best steward, but it also let Vudu find its niche with premium video quality. Dearly hoping that Fandango and its parent company (which, disclosure, has invested in our parent company) doesn’t mess this one up.
┏ Offshore drilling has dug itself a deeper hole since Deepwater Horizon. On the ten-year anniversary of the spill, Justine Calma looks at the current state of offshore drilling:
Drilling at new depths unlocks untapped oil reserves and has become easier with newer technologies. But those opportunities come with greater dangers and less margin for error, experts tell The Verge. “The lesson from Deepwater Horizon is [that] at the same time that the technology for extraction was progressing very rapidly — I mean it’s quite amazing actually what they’ve been able to do — the technology for safety lagged,” says Donald Boesch, president emeritus of the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science.
┏ Lo-fi beats to quarantine to are booming on YouTube. Julia Alexander looks at a rising trend right now:
“Without a dedicated workspace, people find it challenging to get into a flow and are easily distracted, especially when surrounded by distractions at home,” Pritchard said. “The sudden growth of lo-fi live streams, in my opinion, is clearly representative of that struggle and people seeking to find means to get back into a productive workflow and really focus on the tasks at hand.”
┏ How engineers are operating deep-space probes, Martian rovers, and satellites from their homes. Imagine running NASA’s projects from a chat app like Slack. Must be a nightmare! Loren Grush looks into how they do it:
Now, that entire routine has been moved online. She says she has about 15 to 20 chat rooms open for all of the engineers and rover planners — not to mention telecons with scientists across the country. “The level of intensity has gone up because you’re kind of always watching things,” Bridge says. “I’m also not exercising anymore,” she jokes. “I used to walk around, and now I’m staring at a computer station for hours on end without moving.”


theverge--2020-04-21--Go read this story about an FDA-approved ventilator developed in just a month

Last Friday , the Food and Drug Administration approved the Spiro Wave , a “ bridge ” ventilator that helps patients to breathe when they ’ re condition is not critical enough to require a standard ventilator .
What ’ s remarkable is that the device was brought to market over the course of just a month , after New York City realized it was facing a critical shortage of ventilators .
It ’ s a great story , and this account of its development in The New York Times is well worth reading .
The effort kicked off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy that the US would shortly be facing a critical shortage of ventilators .
At first , it seemed impossible to develop such a complicated machine quickly enough .
The effort involved multiple groups , and was orchestrated by Scott Cohen and Marcel Botha .
Cohen is the co-founder at a technology center for researchers and startups , and Botha is the chief executive of a product design and development company .
But the project also involved the work of academics at MIT where the original design was created a decade ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the project , and companies like Honeywell that were able to provide scarce construction supplies at short notice .
“ Producing thousands of machines means lining up sometimes scarce supplies .
One of those parts was an air-pressure sensor to ensure that a patient ’ s lungs were not overinflated , which could cause damage .
Mr. Cohen knew that Honeywell was a leading producer of the sensor , and he tapped his network of personal contacts to secure it in volume .
Late one night , Mr. Cohen called Kathryn Wylde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City , a business group of the city ’ s top executives .
Kevin Burke , a former chief executive of New York-based Con Edison , is a Honeywell board member .
Introductions were made , and after a series of calls to Honeywell executives in America and Asia , a supply of the sensors was secured.
” The result of the project is a low cost ventilator that will be an “ invaluable tool ” according to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio .
The group behind the ventilator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , and plans to license the design of the ventilator for free .
While The New York Times notes that the crisis in the city itself appears to be abating , the Spiro Wave should still be helpful in other areas of the country , particularly where there ’ s a lack of big medical centers .
You can read The New York Times ’ report in full here .

“Producing thousands of machines means lining up sometimes scarce supplies. One of those parts was an air-pressure sensor to ensure that a patient’s lungs were not overinflated, which could cause damage. Mr. Cohen knew that Honeywell was a leading producer of the sensor, and he tapped his network of personal contacts to secure it in volume.
Late one night, Mr. Cohen called Kathryn Wylde, chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, a business group of the city’s top executives. Kevin Burke, a former chief executive of New York-based Con Edison, is a Honeywell board member. Introductions were made, and after a series of calls to Honeywell executives in America and Asia, a supply of the sensors was secured.”