theverge--2020-03-25--COVID-19 anxiety taking a toll? There’s a subreddit for that

COVID-19 is all anyone can talk about in real life , which means it ’ s all anyone can talk about on the internet , which means it ’ s all anyone is discussing on Reddit .
There ’ s r/Coronavirus ( 1.4 million members ) , r/Covid19 ( 101,000 members ) , and the racist-ly named r/China_flu ( 101,000 members , disappointingly ) .
These subreddits have quickly been overflowed with people seeking news about how the pandemic has thrown world economies and health care systems into collapse .
They exist to disseminate information — and of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s one much smaller , more intimate COVID-19 subreddit — Covid19_support , which boasts only 11,900 members — that is doing something different .
The service it provides Reddit users is not one of news and information , but emotional support .
How about the self-quarantining people who are navigating symptoms but don ’ t need immediate care — who is speaking to them ?
One post in the r/Covid19_support group asked if anyone else had trouble going grocery shopping for fear of being sick , with one user responding , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll get the virus , I think just seeing shelves empty or a ton of people buying it will stress me out.
” Others replied with worries for workers who have been deemed “ essential.
” Many of the posts focus on a topic that concerns many people .
What about our parents and grandparents ?
People are having to make the difficult decision to isolate from family during a period that you want to be with them more than ever .
Luckily , on r/Covid19_support , members are not alone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have laid out varying instructions on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 which , for many people , has meant staying at home .
But there ’ s been little direction on how to actually live through a pandemic .
How does one reckon with quarantine life ?
What about those with mental health issues strained by isolation ?
How about the self-quarantining individuals who are navigating symptoms but are not in need of immediate hospitalization — who is speaking to them ?
As people spend more time inside the house globally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to a phone or a computer with a clear Wi-Fi signal can try to find support for the varied problems that inevitably come with staying put , avoiding illness , or simply attempting to navigate the financial hardship that has already hit many working class people .
r/Covid19_support also offers a space for those who have been let down the most by our systems — those who may not be guaranteed sick leave and can ’ t work from home — to seek some sort of advice on how to handle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asthma ( and elderly parents ) posted about having to leave work early because co-workers were joking about “ survival of the fittest ” and they couldn ’ t take it anymore .
“ I do think people need online forums more as the outbreak goes on , though , ” moderator u/JenniferColeRhuk tells The Verge .
“ They want to ask questions that are very specific to them and to their situation , which aren ’ t going to be easily answered by FAQs or government advice .
Or they see something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want someone to clarify it for them.
” People can get banned for telling someone to “ get a grip ” Unlike most subreddits , which are a free-for-all , r/Covid19_support has strict rules about who can post .
It ’ s not that they want to censor the way people cope with the crisis , but moderators are attempting to make the community “ troll-proof.
” u/JenniferColeRhuk considers this paramount when “ you ’ ve got people who are looking for reassurance and support ” in creating a space for people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality .
The subreddit requires only a little moderation for misinformation , since most users are sharing their personal stories , not news .
Naturally , the moderators come down the hardest on things that are emotional .
u/JenniferColeRhuk explains there is zero tolerance for redditors who don ’ t show other users support , especially if they ’ re provoking others .
People can get banned for telling someone to “ get a grip.
” r/Covid19_support originated out of a post in r/Coronavirus by u/thatreddittherapist inquiring what everyone was doing for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up by u/JenniferColeRhuk , so the two of them created r/Covid19_support .
“ [ The ] main difference from the other COVID-19 subs is that it ’ s mainly self-posts from people who are struggling with various aspects of the outbreak — worried about their friends and family , or their own health , or what will happen to their jobs , ” u/JenniferColeRhuk says .
Those realities are existential .
Members of the subreddit , like the rest of the world , brace for the “ new normal ” as we look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be contained , an economy collapsing , and a global workforce no longer able to work .
Internet access has become an indisputable necessity as many people socially distance in their homes or nervously await news of what is to come as they journey to their jobs , risking illness to be able to pay their rent .
Subreddits such as r/Covid19_support will continue to be more important as this pandemic tolls on .
There is some solace to be found in anonymous strangers on the internet sharing that they too miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to come , there is some solace to be found in anonymous strangers on the internet sharing that they too miss their parents , that they also can ’ t handle the boredom with their ADHD , and that they as well have struggled with layoffs due to the virus .
There is an understanding hand of humanity reaching out in a latex glove to give you a pat on the back .
Having been in my own house for eight days , I ’ ve often visited r/Covid19_support to find some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this has brought on .
I scroll the subreddit as I stress about whether there will actually be a rent freeze , as I wait for phone calls from home about my family members getting sick because they ’ re in jobs deemed “ essential , ” as the boredom only heightens all of my anxieties .
Until the pandemic is over , whenever that is , r/Covid19_support may be one of the many ways that people are trying to cope with the crisis , together and alone in our bedrooms .

COVID-19 is all anyone can talk about in real life, which means it’s all anyone can talk about on the internet, which means it’s all anyone is discussing on Reddit. There’s r/Coronavirus (1.4 million members), r/Covid19 (101,000 members), and the racist-ly named r/China_flu (101,000 members, disappointingly). These subreddits have quickly been overflowed with people seeking news about how the pandemic has thrown world economies and health care systems into collapse. They exist to disseminate information — and of course, are victim to misinformation.
But there’s one much smaller, more intimate COVID-19 subreddit — Covid19_support, which boasts only 11,900 members — that is doing something different. The service it provides Reddit users is not one of news and information, but emotional support.
How about the self-quarantining people who are navigating symptoms but don’t need immediate care — who is speaking to them?
One post in the r/Covid19_support group asked if anyone else had trouble going grocery shopping for fear of being sick, with one user responding, “I’m not so worried I’ll get the virus, I think just seeing shelves empty or a ton of people buying it will stress me out.” Others replied with worries for workers who have been deemed “essential.” Many of the posts focus on a topic that concerns many people. What about our parents and grandparents? People are having to make the difficult decision to isolate from family during a period that you want to be with them more than ever. Luckily, on r/Covid19_support, members are not alone in this struggle.
Governments around the world have laid out varying instructions on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 which, for many people, has meant staying at home. But there’s been little direction on how to actually live through a pandemic. How does one reckon with quarantine life? What about those with mental health issues strained by isolation? How about the self-quarantining individuals who are navigating symptoms but are not in need of immediate hospitalization — who is speaking to them?
As people spend more time inside the house globally, those with the privilege of having access to a phone or a computer with a clear Wi-Fi signal can try to find support for the varied problems that inevitably come with staying put, avoiding illness, or simply attempting to navigate the financial hardship that has already hit many working class people. r/Covid19_support also offers a space for those who have been let down the most by our systems — those who may not be guaranteed sick leave and can’t work from home — to seek some sort of advice on how to handle the realities they face. One member with asthma (and elderly parents) posted about having to leave work early because co-workers were joking about “survival of the fittest” and they couldn’t take it anymore.
“I do think people need online forums more as the outbreak goes on, though,” moderator u/JenniferColeRhuk tells The Verge. “They want to ask questions that are very specific to them and to their situation, which aren’t going to be easily answered by FAQs or government advice. Or they see something they don’t quite understand and want someone to clarify it for them.”
People can get banned for telling someone to “get a grip”
Unlike most subreddits, which are a free-for-all, r/Covid19_support has strict rules about who can post. It’s not that they want to censor the way people cope with the crisis, but moderators are attempting to make the community “troll-proof.” u/JenniferColeRhuk considers this paramount when “you’ve got people who are looking for reassurance and support” in creating a space for people to feel their emotions freely about a grim reality.
The subreddit requires only a little moderation for misinformation, since most users are sharing their personal stories, not news. Naturally, the moderators come down the hardest on things that are emotional. u/JenniferColeRhuk explains there is zero tolerance for redditors who don’t show other users support, especially if they’re provoking others. People can get banned for telling someone to “get a grip.”
r/Covid19_support originated out of a post in r/Coronavirus by u/thatreddittherapist inquiring what everyone was doing for their mental health. That idea got picked up by u/JenniferColeRhuk, so the two of them created r/Covid19_support. “[The] main difference from the other COVID-19 subs is that it’s mainly self-posts from people who are struggling with various aspects of the outbreak — worried about their friends and family, or their own health, or what will happen to their jobs,” u/JenniferColeRhuk says.
Those realities are existential. Members of the subreddit, like the rest of the world, brace for the “new normal” as we look onward at a pandemic that has yet to be contained, an economy collapsing, and a global workforce no longer able to work. Internet access has become an indisputable necessity as many people socially distance in their homes or nervously await news of what is to come as they journey to their jobs, risking illness to be able to pay their rent. Subreddits such as r/Covid19_support will continue to be more important as this pandemic tolls on.
There is some solace to be found in anonymous strangers on the internet sharing that they too miss their parents
As the world awaits what is to come, there is some solace to be found in anonymous strangers on the internet sharing that they too miss their parents, that they also can’t handle the boredom with their ADHD, and that they as well have struggled with layoffs due to the virus. There is an understanding hand of humanity reaching out in a latex glove to give you a pat on the back.
Having been in my own house for eight days, I’ve often visited r/Covid19_support to find some sort of relief for the various stresses that this has brought on. I scroll the subreddit as I stress about whether there will actually be a rent freeze, as I wait for phone calls from home about my family members getting sick because they’re in jobs deemed “essential,” as the boredom only heightens all of my anxieties.


theverge--2020-03-25--How to find keyboard shortcuts for Zoom

How to find keyboard shortcuts for Zoom

When you ’ re in the middle of a Zoom video meeting at home and your cat suddenly decides to start bawling for its dinner , you ’ ll want to mute your audio in a hurry .
In that case , you have a choice : you can either reach for your mouse or touchpad and start searching for the “ Mute ” button or you can use a quick keyboard shortcut to cut off that noise immediately .
Zoom has a long list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use before or during a videoconference .
By using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting ; mute and unmute the audio ; start , pause , and stop recording ; switch views from Speaker ( a large image of the person speaking ) to Gallery ( several equally sized images , no matter who is speaking ) ; and perform a variety of other tasks .
You can easily find a list of those tasks , and the shortcuts that you can use , in your Zoom app : • Go to Zoom ’ s settings by clicking on the gear in the upper right-hand corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a Mac or a Windows PC will be different , but no matter which platform you use , those shortcuts can be really useful when you ’ re on a laptop Zoom call .
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When you’re in the middle of a Zoom video meeting at home and your cat suddenly decides to start bawling for its dinner, you’ll want to mute your audio in a hurry. In that case, you have a choice: you can either reach for your mouse or touchpad and start searching for the “Mute” button or you can use a quick keyboard shortcut to cut off that noise immediately.
Zoom has a long list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use before or during a videoconference. By using these shortcuts, you can quickly join a meeting; mute and unmute the audio; start, pause, and stop recording; switch views from Speaker (a large image of the person speaking) to Gallery (several equally sized images, no matter who is speaking); and perform a variety of other tasks.
Open each category in Keyboard Shortcuts to see all your options.
You can easily find a list of those tasks, and the shortcuts that you can use, in your Zoom app:
Go to Zoom’s settings by clicking on the gear in the upper right-hand corner
In the left-hand menu, select “Keyboard Shortcuts”
The shortcuts are gathered under four categories: Meeting, Chat, Phone, and General. If you want to see all the available keyboard shortcuts, make sure you open each category by clicking on the arrow to the right of the category name.
One note: the keys you press on a Mac or a Windows PC will be different, but no matter which platform you use, those shortcuts can be really useful when you’re on a laptop Zoom call.


theverge--2020-03-25--SpaceX is making its own hand sanitizer and building face shields to donate to fight coronavirus

SpaceX is manufacturing its own hand sanitizer and face shields with plans to donate the materials to hospitals and places in need to help fight the novel coronavirus pandemic , according to an internal memo first reported by CNBC and seen by The Verge .
The company also plans to host a voluntary blood drive at its headquarters in Hawthorne , California , and is looking into setting up drives at other SpaceX locations .
The email , sent to SpaceX employees , claims that the home-brewed hand sanitizer made by the facilities , materials engineering , and health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is effective at killing COVID-19.
” The face shields are being manufactured by the same team that builds space suits and crew equipment .
So far , engineers made up to 75 masks over the weekend and donated them to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles , according to the email .
The team also donated 100 Tyvek coverall suits to medical staff there .
Neither Cedars-Sinai Medical Center nor SpaceX immediately responded to a request for comment about the donations .
The memo also addresses ways that the company is helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , all food outlets at SpaceX sites are cutting their food prices in half , and the company is now letting hourly employees scan their badges to clock their hours rather than use a fingerprint scanner .
SpaceX claims its hand sanitizer “ complies with CDC guidelines and is effective at killing COVID-19.
” The memo , which shows support for health care workers and others in the midst of the crisis , comes just a few weeks after the company ’ s CEO Elon Musk made light of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding COVID-19 was dumb and repeatedly tried to downplay the seriousness of the disease , telling employees in an email that they were more likely to die in a car crash than from the virus .
Now , two SpaceX workers have tested positive for COVID-19 , while another dozen are in quarantine .
Employees at the company ’ s in-house school have expressed concern for their safety as they ’ ve been required to come into work during the pandemic , according to a report from BuzzFeed .
In the weeks since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies to help support patients and those fighting the pandemic .
His other company , Tesla , recently bought 1,000 surplus ventilators from China and donated them to the state of California .
Tesla also sent up to 50,000 N95 surgical masks to the University of Washington ’ s Medical Center .
Meanwhile , Tesla is working with the medical device company Medtronic to start producing ventilators to help hospitals facing potential shortages as more COVID-19 patients require oxygen .
Musk noted on Twitter that Tesla ’ s Gigafactory in New York would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to start ventilator production to help the state .
Other companies , like Ford , GM , Apple , and Facebook , have also been trying to help the country ’ s strained health care system by donating or making desperately needed medical supplies as the pandemic worsens throughout the US .

SpaceX is manufacturing its own hand sanitizer and face shields with plans to donate the materials to hospitals and places in need to help fight the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to an internal memo first reported by CNBC and seen by The Verge. The company also plans to host a voluntary blood drive at its headquarters in Hawthorne, California, and is looking into setting up drives at other SpaceX locations.
The email, sent to SpaceX employees, claims that the home-brewed hand sanitizer made by the facilities, materials engineering, and health and safety teams “complies with CDC guidelines and is effective at killing COVID-19.” The face shields are being manufactured by the same team that builds space suits and crew equipment. So far, engineers made up to 75 masks over the weekend and donated them to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to the email. The team also donated 100 Tyvek coverall suits to medical staff there. Neither Cedars-Sinai Medical Center nor SpaceX immediately responded to a request for comment about the donations.
The memo also addresses ways that the company is helping out its employees during the pandemic. For example, all food outlets at SpaceX sites are cutting their food prices in half, and the company is now letting hourly employees scan their badges to clock their hours rather than use a fingerprint scanner.
SpaceX claims its hand sanitizer “complies with CDC guidelines and is effective at killing COVID-19.”
The memo, which shows support for health care workers and others in the midst of the crisis, comes just a few weeks after the company’s CEO Elon Musk made light of the pandemic. Originally, Musk said the panic surrounding COVID-19 was dumb and repeatedly tried to downplay the seriousness of the disease, telling employees in an email that they were more likely to die in a car crash than from the virus. Now, two SpaceX workers have tested positive for COVID-19, while another dozen are in quarantine. Employees at the company’s in-house school have expressed concern for their safety as they’ve been required to come into work during the pandemic, according to a report from BuzzFeed.
In the weeks since, Musk has offered to use his companies to help support patients and those fighting the pandemic. His other company, Tesla, recently bought 1,000 surplus ventilators from China and donated them to the state of California. Tesla also sent up to 50,000 N95 surgical masks to the University of Washington’s Medical Center. Meanwhile, Tesla is working with the medical device company Medtronic to start producing ventilators to help hospitals facing potential shortages as more COVID-19 patients require oxygen. Musk noted on Twitter that Tesla’s Gigafactory in New York would open “as soon as humanly possible” to start ventilator production to help the state.


theverge--2020-03-25--Namecheap blocks registration of domains with ‘coronavirus’ and ‘vaccine’ in the name

Domain registrar Namecheap on Wednesday said it would no longer be accepting any new domain applications including the words “ coronavirus , ” “ covid , ” and “ vaccine , ” among other versions of words and phrases alluding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
The Los Angeles-based company says the measure is to prevent abuse and fraud from sites trying to hawk fake products and misinformation and otherwise capitalize on the ongoing global health crisis .
“ There are always those who try to take advantage of crisis situations by carrying out acts of fraud .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to both proactively prevent , and take down , any fraudulent or abusive domains or websites related to COVID-19 , ” the company writes in its statement , which it emailed to customers earlier today .
“ This includes banning certain terms such as ‘ coronavirus , ’ ‘ covid , ’ and ‘ vaccine ’ from our domain search tool so they can not be purchased and used for abuse.
” Namecheap says legitimate companies and website owners can apply for a domain name containing one of the now-banned words by going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be available to review and register it for you manually upon your request.
” Coronavirus-related fraud and abuse has become rampant online in the past few months , as the situation has worsened around the world and countless economies have ground to a halt in an attempt to stem the spread of the illness .
That ’ s led to a wave of countermeasures from tech companies large and small .
Amazon , eBay , and other online sellers have begun removing listings that make false coronavirus claims , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks and hand sanitizer .
Big platform companies like Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube have all started working together to take more aggressive stances on moderating potential misinformation and fraudulent content related to the crisis , too .

Domain registrar Namecheap on Wednesday said it would no longer be accepting any new domain applications including the words “coronavirus,” “covid,” and “vaccine,” among other versions of words and phrases alluding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles-based company says the measure is to prevent abuse and fraud from sites trying to hawk fake products and misinformation and otherwise capitalize on the ongoing global health crisis.
“There are always those who try to take advantage of crisis situations by carrying out acts of fraud. In response, we are actively working with authorities to both proactively prevent, and take down, any fraudulent or abusive domains or websites related to COVID-19,” the company writes in its statement, which it emailed to customers earlier today. “This includes banning certain terms such as ‘coronavirus,’ ‘covid,’ and ‘vaccine’ from our domain search tool so they cannot be purchased and used for abuse.”
Namecheap says legitimate companies and website owners can apply for a domain name containing one of the now-banned words by going through its support team, which “will be available to review and register it for you manually upon your request.”


theverge--2020-03-25--Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company is donating 10 million masks to healthcare workers in the US

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saturday that the company was donating “ millions of masks for health professionals in the US and Europe , ” to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Cook ’ s tweet appears to confirm a statement earlier in the day by Vice President Mike Pence .
“ The president and I literally heard directly from Apple that they ’ re donating 2 million industrial masks to this effort around the country and working with our administration to distribute those , ” Pence said at a White House press briefing .
A later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand that number to 9 million donated masks , which Apple CEO Tim Cook would further clarify in a tweet to “ 10 million masks for the US and millions more for the hardest hit regions in Europe.
” According to Cook ’ s tweet , Apple ’ s operations team is using its supply chain knowledge to source , procure , and donate the masks , which helps explain how Apple was able to obtain so many masks in such a short time .
Globally , masks are in high demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Jeff Bezos said in a note to employees Saturday that “ masks remain in short supply globally.
” The company has “ placed purchase orders for millions of face masks we want to give to our employees and contractors who can not work from home , but very few of those orders have been filled , ” Bezos wrote .
N95 respirators are disposable , close-fitting masks that can keep virus-laden droplets away from the wearer ’ s mouth and nose .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon proper fit and use.
” Pence said Saturday that the Department of Health and Human Services “ placed an order for hundreds of millions of N95 masks , ” with the order coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Where the masks were ordered from and when they would be available wasn ’ t clear from Pence ’ s remarks .
The shortage of personal protective equipment like face masks has become a serious problem for healthcare workers , with some resorting to using less-effective masks or even going without while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Last week , Pence called on construction companies to donate their protective masks to hospitals , and to refrain from ordering more .
“ Those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease , ” the vice president said at a briefing on Tuesday .
Fauci said more N95 masks will be available “ sooner than weeks.
” But ProPublica reports there ’ s been confusion over how such donations would take place , and the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease , told reporters in the White House briefing room that it would be “ sooner than weeks ” for medical professionals to receive fresh supplies of masks .
“ We ’ re going to try to make it days to the best possible way that we can , ” he said .
Some companies and individuals appear to have donated directly .
On Twitter , director Peyton Reed thanked Tesla CEO Elon Musk for donating supplies— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gowns , etc . )
” — to a a UCLA Health facility .
We reached out to Tesla to confirm that Musk was the one who sent the donation but have not heard back .
And Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was donating an emergency reserve of 720,000 masks .
“ We ’ re also sourcing a lot more to donate , ” he added .
Update March 22nd , 2:41PM ET : Added information from Peyton Reed and Mark Zuckerberg about donated supplies .
Update March 25th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Cook about donated supplies in Europe .

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saturday that the company was donating “millions of masks for health professionals in the US and Europe,” to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. Cook’s tweet appears to confirm a statement earlier in the day by Vice President Mike Pence.
“The president and I literally heard directly from Apple that they’re donating 2 million industrial masks to this effort around the country and working with our administration to distribute those,” Pence said at a White House press briefing. A later briefing from Pence on March 24th would expand that number to 9 million donated masks, which Apple CEO Tim Cook would further clarify in a tweet to “10 million masks for the US and millions more for the hardest hit regions in Europe.”
According to Cook’s tweet, Apple’s operations team is using its supply chain knowledge to source, procure, and donate the masks, which helps explain how Apple was able to obtain so many masks in such a short time.
Globally, masks are in high demand, but supplies are running low. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said in a note to employees Saturday that “masks remain in short supply globally.” The company has “placed purchase orders for millions of face masks we want to give to our employees and contractors who cannot work from home, but very few of those orders have been filled,” Bezos wrote.
N95 respirators are disposable, close-fitting masks that can keep virus-laden droplets away from the wearer’s mouth and nose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the masks’ effectiveness is “highly dependent upon proper fit and use.”
Pence said Saturday that the Department of Health and Human Services “placed an order for hundreds of millions of N95 masks,” with the order coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Where the masks were ordered from and when they would be available wasn’t clear from Pence’s remarks.
The shortage of personal protective equipment like face masks has become a serious problem for healthcare workers, with some resorting to using less-effective masks or even going without while treating patients, the New York Times reported. Last week, Pence called on construction companies to donate their protective masks to hospitals, and to refrain from ordering more. “Those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease,” the vice president said at a briefing on Tuesday.
Fauci said more N95 masks will be available “sooner than weeks.”
But ProPublica reports there’s been confusion over how such donations would take place, and the White House hasn’t given clear instructions.
On Saturday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, told reporters in the White House briefing room that it would be “sooner than weeks” for medical professionals to receive fresh supplies of masks. “We’re going to try to make it days to the best possible way that we can,” he said.
Some companies and individuals appear to have donated directly. On Twitter, director Peyton Reed thanked Tesla CEO Elon Musk for donating supplies— “a truckload of PPEs (masks, gowns, etc.)” — to a a UCLA Health facility. We reached out to Tesla to confirm that Musk was the one who sent the donation but have not heard back.
And Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was donating an emergency reserve of 720,000 masks. “We’re also sourcing a lot more to donate,” he added.
Update March 22nd, 2:41PM ET: Added information from Peyton Reed and Mark Zuckerberg about donated supplies.


theverge--2020-03-25--Lyft is offering free and discounted bike-share passes for workers fighting the coronavirus

Lyft is offering free or discounted bike-share trips to workers fighting the coronavirus .
The ride-hail company is inviting certain workers in New York City , Boston , and Chicago to sign up for free , one-month memberships or discounted trips .
Lyft says it ’ s also stepping up its cleaning procedures to ensure its bikes are appropriately sanitized between trips .
Cheaper bike-share could become especially useful as public transportation ridership continues to plummet in most cities and ride-sharing is not seen as a safe alternative .
With a growing number of people seeking to avoid mass transit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a surge in cycling in New York City , Philadelphia , and Chicago .
Lyft , which is the largest bike-share operator in North America , is now looking to step up and help those who have been on the front lines of the outbreak .
Lyft is the largest bike-share operator in North America In New York , Citi Bike is offering free 30-day memberships for people who work in health care , public transportation , or as first responders , including city employees .
Health care employers like hospitals and clinics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtain enrollment information that they can distribute to staff .
The deal includes unlimited 45-minute trips on traditional bikes and e-bikes for up to 30 days , but the free membership will not automatically renew into an annual membership .
In Chicago , health care workers can take free rides on the city ’ s Divvy bike-share system through April 30th .
For other riders , Lyft will be discounting the price of single rides from $ 3 to $ 1 , and the price of a new annual membership will be cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49.50 .
And in Boston , hospital workers can get a free 30-day membership to the public bike-share system , Bluebikes .
Eligible employees will receive a $ 20 discount code to get a regular 30-day pass for free .

Lyft is offering free or discounted bike-share trips to workers fighting the coronavirus. The ride-hail company is inviting certain workers in New York City, Boston, and Chicago to sign up for free, one-month memberships or discounted trips. Lyft says it’s also stepping up its cleaning procedures to ensure its bikes are appropriately sanitized between trips.
Cheaper bike-share could become especially useful as public transportation ridership continues to plummet in most cities and ride-sharing is not seen as a safe alternative. With a growing number of people seeking to avoid mass transit during the pandemic, there has been a surge in cycling in New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Lyft, which is the largest bike-share operator in North America, is now looking to step up and help those who have been on the front lines of the outbreak.
Lyft is the largest bike-share operator in North America
In New York, Citi Bike is offering free 30-day memberships for people who work in health care, public transportation, or as first responders, including city employees. Health care employers like hospitals and clinics are being instructed to email Lyft to obtain enrollment information that they can distribute to staff. The deal includes unlimited 45-minute trips on traditional bikes and e-bikes for up to 30 days, but the free membership will not automatically renew into an annual membership.
In Chicago, health care workers can take free rides on the city’s Divvy bike-share system through April 30th. For other riders, Lyft will be discounting the price of single rides from $3 to $1, and the price of a new annual membership will be cut in half from $99 to $49.50.


theverge--2020-03-25--CBS All Access is offering a free one-month trial, just in time to binge Star Trek: Picard

The first season of Star Trek : Picard is coming to an end on March 26th , and to celebrate , CBS is offering a free month-long trial ( instead of the usual seven days ) of CBS All Access to allow viewers to watch the whole season .
The month-long trial doesn ’ t just give access to Picard , though ; it ’ ll give viewers free access to the entire CBS All Access catalog , which includes every Star Trek show ever made ( including CBS All Access exclusive Star Trek : Discovery ) , Cheers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Good Wife , The Good Fight , all of the NCIS shows , Survivor , The Twilight Zone , Twin Peaks , and more .
You ’ ll also get access to live CBS broadcasts from your local station .
To take advantage of the deal , sign up for CBS All Access using the code GIFT anytime before April 23rd .
As part of that process , you ’ ll need to create an account and give CBS a credit card to charge when the month is up ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free trial is up .
CBS also allows you to cancel the plan immediately and still use the entire month — so you can sign up , cancel the plan immediately , and still enjoy the full free month without having to worry about remembering to cancel at the end of the trial .
To do that , head over to the CBS All Access account page , scroll down to the “ Subscription ” line of the “ Subscription & Billing ” section , and hit “ Cancel Subscription.
” Your account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 30-day trial , and it will shut down at the end ( unless , of course , you enjoy the content so much that you decide to pay for another month , which is likely the whole point ) .
Any way you slice it , it ’ s a huge library of content and live TV for free for a month , and it ’ s perfect for anyone looking for a new show to binge in the current era of social distancing .

Update April 1st, 11:53AM ET: Per Mashable, you can get up to two months of CBS All Access for free, not just one. If you’ve already signed up for the original deal below with the offer code GIFT, you can get another free month with the offer code ENJOY in the “Subscription & Billing” section of account settings. To get that second month of service, make sure your account isn’t set to cancel.
If you haven’t yet subscribed, you can only enter one offer code at a time on the signup page. So take advantage of the offer code for the first month free with one of the offer codes above, and so long as you don’t cancel your account, you can add the second month for free with the other code following the steps above. Then, you can cancel the subscription before the second month ends if you choose to.
The original article follows below.
The first season of Star Trek: Picard is coming to an end on March 26th, and to celebrate, CBS is offering a free month-long trial (instead of the usual seven days) of CBS All Access to allow viewers to watch the whole season.
The month-long trial doesn’t just give access to Picard, though; it’ll give viewers free access to the entire CBS All Access catalog, which includes every Star Trek show ever made (including CBS All Access exclusive Star Trek: Discovery), Cheers, CSI, CSI: Miami, Frasier, The Good Wife, The Good Fight, all of the NCIS shows, Survivor, The Twilight Zone, Twin Peaks, and more. You’ll also get access to live CBS broadcasts from your local station.
To take advantage of the deal, sign up for CBS All Access using the code GIFT anytime before April 23rd. As part of that process, you’ll need to create an account and give CBS a credit card to charge when the month is up; the monthly payment will automatically renew once the free trial is up.
CBS also allows you to cancel the plan immediately and still use the entire month — so you can sign up, cancel the plan immediately, and still enjoy the full free month without having to worry about remembering to cancel at the end of the trial.
To do that, head over to the CBS All Access account page, scroll down to the “Subscription” line of the “Subscription & Billing” section, and hit “Cancel Subscription.” Your account will still work for the remainder of the 30-day trial, and it will shut down at the end (unless, of course, you enjoy the content so much that you decide to pay for another month, which is likely the whole point).


theverge--2020-03-26--Amazon warehouse workers are outraged after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19 and they weren’t

Amazon warehouse workers are outraged after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19 and they weren’t notified

Bobbi Johnson , a worker at an Amazon warehouse south of Detroit , first saw the rumors on Facebook over the weekend .
Kelly McIntosh-Butler , another worker at the facility , heard about them on Monday from her daughter , who works at another Amazon warehouse nearby .
But it wasn ’ t until Tuesday , when Johnson and others confronted someone from human resources in the break room , that they received confirmation that someone at the facility had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Six workers at the sortation center DTW5 say they only learned of the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the lack of transparency , tipped off Local Four News , which received confirmation from Amazon Tuesday .
In the information vacuum , they are left wondering whether they ’ ve been exposed and whether it ’ s safe to continue working .
Last week , Johnson ’ s son , who has asthma , began having trouble breathing .
This week , her daughter developed a dry cough .
She hasn ’ t been able to get either tested , and she worries she was an unknowing vector for COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay , to care for her children and avoid potentially spreading the virus .
“ They should have closed that building down and sanitized that whole building before they let us come in , ” Johnson tells The Verge .
“ And they should have given everyone a robocall , because you never know if you bumped into that person in the bathroom or anything , because not only are you putting your life at risk , you ’ re putting the people that you come in contact with ’ s lives at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone a robocall.
” Workers at DTW5 say that after they confronted management , they were told that five workers who had been in contact with the infected person had been informed .
Workers feel that is far from sufficient .
Their jobs often take them to different parts of the warehouse and they share break rooms , restrooms , and equipment , making it difficult to say precisely who may have been exposed .
Many are balancing the need to receive a paycheck with potential risks to themselves and their loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure , they fear they are making decisions in the dark .
“ Here I am , a week after being exposed to it , and I ’ ve already been to work three other times , three other days breathing on people , ” McIntosh-Butler says .
“ This is how this thing is getting out of control right now.
” Several workers at DTW5 say they hear hacking coughs , sneezes , and other potential symptoms in the facility , but no one is being screened upon arrival .
Though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ramped up , they say they ’ ve seen no evidence of it , and that sanitary wipes and other cleaning material is often in short supply or nonexistent .
Yesterday , another worker at the facility said she was experiencing COVID-like symptoms , hasn ’ t been able to get tested , and has decided to self-quarantine , according to screenshots shared with The Verge .
“ This is how this thing is getting out of control right now ” Workers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at 10 Amazon warehouses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , workers only confirmed the infection after confronting management or hearing news reports .
In Jacksonville , Florida , workers learned of a coronavirus case at their warehouse from the local news .
At a New York City sortation center last week , the first known case of an Amazon warehouse worker contracting COVID-19 , Amazon sent day shift workers home while the company disinfected the facility , but workers on the following shift only learned of the case after getting a text from a workers ’ group .
When the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shutting down the facility .
On Tuesday , an Amazon worker at a Staten Island fulfillment center tested positive , and again workers received no email , text , or call from Amazon .
At the MDW2 warehouse in Joliet , Illinois , Stephanie Haynes heard through coworkers that someone who works near her had tested positive .
She approached someone from human resources , who confirmed it .
“ Me and some other ladies went to human resources and confronted them about it , and we thought they ’ ll do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down or doing a lot of cleaning , ” Haynes said during a call organized by Athena , a coalition of groups critical of Amazon .
Instead , management claimed to have checked the cameras and found that the workers had not been close enough to the infected person to be in danger , Haynes says , and told the workers to continue coming in .
The building wasn ’ t shut down — management told workers the facility would be cleaned as they worked .
Workers only confirmed the infection after confronting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose husband has diabetes , putting them at higher risk from COVID-19 , decided to self-quarantine anyway .
Though Amazon has said it will provide two weeks ’ paid leave for any workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in quarantine , unless the company calls to recommend she should quarantine , her time away is unpaid .
“ Amazon needs to do a lot more to protect us , ” she says .
“ We need to know how they ’ re going to handle things when somebody is in a warehouse and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quickly notify workers .
The company frequently messages all workers at a given facility for things like schedule changes or mandatory overtime .
When California shut down all non-essential businesses last week , Amazon workers received automated calls telling them they were essential and should continue coming to their warehouses .
“ You guys call us to tell us that we ’ re getting extra pay or that we can come in , but nobody was notified that there was a confirmed case ?
” says Johnson at DTW5 .
Asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DTW5 and elsewhere , Amazon said only that it had made employees aware of confirmed cases and asked anyone in close contact with diagnosed individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days with pay .
“ We are supporting the individuals , following guidelines from local officials , and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of all the employees at our sites , ” the company said in a statement .
“ You guys call us to tell us that we ’ re getting extra pay or that we can come in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confirmed case ?
” Millions of Americans told to stay home have turned to Amazon as a means of getting basic necessities , and the company has embraced its role as an “ essential service , ” scaling up operations as governments order other businesses closed .
But the situation puts Amazon workers in a difficult position , forced to choose between going without a paycheck or venturing into crowded warehouses where many feel inadequate safety precautions are being taken .
On Facebook , workers have begun changing their profiles to read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , I work at Amazon.
” More than 1,500 workers have signed a petition calling on the company to improve safety measures , provide sick leave regardless of a COVID-19 diagnosis , and shut down facilities where workers test positive for cleaning .
The company says it has implemented new cleaning procedures and taken steps to avoid people crowding together , but workers at DTW5 and elsewhere say cleaning supplies are often lacking , the pace of work doesn ’ t leave them time to use them , and their jobs still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other .
While Amazon shut down a returns-processing warehouse in Kentucky Wednesday after three workers tested positive , it has so far refused to close facilities more integral to its distribution network .
In Italy and Spain , the company ’ s decision to keep warehouses running despite infections prompted protests and absenteeism .
Amazon , meanwhile , is struggling to staff up to meet surging demand .
Last week , the company raised pay by $ 2 per hour , increased pay for overtime , and announced plans to hire 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow workers to take unlimited time off without pay ( previously they would have been fired for taking more than a certain amount ) , and even before Amazon workers began getting infected , many were choosing to stay home or leave early , fearing an outbreak was inevitable .
As orders flood in , delivery times for some items now stretch to a month or more .
“ A lot of people are coming to work , working two or three hours , and leaving because they ’ re thinking overexposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Management is mad , and if they tell anybody that we had a positive case , they ’ re thinking people aren ’ t even going to show up to work.
” But at DTW5 , the fact that workers had to confront management over rumors to learn a coworker tested positive has only heightened their anxiety .
One worker said that after HR confirmed the case on Tuesday , more than 100 workers walked out , and now she ’ s weighing whether to work her next shift .
She needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s also in frequent contact with her father , who has cystic fibrosis , potentially making him more vulnerable to COVID-19 .
Another worker said that as a single mother of three , she can ’ t afford to go without a paycheck , but also fears getting the virus and infecting her kids .
“ It ’ s very scary , ” she says .
McIntosh-Butler ’ s husband has seen work dry up during the pandemic , but she ’ s only going to work one more shift this week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a bandana over her face , as many workers at the facility have begun doing , even though she knows it won ’ t do much .
“ I ’ ll have my $ 200 check and they can have the rest , ” McIntosh-Butler says .
“ I just think that it ’ s too dangerous right now , because I don ’ t know who I ’ m coming into contact with , and HR isn ’ t taking it seriously .
”

Bobbi Johnson, a worker at an Amazon warehouse south of Detroit, first saw the rumors on Facebook over the weekend. Kelly McIntosh-Butler, another worker at the facility, heard about them on Monday from her daughter, who works at another Amazon warehouse nearby. But it wasn’t until Tuesday, when Johnson and others confronted someone from human resources in the break room, that they received confirmation that someone at the facility had tested positive for COVID-19.
Six workers at the sortation center DTW5 say they only learned of the case from coworkers or after McIntosh-Butler, frustrated with the lack of transparency, tipped off Local Four News, which received confirmation from Amazon Tuesday. In the information vacuum, they are left wondering whether they’ve been exposed and whether it’s safe to continue working. Last week, Johnson’s son, who has asthma, began having trouble breathing. This week, her daughter developed a dry cough. She hasn’t been able to get either tested, and she worries she was an unknowing vector for COVID-19. She decided to stay home, without pay, to care for her children and avoid potentially spreading the virus.
“They should have closed that building down and sanitized that whole building before they let us come in,” Johnson tells The Verge. “And they should have given everyone a robocall, because you never know if you bumped into that person in the bathroom or anything, because not only are you putting your life at risk, you’re putting the people that you come in contact with’s lives at stake.”
“They should have given everyone a robocall.”
Workers at DTW5 say that after they confronted management, they were told that five workers who had been in contact with the infected person had been informed. Workers feel that is far from sufficient. Their jobs often take them to different parts of the warehouse and they share break rooms, restrooms, and equipment, making it difficult to say precisely who may have been exposed. Many are balancing the need to receive a paycheck with potential risks to themselves and their loved ones, and without being notified of potential exposure, they fear they are making decisions in the dark.
“Here I am, a week after being exposed to it, and I’ve already been to work three other times, three other days breathing on people,” McIntosh-Butler says. “This is how this thing is getting out of control right now.”
Several workers at DTW5 say they hear hacking coughs, sneezes, and other potential symptoms in the facility, but no one is being screened upon arrival. Though the workers have been told cleaning has been ramped up, they say they’ve seen no evidence of it, and that sanitary wipes and other cleaning material is often in short supply or nonexistent. Yesterday, another worker at the facility said she was experiencing COVID-like symptoms, hasn’t been able to get tested, and has decided to self-quarantine, according to screenshots shared with The Verge. (Update: Three workers at DTW5 received an automated call on Thursday morning informing them there had been a second confirmed case of COVID-19 at the facility, though several other workers say they have yet to be notified.)
“This is how this thing is getting out of control right now.”
Workers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at 10 Amazon warehouses in the US so far. At many of them, workers only confirmed the infection after confronting management or hearing news reports. In Jacksonville, Florida, workers learned of a coronavirus case at their warehouse from the local news. At a New York City sortation center last week, the first known case of an Amazon warehouse worker contracting COVID-19, Amazon sent day shift workers home while the company disinfected the facility, but workers on the following shift only learned of the case after getting a text from a workers’ group. When the night shift arrived, they refused to work, shutting down the facility. On Tuesday, an Amazon worker at a Staten Island fulfillment center tested positive, and again workers received no email, text, or call from Amazon.
At the MDW2 warehouse in Joliet, Illinois, Stephanie Haynes heard through coworkers that someone who works near her had tested positive. She approached someone from human resources, who confirmed it.
“Me and some other ladies went to human resources and confronted them about it, and we thought they’ll do something as far as shutting the building down or doing a lot of cleaning,” Haynes said during a call organized by Athena, a coalition of groups critical of Amazon. Instead, management claimed to have checked the cameras and found that the workers had not been close enough to the infected person to be in danger, Haynes says, and told the workers to continue coming in. The building wasn’t shut down — management told workers the facility would be cleaned as they worked.
Workers only confirmed the infection after confronting management
Haynes, who has asthma and whose husband has diabetes, putting them at higher risk from COVID-19, decided to self-quarantine anyway. Though Amazon has said it will provide two weeks’ paid leave for any workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in quarantine, unless the company calls to recommend she should quarantine, her time away is unpaid. “Amazon needs to do a lot more to protect us,” she says. “We need to know how they’re going to handle things when somebody is in a warehouse and gets sick.”
Amazon has the capacity to quickly notify workers. The company frequently messages all workers at a given facility for things like schedule changes or mandatory overtime. When California shut down all non-essential businesses last week, Amazon workers received automated calls telling them they were essential and should continue coming to their warehouses. “You guys call us to tell us that we’re getting extra pay or that we can come in, but nobody was notified that there was a confirmed case?” says Johnson at DTW5.
Asked about the lack of notification for workers at DTW5 and elsewhere, Amazon said only that it had made employees aware of confirmed cases and asked anyone in close contact with diagnosed individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days with pay. “We are supporting the individuals, following guidelines from local officials, and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of all the employees at our sites,” the company said in a statement.
“You guys call us to tell us that we’re getting extra pay or that we can come in, but nobody was notified that there was a confirmed case?”
Millions of Americans told to stay home have turned to Amazon as a means of getting basic necessities, and the company has embraced its role as an “essential service,” scaling up operations as governments order other businesses closed. But the situation puts Amazon workers in a difficult position, forced to choose between going without a paycheck or venturing into crowded warehouses where many feel inadequate safety precautions are being taken. On Facebook, workers have begun changing their profiles to read, “I can’t stay home, I work at Amazon.”
More than 1,500 workers have signed a petition calling on the company to improve safety measures, provide sick leave regardless of a COVID-19 diagnosis, and shut down facilities where workers test positive for cleaning. The company says it has implemented new cleaning procedures and taken steps to avoid people crowding together, but workers at DTW5 and elsewhere say cleaning supplies are often lacking, the pace of work doesn’t leave them time to use them, and their jobs still require them being in close proximity to each other. While Amazon shut down a returns-processing warehouse in Kentucky Wednesday after three workers tested positive, it has so far refused to close facilities more integral to its distribution network. In Italy and Spain, the company’s decision to keep warehouses running despite infections prompted protests and absenteeism.
Amazon, meanwhile, is struggling to staff up to meet surging demand. Last week, the company raised pay by $2 per hour, increased pay for overtime, and announced plans to hire 100,000 workers. Amazon also changed its policies to allow workers to take unlimited time off without pay (previously they would have been fired for taking more than a certain amount), and even before Amazon workers began getting infected, many were choosing to stay home or leave early, fearing an outbreak was inevitable. As orders flood in, delivery times for some items now stretch to a month or more.
“I can’t stay home, I work at Amazon.”
“A lot of people are coming to work, working two or three hours, and leaving because they’re thinking overexposure is scary,” McIntosh-Butler says. “Management is mad, and if they tell anybody that we had a positive case, they’re thinking people aren’t even going to show up to work.”
But at DTW5, the fact that workers had to confront management over rumors to learn a coworker tested positive has only heightened their anxiety. One worker said that after HR confirmed the case on Tuesday, more than 100 workers walked out, and now she’s weighing whether to work her next shift. She needs to make rent, but she’s also in frequent contact with her father, who has cystic fibrosis, potentially making him more vulnerable to COVID-19. Another worker said that as a single mother of three, she can’t afford to go without a paycheck, but also fears getting the virus and infecting her kids. “It’s very scary,” she says.
McIntosh-Butler’s husband has seen work dry up during the pandemic, but she’s only going to work one more shift this week and then stay away. She’ll wear a bandana over her face, as many workers at the facility have begun doing, even though she knows it won’t do much.
“I’ll have my $200 check and they can have the rest,” McIntosh-Butler says. “I just think that it’s too dangerous right now, because I don’t know who I’m coming into contact with, and HR isn’t taking it seriously.”


theverge--2020-03-26--Outside China, Android isn’t Android without Google

The tech story that made the biggest impact on me yesterday was Sam Byford ’ s “ Living a Google-free life with a Huawei phone.
” In the run up to the launch of Huawei ’ s new flagship P40 line , he got himself a Mate 30 Pro and used it to see what Android is like sans Google .
This is , of course , something untold millions of people in China do every day , but outside China Huawei falls in a weird zone where it doesn ’ t have its local China services nor Google services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is weird .
But what struck me the most is how essential Google Mobile Services ( GMS ) are to the functioning of every modern Android phone outside of China .
You might already expect that not having Gmail , Chrome , and the Play Store would be annoying — but the fact that so many non-Google apps don ’ t work was a bit of a shock .
GMS and Google Play Services have slowly grown to become essential parts of how an Android phone works .
They ’ re how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re increasingly how the operating system itself gets updated ( via Project Mainline ) , and they protect against malware — even for apps you don ’ t load from the official Google Play Store .
They also offer lots of services to developers , and that ’ s the part that ’ s easy to forget .
Google ’ s services offer push notifications , location , casting , ad support , and much more .
Huawei has been building out its own services and store to deal with life away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is that the Mate 30 Pro doesn ’ t even ship with a viable maps app .
Android may be open source , but an Android phone doesn ’ t really operate without Google — at least outside of China .
None of this is especially shocking or even nefarious , it ’ s just something that isn ’ t in your face every day .
Other operating systems like Windows and iOS are equally tied up with the company that makes them , which is a point so obvious that pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silly .
But with Android , it ’ s worth remembering .
We ’ ll have lots of coverage of Huawei ’ s new P40 series today , so look forward to that .
For what it ’ s worth , Huawei has said it would come back to the US if it could , but that seems unlikely in the near future .
Also , thanks to everybody who emailed me today with their thoughts on the iPad — I ’ ll try to reply personally to everybody but it ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolls out new design , launches on iOS .
Looks like a huge upgrade , and availability on iOS makes it more appealing to people who need to be on multiple platforms .
But the cross-platform king of podcast apps remains Pocket Casts , in my opinion .
It ’ s also the rare app that is excellent on every platform I use it on , from CarPlay to the web to Android to smart displays .
Plus , it ’ s not owned and operated by a giant tech company !
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t small . )
┏ Royole claims the FlexPai 2 fixes the problems of its rough first foldable .
I love that Royole is just going for it with another foldable phone and promising this one won ’ t be a cringey mess like the first .
I do wonder why the display is branded “ Cicada Wing , ” though .
Apparently they ’ re good at repelling water and self-cleaning ?
The wings I mean , not this screen .
┏ Samsung ’ s new Galaxy Tab A offers LTE connectivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d recommend this over an iPad to anybody , but it ’ s inexpensive and gives you an LTE option if you want that .
┏ Samsung ’ s S10 and Note 10 are getting updated with the S20 ’ s best camera features .
┏ Dell now lets you control iPhones from its PCs .
It ’ s legit amazing that Dell does this and the Mac does not .
I ’ m sure people will turn their nose up at it , but using the Your Phone app on Windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a good idea .
There are still going to be bugs and such , but I hope there ’ s continued investment in this kind of software from multiple companies .
More from The Verge ┏ Qualcomm ’ s latest chips could make noise cancellation standard on new wireless earbuds .
┏ SpaceX is making its own hand sanitizer and building face shields to donate to fight coronavirus .
┏ Apple says customers must wait to pick up repairs locked inside its retail stores .
Here ’ s an idea that sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not Apple : why not offer loaner devices to these people ?
I am guessing Apple could afford to !
Like I said , probably harder and more expensive than I would guess , but it would suck to be stuck in a lurch without a computer .
Maybe I just feel this particularly pointedly because the N key on my MacBook Pro is about to die .
I , like seemingly everybody else I follow , am playing a bunch of Animal Crossing .
If you are too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are both useful and entertaining .
If you want a full-on guide , Polygon ’ s is quite comprehensive .
I ’ m also playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider and it ’ s kind of an overloaded , overwhelming collect-the-map game .
If you ’ re looking for something to play , my advice is to check out our best games of 2020 .
Our team is keeping this page updated throughout the year .
Bookmark it !
┏ How to watch movies with friends online .
Aliya Chaudhry goes over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bunch , and some of them work with multiple video services .
┏ Fox will broadcast NASCAR ’ s substitute sim racing ‘ season ’ on television .
Sean O ’ Kane is going to get me into NASCAR , isn ’ t he ?
I have gone to one NASCAR race and I deeply loved it , but there are only so many things I can afford to keep track of .
But this looks joyful and fun .
┏ CBS All Access is offering a free one-month trial , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Picard .

The tech story that made the biggest impact on me yesterday was Sam Byford’s “Living a Google-free life with a Huawei phone.” In the run up to the launch of Huawei’s new flagship P40 line, he got himself a Mate 30 Pro and used it to see what Android is like sans Google. This is, of course, something untold millions of people in China do every day, but outside China Huawei falls in a weird zone where it doesn’t have its local China services nor Google services.
The result, as Sam writes, is weird. But what struck me the most is how essential Google Mobile Services (GMS) are to the functioning of every modern Android phone outside of China. You might already expect that not having Gmail, Chrome, and the Play Store would be annoying — but the fact that so many non-Google apps don’t work was a bit of a shock.
GMS and Google Play Services have slowly grown to become essential parts of how an Android phone works. They’re how the web engine gets updated, they’re increasingly how the operating system itself gets updated (via Project Mainline), and they protect against malware — even for apps you don’t load from the official Google Play Store.
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
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They also offer lots of services to developers, and that’s the part that’s easy to forget. Google’s services offer push notifications, location, casting, ad support, and much more. Huawei has been building out its own services and store to deal with life away from Google, but the situation right now is that the Mate 30 Pro doesn’t even ship with a viable maps app. Android may be open source, but an Android phone doesn’t really operate without Google — at least outside of China.
None of this is especially shocking or even nefarious, it’s just something that isn’t in your face every day. Other operating systems like Windows and iOS are equally tied up with the company that makes them, which is a point so obvious that pointing it out in the first place seems silly. But with Android, it’s worth remembering.
We’ll have lots of coverage of Huawei’s new P40 series today, so look forward to that. For what it’s worth, Huawei has said it would come back to the US if it could, but that seems unlikely in the near future. Also, thanks to everybody who emailed me today with their thoughts on the iPad — I’ll try to reply personally to everybody but it’ll take a bit.
Product launches and updates
┏ Google Podcasts rolls out new design, launches on iOS. Looks like a huge upgrade, and availability on iOS makes it more appealing to people who need to be on multiple platforms. But the cross-platform king of podcast apps remains Pocket Casts, in my opinion. It’s also the rare app that is excellent on every platform I use it on, from CarPlay to the web to Android to smart displays. Plus, it’s not owned and operated by a giant tech company! (Though to be fair NPR ain’t small.)
┏ Royole claims the FlexPai 2 fixes the problems of its rough first foldable. I love that Royole is just going for it with another foldable phone and promising this one won’t be a cringey mess like the first. I do wonder why the display is branded “Cicada Wing,” though. Apparently they’re good at repelling water and self-cleaning? The wings I mean, not this screen.
┏ Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab A offers LTE connectivity. I’m not sure I’d recommend this over an iPad to anybody, but it’s inexpensive and gives you an LTE option if you want that.
┏ Dell now lets you control iPhones from its PCs. It’s legit amazing that Dell does this and the Mac does not. I’m sure people will turn their nose up at it, but using the Your Phone app on Windows 10 has me convinced that it’s a good idea. There are still going to be bugs and such, but I hope there’s continued investment in this kind of software from multiple companies.
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.
More from The Verge
┏ Apple says customers must wait to pick up repairs locked inside its retail stores. Here’s an idea that sounds easy and is easy to recommend because I’m not Apple: why not offer loaner devices to these people? I am guessing Apple could afford to! Like I said, probably harder and more expensive than I would guess, but it would suck to be stuck in a lurch without a computer. Maybe I just feel this particularly pointedly because the N key on my MacBook Pro is about to die.
Stuff to do
I, like seemingly everybody else I follow, am playing a bunch of Animal Crossing. If you are too, we have a lovely set of stories that are both useful and entertaining. If you want a full-on guide, Polygon’s is quite comprehensive. I’m also playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider and it’s kind of an overloaded, overwhelming collect-the-map game.
If you’re looking for something to play, my advice is to check out our best games of 2020. Our team is keeping this page updated throughout the year. Bookmark it!
┏ How to watch movies with friends online. Aliya Chaudhry goes over all the major options. There are a bunch, and some of them work with multiple video services.
┏ Fox will broadcast NASCAR’s substitute sim racing ‘season’ on television. Sean O’Kane is going to get me into NASCAR, isn’t he? I have gone to one NASCAR race and I deeply loved it, but there are only so many things I can afford to keep track of. But this looks joyful and fun.


theverge--2020-03-26--How COVID-19 is changing public perception of big tech companies

The Interface is a daily column and newsletter about the intersection of social media and democracy .
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On March 5th , as COVID-19 began to reshape American life , I noted here that big tech companies had responded with unusual alacrity .
Where they once had been loath to intervene in matters of fact , suddenly Facebook and Twitter were prominently featuring links to high-quality information from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization in their respective feeds and search results .
Google followed suit shortly thereafter .
In the weeks since , Big Tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
They have donated tens of millions of dollars to relief efforts .
They have contributed large stocks of precious N95 masks acquired during last year ’ s wildfires to medical organizations .
They have added sections to their apps highlighting accurate news about COVID-19 .
And as unemployment surged , Facebook pledged $ 100 million in grants to small businesses , and Amazon said it would hire 100,000 people .
In a dramatic change from only weeks before , news about Big Tech has been a bright spot at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of grief .
Increasingly , journalists are asking whether the backlash against technology companies that has defined coverage of them for the past three and a half years might have come to an end .
In Wired on Friday , Steven Levy asked the question plainly : has the coronvirus killed the techlash ?
He writes : Now that our lives are dominated by these giants , we see them as greedy exploiters of personal data and anticompetitive behemoths who have generally degraded society .
Before the pandemic , there was every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , if not split apart .
But the deus ex machina of an overwhelming public health crisis has changed things .
The pandemic may have the effect of a justifiable war waged by an embattled president with low popularity .
While Big Tech ’ s misdeeds are still apparent , their actual deeds now matter more to us .
We ’ re using Facebook to comfort ourselves while physically bunkered and social distancing .
Google is being conscripted as the potential hub of one of our greatest needs—Covid-19 testing .
Our personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us are getting food and vital supplies—is Amazon .
Who knew the techlash was susceptible to a virus ?
At CNBC , Salvador Rodriguez explored the same issue on Saturday , focused on Facebook .
After rounding up everything the company had done so far , he said : “ Facebook won ’ t be able to rebuild trust with the public overnight , but when the company was presented with an opportunity to rebuild goodwill by being proactive and helpful during global health and financial crises , Facebook sprung to action and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that , however magnanimous tech giants have acted in the crisis so far , they have much to gain from successfully navigating the coronavirus response .
In The Information , Cory Weinberg noted that the companies ’ work so far would likely have a recruiting benefit : It is too early to know how big tech companies might seize the moment .
And their own businesses certainly aren ’ t immune to economic fallout .
But one area where they stand to benefit is recruiting .
In recent years , big tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ startups for skilled computer scientists , especially as scandals and questions about abuses of power have tainted the reputations of the bigger firms .
But tech workers who once might have preferred the dynamic surroundings of a small startup now might welcome the safer bet of a big enterprise .
One software engineer , who declined to be named to protect his job prospects , said he has been ignoring dozens of emails and calls from recruiters at Facebook in the last few months as he sought to develop his own company or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital firms expected to pull back from investing in nascent businesses , this month he scheduled an interview with the social media giant .
His rationale : Stock gains from an equity package at Facebook could eventually help him self-fund his startup .
And perhaps even more importantly , the crisis represents an opportunity for tech companies to entwine themselves ever more deeply into customers ’ lives .
Already I ’ ve had friends who had sworn off Facebook for good return to check on friends and family ; will they be so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal way of life resumes ?
Amazon Prime may be groaning under the weight of increased demand , but after it gets your family through this crisis , would you ever dream of canceling it ?
Daisuke Wakabayashi , Jack Nicas , Steve Lohr and Mike Isaac explore this question in the New York Times : For now , I think the prevailing sentiment is accurate : tech giants have probably turned a corner in public opinion .
I imagine that the next time The Verge does its survey of Americans , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has at least slowed , if not entirely reversed .
One pressing question is whether that shift in sentiment , assuming its real , will affect the many ongoing state and federal investigations into competition and privacy issues that are still under way .
Since late 2016 we have been focused on the problems that emerge from the size of giants like Google , Facebook , and Amazon ; in the past several weeks the benefits that come from that size have become more apparent .
Still , it ’ s possible that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis could plant the seeds for a future backlash .
So much of the frustration with tech companies in recent years has originated from the fact that they are inescapable .
Dependence breeds resentment , and the fewer alternatives consumers have to tech giants , the more resentful they are likely to become in time .
It ’ s also possible — and even likely — that tech companies will make significant errors in their handling of the crisis , which could set back any progress they haver made .
But all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better and for worse , Americans are relying on technology companies to get them through the next several months .
If there was ever a moment for these companies to prove their worth , it ’ s now .
Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms .
⬆Trending up : Volunteers from Amazon , Alphabet , and Apple worked every night for a week to make a website called covidnearyou that tracks the virus as it spreads .
⬆Trending up : The World Health Organization has partnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Microsoft for a hackathon dedicated to solving problems related to the coronavirus pandemic .
⭐Ten Amazon warehouses in the United States have had workers test positive for COVID-19 .
The news comes as the e-commerce giant races to hire 100,000 more workers to meet the rising demand .
Here ’ s Jay Greene at The Washington Post : Also : Amazon told workers at its warehouse in Shepherdsville , Kentucky , that it will keep the facility shut indefinitely after three people tested positive for COVID-19 .
The workers will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day / Bloomberg ) Still , Amazon could come out of this crisis stronger than ever .
The shutdown of many retail stores , along with a general anxiety about going out in public , could end up increasing the company ’ s share of overall retail by prompting shoppers to buy more stuff over the internet .
( Priya Anand and Ashley Gold / The Information ) Amazon appears to be prioritizing shipments of its own hardware devices , like the Amazon Echo , while delaying distribution of other nonessential items as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anand / The Information ) ⭐Singapore is open-sourcing its coronavirus contact-tracing app , called TraceTogether .
The app uses Bluetooth to identify people who ’ ve been in close contact with COVID-19 patients .
Here ’ s Hariz Baharudin at The Straits Times : Russia is using facial-recognition technology to track people who are supposed to self-quarantine .
It ’ s also threatening prison time for those who don ’ t self-isolate .
( Robyn Dixon / The Washington Post ) Nextdoor has become the place for neighbors to connect , organize , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
But relics of the old Nextdoor are still there , conspiracy theories and all .
( John Herrman / The New York Times ) Facebook , Tesla , and Apple have pledged to donate thousands of masks to combat the medical equipment shortages caused by the novel coronavirus .
Experts say it makes sense that these companies have vast stockpiles , since California is no stranger to natural disasters .
( Blake Montgomery / Daily Beast ) Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook is “ just trying to keep the lights on ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
The challenge is compounded by the company struggling to transition to a fully work from home culture .
( Mike Isaac and Sheera Frenkel / The New York Times ) Also : Here ’ s what Facebook said about dealing with the spike in traffic .
The World Health Organization plans to reach at least 50 million people with a WhatsApp chat service that delivers information about the novel coronavirus .
The service garnered 10 million users within three days of launching .
( Antony Sguazzin / Bloomberg ) Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the conservative opinion site published a piece proposing the deliberate spread of the coronavirus in order to boost immunity to the disease .
Fast , decisive , positive action from Twitter here .
( Zachary Petrizzo / Mediaite ) Apple ’ s Screen Time feature has become a horrifying reminder of how much we ’ re using our devices now that we ’ re all stuck at home .
I ’ m up to 16 hours a day across my devices , how about you ?
( Travis M. Andrews / The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today tab to bring people curated boards and coronavirus information .
The company plans to include expert information from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control .
( Nathan Ingraham / Engadget ) Foxconn and Wistron , two iPhone makers , have suspended production at their Indian plants to comply with a nationwide lockdown ordered .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered the population to stay at home for three weeks .
( Debby Wu / Bloomberg ) The coronavirus pandemic isn ’ t ( yet ? )
hurting TikTok stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some say they ’ ve seen enormous growth since the virus started to spread .
( EJ Dickson / Rolling Stone ) Hundreds of tech employees are getting laid off amid the coronavirus outbreak — and now it ’ s all happening over Zoom .
Here ’ s how it went down at TripActions .
( Biz Carson / Protocol ) There ’ s a conflict playing out in the more orthodox factions of the Jewish community about whether or not to allow Zoom for virtual Seders .
( Arutz Sheva ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from every brand you ’ ve ever interacted with .
They ’ re all making decisions out of “ an abundance of caution.
” Abundance O ’ Caution is going to be a great drag name for someone when this is all over .
Or now !
( Rebecca Jennings / Vox ) The internet was designed to adapt to huge spikes in traffic just like the one we ’ re living through .
But the platforms and apps that make the internet useful are less tested .
( Adam Clark Estes / @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news through social media are less likely to closely follow coronavirus news coverage .
They ’ re also the most likely to report seeing misinformation about the pandemic .
( Pew Research Center ) Total cases in the US : 54,453 Total deaths in the US : 737 Information from the CDC .
California data from the Los Angeles Times .
Stuff to occupy you online during the quarantine .
Crunch is now offering free online workout classes for 45 days .
The Verge launched a newsletter called Home Screen about life on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s designed to show you fun distractions from the disaster — highly recommended .
A new app called Find My Pasta tells you the availably of products at nearby stores .
The popular game Heads Up is now free to download .
Send us tips , comments , questions , and backlash against this newsletter : casey @ theverge.com and zoe @ theverge.com .

On March 5th, as COVID-19 began to reshape American life, I noted here that big tech companies had responded with unusual alacrity. Where they once had been loath to intervene in matters of fact, suddenly Facebook and Twitter were prominently featuring links to high-quality information from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization in their respective feeds and search results. Google followed suit shortly thereafter.
In the weeks since, Big Tech has only accelerated its efforts at doing good. They have donated tens of millions of dollars to relief efforts. They have contributed large stocks of precious N95 masks acquired during last year’s wildfires to medical organizations. They have added sections to their apps highlighting accurate news about COVID-19. And as unemployment surged, Facebook pledged $100 million in grants to small businesses, and Amazon said it would hire 100,000 people.
In a dramatic change from only weeks before, news about Big Tech has been a bright spot at a time of great fear — and, increasingly, of grief. Increasingly, journalists are asking whether the backlash against technology companies that has defined coverage of them for the past three and a half years might have come to an end.
In Wired on Friday, Steven Levy asked the question plainly: has the coronvirus killed the techlash? He writes:
Now that our lives are dominated by these giants, we see them as greedy exploiters of personal data and anticompetitive behemoths who have generally degraded society. Before the pandemic, there was every expectation that those companies would be reined in, if not split apart. But the deus ex machina of an overwhelming public health crisis has changed things. The pandemic may have the effect of a justifiable war waged by an embattled president with low popularity. While Big Tech’s misdeeds are still apparent, their actual deeds now matter more to us. We’re using Facebook to comfort ourselves while physically bunkered and social distancing. Google is being conscripted as the potential hub of one of our greatest needs—Covid-19 testing. Our personal supply chain—literally the only way many of us are getting food and vital supplies—is Amazon. Who knew the techlash was susceptible to a virus?
At CNBC, Salvador Rodriguez explored the same issue on Saturday, focused on Facebook. After rounding up everything the company had done so far, he said: “Facebook won’t be able to rebuild trust with the public overnight, but when the company was presented with an opportunity to rebuild goodwill by being proactive and helpful during global health and financial crises, Facebook sprung to action and seized the moment.”
Subsequent articles have noted that, however magnanimous tech giants have acted in the crisis so far, they have much to gain from successfully navigating the coronavirus response. In The Information, Cory Weinberg noted that the companies’ work so far would likely have a recruiting benefit:
It is too early to know how big tech companies might seize the moment. And their own businesses certainly aren’t immune to economic fallout. But one area where they stand to benefit is recruiting. In recent years, big tech firms have had to compete with fast-growing startups for skilled computer scientists, especially as scandals and questions about abuses of power have tainted the reputations of the bigger firms. But tech workers who once might have preferred the dynamic surroundings of a small startup now might welcome the safer bet of a big enterprise. One software engineer, who declined to be named to protect his job prospects, said he has been ignoring dozens of emails and calls from recruiters at Facebook in the last few months as he sought to develop his own company or join younger firms. But with venture capital firms expected to pull back from investing in nascent businesses, this month he scheduled an interview with the social media giant. His rationale: Stock gains from an equity package at Facebook could eventually help him self-fund his startup.
And perhaps even more importantly, the crisis represents an opportunity for tech companies to entwine themselves ever more deeply into customers’ lives. Already I’ve had friends who had sworn off Facebook for good return to check on friends and family; will they be so quickly to delete it when a more normal way of life resumes? Amazon Prime may be groaning under the weight of increased demand, but after it gets your family through this crisis, would you ever dream of canceling it?
Daisuke Wakabayashi, Jack Nicas, Steve Lohr and Mike Isaac explore this question in the New York Times:
While Amazon has changed shopping habits for items like books, getting customers to trust it with groceries has been challenging. Now, as more people are forced to stay home, one of the last strongholds of physical retailing may be coming under pressure. [...] As more customers try different Amazon services, they may create permanent shifts in buying habits, said Guru Hariharan, a former Amazon employee and the founder of CommerceIQ, a company whose automation software is used by major brands like Kellogg’s and Kimberly-Clark.
For now, I think the prevailing sentiment is accurate: tech giants have probably turned a corner in public opinion. I imagine that the next time The Verge does its survey of Americans, it will find that the decline in trust has at least slowed, if not entirely reversed. One pressing question is whether that shift in sentiment, assuming its real, will affect the many ongoing state and federal investigations into competition and privacy issues that are still under way. Since late 2016 we have been focused on the problems that emerge from the size of giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon; in the past several weeks the benefits that come from that size have become more apparent.
Still, it’s possible that even a perfect response to the COVID-19 crisis could plant the seeds for a future backlash. So much of the frustration with tech companies in recent years has originated from the fact that they are inescapable. Dependence breeds resentment, and the fewer alternatives consumers have to tech giants, the more resentful they are likely to become in time. It’s also possible — and even likely — that tech companies will make significant errors in their handling of the crisis, which could set back any progress they haver made.
But all that can wait for another day. For better and for worse, Americans are relying on technology companies to get them through the next several months. If there was ever a moment for these companies to prove their worth, it’s now.
The Ratio
Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms.
Pandemic
⭐Ten Amazon warehouses in the United States have had workers test positive for COVID-19. The news comes as the e-commerce giant races to hire 100,000 more workers to meet the rising demand. Here’s Jay Greene at The Washington Post:
The company has recently adopted new policies for its warehouses, including more regularly cleaning door handles, stairway handrails, touch screens and more, Levandowski said. It’s nixed stand-up meetings, staggered start and break times to aid social distancing, and suspended screening workers as they leave to improve the flow of workers, she said. Amazon, though, is struggling to get workers all the protection it wants them to have. The company placed orders for “millions of face masks” to give to employees and contractors who cannot work from home, Bezos wrote in a letter to employees Saturday. Because of the global shortage of those masks, though, very few of those orders have been filled, he wrote.
Also: Amazon told workers at its warehouse in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, that it will keep the facility shut indefinitely after three people tested positive for COVID-19. The workers will continue to receive their scheduled pay. (Matt Day / Bloomberg)
Still, Amazon could come out of this crisis stronger than ever. The shutdown of many retail stores, along with a general anxiety about going out in public, could end up increasing the company’s share of overall retail by prompting shoppers to buy more stuff over the internet. (Priya Anand and Ashley Gold / The Information)
⭐Singapore is open-sourcing its coronavirus contact-tracing app, called TraceTogether. The app uses Bluetooth to identify people who’ve been in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Here’s Hariz Baharudin at The Straits Times:
Launched last Friday, the TraceTogether app can identify people who have been within 2m of coronavirus patients for at least 30 minutes, using wireless Bluetooth technology. Its developers say the app is useful when those infected cannot recall whom they had been in close proximity with for an extended duration. For the app to start tracing, the Bluetooth setting on mobile phones has to be turned on. If a user gets infected, the authorities will be able to quickly find out the other users he has been in close contact with, allowing for easier identification of potential cases and helping curb the spread of the virus.
Russia is using facial-recognition technology to track people who are supposed to self-quarantine. It’s also threatening prison time for those who don’t self-isolate. (Robyn Dixon / The Washington Post)
Nextdoor has become the place for neighbors to connect, organize, and help one another amid the coronavirus outbreak. But relics of the old Nextdoor are still there, conspiracy theories and all. (John Herrman / The New York Times)
Facebook, Tesla, and Apple have pledged to donate thousands of masks to combat the medical equipment shortages caused by the novel coronavirus. Experts say it makes sense that these companies have vast stockpiles, since California is no stranger to natural disasters. (Blake Montgomery / Daily Beast)
Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook is “just trying to keep the lights on” as traffic continues to soar amid the coronavirus outbreak. The challenge is compounded by the company struggling to transition to a fully work from home culture. (Mike Isaac and Sheera Frenkel / The New York Times)
The World Health Organization plans to reach at least 50 million people with a WhatsApp chat service that delivers information about the novel coronavirus. The service garnered 10 million users within three days of launching. (Antony Sguazzin / Bloomberg)
Twitter temporarily locked the account of The Federalist after the conservative opinion site published a piece proposing the deliberate spread of the coronavirus in order to boost immunity to the disease. Fast, decisive, positive action from Twitter here. (Zachary Petrizzo / Mediaite)
Apple’s Screen Time feature has become a horrifying reminder of how much we’re using our devices now that we’re all stuck at home. I’m up to 16 hours a day across my devices, how about you? (Travis M. Andrews / The Washington Post)
Pinterest launched a new Today tab to bring people curated boards and coronavirus information. The company plans to include expert information from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. (Nathan Ingraham / Engadget)
Foxconn and Wistron, two iPhone makers, have suspended production at their Indian plants to comply with a nationwide lockdown ordered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered the population to stay at home for three weeks. (Debby Wu / Bloomberg)
The coronavirus pandemic isn’t (yet?) hurting TikTok stars at The Hype House in Los Angeles. Some say they’ve seen enormous growth since the virus started to spread. (EJ Dickson / Rolling Stone)
Hundreds of tech employees are getting laid off amid the coronavirus outbreak — and now it’s all happening over Zoom. Here’s how it went down at TripActions. (Biz Carson / Protocol)
Why you’re getting coronavirus emails from every brand you’ve ever interacted with. They’re all making decisions out of “an abundance of caution.” Abundance O’Caution is going to be a great drag name for someone when this is all over. Or now! (Rebecca Jennings / Vox)
The internet was designed to adapt to huge spikes in traffic just like the one we’re living through. But the platforms and apps that make the internet useful are less tested. (Adam Clark Estes / Recode)
Americans who primarily get their news through social media are less likely to closely follow coronavirus news coverage. They’re also the most likely to report seeing misinformation about the pandemic. (Pew Research Center)
Virus tracker
Total cases in the US: 54,453
Total deaths in the US: 737
Cases reported in California: 2,853
Cases reported in New York: 26,358
Cases reported in Washington: 2,469
Things to do
Stuff to occupy you online during the quarantine.
The Verge launched a newsletter called Home Screen about life on the internet during the pandemic. It’s designed to show you fun distractions from the disaster — highly recommended.
Those good tweets
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