theverge--2020-03-06--Oppo announces Find X2 Pro flagship: 120Hz 1440p screen, periscope camera, orange leather

Today Oppo is announcing the Find X2 Pro , its first phone to use the Find name since the original Find X in 2018 .
Unlike that phone , it doesn ’ t use the still-unique motorized sliding mechanism that helped Oppo achieve a notchless display .
But like that phone , it does see Oppo turning out the sleekest , fastest , most premium device it possibly can in order to compete with the highest-end models from the likes of Samsung and Huawei .
First of all , just look at that color .
The Find X2 Pro is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange-and-gold vegan leather version you see here , which seemed ridiculous when I first took it out of the box — but I have to admit it ’ s growing on me .
It ’ s a little bit Vertu , sure , but in a good , bold way .
It ’ s fun just to look at this thing .
The same is true of the screen , which is clearly one of the best panels available in a phone — if not the best .
It ’ s a 6.7-inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HDR10+ support , and a refresh rate of 120Hz , putting it up there with the Galaxy S20 .
Unlike Samsung ’ s latest flagship , however , you can use the 120Hz mode at the full 1440p resolution , and Oppo also dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on on-screen content .
There ’ s an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and a small hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera .
One unusual element of the screen is that Oppo is pairing it with a dedicated custom chip for image processing .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engine , and it handles upscaling of video content to 60 or 120fps , as well as converting it to HDR .
This just sounds like the sort of motion-smoothing thing I ’ d instantly turn off on my TV , really , but you can activate or deactivate it with a button in the notification shade .
It ’ s also worth noting that sister company OnePlus has already confirmed that it ’ ll be using the same tech for its next phone .
The Find X2 Pro has a 48-megapixel main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same IMX586 sensor you ’ ve seen all over Android phones for the past year ; Oppo worked with Sony on a new part called the IMX689 .
The sensor is much bigger at 1/1.43 inches , which means the pixels are 1.12 microns in size .
That ’ s still smaller than the 1.4-micron pixels you tend to find on more conventional 12-megapixel sensors , but this should be an upgrade in terms of light-gathering ability .
Following last year ’ s Reno 10x Zoom , Oppo is including a second-generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro .
It ’ s a 13-megapixel module with an aperture of f/3 .
Optically , it still only offers 5x the reach of the primary camera , but Oppo is claiming 10x hybrid zoom and up to 60x digital zoom .
Compare that to the Galaxy S20 Ultra , where the “ 100x Space Zoom ” camera is actually just a 4x telephoto — albeit one in front of a 48-megapixel sensor with greater cropping potential .
Finally , there actually is an IMX586 sensor in this phone after all — it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for the ultrawide camera .
That means the ultrawide has a half-inch sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view .
Oppo also says it can focus down to 3cm in macro mode .
The selfie camera , meanwhile , has a 32-megapixel sensor .
The Find X2 ’ s regular specs are as high-end as anything on the market .
There ’ s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor , 5G support , 12GB of RAM , 512GB of storage , and stereo speakers .
The haptics are very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on Android 10 .
The battery is 4,260mAh and supports Oppo ’ s SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging , which in this case is said to provide a full charge in 38 minutes .
There ’ s still no wireless charging , unfortunately .
Oppo is also releasing a non-Pro version of the X2 .
The main difference is in the camera system , which uses a less exotic telephoto camera and a different ultrawide sensor with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-megapixel resolution , both of which are supposed to make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 4,200mAh battery , 256GB of storage , slightly thinner and lighter built , and the fact that you can ’ t get it in orange vegan leather , the specs are otherwise the same .
Overall , the Find X2 Pro is unquestionably going to be one of the most powerful and premium Android phones on the market , and it ’ s priced as such — the phone will cost €1,199 ( ~ $ 1,350 ) in Europe , while the regular X2 is €999 ( ~ $ 1,130 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model I ’ ve been using is running pre-production software , so I haven ’ t been able to give it a full review .
Stay tuned for that .

Today Oppo is announcing the Find X2 Pro, its first phone to use the Find name since the original Find X in 2018. Unlike that phone, it doesn’t use the still-unique motorized sliding mechanism that helped Oppo achieve a notchless display. But like that phone, it does see Oppo turning out the sleekest, fastest, most premium device it possibly can in order to compete with the highest-end models from the likes of Samsung and Huawei.
First of all, just look at that color. The Find X2 Pro is available either in black ceramic or this orange-and-gold vegan leather version you see here, which seemed ridiculous when I first took it out of the box — but I have to admit it’s growing on me. It’s a little bit Vertu, sure, but in a good, bold way. It’s fun just to look at this thing.
The same is true of the screen, which is clearly one of the best panels available in a phone — if not the best. It’s a 6.7-inch 3168x1440 OLED display with curved edges, HDR10+ support, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, putting it up there with the Galaxy S20. Unlike Samsung’s latest flagship, however, you can use the 120Hz mode at the full 1440p resolution, and Oppo also dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on on-screen content. There’s an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and a small hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera.
One unusual element of the screen is that Oppo is pairing it with a dedicated custom chip for image processing. It’s called the O1 Ultra Vision Engine, and it handles upscaling of video content to 60 or 120fps, as well as converting it to HDR. This just sounds like the sort of motion-smoothing thing I’d instantly turn off on my TV, really, but you can activate or deactivate it with a button in the notification shade. It’s also worth noting that sister company OnePlus has already confirmed that it’ll be using the same tech for its next phone.
An even bigger 48-megapixel sensor
The Find X2 Pro has a 48-megapixel main camera, but it’s not the same IMX586 sensor you’ve seen all over Android phones for the past year; Oppo worked with Sony on a new part called the IMX689. The sensor is much bigger at 1/1.43 inches, which means the pixels are 1.12 microns in size. That’s still smaller than the 1.4-micron pixels you tend to find on more conventional 12-megapixel sensors, but this should be an upgrade in terms of light-gathering ability.
Following last year’s Reno 10x Zoom, Oppo is including a second-generation periscope telephoto camera in the Find X2 Pro. It’s a 13-megapixel module with an aperture of f/3. Optically, it still only offers 5x the reach of the primary camera, but Oppo is claiming 10x hybrid zoom and up to 60x digital zoom. Compare that to the Galaxy S20 Ultra, where the “100x Space Zoom” camera is actually just a 4x telephoto — albeit one in front of a 48-megapixel sensor with greater cropping potential.
Finally, there actually is an IMX586 sensor in this phone after all — it’s just that Oppo is using it for the ultrawide camera. That means the ultrawide has a half-inch sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. Oppo also says it can focus down to 3cm in macro mode. The selfie camera, meanwhile, has a 32-megapixel sensor.
The Find X2’s regular specs are as high-end as anything on the market. There’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G support, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and stereo speakers. The haptics are very good. The phone runs ColorOS 7.1, based on Android 10. The battery is 4,260mAh and supports Oppo’s SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging, which in this case is said to provide a full charge in 38 minutes. There’s still no wireless charging, unfortunately.
Oppo is also releasing a non-Pro version of the X2. The main difference is in the camera system, which uses a less exotic telephoto camera and a different ultrawide sensor with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-megapixel resolution, both of which are supposed to make it a better option for video. Beyond the 4,200mAh battery, 256GB of storage, slightly thinner and lighter built, and the fact that you can’t get it in orange vegan leather, the specs are otherwise the same.


theverge--2020-03-05--Apple, Google, and others asked to avoid travel and cancel big events

Companies based in Santa Clara County , California — which includes Cupertino , Mountain View , Palo Alto , and San Jose — should avoid travel and postpone or cancel mass gatherings , the county recommended on Thursday .
The recommendations come after six new cases of the novel coronavirus have been identified in the area , bringing the total number of people confirmed locally to have the disease to 20 .
The county ’ s guidance affects several major Silicon Valley employers .
Apple , for instance , is headquartered in Cupertino ; Google in Mountain View ; Tesla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Gatos ; LinkedIn , in Sunnyvale ; Adobe , in San Jose ; and Intel and Nvidia , in Santa Clara .
Other companies with offices in the area might be affected as well , such as Amazon , Facebook , and Microsoft .
The recommendations come after six new cases of the coronavirus were identified Other guidance from the county includes minimizing the number of people “ working within arm ’ s length of one another , ” urging people to stay home if they ’ re sick , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workday for employees .
People at higher risk for serious illness — those who are over 50 or have another underlying health condition — should stay home .
The county recommendations are an attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus by limiting in-person contact .
Many of the tech companies based in the area — the “ valley ” in Silicon Valley referred originally to the Santa Clara Valley — have already made their own attempts to curb the disease ’ s spread .
Here are the policies The Verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Santa Clara County-based companies : • Adobe has canceled the in-person part of its Adobe Summit conference .
• In late February , Amazon asked employees to defer all non-essential travel .
It also recommended Seattle-based employees work from home until the end of March after a Seattle-based Amazon employee has tested positive this week for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
• Apple has restricted travel to Apple has restricted employee travel to China , Italy , and Korea , according to a company email seen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual meetings .
Apple has not announced dates for an expected late March event , which would have presumably been hosted on its Cupertino campus , or the Worldwide Developers Conference , which has taken place in San Jose in recent years .
The company also pulled out of the SXSW conference .
• Facebook has restricted employee travel to China , Italy , and South Korea , the company tells The Verge .
Otherwise , “ if someone has an international trip planned for business reasons , they should use their discretion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company said in an email .
There are no restrictions on US domestic travel .
Facebook has already canceled the in-person portion of its F8 developer conference , fully canceled a global marketing conference , and pulled out of SXSW .
It has also asked its Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st after a contractor based in one of the company ’ s Seattle-based offices tested positive for COVID-19 .
And in a company Q & A , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly recommended that Bay Area employees who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the company also stopping buses that run to its headquarters from San Francisco .
Facebook has temporarily banned social visitors to its offices .
• Google has banned all international travel , according to NPR .
That follows a late February ban on travel to Italy , Iran , Japan , and South Korea , and a late January ban on travel to China .
Google has already canceled the in-person portions of its Google I/O and Cloud Next conferences .
The company is asking employees in the Bay Area and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , reports GeekWire , and employees have been asked not to bring visitors to its Washington-based offices .
All job interviews globally will be virtual “ for the foreseeable future.
” The company has also confirmed that an employee in Zurich , Switzerland has COVID-19 .
• Intel withdrew from Mobile World Congress , which was set to be held in February before it was canceled .
• LinkedIn has halted non-essential business travel and requested that San Francisco Bay-area employees work from home through the end of March .
It pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all job interviews virtual for the time being .
• Microsoft , based in Redmond , is letting employees based in the Bay Area and Seattle work from home until March 25th .
The company is recommending that employees postpone travel to the Bay Area and Seattle and has asked that all non-essential travel to regions with COVID-19 outbreaks be canceled .
Microsoft also canceled its upcoming MVP Summit .
Microsoft reported two employee infections late Thursday night in the Puget Sound area that includes Microsoft ’ s Redmond headquarters .
• Netflix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nvidia canceled the in-person part of its GPU Technology Conference , which was originally set to take place in San Jose .
Update March 5th , 11:15PM ET : Added more details on Facebook ’ s countermeasures and two Microsoft infections .

Companies based in Santa Clara County, California — which includes Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and San Jose — should avoid travel and postpone or cancel mass gatherings, the county recommended on Thursday. The recommendations come after six new cases of the novel coronavirus have been identified in the area, bringing the total number of people confirmed locally to have the disease to 20.
The county’s guidance affects several major Silicon Valley employers. Apple, for instance, is headquartered in Cupertino; Google in Mountain View; Tesla, in Palo Alto; Netflix, in Los Gatos; LinkedIn, in Sunnyvale; Adobe, in San Jose; and Intel and Nvidia, in Santa Clara. Other companies with offices in the area might be affected as well, such as Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft.
The recommendations come after six new cases of the coronavirus were identified
Other guidance from the county includes minimizing the number of people “working within arm’s length of one another,” urging people to stay home if they’re sick, and spacing out start and end times of the workday for employees. People at higher risk for serious illness — those who are over 50 or have another underlying health condition — should stay home.
The county recommendations are an attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus by limiting in-person contact. Many of the tech companies based in the area — the “valley” in Silicon Valley referred originally to the Santa Clara Valley — have already made their own attempts to curb the disease’s spread.
Here are the policies The Verge is aware of that are in place by Santa Clara County-based companies:


theverge--2020-03-06--Postmates says it will start ‘non-contact’ meal deliveries during the coronavirus outbreak

Food delivery platform Postmates is starting what the company is calling a “ non-contact delivery ” initiative designed to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus when its contract workers are delivering ordered meals and other goods .
The move was spotted by Recode ’ s Rani Molla and The Verge has confirmed it is in effect starting today .
Postmates users who now open the app should see a notice about the non-contact deliveries , which then prompts users to input a drop-off option like “ leave at the door.
” The company also emailed registered users about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Today , we ’ re introducing Dropoff Options , which will give our customers the ability to specify how they ’ d like to receive deliveries , ” reads a new blog post from the company published Friday .
“ Customers can choose to meet their Postmate at the door , as they have before , meet curbside , or go non-contact and have deliveries left at the door.
” Postmates says you can add the non-contact delivery option during checkout if you skipped the prompt when first opening the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only delivery company to begin taking more serious measures to protect both public health and the well-being of its customers and contractors .
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba ’ s Ele.me subsidiary and and food delivery platform Meituan Dianping , both of which dominate the Chinese food delivery market , have implemented similar non-contact delivery options amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country , Bloomberg reports .
That ’ s involved secure drop off and pickup locations to avoid putting delivery workers and customers in direct physical contact .
Both are also asking delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , motorcycles , and scooters — to wear masks , too .

Food delivery platform Postmates is starting what the company is calling a “non-contact delivery” initiative designed to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus when its contract workers are delivering ordered meals and other goods.
The move was spotted by Recode’s Rani Molla and The Verge has confirmed it is in effect starting today. Postmates users who now open the app should see a notice about the non-contact deliveries, which then prompts users to input a drop-off option like “leave at the door.” The company also emailed registered users about the new option. It is not mandatory.
“Today, we’re introducing Dropoff Options, which will give our customers the ability to specify how they’d like to receive deliveries,” reads a new blog post from the company published Friday. “Customers can choose to meet their Postmate at the door, as they have before, meet curbside, or go non-contact and have deliveries left at the door.” Postmates says you can add the non-contact delivery option during checkout if you skipped the prompt when first opening the app today.


theverge--2020-03-06--Nvidia’s GeForce Now loses 2K Games titles, following Activision and Bethesda

Nvidia said today that game publisher 2K Games is pulling its library from the company ’ s GeForce Now cloud gaming service at 2K ’ s request .
“ Per publisher request , please be advised 2K Games titles will be removed from GeForce NOW today .
We are working with 2K Games to re-enable their games in the future , ” said Nvidia community manager Cory Banks in a post on Nvidia ’ s forums .
When asked for comment , Nvidia pointed The Verge to this February 20th blog post .
2K publishes the BioShock trilogy , Borderlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA 2K series , among others 2K publishes the BioShock trilogy , Borderlands series , Civilization games , and NBA 2K series , among others .
So the publisher ’ s withdrawal is a big loss for GeForce Now , which just left beta on February 4th .
Nvidia is now offering a premium version of the cloud gaming service as a “ public trial ” for $ 4.99 a month , yet the switch to charging customers for the service has instigated a wave of game removals .
2K pulling its games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Activision Blizzard ’ s and Bethesda ’ s games last month , meaning that many popular titles aren ’ t available to play on the newly-public service .
2K hasn ’ t replied to a request for comment , and Activision Blizzard and Bethesda haven ’ t yet explicitly said why they pulled their games , either .
All three publishers allowed their games on GeForce Now while it was in beta , but at least in the case of Activision Blizzard , Nvidia reportedly never got permission to keep Activision Blizzard ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left beta and started charging people money for it ( there is still a very limited free tier of GeForce Now ) .
Presumably , Bethesda and 2K Games had their games removed from GeForce Now for similar reasons likely due to some form of licensing dispute .
The promise of cloud gaming services seems great : stream all your games in high fidelity over the internet without having to worry about whether or not your computer , console , or phone have the hardware to run it .
But like the hard-to-track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the early days of cloud gaming have shown that similar types of licensing issues may dictate what games you can actually stream .
My colleague Nick Statt wrote a great article breaking down the situation that I recommend you go read to better understand the intricacies at play with a service like GeForce Now .

Nvidia said today that game publisher 2K Games is pulling its library from the company’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service at 2K’s request.
“Per publisher request, please be advised 2K Games titles will be removed from GeForce Now today. We are working with 2K Games to re-enable their games in the future,” said Nvidia community manager Cory Banks in a post on Nvidia’s forums. When asked for comment, Nvidia pointed The Verge to this February 20th blog post.
2K publishes the BioShock trilogy, Borderlands series, Civilization games, and the NBA 2K series, among others
2K publishes the BioShock trilogy, Borderlands series, Civilization games, and NBA 2K series, among others. So the publisher’s withdrawal is a big loss for GeForce Now, which just left beta on February 4th. Nvidia is now offering a premium version of the cloud gaming service as a “public trial” for $4.99 a month, yet the switch to charging customers for the service has instigated a wave of game removals. 2K pulling its games from the service follows the departures of Activision Blizzard’s and Bethesda’s games last month, meaning that many popular titles aren’t available to play on the newly-public service.
2K, Activision Blizzard and Bethesda allowed their games on GeForce Now while it was in beta, but that has changed since the service left beta and Nvidia started charging people money for the service (though there is still a very limited free tier of GeForce Now). In a statement to The Verge, 2K Games said it “requested its games be removed from GeForce Now, as a commercial agreement is currently not in place with Nvidia.” In the case of Activision Blizzard, Nvidia reportedly never got permission to keep Activision Blizzard’s titles on GeForce Now after it left beta. Presumably, Bethesda pulled its games from GeForce Now from GeForce Now for similar reasons, likely due to some form of licensing dispute.
The promise of cloud gaming services seems great: stream all your games in high fidelity over the internet without having to worry about whether or not your computer, console, or phone have the hardware to run it. But like the hard-to-track content shuffling we see on streaming services, the early days of cloud gaming have shown that similar types of licensing issues may dictate what games you can actually stream. My colleague Nick Statt wrote a great article breaking down the situation that I recommend you go read to better understand the intricacies at play with a service like GeForce Now.


theverge--2020-03-06--Google now giving away three months of Stadia access to new Chromecast buyers

Google is slowly but steadily opening its Stadia cloud gaming service to more interested customers , with a new promotion starting this month that offers three months of its Stadia Pro subscription to new buyers of Chromecast Ultra devices .
Google confirmed to The Verge that this is the first promotion of its kind for Stadia and it works like the platform ’ s buddy pass system .
It ’ s not clear if it ’ s restricted to a certain country , but Stadia is available in 14 countries and regions around the globe right now .
To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of Google ’ s cloud service that is currently available ; there will be a standard Stadia tier without 4K streaming that will be free , but the company has yet to launch it .
As it stands , the only way to play Stadia outside a Chrome browser or on a supported Android device is with a Chromecast Ultra connected to a TV .
Right now , Stadia Pro costs $ 10 a month .
Prior to this promotion , the only way to access the service at all has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an existing subscriber or by purchasing the $ 129 Premiere edition .
That bundle comes with a Stadia Pro three-month pass , Google ’ s custom Stadia controller , and a Chromecast Ultra .
But Google may be now interested in getting more users on the platform .
In December , the company gave Stadia Pro users an extra buddy pass to give out .
The company also just announced the opening of a new internal game studio in Playa Vista , California , led by the former head of God of War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dedicated to developing Stadia exclusives .

Google is slowly but steadily opening its Stadia cloud gaming service to more interested customers, with a new promotion starting this month that offers three months of its Stadia Pro subscription to owners of Chromecast Ultra devices. It’s not required that you buy a new device. Rather, you just have to opt to receive promotional emails from Google, and the company is sending out the offer to known Chromecast Ultra-owning customers.
Google confirmed to The Verge that this is the first promotion of its kind for Stadia and it works like the platform’s buddy pass system. It’s not clear if it’s restricted to a certain country, but Stadia is available in 14 countries and regions around the globe right now.
To be clear, Stadia Pro is the only version of Google’s cloud service that is currently available; there will be a standard Stadia tier without 4K streaming that will be free, but the company has yet to launch it. As it stands, the only way to play Stadia outside a Chrome browser or on a supported Android device is with a Chromecast Ultra connected to a TV.
Right now, Stadia Pro costs $10 a month. Prior to this promotion, the only way to access the service at all has been through a buddy pass given out by an existing subscriber or by purchasing the $129 Premiere edition. That bundle comes with a Stadia Pro three-month pass, Google’s custom Stadia controller, and a Chromecast Ultra.
But Google may be now interested in getting more users on the platform. In December, the company gave Stadia Pro users an extra buddy pass to give out. The company also just announced the opening of a new internal game studio in Playa Vista, California, led by the former head of God of War creator Santa Monica Studio, that will be dedicated to developing Stadia exclusives.


theverge--2020-03-06--Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are asking Seattle-based staff to work from home because of

Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are asking Seattle-based staff to work from home because of coronavirus

Numerous tech companies have asked their Seattle-based employees to work from home to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Both Amazon and Facebook have shut down offices in the area after confirming that their Seattle-based employees have indeed contracted COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
As the outbreak continues to spread in the US , including in California and New York , the situation has worsened in Washington where the virus was first discovered Stateside .
The state now has at least 70 confirmed cases and 10 deaths .
Here are the work-from-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that The Verge is aware of : • Amazon has told employees based in Seattle and nearby Bellevue that it recommends employees work from home until the end of March , according to CNBC .
The recommendation comes after Amazon confirmed on March 2nd that one of its Seattle-based employees was quarantined with the novel coronavirus .
That employee left work on February 25th and hasn ’ t returned .
• Google is asking employees in Washington state who have the ability to work remotely to do so , reports GeekWire .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring visitors to its Washington-based offices .
• Facebook has shut down one of its Seattle offices after a contractor tested positive for novel coronavirus , and it ’ s encouraging the company ’ s 5,000 Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st , according to CNBC .
That office will reportedly remain closed until Monday .
Facebook has also restricted social visitors to its offices .
• Microsoft is allowing employees in its Seattle- and San Francisco-based offices to work from home through March 25th .
• Twitter CEO Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging ” all of its employees to work from home “ if able.
” He said the same guidance applies to Square , which he also leads .
On Friday , March 6th , Twitter said a Seattle-based employee “ has been advised by their doctor that they likely have COVID-19 ” though is still awaiting final testing .
The employee hasn ’ t been in a Twitter office in several weeks , the company says , but it is closing the Seattle office “ to deep clean ” as a precaution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game Destiny 2 , has asked employees of its Bellevue , Washington office to work from home and says it has rolled out infrastructure to let the company continue to develop the game while fully remote .
• Nintendo will let its Nintendo of America staff in Washington and California work from home , according to a statement given to Kotaku .
There are currently over 101,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with more than 3,400 deaths .
Update March 6th , 5:20PM ET : Added information about a Seattle-based Twitter employee likely @ @ @

Numerous tech companies have asked their Seattle-based employees to work from home to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Both Amazon and Facebook have shut down offices in the area after confirming that their Seattle-based employees have indeed contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
As the outbreak continues to spread in the US, including in California and New York, the situation has worsened in Washington where the virus was first discovered Stateside. The state now has at least 70 confirmed cases and 10 deaths.
Here are the work-from-home policies for some Seattle tech company offices that The Verge is aware of:
Amazon has told employees based in Seattle and nearby Bellevue that it recommends employees work from home until the end of March, according to CNBC. The recommendation comes after Amazon confirmed on March 2nd that one of its Seattle-based employees was quarantined with the novel coronavirus. That employee left work on February 25th and hasn’t returned.
Google is asking employees in Washington state who have the ability to work remotely to do so, reports GeekWire. It’s also asking employees not to bring visitors to its Washington-based offices.
Facebook has shut down one of its Seattle offices after a contractor tested positive for novel coronavirus, and it’s encouraging the company’s 5,000 Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st, according to CNBC. That office will reportedly remain closed until Monday. Facebook has also restricted social visitors to its offices.
Microsoft is allowing employees in its Seattle- and San Francisco-based offices to work from home through March 25th.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said the company is “strongly encouraging” all of its employees to work from home “if able.” He said the same guidance applies to Square, which he also leads. On Friday, March 6th, Twitter said a Seattle-based employee “has been advised by their doctor that they likely have COVID-19” though is still awaiting final testing. The employee hasn’t been in a Twitter office in several weeks, the company says, but it is closing the Seattle office “to deep clean” as a precaution.
Bungie, which makes the popular game Destiny 2, has asked employees of its Bellevue, Washington office to work from home and says it has rolled out infrastructure to let the company continue to develop the game while fully remote.
Nintendo will let its Nintendo of America staff in Washington and California work from home, according to a statement given to Kotaku.
There are currently over 101,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with more than 3,400 deaths.


theverge--2020-03-06--SXSW 2020 canceled due to coronavirus

SXSW 2020 canceled due to coronavirus

SXSW , the annual tech , music , and film meetup held in downtown Austin , is the latest major conference to be canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak , and just one week before it was slated to start .
It is the first time in the event ’ s 34-year history that it ’ s been canceled .
The festival was scheduled to take place from March 13th to March 22nd , yet Austin Mayor Steve Adler today announced that , amid an increasing number of high-profile speaker and company withdrawals and growing public health concerns , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ ve issued an order that effectively cancels South by Southwest , ” Adler said , referencing an emergency order put in place Friday over the coronavirus .
The decision will almost certainly be a harsh blow to the city ’ s economy , as SXSW brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism , ticket sales , and other revenue streams every year .
Last year , the festival made $ 355.9 million for the city of Austin , SXSW said in November .
The private company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail its refund policies , made clear in a statement issued on Twitter and its website that this was a decision made by Austin city officials and out of its hands .
Yet the festival may end up taking place in some form or another later this year .
“ We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants , starting with SXSW EDU , ” reads the full cancellation note on the SXSW website .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were growing concerns about whether it was a smart decision for Austin leaders and the festival organizers to host SXSW , which brings nearly half a million people to a concentrated section of the Texas city ’ s downtown .
The situation became more complicated as US coronavirus cases began spiking in Washington state , where there have so far been at least 11 reported deaths , and rapidly spreading to other parts of the country , including California and New York .
A petition on the website Change.org calling for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55,000 signatures , and high-profile speakers like Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pulled out ahead of the announcement .
Amazon , Apple , and Netflix all said they would no longer premiere new film and TV projects at the show , and countless companies — tech firms Facebook , TikTok , LinkedIn , and Intel and news organizations like CNN and Mashable — also withdrew from having official , on-the-ground presences at the festival .
High-profile companies like Amazon , Apple , and Netflix all withdrew prior to the cancellation All companies cited health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonessential travel restrictions put in place to help reduce employee risk .
Some notable attendees had announced that they wouldn ’ t be attending the show , either , including entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss and musicians like the Beastie Boys , Ozzy Osbourne , and Trent Reznor .
Yesterday , Variety reported that the three major music groups — Sony , Universal , and Warner Music — have advised employees not to travel to the festival .
On Monday , the SXSW organizers said the event would proceed as normal .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recommendations of Austin Public Health , the 2020 event is proceeding with safety as a top priority , ” the organizers said in a statement given to USA Today .
“ There is a lot about COVID-19 that is still unknown , but what we do know is that personal hygiene is of critical importance .
We hope that people follow the science , implement the recommendations of public health agencies , and continue to participate in the activities that make our world connected .
That ’ s our plan.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day echoing its commitment to hold the event and linking to a webpage featuring the festival ’ s preparations for the event and an FAQ detailing its responses to various public concerns .
On Tuesday , the conference even announced additional keynote speakers , including actors Chris Evans and Kumail Nanjiani .
SXSW is just the latest industry conference to get postponed or canceled due to concerns of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
The Game Developers Conference , Mobile World Congress , Facebook ’ s F8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next conference and I/O developer conference , and countless other events have been similarly affected , with organizers either postponing the physical meetups , transitioning to “ virtual ” events held online and through video conference , or canceling events outright .

SXSW, the annual tech, music, and film meetup held in downtown Austin, is the latest major conference to be canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, and just one week before it was slated to start. It is the first time in the event’s 34-year history that it’s been canceled. The festival was scheduled to take place from March 13th to March 22nd, yet Austin Mayor Steve Adler today announced that, amid an increasing number of high-profile speaker and company withdrawals and growing public health concerns, the festival will no longer be taking place.
“I’ve issued an order that effectively cancels South by Southwest,” Adler said, referencing an emergency order put in place Friday over the coronavirus. The decision will almost certainly be a harsh blow to the city’s economy, as SXSW brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism, ticket sales, and other revenue streams every year. Last year, the festival made $355.9 million for the city of Austin, SXSW said in November.
The private company that organizes SXSW, which has yet to detail its refund policies, made clear in a statement issued on Twitter and its website that this was a decision made by Austin city officials and out of its hands. Yet the festival may end up taking place in some form or another later this year. “We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants, starting with SXSW EDU,” reads the full cancellation note on the SXSW website.
For weeks leading up to the event, there were growing concerns about whether it was a smart decision for Austin leaders and the festival organizers to host SXSW, which brings nearly half a million people to a concentrated section of the Texas city’s downtown. The situation became more complicated as US coronavirus cases began spiking in Washington state, where there have so far been at least 11 reported deaths, and rapidly spreading to other parts of the country, including California and New York.
High-profile companies like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix all withdrew prior to the cancellation
All companies cited health concerns and internal company policies related to nonessential travel restrictions put in place to help reduce employee risk. Some notable attendees had announced that they wouldn’t be attending the show, either, including entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss and musicians like the Beastie Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, and Trent Reznor. Yesterday, Variety reported that the three major music groups — Sony, Universal, and Warner Music — have advised employees not to travel to the festival.
On Monday, the SXSW organizers said the event would proceed as normal. “As a result of this dialogue and the recommendations of Austin Public Health, the 2020 event is proceeding with safety as a top priority,” the organizers said in a statement given to USA Today. “There is a lot about COVID-19 that is still unknown, but what we do know is that personal hygiene is of critical importance. We hope that people follow the science, implement the recommendations of public health agencies, and continue to participate in the activities that make our world connected. That’s our plan.”
The company also shared a statement on Twitter the same day echoing its commitment to hold the event and linking to a webpage featuring the festival’s preparations for the event and an FAQ detailing its responses to various public concerns.


theverge--2020-03-06--Tech giants will keep paying hourly staff even if they are asked to stay home due to coronavirus

Amazon , Apple , Google , Facebook , Microsoft , and Twitter have all pledged to pay hourly workers their regular rate even if those staffers are asked to remain at home due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak .
All six of those tech companies and many others have asked employees to work from home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus , but being forced to work from home could affect hourly employees like cooks and shuttle drivers with jobs that aren ’ t possible to perform remotely .
For the time being , it seems those workers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be at home .
We ’ ve rounded up the hourly pay policies that we ’ re aware of in this post .
• Microsoft , in a Thursday evening blog post : “ We recognize the hardship that lost work can mean for hourly employees .
As a result , we ’ ve decided that Microsoft will continue to pay all our vendor hourly service providers their regular pay during this period of reduced service needs .
This is independent of whether their full services are needed.
” • Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are working closely with our vendors to ensure we prioritize our team ’ s health and safety .
Facebook will pay contingent workers that can not work due to reduced staffing requirements during voluntary work from home , when we close an office , when we choose to send an employee home , or when they are sick.
” • Amazon , in a statement to Axios : “ We will continue to pay all hourly employees that support our campus in Seattle and Bellevue – from food service , to security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time our employees are asked to work from home .
In addition , we will subsidize one month of rent for the local small businesses that operate inside our owned buildings to help support them during this period.
” • Google and Twitter told Axios they would also give hourly workers their regular pay .
Apple confirmed to The Verge that it would as well .
Update , March 6th , 6:02PM ET : Added confirmation that Apple will also give hourly workers their regular pay .

Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Twitter have all pledged to pay hourly workers their regular rate even if those staffers are asked to remain at home due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
All six of those tech companies and many others have asked employees to work from home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but being forced to work from home could affect hourly employees like cooks and shuttle drivers with jobs that aren’t possible to perform remotely. For the time being, it seems those workers will still get paid even if they have to be at home.


theverge--2020-03-06--As COVID-19 pushes classes online, some students are caught in the broadband gap

As COVID-19 spreads within the United States and across the globe , public health officials are calling for fewer public gatherings — which is pushing many activities online .
The issue is particularly severe for schools , where the risk of spreading the disease is high .
But as many US schools try to shift to online lesson plans , they ’ re running into the limitations of our threadbare broadband networks , which leave many students unable to connect to their new online classrooms .
For school officials across the world , there ’ s little time left to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations reported that 22 countries across three continents have already started closing schools as a result of novel coronavirus outbreaks .
That means nearly 300 million children missing class worldwide , creating an “ unparalleled ” education disruption , according to the organization .
Washington state has seen 75 confirmed cases , the most of any state in the country , and making up more than a quarter of the total cases in the US .
As a result , the state has also seen many of the most extreme precautions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down operations this week to prevent new illnesses .
Universities , high schools , middle , and elementary schools are all closing shop for varying amounts of time , some moving classes exclusively online through apps and software like Zoom and Google Classroom until they reopen .
In a message to families , Washington state ’ s Northshore School District ’ s superintendent , Michelle Reid , wrote that ahead of their closure on March 5th , teachers worked with students “ to make sure they are acquainted with the online platform ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that students are equipped with a device and wifi to engage in virtual learning.
” Every child should have “ the ability to learn remotely because they have internet at home ” If a student in the district doesn ’ t have a usable internet connection , the school will be providing them with a mobile hotspot so they can continue to learn , Reid wrote .
Seattle Public Schools ’ superintendent Denise Juneau told NPR that the district was asking teachers to “ prepare packets of learning ” to use while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to say , “ online learning would - there would be some equity issues with that because there would be some students who may not have access to technology at home , Internet.
” The New York Times reported Friday that many other schools may not be as prepared as the Northshore School District , with some teachers across the country filling out a shared Google Doc with “ tips and tricks ” for online learning .
All of these examples highlight a problem the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ homework gap.
” It ’ s a term that refers to the barriers students face at school when they don ’ t have access to a high-speed internet connection at home .
In times of emergency , those online barriers become more apparent , especially when schools haven ’ t planned for them in advance before moving classes online .
“ As a parent and as a public servant , I believe there are ways we can make sure that when crises like these do occur , every child has the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home , ” Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel told The Verge .
Over the years , the FCC has been criticized over its inaccurate broadband maps that make it more difficult for would-be rural internet providers to know where access is most desperately needed .
As of right now , broadband providers submit their own data to the FCC to create their maps , and reports have shown that they exaggerate their coverage areas .
Congress approved a bill this week that would require providers to submit more granular information and require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to verify that the data provided is correct .
Other lawmakers , like Sen. Chris Van Hollen ( D-MD ) have introduced measures specifically focused on closing the homework gap .
His Homework Gap Trust Fund Act would establish a $ 2.4 billion trust fund that would be funded through the revenues received by the FCC ’ s upcoming C-band midband spectrum auction later this year that would go toward solving the problem .
“ During times of emergency , the digital divide can create even more serious impacts for under-served families across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Verge .
“ As coronavirus threatens to impact our schools , ensuring students have access to the internet at home is all the more important .
”

As COVID-19 spreads within the United States and across the globe, public health officials are calling for fewer public gatherings — which is pushing many activities online. The issue is particularly severe for schools, where the risk of spreading the disease is high. But as many US schools try to shift to online lesson plans, they’re running into the limitations of our threadbare broadband networks, which leave many students unable to connect to their new online classrooms.
For school officials across the world, there’s little time left to prepare. Earlier this week, the United Nations reported that 22 countries across three continents have already started closing schools as a result of novel coronavirus outbreaks. That means nearly 300 million children missing class worldwide, creating an “unparalleled” education disruption, according to the organization.
Washington state has seen 75 confirmed cases
Washington state has seen 75 confirmed cases, the most of any state in the country, and making up more than a quarter of the total cases in the US. As a result, the state has also seen many of the most extreme precautions. Schools in the state started to shut down operations this week to prevent new illnesses. Universities, high schools, middle, and elementary schools are all closing shop for varying amounts of time, some moving classes exclusively online through apps and software like Zoom and Google Classroom until they reopen.
In a message to families, Washington state’s Northshore School District’s superintendent, Michelle Reid, wrote that ahead of their closure on March 5th, teachers worked with students “to make sure they are acquainted with the online platform(s) they will be using and that students are equipped with a device and wifi to engage in virtual learning.”
Every child should have “the ability to learn remotely because they have internet at home”
If a student in the district doesn’t have a usable internet connection, the school will be providing them with a mobile hotspot so they can continue to learn, Reid wrote.
Seattle Public Schools’ superintendent Denise Juneau told NPR that the district was asking teachers to “prepare packets of learning” to use while they’re out of classroom. She went on to say, “online learning would - there would be some equity issues with that because there would be some students who may not have access to technology at home, Internet.”
The New York Times reported Friday that many other schools may not be as prepared as the Northshore School District, with some teachers across the country filling out a shared Google Doc with “tips and tricks” for online learning.
All of these examples highlight a problem the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers have struggled to solve for years — the “homework gap.” It’s a term that refers to the barriers students face at school when they don’t have access to a high-speed internet connection at home. In times of emergency, those online barriers become more apparent, especially when schools haven’t planned for them in advance before moving classes online.
“As a parent and as a public servant, I believe there are ways we can make sure that when crises like these do occur, every child has the ability to learn remotely because they have internet at home,” Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel told The Verge.
Over the years, the FCC has been criticized over its inaccurate broadband maps that make it more difficult for would-be rural internet providers to know where access is most desperately needed. As of right now, broadband providers submit their own data to the FCC to create their maps, and reports have shown that they exaggerate their coverage areas. Congress approved a bill this week that would require providers to submit more granular information and require the FCC to create a new process to verify that the data provided is correct.
Other lawmakers, like Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have introduced measures specifically focused on closing the homework gap. His Homework Gap Trust Fund Act would establish a $2.4 billion trust fund that would be funded through the revenues received by the FCC’s upcoming C-band midband spectrum auction later this year that would go toward solving the problem.


theverge--2020-03-06--Emerald City Comic Con postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

Seattle ’ s annual comic book convention , Emerald City Comic Con , has been postponed amid growing concern surrounding the coronavirus outbreak .
The event , which has run since 2003 , was set to take place from March 12th–15th at the Washington State Convention Center .
It will now be hosted sometime this summer , making it one of the many major cultural events to be canceled or delayed as a result of the COVID-19 virus .
“ We did everything that we could to run the event as planned , but ultimately , we are following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating that conventions should now be postponed , ” Emerald City Comic Con organizers said in a statement .
Earlier this week , the event ’ s organizers said fans attending this year would receive a refund on their tickets , however , the organizers mentioned that a refund may take up to 30 days due to the volume being processed .
In the weeks leading up to Emerald City , numerous vendors , including Dark Horse Comics and Del Rey Books , withdrew their attendance .
The state of Washington has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 people currently diagnosed , including an individual employed at Amazon .
Tech companies , including Amazon , Google , Facebook , and Microsoft , have requested that their Seattle-based employees work from home to help prevent the spread of the virus .

Seattle’s annual comic book convention, Emerald City Comic Con, has been postponed amid growing concern surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. The event, which has run since 2003, was set to take place from March 12th–15th at the Washington State Convention Center. It will now be hosted sometime this summer, making it one of the many major cultural events to be canceled or delayed as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
“We did everything that we could to run the event as planned, but ultimately, we are following the guidance of the local public health officials indicating that conventions should now be postponed,” Emerald City Comic Con organizers said in a statement. Earlier this week, the event’s organizers said fans attending this year would receive a refund on their tickets, however, the organizers mentioned that a refund may take up to 30 days due to the volume being processed.


theverge--2020-03-06--Apple, Google, and others asked to avoid travel and cancel big events

Companies based in Santa Clara County , California — which includes Cupertino , Mountain View , Palo Alto , and San Jose — should avoid travel and postpone or cancel mass gatherings , the county recommended on Thursday .
The recommendations come after six new cases of the novel coronavirus have been identified in the area , bringing the total number of people confirmed locally to have the disease to 20 .
The county ’ s guidance affects several major Silicon Valley employers .
Apple , for instance , is headquartered in Cupertino ; Google in Mountain View ; Tesla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Gatos ; LinkedIn , in Sunnyvale ; Adobe , in San Jose ; and Intel and Nvidia , in Santa Clara .
Other companies with offices in the area might be affected as well , such as Amazon , Facebook , and Microsoft .
The recommendations come after six new cases of the coronavirus were identified Other guidance from the county includes minimizing the number of people “ working within arm ’ s length of one another , ” urging people to stay home if they ’ re sick , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workday for employees .
People at higher risk for serious illness — those who are over 50 or have another underlying health condition — should stay home .
The county recommendations are an attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus by limiting in-person contact .
Many of the tech companies based in the area — the “ valley ” in Silicon Valley referred originally to the Santa Clara Valley — have already made their own attempts to curb the disease ’ s spread .
Here are the policies The Verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Santa Clara County-based companies : • Adobe has canceled the in-person part of its Adobe Summit conference .
• In late February , Amazon asked employees to defer all non-essential travel .
It also recommended Seattle-based employees work from home until the end of March after a Seattle-based Amazon employee has tested positive this week for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
• Apple has restricted travel to Apple has restricted employee travel to China , Italy , and Korea , according to a company email seen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual meetings .
Apple has not announced dates for an expected late March event , which would have presumably been hosted on its Cupertino campus , or the Worldwide Developers Conference , which has taken place in San Jose in recent years .
The company also pulled out of the SXSW conference .
Apple has recommended that employees at its Cupertino headquarters work from home , reports Business Insider .
• Facebook has restricted employee travel to China , Italy , and South Korea , the company tells The Verge .
Otherwise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned for business reasons , they should use their discretion to decide whether to travel , ” the company said in an email .
There are no restrictions on US domestic travel .
Facebook has already canceled the in-person portion of its F8 developer conference , fully canceled a global marketing conference , and pulled out of SXSW .
It has also asked its Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st after a contractor based in one of the company ’ s Seattle-based offices tested positive for COVID-19 .
And in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly recommended that Bay Area employees who are able should work from home , with the company also stopping buses that run to its headquarters from San Francisco .
Facebook has temporarily banned social visitors to its offices .
• Google has banned all international travel , according to NPR .
That follows a late February ban on travel to Italy , Iran , Japan , and South Korea , and a late January ban on travel to China .
Google has already canceled the in-person portions of its Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been asked to cancel local events unless they are business critical and not to attend large external events unless they are critical , reports CNBC .
Google told employees on Thursday , March 5th that all Bay Area employees could work from home on Friday , March 6th “ if roles allow , ” according to CNBC .
Washington-based employees were also allowed to work from home this week , reports GeekWire , and employees have been asked not to bring visitors to its Washington-based offices .
All job interviews globally will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Staff who have traveled to vulnerable countries must self-quarantine for 14 days , said CNBC .
The company has confirmed that an employee in Zurich , Switzerland has COVID-19 .
• Intel withdrew from Mobile World Congress , which was set to be held in February before it was canceled .
• LinkedIn has halted non-essential business travel and requested that San Francisco Bay-area employees work from home through the end of March .
It pulled out SXSW this week and has made all job interviews virtual for the time being .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is letting employees based in the Bay Area and Seattle work from home until March 25th .
The company is recommending that employees postpone travel to the Bay Area and Seattle and has asked that all non-essential travel to regions with COVID-19 outbreaks be canceled .
Microsoft also canceled its upcoming MVP Summit .
Microsoft reported two employee infections late Thursday night in the Puget Sound area that includes Microsoft ’ s Redmond headquarters .
• Netflix has pulled out of SXSW .
• Nvidia canceled the in-person part of its GPU Technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in San Jose .
Update March 6th , 3:12PM ET : Added additional precautions taken by Apple and Google .


theverge--2020-03-06--Continued travel bans aren’t going to stop spread of the new coronavirus

Restrictions on flights in and out of China wouldn ’ t have prevented the novel coronavirus from circling the globe , a new model shows .
Even if the amount of international travel in and out of China had been cut by 90 percent after February 1st , the trajectory of the epidemic would not have changed significantly — not without other efforts made to stop the spread of infection , like the isolation of people who were sick .
The model , published in the journal Science , was built using transportation data and information on the dynamics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus .
The authors generated a range of possible scenarios for the movement of the disease through China and around the world .
Officials quarantined the city of Wuhan , China , where the virus originated , at the end of January .
The model found that shutting down the Wuhan airport would only delay spread of the epidemic through mainland China by under a week .
By January 23rd , it showed the virus would have been brought to several places around the country .
That projection matches World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in China .
Travel restrictions in and out of Wuhan slowed the number of cases imported from China into other countries by two to three weeks , according to the model .
But there were already enough cases outside of Wuhan by that point that stopping international spread was impossible — the virus could travel from Shanghai , Beijing , Shenzhen , and other cities .
The model ’ s conclusions were echoed by experts at the WHO .
“ Measures on movement restriction have delayed the dissemination of the outbreak two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks outside China , ” Sylvie Briand , director of infectious hazard management at the WHO , said in a press conference .
The WHO originally said that countries should not restrict travel in response to the novel virus , and experts questioned the wisdom of locking down cities .
But even though it did not stop the epidemic from jumping outside of China , the delay bought other countries some time to prepare .
The cost to people living in Wuhan , though , has been high — residents and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a psychologically and physically taxing lockdown for weeks .
Now that the virus is present around the world , additional or continued travel restrictions are likely to have a limited impact on the epidemic , the researchers wrote .
Policies that reduce the spread of disease within communities , like early detection and isolation of cases , will be the best way to fight the outbreaks , they concluded .

Restrictions on flights in and out of China wouldn’t have prevented the novel coronavirus from circling the globe, a new model shows. Even if the amount of international travel in and out of China had been cut by 90 percent after February 1st, the trajectory of the epidemic would not have changed significantly — not without other efforts made to stop the spread of infection, like the isolation of people who were sick.
The model, published in the journal Science, was built using transportation data and information on the dynamics of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The authors generated a range of possible scenarios for the movement of the disease through China and around the world.
Officials quarantined the city of Wuhan, China, where the virus originated, at the end of January. The model found that shutting down the Wuhan airport would only delay spread of the epidemic through mainland China by under a week. By January 23rd, it showed the virus would have been brought to several places around the country. That projection matches World Health Organization (WHO) data on cases of COVID-19 in China.
Travel restrictions in and out of Wuhan slowed the number of cases imported from China into other countries by two to three weeks, according to the model. But there were already enough cases outside of Wuhan by that point that stopping international spread was impossible — the virus could travel from Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities.
The model’s conclusions were echoed by experts at the WHO. “Measures on movement restriction have delayed the dissemination of the outbreak two or three days within China and a few weeks outside China,” Sylvie Briand, director of infectious hazard management at the WHO, said in a press conference.
The WHO originally said that countries should not restrict travel in response to the novel virus, and experts questioned the wisdom of locking down cities. But even though it did not stop the epidemic from jumping outside of China, the delay bought other countries some time to prepare. The cost to people living in Wuhan, though, has been high — residents and health care workers have been living and working under a psychologically and physically taxing lockdown for weeks.


theverge--2020-03-06--Amazon Flex drivers won’t be paid if they have to stay home due to coronavirus

Amazon has told its contract Flex drivers , which deliver the e-commerce company ’ s packages , to stay home if they get sick amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , according to a memo obtained by OneZero .
However , unlike Amazon ’ s hourly workers , who will receive their regular pay even if they have to stay home , it seems as if the company ’ s Flex drivers won ’ t be compensated for their missed work .
It ’ s worth noting that Amazon doesn ’ t specifically say in this memo that Flex drivers won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time one of those drives isn ’ t working , they aren ’ t getting paid , similar to Uber and Lyft drivers .
So if they ’ re homebound due to coronavirus , it doesn ’ t seem as if the company will be taking care of them in any way .
Amazon did not respond to a request for comment .
Right now , other companies that rely on gig workers also don ’ t provide restitution for those workers if they have to take time away due to coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warner ( D-VA ) sent letters to Uber , Lyft , Postmates , Grubhub , DoorDash , and Instacart asking them to provide financial assistance to gig workers who may get sick or have to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
“ I strongly urge that you attempt to address the potential financial hardship for your workers if they are sick or have to self-quarantine during this time , ” said Warner in the letters .
“ In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by example by committing that economic uncertainty will not be deterrents to their workers following public health guidance during the response.
” An Uber spokesperson said that the company is “ exploring compensation for drivers who have been quarantined or diagnosed with coronavirus , whether independently , through a fund , or in partnership with peer companies , ” in a statement given to The Los Angeles Times .
Lyft says it is ‘ ready to coordinate with government officials ’ Lyft said it is “ focused on taking appropriate actions and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement to TechCrunch .
“ We stand ready to coordinate with government officials.
” Both Uber and Lyft have also shared guidance with drivers to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Postmates plans to brief Warner ’ s office on plans to “ invest in the well being of our flexible workforce , ” the company told TechCrunch .
The company also added a “ non-contact ” delivery option on Friday to allow for meals to be dropped off or left by a customer ’ s door to cut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postmates users .
Grubhub said it is “ focused on prioritizing the health and safety of our drivers , diners and restaurant partners , ” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times .
“ We share Senator Warner ’ s concerns about the safety and welfare of our drivers and look forward to working with the Senator on these important issues.
” DoorDash said it “ will continue to provide the latest public health guidance to consumers , Dashers and merchants and remind our community in affected areas of the delivery instruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be left at the door along with a photo of where the food should be left through the app , ” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times .
The company also sold The Los Angeles Times that it planned to talk with Warner today .
TechCrunch said Instacart has not yet replied to a request for comment .
It hasn ’ t replied to a request from The Verge , either .

Amazon has told its contract Flex drivers, which deliver the e-commerce company’s packages, to stay home if they get sick amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, according to a memo obtained by OneZero. But while Amazon’s Flex Drivers won’t be paid, Uber and Lyft each say they will give drivers up to 14 days of sick pay if they miss work due to coronavirus.
Here’s Amazon’s full memo to drivers, from OneZero:
Image: OneZero
It’s worth noting that Amazon doesn’t specifically say in this memo that Flex drivers won’t be paid — but any time one of those drivers isn’t working, they aren’t getting paid. So if they’re homebound due to coronavirus, it doesn’t seem as if the company will be taking care of them in any way — unlike Amazon’s hourly workers, who will receive their regular pay even if they have to stay home.
Amazon said in a statement to The Verge that its “top priority is protecting people’s health and we are actively supporting employees and contractors on an individual, case-by-case basis. We will continue evaluating next steps should we see a much broader impact.”
Right now, most other companies that rely on gig workers also don’t provide restitution for those workers if they have to take time away due to coronavirus. On Friday, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) sent letters to Uber, Lyft, Postmates, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Instacart asking them to provide financial assistance to gig workers who may get sick or have to self-quarantine due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
“I strongly urge that you attempt to address the potential financial hardship for your workers if they are sick or have to self-quarantine during this time,” said Warner in the letters. “In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, it is critical that platform companies lead by example by committing that economic uncertainty will not be deterrents to their workers following public health guidance during the response.”
Uber says will compensate drivers and delivery workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19
Uber said late Friday that it will compensate drivers and delivery workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are quarantined by a public health authority due to the novel coronavirus, The Wall Street Journal reports. Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s senior vice president of global rides and platform ops, wrote in an internal memo that the workers will receive compensation “for a period of up to 14 days,” and that it has already started in some of Uber’s markets, including Mexico and the UK, according to the WSJ.
To qualify for the compensation, drivers will need to provide documentation, either showing that they’ve been diagnosed with the virus or that a public health official has placed them under quarantine, according to Business Insider.
How much the drivers will be compensated is still to be determined. Uber tells the WSJ it’s not aware of coronavirus infections spreading between its drivers and riders. The company declined to say how many, if any, of its drivers had been diagnosed with the virus or placed under quarantine.
Earlier Friday, an Uber spokesperson said the company was “exploring compensation for drivers who have been quarantined or diagnosed with coronavirus, whether independently, through a fund, or in partnership with peer companies,” in a statement given to The Los Angeles Times.
Lyft says it is “actively planning for multiple scenarios”
On Monday, Lyft said it was planning to compensate drivers as well, according to CNBC. On Friday, Lyft said it is “focused on taking appropriate actions and are actively planning for multiple scenarios,” in a statement to TechCrunch. “We stand ready to coordinate with government officials.” Both Uber and Lyft have also shared guidance with drivers to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Postmates plans to brief Warner’s office on plans to “invest in the well being of our flexible workforce,” the company told TechCrunch. The company also added a “non-contact” delivery option on Friday to allow for meals to be dropped off or left by a customer’s door to cut down on direct contact between delivery drivers and Postmates users.
Grubhub said it is “focused on prioritizing the health and safety of our drivers, diners and restaurant partners,” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. “We share Senator Warner’s concerns about the safety and welfare of our drivers and look forward to working with the Senator on these important issues.”
DoorDash said it “will continue to provide the latest public health guidance to consumers, Dashers and merchants and remind our community in affected areas of the delivery instruction feature, enabling requests for food to be left at the door along with a photo of where the food should be left through the app,” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. The company also told The Los Angeles Times on Friday that it planned to talk with Warner that day. DoorDash is also letting customers ask to have deliveries left at their door, according to CNBC.
Instacart remains fully operational across North America
Instacart said it remains fully operational across North America in a statement provided to The Verge. It also said it’s “actively working with local and national authorities to monitor the situation as it unfolds. We’re adhering to recommendations from public health officials to ensure we’re operating safely with minimal disruption to our service, while also taking the appropriate precautionary measures to keep teams, shoppers and customers safe.” The company said it’s sharing health and safety information with its shoppers. Instacart has also rolled out a new “Leave at My Door Delivery” option.
Instacart also tells The Verge that it lets in-store shoppers in select markets accrue sick pay. They can earn one hour of sick pay for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours of sick pay per year.


theverge--2020-03-06--Google now giving away three months of Stadia access to Chromecast owners

Google is slowly but steadily opening its Stadia cloud gaming service to more interested customers , with a new promotion starting this month that offers three months of its Stadia Pro subscription to owners of Chromecast Ultra devices .
It ’ s not required that you buy a new device .
Rather , you just have to opt to receive promotional emails from Google , and the company is sending out the offer to known Chromecast Ultra-owning customers .
Google confirmed to The Verge that this is the first promotion of its kind for Stadia and it works like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not clear if it ’ s restricted to a certain country , but Stadia is available in 14 countries and regions around the globe right now .
To be clear , Stadia Pro is the only version of Google ’ s cloud service that is currently available ; there will be a standard Stadia tier without 4K streaming that will be free , but the company has yet to launch it .
As it stands , the only way to play Stadia outside a Chrome browser or on a supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected to a TV .
Right now , Stadia Pro costs $ 10 a month .
Prior to this promotion , the only way to access the service at all has been through a buddy pass given out by an existing subscriber or by purchasing the $ 129 Premiere edition .
That bundle comes with a Stadia Pro three-month pass , Google ’ s custom Stadia controller , and a Chromecast Ultra .
But Google may be now interested in getting more users on the platform .
In December , the company gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give out .
The company also just announced the opening of a new internal game studio in Playa Vista , California , led by the former head of God of War creator Santa Monica Studio , that will be dedicated to developing Stadia exclusives .
Update March 6th , 10:22PM ET : Clarified that the promotion isn ’ t restricted to new Chromecast Ultra buyers .
Google says all you need to do is opt in to receive promotional emails from the company and the offer should be emailed to eligible customers @


theverge--2020-03-07--Google location data turned a random biker into a burglary suspect

A Florida man who used a fitness app to track his bike rides found himself a suspect in a burglary when police used a geofence warrant to collect data from nearby devices , an NBC News investigation finds .
Zachary McCoy had never been in the home where the burglary occurred , but by leaving his location settings on for the RunKeeper app , he unwittingly provided information about his whereabouts to Google , which placed him at the scene of the crime .
Since McCoy had biked past the house where the burglary took place three times on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his usual route through the neighborhood — he was deemed a suspect .
NBC News says Google ’ s legal investigations team contacted McCoy in January , notifying him that Gainesville police were demanding information from his Google account .
He was eventually cleared as a suspect , but not before hiring a lawyer to help him figure out exactly what data police were seeking .
The geofence warrant— a type of search warrant— required Google to provide data from any devices it recorded near the scene of the burglary , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Android location services ; collection can be turned off from the “ accounts ” menu in settings .
Law enforcement requests for geofence warrants have risen sharply in the past several years NBC News notes , rising 1500 percent from 2017 to 2018 and another 500 percent between 2018 and 2019 .
Last year , the New York Times highlighted the 2018 case of Jorge Molina , accused in an Arizona homicide after police used a geofence warrant that suggested he was near the scene of the crime .
The case against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to light .
Last month , Google announced it was putting new restrictions on which Android apps can track location in the background , with all new Google Play apps that seek background access subject to a review process , beginning in August .
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

A Florida man who used a fitness app to track his bike rides found himself a suspect in a burglary when police used a geofence warrant to collect data from nearby devices, an NBC News investigation finds. Zachary McCoy had never been in the home where the burglary occurred, but by leaving his location settings on for the RunKeeper app, he unwittingly provided information about his whereabouts to Google, which placed him at the scene of the crime.
Since McCoy had biked past the house where the burglary took place three times on the day of the alleged crime — part of his usual route through the neighborhood — he was deemed a suspect. NBC News says Google’s legal investigations team contacted McCoy in January, notifying him that Gainesville police were demanding information from his Google account.
He was eventually cleared as a suspect, but not before hiring a lawyer to help him figure out exactly what data police were seeking. The geofence warrant— a type of search warrant— required Google to provide data from any devices it recorded near the scene of the burglary, including location. This data is usually drawn from Android location services; collection can be turned off from the “accounts” menu in settings.
Law enforcement requests for geofence warrants have risen sharply in the past several years NBC News notes, rising 1500 percent from 2017 to 2018 and another 500 percent between 2018 and 2019. Last year, the New York Times highlighted the 2018 case of Jorge Molina, accused in an Arizona homicide after police used a geofence warrant that suggested he was near the scene of the crime. The case against Molina eventually fell apart as new evidence came to light.
Last month, Google announced it was putting new restrictions on which Android apps can track location in the background, with all new Google Play apps that seek background access subject to a review process, beginning in August.


theverge--2020-03-07--Italy may consider lockdown of Lombardy region in response to coronavirus outbreak

Italy ’ s government is considering a lockdown of the northern Lombardy region and 11 neighboring provinces to stem the spread of the new coronavirus in the area , the Wall Street Journal reports .
Some 10 million people live in the region , which includes Milan .
The WSJ says a draft decree of the plan by the Italian Prime Minister ’ s office , requires people living in Lombardy and 11 surrounding provinces to “ absolutely avoid any movement into and out of the areas.
” Anyone violating the lockdown could be subject to a fine or jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s army could be brought in to enforce the terms .
If the quarantine is approved , it would go into effect on Sunday , and last until April 3rd , according to the New York Times .
The draft decree instructs people to avoid moving within the quarantined areas other than for work obligations and emergencies .
Italy has been hard-hit by the coronavirus outbreak , with 5,883 cases as of Saturday .
The WSJ reports 233 people have died in Italy from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public events , and ordered schools closed , but the decree would be the largest lockdown in Italy so far .

A massive region in northern Italy that includes Milan and Venice is under government-ordered lockdown as officials struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the New York Times reports.
“We are facing an emergency,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Sunday in an early-morning press conference. The restrictions on travel throughout the region, which includes some 16 million people, are “very rigorous,” Conte added, but necessary. “This is the moment of self-responsibility,” he said.
The lockdown of the northern Lombardy region and 11 neighboring provinces will restrict movement “in and out of the territory, and also within,” the affected area. People will need to seek special permissions to travel for work or medical reasons. The Times reports that under the restrictions, funerals and cultural events are banned, and people are required to keep a distance of at least one meter (about 3 feet) between each other at public places like supermarkets and churches. Anyone with a fever is being encouraged to stay home, and anyone who has tested positive for the coronavirus is required to do so.
Anyone violating the lockdown could be subject to a fine or jail time, and police and soldiers will be enforcing the terms, the Times reports. Conte did not provide an end date for the measures when he spoke on Sunday, but an earlier report said a draft of the government decree indicated it would last until April 3rd.
Italy has been hard-hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with 5,883 cases as of Saturday. The Wall Street Journal reports 233 people have died in Italy from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The country has already restricted public events, and ordered schools closed. Late Saturday, the leader of Italy’s Democratic party Nicola Zingaretti said on Facebook that he had been infected with the coronavirus, which may suggest that the outbreak has spread beyond the country’s northern region.


theverge--2020-03-07--Stanford cancels in-person classes due to coronavirus

In-person classes at Stanford University will be canceled beginning March 9th , as a faculty member has tested positive for coronavirus , and two students have self-isolated after “ possible exposure.
” Neither student has tested positive for the virus yet , according to a statement from the university , but Stanford provost Persis Drell said late Friday that the university will move some classes online “ to the extent feasible.
” Exams for Stanford ’ s winter quarter , which is in its final two weeks , will be given in take-home formats .
The school will remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Admit Weekend , where prospective incoming freshmen visit the campus .
Stanford also is canceling all campus tours , and previously suspended international study abroad programs .
Santa Clara County , where Stanford is located , has the largest number of coronavirus cases in California , with the number increasing to 24 on Friday .
Stanford is the second major university to cancel classes due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The University of Washington also will move classes online beginning March 9th through the end of its winter quarter .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus , but UW had planned to suspend classes before that case was announced , the New York Times reported .
At least 11 deaths due to coronavirus have been reported in Washington State so far .

In-person classes at Stanford University will be canceled beginning March 9th, as a faculty member has tested positive for coronavirus, and two students have self-isolated after “possible exposure.” Neither student has tested positive for the virus yet, according to a statement from the university, but Stanford provost Persis Drell said late Friday that the university will move some classes online “to the extent feasible.”
Exams for Stanford’s winter quarter, which is in its final two weeks, will be given in take-home formats. The school will remain open, but is canceling this year’s Admit Weekend, where prospective incoming freshmen visit the campus. Stanford also is canceling all campus tours, and previously suspended international study abroad programs.
Santa Clara County, where Stanford is located, has the largest number of coronavirus cases in California, with the number increasing to 24 on Friday.


theverge--2020-03-07--Amtrak canceling nonstop Acela between New York and DC after coronavirus concerns reduce demand

Amtrak is canceling its Acela nonstop service between Washington D.C. and New York , because of reduced demand due to @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post reports .
“ We are closely monitoring the coronavirus and are taking action @ @ @ @ @ health experts , ” the company said in a statement .
The Acela service will @ @ @ @ @ until May 26th .
The company says it anticipates other possible temporary adjustments to its @ @ @ @ @ well .
Change fees for existing reservations and any new reservations for tickets purchased by @ @ @ @ @ .
If a passenger books a new fare with a different price , they may @ @ @ @ @ .
Amtrak is increasing its sanitation measures in light of coronavirus concerns , cleaning rails @ @ @ @ @ and other surfaces hourly in some situations .
It ’ s also made sanitizers and @ @ @ @ @ and employees throughout its trains and stations , the company says .

Amtrak is canceling its Acela nonstop service between Washington DC and New York, because of reduced demand due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Washington Post reports.
“We are closely monitoring the coronavirus and are taking action based on guidance from public health experts,” the company said in a statement.
The Acela service will be suspended beginning March 10th until May 26th. The company says it anticipates other possible temporary adjustments to its schedule may be necessary as well.
Change fees for existing reservations and any new reservations for tickets purchased by April 30th have been waived. If a passenger books a new fare with a different price, they may have to pay the difference.
Amtrak is increasing its sanitation measures in light of coronavirus concerns, cleaning rails, handles, doorknobs, and other surfaces hourly in some situations. It’s also made sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available for customers and employees throughout its trains and stations, the company says.
In a statement emailed to The Verge, Amtrak says it is continuing to operate trains in the Northeast Corridor, including Acela trains between Washington DC and Boston. All of the temporarily suspended trains “have alternate options available within 30 minutes before and after their scheduled departures,” Amtrak says.
“With 110 daily trains, including at least two trains per hour throughout most of the day and hourly Acela service most of the day, customers continue to have plenty of options,” the company says.


theverge--2020-03-07--Facebook temporarily bans ads for medical face masks to prevent coronavirus exploitation

Facebook is temporarily banning ads and commerce listings for medical face masks amid growing concern over coronavirus-related exploitation , CNBC reports .
“ We ’ re monitoring COVID19 closely and will make necessary updates to our policies if we see people trying to exploit this public health emergency , ” Facebook director of product management Rob Leathern tweeted .
“ We ’ ll start rolling out this change in the days ahead.
” The World Health Organization on Tuesday said people have been buying face masks and other equipment leading to a shortage of protective gear for health care workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
” Facebook earlier announced a ban on ads for medical products which falsely suggest an item is in limited supply , and any that promote fake “ cures ” or prevention methods for COVID-19 .
Coronavirus-themed Groups and Pages also will be blocked from its algorithm , Facebook says .
The rules apply to Instagram as well .
“ Supplies are short , prices are up , and we ’ re against people exploiting this public health emergency , ” tweeted Adam Mosseri , the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Seattle offices after a contractor there tested positive for novel coronavirus , and asked the company ’ s 5,000 Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st .
Facebook has also restricted social visitors to its offices , and canceled its participation in a number of conferences as a result of the outbreak .
EBay and Amazon also have modified their rules around coronavirus-related merchandise .
In a notice to sellers Friday , eBay said it was banning all sales of face masks , hand sanitizer , and disinfectant wipes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It already has removed more than 20,000 listings for making unverified claims related to coronavirus .
Amazon has removed third-party listings that significantly raised prices of hand sanitizer and face masks .

Facebook is temporarily banning ads and commerce listings for medical face masks amid growing concern over coronavirus-related exploitation, CNBC reports.
“We’re monitoring COVID19 closely and will make necessary updates to our policies if we see people trying to exploit this public health emergency,” Facebook director of product management Rob Leathern tweeted. “We’ll start rolling out this change in the days ahead.”
The World Health Organization on Tuesday said people have been buying face masks and other equipment leading to a shortage of protective gear for health care workers, putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases.”
Facebook earlier announced a ban on ads for medical products which falsely suggest an item is in limited supply, and any that promote fake “cures” or prevention methods for COVID-19. Coronavirus-themed Groups and Pages also will be blocked from its algorithm, Facebook says. The rules apply to Instagram as well. “Supplies are short, prices are up, and we’re against people exploiting this public health emergency,” tweeted Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram.
Facebook shut down one of its Seattle offices after a contractor there tested positive for novel coronavirus, and asked the company’s 5,000 Seattle-based employees to work from home until March 31st. Facebook has also restricted social visitors to its offices, and canceled its participation in a number of conferences as a result of the outbreak.


theverge--2020-03-07--This weekend, save on a two-pack of Google Nest Minis, fast USB-C chargers, and more

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
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These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
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You ’ ve made it to the weekend .
Whether you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to kick your feet up , you may want to know about some deals .
These are the best offers we ’ ve seen all week .
You can still take advantage of a great two-for-one deal on Google Nest Mini smart speakers from Daily Steals .
These usually cost around $ 40-50 per speaker , but you can get two for $ 47 .
To take advantage of this deal , head over to their site and add a two-pack in the color of your choosing to the cart , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the price drop .
MSI ’ s Radeon RX 5700 Evoke OC graphics card is $ 273 at Newegg .
This card usually costs $ 333 , and along with the price cut , you ’ ll receive a three-month voucher for Xbox Game Pass on PC and a code for the Resident Evil 3 remake .
To get this price , you ’ ll first need to use the offer code VGAPCRW456 at checkout .
Your price at the time of payment will be $ 303 , then you can send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once you receive the GPU to bring the total price down to $ 273 .
Parks and Recreation is heading to NBC ’ s Peacock streaming service , but if you ’ re someone who doesn ’ t want to subscribe to countless services , Apple is offering a big discount on a digital version of the complete series .
It costs $ 30 for all seven seasons , which is a great deal compared to the $ 70 that Vudu is charging .
Same story goes for 30 Rock .
The complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 instead of $ 70 at Vudu .
We still have a few exclusive deals running in collaboration with RavPower until Monday .
Both deals are on USB-C wall chargers , though their wattages and prices differ just a bit .
The first is on RavPower ’ s slim 45W USB-C charger that lays flat against your wall .
It doesn ’ t require much clearance , if that ’ s an issue for your space .
Instead of $ 36 , it ’ s $ 19 at Amazon with the offer code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 61W USB-C wall adapter from RavPower is $ 24 at Amazon with the offer code VERGE61W , down from $ 36 .
Compared to the option above , this one is a little chunkier , but it allows for more power — enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro at fast charging speeds .
The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are each $ 250 off at B & H Photo .
Normally starting at $ 799 and $ 899 , respectively , you can pay as little as $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Galaxy S20 that just released might have faster specs , though it ’ s considerably more expensive .
Plus , the Pixel 4 will be one of the first to get Android 11 , if you care about being an early adopter of Google ’ s new software .

You’ve made it to the weekend. Whether you’re still working or you finally have some time to kick your feet up, you may want to know about some deals. These are the best offers we’ve seen all week.
You can still take advantage of a great two-for-one deal on Google Nest Mini smart speakers from Daily Steals. These usually cost around $40-50 per speaker, but you can get two for $47. To take advantage of this deal, head over to their site and add a two-pack in the color of your choosing to the cart, then enter the code VERGEGNST at checkout to see the price drop.
Google Nest Mini (two-pack) / Was $98, now 53% off with the offer code VERGEGNST $47 at Daily Steals
Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge
MSI’s Radeon RX 5700 Evoke OC graphics card is $273 at Newegg. This card usually costs $333, and along with the price cut, you’ll receive a three-month voucher for Xbox Game Pass on PC and a code for the Resident Evil 3 remake.
To get this price, you’ll first need to use the offer code VGAPCRW456 at checkout. Your price at the time of payment will be $303, then you can send away for a $30 mail-in rebate once you receive the GPU to bring the total price down to $273.
MSI Radeon RX 5700 Evoke OC / Was $333, now 18% off with rebate and offer code VGAPCRW456 $273 at Newegg
Parks and Recreation is heading to NBC’s Peacock streaming service, but if you’re someone who doesn’t want to subscribe to countless services, Apple is offering a big discount on a digital version of the complete series. It costs $30 for all seven seasons, which is a great deal compared to the $70 that Vudu is charging.
Parks and Recreation (digital, complete series) / Was $70, now 56% off $30 at Apple
Same story goes for 30 Rock. The complete series is available through Apple for $30 instead of $70 at Vudu.
Photo by Sam Byford / The Verge
We still have a few exclusive deals running in collaboration with RavPower until Monday. Both deals are on USB-C wall chargers, though their wattages and prices differ just a bit. The first is on RavPower’s slim 45W USB-C charger that lays flat against your wall. It doesn’t require much clearance, if that’s an issue for your space. Instead of $36, it’s $19 at Amazon with the offer code VERGE001.
RavPower 45W GaN USB-C wall charger / Was $36, now 49% off with the offer code VERGE001 $19 at Amazon
Image: RavPower
If you need more power, the 61W USB-C wall adapter from RavPower is $24 at Amazon with the offer code VERGE61W, down from $36. Compared to the option above, this one is a little chunkier, but it allows for more power — enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro at fast charging speeds.
RavPower 61W GaN USB-C wall charger / Was $36, now 33% off with the offer code VERGE61W $24 at Amazon
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are each $250 off at B&H Photo. Normally starting at $799 and $899, respectively, you can pay as little as $549 for Google’s latest phone. The Galaxy S20 that just released might have faster specs, though it’s considerably more expensive. Plus, the Pixel 4 will be one of the first to get Android 11, if you care about being an early adopter of Google’s new software.
Google Pixel 4 (64GB) / Was $799, now 32% off $549 at B&H Photo
Google Pixel 4 XL (64GB) / Was $899, now 28% off $649 at B&H Photo