theverge--2020-11-10--TikTok says the Trump administration has forgotten about trying to ban it, would like to know what’s

TikTok says the Trump administration has forgotten about trying to ban it, would like to know what’s up

TikTok has filed a petition in a US Court of Appeals calling for a review of actions by the Trump administration ’ s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ( CFUIS ) .
The reason , according for the company , is that it hasn ’ t heard from the committee in weeks about an imminent deadline for parent company ByteDance to sell off US assets over national security concerns .
The CFIUS set the deadline of November 12th for TikTok to divest itself of “ any tangible or intangible assets or property , wherever located , used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation of the TikTok application in the United States.
” TikTok says it applied for a 30-day extension that was allowed for in the CFIUS ’ order , but hasn ’ t received any communication on the matter .
It ’ s not clear what would actually happen if the deadline passed ; TikTok was granted a preliminary injunction against it late last month .
“ For a year , TikTok has actively engaged with CFIUS in good faith to address its national security concerns , even as we disagree with its assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Verge .
“ In the nearly two months since the President gave his preliminary approval to our proposal to satisfy those concerns , we have offered detailed solutions to finalize that agreement – but have received no substantive feedback on our extensive data privacy and security framework.
” “ Facing continual new requests and no clarity on whether our proposed solutions would be accepted , we requested the 30-day extension that is expressly permitted in the August 14 order , ” the statement continues .
“ Today , with the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension in hand , we have no choice but to file a petition in court to defend our rights and those of our more than 1,500 employees in the US .
We remain committed to working with the Administration — as we have all along — to resolve the issues it has raised , but our legal challenge today is a protection to ensure these discussions can take place.
” ByteDance agreed to sell part of its US business in a complicated deal including Oracle and Walmart , which President Trump approved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctioned by the Chinese government , and it ’ s been in limbo ever since .

TikTok has filed a petition in a US Court of Appeals calling for a review of actions by the Trump administration’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The reason, according to the company, is that it hasn’t heard from the committee in weeks about an imminent deadline for parent company ByteDance to sell off US assets over national security concerns.
The CFIUS set the deadline of November 12th for TikTok to divest itself of “any tangible or intangible assets or property, wherever located, used to enable or support ByteDance’s operation of the TikTok application in the United States.” TikTok says it applied for a 30-day extension that was allowed for in the CFIUS’ order, but hasn’t received any communication on the matter. It’s not clear what would actually happen if the deadline passed; TikTok was granted a preliminary injunction against it late last month.
TikTok says it received ‘no substantive feedback’
“For a year, TikTok has actively engaged with CFIUS in good faith to address its national security concerns, even as we disagree with its assessment,” TikTok says in a statement to The Verge. “In the nearly two months since the President gave his preliminary approval to our proposal to satisfy those concerns, we have offered detailed solutions to finalize that agreement – but have received no substantive feedback on our extensive data privacy and security framework.”
“Facing continual new requests and no clarity on whether our proposed solutions would be accepted, we requested the 30-day extension that is expressly permitted in the August 14 order,” the statement continues. “Today, with the November 12 CFIUS deadline imminent and without an extension in hand, we have no choice but to file a petition in court to defend our rights and those of our more than 1,500 employees in the US. We remain committed to working with the Administration — as we have all along — to resolve the issues it has raised, but our legal challenge today is a protection to ensure these discussions can take place.”


theverge--2020-11-10--Apple rejected sticker apps that promoted mask-wearing, but it’s reinstating them now

Two Apple developers have been given the green light to promote mask-wearing with their stickerpack apps for iOS , after previously receiving rejections from Apple that suggested they were making “ inappropriate references to the COVID-19 pandemic.
” How could a friendly sticker wearing a mask be an inappropriate reference to COVID-19 , particularly when Apple has its very own mask-wearing emoji ?
That was the question on my mind , so I reached out to Apple yesterday .
This morning , Apple replied that not only does the company not have any rules about mask-wearing stickers , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and both developers have since confirmed that Apple has approved their apps .
It ’ s not quite clear why they were rejected to begin with , but Apple says it ’ s been careful only to let medical institutions and official health agencies mention “ COVID-19 ” in their app names or metadata ( which opportunists might try to get their apps to appear higher in search ) .
Both Apple and Google have policies designed to make sure COVID-19 searches point to apps that might actually help you protect yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Kiss* and Emoji Me Animated Faces Kids apps , in case you ’ re curious .

Two Apple developers have been given the green light to promote mask-wearing with their stickerpack apps for iOS, after previously receiving rejections from Apple that suggested they were making “inappropriate references to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Here’s how this story began:
How could a friendly sticker wearing a mask be an inappropriate reference to COVID-19, particularly when Apple has its very own mask-wearing emoji? That was the question on my mind, so I reached out to Apple yesterday.
This morning, Apple replied that not only does the company not have any rules about mask-wearing stickers, but that both of these examples are totally OK — and both developers have since confirmed that Apple has approved their apps.
It’s not quite clear why they were rejected to begin with, but Apple says it’s been careful only to let medical institutions and official health agencies mention “COVID-19” in their app names or metadata (which opportunists might try to get their apps to appear higher in search). Both Apple and Google have policies designed to make sure COVID-19 searches point to apps that might actually help you protect yourself.


theverge--2020-11-10--The biggest difference between the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is a fan

It ’ s been a little bit weird that Apple would sell both a 13-inch MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro simultaneously , but perhaps never more than today — because Apple ’ s new $ 999 and $ 1,299 laptops seem nearly identical if you look beyond the differently curved frames .
They ’ ve got the same M1 processor , the same memory and storage options , the same ports , and very similar screens .
I ’ m not joking when I say : the biggest difference is a fan .
This fan , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , yes , it is a little bit hilarious the MacBook Air is now a laptop that doesn ’ t blow air , just like it ’ s amusing that the Air technically continues to be a thicker laptop than the 13-inch Pro .
( I guess it ’ s been a long time since manila envelopes were a thing . )
But you shouldn ’ t knock that fan , because here ’ s a little-known fact about today ’ s CPUs : they can almost all run far faster if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPU ’ s thermal design power ( TDP ) in watts is a better predictor of performance than its gigahertz clock speed because some of the weakest laptop and phone chips can “ boost ” up to multiple gigahertz these days ... until they heat up .
In a small , fanless chassis , they have to throttle down quickly , but they can go for longer in a larger or better-cooled one .
That ’ s basically what ’ s happening in the new Apple M1-powered MacBook Air , MacBook Pro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Verge .
Each computer has the same exact processor ( with one wrinkle I ’ ll address in a sec ) , which can theoretically run at the same speed — but the fan in the MacBook Pro and Mac mini lets them sustain peak performance for longer .
Apple is trying to have it both ways , of course : during its presentation , it first lauded the MacBook Air for going fanless , then talked up the “ active cooling solution ” ( aka the fan you ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ll have to see which design is actually better in our upcoming reviews .
While the fan might be the most meaningful difference , it ’ s not the only one .
Remember that wrinkle I told you about ?
Here it is , and more : • At $ 999 , the MacBook Air comes with seven GPU cores instead of eight , because Apple is salvaging some weaker chips ( a common process known as binning ) by disabling one core .
• But at $ 1,249 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPU cores and eight GPU cores as the $ 1,299 13-inch MacBook Pro .
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro has a slightly larger battery ( 58.2Wh vs. 49.9Wh ) and quotes two additional hours of battery life compared to the MacBook Air .
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro ’ s screen is slightly brighter at maximum ( 500 nits vs 400 nits ) .
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with the Touch Bar instead of physical function keys , though both have a Touch ID fingerprint sensor .
You might also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at 16GB of RAM , which is a current limitation of Apple ’ s M1 processor .
Here ’ s Apple ’ s own spec comparison if you want to take a closer look .

It’s been a little bit weird that Apple would sell both a 13-inch MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro simultaneously, but perhaps never more than today — because Apple’s new $999 and $1,299 laptops seem nearly identical if you look beyond the differently curved frames. They’ve got the same M1 processor, the same memory and storage options, the same ports, and very similar screens.
I’m not joking when I say: the biggest difference is a fan.
This fan, which is exclusive to the MacBook Pro:
The 13-inch MacBook Pro’s fan. Render: Apple
I mean, yes, it is a little bit hilarious the MacBook Air is now a laptop that doesn’t blow air, just like it’s amusing that the Air technically continues to be a thicker laptop than the 13-inch Pro. (I guess it’s been a long time since manila envelopes were a thing.)
Compare the MacBook Pro’s dimensions... Image: Apple
...to the MacBook Air. The main difference is a tapered frame. Image: Apple
But you shouldn’t knock that fan, because here’s a little-known fact about today’s CPUs: they can almost all run far faster if you give them better cooling. A CPU’s thermal design power (TDP) in watts is a better predictor of performance than its gigahertz clock speed because some of the weakest laptop and phone chips can “boost” up to multiple gigahertz these days... until they heat up. In a small, fanless chassis, they have to throttle down quickly, but they can go for longer in a larger or better-cooled one.
That’s basically what’s happening in the new Apple M1-powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, Apple confirms to The Verge. Each computer has the same exact processor (with one wrinkle I’ll address in a sec), which can theoretically run at the same speed — but the fan in the MacBook Pro and Mac mini lets them sustain peak performance for longer.
The Mac mini’s fan. Render: Apple
Apple is trying to have it both ways, of course: during its presentation, it first lauded the MacBook Air for going fanless, then talked up the “active cooling solution” (aka the fan you’ve had for years) in the MacBook Pro. We’ll have to see which design is actually better in our upcoming reviews.
While the fan might be the most meaningful difference, it’s not the only one. Remember that wrinkle I told you about? Here it is, and more:
At $999, the MacBook Air comes with seven GPU cores instead of eight, because Apple is salvaging some weaker chips (a common process known as binning) by disabling one core.
But at $1,249, the MacBook Air has the same eight CPU cores and eight GPU cores as the $1,299 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro has a slightly larger battery (58.2Wh vs. 49.9Wh) and quotes two additional hours of battery life compared to the MacBook Air.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro’s screen is slightly brighter at maximum (500 nits vs 400 nits).
The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with the Touch Bar instead of physical function keys, though both have a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.


theverge--2020-11-10--Some of the new MacBook Air function keys have different functions

Apple ’ s MacBook Air is one of a collection of the company ’ s computers to receive the newly announced M1 chip today .
The beloved laptop appears almost identical from the outside , but if you open it up you ’ ll notice the familiar keyboard has changed .
Apple ’ s traded out some of the function keys on its new MacBook Air , adding in new ones for Spotlight , Do Not Disturb , and Dictation .
The last time the functionality of the MacBook Air keyboard changed was to add Touch ID for securing passwords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further , removing the brightness keys for the keyboard along with the Launchpad key that pulled up macOS ’ s SpringBoard-inspired app launcher .
Bloomberg ’ s Mark Gurman first noticed the change and shared the new layout in this tweet : All three of those functions required keyboard commands or accessing the Notification Center to use — this change should make them easier to access .
I know I typically don ’ t adjust my keyboard brightness , so making that adjustment an extra step away doesn ’ t seem like too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know anyone who uses Launchpad to launch apps , so a dedicated key doesn ’ t seem necessary anymore .
This isn ’ t quite as dramatic a design change as the temporary move to butterfly switches , nor should it impact the actual usability of the laptop , but future users will have to judge it for themselves .
We ’ ll have a review soon , but if you ’ re interested in seeing these new keys for yourself , the new MacBook Air is available for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting at $ 999 .

Apple’s MacBook Air is one of a collection of the company’s computers to receive the newly announced M1 chip today. The beloved laptop appears almost identical from the outside, but if you open it up you’ll notice the familiar keyboard has changed. Apple’s traded out some of the function keys on its new MacBook Air, adding in new ones for Spotlight, Do Not Disturb, and Dictation.
The last time the functionality of the MacBook Air keyboard changed was to add Touch ID for securing passwords and payment details. This change goes further, removing the brightness keys for the keyboard along with the Launchpad key that pulled up macOS’s SpringBoard-inspired app launcher.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first noticed the change and shared the new layout in this tweet:
All three of those functions required keyboard commands or accessing the Notification Center to use — this change should make them easier to access. I know I typically don’t adjust my keyboard brightness, so making that adjustment an extra step away doesn’t seem like too much of an ask. Similarly, I don’t know anyone who uses Launchpad to launch apps, so a dedicated key doesn’t seem necessary anymore. This isn’t quite as dramatic a design change as the temporary move to butterfly switches, nor should it impact the actual usability of the laptop, but future users will have to judge it for themselves.


theverge--2020-11-10--Xbox Live struggles with logins on Xbox Series launch day

Xbox Live users are struggling to log into the service today , amid the launch of both the Xbox Series @ @ @ @ @ Xbox Support tweeted at 2:33PM that its teams were “ closing in on a fix @ @ @ @ @ , some users were still struggling to sign in across multiple platforms as of 4:40PM @ @ @ @ @ pending .
Microsoft ’ s next-gen consoles arrive today ( though it might be tricky @ @ @ @ @ thanks to the challenges of high demand in a pandemic ) .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ s Creed Valhalla , the console also allows for backwards compatibility for Xbox , Xbox @ @ @ @ @ games playable on existing Xbox One hardware .
Online services are already important for players @ @ @ @ @ updates , and more for their consoles .
For the Xbox Series S , however @ @ @ @ @ a must-have to play anything at all .
The system is an all-digital one that @ @ @ @ @ gaming .

Xbox Live users are struggling to log into the service today, amid the launch of both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Xbox Support tweeted at 2:33PM that its teams were “closing in on a fix for this issue.” However, some users were still struggling to sign in across multiple platforms as of 4:40PM. A resolution is still pending.
Microsoft’s next-gen consoles arrive today (though it might be tricky to find a console, thanks to the challenges of high demand in a pandemic). In addition to launch titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the console also allows for backwards compatibility for Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games playable on existing Xbox One hardware.


theverge--2020-11-10--Lyft’s ride-hailing business is starting to claw its way out of a deep hole

Lyft continues to struggle to bring in money amid rising case numbers of COVID-19 in the US .
The ride-hailing company lost $ 459.5 million over the last three months , with its adjusted net revenues down 48 percent year over year .
Its ride-hailing is significantly smaller than it was last year .
This quarter , Lyft reported having 12.5 million active riders , compared to 22.3 million in the third quarter of 2019 — a drop of 44 percent .
It ’ s a deep hole , but Lyft is starting to claw its way out .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing over the course of the year : this quarter ’ s number is 44 percent improvement over Q2 .
Lyft is starting to claw its way out Lyft brought in nearly $ 500 million in revenue this quarter , versus $ 956 million in the third quarter of 2019 .
It was a steady improvement of 47 percent over the second quarter of 2020 , when Lyft only made $ 339 million .
Lyft ’ s losses were essentially flat this quarter when compared to Q3 of 2019 : $ 495 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that red ink there was one positive note for Lyft .
The passage of Proposition 22 in California was an obvious win for the company which , along with Uber and DoorDash , spent over $ 200 million to push for its approval .
The ballot measure exempts Lyft from a state law requiring it to classify its drivers as employees .

Lyft continues to struggle to bring in money amid rising case numbers of COVID-19 in the US. The ride-hailing company lost $459.5 million over the last three months, with its adjusted net revenues down 48 percent year over year.
Its ride-hailing is significantly smaller than it was last year. This quarter, Lyft reported having 12.5 million active riders, compared to 22.3 million in the third quarter of 2019 — a drop of 44 percent. It’s a deep hole, but Lyft is starting to claw its way out. The company’s ridership has been steadily growing over the course of the year: this quarter’s number is 44 percent improvement over Q2.
Lyft is starting to claw its way out
Lyft brought in nearly $500 million in revenue this quarter, versus $956 million in the third quarter of 2019. It was a steady improvement of 47 percent over the second quarter of 2020, when Lyft only made $339 million. Lyft’s losses were essentially flat this quarter when compared to Q3 of 2019: $495 million versus $463.5 million.
Amid all that red ink there was one positive note for Lyft. The passage of Proposition 22 in California was an obvious win for the company which, along with Uber and DoorDash, spent over $200 million to push for its approval. The ballot measure exempts Lyft from a state law requiring it to classify its drivers as employees.


theverge--2020-11-10--Former Chan Zuckerberg Initiative employee files racial discrimination complaint

A former Chan Zuckerberg Initiative employee is filing a racial discrimination complaint , claiming the philanthropic organization underpaid and under-promoted Black staff members .
Raymond Holgado , who worked for CZI between 2018 and mid-2020 , filed his claim yesterday with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing .
Holgado says that he was paid less than white colleagues with similar experience , denied promotions , and asked to juggle multiple jobs without recognition .
He calls the issue part of a larger problem with race at CZI .
“ Black employees who want to advance within the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assertive or aggressive , while non-Black employees are favored and encouraged , ” Holgado writes .
“ When Black employees have communicated these concerns to CZI leadership , CZI has responded defensively and failed to address the underlying issues.
” Black employees pushed for changes over the summer The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative disputed the claims in a statement given to The Verge .
“ While we take any allegation of discrimination seriously and will do so here , this former employee ’ s specific allegations were previously raised internally , independently investigated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesperson said .
“ The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is committed to fair treatment , access , and advancement for all members of the team .
We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind , full stop.
” CZI was founded in 2015 by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan , who runs the organization ’ s day-to-day operations .
The initiative funds a variety of causes , including education programs and disease research .
Over the past months , however , employees have complained about its approach to racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent a letter in June asking for changes in the company ’ s operations and a greater commitment to racial diversity .
The Washington Post later reported that Chan met with a Black employee resource group , revealing that Black employees left the company at higher rates and were substantially less likely to believe CZI was “ inclusive ” compared to white , Asian , and Latino employees .
But many Black employees “ walked away feeling Chan was ill-equipped to discuss these issues , let alone address them , ” Holgado says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on behalf of Black employees who had reported discrimination within the company .
When he asked for concrete action like hiring a diversity , equity , and inclusion ( DEI ) expert , he says , Chan rejected the request for a “ seasoned professional ” in favor of a junior employee .
CZI also allegedly avoided inviting experts who would “ stoke the flames ” of discontent over racism , and Holgado says it asked employees to avoid focusing on racial disparities while working on criminal justice programs .
“ Holgado was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view race as relevant to the issue of mass incarceration and that previous attempts to push the pair on this issue had contributed to a former employee being terminated , ” he writes .

A former Chan Zuckerberg Initiative employee is filing a racial discrimination complaint, claiming the philanthropic organization underpaid and under-promoted Black staff members.
Raymond Holgado, who worked for CZI between 2018 and mid-2020, filed his claim yesterday with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Holgado says that he was paid less than white colleagues with similar experience, denied promotions, and asked to juggle multiple jobs without recognition. He calls the issue part of a larger problem with race at CZI. “Black employees who want to advance within the organization are shut down and labeled as too assertive or aggressive, while non-Black employees are favored and encouraged,” Holgado writes. “When Black employees have communicated these concerns to CZI leadership, CZI has responded defensively and failed to address the underlying issues.”
Black employees pushed for changes over the summer
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative disputed the claims in a statement given to The Verge. “While we take any allegation of discrimination seriously and will do so here, this former employee’s specific allegations were previously raised internally, independently investigated, and found to be unsubstantiated,” a spokesperson said. “The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is committed to fair treatment, access, and advancement for all members of the team. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, full stop.”
CZI was founded in 2015 by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, who runs the organization’s day-to-day operations. The initiative funds a variety of causes, including education programs and disease research. Over the past months, however, employees have complained about its approach to racial injustice. A group of 74 employees sent a letter in June asking for changes in the company’s operations and a greater commitment to racial diversity.
The Washington Post later reported that Chan met with a Black employee resource group, revealing that Black employees left the company at higher rates and were substantially less likely to believe CZI was “inclusive” compared to white, Asian, and Latino employees. But many Black employees “walked away feeling Chan was ill-equipped to discuss these issues, let alone address them,” Holgado says.
Holgado says he met with Chan on behalf of Black employees who had reported discrimination within the company. When he asked for concrete action like hiring a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert, he says, Chan rejected the request for a “seasoned professional” in favor of a junior employee.
CZI also allegedly avoided inviting experts who would “stoke the flames” of discontent over racism, and Holgado says it asked employees to avoid focusing on racial disparities while working on criminal justice programs. “Holgado was told that Zuckerberg and Chan did not view race as relevant to the issue of mass incarceration and that previous attempts to push the pair on this issue had contributed to a former employee being terminated,” he writes.


theverge--2020-11-10--Apple’s new M1 computers top out at 16GB of RAM

Apple announced three new Mac computers on Tuesday powered by its all-new M1 chip , a custom Arm-based system-on-a-chip .
But despite the performance and efficiency gains the M1 chip allows , there is one notable constraint : memory .
According to Apple , customers interested in buying a new Mac with more than 16GB of RAM will need to purchase an older , Intel-based model .
Right now , the M1 can not support more memory .
That may be disappointing to some professional users interested in switching over to the Arm-based laptops or the new Mac mini , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as 32GB of RAM .
It echoes complaints against the MacBook Pro refresh of four years ago , too , when Apple said limitations on memory options were to conserve battery life .
M1 Macs don ’ t come in configurations above 16GB for now Another insight to be gleaned from this memory restriction is that future Macs may need a newer Arm-based processor .
It would be silly for Apple to sell a new iMac , 16-inch MacBook Pro , or Mac Pro with the M1 chip if it meant constricting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that simply would not fly for the professional community those machines are geared toward .
( We already know , thanks to a report ahead of the event from Bloomberg , that Apple is targeting a full Mac refresh using its new Arm-based chip , including a new iMac and a potential downsized version of the Mac Pro . )
There are some other key limitations with the M1 worth mentioning .
Macs with the new chip will not work with external GPUs , Apple says .
That ’ s a particularly tricky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is already hamstrung by its memory ceiling and furthermore can ’ t be used with a more powerful graphics chip and enclosure combo , as some of have done in the past with Apple laptops and the 2018 and earlier Mac minis .
Apple also says the RAM on M1 models is not upgradable — it ’ s integrated into the system-on-a-chip , so you can ’ t upgrade an 8GB model with another stick of RAM .
All of this suggests there are good reasons why Apple is , right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pros and the Mac mini for sale ( the MacBook Air is the only model now Arm-only ) .
Those models may not be as efficient or performant , but they allow for more memory , more versatility , and in some cases contain more ports .
We might not see these other capabilities until Apple silicon is more mature .

Apple announced three new Mac computers on Tuesday powered by its all-new M1 chip, a custom Arm-based system-on-a-chip. But despite the performance and efficiency gains the M1 chip allows, there is one notable constraint: memory. According to Apple, customers interested in buying a new Mac with more than 16GB of RAM will need to purchase an older, Intel-based model. Right now, the M1 cannot support more memory.
That may be disappointing to some professional users interested in switching over to the Arm-based laptops or the new Mac mini, considering older Intel-based models can carry as much as 32GB of RAM. It echoes complaints against the MacBook Pro refresh of four years ago, too, when Apple said limitations on memory options were to conserve battery life.
M1 Macs don’t come in configurations above 16GB for now
Another insight to be gleaned from this memory restriction is that future Macs may need a newer Arm-based processor. It would be silly for Apple to sell a new iMac, 16-inch MacBook Pro, or Mac Pro with the M1 chip if it meant constricting configurations to 16GB of RAM, something that simply would not fly for the professional community those machines are geared toward. (We already know, thanks to a report ahead of the event from Bloomberg, that Apple is targeting a full Mac refresh using its new Arm-based chip, including a new iMac and a potential downsized version of the Mac Pro.)
There are some other key limitations with the M1 worth mentioning. Macs with the new chip will not work with external GPUs, Apple says. That’s a particularly tricky constraint for the new Mac mini, which is already hamstrung by its memory ceiling and furthermore can’t be used with a more powerful graphics chip and enclosure combo, as some of have done in the past with Apple laptops and the 2018 and earlier Mac minis. Apple also says the RAM on M1 models is not upgradable — it’s integrated into the system-on-a-chip, so you can’t upgrade an 8GB model with another stick of RAM.


theverge--2020-11-10--Apple is no longer selling Intel-based MacBook Airs or two-port Intel MacBook Pros

Apple announced three brand-new Macs today powered by its new M1 Arm-based CPUs : a 13-inch MacBook Air , a 13-inch MacBook Pro , and a Mac mini .
But now that the new Macs are here , Apple has started to remove some of its Intel-based Macs from its product lineup .
Here ’ s what ’ s changed : • The MacBook Air is now only available with Apple silicon chips .
It ’ s no longer possible to buy a MacBook Air with an Intel CPU .
The new MacBook Air has configurations that start at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still buy a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel CPU , but those models are only available at the higher end of the price spectrum .
The M1-based 13-inch MacBook Pro replaces the previous entry-level MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports and starts at $ 1,299 and $ 1,499 .
Intel processors power the configurations that start at $ 1,799 and $ 1,999 , and those have four Thunderbolt ports .
• The Mac mini also still offers configurations with Intel CPUs , but also only at the higher end .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at $ 699 and $ 899 , while Intel CPUs power the configurations that start at $ 1,099 .
The new Macs announced today were the first introduced as part of Apple ’ s two-year transition away from Intel chips to its own Arm-based silicon .
The 16-inch MacBook Pro , the iMac , the iMac Pro , and the Mac Pro are still powered by Intel processors .

Apple announced three brand-new Macs today powered by its new M1 Arm-based CPUs: a 13-inch MacBook Air , a 13-inch MacBook Pro , and a Mac mini . But now that the new Macs are here, Apple has started to remove some of its Intel-based Macs from its product lineup. Here’s what’s changed:
The new Macs announced today were the first introduced as part of Apple’s two-year transition away from Intel chips to its own Arm-based silicon. The 16-inch MacBook Pro, the iMac, the iMac Pro, and the Mac Pro are still powered by Intel processors.


theverge--2020-11-11--Pope Francis urges followers to pray that AI and robots ‘always serve mankind’

Pope Francis has asked believers around the world to pray that robots and artificial intelligence “ always serve mankind.
” The message is one of the pope ’ s monthly prayer intentions — regular missives shared on YouTube that are intended to help Catholics “ deepen their daily prayer ” by focusing on particular topics or events .
In August , the pope urged prayer for “ the maritime world ” ; in April , the topic was “ freedom for addiction.
” Now , in November , it ’ s AI and robots .
Although the message sounds similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elon Musk ( the Tesla CEO famously compared work on artificial intelligence to “ summoning the demon ” ) , the pope ’ s focus is more prosaic .
He doesn ’ t seem to be worrying about the sort of exotic doomsday scenario where a superintelligent AI turns the world into paperclips , but more about how the tech could exacerbate existing inequalities here and now .
In his message , the pope said AI was “ at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing ” and that robotics had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better .
But this would only be the case if these forces are harnessed correctly , he said .
“ Indeed , if technological progress increases inequalities , it is not true progress .
Future advances should be orientated towards respecting the dignity of the person.
” Perhaps surprisingly , this isn ’ t new territory for the pope .
Earlier this year , the Vatican , along with Microsoft and IBM , endorsed the “ Rome Call for AI Ethics ” — a policy document containing six general principles that guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include transparency , inclusion , impartiality , and reliability , all sensible attributes when it comes to deploying algorithms .
Although the pope didn ’ t touch on any particular examples in his video , it ’ s easy to think of ways that AI is entrenching or increasing divisions in society .
Examples include biased facial recognition systems that lead to false arrests and algorithmically allotted exam results that replicate existing inequalities between students .
In other words : regardless of whether you think prayer is the appropriate course of action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Pope Francis has asked believers around the world to pray that robots and artificial intelligence “always serve mankind.”
The message is one of the pope’s monthly prayer intentions — regular missives shared on YouTube that are intended to help Catholics “deepen their daily prayer” by focusing on particular topics or events. In August, the pope urged prayer for “the maritime world”; in April, the topic was “freedom for addiction.” Now, in November, it’s AI and robots.
Although the message sounds similar to warnings issued by tech notables like Elon Musk (the Tesla CEO famously compared work on artificial intelligence to “summoning the demon”), the pope’s focus is more prosaic. He doesn’t seem to be worrying about the sort of exotic doomsday scenario where a superintelligent AI turns the world into paperclips, but more about how the tech could exacerbate existing inequalities here and now.
(We should note also that the call to prayer came out earlier this month, but we only saw it recently via the Import AI newsletter because of the... events that have taken up so much of everyone’s time, energy, and general mental acuity in recent weeks.)
In his message, the pope said AI was “at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing” and that robotics had the power to change the world for the better. But this would only be the case if these forces are harnessed correctly, he said. “Indeed, if technological progress increases inequalities, it is not true progress. Future advances should be orientated towards respecting the dignity of the person.”
Perhaps surprisingly, this isn’t new territory for the pope. Earlier this year, the Vatican, along with Microsoft and IBM, endorsed the “Rome Call for AI Ethics” — a policy document containing six general principles that guide the deployment of artificial intelligence. These include transparency, inclusion, impartiality, and reliability, all sensible attributes when it comes to deploying algorithms.


theverge--2020-11-11--This is why we try to flatten the curve

This is why we try to flatten the curve

Pfizer announced this week that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has performed extremely well in their clinical trials , a reassuring sign that the months of investment and breakneck work on vaccines to protect people against the virus was going to pay off .
That was never a sure thing — immunologists and virologists were pretty sure it ’ d be possible to make a vaccine that would block the coronavirus , but in pharmaceutical development , there ’ s no such thing as a guarantee .
This success makes it as important as ever to double down on efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently raging out of control in most of the US .
Back in March , when the pandemic was first picking up speed , public health officials stressed the importance of “ flattening the curve ” — suppressing transmission so that the number of infections stayed at a manageable level .
After it became clear that eliminating all cases of the virus wasn ’ t going to happen , the goal was to keep the number of sick people from overwhelming the medical system .
Experts also stressed the importance of flattening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to figure out how to treat COVID-19 — and develop a vaccine .
For the most part , people are better off if they catch the disease now than they were in March or April .
More tests are available , doctors have more tools to help patients who are hospitalized , and there ’ s more understanding of the progression of the illness .
people are better off if they catch the disease now than they were in March or April Having a vaccine on the horizon supercharges the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now as possible .
The first people who get an authorized vaccine , because of risk factors like their job or age , probably won ’ t receive it until early in 2021 .
Most people who aren ’ t first in line won ’ t be able to take a shot until the spring or summer .
But every person who can stay well until then is someone who might never catch the disease at all .
Or , if they do , they could have a milder case of it than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with public health guidelines that can get people through to the winter , spring , or summer now has even more benefit .
There are , as always , caveats : Pfizer only released a small amount of information in a press release .
We don ’ t know how long protection from this vaccine could last , and we don ’ t know if it stops people from getting infected or just stops them from feeling sick if they catch the virus .
We should know more after more data is published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end the pandemic on its own , and good public health practices like wearing masks will be important after people start getting immunizations .
the Pfizer announcement flicked on a light at the end of the tunnel Despite the necessary cautions , the Pfizer announcement flicked on a light at the end of the tunnel .
The apparent success of this vaccine is a good sign for the other vaccines in development — drug company Moderna ’ s vaccine candidate is very similar to the Pfizer vaccine , so there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well .
Many of the others in development target the same area of the virus that Pfizer did , which is another sign that research went in the right direction .
The news , though , comes just as there ’ s another mountain to flatten .
COVID-19 cases are climbing to horrifying new heights in the United States .
In the first 10 days of November , 1 million new people in the US tested positive for the disease .
Nearly every state is trending in the wrong direction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already completely overwhelmed .
It is time to flatten the curve once again .
It won ’ t be easy or popular — after months of constantly changing restrictions , there ’ s less appetite for strict public health responses like lockdowns .
But keeping people alive and keeping our hospitals functioning is a critical reason to suppress the virus .
Holding things together until a vaccine can relieve some of the burden is another .
The light is still months away , but it ’ s there .
We only have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible can get to it .

Pfizer announced this week that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has performed extremely well in their clinical trials, a reassuring sign that the months of investment and breakneck work on vaccines to protect people against the virus was going to pay off. That was never a sure thing — immunologists and virologists were pretty sure it’d be possible to make a vaccine that would block the coronavirus, but in pharmaceutical development, there’s no such thing as a guarantee.
This success makes it as important as ever to double down on efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, which is currently raging out of control in most of the US. Back in March, when the pandemic was first picking up speed, public health officials stressed the importance of “flattening the curve” — suppressing transmission so that the number of infections stayed at a manageable level. After it became clear that eliminating all cases of the virus wasn’t going to happen, the goal was to keep the number of sick people from overwhelming the medical system.
Experts also stressed the importance of flattening the curve to buy researchers and doctors time to figure out how to treat COVID-19 — and develop a vaccine. For the most part, people are better off if they catch the disease now than they were in March or April. More tests are available, doctors have more tools to help patients who are hospitalized, and there’s more understanding of the progression of the illness.
people are better off if they catch the disease now than they were in March or April
Having a vaccine on the horizon supercharges the importance of keeping as many people from getting sick now as possible. The first people who get an authorized vaccine, because of risk factors like their job or age, probably won’t receive it until early in 2021. Most people who aren’t first in line won’t be able to take a shot until the spring or summer. But every person who can stay well until then is someone who might never catch the disease at all. Or, if they do, they could have a milder case of it than they might have otherwise. Cracking down with public health guidelines that can get people through to the winter, spring, or summer now has even more benefit.
There are, as always, caveats: Pfizer only released a small amount of information in a press release. We don’t know how long protection from this vaccine could last, and we don’t know if it stops people from getting infected or just stops them from feeling sick if they catch the virus. We should know more after more data is published. A vaccine isn’t going to end the pandemic on its own, and good public health practices like wearing masks will be important after people start getting immunizations.
the Pfizer announcement flicked on a light at the end of the tunnel
Despite the necessary cautions, the Pfizer announcement flicked on a light at the end of the tunnel. The apparent success of this vaccine is a good sign for the other vaccines in development — drug company Moderna’s vaccine candidate is very similar to the Pfizer vaccine, so there’s a good chance it’ll work, as well. Many of the others in development target the same area of the virus that Pfizer did, which is another sign that research went in the right direction.
The news, though, comes just as there’s another mountain to flatten. COVID-19 cases are climbing to horrifying new heights in the United States. In the first 10 days of November, 1 million new people in the US tested positive for the disease. Nearly every state is trending in the wrong direction, the health care systems in many places are already completely overwhelmed.
It is time to flatten the curve once again. It won’t be easy or popular — after months of constantly changing restrictions, there’s less appetite for strict public health responses like lockdowns. But keeping people alive and keeping our hospitals functioning is a critical reason to suppress the virus. Holding things together until a vaccine can relieve some of the burden is another.


theverge--2020-11-11--Spotify’s about to know way more about what podcasts you enjoy (even if you don’t use Spotify)

Spotify ’ s about to know way more about what podcasts you enjoy ( even if you don ’ t use Spotify ) Share All sharing options for : Spotify ’ s about to know way more about what podcasts you enjoy ( even if you don ’ t use Spotify ) Spotify ’ s road to podcast dominance started brazenly enough : hundreds of millions of dollars spent at once to buy a respected podcast network , Gimlet Media , and a podcast creation app , Anchor .
Now , nearly two years later , the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its sights set on conquering the podcast ad market .
Yesterday , the company announced it spent $ 235 million to acquire Megaphone , a podcast hosting company that also inserts and sells dynamic ads for podcasts .
The acquisition , though large , isn ’ t as flashy as some of the company ’ s other deals , but it sets Spotify up to become a force in podcast ad sales .
With Megaphone , Spotify wants to dominate podcast advertising and become the main ad seller for shows both inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have repercussions , not just for where and how advertisers and podcast networks spend money , but also for how much Spotify knows about listener behavior both inside and outside its platform .
Podcast ads have become increasingly sophisticated and can be swapped in and out based on who ’ s listening and what ad deals are active .
Dynamic advertising , as this is called , was a big change from static podcast ads that were built into a show forever .
Now , podcast ads act more like the web — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person based on what needs an audience that day .
Still , the targeting for these is limited by a lack of user data .
At most , the hosting services know where listeners are based , what kind of device they ’ re listening on , and the app they ’ re using to listen .
This totally changes with Spotify .
Megaphone ’ s known for its hosting and dynamic ad insertion services Spotify knows listeners ’ names , billing information , where they live , their age , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they enjoy , who they ’ re friends with on Spotify , what devices they use , and plenty of other data .
It ’ s still not as much as Facebook or Google know about people online , but it ’ s significantly more information than podcasters have previously known about their audience .
Naturally , Spotify harnesses this data to sell and insert ads through its proprietary Streaming Ad Insertion ( SAI ) technology , which debuted in January for its own internal shows .
These ads are inserted in real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of a listen , meaning Spotify ’ s system makes live decisions about which ads a specific listener should hear based on their data and also based on the goals of the various ad deals Spotify is currently running .
With the Megaphone deal , SAI will be offered to shows outside the Spotify network , so if advertisers or third-party podcasts want to be able to effectively reach Spotify ’ s 320 million monthly listeners , they ’ ll have to pay Spotify to do so , whether that means going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asking to be slotted into shows or by hosting a podcast on Megaphone to gain access to SAI .
Spotify gets paid even if it doesn ’ t sell a show ’ s ads because it still provides distribution services .
( Spotify isn ’ t the only company attempting to own the distribution , hosting , and sales arms of podcasting ; iHeartMedia and SiriusXM are , as well . )
To access Streaming Ad Insertion , you have to use Megaphone Owning a hosting service also gives Spotify unprecedented access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only a network and their hosting provider know how many downloads a show receives , where their listeners are based , and generally , how episodes perform .
Now Spotify will have that data , too .
Megaphone currently says ESPN is a client , for example .
This means Spotify could know how ESPN podcasts perform , which is coveted information especially given that Spotify owns The Ringer , which CEO Daniel Ek said the company acquired to build the “ new ESPN.
” Since fully entering the podcasting space in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 500 million on acquiring companies , and stars like Joe Rogan , Kim Kardashian West , and Michelle Obama , in the space .
It now owns a podcast creation app , multiple successful networks , and a podcast player .
With Megaphone , it also possesses a hosting service and effective ad network .
It ’ s setting itself up to be an integral part of the podcast ecosystem that outside networks will have to engage with eventually .
This deal gives Spotify data about what happens outside its platform To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make SAI enticing enough that podcasters are willing to change hosting networks just to get its more specific ad tech , and advertisers are willing to switch who they buy from for that same access .
To get to that point , Spotify needs to become the most popular place people listen , specifically stream , all over the world , which it seemingly hasn ’ t pulled off yet .
Apple might still hold the top listening position , at least in the US , although if Spotify keeps securing exclusive deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s the through line in all of Spotify ’ s deals , forcing people to use its service for access , whether that be access to ad technology or certain shows .
We all might end up having to use Spotify whether we like it or not .

Spotify’s road to podcast dominance started brazenly enough: hundreds of millions of dollars spent at once to buy a respected podcast network, Gimlet Media, and a podcast creation app, Anchor. Now, nearly two years later, the company’s continuing to spend, but this time with its sights set on conquering the podcast ad market.
Yesterday, the company announced it spent $235 million to acquire Megaphone, a podcast hosting company that also inserts and sells dynamic ads for podcasts. The acquisition, though large, isn’t as flashy as some of the company’s other deals, but it sets Spotify up to become a force in podcast ad sales. With Megaphone, Spotify wants to dominate podcast advertising and become the main ad seller for shows both inside and outside its network. This could have repercussions, not just for where and how advertisers and podcast networks spend money, but also for how much Spotify knows about listener behavior both inside and outside its platform.
Podcast ads have become increasingly sophisticated and can be swapped in and out based on who’s listening and what ad deals are active. Dynamic advertising, as this is called, was a big change from static podcast ads that were built into a show forever. Now, podcast ads act more like the web — a rotating cast of ads targeted to a person based on what needs an audience that day. Still, the targeting for these is limited by a lack of user data. At most, the hosting services know where listeners are based, what kind of device they’re listening on, and the app they’re using to listen. This totally changes with Spotify.
Megaphone’s known for its hosting and dynamic ad insertion services
Spotify knows listeners’ names, billing information, where they live, their age, what music they like, the other shows they enjoy, who they’re friends with on Spotify, what devices they use, and plenty of other data. It’s still not as much as Facebook or Google know about people online, but it’s significantly more information than podcasters have previously known about their audience.
Naturally, Spotify harnesses this data to sell and insert ads through its proprietary Streaming Ad Insertion (SAI) technology, which debuted in January for its own internal shows. These ads are inserted in real time as opposed to being swapped out ahead of a listen, meaning Spotify’s system makes live decisions about which ads a specific listener should hear based on their data and also based on the goals of the various ad deals Spotify is currently running.
With the Megaphone deal, SAI will be offered to shows outside the Spotify network, so if advertisers or third-party podcasts want to be able to effectively reach Spotify’s 320 million monthly listeners, they’ll have to pay Spotify to do so, whether that means going to Spotify’s ad sales team and asking to be slotted into shows or by hosting a podcast on Megaphone to gain access to SAI. Spotify gets paid even if it doesn’t sell a show’s ads because it still provides distribution services. (Spotify isn’t the only company attempting to own the distribution, hosting, and sales arms of podcasting; iHeartMedia and SiriusXM are, as well.)
To access Streaming Ad Insertion, you have to use Megaphone
Owning a hosting service also gives Spotify unprecedented access to data about other networks’ shows. Only a network and their hosting provider know how many downloads a show receives, where their listeners are based, and generally, how episodes perform. Now Spotify will have that data, too. Megaphone currently says ESPN is a client, for example. This means Spotify could know how ESPN podcasts perform, which is coveted information especially given that Spotify owns The Ringer, which CEO Daniel Ek said the company acquired to build the “new ESPN.”
Since fully entering the podcasting space in 2019, Spotify has spent upward of $500 million on acquiring companies, and stars like Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian West, and Michelle Obama, in the space. It now owns a podcast creation app, multiple successful networks, and a podcast player. With Megaphone, it also possesses a hosting service and effective ad network. It’s setting itself up to be an integral part of the podcast ecosystem that outside networks will have to engage with eventually.
This deal gives Spotify data about what happens outside its platform
To pull this off, Spotify has to make SAI enticing enough that podcasters are willing to change hosting networks just to get its more specific ad tech, and advertisers are willing to switch who they buy from for that same access. To get to that point, Spotify needs to become the most popular place people listen, specifically stream, all over the world, which it seemingly hasn’t pulled off yet. Apple might still hold the top listening position, at least in the US, although if Spotify keeps securing exclusive deals, it might force listeners to convert.


theverge--2020-11-11--Roku rolling out Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit starting today

It ’ s been a long wait , but today Roku is starting to roll out support for Apple ’ s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features .
Both will be available for the majority of the company ’ s 4K players , “ including the Roku Ultra , Roku Streambar , Roku Smart Soundbar , Roku Streaming Stick Plus , and Roku Premiere.
” 4K-ready Roku TVs will also be updated to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit “ in phases over the coming weeks ” via the RokuOS 9.4 update .
AirPlay 2 allows you to send content from your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playback on the Roku device .
HomeKit lets you control the Roku through Apple ’ s Home app or with Siri voice commands .
With the addition of Apple AirPlay and HomeKit support , our streaming players are now the first to offer compatibility with all three major voice systems , including Google Assistant , Alexa , and now Siri , ” Roku ’ s Ilya Asnis wrote in a blog post with more details on AirPlay 2 and HomeKit .
The Apple TV app , where you can stream Apple ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from your library , is also available on Roku ’ s platform .

It’s been a long wait, but today Roku is starting to roll out support for Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features. Both will be available for the majority of the company’s 4K players, “including the Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick Plus, and Roku Premiere.” 4K-ready Roku TVs will also be updated to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit “in phases over the coming weeks” via the RokuOS 9.4 update.
AirPlay 2 allows you to send content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac for playback on the Roku device. HomeKit lets you control the Roku through Apple’s Home app or with Siri voice commands. With the addition of Apple AirPlay and HomeKit support, our streaming players are now the first to offer compatibility with all three major voice systems, including Google Assistant, Alexa, and now Siri,” Roku’s Ilya Asnis wrote in a blog post with more details on AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.


theverge--2020-11-11--Sonos offers discounts on new speakers for owners upgrading older models

Sonos has launched a new Upgrade Program which offers discounts of up to 30 percent on new speakers if you own select older models , Android Central reports .
It replaces the company ’ s previous Trade Up deal , which offered similar discounts , but the new program expands these to owners of slightly newer speakers like the Play:1 and and Play:3 .
Alongside it , Sonos has also announced that its Sonos Arc soundbar now supports multi-channel LPCM audio .
If you own one of the speakers listed below , Sonos will give you a discount of either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new speaker .
Importantly , old speakers do not have to be traded in , and can continue to be used , Sonos says .
Eligible owners can sign into their Sonos account and select an eligible product to claim the discount .
The discount can only be applied to a “ single regular price product ” ( so no combining it with other deals ) , but it doesn ’ t expire so it can be saved for the future .
Here are the eligible products and their discounts listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The program ’ s terms and conditions lists a few more devices eligible for trade in : CR200 , Play:5 ( Gen 2 ) , Playbar , and Playbase .
Android Central notes that owners of the Sonos Bridge can also get 30 percent off a Sonos Boost .
The Upgrade Program replaces the company ’ s existing Trade Up program , which launched last year .
However , the program generated controversy because of the company ’ s initial requirement that users manually brick their old device in order to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sonos ditched this requirement in March , and it hasn ’ t returned for the new program .
That means you can continue to use your old speaker even if you “ Upgrade ” it , or else resell it , gift it , or recycle it .
Any new owner won ’ t be able to reclaim the upgrade program ’ s discount , however .
Alongside the Upgrade Program , the Sonos Arc soundbar now supports multi-channel LPCM through an eARC connection .
This is an uncompressed audio format used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere .
The update to enable the codec started rolling out yesterday , and can be installed via the Sonos S2 app .
Update November 11th , 7:54AM ET : Added more eligible speakers listed on the terms and conditions page .

Sonos has launched a new Upgrade Program which offers discounts of up to 30 percent on new speakers if you own select older models, Android Central reports. It replaces the company’s previous Trade Up deal, which offered similar discounts, but the new program expands these to owners of slightly newer speakers like the Play:1 and and Play:3. Alongside it, Sonos has also announced that its Sonos Arc soundbar now supports multi-channel LPCM audio.
If you own one of the speakers listed below, Sonos will give you a discount of either 15 or 30 percent on the purchase of a new speaker. Importantly, old speakers do not have to be traded in, and can continue to be used, Sonos says. Eligible owners can sign into their Sonos account and select an eligible product to claim the discount. The discount can only be applied to a “single regular price product” (so no combining it with other deals), but it doesn’t expire so it can be saved for the future. Here are the eligible products and their discounts listed on the Upgrade Program’s page:
Play:1 (2013) - 15 percent
Play:3 (2011) - 15 percent
Play:5 (Gen 1, 2009) - 30 percent
Connect:Amp (2005) - 30 percent
Connect (2006) - 30 percent
The program’s terms and conditions lists a few more devices eligible for trade in: CR200, Play:5 (Gen 2), Playbar, and Playbase. Android Central notes that owners of the Sonos Bridge can also get 30 percent off a Sonos Boost.
The Upgrade Program replaces the company’s existing Trade Up program, which launched last year. However, the program generated controversy because of the company’s initial requirement that users manually brick their old device in order to get a discount on a new model. Sonos ditched this requirement in March, and it hasn’t returned for the new program. That means you can continue to use your old speaker even if you “Upgrade” it, or else resell it, gift it, or recycle it. Any new owner won’t be able to reclaim the upgrade program’s discount, however.
Alongside the Upgrade Program, the Sonos Arc soundbar now supports multi-channel LPCM through an eARC connection. This is an uncompressed audio format used by some games, Blu-Ray discs, and elsewhere. The update to enable the codec started rolling out yesterday, and can be installed via the Sonos S2 app.


theverge--2020-11-11--Google wants your help to improve Google Photos’ AI

Google has updated its Google Photos app on Android with a new option that lets users tell the search giant about the contents of their pictures .
By labeling these images , Google can improve its object recognition algorithms , which in turn make Photos more useful .
It ’ s a virtuous cycle of AI development best deployed by tech giants like Google which have lots of data and lots of users .
This isn ’ t an unusual practice at all .
Machine learning systems don ’ t just learn by themselves , and the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data labeled by humans .
It ’ s the same reason that CAPTCHAs ask you to identify cars and motorbikes in images .
By identifying these objects you ’ re training AI to do the same .
The feature appears in the most recent version of Google Photos .
Just tap on the search button in the app ’ s menu , scroll down , and you ’ ll see an option to “ Help improve Google Photos.
” As reported by 9to5Google , click on it and you ’ ll be presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ printing preferences for photos ; your preferred collages or animations ; to identify which photos belong to which holiday events ( eg Christmas or Halloween ) ; and to identify the contents of photos ( “ Name the most important things in this photo ” ) .
As Google explains on a help page about the feature : “ It may take time to see the impact your contributions have on your account , but your input will help improve existing features and build new ones ; for example , improved suggestions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creations that you would like .
You can delete your answers at any time.
” ( To do so , tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen and hit “ Delete my answers.
” ) At the time of writing , it seems the update is available only on Android , not iOS .
Although this looks to be a new addition to the Google Photos app , the underlying software is much older .
The process is powered by “ Crowdsource by Google , ” a crowdsourcing platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It gamifies data-labeling , letting users earn points and badges by completing tasks like verifying landmarks , identifying the sentiment of text snippets ( is a review positive or negative , for example ) , transcribing handwritten notes , and other similar jobs .
To be clear , though : users don ’ t get any real rewards for their work beyond virtual kudos from Google .
It ’ s worth remembering all this when using Google ’ s whizzy machine learning products : they wouldn ’ t be half as good without @ @ @ @ @

Google has updated its Google Photos app on Android with a new option that lets users tell the search giant about the contents of their pictures. By labeling these images, Google can improve its object recognition algorithms, which in turn make Photos more useful. It’s a virtuous cycle of AI development best deployed by tech giants like Google which have lots of data and lots of users.
This isn’t an unusual practice at all. Machine learning systems don’t just learn by themselves, and the vast majority of these applications need to be taught using data labeled by humans. It’s the same reason that CAPTCHAs ask you to identify cars and motorbikes in images. By identifying these objects you’re training AI to do the same.
The feature appears in the most recent version of Google Photos. Just tap on the search button in the app’s menu, scroll down, and you’ll see an option to “Help improve Google Photos.” As reported by 9to5Google, click on it and you’ll be presented with four tasks: to describe your printing preferences for photos; your preferred collages or animations; to identify which photos belong to which holiday events (eg Christmas or Halloween); and to identify the contents of photos (“Name the most important things in this photo”).
Google wants you to tell it about the contents of your photos via an optional feature in Google Photos. Screenshots: The Verge
As Google explains on a help page about the feature: “It may take time to see the impact your contributions have on your account, but your input will help improve existing features and build new ones; for example, improved suggestions on which photos to print or higher quality creations that you would like. You can delete your answers at any time.” (To do so, tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen and hit “Delete my answers.”) At the time of writing, it seems the update is available only on Android, not iOS.
Although this looks to be a new addition to the Google Photos app, the underlying software is much older. The process is powered by “Crowdsource by Google,” a crowdsourcing platform that the company launched in 2016. It gamifies data-labeling, letting users earn points and badges by completing tasks like verifying landmarks, identifying the sentiment of text snippets (is a review positive or negative, for example), transcribing handwritten notes, and other similar jobs. To be clear, though: users don’t get any real rewards for their work beyond virtual kudos from Google.


theverge--2020-11-11--PS5 media remote hands-on: simple, streamlined, safe

In comparison to the PlayStation 5 itself — a big hulking mass of a game console — the PS5-branded media remote is very conservative .
It does pretty much exactly what you ’ d expect from a media remote and not much more , but at least it ’ ll match your new games machine .
Setting up the remote is incredibly straightforward .
It ’ s powered by a pair of AA batteries , and there ’ s an option in the PS5 ’ s system menu to pair a remote ; once you select it , you just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few seconds to complete the pairing .
From there , you ’ re ready to go .
One nice thing about the remote is its design , which plays off of the PS5 itself .
The remote is mostly white , with a band of shiny black around the middle , sort of like an Uh-Oh !
Oreo .
It ’ s small and light and comfortable .
In terms of buttons , there are ones for controlling volume , TV power , and video playback , as well as a directional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ menus .
You also get the PlayStation home button , which behaves the same as it does on the DualSense — bringing up a quick menu of useful actions at the bottom of the screen — as well as four assigned app launches for Disney Plus , Netflix , YouTube , and Spotify .
Apps launch quickly like everything else on the PS5 , but as someone who doesn ’ t use Spotify , it would ’ ve been nice to have the option to reassign them .
Meanwhile , the “ options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the DualSense , brings up a playback menu when you ’ re watching a Blu-ray disc .
There ’ s also a button that doesn ’ t have a use just yet : the microphone , which Sony says is “ reserved for future use , ” suggesting that some form of voice control is on the way .
I ’ ve spent a day or so using the remote and it ’ s a nice little addition , although not all of the apps seem to be optimized for it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll see button prompts that reference the DualSense instead .
That said , it ’ s easy enough to navigate around this , and the PS5 is launching with a pretty decent lineup of entertainment services — including Apple TV Plus , Amazon Prime Video , Disney Plus , Hulu , Netflix , Peacock , Spotify , Twitch , YouTube , and Crunchyroll — in addition to the option to play movies via the disc drive ( unless you opt for the cheaper , digital-only PS5 ) .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , is that it ’ s completely optional .
The DualSense gets the job done just fine .
Aside from being smaller and more comfortable , the media remote doesn ’ t add any new functionality — it ’ s up to you whether that ’ s worth an extra $ 30 on top of a brand-new console .

In comparison to the PlayStation 5 itself — a big hulking mass of a game console — the PS5-branded media remote is very conservative. It does pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a media remote and not much more, but at least it’ll match your new games machine.
Setting up the remote is incredibly straightforward. It’s powered by a pair of AA batteries, and there’s an option in the PS5’s system menu to pair a remote; once you select it, you just have to hold down two buttons for a few seconds to complete the pairing. From there, you’re ready to go. One nice thing about the remote is its design, which plays off of the PS5 itself. The remote is mostly white, with a band of shiny black around the middle, sort of like an Uh-Oh! Oreo. It’s small and light and comfortable.
In terms of buttons, there are ones for controlling volume, TV power, and video playback, as well as a directional pad with a select button for navigating menus. You also get the PlayStation home button, which behaves the same as it does on the DualSense — bringing up a quick menu of useful actions at the bottom of the screen — as well as four assigned app launches for Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. Apps launch quickly like everything else on the PS5, but as someone who doesn’t use Spotify, it would’ve been nice to have the option to reassign them.
Meanwhile, the “options” button, which is also present on the DualSense, brings up a playback menu when you’re watching a Blu-ray disc. There’s also a button that doesn’t have a use just yet: the microphone, which Sony says is “reserved for future use,” suggesting that some form of voice control is on the way.
I’ve spent a day or so using the remote and it’s a nice little addition, although not all of the apps seem to be optimized for it. In the YouTube app, for instance, you’ll see button prompts that reference the DualSense instead. That said, it’s easy enough to navigate around this, and the PS5 is launching with a pretty decent lineup of entertainment services — including Apple TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, Spotify, Twitch, YouTube, and Crunchyroll — in addition to the option to play movies via the disc drive (unless you opt for the cheaper, digital-only PS5).


theverge--2020-11-11--Ring video doorbells recalled over fire concerns

Amazon ’ s smart home brand Ring has issued a recall for around 350,000 of its 2nd generation video doorbells sold in the US over fire and burn concerns .
According to a notice published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission , Ring has received 23 reports of doorbells igniting and causing minor property damage , and eight reports of minor burns .
Ring ’ s site says affected doorbells do not need to be returned , but that users should follow their updated instructions .
Although Ring says there is no risk if the doorbell is installed correctly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can overheat if the wrong screws are used .
Ring says that it received 85 incident reports of people using the incorrect screws which could damage the doorbell ’ s battery .
Ring has put out an updated set of instructions for its video doorbell , which specifically warn users not to use any screws other than the “ smart security screws ” to secure the video doorbell to the bracket .
“ Customers do not need to return their devices , ” Ring told CNET in a statement , “ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPSC on this issue and have contacted customers who purchased a Ring Video Doorbell ( 2nd Gen ) to ensure they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions.
” The specific doorbells affected are 2nd generation video doorbells sold this year between June and October for around $ 100 with the model number 5UM5E5 .
You can enter your device ’ s serial number over on Ring ’ s website to see if your doorbell is affected .
Although there shouldn ’ t be any issues if a doorbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verge that any owners who ’ ve already installed their 2nd generation Ring doorbells incorrectly with the wrong screws should contact customer support .
Update November 11th , 9:28AM ET : Updated with Ring ’ s confirmation of what owners should do if they ’ ve already installed their doorbells incorrectly .

Amazon’s smart home brand Ring has issued a recall for around 350,000 of its 2nd generation video doorbells sold in the US over fire and burn concerns. According to a notice published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ring has received 23 reports of doorbells igniting and causing minor property damage, and eight reports of minor burns. Ring’s site says affected doorbells do not need to be returned, but that users should follow their updated instructions.
Although Ring says there is no risk if the doorbell is installed correctly, the CPSC notes that the device can overheat if the wrong screws are used. Ring says that it received 85 incident reports of people using the incorrect screws which could damage the doorbell’s battery. Ring has put out an updated set of instructions for its video doorbell, which specifically warn users not to use any screws other than the “smart security screws” to secure the video doorbell to the bracket.
Ring’s manual highlights the danger of using the wrong screws during installation. Image: Ring
“Customers do not need to return their devices,” Ring told CNET in a statement, “We have and continue to work cooperatively with the CPSC on this issue and have contacted customers who purchased a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) to ensure they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions.”
The specific doorbells affected are 2nd generation video doorbells sold this year between June and October for around $100 with the model number 5UM5E5. You can enter your device’s serial number over on Ring’s website to see if your doorbell is affected. Although there shouldn’t be any issues if a doorbell is properly installed, Ring tells The Verge that any owners who’ve already installed their 2nd generation Ring doorbells incorrectly with the wrong screws should contact customer support.


theverge--2020-11-11--Sony addresses PS5’s lack of web browser and 1440p support

As is often the case with newly launched game consoles , the PlayStation 5 doesn ’ t support every feature you might have hoped for out of the box .
In an interview with Japanese outlet AV Watch , Sony EVP Masayasu Ito and SVP Hideaki Nishino have addressed some of the functionality that won ’ t be there at launch .
Unlike the Xbox Series X , Series S , and the One X before them , the PS5 won ’ t output natively to 1440p monitors , instead scaling up from 1080p .
Nishino says this is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at first , but notes that there ’ s no technical reason why it couldn ’ t be done and may be added if the company decides there ’ s enough demand .
The PS5 won ’ t have a web browser , breaking from the tradition set by the PS3 and PS4 .
Nishino doubts whether it ’ s really necessary to have a discrete browser app beyond the browser capabilities used for certain network-based functions ( presumably things like logging into some Wi-Fi networks or some publishers ’ own account systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also feels a little lacking , with the need to apply for a free camera adapter and games only being able to run in PS4 backward-compatible mode .
Nishino points out that some games might perform better anyway , however , while noting that he ’ d like to see a more suitable PS5 VR solution in the future but can ’ t comment any further .
Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Sony is working on a new PlayStation VR headset .

As is often the case with newly launched game consoles, the PlayStation 5 doesn’t support every feature you might have hoped for out of the box. In an interview with Japanese outlet AV Watch, Sony EVP Masayasu Ito and SVP Hideaki Nishino have addressed some of the functionality that won’t be there at launch.
Unlike the Xbox Series X, Series S, and the One X before them, the PS5 won’t output natively to 1440p monitors, instead scaling up from 1080p. Nishino says this is because Sony wanted to focus on TV support at first, but notes that there’s no technical reason why it couldn’t be done and may be added if the company decides there’s enough demand.
The PS5 won’t have a web browser, breaking from the tradition set by the PS3 and PS4. Nishino doubts whether it’s really necessary to have a discrete browser app beyond the browser capabilities used for certain network-based functions (presumably things like logging into some Wi-Fi networks or some publishers’ own account systems).


theverge--2020-11-11--Peloton partners with Beyonce to create themed classes with the artist’s music

If you purchased a Peloton bike or treadmill to exercise with during the pandemic , you ’ ll soon have a new collection of classes to take from a familiar artist .
This week , Peloton announced a multi-year partnership with cultural phenomenon Beyoncé — the artist will help curate classes for the fitness company ’ s subscription service , starting with a series of Homecoming-themed classes in honor of historically Black colleges and universities .
Peloton says that Beyoncé is one of the most requested artists for its playlists .
Based off the announcement , its unclear what Beyoncé @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if you ’ d like to see for yourself , Beyoncé-themed classes have already begun .
There are meditations , outdoor runs , and bike rides scheduled for the remainder of this week and more classes to come .
If you ’ re already a subscriber through the Peloton app for $ 12.99 a month or through Peloton ’ s Bike , Bike+ , Tread , and Tread+ devices for $ 39 a month , you should be able to attend .
If not , Peloton is offering a 30-day free trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes are worthy of the artist ’ s name .
It ’ s somewhat interesting that Peloton is signing Beyoncé directly instead of through a publisher ; the National Music Publishers Association ( NMPA ) sued Peloton in March of last year for illegally using thousands of songs in video fitness classes offered through its subscription service .
After some legal back-and-forth and the removal of some songs from Peloton ’ s playlists , the company settled the lawsuits in February of 2020 .
While Peloton said in its Q3 earnings that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it also clearly has a path for artists to join Peloton directly .

If you purchased a Peloton bike or treadmill to exercise with during the pandemic, you’ll soon have a new collection of classes to take from a familiar artist. This week, Peloton announced a multi-year partnership with cultural phenomenon Beyoncé — the artist will help curate classes for the fitness company’s subscription service, starting with a series of Homecoming-themed classes in honor of historically Black colleges and universities. Peloton says that Beyoncé is one of the most requested artists for its playlists.
Based off the announcement, its unclear what Beyoncé’s “curation” entails, but if you’d like to see for yourself, Beyoncé-themed classes have already begun. There are meditations, outdoor runs, and bike rides scheduled for the remainder of this week and more classes to come.
Peloton’s Beyoncé-themed class schedule. Image: Peloton
If you’re already a subscriber through the Peloton app for $12.99 a month or through Peloton’s Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Tread+ devices for $39 a month, you should be able to attend. If not, Peloton is offering a 30-day free trial so you can see if these Beyoncé classes are worthy of the artist’s name.


theverge--2020-11-11--YouTube went down around the world, but it’s now fixed

YouTube has recovered from a seemingly worldwide outage that prevented videos from loading for roughly an hour .
During the outage , many Verge staffers were unable to watch videos , and YouTube confirmed at 7:23PM ET that something was going on : The issue appeared to affect other services that use the YouTube infrastructure too , including YouTube TV and the movies and TV shows you ’ d purchase through Google TV ( formerly known as Google Play Movies & TV ) .
We couldn ’ t load them .
Early in the outage , the YouTube website itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos themselves would continuously show the loading wheel .
One Verge staffer got a video to load after about a minute .
As of about 8:00PM ET , though , we saw error screens like this whenever we tried to watch a video : At 9:13 PM ET , YouTube gave the all-clear : Things seemed to be back as early as 8:30PM ET , but you might have hit a few quirks .
At that point , videos played on YouTube ’ s website seemed to be working as they normally do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verge staffer saw a few error messages , but those would clear with a refresh .
YouTube TV worked on mobile for another Verge staffer at that point after he force closed the app .
DownDetector showed a truly tremendous number of user reports of problems with YouTube , indicating the problem was widespread — the DownDetector graph peaked with more than 280,000 user reports in less than an hour .
Numerous users on Twitter reported that YouTube wasn ’ t working for them , either , and searches spiked for “ is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , YouTube pointed us to the tweet we included in this story .
Update November 11th , 8:51PM ET : YouTube seems to be recovering , so we have made numerous changes throughout .

YouTube has recovered from a seemingly worldwide outage that prevented videos from loading for roughly an hour. During the outage, many Verge staffers were unable to watch videos, and YouTube confirmed at 7:23PM ET that something was going on:
The issue appeared to affect other services that use the YouTube infrastructure too, including YouTube TV and the movies and TV shows you’d purchase through Google TV (formerly known as Google Play Movies & TV). We couldn’t load them.
Early in the outage, the YouTube website itself seemed to load just fine, but videos themselves would continuously show the loading wheel. One Verge staffer got a video to load after about a minute. As of about 8:00PM ET, though, we saw error screens like this whenever we tried to watch a video:
A YouTube error message.
At 9:13 PM ET, YouTube gave the all-clear:
Things seemed to be back as early as 8:30PM ET, but you might have hit a few quirks. At that point, videos played on YouTube’s website seemed to be working as they normally do. On the mobile app, one Verge staffer saw a few error messages, but those would clear with a refresh. YouTube TV worked on mobile for another Verge staffer at that point after he force closed the app.
DownDetector showed a truly tremendous number of user reports of problems with YouTube, indicating the problem was widespread — the DownDetector graph peaked with more than 280,000 user reports in less than an hour. Numerous users on Twitter reported that YouTube wasn’t working for them, either, and searches spiked for “is YouTube down.”
When reached for comment, YouTube pointed us to the tweet we included in this story.
Update November 11th, 8:51PM ET: YouTube seems to be recovering, so we have made numerous changes throughout.


theverge--2020-11-11--Microsoft: ‘please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X’

Microsoft ’ s latest next-gen console , the Xbox Series X ( along with its smaller cousin , the Xbox Series S ) , has arrived .
And with it comes a whole bunch of internet con artists trying to meme people into believing the new console is plagued by terrible issues .
You might , for example , have seen clips passed around the internet that showcased the Xbox Series X literally smoking .
The posts would have you believe the blazing graphics of the Series X are so demanding they can cause an Xbox to catch fire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xbox consoles spontaneously bursting into flame .
What actually appears to be happening is that people are piping vape smoke into their new $ 500 consoles to give off the appearance of a fire to troll fans on social media .
The meme has gone far enough that Microsoft itself has dignified it with a response : The hoax is vaguely plausible .
Microsoft did have to deal with the “ Red Ring of Death ” issue back in the Xbox 360 days over a decade and a half ago , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t completely unheard of .
For example , Ring just recalled some of its video doorbells today , and there ’ s the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle that saw the entire product get recalled and removed from the market due to concerns over it catching fire .
But gadgets that tend to ignite are typically battery-powered , with the fire risk usually coming from the onboard battery — not something that you ’ d have to worry about with an Xbox Series X .
Similarly , another viral post has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xbox Series X is so powerful that the drafts it produces can suspend a ping-pong ball in midair over the console , like some sort of kinetic sculpture .
Here , too , there ’ s some actual science that makes the possibility plausible .
You might have even seen a similar demo in a middle school science class , where a hair dryer is used to levitate a ping-pong ball ( thanks to some physics — specifically , Bernoulli ’ s principle , which describes the relationship between speed and pressure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that science is real ( and does work with something that pushes air as fast as a hair dryer does ) , unfortunately , it doesn ’ t seem that the Xbox Series X ’ s fan — sizable though it may be — actually puts out the kind of airspeed needed to suspend the ball .
Given how new the Xbox Series X is , it ’ s possible there might be some issues that crop up , just like any other new piece of hardware .
There appear to be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example .
But as with any other viral hoax on the internet , it ’ s always good to take reports of problems with a healthy grain of salt , no matter how compelling they sound .
Update , 6:38 PM ET : Added Microsoft ’ s own tweet on the matter .

Microsoft’s latest next-gen console, the Xbox Series X (along with its smaller cousin, the Xbox Series S), has arrived. And with it comes a whole bunch of internet con artists trying to meme people into believing the new console is plagued by terrible issues.
You might, for example, have seen clips passed around the internet that showcased the Xbox Series X literally smoking. The posts would have you believe the blazing graphics of the Series X are so demanding they can cause an Xbox to catch fire, but the reality is much simpler than Xbox consoles spontaneously bursting into flame. What actually appears to be happening is that people are piping vape smoke into their new $500 consoles to give off the appearance of a fire to troll fans on social media.
(Please note that it probably isn’t a great idea to intentionally fill your brand-new console with water vapor, either, for what I’d hope are obvious reasons.)
The meme has gone far enough that Microsoft itself has dignified it with a response:
The hoax is vaguely plausible. Microsoft did have to deal with the “Red Ring of Death” issue back in the Xbox 360 days over a decade and a half ago, and the idea of gadgets catching fire isn’t completely unheard of. For example, Ring just recalled some of its video doorbells today, and there’s the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle that saw the entire product get recalled and removed from the market due to concerns over it catching fire. But gadgets that tend to ignite are typically battery-powered, with the fire risk usually coming from the onboard battery — not something that you’d have to worry about with an Xbox Series X.
Similarly, another viral post has been going around claiming the fan on the Xbox Series X is so powerful that the drafts it produces can suspend a ping-pong ball in midair over the console, like some sort of kinetic sculpture.
Here, too, there’s some actual science that makes the possibility plausible. You might have even seen a similar demo in a middle school science class, where a hair dryer is used to levitate a ping-pong ball (thanks to some physics — specifically, Bernoulli’s principle, which describes the relationship between speed and pressure of a fluid flow).
And while that science is real (and does work with something that pushes air as fast as a hair dryer does), unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that the Xbox Series X’s fan — sizable though it may be — actually puts out the kind of airspeed needed to suspend the ball.
Given how new the Xbox Series X is, it’s possible there might be some issues that crop up, just like any other new piece of hardware. There appear to be some isolated incidents of disc drive issues, for example. But as with any other viral hoax on the internet, it’s always good to take reports of problems with a healthy grain of salt, no matter how compelling they sound.


theverge--2020-11-11--Waves of attacks on US hospitals show a change in tactics for cybercriminals

United States hospitals were targeted by two major cybersecurity attacks this fall : the first taking down Universal Health Services , a chain of hundreds of hospitals , and the second by a group called UNC1878 threatening hundreds of individual health care facilities all around the country .
Targeting health care institutions directly marks a new approach for cybercriminals .
“ We haven ’ t seen an incident of magnitude that actually has the potential to harm people , literally all the way up to the point of death , ” says Caleb Barlow , CEO of cybersecurity consulting firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I think the entire cybersecurity community just didn ’ t think was going to get crossed anytime soon.
” Many large-scale cyberattacks on hospitals over the past few years have been incidental .
A piece of ransomware is sent out generally and happens to get into a hospital .
That ’ s what happened to the United Kingdom ’ s National Health Service ( NHS ) in the spring of 2017 when the WannaCry cyberattack hit organizations worldwide .
But the latest two attacks were intentionally made on hospitals .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic because they ’ re so essential .
Institutions can ’ t afford to be offline while they try to extricate themselves from ransomware , says Alan Woodward , a computer security expert and professor at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom .
They ’ re also targeted because some have paid a ransom to get their systems unlocked , he says .
“ There ’ s been quite a few high profile cases where people have paid , ” Woodward says .
“ Whereas , if you ask any law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please don ’ t pay .
You ’ ll paint a target on your back.
” Some cybercrime groups pledged not to target hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic , but attacks on health care facilities doubled in the second half of the year .
Most health care institutions are unprepared for cyberattacks , and the pandemic could make things worse , Barlow says .
“ They are financially strapped because of that pandemic , ” he says .
“ You have a perfect storm : ransomware has been hitting America ’ s hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and almost always , they pay .
You have a victim here that is weak , and if you attack them , you ’ ve got a high probability that you ’ re going to get paid.
” Thankfully , the two major attacks this fall weren ’ t as devastating as they could have been .
The electronic health records at United Health Services weren ’ t directly affected , and the system was able to get back up and running in a few weeks .
The second threat , from UNC1878 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for many hospitals to prepare .
Advance warning may have bought many health care centers enough time to harden their defenses by blocking phishing emails associated with the attack and searching their systems for dormant , malicious files .
Hundreds of hospitals were at risk , and these actions may have helped most avoid falling victim to the ransomware .
They ’ re not nearly out of the woods , and the attack took down the computer systems of at least 20 facilities already , but the scale of the disruption could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that what will happen is that people will be prepared , and the warnings will be enough , ” Woodward says .
That ’ s one difference from the WannaCry cyberattack to the NHS .
That attack shut down 80 hospitals across the system , forcing them to divert patients and reschedule regular care .
The system had some warning , but it didn ’ t respond quickly enough .
Barlow says that since the warning was posted , he ’ s spent “ all day , every day ” in conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , helping them make sure they ’ re ready to ward off attacks .
He thinks , so far , facilities taking those steps have been in good shape .
Those investments will also help prepare them for the future : even if the current threat fades , he says , others will pop up .
During the pandemic , hospitals will stay a target , Woodward says .
“ The threat will continue to exist , and the danger will be that people will drop their guard , and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For cybersecurity experts , another next step is figuring out why cybercriminals are more aggressively targeting hospitals , with actions that could be deadly .
There are dozens of theories floating around , Barlow says but no direct evidence for any of them .
“ We ’ re all trying to figure out the same questions you ’ re asking : Why has the atmosphere changed ?
And what is their endgame ?
”

United States hospitals were targeted by two major cybersecurity attacks this fall: the first taking down Universal Health Services, a chain of hundreds of hospitals, and the second by a group called UNC1878 threatening hundreds of individual health care facilities all around the country. Targeting health care institutions directly marks a new approach for cybercriminals.
“We haven’t seen an incident of magnitude that actually has the potential to harm people, literally all the way up to the point of death,” says Caleb Barlow, CEO of cybersecurity consulting firm CynergisTek. “It crosses a line that I think the entire cybersecurity community just didn’t think was going to get crossed anytime soon.”
Many large-scale cyberattacks on hospitals over the past few years have been incidental. A piece of ransomware is sent out generally and happens to get into a hospital. That’s what happened to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) in the spring of 2017 when the WannaCry cyberattack hit organizations worldwide. But the latest two attacks were intentionally made on hospitals. They’re an appealing target during the COVID-19 pandemic because they’re so essential. Institutions can’t afford to be offline while they try to extricate themselves from ransomware, says Alan Woodward, a computer security expert and professor at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
They’re also targeted because some have paid a ransom to get their systems unlocked, he says. “There’s been quite a few high profile cases where people have paid,” Woodward says. “Whereas, if you ask any law enforcement agency, they will say, please don’t pay. You’ll paint a target on your back.”
Some cybercrime groups pledged not to target hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, but attacks on health care facilities doubled in the second half of the year. Most health care institutions are unprepared for cyberattacks, and the pandemic could make things worse, Barlow says. “They are financially strapped because of that pandemic,” he says. “You have a perfect storm: ransomware has been hitting America’s hospitals heavily over the last few years, and almost always, they pay. You have a victim here that is weak, and if you attack them, you’ve got a high probability that you’re going to get paid.”
Thankfully, the two major attacks this fall weren’t as devastating as they could have been. The electronic health records at United Health Services weren’t directly affected, and the system was able to get back up and running in a few weeks. The second threat, from UNC1878, was flagged by federal agencies early enough for many hospitals to prepare. Advance warning may have bought many health care centers enough time to harden their defenses by blocking phishing emails associated with the attack and searching their systems for dormant, malicious files. Hundreds of hospitals were at risk, and these actions may have helped most avoid falling victim to the ransomware. They’re not nearly out of the woods, and the attack took down the computer systems of at least 20 facilities already, but the scale of the disruption could have been much larger.
“I hope that what will happen is that people will be prepared, and the warnings will be enough,” Woodward says.
That’s one difference from the WannaCry cyberattack to the NHS. That attack shut down 80 hospitals across the system, forcing them to divert patients and reschedule regular care. The system had some warning, but it didn’t respond quickly enough.
Barlow says that since the warning was posted, he’s spent “all day, every day” in conversations with leadership at various hospitals around the US, helping them make sure they’re ready to ward off attacks. He thinks, so far, facilities taking those steps have been in good shape. Those investments will also help prepare them for the future: even if the current threat fades, he says, others will pop up.
During the pandemic, hospitals will stay a target, Woodward says. “The threat will continue to exist, and the danger will be that people will drop their guard, and they’ll be back,” he says.