theverge--2020-10-20--Watch AOC play Among Us live on Twitch with HasanAbi and Pokimane

A day after lighting up the internet by announcing she ’ d joined Twitch and was looking for streamers to play the breakout hit Among Us with , New York congressional Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is playing Among Us with Hasan “ HasanAbi ” Piker and Imane “ Pokimane ” Anys , two of the biggest personalities on Twitch .
The stream already had 240,000 concurrent viewers before they started playing .
Piker is a popular progressive streamer , formerly of The Young Turks .
( If you ’ ve tried to watch a political debate on Twitch this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
Anys , on the other hand , is less explicitly political but is one of the most famous people on Twitch , with 6 million followers on the site .
The idea for the AOC Among Us stream is , naturally , to get out the vote — if you ’ re reading this and haven ’ t made a plan to go vote , do that !
— and it promises to be quite a time .
You can catch AOC live on Twitch at 9PM ET .
In other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omar of Minnesota joined Twitch today .
Her profile pic , naturally , is her as a Gundam pilot .
The internet rules .
AOC and Omar are only the latest two politicians to join Twitch — Bernie Sanders started broadcasting to the site the night of the first Democratic debate for the 2020 election , and Donald Trump ’ s campaign also maintains a presence on the site .
Let ’ s hope this isn ’ t the only time AOC decides to grace Twitch with her presence .

The stream already had 240,000 concurrent viewers before they started playing.
Piker is a popular progressive streamer, formerly of The Young Turks. (If you’ve tried to watch a political debate on Twitch this year, you’ve probably seen his stream.) Anys, on the other hand, is less explicitly political but is one of the most famous people on Twitch, with 6 million followers on the site.
The idea for the AOC Among Us stream is, naturally, to get out the vote — if you’re reading this and haven’t made a plan to go vote, do that! — and it promises to be quite a time. You can catch AOC live on Twitch at 9PM ET.
In other, presumably unrelated news, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota joined Twitch today. Her profile pic, naturally, is her as a Gundam pilot. The internet rules.


theverge--2020-10-20--Intel is selling its SSD business for $9 billion, but keeping Optane

Intel is selling its SSD business to SK Hynix in a deal worth $ 9 billion , which will see the chipmaker almost completely exit the flash memory and storage business — except for Intel ’ s high-end Optane memory technology , which it ’ ll still be hanging onto .
The deal includes Intel ’ s former NAND SSD , component , and wafer businesses , along with the company ’ s NAND factory in Dalian , China .
“ For Intel , this transaction will allow us to further prioritize our investments in differentiated technology where we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our customers and deliver attractive returns to our stockholders , ” said Intel CEO Bob Swan .
It ’ ll be some time until the deal actually takes place : the two companies are starting to get governmental approval for the purchase , which they don ’ t expect to get until “ late 2021.
” Until that happens , Intel will still continue to make NAND products at the Dalian factory and keep all its IP rights .
The move marks the latest consolidation for Intel , which has continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data center businesses in recent months .
Intel also recently sold its 5G modem business to Apple last year in a deal worth $ 1 billion .

Intel is selling its SSD business to SK Hynix in a deal worth $9 billion, which will see the chipmaker almost completely exit the flash memory and storage business — except for Intel’s high-end Optane memory technology, which it’ll still be hanging onto. The deal includes Intel’s former NAND SSD, component, and wafer businesses, along with the company’s NAND factory in Dalian, China.
“For Intel, this transaction will allow us to further prioritize our investments in differentiated technology where we can play a bigger role in the success of our customers and deliver attractive returns to our stockholders,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan.
It’ll be some time until the deal actually takes place: the two companies are starting to get governmental approval for the purchase, which they don’t expect to get until “late 2021.” Until that happens, Intel will still continue to make NAND products at the Dalian factory and keep all its IP rights.


theverge--2020-10-20--Snapchat’s anime lens was a huge hit, Snap confirms

Snapchat ’ s anime filter was used more than 3 billion times in the first week after it was released , Snap said today , confirming what we already knew : it was a huge hit .
The filter , which morphs its subject into an anime character , is just the latest in a line of fun AR lenses from Snapchat that have gone viral and helped drive usage on the platform .
During its third quarter , Snapchat had 249 million daily users , up from 238 million last quarter .
The company ’ s revenue was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 percent increase even as the pandemic chilled ad spending elsewhere .
“ The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated.
” There are signs that Snap ’ s growth is more robust than drive-by filter users .
The average number of Snaps created each day is up 25 percent year over year , the company said ( though it didn ’ t say exactly how many that is ) .
Time spent watching shows on Snapchat also grew by 50 percent .
Snap called out the success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when highlighting where it saw growth in the longer term .
“ The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated , and we are working together as a team to execute on the many opportunities in front of us , ” Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said in remarks alongside the company ’ s earnings release for the third quarter of 2020 .
Though Snapchat tends to get less attention than other social networks , it ’ s among the bigger apps out there .
Twitter reported having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and TikTok reported in August that it had 100 million daily users in the US .
( Snapchat has 90 million daily users in all of North America . )
It ’ s still tiny compared to Facebook and its suite of apps , though .
Instagram had 500 million daily users when it last provided an updated number in 2018 .

Snapchat’s anime filter was used more than 3 billion times in the first week after it was released, Snap said today, confirming what we already knew: it was a huge hit.
The filter, which morphs its subject into an anime character, is just the latest in a line of fun AR lenses from Snapchat that have gone viral and helped drive usage on the platform. During its third quarter, Snapchat had 249 million daily users, up from 238 million last quarter. The company’s revenue was also up to $679 million, a 52 percent increase even as the pandemic chilled ad spending elsewhere.
“The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated.”
There are signs that Snap’s growth is more robust than drive-by filter users. The average number of Snaps created each day is up 25 percent year over year, the company said (though it didn’t say exactly how many that is). Time spent watching shows on Snapchat also grew by 50 percent.
Snap called out the success of its AR features, in particular, when highlighting where it saw growth in the longer term. “The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated, and we are working together as a team to execute on the many opportunities in front of us,” Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said in remarks alongside the company’s earnings release for the third quarter of 2020.


theverge--2020-10-20--VidCon is planning to return in summer 2021, and will allow people to attend digitally

VidCon , an annual convention focused on digital creators , is tentatively planning to return to Anaheim , California next summer if conditions allow , but organizers are preparing to let people attend digitally for the first time .
The new digital option will allow people to purchase tickets for a number of live-streaming and “ key fan-focused sessions ” for those who don ’ t or can ’ t travel to the actual convention .
The move comes after VidCon saw success in many of the digital sessions the convention held this year ( referred to as VidCon Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizers deciding to cancel the actual in-person event .
Nearly 1 million people tuned into digital events held by VidCon over the last few months , according to general manager Jim Louderback , adding that nearly half of that audience was streaming from outside the United States .
“ We ’ ve clearly demonstrated that VidCon transcends borders — more than 180 of them to be exact .
Our new hybrid digital and IRL model will extend VidCon ’ s global reach with more new ways to be informed , entertained , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach a more international audience , VidCon ’ s digital portion will also program different panels and sessions in partnership with VidCon Mexico and VidCon Asia .
These panels will be created in a country ’ s native language and will be scheduled for the appropriate time zones , according to a press release .
Alongside VidCon ’ s new digital plans , the organization is also introducing a rebrand that is meant to focus on all digital creators instead of honing in on YouTubers .
This includes making VidCon Now events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the place of a physical VidCon this past summer — year-round .
VidCon Now , which includes speakers and experts from YouTube , Instagram , Twitch , TikTok , and more , will pick up again on October 27th .
“ We started VidCon more than a decade ago to help strengthen and promote the explosion of creativity that was happening online , ” co-founder Hank Green said in a press release .
“ We did that by bringing together the entire ecosystem : the creators who make amazing things , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry that supports them .
”

VidCon, an annual convention focused on digital creators, is tentatively planning to return to Anaheim, California next summer if conditions allow, but organizers are preparing to let people attend digitally for the first time.
The new digital option will allow people to purchase tickets for a number of live-streaming and “key fan-focused sessions” for those who don’t or can’t travel to the actual convention. The move comes after VidCon saw success in many of the digital sessions the convention held this year (referred to as VidCon Now) after the COVID-19 pandemic led to organizers deciding to cancel the actual in-person event.
Nearly 1 million people tuned into digital events held by VidCon over the last few months, according to general manager Jim Louderback, adding that nearly half of that audience was streaming from outside the United States.
“We’ve clearly demonstrated that VidCon transcends borders — more than 180 of them to be exact. Our new hybrid digital and IRL model will extend VidCon’s global reach with more new ways to be informed, entertained, and inspired than ever before.”
“We’ve clearly demonstrated that VidCon transcends borders”
In order to reach a more international audience, VidCon’s digital portion will also program different panels and sessions in partnership with VidCon Mexico and VidCon Asia. These panels will be created in a country’s native language and will be scheduled for the appropriate time zones, according to a press release.
Alongside VidCon’s new digital plans, the organization is also introducing a rebrand that is meant to focus on all digital creators instead of honing in on YouTubers. This includes making VidCon Now events — those digital panels and sessions that took the place of a physical VidCon this past summer — year-round. VidCon Now, which includes speakers and experts from YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, TikTok, and more, will pick up again on October 27th.


theverge--2020-10-20--Facebook moderators in India were pressured to return to the office despite COVID-19 concerns

Facebook moderators located in India were pressured by their employer , third-party contracting firm Genpact , to return to the office despite safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic , according to a new report from nonprofit publication Rest of World .
Genpact , one of many firms Facebook outsources moderation to around the world , employs roughly 1,600 moderators in India , where employees analyze offensive and disturbing content posted in large volumes to Facebook ’ s platforms for potential rule violations .
The company was pressuring employees to return to its offices in Hyderabad as early as July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming key parts of its moderation services had to be performed in the office due to privacy issues and other technical hurdles .
Genpact claims any in-office work was done so voluntarily .
“ To make this manageable , safe , and clear , employees need to sign a weekly form that asks them to voluntarily agree to this , ” a Genpact spokesperson told Rest of World .
But according to interviews with employees , Genpact management allegedly instructed some employees that their jobs may be at risk if they chose not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been pressured to return to work , while corporate employees work from home Rest of World also reports that India ’ s IT industry was deemed essential in the earliest days of coronavirus-related lockdowns throughout the country .
This meant many of the firms providing outsourced labor for US technology companies were able to circumvent restrictions on office work to keep employees coming in .
Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Facebook employs more than 15,000 content moderators all around the globe , a vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the same benefits as corporate employees .
Those contractors are also subjected to work conditions involving the viewing of child exploitation , violence , terrorism videos , and other material that may cause post-traumatic stress disorder and related mental health issues .
Meanwhile , corporate Facebook employees are able to work from anywhere they like until July of next year , upon which they can choose to remain permanently remote so long as they agree to potential wage reduction depending on location .
Corporate employees also receive benefits like stock options and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work costs and office equipment , in addition to the free transportation and on-site food perks enjoyed prior to the pandemic .
Earlier this month , The Verge reported that one of Facebook ’ s primary moderation firms , the consulting firm Accenture , began instructing its US-based employees in Austin , Texas that they would have to return to the office despite concerns about COVID-19 safety precautions .
Accenture initially refused to answer questions from employees worried about their health and safety , and the firm said it would not be providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Verge at the time , Accenture wrote : “ We are gradually returning people to client offices in cases where there is a critical business reason to do so .
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our people , and only return people to offices when we are comfortable that the right measures and protocols are in place , properly evaluated for each country or local situation.
” Facebook says its moderators are still being paid regardless of how their jobs may be affected by COVID-19 safety measures , office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruptions .
But the company has been using financial incentives to get content moderators at third-party firms to resume working full time in the office , The Washington Post reported in May .

Facebook moderators located in India were pressured by their employer, third-party contracting firm Genpact, to return to the office despite safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from nonprofit publication Rest of World.
Genpact, one of many firms Facebook outsources moderation to around the world, employs roughly 1,600 moderators in India, where employees analyze offensive and disturbing content posted in large volumes to Facebook’s platforms for potential rule violations. The company was pressuring employees to return to its offices in Hyderabad as early as July, Rest of World reports, with Genpact claiming key parts of its moderation services had to be performed in the office due to privacy issues and other technical hurdles.
Genpact claims any in-office work was done so voluntarily. “To make this manageable, safe, and clear, employees need to sign a weekly form that asks them to voluntarily agree to this,” a Genpact spokesperson told Rest of World. But according to interviews with employees, Genpact management allegedly instructed some employees that their jobs may be at risk if they chose not to perform in-office duties.
Content moderators have been pressured to return to work, while corporate employees work from home
Rest of World also reports that India’s IT industry was deemed essential in the earliest days of coronavirus-related lockdowns throughout the country. This meant many of the firms providing outsourced labor for US technology companies were able to circumvent restrictions on office work to keep employees coming in.
In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson tells The Verge, “Our focus for reopening any office is on how it can be done in a way that keeps our reviewers safe. To do this we are putting strict health and safety measures in place, making sure they’re followed, and addressing and disclosing any confirmed cases of illness.” Facebook clarified that a majority of Genpact’s moderators continue to work from home.
Facebook employs more than 15,000 content moderators all around the globe, a vast majority of which are contractors without access to many of the same benefits as corporate employees. Those contractors are also subjected to work conditions involving the viewing of child exploitation, violence, terrorism videos, and other material that may cause post-traumatic stress disorder and related mental health issues.
Meanwhile, corporate Facebook employees are able to work from anywhere they like until July of next year, upon which they can choose to remain permanently remote so long as they agree to potential wage reduction depending on location. Corporate employees also receive benefits like stock options and a $1,000 stipend to cover remote work costs and office equipment, in addition to the free transportation and on-site food perks enjoyed prior to the pandemic.
Earlier this month, The Verge reported that one of Facebook’s primary moderation firms, the consulting firm Accenture, began instructing its US-based employees in Austin, Texas that they would have to return to the office despite concerns about COVID-19 safety precautions. Accenture initially refused to answer questions from employees worried about their health and safety, and the firm said it would not be providing increased pay.
In a statement emailed to The Verge at the time, Accenture wrote: “We are gradually returning people to client offices in cases where there is a critical business reason to do so. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our people, and only return people to offices when we are comfortable that the right measures and protocols are in place, properly evaluated for each country or local situation.”
Facebook says its moderators are still being paid regardless of how their jobs may be affected by COVID-19 safety measures, office closures and cleanings, and other work disruptions. But the company has been using financial incentives to get content moderators at third-party firms to resume working full time in the office, The Washington Post reported in May.


theverge--2020-10-20--Netflix’s subscriber growth slows, but company isn’t worried about running out of content

Netflix ’ s business soared during the pandemic , but as it heads into 2021 and faces a potential shortage of films and movies , the company will have to prove it can continue performing .
Netflix reported its third quarter earnings today , and although Netflix is acknowledging slower growth , the company is still adding subscribers .
The company added 2.2 million net subscribers in Q3 , compared with the company ’ s 2.5m guidance .
The company saw $ 6.44 billion in revenue , beating expectations .
Still , the looming question for co-CEOs Reed Hastings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure Netflix won ’ t run out of things to watch .
“ The state of the pandemic and its impact continues to make projections very uncertain , but as the world hopefully recovers in 2021 , we would expect that our growth will revert back to levels similar to pre-COVID , ” Netflix ’ s letter to shareholders reads .
“ In turn , we expect paid net adds are likely to be down year over year in the first half of 2021 as compared to the big spike in paid net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020.
” The biggest advantage Netflix had over its competitors until now was a constant stream of new shows and films .
That ’ s because by the time the pandemic hit , content for Netflix ’ s 2020 year was largely shot and in post-production , able to be finished remotely .
Now , Netflix is about to be in the same boat as its competitors .
Hastings and Sarandos have spoken about how difficult getting back into production has been , especially in the United States .
“ Netflix was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t last forever , ” Ross Benes , an analyst at eMarketer who covers Netflix , told The Verge .
“ If you ’ re going to have Hollywood shut down for nine months , at some point that ’ s going to catch up to you.
” If subscriber growth continues , Netflix can take that additional revenue and expand its content budget even more .
Pivotal Research Group ’ s Jeff Wlodarczak noted that the more Netflix can reinvest in original programming , the more it “ increases the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduces existing subscriber churn , ” according to The Hollywood Reporter .
“ If you ’ re going to have Hollywood shut down for nine months , at some point that ’ s going to catch up to you.
” Right now , Netflix ’ s advantages offset its hardships , but that could change .
Netflix has a massive subscriber base and a full library , but production woes and a number of canceled series have soured some subscribers .
It might not be an issue that Netflix encounters in its next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complaint the company will have to address , Benes argued .
Netflix ’ s recent slate of cancellations — Glow , Teenage Bounty Hunters , I Am Not Okay With This , and The Society to name a few — and executive shake-ups have led to questions about Netflix ’ s future strategy .
Cutting down on expensive shows that don ’ t bring in or keep subscribers is a good financial move , but it also cuts down on the number of originals that Netflix can offer down the road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to expect the number of Netflix originals launched on our service to be up year over year in each quarter of 2021 and we ’ re confident that we ’ ll have an exciting range of programming for our members , particularly relative to other entertainment service options , ” the letter to shareholders reads .
If production remains difficult to kick-start at the pace Netflix needs ( although Netflix ’ s letter states things are getting a little better ) , and licensing shows from other networks becomes more difficult due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay shows and films in order to maintain having new material that does land — like new seasons of The Crown , Stranger Things , The Witcher , and big movies on a regular basis .
“ The cancellation of GLOW will not be unique , ” Benes said .
“ We ’ ll see more of that in coming months .
They have a lot of shows that have big budgets and a niche audience .
Those shows are all risk .
It ’ s too expensive.
” It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company needs as many series and films as possible to compete , but those shows need to retain subscribers and cost needs to remain relatively low .
If the company hits a slow period in subscriber growth while also dealing with myriad issues brought on by the pandemic , Netflix needs to find other ways to increase its income to continue spending the way the team does .
“ The cancellation of ‘ GLOW ’ will not be unique ” One easy and anticipated answer , Benes says , is a price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike in Canada this month , and that ’ s a good sign subscribers in the US should prepare , too .
Benes believes that Netflix is still underpriced as a service , adding that people get “ a lot of value for not a whole lot of money.
” It ’ s a good time for Netflix to ask people for an extra dollar a month , Benes said , because they ’ ll probably pay .
“ Some people might cancel , but I bet it would pay off for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slate in 2021 isn ’ t necessarily bad for Netflix .
The streamer will probably still have more new original programming than its competitors , but with major streaming services like Disney Plus and HBO Max finding momentum , it feels like the first time Netflix has true competition in the streaming space .
Disney announced a public reorganization to shift its primary focus to streaming ; HBO Max and Peacock are gunning for some of Netflix ’ s subscribers ; Amazon Prime Video continues to grow , and people are still spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on YouTube and Twitch .
It ’ s not going to be easy ; Netflix has more competition than ever , and that means finding ways to continue delivering , even as doing just that becomes tougher and tougher .

Netflix’s business soared during the pandemic, but as it heads into 2021 and faces a potential shortage of films and movies, the company will have to prove it can continue performing.
Netflix reported its third quarter earnings today, and although Netflix is acknowledging slower growth, the company is still adding subscribers. The company added 2.2 million net subscribers in Q3, compared with the company’s 2.5m guidance. The company saw $6.44 billion in revenue, beating expectations. Still, the looming question for co-CEOs Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos is how they plan to ensure Netflix won’t run out of things to watch.
“The state of the pandemic and its impact continues to make projections very uncertain, but as the world hopefully recovers in 2021, we would expect that our growth will revert back to levels similar to pre-COVID,” Netflix’s letter to shareholders reads. “ In turn, we expect paid net adds are likely to be down year over year in the first half of 2021 as compared to the big spike in paid net adds we experienced in the first half of 2020.”
The biggest advantage Netflix had over its competitors until now was a constant stream of new shows and films. That’s because by the time the pandemic hit, content for Netflix’s 2020 year was largely shot and in post-production, able to be finished remotely. Now, Netflix is about to be in the same boat as its competitors. Hastings and Sarandos have spoken about how difficult getting back into production has been, especially in the United States.
“Netflix was better positioned for this, but it can’t last forever,” Ross Benes, an analyst at eMarketer who covers Netflix, told The Verge. “If you’re going to have Hollywood shut down for nine months, at some point that’s going to catch up to you.”
If subscriber growth continues, Netflix can take that additional revenue and expand its content budget even more. Pivotal Research Group’s Jeff Wlodarczak noted that the more Netflix can reinvest in original programming, the more it “increases the potential target market for their service and reduces existing subscriber churn,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“If you’re going to have Hollywood shut down for nine months, at some point that’s going to catch up to you.”
Right now, Netflix’s advantages offset its hardships, but that could change. Netflix has a massive subscriber base and a full library, but production woes and a number of canceled series have soured some subscribers. It might not be an issue that Netflix encounters in its next quarter, but it’s certainly a complaint the company will have to address, Benes argued.
Netflix’s recent slate of cancellations — Glow, Teenage Bounty Hunters, I Am Not Okay With This, and The Society to name a few — and executive shake-ups have led to questions about Netflix’s future strategy. Cutting down on expensive shows that don’t bring in or keep subscribers is a good financial move, but it also cuts down on the number of originals that Netflix can offer down the road.
“For our 2021 slate, we continue to expect the number of Netflix originals launched on our service to be up year over year in each quarter of 2021 and we’re confident that we’ll have an exciting range of programming for our members, particularly relative to other entertainment service options,” the letter to shareholders reads.
If production remains difficult to kick-start at the pace Netflix needs (although Netflix’s letter states things are getting a little better), and licensing shows from other networks becomes more difficult due to increased competition, Netflix may have to delay shows and films in order to maintain having new material that does land — like new seasons of The Crown, Stranger Things, The Witcher, and big movies on a regular basis.
“The cancellation of GLOW will not be unique,” Benes said. “We’ll see more of that in coming months. They have a lot of shows that have big budgets and a niche audience. Those shows are all risk. It’s too expensive.”
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword: the company needs as many series and films as possible to compete, but those shows need to retain subscribers and cost needs to remain relatively low. If the company hits a slow period in subscriber growth while also dealing with myriad issues brought on by the pandemic, Netflix needs to find other ways to increase its income to continue spending the way the team does.
“The cancellation of ‘GLOW’ will not be unique”
One easy and anticipated answer, Benes says, is a price hike. Netflix already introduced a price hike in Canada this month, and that’s a good sign subscribers in the US should prepare, too. Benes believes that Netflix is still underpriced as a service, adding that people get “a lot of value for not a whole lot of money.” It’s a good time for Netflix to ask people for an extra dollar a month, Benes said, because they’ll probably pay. “Some people might cancel, but I bet it would pay off for them,” Benes added.
A leaner slate in 2021 isn’t necessarily bad for Netflix. The streamer will probably still have more new original programming than its competitors, but with major streaming services like Disney Plus and HBO Max finding momentum, it feels like the first time Netflix has true competition in the streaming space. Disney announced a public reorganization to shift its primary focus to streaming; HBO Max and Peacock are gunning for some of Netflix’s subscribers; Amazon Prime Video continues to grow, and people are still spending a bunch of time watching free videos on YouTube and Twitch.


theverge--2020-10-21--Dropbox’s new family plan is now available globally

Dropbox ’ s new family plan , Dropbox Family , is now available globally .
With Dropbox Family , up to six people can have their own accounts with all of the features in a Dropbox Plus plan , a combined 2 TB of storage , and a dedicated space to share files across accounts ( called , fittingly , the Family Room ) .
Up until today , Dropbox Family was only available in beta to select users , Dropbox tells The Verge .
Because everyone on your Dropbox Family plan gets Dropbox Plus features , that means each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dropbox ’ s password manager and a PIN-protected “ vault ” to store sensitive documents like a birth certificate .
( If you want to know what ’ s different between Dropbox ’ s free and Plus subscriptions , the company has a full breakdown right here . )
Dropbox Family will cost $ 19.99 per month or $ 203.88 if you opt to pay for a full year upfront , which breaks down to a slightly less expensive $ 16.99 per month cost .
One Dropbox Plus subscription costs $ 11.99 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which breaks down to $ 9.99 per month ) , so if you ’ re already paying for two or more Plus subscriptions in your family , Dropbox Family could be a good deal for you .

Dropbox’s new family plan, Dropbox Family, is now available globally. With Dropbox Family, up to six people can have their own accounts with all of the features in a Dropbox Plus plan, a combined 2 TB of storage, and a dedicated space to share files across accounts (called, fittingly, the Family Room). Up until today, Dropbox Family was only available in beta to select users, Dropbox tells The Verge.
Because everyone on your Dropbox Family plan gets Dropbox Plus features, that means each person will have access to things like Dropbox’s password manager and a PIN-protected “vault” to store sensitive documents like a birth certificate. (If you want to know what’s different between Dropbox’s free and Plus subscriptions, the company has a full breakdown right here.)
Dropbox Family will cost $19.99 per month or $203.88 if you opt to pay for a full year upfront, which breaks down to a slightly less expensive $16.99 per month cost. One Dropbox Plus subscription costs $11.99 per month or $119.88 per year (which breaks down to $9.99 per month), so if you’re already paying for two or more Plus subscriptions in your family, Dropbox Family could be a good deal for you.


theverge--2020-10-21--Apple iPad Air (2020) review: take it from the Pro

If you ’ re looking to get an iPad right now and can afford it , the new $ 599 iPad Air is the best tablet for most people .
Apple has taken the design from the more expensive iPad Pro and brought it down to a more reasonable price point .
It ’ s $ 100 more than it was last year , but in return this year ’ s iPad Air has a bigger , better screen and a faster ( and very intriguing ) processor .
There are two basic ways a midrange device like the iPad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s built up from the base model with key improvements ( as happened with last year ’ s iPad Air ) or it ’ s based on the premium , flagship version with some expensive parts stripped out or replaced .
That ’ s this year ’ s iPad Air , and that switch means that it feels like a modern device instead of a throwback .
It ’ s also one of the most enjoyable computing experiences you can get .
iPadOS may not have the versatility of a full desktop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a lot more relaxing to use .
The new iPad Air for 2020 switches over to the squared-off sides and rounded-corner display we first saw on the iPad Pro in 2018 .
It ’ s the exact same size and shape as the 11-inch model .
Back then , Nilay Patel said this design is “ kind of brutal looking — almost like a reference design.
” I ’ ve gotten used to it in the intervening years and apparently so has Apple .
The new iPhone 12 and 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardware ’ s job on a tablet is to disappear , and it does so fairly well here .
If you ’ d like some more character , though , Apple is offering some new colors for the anodized aluminum frame .
In addition to the usual silver , gray , and rose gold , there ’ s now green and a subtle light blue .
The iPad Air also makes the switch over from Lightning to USB-C for charging , just like the Pro .
I applaud this move wholeheartedly — USB-C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens up the iPad to more accessories , including some of the same dongles you might already use on your laptop .
( And yes , I wish the iPhone 12 had done the same ) .
If you ’ re switching over from an older iPad , though , be aware that the cable is different .
Also be aware that this new design means the iPad Air uses the iPad Pro-style accessories .
The old Lightning-based Apple Pencil won ’ t work here , nor will old keyboards or cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-generation Apple Pencil and a choice of a couple of keyboards from Apple .
The fancier keyboard option is the Magic Keyboard , which includes a trackpad and backlighting for $ 299 .
The regular Smart Keyboard Folio is still fine , and it ’ s lighter , too ; it costs $ 179 .
There are also more keyboard options from Logitech and others .
Now that the iPad Air has it , maybe we ’ ll see this back-mounted smart connector get a real ecosystem of accessories .
One last design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the side when you hold the iPad in landscape .
So prepare to have your eyes looking way off to the right or left when you ’ re on Zoom calls .
Or prepare for your camera not to be on at all , since iPadOS turns it off as soon as you start to do any kind of multitasking .
Other than the new colors , there are really only two exterior differences between the Pro and the Air , both of them subtle .
The first is that the Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10.9 inches diagonally instead of 11 .
That ’ s a touch odd but not really noticeable .
The second is that instead of Face ID cameras , the iPad Air has Touch ID embedded in the power button .
That ’ s right , for the first time Apple is putting its fingerprint sensor on the power button ( technically , it ’ s called the “ Top button ; ” I have many opinions about what this button should be called , which I will spare you from ) .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other iPad buttons but not that big .
It works well but a little differently than I expected — which is probably because I ’ ve been trained so heavily by the tap-to-wake fingerprint sensors on Android phones .
Just like the old Touch ID sensor on the home button , you need to click down the power button and then let your finger rest on it for a beat .
Bam , you ’ re unlocked .
( And yes , it ’ s a real button . )
But something about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw me at first .
As with the home button version , if you press down too long you get Siri .
If you don ’ t leave your finger on long enough , it won ’ t unlock and will give you a little reminder to “ Rest to Open.
” It unlocked the iPad quickly , conveniently , and securely .
You won ’ t miss the home button on your old iPad once you get used to it along with the swiping navigation that ’ s now required to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to go down an entire benchmarking rabbit hole about the new A14 Bionic processor on the 2020 iPad Air even though I ’ m sorely tempted to .
It ’ s made with a new 5nm process , which means it has the potential to pack more transistors in the same space and also have lots of power efficiency gains .
It ’ s tempting because this A14 Bionic processor is not only the same one that ’ s in the new iPhone 12 models , it ’ s also widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chip that will power Apple ’ s upcoming ARM-based Macs .
So I fully expect there to be a wash of articles detailing the many benchmark results you can get on this chip and what they could portend for the future .
It ’ s also tempting because the A14 Bionic is newer and in some ways faster than the 7nm A12Z Bionic chip in the current iPad Pros , which were only just released in May .
However , the comparison isn ’ t apples-to-apples ( pardon the pun ) .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and iPadOS is very good at taking advantage of those .
Okay , I gave in and ran just one benchmark , a Geekbench 5 Pro test .
The results are that this iPad Air is very fast .
It is fast enough to do everything you want to do with an iPad today and will likely continue to be fast for several years to come .
It does show that the iPad Air is faster than the iPad Pro in at least one regard — a single-core Geekbench score of 1580 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of an iPad Pro .
But the iPad Pro has higher scores on other metrics .
My advice : if you know exactly why you need a more powerful GPU or CPU on an iPad , wait for the next iPad Pro to get this new A14 chip or something like it .
If all you care about is that the iPad Air is fast and that it will let you do both iPad things and lots of real-work things , then yes : it can do that .
Battery life is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expect from an iPad .
It ’ s possible to drain the battery down if you use it as a work computer , but it will get you to dinner for sure .
If you use it more lightly , as an entertainment tablet , you should expect it to go two or three days before needing to worry .
My biggest complaint is about storage .
The base $ 599 model has 64GB , which is a good enough amount today but may feel cramped over time .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint is that there ’ s no 128GB option — to get more storage you have to spend $ 150 more for 256GB .
At $ 749 , you ’ re just $ 50 away from the 128GB 11-inch iPad Pro and you may as well just get that one .
( Come to think of it , that ’ s maybe not an accident . )
Compared to the iPad Pro , here ’ s what you ’ re missing out on with the iPad Air : a processor optimized for GPU-intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-refresh rate screen , an ultrawide camera , a LIDAR scanner , and quad speakers .
Of those , the only thing I miss is the high-refresh rate screen , but I suspect most people won ’ t be bothered by it at all .
The screen still looks great and animations on iPadOS are smooth even without 120Hz .
The iPad Air has stereo speakers in landscape mode and they sound good , so the loss of two more isn ’ t huge .
It does sting a little that Apple raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year ’ s iPad Air , but it ’ s also a great tablet and a very good computer .
I am still annoyed that the iPad can ’ t support multiple users , but that may not bother everybody as much as it does me .
I think that if you can afford the $ 599 price , you should definitely get it instead of the basic $ 329 iPad .
Although that base iPad is quite good , it is beginning to look a little stale ( and it too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For me , one of the biggest reasons to use an iPad instead of another computer is that it ’ s just a nicer experience .
You can pad around your house with it , attach or detach a keyboard , and almost never really have to worry about it crashing or slowing down .
Apple has allowed iPadOS to grow a little more complicated in recent years , but it ’ s still a more chill computing environment than the Mac , Windows 10 , or Chrome OS .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new design .
Chances are if you ’ re buying an iPad , you ’ re going to keep it for many years , and so spending more on a nicer product is going to pay off more in the long run than it would for , say , a phone that might only last you two or three .

If you’re looking to get an iPad right now and can afford it, the new $599 iPad Air is the best tablet for most people. Apple has taken the design from the more expensive iPad Pro and brought it down to a more reasonable price point. It’s $100 more than it was last year, but in return this year’s iPad Air has a bigger, better screen and a faster (and very intriguing) processor.
There are two basic ways a midrange device like the iPad Air usually gets made. Either it’s built up from the base model with key improvements (as happened with last year’s iPad Air) or it’s based on the premium, flagship version with some expensive parts stripped out or replaced. That’s this year’s iPad Air, and that switch means that it feels like a modern device instead of a throwback.
It’s also one of the most enjoyable computing experiences you can get. iPadOS may not have the versatility of a full desktop OS like Windows or macOS, but it’s a lot more relaxing to use.
Apple iPad Air (2020) $ 599 The Good Excellent screen
Compatible with iPad Pro accessories
Very fast processor The Bad Price increase
Only step-up storage option is a big jump, $749 for 256GB
Touch ID on the power button takes some getting used to $599 at Apple$600 at Best Buy How we rate and review products
The 2020 iPad Air has the same design and shape as the 11-inch iPad Pro.
iPad Air design
The new iPad Air for 2020 switches over to the squared-off sides and rounded-corner display we first saw on the iPad Pro in 2018. It’s the exact same size and shape as the 11-inch model. Back then, Nilay Patel said this design is “kind of brutal looking — almost like a reference design.” I’ve gotten used to it in the intervening years and apparently so has Apple. The new iPhone 12 and 12 Pro bear a familial resemblance.
The screen is .1 inch smaller than the 11-inch iPad Pro.
The iPad Air now works with 11-inch iPad Pro accessories.
It also (only) works with the newer style of the Apple Pencil.
There’s a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera on the back. It is fairly good but shouldn’t drive your purchasing decision one way or the other.
The hardware’s job on a tablet is to disappear, and it does so fairly well here. If you’d like some more character, though, Apple is offering some new colors for the anodized aluminum frame. In addition to the usual silver, gray, and rose gold, there’s now green and a subtle light blue.
The iPad Air also makes the switch over from Lightning to USB-C for charging, just like the Pro. I applaud this move wholeheartedly — USB-C is a more universal port and it opens up the iPad to more accessories, including some of the same dongles you might already use on your laptop. (And yes, I wish the iPhone 12 had done the same).
If you’re switching over from an older iPad, though, be aware that the cable is different. Also be aware that this new design means the iPad Air uses the iPad Pro-style accessories. The old Lightning-based Apple Pencil won’t work here, nor will old keyboards or cases.
Instead, you have the far superior second-generation Apple Pencil and a choice of a couple of keyboards from Apple. The fancier keyboard option is the Magic Keyboard, which includes a trackpad and backlighting for $299. The regular Smart Keyboard Folio is still fine, and it’s lighter, too; it costs $179. There are also more keyboard options from Logitech and others. Now that the iPad Air has it, maybe we’ll see this back-mounted smart connector get a real ecosystem of accessories.
One last design note: the front camera is still on the side when you hold the iPad in landscape. So prepare to have your eyes looking way off to the right or left when you’re on Zoom calls. Or prepare for your camera not to be on at all, since iPadOS turns it off as soon as you start to do any kind of multitasking.
Other than the new colors, there are really only two exterior differences between the Pro and the Air, both of them subtle. The first is that the Air’s screen is technically smaller: 10.9 inches diagonally instead of 11. That’s a touch odd but not really noticeable. The second is that instead of Face ID cameras, the iPad Air has Touch ID embedded in the power button.
Touch ID is on the power button now. It takes some getting used to but works well.
Touch ID on the power button
That’s right, for the first time Apple is putting its fingerprint sensor on the power button (technically, it’s called the “Top button;” I have many opinions about what this button should be called, which I will spare you from). It’s a little bit larger than other iPad buttons but not that big.
It works well but a little differently than I expected — which is probably because I’ve been trained so heavily by the tap-to-wake fingerprint sensors on Android phones. Just like the old Touch ID sensor on the home button, you need to click down the power button and then let your finger rest on it for a beat. Bam, you’re unlocked. (And yes, it’s a real button.)
But something about it being placed on the power button threw me at first. As with the home button version, if you press down too long you get Siri. If you don’t leave your finger on long enough, it won’t unlock and will give you a little reminder to “Rest to Open.”
It unlocked the iPad quickly, conveniently, and securely. You won’t miss the home button on your old iPad once you get used to it along with the swiping navigation that’s now required to go home and multitask.
The new iPad Air with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
iPad Air specs and processor
I’m not going to go down an entire benchmarking rabbit hole about the new A14 Bionic processor on the 2020 iPad Air even though I’m sorely tempted to. It’s made with a new 5nm process, which means it has the potential to pack more transistors in the same space and also have lots of power efficiency gains.
It’s tempting because this A14 Bionic processor is not only the same one that’s in the new iPhone 12 models, it’s also widely expected to be very similar to the chip that will power Apple’s upcoming ARM-based Macs. So I fully expect there to be a wash of articles detailing the many benchmark results you can get on this chip and what they could portend for the future.
It’s also tempting because the A14 Bionic is newer and in some ways faster than the 7nm A12Z Bionic chip in the current iPad Pros, which were only just released in May. However, the comparison isn’t apples-to-apples (pardon the pun). These chips differ in their cores and GPUs, and iPadOS is very good at taking advantage of those.
Okay, I gave in and ran just one benchmark, a Geekbench 5 Pro test. The results are that this iPad Air is very fast. It is fast enough to do everything you want to do with an iPad today and will likely continue to be fast for several years to come.
The 2020 iPad Air’s single core results are impressive, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Geekbench 5 Pro compute benchmark results
It does show that the iPad Air is faster than the iPad Pro in at least one regard — a single-core Geekbench score of 1580 handily beats the performance you will get out of an iPad Pro. But the iPad Pro has higher scores on other metrics. My advice: if you know exactly why you need a more powerful GPU or CPU on an iPad, wait for the next iPad Pro to get this new A14 chip or something like it.
If all you care about is that the iPad Air is fast and that it will let you do both iPad things and lots of real-work things, then yes: it can do that.
Battery life is also exactly what I’ve come to expect from an iPad. It’s possible to drain the battery down if you use it as a work computer, but it will get you to dinner for sure. If you use it more lightly, as an entertainment tablet, you should expect it to go two or three days before needing to worry.
My biggest complaint is about storage. The base $599 model has 64GB, which is a good enough amount today but may feel cramped over time. That’s not the complaint, though. The complaint is that there’s no 128GB option — to get more storage you have to spend $150 more for 256GB. At $749, you’re just $50 away from the 128GB 11-inch iPad Pro and you may as well just get that one. (Come to think of it, that’s maybe not an accident.)
Compared to the iPad Pro, here’s what you’re missing out on with the iPad Air: a processor optimized for GPU-intensive tasks, Face ID, a ProMotion high-refresh rate screen, an ultrawide camera, a LIDAR scanner, and quad speakers.
Of those, the only thing I miss is the high-refresh rate screen, but I suspect most people won’t be bothered by it at all. The screen still looks great and animations on iPadOS are smooth even without 120Hz. The iPad Air has stereo speakers in landscape mode and they sound good, so the loss of two more isn’t huge.
The 2020 iPad Air in blue.
It does sting a little that Apple raised the price by $100 compared to last year’s iPad Air, but it’s also a great tablet and a very good computer. I am still annoyed that the iPad can’t support multiple users, but that may not bother everybody as much as it does me.
I think that if you can afford the $599 price, you should definitely get it instead of the basic $329 iPad. Although that base iPad is quite good, it is beginning to look a little stale (and it too has its own storage configuration problems).
For me, one of the biggest reasons to use an iPad instead of another computer is that it’s just a nicer experience. You can pad around your house with it, attach or detach a keyboard, and almost never really have to worry about it crashing or slowing down. Apple has allowed iPadOS to grow a little more complicated in recent years, but it’s still a more chill computing environment than the Mac, Windows 10, or Chrome OS.
And the iPad Air epitomizes that niceness with its new design. Chances are if you’re buying an iPad, you’re going to keep it for many years, and so spending more on a nicer product is going to pay off more in the long run than it would for, say, a phone that might only last you two or three.
Agree to Continue: Apple iPad Air (2020) Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we’re going to start counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate. To use the 2020 iPad Air, you have to agree to: The Apple terms of service agreement, which you can have sent to you by email
Apple’s warranty agreement, which you can have sent to you by email These agreements are not negotiable, and you cannot use the iPad at all if you don’t agree to them. The iPad also prompts you to set up Apple Cash and Apple Pay at setup, which further means you have to agree to: The Apple Cash agreement, which specifies that services are actually provided by Green Dot Bank and Apple Payments, Inc. and further consists of the following agreements:
The Apple Cash terms and conditions
The electronic communications agreement
The Green Dot bank privacy policy
Direct payments terms and conditions
Direct payments privacy notice
Apple Payments, Inc. license If you add a credit card to Apple Pay, you have to agree to: The terms from your credit card provider, which do not have an option to be emailed Final tally: two mandatory agreements, seven optional agreements for Apple Cash, one optional agreement for Apple Pay


theverge--2020-10-21--Chrome bug meant browser didn’t respect user requests to delete Google site data

If you ask Chrome to delete all cookies and site data whenever you quit the browser , it ’ s reasonable to expect that this policy applies to all websites .
Recently , though , a bug in the browser meant data wasn ’ t being removed for two sites in particular : Google and YouTube .
This problem was first documented by iOS developer Jeff Johnson on his blog .
Johnson found that in Chrome version 86.0.4240.75 , “ local storage ” data for Google.com and YouTube.com stuck around even after restarting the browser .
We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Register , site data allows websites to store personal information about visitors , letting them remember information about users when they visit again in the future .
In comparison , cookies are generally used to track users preferences and identities across different sites .
However , The Register notes that Chrome ’ s behavior could allow Google to stash cookie-style data as site data , allowing it to track users even when they think they ’ re being careful by deleting their cookie and site data every time they close the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , and plan to roll out a fix in the coming days ” In a statement , Google said it was aware of the issue and was working on a fix .
“ We are aware of a bug in Chrome that is impacting how cookies are cleared on some first-party Google websites , ” a spokesperson said .
“ We are investigating the issue , and plan to roll out a fix in the coming days.
” At least one of the affected sites , YouTube , appears to have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chrome browser to version 86.0.4240.111 , YouTube ’ s local storage data seems to successfully purge after a restart , although the data from Google.com still sticks around .
The bug is understood to have been introduced as Google phased out the browser ’ s support for hosted apps .
As Johnson notes , it is possible to ensure that Google ’ s sites don ’ t create any local storage data , but it involves adding them to Chrome ’ s list of “ Sites that can never use cookies.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are coming to how Chrome handles third-party cookies .
Earlier this year , Google announced plans to phase out third-party cookies entirely in Chrome over the next two years and replace them with new technologies that are less invasive .
However , if these new rules aren ’ t applied fairly across all websites , then Google risks attracting even more antitrust scrutiny .
Just yesterday , the USA ’ s Justice Department filed antitrust charges against the company for illegal monopolization of the search and ad markets .
The last thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ammunition .

If you ask Chrome to delete all cookies and site data whenever you quit the browser, it’s reasonable to expect that this policy applies to all websites. Recently, though, a bug in the browser meant data wasn’t being removed for one site in particular: YouTube.
This problem was first documented by iOS developer Jeff Johnson on his blog. Johnson found that in Chrome version 86.0.4240.75, “local storage” data for YouTube.com stuck around even after restarting the browser. We’ve been able to replicate similar behavior.
According to The Register, site data allows websites to store personal information about visitors, letting them remember information about users when they visit again in the future. In comparison, cookies are generally used to track users preferences and identities across different sites. However, The Register notes that Chrome’s behavior could allow Google to stash cookie-style data as site data, allowing it to track users even when they think they’re being careful by deleting their cookie and site data every time they close the browser.
“We are investigating the issue, and plan to roll out a fix in the coming days”
In a statement, Google said it was aware of the issue and was working on a fix. “We are aware of a bug in Chrome that is impacting how cookies are cleared on some first-party Google websites,” a spokesperson said. “We are investigating the issue, and plan to roll out a fix in the coming days.” As of this writing, a fix already appears to be available. After we upgraded the Chrome browser to version 86.0.4240.111, YouTube’s local storage data seems to successfully purge after a restart.
The bug is understood to have been introduced as Google phased out the browser’s support for hosted apps. As Johnson notes, it is possible to ensure that Google’s sites don’t create any local storage data, but it involves adding them to Chrome’s list of “Sites that can never use cookies.”
Johnson and The Register also reported that site data from Google.com also appeared to remain after a restart. However, in comments given to The Verge, Google confirmed that this is expected behavior. This is because Chrome’s default new tab page includes a Google search box and Google sign-in link, meaning a cookie gets re-added when this page is visited. We were able to verify this by setting Chrome to open up a website rather than an empty tab on startup, and saw that Google.com local storage did not appear.
The context for this are the big changes that are coming to how Chrome handles third-party cookies. Earlier this year, Google announced plans to phase out third-party cookies entirely in Chrome over the next two years and replace them with new technologies that are less invasive. However, if these new rules aren’t applied fairly across all websites, then Google risks attracting even more antitrust scrutiny. Just yesterday, the USA’s Justice Department filed antitrust charges against the company for illegal monopolization of the search and ad markets. The last thing Google needs is to give antitrust regulators more ammunition.


theverge--2020-10-21--Whole Foods now offers free one-hour grocery pickup at all US stores

Amazon Prime subscribers now get free one-hour grocery pickup at all of Whole Foods ’ 487 US stores , Amazon announced today .
The news marks an expansion of Whole Foods ’ existing pickup service , which was previously only available at select stores , according to CNBC .
Orders costing $ 35 or more are eligible , and thousands of items including fresh produce , meat and seafood , and other staples are available for pickup .
Pickups have become increasingly popular during the pandemic as people attempt to social distance .
Businesses ranging from electronics retailers like Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to allow people to shop safely .
But Amazon says it expects the trend to continue even after the worst of the pandemic has passed , citing research that suggests that almost 68 percent of people plan to continue using curbside pickup services in the future .
This is the latest expansion Whole Foods has made to its pickup services this year .
Back in April the company expanded the service from around 80 of its stores to over 150 , CNBC notes .
Walmart and Target have also expanded similar services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanding its pickup options .
Back in June , Target announced plans to offer fresh grocery pickup in over 1,500 of its stores by this year ’ s holidays .
Meanwhile , Walmart offers grocery pickups at hundreds of locations across the country .
Both stores currently dwarf the size of Whole Foods in terms of retail locations .
Walmart has over 4,700 stores in the US , while Target has over 1,800 , compared to less than 500 locations for Whole Foods .
Amazon says customers can access the pickup service via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or website .
At checkout , you select a one-hour pickup window , and then use the app to let the store know you ’ re on the way when the time comes .
Amazon says most people only wait one minute to receive their orders .

Amazon Prime subscribers now get free one-hour grocery pickup at all of Whole Foods’ 487 US stores, Amazon announced today. The news marks an expansion of Whole Foods’ existing pickup service, which was previously only available at select stores, according to CNBC. Orders costing $35 or more are eligible, and thousands of items including fresh produce, meat and seafood, and other staples are available for pickup.
Pickups have become increasingly popular during the pandemic as people attempt to social distance. Businesses ranging from electronics retailers like Best Buy to local restaurants have relied on them to allow people to shop safely. But Amazon says it expects the trend to continue even after the worst of the pandemic has passed, citing research that suggests that almost 68 percent of people plan to continue using curbside pickup services in the future.
This is the latest expansion Whole Foods has made to its pickup services this year. Back in April the company expanded the service from around 80 of its stores to over 150, CNBC notes.
Walmart and Target have also expanded similar services
Whole Foods isn’t alone in expanding its pickup options. Back in June, Target announced plans to offer fresh grocery pickup in over 1,500 of its stores by this year’s holidays. Meanwhile, Walmart offers grocery pickups at hundreds of locations across the country. Both stores currently dwarf the size of Whole Foods in terms of retail locations. Walmart has over 4,700 stores in the US, while Target has over 1,800, compared to less than 500 locations for Whole Foods.


theverge--2020-10-21--Fortnite’s Halloween event includes a J Balvin concert

Fortnite ’ s annual Halloween event is back , and this year ’ s edition sounds like the most ambitious yet .
Today , Epic Games revealed the return of “ Fortnitemares , ” and like past events , it will add some spooky elements to the battle royale island .
But there ’ s a twist : Halloween night will also feature a virtual concert from reggaeton star J Balvin .
First , the in-game element .
In the past , Fortnitemares has included special game modes and zombies infesting the main island , but this year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s how Epic describes it : Shadow Midas has taken over The Authority with his reawakened Henchmen .
Stop him before you turn into a Shadow yourself .
After being eliminated in solo , duos , or squads , return to battle as a Shadow for your shot at a Shadow Royale .
Join fellow Shadows to defeat survivors by using your otherworldly abilities , like possessing the body of vehicles .
The event will include the standard array of unlockable items ; players will be able to earn Halloween-themed pickaxes and weapon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The event will run until November 3rd .
Epic is also continuing its run of concerts on the party royale island .
In the past , artists like Anderson .Paak and Dominic Fike performed on the virtual stage , and the next will be J Balvin on Halloween night .
The show will take place on October 31st at 9PM ET and will include the debut of a brand-new song .
Epic will also be introducing a new skin called the Party Trooper , and those who attend the concert will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .

Fortnite’s annual Halloween event is back, and this year’s edition sounds like the most ambitious yet. Today, Epic Games revealed the return of “Fortnitemares,” and like past events, it will add some spooky elements to the battle royale island. But there’s a twist: Halloween night will also feature a virtual concert from reggaeton star J Balvin.
First, the in-game element. In the past, Fortnitemares has included special game modes and zombies infesting the main island, but this year’s version sounds very different. Here’s how Epic describes it:
Shadow Midas has taken over The Authority with his reawakened Henchmen. Stop him before you turn into a Shadow yourself. After being eliminated in solo, duos, or squads, return to battle as a Shadow for your shot at a Shadow Royale. Join fellow Shadows to defeat survivors by using your otherworldly abilities, like possessing the body of vehicles.
The event will include the standard array of unlockable items; players will be able to earn Halloween-themed pickaxes and weapon wraps by completing a series of challenges. The event will run until November 3rd.


theverge--2020-10-21--Vivo makes big expansion into Europe

Vivo makes big expansion into Europe

Vivo , one of the largest smartphone brands in the world , is expanding its operations in Europe .
The company will now sell phones and accessories in six new markets : the UK , France , Germany , Italy , Poland and Spain .
Vivo is kicking things off with the X51 5G flagship phone , essentially a rebranded version of the X50 that launched earlier in the year .
Its headline feature is a “ gimbal-style ” camera system that is claimed to offer much-improved image stabilization .
The X51 ’ s other features include ultrawide , 2x @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snapdragon 765 processor , a 90Hz 6.56-inch 1080p OLED screen , 256GB of storage , a 4,315mAh battery , and 33W fast charging .
It ’ ll cost £749 ( $ 972 ) in the UK and go on sale on October 29th .
The company will also be selling the Y70 , Y20s and Y11s , cheaper phones that focus on long battery life , as well as wireless earbuds and neckbuds .
Vivo is often ranked as one of the top five smartphone vendors worldwide , with large market share in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southeast Asia .
IDC ’ s most recent data saw it overtaken by Oppo , however , with which it shares the same owner : BBK Electronics , the large Chinese conglomorate that also owns OnePlus and Realme .
Vivo is known for experimental hardware features that it often shows off in concept form before shipping in commercial products .
In-display fingerprint sensors and pop-up selfie cameras are examples of now-commonplace features that Vivo pioneered .

Vivo, one of the largest smartphone brands in the world, is expanding its operations in Europe. The company will now sell phones and accessories in six new markets: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.
Vivo is kicking things off with the X51 5G flagship phone, essentially a rebranded version of the X50 that launched earlier in the year. Its headline feature is a “gimbal-style” camera system that is claimed to offer much-improved image stabilization.
The X51’s other features include ultrawide, 2x, and 5x telephoto cameras, a Snapdragon 765 processor, a 90Hz 6.56-inch 1080p OLED screen, 256GB of storage, a 4,315mAh battery, and 33W fast charging. It’ll cost £749 ($972) in the UK and go on sale on October 29th.
The company will also be selling the Y70, Y20s and Y11s, cheaper phones that focus on long battery life, as well as wireless earbuds and neckbuds.
Vivo is often ranked as one of the top five smartphone vendors worldwide, with large market share in regions like China, India, and Southeast Asia. IDC’s most recent data saw it overtaken by Oppo, however, with which it shares the same owner: BBK Electronics, the large Chinese conglomorate that also owns OnePlus and Realme.


theverge--2020-10-21--A long-awaited Willow sequel is official, and it’s coming to Disney Plus

After years of silence , Disney has confirmed that Lucasfilm ’ s Willow will receive a sequel , in the form of a TV series coming to its Disney Plus streaming subscription service .
The pilot will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians ’ John M. Chu .
Willow has largely remained untouched since its original release in 1988 , but this long rumored sequel will join existing novels and a comic book that previously built out the world of the film .
The original can already be streamed on Disney Plus , and this new series will join The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spin-off on the platform .
The 1988 film , directed by Ron Howard , was a cult hit when it first premiered , a fantasy adventure about an aspiring sorcerer named Willow ( Warwick Davis ) tasked with shepherding infant princess Elora Danan to safety alongside a ragtag group of fairies and warriors played by the likes of Val Kilmer , Joanne Whalley and Kevin Pollak .
Not much is known about the sequel series beyond that it takes place years after the original film , but Ron Howard , now an executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creative lean-forward ” rather than a “ nostalgic throw-back.
” Willow himself will return : Warwick Davis , also a beloved Star Wars veteran , is set to reprise his role .
For Lucasfilm , this Willow series comes after five years of focus on Star Wars exclusively .
Now that the Skywalker Saga is wrapped , I ’ m curious to see what other classics the company might bring back if Willow succeeds .
I ’ m particularly interested in an American Graffiti series ; there ’ s definitely enough teenage angst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any indication .
And yes , Indiana Jones and Labyrinth are still in the mix too .
A fifth Indiana Jones continues to inch its way to production .
And while not affiliated with Disney , a sequel to Labyrinth from Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson is also in the making .
Disney has made it clear that Disney Plus is the future of the company , and it needs all the new content it can get even with The Mandalorian returning for a second season and WandaVision on the way .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps other future Lucasfilm spin-offs , might help .
Though there ’ s no announced release date for this new series , the original film is available to stream on Disney Plus and remains as charming as ever .
All the better for fans new and old to reacquaint themselves before the next adventure starts .

After years of silence, Disney has confirmed that Lucasfilm’s Willow will receive a sequel, in the form of a TV series coming to its Disney Plus streaming subscription service. The pilot will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians’ John M. Chu.
Willow has largely remained untouched since its original release in 1988, but this long rumored sequel will join existing novels and a comic book that previously built out the world of the film. The original can already be streamed on Disney Plus, and this new series will join The Mandalorian as Lucasfilm’s second television spin-off on the platform.
The 1988 film, directed by Ron Howard, was a cult hit when it first premiered, a fantasy adventure about an aspiring sorcerer named Willow (Warwick Davis) tasked with shepherding infant princess Elora Danan to safety alongside a ragtag group of fairies and warriors played by the likes of Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley and Kevin Pollak.
Not much is known about the sequel series beyond that it takes place years after the original film, but Ron Howard, now an executive producer, describes it as a “creative lean-forward” rather than a “nostalgic throw-back.” Willow himself will return: Warwick Davis, also a beloved Star Wars veteran, is set to reprise his role.
For Lucasfilm, this Willow series comes after five years of focus on Star Wars exclusively. Now that the Skywalker Saga is wrapped, I’m curious to see what other classics the company might bring back if Willow succeeds. I’m particularly interested in an American Graffiti series; there’s definitely enough teenage angst for a TV show if Riverdale is any indication. And yes, Indiana Jones and Labyrinth are still in the mix too. A fifth Indiana Jones continues to inch its way to production. And while not affiliated with Disney, a sequel to Labyrinth from Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson is also in the making.
Disney has made it clear that Disney Plus is the future of the company, and it needs all the new content it can get even with The Mandalorian returning for a second season and WandaVision on the way. A Willow series on Disney Plus, and perhaps other future Lucasfilm spin-offs, might help.


theverge--2020-10-20--Quibi apps arrive on Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV

Quibi , the troubled streaming service focused on “ quick bites ” of mobile-first content , has just launched apps for Apple TV , Android TV and Fire TV .
The company quietly announced the change in an updated support article .
These apps follow Quibi ’ s ongoing attempts to get more eyes on its content after launching as a mobile-only app .
The company first made content more shareable in May , and followed that soon after with AirPlay and Chromecast support .
It may be too late for Quibi Unfortunately for Quibi , these changes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late .
A new report in The Information claims that co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg has attempted to sell Quibi ’ s programming to Facebook and NBCUniversal while telling others he may have to shut down the company entirely .
Quibi has struggled to scale since its launch , dealing with a lackluster reaction to its first collection of content and a drop in subscribers after its 90-day trial offered at launch ended .
The pandemic has likely played a role in dissuading customers from resubscribing , but really Quibi has never made a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s great for Quibi fans that there ’ s multiple more ways to watch the service , but if the company doesn ’ t right itself , soon enough there won ’ t be any way to watch at all .
Disclosure : Vox Media , which owns The Verge , has a deal with Quibi to produce a show , and there were early talks about a Verge show as well .

Quibi, the troubled streaming service focused on “quick bites” of mobile-first content, has just launched apps for Apple TV, Android TV and Fire TV. The company quietly announced the change in an updated support article.
These apps follow Quibi’s ongoing attempts to get more eyes on its content after launching as a mobile-only app. The company first made content more shareable in May, and followed that soon after with AirPlay and Chromecast support.
It may be too late for Quibi
Unfortunately for Quibi, these changes to the initial mobile-first strategy may have come too late. A new report in The Information claims that co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg has attempted to sell Quibi’s programming to Facebook and NBCUniversal while telling others he may have to shut down the company entirely.
Quibi has struggled to scale since its launch, dealing with a lackluster reaction to its first collection of content and a drop in subscribers after its 90-day trial offered at launch ended. The pandemic has likely played a role in dissuading customers from resubscribing, but really Quibi has never made a great case for itself in the first place.
It’s great for Quibi fans that there’s multiple more ways to watch the service, but if the company doesn’t right itself, soon enough there won’t be any way to watch at all.


theverge--2020-10-20--AOC’s debut Twitch stream is one of the biggest ever

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) made her Twitch debut tonight to play Among Us and encourage viewers to vote .
She also , very quickly , became one of the platform ’ s biggest broadcasters : her stream peaked at 435,000 viewers around the time of her first match , according to Twitch .
( The stream had dipped to around 350,000 viewers as of this writing , after about two hours of playing . )
That peak viewership puts her broadcast among the 20 biggest streams ever , according to the third-party metrics site TwitchTracker , and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at broadcasts from individual streamers .
Ninja holds the record for an individual streamer , with more than 600,000 viewers during a Fortnite match with Drake in 2018 .
TwitchTracker ’ s metrics suggest that AOC ’ s stream could in the top 10 for an individual in terms of peak viewers .
Politicians have increasingly been using tech and games to get out their message .
The Biden campaign debuted an Animal Crossing island last week .
Last year , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) joined Twitch to reach a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hitting other ways.
” Ocasio-Cortez ’ s stream came together quickly .
She tweeted Monday asking , “ Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote ?
” Major streamers quickly signed up — she ended up being joined by Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) , Pokimane , HasanAbi , Disguised Toast , DrLupo , and more .
Her stream even had graphics prepared , which Ocasio-Cortez said came from supporters who started making art after she tweeted .
Despite only having minimal Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d never played before , but seemed to have brushed up before the stream — she did well in her first broadcast .
She was chosen as an impostor in the first round and , with a partner , knocked out about half the field before getting caught .
Omar later made it to the final three as an impostor before getting voted out by Ocasio-Cortez and Hasan .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) made her Twitch debut tonight to play Among Us and encourage viewers to vote. She also, very quickly, became one of the platform’s biggest broadcasters: her stream peaked at 435,000 viewers around the time of her first match, according to Twitch. (The stream had dipped to around 350,000 viewers as of this writing, after about two hours of playing.)
That peak viewership puts her broadcast among the 20 biggest streams ever, according to the third-party metrics site TwitchTracker, and much higher if you’re only looking at broadcasts from individual streamers. Ninja holds the record for an individual streamer, with more than 600,000 viewers during a Fortnite match with Drake in 2018. TwitchTracker’s metrics suggest that AOC’s stream could in the top 10 for an individual in terms of peak viewers.
Politicians have increasingly been using tech and games to get out their message. The Biden campaign debuted an Animal Crossing island last week. Last year, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) joined Twitch to reach a “potentially supportive audience that we may not be hitting other ways.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s stream came together quickly. She tweeted Monday asking, “Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote?” Major streamers quickly signed up — she ended up being joined by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Pokimane, HasanAbi, Disguised Toast, DrLupo, and more. Her stream even had graphics prepared, which Ocasio-Cortez said came from supporters who started making art after she tweeted.
The stream reached more than 300,000 viewers before the first game even started.


theverge--2020-10-21--Jony Ive is bringing his design talents to... Airbnb

I ’ m not going to pretend it makes obvious sense , but famed former Apple designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom will soon be working for Airbnb .
Yes , the company that primarily makes it easy for you to rent someone else ’ s home needs design help , and they ’ re going to the man best known for turning consumer tech on its head — as well as the occasional all-diamond diamond ring , a Christmas tree that is actually just a tree , and a magazine cover with no content .
So if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Airbnb ’ s recently introduced , exorbitantly priced Luxe accommodations because they have too many furnishings , perhaps this is just the ticket ?
Dude loves minimalism .
Airbnb is calling the deal a “ special collaboration ” as well as a “ multi-year relationship to design the next generation of Airbnb products and services , ” and that Ive will help develop Airbnb ’ s internal design team as well — which has apparently undergone some turmoil .
The Information is reporting three senior designers have recently left the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to a part-time role .
Ive and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky have apparently been friends for years , with Ive going so far as to pen a 2015 mini-profile of the Airbnb chief for Time Magazine , praising the company ’ s website design .
Maybe he can fix the company ’ s unfortunately shaped logo .
Ive still counts Apple as a client , by the way , even though he left last November .
We had quite a few thoughts at the time :

I’m not going to pretend it makes obvious sense, but famed former Apple designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom will soon be working for Airbnb. Yes, the company that primarily makes it easy for you to rent someone else’s home needs design help, and they’re going to the man best known for turning consumer tech on its head — as well as the occasional all-diamond diamond ring, a Christmas tree that is actually just a tree, and a magazine cover with no content.
So if you’ve been been put off renting one of Airbnb’s recently introduced, exorbitantly priced Luxe accommodations because they have too many furnishings, perhaps this is just the ticket? Dude loves minimalism.
A “multi-year relationship”
Airbnb is calling the deal a “special collaboration” as well as a “multi-year relationship to design the next generation of Airbnb products and services,” and that Ive will help develop Airbnb’s internal design team as well — which has apparently undergone some turmoil. The Information is reporting three senior designers have recently left the team and design chief Alex Schleifer has been moved to a part-time role.
Ive and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky have apparently been friends for years, with Ive going so far as to pen a 2015 mini-profile of the Airbnb chief for Time Magazine, praising the company’s website design.
Maybe he can fix the company’s unfortunately shaped logo.


theverge--2020-10-21--Iran and Russia obtained US voter registration data, officials say

National security officials announced Wednesday that Iran and Russia obtained voter registration information that could support efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election .
The officials also confirmed that Iran sent threatening emails designed to intimidate voters .
“ Iran and Russia have taken specific actions to influence public opinion relating to our election .
Some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran and separately by Russia , ” Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said in a press conference Wednesday evening .
“ This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to convey misinformation.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their intended effect ” Voter registration information is often publicly available , so there ’ s no indication that either Iran or Russia breached any US infrastructure .
Still , Ratcliffe and FBI director Christopher Wray warned Americans to be cautious when reading and sharing information regarding voting online .
The announcement about Iran ’ s involvement in the emails confirms The Washington Post ’ s reporting from earlier today .
The report said that Iran was behind emails sent to some Democratic voters that were spoofed to appear to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week .
One of the emails viewed by CBS News showed that it threatened individuals to vote for President Trump or “ we will come after you.
” That email also said that “ we are in possession of all of your information.
” Ratcliffe also said that Iran is distributing other content , such as a video that “ implies that individuals could cast fraudulent ballots.
” “ We ask every American to do their part to defend against those who wish us harm , ” Ratcliffe said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their intended effect .
”

National security officials announced Wednesday that Iran and Russia obtained voter registration information that could support efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election. The officials also confirmed that Iran sent threatening emails designed to intimidate voters.
“Iran and Russia have taken specific actions to influence public opinion relating to our election. Some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran and separately by Russia,” Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said in a press conference Wednesday evening. “This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to convey misinformation.”
“Do not allow these efforts to have their intended effect”
Voter registration information is often publicly available, so there’s no indication that either Iran or Russia breached any US infrastructure. Still, Ratcliffe and FBI director Christopher Wray warned Americans to be cautious when reading and sharing information regarding voting online.
The announcement about Iran’s involvement in the emails confirms The Washington Post’s reporting from earlier today. The report said that Iran was behind emails sent to some Democratic voters that were spoofed to appear to have been sent from the far-right Proud Boys organization earlier this week. One of the emails viewed by CBS News showed that it threatened individuals to vote for President Trump or “we will come after you.” That email also said that “we are in possession of all of your information.”
Ratcliffe also said that Iran is distributing other content, such as a video that “implies that individuals could cast fraudulent ballots.”


theverge--2020-10-21--Stunning images show NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft stirring up rocks on an asteroid

NASA shared astonishing images of its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft touching an asteroid yesterday , revealing how the vehicle stirred up rocks and debris on the object ’ s surface when it made contact .
The goal of the tap was to collect a sample of material from the asteroid , but the engineers behind the spacecraft say they won ’ t for sure if they collected anything until this weekend , when they spin the vehicle and measure how much material is inside .
“ the sampling event went really well , as good as we could have imagined.
” However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they got something .
“ Bottom line is from analysis of the images that we ’ ve gotten down so far , is that the sampling event went really well , as good as we could have imagined it would , ” Dante Lauretta , the principal investigator of OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona , said during a press conference .
“ And I think the chances that there ’ s material inside ... have gone way up way up based on the analysis of the images.
” Images of the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dirt from the asteroid — named Bennu — on Tuesday .
The pictures highlight the end of OSIRIS-REx ’ s outstretched robotic arm , tasked with gently pressing onto Bennu ’ s surface .
“ We were in contact with the surface for about six seconds , and our collection time about five seconds , ” Sandy Freund , a mission support manager for OSIRIS-REx at Lockheed Martin , said during the press conference .
When it touched Bennu , the spacecraft ’ s arm released a whiff of nitrogen gas , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asteroid to dance and twirl about in a frenzy .
The hope is that the gas caused some of those rocks to shoot up into the arm itself .
on Saturday , the engineers will send OSIRIS-REx into a spin Now it ’ s just a waiting game as the OSIRIS-REx team pores over the data .
On Saturday , the engineers will send OSIRIS-REx into a spin , with its sampling arm outstretched , measuring the vehicle ’ s inertia .
They ’ ll then compare those measurements to how OSIRIS-REx spun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its arm .
The difference between those measurements should give the team a better idea of how much material the vehicle grabbed on Tuesday .
And if OSIRIS-REx grabbed enough — at least 60 grams — then the mission team will start making preparations for the spacecraft to leave Bennu next year and embark on the long journey home , carrying its precious cargo back to scientists here on Earth .

NASA shared astonishing images of its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft touching an asteroid yesterday, revealing how the vehicle stirred up rocks and debris on the object’s surface when it made contact. The goal of the tap was to collect a sample of material from the asteroid, but the engineers behind the spacecraft say they won’t for sure if they collected anything until this weekend, when they spin the vehicle and measure how much material is inside.
“the sampling event went really well, as good as we could have imagined.”
However, the OSIRIS-REx team feels confident that they got something. “Bottom line is from analysis of the images that we’ve gotten down so far, is that the sampling event went really well, as good as we could have imagined it would,” Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator of OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, said during a press conference. “And I think the chances that there’s material inside... have gone way up way up based on the analysis of the images.”
Images of the event show how OSIRIS-REx supposedly grabbed some asteroid dirt from the asteroid — named Bennu — on Tuesday. The pictures highlight the end of OSIRIS-REx’s outstretched robotic arm, tasked with gently pressing onto Bennu’s surface. “We were in contact with the surface for about six seconds, and our collection time about five seconds,” Sandy Freund, a mission support manager for OSIRIS-REx at Lockheed Martin, said during the press conference. When it touched Bennu, the spacecraft’s arm released a whiff of nitrogen gas, which caused the rocks and pebbles on the asteroid to dance and twirl about in a frenzy. The hope is that the gas caused some of those rocks to shoot up into the arm itself.
on Saturday, the engineers will send OSIRIS-REx into a spin
Now it’s just a waiting game as the OSIRIS-REx team pores over the data. On Saturday, the engineers will send OSIRIS-REx into a spin, with its sampling arm outstretched, measuring the vehicle’s inertia. They’ll then compare those measurements to how OSIRIS-REx spun once before, without any sample in its arm. The difference between those measurements should give the team a better idea of how much material the vehicle grabbed on Tuesday.


theverge--2020-10-21--Facebook Dating launches in Europe after lengthy delay

Facebook Dating , the social network ’ s competitor to Tinder and other dating apps , launches today in Europe after a long delay from its planned Valentine ’ s Day debut .
The dating service offers the same features in Europe as it does in the US , using the existing profile you ’ ve created on Facebook to find potential matches .
Facebook tailors these matches with your preferences , Facebook activity , and , if you opt in , groups and events .
Facebook originally planned to launch its dating service in Europe back in February While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tab in Facebook ’ s mobile app , it ’ s deeply integrated with the rest of the social giant ’ s products .
Your profile can pull stories and photos from Instagram , you can initiate Messenger video calls from chats , and the splashy Secret Crush feature searches both your Instagram followers and Facebook friends for potential matches .
Facebook touts the service ’ s privacy features , with many of its more personal matching tactics entirely optional .
But the close connection Facebook Dating has to the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past .
Back in February , Facebook chose to push back the service ’ s launch after regulators in Ireland took issue with the timing of the planned launch .
Companies launching such products must undergo a review called a Data Processing Impact Assessment ( DPIA ) under the European Union ’ s GDPR protections , and Facebook reportedly informed regulators too late of its plans , raising concerns about data privacy compliance .
With the problem settled , Facebook Dating is now offered in over 50 countries , including Austria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Croatia , Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Latvia , Malta , Netherlands , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Sweden , Slovenia , Slovakia , Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway , Spain , Switzerland , and the United Kingdom .

Facebook Dating, the social network’s competitor to Tinder and other dating apps, launches today in Europe after a long delay from its planned Valentine’s Day debut.
The dating service offers the same features in Europe as it does in the US, using the existing profile you’ve created on Facebook to find potential matches. Facebook tailors these matches with your preferences, Facebook activity, and, if you opt in, groups and events.
Facebook originally planned to launch its dating service in Europe back in February
While the service still only appears as a tab in Facebook’s mobile app, it’s deeply integrated with the rest of the social giant’s products. Your profile can pull stories and photos from Instagram, you can initiate Messenger video calls from chats, and the splashy Secret Crush feature searches both your Instagram followers and Facebook friends for potential matches.
Facebook touts the service’s privacy features, with many of its more personal matching tactics entirely optional. But the close connection Facebook Dating has to the rest of the company’s products has raised concerns in the past. Back in February, Facebook chose to push back the service’s launch after regulators in Ireland took issue with the timing of the planned launch. Companies launching such products must undergo a review called a Data Processing Impact Assessment (DPIA) under the European Union’s GDPR protections, and Facebook reportedly informed regulators too late of its plans, raising concerns about data privacy compliance.