theverge--2020-08-11--Xiaomi’s see-through OLED TV is a transparent attempt at attention, and it’s working

The best TVs provide a picture that ’ s so good , it ’ s like looking through a window into another world .
But — and stay with me — what if your next TV was like a window into , well , whatever ’ s behind your TV ?
That ’ s what Xiaomi ’ s new $ 7,000 transparent OLED TV promises .
The Mi TV LUX OLED Transparent Edition is a new product announced as part of Xiaomi ’ s 10th anniversary celebration that , according to the press images , is all about displaying solitary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is able to be transparent partly due to the fact that Xiaomi put all of the guts into its circular base instead of behind the display .
But the more magical part of how it actually made a see-through OLED screen comes down to utilizing transparent OLED technology ( TOLED ) .
As mentioned on the Universal Display Corporation ’ s site that breaks down all the specs , TOLED screens use transparent components all the way through the stack that makes up the screen , and with no need for backlighting ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hence the acronym ) , images can look like they ’ re floating .
Most other OLED screens use a reflective cathode layer , which prevents you from seeing through it , even if its back was removed .
The result is a 55-inch transparent TV that “ looks like a mere glass display ” when it ’ s off .
Powered on , it has a 120Hz refresh rate , 1ms response time , 150,000:1 contrast ratio , and it has 93 percent of the DCI-P3 color profile .
In display terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a few concerns that Xiaomi ’ s press release doesn ’ t really answer .
For instance , presumably I can watch or play anything on this TV , but what kind of content will work best on it ?
The press assets show off animals just chilling in the void .
Xiaomi talks up its AI Master Smart Engine and the custom-made MediaTek 9650 chip for being able to intelligently optimize how the picture appears , but it doesn ’ t mention how it ’ s able to isolate objects from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that ’ s even something it can do .
Perhaps , it ’ s just showing some very high-resolution .png files , and for everything else , I could expect it to just have a slightly transparent quality to it , which I can ’ t say is something I ’ ve ever wanted .
And even if you ’ re watching content that ’ s optimized for this screen , it ’ s possible that the dormant parts of the screen won ’ t be as crystal clear as you might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off something similar in 2019 that was built for signage purposes , and the frame has a dark hue to it .
Xiaomi ’ s press images actually reflect that the panel might be slightly darker , so this could be true to how it looks in person .
This TV is only set to release in China for RMB 49,999 ( around $ 7,200 ) , and it will be available to order on August 16th .
Honestly , I ’ d love to see it in action .
All we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I can ’ t see through .

The best TVs provide a picture that’s so good, it’s like looking through a window into another world. But — and stay with me — what if your next TV was like a window into, well, whatever’s behind your TV? That’s what Xiaomi’s new $7,000 transparent OLED TV promises. The Mi TV LUX OLED Transparent Edition is a new product announced as part of Xiaomi’s 10th anniversary celebration that, according to the press images, is all about displaying solitary objects floating in space.
This TV is able to be transparent partly due to the fact that Xiaomi put all of the guts into its circular base instead of behind the display. But the more magical part of how it actually made a see-through OLED screen comes down to utilizing transparent OLED technology (TOLED). As mentioned on the Universal Display Corporation’s site that breaks down all the specs, TOLED screens use transparent components all the way through the stack that makes up the screen, and with no need for backlighting (each diode emits its own light, hence the acronym), images can look like they’re floating. Most other OLED screens use a reflective cathode layer, which prevents you from seeing through it, even if its back was removed.
The only TV where you’ll still yell “down in front!” when someone’s behind it. Image: Xiaomi
The result is a 55-inch transparent TV that “looks like a mere glass display” when it’s off. Powered on, it has a 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 150,000:1 contrast ratio, and it has 93 percent of the DCI-P3 color profile. In display terms, it seems great, but I have a few concerns that Xiaomi’s press release doesn’t really answer.
For instance, presumably I can watch or play anything on this TV, but what kind of content will work best on it? The press assets show off animals just chilling in the void. Xiaomi talks up its AI Master Smart Engine and the custom-made MediaTek 9650 chip for being able to intelligently optimize how the picture appears, but it doesn’t mention how it’s able to isolate objects from a background like the images show — if that’s even something it can do. Perhaps, it’s just showing some very high-resolution .png files, and for everything else, I could expect it to just have a slightly transparent quality to it, which I can’t say is something I’ve ever wanted. And even if you’re watching content that’s optimized for this screen, it’s possible that the dormant parts of the screen won’t be as crystal clear as you might hope it to be. LG showed off something similar in 2019 that was built for signage purposes, and the frame has a dark hue to it. Xiaomi’s press images actually reflect that the panel might be slightly darker, so this could be true to how it looks in person.


theverge--2020-08-11--Google announces new tools to help with virtual education during the pandemic

Google announced on Tuesday a number of new features on the way to help make virtual education easier , including updates to its Google Meet conferencing service and a new homework helper tool that just requires a photo from a phone .
For Meet , Google says that a larger tiled view that can show up to 49 meeting participants , which Google first announced in June , will now arrive in September .
Google first launched its tiled view for Meet in April with the ability to see 16 participants at a time .
So being able to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gallery view on par with Zoom ’ s .
Google will integrate its digital whiteboard product , Jamboard , into Meet in September as well , and in October , Google will add the ability to blur or replace your background in Meet ( a feature it also announced in June ) .
Breakout rooms for G Suite Enterprise for Education customers are coming in October G Suite Enterprise for Education customers will be able to create breakout rooms in Meet starting in October , which could allow virtual classes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also in October , teachers will be able to track attendance in Meet meetings .
And to help Meet moderators and educators on the G Suite Enterprise for Education tier manage classes more easily , Google is also announcing when it will roll out new moderation controls .
Later this month , moderators will be able to stop people from joining meetings after they ’ ve been kicked from the room or denied from entering two times , which might help prevent people from nefariously disrupting classes .
In September , Google will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone at the same time , bulk approve or reject requests to join a class , turn off in-meeting chat , restrict who can present in a class , and turn on a setting that won ’ t start a meeting until the teacher has joined .
Among some of the other non-Meet updates Google announced on Tuesday , Google shared new tools to help students learn using their phones .
For example , students can now visualize nearly 100 concepts in biology , chemistry , and other STEM topics by searching for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a model of that concept in augmented reality on Android and iOS devices .
And Google will let students get help with a homework problem just by taking a photo of it using Google Lens or Google-owned education app Socratic .
If you want to read more about the many education-focused updates Google announced on Tuesday , check out Google ’ s roundup here .

Google announced on Tuesday a number of new features on the way to help make virtual education easier, including updates to its Google Meet conferencing service and a new homework helper tool that just requires a photo from a phone.
For Meet, Google says that a larger tiled view that can show up to 49 meeting participants, which Google first announced in June, will now arrive in September. Google first launched its tiled view for Meet in April with the ability to see 16 participants at a time. So being able to see 49 people at once will bring Meet’s gallery view on par with Zoom’s. Google will integrate its digital whiteboard product, Jamboard, into Meet in September as well, and in October, Google will add the ability to blur or replace your background in Meet (a feature it also announced in June).
Breakout rooms for G Suite Enterprise for Education customers are coming in October
G Suite Enterprise for Education customers will be able to create breakout rooms in Meet starting in October, which could allow virtual classes to break out into smaller group discussions. Also in October, teachers will be able to track attendance in Meet meetings.
And to help Meet moderators and educators on the G Suite Enterprise for Education tier manage classes more easily, Google is also announcing when it will roll out new moderation controls. Later this month, moderators will be able to stop people from joining meetings after they’ve been kicked from the room or denied from entering two times, which might help prevent people from nefariously disrupting classes. In September, Google will let moderators end a Meet class for everyone at the same time, bulk approve or reject requests to join a class, turn off in-meeting chat, restrict who can present in a class, and turn on a setting that won’t start a meeting until the teacher has joined.
Among some of the other non-Meet updates Google announced on Tuesday, Google shared new tools to help students learn using their phones. For example, students can now visualize nearly 100 concepts in biology, chemistry, and other STEM topics by searching for them on Google and then looking at a model of that concept in augmented reality on Android and iOS devices. And Google will let students get help with a homework problem just by taking a photo of it using Google Lens or Google-owned education app Socratic.


theverge--2020-08-12--Xiaomi’s new gaming monitor is a surprisingly good 34-inch ultrawide

Xiaomi is best known for its affordable phones and accessories , but the list of product categories it ’ s willing to enter grows seemingly by the year .
One of the latest is gaming monitors , with a 27-inch model launched in June and a 34-inch ultrawide following last month .
I ’ ve been testing the latter , and it ’ s actually very good for the price of €399 ( or ~ $ 469 — real-world euro-dollar conversions tend to be closer to 1:1 , though that won ’ t help US importers ) .
The Mi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design with a versatile stand that can be tilted , swiveled , raised , and lowered .
The stand also features magnetic covers that easily pop on and off to assist with cable management , and attaching the monitor itself was very easy .
The monitor ’ s panel matches up to what you ’ d have likely expected from a high-end ultrawide a couple of years ago , before HDR became more of a thing on PC .
It ’ s a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 display , which is the standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s basically like having a 27-inch 1440p screen with a third more horizontal real estate .
The monitor ’ s curvature is 1500R , so it ’ s not as pronounced as some of Samsung ’ s more extreme recent models , but it feels natural for this size .
The panel uses VA technology and looks good .
I ’ ve had it set up next to my IPS Asus PG279Q , and the color reproduction is at least as strong , with a claimed 125 percent coverage of the sRGB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dimmer at 300 nits to the Asus ’ 350 , but it ’ s not really an issue other than when the morning sun is streaming through the window with the curtains open .
For a monitor that will likely remain in a fixed position , it ’ s not a big deal , and I appreciate the lack of glare from the matte finish .
The brightness does mean there ’ s no HDR support , not even the lowest-end DisplayHDR 400 specification .
But the refresh rate is 144Hz and works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games at high , variable frame rates without tearing .
Although FreeSync is designed for AMD GPUs and I have an Nvidia GTX 1080 , I did get it working with Nvidia ’ s “ G-Sync Compatible ” functionality , despite the monitor not having been formally certified .
Nvidia ’ s official line about using an unverified FreeSync monitor like this is “ it may work , it may work partly , or it may not work at all , ” so I can ’ t promise across-the-board compatibility .
I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could only run G-Sync at up to 120Hz , but that ’ s been more than enough to improve my 60fps-ish experience with the shaky PC port of Horizon Zero Dawn .
The Mi Curved Gaming Monitor gets the basics right , but it does skip some of the nice-to-have features you ’ ll find on higher-end products .
Two DisplayPort and HDMI ports each is a generous inclusion , but they ’ re all you get ( plus a headphone jack ) .
There ’ s no USB hub functionality at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-cable display output and charging .
The UI , controlled by five small buttons on the back of the display , is pokey and inefficient , and I never got used to working out which button was which by feel .
I ’ d much prefer joystick-style controls like on my Asus .
I also found the monitor to be unusually slow to wake up or switch inputs , taking several seconds for each operation .
None of those are deal-breakers for the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor ’ s core functionality , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ ve been thinking about getting into ultrawide gaming or even just getting more desktop real estate , I think this is a really good value option .
It ’ s definitely worth checking out if you ’ re in Europe , Australia , India , or the other markets where Xiaomi has a presence .

Xiaomi is best known for its affordable phones and accessories, but the list of product categories it’s willing to enter grows seemingly by the year. One of the latest is gaming monitors, with a 27-inch model launched in June and a 34-inch ultrawide following last month. I’ve been testing the latter, and it’s actually very good for the price of €399 (or ~$469 — real-world euro-dollar conversions tend to be closer to 1:1, though that won’t help US importers).
The Mi Curved Gaming Monitor has a neat minimalist design with a versatile stand that can be tilted, swiveled, raised, and lowered. The stand also features magnetic covers that easily pop on and off to assist with cable management, and attaching the monitor itself was very easy.
7.5 Verge Score Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor The Good Affordable
Decent panel quality
Minimalist design The Bad Limited port selection
Clumsy buttons
No HDR support How we rate and review products
The monitor’s panel matches up to what you’d have likely expected from a high-end ultrawide a couple of years ago, before HDR became more of a thing on PC. It’s a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 display, which is the standard 21:9 resolution for that size — it’s basically like having a 27-inch 1440p screen with a third more horizontal real estate. The monitor’s curvature is 1500R, so it’s not as pronounced as some of Samsung’s more extreme recent models, but it feels natural for this size.
The panel uses VA technology and looks good. I’ve had it set up next to my IPS Asus PG279Q, and the color reproduction is at least as strong, with a claimed 125 percent coverage of the sRGB gamut. The Xiaomi is a little dimmer at 300 nits to the Asus’ 350, but it’s not really an issue other than when the morning sun is streaming through the window with the curtains open. For a monitor that will likely remain in a fixed position, it’s not a big deal, and I appreciate the lack of glare from the matte finish.
Supports FreeSync, still works with G-Sync
The brightness does mean there’s no HDR support, not even the lowest-end DisplayHDR 400 specification. But the refresh rate is 144Hz and works with FreeSync, which lets you play games at high, variable frame rates without tearing. Although FreeSync is designed for AMD GPUs and I have an Nvidia GTX 1080, I did get it working with Nvidia’s “G-Sync Compatible” functionality, despite the monitor not having been formally certified.
Nvidia’s official line about using an unverified FreeSync monitor like this is “it may work, it may work partly, or it may not work at all,” so I can’t promise across-the-board compatibility. I did find that the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor could only run G-Sync at up to 120Hz, but that’s been more than enough to improve my 60fps-ish experience with the shaky PC port of Horizon Zero Dawn.
The Mi Curved Gaming Monitor gets the basics right, but it does skip some of the nice-to-have features you’ll find on higher-end products. Two DisplayPort and HDMI ports each is a generous inclusion, but they’re all you get (plus a headphone jack). There’s no USB hub functionality at all, nor is there USB-C support for single-cable display output and charging. The UI, controlled by five small buttons on the back of the display, is pokey and inefficient, and I never got used to working out which button was which by feel. I’d much prefer joystick-style controls like on my Asus. I also found the monitor to be unusually slow to wake up or switch inputs, taking several seconds for each operation.
None of those are deal-breakers for the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor’s core functionality, though — at least not for me. If you’ve been thinking about getting into ultrawide gaming or even just getting more desktop real estate, I think this is a really good value option. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Europe, Australia, India, or the other markets where Xiaomi has a presence.


theverge--2020-08-12--Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review: cool beans

Samsung should ’ ve called these things the Galaxy Beans .
What a missed opportunity .
With that out of the way , let ’ s talk about the new Galaxy Buds Live .
The company ’ s latest true wireless earbuds and their unconventional design have leaked extensively over the last few months , and I ’ ve had many questions along the way .
How do you achieve noise cancellation with earbuds that don ’ t seal in your ears ?
Can this bean shape possibly feel comfortable ?
The $ 169.99 Buds Live have a style all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflective in the bronze color , which can look more rose gold in some lighting .
But I generally like the look and the fact that Samsung is experimenting .
You ’ ve never worn earbuds quite like these , which means putting them in the first few times feels a bit foreign , and you might overthink it .
Turns out , they slot into the concha of my ears quite naturally — the bean design works !
— and are both comfortable and stable once there .
There are no silicone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your ear canal .
The Buds Live have some silicone stabilizers near the top , and there ’ s a slightly larger set included in the box if those help the buds better sit in your ears ’ contours .
My friend Megan has very small ears and had a difficult time getting the Galaxy Buds Live to fit .
I had no such trouble , and I ’ m one of those people whose ears hate regular AirPods ; the fit here is different and wholly unique .
I found that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I shoved them as far into my ears as they ’ d comfortably go .
The tap controls work just like those on the Galaxy Buds Plus : single tap to pause , double to skip , three to go back , and you can customize what a long press does .
The Galaxy Buds Live carrying case , which has a USB-C port and wireless charging support , is wonderfully compact , though the earbuds will definitely go flying out if you drop it since they don ’ t have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live have 12-millimeter drivers — larger than what ’ s inside the Galaxy Buds Plus — and a “ bass duct ” to help ramp up the low end .
Like the AirPods Pro and Google ’ s Pixel Buds , Samsung also built in an air vent to make them feel as natural as possible without any sensation of being closed off .
This spaciousness lends well to audio quality , which is dynamic and full-bodied .
I ’ ve been pleasantly surprised by just how good the Galaxy Buds Live sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” collaboration with Bon Iver is a great showcase for these buds , with the distinct vocal qualities of Swift and Justin Vernon both coming through clearly .
Similarly , Jack Antonoff ’ s production on the new album Gaslighter by The Chicks has plenty of room to breathe , and the harmonies never feel mushed together .
Jumping across different playlists and genres , I came away very pleased by the warmth and balance of the Buds Live .
If you ’ re worried about bass , don ’ t be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your ears right , the Buds Live can kick out plenty of oomph on the bottom end .
These sound excellent and just what I ’ d hoped for considering the $ 170 price .
But the noise cancellation aspect of the Galaxy Buds Live is being oversold a bit .
To be very clear , these earbuds let in a significant amount of outside noise at all times .
That ’ s intentional and where I think the “ Live ” part of the name comes from .
These aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get back to the office someday , nor are they going to be your preferred airplane companions .
Samsung says it designed the Buds Live to eliminate very low frequencies — think the persistent hum of an air conditioner or the rumbling of an Amtrak — and you can hear some of that ambient sound get sliced off when you turn on active noise cancellation .
But AirPods Pro or Sony 1000XM3s these are not .
You ’ re still going to hear plenty of the world around you .
Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to worry about missing travel announcements or someone trying to speak to them nearby , but I ’ m more of a tune-out-everything-else person when I listen to music .
If that ’ s you , the Galaxy Buds Plus might be a better choice since they seal in your ears and create more isolation , even without any active noise cancellation .
If you buy the Galaxy Buds Live because of the advertised noise canceling , you ’ ll be sorely underwhelmed and disappointed .
Bluetooth stability on the Buds Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as with the Galaxy Buds Plus .
I ’ ve had the occasional bout of split-second cutouts when walking down the street .
It ’ s not a constant source of frustration , but it happens with more frequency than other earbuds I ’ ve reviewed lately .
I ’ ve had zero signal problems when relaxing and listening at my apartment , though .
Nor do I have any gripes with battery life ; Samsung says the Buds Live can last for up to six hours of continuous listening with ANC enabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) or eight with it off ( 29 hours with the case ) .
Those numbers are quite good and beat out the AirPods Pro , but they fall short of the staggering 11 straight hours the Galaxy Buds Plus can last on a charge .
With three total beamforming mics — two on the exterior and one inside — the Galaxy Buds Live have performed just fine during my Zoom meetings and voice calls .
Samsung says they also have a “ voice pickup unit ” in the hardware for improved speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independently while the other is charging in the case .
So there ’ s a lot of good , but the Galaxy Buds Live aren ’ t without faults .
For one , they ’ re only rated IPX2 for water and sweat resistance , which is less durable than wireless earbuds from other manufacturers in 2020 .
I ’ d be a little worried about them in the rain or if you sweat a lot at the gym .
These aren ’ t destined to be fitness buds , which is disappointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that helps you stay aware when out running .
And like most other true wireless earbuds besides those from Jabra , the Buds Live can only connect to a single device at a time .
Taken as a whole package , the Galaxy Buds Live exceeded what I came in expecting based on the leaks and the uncertainty I had about what the bean shape would mean for comfort and sound quality .
Neither wound up being a concern after actually using them .
If you ’ re okay living with a healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Galaxy Buds Live , there ’ s a lot to like .
Update August 12 , 2020 9:30AM ET : This article was originally published on August 6 , 2020 and has been updated to include video .

Samsung should’ve called these things the Galaxy Beans. What a missed opportunity. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the new Galaxy Buds Live. The company’s latest true wireless earbuds and their unconventional design have leaked extensively over the last few months, and I’ve had many questions along the way. How do you achieve noise cancellation with earbuds that don’t seal in your ears? Can this bean shape possibly feel comfortable?
The $169.99 Buds Live have a style all their own. They’re super reflective in the bronze color, which can look more rose gold in some lighting. But I generally like the look and the fact that Samsung is experimenting. You’ve never worn earbuds quite like these, which means putting them in the first few times feels a bit foreign, and you might overthink it. Turns out, they slot into the concha of my ears quite naturally — the bean design works! — and are both comfortable and stable once there. There are no silicone tips; the speaker points directly into your ear canal. The Buds Live have some silicone stabilizers near the top, and there’s a slightly larger set included in the box if those help the buds better sit in your ears’ contours.
8 Verge Score Samsung Buds Live $ 169.99 The Good Bold, unconventional design
Lengthy battery life
Powerful, balanced sound The Bad Noise cancellation isn’t good for much
Might not fit the smallest ears
Occasional signal interference $170 at Samsung$170 at Best Buy How we rate and review products
My friend Megan has very small ears and had a difficult time getting the Galaxy Buds Live to fit. I had no such trouble, and I’m one of those people whose ears hate regular AirPods; the fit here is different and wholly unique. I found that the best sound quality and bass performance came when I shoved them as far into my ears as they’d comfortably go.
The Galaxy Buds Live have a bean-shaped design that stands out from other earbuds.
The tap controls work just like those on the Galaxy Buds Plus: single tap to pause, double to skip, three to go back, and you can customize what a long press does. The Galaxy Buds Live carrying case, which has a USB-C port and wireless charging support, is wonderfully compact, though the earbuds will definitely go flying out if you drop it since they don’t have a very deep cradle.
The AKG-tuned Buds Live have 12-millimeter drivers — larger than what’s inside the Galaxy Buds Plus — and a “bass duct” to help ramp up the low end. Like the AirPods Pro and Google’s Pixel Buds, Samsung also built in an air vent to make them feel as natural as possible without any sensation of being closed off. This spaciousness lends well to audio quality, which is dynamic and full-bodied. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by just how good the Galaxy Buds Live sound. Taylor Swift’s “Exile” collaboration with Bon Iver is a great showcase for these buds, with the distinct vocal qualities of Swift and Justin Vernon both coming through clearly.
Similarly, Jack Antonoff’s production on the new album Gaslighter by The Chicks has plenty of room to breathe, and the harmonies never feel mushed together. Jumping across different playlists and genres, I came away very pleased by the warmth and balance of the Buds Live. If you’re worried about bass, don’t be. So long as they’re in your ears right, the Buds Live can kick out plenty of oomph on the bottom end. These sound excellent and just what I’d hoped for considering the $170 price.
The carrying case supports wireless charging. It’s compact and easily pocketable.
But the noise cancellation aspect of the Galaxy Buds Live is being oversold a bit. To be very clear, these earbuds let in a significant amount of outside noise at all times. That’s intentional and where I think the “Live” part of the name comes from. These aren’t going to drown out your co-workers when we get back to the office someday, nor are they going to be your preferred airplane companions. Samsung says it designed the Buds Live to eliminate very low frequencies — think the persistent hum of an air conditioner or the rumbling of an Amtrak — and you can hear some of that ambient sound get sliced off when you turn on active noise cancellation.
The active noise cancellation can get rid of some low frequencies but isn’t all that effective.
But AirPods Pro or Sony 1000XM3s these are not. You’re still going to hear plenty of the world around you. Some people will like that they won’t have to worry about missing travel announcements or someone trying to speak to them nearby, but I’m more of a tune-out-everything-else person when I listen to music. If that’s you, the Galaxy Buds Plus might be a better choice since they seal in your ears and create more isolation, even without any active noise cancellation. If you buy the Galaxy Buds Live because of the advertised noise canceling, you’ll be sorely underwhelmed and disappointed.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Plus have a more traditional design with silicone ear tips.
Bluetooth stability on the Buds Live doesn’t seem quite as robust as with the Galaxy Buds Plus. I’ve had the occasional bout of split-second cutouts when walking down the street. It’s not a constant source of frustration, but it happens with more frequency than other earbuds I’ve reviewed lately. I’ve had zero signal problems when relaxing and listening at my apartment, though. Nor do I have any gripes with battery life; Samsung says the Buds Live can last for up to six hours of continuous listening with ANC enabled (21 hours total with case recharges) or eight with it off (29 hours with the case). Those numbers are quite good and beat out the AirPods Pro, but they fall short of the staggering 11 straight hours the Galaxy Buds Plus can last on a charge.
The mirror-like finish on the Galaxy Buds Live is very reflective. Each bud has a 12-millimeter driver and a bass duct for more powerful audio.
With three total beamforming mics — two on the exterior and one inside — the Galaxy Buds Live have performed just fine during my Zoom meetings and voice calls. Samsung says they also have a “voice pickup unit” in the hardware for improved speech detection. You can use either bud independently while the other is charging in the case.
Agree to Continue: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 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 started 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. As with other Bluetooth earbuds, you can use Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live without agreeing to anything in software. But the app plays an important role in configuring settings, and once you install that, you’re agreeing to: Samsung’s End User License Agreement
Samsung’s Privacy Policy Add that up, and you’ve got no mandatory agreements but two optional ones that are necessary for the complete experience.
So there’s a lot of good, but the Galaxy Buds Live aren’t without faults. For one, they’re only rated IPX2 for water and sweat resistance, which is less durable than wireless earbuds from other manufacturers in 2020. I’d be a little worried about them in the rain or if you sweat a lot at the gym. These aren’t destined to be fitness buds, which is disappointing since they’ve got a design that helps you stay aware when out running. And like most other true wireless earbuds besides those from Jabra, the Buds Live can only connect to a single device at a time.
Samsung gambled on design, but it came out with a winner.
Taken as a whole package, the Galaxy Buds Live exceeded what I came in expecting based on the leaks and the uncertainty I had about what the bean shape would mean for comfort and sound quality. Neither wound up being a concern after actually using them. If you’re okay living with a healthy dose of outside sound when listening to the Galaxy Buds Live, there’s a lot to like.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
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theverge--2020-08-12--Waze begins rolling out railroad crossing alerts globally

Google-owned navigation app Waze is rolling out a global safety feature that alerts users about upcoming railroad crossings .
The feature is not wholly new , and was quietly launched in the US , Belgium , and Canada earlier this year , but Waze says it ’ s now expanding the alerts to more territories .
In some countries it ’ s working with official data from railroad operators , while in others ( like the UK , Italy , Israel , Brazil , Mexico ) it ’ s relying on its community of local map editors to add alerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on Waze earlier this year , however now that more people are returning to the roads following the COVID-19 outbreak we are highlighting this functionality to help promote road safety , ” a spokesperson for Waze told The Verge .
The alerts appear as a pop-up in the Waze app but can be turned off by users .
To turn the alerts off , users can head to Search > Settings > Map Display > Reports > Railroad crossing and deselect “ Alert me while driving.
” It ’ s not clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waze ’ s database or how coverage may differ between countries .
Many rail organizations , like the US Federal Railroad Administration ( FRA ) , have been pushing for GPS apps to integrate railroad alerts for years .
Safety agencies say drivers still get confused about where and when to stop near railroad crossings , especially if suffering from fatigue , and that alerts from navigation apps like Waze can help remind them of these dangers .
The most recent data from the FRA covering 2018 reported that there were 2,217 collisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 262 of these resulting in fatalities .
Dani Simons , Waze ’ s head of public sector partnerships , said the feature was the result of a “ cross-industry , cross-sector collaboration , both internally within Waze and the community , working together to help fellow drivers map out all highway-railroad intersections .
”

Google-owned navigation app Waze is rolling out a global safety feature that alerts users about upcoming railroad crossings.
The feature is not wholly new, and was quietly launched in the US, Belgium, and Canada earlier this year, but Waze says it’s now expanding the alerts to more territories. In some countries it’s working with official data from railroad operators, while in others (like the UK, Italy, Israel, Brazil, Mexico) it’s relying on its community of local map editors to add alerts.
“Railroad Crossing alerts started rolling out on Waze earlier this year, however now that more people are returning to the roads following the COVID-19 outbreak we are highlighting this functionality to help promote road safety,” a spokesperson for Waze told The Verge.
The alerts appear as a pop-up in the Waze app but can be turned off by users. To turn the alerts off, users can head to Search > Settings > Map Display > Reports > Railroad crossing and deselect “Alert me while driving.” It’s not clear exactly how many crossings are included in Waze’s database or how coverage may differ between countries.
How the alerts appear in-app. Image: Waze
Many rail organizations, like the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), have been pushing for GPS apps to integrate railroad alerts for years. Safety agencies say drivers still get confused about where and when to stop near railroad crossings, especially if suffering from fatigue, and that alerts from navigation apps like Waze can help remind them of these dangers. The most recent data from the FRA covering 2018 reported that there were 2,217 collisions at railroad crossings in the US with 262 of these resulting in fatalities.


theverge--2020-08-12--Dropbox’s password manager and secure vault are available today, but only for paid users

Dropbox ’ s new password manager , secure vault for sensitive files , and computer backup features will be available to all users globally on Wednesday , the company announced .
But you won ’ t have access to the password manager or secure vault unless you ’ re on a certain paid Dropbox tier .
The features were first revealed on June 16th , but launched in beta at the time .
The password manager , called Dropbox Passwords , can store your passwords and logins you use around the web and autofill them when you ’ re signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windows , Mac , iOS , and Android , and your passwords will sync across devices .
Dropbox Passwords will be available on the paid Dropbox Plus and Professional plans .
The vault feature , Dropbox Vault , gives you a section within your Dropbox locked with a PIN to store things like your driver ’ s license or health records .
If you want , you can also selectively share access to just that folder so that an approved person can access those files in case of an emergency .
Vault will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And with the computer backup feature , you can have Dropbox back up files of your choice from your PC or Mac automatically .
Computer backup will be available on Dropbox ’ s free Basic plan as well as on the Plus and Professional plans .
Dropbox is also unveiling new features for Dropbox Professional users .
One will let organizations will be able to brand Dropbox files that they share by adding a logo , company name , and background images .
And Professional subscribers will also get the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as who visited a shared link , when they visited it , and whether a visitor just viewed a file or downloaded it .
Dropbox says the branded links and traffic insights will be available to Professional subscribers today , and they ’ ll be coming “ soon ” to Dropbox Business users .

Dropbox’s new password manager, secure vault for sensitive files, and computer backup features will be available to all users globally on Wednesday, the company announced. But you won’t have access to the password manager or secure vault unless you’re on a certain paid Dropbox tier. The features were first revealed on June 16th, but launched in beta at the time.
The password manager, called Dropbox Passwords, can store your passwords and logins you use around the web and autofill them when you’re signing into websites. The feature works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and your passwords will sync across devices. Dropbox Passwords will be available on the paid Dropbox Plus and Professional plans.
Image: Dropbox
The vault feature, Dropbox Vault, gives you a section within your Dropbox locked with a PIN to store things like your driver’s license or health records. If you want, you can also selectively share access to just that folder so that an approved person can access those files in case of an emergency. Vault will only be available for Dropbox Plus users.
And with the computer backup feature, you can have Dropbox back up files of your choice from your PC or Mac automatically. Computer backup will be available on Dropbox’s free Basic plan as well as on the Plus and Professional plans.
Dropbox is also unveiling new features for Dropbox Professional users. One will let organizations will be able to brand Dropbox files that they share by adding a logo, company name, and background images.
A branded link from Dropbox. Image: Dropbox
And Professional subscribers will also get the ability to track insights about a Dropbox link, such as who visited a shared link, when they visited it, and whether a visitor just viewed a file or downloaded it.
Link insights from Dropbox. Image: Dropbox


theverge--2020-08-12--When I don’t buy the new Xbox, Microsoft will laugh all the way to the bank

Microsoft has thoroughly convinced me : I don ’ t need to buy an Xbox Series X .
The games don ’ t look “ next-gen ” enough .
There aren ’ t enough titles I actually want to play .
Yesterday , the company announced its flagship game , Halo Infinite , won ’ t even arrive until 2021 .
Besides , almost all of Microsoft ’ s key games are also coming to Windows PCs , and some may even come to the PS5 as well .
And while I have a sneaking suspicion that Microsoft is breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xbox Series X games to the Xbox One , another possibility is that many of the biggest reasons to buy a new Xbox won ’ t be available until long after its November launch .
But intriguingly , I don ’ t think Microsoft will mind me skipping the Xbox this gen .
The company will be too busy laughing all the way to the bank .
Of the 18 full games that appeared in Microsoft ’ s Xbox Games Showcase on July 23rd , all but one — CrossfireX — are slated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that PC slate includes Microsoft ’ s ultimate killer app : Halo .
It ’ s the game that arguably sold the world on the original Xbox , a franchise that ’ s been a mainstay for Xbox ever since , and one of the biggest middle fingers that Microsoft ever gave Apple ’ s Steve Jobs .
( Remember when Jobs introduced Halo ? )
Admittedly , 343 Industries is still working through issues with The Master Chief Collection Now , Halo Infinite is coming to Windows PCs , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a first-class citizen there .
“ A dedicated team at 343 is focusing on ensuring Halo Infinite offers a best-in-class experience optimized for the PC platform , ” writes developer 343 Industries , adding that “ special PC features ” are on the way — perhaps including ray tracing .
Microsoft won ’ t even make you download it from the Windows Store ; you ’ ll be able to buy it on Steam .
After living through the mess that was Games for Windows Live and Microsoft ’ s repeated unsuccessful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still can ’ t believe I can actually write those words .
And while an early look at Halo Infinite may not have blown us away with its graphical fidelity ( hey there , Craig ) , it ’ s a must-buy for people like me .
I adored the original Halo : Combat Evolved .
I played it on Xbox .
I bought it on PC .
I beat it on Legendary .
It ’ s the reason I can ’ t agree that The Duke was a terrible gamepad : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the right places .
This tweet does a good job of summing up my feelings about the Halo Infinite reveal : All of this is to say I will almost certainly pay Microsoft $ 60 to play this game — if not more .
After all , Halo Infinite is being pitched as a Destiny-esque game that ’ ll evolve over time , one that will represent “ the next ten years for Halo , ” instead of continuing with numbered sequels .
And you ’ d best believe Microsoft is hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okay , so I ’ m buying Halo Infinite .
Let ’ s say it costs $ 60 , yeah ?
Now let ’ s compare that $ 60 to how much I ’ ve spent on Microsoft games over the past six-plus years , ever since the Xbox One was released .
Oh , that ’ s right , I didn ’ t buy an Xbox One .
The last Microsoft game I bought was for the Xbox 360 ; when Sony started shoring up must-play exclusives and Microsoft wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a PS4 instead .
I spent $ 0 on Xbox this past console generation — which means if I buy a single “ Xbox Series X ” game , I ’ ll have instantly given Microsoft more money than I have in many years .
And Microsoft won ’ t even have to sell me a box to earn those dollars , which is handy when you consider that brand-new game consoles are often sold with very slim margins indeed .
They do that because they know you ’ re more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a hole in your wallet and filled a hole in your entertainment center .
But if enough people already own gaming PCs or earlier Xbox Ones — particularly in an era when true console exclusives are rare anyhow — why not make easy money from those people ?
Subscriptions are the new box , and then comes streaming Besides , Microsoft has other ways to achieve gamer lock-in now .
Instead of spending $ 60 on a single copy of Halo Infinite , I might well opt to pay $ 15 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ultimate , which is looking like a better deal all the time .
Yes , as a PC gamer , there was no way I was going to pay for the old Xbox Live Gold to get online multiplayer I ’ m used to having for free .
But now that a subscription buys access to over 100 PC games — not just back catalog but new first-party Microsoft games on launch day — and will let me play them on my Android phone with xCloud , too , I ’ m definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heck , Microsoft is even experimenting with PC-first games like Gears Tactics and Microsoft Flight Simulator now .
Flight Simulator has typically been a Windows franchise , but this one ’ s coming to Xbox .
And yet , the PC is still first .
Both will be part of Game Pass as well .
Like my colleague Tom Warren says , Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft ’ s true next-gen Xbox .
It was the one clear message Microsoft sent during the same 57-minute presentation that convinced me not to buy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a single dollar on the one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass just to play Halo at launch , that ’ s one dollar more than I ’ ve spent on Microsoft games in years .
I wonder how many other would-be Microsoft gamers can say the same .

Microsoft has thoroughly convinced me: I don’t need to buy an Xbox Series X. The games don’t look “next-gen” enough. There aren’t enough titles I actually want to play. Yesterday, the company announced its flagship game, Halo Infinite, won’t even arrive until 2021. Besides, almost all of Microsoft’s key games are also coming to Windows PCs, and some may even come to the PS5 as well. And while I have a sneaking suspicion that Microsoft is breaking a big promise by not bringing some Xbox Series X games to the Xbox One, another possibility is many of the biggest reasons to buy a new Xbox won’t be available until long after its November launch.
But intriguingly, I don’t think Microsoft will mind me skipping the Xbox this gen. The company will be too busy laughing all the way to the bank.
Of the 18 full games that appeared in Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase on July 23rd, all but one — CrossfireX — are slated to run on Windows PCs. Amazingly, that PC slate includes Microsoft’s ultimate killer app: Halo. It’s the game that arguably sold the world on the original Xbox, a franchise that’s been a mainstay for Xbox ever since, and one of the biggest middle fingers that Microsoft ever gave Apple’s Steve Jobs. (Remember when Jobs introduced Halo?)
Admittedly, 343 Industries is still working through issues with The Master Chief Collection
Now, Halo Infinite is coming to Windows PCs, and it sounds like it’s going to be a first-class citizen there. “A dedicated team at 343 is focusing on ensuring Halo Infinite offers a best-in-class experience optimized for the PC platform,” writes developer 343 Industries, adding that “special PC features” are on the way — perhaps including ray tracing. Microsoft won’t even make you download it from the Windows Store; you’ll be able to buy it on Steam. After living through the mess that was Games for Windows Live and Microsoft’s repeated unsuccessful attempts to push the Windows Store, I still can’t believe I can actually write those words.
And while an early look at Halo Infinite may not have blown us away with its graphical fidelity (hey there, Craig), it’s a must-buy for people like me. I adored the original Halo: Combat Evolved. I played it on Xbox. I bought it on PC. I beat it on Legendary. It’s the reason I can’t agree that The Duke was a terrible gamepad: the flashlight and grenade buttons were in just the right places.
This tweet does a good job of summing up my feelings about the Halo Infinite reveal:
All of this is to say I will almost certainly pay Microsoft $60 to play this game — if not more. After all, Halo Infinite is being pitched as a Destiny-esque game that’ll evolve over time, one that will represent “the next ten years for Halo,” instead of continuing with numbered sequels. And you’d best believe Microsoft is hoping that means a continuous revenue stream.
Okay, so I’m buying Halo Infinite. Let’s say it costs $60, yeah? Now let’s compare that $60 to how much I’ve spent on Microsoft games over the past six-plus years, ever since the Xbox One was released.
Oh, that’s right, I didn’t buy an Xbox One. The last Microsoft game I bought was for the Xbox 360; when Sony started shoring up must-play exclusives and Microsoft wasn’t able to match them, I purchased a PS4 instead. I spent $0 on Xbox this past console generation — which means if I buy a single “Xbox Series X” game, I’ll have instantly given Microsoft more money than I have in many years.
One of our very first photos of the Xbox One, back when it was first revealed.
And Microsoft won’t even have to sell me a box to earn those dollars, which is handy when you consider that brand-new game consoles are often sold with very slim margins indeed. They do that because they know you’re more likely to buy games for the box that already made a hole in your wallet and filled a hole in your entertainment center. But if enough people already own gaming PCs or earlier Xbox Ones — particularly in an era when true console exclusives are rare anyhow — why not make easy money from those people?
(I’ll be curious if Sony does the same. It’s already taken the first step with a PC port of Horizon Zero Dawn, one of its most gorgeous exclusives for PS4, and other previously PS4-exclusive games have also been making their way to Steam.)
Subscriptions are the new box, and then comes streaming
Besides, Microsoft has other ways to achieve gamer lock-in now. Instead of spending $60 on a single copy of Halo Infinite, I might well opt to pay $15 a month for Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate, which is looking like a better deal all the time. Yes, as a PC gamer, there was no way I was going to pay for the old Xbox Live Gold to get online multiplayer I’m used to having for free. But now that a subscription buys access to over 100 PC games — not just back catalog but new first-party Microsoft games on launch day — and will let me play them on my Android phone with xCloud, too, I’m definitely going to give it a look.
Heck, Microsoft is even experimenting with PC-first games like Gears Tactics and Microsoft Flight Simulator now. Flight Simulator has typically been a Windows franchise, but this one’s coming to Xbox. And yet, the PC is still first. Both will be part of Game Pass as well.
Like my colleague Tom Warren says, Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s true next-gen Xbox. It was the one clear message Microsoft sent during the same 57-minute presentation that convinced me not to buy the actual Xbox.


theverge--2020-08-12--The Xbox Series X could launch on November 6th

Microsoft confirmed this week that the Xbox Series X will launch in November , but the company could be targeting a very specific date : November 6th .
While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may affect Microsoft ’ s exact launch date for the Xbox Series X , distributors seem to be getting ready for November 6th specifically .
An anonymous tipster , who recently purchased an unreleased Xbox Series X controller , sent me an image earlier this week of what is claimed to be the box that these controllers are stored in at distributors .
The box specifically tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) not to sell or display the controllers until November 6th .
Microsoft has used similar orange “ street date ” stickers on packages at its retail stores in the past , too .
It ’ s still not clear exactly how these controllers ended up on sale across Chicago over the weekend .
The people selling these controllers have not responded to requests from The Verge about their origins , and those that have purchased them are none the wiser .
Some people who have managed to purchase the controllers have registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to find that the warranty expires on November 5th , 2021 .
If you calculate that in terms of end dates , it ’ s exactly a year warranty after a November 6th release .
Microsoft typically provides a 90-day warranty for individual controllers , so the company is either extending its warranty period here , or the system is working on the broader one year warranty that ’ s associated with Xbox consoles .
I asked Microsoft to explain the early appearance of Xbox Series X controllers on Monday but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a lot in store for Xbox in 2020 and can ’ t wait to share with you , ” said a Microsoft spokesperson .
“ However , we have nothing to announce at this time.
” Microsoft isn ’ t commenting on the November 6th date , either .
We ’ re still waiting to hear an exact release date and pricing information for the Xbox Series X. Microsoft kicked off preorders for its Xbox One on June 10th , 2013 before the console launched on November 22nd , 2013 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pricing in August , 2005 before hitting shelves on November 22nd , 2005 .

Microsoft confirmed this week that the Xbox Series X will launch in November, but the company could be targeting a very specific date: November 6th. While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may affect Microsoft’s exact launch date for the Xbox Series X, distributors seem to be getting ready for November 6th specifically.
An anonymous tipster, who recently purchased an unreleased Xbox Series X controller, sent me an image earlier this week of what is claimed to be the box that these controllers are stored in at distributors. The box specifically tells retail stores (that receive the shipments) not to sell or display the controllers until November 6th. Microsoft has used similar orange “street date” stickers on packages at its retail stores in the past, too.
It’s still not clear exactly how these controllers ended up on sale across Chicago over the weekend. The people selling these controllers have not responded to requests from The Verge about their origins, and those that have purchased them are none the wiser.
Some people who have managed to purchase the controllers have registered them on Microsoft’s support site only to find that the warranty expires on November 5th, 2021. If you calculate that in terms of end dates, it’s exactly a year warranty after a November 6th release. Microsoft typically provides a 90-day warranty for individual controllers, so the company is either extending its warranty period here, or the system is working on the broader one year warranty that’s associated with Xbox consoles.
I asked Microsoft to explain the early appearance of Xbox Series X controllers on Monday but the company refused to comment. “We have a lot in store for Xbox in 2020 and can’t wait to share with you,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “However, we have nothing to announce at this time.” Microsoft isn’t commenting on the November 6th date, either.


theverge--2020-08-12--Microsoft’s Surface Duo arrives on September 10th for $1,399

Microsoft is launching its Surface Duo dual-screen Android phone on September 10th , priced from $ 1,399 .
After months of Microsoft executives teasing the device on Twitter , the company is now allowing anyone to preorder the Surface Duo today in the US .
Preorders will be available at AT & T , Microsoft ’ s online store , and Best Buy .
While Microsoft had revealed the design of the Surface Duo back in October , the company has kept the specs relatively secret .
The device includes two separate 5.6-inch OLED displays ( 1800 x 1350 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to form a 8.1-inch overall workspace ( 2700 x 1800 ) with a 3:2 aspect ratio .
Unlike foldables like Samsung ’ s Galaxy Fold , the Surface Duo is using real Gorilla Glass , and the displays are designed to work in a similar way to multiple monitors on a Windows PC .
One big question over the Surface Duo has been the camera .
Microsoft is using an 11-megapixel f/2.0 camera , which will include auto modes for low light , HDR multi-frame captures , and a “ super zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1080p video recording will be supported at 30fps and 60fps , with electronic image stabilization .
There ’ s only a single camera on the Surface Duo , which can be used both for video calls and as a main camera .
The basic Surface Duo hardware also consists of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 , 6GB of RAM , and up to 256GB of storage .
LTE is available on T-Mobile , AT & T , and Verizon , but there ’ s no 5G support at all .
Microsoft is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , designed to protect the Duo .
Microsoft is also including two batteries in the Surface Duo , split beneath both displays .
Overall there ’ s 3577mAh of capacity , which is considerably less than the 4500mAh found on Samsung ’ s single-screen Note 20 Ultra and even the 4380mAh on the original Galaxy Fold .
Despite this , Microsoft is promising “ all day battery life , ” which means up to 15.5 hours of local video playback , up to 10 days of standby time , and up to 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll need to fully test the device during our review , but the capacity here does leave a little cause for concern as the device is powering two screens , not one .
“ It ’ s probably one of the sexiest devices we ’ ve ever built , ” says Windows and devices chief Panos Panay in a press briefing ahead of today ’ s launch .
“ It does things that single-screen devices can ’ t do , period.
” Panay ’ s vision for the Surface Duo is to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been doing some interesting work on the software side to compliment the hardware .
Any Android app will run on the Duo without modification , thanks to the choice of two separate displays .
“ Any app has to run , ” says Panay , and it was obviously important to support everything Android from day one .
Developers can also optimize the layouts of their apps to really take advantage of the two displays and span across them .
Microsoft has tweaked its own apps like the Office suite and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third parties like Amazon have also done work on the Kindle app to make it feel like you ’ re reading a book by flicking pages across the two screens .
Microsoft is also using algorithms to predict how to open apps on different displays .
“ There is an algorithm in there that ’ s very smart and trying to be predictive , ” explains Panay .
“ If you ’ re on one screen and you ’ re invoking a link , it will fill the other screen.
” Any Android @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The end result is that if you click a link in an email app on one screen , it will open on the other so you can continue to read the email side by side with a webpage .
Apps like Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint are also optimized so you can see a video call and the rest of your Teams chat , or look at a full slide and the rest of the deck simultaneously .
Microsoft has been working closely with Google on Android for the Surface Duo .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panay , referring to the initial days of the partnership .
“ It was a bit of a head scratcher .
Satya and I had a lot of conversations.
” Microsoft had to go with Android for the pure reason of mobile apps , especially after Windows Phone failed in the market .
“ Microsoft has to light up on every platform , ” says Panay .
“ We had a conversation with Google… the partnership has been crazy fun .
I think at first there ’ s a little bit of getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very quickly we saw what ’ s right for our customer and what can be possible .
I think it ’ s great for Google and Android , and I think it ’ s great for Microsoft.
” Microsoft has created APIs for dual-screen apps to work in the Android codebase , and it plans to upstream them for other manufacturers and third parties to use .
It ’ s part of a broader push to make dual-screen and foldable devices a reality , and Panay is very much a believer in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screens are coming , I think they ’ re needed.
” It will be interesting to see how developers adapt their Android apps here , and it ’ s key to the overall success of dual-screen or foldable devices in general .
Price will be a sticking point for Surface Duo , just as it was for the Galaxy Fold and other devices that will try to usher in a foldable or dual-screen future .
A lack of 5G and NFC , questions over battery life , and the camera quality will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duo review , but Microsoft is clearly at the start of a future it believes in .
You ’ ll have to pay a price to be part of that initially .
The real question will be how well Surface Duo , and devices like it , improve productivity on the go , and whether two mobile screens is truly needed .
These devices will ultimately require some hardware advances to really pull off the vision .
But if consumers agree with Microsoft , Samsung , and others that two screens are better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future being built .
If not , we ’ re witnessing unique attempts to try and reshape mobile devices .
At the very least , mobile phones are suddenly getting exciting again .
As Panay would say , we ’ re pumped to see where this all goes .

Microsoft is launching its Surface Duo dual-screen Android phone on September 10th, priced from $1,399. After months of Microsoft executives teasing the device on Twitter, the company is now allowing anyone to preorder the Surface Duo today in the US. Preorders will be available at AT&T, Microsoft’s online store, and Best Buy.
While Microsoft had revealed the design of the Surface Duo back in October, the company has kept the specs relatively secret. The device includes two separate 5.6-inch OLED displays (1800 x 1350) with a 4:3 aspect ratio that connect together to form a 8.1-inch overall workspace (2700 x 1800) with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Unlike foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, the Surface Duo is using real Gorilla Glass, and the displays are designed to work in a similar way to multiple monitors on a Windows PC.
One big question over the Surface Duo has been the camera. Microsoft is using an 11-megapixel f/2.0 camera, which will include auto modes for low light, HDR multi-frame captures, and a “super zoom” up to 7x. Both 4K and 1080p video recording will be supported at 30fps and 60fps, with electronic image stabilization. There’s only a single camera on the Surface Duo, which can be used both for video calls and as a main camera.
The Surface Duo also supports Microsoft’s Surface pens.
The basic Surface Duo hardware also consists of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. LTE is available on T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, but there’s no 5G support at all. Microsoft is also shipping a bumper cover in the box, designed to protect the Duo.
Microsoft is also including two batteries in the Surface Duo, split beneath both displays. Overall there’s 3577mAh of capacity, which is considerably less than the 4500mAh found on Samsung’s single-screen Note 20 Ultra and even the 4380mAh on the original Galaxy Fold. Despite this, Microsoft is promising “all day battery life,” which means up to 15.5 hours of local video playback, up to 10 days of standby time, and up to 27 hours of talk time. We’ll need to fully test the device during our review, but the capacity here does leave a little cause for concern as the device is powering two screens, not one.
“It’s probably one of the sexiest devices we’ve ever built,” says Windows and devices chief Panos Panay in a press briefing ahead of today’s launch. “It does things that single-screen devices can’t do, period.” Panay’s vision for the Surface Duo is to improve productivity on the go, and Microsoft has also been doing some interesting work on the software side to compliment the hardware.
Android apps on the Surface Duo.
Any Android app will run on the Duo without modification, thanks to the choice of two separate displays. “Any app has to run,” says Panay, and it was obviously important to support everything Android from day one. Developers can also optimize the layouts of their apps to really take advantage of the two displays and span across them. Microsoft has tweaked its own apps like the Office suite and OneDrive to span the displays, and third parties like Amazon have also done work on the Kindle app to make it feel like you’re reading a book by flicking pages across the two screens.
Microsoft is also using algorithms to predict how to open apps on different displays. “There is an algorithm in there that’s very smart and trying to be predictive,” explains Panay. “If you’re on one screen and you’re invoking a link, it will fill the other screen.”
Any Android app will run on the Surface Duo
The end result is that if you click a link in an email app on one screen, it will open on the other so you can continue to read the email side by side with a webpage. Apps like Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint are also optimized so you can see a video call and the rest of your Teams chat, or look at a full slide and the rest of the deck simultaneously.
Microsoft has been working closely with Google on Android for the Surface Duo. “It was interesting at first,” says Panay, referring to the initial days of the partnership. “It was a bit of a head scratcher. Satya and I had a lot of conversations.” Microsoft had to go with Android for the pure reason of mobile apps, especially after Windows Phone failed in the market.
The Surface Duo bumper included in the box.
“Microsoft has to light up on every platform,” says Panay. “We had a conversation with Google… the partnership has been crazy fun. I think at first there’s a little bit of getting to know each other, but then very quickly we saw what’s right for our customer and what can be possible. I think it’s great for Google and Android, and I think it’s great for Microsoft.”
Microsoft has created APIs for dual-screen apps to work in the Android codebase, and it plans to upstream them for other manufacturers and third parties to use. It’s part of a broader push to make dual-screen and foldable devices a reality, and Panay is very much a believer in this future. “I believe that two screens are coming, I think they’re needed.” It will be interesting to see how developers adapt their Android apps here, and it’s key to the overall success of dual-screen or foldable devices in general.
Price will be a sticking point for Surface Duo, just as it was for the Galaxy Fold and other devices that will try to usher in a foldable or dual-screen future. A lack of 5G and NFC, questions over battery life, and the camera quality will all need to be addressed in our Surface Duo review, but Microsoft is clearly at the start of a future it believes in. You’ll have to pay a price to be part of that initially.
The real question will be how well Surface Duo, and devices like it, improve productivity on the go, and whether two mobile screens is truly needed. These devices will ultimately require some hardware advances to really pull off the vision. But if consumers agree with Microsoft, Samsung, and others that two screens are better than one then we’re witnessing the future being built. If not, we’re witnessing unique attempts to try and reshape mobile devices. At the very least, mobile phones are suddenly getting exciting again. As Panay would say, we’re pumped to see where this all goes.


theverge--2020-08-12--AMC Theaters plans to reopen more than 100 locations in the US starting August 20th

AMC Theaters has detailed its plans to reopen movie theaters throughout the US , in addition to a new deadline for its MoviePass-style A-List subscription , in an email sent to customers on Wednesday .
Starting August 20th , AMC plans to have more than 100 theaters open , and it says it will continue opening locations “ such that about two-thirds of our theatres across the country should be open no later than September 3.
” AMC has repeatedly delayed its reopening as spread of the coronavirus has caused massive spikes in positive cases in parts of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AMC says it hopes to have 100 theaters or more open for the release of The New Mutants and Tenet The company , the largest theater chain in the country , operates around 600 theaters in the US .
But AMC has faced significant challenges to its business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic due to forced closures and a near-standstill in Hollywood releases , causing AMC to furlough large swaths of its corporate workforce as it edged close to bankruptcy .
“ The remaining AMC locations will open after we get further clearance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to do so , ” the company writes in an email sent to AMC A-List members .
As part of its new safety measures , AMC says all staff and customers must wear masks , following a controversial remark from AMC CEO Adam Aron in June in which he suggested mask-wearing among customers would be encouraged but not mandatory .
The email says customers “ can expect continuous extra cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas , ” that hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes would be widely available , and that AMC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our auditoriums.
” The company claims it will use “ high-tech HEPA vacuums ” and “ upgraded MERV 13 air filters wherever possible .
” Among the movies AMC plans to screen as part of its reopening include Disney ’ s The New Mutants starting August 28th and Christopher Nolan ’ s Tenet starting September 3rd .
“ As for library titles , we will be showing all of these beloved movies on the big screens of AMC : Back to the Future , Beauty and the Beast , Black Panther , Bloodshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I Still Believe , Jumanji : The Next Level , Sonic the Hedgehog , and Star Wars : Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
” As for A-List , AMC ’ s subscription service that lets customers see up to three movies per week , the company says current subscribers who have had plans put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until December 1st , 2020 to reactivate or cancel the membership .
Starting on that day , AMC says it will begin charging customers again .
“ Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control when your A-List membership is reactivated .
You can choose to resume your A-List membership any time between now and December 1 , 2020 .
We will send you an email when your favorite theatre is open and then , and only when you feel ready to return to our theatres , simply visit your account on our mobile app or website to reactivate your membership .
Then , you will be able to start making A-List movie reservations immediately , ” the email reads .
A-List subscribers have until December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its customers can cancel at any time , and that it plans to communicate any changes to the subscription , including its plan to begin charging again , “ well in advance.
” The company says it is making a number of other changes to its A-List subscription designed to give the company more control over pricing changes .
For one , AMC says it is reducing the window in which it can make “ program changes , ” in other words price increases , from 90 days to 30 days starting December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to earn rewards points on the monthly subscription fee for A-List on that date , too .
But AMC is guaranteeing that it will not raise the price of A-List , which costs anywhere from $ 19.95 to $ 23.95 a month depending on the market , until spring of next year .

AMC Theaters has detailed its plans to reopen movie theaters throughout the US, in addition to a new deadline for its MoviePass-style A-List subscription, in an email sent to customers on Wednesday.
Starting August 20th, AMC plans to have more than 100 theaters open, and it says it will continue opening locations “such that about two-thirds of our theatres across the country should be open no later than September 3.” AMC has repeatedly delayed its reopening as spread of the coronavirus has caused massive spikes in positive cases in parts of the US that have started to ease restrictions.
AMC says it hopes to have 100 theaters or more open for the release of The New Mutants and Tenet
The company, the largest theater chain in the country, operates around 600 theaters in the US. But AMC has faced significant challenges to its business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic due to forced closures and a near-standstill in Hollywood releases, causing AMC to furlough large swaths of its corporate workforce as it edged close to bankruptcy.
“The remaining AMC locations will open after we get further clearance from state and local authorities that it is safe to do so,” the company writes in an email sent to AMC A-List members. As part of its new safety measures, AMC says all staff and customers must wear masks, following a controversial remark from AMC CEO Adam Aron in June in which he suggested mask-wearing among customers would be encouraged but not mandatory.
The email says customers “can expect continuous extra cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas,” that hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes would be widely available, and that AMC will “significantly limit seating capacity in our auditoriums.” The company claims it will use “high-tech HEPA vacuums” and “upgraded MERV 13 air filters wherever possible .”
Among the movies AMC plans to screen as part of its reopening include Disney’s The New Mutants starting August 28th and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet starting September 3rd. “As for library titles, we will be showing all of these beloved movies on the big screens of AMC: Back to the Future, Beauty and the Beast, Black Panther, Bloodshot, Ghostbusters, Goonies, Grease, I Still Believe, Jumanji: The Next Level, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back,” the email explains.
Following announcement of its reopening plans, AMC also said it would be selling 15-cent tickets on opening day on August 20th to celebrate its 100th anniversary, although it appears that historically low rate will only apply to the above mentioned classics and already-released films, which will cost $5 a ticket after opening day.
As for A-List, AMC’s subscription service that lets customers see up to three movies per week, the company says current subscribers who have had plans put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until December 1st, 2020 to reactivate or cancel the membership. Starting on that day, AMC says it will begin charging customers again.
“Now, we have created the ability for you to control when your A-List membership is reactivated. You can choose to resume your A-List membership any time between now and December 1, 2020. We will send you an email when your favorite theatre is open and then, and only when you feel ready to return to our theatres, simply visit your account on our mobile app or website to reactivate your membership. Then, you will be able to start making A-List movie reservations immediately,” the email reads.
A-List subscribers have until December 1st to reactivate or cancel
AMC says its customers can cancel at any time, and that it plans to communicate any changes to the subscription, including its plan to begin charging again, “well in advance.” The company says it is making a number of other changes to its A-List subscription designed to give the company more control over pricing changes.
For one, AMC says it is reducing the window in which it can make “program changes,” in other words price increases, from 90 days to 30 days starting December 1st. It’s also removing the ability to earn rewards points on the monthly subscription fee for A-List on that date, too. But AMC is guaranteeing that it will not raise the price of A-List, which costs anywhere from $19.95 to $23.95 a month depending on the market, until spring of next year.


theverge--2020-08-12--iFixit’s Galaxy Buds Live teardown shows that even Samsung calls them beans

iFixit , a company known for its tech product teardowns , has dissected Samsung ’ s new Galaxy Buds Live wireless headphones .
Despite not officially calling them Galaxy Beans , the word “ bean ” is actually printed inside each earbud — which shows that at one point or another , the company was totally calling these earbuds the vegetables they resemble .
Comparing to other wireless earbuds like Apple ’ s AirPods Pro , iFixit points out the Galaxy Buds Live are not hard to pry open , and actually some of the easiest buds they ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly see “ bean left ” and “ bean right ” on the cable that connects the two halves of each earbud .
iFixit also found that the battery is a standard size and not too difficult to replace , but you will have to gently lift up the glued driver before you can pull the battery out .
The Galaxy Buds Live uses a 3.7v CP1254 lithium-ion battery , a button battery that ’ s , unfortunately , difficult to find online , according to iFixit .
iFixit also discovered in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wireless charging case includes a 1.81 Wh battery , which it says is “ substantially bigger than ” the batteries found in wireless charging cases for both the Galaxy Buds and Buds Plus — which makes sense given Samsung ’ s battery life claims .
The company says that the Galaxy Buds Live includes up to 29 hours of battery life when both the earbuds and charging case are fully charged , compared to 13 hours for the Galaxy Buds and 22 hours for the Galaxy Buds Plus .
The organization awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eight out of ten in repairability .
That ’ s not surprising considering previous Galaxy Buds were some of the more repairable wireless earbuds iFixit had seen .

iFixit, a company known for its tech product teardowns, has dissected Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Live wireless headphones. Despite not officially calling them Galaxy Beans, the word “bean” is actually printed inside each earbud — which shows that at one point or another, the company was totally calling these earbuds the vegetables they resemble.
Comparing to other wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods Pro, iFixit points out the Galaxy Buds Live are not hard to pry open, and actually some of the easiest buds they’ve ever dissected. Inside, you can clearly see “bean left” and “bean right” on the cable that connects the two halves of each earbud.
Image: iFixit
iFixit also found that the battery is a standard size and not too difficult to replace, but you will have to gently lift up the glued driver before you can pull the battery out. The Galaxy Buds Live uses a 3.7v CP1254 lithium-ion battery, a button battery that’s, unfortunately, difficult to find online, according to iFixit.
iFixit also discovered in the teardown that the Galaxy Buds Live’s wireless charging case includes a 1.81 Wh battery, which it says is “substantially bigger than” the batteries found in wireless charging cases for both the Galaxy Buds and Buds Plus — which makes sense given Samsung’s battery life claims. The company says that the Galaxy Buds Live includes up to 29 hours of battery life when both the earbuds and charging case are fully charged, compared to 13 hours for the Galaxy Buds and 22 hours for the Galaxy Buds Plus.


theverge--2020-08-12--Lyft joins Uber in threatening to pull out of California over driver status

Lyft said it would shut down operations in California if forced to classify drivers as employees , the company ’ s executives said in an earnings call with investors on Wednesday .
Lyft joins Uber in threatening to pull out of one of its most important US markets over the question of drivers ’ employment status .
At issue is the classification of ride-hailing drivers as independent contractors , which Uber and Lyft say most drivers prefer because of the flexibility and ability to set their own hours .
But labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ compensation .
Earlier this week , Uber and Lyft were ordered by a California superior court judge to classify their drivers as employees .
Both companies have said they would appeal the ruling , which was stayed for 10 days .
“ it would force us to suspend operations in California ” But if their appeals fail , Lyft may join Uber in closing up shop in California , the company ’ s president John Zimmer said .
“ If our efforts here are not successful it would force us to suspend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a call announcing the second quarter earnings of 2020 .
“ Fortunately , California voters can make their voices heard by voting yes on Prop 22 in November.
” Uber and Lyft , along with DoorDash , are funding a ballot measure , Proposition 22 , that would override AB5 by classifying ride-hail drivers and other gig economy workers as independent contractors .
The ballot measure is the companies ’ Plan B if their efforts to overturn the state ’ s legal challenges fail .
If drivers were classified as employees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying them minimum wage , overtime compensation , paid rest periods , and reimbursements for the cost of driving for the companies , including personal vehicle mileage .
But as independent contractors , drivers receive none of these benefits .
Lyft ’ s earnings report was grim , as the COVID-19 shutdown continued to pummel demand for app-based ride-hailing .
The company reported $ 339 million in revenue in the second quarter , a 61 percent drop as compared to the same period last year .
Lyft ’ s active ridership also fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this quarter compared to 21.8 million last year .
Lyft lost less money this quarter compared to last year because it was conducting fewer trips .
Net losses for Lyft amounted to $ 437.1 million during the second quarter , compared to $ 644.2 million in the same period last year .
The company makes money on ride-hailing , bike- and scooter-trips , and its new vehicle rental business .
Unlike Uber , Lyft does not have a full-fledged food- and grocery-delivery business to fall back on as its core ride-hailing business drops @

Lyft said it would shut down operations in California if forced to classify drivers as employees, the company’s executives said in an earnings call with investors on Wednesday. Lyft joins Uber in threatening to pull out of one of its most important US markets over the question of drivers’ employment status.
At issue is the classification of ride-hailing drivers as independent contractors, which Uber and Lyft say most drivers prefer because of the flexibility and ability to set their own hours. But labor unions and elected officials contend this deprives them of traditional benefits like health insurance and workers’ compensation. Earlier this week, Uber and Lyft were ordered by a California superior court judge to classify their drivers as employees. Both companies have said they would appeal the ruling, which was stayed for 10 days.
“it would force us to suspend operations in California”
But if their appeals fail, Lyft may join Uber in closing up shop in California, the company’s president John Zimmer said. “If our efforts here are not successful it would force us to suspend operations in California,” Zimmer said on a call announcing the second quarter earnings of 2020. “Fortunately, California voters can make their voices heard by voting yes on Prop 22 in November.”
Uber and Lyft, along with DoorDash, are funding a ballot measure, Proposition 22, that would override AB5 by classifying ride-hail drivers and other gig economy workers as independent contractors. The ballot measure is the companies’ Plan B if their efforts to overturn the state’s legal challenges fail.
If drivers were classified as employees, Uber and Lyft would be responsible for paying them minimum wage, overtime compensation, paid rest periods, and reimbursements for the cost of driving for the companies, including personal vehicle mileage. But as independent contractors, drivers receive none of these benefits.
Lyft’s earnings report was grim, as the COVID-19 shutdown continued to pummel demand for app-based ride-hailing. The company reported $339 million in revenue in the second quarter, a 61 percent drop as compared to the same period last year. Lyft’s active ridership also fell 60 percent to 8.7 million active users this quarter compared to 21.8 million last year.
Lyft lost less money this quarter compared to last year because it was conducting fewer trips. Net losses for Lyft amounted to $437.1 million during the second quarter, compared to $644.2 million in the same period last year.


theverge--2020-08-12--YouTube will let Steven Crowder run ads after year-long suspension for harassment

YouTube is allowing conservative pundit Steven Crowder to monetize his YouTube channel again , more than one year after Crowder was removed from the company ’ s Partner Program following complaints of homophobic and racist harassment from another creator .
“ Creators who are suspended from [ YouTube ’ s Partner Program ] can reapply for access , and after careful consideration , we will be reinstating him into the program today , ” a YouTube spokesperson told The Verge .
“ If there are further violations on this channel we will take appropriate action.
” YouTube says Crowder has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to his suspension ” Crowder lost his monetization privileges ( which include the ability to run ads ) after former Vox.com host and YouTube creator Carlos Maza tweeted a lengthy thread showing instances where Crowder used homophobic language .
Crowder responded to Maza by calling his comments “ harmless ribbing.
” At the time , Crowder was also selling a T-shirt on his website that featured an image with a homophobic slur with one letter omitted .
“ YouTube has a tremendous profit incentive to keep hate speech on the platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Crowder ’ s reinstatement into the program .
“ Hate performs well and drives up the company ’ s numbers .
It has never had any interest in enforcing its rules , and uses them solely to distract journalists.
” At first , YouTube decided that Crowder ’ s content did not violate the company ’ s harassment policies .
As the company faced more pressure , YouTube ’ s team took action citing a “ pattern of egregious actions has harmed the broader community and is against our YouTube Partner Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was suspended from June 5th , 2019 until August 12th , 2020 .
Not all videos will automatically run ads , and videos must comply with YouTube ’ s advertising guidelines .
YouTube said it stood behind the initial suspension but was lifting the penalties because of Crowder ’ s improved behavior on the platform since the incident .
“ Over a year ago , Steven Crowder was suspended from the YouTube Partner Program ( YPP ) for harassing a fellow creator and harming the YouTube community , ” the YouTube spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Community Guidelines , so last December we updated our policies to better address patterns of harassing behavior and our work here is ongoing .
Separately , Mr. Crowder has also taken steps to address the behavior that led to his suspension and has demonstrated a track record of policy-compliant behavior.
” Still , Crowder ’ s channel features videos that use inciting and transphobic language In response to Crowder , YouTube has instituted a series of new policies , including one that targets creator-on-creator harassment ( designed to prevent “ content that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostility between creators , ” according to Google ’ s policies ) .
CEO Susan Wojcicki spoke about “ problematic ” content that didn ’ t fall under YouTube ’ s previous harassment and hate speech policies in an interview with vlogger Alfie Deyes back in August 2019 .
At the time , YouTube was preparing to draft a new policy for creator-on-creator harassment .
“ The policy has to be written in such a way that creators can comment on each other and criticize each other , ” Wojcicki said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference between creators criticizing each other and being a part of this free speech and open ideas , and then where do you draw the line ?
Where do they cross the line ?
When it ’ s no longer just ideas , but they ’ re criticizing them as a person.
” In order for channels to be reinstated in the Partner Program , creators must remove content that triggered suspension , participate in trainings on the company ’ s policies , and establish a track record of good behavior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspension targeting Maza have been removed from the platform , according to the company .
YouTube routinely reiterates that its content policies are different from its advertising policies , and what may be allowed to remain on the platform isn ’ t the same as what ’ s eligible for monetization .
Still , Crowder ’ s channel features videos that use inciting and transphobic language .
One recent video labels the Black Lives Matter movement a “ domestic terrorist organization ” and another video from six months ago titled “ WHEN TRANSGENDERS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to YouTube about these videos and whether they violate either the company ’ s policies or its advertising guidelines .

YouTube is allowing conservative pundit Steven Crowder to monetize his YouTube channel again, more than one year after Crowder was removed from the company’s Partner Program following complaints of homophobic and racist harassment from another creator.
“Creators who are suspended from [YouTube’s Partner Program] can reapply for access, and after careful consideration, we will be reinstating him into the program today,” a YouTube spokesperson told The Verge. “If there are further violations on this channel we will take appropriate action.”
YouTube says Crowder has “taken steps to address the behavior that led to his suspension”
Crowder lost his monetization privileges (which include the ability to run ads) after former Vox.com host and YouTube creator Carlos Maza tweeted a lengthy thread showing instances where Crowder used homophobic language. Crowder responded to Maza by calling his comments “harmless ribbing.” At the time, Crowder was also selling a T-shirt on his website that featured an image with a homophobic slur with one letter omitted.
“YouTube has a tremendous profit incentive to keep hate speech on the platform,” Maza tweeted following the news of Crowder’s reinstatement into the program. “Hate performs well and drives up the company’s numbers. It has never had any interest in enforcing its rules, and uses them solely to distract journalists.”
At first, YouTube decided that Crowder’s content did not violate the company’s harassment policies. As the company faced more pressure, YouTube’s team took action citing a “pattern of egregious actions has harmed the broader community and is against our YouTube Partner Program policies” at the time. Crowder was suspended from June 5th, 2019 until August 12th, 2020. Not all videos will automatically run ads, and videos must comply with YouTube’s advertising guidelines.
(Disclosure: Vox.com is a publication of Vox Media, which also owns The Verge.)
YouTube said it stood behind the initial suspension but was lifting the penalties because of Crowder’s improved behavior on the platform since the incident. “Over a year ago, Steven Crowder was suspended from the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for harassing a fellow creator and harming the YouTube community,” the YouTube spokesperson said. “This incident exposed gaps in our Community Guidelines, so last December we updated our policies to better address patterns of harassing behavior and our work here is ongoing. Separately, Mr. Crowder has also taken steps to address the behavior that led to his suspension and has demonstrated a track record of policy-compliant behavior.”
Still, Crowder’s channel features videos that use inciting and transphobic language
In response to Crowder, YouTube has instituted a series of new policies, including one that targets creator-on-creator harassment (designed to prevent “content that harms the YouTube ecosystem by persistently inciting hostility between creators,” according to Google’s policies). CEO Susan Wojcicki spoke about “problematic” content that didn’t fall under YouTube’s previous harassment and hate speech policies in an interview with vlogger Alfie Deyes back in August 2019. At the time, YouTube was preparing to draft a new policy for creator-on-creator harassment.
“The policy has to be written in such a way that creators can comment on each other and criticize each other,” Wojcicki said. “The question is how do you draw the difference between creators criticizing each other and being a part of this free speech and open ideas, and then where do you draw the line? Where do they cross the line? When it’s no longer just ideas, but they’re criticizing them as a person.”
In order for channels to be reinstated in the Partner Program, creators must remove content that triggered suspension, participate in trainings on the company’s policies, and establish a track record of good behavior. The videos that triggered Crowder’s suspension targeting Maza have been removed from the platform, according to the company.


theverge--2020-08-12--Check out some wonderful Playdate game demos, including a low-fi Doom

Playdate , the tiny yellow handheld game console from software developer and indie game publisher Panic , is still in the works without a firm release date .
But Panic had quite a few new updates to share on Wednesday regarding its growing third-party developer program , including some really interesting-looking indie games being made to run on the Game Boy-inspired gadget .
One of these titles , from game developer Nic Magnier of Keen Games , is the original Doom , which Magnier inexplicably got running on the monochrome 2.7-inch display .
You can even turn the Playdate ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an optional control input , to fire the iconic Doom chaingun .
In its Twitter thread , Panic revealed that over 250 developers around the world have physical Playdate devices as dev kits they ’ re working with to create new , custom software for the platform .
Not all of it is even strictly game-related .
Panic says developer Ryosuke Mihara is building a calligraphy tool that makes use of the hand crank to set the direction of your brush .
A fair amount of the other experiences Panic shared in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bite-sized takes on classic puzzle and arcade games .
We first heard about Playdate in May of last year , and since then , Panic has been relatively quiet .
But the company says it ’ s working diligently to complete the project and ensure it has a robust library at launch .
“ It ’ s so early !
There ’ s too much to tweet !
And not all of these projects will ship !
But it has been amazing to see these devs , experienced or otherwise , get up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Playdate is a dev kit .
You can make your own games when you get yours .
If you want , ” Panic wrote .
“ Expect a BIG UPDATE in the next few months with our timeline , pre-order details , a surprise , and title reveals of all the free games you ’ ll get in Playdate Season One !
!
”

Playdate, the tiny yellow handheld game console from software developer and indie game publisher Panic, is still in the works without a firm release date. But Panic had quite a few new updates to share on Wednesday regarding its growing third-party developer program, including some really interesting-looking indie games being made to run on the Game Boy-inspired gadget.
One of these titles, from game developer Nic Magnier of Keen Games, is the original Doom, which Magnier inexplicably got running on the monochrome 2.7-inch display. You can even turn the Playdate’s signature physical hand crank, which is an optional control input, to fire the iconic Doom chaingun.
In its Twitter thread, Panic revealed that over 250 developers around the world have physical Playdate devices as dev kits they’re working with to create new, custom software for the platform. Not all of it is even strictly game-related. Panic says developer Ryosuke Mihara is building a calligraphy tool that makes use of the hand crank to set the direction of your brush.
A fair amount of the other experiences Panic shared in its thread look like really fun, bite-sized takes on classic puzzle and arcade games.
We first heard about Playdate in May of last year, and since then, Panic has been relatively quiet. But the company says it’s working diligently to complete the project and ensure it has a robust library at launch.