theverge--2020-09-22--It looks like a bunch of soon-to-be-disappointed people accidentally bought Xbox One X’s today

Today , Microsoft launched pre-orders for its upcoming next generation console , the Xbox One X .
Sorry , I meant the Xbox Series X .
Can you blame me ?
There ’ s only one word of difference between the two names , and it ’ s the one in the middle .
There are also three X ’ s .
I might not be the only one who gets them confused , though .
( Microsoft itself has , but I digress . )
Despite today being pre-order day for the Series X ( reminder : the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the old one ) had a banner day on Amazon as well , at one point up 747 percent on Amazon ’ s “ Movers & Shakers ” sales charts .
Note that Amazon ’ s charts only cover the past hour — it wasn ’ t # 4 all day — and that 747 percent figure is how much the Xbox One X climbed up the charts , not an increase in unit sales .
It ’ s not hard to imagine how people could end up buying the wrong console .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Amazon , the top two search results are for the Series X and the One X , and the images of the two of them can be hard to distinguish from one another .
Both feature a large black box with an Xbox controller leaning against it on the right side , all on a black background .
In the rush to grab a valuable pre-order , I could see how someone could mistake the two offerings .
For the people who did accidentally buy an Xbox One X ( a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ) , hopefully they realize the error of their ways , are able to return their console to Amazon for a full refund , and eventually have the chance to buy the next-gen console they were actually looking for .
It ’ s 2020 , stuff happens , and it ’ s not your fault that Microsoft picked a confusing naming scheme for its next-generation consoles .
And besides , the Xbox One X ’ s big day might have an alternate explanation that would be sweet justice for those who felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preorders were snapped up impossibly quickly : perhaps all of these Xbox One X consoles were bought by misinformed bots .
If that ’ s the case , enjoy your discontinued console , bots .
Update September 22nd , 8:19PM ET : Clarified that the 747 percent figure represents the Xbox One X ’ s rise up Amazon ’ s sales charts , not growth in unit sales .

On Tuesday, Microsoft launched pre-orders for its upcoming next generation console, the Xbox One X. Sorry, I meant the Xbox Series X. Can you blame me? There’s only one word of difference between the two names, and it’s the one in the middle. There are also three X’s.
I might not be the only one who gets them confused, though. (Microsoft itself has, but I digress.) Despite today being pre-order day for the Series X (reminder: the new one), the One X (the old one) had a banner day on Amazon as well, at one point up 747 percent on Amazon’s “Movers & Shakers” sales charts.
Note that Amazon’s charts only cover the past hour — it wasn’t #4 all day — and that 747 percent figure is how much the Xbox One X climbed up the charts, not an increase in unit sales.
It’s not hard to imagine how people could end up buying the wrong console. If you search “xbox series x” on Amazon, the top two search results are for the Series X and the One X, and the images of the two of them can be hard to distinguish from one another. Both feature a large black box with an Xbox controller leaning against it on the right side, all on a black background. In the rush to grab a valuable pre-order, I could see how someone could mistake the two offerings.
For the people who did accidentally buy an Xbox One X (a refresher: that’s the old one), hopefully they realize the error of their ways, are able to return their console to Amazon for a full refund, and eventually have the chance to buy the next-gen console they were actually looking for. It’s 2020, stuff happens, and it’s not your fault that Microsoft picked a confusing naming scheme for its next-generation consoles.
And besides, the Xbox One X’s big day might have an alternate explanation that would be sweet justice for those who felt that Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 preorders were snapped up impossibly quickly: perhaps all of these Xbox One X consoles were bought by misinformed bots.
If that’s the case, enjoy your discontinued console, bots.


theverge--2020-09-22--Tesla Battery Day: news and updates from Elon Musk’s announcement

Tesla ’ s “ Battery Day ” event , held on September 22nd , 2020 , was a showcase for @ @ @ @ @ his company ’ s latest battery improvements .
Tesla unveiled plans to develop a “ @ @ @ @ @ could last an electric car ’ s entire lifetime on the road .
It also @ @ @ @ @ the cost of its battery cells and packs to $ 100 per kilowatt-hour , at @ @ @ @ @ cars will become comparable in price to combustion engine vehicles .
Tesla is already the @ @ @ @ @ to squeezing range out of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars , but its ability to @ @ @ @ @ battery technology helps explain why the company ’ s stock prices have soared in recent @ @

Tesla’s “Battery Day” event, held on September 22nd, 2020, was a showcase for Elon Musk to show off his company’s latest battery improvements.
Tesla unveiled plans to develop a “million mile” battery that could last an electric car’s entire lifetime on the road. It also outlined plans to dramatically reduce the cost of its battery cells and packs to $100 per kilowatt-hour, at which point experts believe electric cars will become comparable in price to combustion engine vehicles.


theverge--2020-09-22--Tesla’s Elon Musk said a $25,000 electric car with next-gen battery in the works

Tesla announced that it will dramatically reduce the cost of its battery cells and packs — which means the company ’ s new goal is a $ 25,000 electric car .
The company ’ s CEO Elon Musk said its new “ tabless ” battery cells , as well as by changing the materials inside the cell , will allow Tesla to “ halve ” the price per kilowatt-hour , which will make electric cars roughly the same price as combustion engine ones .
The price per kilowatt-hour ( kWh ) is the unit of energy most commonly used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in modern electric vehicles .
Those prices have been falling dramatically over the last decade , from $ 1,100/kWh in 2010 to $ 156/kWh in 2019 , a drop of 87 percent .
Tesla will “ halve ” the price per kilowatt-hour , Musk said Experts predict that the price will hit $ 100/kWh by 2023 , but Musk said Tesla will kick off a three-year process to bring the price below that — though he didn ’ t say exactly what the price target would be .
There is more to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lithium-ion battery cell that costs $ 100/kWh to produce means a battery pack , with its additional components such as a battery management and cooling systems , could cost $ 125– $ 130/kWh or more .
Today ’ s battery packs cost around $ 10,000– $ 12,000 , depending on their capacity .
Low battery prices could be the key to unlock more affordable , higher volume electric cars .
Tesla is aiming to reduce the cost of future packs to less than $ 6,000 , which would put the cell cost at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price of electric cars in the US has been dropping , most recently from $ 64,300 in 2018 to $ 55,600 in 2019 , a 13.4 percent decline .
And that ’ s mostly thanks to Tesla ’ s Model 3 .
But that ’ s still high compared to the average price of a regular , gas-burning vehicle at $ 36,600 ( though that price has been ticking upwards ) .
The average price of electric cars in the US has been dropping The Model 3 was supposed to be Tesla ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From early on , the company ’ s “ master plan ” — as set out by Musk in a 2006 blog post — outlined how it would build a desirable electric sports car to convince people that EVs can be cool ( which was not an easy task at the time ) , use the revenue from that to help fund a more affordable luxury sedan , and plow the funds from that effort into a car that hundreds of thousands of people could buy .
But Musk ’ s plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never came to fruition , thanks to the company ’ s well documented “ production hell.
” Today , the Model 3 Standard Range Plus starts at $ 37,990 , the Long Range starts at $ 46,990 , and the Performance starts at $ 54,990 .
This isn ’ t the first time Musk has predicted that Tesla would dramatically reduce the costs of its electric cars .
He first promised a $ 25,000 EV back in 2018 , which he said was possible within three years .
“ I think in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 25,000 car , that ’ s something we can do , ” Musk said in an interview with You Tuber Marques Brownlee .
“ But if we work really hard I think maybe we can do that in about three years.
” But at Battery Day , Musk added a new prediction : 20 million cars a year .
That would be “ roughly twice ” the current production of Toyota , GM , or Volkswagen , tweeted Ed Niedermeyer , author of Ludicrous : the Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors .

Tesla announced that it will dramatically reduce the cost of its battery cells and packs — which means the company’s new goal is a $25,000 electric car. The company’s CEO Elon Musk said its new “tabless” battery cells, as well as by changing the materials inside the cell, will allow Tesla to “halve” the price per kilowatt-hour, which will make electric cars roughly the same price as combustion engine ones.
The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit of energy most commonly used to measure the capacity of the battery packs in modern electric vehicles. Those prices have been falling dramatically over the last decade, from $1,100/kWh in 2010 to $156/kWh in 2019, a drop of 87 percent.
Tesla will “halve” the price per kilowatt-hour, Musk said
Experts predict that the price will hit $100/kWh by 2023, but Musk said Tesla will kick off a three-year process to bring the price below that — though he didn’t say exactly what the price target would be.
There is more to a battery than just its cells. A lithium-ion battery cell that costs $100/kWh to produce means a battery pack, with its additional components such as a battery management and cooling systems, could cost $125–$130/kWh or more.
Photo by Sean O’Kane / The Verge
Today’s battery packs cost around $10,000–$12,000, depending on their capacity. Low battery prices could be the key to unlock more affordable, higher volume electric cars. Tesla is aiming to reduce the cost of future packs to less than $6,000, which would put the cell cost at well under $100/kWh.
The average price of electric cars in the US has been dropping, most recently from $64,300 in 2018 to $55,600 in 2019, a 13.4 percent decline. And that’s mostly thanks to Tesla’s Model 3. But that’s still high compared to the average price of a regular, gas-burning vehicle at $36,600 (though that price has been ticking upwards).
The average price of electric cars in the US has been dropping
The Model 3 was supposed to be Tesla’s first car for the broader market. From early on, the company’s “master plan” — as set out by Musk in a 2006 blog post — outlined how it would build a desirable electric sports car to convince people that EVs can be cool (which was not an easy task at the time), use the revenue from that to help fund a more affordable luxury sedan, and plow the funds from that effort into a car that hundreds of thousands of people could buy.
But Musk’s plan to make a $35,000 Model 3 never came to fruition, thanks to the company’s well documented “production hell.” Today, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus starts at $37,990, the Long Range starts at $46,990, and the Performance starts at $54,990.
This isn’t the first time Musk has predicted that Tesla would dramatically reduce the costs of its electric cars. He first promised a $25,000 EV back in 2018, which he said was possible within three years.
“I think in order for us to get up to...a 25,000 car, that’s something we can do,” Musk said in an interview with You Tuber Marques Brownlee. “But if we work really hard I think maybe we can do that in about three years.”


theverge--2020-09-22--Tesla announces it will build a new cathode plant

Tesla plans to build in a new cathode plant for its batteries in North America , to help reduce supply @ @ @ @ @ production , CEO Elon Musk said today at the company ’ s battery event .
@ @ @ @ @ efficient , Musk said , and it ’ s making improvements to the process that @ @ @ @ @ cheaper , and produce zero wastewater .
The new process will eliminate many of the @ @ @ @ @ production , and it plans to diversify the cathodes it uses , because of low @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get into specifics of where and when the new plant would be built @ @ @ @ @ the start of his presentation that he wanted a Gigafactory on every continent .
The @ @ @ @ @ was building its next US factory in Austin , Texas , and Musk said he @ @ @ @ @ runner-up city Tulsa , Oklahoma for future projects .

Tesla plans to build in a new cathode plant for its batteries in North America, to help reduce supply chain costs and simplify cathode production, CEO Elon Musk said today at the company’s battery event.
The current process is not efficient, Musk said, and it’s making improvements to the process that will make cathodes 76 percent cheaper, and produce zero wastewater. The new process will eliminate many of the intermediate steps involved in cathode production, and it plans to diversify the cathodes it uses, because of low nickel supply.


theverge--2020-09-22--Why Apple should give us custom app icons (but probably never will)

iOS 14 has a lot of iPhones looking pretty different these days — some with classy monochrome color schemes , others with pastel styles ripped right off of Pinterest , and some that look like they ’ re straight out of Animal Crossing or emulating Windows Mobile .
The changes aren ’ t some new , radical shift by Apple , but rather a viral wave of enthusiastic users taking advantage of widgets and other tweaks to bring an unprecedented level of customization to the usually rigid Apple-enforced design of the OS .
It turns out that lots of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as any number of viral videos displaying lavishly designed homescreens show , they ’ re going to great lengths to do it .
It ’ s proof that Apple should continue to trend down this path and allow users to have even greater control over the look and feel of their smartphone — even though it seems almost impossible that the company ever will .
Apple users have been clamoring for the ability to customize the iPhone since the very minute Apple first announced the phone .
It only took weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of a custom design app called Summerboard , which allowed users to customize icons , replace the home screen wallpaper ( something that took Apple years to add in an official capacity ) , and use new fonts across the OS .
Modifying the look of iOS has always been one of the biggest draws of the jailbreaking community , and remains a popular modification for those willing to mess with iOS to this day .
But instead of meeting that interest , Apple instead largely stamped out jailbreaking entirely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the demand for custom iPhone styles has skyrocketed , thanks to the newly added widgets and a revitalized interest in a Shortcuts workaround that allows for custom icons .
Together , the two features can let users create a fully customized iOS experience , with a unique look and feel , complete with images , text quotes , and your own unique matching icons — provided they ’ re willing to suffer the limitations of both of those features .
Neither option is particularly elegant .
The Shortcuts method involves using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app to create a link to an application on your homescreen that features a custom icon — but crucially , tapping that icon causes those apps to ferry users through the Shortcuts app , adding a few seconds of lag to each time you launch an app because it has to invoke the “ open app ” command .
The new App Library feature in iOS 14 does make theming easier , allowing users to fully hide the original app out of sight without having to delete it .
The demand for custom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widgets — led by apps like Widgetsmith — give users a blank canvas to add interactive elements to their lockscreen , they ’ re still limited by Apple ’ s restrictions over size and shape , along with its obsessive labeling that mars the illusion of a perfect style .
There ’ s no reason that Apple couldn ’ t do more here .
It ’ s easy to imagine Apple allowing for more direct app icon replacement , or for users to easily switch between entire themes .
The company could expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or allow users deeper control over the colors and design of overarching UI elements .
Widgets have only given iOS users a taste of the levels of customization that could await them — people want more , and they ’ re willing to go to absurd lengths to get it .
Each app needs to be converted into a shortcut one-by-one in a time-consuming process — there ’ s no way to just upload an icon or set everything in a batch to match a particular look , as both jailbroken options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a level of control and customization that Apple seems unlikely to grant .
While Google has allowed Android users and developers near free rein over the look of its software , Apple prides itself specifically on its design .
The company doesn ’ t just view the icons and interface of iOS as just a coat of paint over its software ; it ’ s an integral part of the design of the phone , as much as the glass and metal .
Apple cares so much about those icons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its overall designs and layout , in a lawsuit that dragged on for seven years .
No company but Apple makes a video like this to announce their latest software update , or spends as much time and effort on app icon design .
I doubt they ’ re cool with users making it look like a replica of a NookPhone .
Apple ’ s concessions to the customization front have been few and far between since it first launched in the iPhone in 2007 .
Users can , for example , set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t happen until iOS 3.2 ( for the iPad ) and iOS 4 ( for the iPhone ) .
Developers have only been able to add custom app icon options as of iOS 10.3 — not exactly the sweeping set of options that other platforms ( including Apple ’ s own macOS ) offer .
There is some hope that Apple may eventually give users even more control But there is some hope that Apple may eventually give users even more control .
iOS 14 and the recent additions here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows best ” approach that the iPhone has ever seen .
And if the company isn ’ t thrown off by the myriad ( and sometimes , rough looking ) creations of fans , it ’ s possible that the future of iOS might be a lot less uniform and a lot more… .
NookPhone-y .

iOS 14 has a lot of iPhones looking pretty different these days — some with classy monochrome color schemes, others with pastel styles ripped right off of Pinterest, and some that look like they’re straight out of Animal Crossing or emulating Windows Mobile.
The changes aren’t some new, radical shift by Apple, but rather a viral wave of enthusiastic users taking advantage of widgets and other tweaks to bring an unprecedented level of customization to the usually rigid Apple-enforced design of the OS.
It turns out that lots of people have been dying to theme iOS, and as any number of viral videos displaying lavishly designed homescreens show, they’re going to great lengths to do it. It’s proof that Apple should continue to trend down this path and allow users to have even greater control over the look and feel of their smartphone — even though it seems almost impossible that the company ever will.
Apple users have been clamoring for the ability to customize the iPhone since the very minute Apple first announced the phone. It only took weeks after the initial iPhone jailbreak in 2007 for the release of a custom design app called Summerboard, which allowed users to customize icons, replace the home screen wallpaper (something that took Apple years to add in an official capacity), and use new fonts across the OS.
Modifying the look of iOS has always been one of the biggest draws of the jailbreaking community, and remains a popular modification for those willing to mess with iOS to this day. But instead of meeting that interest, Apple instead largely stamped out jailbreaking entirely.
But since the release of iOS 14, the demand for custom iPhone styles has skyrocketed, thanks to the newly added widgets and a revitalized interest in a Shortcuts workaround that allows for custom icons. Together, the two features can let users create a fully customized iOS experience, with a unique look and feel, complete with images, text quotes, and your own unique matching icons — provided they’re willing to suffer the limitations of both of those features.
Neither option is particularly elegant. The Shortcuts method involves using the “Open app” command within the app to create a link to an application on your homescreen that features a custom icon — but crucially, tapping that icon causes those apps to ferry users through the Shortcuts app, adding a few seconds of lag to each time you launch an app because it has to invoke the “open app” command. The new App Library feature in iOS 14 does make theming easier, allowing users to fully hide the original app out of sight without having to delete it.
The demand for custom iPhone styles has skyrocketed
But while customizable widgets — led by apps like Widgetsmith — give users a blank canvas to add interactive elements to their lockscreen, they’re still limited by Apple’s restrictions over size and shape, along with its obsessive labeling that mars the illusion of a perfect style.
There’s no reason that Apple couldn’t do more here. It’s easy to imagine Apple allowing for more direct app icon replacement, or for users to easily switch between entire themes. The company could expand widgets to make them even more functional, or allow users deeper control over the colors and design of overarching UI elements.
Widgets have only given iOS users a taste of the levels of customization that could await them — people want more, and they’re willing to go to absurd lengths to get it. Each app needs to be converted into a shortcut one-by-one in a time-consuming process — there’s no way to just upload an icon or set everything in a batch to match a particular look, as both jailbroken options and Android allow. But unfortunately, it’s a level of control and customization that Apple seems unlikely to grant.
While Google has allowed Android users and developers near free rein over the look of its software, Apple prides itself specifically on its design. The company doesn’t just view the icons and interface of iOS as just a coat of paint over its software; it’s an integral part of the design of the phone, as much as the glass and metal. Apple cares so much about those icons that it once sued Samsung over copying its overall designs and layout, in a lawsuit that dragged on for seven years. No company but Apple makes a video like this to announce their latest software update, or spends as much time and effort on app icon design. I doubt they’re cool with users making it look like a replica of a NookPhone.
Apple’s concessions to the customization front have been few and far between since it first launched in the iPhone in 2007. Users can, for example, set their own custom wallpapers, something that didn’t happen until iOS 3.2 (for the iPad) and iOS 4 (for the iPhone). Developers have only been able to add custom app icon options as of iOS 10.3 — not exactly the sweeping set of options that other platforms (including Apple’s own macOS) offer.
There is some hope that Apple may eventually give users even more control


theverge--2020-09-23--Zen and the art of bicycle fenders

Zen and the art of bicycle fenders

Oski Collado ’ s bicycle workshop is bohemian rhapsody , incarnate .
The former stained-glass factory in Haarlem ’ s old town , lovingly repurposed into an art studio by Collado ’ s father-in-law , houses an unconventional mélange of sprockets and easels , grinders and paint brushes .
What looks at first to be shambolic , is in fact orderly , and magnificent in its raw functionality .
Collado , 52 , long black hair cinched as tightly as the tuck of the T-shirt inside his camos , stands at the center , surveying the dimensions of a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s here , just outside of Amsterdam , that Collado , the skateboarding punk squatter and former rock-n-roll photographer , makes Rain-Bow fenders .
A three-year-old business , it ’ s as eclectic and improbable as the man who started it .
Bike fenders , or mudguards if you prefer , are boring .
They ’ re often ignored altogether by bike manufacturers because they can upset the otherwise clean lines of more premium designs .
They also add to the cost , which is why many bikes are priced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as extra-cost accessories during checkout .
But fenders aren ’ t optional if you commute to work by bike regularly , as many people do in cities like Amsterdam , Copenhagen , and Portland .
You ’ ll regret not having them just as soon it rains , and you arrive at work with your shins and back covered in road filth .
Rain-Bow fenders neatly frame the arc of the wheel with a bare minimum of material while still protecting the rider .
They ’ re so minimalistic that they look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stylish $ 4,599 Eeyo 1S electric bike .
Rain-Bow fenders are also available in standard cuts for a wide variety of bikes , or custom fits for Brompton and Velo foldables , and Cowboy electric bikes .
He ’ ll even do one-offs for whatever bike you bring to his studio for a fitting .
I saw a discarded piece of plastic and Rain-Bow was born Collado ’ s inspiration for Rain-Bow came during a visit to a plastic supplier while working as a bike mechanic in Amsterdam .
“ On one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece of plastic that was about 45mm wide .
I thought , ‘ That would make a great fender , ’ ” says the Barcelona native , who says he took inspiration from Gaudí ’ s use of geometrical forms on buildings like the Sagrada Familia .
“ Why make the manufacturing difficult , why make a mold if this plastic is already bending in a perfect circle ?
So I asked if I could take it , and they said ‘ Sure , have more.
’ ” Collado took the strips home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of some old aluminum he had laying around , and Rain-Bow was born .
Collado is entirely self-taught .
His ability to wrench is a byproduct of his lifestyle .
“ The skateboard gave me two things : fitness and a community .
In the ’ 80s we had to do everything ourselves so we built our own skateboards and ramps , ” he says .
Soon he started repairing bikes for friends while squatting in Amsterdam , living in uninhabited buildings , often lacking power or running water .
“ People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whatever .
It ’ s how the community helped each other , ” he says .
Squatting instilled a sense of resourcefulness and trade that Collado continues to exhibit today .
Like most small business owners , the pandemic had an immediate and uncertain impact on Collado .
During the first few months of lockdown in the Netherlands , he received almost no orders on his Rain-Bow website .
So in July he said fuck it , put his online store on hold , and left for Spain , not knowing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time that e-bike sales , and sales of bicycles in general , exploded across Europe and the US .
Anyone who had a bike was suddenly pulling it out of storage and having it serviced or repaired .
In August , Collado ’ s fortunes turned after placing an ad on Marktplaats , the eBay-owned digital marketplace that long ago replaced classified ads in the Netherlands .
“ I turned the website back on and almost immediately , on the first or second day , I had a guy asking about fenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then an order for Brompton Rain-Bow fenders came in and things took off from there .
It wasn ’ t the first time he had advertised on Marktplaats , but his previous attempts that summer had proven ineffective .
It ’ s at this point that I suggest to Collado that Instagram ads could help .
“ Yeah , maybe , ” he says with a shrug and laugh .
“ I ’ m not that good at marketing , I have to say .
Oh , well.
” He prefers word-of-mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike-obsessed cultures like Amsterdam .
It ’ s how I discovered him , after all , seeing a friend ’ s prized bike fitted with Rain-Bow fenders .
Regardless , Collado doesn ’ t measure success by how much he sells .
“ I want to keep it lo-fi , ” says Collado about his one-person operation .
“ I want to be sure that whatever I make is good .
It might not be enough to get rich but it ’ s got ta be good .
It ’ s always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did in the past .
The main thing is that it gives me a good feeling — that ’ s really important.
” “ What is luxury ?
” Collado asks , already knowing the answer .
“ It ’ s just to be happy .
”

Part of / Making it Work
Oski Collado’s bicycle workshop is bohemian rhapsody, incarnate. The former stained-glass factory in Haarlem’s old town, lovingly repurposed into an art studio by Collado’s father-in-law, houses an unconventional mélange of sprockets and easels, grinders and paint brushes.
What looks at first to be shambolic, is in fact orderly, and magnificent in its raw functionality. Collado, 52, long black hair cinched as tightly as the tuck of the T-shirt inside his camos, stands at the center, surveying the dimensions of a new Cowboy e-bike suspended from a makeshift pulley.
It’s here, just outside of Amsterdam, that Collado, the skateboarding punk squatter and former rock-n-roll photographer, makes Rain-Bow fenders. A three-year-old business, it’s as eclectic and improbable as the man who started it.
Oski Collado fits a Rain-Bow fender to a Cowboy 3 electric bike.
Bike fenders, or mudguards if you prefer, are boring. They’re often ignored altogether by bike manufacturers because they can upset the otherwise clean lines of more premium designs. They also add to the cost, which is why many bikes are priced without fenders, forcing buyers to add them as extra-cost accessories during checkout.
But fenders aren’t optional if you commute to work by bike regularly, as many people do in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Portland. You’ll regret not having them just as soon it rains, and you arrive at work with your shins and back covered in road filth.
Rain-Bow fenders neatly frame the arc of the wheel with a bare minimum of material while still protecting the rider. They’re so minimalistic that they look right at home on Gogoro’s stylish $4,599 Eeyo 1S electric bike. Rain-Bow fenders are also available in standard cuts for a wide variety of bikes, or custom fits for Brompton and Velo foldables, and Cowboy electric bikes. He’ll even do one-offs for whatever bike you bring to his studio for a fitting.
I saw a discarded piece of plastic and Rain-Bow was born
Collado’s inspiration for Rain-Bow came during a visit to a plastic supplier while working as a bike mechanic in Amsterdam. “On one of my visits, I saw a discarded piece of plastic that was about 45mm wide. I thought, ‘That would make a great fender,’” says the Barcelona native, who says he took inspiration from Gaudí’s use of geometrical forms on buildings like the Sagrada Familia.
“Why make the manufacturing difficult, why make a mold if this plastic is already bending in a perfect circle? So I asked if I could take it, and they said ‘Sure, have more.’” Collado took the strips home, fashioned a pair of fender stays out of some old aluminum he had laying around, and Rain-Bow was born.
Collado is entirely self-taught. His ability to wrench is a byproduct of his lifestyle. “The skateboard gave me two things: fitness and a community. In the ’80s we had to do everything ourselves so we built our own skateboards and ramps,” he says. Soon he started repairing bikes for friends while squatting in Amsterdam, living in uninhabited buildings, often lacking power or running water.
“People would build things in return for food or whatever. It’s how the community helped each other,” he says. Squatting instilled a sense of resourcefulness and trade that Collado continues to exhibit today.
Like most small business owners, the pandemic had an immediate and uncertain impact on Collado. During the first few months of lockdown in the Netherlands, he received almost no orders on his Rain-Bow website. So in July he said fuck it, put his online store on hold, and left for Spain, not knowing what would come next.
“Why make a mold if this plastic is already bending in a perfect circle?”
It was during this time that e-bike sales, and sales of bicycles in general, exploded across Europe and the US. Anyone who had a bike was suddenly pulling it out of storage and having it serviced or repaired.
In August, Collado’s fortunes turned after placing an ad on Marktplaats, the eBay-owned digital marketplace that long ago replaced classified ads in the Netherlands. “I turned the website back on and almost immediately, on the first or second day, I had a guy asking about fenders for a Cowboy,” recalls Collado. Then an order for Brompton Rain-Bow fenders came in and things took off from there. It wasn’t the first time he had advertised on Marktplaats, but his previous attempts that summer had proven ineffective.
It’s at this point that I suggest to Collado that Instagram ads could help. “Yeah, maybe,” he says with a shrug and laugh. “I’m not that good at marketing, I have to say. Oh, well.” He prefers word-of-mouth advertising, which is very effective in bike-obsessed cultures like Amsterdam. It’s how I discovered him, after all, seeing a friend’s prized bike fitted with Rain-Bow fenders. Regardless, Collado doesn’t measure success by how much he sells.
“I want to keep it lo-fi,” says Collado about his one-person operation. “I want to be sure that whatever I make is good. It might not be enough to get rich but it’s gotta be good. It’s always been like that, with photography or whatever I did in the past. The main thing is that it gives me a good feeling — that’s really important.”
“What is luxury?” Collado asks, already knowing the answer.


theverge--2020-09-23--To fight the pandemic, a Brooklyn restaurant turned to tacos

Six days a week , Irene Castillo is in charge of bringing the flavors of the Mexican central state of Puebla to Brooklyn ’ s local hot spot , Jalapeño King .
Respecting the culinary traditions of the women in her family , Castillo seasons the salsas , rice dishes , and stews , while her husband Rafael Eustaquio grills the meats for the tacos .
Their 30-year-old son , Jonathan , attends the clientele and runs the social media accounts .
For two months , however , the family-run business had to close down due to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened in South Slope on May 15 , and since then the Eustaquio Castillo family has joined a community-wide effort to tackle COVID-19 — and the systemic social inequities that have put Latin American immigrant families at greater risk for the disease .
“ We managed to survive with the savings we had .
Well , the savings are over , but for us the important thing was always health and life , ” says the 56-year-old Castillo , who has lived in the same Brooklyn apartment for the past 31 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients have helped us a lot to keep going .
We ’ re a very small business , and unfortunately small businesses had very little help.
” “ It impacted us so much that entire buildings of migrant families were infected ” The COVID outbreak has disproportionately impacted the Latin community , with high rates of cases , deaths , and economic losses .
According to Mexico ’ s Ministry of Foreign Affairs , at least 2,452 Mexicans have died in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic .
New York is by far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll among the Mexican migrant community , with 773 deaths ( deaths in Connecticut and some counties in New Jersey are included in the total ) .
Hispanics and Latin Americans comprise 18.5 percent of the US population , but 30 percent of positive cases nationwide .
“ At least I counted about 30 [ deaths ] , of people I know , ” said Miguel Angel Badillo , president of Hidalguenses en Nueva York , an association of migrants from the southern state of Hidalgo .
“ It impacted us so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were infected.
” Many migrants are still afraid of seeking testing over a fear of acquiring debt , or testing positive and missing work .
Badillo says many fear they will be quarantined , leaving them unable to cover their family ’ s expenses .
Ineligible for economic relief , migrant families have depleted their savings , facing serious financial problems .
A recent poll revealed that across the US , 72 percent of Latin households , 60 percent of Black , and 55 percent of Native American households report serious financial problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 percent of white households .
As the pandemic worsened food insecurities , long lines of people formed outside food pantries and community centers , increasing the risks for migrant families .
The city distributed food boxes , but the items didn ’ t reflect the diets of the Mexican and Latin community .
To coordinate a better nutrition response and mobilize the resources of the community , Jalapeño King and a local nonprofit , Mixteca Organization , worked together to prepare and distribute tortas to the Latin American migrant community , mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
There ’ s a long history of mistrust , debt , and discrimination within the Latin community from the health sector “ The boxes of vegetables that the city gave us lacked , for example , tortilla , chile , or cilantro that our community needs to cook.
” says Lorena Kourousias , executive director of Mixteca , which offers immigrant rights programs , mental health counseling , and workshops to the Mexican and Latin American immigrant community in Brooklyn .
In mid-August , New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sunset Park due to ongoing spread of the virus .
Although free testing has been available since June , many Latin families are still reluctant to seek out testing due to their immigration status or fear .
There ’ s a long history of mistrust , debt , and discrimination within the Latin community from the health sector .
Language is also another barrier ; Mixteca has identified at least 89 different languages among the community .
For the last weekend of August , Jalapeño King and Mixteca came together to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community and ensure Latin families are reached .
Kourousias arranged for a community mobile testing unit to come to Mixteca , just around the corner from Jalapeño King .
The Eustaquio Castillo family donated 125 tacos and tortas to thank people for taking the test .
The preferred choice was their tortas , which in 2015 were honored with the Best Torta award by The Village Voice .
“ We ’ re in a pandemic , but we ’ re surviving .
We have work , a house , and the business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little to someone who may not have enough to buy a torta ?
That ’ s why we decided to make the donation , ” says Castillo , originally from the town of Chietla in the state of Puebla .
“ There are people who might say , ‘ If they give me food then I ’ ll take the test.
’ So there are now two interests.
” For the past seven years , Jalapeño King has served a clientele made up mostly of güeros and gringos , as Castillo calls them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Testing ” campaign , however , attracted the same amount of white and brown people , and the offer sold out .
Castillo felt happy to support the health of her community , while sharing her Poblano ( from Puebla ) touch .
“ Bringing a piece of Mexico , with a Poblano flavor , has been important because there are a lot of businesses here but not everybody does it as it should be .
I am Poblana , I cook Poblano style , ” says Castillo .
“ I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw my mother cooking it , I saw my grandmother too .
It ’ s our tradition and we ’ re sharing it.
” With winter approaching , many migrant families hold grim views of the economy and the coronavirus outbreak .
Support networks among the Mexican and Latin American immigrant community , like the one created by Jalapeño King and Mixteca , could help counteract the void left by the government .

Six days a week, Irene Castillo is in charge of bringing the flavors of the Mexican central state of Puebla to Brooklyn’s local hot spot, Jalapeño King. Respecting the culinary traditions of the women in her family, Castillo seasons the salsas, rice dishes, and stews, while her husband Rafael Eustaquio grills the meats for the tacos. Their 30-year-old son, Jonathan, attends the clientele and runs the social media accounts.
For two months, however, the family-run business had to close down due to the pandemic. Unlike many other businesses, Jalapeño King reopened in South Slope on May 15, and since then the Eustaquio Castillo family has joined a community-wide effort to tackle COVID-19 — and the systemic social inequities that have put Latin American immigrant families at greater risk for the disease.
“We managed to survive with the savings we had. Well, the savings are over, but for us the important thing was always health and life,” says the 56-year-old Castillo, who has lived in the same Brooklyn apartment for the past 31 years. “We are still surviving. Our clients have helped us a lot to keep going. We’re a very small business, and unfortunately small businesses had very little help.”
“It impacted us so much that entire buildings of migrant families were infected”
The COVID outbreak has disproportionately impacted the Latin community, with high rates of cases, deaths, and economic losses. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 2,452 Mexicans have died in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York is by far the US state with the highest coronavirus death toll among the Mexican migrant community, with 773 deaths (deaths in Connecticut and some counties in New Jersey are included in the total). Hispanics and Latin Americans comprise 18.5 percent of the US population, but 30 percent of positive cases nationwide.
“At least I counted about 30 [deaths], of people I know,” said Miguel Angel Badillo, president of Hidalguenses en Nueva York, an association of migrants from the southern state of Hidalgo. “It impacted us so much that entire buildings of migrant families were infected.”
Many migrants are still afraid of seeking testing over a fear of acquiring debt, or testing positive and missing work. Badillo says many fear they will be quarantined, leaving them unable to cover their family’s expenses. Ineligible for economic relief, migrant families have depleted their savings, facing serious financial problems. A recent poll revealed that across the US, 72 percent of Latin households, 60 percent of Black, and 55 percent of Native American households report serious financial problems due to the pandemic, compared to 36 percent of white households.
As the pandemic worsened food insecurities, long lines of people formed outside food pantries and community centers, increasing the risks for migrant families. The city distributed food boxes, but the items didn’t reflect the diets of the Mexican and Latin community. To coordinate a better nutrition response and mobilize the resources of the community, Jalapeño King and a local nonprofit, Mixteca Organization, worked together to prepare and distribute tortas to the Latin American migrant community, mainly Mexican families, during the weekends of August.
There’s a long history of mistrust, debt, and discrimination within the Latin community from the health sector
“The boxes of vegetables that the city gave us lacked, for example, tortilla, chile, or cilantro that our community needs to cook.” says Lorena Kourousias, executive director of Mixteca, which offers immigrant rights programs, mental health counseling, and workshops to the Mexican and Latin American immigrant community in Brooklyn.
In mid-August, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a concerted effort to increase coronavirus testing in Sunset Park due to ongoing spread of the virus. Although free testing has been available since June, many Latin families are still reluctant to seek out testing due to their immigration status or fear. There’s a long history of mistrust, debt, and discrimination within the Latin community from the health sector. Language is also another barrier; Mixteca has identified at least 89 different languages among the community.
For the last weekend of August, Jalapeño King and Mixteca came together to promote testing in the gentrified South Slope/Sunset Park community and ensure Latin families are reached. Kourousias arranged for a community mobile testing unit to come to Mixteca, just around the corner from Jalapeño King. The Eustaquio Castillo family donated 125 tacos and tortas to thank people for taking the test. The preferred choice was their tortas, which in 2015 were honored with the Best Torta award by The Village Voice.
“We’re in a pandemic, but we’re surviving. We have work, a house, and the business, why don’t we give a little to someone who may not have enough to buy a torta? That’s why we decided to make the donation,” says Castillo, originally from the town of Chietla in the state of Puebla. “There are people who might say, ‘If they give me food then I’ll take the test.’ So there are now two interests.”
For the past seven years, Jalapeño King has served a clientele made up mostly of güeros and gringos, as Castillo calls them. The “Tacos, Tortas, and Testing” campaign, however, attracted the same amount of white and brown people, and the offer sold out. Castillo felt happy to support the health of her community, while sharing her Poblano (from Puebla) touch.
“Bringing a piece of Mexico, with a Poblano flavor, has been important because there are a lot of businesses here but not everybody does it as it should be. I am Poblana, I cook Poblano style,” says Castillo. “I know how my food was born because I saw my mother cooking it, I saw my grandmother too. It’s our tradition and we’re sharing it.”


theverge--2020-09-23--The literally useless Roku diamond button might actually be a good idea

In today ’ s digital age , it sometimes feels like hardware has taken a back seat to the software that drives our devices .
Button of the Month is a monthly column that explores the physical pieces of our phones , tablets , and controllers that we interact with every day .
On the corner of the Roku Touch remote is a strange , unlabeled button marked only with a mysterious glyph of two overlapping diamonds .
Press it , and a voice will ring out : “ This feature is not yet available.
” The button does absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way for nearly two years .
Back in 2018 , Roku launched its TV Wireless speaker , along with the Roku Touch remote to match .
On that remote , there are a plethora of buttons : volume controls , play / pause / skip buttons , a microphone button , and even two programmable presets that can be tied to frequently used commands .
The button does absolutely nothing But Roku also reserved a final button for a future software feature — the odd diamond-marked button seen here .
Nearly two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say what feature the button is reserved for or when ( or even if ) that update will come .
Theories abound : perhaps Roku is planning to use it for some kind of multiroom audio feature or to link up other hardware like the Roku subwoofer .
But despite the literal uselessness of the mysterious diamond button , I love the idea of it .
It simultaneously speaks to one of the greatest weaknesses of hardware interactions , while also hinting at their greatest strengths .
As Steve Jobs famously said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problem with physical buttons is that they ’ re “ fixed in plastic ” — whatever you have on the phone , remote , or keyboard is ( largely ) what it ’ ll do forever .
“ And what happens if you think of a great idea six months from now ?
” Jobs quipped , “ You can ’ t run around and add a button to these things !
” And Jobs was right .
You can ’ t add buttons to a remote after the fact , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotes every time you have a great new feature or redesign — which is an option , as companies like Nvidia have shown — you ’ re stuck .
You can ’ t add buttons to a remote after the fact Which is precisely why this bizarre , nonfunctional Roku button exists .
Because if Roku does come up with that awesome feature in the future ( which , given the nearly two years that this remote has been out , isn ’ t an assured thing ) , it ’ s already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dedicated hardware button that will make accessing the feature a snap .
Of course , Roku hasn ’ t done anything with it , leaving the downside that Jobs envisioned back in 2007 : the button is fixed in plastic forever , leaving a confusing object for users and a constant reminder that Roku hasn ’ t actually managed to ship whatever it planned .
Those opposing ideas are why I love this Roku button so much .
Not because of its functionality ( obviously ) , but because it represents both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the benefits of a bespoke hardware tool and the pitfalls of an unchangeable interface .
And who knows ?
Maybe Roku will add functionality to the diamond button one day .
After all , buttons can ’ t change , but firmware is flexible .

On the corner of the Roku Touch remote is a strange, unlabeled button marked only with a mysterious glyph of two overlapping diamonds. Press it, and a voice will ring out: “This feature is not yet available.”
The button does absolutely nothing, and it’s been that way for nearly two years.
Back in 2018, Roku launched its TV Wireless speaker, along with the Roku Touch remote to match. On that remote, there are a plethora of buttons: volume controls, play / pause / skip buttons, a microphone button, and even two programmable presets that can be tied to frequently used commands.
The button does absolutely nothing
But Roku also reserved a final button for a future software feature — the odd diamond-marked button seen here. Nearly two years on, Roku has yet to say what feature the button is reserved for or when (or even if) that update will come.
Theories abound: perhaps Roku is planning to use it for some kind of multiroom audio feature or to link up other hardware like the Roku subwoofer.
But despite the literal uselessness of the mysterious diamond button, I love the idea of it. It simultaneously speaks to one of the greatest weaknesses of hardware interactions, while also hinting at their greatest strengths.
As Steve Jobs famously said at the announcement of the first iPhone, the problem with physical buttons is that they’re “fixed in plastic” — whatever you have on the phone, remote, or keyboard is (largely) what it’ll do forever. “And what happens if you think of a great idea six months from now?” Jobs quipped, “You can’t run around and add a button to these things!”
And Jobs was right. You can’t add buttons to a remote after the fact, and short of forcing users to buy new remotes every time you have a great new feature or redesign — which is an option, as companies like Nvidia have shown — you’re stuck.
You can’t add buttons to a remote after the fact
Which is precisely why this bizarre, nonfunctional Roku button exists. Because if Roku does come up with that awesome feature in the future (which, given the nearly two years that this remote has been out, isn’t an assured thing), it’s already laid the groundwork for it with a dedicated hardware button that will make accessing the feature a snap.
Of course, Roku hasn’t done anything with it, leaving the downside that Jobs envisioned back in 2007: the button is fixed in plastic forever, leaving a confusing object for users and a constant reminder that Roku hasn’t actually managed to ship whatever it planned.


theverge--2020-09-23--No Man’s Sky’s massive Origins update doubles the variety in the game

There have already been some cool things added to No Man ’ s Sky in 2020 , including a horror-themed update , the addition of mech suits , and cross-platform multiplayer .
But today the sci-fi sandbox is getting its biggest expansion of the year with Origins , which aims to double the variety in the game with new features like more plant and animal life , and gigantic mountains and oceans to explore .
The update is out today for free across all platforms , and it ’ s the latest in a growing list of big annual updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Previous years we ’ ve done things like VR or multiplayer or adding story , ” says Hello Games ’ Sean Murray .
“ This year we thought it was time to revisit some of the foundations of the game.
” According to Murray , the Origins update is something the studio has wanted to do for some time ; despite all of the many updates and expansions for No Man ’ s Sky , the base universe has remained largely the same since launch .
“ We ’ ve updated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually that universe has stayed pretty static , ” he says .
“ The terrain , the plants , the creatures , the things that you see , those have largely stayed the same.
” So what ’ s actually different in the update ?
Here ’ s how Murray explains it .
( You can also check out the full patch notes here . )
We have increased the diversity and variation that you see , hopefully doubled it ; that ’ s the math of it , but hopefully that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a lot of new sights to see , more flora and fauna , and hopefully exploring planets should be really fresh and new again .
But we ’ ve also done things that we were never able to do before on a technical level .
Mountains can be multiple kilometers tall , oceans can be deeper , caves can be deeper , chasms can be wider .
We ’ ve added weather systems like lightning and meteor storms and lava and volcanoes .
We ’ ve tried to make it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully impacted the gameplay as well .
Those things change how you play the game .
The update has been in the works for around 18 months .
According to Murray , one of the big challenges was changing these core aspects of the experience without disrupting the game as it is now .
Players have built some incredible things inside No Man ’ s Sky , and the studio didn ’ t want to destroy all of that work that the community did .
“ How do we keep what people really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the things that they ’ ve built , but also completely change the universe underneath them ?
It ’ s remaking the foundations while people are still living in the house.
” “ It ’ s remaking the foundations while people are still living in the house.
” Hello Games says that , despite launching in 2016 , No Man ’ s Sky is more popular today than it has ever been .
Part of that has to do with releasing on new platforms like Xbox Game Pass , which added around 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray , a big reason for the continued success is a change in the way the studio approaches updates .
“ Initially , when the game launched , I would ’ ve liked to update the game really regularly , ” he explains .
“ Launch was really intense and crazy for us and we were under a lot of scrutiny , and so it seemed inappropriate to do lots of smaller updates .
We knew that whatever we put out had to be really impactful.
” But as the game became more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cadence of changes shifted .
Hello still releases big expansions like Origins but also smaller-scale changes , like the mech suits .
“ It felt wrong to wait until the end of the year to release that , ” Murray says of the mech update .
“ Having more and more updates has made it a really big year for us.
” It ’ s more akin to how other live-service games like Fortnite and Destiny work , keeping players engaged with new things on a regular basis .
“ Having more and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big year for us , ” says Murray .
“ We have more people playing No Man ’ s Sky than ever , and people generally play for a really long time .
That isn ’ t the biggest metric for us , but it ’ s nice.
” Following Origins , there should be around one or two updates still to come for No Man ’ s Sky in 2020 .
After that , it ’ s not clear what will come next .
Murray says that each of the updates has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had ; someone just decided to build a mech one day , and it turned out to be a good fit for the game .
This makes it hard to predict what will happen next — though it doesn ’ t sound like the team at Hello is stopping any time soon .
“ After every update , I ’ ll be like ‘ we ’ re probably done for a while now.
’ And then we always manage to have something , ” says Murray .
“ I am sure there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think of anything , but that doesn ’ t seem to be the case at the moment .
”

There have already been some cool things added to No Man’s Sky in 2020, including a horror-themed update, the addition of mech suits, and cross-platform multiplayer. But today the sci-fi sandbox is getting its biggest expansion of the year with Origins, which aims to double the variety in the game with new features like more plant and animal life, and gigantic mountains and oceans to explore. The update is out today for free across all platforms, and it’s the latest in a growing list of big annual updates for No Man’s Sky.
“Previous years we’ve done things like VR or multiplayer or adding story,” says Hello Games’ Sean Murray. “This year we thought it was time to revisit some of the foundations of the game.”
According to Murray, the Origins update is something the studio has wanted to do for some time; despite all of the many updates and expansions for No Man’s Sky, the base universe has remained largely the same since launch. “We’ve updated the game a lot since then, but actually that universe has stayed pretty static,” he says. “The terrain, the plants, the creatures, the things that you see, those have largely stayed the same.”
So what’s actually different in the update? Here’s how Murray explains it. (You can also check out the full patch notes here.)
We have increased the diversity and variation that you see, hopefully doubled it; that’s the math of it, but hopefully that’s how it feels. So there’s a lot of new sights to see, more flora and fauna, and hopefully exploring planets should be really fresh and new again. But we’ve also done things that we were never able to do before on a technical level. Mountains can be multiple kilometers tall, oceans can be deeper, caves can be deeper, chasms can be wider. We’ve added weather systems like lightning and meteor storms and lava and volcanoes. We’ve tried to make it a more interesting place to explore, and hopefully impacted the gameplay as well. Those things change how you play the game.
The update has been in the works for around 18 months. According to Murray, one of the big challenges was changing these core aspects of the experience without disrupting the game as it is now. Players have built some incredible things inside No Man’s Sky, and the studio didn’t want to destroy all of that work that the community did. “How do we keep what people really enjoy about the game, and keep the things that they’ve built, but also completely change the universe underneath them? It’s remaking the foundations while people are still living in the house.”
“It’s remaking the foundations while people are still living in the house.”
Hello Games says that, despite launching in 2016, No Man’s Sky is more popular today than it has ever been. Part of that has to do with releasing on new platforms like Xbox Game Pass, which added around 1 million new players. But according to Murray, a big reason for the continued success is a change in the way the studio approaches updates.
“Initially, when the game launched, I would’ve liked to update the game really regularly,” he explains. “Launch was really intense and crazy for us and we were under a lot of scrutiny, and so it seemed inappropriate to do lots of smaller updates. We knew that whatever we put out had to be really impactful.”
But as the game became more stable because of those updates, the cadence of changes shifted. Hello still releases big expansions like Origins but also smaller-scale changes, like the mech suits. “It felt wrong to wait until the end of the year to release that,” Murray says of the mech update.
“Having more and more updates has made it a really big year for us.”
It’s more akin to how other live-service games like Fortnite and Destiny work, keeping players engaged with new things on a regular basis. “Having more and more updates has made it a really big year for us,” says Murray. “We have more people playing No Man’s Sky than ever, and people generally play for a really long time. That isn’t the biggest metric for us, but it’s nice.”
Following Origins, there should be around one or two updates still to come for No Man’s Sky in 2020. After that, it’s not clear what will come next. Murray says that each of the updates has been inspired by particular ideas the team had; someone just decided to build a mech one day, and it turned out to be a good fit for the game. This makes it hard to predict what will happen next — though it doesn’t sound like the team at Hello is stopping any time soon.


theverge--2020-09-23--Hello Games says ‘our ambitions have grown’ since No Man’s Sky

It ’ s been a long road for No Man ’ s Sky .
The game quickly went from heavily hyped to heavily criticized , after launching without many promised features .
After several years of updates , however , the sci-fi game is in a good place , and it ’ s set to change once again with today ’ s huge Origins expansion , which doubles the amount of variety in the game and adds new features like volcanoes and a greater breadth of plant and animal life .
Hello says No Man ’ s Sky is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success does raise an interesting question : what ’ s next for the studio ?
The team has previously released smaller-scale titles like the arcade game Joe Danger and , more recently , the beautiful adventure The Last Campfire .
However , according to Hello ’ s Sean Murray , the studio ’ s next project could well be something much bigger .
“ We ’ re a small team , and [ releasing small games like The Last Campfire ] would be fine , ” Murray says .
“ I wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that ’ s not representative of where we ’ re at .
Actually , I think our ambitions have grown , if anything , doing No Man ’ s Sky .
And I feel like it ’ s left a little bit of hunger , there ’ s a lot that we feel is unproven .
Just from the point of view of what No Man ’ s Sky was and seeing opportunities — with how cool the tech is , and how cool procedural generation stuff is — but also just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man ’ s Sky left a bit of a hole for the team of things that they wanted to prove going forward.
” But don ’ t expect to hear much about this mystery project any time soon .
One of the biggest issues around No Man ’ s Sky was outsized expectations ; the game that launched in 2016 was missing things that many players expected .
That was fixed over time , thanks to a large number of updates over the last few years .
But it ’ s a mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat .
“ It ’ s not something that we ’ re in a place where we want to talk about it a lot , ” Murray says of the new project .
“ We talked about No Man ’ s Sky too early , I feel , and we hopefully won ’ t do that again in the future .
”

It’s been a long road for No Man’s Sky. The game quickly went from heavily hyped to heavily criticized, after launching without many promised features. After several years of updates, however, the sci-fi game is in a good place, and it’s set to change once again with today’s huge Origins expansion, which doubles the amount of variety in the game and adds new features like volcanoes and a greater breadth of plant and animal life.
Hello says No Man’s Sky is more popular than ever, but its slow-burn success does raise an interesting question: what’s next for the studio? The team has previously released smaller-scale titles like the arcade game Joe Danger and, more recently, the beautiful adventure The Last Campfire. However, according to Hello’s Sean Murray, the studio’s next project could well be something much bigger.
“It’s left a little bit of hunger.”
“We’re a small team, and [releasing small games like The Last Campfire] would be fine,” Murray says. “I wouldn’t have a problem with that. But that’s not representative of where we’re at. Actually, I think our ambitions have grown, if anything, doing No Man’s Sky. And I feel like it’s left a little bit of hunger, there’s a lot that we feel is unproven. Just from the point of view of what No Man’s Sky was and seeing opportunities — with how cool the tech is, and how cool procedural generation stuff is — but also just for the future in general. No Man’s Sky left a bit of a hole for the team of things that they wanted to prove going forward.”
But don’t expect to hear much about this mystery project any time soon. One of the biggest issues around No Man’s Sky was outsized expectations; the game that launched in 2016 was missing things that many players expected. That was fixed over time, thanks to a large number of updates over the last few years. But it’s a mistake the team doesn’t want to repeat.


theverge--2020-09-23--Houseparty partners with Michelle Obama nonprofit to get out the vote

Popular video chatting app Houseparty is partnering with Michelle Obama ’ s nonprofit , When We All Vote , to launch a new in-app game to get out the vote ahead of the November election .
Houseparty ’ s new game , Pick Me !
, is a superlative game that needs at least three people to play at a time .
The game lets users decide which of their friends is the most likely to become an artist or win the lottery , among other questions , similar to yearbook superlatives .
At the end of the game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vote ’ s website so users can check their registration status .
“ Our goal and our mission is to increase participation in each election and change the culture rapidly , ” Crystal Carson , When We All Vote ’ s vice president of communications told The Verge .
“ We know that to really change culture , you have to be in the culture .
So , we ’ ve worked really hard as an organization to be in the moment and be where people are actually spending their time to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a regular basis.
” When We All Vote ’ s partnership with Houseparty is part of the nonprofit ’ s latest campaign , called Vote Loud , to reach young and marginalized voters .
Other organizations like WarnerMedia and Gucci Changemakers and celebrities like Liza Koshy , Khalid , and Gaten Matarazzo are also part of the Vote Loud campaign .
“ We wanted to build something more engaging around civic action , particularly given the state of the world right now , ” Houseparty ’ s CEO Sima Sistani told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and repetition like we ’ re seeing from some of these other social networks , which remains important , what we ’ re trying to lean into , given our new normal , is a more collaborative interactive engagement between friends.
” Other social networks like Facebook and Twitter have launched voting resource hubs ahead of the election .
The platforms are using these hubs to organize election-related news , information , and voting resources ahead of the 2020 election .

Popular video chatting app Houseparty is partnering with Michelle Obama’s nonprofit, When We All Vote, to launch a new in-app game to get out the vote ahead of the November election.
Houseparty’s new game, Pick Me!, is a superlative game that needs at least three people to play at a time. The game lets users decide which of their friends is the most likely to become an artist or win the lottery, among other questions, similar to yearbook superlatives. At the end of the game, Houseparty links out to When We All Vote’s website so users can check their registration status.
“Our goal and our mission is to increase participation in each election and change the culture rapidly,” Crystal Carson, When We All Vote’s vice president of communications told The Verge. “We know that to really change culture, you have to be in the culture. So, we’ve worked really hard as an organization to be in the moment and be where people are actually spending their time to share resources and information with them about voting on a regular basis.”
When We All Vote’s partnership with Houseparty is part of the nonprofit’s latest campaign, called Vote Loud, to reach young and marginalized voters. Other organizations like WarnerMedia and Gucci Changemakers and celebrities like Liza Koshy, Khalid, and Gaten Matarazzo are also part of the Vote Loud campaign.
“We wanted to build something more engaging around civic action, particularly given the state of the world right now,” Houseparty’s CEO Sima Sistani told The Verge. “As opposed to messaging and repetition like we’re seeing from some of these other social networks, which remains important, what we’re trying to lean into, given our new normal, is a more collaborative interactive engagement between friends.”


theverge--2020-09-23--The sequel to Sony’s PlayStation Phone apparently leaks, eight years too late

Cast your mind back , if you can , to the tender world of gadgets circa 2011 .
Apple had just launched Siri on the iPhone , Google was making its biggest push into social networking with Google Plus , and Sony had decided it was time to release a true gaming smartphone : the much-anticipated “ PlayStation Phone , ” officially dubbed the Xperia Play .
It was not , by any means , a great success .
A 2011 Engadget review praised the phone ’ s sliding mechanism and gamepad but bemoaned its dim screen and lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans , though , many of whom were excited in 2012 by whispers of an Xperia Play 2 .
This promised sequel never emerged , but eight years after the PlayStation Phone 2 was first rumored , images purportedly showing the device have appeared online .
It ’ s impossible to verify the authenticity of the device Pictures of the phone were shared on the Xperia subreddit by a user who found a listing for the device on Idle Fish , a Chinese secondhand goods store operated by Alibaba .
The seller says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no way to verify its authenticity .
The seller ’ s shop , though , suggests they have some sources in the world of obsolete tech , with other listings including a PS3 devkit and classic keyboards like the venerated IBM Model F. The phone certainly looks the part .
It ’ s got the same slide-out mechanism as the original Xperia Play and the PSP Go , a D-pad , a set of standard PlayStation buttons , left and right shoulder buttons , and Xperia branding on the rear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ 3D ” button , which was perhaps for features similar to the stereoscopic display on Nintendo ’ s 3DS .
Notably , the front of the phone has capacitive buttons instead of hardware buttons .
That ’ s consistent with changes to the design of Xperia phones from 2012 onward , and it matches a leaked render of the Xperia Play 2 that did the rounds on gadget blogs back in 2012 .
In other words : this may well be the real deal , but we have no way of knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the Xperia Play had succeeded ?
It ’ s certainly interesting to think , though , what might have happened if the Xperia Play had found a market .
Would gaming smartphones have become mainstream instead of a niche , if persistent , product category ?
Despite its limitations , the Xperia Play reportedly handled PlayStation games extremely smoothly ( check out this video review of the device from 2019 for an in-depth look ) and who wouldn ’ t want to have the PS1 ’ s back catalog in their pocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach just wasn ’ t worth it .
Indeed , in 2011 , it also released the PS Vita : the successor to the PSP which handily took care of any Sony fans looking for a reliable and portable gaming experience .
And in 2020 , it ’ s hard to imagine a dedicated gaming phone ever making a comeback .
Why bother when you can simply stream most console games to your smartphone of choice ?
If the Xperia Play 2 has finally surfaced , it ’ s only as a shipwreck @ @ @ @ @

Cast your mind back, if you can, to the tender world of gadgets circa 2011. Apple had just launched Siri on the iPhone, Google was making its biggest push into social networking with Google Plus, and Sony had decided it was time to release a true gaming smartphone: the much-anticipated “PlayStation Phone,” officially dubbed the Xperia Play.
It was not, by any means, a great success. A 2011 Engadget review praised the phone’s sliding mechanism and gamepad but bemoaned its dim screen and lack of playable titles. The device had its fans, though, many of whom were excited in 2012 by whispers of an Xperia Play 2. This promised sequel never emerged, but eight years after the PlayStation Phone 2 was first rumored, images purportedly showing the device have appeared online.
It’s impossible to verify the authenticity of the device
Pictures of the phone were shared on the Xperia subreddit by a user who found a listing for the device on Idle Fish, a Chinese secondhand goods store operated by Alibaba. The seller says the phone is only a prototype and there’s no way to verify its authenticity. The seller’s shop, though, suggests they have some sources in the world of obsolete tech, with other listings including a PS3 devkit and classic keyboards like the venerated IBM Model F.
The device has left and right shoulder buttons, as well as the usual D-pad and PlayStation buttons. Image: via Idle Fish
Yes it turns on! But it’s not clear if it can do more than that. Image: via Idle Fish
The rear of the device shows Sony’s old Xperia branding. Image: via Idle Fish
The phone certainly looks the part. It’s got the same slide-out mechanism as the original Xperia Play and the PSP Go, a D-pad, a set of standard PlayStation buttons, left and right shoulder buttons, and Xperia branding on the rear. There’s also a mysterious “3D” button, which was perhaps for features similar to the stereoscopic display on Nintendo’s 3DS.
Notably, the front of the phone has capacitive buttons instead of hardware buttons. That’s consistent with changes to the design of Xperia phones from 2012 onward, and it matches a leaked render of the Xperia Play 2 that did the rounds on gadget blogs back in 2012. In other words: this may well be the real deal, but we have no way of knowing for sure.
What would have happened if the Xperia Play had succeeded?
It’s certainly interesting to think, though, what might have happened if the Xperia Play had found a market. Would gaming smartphones have become mainstream instead of a niche, if persistent, product category? Despite its limitations, the Xperia Play reportedly handled PlayStation games extremely smoothly (check out this video review of the device from 2019 for an in-depth look) and who wouldn’t want to have the PS1’s back catalog in their pocket?
But Sony apparently thought the hybrid approach just wasn’t worth it. Indeed, in 2011, it also released the PS Vita: the successor to the PSP which handily took care of any Sony fans looking for a reliable and portable gaming experience.


theverge--2020-09-23--Apple’s first Mini-LED device to be new iPad Pro, predicts Kuo

The first Apple device to feature a Mini-LED display will be a new iPad Pro , Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted in a new research note seen by MacRumors and AppleInsider .
Kuo reports that Mini-LED display components will be mass-produced in the fourth quarter of this year , though it ’ s unclear when the new iPad Pro could actually release .
Last year , Kuo predicted a third-quarter 2020 launch for the new iPad Pro with improved display technology .
Apple last updated its iPad Pro lineup back in March .
Apple has long been rumored to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display technology , which offers similar benefits to OLED — like localized dimming for deeper blacks and higher contrast — without the downside of burn-in .
It does this by using an array of thousands of tiny LEDs as a backlight , which can be turned on and off individually to offer a sharper contrast between bright and dark areas of an image .
Other Mini-LED devices reportedly include iPads , MacBooks , and an iMac Pro In March , Kuo said these six devices are a 12.9-inch iPad Pro , a 27-inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro , a 16-inch MacBook Pro , a 10.2.-inch iPad , and a 7.9-inch iPad mini , MacRumors reported at the time .
The iMac Pro was reportedly due to launch in the fourth quarter of this year ( when Kuo also predicted we ’ d see a new 16-inch MacBook Pro ) , while the new iPad mini was said to be coming at some point this year .
It ’ s unclear if these planned release dates have shifted due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Release dates aside , Kuo recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new display tech .
Apple reportedly now has more Mini-LED suppliers to choose from , pushing down prices .
Kuo predicts that 30-40 percent of iPads shipped in 2021 will feature the new display tech , alongside 20-30 percent of MacBooks .
Apple ’ s iPad Pro lineup could use the premium new display technology after the announcement of the new 10.9-inch iPad Air last week .
With an updated chipset , a USB-C port , and support for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard , the new iPad offers many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro at a much cheaper price , even if it misses out on the Pro ’ s 120Hz refresh rate display .
A Mini-LED display could help the new iPad Pro stand out from the rest of the iPad lineup until the technology becomes cheap enough for use everywhere .

The first Apple device to feature a Mini-LED display will be a new iPad Pro, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted in a new research note seen by MacRumors and AppleInsider. Kuo reports that Mini-LED display components will be mass-produced in the fourth quarter of this year, though it’s unclear when the new iPad Pro could actually release. Last year, Kuo predicted a third-quarter 2020 launch for the new iPad Pro with improved display technology. Apple last updated its iPad Pro lineup back in March.
Apple has long been rumored to be developing six devices with the new display technology, which offers similar benefits to OLED — like localized dimming for deeper blacks and higher contrast — without the downside of burn-in. It does this by using an array of thousands of tiny LEDs as a backlight, which can be turned on and off individually to offer a sharper contrast between bright and dark areas of an image.
Other Mini-LED devices reportedly include iPads, MacBooks, and an iMac Pro
In March, Kuo said these six devices are a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a 27-inch iMac Pro, a new 14.1-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-inch MacBook Pro, a 10.2.-inch iPad, and a 7.9-inch iPad mini, MacRumors reported at the time. The iMac Pro was reportedly due to launch in the fourth quarter of this year (when Kuo also predicted we’d see a new 16-inch MacBook Pro), while the new iPad mini was said to be coming at some point this year. It’s unclear if these planned release dates have shifted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Release dates aside, Kuo recently said that Apple is accelerating its adoption of the new display tech. Apple reportedly now has more Mini-LED suppliers to choose from, pushing down prices. Kuo predicts that 30-40 percent of iPads shipped in 2021 will feature the new display tech, alongside 20-30 percent of MacBooks.


theverge--2020-09-23--Garmin’s Venu Sq is a capable GPS-ready smartwatch for $199

Garmin has announced the $ 199 Venu Sq and $ 249 Venu Sq Music Edition , two square-shaped watches with 1.3-inch ( 240 x 240 ) color LCD touchscreens protected by Gorilla Glass 3 .
These wearables offer many of the same features as Garmin ’ s more expensive Venu smartwatch — for less .
Both new models are available now through Garmin.com .
The pricier Music Edition watch is different only in that it has built-in storage that , with a paid subscription to Spotify , Amazon Music , or Deezer , can connect to Wi-Fi and let you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Bluetooth headphones .
I tend to be skeptical of the quality of affordable smartwatches , but I ’ ve been pleasantly surprised with just about every aspect of the Venu Sq .
The case , which Garmin says is fiber-reinforced polymer , feels very tough , and the anodized aluminum bezel that surrounds the glass gives it a sophisticated look .
Its myriad of menus are easy to navigate , and its operating system feels snappy .
The case isn ’ t too chunky either , measuring at 40.6 x 37 x @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a quick-release pin system for attaching new ones .
Each model features built-in GPS ( with support for GLONASS and GALILEO for increased accuracy ) that tracks your movement and can navigate you to saved locations .
They also feature activity tracking for a frankly staggering amount of exercises and sports , and a heart sensor that can detect irregular heart rates .
There is also a pulse oximeter function to detect blood oxygen , like the one in the new Apple Watch Series 6 and Fitbit Sense .
The Verge ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wrist-based sensors , like this one , usually aren ’ t as accurate as devices that attach around your fingertip , and it ’ s not to be used as a medical device .
The Venu Sq Music Edition can store up to 500 songs The Venu Sq ’ s sensors can also compile stats like how many times you breathe each minute , your heart rate , and how much of your blood is saturated in oxygen to create interesting info about , say , how stressed you are , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that estimates how much energy your body has left based on those metrics .
You can access sleep metrics gathered by the Venu Sq in the Garmin Connect phone app .
Since the Venu Sq can ’ t effectively display all of this info on-screen at once , it relies on making some of the watch ’ s features , called widgets , that are accessible by swiping from the top and bottom of the screen .
You can assign which widgets can be accessed by a swipe ( which is the easiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to having to search through a long menu .
Users can download new apps , widgets , and watchfaces from Garmin ’ s Connect IQ store , a standalone app for iOS and Android .
Like almost every other smartwatch , this one can serve as a beacon for your phone notifications if it ’ s paired via Bluetooth .
It vibrates when a call comes through , letting you pick up or decline .
Android users can respond to text messages with quick replies right from the watch .
Where the Venu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect in a $ 199 smartwatch is its Garmin Pay NFC feature for contactless payments .
That ’ s a feature that comes especially in handy these days during the pandemic when you don ’ t want to be touching the terminal at the store .
Garmin claims that this model is waterproof up to five ATM , which generally means that it can survive showering and swimming .
The Venu Sq can last up to six days in smartwatch mode , meaning you aren ’ t switching GPS or its other battery-intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mode , it can last up to 14 hours ( or six hours if you ’ re also listening to music ) , which is more than long enough to see you through a long hike .
As far as charging goes , it uses proprietary charging pins that require some force to snap in .
So far , battery life has been tremendous , though I ’ ll admit that I didn ’ t run the Venu Sq through its full paces since the pandemic is forcing me to spend less time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a relatively low-cost smartwatch that can help you navigate with GPS and is also fitted with plenty of sensors , the Venu Sq could be worth checking out .

Garmin has announced the $199 Venu Sq and $249 Venu Sq Music Edition, two square-shaped watches with 1.3-inch (240 x 240) color LCD touchscreens protected by Gorilla Glass 3. These wearables offer many of the same features as Garmin’s more expensive Venu smartwatch — for less. Both new models are available now through Garmin.com.
The pricier Music Edition watch is different only in that it has built-in storage that, with a paid subscription to Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, can connect to Wi-Fi and let you save up to 500 songs for listening with Bluetooth headphones.
I tend to be skeptical of the quality of affordable smartwatches, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with just about every aspect of the Venu Sq. The case, which Garmin says is fiber-reinforced polymer, feels very tough, and the anodized aluminum bezel that surrounds the glass gives it a sophisticated look. Its myriad of menus are easy to navigate, and its operating system feels snappy. The case isn’t too chunky either, measuring at 40.6 x 37 x 11.5mm. It supports 20mm bands and has a quick-release pin system for attaching new ones.
The Venu Sq is bigger than simple fitness trackers, but its lightweight design shouldn’t get in the way. Image: Garmin
Each model features built-in GPS (with support for GLONASS and GALILEO for increased accuracy) that tracks your movement and can navigate you to saved locations. They also feature activity tracking for a frankly staggering amount of exercises and sports, and a heart sensor that can detect irregular heart rates. There is also a pulse oximeter function to detect blood oxygen, like the one in the new Apple Watch Series 6 and Fitbit Sense. The Verge’s health tech reporter Nicole Wetsman says that wrist-based sensors, like this one, usually aren’t as accurate as devices that attach around your fingertip, and it’s not to be used as a medical device.
The Venu Sq Music Edition can store up to 500 songs
The Venu Sq’s sensors can also compile stats like how many times you breathe each minute, your heart rate, and how much of your blood is saturated in oxygen to create interesting info about, say, how stressed you are, along with a “body battery” metric that estimates how much energy your body has left based on those metrics. You can access sleep metrics gathered by the Venu Sq in the Garmin Connect phone app.
Since the Venu Sq can’t effectively display all of this info on-screen at once, it relies on making some of the watch’s features, called widgets, that are accessible by swiping from the top and bottom of the screen. You can assign which widgets can be accessed by a swipe (which is the easiest way to find them) as opposed to having to search through a long menu. Users can download new apps, widgets, and watchfaces from Garmin’s Connect IQ store, a standalone app for iOS and Android.
Both Venu Sq models support contactless payments. Image: Garmin
Like almost every other smartwatch, this one can serve as a beacon for your phone notifications if it’s paired via Bluetooth. It vibrates when a call comes through, letting you pick up or decline. Android users can respond to text messages with quick replies right from the watch. Where the Venu Sq goes a bit beyond what I expect in a $199 smartwatch is its Garmin Pay NFC feature for contactless payments. That’s a feature that comes especially in handy these days during the pandemic when you don’t want to be touching the terminal at the store.
Garmin claims that this model is waterproof up to five ATM, which generally means that it can survive showering and swimming. The Venu Sq can last up to six days in smartwatch mode, meaning you aren’t switching GPS or its other battery-intensive sensors on too much. In GPS mode, it can last up to 14 hours (or six hours if you’re also listening to music), which is more than long enough to see you through a long hike. As far as charging goes, it uses proprietary charging pins that require some force to snap in. So far, battery life has been tremendous, though I’ll admit that I didn’t run the Venu Sq through its full paces since the pandemic is forcing me to spend less time outside.