theverge--2020-03-31--We need to start modeling alternative futures

We ’ re continuing our Vergecast interview series remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and this week , Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel sits down via Skype with Amy Webb , the founder and CEO of The Future Today Institute .
Amy is also a professor at NYU ’ s Stern School of Business and recently came out with a book called The Big Nine : How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity .
The Future Today Institute recently published the 2020 Tech Trends Report , which is a quantitative look at the big trends that will dominate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the different paths the report takes on predicting that , with the state of technology use today , there ’ s no future in which we are not being scored .
Amy and Nilay also discuss whether we could have predicted the scale of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US , as well as how possible it is to predict a solution and a timeline for that solution right now .
Below is an excerpt of the conversation edited for clarity .
Nilay Patel : We ’ re in the middle of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s happening .
It feels like no one knows what ’ s going to happen next , or is this something that you ’ re able to model or understand ?
Amy Webb : So I don ’ t want to get too nerdy here , but if you have a discrete set of data — like Johns Hopkins [ University ] has discrete datasets now going back to December because we ’ ve seen corona outbreaks in a couple of areas around the world that have lasted a little longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US .
So given what we know to be true , and the data that they have access to , and all of the other variables over which they would have some kind of control — like whether or not we take aggressive measures in the United States today , whether or not we somehow have a whole bunch of tests , things like that .
If you look at historic data trends and then all the stuff that over which we have control , you could predict a handful of plausible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more about how many people could get sick at what rate and what the mortality could look like .
But most of the time , we ’ re talking about areas of life over which we don ’ t have complete control .
There ’ s no way to have total control because there ’ s too many variables at play .
And at that point , the math doesn ’ t work .
You can have the most powerful computers in the world , but the computations don ’ t work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of data that ’ s really comprehensive and evolutionary algorithms in order to make sense of it all .
So we ’ re feeling huge amounts of anxiety about coronavirus , about the oil prices tanking .
I liken this to that sense of out of controlness , if you ’ ve ever driven on a slippery road .
If you ’ re driving and you hit an icy patch , most people , their instinct is to slam on the brakes .
And why do we slam on the brakes ?
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes us feel like we have control again .
And the reason we feel like we have control is because we think we know what the future is going to be .
If we slam on the brakes , the car will stop , we will be fine .
That would work if you were in charge of every single variable at that moment in time , but you ’ re not .
So slamming on the brakes and really , really , really hoping things don ’ t change from where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to be like they used to be is a really great way to set yourself up not only for a crash — because that ’ s how you really lose control of a car — but it ’ s also a good way to set yourself up for disappointment .
And that kind of thing has — when we extrapolate that to society — has reverberating effects .
So right now what I ’ m observing is sort of a feverish corporate anxiety .
I ’ m seeing governmental anxiety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have limbic systems .
What do you mean by a limbic system ?
So it ’ s the fight or flight part of our bodies that evolution bestowed upon us millennia ago so that we didn ’ t get eaten by tigers or whatever .
And we ’ re hearing people talk a lot about their sort of crushing anxiety , and I get that .
I ’ m going to be the first person to tell you if you gave me all the data in the world and all the computers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time I can not tell you what things are going to look like in three months .
And that ’ s fine because that tells us we still have some agency .
Futurists are trained to think through plausible outcomes , not so that we can accurately predict what ’ s next , because that ’ s not our goal right now .
Our goal is not predictions .
It ’ s being prepared for what comes next .
And that ’ s good news .
The good news is if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept the fact that you can ’ t control everything , but also you are not helpless in whatever comes next .
If you ’ re willing to adopt — and anybody can do this , it costs no money .
It ’ s just a different perspective .
If you ’ re willing to think more like a futurist , which is to say confront your cherished beliefs , lean into uncertainty , and be nimble with how you think , you ’ re going to get through this .
The challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of corporate anxiety which , once you get on a cycle of that , is hard to stop .
Companies start making weird decisions or they slam on their brakes .
I mean , we ’ ve seen a bunch of that over the past couple of weeks .
This is as much an opportunity to identify risk as it is to think through where are effective measures that we could be taking to not just help out everybody else but help our bottom line .
There ’ s a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you guys earlier : I ’ m politically independent , but I ’ m a pragmatist , and my greatest fear right now is that the Trump administration are nowists .
They are not futurists .
They think only about what ’ s good for them right now .
They are absolutely unwilling to think long term and they are absolutely unwilling to make short-term sacrifices .
In the past , that has resulted in entertaining tweet storms , that has resulted in irritations .
This time around , it ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to be willing to confront the fact now that , without being alarmist , without being emotional , we just have to be willing to confront alternative futures .
We have to right now be willing to accept uncertainty and to think the unthinkable .
And right now , that means accepting the possibility that by the end of the summer 2 million Americans could die .
And if that ’ s a plausible future state , then how do we work backward to create a better outcome ?
In New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of weeks .
In some ways that ’ s going to help flatten the curve as people are now saying .
But that ’ s a short-term solution that doesn ’ t address a longer-term issue .
And the real problem here is a psychological one because we ’ re going to get to the end of those two weeks and I think people are going to feel as though the virus should be gone and it ’ s not going to be .
So we have an opportunity now — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out alternative futures .
They don ’ t all have to be dystopian .
There are lots of really awesome things that could also happen as a result of this .
For example , we ’ re starting to see huge investments in synthetic biology and new ways of using AI as a way to speed scientific discovery .
That ’ s amazing because on the end of this , we could wind up with precision medication , we could wind up with synthetic agriculture as a way to mitigate climate change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ things on the other end of it .
And now is the time to start thinking through “ where is there risk , where is there opportunity , and how can we start modeling alternative futures ?
”

We’re continuing our Vergecast interview series remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and this week, Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel sits down via Skype with Amy Webb, the founder and CEO of The Future Today Institute.
Amy is also a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and recently came out with a book called The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity.
The Future Today Institute recently published the 2020 Tech Trends Report, which is a quantitative look at the big trends that will dominate the future. Nilay and Amy discuss the different paths the report takes on predicting that, with the state of technology use today, there’s no future in which we are not being scored.
Amy and Nilay also discuss whether we could have predicted the scale of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US, as well as how possible it is to predict a solution and a timeline for that solution right now.
Below is an excerpt of the conversation edited for clarity.
Nilay Patel: We’re in the middle of a pandemic. It’s here, it’s happening. It feels like no one knows what’s going to happen next, or is this something that you’re able to model or understand?
Amy Webb: So I don’t want to get too nerdy here, but if you have a discrete set of data — like Johns Hopkins [University] has discrete datasets now going back to December because we’ve seen corona outbreaks in a couple of areas around the world that have lasted a little longer than what we’re seeing in the US. So given what we know to be true, and the data that they have access to, and all of the other variables over which they would have some kind of control — like whether or not we take aggressive measures in the United States today, whether or not we somehow have a whole bunch of tests, things like that. If you look at historic data trends and then all the stuff that over which we have control, you could predict a handful of plausible outcomes that tell us a little bit more about how many people could get sick at what rate and what the mortality could look like.
But most of the time, we’re talking about areas of life over which we don’t have complete control. There’s no way to have total control because there’s too many variables at play. And at that point, the math doesn’t work. You can have the most powerful computers in the world, but the computations don’t work out. You would need a continual stream of data that’s really comprehensive and evolutionary algorithms in order to make sense of it all. So we’re feeling huge amounts of anxiety about coronavirus, about the oil prices tanking.
I liken this to that sense of out of controlness, if you’ve ever driven on a slippery road. If you’re driving and you hit an icy patch, most people, their instinct is to slam on the brakes. And why do we slam on the brakes? Because the act of slamming on the brakes makes us feel like we have control again. And the reason we feel like we have control is because we think we know what the future is going to be. If we slam on the brakes, the car will stop, we will be fine.
That would work if you were in charge of every single variable at that moment in time, but you’re not. So slamming on the brakes and really, really, really hoping things don’t change from where they are right now or that they’re going to be like they used to be is a really great way to set yourself up not only for a crash — because that’s how you really lose control of a car — but it’s also a good way to set yourself up for disappointment. And that kind of thing has — when we extrapolate that to society — has reverberating effects. So right now what I’m observing is sort of a feverish corporate anxiety. I’m seeing governmental anxiety, and companies, just like people, have limbic systems.
What do you mean by a limbic system?
So it’s the fight or flight part of our bodies that evolution bestowed upon us millennia ago so that we didn’t get eaten by tigers or whatever. And we’re hearing people talk a lot about their sort of crushing anxiety, and I get that.
I’m going to be the first person to tell you if you gave me all the data in the world and all the computers in the world, at this moment in time I cannot tell you what things are going to look like in three months. And that’s fine because that tells us we still have some agency. Futurists are trained to think through plausible outcomes, not so that we can accurately predict what’s next, because that’s not our goal right now. Our goal is not predictions. It’s being prepared for what comes next.
And that’s good news. The good news is if you are willing to lean into uncertainty and to accept the fact that you can’t control everything, but also you are not helpless in whatever comes next. If you’re willing to adopt — and anybody can do this, it costs no money. It’s just a different perspective. If you’re willing to think more like a futurist, which is to say confront your cherished beliefs, lean into uncertainty, and be nimble with how you think, you’re going to get through this. The challenge is that I’m seeing the sort of corporate anxiety which, once you get on a cycle of that, is hard to stop. Companies start making weird decisions or they slam on their brakes. I mean, we’ve seen a bunch of that over the past couple of weeks. This is as much an opportunity to identify risk as it is to think through where are effective measures that we could be taking to not just help out everybody else but help our bottom line. There’s a lot of opportunity here.
I mentioned this to you guys earlier: I’m politically independent, but I’m a pragmatist, and my greatest fear right now is that the Trump administration are nowists. They are not futurists. They think only about what’s good for them right now. They are absolutely unwilling to think long term and they are absolutely unwilling to make short-term sacrifices. In the past, that has resulted in entertaining tweet storms, that has resulted in irritations. This time around, it’s going to result in people dying.
And we have to be willing to confront the fact now that, without being alarmist, without being emotional, we just have to be willing to confront alternative futures. We have to right now be willing to accept uncertainty and to think the unthinkable. And right now, that means accepting the possibility that by the end of the summer 2 million Americans could die. And if that’s a plausible future state, then how do we work backward to create a better outcome? In New York, stuff is shut down for a couple of weeks. In some ways that’s going to help flatten the curve as people are now saying. But that’s a short-term solution that doesn’t address a longer-term issue. And the real problem here is a psychological one because we’re going to get to the end of those two weeks and I think people are going to feel as though the virus should be gone and it’s not going to be.
So we have an opportunity now — individually, collectively — to start mapping out alternative futures. They don’t all have to be dystopian. There are lots of really awesome things that could also happen as a result of this. For example, we’re starting to see huge investments in synthetic biology and new ways of using AI as a way to speed scientific discovery. That’s amazing because on the end of this, we could wind up with precision medication, we could wind up with synthetic agriculture as a way to mitigate climate change. There are going to be some good things on the other end of it. And now is the time to start thinking through “where is there risk, where is there opportunity, and how can we start modeling alternative futures?”


theverge--2020-03-31--Movie advertising is now just making Zoom backgrounds

Movie posters and billboards are useless right now , so marketing teams all seem to have landed on the same solution : Zoom backgrounds .
Yesterday , Pixar tweeted out backgrounds for Toy Story , Cars , and Up .
The Twitter accounts for the Top Gun sequel , the Spongebob movie , and the Quiet Place sequel offered their own Zoom backgrounds .
And CBS and Starz got in on the move too , offering up backgrounds for Young Sheldon , Big Brother , and a bunch of sitcoms I ’ ve never heard of .
Your mileage will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re joining .
Meeting with your boss ?
Probably don ’ t pull up in a fighter jet .
You ’ ll also want to avoid looking like you ’ re in imminent danger or very clearly trying to promote a movie that might , possibly , come out months from now .
No , seriously , don ’ t use the embarrassing movie ones .
Do not float into a horrifying entertainment-themed abyss .
What has become of this world ?
Is there anything left out there ... outside this @ @ @

Movie posters and billboards are useless right now, so marketing teams all seem to have landed on the same solution: Zoom backgrounds.
Your mileage will vary depending on what kind of event you’re joining.
Meeting with your boss? Probably don’t pull up in a fighter jet.
You’ll also want to avoid looking like you’re in imminent danger or very clearly trying to promote a movie that might, possibly, come out months from now.
No, seriously, don’t use the embarrassing movie ones.
Do not float into a horrifying entertainment-themed abyss.
Where am I?
What has become of this world?


theverge--2020-03-31--A new Humble Bundle offers tons of great games to raise money to fight COVID-19

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see our ethics policy .
If you ’ ve been wanting to support organizations that are helping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the novel coronavirus , the latest Humble Bundle is a good opportunity to do just that .
You can pay anything you want , but you ’ ll need to pay $ 30 in order to get the full bounty of PC games available ( DRM-free or Steam keys ) , as well as several ebooks and digital comics ( available in several formats ) , and some software .
That $ 30 gets you a bunch of top games , including Into The Breach , Hollow Knight , Undertale , Wizard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Witness , Superhot , Killing Floor 2 , Jackbox Party Pack 2 , Tropico 4 , and several other titles .
The ebooks cover a range of topics like mindfulness and coping , as well as Saga Volume 1 , The Boys Volume 1 , along with a few more digital comics .
The pack even includes crosswords and Music Maker EDM Edition , so you can make some beats while you ’ re at home .
It ’ s always good to be charitable , but this is an especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ ll be helping to fund organizations that are in desperate need of help during this time , which in turn helps to equip the people assisting those suffering from COVID-19 .
In return , you ’ ll feel good about yourself and load up on plenty of games and books to remain occupied while you continue to self-isolate .

If you’ve been wanting to support organizations that are helping to supply those fighting on the front lines against the novel coronavirus, the latest Humble Bundle is a good opportunity to do just that. You can pay anything you want, but you’ll need to pay $30 in order to get the full bounty of PC games available (DRM-free or Steam keys), as well as several ebooks and digital comics (available in several formats), and some software.
That $30 gets you a bunch of top games, including Into The Breach, Hollow Knight, Undertale, Wizard of Legend, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, The Witness, Superhot, Killing Floor 2, Jackbox Party Pack 2, Tropico 4, and several other titles. The ebooks cover a range of topics like mindfulness and coping, as well as Saga Volume 1, The Boys Volume 1, along with a few more digital comics. The pack even includes crosswords and Music Maker EDM Edition, so you can make some beats while you’re at home.
Humble Bundle: Conquer COVID-19 / $1,071 worth of games, ebooks, and software for $30 $30 at Humble Bundle


theverge--2020-03-31--How to talk with kids about screentime and COVID-19

With schools closed and governments issuing orders for people to stay at home , a lot of kids have no choice but to turn to their screens for school and any kind of socializing .
The debate over how much screentime is healthy is nothing new , but our devices have arguably never played as big a role in our lives as they do now when it comes to staying connected amid a global pandemic .
devices have arguably never played such a big a role in our lives To understand how these changes might affect kids , The Verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and child psychiatrist and the chair of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department at Meharry Medical College .
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity .
Recent data shows that a majority of kids between the ages of six and 12 in the US are spending at least 50 percent more time in front of screens each day during the COVID-19 outbreaks .
How might that affect kids ’ development and mental health ?
It ’ s interesting because we have sort of mixed guidelines in terms of children ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course have the educators that are really promoting the use of digital technology to help them to gain skills , to provide ways for them to be more engaged in science , technology , engineering , and math , and just help them to be prepared for a productive workforce in the future .
On the other hand , you ’ ve got the public health officials that are , I would say , not anti-digital but more cautious because of concerns about various aspects of health .
One of the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have predatory individuals , there ’ s cyberbullying .
Some examples of emotional concerns might be just addictive behaviors toward digital technology and depression , as well as access to inappropriate content .
With this increased time [ on screens ] , a lot of times that means that these children are less active in terms of physical activity and exercise .
And then , we ’ re understanding that there ’ s a shortened or decreased attention span [ when it comes to cognitive development ] .
Of course , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re talking about lots of different platforms and types of media .
And a lot of what we ’ re dealing with in terms of digital technology is new .
So , what we have in terms of [ studies on the effects of ] “ screen time ” are primarily on television .
And we realized that television is different than a lot of the platforms that we have where people are interacting in different ways .
So I guess the short answer is we don ’ t really know what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have , because it hasn ’ t been out long enough to get these long-term studies .
What can parents and guardians do to counteract some of those potentially adverse effects ?
And how do we talk with kids about the pandemic ?
“ Children are definitely aware that we ’ re experiencing a crisis.
” One of the things that I think is very crucial , particularly since our children are at home , is the parental example of media use .
One of the things we forget is that our children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so they see how much time we ’ re on social media using different digital media , and many times their behavior patterns and their patterns of use are patterned after us .
We have a thirst for news and as we are watching on the TV or listening on social media , our children are also exposed to that .
That can be not only overwhelming for us , but also overwhelming for our children .
So have some boundaries as to how much of this we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Sometimes it ’ s just good to turn it off and do some other things instead of just keeping up with every news event .
As adults we do have to be aware of what our children are experiencing along with the increased tension in our community .
Children are definitely aware that we ’ re experiencing a crisis .
Many adolescents are resistant to staying at home and just really want to connect with their friends in person .
And so , when those activities are restricted , that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression , irritability , anger , frustration .
For younger kids , when they realize that their lives are different , it ’ s a good opportunity for us to talk with them about what ’ s going on .
Have conversations about how they ’ re doing , what they miss about school , what they miss about having contact with their friends , and then just listening and giving them an opportunity to talk about their feelings .
I think it ’ s important to tell them facts according to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Well , how do you talk about this coronavirus when people are dying ?
” But we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children all along — like being safe when you go out in public , not speaking to strangers and why that ’ s important .
We have these difficult conversations , and so this is another one : why it ’ s important to wash your hands , why it ’ s important for us to stay in our safe place at home during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get ill , it can be very serious , to the point where some people are ending up in the hospital or maybe even die .
“ we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children ” As parents are interacting with their children , they may want to know “ what are some signs of my child or my adolescent not doing well ?
” Pay attention to changes in their behavior , changes in the way they communicate , and change in their personalities — like they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re sleeping more , or if they ’ re arguing more .
If it gets to the point that it ’ s really negatively impacting their ability to interact with the family , or where they ’ re not eating or sleeping , then they may want to reach out to their care provider and see if this may be a time that an evaluation needs to occur before it gets to the point that there ’ s actually a serious psychiatric or mental health disorder .
With so many schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students ’ learning ?
We have more data in terms of college students , and we don ’ t have as much of that data with younger children .
And so I think we ’ re in a big experiment .
It ’ s challenging for teachers to relate to different learning styles online .
Different children learn differently .
Some are more visual .
Some are more auditory .
Some have a mixed learning style .
And then children have different levels of being able to be self motivated and participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of different factors to consider , to see how people may respond positively or negatively or in mixed ways .
But parents [ can be ] aware of their child , their child ’ s learning style and personality , and check in with them .
Many parents have struggled with putting limits on screentime , even before outbreaks of COVID-19 .
Is that a good idea now , especially for kids who might feel like that ’ s their only connection to the outside world while they ’ re stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do all or none .
So we don ’ t want to cut them off .
We ’ re looking for a sense of balance , in terms of communicating , learning , connecting .
Let ’ s also turn [ screens ] off for some time so they can connect together as a family — and so that they can also perhaps engage in some other activities , whether it ’ s cooking , doing yard work outside , or drawing , or even interacting as a family with different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many resources out there , there ’ s so many apps .
I think the main thing is finding things that will help bring you a sense of peace , and using those things instead of things that would add more stress and more anxiety .

With schools closed and governments issuing orders for people to stay at home, a lot of kids have no choice but to turn to their screens for school and any kind of socializing. The debate over how much screentime is healthy is nothing new, but our devices have arguably never played as big a role in our lives as they do now when it comes to staying connected amid a global pandemic.
devices have arguably never played such a big a role in our lives
To understand how these changes might affect kids, The Verge spoke with Lloyda Williamson, a general and child psychiatrist and the chair of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department at Meharry Medical College. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Recent data shows that a majority of kids between the ages of six and 12 in the US are spending at least 50 percent more time in front of screens each day during the COVID-19 outbreaks. How might that affect kids’ development and mental health?
It’s interesting because we have sort of mixed guidelines in terms of children’s exposure to digital technology. We of course have the educators that are really promoting the use of digital technology to help them to gain skills, to provide ways for them to be more engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math, and just help them to be prepared for a productive workforce in the future.
On the other hand, you’ve got the public health officials that are, I would say, not anti-digital but more cautious because of concerns about various aspects of health. One of the social concerns is that, of course, we have predatory individuals, there’s cyberbullying. Some examples of emotional concerns might be just addictive behaviors toward digital technology and depression, as well as access to inappropriate content. With this increased time [on screens], a lot of times that means that these children are less active in terms of physical activity and exercise. And then, we’re understanding that there’s a shortened or decreased attention span [when it comes to cognitive development].
Of course, as we look at digital technology we’re talking about lots of different platforms and types of media. And a lot of what we’re dealing with in terms of digital technology is new. So, what we have in terms of [studies on the effects of] “screen time” are primarily on television. And we realized that television is different than a lot of the platforms that we have where people are interacting in different ways. So I guess the short answer is we don’t really know what the impact of digital technology is going to have, because it hasn’t been out long enough to get these long-term studies.
What can parents and guardians do to counteract some of those potentially adverse effects? And how do we talk with kids about the pandemic?
“Children are definitely aware that we’re experiencing a crisis.”
One of the things that I think is very crucial, particularly since our children are at home, is the parental example of media use. One of the things we forget is that our children are watching us all the time. And so they see how much time we’re on social media using different digital media, and many times their behavior patterns and their patterns of use are patterned after us.
We have a thirst for news and as we are watching on the TV or listening on social media, our children are also exposed to that. That can be not only overwhelming for us, but also overwhelming for our children. So have some boundaries as to how much of this we’re going to watch and at what times of the day. Sometimes it’s just good to turn it off and do some other things instead of just keeping up with every news event.
As adults we do have to be aware of what our children are experiencing along with the increased tension in our community. Children are definitely aware that we’re experiencing a crisis. Many adolescents are resistant to staying at home and just really want to connect with their friends in person. And so, when those activities are restricted, that can bring out some feelings of sadness, depression, irritability, anger, frustration. For younger kids, when they realize that their lives are different, it’s a good opportunity for us to talk with them about what’s going on. Have conversations about how they’re doing, what they miss about school, what they miss about having contact with their friends, and then just listening and giving them an opportunity to talk about their feelings.
I think it’s important to tell them facts according to their developmental level. Some people may say, “Well, how do you talk about this coronavirus when people are dying?” But we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children all along — like being safe when you go out in public, not speaking to strangers and why that’s important. We have these difficult conversations, and so this is another one: why it’s important to wash your hands, why it’s important for us to stay in our safe place at home during this time, and why, when people get ill, it can be very serious, to the point where some people are ending up in the hospital or maybe even die.
“we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children”
As parents are interacting with their children, they may want to know “what are some signs of my child or my adolescent not doing well?” Pay attention to changes in their behavior, changes in the way they communicate, and change in their personalities — like they’re becoming more withdrawn, irritable, if they’re sleeping more, or if they’re arguing more. If it gets to the point that it’s really negatively impacting their ability to interact with the family, or where they’re not eating or sleeping, then they may want to reach out to their care provider and see if this may be a time that an evaluation needs to occur before it gets to the point that there’s actually a serious psychiatric or mental health disorder.
With so many schools closed, how might online classes affect students’ learning?
We have more data in terms of college students, and we don’t have as much of that data with younger children. And so I think we’re in a big experiment.
It’s challenging for teachers to relate to different learning styles online. Different children learn differently. Some are more visual. Some are more auditory. Some have a mixed learning style. And then children have different levels of being able to be self motivated and participate in these online educational activities. There are a lot of different factors to consider, to see how people may respond positively or negatively or in mixed ways. But parents [can be] aware of their child, their child’s learning style and personality, and check in with them.
“We’re in a big experiment.”
Many parents have struggled with putting limits on screentime, even before outbreaks of COVID-19. Is that a good idea now, especially for kids who might feel like that’s their only connection to the outside world while they’re stuck at home?
We don’t want to do all or none. So we don’t want to cut them off. We’re looking for a sense of balance, in terms of communicating, learning, connecting. Let’s also turn [screens] off for some time so they can connect together as a family — and so that they can also perhaps engage in some other activities, whether it’s cooking, doing yard work outside, or drawing, or even interacting as a family with different games and things.


theverge--2020-03-31--Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been remastered and is out today

After years of speculation , a remastered version of Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 ’ s single-player campaign is finally here , bringing an enhanced version of one of the most iconic FPS games of the late 2000s onto modern hardware .
The enhanced version of Modern Warfare 2 only includes the single-player campaign .
The remastered version adds high-definition visuals and audio improvements to the original story from 2009 , according to a blog post by Activision .
The game is available digitally on PS4 for $ 19.99 and will be a timed exclusive until April 30th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xbox One , though preorders are currently not available at this time .
‘ Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 ’ was originally released in November 2009 PS4 owners who purchase the remastered Modern Warfare 2 — which , it should be noted , is not a sequel to last year ’ s Call of Duty : Modern Warfare — will also get in-game items in both the 2019 game and the battle royale spinoff Warzone , which launched earlier this month .
Some items featured in the bundle include a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weapon blueprints , which grant you access to stronger weapons without having to earn them through progression .
Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 was originally released in November 2009 and is often regarded as one of the best games of that year , thanks in part to its strong single-player narrative as well as a robust multiplayer mode .
The title also ignited controversy over its optional fourth mission , “ No Russian , ” which had players take part in a terrorist attack .
After a remastered version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was released in November 2016 , many were speculating as to when its sequel would receive the same treatment .
Microsoft made the original Modern Warfare 2 backwards compatible on Xbox One in late 2018 , but Activision didn ’ t announce the game would be remastered before today .

After years of speculation, a remastered version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s single-player campaign is finally here, bringing an enhanced version of one of the most iconic FPS games of the late 2000s onto modern hardware.
The enhanced version of Modern Warfare 2 only includes the single-player campaign. The remastered version adds high-definition visuals and audio improvements to the original story from 2009, according to a blog post by Activision. The game is available digitally on PS4 for $19.99 and will be a timed exclusive until April 30th, when it launches on PC and Xbox One, though preorders are currently not available at this time.
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ was originally released in November 2009
PS4 owners who purchase the remastered Modern Warfare 2 — which, it should be noted, is not a sequel to last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare — will also get in-game items in both the 2019 game and the battle royale spinoff Warzone, which launched earlier this month. Some items featured in the bundle include a new character skin as well as a couple of weapon blueprints, which grant you access to stronger weapons without having to earn them through progression.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was originally released in November 2009 and is often regarded as one of the best games of that year, thanks in part to its strong single-player narrative as well as a robust multiplayer mode. The title also ignited controversy over its optional fourth mission, “No Russian,” which had players take part in a terrorist attack.


theverge--2020-03-31--Uber pledges 10 million free rides and deliveries for workers affected by COVID-19

Uber is ramping up its response to the COVID-19 pandemic , pledging 10 million free rides and food deliveries for health care workers , senior citizens , and others affected by the outbreak .
Uber is already providing free rides and food deliveries to NHS workers fighting the virus in the UK .
Now the company is looking to expand this offer globally .
Uber says that “ any organization , healthcare provider , or governmental entity is eligible , ” though it is still working through a lot of interested parties .
A spokesperson said the company is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rides and deliveries .
Uber is “ working to distribute these meals and rides at scale in the coming months and tailor the offering based on the most pressing , local needs , ” a spokesperson said .
“ And we ’ re covering the costs associated with delivering food , meals and rides : including free Eats meals , the cost of the ride or delivery of food from a food bank , payments to the drivers and couriers , etc.
” The announcement comes as Uber has seen a precipitous drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers , and others interested in signing up their workers for free rides or food deliveries would need to email Uber at impact2020 @ uber.com .
The announcement comes as Uber has seen a precipitous drop in ridership as a result of the pandemic .
The company ’ s gross bookings in Seattle , a city hit hard by the novel coronavirus , is down by 60 to 70 percent , and Uber is assuming similar declines in other big cities like San Francisco , Los Angeles , and New York City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers who have contracted COVID-19 or who have had their accounts suspended or been told to quarantine by public health officials — though some drivers have run into problems applying for aid from the ride-hailing company .
With people being told to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel , many Uber drivers are struggling to earn money .
The $ 2 trillion stimulus package signed into law last week by President Trump offers jobless benefits , like unemployment insurance , to previously ineligible groups , like gig workers .

Uber is ramping up its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pledging 10 million free rides and food deliveries for health care workers, senior citizens, and others affected by the outbreak.
Uber is already providing free rides and food deliveries to NHS workers fighting the virus in the UK. Now the company is looking to expand this offer globally. Uber says that “any organization, healthcare provider, or governmental entity is eligible,” though it is still working through a lot of interested parties. A spokesperson said the company is already talking with local food banks about free rides and deliveries.
Uber is “working to distribute these meals and rides at scale in the coming months and tailor the offering based on the most pressing, local needs,” a spokesperson said. “And we’re covering the costs associated with delivering food, meals and rides: including free Eats meals, the cost of the ride or delivery of food from a food bank, payments to the drivers and couriers, etc.”
The announcement comes as Uber has seen a precipitous drop in ridership
Hospitals, clinics, senior centers, and others interested in signing up their workers for free rides or food deliveries would need to email Uber at impact2020@uber.com.
The announcement comes as Uber has seen a precipitous drop in ridership as a result of the pandemic. The company’s gross bookings in Seattle, a city hit hard by the novel coronavirus, is down by 60 to 70 percent, and Uber is assuming similar declines in other big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.
The company is providing financial assistance for drivers who have contracted COVID-19 or who have had their accounts suspended or been told to quarantine by public health officials — though some drivers have run into problems applying for aid from the ride-hailing company.


theverge--2020-04-01--Zoom faces a privacy and security backlash as it surges in popularity

Zoom has exploded in popularity as people turn to video calling software amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The moment of huge growth has seen Zoom rocket to the top of iOS and Android app stores as people gather around it for yoga classes , school lessons , and virtual nights out .
Even the UK government has been holding daily cabinet meetings over Zoom .
With all this extra attention , Zoom is now facing a huge privacy and security backlash as security experts , privacy advocates , lawmakers , and even the FBI warn that Zoom ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Zoom now risks becoming a victim of its own success .
Zoom has battled security and privacy concerns before .
Apple was forced to step in and silently remove Zoom software from Macs last year after a serious security vulnerability let websites hijack Mac cameras .
In recent weeks , scrutiny over Zoom ’ s security practices has intensified , with a lot of the concern focused on its default settings and the mechanisms that make the app so easy to use .
Each Zoom call has a randomly generated ID number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s used by participants to gain access to a meeting .
Researchers have found that these meeting IDs are easy to guess and even brute forceable , allowing anyone to get into meetings .
Part of this ease of use has led to the “ Zoombombing ” phenomenon , where pranksters join Zoom calls and broadcast porn or shock videos .
At fault here are Zoom ’ s default settings which don ’ t encourage a password to be set for meetings , and allow any participants to share their screen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounts last week , “ in an effort to increase security and privacy for meetings.
” For everyone else , you ’ ll need to tweak you Zoom settings to ensure this never happens .
Zoombombing was the first of many recent Zoom security and privacy concerns , though .
Zoom was forced to update its iOS app last week to remove code that sent device data to Facebook .
Zoom then had to rewrite parts of its privacy policy after it was discovered that users were susceptible to their personal information being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also reportedly being leaked because of an issue with how Zoom groups contacts .
Perhaps the most damning issue came to light yesterday .
While Zoom still states on its website that you can “ secure a meeting with end-to-end encryption , ” the company was forced to admit it ’ s actually misleading people .
“ It is not possible to enable E2E encryption for Zoom video meetings , ” said a Zoom spokesperson in a statement to The Intercept , after the publication revealed Zoom is actually using transport encryption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also raised issues over an attendee tracking feature that lets meeting hosts track whether participants have their Zoom app in view on a PC or whether it ’ s simply in the background .
A digital rights advocacy group also called on Zoom to release a transparency report last month , to share the number of requests from law enforcement and governments for user data .
Zoom has only said the company is considering the request , and has not yet published a transparency report .
Security researchers and privacy advocates aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Zoom .
The FBI is warning schools about the dangers of Zoom ’ s default settings for Zoombombings , and reports suggest the UK ’ s Ministry of Defence has banned Zoom while it investigates “ security implications.
” The office of New York ’ s attorney general also sent a letter to Zoom this week requesting to hear “ whether Zoom has undertaken a broader review of its security practices ” in light of recent concerns .
Zoom hasn ’ t responded in detail to the more recent concerns , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the company was reviewing its practices in relation to the Facebook privacy issues .
“ We sincerely apologize for the concern this has caused , and remain firmly committed to the protection of our users ’ privacy , ” said Yuan .
“ We are reviewing our process and protocols for implementing these features in the future to ensure this does not happen again.
” Zoom is now facing lawsuits that allege the company is illegally disclosing personal information to third parties .
Two lawsuits were filed earlier this week in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of Zoom users for alleged violations of California ’ s Consumer Privacy Act .
As security researchers and privacy advocates continue to dig into Zoom ’ s software and practices , there are signs more issues will need to be addressed .
Some are now discovering just how Zoom works around OS restrictions by using “ the same tricks that are being used by macOS malware ” to get its software on Macs .
“ To join a meeting from a Mac is not easy , that is why this method is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Zoom CEO Eric S. Yuan in a Twitter response to the concerns .
“ Your point is well taken and we will continue to improve.
” Ultimately , Zoom is feeling the effects of a rare moment for the app .
The video conferencing app was never designed for the myriad of ways consumers are now using it .
Zoom doesn ’ t require an account , it ’ s free for 40-minute meetings , and it ’ s reliable .
The barriers to entry are so low , and the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly in the spotlight as a crucial tool for many .
Zoom may well be forced to tighten up the very parts of its app that make it so appealing for consumers and businesses alike in the coming months .
The company now faces some tough decisions on how to better balance its default settings , user privacy , and ultimately its ease of use .
Zoom ’ s appeal has been its simple approach to video conferencing , but that crucial ingredient now threatens to be its downfall unless it gets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Zoom has exploded in popularity as people turn to video calling software amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The moment of huge growth has seen Zoom rocket to the top of iOS and Android app stores as people gather around it for yoga classes, school lessons, and virtual nights out. Even the UK government has been holding daily cabinet meetings over Zoom.
With all this extra attention, Zoom is now facing a huge privacy and security backlash as security experts, privacy advocates, lawmakers, and even the FBI warn that Zoom’s default settings aren’t secure enough. Zoom now risks becoming a victim of its own success.
Zoom has battled security and privacy concerns before. Apple was forced to step in and silently remove Zoom software from Macs last year after a serious security vulnerability let websites hijack Mac cameras. In recent weeks, scrutiny over Zoom’s security practices has intensified, with a lot of the concern focused on its default settings and the mechanisms that make the app so easy to use.
Each Zoom call has a randomly generated ID number between 9 and 11 digits long that’s used by participants to gain access to a meeting. Researchers have found that these meeting IDs are easy to guess and even brute forceable, allowing anyone to get into meetings.
Part of this ease of use has led to the “Zoombombing” phenomenon, where pranksters join Zoom calls and broadcast porn or shock videos. At fault here are Zoom’s default settings which don’t encourage a password to be set for meetings, and allow any participants to share their screen. Zoom adjusted these default settings for education accounts last week, “in an effort to increase security and privacy for meetings.” For everyone else, you’ll need to tweak your Zoom settings to ensure this never happens.
Zoombombing was the first of many recent Zoom security and privacy concerns, though. Zoom was forced to update its iOS app last week to remove code that sent device data to Facebook. Zoom then had to rewrite parts of its privacy policy after it was discovered that users were susceptible to their personal information being used to target ads. User information is also reportedly being leaked because of an issue with how Zoom groups contacts.
Perhaps the most damning issue came to light yesterday. While Zoom still states on its website that you can “secure a meeting with end-to-end encryption,” the company was forced to admit it’s actually misleading people. “It is not possible to enable E2E encryption for Zoom video meetings,” said a Zoom spokesperson in a statement to The Intercept, after the publication revealed Zoom is actually using transport encryption rather than end-to-end encryption.
Related How to get started with Zoom
Privacy advocates have also raised issues over an attendee tracking feature that lets meeting hosts track whether participants have their Zoom app in view on a PC or whether it’s simply in the background. A digital rights advocacy group also called on Zoom to release a transparency report last month, to share the number of requests from law enforcement and governments for user data. Zoom has only said the company is considering the request, and has not yet published a transparency report.
Security researchers and privacy advocates aren’t the only groups raising concerns over Zoom. The FBI is warning schools about the dangers of Zoom’s default settings for Zoombombings, and reports suggest the UK’s Ministry of Defence has banned Zoom while it investigates “security implications.” The office of New York’s attorney general also sent a letter to Zoom this week requesting to hear “whether Zoom has undertaken a broader review of its security practices” in light of recent concerns.
Zoom hasn’t responded in detail to the more recent concerns, but last week Zoom CEO Eric S. Yuan said the company was reviewing its practices in relation to the Facebook privacy issues. “We sincerely apologize for the concern this has caused, and remain firmly committed to the protection of our users’ privacy,” said Yuan. “We are reviewing our process and protocols for implementing these features in the future to ensure this does not happen again.”
Zoom video calls. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Zoom is now facing lawsuits that allege the company is illegally disclosing personal information to third parties. Two lawsuits were filed earlier this week in California, and one is seeking damages on behalf of Zoom users for alleged violations of California’s Consumer Privacy Act.
As security researchers and privacy advocates continue to dig into Zoom’s software and practices, there are signs more issues will need to be addressed. Some are now discovering just how Zoom works around OS restrictions by using “the same tricks that are being used by macOS malware” to get its software on Macs. “To join a meeting from a Mac is not easy, that is why this method is used by Zoom and others,” says Zoom CEO Eric S. Yuan in a Twitter response to the concerns. “Your point is well taken and we will continue to improve.”
Ultimately, Zoom is feeling the effects of a rare moment for the app. The video conferencing app was never designed for the myriad of ways consumers are now using it. Zoom doesn’t require an account, it’s free for 40-minute meetings, and it’s reliable. The barriers to entry are so low, and the coronavirus pandemic so unusual, that Zoom is suddenly in the spotlight as a crucial tool for many.


theverge--2020-04-01--Uber Eats turns to grocery deliveries to fill pandemic-shaped hole in its business

Uber Eats is launching a series of partnerships with supermarkets , convenience stores , and other businesses to offer home deliveries of essential items , Reuters reports .
In France , the company is partnering with supermarket chain Carrefour to offer deliveries from 15 of its Paris stores .
The Financial Times reports that it ’ s also working with Galp in Spain to deliver items from 25 petrol station convenience stores , and in Brazil it ’ s offering deliveries from local pharmacies , pet shops , and convenience stores .
This isn ’ t an entirely new initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar partnerships in Australia and the UK last year , but it ’ s fast-tracking the plans as other areas of its business suffer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Uber is facing a huge drop in demand for its existing services , as people cut down on non-essential travel and many restaurants are forced to close .
The Financial Times notes that Uber CEO Dara Khasrowshahi recently said the company was looking for “ alternative use cases ” for the company ’ s pool of drivers .
Deliveries could arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris , Uber is promising to deliver groceries from Carrefour in as little as 30 minutes .
Customers can place orders through its app or over the phone .
The service is not meant to compete with traditional supermarket delivery services , but instead will offer a smaller selection of essential food items as well as hygiene and cleaning products .
In Paris , the service is due to launch on April 6th , and delivery fees will be waived throughout the rest of the month .
As well as its partnership with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Spanish start-up Glovo .
It ’ s already possible to order grocery items in some locations using Uber Eats .
But there are large disparities in what you can get in different areas since the service tends to be offered from independent local stores .
Partnerships with larger chains like Carrefour would create a more uniform offering .
Uber Eats isn ’ t the only food delivery service that ’ s expanding into groceries .
In the UK , Reuters notes that Deliveroo is offering to deliver essential grocery items , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Spencer convenience stores and Co-op supermarkets .

Uber Eats is launching a series of partnerships with supermarkets, convenience stores, and other businesses to offer home deliveries of essential items, Reuters reports. In France, the company is partnering with supermarket chain Carrefour to offer deliveries from 15 of its Paris stores. The Financial Times reports that it’s also working with Galp in Spain to deliver items from 25 petrol station convenience stores, and in Brazil it’s offering deliveries from local pharmacies, pet shops, and convenience stores.
This isn’t an entirely new initiative from Uber, which TechCrunch notes trialled similar partnerships in Australia and the UK last year, but it’s fast-tracking the plans as other areas of its business suffer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uber is facing a huge drop in demand for its existing services, as people cut down on non-essential travel and many restaurants are forced to close. The Financial Times notes that Uber CEO Dara Khasrowshahi recently said the company was looking for “alternative use cases” for the company’s pool of drivers.
Deliveries could arrive in as little as 30 minutes
In Paris, Uber is promising to deliver groceries from Carrefour in as little as 30 minutes. Customers can place orders through its app or over the phone. The service is not meant to compete with traditional supermarket delivery services, but instead will offer a smaller selection of essential food items as well as hygiene and cleaning products. In Paris, the service is due to launch on April 6th, and delivery fees will be waived throughout the rest of the month. As well as its partnership with Uber Eats, Carrefour has also partnered with Spanish start-up Glovo.
It’s already possible to order grocery items in some locations using Uber Eats. But there are large disparities in what you can get in different areas since the service tends to be offered from independent local stores. Partnerships with larger chains like Carrefour would create a more uniform offering.


theverge--2020-04-01--Android is losing the Dark Sky weather app, now what?

When Amazon bought Eero just over a year ago , I wrote that the whole thing felt disappointing .
It was a small , independent company that made a tech product people loved in part because it was made by a small , independent company .
But it got purchased by a big tech company and so we had to worry what the big tech company would do with the small , independent company .
We had to worry about what would happen to the product we loved , and also worry that the fate of all good , small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant one .
For iPhone users , the Dark Sky app will continue to exist and continue to cost $ 3.99 .
It will continue to provide hyper-local weather forecasts that are capable of telling you that it ’ s going to rain in your area in the next 15 minutes .
It will still be very well designed and you will still be able to trust that your location data will be held in safe hands .
For Android users : sorry for your luck , the app is shutting down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those other apps that you might switch to ?
A bunch of them depend on Dark Sky ’ s weather API ( as do many iPhone apps ) , which the company charges developers for access to , and they ’ re all going to have to switch providers .
That ’ s because Apple is shutting down Dark Sky ’ s API at the end of 2021 .
That ’ s nearly two years from now , so it ’ s not as dire as the Dark Sky app itself shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointing .
Actually , I said it feels “ petty , ” on Twitter , which is both fair ( it ’ s how Android users feel ! )
and wildly unfair ( Apple doesn ’ t run a charity and has no obligation to help Android users out ) .
Dark Sky was a favorite amongst Android users because it was so well designed .
That feels rarer on Android even if it isn ’ t — it seems like you have to wade through more junk on the Google Play Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dark Sky was easy to like and easy to recommend — and it was downloaded well over a million times because of it .
Dark Sky is also rare among weather apps in that you didn ’ t have to constantly worry if your data was being bought and sold .
That ’ s a significant problem on both iPhone and Android , to be super clear .
But on Android in particular it stings because another formerly beloved app — Weather Timeline — was acquired by a company with a history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ago .
We ’ ll have some recommendations for Android apps tomorrow — although many of the best ones utilize Dark Sky ’ s APIs .
Those developers are already tweeting about looking for alternative weather data sources .
I currently use Carrot on both Android and iOS — partly because it has a very good Apple Watch complication and partly because I ’ m a sucker for the weird jokes it makes .
I ’ ve written before in this newsletter about Sherlocking , when Apple duplicates a third-party app with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the market .
This is something different and although it ’ s annoying that a great Android app is going away , I don ’ t really think it ’ s knocking the legs out of anything .
Eero was a sign that making it as an indie hardware developer is very hard .
But I expect that new weather apps are going to continue to be made .
And again , I don ’ t begrudge Apple for buying a very good company nor its decision to shut down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d like to remind the people in my Twitter replies especially that you can be sad about your Android app without being angry at Apple .
There ’ s a “ don ’ t hate the iPlayer ” joke in here somewhere but we ’ re all better than that ( okay I ’ m not , I just made the joke ) .
There are columns to be written speculating what Apple wants to do with Dark Sky , its well-crafted app , and its very well-crafted system of collecting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it be built into Apple ’ s own weather apps ?
Will it become yet another monthly subscription service alongside so many others that Apple offers ?
The time will come to wonder about all of that , in the way we always wonder what these giant companies are up to and what products they ’ re working on .
For now , though , I ’ m looking forward to what a lot of smaller companies are going to do to fill the gap Dark Sky is leaving on Android .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My three or four or twenty bucks means so much more to them than my annual subscription fees mean to Apple , Amazon , Google , or Microsoft .
The next time you have the opportunity and the wherewithal to pay for an independent app , don ’ t think twice , do it .
┏ Muto review : a near-perfect electric city bike .
Very good review from Thomas Ricker .
This bike looks stupendous .
┏ The Fitbit Charge 4 is a much more powerful fitness tracker disguised in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get GPS in this model , but it ’ s finally here .
I could see a strong case for getting this instead of an Apple Watch .
You ’ d miss out on a bunch of advanced smartwatch features but gain a device you only have to charge once a week .
┏ Tim Cook personally lobbied US tariff chief as China tariffs loomed .
Scoop here from Russell Brandom .
We knew this lobbying was happening , and this confirms it took up quite a lot of Cook ’ s personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade war was the biggest thread to business ?
┏ Self-isolation has stressed networks , and no one knows if the FCC can step in .
The FCC gave up so much power over broadband providers that all it can do is ask them nicely .
So far that ’ s worked just fine , to be fair , but if it ever isn ’ t enough that could be a serious problem .
Makena Kelly reports on how we got here .
┏ FCC requires anti-robocall tech be used by June 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a mandate working better than asking pretty please .
┏ Microsoft ’ s Skype struggles have created a Zoom moment .
It really is remarkable how badly Microsoft and Skype blew the lead here .
Good look at how from Tom Warren .
┏ Zoom is leaking some user information because of an issue with how the app groups contacts .
┏ A new Humble Bundle offers tons of great games to raise money to fight COVID-19 .
This is a list of very good games .
┏ You can play Candy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
I ’ m sure Candy Crush is also good , but in my opinion you ’ ll get more out of the Humble Bundle .
┏ Campus is closed , so college students are rebuilding their schools in Minecraft .
┏ Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of an already brilliant RPG .
Megan Farokhmanesh explains what ’ s new in this edition .
┏ April fools ’ day is canceled , you monsters .
We ’ re saving the receipts .
┏ Trump rolls back Obama fuel economy rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What a mess from top to bottom .
Sean O ’ Kane has lots of details in this report .
┏ Samsung Display is getting out of the LCD business .
There is a very strong joke to be made about Foxconn ’ s fiasco of an LCD factory in Wisconsin but I can ’ t quite find it .
More important is that this has implications for Samsung ’ s TV business long-term but weirdly nobody knows exactly what tech Samsung is going to settle on long-term .
Or rather : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google ends sales of the Pixel 3 .
Goodbye to the Pixel 3 XL especially , contender for the most ridiculously large notch of all time .
It will still get full software support through Oct 2021 , of course .

When Amazon bought Eero just over a year ago, I wrote that the whole thing felt disappointing. It was a small, independent company that made a tech product people loved in part because it was made by a small, independent company. But it got purchased by a big tech company and so we had to worry what the big tech company would do with the small, independent company. We had to worry about what would happen to the product we loved, and also worry that the fate of all good, small companies is to get absorbed by a giant one.
For iPhone users, the Dark Sky app will continue to exist and continue to cost $3.99. It will continue to provide hyper-local weather forecasts that are capable of telling you that it’s going to rain in your area in the next 15 minutes. It will still be very well designed and you will still be able to trust that your location data will be held in safe hands.
You are reading Processor, a newsletter about computers, software, and tech by Dieter Bohn. Dieter writes about consumer tech, software, and the most important tech news of the day from The Verge. You can read an archive of Processor newsletters here and subscribe to all of The Verge’s great videos here! Subscribe
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For Android users: sorry for your luck, the app is shutting down on July 1, 2020. Oh, and those other apps that you might switch to? A bunch of them depend on Dark Sky’s weather API (as do many iPhone apps), which the company charges developers for access to, and they’re all going to have to switch providers.
That’s because Apple is shutting down Dark Sky’s API at the end of 2021. That’s nearly two years from now, so it’s not as dire as the Dark Sky app itself shutting down, but it’s still disappointing.
Actually, I said it feels “petty,” on Twitter, which is both fair (it’s how Android users feel!) and wildly unfair (Apple doesn’t run a charity and has no obligation to help Android users out).
Dark Sky was a favorite amongst Android users because it was so well designed. That feels rarer on Android even if it isn’t — it seems like you have to wade through more junk on the Google Play Store before you find the good stuff. Dark Sky was easy to like and easy to recommend — and it was downloaded well over a million times because of it.
Dark Sky is also rare among weather apps in that you didn’t have to constantly worry if your data was being bought and sold. That’s a significant problem on both iPhone and Android, to be super clear. But on Android in particular it stings because another formerly beloved app — Weather Timeline — was acquired by a company with a history of selling location data a little over a year ago.
We’ll have some recommendations for Android apps tomorrow — although many of the best ones utilize Dark Sky’s APIs. Those developers are already tweeting about looking for alternative weather data sources. I currently use Carrot on both Android and iOS — partly because it has a very good Apple Watch complication and partly because I’m a sucker for the weird jokes it makes.
I’ve written before in this newsletter about Sherlocking, when Apple duplicates a third-party app with its own app and knocks the legs out of the market. This is something different and although it’s annoying that a great Android app is going away, I don’t really think it’s knocking the legs out of anything. Eero was a sign that making it as an indie hardware developer is very hard. But I expect that new weather apps are going to continue to be made.
And again, I don’t begrudge Apple for buying a very good company nor its decision to shut down the Android app or the API. I’d like to remind the people in my Twitter replies especially that you can be sad about your Android app without being angry at Apple. There’s a “don’t hate the iPlayer” joke in here somewhere but we’re all better than that (okay I’m not, I just made the joke).
There are columns to be written speculating what Apple wants to do with Dark Sky, its well-crafted app, and its very well-crafted system of collecting and making sense of weather data. Will it be built into Apple’s own weather apps? Will it become yet another monthly subscription service alongside so many others that Apple offers?
The time will come to wonder about all of that, in the way we always wonder what these giant companies are up to and what products they’re working on. For now, though, I’m looking forward to what a lot of smaller companies are going to do to fill the gap Dark Sky is leaving on Android.
I love paying for apps from independent developers. My three or four or twenty bucks means so much more to them than my annual subscription fees mean to Apple, Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. The next time you have the opportunity and the wherewithal to pay for an independent app, don’t think twice, do it.
Verge Deal of the day Apple’s AirPods Pro are $30 off at Amazon Normally $250, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are down to $220 at Amazon. Compared to the standard AirPods, these feature better sound quality and noise cancellation. We’ve seen these drop a bit lower in price before, but that’s a pretty rare occurrence. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy . Prices displayed are based on the MSRP at time of posting.
New product releases
┏ Muto review: a near-perfect electric city bike. Very good review from Thomas Ricker. This bike looks stupendous.
┏ The Fitbit Charge 4 is a much more powerful fitness tracker disguised in its old body. Took a while to get GPS in this model, but it’s finally here. I could see a strong case for getting this instead of an Apple Watch. You’d miss out on a bunch of advanced smartwatch features but gain a device you only have to charge once a week.
Policy
┏ Tim Cook personally lobbied US tariff chief as China tariffs loomed. Scoop here from Russell Brandom. We knew this lobbying was happening, and this confirms it took up quite a lot of Cook’s personal attention.
Also, remember when the trade war was the biggest thread to business?
“Tim and POTUS had a discussion today about this as well which I can fill you in on,” an Apple staffer wrote on July 5th, after sending the specific tariff lines that affected parts of the Mac Pro. “Tim was hoping to speak to the Ambassador sometime this weekend if at all possible to follow up.”
┏ Self-isolation has stressed networks, and no one knows if the FCC can step in. The FCC gave up so much power over broadband providers that all it can do is ask them nicely. So far that’s worked just fine, to be fair, but if it ever isn’t enough that could be a serious problem. Makena Kelly reports on how we got here.
┏ FCC requires anti-robocall tech be used by June 2021. Here’s a good example of a mandate working better than asking pretty please.
Feel-bad stories about video chat
┏ Microsoft’s Skype struggles have created a Zoom moment. It really is remarkable how badly Microsoft and Skype blew the lead here. Good look at how from Tom Warren.
Feel-good stories about video games
┏ A new Humble Bundle offers tons of great games to raise money to fight COVID-19. This is a list of very good games.
┏ You can play Candy Crush with free, unlimited lives this week. I’m sure Candy Crush is also good, but in my opinion you’ll get more out of the Humble Bundle.
┏ Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of an already brilliant RPG. Megan Farokhmanesh explains what’s new in this edition.
Feel-both-ways stories about cancelled things
┏ Trump rolls back Obama fuel economy rule, increasing emissions during a climate crisis. What a mess from top to bottom. Sean O’Kane has lots of details in this report.
While automakers started lobbying Trump to roll back the standard within days of him taking office, even they balked at a full freeze. They’ve since split in their alliances. Volkswagen, Ford, Honda, and BMW each struck a deal last year with California to commit to 3.7 percent year-over-year increases in average fuel economy, while General Motors, Toyota, and Fiat Chrysler filed support for the Trump administration concurrent attempt to revoke California’s authority to set its own emissions standards.
┏ Samsung Display is getting out of the LCD business. There is a very strong joke to be made about Foxconn’s fiasco of an LCD factory in Wisconsin but I can’t quite find it. More important is that this has implications for Samsung’s TV business long-term but weirdly nobody knows exactly what tech Samsung is going to settle on long-term. Or rather: Samsung isn’t saying.
Although Samsung Display says that it will be able to continue supplying its existing LCD orders through the end of the year, there are questions about what Samsung Electronics, the largest TV manufacturer in the world, will use in its LCD TVs going forward. Samsung told The Verge that it does not expect the shutdown to affect its LCD-based QLED TV lineup. So for the near-term, nothing changes.