theverge--2020-12-08--Google Look to Speak lets you use your eyes to select and speak phrases

A new experimental application on Android aims to make communication easier for people with speech and motor impairments , Google announced today .
The Look to Speak app lets users choose preselected phrases on their phone screen with their eyes .
It ’ s available to everyone and is compatible with Android 9.0 and above , including Android One .
Richard Cave , a highly specialist speech and language therapist at Google , works with people who have speech and motor impairments , especially people who are nonverbal and need assistance communicating .
“ It ’ s more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passion , ” Cave said in a blog post announcing the app .
“ Every day , I strive to help people find easier and more accessible ways to express their everyday needs , opinions , feelings and identity.
” The app is meant to work on a mobile device and in support of more sophisticated assistive technologies .
After positioning the phone slightly below eye level , a user looks left or right to choose from the list of phrases , which the device then speaks aloud .
The phrases can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authentic voices , Cave notes .
According to Google , all data in the Look to Speak app is private and never leaves the phone .
One drawback : the app ’ s setup helper menu , which is where the phrases can be edited and the gaze settings can be fine-tuned , is not accessible by eye gaze and requires manual tapping on the phone ’ s screen .
Look to Speak is one of Google ’ s Start with One , Invent for Many projects on its Experiments with Google platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one person to try to make something for a larger community .
Other projects included the Infinite Bad Guy , a so-called infinite music video for the Billie Eilish song , and Teachable Machine , a web tool that allows users to create machine learning models with no coding required .
Cave says Look to Speak reached out to people who could benefit from the app and found it was helpful in environments where other accessibility devices may not be usable , such as in transit , in the shower , in urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations can more easily happen where before there might have been silence , and I ’ m excited to hear some of them , ” he said .

A new experimental application on Android aims to make communication easier for people with speech and motor impairments, Google announced today. The Look to Speak app lets users choose preselected phrases on their phone screen with their eyes. It’s available to everyone and is compatible with Android 9.0 and above, including Android One.
Richard Cave, a highly specialist speech and language therapist at Google, works with people who have speech and motor impairments, especially people who are nonverbal and need assistance communicating. “It’s more than a job for me, it’s a passion,” Cave said in a blog post announcing the app. “Every day, I strive to help people find easier and more accessible ways to express their everyday needs, opinions, feelings and identity.”
The app is meant to work on a mobile device and in support of more sophisticated assistive technologies. After positioning the phone slightly below eye level, a user looks left or right to choose from the list of phrases, which the device then speaks aloud. The phrases can be personalized to let users share their authentic voices, Cave notes. According to Google, all data in the Look to Speak app is private and never leaves the phone.
One drawback: the app’s setup helper menu, which is where the phrases can be edited and the gaze settings can be fine-tuned, is not accessible by eye gaze and requires manual tapping on the phone’s screen.
Look to Speak is one of Google’s Start with One, Invent for Many projects on its Experiments with Google platform. The projects all begin working with one person to try to make something for a larger community. Other projects included the Infinite Bad Guy, a so-called infinite music video for the Billie Eilish song, and Teachable Machine, a web tool that allows users to create machine learning models with no coding required.


theverge--2020-12-08--Streaming’s brightest stars are trying to build the next generation of gamers

Today , esports and entertainment organization FaZe Clan announces its new talent development program , FaZe Academy .
It places a bunch of potential FaZe recruits into a bootcamp to get a shot at being a full-fledged member of the organization .
It ’ s a long way from how the organization used to recruit in the beginning — which was by Twitter DM , says Darren Yan , VP of Talent at FaZe .
The point of the Academy is to create lifelong FaZe members , and its first class will be announced in January .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultivating successive generations of talent ensures that organizations can stay relevant even after their original members have quit the scene .
In that regard , the Academy is something of a legacy builder : it ’ s meant to keep FaZe in the spotlight for years to come .
I ’ ve spoken to two other streamers recently — Ali “ SypherPK ” Hassan and Félix “ xQc ” Lengyel — who intend to or are building similar initiatives , which are meant to guide up-and-coming streamers into stardom .
“ We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company that can help talent that has potential to see their full potential , ” Hassan says , “ while still , you know , retaining full control of their content , and just providing them the tools and the insight that we ’ ve accumulated over the years building up the SypherPK brand.
” Lengyel , on the other hand , is interested in creating what he calls a “ streamer showcase , ” after his experiences playing Among Us with people he found on Twitter .
“ It ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streamers grow , like , out of the blue , ” he says .
“ All of them getting partnered and getting sponsorships.
” Both FaZe ’ s Academy and Hassan ’ s creator development program , Oni Studios , are more talent management than agency work .
( Lengyel ’ s streamer showcase is light on details , as of right now . )
“ Unlike other esports orgs , for our content creators , and our streamers and personalities , it ’ s more of a talent management and client relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship , like our pro players , ” says Yan .
Essentially , it ’ s a development and management company for its content creators who aren ’ t signed to the FaZe professional teams .
“ For us , it ’ s more like traditional entertainment in the sense that we manage them and we grow with their business , and we take a rev share of helping them build that , ” says Yan .
The academy will also teach the finer points of FaZe Clan history , assign each member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , and ( naturally ) exclusive gear .
As described by Daniela Hassan , Hassan ’ s wife and business manager , Oni Studio is focused on helping streamers stay productive in the long term .
“ We know the burnout , we know the mental strain that this career takes on people , ” she says .
“ And a big part of it is due to the business aspect of it and the strategizing , you know ?
A content creator isn ’ t necessarily a business savvy person , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Their company is meant to help streamers with the business of streaming for a living .
But Daniela is also clear that the company is looking for the next Sypher , the next Ninja , and the next DrLupo .
“ It ’ s not just something that ’ s going to last for two , three years .
We ’ re looking at the long con here to make sure people are taking care of their futures just as they ’ re taking care of their nows.
” Oni Studio will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer development , strategy , and social media services .
In our conversation , Hassan was clear that he ’ s able to spend time and money on Oni Studio because he recently struck an exclusive streaming deal with Twitch .
It ’ s given him more structure and flexibility in his day-to-day , which means he has more space and support to work on things like this studio .
“ So instead of just the nonstop daily streams , we have a more solid streaming schedule that we ’ re following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule , ” he says .
“ And now we can have the peace of mind to really branch out and take on an ambitious project like this , and dedicate resources , both financial and time towards it as a direct result of the streaming deal.
” Where Oni Studios and FaZe differ is mostly in who they ’ re courting .
FaZe actively recruits talent from both the public and the esports and content creator space , without necessarily considering their reach or if they ’ re even streamers .
Oni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is specifically looking for established live-streamers who could use a boost .
“ I would say it ’ s geared more towards the already established creator , in that 200 to 400 viewer range , ” says Daniela .
“ Because before that , it ’ s really in the weeds .
And there ’ s very little that we can do with your own brand — you know , you have to develop your own brand before we can come in.
” This focus on legacy is just another sign that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the current firmament haven ’ t winked out yet , but it ’ s clear that being on top makes you think about your relevance .
It ’ s also potentially lucrative , as making a streamer into a star usually means minting their management .
“ Because streamers can ’ t do this forever , ” says Daniela .
“ So this is Ali ’ s way of staying in the space .
He loves this space .
He loves streaming , he loves Twitch , he loves all these things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s a shelf life on content creators , ” she continues .
“ And when you ’ re past that stage , it ’ s like what ’ s there left for you ?
” It ’ s a salient question .
Streaming for hours in front of fluctuating audiences is unsustainable ; many have written about streamer burnout and how devastating it can be .
Creating organizations that can stand on their own is a smart way to stay relevant , and as Daniela notes , creators should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
“ This is our legacy that we ’ re trying to build .
And we want to encourage the people that work with us at Oni studios to think in that same way , ” she says .
“ Evolve past your daily content creation .
That ’ s great in the now but what ’ s your goal for the future ?
What is this empire that you ’ re building ?
”

Today, esports and entertainment organization FaZe Clan announces its new talent development program, FaZe Academy. It places a bunch of potential FaZe recruits into a bootcamp to get a shot at being a full-fledged member of the organization. It’s a long way from how the organization used to recruit in the beginning — which was by Twitter DM, says Darren Yan, VP of Talent at FaZe. The point of the Academy is to create lifelong FaZe members, and its first class will be announced in January.
It’s an interesting idea, not least because cultivating successive generations of talent ensures that organizations can stay relevant even after their original members have quit the scene. In that regard, the Academy is something of a legacy builder: it’s meant to keep FaZe in the spotlight for years to come.
I’ve spoken to two other streamers recently — Ali “SypherPK” Hassan and Félix “xQc” Lengyel — who intend to or are building similar initiatives, which are meant to guide up-and-coming streamers into stardom. “We want to build out a resource, a company that can help talent that has potential to see their full potential,” Hassan says, “while still, you know, retaining full control of their content, and just providing them the tools and the insight that we’ve accumulated over the years building up the SypherPK brand.” Lengyel, on the other hand, is interested in creating what he calls a “streamer showcase,” after his experiences playing Among Us with people he found on Twitter. “It’s been really crazy to see all these smaller streamers grow, like, out of the blue,” he says. “All of them getting partnered and getting sponsorships.”
Both FaZe’s Academy and Hassan’s creator development program, Oni Studios, are more talent management than agency work. (Lengyel’s streamer showcase is light on details, as of right now.) “Unlike other esports orgs, for our content creators, and our streamers and personalities, it’s more of a talent management and client relationship more than it is a player team relationship, like our pro players,” says Yan. Essentially, it’s a development and management company for its content creators who aren’t signed to the FaZe professional teams.
“For us, it’s more like traditional entertainment in the sense that we manage them and we grow with their business, and we take a rev share of helping them build that,” says Yan. The academy will also teach the finer points of FaZe Clan history, assign each member a team to help with strategy and development, and (naturally) exclusive gear.
As described by Daniela Hassan, Hassan’s wife and business manager, Oni Studio is focused on helping streamers stay productive in the long term. “We know the burnout, we know the mental strain that this career takes on people,” she says. “And a big part of it is due to the business aspect of it and the strategizing, you know? A content creator isn’t necessarily a business savvy person, they just want to make content online.” Their company is meant to help streamers with the business of streaming for a living. But Daniela is also clear that the company is looking for the next Sypher, the next Ninja, and the next DrLupo. “It’s not just something that’s going to last for two, three years. We’re looking at the long con here to make sure people are taking care of their futures just as they’re taking care of their nows.” Oni Studio will announce its first creators next March and will offer development, strategy, and social media services.
In our conversation, Hassan was clear that he’s able to spend time and money on Oni Studio because he recently struck an exclusive streaming deal with Twitch. It’s given him more structure and flexibility in his day-to-day, which means he has more space and support to work on things like this studio. “So instead of just the nonstop daily streams, we have a more solid streaming schedule that we’re following, we have a more solid content schedule,” he says. “And now we can have the peace of mind to really branch out and take on an ambitious project like this, and dedicate resources, both financial and time towards it as a direct result of the streaming deal.”
Where Oni Studios and FaZe differ is mostly in who they’re courting. FaZe actively recruits talent from both the public and the esports and content creator space, without necessarily considering their reach or if they’re even streamers. Oni Studios, on the other hand, is specifically looking for established live-streamers who could use a boost. “I would say it’s geared more towards the already established creator, in that 200 to 400 viewer range,” says Daniela. “Because before that, it’s really in the weeds. And there’s very little that we can do with your own brand — you know, you have to develop your own brand before we can come in.”
This focus on legacy is just another sign that the live-streaming industry is maturing. The stars in the current firmament haven’t winked out yet, but it’s clear that being on top makes you think about your relevance. It’s also potentially lucrative, as making a streamer into a star usually means minting their management. “Because streamers can’t do this forever,” says Daniela. “So this is Ali’s way of staying in the space. He loves this space. He loves streaming, he loves Twitch, he loves all these things. But let’s be honest, there’s a shelf life on content creators,” she continues. “And when you’re past that stage, it’s like what’s there left for you?” It’s a salient question. Streaming for hours in front of fluctuating audiences is unsustainable; many have written about streamer burnout and how devastating it can be. Creating organizations that can stand on their own is a smart way to stay relevant, and as Daniela notes, creators should be thinking beyond the next three to five years.


theverge--2020-12-08--Adobe releases Arm version of Lightroom for Windows and macOS

Adobe is releasing an Arm version of Lightroom for both macOS and Windows today .
The latest version of Lightroom is now native for both Apple M1 systems and Qualcomm-powered Windows 10 devices .
It ’ s debuting as a full release , rather than a beta version and Adobe is making it part of the regular Creative Suite installer .
While this native Arm version is the new version of Lightroom , if you ’ re a fan of the classic Lightroom then you ’ ll need to wait a little longer for Adobe to ship it .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versions as soon as they are ready , so stay tuned , ” says Sharad Mangalick , a program manager on the photography team at Adobe .
Adobe has also released a beta version of Photoshop for Arm This latest update to Lightroom comes just weeks after Adobe shipped a beta version of Photoshop that supports M1 Macs and Arm-based Windows PCs .
As it ’ s still in beta , Photoshop is missing a number of key features , but today ’ s Lightroom release keeps all the features you ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has essentially been ported across to Arm , with all of its existing features .
Adobe says it plans to keep optimizing for Arm and M1 devices in future releases , so we ’ ll likely see additional Creative Suite apps arrive with Arm support soon .

Adobe is releasing an Arm version of Lightroom for both macOS and Windows today. The latest version of Lightroom is now native for both Apple M1 systems and Qualcomm-powered Windows 10 devices. It’s debuting as a full release, rather than a beta version and Adobe is making it part of the regular Creative Suite installer.
While this native Arm version is the new version of Lightroom, if you’re a fan of the classic Lightroom then you’ll need to wait a little longer for Adobe to ship it. “We intend to ship Apple M1 native versions as soon as they are ready, so stay tuned,” says Sharad Mangalick, a program manager on the photography team at Adobe.
Adobe has also released a beta version of Photoshop for Arm
This latest update to Lightroom comes just weeks after Adobe shipped a beta version of Photoshop that supports M1 Macs and Arm-based Windows PCs. As it’s still in beta, Photoshop is missing a number of key features, but today’s Lightroom release keeps all the features you’d expect on the desktop version. It has essentially been ported across to Arm, with all of its existing features.


theverge--2020-12-08--Apple Fitness Plus will launch on December 14th

Apple Fitness Plus — the company ’ s new workout program service — is set to launch on December 14th , the company announced today .
The subscription service is set to cost $ 9.99 per month ( or $ 79.99 per year ) .
Apple Fitness Plus was announced earlier this year as Apple ’ s latest attempt to continue to bolster its subscription offers , and it will feature Peloton-style guided workouts that can be viewed on an iPhone , iPad , or Apple TV , while utilizing an Apple Watch for tracking workout metrics as you go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workout types : High-Intensity Interval Training ( HIIT ) , strength , yoga , dance , core , cycling , treadmill ( for both running and walking ) , rowing , and “ mindful cooldown.
” According to the company , “ many Fitness Plus workouts require no equipment at all or just a set of dumbbells , ” while the more equipment-based cycling , treadmill , and rowing workouts should be doable with almost any bike , treadmill , or rowing machine that users have .
Like other popular workout services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will guide users through each workout ( and , like Peloton , Apple is clearly hoping that the cult of personality that has sprung up around the trainers for the popular bike service will benefit its service , too .
The company is already curating Instagram pages for each trainer . )
Notably , the Apple Watch metrics are so key to Apple Fitness Plus that you ’ ll be required to have one of Apple ’ s smartwatches ( specifically , an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer ) to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to configure and pair it .
You ’ ll also be able to view the workouts on a larger screen using an iPad or Apple TV , should you own one , but they ’ re not mandatory like the Apple Watch and iPhone requirements .
Apple is looking to goose the start of Fitness Plus by offering customers who have bought an Apple Watch Series 3 ( or newer ) three free months of Fitness Plus , while existing Apple Watch users will be able to get a free one-month trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the standalone subscription , is also available as part of Apple ’ s top $ 29.95-per-month Apple One Premier plan , which includes Apple Music , Apple TV Plus , Apple Arcade , Apple News Plus , and 2TB of iCloud storage that can all be shared by up to six users .
But even the regular Apple Fitness Plus plan ( for $ 9.99 per month ) includes Apple ’ s Family Sharing support , meaning that up to six family members can access the subscription for the same $ 9.99-per-month price @

Apple Fitness Plus — the company’s new workout program service — is set to launch on December 14th, the company announced today. The subscription service is set to cost $9.99 per month (or $79.99 per year).
Apple Fitness Plus was announced earlier this year as Apple’s latest attempt to continue to bolster its subscription offers, and it will feature Peloton-style guided workouts that can be viewed on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, while utilizing an Apple Watch for tracking workout metrics as you go. The service will launch with 10 workout types: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), strength, yoga, dance, core, cycling, treadmill (for both running and walking), rowing, and “mindful cooldown.”
According to the company, “many Fitness Plus workouts require no equipment at all or just a set of dumbbells,” while the more equipment-based cycling, treadmill, and rowing workouts should be doable with almost any bike, treadmill, or rowing machine that users have.
Image: Apple
Like other popular workout services, Apple will offer a variety of trainers who will guide users through each workout (and, like Peloton, Apple is clearly hoping that the cult of personality that has sprung up around the trainers for the popular bike service will benefit its service, too. The company is already curating Instagram pages for each trainer.)
Notably, the Apple Watch metrics are so key to Apple Fitness Plus that you’ll be required to have one of Apple’s smartwatches (specifically, an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer) to use the service, along with an iPhone to configure and pair it. You’ll also be able to view the workouts on a larger screen using an iPad or Apple TV, should you own one, but they’re not mandatory like the Apple Watch and iPhone requirements.
Apple is looking to goose the start of Fitness Plus by offering customers who have bought an Apple Watch Series 3 (or newer) three free months of Fitness Plus, while existing Apple Watch users will be able to get a free one-month trial.


theverge--2020-12-08--Apple announces $549 AirPods Max noise-canceling headphones, coming December 15th

It turns out Apple has one more major hardware announcement before 2020 comes to a close : after many months of rumors , Apple today unveiled its own over-ear noise-canceling headphones .
They ’ re called the AirPods Max , and they come with the premium design that ’ s expected from flagship Apple headphones .
They also come with an extremely premium $ 549 price and are set to go on sale on December 15th .
Preorders start today .
The AirPods Max come in five colors : space gray , silver , sky blue , green , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ custom acoustic design ” with a 40mm driver system “ that provides rich , deep bass , accurate mid-ranges , and crisp , clean high-frequency extension so every note can be heard.
” Apple has brought over a number of features that first debuted in the AirPods line , like adaptive EQ , transparency mode , spatial audio , and audio sharing .
There ’ s even an element from the Apple Watch — the Digital Crown — that has made its way to these headphones .
Apple says it “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play or pause audio , skip tracks , answer or end phone calls , and activate Siri.
” There ’ s also a separate “ noise control ” button for switching between noise-canceling and transparency modes .
As for the design , here ’ s what Apple says : The breathable knit mesh canopy , spanning the headband , is made to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure .
The stainless steel headband frame provides strength , flexibility , and comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes .
Telescoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to maintain the desired fit .
Each ear cup attaches to the headband through a revolutionary mechanism that balances and distributes ear cup pressure , and allows it to independently pivot and rotate to fit the unique contours of a user ’ s head .
None of that sounds particularly “ revolutionary ” when stacked up next to other high-end noise-canceling headphones , but the memory foam ear cushions should make for good comfort .
They ’ re also removable and attach via magnets , so hopefully replacing them won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Max offer 20-hour battery life and charge over Apple ’ s Lightning connector — not USB-C. ( Apple has a sold-separately $ 35 Lighting to 3.5mm cable for wired listening . )
If you ’ re in a hurry , a five-minute charge gets you 90 minutes of playback time .
The headphones automatically pause audio when removed from your ears and resume playback when you put them back on .
There ’ s also a “ smart case ” for the AirPods Max ( below ) that automatically puts them into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seem that Apple is selling a more protective hardshell case at this time .
Similar to approaches from Bose , Sony , and others , Apple ’ s noise-cancellation system produces anti-noise to hush external sound by using six outward-facing microphones .
Two inward-facing mics measure what you ’ re hearing to cancel out additional distractions .
Apple also claims the AirPods Max perform well for voice calls ( even in windy conditions ) with their built-in beamforming mics .
By moving into the premium headphones space , Apple will directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sennheiser , AKG , Bowers and Wilkins , and others that have years of experience and a long list of products between them .
Apple is going higher than just about all of them on price , but the company is riding the momentum of the AirPods and AirPods Pro , which have dominated the true wireless earbuds market .
My biggest question is whether the sound quality can live up to the price .
For much less , you can get the Sony 1000XM4 , which support LDAC , a wireless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far off from CD quality .
There ’ s no equivalent for this on iPhone , and Apple Music still only offers lossy AAC audio .
Still , Apple has taken impressive advantage of the synergy between its hardware by introducing features like automatic device switching — the AirPods Max , AirPods , and select Beats products can switch between an iPhone , Mac , and iPad based on whichever one you ’ re currently using — and , in the case of the AirPods Max and Pro , a capability called spatial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience when watching movies and TV shows on an iPhone or iPad .
Apple ’ s Beats brand also sells higher-end headphones , including the Solo Pro and Studio 3 Wireless , both of which feature active noise cancellation .
More recently , with Apple firmly covering consumers invested in its ecosystem , Beats has shown a renewed interest in appealing to Android device owners ; the new Beats Flex earbuds have a USB-C connector instead of Apple ’ s proprietary Lightning port .
Early December is an unusually late time of year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today ’ s news was tipped last week by MacRumors , which reported that Apple had sent out a memo to authorized service providers about imminent changes to AppleCare .
In the days since , the long-in-the-works headphones have been viewed as the most likely candidate .

It turns out Apple has one more major hardware announcement before 2020 comes to a close: after many months of rumors, Apple today unveiled its own over-ear noise-canceling headphones. They’re called the AirPods Max, and they come with the premium design that’s expected from flagship Apple headphones. They also come with an extremely premium $549 price and are set to go on sale on December 15th. Preorders start today.
The AirPods Max come in five colors: space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. They feature what Apple calls a “custom acoustic design” with a 40mm driver system “that provides rich, deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crisp, clean high-frequency extension so every note can be heard.” Apple has brought over a number of features that first debuted in the AirPods line, like adaptive EQ, transparency mode, spatial audio, and audio sharing. There’s even an element from the Apple Watch — the Digital Crown — that has made its way to these headphones. Apple says it “offers precise volume control and the ability to play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer or end phone calls, and activate Siri.” There’s also a separate “noise control” button for switching between noise-canceling and transparency modes.
Image: Apple
As for the design, here’s what Apple says:
The breathable knit mesh canopy, spanning the headband, is made to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The stainless steel headband frame provides strength, flexibility, and comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes. Telescoping headband arms smoothly extend and stay in place to maintain the desired fit. Each ear cup attaches to the headband through a revolutionary mechanism that balances and distributes ear cup pressure, and allows it to independently pivot and rotate to fit the unique contours of a user’s head.
None of that sounds particularly “revolutionary” when stacked up next to other high-end noise-canceling headphones, but the memory foam ear cushions should make for good comfort. They’re also removable and attach via magnets, so hopefully replacing them won’t be too much trouble.
The AirPods Max offer 20-hour battery life and charge over Apple’s Lightning connector — not USB-C. (Apple has a sold-separately $35 Lightning to 3.5mm cable for wired listening.) If you’re in a hurry, a five-minute charge gets you 90 minutes of playback time. The headphones automatically pause audio when removed from your ears and resume playback when you put them back on.
There’s also a “smart case” for the AirPods Max (below) that automatically puts them into a low-power state. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that Apple is selling a more protective hardshell case at this time.
Image: Apple
Similar to approaches from Bose, Sony, and others, Apple’s noise-cancellation system produces anti-noise to hush external sound by using six outward-facing microphones. Two inward-facing mics measure what you’re hearing to cancel out additional distractions. Apple also claims the AirPods Max perform well for voice calls (even in windy conditions) with their built-in beamforming mics.
Image: Apple
By moving into the premium headphones space, Apple will directly compete with brands like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, AKG, Bowers and Wilkins, and others that have years of experience and a long list of products between them. Apple is going higher than just about all of them on price, but the company is riding the momentum of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, which have dominated the true wireless earbuds market. My biggest question is whether the sound quality can live up to the price. For much less, you can get the Sony 1000XM4, which support LDAC, a wireless audio codec that isn’t too far off from CD quality. There’s no equivalent for this on iPhone, and Apple Music still only offers lossy AAC audio.
Still, Apple has taken impressive advantage of the synergy between its hardware by introducing features like automatic device switching — the AirPods Max, AirPods, and select Beats products can switch between an iPhone, Mac, and iPad based on whichever one you’re currently using — and, in the case of the AirPods Max and Pro, a capability called spatial audio that replicates an immersive surround sound experience when watching movies and TV shows on an iPhone or iPad.
Apple’s Beats brand also sells higher-end headphones, including the Solo Pro and Studio 3 Wireless, both of which feature active noise cancellation. More recently, with Apple firmly covering consumers invested in its ecosystem, Beats has shown a renewed interest in appealing to Android device owners; the new Beats Flex earbuds have a USB-C connector instead of Apple’s proprietary Lightning port.


theverge--2020-12-08--Reddit’s top post of 2020 was a Rick Astley photo, posted by Rick Astley

Reddit shared today that its most upvoted post of 2020 was a picture from 1989 posted by Rick Astley , the living meme himself .
Reddit ’ s Year in Review blogs can be a good insight into broader internet culture , and the site ’ s listing of the most popular topics of conversations certainly included the largest issue of the year : “ COVID-19 ” was mentioned over 50.2 million times .
But they also include other forms of virality as well .
Rick Astley is known for the single “ Never Gon na Give You Up ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number one worldwide hit even before the music video for the song was used to create the rickrolling meme .
Rickrolls were all the rage during the early 2000s web , and based on the interactions this r/pics post has received , even people who only know Astley as the guy who surprises you by singing “ Never Gon na Give You Up ” seem to have feelings about the artist .
Following Astley ’ s , the second most upvoted post from 2020 was a short “ story ” posted in r/memes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s changing YouTube video titles .
It ’ s not as immediately nostalgic as a photo from the 80 ’ s , but I think you ’ ll agree that clowning on people has a similar timeless quality .
The confirmation of Astley ’ s continued viral status comes not long after Reddit finally revealed that 52 million users visit its site daily and that the number is growing .
That ’ s less than other social platforms — there ’ s a measly 406,000 upvotes on the Astley photo and 292,000 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these were the posts active users wanted to push up the Reddit charts reflects an internet population looking for distraction from a bad year .
It seems some people are feeling a bit nostalgic for a simpler time , online and off .

Reddit shared today that its most upvoted post of 2020 was a picture from 1989 posted by Rick Astley, the living meme himself. Reddit’s Year in Review blogs can be a good insight into broader internet culture, and the site’s listing of the most popular topics of conversations certainly included the largest issue of the year: “COVID-19” was mentioned over 50.2 million times. But they also include other forms of virality as well.
Rick Astley is known for the single “Never Gonna Give You Up” from 1987, which was already a number one worldwide hit even before the music video for the song was used to create the rickrolling meme. Rickrolls were all the rage during the early 2000s web, and based on the interactions this r/pics post has received, even people who only know Astley as the guy who surprises you by singing “Never Gonna Give You Up” seem to have feelings about the artist.
The most upvoted Reddit post of 2020. Image: Reddit, Rick Astley
Following Astley’s, the second most upvoted post from 2020 was a short “story” posted in r/memes, progressively dunking on a flat-earther’s changing YouTube video titles. It’s not as immediately nostalgic as a photo from the 80’s, but I think you’ll agree that clowning on people has a similar timeless quality.
The second most upvoted Reddit post of 2020. Image: Reddit, rextraneous


theverge--2020-12-08--Hinge is about to become The Bachelor

Hinge is about to become The Bachelor

Hinge ’ s newest feature takes a cue from The Bachelor .
In a new tab called Standouts , daters can preview potential matches ’ responses to the dating app ’ s prompts and give anyone they ’ re interested in a “ rose.
” Users only receive one free rose per week , which refreshes on Sundays , so they ’ ll have to buy more to give them out .
One rose costs $ 3.99 , six cost $ 19.99 , and 12 go for $ 29.99 .
Tim MacGougan , the company ’ s chief product officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant to encourage scarcity and deep intention behind receiving a rose .
If someone is potentially paying $ 4 to send a rose , you might weigh their like more heavily when deciding whether to like them back .
( Any likes sent with roses are automatically sent to the top of people ’ s matches pile , meaning the sender will definitely be seen when people check their likes . )
“ Because it ’ s so well-curated for the user , and because roses are so powerful at helping to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go on a date with them , these become tools that are worth purchasing if you want to find a relationship , ” MacGougan says .
“ So that lives up to our mission of helping our users find relationships through both what we offer for free and what we offer to buy.
” Roses can be sent from the new Standouts tab or from the usual Discover tab .
The Standouts tab is refreshed daily with 10 new people , and only roses can be sent in this tab — not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sent in the usual Discover tab .
The idea behind marking a certain like as more special than another isn ’ t entirely new .
Tinder pioneered the idea with its Super Like feature , which accomplishes basically the same task , except with a less romantic context .
It was only a matter of time until Hinge debuted this type of feature , given that both apps are owned by Match Group , and Match has been saying it ’ d better monetize Hinge for multiple quarters .
Tinder is Match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company has a vested interest in diversifying and ensuring the rest of its dating app portfolio is as effective at making money .

Hinge’s newest feature takes a cue from The Bachelor. In a new tab called Standouts, daters can preview potential matches’ responses to the dating app’s prompts and give anyone they’re interested in a “rose.” Users only receive one free rose per week, which refreshes on Sundays, so they’ll have to buy more to give them out.
One rose costs $3.99, six cost $19.99, and 12 go for $29.99. Tim MacGougan, the company’s chief product officer, says the higher price point is meant to encourage scarcity and deep intention behind receiving a rose. If someone is potentially paying $4 to send a rose, you might weigh their like more heavily when deciding whether to like them back. (Any likes sent with roses are automatically sent to the top of people’s matches pile, meaning the sender will definitely be seen when people check their likes.)
“Because it’s so well-curated for the user, and because roses are so powerful at helping to reach people that you’re interested in and go on a date with them, these become tools that are worth purchasing if you want to find a relationship,” MacGougan says. “So that lives up to our mission of helping our users find relationships through both what we offer for free and what we offer to buy.”
Image: Hinge
Roses can be sent from the new Standouts tab or from the usual Discover tab. The Standouts tab is refreshed daily with 10 new people, and only roses can be sent in this tab — not the usual likes. Roses can also be sent in the usual Discover tab.


theverge--2020-12-08--Cloudflare and Apple made a new DNS protocol to protect your data from ISPs

Cloudflare is proposing a new DNS standard it developed with Apple that ’ s designed to help close a blindspot in my ( and I ’ m sure many others ’ ) internet privacy measures ( via TechCrunch ) .
The protocol is called Oblivious DNS over HTTPS ( ODoH ) , and it ’ s meant to help anonymize the information that ’ s sent before you even make it onto a website .
Whether that will help you with your overall net privacy is something we ’ ll tackle in a second , but first , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what Cloudflare has added .
Basically , DNS lets us use the web without having to remember the IP address of every site we want to visit .
While we humans can easily understand names like “ theverge.com ” , or “ archive.org , ” computers use IP addresses ( like 207.241.224.2 ) to route their requests across the internet instead .
This is where DNS comes in : when you type in a website ’ s name , your computer asks a DNS server ( usually run by your ISP ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to the site ’ s actual IP .
The DNS server will send it back , and your computer can load the site .
( There are WAY more steps in this process , but this basic flow is all we ’ ll need to know to understand ODoH . )
If you ’ re concerned about privacy , you may have noticed that this system lets whoever runs the DNS server know about ( and keep track of ) every website you ’ re visiting .
Usually , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s nothing stopping them from selling that data to advertisers .
This is the problem Cloudflare and co are looking to solve with ODoH .
The protocol works by introducing a proxy server between you and the DNS server .
The proxy acts as a go-between , sending your requests to the DNS server , and delivering its responses back without ever letting it know who requested the data .
Just introducing a proxy server , though , is only moving the problem up one level : if it has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , what keeps it from making its own log of sites you visited ?
That ’ s where the “ DNS over HTTPS ” ( DoH ) part of ODoH comes in .
DoH is a standard that ’ s been around for a couple years , though it isn ’ t very widespread .
It uses encryption to ensure that only the DNS server can read your requests .
By using DoH , then routing it through a proxy server , you end up with a proxy server that can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNS server that can ’ t tell where it came from .
Staying private online isn ’ t something you can achieve by setting up a single tool This leaves the question : Will all this actually protect your privacy ?
It does mean that the DNS server won ’ t be able to keep a log of which sites you specifically are visiting , but if you ’ re hoping to hide your browsing information from your ISP , ODoH ( or similar technologies , like DNSCrypt ’ s Anonymized DNS ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISPs still route all your other traffic , so just hiding your DNS may not keep them from building a profile of you .
The truth of the matter is that staying private online isn ’ t something you can achieve by setting up a single tool .
It ’ s a lifestyle that honestly may be unobtainable in the real world ( at least for me ) .
With that said , anonymizing your DNS requests is a brick to add to your privacy wall when the technology becomes available .
Cloudflare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests to their 1.1.1.1 DNS service , but you may have to wait until your browser or OS support it , which could take a while ( DoH , for example , was ratified in 2018 , and is only on by default in the US version of Firefox ) .
If you ’ re anxious to use the new protocol , Firefox might be the one to watch for ODoH , too : its CTO says the team is “ excited to see it starting to take off and are looking forward @ @ @ @ @ @

Cloudflare is proposing a new DNS standard it developed with Apple that’s designed to help close a blindspot in my (and I’m sure many others’) internet privacy measures (via TechCrunch). The protocol is called Oblivious DNS over HTTPS (ODoH), and it’s meant to help anonymize the information that’s sent before you even make it onto a website. Whether that will help you with your overall net privacy is something we’ll tackle in a second, but first, we need to understand how regular DNS works, and what Cloudflare has added.
Basically, DNS lets us use the web without having to remember the IP address of every site we want to visit. While we humans can easily understand names like “theverge.com”, or “archive.org,” computers use IP addresses (like 207.241.224.2) to route their requests across the internet instead. This is where DNS comes in: when you type in a website’s name, your computer asks a DNS server (usually run by your ISP) to translate a name like “theverge.com” to the site’s actual IP. The DNS server will send it back, and your computer can load the site. (There are WAY more steps in this process, but this basic flow is all we’ll need to know to understand ODoH.)
If you’re concerned about privacy, you may have noticed that this system lets whoever runs the DNS server know about (and keep track of) every website you’re visiting. Usually, it’s your ISP running that server, and there’s nothing stopping them from selling that data to advertisers. This is the problem Cloudflare and co are looking to solve with ODoH.
The protocol works by introducing a proxy server between you and the DNS server. The proxy acts as a go-between, sending your requests to the DNS server, and delivering its responses back without ever letting it know who requested the data.
Just introducing a proxy server, though, is only moving the problem up one level: if it has the request, and also knows you sent it, what keeps it from making its own log of sites you visited? That’s where the “DNS over HTTPS” (DoH) part of ODoH comes in. DoH is a standard that’s been around for a couple years, though it isn’t very widespread. It uses encryption to ensure that only the DNS server can read your requests. By using DoH, then routing it through a proxy server, you end up with a proxy server that can’t read the request, and a DNS server that can’t tell where it came from.
Staying private online isn’t something you can achieve by setting up a single tool
This leaves the question: Will all this actually protect your privacy? It does mean that the DNS server won’t be able to keep a log of which sites you specifically are visiting, but if you’re hoping to hide your browsing information from your ISP, ODoH (or similar technologies, like DNSCrypt’s Anonymized DNS) probably won’t be enough. ISPs still route all your other traffic, so just hiding your DNS may not keep them from building a profile of you.
The truth of the matter is that staying private online isn’t something you can achieve by setting up a single tool. It’s a lifestyle that honestly may be unobtainable in the real world (at least for me). With that said, anonymizing your DNS requests is a brick to add to your privacy wall when the technology becomes available.


theverge--2020-12-08--Halo Infinite is officially launching fall 2021

Halo Infinite , the next game in Microsoft ’ s iconic franchise , will officially launch in fall 2021 , developer 343 Industries announced in a blog post on Tuesday .
The game was originally supposed to launch alongside the Xbox Series X / S in November , but it was delayed to 2021 in August due in part to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Since Microsoft hasn ’ t specified a month or day , this fall 2021 window could effectively mean that the game gets delayed as much as an entire year from its original release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during its July Xbox Series X games showcase , but received some criticism for the graphics and visuals shown during the demo ( a dead-eyed enemy shown then even spawned the now-infamous Craig meme ) .
In Tuesday ’ s blog post , 343 Industries said that it is working hard to “ create the best-looking Halo game ever , ” and spends some time delving into graphics specifically .
According to creative director Joseph Staten , it ’ s already possible to play through the entire campaign , so much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and multiplayer .
You can read more about the current development of Halo Infinite in 343 Industries ’ blog .

Halo Infinite, the next game in Microsoft’s iconic franchise, will officially launch in fall 2021, developer 343 Industries announced in a blog post on Tuesday.
The game was originally supposed to launch alongside the Xbox Series X / S in November, but it was delayed to 2021 in August due in part to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Microsoft hasn’t specified a month or day, this fall 2021 window could effectively mean that the game gets delayed as much as an entire year from its original release date.
Microsoft did demo Halo Infinite during its July Xbox Series X games showcase, but received some criticism for the graphics and visuals shown during the demo (a dead-eyed enemy shown then even spawned the now-infamous Craig meme). In Tuesday’s blog post, 343 Industries said that it is working hard to “create the best-looking Halo game ever,” and spends some time delving into graphics specifically. According to creative director Joseph Staten, it’s already possible to play through the entire campaign, so much of the work remaining is polish, fixing bugs, and multiplayer.


theverge--2020-12-08--American Airlines offers at-home COVID tests for US travel

American Airlines is about to start offering at-home COVID-19 tests to domestic fliers in order to help them meet various state travel restriction requirements , the company announced Tuesday .
The airline is partnering with direct-to-consumer home testing company LetsGetChecked , which will sell the tests for $ 129 on top of the cost of travel .
The at-home tests help travelers check off one of the most common travel restrictions that states have implemented , which is a negative test result either before departure or upon arrival .
It will also help customers get reliable access to testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States .
But there are still holes in the process ; it is still possible to get infected on the way to or at the airport , for example .
Different states also have different restrictions .
Some states still require travelers to quarantine even with a negative test result .
So American Airlines and LetsGetChecked are advising customers to make sure they know what ’ s required of them when they land .
American Airlines previously offered at-home tests for travelers heading to international destinations with restrictions , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chile .
LetsGetChecked ’ s test kits use a nasal swab , so customers will have to take a sample at home and send back through the mail ( using UPS ) to be run through a Polymerase Chain Reaction , or PCR , test .
That whole process takes a few days , so LetsGetChecked says travelers should be sure to order their tests at least five days before their flights .
American Airlines is the first to offer access to at-home testing for domestic flights .
But other major airlines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing protocol as part of a way to encourage travelers to return to the skies .
Delta Air Lines and Alitalia recently announced they will test passengers multiple times on flights from New York ’ s JFK airport , New Jersey ’ s Newark Airport , and Georgia ’ s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport to Rome ’ s Fiumicino airport .
Facing historic losses but buoyed by billions of dollars in government aid , companies like American and Delta have been trying to resurrect the industry after the coronavirus pandemic devastated air travel earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did dramatically increase over the Thanksgiving holiday despite a sharp increase in case counts and warnings from the Centers for Disease Control , but it ’ s not yet clear whether people will remain as willing to fly .

American Airlines is about to start offering at-home COVID-19 tests to domestic fliers in order to help them meet various state travel restriction requirements, the company announced Tuesday. The airline is partnering with direct-to-consumer home testing company LetsGetChecked, which will sell the tests for $129 on top of the cost of travel.
The at-home tests help travelers check off one of the most common travel restrictions that states have implemented, which is a negative test result either before departure or upon arrival. It will also help customers get reliable access to testing, which is still hit-or-miss in many parts of the United States. But there are still holes in the process; it is still possible to get infected on the way to or at the airport, for example.
Different states also have different restrictions. Some states still require travelers to quarantine even with a negative test result. So American Airlines and LetsGetChecked are advising customers to make sure they know what’s required of them when they land. American Airlines previously offered at-home tests for travelers heading to international destinations with restrictions, like the United Kingdom, Belize, and Chile.
Receive a kit, swab your nose, send it back
LetsGetChecked’s test kits use a nasal swab, so customers will have to take a sample at home and send back through the mail (using UPS) to be run through a Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, test. That whole process takes a few days, so LetsGetChecked says travelers should be sure to order their tests at least five days before their flights.
American Airlines is the first to offer access to at-home testing for domestic flights. But other major airlines and airports have also been trying to introduce testing protocol as part of a way to encourage travelers to return to the skies. Delta Air Lines and Alitalia recently announced they will test passengers multiple times on flights from New York’s JFK airport, New Jersey’s Newark Airport, and Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport to Rome’s Fiumicino airport.


theverge--2020-12-08--Google’s Pixel 2 has gotten its last update

After three years of support , the Pixel 2 has received its last update from Google : a delayed November security patch going out to the devices this month , as noted by Android Central .
Google ’ s device support schedule indicates that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL aren ’ t guaranteed security updates after October 2020 .
Google announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in October 2017 .
The two devices were identical in every way except size , and they earned plenty of praise for their somewhat groundbreaking camera .
Google was early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computational photography , and the results showed in the Pixel 2 — its single rear-facing camera was in many ways ahead of the multi-camera-toting competition .
Aside from a highly capable camera and an overall likable design , it wasn ’ t without its troubles .
The Pixel 2 XL ’ s screen suffered some well-documented woes , including a tendency toward a blue color cast when viewed at slightly off angles .
Shortcomings aside , the 2 and 2 XL will be best remembered as the smartphones that put truly incredible image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , time marches on , and current Pixel devices will see a December security patch arriving this week .
The Pixel 3 and newer will also be receiving new features borrowed from recent devices , like adaptive sound and Extreme Battery Saver mode .

After three years of support, the Pixel 2 has received its last update from Google: a delayed November security patch going out to the devices this month, as noted by Android Central. Google’s device support schedule indicates that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL aren’t guaranteed security updates after October 2020.
Google announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in October 2017. The two devices were identical in every way except size, and they earned plenty of praise for their somewhat groundbreaking camera. Google was early to really lean into camera software and computational photography, and the results showed in the Pixel 2 — its single rear-facing camera was in many ways ahead of the multi-camera-toting competition.
Aside from a highly capable camera and an overall likable design, it wasn’t without its troubles. The Pixel 2 XL’s screen suffered some well-documented woes, including a tendency toward a blue color cast when viewed at slightly off angles. Shortcomings aside, the 2 and 2 XL will be best remembered as the smartphones that put truly incredible image processing capabilities into your pocket.


theverge--2020-12-08--Netflix wants to help parents connect with their kids by explaining what they’re watching

Netflix is rolling out a new tool for parents to better understand and monitor what their kids are watching .
Called the Kids Activity Report , as seen in the image above , the new breakdown includes data on what type of programming kids are spending the most time watching , who their favorite character is , and recommendations for new shows based on their interests .
Emails sent out to customers who have kids accounts enabled started going out this weekend , letting parents know they could opt into the report .
The report also comes with a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pages ( based on Netflix characters and shows ) to print out for kids stuck at home , and prepared questions to ask their kids based on their favorite show or character .
Parents will hopefully be able to better connect with their kids by having a more thorough understanding of what they ’ re watching — even if they don ’ t want to watch it themselves , Michelle Parsons , who leads Netflix ’ s product innovation team for kids and family , told The Verge .
“ Most parents have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based on their Halloween costumes or toys they ask for at Christmas , but we don ’ t always know what those shows are about , ” Parson said .
“ What is the show , in essence , talking about ?
” Netflix ’ s kids profiles are typically made for children between “ pre-school and pre-teen ” ages , Parsons said .
If older kids don ’ t want their parents knowing what they ’ re watching — or just don ’ t like the idea of being monitored — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have , Parsons added .
Parents can opt out of the reports at any time .
Alongside the new kids report , Netflix is also rolling out a global test for a Family Profile setting .
Unlike regular profiles or kids-only profiles , family profiles will pull in TV shows and films that people can select as family-friendly , and it will appear in one profile .
Netflix accounts are designed around individual interests .
The algorithm learns what people are into and suggests recommended programming to keep them glued to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cursed , or something along those lines .
The family profile uses ratings to bring in a number of different titles that are then prioritized and recommended based on those individual interests .
Movies up to a PG-13 rating and TV shows up to a TV-14 rating will appear .
“ The key thing to understand is that it creates a family profile with co-viewing in mind that ’ s most relevant for specific family audiences , ” Parsons said .
What people won ’ t be able to do right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that are more mature than PG-13 or TV-14 .
Hypothetically , if a family wanted to watch The Witcher together , that wouldn ’ t show up because of the rating .
Parsons acknowledged that the team is communicating with members about what they want out of a family profile , and Netflix can work on a setting that allows subscribers to add titles beyond the PG-13 and TV-14 rating if that becomes a popular request .
The family profiles are rolling out today as part of a global test , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in select markets as part of a global test .

Netflix is rolling out a new tool for parents to better understand and monitor what their kids are watching. Called the Kids Activity Report, as seen in the image above, the new breakdown includes data on what type of programming kids are spending the most time watching, who their favorite character is, and recommendations for new shows based on their interests.
Emails sent out to customers who have kids accounts enabled started going out this weekend, letting parents know they could opt into the report. The report also comes with a “joke of the day,” coloring pages (based on Netflix characters and shows) to print out for kids stuck at home, and prepared questions to ask their kids based on their favorite show or character.
Parents will hopefully be able to better connect with their kids by having a more thorough understanding of what they’re watching — even if they don’t want to watch it themselves, Michelle Parsons, who leads Netflix’s product innovation team for kids and family, told The Verge.
“Most parents have a pulse on what their kids like, based on their Halloween costumes or toys they ask for at Christmas, but we don’t always know what those shows are about,” Parson said. “What is the show, in essence, talking about?”
Netflix’s kids profiles are typically made for children between “pre-school and pre-teen” ages, Parsons said. If older kids don’t want their parents knowing what they’re watching — or just don’t like the idea of being monitored — that’s a conversation for families to have, Parsons added. Parents can opt out of the reports at any time.
Alongside the new kids report, Netflix is also rolling out a global test for a Family Profile setting. Unlike regular profiles or kids-only profiles, family profiles will pull in TV shows and films that people can select as family-friendly, and it will appear in one profile.
Netflix accounts are designed around individual interests. The algorithm learns what people are into and suggests recommended programming to keep them glued to their screens. Like The Witcher? Try Cursed, or something along those lines. The family profile uses ratings to bring in a number of different titles that are then prioritized and recommended based on those individual interests. Movies up to a PG-13 rating and TV shows up to a TV-14 rating will appear.
“The key thing to understand is that it creates a family profile with co-viewing in mind that’s most relevant for specific family audiences,” Parsons said.
What people won’t be able to do right now, however, is add shows or movies in that are more mature than PG-13 or TV-14. Hypothetically, if a family wanted to watch The Witcher together, that wouldn’t show up because of the rating. Parsons acknowledged that the team is communicating with members about what they want out of a family profile, and Netflix can work on a setting that allows subscribers to add titles beyond the PG-13 and TV-14 rating if that becomes a popular request.


theverge--2020-12-08--Pornhub limits uploads and disables downloads after New York Times exposé

Pornhub has made significant changes to its content policies after a New York Times report detailed the damage done by nonconsensual videos posted to the platform , often involving underage girls .
In a statement today , Pornhub announced a new set of policies aimed at keeping nonconsensual videos off the site .
Most significantly , the platform will no longer accept uploads from unidentified users , a significant shift for a company that built its platform on non-professional uploads .
In the short term , that will restrict uploads to content partners and members of the platform ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll out a broader verification process for regular users in 2021 .
Once content has been uploaded , Pornhub will block downloading content entirely , no longer allowing users to export content from the site outside of paid downloads triggered through the company ’ s verified system .
PornHub has also pledged to increase moderation of content currently on the platform through a newly established “ Red Team , ” dedicated to “ proactively sweeping content already uploaded for potential violations and identifying any breakdowns in the moderation process.
” The company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report in 2021 , detailing the results of moderation from the previous year .
In its statement , Pornhub attributes the changes to an independent review launched in April , aimed at eliminating all illegal content from the platform .
However , the move comes just four days after a searing New York Times report from Nicholas Kristof , which triggered a significant backlash against the company and its practices .
The report highlighted a number of young girls who appeared in videos uploaded to Pornhub without their consent .
Even after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copies continued to circulate , often with severe and alarming personal consequences .
In the wake of Kristof ’ s article , Pornhub ’ s business partners faced mounting pressure to cut ties with the platform — particularly payment processors like Visa and Mastercard .
Dawn Hawkins , senior vice president and executive director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation , was outspoken in calling for the site to be shut down .
“ Companies like Visa and MasterCard who partner with Pornhub are also profiting from the rape of children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the piece was published .
Reacting to the changes on Twitter , Kristof seemed cautiously optimistic .
“ A great deal depends on how responsibly Pornhub implements these , and it hasn ’ t earned my trust at all , but these seem significant , ” he wrote .
“ A great deal will also depend on whether past content , already on the site , is vetted or removed.
” Pornhub did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

Pornhub has made significant changes to its content policies after a New York Times report detailed the damage done by nonconsensual videos posted to the platform, often involving underage girls.
In a statement today, Pornhub announced a new set of policies aimed at keeping nonconsensual videos off the site. Most significantly, the platform will no longer accept uploads from unidentified users, a significant shift for a company that built its platform on non-professional uploads. In the short term, that will restrict uploads to content partners and members of the platform’s Model Program, although Pornhub plans to roll out a broader verification process for regular users in 2021.
Once content has been uploaded, Pornhub will block downloading content entirely, no longer allowing users to export content from the site outside of paid downloads triggered through the company’s verified system.
“these seem significant”
PornHub has also pledged to increase moderation of content currently on the platform through a newly established “Red Team,” dedicated to “proactively sweeping content already uploaded for potential violations and identifying any breakdowns in the moderation process.” The company has also pledged to publish its first transparency report in 2021, detailing the results of moderation from the previous year.
In its statement, Pornhub attributes the changes to an independent review launched in April, aimed at eliminating all illegal content from the platform. However, the move comes just four days after a searing New York Times report from Nicholas Kristof, which triggered a significant backlash against the company and its practices. The report highlighted a number of young girls who appeared in videos uploaded to Pornhub without their consent. Even after the videos were flagged and removed, downloaded copies continued to circulate, often with severe and alarming personal consequences.
In the wake of Kristof’s article, Pornhub’s business partners faced mounting pressure to cut ties with the platform — particularly payment processors like Visa and Mastercard.
Dawn Hawkins, senior vice president and executive director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, was outspoken in calling for the site to be shut down. “Companies like Visa and MasterCard who partner with Pornhub are also profiting from the rape of children,” Hawkins said in a statement after the piece was published.
Reacting to the changes on Twitter, Kristof seemed cautiously optimistic. “A great deal depends on how responsibly Pornhub implements these, and it hasn’t earned my trust at all, but these seem significant,” he wrote. “A great deal will also depend on whether past content, already on the site, is vetted or removed.”


theverge--2020-12-08--The PS5 and Xbox Series X made us fall back in love with old games

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S have been out for a few weeks now .
And while we ’ ve been loving next-gen titles like Astro ’ s Playroom and Spider-Man : Miles Morales , many Verge staffers have been marveling at something unexpected : older games on newer consoles .
Thanks to more powerful hardware , many games now have more stable resolutions , better frame rates , and faster load times , which makes playing them even better than before .
And the PlayStation Plus Collection and Xbox Game Pass offer a plethora of older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s far cheaper than a brand-new next-gen game .
We ’ ve all spent time with different games , so our newsroom wanted to share some of our experiences in case you ’ ve been wondering just how well older games might fare on the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles .
I was first introduced to Halo in 2004 when I got two games for Christmas : Halo 2 and Blinx 2 : Masters of Time and Space .
( Full disclosure : I was more excited to play the latter than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how disappointing Blinx 2 was , I decided to fire up Halo 2 and I was hooked .
When Halo 3 came out , I spent the entire weekend in my room splitting time between the campaign and multiplayer modes .
Thanks to backwards compatibility , I was able to play Halo : Combat Evolved on the Xbox 360 .
I drifted apart from the series after Halo 3 : ODST but got back into it after I decided to buy an Xbox One so I could play Halo : The Master Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bundle , which included a digital copy of the game and I felt nostalgic for my younger years .
When Halo Infinite was announced , I knew I had to buy an Xbox Series X to experience the next entry in the series .
It was the only reason I wanted a Series X at launch , but disappointingly , the game was delayed until next year .
I decided to keep my Series X preorder because it ’ s so hard to buy either next-gen console right now .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Master Chief Collection was getting a next-gen update .
I have a pretty good gaming PC and own the compilation on console and PC , but I was excited to play this version of the game that was fully optimized for the next-gen Xbox .
Fully experiencing Halo 3 ’ s epic campaign with a frame rate higher than 30fps made me fall in love with the original trilogy all over again .
The way the next-gen version of this compilation takes full advantage of the Xbox Series X has helped me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay left , and it will surely keep me occupied until Infinite gets a new release date .
—Taylor Lyles There are so many things I could do with my new PS5 , from finally learning to play Demon ’ s Souls to spending a few more hours swinging around a virtual rendition of New York City in Spider-Man : Miles Morales .
And yet , here I am , playing more Fortnite .
I can ’ t help it : the game is so much better on Sony ’ s new console @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fortnite looks incredible on both next-gen consoles , with features like ray tracing and realistic fog bringing the battle royale island to life .
When the new season launched , I spent a lot of time exploring newly introduced areas — which include an alien desert and a dense jungle arena — because they looked so vibrant and detailed .
Much of it is smaller details that you really have to look for : the sun reflecting off of the Mandalorian ’ s helmet or the hazy glow of purple desert crystals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game feels .
It runs fast and smooth , but more importantly for me , the adaptive triggers in the PS5 ’ s DualSense controller make shooters much more tactile and interesting .
I love how I can feel the difference between each weapon based on the tension in the trigger when firing .
Now when I play Fortnite on a different platform , it feels like something ’ s missing .
—Andrew Webster I love Monster Hunter World , but it ’ s been a little awkward to play because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game first came out on the PS4 , then I started over on the PC version six months later for its better performance , and then I had to go back to the PS4 for the Iceborne expansion because the PC version was several months late again .
The result is I never really got into Iceborne on either platform as much as I should ’ ve .
Now I have the best of both worlds on the PS5 .
Even though the PS4 version hasn ’ t been updated , it runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it never had a locked frame rate .
That ’ s the reason I wanted to play on PC in the first place , ironically , but it also means the PS5 can just throw its raw processing power at the game and achieve 60fps .
I ’ ve been able to go back to my PS4 save , and it ’ s like I never stopped playing .
It ’ s unfortunate that a lot of last-gen games remain stuck at 30fps on the PS5 and Series X because of hard-coded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty much the best-case scenario .
—Sam Byford I ’ ve just been blown away by Uncharted 4 on the PS5 .
Despite playing on the same TV , I ’ ve been seeing elements of the actors ’ performances that I didn ’ t notice the first couple of times I played .
There are emotional beats that hit harder because I can see the acting better .
Also , the sightseeing is incredible .
Apparently , on the PS4 Pro , Uncharted 4 ran at 1440p , up from 1080p on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d suspect that ’ s also what it ’ s running at on the PS5 , and it just looks great .
I ’ ll definitely be playing through the whole game again because of the improvements on the PS5 .
And just for fun , I tried out Uncharted 2 , a game that I first played on the PS3 , and then again on the PS4 when it was mildly remastered in the Nathan Drake Collection .
Playing it on the PS5 , though , it felt and looked almost no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is , until I died , and the PS5 ’ s ultra-fast SSD let me reload in two seconds .
Next on my list : Ghost of Tsushima , which actually got a PS5-specific patch .
—Mitchell Clark Sekiro : Shadows Die Twice is my go-to game for testing cloud gaming services like Nvidia ’ s GeForce Now because of the unforgiving timing it takes to properly deflect blows with your sword and strike true .
But personally , I couldn ’ t see myself playing through it even on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate and frame pacing on consoles .
Yet , when I fired it up on my PS5 the other night , it was butter .
Smooth as can be !
I didn ’ t want to stop testing , even though I ’ m so much further on my PC save .
I swapped back to PS4 Pro just to check , and sure enough , stuttery as heck by comparison , even though the resolution ( 1800p ) looks exactly the same .
The other game I can ’ t go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fantasy VII Remake .
But it ’ s not because of the frame rate or even the fidelity ( which , to my eye , looks like maybe it can maintain its dynamic resolution of 1620p more often but could be my imagination ) .
It ’ s the fact that I no longer have to deal with a jet engine in my living room .
More than any other PS4 game I ’ ve played , FFVII makes my PS4 Pro ’ s fan scream so loud I have to turn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , my PS5 stays whisper-quiet .
I ’ m playing through it for the first time , to be honest , after putting it off to start… and while I ’ m kind of kicking myself for sleeping on this pitch-perfect nostalgia bomb this long , I ’ m also glad I can listen to its epic orchestral score without an additional unwanted instrument screeching in the background .
—Sean Hollister I only had a PS4 for a few months this year , and I never owned an Xbox One , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of the defining games of the last console generation .
But with the sheer volume of games on the PlayStation Plus Collection and Xbox Game Pass , I ’ ve already sunk hours into older games on both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. I ’ ve already completed Ori and the Blind Forest , and I can ’ t wait to dive into its sequel , Ori and the Will of the Wisps .
I ’ ve started to play the first Halo via The Master Chief Collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole Halo series before Halo Infinite comes out sometime next year .
Kratos ’ recent appearance in Fortnite is pushing me toward God of War sooner rather than later .
Now that I ’ ve finished the Demon ’ s Souls remake , I ’ m eager to try Bloodborne sometime soon .
Even though there aren ’ t a lot of truly next-gen games to play on the consoles right now , I already have a big backlog of older games thanks to the huge library of titles on Sony and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t wait to catch up with the last generation of consoles on the newest hardware ; I ’ m late to play the games , but I get to play them at their very best .
—Jay Peters

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S have been out for a few weeks now. And while we’ve been loving next-gen titles like Astro’s Playroom and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, many Verge staffers have been marveling at something unexpected: older games on newer consoles.
Thanks to more powerful hardware, many games now have more stable resolutions, better frame rates, and faster load times, which makes playing them even better than before. And the PlayStation Plus Collection and Xbox Game Pass offer a plethora of older titles at a monthly price that’s far cheaper than a brand-new next-gen game.
We’ve all spent time with different games, so our newsroom wanted to share some of our experiences in case you’ve been wondering just how well older games might fare on the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
I was first introduced to Halo in 2004 when I got two games for Christmas: Halo 2 and Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space. (Full disclosure: I was more excited to play the latter than the former.)
But after I realized how disappointing Blinx 2 was, I decided to fire up Halo 2 and I was hooked. When Halo 3 came out, I spent the entire weekend in my room splitting time between the campaign and multiplayer modes. Thanks to backwards compatibility, I was able to play Halo: Combat Evolved on the Xbox 360. I drifted apart from the series after Halo 3: ODST but got back into it after I decided to buy an Xbox One so I could play Halo: The Master Chief Collection. I purchased the Xbox One bundle, which included a digital copy of the game and I felt nostalgic for my younger years.
When Halo Infinite was announced, I knew I had to buy an Xbox Series X to experience the next entry in the series. It was the only reason I wanted a Series X at launch, but disappointingly, the game was delayed until next year.
I decided to keep my Series X preorder because it’s so hard to buy either next-gen console right now. I’m glad I did because Microsoft announced that The Master Chief Collection was getting a next-gen update.
I have a pretty good gaming PC and own the compilation on console and PC, but I was excited to play this version of the game that was fully optimized for the next-gen Xbox. Fully experiencing Halo 3’s epic campaign with a frame rate higher than 30fps made me fall in love with the original trilogy all over again. The way the next-gen version of this compilation takes full advantage of the Xbox Series X has helped me fill the void Halo Infinite’s delay left, and it will surely keep me occupied until Infinite gets a new release date. —Taylor Lyles
Fortnite
There are so many things I could do with my new PS5, from finally learning to play Demon’s Souls to spending a few more hours swinging around a virtual rendition of New York City in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. And yet, here I am, playing more Fortnite. I can’t help it: the game is so much better on Sony’s new console.
Part of it is visual. Fortnite looks incredible on both next-gen consoles, with features like ray tracing and realistic fog bringing the battle royale island to life. When the new season launched, I spent a lot of time exploring newly introduced areas — which include an alien desert and a dense jungle arena — because they looked so vibrant and detailed. Much of it is smaller details that you really have to look for: the sun reflecting off of the Mandalorian’s helmet or the hazy glow of purple desert crystals.
But it’s also the way the game feels. It runs fast and smooth, but more importantly for me, the adaptive triggers in the PS5’s DualSense controller make shooters much more tactile and interesting. I love how I can feel the difference between each weapon based on the tension in the trigger when firing. Now when I play Fortnite on a different platform, it feels like something’s missing. —Andrew Webster
Monster Hunter World
I love Monster Hunter World, but it’s been a little awkward to play because of how Capcom keeps staggering releases. The game first came out on the PS4, then I started over on the PC version six months later for its better performance, and then I had to go back to the PS4 for the Iceborne expansion because the PC version was several months late again. The result is I never really got into Iceborne on either platform as much as I should’ve.
Now I have the best of both worlds on the PS5. Even though the PS4 version hasn’t been updated, it runs so much better on the newer console because it never had a locked frame rate. That’s the reason I wanted to play on PC in the first place, ironically, but it also means the PS5 can just throw its raw processing power at the game and achieve 60fps. I’ve been able to go back to my PS4 save, and it’s like I never stopped playing.
It’s unfortunate that a lot of last-gen games remain stuck at 30fps on the PS5 and Series X because of hard-coded limits, but Monster Hunter World is pretty much the best-case scenario. —Sam Byford
Uncharted
I’ve just been blown away by Uncharted 4 on the PS5. Despite playing on the same TV, I’ve been seeing elements of the actors’ performances that I didn’t notice the first couple of times I played. There are emotional beats that hit harder because I can see the acting better. Also, the sightseeing is incredible. Apparently, on the PS4 Pro, Uncharted 4 ran at 1440p, up from 1080p on the regular PS4, so I’d suspect that’s also what it’s running at on the PS5, and it just looks great. I’ll definitely be playing through the whole game again because of the improvements on the PS5.
And just for fun, I tried out Uncharted 2, a game that I first played on the PS3, and then again on the PS4 when it was mildly remastered in the Nathan Drake Collection. Playing it on the PS5, though, it felt and looked almost no different than it did on the PS4. That is, until I died, and the PS5’s ultra-fast SSD let me reload in two seconds. Next on my list: Ghost of Tsushima, which actually got a PS5-specific patch. —Mitchell Clark
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Final Fantasy VII Remake
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is my go-to game for testing cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now because of the unforgiving timing it takes to properly deflect blows with your sword and strike true. But personally, I couldn’t see myself playing through it even on my PS4 Pro because of the unstable frame rate and frame pacing on consoles.
Yet, when I fired it up on my PS5 the other night, it was butter. Smooth as can be! I didn’t want to stop testing, even though I’m so much further on my PC save. I swapped back to PS4 Pro just to check, and sure enough, stuttery as heck by comparison, even though the resolution (1800p) looks exactly the same.
The other game I can’t go back to my PS4 Pro for is Final Fantasy VII Remake. But it’s not because of the frame rate or even the fidelity (which, to my eye, looks like maybe it can maintain its dynamic resolution of 1620p more often but could be my imagination). It’s the fact that I no longer have to deal with a jet engine in my living room. More than any other PS4 game I’ve played, FFVII makes my PS4 Pro’s fan scream so loud I have to turn up the volume to make out the game. Meanwhile, my PS5 stays whisper-quiet.
I swear PS5 (right) looks slightly better, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t see a difference. Image by Sean Hollister / The Verge
I’m playing through it for the first time, to be honest, after putting it off to start… and while I’m kind of kicking myself for sleeping on this pitch-perfect nostalgia bomb this long, I’m also glad I can listen to its epic orchestral score without an additional unwanted instrument screeching in the background. —Sean Hollister
PlayStation Plus Collection and Xbox Game Pass
I only had a PS4 for a few months this year, and I never owned an Xbox One, so I just haven’t played a lot of the defining games of the last console generation. But with the sheer volume of games on the PlayStation Plus Collection and Xbox Game Pass, I’ve already sunk hours into older games on both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.
I’ve already completed Ori and the Blind Forest, and I can’t wait to dive into its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. I’ve started to play the first Halo via The Master Chief Collection, and I intend to work through the whole Halo series before Halo Infinite comes out sometime next year. Kratos’ recent appearance in Fortnite is pushing me toward God of War sooner rather than later. Now that I’ve finished the Demon’s Souls remake, I’m eager to try Bloodborne sometime soon.


theverge--2020-12-08--How to buy Apple’s new AirPods Max headphones

After many months of rumors , Apple officially announced the AirPods Max , its own over-the-ear , wireless , noise-canceling headphones .
This is the first pair of noise-canceling headphones to feature the Apple logo .
They cost $ 549 and are available for preorder now with shipping slated for December 15th .
Unlike the AirPods and AirPods Pro , the AirPods Max come in multiple colors ( dark gray , silver , blue , green , and pink ) .
They feature high-fidelity audio , adaptive EQ , active noise cancellation , and spatial audio .
Apple says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charging done through Apple ’ s Lightning connector and not through a USB-C cable .
( No , a charging brick does not come in the box . )
We ’ ll be reviewing the new wireless headphones soon , but if you are interested in placing an order ahead of time , below are the retailers that currently have product listings available .
Currently , you can preorder the AirPods Max at Apple , Best Buy , and Target .
We expect other retailers to put up listings soon and will update @ @ @ @ @ @

After many months of rumors, Apple officially announced the AirPods Max, its own over-the-ear, wireless, noise-canceling headphones. This is the first pair of noise-canceling headphones to feature the Apple logo. They cost $549 and are available for preorder now with shipping slated for December 15th.
Unlike the AirPods and AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max come in multiple colors (dark gray, silver, blue, green, and pink). They feature high-fidelity audio, adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, and spatial audio. Apple says the headphones offer a 20-hour battery life with charging done through Apple’s Lightning connector and not through a USB-C cable. (No, a charging brick does not come in the box.)
We’ll be reviewing the new wireless headphones soon, but if you are interested in placing an order ahead of time, below are the retailers that currently have product listings available. Currently, you can preorder the AirPods Max at Apple, Best Buy, and Target. We expect other retailers to put up listings soon and will update this article when they do.


theverge--2020-12-08--Senate confirms Trump FCC nominee over Democrat objections

On Tuesday , the Senate voted to confirm the controversial nomination of Republican Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission , despite pleas from Democrats and advocacy groups to hold off on a vote until next year .
By confirming Simington , the Republican-led Senate will be handing the incoming Joe Biden administration a deadlocked FCC .
In November , current FCC chairman Ajit Pai announced that he would be stepping down from the agency once Biden is inaugurated , leaving the incoming administration with two Republicans , two Democrats , and no voting majority .
If a Republican-led Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a replacement , it could bring the commission to a standstill .
“ Nathan Simington is a deeply dangerous nominee to the FCC.
” This threat of gridlock paired with concerns over Simington ’ s qualifications for the job prompted Democrats and advocacy groups to oppose the nomination .
In a virtual protest event , Sen. Richard Blumenthal ( D-CT ) said , “ Nathan Simington is a deeply dangerous nominee to the FCC.
” He continued , “ Simington has proven himself an adversary , not an advocate for online access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unqualified.
” Blumenthal was joined by groups like Public Knowledge , Fight for the Future , and MediaJustice on Monday .
The Verge first reported in September that Simington was in talks to become President Donald Trump ’ s next nominee to the FCC .
The nomination followed the president ’ s abrupt withdrawal of Republican Commissioner Mike O ’ Rielly ’ s renomination after O ’ Rielly made remarks opposing changes to Section 230 .
Several months earlier , Trump had signed an executive order prompting the FCC to reinterpret Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of his tweets for the first time .
It ’ s unclear how large of a role Simington played in drafting a government petition to the FCC requesting changes to Section 230 , but the Republican confirmed in a hearing earlier this year that he at least “ edited ” it .
Last week , Blumenthal said Simington was not forthright in his answers to the committee regarding his role in drafting the petition .
Blumenthal cited answers Simington provided after his confirmation hearing , suggesting that he “ sought to enlist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FCC to reinterpret Section 230 as requested in the government ’ s petition .
In October , Pai said that the agency would move forward on Trump ’ s executive order seeking to regulate social media companies .
It ’ s unclear how the agency plans to move forward on rulemaking .
“ With the right leadership the FCC can be a tremendous force for improving American lives and getting the economy back on track , ” Sen. Ron Wyden ( D-OR ) said Monday .
“ Unfortunately , Nathan Simington ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s orders to turn the FCC into government speech police .
”

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to confirm the controversial nomination of Republican Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission, despite pleas from Democrats and advocacy groups to hold off on a vote until next year.
By confirming Simington, the Republican-led Senate will be handing the incoming Joe Biden administration a deadlocked FCC. In November, current FCC chairman Ajit Pai announced that he would be stepping down from the agency once Biden is inaugurated, leaving the incoming administration with two Republicans, two Democrats, and no voting majority. If a Republican-led Senate refuses to confirm Biden’s choice for a replacement, it could bring the commission to a standstill.
“Nathan Simington is a deeply dangerous nominee to the FCC.”
This threat of gridlock paired with concerns over Simington’s qualifications for the job prompted Democrats and advocacy groups to oppose the nomination. In a virtual protest event, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said, “Nathan Simington is a deeply dangerous nominee to the FCC.” He continued, “Simington has proven himself an adversary, not an advocate for online access. He is conflicted, unprepared, and unqualified.”
Blumenthal was joined by groups like Public Knowledge, Fight for the Future, and MediaJustice on Monday.
The Verge first reported in September that Simington was in talks to become President Donald Trump’s next nominee to the FCC. The nomination followed the president’s abrupt withdrawal of Republican Commissioner Mike O’Rielly’s renomination after O’Rielly made remarks opposing changes to Section 230. Several months earlier, Trump had signed an executive order prompting the FCC to reinterpret Section 230 shortly after Twitter moved to fact-check one of his tweets for the first time.
It’s unclear how large of a role Simington played in drafting a government petition to the FCC requesting changes to Section 230, but the Republican confirmed in a hearing earlier this year that he at least “edited” it. Last week, Blumenthal said Simington was not forthright in his answers to the committee regarding his role in drafting the petition. Blumenthal cited answers Simington provided after his confirmation hearing, suggesting that he “sought to enlist Fox News” to help push the FCC to reinterpret Section 230 as requested in the government’s petition.
In October, Pai said that the agency would move forward on Trump’s executive order seeking to regulate social media companies. It’s unclear how the agency plans to move forward on rulemaking.


theverge--2020-12-08--Apple reportedly hands over its self-driving car project to executive who oversees Siri

Apple is shuffling its leadership that oversees its secretive self-driving car project , according to Bloomberg .
The team ’ s engineers will now report to John Giannandrea , the company ’ s head of artificial intelligence , who also oversees voice-based digital assistant Siri .
Giannandrea , Google ’ s former head of search and artificial intelligence , joined Apple in 2018 .
His hire was seen as a huge get for Apple , which has struggled for years to make progress in fast-moving and increasingly important AI fields like computer vision and natural language processing .
Giannandrea reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of machine learning and AI strategy .
Not much is known about Apple ’ s so-called Project Titan Not much is known about Apple ’ s so-called Project Titan .
Unlike most of its competitors , the company has been frustratingly tight-lipped regarding the self-driving cars it ’ s testing in California .
After beginning with the aim of developing a purpose-built self-driving car , the plans were later scaled back to just developing software , with Apple partnering with car manufacturers such as Volkswagen to provide the hardware .
There has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an Apple employee who is a Chinese citizen was accused by the FBI of attempting to steal trade secrets related to the company ’ s autonomous car project .
It was the second time the government has charged an Apple employee for trying to steal self-driving secrets in the last seven months .
Apple also laid off about 200 employees from the project .
In June 2019 , Apple acquired the struggling self-driving startup Drive.ai .
Apple purchased the company ’ s assets , including its autonomous cars , and hired many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this year , Apple filed a report with the California Department of Motor Vehicles that showed the company has seriously downgraded its public road testing in 2019 .
After driving nearly 80,000 miles in 2018 , the company only logged 7,544 miles in 2019 .

“Siri, drive my car...”
Apple is shuffling its leadership that oversees its secretive self-driving car project, according to Bloomberg. The team’s engineers will now report to John Giannandrea, the company’s head of artificial intelligence, who also oversees voice-based digital assistant Siri.
Giannandrea, Google’s former head of search and artificial intelligence, joined Apple in 2018. His hire was seen as a huge get for Apple, which has struggled for years to make progress in fast-moving and increasingly important AI fields like computer vision and natural language processing. Giannandrea reports directly to CEO Tim Cook as the leader of machine learning and AI strategy.
Not much is known about Apple’s so-called Project Titan
Not much is known about Apple’s so-called Project Titan. Unlike most of its competitors, the company has been frustratingly tight-lipped regarding the self-driving cars it’s testing in California. After beginning with the aim of developing a purpose-built self-driving car, the plans were later scaled back to just developing software, with Apple partnering with car manufacturers such as Volkswagen to provide the hardware.
There has also been legal drama. In 2019, an Apple employee who is a Chinese citizen was accused by the FBI of attempting to steal trade secrets related to the company’s autonomous car project. It was the second time the government has charged an Apple employee for trying to steal self-driving secrets in the last seven months. Apple also laid off about 200 employees from the project.
In June 2019, Apple acquired the struggling self-driving startup Drive.ai. Apple purchased the company’s assets, including its autonomous cars, and hired many of its engineers away from Drive.ai directly.