theverge--2020-03-07--Amazon Flex drivers won’t be paid if they have to stay home due to coronavirus, but Uber’s will

Amazon has told its contract Flex drivers , which deliver the e-commerce company ’ s packages , to stay home if they get sick amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , according to a memo obtained by OneZero .
But while Amazon ’ s Flex Drivers won ’ t be paid , Uber said late Friday that it will give its drivers up to 14 days of sick pay if they miss work due to coronavirus .
It ’ s worth noting that Amazon doesn ’ t specifically say in this memo that Flex drivers won ’ t be paid — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t working , they aren ’ t getting paid .
So if they ’ re homebound due to coronavirus , it doesn ’ t seem as if the company will be taking care of them in any way — unlike Amazon ’ s hourly workers , who will receive their regular pay even if they have to stay home .
Amazon did not respond to a request for comment .
Right now , most other companies that rely on gig workers also don ’ t provide restitution for those workers if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus .
On Friday , Sen. Mark Warner ( D-VA ) sent letters to Uber , Lyft , Postmates , Grubhub , DoorDash , and Instacart asking them to provide financial assistance to gig workers who may get sick or have to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
“ I strongly urge that you attempt to address the potential financial hardship for your workers if they are sick or have to self-quarantine during this time , ” said Warner in the letters .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is critical that platform companies lead by example by committing that economic uncertainty will not be deterrents to their workers following public health guidance during the response.
” Uber says will compensate drivers and delivery workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 Uber said late Friday that it will compensate drivers and delivery workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are quarantined by a public health authority due to the novel coronavirus , The Wall Street Journal reports .
Andrew Macdonald , Uber ’ s senior vice president of global rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal memo that the workers will receive compensation “ for a period of up to 14 days , ” and that it has already started in some of Uber ’ s markets , including Mexico and the UK , according to the WSJ .
To qualify for the compensation , drivers will need to provide documentation , either showing that they ’ ve been diagnosed with the virus or that a public health official has placed them under quarantine , according to Business Insider .
How much the drivers will be compensated is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WSJ it ’ s not aware of coronavirus infections spreading between its drivers and riders .
The company declined to say how many , if any , of its drivers had been diagnosed with the virus or placed under quarantine .
Earlier Friday , an Uber spokesperson said the company was “ exploring compensation for drivers who have been quarantined or diagnosed with coronavirus , whether independently , through a fund , or in partnership with peer companies , ” in a statement given to The Los Angeles Times .
Lyft says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenarios ” Lyft said it is “ focused on taking appropriate actions and are actively planning for multiple scenarios , ” in a statement to TechCrunch .
“ We stand ready to coordinate with government officials.
” Both Uber and Lyft have also shared guidance with drivers to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Postmates plans to brief Warner ’ s office on plans to “ invest in the well being of our flexible workforce , ” the company told TechCrunch .
The company also added a “ non-contact ” delivery option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dropped off or left by a customer ’ s door to cut down on direct contact between delivery drivers and Postmates users .
Grubhub said it is “ focused on prioritizing the health and safety of our drivers , diners and restaurant partners , ” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times .
“ We share Senator Warner ’ s concerns about the safety and welfare of our drivers and look forward to working with the Senator on these important issues.
” DoorDash said it “ will continue to provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dashers and merchants and remind our community in affected areas of the delivery instruction feature , enabling requests for food to be left at the door along with a photo of where the food should be left through the app , ” in a statement to The Los Angeles Times .
The company also told The Los Angeles Times on Friday that it planned to talk with Warner that day .
Instacart said it remains fully operational across North America in a statement provided to The Verge .
It also said it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national authorities to monitor the situation as it unfolds .
We ’ re adhering to recommendations from public health officials to ensure we ’ re operating safely with minimal disruption to our service , while also taking the appropriate precautionary measures to keep teams , shoppers and customers safe.
” The company said it ’ s sharing health and safety information with its shoppers .
Instacart also tells The Verge that it lets in-store shoppers in select markets accrue sick pay .
They can earn one hour of sick pay for every 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 40 hours of sick pay per year .
Update , March 7th , 10:05AM ET : Added with new information from Uber and Instacart .


theverge--2020-03-07--New trailers: Artemis Fowl, Connected, Antebellum, and more

I spent last week watching through the new High Fidelity , Hulu ’ s adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel ( and , more importantly , an update to the much-loved John Cusack film ) .
The show was largely shot around where I live , so it was kind of just cool looking out for places I know .
Shout out to my local pizza shop for the brief cameo .
Something that I kept thinking about while watching the new series is how much has changed since the movie came out .
Where knowing endless music trivia was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s now weirdly commonplace thanks to the internet .
You can ’ t really write a cool conversation about some niche genre because chances are a wide swath of people already know everything about it .
That makes the whole conceit a little harder to pull off .
It ’ s also possible that there ’ s just a specific audience for this story , and that ’ s an audience of people coming up alongside the artists being referenced and still learning everything about music themselves .
Looking back at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly all of the musical references I caught were fairly mainstream — stuff I easily recognize now , but would have been clueless to as a teenager .
I still love the vibe of High Fidelity , I just don ’ t know that it can be recreated once you ’ ve already been there .
Check out nine trailers from this week below .
After an extended delay ( the first trailer for this movie came out in 2018 ) , Disney is finally putting out its adaptation of the 2000s book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through tons of shiny-looking sequences that suggest there ’ ll be plenty to gawk at , even if some core elements of the story look a little goofy ( apparently a lot has been changed from the books , and fans aren ’ t pleased ) .
The film comes out May 29th .
I was so ready to hate this , but Connected looks extremely cute and the animation is wonderful .
The movie is produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and comes out September 18th .
There ’ s another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sci-fi movie Antebellum , which seems to have Monáe playing a character who slips back and forth between being a modern-day activist and an enslaved woman in pre-Civil War America .
It comes out April 24th .
Never Rarely Sometimes Always Never Rarely Sometimes Always is about a girl from Pennsylvania who has to travel to New York to get an abortion because she ’ s unable to get one at home without parental consent .
The Sharon Van Etten song that scores the trailer certainly helps you feel something fast , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a super emotional coming of age story even without it .
The film comes out March 13th .
Ella Fitzgerald — Just One Of Those Things A new documentary is coming up about jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald , featuring interviews with Smokey Robinson , Norma Miller , and Fitzgerald ’ s son , among others .
It comes to theaters starting April 3rd .
This starts out looking like a tired rom-com , but it quickly turns into something a lot more interesting : a story about two teenage girls becoming friends in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
It comes out March 27th .
I Know This Much Is True Mark Ruffalo stars in HBO ’ s adaptation of the Wally Lamb novel I Know This Much Is True .
I hadn ’ t heard of the book before now , and all I can say is that it sounds exceptionally dramatic and seems to have way too much going on .
The limited-series adaptation starts April 27th .
Warner Bros. has a new take on Scooby-Doo on the way that looks pretty ... fine .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I ’ ll give it that the Netflix jokes in the middle are pretty good .
The movie comes out May 14th .
Taika Waititi has a small but ridiculous role in this wonderfully ludicrous-looking comedy about a cult obsessed with a very specific bathtub .
It comes to some theaters on March 6th and starts streaming later in the month .

I spent last week watching through the new High Fidelity, Hulu’s adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel (and, more importantly, an update to the much-loved John Cusack film). The show was largely shot around where I live, so it was kind of just cool looking out for places I know. Shout out to my local pizza shop for the brief cameo.
Something that I kept thinking about while watching the new series is how much has changed since the movie came out. Where knowing endless music trivia was once the realm of passionate nerds, it’s now weirdly commonplace thanks to the internet. You can’t really write a cool conversation about some niche genre because chances are a wide swath of people already know everything about it. That makes the whole conceit a little harder to pull off.
It’s also possible that there’s just a specific audience for this story, and that’s an audience of people coming up alongside the artists being referenced and still learning everything about music themselves. Looking back at some clips of the 2000 film, nearly all of the musical references I caught were fairly mainstream — stuff I easily recognize now, but would have been clueless to as a teenager. I still love the vibe of High Fidelity, I just don’t know that it can be recreated once you’ve already been there.
Check out nine trailers from this week below.
Artemis Fowl
After an extended delay (the first trailer for this movie came out in 2018), Disney is finally putting out its adaptation of the 2000s book series Artemis Fowl. This trailer flashes through tons of shiny-looking sequences that suggest there’ll be plenty to gawk at, even if some core elements of the story look a little goofy (apparently a lot has been changed from the books, and fans aren’t pleased). The film comes out May 29th.
Connected
I was so ready to hate this, but Connected looks extremely cute and the animation is wonderful. The movie is produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and comes out September 18th.
Antebellum
There’s another cryptic trailer out for the Janelle Monáe sci-fi movie Antebellum, which seems to have Monáe playing a character who slips back and forth between being a modern-day activist and an enslaved woman in pre-Civil War America. It comes out April 24th.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Never Rarely Sometimes Always is about a girl from Pennsylvania who has to travel to New York to get an abortion because she’s unable to get one at home without parental consent. The Sharon Van Etten song that scores the trailer certainly helps you feel something fast, but I think this movie would look like a super emotional coming of age story even without it. The film comes out March 13th.
Ella Fitzgerald — Just One Of Those Things
A new documentary is coming up about jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, featuring interviews with Smokey Robinson, Norma Miller, and Fitzgerald’s son, among others. It comes to theaters starting April 3rd.
Banana Split
This starts out looking like a tired rom-com, but it quickly turns into something a lot more interesting: a story about two teenage girls becoming friends in spite of the guy who comes between them. It comes out March 27th.
I Know This Much Is True
Mark Ruffalo stars in HBO’s adaptation of the Wally Lamb novel I Know This Much Is True. I hadn’t heard of the book before now, and all I can say is that it sounds exceptionally dramatic and seems to have way too much going on. The limited-series adaptation starts April 27th.
Scoob!
Warner Bros. has a new take on Scooby-Doo on the way that looks pretty... fine. It’s a kids movie through and through, but I’ll give it that the Netflix jokes in the middle are pretty good. The movie comes out May 14th.
Seven Stages To Achieve Eternal Bliss


theverge--2020-03-07--SpaceX launches the last flight of its original Dragon cargo capsule

Late last night , SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket on the company ’ s 20th cargo mission to the International Space Station , sending more than 4,500 pounds of supplies and science experiments to the three crew members living in orbit .
Following takeoff , SpaceX then landed its Falcon 9 on a landing pad in Florida — the 50th overall rocket landing for the company .
While it was a fairly routine launch for the company , it was also a significant one : the final resupply mission for NASA under SpaceX ’ s original contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t mean SpaceX will be done launching supplies to the ISS , though .
In 2016 , NASA awarded SpaceX a second contract to continuing launching cargo missions to the station through 2024 .
And once this new round of launches begins , SpaceX ’ s hardware will get an upgrade too .
The company has long used its Dragon 1 cargo capsule to carry all the supplies to the ISS , but now , SpaceX will begin using its new Dragon 2 capsule .
“ We we put all the lessons learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could.
” This new Dragon capsule is very similar to the one that SpaceX will use to send people to the space station later this year .
It ’ s slightly bigger than its predecessor , able to carry about 20 percent more volume than before , and it can be re-used up to five times in space .
Each Dragon 1 spacecraft could only be used up to three times .
Plus it sports quite a few upgrades , including an entirely new parachute system .
“ We learned a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hans Koenigsmann , vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX , said during a press conference ahead of the launch .
“ We put all the lessons learned basically in Dragon 2 as much as we could.
” Perhaps the biggest new feature of Dragon 2 is that it will be able to dock all on its own with the International Space Station .
All of the previous Dragon cargo capsules had to have some help to get to the ISS .
Each vehicle approached the station and an astronaut on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a robotic arm .
The arm would then bring the Dragon closer to the ISS and attach it onto a docking port .
But from now on , both crew and cargo versions of Dragon will be able to approach the station and dock by themselves , freeing up time for the astronauts on board the ISS .
SpaceX is expected to fly this new cargo Dragon capsule sometime in the fall .
In the meantime , the final Dragon 1 launched last night is orbiting Earth and will meet up with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When it is attached to the ISS , it ’ ll bring various supplies and experiments , including a system to study organs on microchips .
Dragon is also bringing a new European platform that will be attached on the outside of the ISS , allowing research institutions and companies to attach their own payloads on the exterior of the station .
This Dragon will stay attached to the ISS for about a month , before returning to Earth .
When it leaves , it ’ ll be loaded up with 4,000 pounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground .
After the vehicle splashes down in the ocean , the era of Dragon 1 will be over .
“ Dragon 1 had a great career and we ’ re really proud at how it contributed to the important science aboard the ISS , ” Koenigsmann said .
In fact , SpaceX ’ s Dragon made history in 2012 , by becoming the first private vehicle to attach the ISS ever .
“ We ’ re grateful for NASA for the ongoing support , and we ’ re looking forward to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koenigsmann .
Correction March 7th , 11:30AM ET : A previous version of this story misstated the location of the Falcon 9 landing last night .
It landed on a landing pad .

Late last night, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket on the company’s 20th cargo mission to the International Space Station, sending more than 4,500 pounds of supplies and science experiments to the three crew members living in orbit. Following takeoff, SpaceX then landed its Falcon 9 on a landing pad in Florida — the 50th overall rocket landing for the company.
While it was a fairly routine launch for the company, it was also a significant one: the final resupply mission for NASA under SpaceX’s original contract with the space agency. That doesn’t mean SpaceX will be done launching supplies to the ISS, though. In 2016, NASA awarded SpaceX a second contract to continuing launching cargo missions to the station through 2024. And once this new round of launches begins, SpaceX’s hardware will get an upgrade too. The company has long used its Dragon 1 cargo capsule to carry all the supplies to the ISS, but now, SpaceX will begin using its new Dragon 2 capsule.
“We we put all the lessons learned basically in Dragon 2 as much as we could.”
This new Dragon capsule is very similar to the one that SpaceX will use to send people to the space station later this year. It’s slightly bigger than its predecessor, able to carry about 20 percent more volume than before, and it can be re-used up to five times in space. Each Dragon 1 spacecraft could only be used up to three times. Plus it sports quite a few upgrades, including an entirely new parachute system. “We learned a lot on the Dragon 1 spacecraft,” Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX, said during a press conference ahead of the launch. “We put all the lessons learned basically in Dragon 2 as much as we could.”
Perhaps the biggest new feature of Dragon 2 is that it will be able to dock all on its own with the International Space Station. All of the previous Dragon cargo capsules had to have some help to get to the ISS. Each vehicle approached the station and an astronaut on board had to capture the capsule with a robotic arm. The arm would then bring the Dragon closer to the ISS and attach it onto a docking port. But from now on, both crew and cargo versions of Dragon will be able to approach the station and dock by themselves, freeing up time for the astronauts on board the ISS.
SpaceX is expected to fly this new cargo Dragon capsule sometime in the fall. In the meantime, the final Dragon 1 launched last night is orbiting Earth and will meet up with the International Space Station early Monday morning. When it is attached to the ISS, it’ll bring various supplies and experiments, including a system to study organs on microchips. Dragon is also bringing a new European platform that will be attached on the outside of the ISS, allowing research institutions and companies to attach their own payloads on the exterior of the station.
This Dragon will stay attached to the ISS for about a month, before returning to Earth. When it leaves, it’ll be loaded up with 4,000 pounds of cargo to be returned to the ground. After the vehicle splashes down in the ocean, the era of Dragon 1 will be over. “Dragon 1 had a great career and we’re really proud at how it contributed to the important science aboard the ISS,” Koenigsmann said. In fact, SpaceX’s Dragon made history in 2012, by becoming the first private vehicle to attach the ISS ever.
“We’re grateful for NASA for the ongoing support, and we’re looking forward to the continued success of Dragon,” said Koenigsmann.


theverge--2020-03-07--Contagion shows the lengths people go to watch a movie they can’t stream

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak , Steven Soderbergh ’ s 2011 film about a pandemic , Contagion , is seeing a spike in viewing .
The problem is that Contagion isn ’ t streaming anywhere — especially in the United States — leading to an increase in rentals on iTunes and torrent downloads .
The Verge partnered with TorrentFreak to examine the rise of people downloading Contagion between January 1st and March 4th .
The data is estimated by looking at IP addresses that share the movie , according to TorrentFreak ’ s site editor Ernesto .
Analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is public and broadcasts downloading IP addresses , ” he told The Verge .
The data isn ’ t complete or exact , but torrent statistics never are .
Think of them as close estimates .
There are four instances of Contagion downloads spiking between the end of January and early March .
Each increase in downloads , varying from a couple of hundred to nearly 20,000 , is timed to a major news event in the spread of the new disease .
Prior to January 24th , Contagion was seeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On January 25th , it jumped to over 1,500 .
By January 29th , when news began circulating that the new coronavirus had touched down in the United States , it was over 18,000 downloads .
The movie was initially most popular in South Korea , one of the most severely affected countries , but its popularity has since been overtaken by the US , according to Ernesto .
“ These download figures only apply to torrents , which are a small fraction of the piracy landscape , ” Ernesto told The Verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular ( but not measurable ) so the total piracy numbers are much higher.
” “ Streaming piracy is much more popular ( but not measurable ) so the total piracy numbers are much higher ” This coronavirus has become an increasingly urgent crisis over recent months .
Over 100,000 COVID-19 ( the disease caused by the novel coronavirus ) cases have been reported worldwide ; more than 3,400 people have died , with the vast majority of cases and deaths still in China .
Fears over the virus spreading have led organizers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I/O , Facebook ’ s F8 , and the annual Game Developers Conference , to cancel or postpone the events .
Schools are closing , and offices are asking employees to work from home — making any activity driven by a computer , phone , or TV increasingly more appealing .
Like , watching movies .
At the same time that people are torrenting the film , Contagion also jumped up the ranks of iTunes downloads around the world .
It ’ s on the top 10 list in countries like Australia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , including the United States .
As BuzzFeed reported earlier this week , prior to the new coronavirus outbreak , it wasn ’ t even in the top 100 .
“ The similarities between our contagion and the coronavirus are immaterial , accidental , and really not that important , ” Contagion writer Scott Z. Burns told Fortune recently .
“ What is more important and accurate is the societal response and the spread of fear and the knock-on effects of that .
That is proving to be accurate.
” Rentals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Contagion isn ’ t available via any of the popular subscription streaming services in the United States .
Only those with access to Cinemax — a premium network that is available as an add-on to a few streaming services including Hulu and Amazon ’ s Prime Channels — can access the movie .
While there is a streaming service for Cinemax , called Max Go , it ’ s not as widely used as Netflix or Hulu .
It ’ s more like HBO Now ; to compare , HBO Now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has just over 30 million and Netflix has more than 167 million worldwide .
The big question is if ‘ Contagion ’ were available to stream via Netflix , would it mean that suddenly everyone with a Netflix subscription would watch it ?
Although Contagion was reportedly available on Netflix and other in other countries recently , it ’ s disappeared from many .
As a result , people have to turn to Amazon and iTunes for rental options or downloading .
There ’ s also an argument that many of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Amazon Prime Video to stream the movie via their monthly subscriptions if the option were there ; “ pirates ” tend to spend the most on legal content , according to a 2018 study reported by Motherboard .
The big question is if Contagion were available to stream via Netflix , would it mean that suddenly everyone with a Netflix subscription would watch it ?
That depends .
Streaming services like Netflix spend years working on the recommendation algorithm that leads to what appears on our homepages .
These streaming services also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titles .
Using Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , and Hulu as examples , look at the homepage when you open the app .
The top carousel spot is reserved for their new big TV show or movie , and scrolling down the page prompts other originals the streamers want people to watch .
The streamers aren ’ t just distributors anymore ; they ’ re networks .
Original content earns precedence .
Think of Pandemic , a new docuseries from Netflix about how to prevent a global outbreak .
Despite it being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote , it never appeared on my homepage .
I don ’ t watch many documentaries , and I definitely don ’ t watch anything medical .
Even my intake of scientific series and films is low .
Therefore , it ’ s not recommended to me .
Other Originals that match my interests are instead .
Netflix runs hundreds of A/B tests every year , all in an attempt to match content with people ’ s interests based on what they watch .
It ’ s because of this recommendation system that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation about what the majority of its subscribers are watching in each country where it ’ s available .
Netflix rolled out its “ Top 10 ” list in the United States a couple of weeks ago , after testing in the United Kingdom , and plans to enter more countries soon .
Those titles are based on subscribers watching at least two minutes of a show or movie ( the same data Netflix uses for its metrics ) .
Overwhelmingly , the majority of the Top 10 lists tend to be Netflix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 if it were on Netflix ?
Possibly , but it ’ s not certain .
Still , take a glance at recent Google Trends data for Contagion , looking at the past 90 days .
The interest is skyrocketing , and the ninth most searched query after just the movie title is “ where to watch Contagion ?
” The 19th , 20th , and 21st queries are “ Contagion Netflix , ” at the time of this writing .
A number of other search queries include “ Contagion full movie ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” People want to watch Contagion , and they want to use the streaming services they subscribe to , but without those options , they ’ re forced to look into rental options and downloading .
Netflix executives have publicly said they plan to invest way more in original content instead of acquiring more licensed movies , but one has to imagine that they ’ re kicking themselves for not bidding on this now .

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 film about a pandemic, Contagion, is seeing a spike in viewing. The problem is that Contagion isn’t streaming anywhere — especially in the United States — leading to an increase in rentals on iTunes and torrent downloads.
The Verge partnered with TorrentFreak to examine the rise of people downloading Contagion between January 1st and March 4th. The data is estimated by looking at IP addresses that share the movie, according to TorrentFreak’s site editor Ernesto. Analysts look at torrent tracker data, “which is public and broadcasts downloading IP addresses,” he told The Verge. The data isn’t complete or exact, but torrent statistics never are. Think of them as close estimates.
There are four instances of Contagion downloads spiking between the end of January and early March. Each increase in downloads, varying from a couple of hundred to nearly 20,000, is timed to a major news event in the spread of the new disease. Prior to January 24th, Contagion was seeing a couple of hundred downloads a day. On January 25th, it jumped to over 1,500. By January 29th, when news began circulating that the new coronavirus had touched down in the United States, it was over 18,000 downloads.
The movie was initially most popular in South Korea, one of the most severely affected countries, but its popularity has since been overtaken by the US, according to Ernesto. “These download figures only apply to torrents, which are a small fraction of the piracy landscape,” Ernesto told The Verge. “Streaming piracy is much more popular (but not measurable) so the total piracy numbers are much higher.”
“Streaming piracy is much more popular (but not measurable) so the total piracy numbers are much higher”
This coronavirus has become an increasingly urgent crisis over recent months. Over 100,000 COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus) cases have been reported worldwide; more than 3,400 people have died, with the vast majority of cases and deaths still in China. Fears over the virus spreading have led organizers of massive tech conferences, including Google I/O, Facebook’s F8, and the annual Game Developers Conference, to cancel or postpone the events. Schools are closing, and offices are asking employees to work from home — making any activity driven by a computer, phone, or TV increasingly more appealing. Like, watching movies.
At the same time that people are torrenting the film, Contagion also jumped up the ranks of iTunes downloads around the world. It’s on the top 10 list in countries like Australia and landing on the top 20 in several more, including the United States. As BuzzFeed reported earlier this week, prior to the new coronavirus outbreak, it wasn’t even in the top 100.
“The similarities between our contagion and the coronavirus are immaterial, accidental, and really not that important,” Contagion writer Scott Z. Burns told Fortune recently. “What is more important and accurate is the societal response and the spread of fear and the knock-on effects of that. That is proving to be accurate.”
Rentals and torrent downloads are also increasing in part because Contagion isn’t available via any of the popular subscription streaming services in the United States. Only those with access to Cinemax — a premium network that is available as an add-on to a few streaming services including Hulu and Amazon’s Prime Channels — can access the movie. While there is a streaming service for Cinemax, called Max Go, it’s not as widely used as Netflix or Hulu. It’s more like HBO Now; to compare, HBO Now has approximately 8 million subscribers, while Hulu has just over 30 million and Netflix has more than 167 million worldwide.
The big question is if ‘Contagion’ were available to stream via Netflix, would it mean that suddenly everyone with a Netflix subscription would watch it?
Although Contagion was reportedly available on Netflix and other in other countries recently, it’s disappeared from many. As a result, people have to turn to Amazon and iTunes for rental options or downloading. There’s also an argument that many of the people downloading would use Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video to stream the movie via their monthly subscriptions if the option were there; “pirates” tend to spend the most on legal content, according to a 2018 study reported by Motherboard.
The big question is if Contagion were available to stream via Netflix, would it mean that suddenly everyone with a Netflix subscription would watch it? That depends. Streaming services like Netflix spend years working on the recommendation algorithm that leads to what appears on our homepages. These streaming services also tend to push original content over licensed titles. Using Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu as examples, look at the homepage when you open the app. The top carousel spot is reserved for their new big TV show or movie, and scrolling down the page prompts other originals the streamers want people to watch. The streamers aren’t just distributors anymore; they’re networks. Original content earns precedence.
Think of Pandemic, a new docuseries from Netflix about how to prevent a global outbreak. Despite it being an original and something Netflix could heavily promote, it never appeared on my homepage. I don’t watch many documentaries, and I definitely don’t watch anything medical. Even my intake of scientific series and films is low. Therefore, it’s not recommended to me. Other Originals that match my interests are instead. Netflix runs hundreds of A/B tests every year, all in an attempt to match content with people’s interests based on what they watch.
It’s because of this recommendation system that Netflix has started to try to generate conversation about what the majority of its subscribers are watching in each country where it’s available. Netflix rolled out its “Top 10” list in the United States a couple of weeks ago, after testing in the United Kingdom, and plans to enter more countries soon. Those titles are based on subscribers watching at least two minutes of a show or movie (the same data Netflix uses for its metrics). Overwhelmingly, the majority of the Top 10 lists tend to be Netflix Originals. Would Contagion make the Top 10 if it were on Netflix? Possibly, but it’s not certain.
Still, take a glance at recent Google Trends data for Contagion, looking at the past 90 days. The interest is skyrocketing, and the ninth most searched query after just the movie title is “where to watch Contagion?” The 19th, 20th, and 21st queries are “Contagion Netflix,” at the time of this writing. A number of other search queries include “Contagion full movie” and “Contagion full movie download free.”


theverge--2020-03-08--Twitter puts ‘manipulated’ tag on faked Biden video retweeted by Trump

Twitter has applied a “ manipulated media ” tag to a doctored video of former Vice President Joe Biden that @ @ @ @ @ social media director Dan Scavino and retweeted by President Trump , according to Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ ’ s believed to be the first time the platform has used the tag to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ban on faked pictures , video and other media “ deceptively shared ” @ @ @ @ @ .
The policy covers synthetic and manipulated media “ likely to impact public safety or @ @ @ @ @ sophisticated deepfakes as well as other content that has been deceptively edited .
Twitter has @ @ @ @ @ offenders who violated the policy , and label tweets as manipulated .
Twitter spokesperson Catherine @ @ @ @ @ in an email that “ this Tweet was actioned based on our Synthetic and Manipulated @ @ @ @ @ out to the White House and the Biden campaign for comment and will update if @ @ @

We live in an era of increasingly rampant disinformation, and there are only two ways to address this toxic force that is corroding our democracy: responsibly and in a way that serves the public, or irresponsibly and in a nakedly self-serving manner. Facebook’s malfeasance when it comes to trafficking in blatantly false misinformation is a national crisis in this respect. It is also an unconscionable act of putting profit above not just our country, but every country. Facebook won’t say it, but it is apparent to all who have examined their conduct and policies: they care first and foremost about money and, to that end, are willing to serve as one of the world’s most effective mediums for the spread of vile lies. That is repugnant, and it should be called out for what it is. Their unethical behavior is not acceptable, and it must change.


theverge--2020-03-08--State Department warns against cruise ship travel because of coronavirus risk

The US State Department issued an alert Sunday urging US citizens “ particularly travelers with underlying health conditions ” not to travel by cruise ship due to the risk of coronavirus infection .
The warning comes as 21 people on the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California have tested positive for the coronavirus , according to the New York Times .
The alert from the State Department says many countries have put into place strict screening protocols that have denied entry to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking , all to try to contain the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
“ While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks , repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities , ” the alert states .
The Grand Princess cruise ship will dock at the Port of Oakland , California , on Monday , Bloomberg reports .
Trump administration officials have said the passengers will be quarantined , with those who are ill receiving medical care at area hospitals .
President Trump said Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board the ship .
“ I don ’ t need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn ’ t our fault , ” the president told reporters at a press briefing at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta .

The US State Department issued an alert Sunday urging US citizens “particularly travelers with underlying health conditions” not to travel by cruise ship due to the risk of coronavirus infection. The warning comes as 21 people on the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the New York Times.
The alert from the State Department says many countries have put into place strict screening protocols that have denied entry to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking, all to try to contain the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
“While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities,” the alert states.
The Grand Princess cruise ship will dock at the Port of Oakland, California, on Monday, Bloomberg reports. Trump administration officials have said the passengers will be quarantined, with those who are ill receiving medical care at area hospitals.


theverge--2020-03-08--Tim Cook encouraging remote work at Apple global offices due to coronavirus

Calling the coronavirus outbreak an “ unprecedented event , ” Apple CEO Tim Cook is encouraging employees at several of its global offices to “ please feel free to work remotely if your job allows ” from March 9th to 13th , Bloomberg reports .
Cook sent a memo to employees which expands Apple ’ s earlier work-from-home provisions for some Apple workers in California and the Seattle area .
He said in the memo that the company is “ making a major effort to reduce human density ” and the remote work policy will apply to offices in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Apple previously warned that iPhone supply would be constrained In addition to Seattle , the list includes Apple ’ s corporate offices in the Santa Clara Valley and Elk Grove areas of California , as well as offices in France , Germany , Italy , Japan , South Korea , Switzerland , and the UK , according to Bloomberg .
Hourly workers at affected Apple offices around the world will “ continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations , ” the memo states .
Last month , Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China due to the coronavirus outbreak ( some have already reopened ) , and the company restricted employee travel to areas most affected , including China , Italy , and South Korea .
Apple told investors in a note on February 17th that due to the impact of the coronavirus , the company did not expect to meet its revenue guidance for the second quarter .
It warned that “ worldwide iPhone supply will be temporarily constrained .
”

Calling the coronavirus outbreak an “unprecedented event,” Apple CEO Tim Cook is encouraging employees at several of its global offices to “please feel free to work remotely if your job allows” from March 9th to 13th, Bloomberg reports.
Cook sent a memo to employees which expands Apple’s earlier work-from-home provisions for some Apple workers in California and the Seattle area. He said in the memo that the company is “making a major effort to reduce human density” and the remote work policy will apply to offices in “areas with the greatest density of infections.”
Apple previously warned that iPhone supply would be constrained
In addition to Seattle, the list includes Apple’s corporate offices in the Santa Clara Valley and Elk Grove areas of California, as well as offices in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the UK, according to Bloomberg.
Hourly workers at affected Apple offices around the world will “continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations,” the memo states.
Last month, Apple temporarily closed all of its retail stores in China due to the coronavirus outbreak (some have already reopened), and the company restricted employee travel to areas most affected, including China, Italy, and South Korea.


theverge--2020-03-08--Ring’s leaked Video Doorbell 3 has a few small upgrades

A sneak peek of the product page for the upcoming Ring Video Doorbell 3 shows some upgrades over the Video Doorbell 2 .
Dave Zatz at Zatz Not Funny discovered the product page ( it ’ s since been removed , apparently ) , which included a “ pre-roll ” feature for the doorbell ’ s Plus model that captures four seconds of black-and-white video before a motion alert goes off .
The product page described it as a “ first-to-market feature for battery-powered doorbells and unique exclusively to Ring , ” although Zatz points out that other video doorbells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just not battery-powered models .
The basic design of the Video Doorbell 3 doesn ’ t appear much different from its predecessor , but Zatz reports the new model ’ s faceplate will be easier to remove ; it will have a “ near ” motion sensor to reduce false motion alerts ; and it will have 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi ( only 2.4GHz is available on the Video Doorbell 2 ) .
It ’ s not clear when the Video Doorbell 3 will be available , and Zatz notes the product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ring ’ s Sidewalk networking standard or Apple HomeKit support ( that ’ s not to say they won ’ t be included , just that neither was mentioned ) .
Zatz calls the Ring Video Doorbell 3 a “ decent , minor upgrade from Ring 2 , with a clever upsell for those seeking a bit more security , ” adding they ’ re likely to be priced between $ 199 and $ 229 .
Amazon-owned Ring has come under fire for privacy and security concerns in recent months .
In January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dashboard for its app , to allow users to manage their connected devices better , including control over whether local police departments can request video footage from an owner ’ s Ring camera .

A sneak peek of the product page for the upcoming Ring Video Doorbell 3 shows some upgrades over the Video Doorbell 2. Dave Zatz at Zatz Not Funny discovered the product page (it’s since been removed, apparently), which included a “pre-roll” feature for the doorbell’s Plus model that captures four seconds of black-and-white video before a motion alert goes off.
The product page described it as a “first-to-market feature for battery-powered doorbells and unique exclusively to Ring,” although Zatz points out that other video doorbells have this so-called “foresight” feature, just not battery-powered models.
A screenshot of the Ring Video Doorbell 3 product page. Zatz Not Funny via Ring
The basic design of the Video Doorbell 3 doesn’t appear much different from its predecessor, but Zatz reports the new model’s faceplate will be easier to remove; it will have a “near” motion sensor to reduce false motion alerts; and it will have 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi (only 2.4GHz is available on the Video Doorbell 2).
It’s not clear when the Video Doorbell 3 will be available, and Zatz notes the product page didn’t mention support for Ring’s Sidewalk networking standard or Apple HomeKit support (that’s not to say they won’t be included, just that neither was mentioned).
Zatz calls the Ring Video Doorbell 3 a “decent, minor upgrade from Ring 2, with a clever upsell for those seeking a bit more security,” adding they’re likely to be priced between $199 and $229.


theverge--2020-03-08--Rare Nintendo Play Station console sells for $360,000 at auction

A prototype of the Nintendo Play Station , a console that never came to market , fetched $ 360,000 at an auction over the weekend , CNN reports .
Greg McLemore , founder of Pets.com and Toys.com had the winning bid , beating out other collectors , including Palmer Luckey , CEO of Oculus VR .
The console is one of only 200 prototypes created from a failed 1991 partnership between Sony and Nintendo .
Forbes describes the unit as basically a Super NES with a CD-ROM drive .
Valerie McLeckie of Heritage Auctions , where the console was offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other 199 prototypes were destroyed when the Sony/Nintendo deal fell through .
Sony released its first PlayStation in 1994 .
According to Polygon , this prototype of the Nintendo Play Station was discovered by a man named Terry Diebold in a box of stuff once owned by former Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Olaf Olafsson .
The two had both worked at Advanta Corporation and when that company went bankrupt , the console was one of many items that ended up at private auction , which is how Diebold acquired it .
McLemore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most expensive thing I ’ ve ever bought outside of a house , ” adding “ it was worth it especially when combined with the rest of my collection , ” CNN reports .
That collection includes more than 800 coin-operated machines as well as smaller games , magazines , and art , which McLemore wants to use to create a permanent museum , according to Forbes .
“ I ’ m looking to not have this machine just buried in a closet somewhere , ” McLemore says .

A prototype of the Nintendo Play Station, a console that never came to market, fetched $360,000 at an auction over the weekend, CNN reports. Greg McLemore, founder of Pets.com and Toys.com had the winning bid, beating out other collectors, including Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus VR.
The console is one of only 200 prototypes created from a failed 1991 partnership between Sony and Nintendo. Forbes describes the unit as basically a Super NES with a CD-ROM drive. Valerie McLeckie of Heritage Auctions, where the console was offered, tells CNN it’s believed the other 199 prototypes were destroyed when the Sony/Nintendo deal fell through. Sony released its first PlayStation in 1994.
According to Polygon, this prototype of the Nintendo Play Station was discovered by a man named Terry Diebold in a box of stuff once owned by former Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Olaf Olafsson. The two had both worked at Advanta Corporation and when that company went bankrupt, the console was one of many items that ended up at private auction, which is how Diebold acquired it.
Heritage Auctions/HA.com
McLemore says the console was “the single most expensive thing I’ve ever bought outside of a house,” adding “it was worth it especially when combined with the rest of my collection,” CNN reports. That collection includes more than 800 coin-operated machines as well as smaller games, magazines, and art, which McLemore wants to use to create a permanent museum, according to Forbes.


theverge--2020-03-08--From The Strategist: The 9 Best Workout Headphones

You may not be training for the Olympics or a marathon , but that doesn ’ t mean you don ’ t need a pair of headphones that stay put and sound great .
Many athletes use headphones for an extra push of motivation in the gym , and just as many need theirs to block out distracting ambient noise .
If you run outside , around cars , you ’ ll want a pair that won ’ t block out environmental sounds to ensure your safety .
It all depends on you and your workout .
To find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athlete , we spoke with nearly two dozen professional athletes and trainers who workout on basketball courts , in gyms and dance studios , and even one who gets his steps in on the roofs of the island of Santorini .
Of the 21 athletes we spoke to , eight said that they use Apple AirPods when working out .
The reason for their popularity is simple : AirPods are small and wireless and don ’ t get in the way of an athlete ’ s movements .
“ My standard training includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over walls , hopping fences , doing flips , ” says professional free runner Michael “ Frosti ” Zernow who set the fastest qualifying time in American Ninja Warrior history .
“ My number one concern is something impeding my movement.
” Lots of Bluetooth headphones check that box , but according to Chris Callis , “ AirPods are always reliable with their connection , unlike some of the other Bluetooth headphones I ’ ve tried .
And it doesn ’ t hurt that they ’ re clean and nondescript .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says .
German Srulovich , assistant men ’ s basketball coach at College of Central Florida , likes AirPods ’ double-tap option .
“ If a player has a song pop up from their kid ’ s playlist during their workout , they can just double-tap their headphones to get it to a song they want .
That eliminates any delays in our workouts , and I ’ d expect more brands to incorporate it.
” According to Connor Kelly , Tyson Bomberry , and Jake Fox , players on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Riptide , they wear AirPods while working out because the headphones don ’ t fall out .
Kelly also wears his during warmups to help him focus and get motivated before games .
AirPods are also popular with Steph Curry and almost every teen we ’ ve talked to over the last two years .
If you happen to have extra-large earholes , like Strategist contributor Sarah Z. Wexler , the AirPods Pro provide a better fit , which will be helpful .
Although AirPods are popular , almost to the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make them perfect for every athlete — especially since no two people have the same-sized earholes .
John Ranagan , another New York Riptide player , prefers Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones because they stay in his ears better than any other headphones and they have great audio .
Russell Byrd , a former Michigan State University basketball player , who now plays for SCM CSU Craiova in Romania , is also a fan .
“ No matter what I ’ m doing on the court , those things are staying in , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noise-canceling , unlike AirPods ( but AirPod Pros are ) , so “ they block out a lot of the noise of the pre-game crowd so I can focus on getting up shots and enjoy the music.
” After testing out a bunch of different pairs , Jianca Lazarus , a surfer and sports photojournalist , also loves the Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones .
But she ’ s partial to an earlier version that connects the two sides with a wire that sits behind your head .
“ I love that they stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out due to sweat , ” says Lazarus , who also uses them to make work calls .
“ The sound quality is phenomenal , and the mic is great when I get incoming phone calls so I can continue exercising while taking care of business , ” she says .
Sometimes , however , the best headphones are the ones that work well but won ’ t ruin your day if you forget them at the gym or on the court .
Tennis player and coach Mick Rouse , who also works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls this pair from Anker “ the best bang for your buck.
” He says the sound quality isn ’ t that different from higher-end headphones .
If your workouts have you flinging yourself across a field or unable to stay close to your phone , former NFL player Vinnie Sunseri recommends Powerbeats 3 .
“ They ’ re good because they block out external noise , and they stay on when doing exercises that would cause other headphones to fall off , ” he says .
“ You can use them up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone , so it doesn ’ t have to be on your person at all times.
” Major League Soccer player Jason Hernandez also recommends Powerbeats headphones .
“ I love these headphones first for the quality of sound , ” says Hernandez .
He also appreciates their security and durability : “ Even the most dynamic types of exercises won ’ t jar them loose from my head .
Plus , I ’ ve damaged several headphones with sweat , so it ’ s important to me that headphones that have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronics eventually crossing paths.
” Srulovich likes them , too , thanks to their loud volume and bass .
“ A majority of the music played in our sport is rap , and players get energy from turning the volume up and feeling the bass kicking , ” he says .
“ As dancers , we do a lot of different kinds of fitness and cross-training , sometimes on machines , sometimes in studios , and sometimes upside down , ” says Emily Kikta , a New York City Ballet dancer .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re inexpensive , and the wings alongside the earbuds help them stay in while she ’ s dancing or moving .
Michael Wardian , a marathon runner who holds the world record for the fastest time for seven marathons on seven continents in seven days , is also a fan .
He says “ Jaybirds have great battery life , sound quality , and are pretty indestructible.
” Glenn McCallum , a professional country Western dancer , uses DISO Buds when practicing with his dance partner .
Each person wears one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long enough between the individual headphones that we can both hear the music while dancing together without having to be close.
” He also likes that they stay put in his ears while dancing : “ With the different sized earpieces to choose from you can be sure they won ’ t fly out of your ears while whipping your head through a fast series of turns.
” Best headphones for staying aware of your surroundings “ I was a little bit skeptical at first because the earphones don ’ t go in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a professional runner with the Brooks Beast Track Club .
Mackey ’ s pick from AfterShokz uses technology that transmits sound through the bones in your ear .
“ I can hear my music really well , and I can also hear all the noise around me , ” she says .
“ I feel a lot safer because I can hear traffic , passing bikes , and pedestrians.
” Marathon runner Wardian likes them , too , because they ’ re great for safety , have nice sound quality , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them so that I can hear my podcasts but still be aware if I come around a corner and see a mountain lion or bear , ” he says .
Jamie Hickey , a personal trainer at Truism Fitness , is one of the few athletes we talked to who prefers over-ear headphones .
“ I spend a lot of time at the gym , and there are times when I want to work out in peace .
These headphones provide that , ” he says .
He appreciates their noise-canceling capability as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit ” they provide , which keeps them from moving during workouts .
“ I like to get into a groove and forget my surroundings while working out , ” he says .
“ Not hearing the environment around you makes that a whole lot easier.
” Like Hickey , Martha Bull , a competitive powerlifter , goes for bigger , over-ear headphones when she ’ s in the gym .
Bull likes that these Mpow headphones are affordable , in case she drops a weight on them .
Plus , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I used to use wireless earbuds , which were better for benching but not as visible .
These bright-blue headphones are more effective at signaling to gym bros who have read two articles on T Nation that I ’ m not available to receive the unsolicited advice and comments they ’ re so eager to share with me.
” Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see

You may not be training for the Olympics or a marathon, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a pair of headphones that stay put and sound great. Many athletes use headphones for an extra push of motivation in the gym, and just as many need theirs to block out distracting ambient noise. If you run outside, around cars, you’ll want a pair that won’t block out environmental sounds to ensure your safety. It all depends on you and your workout. To find the best workout headphones for every kind of athlete, we spoke with nearly two dozen professional athletes and trainers who workout on basketball courts, in gyms and dance studios, and even one who gets his steps in on the roofs of the island of Santorini.
Best overall workout headphones
Apple AirPods with Charging Case
Of the 21 athletes we spoke to, eight said that they use Apple AirPods when working out. The reason for their popularity is simple: AirPods are small and wireless and don’t get in the way of an athlete’s movements. “My standard training includes a lot of things, like vaulting over walls, hopping fences, doing flips,” says professional free runner Michael “Frosti” Zernow who set the fastest qualifying time in American Ninja Warrior history. “My number one concern is something impeding my movement.” Lots of Bluetooth headphones check that box, but according to Chris Callis, “AirPods are always reliable with their connection, unlike some of the other Bluetooth headphones I’ve tried. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re clean and nondescript. There are a lot of headphone monstrosities out there,” he says.
German Srulovich, assistant men’s basketball coach at College of Central Florida, likes AirPods’ double-tap option. “If a player has a song pop up from their kid’s playlist during their workout, they can just double-tap their headphones to get it to a song they want. That eliminates any delays in our workouts, and I’d expect more brands to incorporate it.”
According to Connor Kelly, Tyson Bomberry, and Jake Fox, players on the National Lacrosse League’s New York Riptide, they wear AirPods while working out because the headphones don’t fall out. Kelly also wears his during warmups to help him focus and get motivated before games. AirPods are also popular with Steph Curry and almost every teen we’ve talked to over the last two years. If you happen to have extra-large earholes, like Strategist contributor Sarah Z. Wexler, the AirPods Pro provide a better fit, which will be helpful.
Apple AirPods with Charging Case / Best overall workout headphones $139 on Amazon
Apple AirPods with Charging Case / Best overall workout headphones $160 at Best Buy
Best noise-canceling workout headphones
Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless headphones
Although AirPods are popular, almost to the point of ubiquity, that doesn’t make them perfect for every athlete — especially since no two people have the same-sized earholes. John Ranagan, another New York Riptide player, prefers Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones because they stay in his ears better than any other headphones and they have great audio. Russell Byrd, a former Michigan State University basketball player, who now plays for SCM CSU Craiova in Romania, is also a fan. “No matter what I’m doing on the court, those things are staying in,” says Byrd. They’re also noise-canceling, unlike AirPods (but AirPod Pros are), so “they block out a lot of the noise of the pre-game crowd so I can focus on getting up shots and enjoy the music.”
After testing out a bunch of different pairs, Jianca Lazarus, a surfer and sports photojournalist, also loves the Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones. But she’s partial to an earlier version that connects the two sides with a wire that sits behind your head. “I love that they stay in my ears when most others fall out due to sweat,” says Lazarus, who also uses them to make work calls. “The sound quality is phenomenal, and the mic is great when I get incoming phone calls so I can continue exercising while taking care of business,” she says.
Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless headphones / Best noise-canceling workout headphones $199 on Amazon
Best less-expensive workout headphones
Anker SoundBuds Slim Bluetooth headphones
Sometimes, however, the best headphones are the ones that work well but won’t ruin your day if you forget them at the gym or on the court. Tennis player and coach Mick Rouse, who also works as a research manager for GQ, calls this pair from Anker “the best bang for your buck.” He says the sound quality isn’t that different from higher-end headphones.
Anker SoundBuds Slim Bluetooth headphones / Best less-expensive workout headphones $30 on Amazon
Best headphones for vigorous workouts
Beats Powerbeats3 wireless in-ear headphones
If your workouts have you flinging yourself across a field or unable to stay close to your phone, former NFL player Vinnie Sunseri recommends Powerbeats 3. “They’re good because they block out external noise, and they stay on when doing exercises that would cause other headphones to fall off,” he says. “You can use them up to around 30 feet away from your phone, so it doesn’t have to be on your person at all times.” Major League Soccer player Jason Hernandez also recommends Powerbeats headphones. “I love these headphones first for the quality of sound,” says Hernandez. He also appreciates their security and durability: “Even the most dynamic types of exercises won’t jar them loose from my head. Plus, I’ve damaged several headphones with sweat, so it’s important to me that headphones that have the proper technology to deal with sweat and electronics eventually crossing paths.” Srulovich likes them, too, thanks to their loud volume and bass. “A majority of the music played in our sport is rap, and players get energy from turning the volume up and feeling the bass kicking,” he says.
Beats Powerbeats3 wireless in-ear headphones / Best headphones for vigorous workouts $90 at Best Buy
Jaybird Freedom 2 in-ear wireless Bluetooth Sport headphones with SpeedFit
“As dancers, we do a lot of different kinds of fitness and cross-training, sometimes on machines, sometimes in studios, and sometimes upside down,” says Emily Kikta, a New York City Ballet dancer. She likes the Jaybird Freedom Wireless headphones because they’re inexpensive, and the wings alongside the earbuds help them stay in while she’s dancing or moving. Michael Wardian, a marathon runner who holds the world record for the fastest time for seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, is also a fan. He says “Jaybirds have great battery life, sound quality, and are pretty indestructible.”
Jaybird Freedom 2 in-ear wireless Bluetooth Sport headphones with SpeedFit / Best headphones for vigorous workouts $60 on Amazon
DISO Buds Bluetooth 5.0 wireless headphones
Glenn McCallum, a professional country Western dancer, uses DISO Buds when practicing with his dance partner. Each person wears one earbud, and “the range is long enough between the individual headphones that we can both hear the music while dancing together without having to be close.” He also likes that they stay put in his ears while dancing: “With the different sized earpieces to choose from you can be sure they won’t fly out of your ears while whipping your head through a fast series of turns.”
DISO Buds Bluetooth 5.0 wireless headphones / Best headphones for vigorous workouts $40 on Amazon
Best headphones for staying aware of your surroundings
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones
“I was a little bit skeptical at first because the earphones don’t go in your ear,” says Katie Mackey, a professional runner with the Brooks Beast Track Club. Mackey’s pick from AfterShokz uses technology that transmits sound through the bones in your ear. “I can hear my music really well, and I can also hear all the noise around me,” she says. “I feel a lot safer because I can hear traffic, passing bikes, and pedestrians.” Marathon runner Wardian likes them, too, because they’re great for safety, have nice sound quality, and are very well-built. “I like them so that I can hear my podcasts but still be aware if I come around a corner and see a mountain lion or bear,” he says.
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones / Best headphones for staying aware of your surroundings $80 on Amazon
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones / Best headphones for staying aware of your surroundings $80 at Best Buy
Best over-ear workout headphones
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II
Jamie Hickey, a personal trainer at Truism Fitness, is one of the few athletes we talked to who prefers over-ear headphones. “I spend a lot of time at the gym, and there are times when I want to work out in peace. These headphones provide that,” he says. He appreciates their noise-canceling capability as well as the “comfortable yet tight fit” they provide, which keeps them from moving during workouts. “I like to get into a groove and forget my surroundings while working out,” he says. “Not hearing the environment around you makes that a whole lot easier.”
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II / Best over-ear workout headphones $229 on Amazon
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II / Best over-ear workout headphones $229 on Walmart
Best less-expensive over-ear headphones
Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headset
Like Hickey, Martha Bull, a competitive powerlifter, goes for bigger, over-ear headphones when she’s in the gym. Bull likes that these Mpow headphones are affordable, in case she drops a weight on them. Plus, they’re visible enough to discourage unwelcome comments. “I used to use wireless earbuds, which were better for benching but not as visible. These bright-blue headphones are more effective at signaling to gym bros who have read two articles on T Nation that I’m not available to receive the unsolicited advice and comments they’re so eager to share with me.”
Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headset / Best less-expensive over-ear headphones $40 on Amazon
Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headset / Best less-expensive over-ear headphones $42 at Walmart


theverge--2020-03-08--Italy locks down northern region in response to coronavirus outbreak

A massive region in northern Italy that includes Milan and Venice is under government-ordered lockdown as officials struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus , the New York Times reports .
“ We are facing an emergency , ” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Sunday in an early-morning press conference .
The restrictions on travel throughout the region , which includes some 16 million people , are “ very rigorous , ” Conte added , but necessary .
“ This is the moment of self-responsibility , ” he said .
The lockdown of the northern Lombardy region and 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and out of the territory , and also within , ” the affected area .
People will need to seek special permissions to travel for work or medical reasons .
The Times reports that under the restrictions , funerals and cultural events are banned , and people are required to keep a distance of at least one meter ( about 3 feet ) between each other at public places like supermarkets and churches .
Anyone with a fever is being encouraged to stay home , and anyone who has tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone violating the lockdown could be subject to a fine or jail time , and police and soldiers will be enforcing the terms , the Times reports .
Conte did not provide an end date for the measures when he spoke on Sunday , but an earlier report said a draft of the government decree indicated it would last until April 3rd .
Italy has been hard-hit by the coronavirus outbreak , with 5,883 cases as of Saturday .
The Wall Street Journal reports 233 people have died in Italy from COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The country has already restricted public events , and ordered schools closed .
Late Saturday , the leader of Italy ’ s Democratic party Nicola Zingaretti said on Facebook that he had been infected with the coronavirus , which may suggest that the outbreak has spread beyond the country ’ s northern region .
Update March 8th , 8:35 AM ET : Added latest information and comment from the Italian Prime Minister

A massive region in northern Italy that includes Milan and Venice is under government-ordered lockdown as officials struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the New York Times reports.
“We are facing an emergency,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Sunday in an early-morning press conference. The restrictions on travel throughout the region, which includes some 16 million people, are “very rigorous,” Conte added, but necessary. “This is the moment of self-responsibility,” he said.
The lockdown of the northern Lombardy region and 11 neighboring provinces will restrict movement “in and out of the territory, and also within,” the affected area. People will need to seek special permissions to travel for work or medical reasons. The Times reports that under the restrictions, funerals and cultural events are banned, and people are required to keep a distance of at least one meter (about 3 feet) between each other at public places like supermarkets and churches. Anyone with a fever is being encouraged to stay home, and anyone who has tested positive for the coronavirus is required to do so.
Anyone violating the lockdown could be subject to a fine or jail time, and police and soldiers will be enforcing the terms, the Times reports. Conte did not provide an end date for the measures when he spoke on Sunday, but an earlier report said a draft of the government decree indicated it would last until April 3rd.
Italy has been hard-hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with 5,883 cases as of Saturday. The Wall Street Journal reports 233 people have died in Italy from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The country has already restricted public events, and ordered schools closed. Late Saturday, the leader of Italy’s Democratic party Nicola Zingaretti said on Facebook that he had been infected with the coronavirus, which may suggest that the outbreak has spread beyond the country’s northern region.


theverge--2020-03-09--Apple’s Powerbeats 4 specs and images leak

Images of Apple ’ s unannounced Powerbeats 4 earbuds have appeared online for the first time , along with new details about their specs .
WinFuture reports that the earbuds will have up to 15 hours of battery life this time around , up from the 12 hours you ’ d get from the Powerbeats 3 , released in 2016 .
Five minutes of charging will get you 60 minutes of playback , according to WinFuture .
Internally , the earbuds will reportedly use Apple ’ s new H1 wireless chip , similar to the Powerbeats Pro , which should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siri ” and “ Announce Messages with Siri.
” The earbuds will reportedly be available in black , white , and red .
The Powerbeats 3 cost $ 199.95 , but pricing for the Powerbeats 4 headphones remain unknown .
Our first hint of Apple ’ s new earbuds came back in January , when icons of what appeared to be the Powerbeats 4 appeared in iOS .
Then , last month , the earbuds appeared in an FCC listing .
This latest leak is consistent with these previous images , which showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attached to the arm that hooks around the top of your ear as you wear them , rather than descending from the front .
Although the earbuds themselves are connected to each other with a cable , they connect to your phone wirelessly using Bluetooth .
There ’ s still no word on when the new headphones might be released .
The Powerbeats 3 were first shown off at the iPhone 7 ’ s launch event .
There had been rumors that Apple was planning to host an event at some point this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more events get cancelled or postponed over coronavirus concerns , and as Apple itself starts recommending its employees work remotely , it ’ s increasingly unlikely that any traditional press event will actually take place this month .

Images of Apple’s unannounced Powerbeats 4 earbuds have appeared online for the first time, along with new details about their specs. WinFuture reports that the earbuds will have up to 15 hours of battery life this time around, up from the 12 hours you’d get from the Powerbeats 3, released in 2016. Five minutes of charging will get you 60 minutes of playback, according to WinFuture.
Internally, the earbuds will reportedly use Apple’s new H1 wireless chip, similar to the Powerbeats Pro, which should mean support for features like “Hey Siri” and “Announce Messages with Siri.” The earbuds will reportedly be available in black, white, and red. The Powerbeats 3 cost $199.95, but pricing for the Powerbeats 4 headphones remain unknown.
Internally, the earbuds are said to be using Apple’s new H1 chip. Image: WinFuture
Our first hint of Apple’s new earbuds came back in January, when icons of what appeared to be the Powerbeats 4 appeared in iOS. Then, last month, the earbuds appeared in an FCC listing. This latest leak is consistent with these previous images, which showed that the earbuds’ cable is now attached to the arm that hooks around the top of your ear as you wear them, rather than descending from the front. Although the earbuds themselves are connected to each other with a cable, they connect to your phone wirelessly using Bluetooth.


theverge--2020-03-09--Nikon delays D6 camera due to lack of parts

Nikon just announced a delay of its D6 camera for professional sports photographers .
The company originally planned for a March release , but that ’ s been pushed back to sometime in May due to a shortage of components caused by actions taken to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus .
The camera is expected to be a big seller ahead of the summer Olympic games in Tokyo scheduled to begin in July .
” As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of the new Nikon D6 digital SLR camera , originally planned for March 2020 , will be delayed , ” said Nikon in a statement .
Nikon and others have seen their product timelines disrupted by an upending of the global supply chain in recent months .
In response to the new coronavirus , the Chinese government closed factories and restricted travel for millions of workers , many of whom are responsible for the assembly of products like the iPhone or producing parts for Teslas .
With the rate of new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Foxconn are expecting to be back to normal operation by the end of this month .
The Tokyo Olympics are also under threat by the spread of the coronavirus .
Last week , the New York Times reported that a fan-free Olympics was one of a number of options being discussed in an effort to avoid cancelling the Games .
Nikon says it will announce a new release date once it has a better handle on the situation .

Nikon just announced a delay of its D6 camera for professional sports photographers. The company originally planned for a March release, but that’s been pushed back to sometime in May due to a shortage of components caused by actions taken to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The camera is expected to be a big seller ahead of the summer Olympic games in Tokyo scheduled to begin in July.
”As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19, the release of the new Nikon D6 digital SLR camera, originally planned for March 2020, will be delayed,” said Nikon in a statement.
A return to normal
Nikon and others have seen their product timelines disrupted by an upending of the global supply chain in recent months. In response to the new coronavirus, the Chinese government closed factories and restricted travel for millions of workers, many of whom are responsible for the assembly of products like the iPhone or producing parts for Teslas. With the rate of new infections now falling across China, manufacturing giants like Foxconn are expecting to be back to normal operation by the end of this month.
The Tokyo Olympics are also under threat by the spread of the coronavirus. Last week, the New York Times reported that a fan-free Olympics was one of a number of options being discussed in an effort to avoid cancelling the Games.


theverge--2020-03-09--Amazon will start selling cashierless Go system to other retailers

Amazon will start selling the technology behind its cashierless Amazon Go stores to other retailers , according to Reuters .
Amazon reportedly has “ several ” retailers already signed up to use the system , which will be marketed as Just Walk Out technology by Amazon .
A website , set to be launched today , according to Reuters , will invite other retailers to inquire about the service .
Amazon ’ s cashierless system uses a combination of ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf-weight sensors to automatically track customers and items as they move around a store .
Once someone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the store without needing to scan anything or interact with a cashier .
Their account will be automatically billed , and a receipt will be emailed to them .
Amazon launched its first cashierless store back in December 2016 , and now operates around 26 locations across the US , including its first traditional grocery store that it opened last month .
The technology will work slightly differently for other retailers According to Reuters , the version of the system that Amazon is selling to other retailers will work slightly differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rather than scanning an app , customers will instead insert a credit card into a gated turnstile at the shop ’ s entrance .
These turnstiles are set to be Amazon-branded , but otherwise each location will be branded by its individual retailer .
Amazon will also install ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf-weight sensors at each location , according to Reuters .
There have been rumors about Amazon licensing Go technology to other retailers for a while now .
Last year , Bloomberg reported that Amazon was planning to sell the technology in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said airport stores could be among the first to get the new technology .
Amazon ’ s vice president of physical retail and technology , Dilip Kumar , declined to comment to Reuters on the business model Amazon is using for the technology , and wouldn ’ t say how much it was charging .
However , the service could have positive side-effects for other areas of Amazon ’ s business , according to Reuters , including increasing usage of Amazon Web Services , the company ’ s cloud service .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , and who owns it .
If a customer wants to receive a receipt via email then they will have to type their email address into a kiosk at the store , and Amazon will then associate this with their credit card information .
However , Kumar said that Amazon will only use Just Walk Out technology data to support its retailers .
Amazon could face challenges in rolling out its new technology to more retailers .
Reuters notes that some retailers have resisted working with Amazon in the past because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruptor .
Previous reports have also raised concerns about the space requirements needed for the system , with high ceilings apparently being essential for its cameras to function .

Amazon will start selling the technology behind its cashierless Amazon Go stores to other retailers, according to Reuters. Amazon reportedly has “several” retailers already signed up to use the system, which is being marketed as Just Walk Out technology by Amazon. Amazon’s website for the service invites other retailers to make inquiries.
Amazon’s cashierless system uses a combination of ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf-weight sensors to automatically track customers and items as they move around a store. Once someone has finished their shopping, they can walk out of the store without needing to scan anything or interact with a cashier. Their account will be automatically billed, and a receipt will be emailed to them. Amazon launched its first cashierless store back in December 2016, and now operates around 26 locations across the US, including its first traditional grocery store that it opened last month.
The technology will work slightly differently for other retailers
According to Reuters, the version of the system that Amazon is selling to other retailers will work slightly differently from the system in its own locations. Rather than scanning an app, customers will instead insert a credit card into a gated turnstile at the shop’s entrance. These turnstiles are set to be Amazon-branded, but otherwise each location will be branded by its individual retailer. Amazon will also install ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf-weight sensors at each location, according to Reuters, and Amazon says it takes a few weeks to install the technology in a store.
There have been rumors about Amazon licensing Go technology to other retailers for a while now. Last year, Bloomberg reported that Amazon was planning to sell the technology in 2020. Reuters notes that previous reports have said airport stores could be among the first to get the new technology.
Amazon’s vice president of physical retail and technology, Dilip Kumar, declined to comment to Reuters on the business model Amazon is using for the technology, and wouldn’t say how much it was charging. However, the service could have positive side-effects for other areas of Amazon’s business, according to Reuters, including increasing usage of Amazon Web Services, the company’s cloud service.
There’s also the question of customer data, and who owns it. If a customer wants to receive a receipt via email then they will have to type their email address into a kiosk at the store, and Amazon will then associate this with their credit card information. The credit card will also be associated with their email address if they visit other Just Walk Out-enabled stores, Amazon’s website confirms. However, Kumar said that Amazon will only use Just Walk Out technology data to support its retailers.
Amazon could face challenges in rolling out its new technology to more retailers. Reuters notes that some retailers have resisted working with Amazon in the past because they see it as a competitor and a disruptor. Previous reports have also raised concerns about the space requirements needed for the system, with high ceilings apparently being essential for its cameras to function.


theverge--2020-03-09--The Unihertz Atom XL is like a rugged iPhone SE

Either Unihertz is a really fun company to work at , or it decides each new phone concept by pulling random specs out of a hat .
Maybe both .
How else do you explain the existence of , say , the Titan , its rugged BlackBerry Passport-aping Android phone ?
Every Unihertz device must have a tiny audience , but I can only assume the people in that audience are overjoyed that the company exists .
That brings me to Unihertz ’ latest effort , the Atom XL .
As the name suggests , it ’ s a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rugged second phone , 2018 ’ s Atom .
But since the Atom was tiny , with a 2.45-inch 432x240 screen , the new Atom XL still ends up being diminutive by modern smartphone standards .
The XL has a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 1136x640 .
That ’ s the exact same specs as the much-missed iPhone SE , which makes me wonder if a bunch of unsold iPhones were discovered in a warehouse somewhere .
Like the iPhone SE , there are chunky bezels above and below the screen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacitive Android navigation buttons , a selfie camera , and an earpiece .
I never used the original Atom , but I can ’ t imagine its screen was very practical for day-to-day use .
Former Verge editor Michael Zelenko concluded as much after testing the Unihertz Jelly , which has the same size screen , a couple of years ago .
The XL , though , runs Android pretty much like you might remember it working circa 2011 , before phones started to balloon in size .
Screen space is still a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typing feels quite a bit more difficult if you ’ re used to larger modern screens , but overall this phone is fine at doing phone things — only at a much smaller scale .
The Atom XL still isn ’ t what I ’ d call a small device overall , though , as it continues Unihertz ’ tradition of making the toughest phones possible .
It ’ s 17.5mm thick — that ’ s 2.3 iPhone SEs — and weighs 225g , or slightly more than a Galaxy S20 Ultra .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 4,300mAh battery , which is the kind of capacity you ’ d normally only find in phones with far bigger screens ; since the Atom XL only has to power a much smaller panel , its battery life should be pretty strong .
It ’ s also IP68 water- and dust-resistant , and feels like it could survive a fall down a reasonably large hill .
Still , doesn ’ t making a small phone unnecessarily huge go against the point of making a small phone in the first place ?
Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bemoans the general loss of 4-inch phones , then yeah , it kind of does .
I do think if Unihertz made an XL version of its other 2.45-inch phone , the Jelly from 2017 , it ’ d probably have broader appeal .
But the Atom XL is more of a specialist device .
If you want a phone to take hiking , for example , I could see this being a useful option .
The durability and endurance will be more important than anything else , plus it ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other phones when you ’ re laden with gear .
There ’ s even an optional walkie-talkie antenna .
Other than the Atom XL ’ s unique properties , its spec sheet is very pedestrian .
There ’ s a MediaTek Helio P60 processor ( read : not fast ) , a single 48-megapixel camera , an 8-megapixel selfie camera , 6GB of RAM , 128GB of storage , USB-C , a headphone jack , and a microSD card slot ( or dual SIM if you don ’ t want to expand your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t think this will or should be many people ’ s primary phone , but I can see it making sense as a backup or a situational device .
That ’ s reflected in the pricing — the Atom XL costs $ 259 right now on its fully-funded Kickstarter campaign , while the regular retail price will be $ 329 .
If you don ’ t care about the walkie-talkie antenna , there ’ s an even cheaper version called the Atom L that sells for $ 209 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shipping is set for June 2020 .
All the usual crowdfunding caveats apply , of course , but I ’ ve seen a working model of the phone and Unihertz has had successful campaigns in the past .

Either Unihertz is a really fun company to work at, or it decides each new phone concept by pulling random specs out of a hat. Maybe both. How else do you explain the existence of, say, the Titan, its rugged BlackBerry Passport-aping Android phone? Every Unihertz device must have a tiny audience, but I can only assume the people in that audience are overjoyed that the company exists.
That brings me to Unihertz’ latest effort, the Atom XL. As the name suggests, it’s a larger version of the Chinese company’s rugged second phone, 2018’s Atom. But since the Atom was tiny, with a 2.45-inch 432x240 screen, the new Atom XL still ends up being diminutive by modern smartphone standards.
The XL has a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 1136x640. That’s the exact same specs as the much-missed iPhone SE, which makes me wonder if a bunch of unsold iPhones were discovered in a warehouse somewhere. Like the iPhone SE, there are chunky bezels above and below the screen, making space for a fingerprint sensor, capacitive Android navigation buttons, a selfie camera, and an earpiece.
I never used the original Atom, but I can’t imagine its screen was very practical for day-to-day use. Former Verge editor Michael Zelenko concluded as much after testing the Unihertz Jelly, which has the same size screen, a couple of years ago. The XL, though, runs Android pretty much like you might remember it working circa 2011, before phones started to balloon in size. Screen space is still a little cramped, of course, and typing feels quite a bit more difficult if you’re used to larger modern screens, but overall this phone is fine at doing phone things — only at a much smaller scale.
The Atom XL still isn’t what I’d call a small device overall, though, as it continues Unihertz’ tradition of making the toughest phones possible. It’s 17.5mm thick — that’s 2.3 iPhone SEs — and weighs 225g, or slightly more than a Galaxy S20 Ultra. Much of that is accounted for by the 4,300mAh battery, which is the kind of capacity you’d normally only find in phones with far bigger screens; since the Atom XL only has to power a much smaller panel, its battery life should be pretty strong. It’s also IP68 water- and dust-resistant, and feels like it could survive a fall down a reasonably large hill.
A note on crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a chaotic field by nature: companies looking for funding tend to make big promises. According to a study run by Kickstarter in 2015, roughly 1 in 10 “successful” products that reach their funding goals fail to actually deliver rewards. Of the ones that do deliver, delays, missed deadlines, or overpromised ideas mean that there’s often disappointment in store for those products that do get done. The best defense is to use your best judgment. Ask yourself: does the product look legitimate? Is the company making outlandish claims? Is there a working prototype? Does the company mention existing plans to manufacture and ship finished products? Has it completed a Kickstarter before? And remember: you’re not necessarily buying a product when you back it on a crowdfunding site.
Still, doesn’t making a small phone unnecessarily huge go against the point of making a small phone in the first place? Well, if you’re someone who bemoans the general loss of 4-inch phones, then yeah, it kind of does. I do think if Unihertz made an XL version of its other 2.45-inch phone, the Jelly from 2017, it’d probably have broader appeal.
But the Atom XL is more of a specialist device. If you want a phone to take hiking, for example, I could see this being a useful option. The durability and endurance will be more important than anything else, plus it’ll be easier to use in one hand than other phones when you’re laden with gear. There’s even an optional walkie-talkie antenna.
Other than the Atom XL’s unique properties, its spec sheet is very pedestrian. There’s a MediaTek Helio P60 processor (read: not fast), a single 48-megapixel camera, an 8-megapixel selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, USB-C, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot (or dual SIM if you don’t want to expand your storage). It runs Android 10.
I don’t think this will or should be many people’s primary phone, but I can see it making sense as a backup or a situational device. That’s reflected in the pricing — the Atom XL costs $259 right now on its fully-funded Kickstarter campaign, while the regular retail price will be $329. If you don’t care about the walkie-talkie antenna, there’s an even cheaper version called the Atom L that sells for $209 on Kickstarter or $279 at retail.


theverge--2020-03-09--Former Nintendo boss Reggie Fils-Aimé joins GameStop’s board of directors

Reggie Fils-Aimé stepped down as Nintendo of America president in February 2019 , set on retiring and relaxing after more than a decade in the role .
That relaxation period has come to an end , however , with Fils-Aimé set to join GameStop ’ s board of directors at a time when the gaming retail chain could use some much needed guidance .
GameStop has undergone big changes as its quarterly revenue and stock continue to deteriorate .
Part of that includes pivoting to being more than a physical games retailer , selling products like Funko Pop toys and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly laying off mid-level managers and employees in an attempt to cut costs , according to Polygon .
Fils-Aimé will hopefully help GameStop figure out its next steps as it tries to remain relevant and successful in an increasingly digital world .
“ The gaming industry needs a healthy and vibrant GameStop , ” Fils-Aimé tweeted .
“ I look forward to being a part of GameStop ’ s Board and helping to make this happen.
” Fils-Aime joins the board with two others : William Simon and James Symancyk .
Simon was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Symancyk is the current CEO and president of PetSmart .
Both Simon and Symancyk will start immediately , while Fils-Aime is set to join on April 20th .
Their appointments come in wake of board members Dan DeMatteo , Gerald Szczepanski , Larry Zilavy , and Steve Koonin stepping down .
“ We look forward to immediately benefitting from their expertise and perspectives as we navigate the evolving gaming and retail environments , execute on our strategic initiatives and prepare the company to maximize value-creation associated with the next generation of console launches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , GameStop CEO , said in a statement .
During his time as Nintendo of America president , Fils-Aimé oversaw the launches of several successful and innovative platforms , including the Wii , Nintendo 3DS , and Nintendo ’ s current hot seller , the Switch .
Fils-Aimé was also in charge of the company when Nintendo released its less successful console , the Wii U. Fils-Aimé became known as “ Reggie ” to Nintendo fans , making appearances at popular conferences like E3 and hosting a number of important Nintendo Direct keynotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Reggie Fils-Aimé stepped down as Nintendo of America president in February 2019, set on retiring and relaxing after more than a decade in the role. That relaxation period has come to an end, however, with Fils-Aimé set to join GameStop’s board of directors at a time when the gaming retail chain could use some much needed guidance.
GameStop has undergone big changes as its quarterly revenue and stock continue to deteriorate. Part of that includes pivoting to being more than a physical games retailer, selling products like Funko Pop toys and geek-related apparel. The company is also reportedly laying off mid-level managers and employees in an attempt to cut costs, according to Polygon. Fils-Aimé will hopefully help GameStop figure out its next steps as it tries to remain relevant and successful in an increasingly digital world.
“The gaming industry needs a healthy and vibrant GameStop,” Fils-Aimé tweeted. “I look forward to being a part of GameStop’s Board and helping to make this happen.”
“The gaming industry needs a healthy and vibrant GameStop”
Fils-Aime joins the board with two others: William Simon and James Symancyk. Simon was the former CEO of Walmart, and Symancyk is the current CEO and president of PetSmart. Both Simon and Symancyk will start immediately, while Fils-Aime is set to join on April 20th. Their appointments come in wake of board members Dan DeMatteo, Gerald Szczepanski, Larry Zilavy, and Steve Koonin stepping down.
“We look forward to immediately benefitting from their expertise and perspectives as we navigate the evolving gaming and retail environments, execute on our strategic initiatives and prepare the company to maximize value-creation associated with the next generation of console launches later this year,” George Sherman, GameStop CEO, said in a statement.


theverge--2020-03-09--Elon Musk says SpaceX is thinking ‘zero’ about spinning off its Starlink business right now

SpaceX executives aren ’ t focused on spinning off SpaceX ’ s internet-from-space project into its own company right now , CEO Elon Musk said today .
Instead , SpaceX is focused solely on getting the initiative up and running .
“ We ’ re thinking about that zero , ” Musk said during a fireside chat at the Satellite 2020 conference in Washington DC , adding , “ We need to make the thing work.
” Musk and the conference ’ s moderator were discussing SpaceX ’ s Starlink program , the company ’ s ambitious project to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth .
Once there , they ’ d provide broadband internet coverage to users on Earth .
Customers could patch into the system by buying user terminals from SpaceX that connect to their devices .
So far , SpaceX has launched about 300 satellites for the project , and the company has plans to start rolling out coverage sometime this year .
In early February , SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said that SpaceX could one day spin out the Starlink program into its own public company .
“ That particular piece is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to spin out and go public , ” Shotwell said , according to Bloomberg .
“ Right now , we are a private company , but Starlink is the right kind of business that we can go ahead and take public.
” Musk ’ s remarks suggest he isn ’ t as concerned with spinning out Starlink from SpaceX .
“ I mean it ’ s really important to set the stage here for [ low Earth orbit ] communications constellations , ” Musk said during the conference .
“ Guess how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankrupt ?
Zero.
” Musk listed Iridium , Orbcomm , and other companies that attempted to create a low-flying satellite constellation to provide fast communications coverage from space , noting that they all went bankrupt .
( This is similar to comments Musk has made on other occasions about carmakers and Tesla . )
Musk joked that SpaceX is focusing on being “ not bankrupt , ” arguing it ’ d be good to “ have more than zero in the non-bankrupt category.
” In the meantime , SpaceX is still moving along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set to launch its next batch of 60 Starlink satellites this weekend .

SpaceX executives aren’t focused on spinning off SpaceX’s internet-from-space project into its own company right now, CEO Elon Musk said today. Instead, SpaceX is focused solely on getting the initiative up and running.
“We’re thinking about that zero,” Musk said during a fireside chat at the Satellite 2020 conference in Washington DC, adding, “We need to make the thing work.”
Musk and the conference’s moderator were discussing SpaceX’s Starlink program, the company’s ambitious project to launch nearly 12,000 satellites into low orbit above Earth. Once there, they’d provide broadband internet coverage to users on Earth. Customers could patch into the system by buying user terminals from SpaceX that connect to their devices. So far, SpaceX has launched about 300 satellites for the project, and the company has plans to start rolling out coverage sometime this year.
“We’re thinking about that zero.”
In early February, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said that SpaceX could one day spin out the Starlink program into its own public company. “That particular piece is an element of the business that we are likely to spin out and go public,” Shotwell said, according to Bloomberg. “Right now, we are a private company, but Starlink is the right kind of business that we can go ahead and take public.”
Musk’s remarks suggest he isn’t as concerned with spinning out Starlink from SpaceX. “I mean it’s really important to set the stage here for [low Earth orbit] communications constellations,” Musk said during the conference. “Guess how many LEO constellations didn’t go bankrupt? Zero.”
Musk listed Iridium, Orbcomm, and other companies that attempted to create a low-flying satellite constellation to provide fast communications coverage from space, noting that they all went bankrupt. (This is similar to comments Musk has made on other occasions about carmakers and Tesla.) Musk joked that SpaceX is focusing on being “not bankrupt,” arguing it’d be good to “have more than zero in the non-bankrupt category.”