theverge--2020-02-16--The 16 best bikes for beginning commuters

Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving , faster than walking , and cheaper than a few months ’ worth of MetroCards .
But getting started can be intimidating .
If you ’ re interested in riding to work , you may wonder how you ’ ll carry your stuff , where you ’ ll store your bike , what to do if it rains , and , most importantly , what type of bike you should buy .
To demystify the process , we spoke with bike store owners , retailers , and bike commuting advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend .
While a top-of-the-line , aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand , the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting bike in the $ 350– $ 750 range .
But be wary of anything much cheaper , as they ’ ll likely have lower-quality parts that will wear out more quickly .
Read on for their 16 picks for the best commuter bikes ( most are available in men ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market .
Because these bikes are all so different , and each rider will have their own specific needs , we organized the suggestions by category — hybrid , upright , and folding — as opposed to choosing one best overall model .
The experts we spoke with recommend “ hybrids ” as the best commuting bikes for most people because they offer some of the speed of a road bike , along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright bike ( more on uprights to come ) .
Alex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports at REI Soho , describes hybrids as “ a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike.
” The tires are somewhere in between the narrow , smooth tires of a road bike and the wide , nubby tires of a mountain bike , and the frame is going to let you sit upright , in a more “ relaxed ” position than if you were sitting on a road bike .
Susi Wunsch , the founder of bicycling lifestyle website Velojoy , says that “ a hybrid will be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding for both commuting to work and fitness on weekends .
It ’ ll also be a little bit lighter and faster.
” Instead of the wide handles you ’ d find on an upright bike , hybrids generally have a flat handlebar that allows for a more active riding position , and the ability to accommodate add-ons like fenders and racks ( if they don ’ t already come with these attached ) .
The Coda , a sport hybrid , comes recommended by Rich Conroy , the director of education at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a commuting bike that ’ s durable enough for city streets .
The steel frame won ’ t be as lightweight as that of an aluminum-frame bike , but he says that for the price , you ’ ll get a solid bike strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting .
The least expensive hybrid on our list ( by about $ 20 ) , this Giant bicycle is another simple but solid commuter bike that won ’ t break the bank , according to Andrew Crooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Velo , who says it ’ s a “ really good value.
” Notably , it ’ s got the lighter-weight aluminum frame you ’ d find on more expensive racing bikes , and also comes with 21 gears , so you ’ ll have a lot of options for customizing the ride and adapting to the terrain .
Due to potholes and bumpy roads , flat tires are one of the most common issues city commuters face — and one that can mean showing up to work late .
The eight-speed Alibi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was a top pick for both John Keoshgerian of Zen Bike and Bicycle Habitat ’ s Charlie McCorkell because of one very cool feature : its semi-solid tires never go flat .
“ This resonates with new commuters , ” according to Keoshgerian .
“ If they don ’ t want to be bothered with pumping a tire , a flatproof bike is pretty darn good.
” Gonzalez says this eight-speed bike from Pure Cycles is a “ great bike for commuters , ” mainly because it ’ s so hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this price point .
“ Disk brakes are much smoother than traditional rim brakes , and great for stopping , ” he says , adding that disk brakes generally require less maintenance .
This bike uses mechanical disk brakes as opposed to hydraulic disk brakes , which are more advanced but also more expensive .
It has a steel frame , so it won ’ t be as lightweight as an aluminum-frame bike , but Gonzalez and the other experts told us that many commuters prefer steel because it ’ s better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crooks told us that Kona makes some great commuter bikes , and for a midpriced option , he recommends a bike from its Dew line .
“ Kona is an old-school mountain-bike company , ” he says , adding that he likes how it has “ translated a lot of the durability of their mountain bikes over to the hybrid.
” Like the Pure Cycles bike above , this one is an eight-speed with mechanical disk brakes .
But the Kona has a lighter-weight aluminum frame .
For a slightly higher price , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with hydraulic disc brakes , which work to stop the wheel with a pressurized fluid .
“ It ’ s the same fluid that your car uses to brake , ” explains Jonnie Ling of the Community Cycling Center in Portland , Oregon .
Ling told us that while either form of disc brake is going to be better than a rim brake , hydraulic discs are “ more powerful and responsive , ” and don ’ t require as much pressure to activate .
Hydraulic disc brakes are also fully sealed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them a “ crucial , New York City must-have ” for dealing with bad weather and uneven roads .
He likes that the CrossTrail incorporates this feature while still being a relatively affordable bike .
Unlike mountain bikes , hybrids don ’ t typically feature shock absorbers .
That ’ s why Gonzalez is a fan of the aluminum-frame Cannondale Quick CX 3 .
“ The front shocks are good if you aren ’ t riding on smooth pavement ; they absorb the imperfections of the road.
” He adds , “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take trails or cut through a park ” on their way to work .
( It also has 16 gears to help “ climb bridges and hills.
” ) Between the front shocks , gear range , and wide textured tires , this hybrid should be able to keep up with most mountain bikes .
It might seem counterintuitive for a steel-frame hybrid to be the most expensive option on this list , especially considering that another steel-frame hybrid in the roundup is the least expensive .
But , echoing some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that most hardcore city bikers actually prefer steel .
“ Steel bikes are basically universal among the employees at NYC Velo , ” he says , noting that the material is more “ flexible ” than aluminum , making it naturally shock absorbent and , as we discussed before , extremely durable .
For shorter distances and light-to-average use , the comparatively lower maintenance and lighter weight of aluminum will be better , but if you want something truly built to last , you might be better off with steel .
Crooks says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price is justified by the especially “ high-quality steel and components.
” It ’ s also “ super utilitarian , ” he says , adding that it “ has a bunch of mounts for any bag or rack.
” Generally called “ upright ” bikes or “ cruiser ” bikes , this style prioritizes comfort , so many of the bike commuters we spoke to say people prefer them for shorter trips .
As Crooks explains , with these bikes “ you ’ re sitting in a position that is comfortable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ straining your back or your neck to look at traffic signals , cars , or other road users.
” When it comes to choosing an upright bike , Wunsch recommends one with multiple gears , like this classic-looking seven-speed bike from Public , to give you some options when you hit any hills .
Opting for a single-speed bike may save you some cash , but since most commutes involve hills or bridges , Conroy agrees that a multiple-gear style would be better for regular commuting .
If seven speeds seem like too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-speed bike with an internally geared hub that he recommends .
According to Conroy , it “ looks like a single speed , but all the gears are inside the hub .
The chain doesn ’ t move when you switch gears , so it ’ s easy to operate and maintain , and it looks nice.
” Wunsch likes step-through upright bikes with low top tubes because she says the design allows for more modesty and comfort — especially for those wearing skirts or dresses to work .
If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this “ Dutch-style upright bike is the most basic , sturdy , and least complicated [ type ] ; best for riding on mostly flat terrain and shorter distances.
” The Linus Roadster is a stylish upright bike that McCorkell likes for riders who want to prioritize comfort and style over speed .
He recommends upright bikes for those seeking what he calls the “ retro urban style ” — or bikes resembling the European models of the ’ 60s and ’ 70s that have been updated and modernized so they aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also comes fully decked out with a rack for carrying your stuff and fenders to protect you and your bike from dirty , wet streets .
City commuters love the convenience of space-saving folding bikes , but a smooth and easy-to-use folding mechanism can be an investment .
When it comes to folding commuting bikes , Brompton makes the hands-down favorite among our experts , four of whom recommend its top-of-the line model .
It was also the top pick of Streetsblog editor Gersh Kuntzman , who tested out a variety of folding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pricey , Kuntzman found that it was truly the best around .
As he puts it , “ Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness.
” Conroy agrees : “ If money is no object , go with a Brompton .
They ’ re really well-made folding bikes that fold up to nothing.
” Crooks , also a Brompton fan , says the bike ’ s “ utility allows a much easier way to do a multi-modal commute : You can take a folding bike on the train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers and then unfold the bike in a matter of seconds and complete your commute.
” And McCorkell says that watching it seamlessly fold up is “ a visual experience.
” Made in England , Brompton bikes are extremely well-constructed , according to Crooks , who says that “ all the things that typically fail [ on other folding bikes ] , like hinges , are bombproof on the Brompton.
” He adds that , unlike other folding bikes that “ typically still need an additional bag or strap ” to carry around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are designed with miniature wheels so you can glide them along even while folded up.
” One more convenient feature is the fact that the bike can support itself when folded .
“ You fold it halfway and it becomes its own kickstand , ” says Gonzalez .
For a less expensive alternative to the Brompton , Wunsch recommends Dahon folding bikes , and Kuntzman ’ s testing backed that up : the Dahon Launch D8 was his “ runner-up.
” In his review , Kuntzman describes the D8 as pared down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but says it has a “ sexy yet sturdy aluminum frame ” and performs well where it counts most .
Notably , it “ folds up smoothly and compacts to half its size with magnets that hold the wheels together , ” and it was the only model he tested with disc brakes .
Generally known for their folding electric bikes , manufacturer Tern also makes regular folding bikes .
For something even more budget-friendly , Keoshgerian recommends Tern ’ s entry-level models like this C8 .
While still not cheap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brompton .
The least expensive folding bike for commuting recommended by our experts is the Giant Expressway .
Crooks says that “ by nature of the frame design — the top tube is very low — most people can ride them , so it ’ s good for people who have trouble fitting on other bikes.
” It also made our list of the best folding bikes .
Of it , Kuntzman says “ it performed the most like a real bike ” of all the models tested , and that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aluminum frame that provides extra support when riding up a steep incline.
” 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

Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving, faster than walking, and cheaper than a few months’ worth of MetroCards. But getting started can be intimidating. If you’re interested in riding to work, you may wonder how you’ll carry your stuff, where you’ll store your bike, what to do if it rains, and, most importantly, what type of bike you should buy.
To demystify the process, we spoke with bike store owners, retailers, and bike commuting advocates. They explained what features to look for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend. While a top-of-the-line, aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand, the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting bike in the $350–$750 range. But be wary of anything much cheaper, as they’ll likely have lower-quality parts that will wear out more quickly. Read on for their 16 picks for the best commuter bikes (most are available in men’s and women’s versions) on the market. Because these bikes are all so different, and each rider will have their own specific needs, we organized the suggestions by category — hybrid, upright, and folding — as opposed to choosing one best overall model.
Best hybrid commuter bikes
Jamis Coda S3
The experts we spoke with recommend “hybrids” as the best commuting bikes for most people because they offer some of the speed of a road bike, along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright bike (more on uprights to come). Alex Gonzalez, a sales specialist in action sports at REI Soho, describes hybrids as “a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike.” The tires are somewhere in between the narrow, smooth tires of a road bike and the wide, nubby tires of a mountain bike, and the frame is going to let you sit upright, in a more “relaxed” position than if you were sitting on a road bike. Susi Wunsch, the founder of bicycling lifestyle website Velojoy, says that “a hybrid will be more versatile, especially if you’re riding for both commuting to work and fitness on weekends. It’ll also be a little bit lighter and faster.” Instead of the wide handles you’d find on an upright bike, hybrids generally have a flat handlebar that allows for a more active riding position, and the ability to accommodate add-ons like fenders and racks (if they don’t already come with these attached).
The Coda, a sport hybrid, comes recommended by Rich Conroy, the director of education at Bike New York, who says it’s a commuting bike that’s durable enough for city streets. The steel frame won’t be as lightweight as that of an aluminum-frame bike, but he says that for the price, you’ll get a solid bike strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting.
Jamis Coda S3 / Best hybrid commuter bikes $429 on Bike Attack
Giant Escape 3
The least expensive hybrid on our list (by about $20), this Giant bicycle is another simple but solid commuter bike that won’t break the bank, according to Andrew Crooks, the owner of bike shop NYC Velo, who says it’s a “really good value.” Notably, it’s got the lighter-weight aluminum frame you’d find on more expensive racing bikes, and also comes with 21 gears, so you’ll have a lot of options for customizing the ride and adapting to the terrain.
Giant Escape 3 / Best hybrid commuter bikes $410 on Giant
Specialized Alibi
Due to potholes and bumpy roads, flat tires are one of the most common issues city commuters face — and one that can mean showing up to work late. The eight-speed Alibi, which also has an aluminum frame, was a top pick for both John Keoshgerian of Zen Bike and Bicycle Habitat’s Charlie McCorkell because of one very cool feature: its semi-solid tires never go flat. “This resonates with new commuters,” according to Keoshgerian. “If they don’t want to be bothered with pumping a tire, a flatproof bike is pretty darn good.”
Specialized Alibi / Best hybrid commuter bikes $450 on Bicycle Habitat
Pure Cycles Urban Commuter Bike
Gonzalez says this eight-speed bike from Pure Cycles is a “great bike for commuters,” mainly because it’s so hard to find a solid bike with disk brakes at this price point. “Disk brakes are much smoother than traditional rim brakes, and great for stopping,” he says, adding that disk brakes generally require less maintenance. This bike uses mechanical disk brakes as opposed to hydraulic disk brakes, which are more advanced but also more expensive. It has a steel frame, so it won’t be as lightweight as an aluminum-frame bike, but Gonzalez and the other experts told us that many commuters prefer steel because it’s better at bearing weight and more durable.
Pure Cycles Urban Commuter Bike / Best hybrid commuter bikes $499 on REI
Kona Dew
Crooks told us that Kona makes some great commuter bikes, and for a midpriced option, he recommends a bike from its Dew line. “Kona is an old-school mountain-bike company,” he says, adding that he likes how it has “translated a lot of the durability of their mountain bikes over to the hybrid.” Like the Pure Cycles bike above, this one is an eight-speed with mechanical disk brakes. But the Kona has a lighter-weight aluminum frame.
Kona Dew / Best hybrid commuter bikes $599 on Kona
Specialized CrossTrail — Hydraulic Disc
For a slightly higher price, you can get an aluminum-frame hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes, which work to stop the wheel with a pressurized fluid. “It’s the same fluid that your car uses to brake,” explains Jonnie Ling of the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon. Ling told us that while either form of disc brake is going to be better than a rim brake, hydraulic discs are “more powerful and responsive,” and don’t require as much pressure to activate. Hydraulic disc brakes are also fully sealed, which is one reason why Keoshgerian calls them a “crucial, New York City must-have” for dealing with bad weather and uneven roads. He likes that the CrossTrail incorporates this feature while still being a relatively affordable bike.
Specialized CrossTrail — Hydraulic Disc / Best hybrid commuter bikes $669 on Bicycle Habitat
Cannondale Quick CX 3
Unlike mountain bikes, hybrids don’t typically feature shock absorbers. That’s why Gonzalez is a fan of the aluminum-frame Cannondale Quick CX 3. “The front shocks are good if you aren’t riding on smooth pavement; they absorb the imperfections of the road.” He adds, “It would be great for people who need to take trails or cut through a park” on their way to work. (It also has 16 gears to help “climb bridges and hills.”) Between the front shocks, gear range, and wide textured tires, this hybrid should be able to keep up with most mountain bikes.
Cannondale Quick CX 3 / Best hybrid commuter bikes $700 on Bicycle Habitat
Surly Cross-Check
It might seem counterintuitive for a steel-frame hybrid to be the most expensive option on this list, especially considering that another steel-frame hybrid in the roundup is the least expensive. But, echoing some of his fellow experts, Crooks told us that most hardcore city bikers actually prefer steel. “Steel bikes are basically universal among the employees at NYC Velo,” he says, noting that the material is more “flexible” than aluminum, making it naturally shock absorbent and, as we discussed before, extremely durable. For shorter distances and light-to-average use, the comparatively lower maintenance and lighter weight of aluminum will be better, but if you want something truly built to last, you might be better off with steel. Crooks says that while this model is expensive, the price is justified by the especially “high-quality steel and components.” It’s also “super utilitarian,” he says, adding that it “has a bunch of mounts for any bag or rack.”
Surly Cross-Check / Best hybrid commuter bikes $1,149 on Bike Attack
Best upright commuter bikes
Public Bikes V7 seven-speed city bike
Generally called “upright” bikes or “cruiser” bikes, this style prioritizes comfort, so many of the bike commuters we spoke to say people prefer them for shorter trips. As Crooks explains, with these bikes “you’re sitting in a position that is comfortable. You’re fairly upright and not straining your back or your neck to look at traffic signals, cars, or other road users.” When it comes to choosing an upright bike, Wunsch recommends one with multiple gears, like this classic-looking seven-speed bike from Public, to give you some options when you hit any hills.
Public Bikes V7 seven-speed city bike / Best upright commuter bikes $499 on Public Bikes
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
Opting for a single-speed bike may save you some cash, but since most commutes involve hills or bridges, Conroy agrees that a multiple-gear style would be better for regular commuting. If seven speeds seem like too many, the Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike with an internally geared hub that he recommends. According to Conroy, it “looks like a single speed, but all the gears are inside the hub. The chain doesn’t move when you switch gears, so it’s easy to operate and maintain, and it looks nice.”
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 / Best upright commuter bikes $499 on Brooklyn Bicycle Co.
Linus Dutchi 1
Wunsch likes step-through upright bikes with low top tubes because she says the design allows for more modesty and comfort — especially for those wearing skirts or dresses to work. If you’re looking for a step-through, she says this “Dutch-style upright bike is the most basic, sturdy, and least complicated [type]; best for riding on mostly flat terrain and shorter distances.”
Linus Dutchi 1 / Best upright commuter bikes $409 on Linus
Linus Roadster Sport
The Linus Roadster is a stylish upright bike that McCorkell likes for riders who want to prioritize comfort and style over speed. He recommends upright bikes for those seeking what he calls the “retro urban style” — or bikes resembling the European models of the ’60s and ’70s that have been updated and modernized so they aren’t as heavy. The Roadster Sport also comes fully decked out with a rack for carrying your stuff and fenders to protect you and your bike from dirty, wet streets.
Linus Roadster Sport / Best upright commuter bikes $609 on Linus
Best folding commuter bikes
Brompton M6L folding bike
City commuters love the convenience of space-saving folding bikes, but a smooth and easy-to-use folding mechanism can be an investment. When it comes to folding commuting bikes, Brompton makes the hands-down favorite among our experts, four of whom recommend its top-of-the line model. It was also the top pick of Streetsblog editor Gersh Kuntzman, who tested out a variety of folding bikes for us. While the Brompton is pricey, Kuntzman found that it was truly the best around. As he puts it, “Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness.” Conroy agrees: “If money is no object, go with a Brompton. They’re really well-made folding bikes that fold up to nothing.” Crooks, also a Brompton fan, says the bike’s “utility allows a much easier way to do a multi-modal commute: You can take a folding bike on the train during rush hour without bothering your commuting peers and then unfold the bike in a matter of seconds and complete your commute.” And McCorkell says that watching it seamlessly fold up is “a visual experience.”
Made in England, Brompton bikes are extremely well-constructed, according to Crooks, who says that “all the things that typically fail [on other folding bikes], like hinges, are bombproof on the Brompton.” He adds that, unlike other folding bikes that “typically still need an additional bag or strap” to carry around, “Bromptons fully fold into themselves and are designed with miniature wheels so you can glide them along even while folded up.” One more convenient feature is the fact that the bike can support itself when folded. “You fold it halfway and it becomes its own kickstand,” says Gonzalez.
Brompton M6L folding bike / Best folding commuter bikes $1,525 on REI
Dahon Launch D8
For a less expensive alternative to the Brompton, Wunsch recommends Dahon folding bikes, and Kuntzman’s testing backed that up: the Dahon Launch D8 was his “runner-up.” In his review, Kuntzman describes the D8 as pared down, without fenders or a rear rack, but says it has a “sexy yet sturdy aluminum frame” and performs well where it counts most. Notably, it “folds up smoothly and compacts to half its size with magnets that hold the wheels together,” and it was the only model he tested with disc brakes.
Dahon Launch D8 / Best folding commuter bikes $899 on Amazon
Tern Link C8 folding bike
Generally known for their folding electric bikes, manufacturer Tern also makes regular folding bikes. For something even more budget-friendly, Keoshgerian recommends Tern’s entry-level models like this C8. While still not cheap, it is nearly half the price of the Brompton.
Tern Link C8 folding bike / Best folding commuter bikes $750 on REI
Giant Expressway folding bike
The least expensive folding bike for commuting recommended by our experts is the Giant Expressway. Crooks says that “by nature of the frame design — the top tube is very low — most people can ride them, so it’s good for people who have trouble fitting on other bikes.” It also made our list of the best folding bikes. Of it, Kuntzman says “it performed the most like a real bike” of all the models tested, and that it has a “strong, proprietary Aluxx aluminum frame that provides extra support when riding up a steep incline.”
Giant Expressway folding bike / Best folding commuter bikes $660 on Giant Bicycles


theverge--2020-02-15--Here are a few great Presidents’ Day deals

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships .
These do not influence editorial content , though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links .
For more information , see our ethics policy .
Presidents ’ Day is a US holiday that takes place on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like most US holidays , it has been co-opted by retailers as a shopping holiday .
We ’ ve been tallying up the best deals on a variety of tech products in the lead-up to Presidents ’ Day ; you ’ ll find them below .
Most will last through the holiday , and in some cases , will extend past Monday .
Compared to the lead-up to the Super Bowl in late January , there isn ’ t an abundance of deals happening on 4K HDR TVs .
Also , there aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speakers or streaming devices .
Still , I think the deals below make up for their absence .
The best headphone deals over Presidents ’ Day weekend range from truly wireless earphones from Amazon to over-ear noise-canceling headphones from Beats and Bose .
Each is going for the lowest price that they ’ ve sold for .
We ’ ve found deals on a mix of laptops with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i-series processors , and deals on Microsoft ’ s Surface tablet that include a free Type Cover with purchase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a keyboard that turns your iPad into a laptop replacement , or you ’ ve been waiting for a deal on a clicky mechanical keyboard , there ’ s something for you below .
Right now , you can pick up the latest gaming consoles for the lowest prices that we ’ ve seen yet .
If you ’ ve been waiting for the moment to pick up a PS4 to catch up on the exclusives , or an Xbox One to load up on digital games via Game Pass , now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Technology can make an older house feel modern .
Video doorbells help you see who ’ s waiting outside whether you ’ re home or not , while smart home security systems can give you peace of mind without costing an arm and a leg .
Here are a few great Presidents ’ Day deals .

Presidents’ Day is a US holiday that takes place on Monday, February 17th, this year. And like most US holidays, it has been co-opted by retailers as a shopping holiday. We’ve been tallying up the best deals on a variety of tech products in the lead-up to Presidents’ Day; you’ll find them below. Most will last through the holiday, and in some cases, will extend past Monday.
Compared to the lead-up to the Super Bowl in late January, there isn’t an abundance of deals happening on 4K HDR TVs. Also, there aren’t many price cuts on smart speakers or streaming devices. Still, I think the deals below make up for their absence.
Let’s start with headphones
The best headphone deals over Presidents’ Day weekend range from truly wireless earphones from Amazon to over-ear noise-canceling headphones from Beats and Bose. Each is going for the lowest price that they’ve sold for.
Beats Studio 3 / Was $349, now 46% off with offer code VERGEBEAT3 $190 at Daily Steals
Amazon Echo Buds.
Amazon Echo Buds / Was $130, now 31% off $90 at Amazon
Bose QC35 II headphones / Was $349, now 37% off. Ships 2/22 $220 at Amazon
Laptops and tablets
We’ve found deals on a mix of laptops with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i-series processors, and deals on Microsoft’s Surface tablet that include a free Type Cover with purchase.
HP Spectre x360 (late 2019) / Was $1,300, now 27% off $950 at HP
Microsoft Surface Pro 7. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (8GB RAM, includes Type Cover) / Was $1,029, now 30% off $719 at eBay
Dell XPS 13 (late 2019) / Was $1,199, now 33% off. Starts at 2PM ET, 2/17 $799 at Dell
Apple iPad (seventh generation) / Was $329, now 24% off $249 at Best Buy
iPad Pro in a Brydge Pro keyboard. Photo by Sam Byford / The Verge
Keyboards
Whether you’re looking for a keyboard that turns your iPad into a laptop replacement, or you’ve been waiting for a deal on a clicky mechanical keyboard, there’s something for you below.
Brydge Pro keyboard (for 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro) / Was $169, now 30% off $120 at Brydge
Brydge Pro keyboard (for 2018 11-inch iPad Pro) / Was $149, now 33% off $100 at Brydge
Das Keyboard 4 Professional keyboard / Was $169, now 15% off $144 at Das Keyboard
Xbox One X. Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge
Gaming
Right now, you can pick up the latest gaming consoles for the lowest prices that we’ve seen yet. If you’ve been waiting for the moment to pick up a PS4 to catch up on the exclusives, or an Xbox One to load up on digital games via Game Pass, now is a good time to do that.
Xbox One X (includes Star Wars Jedi and free controller) / Was $499, now 30% off $350 at Best Buy
Xbox One S All-Digital / Was $249, now 37% off $159 at Walmart
Sony PS4 Pro / Was $399, now 25% off $299 at Woot
SimpliSafe home security system. Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge
Smart home
Technology can make an older house feel modern. Video doorbells help you see who’s waiting outside whether you’re home or not, while smart home security systems can give you peace of mind without costing an arm and a leg. Here are a few great Presidents’ Day deals.
SimpliSafe home security systems / Now 25% off, and includes a free camera $173 and up at SimpliSafe
Ring Video Doorbell 2 and Chime Pro / Was $199, now 30% off with offer code VERGERING2 $140 at Daily Steals


theverge--2020-02-15--10 new trailers you should watch this week

Every year ahead of the Oscars , all of the animated and live action shorts get bundled together and screened in theaters so people have a chance to check them out .
I always go see the animated ones , and they ’ re always a lovely , strange , beautiful , and very mixed bag .
This year ’ s had some obvious standouts : Hair Love , which won , really deserves to be a feature ; and Kitbull , by Pixar , was heartbreaking and had the best animated cat I ’ ve ever seen .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daughter was my least favorite of the package , and even that one I admired for the way it brought a natural , shaky camera movement to stop-motion animation , which is something I ’ ve never seen before .
The company that packs all the shorts together always pads out the running time with a few other short films from the year that didn ’ t snag a nomination .
Usually , they ’ re appreciably worse .
But this year , one of the bonus films was among my favorites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s called Hors Piste , and it ’ s just six minutes of wonderfully goofy and perfectly done slapstick comedy .
I understand why it wasn ’ t nominated .
It ’ s not “ serious , ” but that ’ s exactly why it ’ s so refreshing .
Check out 10 trailers from this week below .
This is pure Wes Anderson , and there ’ s not much more to say .
The film is about a fictional New Yorker-esque magazine , and it also depicts several of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the magazine ’ s final issue .
The trailer is impossible to follow because of how many stories seem to be going on , but really , who cares ?
It looks great .
The film comes out July 24th .
Here ’ s the thing : after this trailer came out , I read the Wikipedia synopsis for the story of the Green Knight , and it ’ s just bonkers .
None of it makes any sense .
But it kind of seems like this movie is playing into that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We don ’ t have a season four release date yet , but Netflix pushed out a first teaser for Stranger Things ’ next season this week and revealed the return of one obviously not dead character .
It looks like we ’ re headed to Russia this season .
This isn ’ t even a trailer , it ’ s a “ camera test , ” which is kind of a ridiculously early release to include in a trailer roundup .
But it ’ s for a big title , so here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Pattinson as Batman .
The movie is currently scheduled to come out in June 2021 .
This trailer is ostensibly for a movie starring Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger , but it ’ s absolutely bizarre to watch .
The reason why : the distributor is trying its best to hide the fact that this is not really a movie starring Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger , but a 2019 sequel to a Russian/Chinese film that happens to have the two action stars in small roles .
It looks ... not great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The premise is more than a little twee , but it ’ s worth keeping an eye on Run .
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an executive producer and has a recurring role on the series , which seems like as good a reason as any to check in .
The show debuts April 12th .
The main thing you need to know about The Personal History of David Copperfield is that the Charles Dickens ’ adaptation is directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci , the creator of Veep , and it looks just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The film comes out May 8th .
RZA ’ s latest puts T.I.
, Wesley Snipes , and Ethan Hawke , among others , in a heist movie about four friends who rob a casino to stay afloat after New Orleans is hit by Hurricane Katrina .
It comes out April 10th .
All I can say is that this trailer did not go where I was expecting it to go .
Indiewire calls the film a “ wholly unclassifiable genre thriller ” and notes that it dominated Brazil ’ s box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now it ’ s coming to the US , starting in New York on March 6th .
You ’ ve got ta give this one a minute , but it ’ s worth it .
The film comes out March 20th .

Every year ahead of the Oscars, all of the animated and live action shorts get bundled together and screened in theaters so people have a chance to check them out. I always go see the animated ones, and they’re always a lovely, strange, beautiful, and very mixed bag.
This year’s had some obvious standouts: Hair Love, which won, really deserves to be a feature; and Kitbull, by Pixar, was heartbreaking and had the best animated cat I’ve ever seen. The other three had some lovely animation — Daughter was my least favorite of the package, and even that one I admired for the way it brought a natural, shaky camera movement to stop-motion animation, which is something I’ve never seen before.
The company that packs all the shorts together always pads out the running time with a few other short films from the year that didn’t snag a nomination. Usually, they’re appreciably worse. But this year, one of the bonus films was among my favorites and deserved to be a contender. It’s called Hors Piste, and it’s just six minutes of wonderfully goofy and perfectly done slapstick comedy. I understand why it wasn’t nominated. It’s not “serious,” but that’s exactly why it’s so refreshing.
Check out 10 trailers from this week below.
The French Dispatch
This is pure Wes Anderson, and there’s not much more to say. The film is about a fictional New Yorker-esque magazine, and it also depicts several of the (also fictional) stories being published in the magazine’s final issue. The trailer is impossible to follow because of how many stories seem to be going on, but really, who cares? It looks great. The film comes out July 24th.
The Green Knight
Here’s the thing: after this trailer came out, I read the Wikipedia synopsis for the story of the Green Knight, and it’s just bonkers. None of it makes any sense. But it kind of seems like this movie is playing into that? It comes out May 29th.
Stranger Things
We don’t have a season four release date yet, but Netflix pushed out a first teaser for Stranger Things’ next season this week and revealed the return of one obviously not dead character. It looks like we’re headed to Russia this season.
The Batman
This isn’t even a trailer, it’s a “camera test,” which is kind of a ridiculously early release to include in a trailer roundup. But it’s for a big title, so here it is: a first look at Robert Pattinson as Batman. The movie is currently scheduled to come out in June 2021.
The Iron Mask
This trailer is ostensibly for a movie starring Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but it’s absolutely bizarre to watch. The reason why: the distributor is trying its best to hide the fact that this is not really a movie starring Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but a 2019 sequel to a Russian/Chinese film that happens to have the two action stars in small roles. It looks... not great, but I guess that explains why.
Run
The premise is more than a little twee, but it’s worth keeping an eye on Run. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an executive producer and has a recurring role on the series, which seems like as good a reason as any to check in. The show debuts April 12th.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
The main thing you need to know about The Personal History of David Copperfield is that the Charles Dickens’ adaptation is directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci, the creator of Veep, and it looks just as ludicrous as you’d expect. The film comes out May 8th.
Cut Throat City
RZA’s latest puts T.I., Wesley Snipes, and Ethan Hawke, among others, in a heist movie about four friends who rob a casino to stay afloat after New Orleans is hit by Hurricane Katrina. It comes out April 10th.
Bacurau
All I can say is that this trailer did not go where I was expecting it to go. Indiewire calls the film a “wholly unclassifiable genre thriller” and notes that it dominated Brazil’s box office when it came out last year. Now it’s coming to the US, starting in New York on March 6th.
Deerskin


theverge--2020-02-14--You can blame Nvidia, not just Activision Blizzard, for their GeForce Now falling-out

When we learned that Nvidia ’ s GeForce Now cloud gaming service was losing access to every Activision Blizzard game only one week after leaving beta , I ’ ll admit my first thought was that maybe a short-sighted , money-grubbing corporation had decided to take its ball and go home .
That may still be what happened , but it turns out there was a more pressing problem : Nvidia didn ’ t actually get permission to keep its games on GeForce Now after launch .
While Nvidia confirmed to The Verge that it did , in fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask whether the giant game company was OK with its games staying on the paid version of the service , there was a “ misunderstanding ” about whether Activision actually gave that permission .
That reconciliation may not happen , though .
According to Bloomberg — which reported the “ misunderstanding ” earlier — Activision Blizzard wanted to negotiate a new commercial agreement before Nvidia could serve up the games , and Nvidia has been pretty clear that its business model is to not have commercial agreements with game publishers .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their games on existing platforms like Steam , Epic , UPlay and Battle.net and play them on GeForce Now the same way they ’ d play them on their home PC , giving publishers the same amount of money they ’ d have normally .
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson tells us there ’ s no commercial agreement like that in place .
Another way you don ’ t quite “ own ” the games you digitally buy In other words , Nvidia should have really pulled Activision Blizzard ’ s games ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did with games from other hesitant publishers like Capcom , Konami , Rockstar , and Square Enix .
( At the time , GeForce Now boss Phil Eisler told me that some publishers “ are taking a while to make up their minds , ” so it ’ s possible they ’ ll come around . )
But because Nvidia didn ’ t originally pull them , we now have two sets of news headlines hammering it home that services like GeForce Now are only as good as legal distribution agreements allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you “ own ” a digital game , but that may not always give you the ability to play it on a computer you ’ re renting in the cloud .
By the way , none of this has to do with Activision ’ s recent multi-year partnership with Google ; the games aren ’ t necessarily going to Google ’ s Stadia cloud gaming service instead .
For one thing , that ’ d require porting them to run on Stadia ’ s Linux-based servers ; for another , the partnership ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not Stadia .
The company said on its Q4 earnings call that Stadia isn ’ t part of the deal .
“ Right now , we are focusing on the work between Activision Blizzard and YouTube and Google Cloud specifically , ” an Activision Blizzard spokesperson tells me .
There you have it .

When we learned that Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service was losing access to every Activision Blizzard game only one week after leaving beta, I’ll admit my first thought was that maybe a short-sighted, money-grubbing corporation had decided to take its ball and go home.
That may still be what happened, but it turns out there was a more pressing problem: Nvidia didn’t actually get permission to keep its games on GeForce Now after launch.
Nvidia overreached, it seems
While Nvidia confirmed to The Verge that it did, in fact, reach out to Activision ahead of launch to ask whether the giant game company was OK with its games staying on the paid version of the service, there was a “misunderstanding” about whether Activision actually gave that permission.
(Narrator: it did not.)
Here’s a statement from Nvidia:
Activision Blizzard has been a fantastic partner during the GeForce Now beta, which we took to include the free trial period for our founders membership. Recognizing the misunderstanding, we removed the games from our service, with hope we can work with them to re-enable these, and more, in the future.
That reconciliation may not happen, though. According to Bloomberg — which reported the “misunderstanding” earlier — Activision Blizzard wanted to negotiate a new commercial agreement before Nvidia could serve up the games, and Nvidia has been pretty clear that its business model is to not have commercial agreements with game publishers. Instead, it wants to let gamers buy their games on existing platforms like Steam, Epic, UPlay and Battle.net and play them on GeForce Now the same way they’d play them on their home PC, giving publishers the same amount of money they’d have normally.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson tells us there’s no commercial agreement like that in place.
Another way you don’t quite “own” the games you digitally buy
In other words, Nvidia should have really pulled Activision Blizzard’s games ahead of its launch last week, the way it did with games from other hesitant publishers like Capcom, Konami, Rockstar, and Square Enix. (At the time, GeForce Now boss Phil Eisler told me that some publishers “are taking a while to make up their minds,” so it’s possible they’ll come around.)
But because Nvidia didn’t originally pull them, we now have two sets of news headlines hammering it home that services like GeForce Now are only as good as legal distribution agreements allow them to be. You may think you “own” a digital game, but that may not always give you the ability to play it on a computer you’re renting in the cloud.
PCWorld’s headline last week echoes my thinking: “That sucks.”
By the way, none of this has to do with Activision’s recent multi-year partnership with Google; the games aren’t necessarily going to Google’s Stadia cloud gaming service instead. For one thing, that’d require porting them to run on Stadia’s Linux-based servers; for another, the partnership’s about YouTube and Google Cloud, not Stadia. The company said on its Q4 earnings call that Stadia isn’t part of the deal.


theverge--2020-02-14--Google removes alleged spying app ToTok from the Play Store for a second time

Google has removed the chat app ToTok , which is allegedly an espionage tool for the United Arab Emirates , from the Play Store for a second time .
The app was previously pulled from Apple ’ s App Store and the Google Play Store in December , shortly before The New York Times published a report about it .
Google quietly reinstated the app in January .
The app appears to have remained unavailable on the App Store .
9to5Google noted the news of ToTok ’ s takedown earlier today .
When reached for comment , Google confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app , but didn ’ t provide any explanation as to why .
It removed ToTok the first time for violating unspecified policies , according to the Times .
ToTok is a messaging app that promised “ fast , free , and secure ” messages and calls and was downloaded by millions in the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East .
Shortly before its removal from the Play Store and App Store in December , the app was one of the most-downloaded social apps in the US .
But the NYT ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UAE government to spy on users .
ToTok denied the “ vicious rumors ” in a statement published in December , saying that “ [ n ] ot only do we respect privacy and ensure security , our users also have the complete control over what data they want to share at their own discretion .
”

Google has removed the chat app ToTok, which is allegedly an espionage tool for the United Arab Emirates, from the Play Store for a second time. The app was previously pulled from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store in December, shortly before The New York Times published a report about it. Google quietly reinstated the app in January. The app appears to have remained unavailable on the App Store.
9to5Google noted the news of ToTok’s takedown earlier today. When reached for comment, Google confirmed to The Verge that it took down the app, but didn’t provide any explanation as to why. It removed ToTok the first time for violating unspecified policies, according to the Times.
ToTok is a messaging app that promised “fast, free, and secure” messages and calls and was downloaded by millions in the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East. Shortly before its removal from the Play Store and App Store in December, the app was one of the most-downloaded social apps in the US. But the NYT’s investigation found that the app allowed the UAE government to spy on users.


theverge--2020-02-14--Fortnite now lets you Rickroll your friends

In a wonderful Valentine ’ s Day surprise , Fortnite has introduced a new emote inspired by the Rickrolling meme , and it ’ s incredible .
It plays part of the actual song by Rick Astley , “ Never Gon na Give You Up , ” and your in-game character dances just like Astley does in the music video .
The emote , called “ Never Gon na , ” is available in Fortnite ’ s in-game shop right now for 500 V-bucks , which approximates to about $ 5 .
You can get a taste of what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Fortnite ’ s official Twitter account : The emote is not only notable for being one of the most famous memes ever , but also because , as far as I know , it ’ s the first Fortnite emote that ’ s backed by a well-known song .
In late 2018 , Epic Games was hit with a number of lawsuits that alleged the company stole popular dance moves and sold them as Fortnite emotes , including one filed by Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro over Fortnite ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those lawsuits are on pause , and while choreographed dance routines can be copyrighted , individual dance moves can ’ t .
But copyright protection for songs is extremely well-established , so Epic has presumably licensed Rick Astley ’ s internet-famous hit for this new emote .
And that seems to open up a potential world of possibility where other licensed songs are used in the game , too .

In a wonderful Valentine’s Day surprise, Fortnite has introduced a new emote inspired by the Rickrolling meme, and it’s incredible. It plays part of the actual song by Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” and your in-game character dances just like Astley does in the music video.
The emote, called “Never Gonna,” is available in Fortnite’s in-game shop right now for 500 V-bucks, which approximates to about $5. You can get a taste of what it looks and sounds like in this tweet from Fortnite’s official Twitter account:
The emote is not only notable for being one of the most famous memes ever, but also because, as far as I know, it’s the first Fortnite emote that’s backed by a well-known song. In late 2018, Epic Games was hit with a number of lawsuits that alleged the company stole popular dance moves and sold them as Fortnite emotes, including one filed by Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro over Fortnite’s interpretation of the Carlton dance.


theverge--2020-02-17--Leaked video reveals Microsoft’s new Outlook ‘Spaces’ feature

Microsoft is working on a new organizational feature for Outlook , named Spaces .
Twitter user WalkingCat revealed the new tool in a leaked video over the weekend , and Outlook Spaces looks like it ’ s designed to allow users to collate emails , notes , files , documents , calendar appointments , and to-do lists into online spaces .
It looks like it will be useful for students or businesses that are planning projects .
Microsoft has not yet officially unveiled Outlook Spaces , but some have managed to access the new service at the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of Microsoft ’ s Fluid Framework for Office .
Fluid takes the idea of documents and turns them into a cloud app that multiple people can contribute to with graphs , tables , text , and more .
It ’ s not clear if Outlook Spaces is running on Fluid just yet , but it certainly looks like an ideal candidate for it .
Microsoft describes Outlook Spaces as a web app that “ pulls together your documents , emails and events using the search terms you provide here.
” The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ ll be using AI to assist in discovering and grouping work items into Spaces.
” We ’ ve reached out to Microsoft for more information on Outlook Spaces , but you can get an early look at the company ’ s plans in the promotional video above .

Microsoft is working on a new organizational feature for Outlook, named Spaces. Twitter user WalkingCat revealed the new tool in a leaked video over the weekend, and Outlook Spaces looks like it’s designed to allow users to collate emails, notes, files, documents, calendar appointments, and to-do lists into online spaces. It looks like it will be useful for students or businesses that are planning projects.
Microsoft has not yet officially unveiled Outlook Spaces, but some have managed to access the new service at the company’s site. Spaces looks like an early example of Microsoft’s Fluid Framework for Office. Fluid takes the idea of documents and turns them into a cloud app that multiple people can contribute to with graphs, tables, text, and more. It’s not clear if Outlook Spaces is running on Fluid just yet, but it certainly looks like an ideal candidate for it.


theverge--2020-02-17--Google winds down free Station Wi-Fi program

Google is shutting down Station , a program that saw the company offer free Wi-Fi across over 400 railway stations in India and other locations worldwide since 2016 , TechCrunch reports .
Google Station ’ s website says that the service is currently live in Brazil , South Africa , Nigeria , Thailand , the Philippines , Mexico , India , and Indonesia .
The Station program will be wound down globally this year .
Google explained that it took the decision to end the program because it was becoming difficult to scale up and to make it a sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various partners in each market where it offered the Station service , but each had different technical and infrastructure requirements .
In India it worked with RailTel , Indian Railways , and Pune Smart City , for example , while in South Africa it worked with Think WiFi .
TechCrunch notes that part of the challenge is likely to have been exacerbated by a decline in mobile data prices in markets like India , making free Wi-Fi programs less necessary .
Google had previously tried to monetize the service by showing ads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google says it ’ s working to “ transition existing sites so they can remain useful resources for the community ” Google says that it is working with its partners so that it can “ transition existing sites so they can remain useful resources for the community.
” In South Africa , a spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider , that it would be transferring operations to Think Wifi , “ who will now carry out the project independently.
” Think WiFi confirmed to ITWeb that “ free WiFi is here to stay ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was popular with many .
In June 2018 , Google said it had 8 million monthly Station users consuming an average of 350MB of data per session .
Over half of Station users connected to the service multiple times a day .
The free Wi-Fi initiative was first announced in late 2015 as a means to get more Indians online by offering services at 400 train stations across the country .
The first station , Mumbai Central , went live on January 2016 , and later that year Google officially named the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be partnering with other locations including cafes and malls .
Despite hitting its 400 station goal in June 2018 , the company said its work was still unfinished .
Meanwhile , in South Africa , Google launched Station in November 2019 in 125 locations , according to ITWeb .
Today ’ s announcement means that Google has started winding down the service a little over three months after its initial launch in the country .
Google isn ’ t the only company to have tried to make it easier for users in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded the Internet.org project in 2013 , and in 2016 it launched Express Wi-Fi In India , after its previous internet service was banned in the country .
Elsewhere , companies have been experimenting with new technologies to provide internet where fixed infrastructure is more unreliable .
Alphabet ’ s Project Loon has attempted to do this using stratospheric helium balloons , while Facebook has experimented with solar-powered internet drones in the past .

Google is shutting down Station, a program that saw the company offer free Wi-Fi across over 400 railway stations in India and over 5000 locations worldwide since 2016, TechCrunch reports. Google says that the service is currently live in Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The Station program will be wound down globally this year.
Google explained that it took the decision to end the program because it was becoming difficult to scale up and to make a sustainable business. The company had worked with various partners in each market where it offered the Station service, but each had different technical and infrastructure requirements. In India it worked with RailTel, Indian Railways, and Pune Smart City, for example, while in South Africa it worked with Think WiFi.
Google also confirmed to The Verge that the increased prevalence of 4G combined with the declining price of mobile data worldwide mean that the market has changed since the service was launched in 2016. The implication appears to be that free Wi-Fi programs are less necessary now than they once were. Google had previously tried to monetize the service by showing ads to users who signed into the service.
Google says it’s working to “transition existing sites so they can remain useful resources for the community”
Google says that it is working with its partners so that it can “transition existing sites so they can remain useful resources for the community.” In India, RailTel has confirmed to TechCrunch that it will continue to offer free Wi-Fi in the railway stations where it had previously worked with Google. It offers Wi-Fi in over 5,600 stations in total. Meanwhile, in South Africa, a Google spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that it would be transferring operations to Think Wifi, “who will now carry out the project independently.” Think WiFi confirmed to ITWeb that “free WiFi is here to stay” in its locations. Google says that it will be up to its partners to decide whether to continue offering Wi-Fi for free.
The Station service was popular with many. In June 2018, Google said it had 8 million monthly Station users consuming an average of 350MB of data per session. Over half of Station users connected to the service multiple times a day.
The free Wi-Fi initiative was first announced in late 2015 as a means to get more Indians online by offering services at 400 train stations across the country. The first station, Mumbai Central, went live on January 2016, and later that year Google officially named the project Google Station, and said it would also be partnering with other locations including cafes and malls. Despite hitting its 400 station goal in June 2018, the company said its work was still unfinished.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, Google launched Station in November 2019 in 125 locations, according to ITWeb. Today’s announcement means that Google has started winding down the service a little over three months after its initial launch in the country.
Google isn’t the only company to have tried to make it easier for users in developing markets to get online. Facebook founded the Internet.org project in 2013, and in 2016 it launched Express Wi-Fi In India, after its previous internet service was banned in the country. Elsewhere, companies have been experimenting with new technologies to provide internet where fixed infrastructure is more unreliable. Alphabet’s Project Loon has attempted to do this using stratospheric helium balloons, while Facebook has experimented with solar-powered internet drones in the past.
Update February 17th, 8:14AM ET: Added details of RailTel’s continued service in India.


theverge--2020-02-17--Tesla forced to pause Berlin Gigafactory after environmental challenge

A German court has forced Tesla to temporarily halt preparation work for its Gigafactory near Berlin after local activists raised concerns about its impact on wildlife and water supplies , Reuters reports .
The electric car company is currently in the process of clearing 92 hectares of forest in Gruenheide , east of Berlin , where it hopes to build its first European Gigafactory .
Tesla announced plans for Gigafactory 4 last November , but has not yet been granted official planning permission for the factory itself .
However , Germany ’ s environment ministry told the company it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its own risk , ” according to BBC News .
Local activist group Gruene Liga Brandenburg ( Green League of Brandenburg ) subsequently complained about the work , citing environmental concerns .
“ It should not be assumed that the motion seeking legal protection brought by the Green League lacks any chance of succeeding ” Since Tesla was due to complete its tree-felling in just three more days , the court told the car company to temporarily stop the work so that the environmentalist group ’ s objections could be considered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the motion seeking legal protection brought by the Green League lacks any chance of succeeding , ” the court said in a statement justifying the stoppage , according to Reuters .
Further court hearings are expected to take place this week .
Reuters notes that hundreds of demonstrators have protested over the factory and its impact on the environment .
However lawmakers from two Germany political parties , the Christian Democrat and Free Democrat parties fear that the legal battles resulting from these environmental complaints could harm Germany ’ s pro-business credentials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have faced difficulties in the country .
Back in 2018 , Google abandoned plans to launch a start-up incubator in Berlin ’ s Kreuzberg neighborhood after locals protested the impending corporate gentrification .
In total , Tesla has bought almost 300 hectares for its German factory , which it hopes to open in 2021 .
Eventually it wants the factory to produce as many as 500,000 cars annually , and employ 12,000 people .
The company has said it will relocate colonies of forest ants , reptiles , and bats that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC News , citing local media reports .
In January , authorities found and diffused seven WWII bombs on the site as part of Tesla ’ s construction preparation .
The company ’ s CEO Elon Musk has also defended the factory ’ s impact on the environment .
In a series of tweets , Musk claimed that the Gigafactory 4 won ’ t use much water on a daily basis , and that the forest being cleared is “ not a natural forest ” ( it was planted for a cardboard factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be used for the Gigafactory .
“ Giga Berlin will build sustainable energy vehicles using sustainable energy , so net environmental impact will be extremely positive !
” the CEO tweeted .
Tesla ’ s Berlin Gigafactory will be its fourth worldwide , following the construction of Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai , China , which last year delivered its first cars just under a year after work at the factory began .
Tesla ’ s first two Gigafactories are in the US in Nevada and Buffalo , New York .

A German court has forced Tesla to temporarily halt preparation work for its Gigafactory near Berlin after local activists raised concerns about its impact on wildlife and water supplies, Reuters reports. The electric car company is currently in the process of clearing 92 hectares of forest in Gruenheide, east of Berlin, where it hopes to build its first European Gigafactory.
Tesla announced plans for Gigafactory 4 last November, but has not yet been granted official planning permission for the factory itself. However, Germany’s environment ministry told the company it could start preparing the site in advance “at its own risk,” according to BBC News. Local activist group Gruene Liga Brandenburg (Green League of Brandenburg) subsequently complained about the work, citing environmental concerns.
“It should not be assumed that the motion seeking legal protection brought by the Green League lacks any chance of succeeding”
Since Tesla was due to complete its tree-felling in just three more days, the court told the car company to temporarily stop the work so that the environmentalist group’s objections could be considered. “It should not be assumed that the motion seeking legal protection brought by the Green League lacks any chance of succeeding,” the court said in a statement justifying the stoppage, according to Reuters. Further court hearings are expected to take place this week.
Reuters notes that hundreds of demonstrators have protested over the factory and its impact on the environment. However lawmakers from two Germany political parties, the Christian Democrat and Free Democrat parties fear that the legal battles resulting from these environmental complaints could harm Germany’s pro-business credentials. Tesla is not the only large company to have faced difficulties in the country. Back in 2018, Google abandoned plans to launch a start-up incubator in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood after locals protested the impending corporate gentrification.
In total, Tesla has bought almost 300 hectares for its German factory, which it hopes to open in 2021. Eventually it wants the factory to produce as many as 500,000 cars annually, and employ 12,000 people. The company has said it will relocate colonies of forest ants, reptiles, and bats that will be affected by its work, notes BBC News, citing local media reports. In January, authorities found and diffused seven WWII bombs on the site as part of Tesla’s construction preparation.
The company’s CEO Elon Musk has also defended the factory’s impact on the environment. In a series of tweets, Musk claimed that the Gigafactory 4 won’t use much water on a daily basis, and that the forest being cleared is “not a natural forest” (it was planted for a cardboard factory) and that only a small part will be used for the Gigafactory. “Giga Berlin will build sustainable energy vehicles using sustainable energy, so net environmental impact will be extremely positive!” the CEO tweeted.


theverge--2020-02-17--A Motorola Razr’s screen is reportedly peeling right on the fold

The new Motorola Razr is not a good phone — it ’ s expensive , has a mediocre camera , the hinge is creaky , and a display has odd dips and bumps underneath the screen .
But now , there ’ s at least one reported instance of the new foldable ’ s screen actually separating from the plastic laminate above the display , and it ’ s apparently doing so right on that bad hinge .
Input ’ s Raymond Wong published an article yesterday about the issues he ’ s seeing with a Razr that Input has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Wong noticed that the screen had started to peel away the laminate top layer right at the hinge , creating a bubble between the screen and the laminate .
Here ’ s what the bubble looks like : That bubble isn ’ t just distracting — it also apparently affects the functionality of the touchscreen .
Wong reports that the parts of the display above the bubble still respond to touches , but the middle of the display “ is not the most responsive.
” It ’ s unclear exactly how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he didn ’ t drop it and that the phone has “ never been wet , or moist , or even near liquid.
” He speculated that it could possibly be due to changes in temperature from using the phone in the cold and then again back in his warm apartment , but it ’ s hard to know if that ’ s actually what made the bubble .
Wong said that Motorola hasn ’ t responded to comment about the issue , and at press time , the company hadn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We haven ’ t seen others report this issue , but if you are seeing it , or any other issue with your Razr , feel free to tip us and let us know what ’ s going on .
Correction : In the original version of this article , we misspelled Raymond Wong ’ s name .
We also originally stated that Wong had owned the Razr for less than a day , but the Razr in his story has been owned by Input for a little over a week .
We @ @ @ @

The new Motorola Razr is not a good phone — it’s expensive, has a mediocre camera, the hinge is creaky, and the display has odd dips and bumps underneath the screen. But now, there’s at least one reported instance of the new foldable’s screen actually separating from the plastic laminate above the display, and it’s apparently doing so right on that bad hinge.
Input’s Raymond Wong published an article yesterday about the issues he’s seeing with a Razr that Input has owned for a little more than a week. Wong noticed that the screen had started to peel away from the laminate top layer right at the hinge, creating a bubble between the screen and the laminate.
Here’s what the bubble looks like:
Image: Input
That bubble isn’t just distracting — it also apparently affects the functionality of the touchscreen. Wong reports that the parts of the display above the bubble still respond to touches, but the middle of the display “is not the most responsive.”
It’s unclear exactly how the bubble appeared. Wong said that he didn’t drop it and that the phone has “never been wet, or moist, or even near liquid.” He speculated that it could possibly be due to changes in temperature from using the phone in the cold and then again back in his warm apartment, but it’s hard to know if that’s actually what made the bubble.
Since we first published this article, Motorola gave Wong an official statement about the peeling display, which the company has provided to The Verge as well:
We have full confidence in razr’s display, and do not expect consumers to experience display peeling as a result of normal use. As part of its development process, razr underwent extreme temperature testing. As with any mobile phone, Motorola recommends not storing (e.g., in a car) your phone in temperatures below -4 degrees Fahrenheit and above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If consumers experience device failure related to weather during normal use, and not as a result of abuse or misuse, it will be covered under our standard warranty. For more warranty information, please visit: www.motorola.com/device-legal.
Motorola also told The Verge that it has asked Input to send back the broken Razr so the company can investigate the phone and try to find what caused the issue.
Wong also noted that Mashable reporter Brenda Stolyar is having some issues with the hinge on her Razr, possibly due to temperature affecting the display in some way:
If you are seeing similar problems or any other issues with your Razr, feel free to tip us and let us know what’s going on.
Correction: In the original version of this article, we misspelled Raymond Wong’s name. We also originally stated that Wong had owned the Razr for less than a day, but the Razr in his story has been owned by Input for a little over a week. We regret the errors.


theverge--2020-02-17--Ring cameras can help you spy on your neighbors, but they haven’t really helped police

Ring ’ s security devices are advertised as a way to have peace of mind about your home , and the company ’ s work with law enforcement to provide additional security is well-documented .
But two recent stories about the Amazon-owned company demonstrate how its security cameras can distort your view of how much crime actually takes place near your house and how they may not actually help police solve crimes at all .
In one article , Max Read , writing for New York Magazine , wrote about his experience installing a Ring security camera onto his apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hyper-aware of what was happening around his home , in part due to the app ’ s many notifications about motion from his camera and from “ Safety Alerts ” sent by Ring ’ s Neighbors app , which is kind of like a social media network for Ring owners .
Read said he found the Neighbors app to be “ terrifically addictive , a wildly engaging hodgepodge of voyeurism , suspicion , unease , and mystery.
” Neighbors seemed to show Read more than he wanted to know : ... as entertaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haunted by a background sense that maybe you don ’ t really need to know quite so much about your block , or your neighborhood .
Moments you ’ d never have been aware of without the Ring — a stranger stepping on your stoop , or knocking on your door — mount as evidence of possible danger and urban decay .
Even unquestionably innocuous activity , like me unlocking my own door , is lent the frisson of danger thanks to the security-camera-style footage .
He also took issue with how Ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large part on convincing homeowners that their property is constantly threatened by crime , and that Ring cameras can help prevent it ” and how it encourages this heightened sense of danger .
But Ring footage isn ’ t just interesting to individuals — the company also has partnerships with nearly 900 law enforcement agencies under the premise that the agencies can use Ring data to help solve crimes .
However , many agencies can ’ t actually attribute any crimes to being solved thanks to help from a Ring camera , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC News spoke with 40 law enforcement agencies in eight states that have partnered with Ring for at least three months .
Here is a quote from the article about how effective those partnerships actually have been : Thirteen of the 40 jurisdictions reached , including Winter Park , said they had made zero arrests as a result of Ring footage .
Thirteen were able to confirm arrests made after reviewing Ring footage , while two offered estimates .
The rest , including large cities like Phoenix , Miami , and Kansas City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know how many arrests had been made as a result of their relationship with Ring — and therefore could not evaluate its effectiveness — even though they had been working with the company for well over a year .
And of the Ring-attributable arrests that did happen , many were for low-level non-violent property crimes : The two articles , taken together , show that while Ring is effective at heightening your awareness of the goings-on around your house , the company ’ s devices and services may make you more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not help law enforcement in a significant way .

Ring’s security devices are advertised as a way to have peace of mind about your home, and the company’s work with law enforcement to provide additional security is well-documented. But two recent stories about the Amazon-owned company demonstrate how its security cameras can distort your view of how much crime actually takes place near your house and how they may not actually help police solve crimes at all.
In one article, Max Read, writing for New York Magazine, wrote about his experience installing a Ring security camera onto his apartment door. Installing it apparently made him hyper-aware of what was happening around his home, in part due to the app’s many notifications about motion from his camera and from “Safety Alerts” sent by Ring’s Neighbors app. Neighbors is available for anyone in a community to download in order to receive and discuss crime- and safety-related alerts and video clips uploaded by local police and Ring owners.
Read said he found the Neighbors app to be “terrifically addictive, a wildly engaging hodgepodge of voyeurism, suspicion, unease, and mystery.” Neighbors seemed to show Read more than he wanted to know:
...as entertaining as Neighbors is, it’s haunted by a background sense that maybe you don’t really need to know quite so much about your block, or your neighborhood. Moments you’d never have been aware of without the Ring — a stranger stepping on your stoop, or knocking on your door — mount as evidence of possible danger and urban decay. Even unquestionably innocuous activity, like me unlocking my own door, is lent the frisson of danger thanks to the security-camera-style footage.
He also took issue with how Ring’s marketing strategy “relies in a large part on convincing homeowners that their property is constantly threatened by crime, and that Ring cameras can help prevent it” and how it encourages this heightened sense of danger.
But Ring footage isn’t just interesting to individuals — the company also has partnerships with nearly 900 law enforcement agencies under the premise that the agencies can use Ring data to help solve crimes. However, many agencies can’t actually attribute any crimes to being solved thanks to help from a Ring camera, according to an NBC News investigation.
NBC News spoke with 40 law enforcement agencies in eight states that have partnered with Ring for at least three months. Here is a quote from the article about how effective those partnerships actually have been:
Thirteen of the 40 jurisdictions reached, including Winter Park, said they had made zero arrests as a result of Ring footage. Thirteen were able to confirm arrests made after reviewing Ring footage, while two offered estimates. The rest, including large cities like Phoenix, Miami, and Kansas City, Missouri, said that they don’t know how many arrests had been made as a result of their relationship with Ring — and therefore could not evaluate its effectiveness — even though they had been working with the company for well over a year.
And of the Ring-attributable arrests that did happen, many were for low-level non-violent property crimes:
The two articles, taken together, show that while Ring is effective at heightening your awareness of the goings-on around your house, the company’s devices and services may make you more prone to fear about those goings-on and may not help law enforcement in a significant way.
Ring declined to comment.


theverge--2020-02-17--Apple warns revenue will be lower than expected because of coronavirus impact

In a rare investor update on Monday , Apple said the global effects of the coronavirus outbreak are having have a material impact on the company bottom line .
The company does not expect to meet its own revenue guidance for the second quarter due to the impact of the virus , and warns that “ worldwide iPhone supply will be temporarily constrained.
” Store closures and reduced retail traffic in China are also expected to have a significant impact .
All of Apple ’ s iPhone manufacturing partner sites have been reopened but are “ ramping up more slowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that fewer iPhones than expected will be manufactured .
As a result , “ [ t ] hese iPhone supply shortages will temporarily affect revenues worldwide , ” says Apple .
Regarding Apple ’ s retail presence in China , the company said that it is “ gradually reopening our retail stores and will continue to do so as steadily and safely as we can.
” The company says its corporate offices and contact centers in China are open .
Cook echoed those sentiments in a memo sent to Apple staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to thank everyone for their dedication , empathy , understanding , and care , ” Cook wrote .
“ Our paramount concern is with the people who make up Apple ’ s community of employees , partners , customers , and suppliers in China.
” In its latest earnings call at the end of January , Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple already had a “ wider-than-usual ” revenue range for the second quarter due to uncertainty around coronavirus .
Still , it appears that revenue range wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the public health emergency .
Apple also said it would be doubling a previously announced donation to help with coronavirus relief efforts , though the company hasn ’ t put a dollar figure to that number .
Update 6:17PM ET : Updated with Tim Cook ’ s memo to staff .

In a rare investor update on Monday, Apple said the global effects of the coronavirus outbreak are having have a material impact on the company bottom line. The company does not expect to meet its own revenue guidance for the second quarter due to the impact of the virus, and warns that “worldwide iPhone supply will be temporarily constrained.” Store closures and reduced retail traffic in China are also expected to have a significant impact.
All of Apple’s iPhone manufacturing partner sites have been reopened but are “ramping up more slowly than we had anticipated,” which means that fewer iPhones than expected will be manufactured. As a result, “[t]hese iPhone supply shortages will temporarily affect revenues worldwide,” says Apple.
The impact the virus is having on future product development is unclear. Apple is rumored to be launching a low-cost followup to the iPhone SE in March priced at about $400, and new iPad Pros with better cameras in the first half of the year. Bloomberg’s sources report no change in plans but suggest delays or constraints are possible.
Delays or constraints on future product development is possible
Regarding Apple’s retail presence in China, the company said that it is “gradually reopening our retail stores and will continue to do so as steadily and safely as we can.” The company says its corporate offices and contact centers in China are open.
Cook echoed those sentiments in a memo sent to Apple staff, which was obtained by Bloomberg. “I want to thank everyone for their dedication, empathy, understanding, and care,” Cook wrote. “Our paramount concern is with the people who make up Apple’s community of employees, partners, customers, and suppliers in China.”
In its latest earnings call at the end of January, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple already had a “wider-than-usual” revenue range for the second quarter due to uncertainty around coronavirus. Still, it appears that revenue range wasn’t wide enough to account for the growing impact of the public health emergency.
Apple also said it would be doubling a previously announced donation to help with coronavirus relief efforts, though the company hasn’t put a dollar figure to that number.


theverge--2020-02-17--A playable build of the never-released StarCraft: Ghost has apparently leaked online

Over the weekend , a video and screenshots that appeared to come from a playable Xbox build of the never-released StarCraft : Ghost leaked online .
It ’ s a fascinating piece of gaming history .
StarCraft : Ghost was a third-person shooter set in the Blizzard ’ StarCraft universe that was supposed to be released on the Nintendo GameCube , Xbox , and PlayStation 2 but never saw the light of day due to a rocky , years-long development history ( which you can read all about in this great feature from Polygon ) .
These new images and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what that game might have looked and played like .
Information from the leak seems to have first been widely shared in a tweet by Andrew Borman , the digital games curator at the Museum of Play : Since then , there has been a good amount of footage hitting YouTube , some of which we ’ ve included below .
( Note that other videos of footage from the game have been taken down , so there ’ s always the chance that these get taken down as well . )
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development kit , reports Kotaku , and now that it ’ s been shared online , people seem to be finding ways to play it to record and share footage .
In this video , for example , it looks like someone is loading the game on a modded Xbox 360 : Other videos seem to be direct footage from the game itself .
In this seven minute-long video , you can see some of the gameplay .
The main character , Nova , runs some kind of base , shoots some baddies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items , and accesses a database : There ’ s also this video , a compilation of conversations Nova has with other characters : And an intrepid YouTube user is cataloging quotes from units in the game in a playlist .
Here ’ s one of those videos as an example : It ’ s really interesting to see this supposed footage of the game — I remember reading about StarCraft : Ghost when I was younger and really looking forward to playing it someday .
At least now I can get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked like in action .

Over the weekend, a video and screenshots that appeared to come from a playable Xbox build of the never-released StarCraft: Ghost leaked online. It’s a fascinating piece of gaming history. StarCraft: Ghost was a third-person shooter set in the Blizzard’ StarCraft universe that was supposed to be released on the Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, and PlayStation 2 but never saw the light of day due to a rocky, years-long development history (which you can read all about in this great feature from Polygon).
These new images and video give us a better sense of what that game might have looked and played like. Information from the leak seems to have first been widely shared in a tweet by Andrew Borman, the digital games curator at the Museum of Play:
Since then, there has been a good amount of footage hitting YouTube, some of which we’ve included below. (Note that other videos of footage from the game have been taken down, so there’s always the chance that these get taken down as well.)
The apparent build was supposedly from an Xbox development kit, reports Kotaku, and now that it’s been shared online, people seem to be finding ways to play it to record and share footage.
In this video, for example, it looks like someone is loading the game on a modded Xbox 360:
Other videos seem to be direct footage from the game itself. In this seven minute-long video, you can see some of the gameplay. The main character, Nova, runs some kind of base, shoots some baddies (including Zerglings), loots for items, and accesses a database:
There’s also this video, a compilation of conversations Nova has with other characters:
And an intrepid YouTube user is cataloging quotes from units in the game in a playlist. Here’s one of those videos as an example:


theverge--2020-02-17--Go read this report on how the coronavirus is pushing Chinese concerts online

Many cities in China are still in quarantine lockdown in efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak , pushing most activities online .
Day-to-day activities like grocery orders and university classes are affected , but so is live entertainment .
Music venues are shuttered across the country , rendering the country ’ s live music scene “ temporarily dead and silent.
” With everyone bored and stuck at home , a report by Hyperallergic ( that builds off previous pieces by RADII and CDM ) reveals how China ’ s musicians have turned to live-streaming to perform at virtual festivals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and DJs alike are transforming their homes into performance spaces , with clubs , record labels , and event promoters all hopping on board .
Options range from techno to rock to pop , with most of the action happening on BiliBili , a Chinese video sharing website .
The site features bullet chatting , a function that superimposes user comments on screen in a way that makes people feel more present .
“ It ’ s like going to a karaoke parlor or being in a mosh pit without leaving your house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prominent indie record labels like Ruby Eyes and Modern Sky are streaming “ showcases ” for artists on their roster , and venues like Shanghai ’ s Yuyintang are even considering ticketed online performances .
Many of these are hosted on the live-streaming site BiliBili , which contains a crucial social feature , Bullet Comments or 弹幕 ( “ danmu ” ) , that make these events an active expression of community and social bonding , rather than just passive experiences .
Bullet Comments are a mix of discussion forum threads , live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a powerful online approximation of real-life conviviality , and a raucous vibe akin to a successful party .
Comments made on a video fly across the video screen like heckles or encouragement from a virtual audience .
Elsewhere , other bits of how the concert industry has been affected in China have been brought to light .
BiliBili itself has gotten into the mix , partnering with a promoter to produce a stay at home concert series , as reported by Variety .
Billboard estimates that about 20,000 concerts slated to happen between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponed .
Hyperallergic ’ s piece gives a more intimate glimpse into how China ’ s musicians and fans are not just keeping the scene afloat , but creating community in a time of imposed isolation .
A photo of a punk band live-streaming in masks and a hazmat suit to people ’ s amusement perhaps best sums things up .
There ’ s necessity in making the best of a bad situation .
Go read Hyperallergic ’ s piece for more details along with flyers , sets , and links to watch @ @ @ @ @

Many cities in China are still in quarantine lockdown in efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, pushing most activities online. Day-to-day activities like grocery orders and university classes are affected, but so is live entertainment. Music venues are shuttered across the country, rendering the country’s live music scene “temporarily dead and silent.” With everyone bored and stuck at home, a report by Hyperallergic (that builds off previous pieces by RADII and CDM) reveals how China’s musicians have turned to live-streaming to perform at virtual festivals and club nights.
The report says bands and DJs alike are transforming their homes into performance spaces, with clubs, record labels, and event promoters all hopping on board. Options range from techno to rock to pop, with most of the action happening on BiliBili, a Chinese video sharing website. The site features bullet chatting, a function that superimposes user comments on screen in a way that makes people feel more present. “It’s like going to a karaoke parlor or being in a mosh pit without leaving your house,” one singer told Hyperallergic.
Prominent indie record labels like Ruby Eyes and Modern Sky are streaming “showcases” for artists on their roster, and venues like Shanghai’s Yuyintang are even considering ticketed online performances. Many of these are hosted on the live-streaming site BiliBili, which contains a crucial social feature, Bullet Comments or 弹幕 (“danmu”), that make these events an active expression of community and social bonding, rather than just passive experiences. Bullet Comments are a mix of discussion forum threads, live chat, and participatory art that conjure a powerful online approximation of real-life conviviality, and a raucous vibe akin to a successful party. Comments made on a video fly across the video screen like heckles or encouragement from a virtual audience.
Elsewhere, other bits of how the concert industry has been affected in China have been brought to light. BiliBili itself has gotten into the mix, partnering with a promoter to produce a stay at home concert series, as reported by Variety. Billboard estimates that about 20,000 concerts slated to happen between January and March have been cancelled or postponed.
Hyperallergic’s piece gives a more intimate glimpse into how China’s musicians and fans are not just keeping the scene afloat, but creating community in a time of imposed isolation. A photo of a punk band live-streaming in masks and a hazmat suit to people’s amusement perhaps best sums things up. There’s necessity in making the best of a bad situation.


theverge--2020-02-17--Watch the first trailer for ‘Amazing Stories,’ Steven Spielberg’s Apple TV Plus show

Today , Apple posted a trailer for Amazing Stories , a new anthology series executive produced by legendary filmmaker Steven @ @ @ @ @ production company Amblin Entertainment .
The new series launches on Apple TV Plus on March @ @ @ @ @ Stories is a revival of Spielberg ’ s NBC series that first aired in 1985 @ @ @ @ @ its toes into fantasy , horror , and science fiction , and based on the @ @ @ @ @ the show will do the same .
The new trailer advertises “ five unique stories @ @ @ @ @ give glimpses of all of them , including one where a grandpa realizes he has @ @ @ @ @ has been in the works for some time now — The Wall Street Journal reported @ @ @ @ @ October 2017 that Apple had struck a deal to make the show .
Spielberg also @ @ @ @ @ for Apple TV Plus when the company announced the service in March 2019 .

Today, Apple posted a trailer for Amazing Stories, a new anthology series executive produced by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg and helmed by his production company Amblin Entertainment. The new series launches on Apple TV Plus on March 6th.
The new Amazing Stories is a revival of Spielberg’s NBC series that first aired in 1985. The original show dipped its toes into fantasy, horror, and science fiction, and based on the trailer, the revival of the show will do the same. The new trailer advertises “five unique stories,” and appears to give glimpses of all of them, including one where a grandpa realizes he has superhero powers.
Amazing Stories has been in the works for some time now — The Wall Street Journal reported all the way back in October 2017 that Apple had struck a deal to make the show. Spielberg also appeared in an introduction trailer for Apple TV Plus when the company announced the service in March 2019.


theverge--2020-02-17--Jeff Bezos commits $10 billion to fight climate change

Today , Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that he would be committing $ 10 billion to fight climate change through a new fund called the Bezos Earth Fund .
He announced new fund in a post on Instagram .
Amazon confirmed the existence of the fund to The Verge : Bezos said that the money will be used to help scientists , activists , NGOs , and “ any effort that offers a real possibility ” to help preserve the earth from the impact of climate change .
A person close to the fund told The Verge that it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but focus entirely on charitable giving .
The fund plans to begin issuing grants this summer , but right now , there are few hard details besides what Bezos shared on Instagram , so it ’ s unclear exactly how or when applications for grants will be accepted .
Bezos is worth about $ 130 billion , so committing $ 10 billion to philanthropy isn ’ t taking a huge chunk out of Bezos ’ net worth .
Bezos hasn ’ t been quite as vocal as other tech billionaires about his philanthropy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch announce a network of free nonprofit preschools to be built in low-income communities .
And in 2017 , he polled Twitter for philanthropy ideas that could assist people in need in the near-term .
Update 2:26PM ET : Updated with more information from a person close to the fund .

Today, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that he would be committing $10 billion to fight climate change through a new fund called the Bezos Earth Fund.
He announced new fund in a post on Instagram. Amazon confirmed the existence of the fund to The Verge:
Bezos said that the money will be used to help scientists, activists, NGOs, and “any effort that offers a real possibility” to help preserve the earth from the impact of climate change. A person close to the fund told The Verge that it would not engage in private sector investment, but focus entirely on charitable giving.
The fund plans to begin issuing grants this summer, but right now, there are few hard details besides what Bezos shared on Instagram, so it’s unclear exactly how or when applications for grants will be accepted.
Bezos is worth about $130 billion, so committing $10 billion to philanthropy isn’t taking a huge chunk out of Bezos’ net worth. Bezos hasn’t been quite as vocal as other tech billionaires about his philanthropy, though in 2018, he did launch announce a network of free nonprofit preschools to be built in low-income communities. And in 2017, he polled Twitter for philanthropy ideas that could assist people in need in the near-term.


theverge--2020-02-17--New email scheme threatens to get websites kicked off Google AdSense unless they pay bitcoin

A new email scam threatens website owners with a flood of bot traffic to get their Google AdSense accounts suspended , Krebs on Security reports .
By directing a large amount of bot traffic to a company ’ s banner ads , the scammers could trigger Google ’ s automated anti-fraud protection , which flags traffic that looks like “ automated clicking tools or traffic sources , ” as well as any attempts by ad publishers to artificially inflate impressions by clicking their own ads .
Under Google ’ s policies , such actions could result in an ad being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning few or no clicks on the ad , and less revenue for the publisher .
The scammers in the newest scheme promise not to unleash their bots on the publisher ’ s ad if the publisher sends a payment of $ 5,000 bitcoin .
Brian Krebs shared an example of an email one of his readers received : Very soon the warning notice from above will appear at the dashboard of your AdSense account undoubtedly !
This will happen due to the fact that we ’ re about to flood your site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web traffic with 100 % bounce ratio and thousands of IP ’ s in rotation — a nightmare for every AdSense publisher .
More also we ’ ll adjust our sophisticated bots to open , in endless cycle with different time duration , every AdSense banner which runs on your site .
So by temporarily boosting the traffic to an ad , the scam could potentially kill the ad ’ s future performance .
Google announced in August that in an effort to protect the quality of its ad networks , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invalid traffic .
The measures could include restricting an ad from being served if automated activity is detected .
In response to the latest email scam , Google told Krebs it looks like a threat of sabotage that the company considers “ extremely rare in practice , ” adding that it has safeguards built in to its enforcement mechanisms to prevent such schemes from succeeding .
AdSense publishers can contact Google to report any invalid ad clicks , and should contact its help center if they think they ’ ve been the victim @ @ @

A new email scam threatens website owners with a flood of bot traffic to get their Google AdSense accounts suspended, Krebs on Security reports.
By directing a large amount of bot traffic to a company’s banner ads, the scammers could trigger Google’s automated anti-fraud protection, which flags traffic that looks like “automated clicking tools or traffic sources,” as well as any attempts by ad publishers to artificially inflate impressions by clicking their own ads. Under Google’s policies, such actions could result in an ad being restricted until the matter is resolved, meaning few or no clicks on the ad, and less revenue for the publisher.
The scammers in the newest scheme promise not to unleash their bots on the publisher’s ad if the publisher sends a payment of $5,000 bitcoin. Brian Krebs shared an example of an email one of his readers received:
Very soon the warning notice from above will appear at the dashboard of your AdSense account undoubtedly! This will happen due to the fact that we’re about to flood your site with huge amount of direct bot generated web traffic with 100% bounce ratio and thousands of IP’s in rotation — a nightmare for every AdSense publisher. More also we’ll adjust our sophisticated bots to open, in endless cycle with different time duration, every AdSense banner which runs on your site.
So by temporarily boosting the traffic to an ad, the scam could potentially kill the ad’s future performance. Google announced in August that in an effort to protect the quality of its ad networks, it was “enhancing its defenses” to identify invalid traffic. The measures could include restricting an ad from being served if automated activity is detected.
In response to the latest email scam, Google told Krebs it looks like a threat of sabotage that the company considers “extremely rare in practice,” adding that it has safeguards built in to its enforcement mechanisms to prevent such schemes from succeeding.