theverge--2020-09-07--Calls to boycott Mulan rise after Disney release

Protests and calls for boycotts over Disney ’ s live-action adaptation of Mulan have sprung up again in wake of the film hitting Disney Plus .
Hashtags like # BoycottMulan have trended on Twitter following Mulan ’ s release on September 4th , but protests are tied to an incident that occurred in summer 2019 , Vulture reports .
Mulan actress and star Liu Yifei made comments last summer showing her support for police forces in Hong Kong at a time when people in Hong Kong were protesting newly suggested policies that would allow citizens to be extradited to mainland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a message on Weibo , a popular Chinese social media platform , that read “ I support Hong Kong ’ s police , you can beat me up now , ” according to The Hollywood Reporter .
Liu then added on Weibo in English , “ What a shame for Hong Kong.
” The remarks came at a time when the whole world was watching Hong Kong erupt into pro-democracy protests .
Notably , the NBA became involved in the situation after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s partner in China to refuse to carry two pre-season games .
The general manager eventually walked back his tweets , leading to more protests in support of Hong Kong stateside .
Apple also found itself at the center of controversy after it banned HK Map Live , a pro-democracy app used by protesters in Hong Kong .
“ It ’ s obviously a very complicated situation , and I ’ m not an expert ” Liu addressed her comments in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year , stating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very complicated situation , and I ’ m not an expert , ” and adding “ I just really hope this gets resolved soon ...
I think it ’ s just a very sensitive situation.
” Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn also spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in February , and talked briefly about Liu ’ s comments , noting that Disney tries to be “ non-political , apolitical when it comes to all this stuff.
” “ My feeling is , free speech is an important component of society , certainly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say what they want to say , ” Horn said .
“ I can ’ t speak for what Liu says in China — we didn ’ t know about it , what she was going to say — and that ’ s up to them.
” “ If Mulan doesn ’ t work in China , we have a problem ” This was all before Mulan was ever released .
Now , the film is here .
Disney is hoping for a big turnout at theaters in China where the movie was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Reporter that “ if Mulan doesn ’ t work in China , we have a problem.
” Since mainland China ’ s box office potential is much bigger than Hong Kong ’ s — 1.3 billion people compared to less than 10 million — protesters are asking for people worldwide to use the # BoycottDisney hashtag to bring awareness to issues they ’ ve listed .
Disney has a long and ongoing relationship with China , where its films often find success in theaters and where its Shanghai Disneyland theme park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing , and because Liu Yifei openly and proudly endorses police brutality in Hong Kong , I urge everyone who believes in human rights to # BoycottMulan , ” Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted on Friday .
Protesters are also asking people to boycott purchasing Mulan on Disney Plus or going to theaters to see the film in lieu of Disney having reportedly filmed part of the movie in Xinjiang .
Human rights activists and the United Nations have decried the Chinese government for its treatment of the Uighurs , a predominantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to New York Magazine .
The Chinese government has labeled “ Islam a contagious ‘ ideological illness , ” leading the government to quarantine more than one million Uighurs in reeducation camps , New York Magazine reported in 2018 .
Calls to boycott the film come at a time when the American government is banning , or looking to ban , high profile Chinese companies that the Trump administration deems national security threats .
Huawei and ZTE are no longer permitted to sell its products in the United States , while social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if parent company ByteDance fails to sell it to an American company like frontrunners Microsoft or Oracle .
Whether or not pressure from protesters to boycott Mulan worked may remain unclear for a while .
Disney doesn ’ t have to disclose how many digital copies of Mulan it ’ s sold via Disney Plus .
Theatrically , Mulan has generated $ 6 million in limited markets — including Thailand , Malaysia , and Singapore — in its first weekend .
The film is slated to be released in China on September 11th @

Protests and calls for boycotts over Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan have sprung up again in wake of the film hitting Disney Plus.
Hashtags like #BoycottMulan have trended on Twitter following Mulan’s release on September 4th, but protests are tied to an incident that occurred in summer 2019, Vulture reports. Mulan actress and star Liu Yifei made comments last summer showing her support for police forces in Hong Kong at a time when people in Hong Kong were protesting newly suggested policies that would allow citizens to be extradited to mainland China, the BBC reported.
Liu shared a message on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, that read “I support Hong Kong’s police, you can beat me up now,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Liu then added on Weibo in English, “What a shame for Hong Kong.”
The remarks came at a time when the whole world was watching Hong Kong erupt into pro-democracy protests. Notably, the NBA became involved in the situation after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support of the protests, leading to the NBA’s partner in China to refuse to carry two pre-season games. The general manager eventually walked back his tweets, leading to more protests in support of Hong Kong stateside. Apple also found itself at the center of controversy after it banned HK Map Live, a pro-democracy app used by protesters in Hong Kong.
“It’s obviously a very complicated situation, and I’m not an expert”
Liu addressed her comments in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year, stating that “it’s obviously a very complicated situation, and I’m not an expert,” and adding “I just really hope this gets resolved soon ... I think it’s just a very sensitive situation.” Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn also spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in February, and talked briefly about Liu’s comments, noting that Disney tries to be “non-political, apolitical when it comes to all this stuff.”
“My feeling is, free speech is an important component of society, certainly, and folks ought to be able to say what they want to say,” Horn said. “I can’t speak for what Liu says in China — we didn’t know about it, what she was going to say — and that’s up to them.”
“If Mulan doesn’t work in China, we have a problem”
This was all before Mulan was ever released. Now, the film is here. Disney is hoping for a big turnout at theaters in China where the movie was always expected to perform better. Horn told the Reporter that “if Mulan doesn’t work in China, we have a problem.” Since mainland China’s box office potential is much bigger than Hong Kong’s — 1.3 billion people compared to less than 10 million — protesters are asking for people worldwide to use the #BoycottDisney hashtag to bring awareness to issues they’ve listed. Disney has a long and ongoing relationship with China, where its films often find success in theaters and where its Shanghai Disneyland theme park resides.
“Because Disney kowtows to Beijing, and because Liu Yifei openly and proudly endorses police brutality in Hong Kong, I urge everyone who believes in human rights to #BoycottMulan,” Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted on Friday.
Protesters are also asking people to boycott purchasing Mulan on Disney Plus or going to theaters to see the film in lieu of Disney having reportedly filmed part of the movie in Xinjiang. Human rights activists and the United Nations have decried the Chinese government for its treatment of the Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim, Turkic ethnic group, according to New York Magazine. The Chinese government has labeled “Islam a contagious ‘ideological illness,” leading the government to quarantine more than one million Uighurs in reeducation camps, New York Magazine reported in 2018.
Whether or not pressure from protesters to boycott Mulan worked may remain unclear for a while. Disney doesn’t have to disclose how many digital copies of Mulan it’s sold via Disney Plus. Theatrically, Mulan has generated $6 million in limited markets — including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore — in its first weekend. The film is slated to be released in China on September 11th.


theverge--2020-09-07--TikTok is racing to stop the spread of a gruesome video

TikTok is trying to remove graphic videos circulating the app that show a man shooting himself with a gun , and banning accounts from people who are re-uploading the clip .
TikTok says the clip was originally streamed on Facebook and has appeared on other apps .
As the TikTok community became aware of the clip , many creators started posting videos warning their followers to look out for an image — a man sitting in front of his desk with a grey beard — and swipe away from the video .
Other creators spoke about the most disturbing part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innocuous looking TikToks .
A TikTok representative confirmed to The Verge that “ clips of a suicide ” started circulating on Sunday night .
“ Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays , praises , glorifies , or promotes suicide , ” the spokesperson said .
“ We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips , and we appreciate our community members who ’ ve reported content and warned others against watching , engaging , or sharing such videos on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person and their family.
” These types of videos have appeared on other sites in the past , including Facebook , Instagram , and Reddit .
Since TikTok videos are surfaced into one main feed — known as the For You Page — that people scroll through , it can be harder to avoid the footage .
That could explain why the TikTok community is trying to be extra vigilant about warning others about the imagery in the video .
Warnings have also started popping up on Instagram where clips of the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents have spoken about their children and teenagers coming across the video , and the toll it ’ s taken .
“ If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone who is , we encourage them to seek support , and we provide access to hotlines directly from our app and in our Safety Center , ” the spokesperson said .

TikTok is trying to remove graphic videos circulating the app that show a man shooting himself with a gun, and banning accounts from people who are re-uploading the clip.
TikTok says the clip was originally streamed on Facebook and has appeared on other apps. As the TikTok community became aware of the clip, many creators started posting videos warning their followers to look out for an image — a man sitting in front of his desk with a grey beard — and swipe away from the video. Other creators spoke about the most disturbing part of the video being hidden inside more innocuous looking TikToks. A TikTok representative confirmed to The Verge that “clips of a suicide” started circulating on Sunday night.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help: In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US, at any time, about any type of crisis. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to contact what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The original phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is available as well. The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 Outside the US: The International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them. Befrienders Worldwide
“Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide,” the spokesperson said. “We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who’ve reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.”
These types of videos have appeared on other sites in the past, including Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit. Since TikTok videos are surfaced into one main feed — known as the For You Page — that people scroll through, it can be harder to avoid the footage. That could explain why the TikTok community is trying to be extra vigilant about warning others about the imagery in the video. Warnings have also started popping up on Instagram where clips of the video are circulating. On sites like Twitter, parents have spoken about their children and teenagers coming across the video, and the toll it’s taken.


theverge--2020-09-07--Biden campaign enlists teen’s Instagram account for online organizing

The Joe Biden campaign is taking over a popular Instagram account from a teen supporter , who built a huge following over their summer break .
Formerly a fan account , @ VoteJoe account will now serve as the campaign ’ s primary point of grassroots outreach on Instagram , supplementing Biden ’ s personal account .
The account began as @ TeamJoeBiden and launched earlier this year by a 15-year-old supporter from California .
The young supporter spent their summer creating content for the account which quickly grew to over 85,000 followers .
The campaign contacted the owner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could acquire it and switch it over as an official campaign channel .
Now , the account ’ s former owner will be volunteering for the campaign and will continue to make content after school alongside Biden ’ s Social Media and Audience Development team .
“ as a result of COVID , we ’ re having these political conversations online.
” The @ VoteJoe account now has over 93,000 followers as of publication .
Before joining the campaign , the account largely posted quasi-official content like clips from Billie Eilish ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ galleries that could easily be mistaken for official campaign messaging .
Now , the campaign says it plans to use the account to boost user-generated content from Biden supporters , whether it ’ s videos or screenshots of tweets .
The campaign is also planning Instagram stories that mirror the PowerPoint-style activism that ’ s grown popular on Instagram over the last few months .
“ What we ’ ve seen blowing up in places both in and outside of politics is a focus on shareable content , ” Sarah J. Galvez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Biden campaign , told The Verge .
“ Previous to this , you would have these conversations with your friends , your colleagues , and your family in person .
But as a result of COVID , we ’ re having these political conversations online.
” This isn ’ t the first time a campaign has harnessed organic online support .
Progressives like Bernie Sanders and Sen. Ed Markey launched TikTok accounts earlier this year that allowed supporters to submit videos to be posted on the official channel .
Staff from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the memes they created throughout his 2020 primary run against Rep. Joe Kennedy III ( D-MA ) .
Over the last week , the Biden campaign has ramped up its online organizing efforts .
Last Tuesday , the campaign announced that it was launching official designs in Animal Crossing : New Horizons for voters looking to put virtual yard signs in front of their island homes to show their support .
The campaign also partnered up with the celebrity video platform Cameo as part of its broader online fundraising efforts .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hollywood celebrities for official Instagram Live chats with campaign officials and supporters , according to Axios .

The Joe Biden campaign is taking over a popular Instagram account from a teen supporter, who built a huge following over their summer break. Formerly a fan account, @VoteJoe account will now serve as the campaign’s primary point of grassroots outreach on Instagram, supplementing Biden’s personal account.
The account began as @TeamJoeBiden and launched earlier this year by a 15-year-old supporter from California. The young supporter spent their summer creating content for the account which quickly grew to over 85,000 followers. The campaign contacted the owner of the account earlier this year asking if they could acquire it and switch it over as an official campaign channel. Now, the account’s former owner will be volunteering for the campaign and will continue to make content after school alongside Biden’s Social Media and Audience Development team.
“as a result of COVID, we’re having these political conversations online.”
The @VoteJoe account now has over 93,000 followers as of publication.
Before joining the campaign, the account largely posted quasi-official content like clips from Billie Eilish’s DNC appearance and information-based Instagram feed galleries that could easily be mistaken for official campaign messaging. Now, the campaign says it plans to use the account to boost user-generated content from Biden supporters, whether it’s videos or screenshots of tweets. The campaign is also planning Instagram stories that mirror the PowerPoint-style activism that’s grown popular on Instagram over the last few months.
“What we’ve seen blowing up in places both in and outside of politics is a focus on shareable content,” Sarah J. Galvez, director of social and audience development for the Biden campaign, told The Verge. “Previous to this, you would have these conversations with your friends, your colleagues, and your family in person. But as a result of COVID, we’re having these political conversations online.”
This isn’t the first time a campaign has harnessed organic online support. Progressives like Bernie Sanders and Sen. Ed Markey launched TikTok accounts earlier this year that allowed supporters to submit videos to be posted on the official channel. Staff from the Markey campaign frequently interacted with their supporters and the memes they created throughout his 2020 primary run against Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA).


theverge--2020-09-07--Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 is down to its lowest price on Amazon

Last month , Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 3 as part of its current lineup , and compared to its predecessors , it came with an expensive starting price of $ 400 .
Fortunately , the watch is now down to its lowest price yet .
You can buy the 45mm size in black for only $ 365 on Amazon — this version of the watch usually retails for $ 430 .
The Galaxy Watch 3 is a successor to Samsung ’ s 2018 Galaxy Watch , and includes an OLED display with a rotating bezel .
Aside from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also includes a fall detection feature that will notify a contact when a fall is detected and later this year , the watch is expected to gain new smarts , allowing you to monitor your blood oxygen levels .
If you are looking for a new Samsung smartwatch , but the $ 365 price tag intimidates you , the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also on sale on Amazon .
Both the 40mm and 44mm sizes are on sale at $ 229 and $ 249 , respectively .
There ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Silver , and Pink Gold are on sale for both sizes .
If you aren ’ t looking for a smartwatch , there are still some great deals on charging docks .
Anker has up to 30 % in savings on Amazon .
A standout deal is the PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock , which is $ 240 .
This Thunderbolt dock includes a 13-port design with a slew of front ports , such as a 3/5 , AUX port , an SD card slot , and a USB-C port with up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal spotlights include the PowerPort Atom III 65W four-port charger , which is $ 46 right now and might be good if you are stuck at your desk for most of the day and require a lot of USB ports .
It also includes a USB-C port that has enough power to charge laptops such as the MacBook Air and Dell XPS 13 at full speed .
If you need a wireless charger instead , you can buy two Anker Wireless Chargers for $ 26 .
The charging pad is compatible with several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPhone 11 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S20 .
Of course , these are not the only deals going on this Labor Day weekend .
The US holiday brings a slew of discounts across several retailers , so if you are in the market for some new tech , check out the best Labor Day 2020 tech deals .

Last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 3 as part of its current lineup, and compared to its predecessors, it came with an expensive starting price of $400. Fortunately, the watch is now down to its lowest price yet. You can buy the 45mm size in black for only $365 on Amazon — this version of the watch usually retails for $430.
The Galaxy Watch 3 is a successor to Samsung’s 2018 Galaxy Watch, and includes an OLED display with a rotating bezel. Aside from the standard smartwatch functions the Galaxy Watch 3 also includes a fall detection feature that will notify a contact when a fall is detected and later this year, the watch is expected to gain new smarts, allowing you to monitor your blood oxygen levels.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (Bluetooth-only, Black) / Was $429.99, now 15% off $365.30 at Amazon
If you are looking for a new Samsung smartwatch, but the $365 price tag intimidates you, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also on sale on Amazon. Both the 40mm and 44mm sizes are on sale at $229 and $249, respectively. There’s more flexibility on color options as the Black, Silver, and Pink Gold are on sale for both sizes.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 2 Active Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
If you aren’t looking for a smartwatch, there are still some great deals on charging docks. Anker has up to 30% in savings on Amazon. A standout deal is the PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock, which is $240. This Thunderbolt dock includes a 13-port design with a slew of front ports, such as a 3/5, AUX port, an SD card slot, and a USB-C port with up to 85W of power.
Anker Docking Station, PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock / Was $299.99, now 20% off $239.99 on Amazon
Other Anker deal spotlights include the PowerPort Atom III 65W four-port charger, which is $46 right now and might be good if you are stuck at your desk for most of the day and require a lot of USB ports. It also includes a USB-C port that has enough power to charge laptops such as the MacBook Air and Dell XPS 13 at full speed. If you need a wireless charger instead, you can buy two Anker Wireless Chargers for $26. The charging pad is compatible with several Apple and Samsung phones, including the iPhone 11 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S20.


theverge--2020-09-07--Minecraft is coming to PlayStation VR as a free upgrade later this month

Minecraft is getting a free upgrade making the game playable in PlayStation VR later this month , developer Mojang Studios announced in a blog post today .
Fans have been asking for PSVR Minecraft for a while now .
Although the ever-popular game is already available to play on various virtual reality platforms ( it launched on the Oculus Rift back in 2016 , for example ) , Sony ’ s VR hardware has until now been overlooked .
Mojang says the upgrade will come as a free download patch for all players some time later this month .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get that patch automatically , ” says the studio .
“ Download that patch and you ’ ll get access to the new Minecraft VR functionality .
Of course , you ’ ll need a PS VR setup in order to use it.
” Mojang also shared screenshots of what appeared to be Minecraft in PS VR , as seen below : The company says that the PS VR version of Minecraft will be “ 100 % the same Minecraft game that you can play every day , every week , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nothing removed .
100 % wholesome & pure full-fat Minecraft.
” There are some small tweaks , but those will be mainly to the interface and set-up for VR .
Players will be able to use the PS4 controller to move about and take action , while looking around them using the PS VR headset .
Mojang says the game will have two separate modes , Immersive and Living Room , but didn ’ t go into detail about what these will entail .
Minecraft continues to be a runaway success , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this year , Microsoft , which acquired Mojang back in 2014 , said sales of the game now topped 200 million across various platforms , with a spike of usage occurring during the onset of the pandemic .

Minecraft is getting a free upgrade making the game playable in PlayStation VR later this month, developer Mojang Studios announced in a blog post today.
Fans have been asking for PSVR Minecraft for a while now. Although the ever-popular game is already available to play on various virtual reality platforms (it launched on the Oculus Rift back in 2016, for example), Sony’s VR hardware has until now been overlooked. Mojang says the upgrade will come as a free download patch for all players some time later this month.
“Everyone who has Minecraft on PlayStation 4 will get that patch automatically,” says the studio. “Download that patch and you’ll get access to the new Minecraft VR functionality. Of course, you’ll need a PS VR setup in order to use it.”
Mojang also shared screenshots of what appeared to be Minecraft in PS VR, as seen below:
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The company says that the PS VR version of Minecraft will be “100% the same Minecraft game that you can play every day, every week, every month, every year…on PlayStation 4. Nothing removed. 100% wholesome & pure full-fat Minecraft.”
There are some small tweaks, but those will be mainly to the interface and set-up for VR. Players will be able to use the PS4 controller to move about and take action, while looking around them using the PS VR headset. Mojang says the game will have two separate modes, Immersive and Living Room, but didn’t go into detail about what these will entail.


theverge--2020-09-07--Here’s what you need to run Crysis Remastered on PC

After a two-month delay following an underwhelming trailer , Crysis Remastered is finally launching on PC , PS4 , and Xbox One this month .
Ahead of its release , Crytek has unveiled the system requirements needed to run the game on your computer , and shockingly you won ’ t need a supercomputer this time .
While the recommended specs only require a 7th-gen Intel CPU or an AMD Ryzen 5 , 12GB of RAM , and either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon Vega 56 GPU , it ’ s unlikely you will take full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features , such as ray tracing .
Crytek unveiled a new graphical setting in the game called “ Can it Run Crysis ?
” But , if you have a higher-end PC , you ’ ll leverage a lot of that horsepower to run the game .
If you really want to test how powerful your build is , Crytek unveiled a new graphical setting in the game called “ Can it Run Crysis ?
” which Crytek says is “ designed to demand every last bit of your hardware with unlimited settings.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is a meme that has been ongoing since the original Crysis launched in 2007 .
Following Crysis ’ s release , critics and fans praised the game for its graphical fidelity .
For years , the original version remained a benchmark for gamers looking to test their rigs ’ hardware .

After a two-month delay following an underwhelming trailer, Crysis Remastered is finally launching on PC, PS4, and Xbox One this month. Ahead of its release, Crytek has unveiled the system requirements needed to run the game on your computer, and shockingly you won’t need a supercomputer this time.
While the recommended specs only require a 7th-gen Intel CPU or an AMD Ryzen 5, 12GB of RAM, and either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon Vega 56 GPU, it’s unlikely you will take full advantage of the game’s new features, such as ray tracing.
Crytek unveiled a new graphical setting in the game called “Can it Run Crysis?”
But, if you have a higher-end PC, you’ll leverage a lot of that horsepower to run the game. If you really want to test how powerful your build is, Crytek unveiled a new graphical setting in the game called “Can it Run Crysis?” which Crytek says is “designed to demand every last bit of your hardware with unlimited settings.”


theverge--2020-09-08--Pharmaceutical companies sign vaccine safety pledge

Nine rival companies have pledged that any coronavirus vaccine they produce will be developed and tested with “ high ethical standards and sound scientific principles.
” The statement appears to be an effort by the pharmaceutical industry to quell public concerns that the vaccine approval process may be influenced by politics or other interests instead of safety .
The statement , signed by the CEO of each company says : “ We believe this pledge will help ensure public confidence in the rigorous scientific and regulatory process by which COVID-19 vaccines are evaluated and may ultimately be approved.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday .
Among other things , the statement promises that the companies will “ always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority.
” The statement comes a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s preliminary plans for vaccine distribution surfaced .
Those documents asked local and state governments to start drawing up their initial plans for vaccine distribution , and they mentioned that “ limited COVID -19 vaccine doses may be available by early November 2020 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority.
” Experts have since said that they consider that timeline “ extremely unlikely ” and have emphasized the importance of preparing a complex distribution system in advance .
But the timing , right before the US presidential election , exacerbated existing fears that the race to find a vaccine was becoming politicized .
Even before the CDC documents were published , 78 percent of Americans worried that the approval process for the coronavirus vaccine was being driven more by politics than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STAT News .
Four of the companies that have signed the pledge— Pfizer , BioNTech , Moderna , and AstraZeneca — have vaccines in large phase three clinical trials .
( Pfizer and BioNTech are working together on one candidate that has reached this level . )
This phase , which involves tens of thousands of volunteers , is used to prove that the vaccine candidates are both safe and effective .
If data from one of those trials shows promise , the developer can choose to send the information to the Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power to approve vaccines in the United States .
The approval process is rigorous , and usually , it can take years .
But the FDA has indicated that it may be willing to issue an Emergency Use Authorization for this vaccine , which takes much less time .
Recent emergency authorizations for COVID-19 treatments have proven highly controversial .
Less than two weeks after the FDA authorized the use of convalescent plasma , a panel at the National Institutes of Health said there wasn ’ t enough data for them to recommend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this year , the FDA issued an emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine , then revoked the order , finding that it wasn ’ t likely to be effective and had serious side effects .
If a vaccine gets emergency authorization , the company ( or companies ) that produce it don ’ t want to go through the same back-and-forth .
That ’ s one reason that the vaccine developers are making a public pledge that they won ’ t ask the FDA for approval until they have data from these phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both safe and effective .
They already have an idea of what benchmarks they need to meet .
In addition to demonstrating that the vaccine is safe , to get FDA approval , a vaccine will have to show that it is 50 percent more effective than a placebo , FDA head Stephen Hahn said in June .
In addition to the promises to put the well-being of vaccinated people first and to not ask the FDA to approve or authorize a vaccine without strong data from phase three trials , the companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To “ continue to adhere to high scientific and ethical standards regarding the conduct of clinical trials and the rigor of manufacturing processes ” • And to “ work to ensure a sufficient supply and range of vaccine options , including those suitable for global access ” Approximately 37 vaccines are in various stages of human trials , according to The New York Times ’ vaccine tracker , with many others still being tested in animals or in development .

Nine rival companies have pledged that any coronavirus vaccine they produce will be developed and tested with “high ethical standards and sound scientific principles.” The statement appears to be an effort by the pharmaceutical industry to quell public concerns that the vaccine approval process may be influenced by politics or other interests instead of safety.
The statement, signed by the CEO of each company says: “We believe this pledge will help ensure public confidence in the rigorous scientific and regulatory process by which COVID-19 vaccines are evaluated and may ultimately be approved.”
The companies’ plans for the pledge were first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday. Among other things, the statement promises that the companies will “always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority.”
The statement comes a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s preliminary plans for vaccine distribution surfaced. Those documents asked local and state governments to start drawing up their initial plans for vaccine distribution, and they mentioned that “limited COVID -19 vaccine doses may be available by early November 2020” or by late October 2020.
“Always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority.”
Experts have since said that they consider that timeline “extremely unlikely” and have emphasized the importance of preparing a complex distribution system in advance. But the timing, right before the US presidential election, exacerbated existing fears that the race to find a vaccine was becoming politicized. Even before the CDC documents were published, 78 percent of Americans worried that the approval process for the coronavirus vaccine was being driven more by politics than science, according to a poll from STAT News.
Four of the companies that have signed the pledge— Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca — have vaccines in large phase three clinical trials. (Pfizer and BioNTech are working together on one candidate that has reached this level.) This phase, which involves tens of thousands of volunteers, is used to prove that the vaccine candidates are both safe and effective.
If data from one of those trials shows promise, the developer can choose to send the information to the Food and Drug Administration, which has the power to approve vaccines in the United States. The approval process is rigorous, and usually, it can take years. But the FDA has indicated that it may be willing to issue an Emergency Use Authorization for this vaccine, which takes much less time.
Recent emergency authorizations for COVID-19 treatments have proven highly controversial
Recent emergency authorizations for COVID-19 treatments have proven highly controversial. Less than two weeks after the FDA authorized the use of convalescent plasma, a panel at the National Institutes of Health said there wasn’t enough data for them to recommend plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 patients. Earlier this year, the FDA issued an emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine, then revoked the order, finding that it wasn’t likely to be effective and had serious side effects.
If a vaccine gets emergency authorization, the company (or companies) that produce it don’t want to go through the same back-and-forth. That’s one reason that the vaccine developers are making a public pledge that they won’t ask the FDA for approval until they have data from these phase three trials that shows a vaccine is both safe and effective.
They already have an idea of what benchmarks they need to meet. In addition to demonstrating that the vaccine is safe, to get FDA approval, a vaccine will have to show that it is 50 percent more effective than a placebo, FDA head Stephen Hahn said in June.
In addition to the promises to put the well-being of vaccinated people first and to not ask the FDA to approve or authorize a vaccine without strong data from phase three trials, the companies also made two other pledges:
To “continue to adhere to high scientific and ethical standards regarding the conduct of clinical trials and the rigor of manufacturing processes”
And to “work to ensure a sufficient supply and range of vaccine options, including those suitable for global access”


theverge--2020-09-08--The artist behind Alto’s Adventure has a new studio focused on ‘folk’ games

As the Alto series grew , so did the team behind it .
With Alto ’ s Adventure , the game was made in collaboration between Toronto studio Snowman and English artist and developer Harry Nesbitt .
But as the franchise expanded with new platforms and with a sequel , Nesbitt brought on more help .
Eventually , they started working under the moniker “ Team Alto.
” Now , after a lot of soul searching , Nesbitt is announcing the launch of a brand-new studio called Land & Sea , which will continue to work on the series but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the studio is something the group has been thinking about for some time .
“ After the dust began to settle from launching Alto ’ s Adventure , I started asking myself what kind of games I ’ d really like to be making in the future , and how to go about reaching that goal , ” he tells The Verge .
“ It was clear it wasn ’ t sustainable to continue working as a sole developer , so I quickly began looking to bring on new folks to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help support the Alto games , but we quickly began thinking about new ideas , too.
” The team consists of Nesbitt and producer Jair McBain , as well as regular contributors Todd Baker ( composer on Monument Valley 2 and Alto ’ s Odyssey ) , designer Joe Grainger ( Alto ’ s Odyssey ) , and writer / narrative designer Jenna Jovi .
The team is also looking to grow with additional staff .
Land & Sea will continue to work with Snowman on the Alto series , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with new titles , described as “ folk ” games .
Here ’ s how Nesbitt explains the philosophy : For us , the idea of “ folk games ” speaks to a kind of groundedness in the things we make ; an earthy , honest quality that evokes a strong sense of time and place .
Even if what we ’ re depicting is quite minimal , we still want the player to feel like it belongs to something much larger ; a nuanced world that exists beyond the edge of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve put the game down .
It ’ s also about the kinds of stories we want to tell — stories that are ultimately about ordinary people , often with a humble way of life and a strong connection to the landscape around them .
We were able to begin exploring some of these ideas with the Alto games , but were limited in how directly we could tell a more traditional story , simply due to the procedural nature of the games .
That said , even though a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indirectly , we were still blown away by just how much players seemed to connect with the characters and the world , in ways we couldn ’ t have predicted .
It ’ s these elements that we really want to build on for the new games we ’ re working on .
In many ways they ’ re a very natural extension of the work we ’ ve done up until now .
The team isn ’ t ready to reveal their first project yet — though you can check out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article — but the plan is to explore more narrative-focused experiences .
The team describes its first game as “ an accessible , coming-of-age folktale set against an ancient pastoral landscape.
” Storytelling is an element that became increasingly important in Alto ’ s Odyssey , and it ’ s something Nesbitt wants to dig into further , but without relying on well-worn tropes like dialogue or cutscenes .
“ With the Alto games , we really only began to scratch the surface with the kinds of stories we want to tell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s an opportunity to put the narrative much more front and center for what we ’ re working on next .
We want players to feel like they ’ ve gone on a journey and perhaps learned something about themselves or the world around them .
Our characters won ’ t necessarily be the same at the end as they were at the beginning , and we hope that can be true in some small way for the players themselves.
” It also might not be long before we learn more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ We ’ re not able to commit to anything concrete just yet , but are hoping to reveal more details in the coming months .
”

For us, the idea of “folk games” speaks to a kind of groundedness in the things we make; an earthy, honest quality that evokes a strong sense of time and place. Even if what we’re depicting is quite minimal, we still want the player to feel like it belongs to something much larger; a nuanced world that exists beyond the edge of the screen and stays with you long after you’ve put the game down.
It’s also about the kinds of stories we want to tell — stories that are ultimately about ordinary people, often with a humble way of life and a strong connection to the landscape around them. We were able to begin exploring some of these ideas with the Alto games, but were limited in how directly we could tell a more traditional story, simply due to the procedural nature of the games. That said, even though a lot of narrative elements had to be implied indirectly, we were still blown away by just how much players seemed to connect with the characters and the world, in ways we couldn’t have predicted.
It’s these elements that we really want to build on for the new games we’re working on. In many ways they’re a very natural extension of the work we’ve done up until now.


theverge--2020-09-08--GM acquires stake in electric truck maker Nikola, will help make the company’s first vehicle

General Motors is taking an 11 percent stake in electric truck startup Nikola , the companies announced on Tuesday .
As part of the deal , GM will help Nikola engineer and manufacture its battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles , including the Badger pickup truck .
Nikola , which went public through a “ reverse merger ” with a special acquisition company earlier this year , will “ exchange $ 2 billion in newly issued common stock for the in-kind services and access to General Motors ’ global safety-tested and validated parts and components , ” the companies announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one director to Nikola ’ s board .
GM will supply hydrogen fuel cells to Nikola for its Class 7 and Class 8 semi trucks GM will supply hydrogen fuel cells to Nikola for its Class 7 and Class 8 semi trucks .
Nikola will remain an independent company and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of the Badger , which was first announced in February and will make its official debut in early December .
Nikola says it expects to start production on the Badger in “ late 2022 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 , Nikola set out to make zero-emission big rigs using hydrogen fuel cell technology .
While a number of companies like Tesla , Daimler , Freightliner , and other established players and startups are working on all-electric trucks , Nikola is one of the only ones pursuing hydrogen-powered big rigs .
However it gets done , though , switching big rigs over to zero-emission powertrains could help put a big dent into the pollution caused by the transportation sector .
The startup has developed three different trucks , with the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and European markets .
But the company has since developed versions of its trucks that are battery-powered , too , for companies that don ’ t need as much range as the hydrogen-powered versions provide .
Hydrogen-powered vehicles have never really caught on in the passenger car space because there ’ s been very little investment in the necessary infrastructure .
Where companies like Tesla and multiple governments and clean energy groups have spent the last decade building out relatively vast networks of electric vehicle chargers , only a handful of hydrogen filling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to take the tech it ’ s developing for its big rigs and apply it to different form factors .
Last year , the company showed off an electric personal watercraft and a four-wheeled electric off-road utility vehicle .
Meanwhile , GM is in the midst of a $ 20 billion pivot to an “ all-electric future ” that includes spending $ 2.2 billion to retrofit its first “ fully-dedicated ” electric vehicle assembly plant and the development of its modular battery-electric platform , Ultium .
Recently , Wall Street investors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its EV business , which is estimated to be worth up to $ 100 billion .
Nikola will be responsible for the sales and marketing for the Badger and will retain the Nikola Badger brand .
The Badger was first announced on February 10th , 2020 , and it will make its public debut December 3rd–5th , at Nikola World 2020 in Arizona .
Badger production is expected to start in late 2022 at a location to be announced at a later date .

General Motors is taking an 11 percent stake in electric truck startup Nikola, the companies announced on Tuesday. As part of the deal, GM will help Nikola engineer and manufacture its battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including the Badger pickup truck.
Nikola, which went public through a “reverse merger” with a special acquisition company earlier this year, will “exchange $2 billion in newly issued common stock for the in-kind services and access to General Motors’ global safety-tested and validated parts and components,” the companies announced. GM will also get to nominate one director to Nikola’s board.
GM will supply hydrogen fuel cells to Nikola for its Class 7 and Class 8 semi trucks
GM will supply hydrogen fuel cells to Nikola for its Class 7 and Class 8 semi trucks. Nikola will remain an independent company and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of the Badger, which was first announced in February and will make its official debut in early December. Nikola says it expects to start production on the Badger in “late 2022” at an undetermined location.
Founded in 2015, Nikola set out to make zero-emission big rigs using hydrogen fuel cell technology. While a number of companies like Tesla, Daimler, Freightliner, and other established players and startups are working on all-electric trucks, Nikola is one of the only ones pursuing hydrogen-powered big rigs. However it gets done, though, switching big rigs over to zero-emission powertrains could help put a big dent into the pollution caused by the transportation sector.
The startup has developed three different trucks, with the last two aimed at mass production in the US and European markets. But the company has since developed versions of its trucks that are battery-powered, too, for companies that don’t need as much range as the hydrogen-powered versions provide.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles have never really caught on in the passenger car space because there’s been very little investment in the necessary infrastructure. Where companies like Tesla and multiple governments and clean energy groups have spent the last decade building out relatively vast networks of electric vehicle chargers, only a handful of hydrogen filling stations exist to date.
Nikola also wants to take the tech it’s developing for its big rigs and apply it to different form factors. Last year, the company showed off an electric personal watercraft and a four-wheeled electric off-road utility vehicle.
Meanwhile, GM is in the midst of a $20 billion pivot to an “all-electric future” that includes spending $2.2 billion to retrofit its first “fully-dedicated” electric vehicle assembly plant and the development of its modular battery-electric platform, Ultium. Recently, Wall Street investors have begun pressuring the automaker to spin off its EV business, which is estimated to be worth up to $100 billion.


theverge--2020-09-08--Peloton announces new cheaper treadmill and pricier Bike Plus

Peloton has doubled its product lineup , announcing a cheaper treadmill and more expensive exercise bike .
The new treadmill , called the Tread , will be available for $ 2,495 starting in “ early 2021 , ” while the exercise bike , the Bike Plus , will also sell for $ 2,495 from September 9th in the US , UK , Canada , and Germany .
As a result of the launches , the original Peloton Tread has been renamed the Tread Plus ( $ 4,295 ) , while the original Bike keeps its name but has a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard reports last week that this new equipment was coming , and it ’ s no surprise considering how Peloton ’ s business has grown during the pandemic .
With gyms closed and more people keen to work out from home , the company has seen sales grow 66 percent year over year , although it ’ s often struggled to keep up with this demand .
Peloton ’ s sales are up 66 percent year over year The new Tread and Bike Plus follow the same formula as Peloton ’ s earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built-in screens .
The big upgrade for the Bike Plus is a rotating 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and improved speakers that make it easier to follow along with Peloton ’ s other non-bike workouts , like yoga and strength training .
The Bike Plus also now offers Apple GymKit integration , meaning you can log your workouts by simply tapping your Apple Watch on the frame .
You can see the bike in more detail below : The new treadmill has fewer upgrades , as you ’ d expect for a product that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
It has the same 23.8-inch touchscreen as the Bike Plus , but it doesn ’ t rotate .
Instead , it tilts up and down for extra visibility .
Peloton has also swapped the slatted belt design of its original treadmill for a cheaper continuous belt loop .
The new treadmill is also smaller than the newly renamed Tread Plus , with dimensions of 68 inches L x 33 inches W x 62 inches H. Peloton has managed to remove the front shroud from the design , though , common in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more premium look and enjoyable running track .
For clarity ’ s sake , see below for what Peloton ’ s new product lineup and prices look like as of September 9th .
You can also trade in an original Peloton Bike for a $ 700 rebate and free Yoga & Toning accessories set .
And remember , if you want access to all of Peloton ’ s classes , you ’ ll also need to pay for a $ 39 monthly subscription .
• The new Peloton Bike Plus ( $ @ @ @

Peloton has doubled its product lineup, announcing a cheaper treadmill and more expensive exercise bike. The new treadmill, called the Tread, will be available for $2,495 starting in “early 2021,” while the exercise bike, the Bike Plus, will also sell for $2,495 from September 9th in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. As a result of the launches, the original Peloton Tread has been renamed the Tread Plus ($4,295), while the original Bike keeps its name but has a lower price tag of $1,895.
We heard reports last week that this new equipment was coming, and it’s no surprise considering how Peloton’s business has grown during the pandemic. With gyms closed and more people keen to work out from home, the company has seen sales grow 66 percent year over year, although it’s often struggled to keep up with this demand.
Peloton’s sales are up 66 percent year over year
The new Tread and Bike Plus follow the same formula as Peloton’s earlier products, offering slick virtual classes via built-in screens. The big upgrade for the Bike Plus is a rotating 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and improved speakers that make it easier to follow along with Peloton’s other non-bike workouts, like yoga and strength training. The Bike Plus also now offers Apple GymKit integration, meaning you can log your workouts by simply tapping your Apple Watch on the frame. You can see the bike in more detail below:
The new treadmill has fewer upgrades, as you’d expect for a product that’s coming in at a lower price point. It has the same 23.8-inch touchscreen as the Bike Plus, but it doesn’t rotate. Instead, it tilts up and down for extra visibility. Peloton has also swapped the slatted belt design of its original treadmill for a cheaper continuous belt loop. The new treadmill is also smaller than the newly renamed Tread Plus, with dimensions of 68 inches L x 33 inches W x 62 inches H. Peloton has managed to remove the front shroud from the design, though, common in many treadmills, which helps give it a more premium look and enjoyable running track.
For clarity’s sake, see below for what Peloton’s new product lineup and prices look like as of September 9th. You can also trade in an original Peloton Bike for a $700 rebate and free Yoga & Toning accessories set. And remember, if you want access to all of Peloton’s classes, you’ll also need to pay for a $39 monthly subscription.


theverge--2020-09-08--Netflix CEO Reed Hastings says employees will return to offices when majority are vaccinated

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings says he doesn ’ t expect his company ’ s employees to return to the office until the “ majority ” are vaccinated — a shifting deadline that will probably see staff working from home into 2021 given current time frames for vaccine development .
Netflix is one of many Silicon Valley firms currently trying to balance a desire to keep its employees safe while maintaining the sort of in-person interactions that can define a company ’ s culture .
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal , Hastings made it clear he thought working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that he ’ d be pushing for a return to the office as soon as possible .
Here ’ s what he told the WSJ : WSJ : Have you seen benefits from people working at home ?
Mr. Hastings : No .
I don ’ t see any positives .
Not being able to get together in person , particularly internationally , is a pure negative .
I ’ ve been super impressed at people ’ s sacrifices .
WSJ : It ’ s been anticipated that many companies will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees even after the Covid-19 crisis .
What do you think ?
Mr. Hastings : If I had to guess , the five-day workweek will become four days in the office while one day is virtual from home .
I ’ d bet that ’ s where a lot of companies end up .
WSJ : Do you have a date in mind for when your workforce returns to the office ?
Mr. Hastings : It ’ s probably six months after a vaccine .
Once we can get a majority of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in the office .
Although Hastings sounds more anti-remote-work than some other Silicon Valley execs , the time frame he suggests for a return to the office doesn ’ t differ too much from other firms .
Facebook has said it will let employees work remotely until July 2021 and has cancelled physical events through June that year .
Amazon and Microsoft have both said they don ’ t plan a return to the office until at least January next year , while Google has said it plans to keep employees working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In all these cases , though , it ’ s expected there will be a degree of flexibility .
The danger posed by the pandemic will continue to ebb and flow in different locations , and workers around the world are expected to change their time frames if required .
In Netflix ’ s case , it seems that Hastings is keen to end remote work as soon as possible .
That ’ s no surprise considering his focus on corporate culture , which the Netflix CEO is currently promoting in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rules : Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention .
As per a write-up from Variety , the book describes a range of corporate habits peculiar to Netflix , some of which sound undeniably cutthroat .
These include “ radical transparency and feedback loops , lack of official time-off or vacation policies , and the famous Keeper Test — in which managers are encouraged to fire employees who aren ’ t ‘ stars .
’ ”

WSJ: Have you seen benefits from people working at home?
Mr. Hastings: No. I don’t see any positives. Not being able to get together in person, particularly internationally, is a pure negative. I’ve been super impressed at people’s sacrifices.
WSJ: It’s been anticipated that many companies will shift to a work-from-home approach for many employees even after the Covid-19 crisis. What do you think?
Mr. Hastings: If I had to guess, the five-day workweek will become four days in the office while one day is virtual from home. I’d bet that’s where a lot of companies end up.
WSJ: Do you have a date in mind for when your workforce returns to the office?
Mr. Hastings: Twelve hours after a vaccine is approved.
WSJ: I like that.
Mr. Hastings: It’s probably six months after a vaccine. Once we can get a majority of people vaccinated, then it’s probably back in the office.


theverge--2020-09-08--Apple shares a look inside its first ever ‘floating’ store

Apple ’ s latest retail store has drawn comparisons to a floating lantern , with a unique design incorporating a glass dome that sits directly on the water of Singapore ’ s Marina Bay .
We first saw a glimpse of the store , the company ’ s third in Singapore and 512th worldwide , a few weeks ago , and the iPhone-maker has now shared new pictures of the building ’ s interior , which opens to visitors on Thursday , September 10th .
The store is called the Apple Marina Bay Sands , and is located in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants , and the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino .
The sphere is constructed from 114 individual pieces of glass held in place by 10 vertical mullions ( the architectural term for supporting bars between panes of glass in a window ) , and Apple says the dome is a first-of-its kind construction : all-glass and fully self-supporting .
On the interior wall of the sphere there are baffles that create shade and what Apple is calling a “ nighttime lighting effect.
” At the top of the sphere is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple says was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome .
As well as a shop floor with all the usual gadgets on display , the dome houses a video screen and seating area to host the various talks and tutorials Apple likes to give at its stores .
Underneath the dome and the surface of the bay is a lower level .
Apple says this space includes the company ’ s “ first underwater Boardroom , ” where “ entrepreneurs and developers interested in receiving training and advice can meet with Apple team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more excited to open the breathtaking Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore , building on our commitment to this special place that began more than 40 years ago , ” said Apple ’ s senior vice president of Retail + People , Deirdre O ’ Brien , in a press statement .
“ Our passionate and talented team is ready to welcome this community to our new store and deliver the care and support that our customers around the world love.
” But perhaps the most impressive thing about the new store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s something that the staff supply .
According to Apple , the Marina Bay Sands ’ 148-person team collectively speak 23 languages : a fact that makes the shop more welcoming to visitors than any architectural flourish .
For a closer look inside the store , check out this video from local Singapore news source , Mothership.sg :

Apple’s latest retail store has drawn comparisons to a floating lantern, with a unique design incorporating a glass dome that sits directly on the water of Singapore’s Marina Bay. We first saw a glimpse of the store, the company’s third in Singapore and 512th worldwide, a few weeks ago, and the iPhone-maker has now shared new pictures of the building’s interior, which opens to visitors on Thursday, September 10th.
The store is called the Apple Marina Bay Sands, and is located in a luxury district of Singapore full of shops, restaurants, and the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino. The sphere is constructed from 114 individual pieces of glass held in place by 10 vertical mullions (the architectural term for supporting bars between panes of glass in a window), and Apple says the dome is a first-of-its kind construction: all-glass and fully self-supporting.
A view of the interior of the dome, showing the vertical mullions, custom baffles, and oculus. Image: Apple
On the interior wall of the sphere there are baffles that create shade and what Apple is calling a “nighttime lighting effect.” At the top of the sphere is an oculus that lets in sunlight, which Apple says was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. As well as a shop floor with all the usual gadgets on display, the dome houses a video screen and seating area to host the various talks and tutorials Apple likes to give at its stores.
Underneath the dome and the surface of the bay is a lower level. Apple says this space includes the company’s “first underwater Boardroom,” where “entrepreneurs and developers interested in receiving training and advice can meet with Apple team members.”
The store includes a video screen for presentations, tutorials, and talks. Image: Apple
The main shop floor offers panoramic views of the Marina Bay. Image: Apple
The Apple Marina Bay Sands is the company’s third store in the city-state of Singapore. Image: Apple
“We couldn’t be more excited to open the breathtaking Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, building on our commitment to this special place that began more than 40 years ago,” said Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People, Deirdre O’Brien, in a press statement. “Our passionate and talented team is ready to welcome this community to our new store and deliver the care and support that our customers around the world love.”
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the new store is not physical at all, it’s something that the staff supply. According to Apple, the Marina Bay Sands’ 148-person team collectively speak 23 languages: a fact that makes the shop more welcoming to visitors than any architectural flourish.


theverge--2020-09-08--Leaked Xbox Series S commercial reveals 1440p, ray tracing, and 512GB SSD

Microsoft ’ s next-gen Xbox Series S console leaked earlier today , just before the company officially confirmed its $ 299 pricing .
Now a new leak is providing more details on exactly what ’ s inside the smaller Xbox Series S. Twitter leaker WalkingCat has posted a promotional video for the Series S , confirming that the console is targeting 120fps gaming at up to 1440p resolution and offering 512GB of storage .
The Xbox Series S will also include support for ray tracing , variable rate shading , and variable refresh rate .
Microsoft is also including support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4K upscaling for games .
The video also reveals the Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox ever , and it will be 60 percent smaller than the bigger Xbox Series X .
The 512GB storage could be a challenge given modern games regularly exceed the 100GB mark , but it ’ s still possible the Xbox Series S will include the same removable storage port found on the larger Xbox Series X. Microsoft isn ’ t using a disc drive in the Xbox Series S , so storage expansion will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a lot more information to share about the Xbox Series S soon , but so far we know it ’ s arriving for $ 299 .
Windows Central is also reporting that the Series S will arrive on November 10th alongside the Xbox Series X .
The larger and more powerful console will reportedly be priced at $ 499 .

Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox Series S console leaked earlier today, just before the company officially confirmed its $299 pricing. Now a new leak is providing more details on exactly what’s inside the smaller Xbox Series S. Twitter leaker WalkingCat has posted a promotional video for the Series S, confirming that the console is targeting 120fps gaming at up to 1440p resolution and offering 512GB of storage.
The Xbox Series S will also include support for ray tracing, variable rate shading, and variable refresh rate. Microsoft is also including support for 4K media streaming, and even 4K upscaling for games. The video also reveals the Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox ever, and it will be 60 percent smaller than the bigger Xbox Series X.
The 512GB storage could be a challenge given modern games regularly exceed the 100GB mark, but it’s still possible the Xbox Series S will include the same removable storage port found on the larger Xbox Series X. Microsoft isn’t using a disc drive in the Xbox Series S, so storage expansion will be a necessity.


theverge--2020-09-08--Microsoft confirms $299 Xbox Series S console

Hours after Microsoft ’ s Xbox Series S console widely leaked , the company has gone on the record to confirm its existence .
In a tweet , Microsoft describes the Series S as offering “ next-gen performance in the smallest Xbox ever ” and lists the price as the previously leaked figure of $ 299 .
In the UK it ’ ll cost £249.99 .
The accompanying image gives a better look at the Series S than the first leaked picture , showing off how thin it is and confirming the lack of a disc drive .
As with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pictured standing upright , but the orientation of the Xbox logo suggests it ’ s expected to be more commonly used in a traditional horizontal configuration .
That ’ s about all for the announcement right now — Microsoft says it will share more information “ soon.
” Windows Central reports that both the Series X and Series S will launch on November 10th , with the previously announced high-end Series X selling for $ 499 .
As The Verge has previously reported , the Series S ( codenamed Lockhart ) is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller , cheaper package with less GPU power and lower resolution output than the Series X .

Hours after Microsoft’s Xbox Series S console widely leaked, the company has gone on the record to confirm its existence. In a tweet, Microsoft describes the Series S as offering “next-gen performance in the smallest Xbox ever” and lists the price as the previously leaked figure of $299. In the UK it’ll cost £249.99. It’s coming November 10th, the company revealed in a new trailer later in the day.
The accompanying image gives a better look at the Series S than the first leaked picture, showing off how thin it is and confirming the lack of a disc drive. As with the leaked imagery, the Series S is pictured standing upright, but the orientation of the Xbox logo suggests it’s expected to be more commonly used in a traditional horizontal configuration.
That’s about all for the announcement right now — Microsoft says it will share more information “soon.”
Later in the day, the company shared this trailer:
Windows Central reports that both the Series X and Series S will launch on November 10th, with the previously announced high-end Series X selling for $499. As The Verge has previously reported, the Series S (codenamed Lockhart) is designed to play next-gen games in a smaller, cheaper package with less GPU power and lower resolution output than the Series X.
Update 4:43AM ET: Added confirmed UK pricing.


theverge--2020-09-08--Xiaomi’s Poco X3 NFC has a giant battery and 120Hz screen for $235

Xiaomi ’ s Poco sub-brand has announced its latest phone , the Poco X3 NFC .
As you might have guessed from the inclusion of “ NFC ” in the name of the phone itself , this is not a device targeting a typical flagship audience .
But like other recent Poco phones , the X3 NFC looks to be a strong proposition from a price-performance standpoint .
This is not a subtle phone , even before you get to the giant glossy “ POCO ” logo on the plastic back .
It ’ s big and chunky at 9.4mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera bump — but that ’ s just what you get when you make a phone with a massive screen , a huge battery , and a bunch of cameras .
The display is a 6.67-inch 1080p panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz .
It ’ s an LCD , which means it ’ s not quite as contrasty as the OLED screens common in even mid-range devices these days , and the panel choice also means the fingerprint sensor is on the sleep/wake button rather than integrated into the display .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ though — it ’ s sharper than an equivalently sized 1080p OLED , and the 120Hz refresh rate is usually only found on much more expensive phones .
The Poco X3 NFC is the first phone to use Qualcomm ’ s new Snapdragon 732G processor , a speed-bumped version of the 730G found on Google ’ s Pixel 4A .
It supports LTE — no 5G here — and comes with 6GB of RAM .
There are options for 64GB or 128GB of storage , and there ’ s also a microSD card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 primary sensor , a 13-megapixel ultrawide , and 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth functionality that are mostly just there to make the phone look like it has four cameras .
The selfie camera is 20 megapixels and housed in a hole-punch display cutout .
The battery is 5,160mAh and can be fast-charged over USB-C at 33W .
Xiaomi claims more than two days of regular usage , plus the ability to get a full charge in 65 minutes or 62 percent in half an hour .
Other hardware features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haptics , and a headphone jack .
And NFC , of course .
The Poco X3 NFC is going on sale in Europe today for €199 ( ~ $ 235 ) for a model with 64GB of storage , or €249 ( $ 295 ) for 128GB of storage .
That ’ s the launch pricing for an unspecified period of time , however — the MSRP is €229 ( $ 270 ) and €269 ( $ 320 ) .
Still , even at the regular prices this is likely to be one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find in its segment .

Xiaomi’s Poco sub-brand has announced its latest phone, the Poco X3 NFC. As you might have guessed from the inclusion of “NFC” in the name of the phone itself, this is not a device targeting a typical flagship audience. But like other recent Poco phones, the X3 NFC looks to be a strong proposition from a price-performance standpoint.
This is not a subtle phone, even before you get to the giant glossy “POCO” logo on the plastic back. It’s big and chunky at 9.4mm thick and 215g, with a large camera bump — but that’s just what you get when you make a phone with a massive screen, a huge battery, and a bunch of cameras.
The display is a 6.67-inch 1080p panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It’s an LCD, which means it’s not quite as contrasty as the OLED screens common in even mid-range devices these days, and the panel choice also means the fingerprint sensor is on the sleep/wake button rather than integrated into the display. It doesn’t look bad, though — it’s sharper than an equivalently sized 1080p OLED, and the 120Hz refresh rate is usually only found on much more expensive phones.
The Poco X3 NFC is the first phone to use Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 732G processor, a speed-bumped version of the 730G found on Google’s Pixel 4A. It supports LTE — no 5G here — and comes with 6GB of RAM. There are options for 64GB or 128GB of storage, and there’s also a microSD card slot.
The camera selection includes a 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide, and 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth functionality that are mostly just there to make the phone look like it has four cameras. The selfie camera is 20 megapixels and housed in a hole-punch display cutout.
The battery is 5,160mAh and can be fast-charged over USB-C at 33W. Xiaomi claims more than two days of regular usage, plus the ability to get a full charge in 65 minutes or 62 percent in half an hour. Other hardware features include decent-sounding stereo speakers, reasonably good haptics, and a headphone jack. And NFC, of course.


theverge--2020-09-07--Xbox Series S leaks with $299 price, Series X reportedly $499

This could be our first look at the Xbox Series S , Microsoft ’ s cut-down next-gen console that carries the codename Lockhart .
An image posted by Thurrott allegedly shows the console ’ s design and reveals a price point of $ 299 .
It ’ s not immediately clear where the image came from , but leaker WalkingCat followed up with a short video showing off the same design in relation to the Series X .
Analyst Daniel Ahmad also corroborated the image , though couldn ’ t confirm the price .
If they ’ re legitimate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks somewhat similar to the Xbox One S , as the Series X does to the One X.
It ’ s depicted in vertical orientation , though the rotation of the Xbox logo suggests that may not be the primary configuration .
WalkingCat ’ s video shows that the Series S is much thinner than the Series X , which should make it easier to fit under many TVs .
The system appears not to have a disc drive , as The Verge has previously reported .
There ’ s a circular vent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but here it ’ s colored black to stand out more .
Windows Central reports that the Series S will indeed carry a $ 299 retail price but will also be available as part of a $ 25 per month Xbox All Access plan that ’ ll include Xbox Live and Game Pass .
The Series X , meanwhile , is said to be $ 499 at retail or $ 35 a month .
Both consoles will reportedly launch on November 10th .
Microsoft ’ s two-console strategy has long felt inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s comments on “ the next Xbox consoles ” and the Series X name ’ s implication of another series .
The Series S name has already shown up in leaked controller packaging .
The Verge has reported that the Series S will target around 4 teraflops of GPU performance , compared to 12 in the Series X and 6 in the One X .
Despite that comparison , though , this should be a far more capable machine than the One X .
The Series S will benefit from the Series X @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SSD performance , meaning it ’ ll run true next-generation games , but the reduction in GPU power means it likely won ’ t output modern titles in 4K resolution .
While the Xbox One X can run some Xbox One games in 4K , it won ’ t be able to play next-gen versions of games at all .
If the $ 299 price is accurate , that could make the Series S an affordable , attractive way to get on board with the next generation for anyone who doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense for Microsoft , whose focus is on pushing Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to as wide an audience as possible — which also explains the lack of disc drive .
The question is how much of a performance hit you ’ ll take with the Series S , and how much of a wallet hit you ’ ll take with the Series X .
With the latter console set for release in November , hopefully we won ’ t have too long before we find out the answer .

This could be our first look at the Xbox Series S, Microsoft’s cut-down next-gen console that carries the codename Lockhart. An image posted by Thurrott allegedly shows the console’s design and reveals a price point of $299. It’s not immediately clear where the image came from, but leaker WalkingCat followed up with a short video showing off the same design in relation to the Series X. Analyst Daniel Ahmad also corroborated the image, though couldn’t confirm the price.
If they’re legitimate, the leaks show a white console that looks somewhat similar to the Xbox One S, as the Series X does to the One X. It’s depicted in vertical orientation, though the rotation of the Xbox logo suggests that may not be the primary configuration.
WalkingCat’s video shows that the Series S is much thinner than the Series X, which should make it easier to fit under many TVs. The system appears not to have a disc drive, as The Verge has previously reported. There’s a circular vent up top, like the One S, but here it’s colored black to stand out more.
Windows Central reports that the Series S will indeed carry a $299 retail price but will also be available as part of a $25 per month Xbox All Access plan that’ll include Xbox Live and Game Pass. The Series X, meanwhile, is said to be $499 at retail or $35 a month. Both consoles will reportedly launch on November 10th.
Microsoft’s two-console strategy has long felt inevitable, between Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s comments on “the next Xbox consoles” and the Series X name’s implication of another series. The Series S name has already shown up in leaked controller packaging.
The Verge has reported that the Series S will target around 4 teraflops of GPU performance, compared to 12 in the Series X and 6 in the One X. Despite that comparison, though, this should be a far more capable machine than the One X. The Series S will benefit from the Series X’s hugely increased CPU power and SSD performance, meaning it’ll run true next-generation games, but the reduction in GPU power means it likely won’t output modern titles in 4K resolution. While the Xbox One X can run some Xbox One games in 4K, it won’t be able to play next-gen versions of games at all.
If the $299 price is accurate, that could make the Series S an affordable, attractive way to get on board with the next generation for anyone who doesn’t consider 4K a must-have. That makes sense for Microsoft, whose focus is on pushing Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to as wide an audience as possible — which also explains the lack of disc drive.


theverge--2020-09-08--The developers behind Alto’s Adventure have a new studio focused on ‘folk’ games


theverge--2020-09-08--What this tragic merger looks like today will shock you

Taboola and Outbrain , best known as the rival chumbox providers who fill space on your favorite websites with garbage @ @ @ @ @ t Believe What [ NAME ] Looks Like Today !
” and the ever-popular “ @ @ @ @ @ will apparently not be merging into the ultimate source of low-quality web filler we ’ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice saw fit to put its stamp of approval on the deal .
@ @ @ @ @ Journal and TechCrunch are all reporting that the merger , first announced in October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ , after an attempt to renegotiate changing conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
If you ’ re curious what a chumbox looks like , you won @ @ @ @ @ far .
( Vox Media is not immune to the allure of money , after @ @ @ @ @ find a chumbox at the bottom of this post , right above the comments .

Taboola and Outbrain, best known as the rival chumbox providers who fill space on your favorite websites with garbage like “You Won’t Believe What [NAME] Looks Like Today!” and the ever-popular “1 Weird Trick,” will apparently not be merging into the ultimate source of low-quality web filler we’d feared ever since the Department of Justice saw fit to put its stamp of approval on the deal.
CNBC, The Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch are all reporting that the merger, first announced in October 2019, is being called off, after an attempt to renegotiate changing conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t result in a new agreement.
What a shame!


theverge--2020-09-08--Republicans pressure platforms with new 230 bill

A group of Senate Republicans introduced a new bill Tuesday aimed at chipping away some of the protections provided to social media companies through Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act .
The Online Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity Act , introduced by Sens .
Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , Roger Wicker ( R-MS ) , and Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) , would strip away the liability protection provided by Section 230 if a platform restricted access to content without providing specific rules that it violated .
The bill would require platforms to have an “ objectively reasonable belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order for it to be removed , or they could be held liable for their moderation actions .
The bill would also amend language in the original law , changing vague terms like “ objectionable ” with “ promoting terrorism ” and “ unlawful ” as guidance for moderating content .
“ Social media companies are routinely censoring content that to many , should be considered valid political speech , ” Graham said in a statement Tuesday .
“ This reform proposal addresses the concerns of those who feel like their political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at upending Section 230 .
The order required the Federal Communications Commission to reinterpret the law .
As of right now , the FCC is still seeking comment before it proceeds .
After that executive order was signed , lawmakers started introducing their own legislation to amend the law .
In June , Sens .
Brian Schatz ( D-HI ) and John Thune ( R-SD ) introduced the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency ( PACT ) Act .
If approved , that bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they moderate content in a way that is easily accessible to users .
“ There exists no meaningful alternative to these powerful platforms , which means there will be no accountability for the devastating effects of this ingrained ideological bias until Congress steps in and brings liability protections into the modern era , ” Blackburn said in a statement Tuesday .

A group of Senate Republicans introduced a new bill Tuesday aimed at chipping away some of the protections provided to social media companies through Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
The Online Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity Act, introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), would strip away the liability protection provided by Section 230 if a platform restricted access to content without providing specific rules that it violated. The bill would require platforms to have an “objectively reasonable belief” that content violated a specific policy in order for it to be removed, or they could be held liable for their moderation actions.
The bill would also amend language in the original law, changing vague terms like “objectionable” with “promoting terrorism” and “unlawful” as guidance for moderating content.
“Social media companies are routinely censoring content that to many, should be considered valid political speech,” Graham said in a statement Tuesday. “This reform proposal addresses the concerns of those who feel like their political views are being unfairly suppressed.”
In May, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at upending Section 230. The order required the Federal Communications Commission to reinterpret the law. As of right now, the FCC is still seeking comment before it proceeds. After that executive order was signed, lawmakers started introducing their own legislation to amend the law.
In June, Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act. If approved, that bill would force large tech platforms to explain how they moderate content in a way that is easily accessible to users.


theverge--2020-09-08--Slack’s new recent status feature is roasting us for our many lunch breaks

Need to tell your co-workers you ’ re taking lunch ?
Slack will now let you pick from your last @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have to type them ( and find the right emoji ) over @ @ @ @ @ ’ s it , that ’ s the news — but it ’ s already @ @ @ @ @ at The Verge , let me tell you .
Except perhaps for the shaming : @ @ @ @ @ got lots of protein and fruit in her diet , unlike me ( see top @ @ @ @ @ need to lay off the carbs a bit ?
The changes appear to be server-side @ @ @ @ @ new as of September — but contrary to what Slack ’ s changelog says , @ @ @ @ @ on Android and iOS as well , not just desktop .
I guess you could @ @ @ @ @ than lunch , if you really wanted to .

Need to tell your co-workers you’re taking lunch? Slack will now let you pick from your last five custom statuses so you don’t have to type them (and find the right emoji) over and over again.
That’s it, that’s the news — but it’s already becoming a most welcome feature at The Verge, let me tell you.
Except perhaps for the shaming:
At least Kaitlin’s got lots of protein and fruit in her diet, unlike me (see top image). I may need to lay off the carbs a bit?
The changes appear to be server-side, and they’re new as of September — but contrary to what Slack’s changelog says, we’re seeing them on Android and iOS as well, not just desktop.


theverge--2020-09-08--Waze now lets you send directions from your computer to your phone

Google-owned mapping app Waze will now let you send directions from your computer to your phone .
The process to do so was pretty straightforward in my brief testing ( my personal phone is an iOS device ) .
First log in to Waze on your phone , and then log in to Waze on a desktop browser by scanning a QR code with your phone ’ s camera .
Then , use the browser to get directions to where you want to go , and you ’ ll see a button to save those directions to the app .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a notification on your phone from Waze .
Tap that notification to start the directions on your phone .
Google Maps has offered a similar feature for years , so it ’ s nice to see Waze finally getting the functionality .
Waze says that both Android and iOS users will be able to have directions from a desktop sent to their phone .
Waze is also adding the ability to view saved locations on the web .
That means you won ’ t have to manually type in addresses for things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop , as long as you have those saved in your Waze mobile app .

The process to do so was pretty straightforward in my brief testing (my personal phone is an iOS device). First log in to Waze on your phone, and then log in to Waze on a desktop browser by scanning a QR code with your phone’s camera. Then, use the browser to get directions to where you want to go, and you’ll see a button to save those directions to the app. Click that button and you’ll get a notification on your phone from Waze. Tap that notification to start the directions on your phone.


theverge--2020-09-08--Apple TV app now available on Vizio TVs

Apple TV app now available on Vizio TVs

The Apple TV app is now available on Vizio SmartCast TVs to customers in the US and Canada , Vizio announced today .
With the app , you can access your library of movie and TV show rentals / purchases and also stream Apple ’ s original content if you ’ ve got an Apple TV Plus subscription .
Vizio TV owners can redeem a three-month free trial of Apple TV Plus , but only if they ’ re new to the service ; this promotion expires on October 16th .
( Apple TV Plus normally costs $ 4.99 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also offers add-on subscriptions , Apple TV Channels , for other premium services like CBS All Access , Cinemax , Showtime , Starz , and more .
You can watch content from your Apple TV Channels inside the Apple TV app — without being bounced between several different video apps .
If you ’ ve got a Vizio TV , you should see the Apple TV app appear on the SmartCast Home screen starting today .
To use it , you ’ ve just got to enter your Apple ID account credentials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple TV app , Vizio had already brought AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to SmartCast TVs — even models released as far back as 2016 .
This is better support than many other TV makers have managed ; LG just announced it ’ s still aiming to add AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to 2018-model TV sets by the end of this year .

The Apple TV app is now available on Vizio SmartCast TVs to customers in the US and Canada, Vizio announced today. With the app, you can access your library of movie and TV show rentals / purchases and also stream Apple’s original content if you’ve got an Apple TV Plus subscription. Vizio TV owners can redeem a three-month free trial of Apple TV Plus, but only if they’re new to the service; this promotion expires on October 16th. (Apple TV Plus normally costs $4.99 per month.)
The Apple TV app also offers add-on subscriptions, Apple TV Channels, for other premium services like CBS All Access, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and more. You can watch content from your Apple TV Channels inside the Apple TV app — without being bounced between several different video apps.
If you’ve got a Vizio TV, you should see the Apple TV app appear on the SmartCast Home screen starting today. To use it, you’ve just got to enter your Apple ID account credentials.


theverge--2020-09-08--The LG Wing could have a surprisingly thin flip-around screen, as shown in new leaks

LG ’ s upcoming “ Wing ” smartphone is expected to be a dual-screen device with a swiveling mechanism , and the screen that flips around could be surprisingly thin , as shown in new leaks of the phone .
Take a look for yourself in this video — when this person , who appears to have the phone , shows a side profile of the device , you can see that the rotating screen appears to be quite thin : The video also gives us a good look at the Wing ’ s swiveling mechanism in action , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horizontally above another screen so they can align in a T-like shape .
And in an image shared by leaker Evan Blass on his Patreon , you can get another peek of the thin-looking side profile of the device .
Blass ’ image also indicates that the Wing will have a triple-camera setup , come in two colors , and support 5G networks .
In August , Android Authority posted a purported video of the device , though that video just showed the phone in a car cradle , and it was hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick the phone was .
And LG has hinted at the swiveling mechanism and the silhouette of the Wing in a video teaser for the phone ’ s launch event .
LG confirmed the “ Wing ” naming on September 6th , and the launch event is scheduled to begin at 10AM on September 14th .

LG’s upcoming “Wing” smartphone is expected to be a dual-screen device with a swiveling mechanism, and the screen that flips around could be surprisingly thin, as shown in new leaks of the phone.
Take a look for yourself in this video — when this person, who appears to have the phone, shows a side profile of the device, you can see that the rotating screen appears to be quite thin:
The video also gives us a good look at the Wing’s swiveling mechanism in action, which allows one screen to rotate 90 degrees horizontally above another screen so they can align in a T-like shape.
And in an image shared by leaker Evan Blass on his Patreon, you can get another peek of the thin-looking side profile of the device. Blass’ image also indicates that the Wing will have a triple-camera setup, come in two colors, and support 5G networks.
In August, Android Authority posted a purported video of the device, though that video just showed the phone in a car cradle, and it was hard to get a good view of how thick the phone was. And LG has hinted at the swiveling mechanism and the silhouette of the Wing in a video teaser for the phone’s launch event.


theverge--2020-09-08--Netflix still on track to release more originals in 2021 than this year, but production woes are set

Netflix still on track to release more originals in 2021 than this year, but production woes are setting in

Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings is still confident that 2021 will see more Netflix originals released than this year , but he is acknowledging that with the pandemic affecting production , especially in the United States , it won ’ t be as many as previously predicted .
Hastings sat down with many publications ahead of the launch of his new book , and one question that repeatedly came up is how Netflix is fairing with production on titles moving slower or stopping completely .
Netflix is far from the only company encountering these issues , but the slowdown is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setbacks , the streamer is still on track to release more original films and series in 2021 than this year .
“ Next year , we ’ ve planned out the year — we ’ ve got a great selection of content , ” Hastings told Variety .
“ It ’ s still more originals than this year .
It ’ s not up by as much as we first forecast , but it is up on a year-over-year basis .
Of course in Europe we ’ re producing , in Asia we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all hopeful for a vaccine , so we can get back to more intensive work.
” To put that into context , in 2018 , Netflix released close to 1,500 hours of TV shows , movies , and other productions , according to Quartz .
Netflix released 371 TV shows and movies in the US in 2019 , according to Variety .
In 2020 , at a time when other streamers , networks , and studios are struggling , it seemed like Netflix was practically releasing 40 to 50 new original titles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every month .
Netflix ’ s seemingly never-ending pipeline of original content is one of its biggest advantages .
For Hastings to feel confident that original series and films will still outpace what the streamer has released in 2020 is impressive , to say the least .
“ It ’ s not up by as much as we first forecast , but it is up on a year-over-year basis.
” Both Hastings and co-CEO Ted Sarandos warned investors and analysts back in April during an earnings call that production pipelines were likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to shareholders that “ our content competitors and suppliers will be impacted about as much as we are , in terms of new titles.
” That ’ s true .
Disney couldn ’ t resume production on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , delaying its heavily anticipated Disney Plus series .
WarnerMedia also had to further delay its anticipated Friends reunion on HBO Max because they can ’ t film in front of a live audience .
Hastings told Bloomberg that “ everyone is figuring out how to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a writers strike , like the strike of 2007-2008 that impacted many of the season ’ s broadcast shows .
Netflix and other studios are navigating moving forward with productions while planning responses in case something happens on the sets .
For example , Warner Bros. shut down The Batman set for a second time after Robert Pattinson reportedly contracted COVID-19 .
Warner Bros. head Ann Sarnoff told The Hollywood Reporter it would be naive to think that everything would “ run smoothly , ” adding that the studio has “ built in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you do contact tracing , you pause , you evaluate , and come back when you can , ” Sarnoff said .
“ I think it would have been naïve to think we wouldn ’ t have certain cases on certain productions.
” The big “ ifs ” and “ whens ” hanging in the air are when production can resume fully in cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta where many films and shows are based .
Hastings ’ hope is that , with proper testing , production can pick up through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal , but like so many other facets that exist right now , it ’ s impossible to predict .

Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings is still confident that 2021 will see more Netflix originals released than this year, but he is acknowledging that with the pandemic affecting production, especially in the United States, it won’t be as many as previously predicted.
Hastings sat down with many publications ahead of the launch of his new book, and one question that repeatedly came up is how Netflix is fairing with production on titles moving slower or stopping completely. Netflix is far from the only company encountering these issues, but the slowdown is still prevalent. Hastings says despite those obvious setbacks, the streamer is still on track to release more original films and series in 2021 than this year.
“Next year, we’ve planned out the year — we’ve got a great selection of content,” Hastings told Variety. “It’s still more originals than this year. It’s not up by as much as we first forecast, but it is up on a year-over-year basis. Of course in Europe we’re producing, in Asia we’re producing. We’re all hopeful for a vaccine, so we can get back to more intensive work.”
To put that into context, in 2018, Netflix released close to 1,500 hours of TV shows, movies, and other productions, according to Quartz. Netflix released 371 TV shows and movies in the US in 2019, according to Variety. In 2020, at a time when other streamers, networks, and studios are struggling, it seemed like Netflix was practically releasing 40 to 50 new original titles (or returning seasons of original titles) every month. Netflix’s seemingly never-ending pipeline of original content is one of its biggest advantages. For Hastings to feel confident that original series and films will still outpace what the streamer has released in 2020 is impressive, to say the least.
“It’s not up by as much as we first forecast, but it is up on a year-over-year basis.”
Both Hastings and co-CEO Ted Sarandos warned investors and analysts back in April during an earnings call that production pipelines were likely to be impacted. But they also noted in a letter to shareholders that “our content competitors and suppliers will be impacted about as much as we are, in terms of new titles.” That’s true. Disney couldn’t resume production on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, delaying its heavily anticipated Disney Plus series. WarnerMedia also had to further delay its anticipated Friends reunion on HBO Max because they can’t film in front of a live audience.
Hastings told Bloomberg that “everyone is figuring out how to make it work,” likening it to a writers strike, like the strike of 2007-2008 that impacted many of the season’s broadcast shows. Netflix and other studios are navigating moving forward with productions while planning responses in case something happens on the sets. For example, Warner Bros. shut down The Batman set for a second time after Robert Pattinson reportedly contracted COVID-19. Warner Bros. head Ann Sarnoff told The Hollywood Reporter it would be naive to think that everything would “run smoothly,” adding that the studio has “built in contingencies.”
“If someone tests positive, you do contact tracing, you pause, you evaluate, and come back when you can,” Sarnoff said. “I think it would have been naïve to think we wouldn’t have certain cases on certain productions.”