theverge--2020-08-21--Read the emails between Epic and Apple that led to Fortnite’s App Store ban

It ’ s been just over a week since Fortnite developer Epic Games initiated an unprecedented antitrust legal fight with Apple over its App Store rules , and the lawsuit is shedding new light on how the companies came into conflict .
Today , Apple entered into evidence a series of emails from Epic CEO Tim Sweeney , in which he asked top Apple executives to exempt Fortnite from its standard 30 percent cut and to allow Epic to offer its own mobile app store .
New emails made public as part of Epic ’ s lawsuit Beginning in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweeney and Apple before Epic took action to incorporate an alternate payment mechanism into the Fortnite app , which resulted in it being ejected from the App Store last week .
The emails show Sweeney lobbying Apple for the power to include this option months in advance , and also requesting Apple extend this courtesy to all iOS developers .
Sweeney was effectively asking if Apple would restructure the App Store and iOS as we know it , likely suspecting Apple would not entertain the request in the slightest “ If Epic were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device users , consumers would have an opportunity to pay less for digital products and developers would earn more from their sales , ” Sweeney wrote in June .
“ We hope that Apple will also make these options equally available to all iOS developers in order to make software sales and distribution on the iOS platform as open and competitive as it is on personal computers.
” What follows is a staggering series of escalations between Sweeney and Apple ’ s executive and legal teams .
The result is in an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 13th — the day of the eventual removal of Fortnite from the App Store — in which the Epic chief executive tells Apple CEO Tim Cook and fellow executives Phil Schiller , Craig Federighi , and Matt Fischer that Epic will “ no longer adhere to Apple ’ s payment processing restrictions.
” Sweeney goes on to warn Apple of the forthcoming legal battle .
“ If Apple chooses instead to take punitive action by blocking consumer access to Fortnite or forthcoming updates , ” he says in the final email , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in conflict with Apple on a multitude of fronts - creative , technical , business , and legal - for so long as it takes to bring about change , if necessary for many years.
” Read the full back-and-forth between Apple and Epic below :

It’s been just over a week since Fortnite developer Epic Games initiated an unprecedented antitrust legal fight with Apple over its App Store rules, and the lawsuit is shedding new light on how the companies came into conflict.
Today, Apple entered into evidence a series of emails from Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, in which he asked top Apple executives to exempt Fortnite from its standard 30 percent cut and to allow Epic to offer its own mobile app store.
New emails made public as part of Epic’s lawsuit
Beginning in June, the emails show extensive discussions between Sweeney and Apple before Epic took action to incorporate an alternate payment mechanism into the Fortnite app, which resulted in it being ejected from the App Store last week. The emails show Sweeney lobbying Apple for the power to include this option months in advance, and also requesting Apple extend this courtesy to all iOS developers. Sweeney was effectively asking if Apple would restructure the App Store and iOS as we know it, likely suspecting Apple would not entertain the request in the slightest
“If Epic were allowed to provide these options to iOS device users, consumers would have an opportunity to pay less for digital products and developers would earn more from their sales,” Sweeney wrote in June. “We hope that Apple will also make these options equally available to all iOS developers in order to make software sales and distribution on the iOS platform as open and competitive as it is on personal computers.”
What follows is a staggering series of escalations between Sweeney and Apple’s executive and legal teams. The result is in an email from Sweeney sent at 5:08AM ET on August 13th — the day of the eventual removal of Fortnite from the App Store — in which the Epic chief executive tells Apple CEO Tim Cook and fellow executives Phil Schiller, Craig Federighi, and Matt Fischer that Epic will “no longer adhere to Apple’s payment processing restrictions.”
Sweeney goes on to warn Apple of the forthcoming legal battle. “If Apple chooses instead to take punitive action by blocking consumer access to Fortnite or forthcoming updates,” he says in the final email, “then Epic will, regrettably, be in conflict with Apple on a multitude of fronts - creative, technical, business, and legal - for so long as it takes to bring about change, if necessary for many years.”


theverge--2020-08-21--Google’s Pixel Buds sound noticeably better with new bass boost, but connectivity issues remain

Google pushed out a significant firmware update to its Pixel Buds this week , adding several new features to the true wireless earbuds including a “ bass boost ” setting , sharing detection ( so you can individually set volume for each earbud when sharing one of them with someone ) , attention alerts , and more .
The updated firmware was also supposed to address the connectivity and audio dropout problems that some early Pixel Buds buyers have been complaining about .
After some time listening to the Pixel Buds today , I ’ d say Google succeeded at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a very real improvement to sound quality if you were disappointed by low-end performance before .
But the Pixel Buds ’ wireless signal is still weaker than it should be , and the frustrating music disruptions remain .
After applying the update , you ’ ll find bass boost under the “ sound ” section , which also includes the new , experimental attention alert options .
Toggling it on adds a substantial amount of extra oomph to the lower frequencies .
If you found the Pixel Buds to be a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised after trying bass boost .
It makes a difference without overwhelming the mids and higher frequencies , so Google has done a nice job with the EQ tuning .
But the connectivity fixes aren ’ t what I hoped they ’ d be .
The Pixel Buds have always worked fine if you ’ re just sitting at home on your couch or at your desk .
And in all honesty , I didn ’ t notice many issues during my time reviewing them .
But I have in the weeks since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside .
I just moved to a fairly busy street in Brooklyn , and this morning I walked a few blocks to get a sense of whether Google has overcome the Pixel Buds dropout issues .
In my experience , the ( disappointing ) answer is no .
I still encountered signal loss and one earbud — usually the left one — cutting out for a couple seconds at a time .
If I hold my phone at around chest height , most of these problems clear up .
But when it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buds ’ connectivity can be a mess and less dependable than other true wireless earbuds .
Your results may vary , and I ’ m seeing reports from some people on the Google Pixel subreddit who are running into fewer dropouts than before .
There ’ s more work to be done , though , and I doubt Google is finished with trying to optimize stability for the Pixel Buds .

Google pushed out a significant firmware update to its Pixel Buds this week, adding several new features to the true wireless earbuds including a “bass boost” setting, sharing detection (so you can individually set volume for each earbud when sharing one of them with someone), attention alerts, and more. The updated firmware was also supposed to address the connectivity and audio dropout problems that some early Pixel Buds buyers have been complaining about.
After some time listening to the Pixel Buds today, I’d say Google succeeded at the first bit; bass boost makes for a very real improvement to sound quality if you were disappointed by low-end performance before. But the Pixel Buds’ wireless signal is still weaker than it should be, and the frustrating music disruptions remain.
After applying the update, you’ll find bass boost under the “sound” section, which also includes the new, experimental attention alert options. Toggling it on adds a substantial amount of extra oomph to the lower frequencies. If you found the Pixel Buds to be a little flat previously, you might be pleasantly surprised after trying bass boost. It makes a difference without overwhelming the mids and higher frequencies, so Google has done a nice job with the EQ tuning.
But the connectivity fixes aren’t what I hoped they’d be. The Pixel Buds have always worked fine if you’re just sitting at home on your couch or at your desk. And in all honesty, I didn’t notice many issues during my time reviewing them. But I have in the weeks since. The problem comes when you venture outside. I just moved to a fairly busy street in Brooklyn, and this morning I walked a few blocks to get a sense of whether Google has overcome the Pixel Buds dropout issues. In my experience, the (disappointing) answer is no. I still encountered signal loss and one earbud — usually the left one — cutting out for a couple seconds at a time.


theverge--2020-08-21--Apple says Epic is ‘putting the entire App Store model at risk’

Apple has responded to Epic Games ’ antitrust lawsuit over its iOS App Store policies .
The filing asks a court not to temporarily reverse an App Store ban while the suit is ongoing .
And it accuses Epic of disingenuously creating an “ emergency ” by accepting direct payments through Fortnite in violation of Apple ’ s rules .
In a declaration to the court , Apple executive Phil Schiller wrote that Epic CEO Tim Sweeney asked for a “ special deal with only Epic ” that would “ fundamentally change the way in which Epic offers apps on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple declined , Epic changed its policies to cut Apple out of in-app purchases .
Now , the company argues that Epic ’ s ban is its own responsibility .
“ Developers who work to deceive Apple , as Epic has done here , are terminated.
” “ In the wake of its own voluntary actions , Epic now seeks emergency relief .
But the ‘ emergency ’ is entirely of Epic ’ s own making , ” Apple ’ s response reads .
“ Developers who work to deceive Apple , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Elsewhere in the filing , Apple laid out a defense of its in-app purchase rules .
“ If developers can avoid the digital checkout , it is the same as if a customer leaves an Apple retail store without paying for shoplifted product : Apple does not get paid , ” it reads .
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has called Apple ’ s characterization of the series of events leading up to Fortnite ’ s removal as “ misleading , ” as he initially requested in an email that the App Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all iOS developers .
Epic sued Apple last week in a rapidly escalating fight over mobile app store policies .
Apple banned Fortnite after Epic introduced direct payments that bypassed Apple ’ s in-app purchase system and its 30 percent commission .
Epic retaliated with a lawsuit claiming that Apple violates antitrust law by controlling iOS platform access through the App Store and requiring developers to use its payment options .
Apple ’ s response also contains a trove of emails between Sweeney , Schiller , and other Apple executives , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend Epic ’ s requested changes to all developers .
On June 30 , Sweeney requested that Apple allow Epic to launch its own app store on iOS and include an alternative payment system in Fortnite and other Epic games that would allow those titles to bypass the App Store ’ s standard 30 percent cut .
“ Apple ’ s contracts and standards documents contain restrictive provisions that prohibit Epic from offering a competing app store and competing payment processing options to consumer , ” Sweeney wrote .
“ Apple would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alter its contracts and standards documents to remove such restrictions.
” Apple refused .
“ The App Store is not simply a marketplace — it is part of a larger bundle of tools , technologies and services that Apple makes available to developers , ” wrote Apple associate general counsel Douglas Vetter in mid-July .
“ We can not be confident that Epic or any developer would uphold the same rigorous standards of privacy , security , and content as Apple .
Indeed , since Apple treats all developers according to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to outsource the safety and security of Apple ’ s users to hundreds of thousands of iOS developers.
” “ We choose to follow this path in the firm belief that history and law are on our side.
” Epic went through with its plans anyway , notifying Apple of its change in an email sent at 2AM on August 13th — just before a sudden update added the new payment options .
“ We choose to follow this path in the firm belief that history and law are on our side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Apple will reflect on its platform restrictions and begin to make historic changes that bring to the world ’ s billion iOS consumers the rights and freedoms enjoyed on the world ’ s leading open computing platforms.
” He also hinted at a legal attack if Apple retaliated — which the phone maker promptly did , banning Epic from its store .
Apple has previously said its locked-down system creates “ a safe and trusted place ” for users .
It repeated similar arguments in this filing .
“ If every developer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple and allowed to circumvent the App review process , ” Schiller ’ s statement reads , “ then Apple ’ s App Store can not deliver the many benefits to consumers and developers that it currently does ... .
And if developers can circumvent [ in-app purchases ] and avoid paying Apple the commissions it is contractually due , Apple will be unable to continue its on-going investment in it.
” “ Epic ’ s actions are putting the entire App Store model at risk , ” Schiller concludes .
“ Epic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ App Store model at risk.
” Meanwhile , Epic has framed its fight around freedom and consumer choice , parodying Apple ’ s famous “ 1984 ” ad to paint the phone maker as a repressive dictatorship .
It ’ s also taken aim at Google after being kicked off Android ’ s Play Store .
While Android users can still install Fortnite , Epic filed a suit claiming Google erects “ contractual and technological barriers ” that disadvantage non-Play Store apps .
Alongside the Fortnite lawsuit , Apple is facing antitrust scrutiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a House Judiciary Committee hearing last month , and questions focused largely on Apple ’ s App Store policies .
The Supreme Court also denied Apple ’ s request to dismiss a different lawsuit last year , affirming that developers could sue over antitrust concerns .
Apple argues that its App Store practices — including the in-app purchase system — are no different than those of console platforms like Sony ’ s PlayStation or Microsoft ’ s Xbox .
“ Apple needs a way of ensuring that it actually gets paid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism by which Apple , like many other transaction platforms , implements its business model and recoups its substantial investment in the platform , ” reads the filing .
Apple has defended its iOS practices for many years , including during the recent hearings .
But Epic is mounting one of the most visible challenges yet .
For now , Apple is focusing on convincing a court to let its ban stand while the rest of the case progresses — by arguing that Epic ’ s Fortnite update was part of a deliberate @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Apple has responded to Epic Games’ antitrust lawsuit over its iOS App Store policies. The filing asks a court not to temporarily reverse an App Store ban while the suit is ongoing. And it accuses Epic of disingenuously creating an “emergency” by accepting direct payments through Fortnite in violation of Apple’s rules.
In a declaration to the court, Apple executive Phil Schiller wrote that Epic CEO Tim Sweeney asked for a “special deal with only Epic” that would “fundamentally change the way in which Epic offers apps on Apple’s iOS platform.” When Apple declined, Epic changed its policies to cut Apple out of in-app purchases. Now, the company argues that Epic’s ban is its own responsibility.
“Developers who work to deceive Apple, as Epic has done here, are terminated.”
“In the wake of its own voluntary actions, Epic now seeks emergency relief. But the ‘emergency’ is entirely of Epic’s own making,” Apple’s response reads. “Developers who work to deceive Apple, as Epic has done here, are terminated.”
Elsewhere in the filing, Apple laid out a defense of its in-app purchase rules. “If developers can avoid the digital checkout, it is the same as if a customer leaves an Apple retail store without paying for shoplifted product: Apple does not get paid,” it reads.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has called Apple’s characterization of the series of events leading up to Fortnite’s removal as “misleading,” as he initially requested in an email that the App Store exemptions Epic sought be made available to all iOS developers.
Epic sued Apple last week in a rapidly escalating fight over mobile app store policies. Apple banned Fortnite after Epic introduced direct payments that bypassed Apple’s in-app purchase system and its 30 percent commission. Epic retaliated with a lawsuit claiming that Apple violates antitrust law by controlling iOS platform access through the App Store and requiring developers to use its payment options.
Apple’s response also contains a trove of emails between Sweeney, Schiller, and other Apple executives, including the on in which Sweeney asks for Apple to extend Epic’s requested changes to all developers. On June 30, Sweeney requested that Apple allow Epic to launch its own app store on iOS and include an alternative payment system in Fortnite and other Epic games that would allow those titles to bypass the App Store’s standard 30 percent cut.
“Apple’s contracts and standards documents contain restrictive provisions that prohibit Epic from offering a competing app store and competing payment processing options to consumer,” Sweeney wrote. “Apple would need to provide a side letter or alter its contracts and standards documents to remove such restrictions.”
Apple refused. “The App Store is not simply a marketplace — it is part of a larger bundle of tools, technologies and services that Apple makes available to developers,” wrote Apple associate general counsel Douglas Vetter in mid-July. “We cannot be confident that Epic or any developer would uphold the same rigorous standards of privacy, security, and content as Apple. Indeed, since Apple treats all developers according to the same terms, Epic is essentially asking Apple to outsource the safety and security of Apple’s users to hundreds of thousands of iOS developers.”
“We choose to follow this path in the firm belief that history and law are on our side.”
Epic went through with its plans anyway, notifying Apple of its change in an email sent at 2AM on August 13th — just before a sudden update added the new payment options. “We choose to follow this path in the firm belief that history and law are on our side,” wrote Sweeney. “We hope that Apple will reflect on its platform restrictions and begin to make historic changes that bring to the world’s billion iOS consumers the rights and freedoms enjoyed on the world’s leading open computing platforms.”
He also hinted at a legal attack if Apple retaliated — which the phone maker promptly did, banning Epic from its store.
Apple has previously said its locked-down system creates “a safe and trusted place” for users. It repeated similar arguments in this filing. “If every developer is free to breach its contracts with Apple and allowed to circumvent the App review process,” Schiller’s statement reads, “then Apple’s App Store cannot deliver the many benefits to consumers and developers that it currently does.... And if developers can circumvent [in-app purchases] and avoid paying Apple the commissions it is contractually due, Apple will be unable to continue its on-going investment in it.”
“Epic’s actions are putting the entire App Store model at risk,” Schiller concludes.
“Epic’s actions are putting the entire App Store model at risk.”
Meanwhile, Epic has framed its fight around freedom and consumer choice, parodying Apple’s famous “1984” ad to paint the phone maker as a repressive dictatorship. It’s also taken aim at Google after being kicked off Android’s Play Store. While Android users can still install Fortnite, Epic filed a suit claiming Google erects “contractual and technological barriers” that disadvantage non-Play Store apps.
Alongside the Fortnite lawsuit, Apple is facing antitrust scrutiny in Congress. CEO Tim Cook testified at a House Judiciary Committee hearing last month, and questions focused largely on Apple’s App Store policies. The Supreme Court also denied Apple’s request to dismiss a different lawsuit last year, affirming that developers could sue over antitrust concerns.
Apple argues that its App Store practices — including the in-app purchase system — are no different than those of console platforms like Sony’s PlayStation or Microsoft’s Xbox. “Apple needs a way of ensuring that it actually gets paid. [In-app purchasing] is the fundamental mechanism by which Apple, like many other transaction platforms, implements its business model and recoups its substantial investment in the platform,” reads the filing.
Apple has defended its iOS practices for many years, including during the recent hearings. But Epic is mounting one of the most visible challenges yet. For now, Apple is focusing on convincing a court to let its ban stand while the rest of the case progresses — by arguing that Epic’s Fortnite update was part of a deliberate, avoidable plan to antagonize it.


theverge--2020-08-21--Hear our reviews of Samsung’s Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Watch 3

This week on The Verge ’ s flagship podcast , The Vergecast , Dieter Bohn , Becca Farsace , and Dan Seifert log into a Zoom meeting to discuss their reviews of the next line of Samsung hardware on the market : the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra , the Galaxy Buds Live , and the Galaxy Watch 3 .
The Note 20 Ultra is a really big phone , but are we cool with that now ?
Dieter explains why a bigger phone suits the stay-at-home lifestyle of 2020 and how delightful Samsung ’ s updated note-taking app is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know the Galaxy Buds Live are not named the “ Galaxy Beans , ” but we call them that anyway .
Becca points out that while those beans have active noise cancellation , in practice , it just doesn ’ t do the job .
Dan ’ s review details how the Galaxy Watch 3 compares to Samsung ’ s other watches — the materials , the software , the size — and what you are really getting if you upgrade from the last models .
There ’ s definitely a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatter about Samsung products — like the news of a 5G BlackBerry coming in 2021 — so listen through the show to hear all of this week ’ s gadget news from The Vergecast .
• How Samsung ’ s beans broke the mold of wireless earbuds • iFixit ’ s Galaxy Buds Live teardown shows that even Samsung calls them beans • Google ’ s Pixel Buds are now available in more colors nearly four months after launch • Google ’ s Pixel Buds get new transcribe mode , attention alerts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gen 5 smartwatches with sleep tracking and more fitness features • New images of Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense leak • Epic says Apple threatens ‘ catastrophic ’ response in two weeks if Fortnite doesn ’ t comply with rules • Uber CEO on the fight in California : ‘ We can ’ t go out and hire 50,000 people overnight ’ • Here ’ s your best look yet at ZTE ’ s first smartphone with an under-display camera • A new 5G BlackBerry phone with Android and a physical keyboard @ @ @ @

This week on The Verge’s flagship podcast, The Vergecast, Dieter Bohn, Becca Farsace, and Dan Seifert log into a Zoom meeting to discuss their reviews of the next line of Samsung hardware on the market: the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the Galaxy Buds Live, and the Galaxy Watch 3.
The Note 20 Ultra is a really big phone, but are we cool with that now? Dieter explains why a bigger phone suits the stay-at-home lifestyle of 2020 and how delightful Samsung’s updated note-taking app is to use on the device.
Now, we know the Galaxy Buds Live are not named the “Galaxy Beans,” but we call them that anyway. Becca points out that while those beans have active noise cancellation, in practice, it just doesn’t do the job.
Dan’s review details how the Galaxy Watch 3 compares to Samsung’s other watches — the materials, the software, the size — and what you are really getting if you upgrade from the last models.
There’s definitely a whole lot more in between all of that chatter about Samsung products — like the news of a 5G BlackBerry coming in 2021 — so listen through the show to hear all of this week’s gadget news from The Vergecast.
Stories discussed this week:


theverge--2020-08-21--Leaked Google Pixel 5 renders show dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensor

Google launched the Pixel 4A in August but told us we ’ d have to wait to see the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G .
They ’ re due to arrive sometime this fall ( probably in early October ) , but new renders purportedly showing the Pixel 5 give us some idea what to expect .
The renders come from regular leaker @ OnLeaks and Indian tech site PriceBaba .
There are no real surprises here , with the images showing a fingerprint sensor on the rear ; square-shaped camera array containing what looks to be two cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensor ; and a hole-punch front-facing camera in the top left of the display .
It ’ s hard to judge the render ’ s authenticity , but the sand-blasted texture on the case looks the same as the side-on peek of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G Google shared earlier this year .
There ’ s already some dispute about the Pixel 5 ’ s screen , though .
OnLeaks claims the Pixel 5 will have a screen size of between 5.7 and 5.8 inches , which would be the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5.8-inch screen on the Pixel 4A .
Meanwhile , Android Central says the Pixel 5 will be equipped with a 6-inch , 90Hz OLED panel , which makes a bit more sense — at 5.8 inches , the Pixel 5 will look a bit undersized compared to devices like Samsung ’ s S20 flagship with its 6.2-inch display .
A few other specs about the Pixel 5 have been rumored , but there ’ s nothing definite yet .
Android Headlines suggested the device might have a rather meager 3,080mAh battery , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely false ” and the battery will actually be larger than the Pixel 4 .
At least the rumors seem to agree on one thing : it may be powered by a Snapdragon 765G processor , which supports 5G but is a step down from the Snapdragon 855 used in the Pixel 4 .
We ’ ve also heard 8GB of RAM a few times now , and Android Central claims you ’ ll also get 128GB of storage , 15W Qi wirelss charging , and 5W reverse wireless charging ( for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you ’ re looking for more purported renders of the 5G , including a 360-degree video , you can head over to Pricebaba ’ s post .
Otherwise , we ’ ll be on the lookout for more leaks between now and ( probably ) October .
Update , 2:08PM PT : Added Android Central ’ s rumors about the screen , battery , storage , and wireless charging .

Google launched the Pixel 4A in August but told us we’d have to wait to see the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G. They’re due to arrive sometime this fall (probably in early October), but new renders purportedly showing the Pixel 5 give us some idea what to expect.
The renders come from regular leaker @OnLeaks and Indian tech site PriceBaba. There are no real surprises here, with the images showing a fingerprint sensor on the rear; square-shaped camera array containing what looks to be two cameras, a flash, and an unknown sensor; and a hole-punch front-facing camera in the top left of the display.
It’s hard to judge the render’s authenticity, but the sand-blasted texture on the case looks the same as the side-on peek of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G Google shared earlier this year.
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There’s already some dispute about the Pixel 5’s screen, though. OnLeaks claims the Pixel 5 will have a screen size of between 5.7 and 5.8 inches, which would be the same, or perhaps smaller, than the 5.8-inch screen on the Pixel 4A. Meanwhile, Android Central says the Pixel 5 will be equipped with a 6-inch, 90Hz OLED panel, which makes a bit more sense — at 5.8 inches, the Pixel 5 will look a bit undersized compared to devices like Samsung’s S20 flagship with its 6.2-inch display.
A few other specs about the Pixel 5 have been rumored, but there’s nothing definite yet. Android Headlines suggested the device might have a rather meager 3,080mAh battery, while Android Central claims that rumor is “entirely false” and the battery will actually be larger than the Pixel 4.
At least the rumors seem to agree on one thing: it may be powered by a Snapdragon 765G processor, which supports 5G but is a step down from the Snapdragon 855 used in the Pixel 4. We’ve also heard 8GB of RAM a few times now, and Android Central claims you’ll also get 128GB of storage, 15W Qi wirelss charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging (for your Bluetooth earbuds, perhaps) as well.
An official peek of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G from Google. Image: Google
If you’re looking for more purported renders of the 5G, including a 360-degree video, you can head over to Pricebaba’s post. Otherwise, we’ll be on the lookout for more leaks between now and (probably) October.


theverge--2020-08-21--Watch Crysis Remastered attempt to redeem its graphics ahead of new September 18th release

When a trailer for Crysis Remastered leaked online in July , fans criticized the game ’ s graphics for looking far too much like the original ’ s from over 10 years ago .
But today , Crytek released a new trailer that shows drastic improvements to the game ’ s visuals , and it announced the remaster will be coming to multiple platforms next month .
Crysis Remastered will now launch on the PS4 , Xbox One , and Epic Games Store on September 18th for $ 30 .
In July , following backlash from fans , Crytek announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game by several weeks .
Crytek acknowledged the leaked trailer in its delay announcement and promised to use the extra time “ to get Crysis Remastered up to the PC- and console-breaking standard you ’ ve come to expect from a Crysis game.
” ‘ Crysis Remastered ’ launched on the Switch in July The latest trailer shows a side-by-side comparison of the remastered version and the 2007 original .
The remaster ’ s new graphics look beautiful so far : there are reflections in the water , and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lush areas in the game to make it less dark and gritty .
The trailer also shows off some of the remaster ’ s new features , including better lighting effects , ray tracing , and more detail in the textures with up to 8K resolution .
While I felt the trailer was too short , it does look promising .
I won ’ t be satisfied until I see how it runs on my PC , though .
Crysis originally launched in 2007 on PC , PS3 , and Xbox 360 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was praised for its graphical fidelity .
Even 10 years later , the game ’ s overly demanding hardware requirement remains a meme in the gaming community and a benchmark for gamers looking to see how powerful their PC builds are .
Crysis Remastered launched on the Switch in July .
( Shockingly , yes , Nintendo ’ s hybrid gaming system can , in fact , run Crysis . )
While it certainly will not wow anybody in terms of visuals , I was impressed that Crytek managed to create a version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its competitors .
Still , there are a few trade-offs as Digital Foundry pointed out , like occasional drops in resolution to 540p or lower , plus detail on materials and surfaces have been dialed back .

When a trailer for Crysis Remastered leaked online in July, fans criticized the game’s graphics for looking far too much like the original’s from over 10 years ago. But today, Crytek released a new trailer that shows drastic improvements to the game’s visuals, and it announced the remaster will be coming to multiple platforms next month.
Crysis Remastered will now launch on the PS4, Xbox One, and Epic Games Store on September 18th for $30. In July, following backlash from fans, Crytek announced that it would delay these versions of the game by several weeks. Crytek acknowledged the leaked trailer in its delay announcement and promised to use the extra time “to get Crysis Remastered up to the PC- and console-breaking standard you’ve come to expect from a Crysis game.”
‘Crysis Remastered’ launched on the Switch in July
The latest trailer shows a side-by-side comparison of the remastered version and the 2007 original. The remaster’s new graphics look beautiful so far: there are reflections in the water, and there’s more detail and color in some of the lush areas in the game to make it less dark and gritty. The trailer also shows off some of the remaster’s new features, including better lighting effects, ray tracing, and more detail in the textures with up to 8K resolution. While I felt the trailer was too short, it does look promising. I won’t be satisfied until I see how it runs on my PC, though.
More color and detail such as flowers were added to Crysis Remastered.
Crysis originally launched in 2007 on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. Following its release, the game was praised for its graphical fidelity. Even 10 years later, the game’s overly demanding hardware requirement remains a meme in the gaming community and a benchmark for gamers looking to see how powerful their PC builds are.


theverge--2020-08-21--Fortnite teases Marvel-themed season, but iPhone and iPad players could miss out

Fortnite ’ s next season , which kicks off on August 27th , could be a full-season collaboration with Marvel , as suggested by a teaser released by Epic Games on Friday .
But due to Epic ’ s public dispute with Apple over the iPhone maker ’ s App Store policies , Epic currently isn ’ t able to update Fortnite on iOS .
That means iPhone and iPad players will miss out on the new season unless something changes between Epic and Apple before Thursday .
Apple yanked Fortnite from the App Store on August 13th after Epic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , which goes against App Store rules .
Epic then sued Apple , released an in-game short parodying one of Apple ’ s most famous commercials , and began telling iOS players that they wouldn ’ t be able to play the upcoming season because Apple pulled Fortnite from the store ( a message the studio repeated this week ) .
A Fortnite and Marvel collaboration wouldn ’ t be the first between the two powerhouses .
In fact , Marvel characters have appeared in Fortnite many times already .
Fortnite featured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and numerous Marvel superhero skins have appeared in the game , including Black Widow , Star-Lord , Deadpool , Captain America , and X-Force members Cable , Psylocke , and Domino .
( Fortnite has also featured DC Comics characters , including Aquaman , Batman , Catwoman , and Harley Quinn , and Epic will be selling a bundle with the Joker and Poison Ivy skins in November . )
The character shown in Friday ’ s teaser appears to be Thor in the style of his 2020 comic book series .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teasers on social media leading up to a new Fortnite season , so it seems like a safe bet that we ’ ll see more hints in the days to come for other characters possibly appearing in Epic ’ s hugely popular battle royale hit .

Fortnite’s next season, which kicks off on August 27th, could be a full-season collaboration with Marvel, as suggested by a teaser released by Epic Games on Friday. But due to Epic’s public dispute with Apple over the iPhone maker’s App Store policies, Epic currently isn’t able to update Fortnite on iOS. That means iPhone and iPad players will miss out on the new season unless something changes between Epic and Apple before Thursday.


theverge--2020-08-22--How to watch DC’s big FanDome event

How to watch DC’s big FanDome event

Without San Diego Comic-Con , DC Comics and Warner Bros. launched a new virtual event to showcase new trailers for upcoming films , games , and TV shows .
From Robert Pattinson ’ s The Batman to Zack Snyder ’ s cut of Justice League to glimpses at The Flash , Shazam 2 , Aquaman 2 , Wonder Woman 1984 , and more , FanDome is effectively trying to recreate the experience of Comic-Con ’ s Hall H phenomena in an interactive , virtual way .
Different “ panels ” will take place throughout the day .
Those panels will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for 24 hours .
This is the first FanDome event of the year , with another one scheduled for September 12th .
Saturday ’ s event is dedicated to the biggest developments in the film , TV , and gaming space .
The event kicks off at 1pm ET with a panel for Wonder Woman 1984 .
When is it ?
FanDome will start at 1pm ET .
Most of the panels will run until about 8:30pm ET .
There will be repeat streams of the panels for 24 hours if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How do I watch it ?
Unlike San Diego Comic-Con ’ s virtual festival , this isn ’ t going to be hosted on various YouTube channels .
In order to watch FanDome , you ’ ll have to set up an account on DC ’ s website for the event , but there ’ s no cost associated with it .
Once an account is set up , you can create your own schedule by browsing through the various panels and adding them to your list .
The site also makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — like Google Calendar — in order to receive reminders before a panel starts .
It ’ s unclear if the panels will be live or pre-recorded , although a trailer for the event seems to indicate that a portion of the panels will be pre-recorded .
Unlike Comic-Con ’ s virtual attempt , DC FanDome is designed around interactivity , so once inside the event , take some time to explore .
What are the big panels ?
Wonder Woman 1984 — DC Comics ’ next big movie is a Patty Jenkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Expect a new trailer , and some Q & A with the cast about Wonder Woman 1984 .
The Batman — One of the most anticipated DC films is Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves ’ The Batman .
Director Matt Reeves might bring first look footage at the new Caped Crusader to FanDome , alongside a Q & A session .
Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League — After years of campaigning from fans , Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League is almost here .
This panel will see the first big trailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premiere , so prepare .
Flash — Both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will appear as Batman in Flash , a movie that ties the Flash into a greater multiverse .
Expect to hear more about their involvement with the film , due out in 2022 .
Shazam !
— We know there ’ s a sequel in development , but don ’ t expect too many “ first looks.
” It ’ s still early on , but we should get some new information about what to expect from the sequel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson ( King Orm ) will take “ a deep dive into the world of Atlantis that Wan created , ” according to a FanDome ’ s website .
Warner Bros. Montreal game announcement — Fans have waited for more than a year for more information on Warner Bros. Montreal ’ s new Batman game .
Now , this panel will tease what fans can expect .
Suicide Squad game — The newest game from Rocksteady Studios ( creators of the Arkham franchise ) will be explored in this panel hosted by Will @ @

Without San Diego Comic-Con, DC Comics and Warner Bros. launched a new virtual event to showcase new trailers for upcoming films, games, and TV shows.
From Robert Pattinson’s The Batman to Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League to glimpses at The Flash, Shazam 2, Aquaman 2, Wonder Woman 1984, and more, FanDome is effectively trying to recreate the experience of Comic-Con’s Hall H phenomena in an interactive, virtual way. Different “panels” will take place throughout the day. Those panels will then be replayed in the “FanDome” for 24 hours. This is the first FanDome event of the year, with another one scheduled for September 12th. Saturday’s event is dedicated to the biggest developments in the film, TV, and gaming space. The event kicks off at 1pm ET with a panel for Wonder Woman 1984.
When is it?
FanDome will start at 1pm ET. Most of the panels will run until about 8:30pm ET. There will be repeat streams of the panels for 24 hours if you miss one you’re interested in.
How do I watch it?
Unlike San Diego Comic-Con’s virtual festival, this isn’t going to be hosted on various YouTube channels. In order to watch FanDome, you’ll have to set up an account on DC’s website for the event, but there’s no cost associated with it. Once an account is set up, you can create your own schedule by browsing through the various panels and adding them to your list. The site also makes adding a panel to your preferred calendar — like Google Calendar — in order to receive reminders before a panel starts.
It’s unclear if the panels will be live or pre-recorded, although a trailer for the event seems to indicate that a portion of the panels will be pre-recorded. Unlike Comic-Con’s virtual attempt, DC FanDome is designed around interactivity, so once inside the event, take some time to explore.
What are the big panels?
Wonder Woman 1984 — DC Comics’ next big movie is a Patty Jenkins’ sequel to her 2017 film. Expect a new trailer, and some Q&A with the cast about Wonder Woman 1984.
The Batman — One of the most anticipated DC films is Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Director Matt Reeves might bring first look footage at the new Caped Crusader to FanDome, alongside a Q&A session.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League — After years of campaigning from fans, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is almost here. This panel will see the first big trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League premiere, so prepare.
Flash — Both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will appear as Batman in Flash, a movie that ties the Flash into a greater multiverse. Expect to hear more about their involvement with the film, due out in 2022.
Shazam! — We know there’s a sequel in development, but don’t expect too many “first looks.” It’s still early on, but we should get some new information about what to expect from the sequel.
Aquaman — Director James Wan and Patrick Wilson (King Orm) will take “a deep dive into the world of Atlantis that Wan created,” according to a FanDome’s website.
Warner Bros. Montreal game announcement — Fans have waited for more than a year for more information on Warner Bros. Montreal’s new Batman game. Now, this panel will tease what fans can expect.


theverge--2020-08-22--DC FanDome: the nine biggest announcements

DC Comics and Warner Bros. held their first ever FanDome event today , a virtual convention that brought with it new movie trailers , announcements , and exciting gameplay footage .
From Warner Bros. Games Montreal ’ s Gotham Knights reveal ( including nearly eight minutes of footage ) to the first trailer for Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League and an update on Neil Gaiman ’ s Sandman series at Netflix , a lot happened .
Here are the biggest moments ( and videos ) from DC FanDome .
If you missed it , there are encore panels playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to DC FanDome ’ s schedule for a full list of repeat performances .
Gotham Knights announcement : As mentioned above , one of the biggest announcements was one fans have waited more than a year for — Gotham Knights is Warner Bros. Games Montreal ’ s new open-world title .
The developers brought a four-minute cinematic trailer introducing the various playable characters ( including Batgirl and Robin ) , alongside gameplay footage .
Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League trailer : Set to Leonard Cohen ’ s “ Hallelujah , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice League finally arrived .
The trailer includes a number of entirely new scenes that weren ’ t included in the original version of the film , which was released in 2017 .
There ’ s no specific release date yet , but Snyder ’ s version of Justice League will hit HBO Max in 2021 .
It will air in four , hour-long installments .
First look at Robert Pattinson in The Batman : Director Matt Reeves and star Robert Pattinson brought the first official trailer for The Batman to FanDome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ riddled with crime ( surprise , surprise ) , with Bruce Wayne trying to figure out his place in it all .
There are appearances from Zoe Kravitz ’ s Catwoman , Jeffrey Wright ’ s James Gordon , and more .
Suicide Squad : Kill the Justice League reveal : Rocksteady Studios ( the team behind Arkham City and Arkham Knight ) finally revealed its new game , Suicide Squad : Kill the Justice League with a lengthy trailer .
The title is a new action game starring the infamous super villain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arkham universe , according to Rocksteady .
How that actually plays out remains unclear right now .
The game will be launching on in 2022 for PC , PlayStation 5 , and Xbox Series X .
Wonder Woman 1984 trailer introduces Cheetah : Yes , Gal Gadot is back as Diana Prince ( aka Wonder Woman ) and Chris Pine is back as Steve Trevor , but the coolest part about the new Wonder Woman 1984 trailer is Kristen Wiig ’ s Cheetah .
Although Wiig ’ s Barbara was introduced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time we saw her transform into the villainous character .
Somewhere , Cats director Tom Hooper is silently cheering .
The Suicide Squad roster of villains unveiled : Although we didn ’ t get a full trailer for The Suicide Squad ( director James Gunn is in the editing bay ) , we did get a “ roll call ” teaser unveiling the lineup of villains .
Plus , a pretty funny behind-the-scenes featurette does give us a glimpse into the director ’ s sequel .
The Flash ’ s new costume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s The Flash was short and sweet , and while there ’ s no teaser just yet , we did get our first look at Barry Allen ’ s new costume .
Ezra Miller will reprise the role .
First look at Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam : Dwayne Johnson teamed up with DC Comics ’ Jim Lee and artist BossLogic to create a cool concept video for Black Adam .
The video gives a glimpse at Johnson in the Black Adam costume .
Johnson spent the panel answering questions from fans about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew him to the role ( “ I love that he ’ s an anti-hero ” ) , and the story he wants to explore .
Johnson also teased how certain characters from the Justice Society of America — Hawkman , Doctor Fate , Cyclone , and Atom Smasher — will be incorporated into Black Adam .
Netflix ’ s Sandman series update : Neil Gaiman ’ s Sandman series is still happening at Netflix , but because of production issues caused by COVID-19 , it ’ s unclear when the series will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Netflix ’ s version of The Sandman will still “ start in 1916 , but the thing that happens in Sandman 1 , the point that the story starts is not 1988 .
It ’ s now.
” This will allow Gaiman and his team to think about what this will do “ to the gender of characters , what is that going to do to the nature of characters ?
” Gaiman called it a pretty “ liberating ” experience .

DC Comics and Warner Bros. held their first ever FanDome event today, a virtual convention that brought with it new movie trailers, announcements, and exciting gameplay footage.
From Warner Bros. Games Montreal’s Gotham Knights reveal (including nearly eight minutes of footage) to the first trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League and an update on Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series at Netflix, a lot happened. Here are the biggest moments (and videos) from DC FanDome. If you missed it, there are encore panels playing for the next several hours. Head over to DC FanDome’s schedule for a full list of repeat performances.
Gotham Knights announcement: As mentioned above, one of the biggest announcements was one fans have waited more than a year for — Gotham Knights is Warner Bros. Games Montreal’s new open-world title. The developers brought a four-minute cinematic trailer introducing the various playable characters (including Batgirl and Robin), alongside gameplay footage.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League trailer: Set to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” the trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League finally arrived. The trailer includes a number of entirely new scenes that weren’t included in the original version of the film, which was released in 2017. There’s no specific release date yet, but Snyder’s version of Justice League will hit HBO Max in 2021. It will air in four, hour-long installments.
First look at Robert Pattinson in The Batman: Director Matt Reeves and star Robert Pattinson brought the first official trailer for The Batman to FanDome. The trailer sets up a Gotham City riddled with crime (surprise, surprise), with Bruce Wayne trying to figure out his place in it all. There are appearances from Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright’s James Gordon, and more.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League reveal: Rocksteady Studios (the team behind Arkham City and Arkham Knight) finally revealed its new game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League with a lengthy trailer. The title is a new action game starring the infamous super villain team, and is a continuation of the Arkham universe, according to Rocksteady. How that actually plays out remains unclear right now. The game will be launching on in 2022 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Wonder Woman 1984 trailer introduces Cheetah: Yes, Gal Gadot is back as Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) and Chris Pine is back as Steve Trevor, but the coolest part about the new Wonder Woman 1984 trailer is Kristen Wiig’s Cheetah. Although Wiig’s Barbara was introduced in the first trailer, this marked the first time we saw her transform into the villainous character. Somewhere, Cats director Tom Hooper is silently cheering.
The Suicide Squad roster of villains unveiled: Although we didn’t get a full trailer for The Suicide Squad (director James Gunn is in the editing bay), we did get a “roll call” teaser unveiling the lineup of villains. Plus, a pretty funny behind-the-scenes featurette does give us a glimpse into the director’s sequel.
The Flash’s new costume: A panel for Andy Muschietti’s The Flash was short and sweet, and while there’s no teaser just yet, we did get our first look at Barry Allen’s new costume. Ezra Miller will reprise the role.
First look at Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam: Dwayne Johnson teamed up with DC Comics’ Jim Lee and artist BossLogic to create a cool concept video for Black Adam. The video gives a glimpse at Johnson in the Black Adam costume. Johnson spent the panel answering questions from fans about how powerful Black Adam is, what drew him to the role (“I love that he’s an anti-hero”), and the story he wants to explore. Johnson also teased how certain characters from the Justice Society of America — Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher — will be incorporated into Black Adam.


theverge--2020-08-22--First trailer for The Batman sees Robert Pattinson transform into the Dark Knight

Robert Pattinson ’ s upcoming Batman movie , The Batman , is one of the most anticipated DC movies .
Today , director Matt Reeves debuted a first look at Pattinson ’ s take on the Dark Knight .
Maybe surprising to some , it ’ s a good sized teaser trailer .
Production on the film shut down by the pandemic , but the footage Reeves brought to DC ’ s FanDome virtual convention is a pretty good glance at what fans of the caped crusader should expect .
Like always in Gotham City , crime is running rampant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to Batman .
The story takes place about two years into Bruce Wayne ’ s career as Batman , a period when he ’ s still just a masked vigilante .
Reeves stressed that Batman isn ’ t Batman yet , and there are people “ who are afraid of him , quite frankly.
” The trailer also introduces a few key characters , including Jeffrey Wright ’ s James Gordon and Zoe Kravitz ’ s Catwoman .
Andy Serkis ’ Alfred can also be heard .
Reeves stressed that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves ; Selina Kyle is not Catwoman yet , for example .
Both The Riddler and The Penguin are also early into their own criminal careers .
Arguably the most shocking part of the trailer isn ’ t Pattinson and Reeves ’ take on Batman but on Bruce Wayne .
This doesn ’ t look like the well-kept , put together playboy version of Bruce Wayne that fans of Christian Bale , Michael Keaton , and even Ben Affleck ’ s portrayals may expect .
Pattinson ’ s Bruce Wayne is a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; consider me intrigued .
“ Without being an origin story for him , it ’ s something that touches upon his origins , ” Reeves said .
Reeves has shared a few details over the last few months , including a previous first look at Pattinson ’ s Batman costume and images of the new Batmobile .
The film was originally supposed to be released on June 21st , 2021 , but because of the pandemic affecting production and other film ’ s releases this year , The Batman was pushed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sucks for any Batman fan , but based on the imagery we ’ ve seen so far , being released during the month of Halloween seems pretty perfect .

Robert Pattinson’s upcoming Batman movie, The Batman, is one of the most anticipated DC movies. Today, director Matt Reeves debuted a first look at Pattinson’s take on the Dark Knight.
Maybe surprising to some, it’s a good sized teaser trailer. Production on the film shut down by the pandemic, but the footage Reeves brought to DC’s FanDome virtual convention is a pretty good glance at what fans of the caped crusader should expect. Like always in Gotham City, crime is running rampant, and some nefarious force is trying to get to Batman. The story takes place about two years into Bruce Wayne’s career as Batman, a period when he’s still just a masked vigilante. Reeves stressed that Batman isn’t Batman yet, and there are people “who are afraid of him, quite frankly.”
The trailer also introduces a few key characters, including Jeffrey Wright’s James Gordon and Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman. Andy Serkis’ Alfred can also be heard. Reeves stressed that many of these characters are still coming into themselves; Selina Kyle is not Catwoman yet, for example. Both The Riddler and The Penguin are also early into their own criminal careers.
Arguably the most shocking part of the trailer isn’t Pattinson and Reeves’ take on Batman but on Bruce Wayne. This doesn’t look like the well-kept, put together playboy version of Bruce Wayne that fans of Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and even Ben Affleck’s portrayals may expect. Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is a little more unkempt, a little more goth; consider me intrigued.
“Without being an origin story for him, it’s something that touches upon his origins,” Reeves said.


theverge--2020-08-22--Watch the first trailer for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

The team behind the beloved Batman : Arkham games is now exploring at different DC property .
This evening at DC Fandome , Rocksteady Studios finally revealed Suicide Squad : Kill the Justice League , a new action game starring the infamous super villain team .
The game will be launching on in 2022 for PC , PlayStation 5 , and Xbox Series X according to the teaser .
The studio teased the game earlier this month after plentiful rumors .
“ The most dangerous villains in the DC Universe have been forced to team up and take on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the description under the trailer reads .
“ Create Chaos in Metropolis .
You are the Suicide Squad.
” Rocksteady is known almost entirely for its Batman games , which combined key elements of the character — gadgets , detective work , and heavy combat — into an excellent open-world experience .
The series debut in 2009 , and the developer made two sequels and a VR spinoff .
Suicide Squad will be Rocksteady ’ s first full-fledged release since 2015 .
The reveal comes at an awkward time for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act on complaints of sexual harassment and sexism in the workplace .

The team behind the beloved Batman: Arkham games is now exploring at different DC property. This evening at DC Fandome, Rocksteady Studios finally revealed Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, a new action game starring the infamous super villain team. The game will be launching on in 2022 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X according to the teaser. The studio teased the game earlier this month after plentiful rumors.
“The most dangerous villains in the DC Universe have been forced to team up and take on a new mission: Kill the Justice League,” the description under the trailer reads. “Create Chaos in Metropolis. You are the Suicide Squad.”
Rocksteady is known almost entirely for its Batman games, which combined key elements of the character — gadgets, detective work, and heavy combat — into an excellent open-world experience. The series debut in 2009, and the developer made two sequels and a VR spinoff. Suicide Squad will be Rocksteady’s first full-fledged release since 2015.


theverge--2020-08-22--Apple apologizes to WordPress, won’t force the free app to add purchases after all

On Friday , the internet erupted in a small way to learn that Apple had successfully forced WordPress to monetize its free app — forcing it to sell premium plans and custom domain names seemingly just so that Apple could get its traditional 30 percent cut .
But one afternoon and evening of surprise and outrage later , Apple is backing off .
The company is issuing a rare on-the-record apology , and it says that WordPress will no longer have to add in-app purchases now that all is said and done .
We believe the issue with the WordPress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app , it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases .
We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused .
You ’ ll notice that Apple is positioning this as the developer — WordPress — having done the right thing and removed the “ display of their service payment options from the app , ” and to my knowledge that is technically true .
But as far as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen today : it happened weeks or months ago .
While as of yesterday , the WordPress app didn ’ t sell a single thing and didn ’ t so much as mention a paid “ Wordpress.com ” plan unless you followed an unlikely workaround , I was able to track down a fellow journalist this weekend who had a much older version of the app , one with a dedicated “ Plans ” tab that listed some of the different plans available to premium customers : It was already a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That said , my source told me there was no ability to purchase any of those plans — and I can confirm the entire “ Plans ” section had already been removed by the time WordPress developer Matt Mullenwag told us Apple had successfully forced him to add Apple ’ s in-app purchases ( IAP ) .
( Originally , he ’ d said Apple locked him out of updating the app unless he added Apple IAP within 30 days . )
What ’ s more , Mullenwag told us that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paid plans out of the app ( even workarounds like when a user views a preview of their own WordPress webpage and then navigates to WordPress.com ) , only to have those suggestions rejected by Apple .
So , to the best of my knowledge , this isn ’ t WordPress caving yet again .
Apple simply seems to have decided that trying to extract its cut from a free app — by forcing in-app purchases — isn ’ t a hill worth dying on today .
Update , 8:52 PM ET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise to WordPress ’ s Matt Mullenwag , who has a new Twitter thread here .

On Friday, the internet erupted in a small way to learn that Apple had successfully forced WordPress to monetize its free app — forcing it to sell premium plans and custom domain names seemingly just so that Apple could get its traditional 30 percent cut.
But one afternoon and evening of surprise and outrage later, Apple is backing off. The company is issuing a rare on-the-record apology, and it says that WordPress will no longer have to add in-app purchases now that all is said and done.
Here’s Apple’s full statement:
We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved. Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused.
You’ll notice that Apple is positioning this as the developer — WordPress — having done the right thing and removed the “display of their service payment options from the app,” and to my knowledge that is technically true. But as far as I’m aware, that didn’t happen today: it happened weeks or months ago.
While as of yesterday, the WordPress app didn’t sell a single thing and didn’t so much as mention a paid “Wordpress.com” plan unless you followed an unlikely workaround, I was able to track down a fellow journalist this weekend who had a much older version of the app, one with a dedicated “Plans” tab that listed some of the different plans available to premium customers:
It was already a “free stand-alone app,” no?
That said, my source told me there was no ability to purchase any of those plans — and I can confirm the entire “Plans” section had already been removed by the time WordPress developer Matt Mullenweg told us Apple had successfully forced him to add Apple’s in-app purchases (IAP). (Originally, he’d said Apple locked him out of updating the app unless he added Apple IAP within 30 days.)
What’s more, Mullenweg told us that he had previously offered to strip other mentions of the paid plans out of the app (even workarounds like when a user views a preview of their own WordPress webpage and then navigates to WordPress.com), only to have those suggestions rejected by Apple.
So, to the best of my knowledge, this isn’t WordPress caving yet again. Apple simply seems to have decided that trying to extract its cut from a free app — by forcing in-app purchases — isn’t a hill worth dying on today.
Update, 8:52 PM ET: The news apparently came as a surprise to WordPress’s Matt Mullenweg, who has a new Twitter thread here.
Update, August 23rd, 5:40 PM ET: In case you’re wondering, WordPress’s Matt Mullenweg is denying that WordPress itself submitted an update that would have allowed iOS users to purchase premium plans: “There was no link to the plans page, and no direct way to buy plans from inside the app,” he tells The Verge.


theverge--2020-08-22--Watch the first trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League cut

After years of campaigning from fans , Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League will see the light of day — and a first look trailer for the director ’ s version premiered today .
Snyder brought the trailer for his panel at DC FanDome , a miniature version of San Diego Comic-Con ’ s Hall H for fans of DC and Warner Bros. ’ films .
The trailer is set to Leonard Cohen ’ s “ Hallelujah , ” and follows the various members of the team as they slowly come together .
Snyder fans who wanted more of Ray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Darkseid , and a more Snyder vibe to the film overall should be pleased .
Snyder also confirmed his version will be released as four parts , with each installment running one hour .
The team is also working on a distribution plan for countries where HBO Max isn ’ t available .
Easily one of the most anticipated panels of the event , Snyder used his time and trailer to talk about how his version of the film might differ from the original cut .
For example , Snyder told Fisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movie , ” and holds things together for the team .
Snyder originally stepped away from Justice League after the death of his daughter .
Warner Bros. brought in director Joss Whedon — who had already been recruited to help with script rewrites at an earlier stage — to oversee reshoots .
“ I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists ” After the movie was released , fans took issue with Whedon ’ s more comedic tone .
A campaign started not long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Warner Bros. to deliver a “ Snyder cut.
” Snyder ’ s cut won ’ t receive a theatrical release , but is slated to be an HBO Max exclusive — a smart move for WarnerMedia , currently trying to scale HBO Max ’ s subscriber base .
“ I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized .
Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement announcing the news in May .
Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League will hit HBO Max in 2021 , but there ’ s no specific date yet .

After years of campaigning from fans, Zack Snyder’s Justice League will see the light of day — and a first look trailer for the director’s version premiered today.
Snyder brought the trailer for his panel at DC FanDome, a miniature version of San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H for fans of DC and Warner Bros.’ films. The trailer is set to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and follows the various members of the team as they slowly come together. Snyder fans who wanted more of Ray Fisher’s Cyborg, more Superman, Darkseid, and a more Snyder vibe to the film overall should be pleased. Snyder also confirmed his version will be released as four parts, with each installment running one hour. The team is also working on a distribution plan for countries where HBO Max isn’t available.
Easily one of the most anticipated panels of the event, Snyder used his time and trailer to talk about how his version of the film might differ from the original cut. For example, Snyder told Fisher that “Cyborg is the heart of the movie,” and holds things together for the team. Snyder originally stepped away from Justice League after the death of his daughter. Warner Bros. brought in director Joss Whedon — who had already been recruited to help with script rewrites at an earlier stage — to oversee reshoots.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists”
After the movie was released, fans took issue with Whedon’s more comedic tone. A campaign started not long after the film’s initial release for Warner Bros. to deliver a “Snyder cut.” Snyder’s cut won’t receive a theatrical release, but is slated to be an HBO Max exclusive — a smart move for WarnerMedia, currently trying to scale HBO Max’s subscriber base.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” Snyder said in a statement announcing the news in May.


theverge--2020-08-22--If you think Fall Guys would be a perfect mobile game, China has news for you

The wildly popular game Fall Guys : Ultimate Knockout is reportedly coming to mobile .
Games analyst Daniel Ahmad tweeted that Chinese entertainment company Bilibili has secured the rights to publish a mobile version of the game , but in China only .
On its website , Bilibili says it will be the “ exclusive agent ” for a genuine mobile game in mainland China that Google is translating to “ Jelly Bean : Ultimate Knockout , ” with “ jelly bean ” a likely reference to the game ’ s bean-shaped characters .
In China , the PC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same name .
There have been a lot of rumors swirling about a mobile version of Fall Guys which so far have turned out to be incorrect .
The official Twitter account for the game tweeted August 17th “ if you see any ads for a mobile version they are scams , ” but has yet to comment about today ’ s news .
We ’ ve reached out to Mediatonic , the developers of Fall Guys , as well as Bilibili for more details and will update when we hear back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month on PS4 and PC , Fall Guys has been a huge hit , and drew more than 1.5 million players in its first 24 hours .
The simplistic battle royale game supports up to 60 players in a series of mini-game matches where you jump , dive and grab your way to victory ; players are eliminated through several rounds , with players earning customizations along the way .
It makes sense that there would be a mobile version of Fall Guys at some point , since it ’ s pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few buttons and a joystick to play .
Unlike other popular battle royale games on mobile , Fall Guys wouldn ’ t need to cover a small mobile screen with a ton of virtual buttons .
And , since it ’ s typically played in very short sessions because so many people get knocked out in each round , it ’ d be a good option to play on the go .
There ’ s no word yet about when the mobile version of Fall Guys will be available in China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US .
But Mediatonic has said it would “ love to bring the game to other platforms further down the line .
”

The wildly popular game Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is coming to mobile, but only in China. Games analyst Daniel Ahmad tweeted that Chinese entertainment company Bilibili has secured the rights to publish a mobile version of the game, but in China only.
On its website, Bilibili says it will be the “exclusive agent” for a genuine mobile game in mainland China that Google is translating to “Jelly Bean: Ultimate Knockout,” with “jelly bean” a likely reference to the game’s bean-shaped characters. In China, the PC and PS4 versions of the game go by the same name.
Bill Croft, co-founder of Fall Guys developer Mediatonic, confirmed the news Monday. “We can confirm Bilibili have secured publishing rights to a mobile version in China,” Croft wrote in an email to The Verge. “As you can imagine, we’ve had a lot of questions about platforms since launch, and of course we’d love to release on more platforms in the future but for now we’re focusing our efforts on PC and PS4.”
There have been a lot of rumors swirling about a mobile version of Fall Guys which turned out to be incorrect, until now. The official Twitter account for the game tweeted August 17th “if you see any ads for a mobile version they are scams.”
Since its launch earlier this month on PS4 and PC, Fall Guys has been a huge hit, and drew more than 1.5 million players in its first 24 hours. The simplistic battle royale game supports up to 60 players in a series of mini-game matches where you jump, dive and grab your way to victory; players are eliminated through several rounds, with players earning customizations along the way.
It makes sense that there would be a mobile version of Fall Guys, since it’s pretty much a made-for-mobile game, requiring only a few buttons and a joystick to play. Unlike other popular battle royale games on mobile, Fall Guys wouldn’t need to cover a small mobile screen with a ton of virtual buttons. And, since it’s typically played in very short sessions because so many people get knocked out in each round, it’d be a good option to play on the go.
There’s no word yet about when the mobile version of Fall Guys will be available in China, or when we might see one in the US. But Mediatonic has said it would “love to bring the game to other platforms further down the line.”


theverge--2020-08-22--TikTok confirms it will sue the Trump administration

TikTok confirmed Saturday that it will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order demanding parent company ByteDance divest its TikTok operations in the US .
It ’ s the first time the company has confirmed it will pursue legal action , a move that has been rumored for several weeks .
Reports began surfacing Friday that a lawsuit was likely imminent .
“ Even though we strongly disagree with the administration ’ s concerns , for nearly a year we have sought to engage in good faith to provide a constructive solution , ” TikTok spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Verge .
“ What we encountered instead was a lack of due process as the administration paid no attention to facts and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.
” To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly , we have no choice but to challenge the Executive Order through the judicial system.
” President Trump signed an executive order August 6th blocking all transactions with ByteDance in an effort to “ address the national emergency with respect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The order invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act , an unusual move that casts TikTok ’ s continued operation within the US as a national emergency .
The order was intended to take effect within 45 days .
On August 14th , the president signed another executive order , this time giving ByteDance 90 days to sell or spin off TikTok in the US .
The video-sharing platform has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year ; TikTok said in April it hit 2 billion downloads globally , with 315 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
Microsoft has been in talks to acquire TikTok — though co-founder Bill Gates has called the potential deal a “ poisoned chalice ” — and reports suggested Twitter and Oracle also were in separate talks with TikTok .
Microsoft said it expected to complete the discussions “ no later than September 15th , 2020.
” “ There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States , ” Trump wrote in the order , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo mentioned the possibility of a TikTok ban as early as July 7th .
Pompeo also has compared TikTok to Huawei and ZTE , two Chinese companies that have been designated as threats to US national security .
“ Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President ’ s concerns .
It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States , including the United States Treasury , ” an August 2nd blog post from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella @ @

TikTok confirmed Saturday that it will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order demanding parent company ByteDance divest its TikTok operations in the US. It’s the first time the company has confirmed it will pursue legal action, a move that has been rumored for several weeks. Reports began surfacing Friday that a lawsuit was likely imminent.
“Even though we strongly disagree with the administration’s concerns, for nearly a year we have sought to engage in good faith to provide a constructive solution,” TikTok spokesman Josh Gartner said in a statement to The Verge. “What we encountered instead was a lack of due process as the administration paid no attention to facts and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.”
To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we have no choice but to challenge the Executive Order through the judicial system.”
President Trump signed an executive order August 6th blocking all transactions with ByteDance in an effort to “address the national emergency with respect to the information and communication technology supply chain.” The order invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act.
The order was intended to take effect within 45 days. On August 14th, the president signed another executive order, this time giving ByteDance 90 days to sell or spin off TikTok in the US.
The video-sharing platform has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year; TikTok said in April it hit 2 billion downloads globally, with 315 million downloads in the first quarter of 2020 alone.
Microsoft has been in talks to acquire TikTok — though co-founder Bill Gates has called the potential deal a “poisoned chalice” — and reports suggested Twitter and Oracle also were in separate talks with TikTok. Microsoft said it expected to complete the discussions “no later than September 15th, 2020.”
“There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,” Trump wrote in the order, which references national security concerns.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned the possibility of a TikTok ban as early as July 7th. Pompeo also has compared TikTok to Huawei and ZTE, two Chinese companies that have been designated as threats to US national security.


theverge--2020-08-22--James Gunn’s Suicide Squad roster of villains unveiled in new teaser video

Director James Gunn took his time at DC Comics ’ FanDome to introduce the new Suicide Squad set to debut in Warner Bros. ’ The Suicide Squad .
A “ roll call ” trailer for his Suicide Squad sequel debuted today at DC FanDome , a virtual convention from DC Comics and Warner Bros. That includes Idris Elba as Bloodsport , John Cena as Peacemaker , Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang , Nathan Fillion as TDK , Pete Davidson as Blackguard and many more .
Although it ’ s not an official trailer , this is the first time that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film ’ s new characters .
Gunn also debuted a behind-the-scenes video that includes some of the first footage from The Suicide Squad .
The Suicide Squad is Gunn ’ s first big project , and first film set within a superhero universe , since he was ousted from Disney in 2018 .
Disney fired Gunn over a series of offensive tweets that resurfaced .
Although Disney ’ s actions drew ire from critics at the time , alongside pleas from the Guardians cast to bring Gunn back , he wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The Suicide Squad will hit theaters on August 6th , 2021 .

Director James Gunn took his time at DC Comics’ FanDome to introduce the new Suicide Squad set to debut in Warner Bros.’ The Suicide Squad.
A “roll call” trailer for his Suicide Squad sequel debuted today at DC FanDome, a virtual convention from DC Comics and Warner Bros. That includes Idris Elba as Bloodsport, John Cena as Peacemaker, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Nathan Fillion as TDK, Pete Davidson as Blackguard and many more. Although it’s not an official trailer, this is the first time that Gunn and Warner Bros. have announced the film’s new characters. Gunn also debuted a behind-the-scenes video that includes some of the first footage from The Suicide Squad.
The Suicide Squad is Gunn’s first big project, and first film set within a superhero universe, since he was ousted from Disney in 2018. Disney fired Gunn over a series of offensive tweets that resurfaced. Although Disney’s actions drew ire from critics at the time, alongside pleas from the Guardians cast to bring Gunn back, he wasn’t rehired to work on Guardians until March 2019.


theverge--2020-08-22--Watch nearly eight minutes of Gotham Knights first gameplay footage

Warner Bros. Games Montreal debuted its new game set within Batman ’ s world , Gotham Knights , at DC Comics ’ FanDome today , and the developers brought nearly eight minutes of gameplay footage for fans to watch .
The open world game is set within Gotham City .
The gameplay footage in particular sees Batgirl and Robin team up to take on classic Batman villain Mr .
Freeze .
This is just one of several villain encounters that the vigilantes-turned-heroes will happen upon in the game , according to Warner Bros. Games Montreal ’ s description of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ use a variety of abilities , weapons , and unique combat moves to neutralize their foes , ” the description reads .
Warner Bros. Games Montreal has experience with Batman games , picking up the Arkham series that was started by Rocksteady Studio in 2013 with Arkham Origins .
WB Games Montreal has been teasing Gotham Knights for more than a year , but didn ’ t reveal the name until today .
Rocksteady will also move forward with another DC project , Suicide Squad : Kill the Justice League .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debut today at FanDome .
Gotham Knights will be released in 2021 .

Warner Bros. Games Montreal debuted its new game set within Batman’s world, Gotham Knights, at DC Comics’ FanDome today, and the developers brought nearly eight minutes of gameplay footage for fans to watch.
The open world game is set within Gotham City. The gameplay footage in particular sees Batgirl and Robin team up to take on classic Batman villain Mr. Freeze. This is just one of several villain encounters that the vigilantes-turned-heroes will happen upon in the game, according to Warner Bros. Games Montreal’s description of the game. Both Robin and Batgirl will “use a variety of abilities, weapons, and unique combat moves to neutralize their foes,” the description reads.
Warner Bros. Games Montreal has experience with Batman games, picking up the Arkham series that was started by Rocksteady Studio in 2013 with Arkham Origins. WB Games Montreal has been teasing Gotham Knights for more than a year, but didn’t reveal the name until today. Rocksteady will also move forward with another DC project, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. More information about that game is set to debut today at FanDome.


theverge--2020-08-22--Here’s your first look at Gotham Knights, the new game from WB Games Montreal

It ’ s been a few years , but there ’ s a new Batman game on the way .
@ @ @ @ @ we got our first look at the long-rumored Gotham Knights , which looks to channel @ @ @ @ @ Arkham games .
The new title will be launching in 2021 .
Gameplay footage from @ @ @ @ @ FanDome .
The new game is being developed by WB Games Montreal .
While the @ @ @ @ @ Rocksteady Studio , the Montreal studio picked up the series with 2013 ’ s Arkham @ @ @ @ @ has been teasing a new Batman project since last year .
Rocksteady , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ property , with Suicide Squad : Kill the Justice League .

It’s been a few years, but there’s a new Batman game on the way. At the DC Fandome event we got our first look at the long-rumored Gotham Knights, which looks to channel the spirit of the beloved Arkham games. The new title will be launching in 2021. Gameplay footage from the game was shown at FanDome.


theverge--2020-08-23--This could be the first real picture of the Pixel 5

New leaked images may have the first look at the Google Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4A 5G .
The image showing what could be the Pixel 5 in black and the Pixel 4A 5G in white came from a since-deleted post on Reddit .
They also include details about the phones ’ specs which seem to match up with previously leaked information , according to XDA Developers .
Google launched the Pixel 4A earlier this month and announced the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G would be coming sometime this fall , likely early October .
Renders of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device , a square-shaped camera array with two cameras , a flash , and a hole-punch front-facing camera .
If the new Reddit image is legit , it would also seem to confirm those specs to be accurate , and agrees with rumors the Pixel 5 would have a Snapdragon 765G processor .
The new information also indicates it will have a 4,000 mAh battery , 8GB of RAM , and a 90Hz display .
The back will be plastic , and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information is correct .
Like the Pixel 4 , the Pixel 5 should have a 0.5x wide-angle lens , as well as a 12.2MP main camera .
The 4A 5G will have many of the same specs , but with a 3,800 mAh battery , 6GB of RAM , and a 60Hz display , and according to the latest leak , will include a 3.5mm headphone jack .
There ’ s also a new render of the Pixel 4a 5G , courtesy of OnLeaks and 91Mobiles , which also looks a lot like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Again , these specs all come with the usual caveats about leaked information , and with the original post already deleted , it ’ s hard to verify how accurate all this information is .
But as we get closer to its release date , we ’ re likely to see more information trickle out about Google ’ s next Pixel flagship phone .

New leaked images may have the first look at the Google Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4A 5G. The image showing what could be the Pixel 5 in black and the Pixel 4A 5G in white came from a since-deleted post on Reddit. They also include details about the phones’ specs which seem to match up with previously leaked information, according to XDA Developers.
Google launched the Pixel 4A earlier this month and announced the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G would be coming sometime this fall, likely early October. Renders of the Pixel 5 leaked last week, showing a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device, a square-shaped camera array with two cameras, a flash, and a hole-punch front-facing camera.
A previously leaked render of the (likely) Pixel 5
If the new Reddit image is legit, it would also seem to confirm those specs to be accurate, and agrees with rumors the Pixel 5 would have a Snapdragon 765G processor. The new information also indicates it will have a 4,000 mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and a 90Hz display. The back will be plastic, and there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, if this information is correct. Like the Pixel 4, the Pixel 5 should have a 0.5x wide-angle lens, as well as a 12.2MP main camera.
The 4A 5G will have many of the same specs, but with a 3,800 mAh battery, 6GB of RAM, and a 60Hz display, and according to the latest leak, will include a 3.5mm headphone jack.
There’s also a new render of the Pixel 4a 5G, courtesy of OnLeaks and 91Mobiles, which also looks a lot like the larger phone in the Reddit photo:
A render of the (purported) Pixel 4A 5G OnLeaks/Steve H. McFly


theverge--2020-08-23--FDA authorizes convalescent plasma to treat  COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors as a treatment for sick patients .
The announcement came after President Donald Trump publicly pressured the agency to speed the development of drugs and vaccines .
Plasma should not be the new standard of care for COVID-19 , the agency said in a statement .
However , it may shorten or reduce the severity of the illness in hospitalized patients .
“ We ’ re encouraged by the early promising data that we ’ ve seen about convalescent plasma , ” said commissioner Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that the plasma , which contains antibodies against the coronavirus , could help improve the survival rate of people hospitalized with the disease .
However , the treatment has only been tested in small groups of COVID-19 patients , and not in the large , placebo-controlled clinical trials that could give clear answers .
The agency noted that the evidence supporting the decision to authorize plasma did not come from gold-standard randomized clinical trials in its fact sheet about convalescent plasma for health care workers .
“ Facilitating the enrollment of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials is critically important for the definitive demonstration of safety and efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma , ” the FDA said in its statement .
The FDA had plans to issue an emergency authorization for plasma at the start of August , but put those plans on hold after health officials raised concerns there was not strong enough data supporting the treatment , according to The New York Times .
Data from a large study of plasma found that patients had a lower death rate if they received plasma within three days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , but those patients were not compared to a placebo group .
Officials decided to scrutinize the data more closely .
In a press conference last week , President Donald Trump said without evidence that the delay was politically motivated .
“ People are dying , and we should have it approved if it ’ s good , ” he said .
He then accused the FDA of stalling the development of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines on Twitter .
Emergency authorization is not full FDA approval , but it indicates that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outweigh the risks .
One other treatment , the antiviral drug remdesivir , is authorized to treat COVID-19 .
Convalescent plasma is an old-school approach to treating infectious disease ; it ’ s been used since the 1890s to treat diphtheria , pandemic flu , and chickenpox .
“ With plasma we ’ re leveraging the body ’ s amazing ability to develop antibodies and immunity to pathogens , ” Elliott Bennett-Guerrero , who is studying the use of this convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients at Stony Brook Medicine , told The Verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective factors to people who are sick and haven ’ t been able to mount an immune response.
” Thousands of COVID-19 patients in the US have already been treated with plasma through clinical trials and emergency access programs .
The FDA has been helping coordinate those efforts since March .
The new authorization , though , would knock down some logistical barriers and make it easier for patients to access the treatment .
Clinical trials on plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 are still ongoing .
Scientists are also studying if infusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are at high risk for contracting the virus , like health care workers , from getting sick .
The US Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma through a series of PSAs , and the FDA has a website directing people to donation sites .
Update August 23 , 5:46 PM ET : Updated with information from the FDA .

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors as a treatment for sick patients. The announcement came after President Donald Trump publicly pressured the agency to speed the development of drugs and vaccines.
Plasma should not be the new standard of care for COVID-19, the agency said in a statement. However, it may shorten or reduce the severity of the illness in hospitalized patients. “We’re encouraged by the early promising data that we’ve seen about convalescent plasma,” said commissioner Stephen Hahn in the statement.
Preliminary research suggests that the plasma, which contains antibodies against the coronavirus, could help improve the survival rate of people hospitalized with the disease. However, the treatment has only been tested in small groups of COVID-19 patients, and not in the large, placebo-controlled clinical trials that could give clear answers.
The agency noted that the evidence supporting the decision to authorize plasma did not come from gold-standard randomized clinical trials in its fact sheet about convalescent plasma for health care workers. “Facilitating the enrollment of patients into any of the ongoing randomized clinical trials is critically important for the definitive demonstration of safety and efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma,” the FDA said in its statement.
The FDA had plans to issue an emergency authorization for plasma at the start of August, but put those plans on hold after health officials raised concerns there was not strong enough data supporting the treatment, according to The New York Times. Data from a large study of plasma found that patients had a lower death rate if they received plasma within three days of their diagnosis than if they received it later, but those patients were not compared to a placebo group. Officials decided to scrutinize the data more closely.
In a press conference last week, President Donald Trump said without evidence that the delay was politically motivated. “People are dying, and we should have it approved if it’s good,” he said. He then accused the FDA of stalling the development of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines on Twitter.
Emergency authorization is not full FDA approval, but it indicates that the agency believes the benefits of the therapy outweigh the risks. One other treatment, the antiviral drug remdesivir, is authorized to treat COVID-19.
Convalescent plasma is an old-school approach to treating infectious disease; it’s been used since the 1890s to treat diphtheria, pandemic flu, and chickenpox.
“With plasma we’re leveraging the body’s amazing ability to develop antibodies and immunity to pathogens,” Elliott Bennett-Guerrero, who is studying the use of this convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients at Stony Brook Medicine, told The Verge in April. “We transfer those protective factors to people who are sick and haven’t been able to mount an immune response.”
Thousands of COVID-19 patients in the US have already been treated with plasma through clinical trials and emergency access programs. The FDA has been helping coordinate those efforts since March. The new authorization, though, would knock down some logistical barriers and make it easier for patients to access the treatment.
Clinical trials on plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 are still ongoing. Scientists are also studying if infusions of the plasma could protect healthy people who are at high risk for contracting the virus, like health care workers, from getting sick.
The US Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma through a series of PSAs, and the FDA has a website directing people to donation sites.


theverge--2020-08-23--World Health Organization advises kids 12 and older should wear masks to prevent coronavirus spread

The World Health Organization has released its guidance on face masks for children , as students— in some parts of the country at least— return to their classrooms to start the new school year .
Children age 5 and younger shouldn ’ t be required to wear masks , the WHO says , since most are not able to put them on without help .
Children age 6 through 11 , however , should wear masks under certain conditions , including local infection rates , whether there ’ s an adult available to help them , and if they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with health conditions who are at higher risk of complications from the virus .
Kids 12 and older should wear masks under the same conditions adults would wear them , using the standard social-distancing guidelines , WHO said in its release .
WHO Worked with UNICEF , the International Pediatric Association and other health organizations and experts to come up with the guidelines .
Their findings stress that there is limited evidence about how the coronavirus is transmitted in children , but that some evidence shows younger children “ may have lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but that this may vary by age .
Older children may be more likely to spread the virus than younger ones , according to WHO .
Further , the WHO advises that the benefits of children wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 “ should be weighed against potential harm associated with wearing masks , including feasibility and discomfort , as well as social and communication concerns.
” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , between July 30th and August 13th , there were more than 75,000 new cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 percent increase in the total .
As of last month , more than 340,000 children had tested positive , roughly 9 percent of the total cases in the US .
Medical experts say there are very few medical reasons to preclude most people from wearing cloth face coverings .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said in a July 14th update that “ cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease , ” adding that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others .
”

The World Health Organization has released its guidance on face masks for children, as students— in some parts of the country at least— return to their classrooms to start the new school year. Children age 5 and younger shouldn’t be required to wear masks, the WHO says, since most are not able to put them on without help.
Children age 6 through 11, however, should wear masks under certain conditions, including local infection rates, whether there’s an adult available to help them, and if they’ll be exposed to elderly people or people with health conditions who are at higher risk of complications from the virus.
Kids 12 and older should wear masks under the same conditions adults would wear them, using the standard social-distancing guidelines, WHO said in its release.
WHO Worked with UNICEF, the International Pediatric Association and other health organizations and experts to come up with the guidelines. Their findings stress that there is limited evidence about how the coronavirus is transmitted in children, but that some evidence shows younger children “may have lower susceptibility to infection compared to adults,” but that this may vary by age. Older children may be more likely to spread the virus than younger ones, according to WHO.
Further, the WHO advises that the benefits of children wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 “should be weighed against potential harm associated with wearing masks, including feasibility and discomfort, as well as social and communication concerns.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, between July 30th and August 13th, there were more than 75,000 new cases of the coronavirus in children, marking a 24 percent increase in the total. As of last month, more than 340,000 children had tested positive, roughly 9 percent of the total cases in the US.