theverge--2020-10-27--TCL’s new phone has ultra-fast 5G for $399, but that’s not enough

The TCL 10 5G UW is the latest 5G phone exclusive to Verizon ’ s network today , and it ’ s the most affordable 5G-ready phone yet — for the moment , at least .
It costs $ 399 outright or $ 16.67 per month for 24 months on a device payment plan .
For those paying attention , Samsung ’ s Galaxy A71 5G UW held this distinction in July with a $ 649 price tag , so the prices are definitely falling quickly .
TCL originally announced this phone at CES 2020 , but today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Impressively , TCL ’ s phone is priced at $ 200 less than the Verizon-specific version of the Google Pixel 4A 5G while matching it spec for spec in terms of hardware , including the Snapdragon 765G processor , 6GB of RAM , and 128GB of storage .
$ 399 is a price that TCL sees as an easier hurdle for people who want to experience 5G without spending upwards of $ 1,000 on a flagship phone , like the Samsung Galaxy S20 or the less expensive but still costly iPhone 12 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ price that TCL ’ s new phone supports Verizon ’ s newly launched sub-6GHz 5G spectrum to provide faster-than-LTE speeds across much of the US as well as millimeter-wave ( mmWave ) ultrawideband that isn ’ t as widely available but considerably faster if you ’ re able to experience it .
5G works as expected with the TCL 10 5G UW .
In my Brooklyn neighborhood , I have one mmWave spot within a short walking distance and several more within a mile from where I reside .
If you haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be incredibly fast , perhaps faster than your home internet .
I saw TCL ’ s phone peak at about 500Mbps downloads .
Depending on where you live , you might reach gigabit speeds .
Verizon ’ s sub-6GHz spectrum 5G network that recently rolled out is accessible from right outside my apartment , where I can get around 100Mbps download speeds , which is significantly faster than I usually experience in my area .
It ’ s great that fast internet speeds are possible on a phone at this price , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s specs are no slouch .
The Snapdragon 765G ’ s capabilities here fall in line with what we saw in the Pixel 4A 5G and the LG Velvet — even besting their respective battery capacities with a 4,500mAh battery that has no issue at all lasting through the day , plus some .
The short version is that the Snapdragon 765G doesn ’ t hold a candle to the flagship Snapdragon 865 , but it ’ s totally suitable for running most applications and some games smoothly .
TCL gets kudos for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for far less , but the 10 5G UW isn ’ t without compromises .
It has a 6.5-inch LCD screen that is sharp and contrast-rich in most situations , and it even has tech that allows it to upscale SDR content to HDR10 content .
But it ’ s best viewed straight-on and otherwise has lousy viewing angles .
Also , dark scenes in movies , TV shows , and games have a gray , washed-out look to them .
Both Samsung ’ s and Google ’ s more expensive phones mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unmatched picture quality for any kind of content .
TCL ’ s 10 5G UW also lags behind with software , launching with Android 10 with the promise of Android 11 launching “ in the coming months.
” Software versions aside , the feel of TCL ’ s spin on Android required an adjustment period for someone like me who usually uses a Pixel .
It has a three-button software navigation on by default , with the option to turn on full gesture navigation if you ’ d rather claim the entire screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option to switch to Google ’ s pill-shaped home button on Pixel phones that can be swiped to quickly switch apps .
Samsung users might feel right at home , as this interface lets you swap the placement of the back button and multitasking buttons .
Given that this is a carrier-exclusive phone , you might have seen this coming : Verizon absolutely stuffed it with bloatware .
You ’ ll get Verizon ’ s Cloud , Digital Secure , and Call Filter apps installed on the home screen ; Verizon ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ texting app ; along with the following apps preinstalled ( but thankfully , removable ) : • Verizon Smart Family ( So , how ’ s it going ? )
• Yahoo !
Sports ( We ’ re almost done with this list . )
In case you were wondering , this isn ’ t TCL ’ s most capable or feature-packed phone .
My colleague Jon Porter reviewed the TCL 10 Pro earlier this year , a $ 449 phone that prioritizes design over the connectivity and speed of this Verizon-exclusive model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OLED screen with curved edges , an in-display fingerprint sensor , and very small bezels .
By comparison , the 10 5G UW has a bigger bottom bezel and a square-shaped rear fingerprint sensor .
Speaking of , that sensor can launch different apps depending on which finger you use to unlock your phone .
That ’ s clever .
In terms of cameras , the TCL 10 5G UW ’ s three-camera array doesn ’ t quite stack up against the 10 Pro ’ s four-lens stack , but it still provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cheaper phone includes a 48-megapixel main sensor ( versus 64-megapixel ) with f/1.8 aperture , a 5-megapixel macro lens , and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens .
It ’ s missing the dedicated low-light video camera from the Pro , though it brings along the dual flash LEDs .
I took a few good-looking shots with the 10 5G UW in my apartment , though most of my other shots weren ’ t inspiring enough that I ’ d feel the urge to share them .
These differences and flaws aside with TCL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 399 device is an aggressive play , both for TCL against the likes of Google and Samsung and for Verizon against other carriers vying to get you to invest in their vision for 5G .
I ’ d usually never recommend that someone buy a phone simply for 5G , but if Verizon ’ s 5G service is plentiful in your area or you ’ re willing to meet it halfway , this device is affordable enough that it isn ’ t so wild to imagine buying primarily for that reason .
Low-cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants 5G devices to scale ( something the iPhone 12 will likely do for it anyway ) , but it now needs to solve for adding scale to its 5G network .
My experience with it hasn ’ t been what I ’ d call exemplary so far — in the US ’ s biggest city , no less .
Even today , when 5G is “ real ” now that the iPhone 12 has released , I have to physically move toward one of its impressive mmWave emitters , and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The TCL 10 5G UW is the latest 5G phone exclusive to Verizon’s network today, and it’s the most affordable 5G-ready phone yet — for the moment, at least. It costs $399 outright or $16.67 per month for 24 months on a device payment plan. For those paying attention, Samsung’s Galaxy A71 5G UW held this distinction in July with a $649 price tag, so the prices are definitely falling quickly. TCL originally announced this phone at CES 2020, but today’s announcement adds the carrier and price.
Impressively, TCL’s phone is priced at $200 less than the Verizon-specific version of the Google Pixel 4A 5G while matching it spec for spec in terms of hardware, including the Snapdragon 765G processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
$399 is a price that TCL sees as an easier hurdle for people who want to experience 5G without spending upwards of $1,000 on a flagship phone, like the Samsung Galaxy S20 or the less expensive but still costly iPhone 12. And it’s noteworthy for this price that TCL’s new phone supports Verizon’s newly launched sub-6GHz 5G spectrum to provide faster-than-LTE speeds across much of the US as well as millimeter-wave (mmWave) ultrawideband that isn’t as widely available but considerably faster if you’re able to experience it.
6.5 Verge Score TCL 10 5G UW The Good 6.5-inch screen is bright and contrast-rich for being an LCD
Matches the Pixel 4A 5G’s specs for $200 less
Supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G The Bad Lacks the software and camera finesse of the Pixel 4A 5G
IP52 water and dust-resistance rating won’t protect against much
Middling photo chops How we rate and review products
5G works as expected with the TCL 10 5G UW. In my Brooklyn neighborhood, I have one mmWave spot within a short walking distance and several more within a mile from where I reside. If you haven’t experienced mmWave before, it can be incredibly fast, perhaps faster than your home internet. I saw TCL’s phone peak at about 500Mbps downloads. Depending on where you live, you might reach gigabit speeds. Verizon’s sub-6GHz spectrum 5G network that recently rolled out is accessible from right outside my apartment, where I can get around 100Mbps download speeds, which is significantly faster than I usually experience in my area.
On its top, you’ll find a headphone jack — a hardware feature we can still count on appearing in midrange devices like these. This device features USB-C charging and bottom-firing speakers. It has IP52 water and dust resistance, but that probably won’t protect against much.
It’s great that fast internet speeds are possible on a phone at this price, and the rest of the 10 5G’s specs are no slouch. The Snapdragon 765G’s capabilities here fall in line with what we saw in the Pixel 4A 5G and the LG Velvet — even besting their respective battery capacities with a 4,500mAh battery that has no issue at all lasting through the day, plus some. The short version is that the Snapdragon 765G doesn’t hold a candle to the flagship Snapdragon 865, but it’s totally suitable for running most applications and some games smoothly. TCL gets kudos for matching the specs from Google and LG for far less, but the 10 5G UW isn’t without compromises.
It has a 6.5-inch LCD screen that is sharp and contrast-rich in most situations, and it even has tech that allows it to upscale SDR content to HDR10 content. But it’s best viewed straight-on and otherwise has lousy viewing angles. Also, dark scenes in movies, TV shows, and games have a gray, washed-out look to them. Both Samsung’s and Google’s more expensive phones mentioned above feature OLED screens, which provide unmatched picture quality for any kind of content.
Verizon wants you to know this is a carrier-locked phone. Plus, there’s plenty of bloatware to remind you in case you somehow forget.
This phone glows beautifully in the right light.
TCL’s 10 5G UW also lags behind with software, launching with Android 10 with the promise of Android 11 launching “in the coming months.” Software versions aside, the feel of TCL’s spin on Android required an adjustment period for someone like me who usually uses a Pixel. It has a three-button software navigation on by default, with the option to turn on full gesture navigation if you’d rather claim the entire screen with no software buttons. It lacks the option to switch to Google’s pill-shaped home button on Pixel phones that can be swiped to quickly switch apps. Samsung users might feel right at home, as this interface lets you swap the placement of the back button and multitasking buttons.
Given that this is a carrier-exclusive phone, you might have seen this coming: Verizon absolutely stuffed it with bloatware. You’ll get Verizon’s Cloud, Digital Secure, and Call Filter apps installed on the home screen; Verizon’s Messages+ set as the default SMS texting app; along with the following apps preinstalled (but thankfully, removable):
Apple Music
Google Assistant
Candy Crush Soda
CrossWord Jam
Disney Plus
Facebook
Forge of Empires
June’s Journey
Yahoo! Finance
Merge Dragons!
My Verizon
Home Advisor
Netflix
News Break
Pluto TV
Raid
Verizon Smart Family (So, how’s it going?)
Solitaire (I hope you’re doing well.)
Scrabble Go
Yahoo! Sports (We’re almost done with this list.)
Toon Blast
Vudu
Wish
Yahoo! Mail
Yahoo News (you made it!)
In case you were wondering, this isn’t TCL’s most capable or feature-packed phone. My colleague Jon Porter reviewed the TCL 10 Pro earlier this year, a $449 phone that prioritizes design over the connectivity and speed of this Verizon-exclusive model. The 10 Pro has a 6.47-inch OLED screen with curved edges, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and very small bezels. By comparison, the 10 5G UW has a bigger bottom bezel and a square-shaped rear fingerprint sensor. Speaking of, that sensor can launch different apps depending on which finger you use to unlock your phone. That’s clever.
From left to right: flash LED, macro lens, wide-angle lens, main lens, and another flash LED.
In terms of cameras, the TCL 10 5G UW’s three-camera array doesn’t quite stack up against the 10 Pro’s four-lens stack, but it still provides respectable images in favorable lighting conditions. The cheaper phone includes a 48-megapixel main sensor (versus 64-megapixel) with f/1.8 aperture, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens. It’s missing the dedicated low-light video camera from the Pro, though it brings along the dual flash LEDs. I took a few good-looking shots with the 10 5G UW in my apartment, though most of my other shots weren’t inspiring enough that I’d feel the urge to share them.
These differences and flaws aside with TCL’s higher-end phone, this $399 device is an aggressive play, both for TCL against the likes of Google and Samsung and for Verizon against other carriers vying to get you to invest in their vision for 5G. I’d usually never recommend that someone buy a phone simply for 5G, but if Verizon’s 5G service is plentiful in your area or you’re willing to meet it halfway, this device is affordable enough that it isn’t so wild to imagine buying primarily for that reason.
The service indicator will say “5G UW” when you’re in the lucky position of stumbling upon some millimeter-wave.
Low-cost phones like this one show that Verizon wants 5G devices to scale (something the iPhone 12 will likely do for it anyway), but it now needs to solve for adding scale to its 5G network. My experience with it hasn’t been what I’d call exemplary so far — in the US’s biggest city, no less. Even today, when 5G is “real” now that the iPhone 12 has released, I have to physically move toward one of its impressive mmWave emitters, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Correction: Updated to reflect that the TCL 10 5G UW does have an IP52 water and dust-resistance rating. The company previously stated that it didn’t have any ingress protection rating.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge


theverge--2020-10-27--UK to ban sale of carrier-locked phones from December 2021

The UK ’ s communications regulator Ofcom is banning phone carriers from selling locked handsets starting in December 2021 to make it easier for people to switch providers , the watchdog has announced .
Although BBC News notes that many carriers like O2 , Sky , Three , and Virgin already sell unlocked handsets as standard , others like EE , Vodafone , and Tesco Mobile sell phones that need to be manually unlocked before they can be used with other networks .
Ofcom says the rule is part of a new set of measures designed to make it simpler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its research , over a third of people who decided against switching said they were put off by having to unlock their phone first .
Unlocking a phone costs around £10 ( $ 13 ) in the country , the regulator says , and the process can often cause problems like delays or loss of service .
Carriers say they plan to comply with the rules Carriers who currently sell locked handsets have said they ’ ll follow the rules .
Vodafone told BBC News that it is “ ready to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and BT subsidiary EE said that it will “ work with Ofcom to comply with its guidelines.
” The new rules about phone unlocking are just one of the measures Ofcom is announcing today .
New rules going into effect in June 2022 require companies to provide a summary of the main terms of a contract before someone signs up , and in December 2021 , companies will also have to communicate in accessible formats like Braille when asked .
Ofcom says it is also working to make it easier to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Virgin Media .
While the UK ’ s regulator is banning the sale of locked handsets , the practice is still relatively common in the US when buying devices directly from carriers .
However , as in the UK , it ’ s possible to unlock most phones to use them on other networks .
Digital Trends has a guide on how the process works for each carrier , which ranges from simple to a little laborious .
Meanwhile in Canada , cellphones have had to be sold unlocked since December 2017 @

The UK’s communications regulator Ofcom is banning phone carriers from selling locked handsets starting in December 2021 to make it easier for people to switch providers, the watchdog has announced. Although BBC News notes that many carriers like O2, Sky, Three, and Virgin already sell unlocked handsets as standard, others like EE, Vodafone, and Tesco Mobile sell phones that need to be manually unlocked before they can be used with other networks.
Ofcom says the rule is part of a new set of measures designed to make it simpler to switch between cell carriers. According to its research, over a third of people who decided against switching said they were put off by having to unlock their phone first. Unlocking a phone costs around £10 ($13) in the country, the regulator says, and the process can often cause problems like delays or loss of service.
Carriers say they plan to comply with the rules
Carriers who currently sell locked handsets have said they’ll follow the rules. Vodafone told BBC News that it is “ready to implement these changes when they come into force,” and BT subsidiary EE said that it will “work with Ofcom to comply with its guidelines.”
The new rules about phone unlocking are just one of the measures Ofcom is announcing today. New rules going into effect in June 2022 require companies to provide a summary of the main terms of a contract before someone signs up, and in December 2021, companies will also have to communicate in accessible formats like Braille when asked. Ofcom says it is also working to make it easier to switch between different broadband networks like Openreach and Virgin Media.


theverge--2020-10-27--PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: the next-gen consoles in photos

Microsoft and Sony have both created rather bulky next-gen consoles .
We ’ ve known for weeks that the PS5 is the biggest game console in modern history , but Microsoft ’ s Xbox Series X isn ’ t exactly small .
Now that we have both consoles to compare side by side , the design decisions and differences are immediately obvious .
Microsoft and Sony have both taken different approaches to console design for this next generation .
These design choices are apparent when you place both side by side vertically or horizontally .
The PS5 is bigger than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way possible .
While the PS5 towers over the Xbox Series X when stood vertically , it ’ s thinner when you lay it down .
That will mean you can slot the PS5 into TV stands where you can ’ t squeeze an Xbox Series X .
That 's something you ’ ll have to consider ahead of the full reviews .
Placement of the consoles is important since both require adequate ventilation to ensure there ’ s no heat or dust building up inside or around the devices that could potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead .
The PS5 measures approximately 390mm ( 15.4 inches ) tall , 260mm ( 10.24 inches ) deep and 104mm ( 4.09 inches ) wide , while the Xbox Series X is 301mm ( 11.8 inches ) tall , and 151mm ( 5.9 inches ) wide or deep .
Sony and Microsoft ’ s designs also differ when it comes to accessing internals .
Sony is allowing PS5 owners to open up the console and clean out dust , or even expand its storage capabilities through an M.2 SSD slot .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or allow you to open it up , and storage expansion is handled by proprietary expansion cards .
The differences between next-gen Xbox and the PS5 consoles get even more apparent when you look at the smaller Xbox Series S. Microsoft has managed to squeeze most of the components from the Xbox Series X into a far smaller package , without the same GPU power found on the larger console .
Comparing the Xbox Series S to the PS5 is like comparing apples and oranges based purely on overall specs , but physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Xbox Series S is just 275mm ( 10.8 inches ) tall , 151mm ( 5.9 inches ) deep , and 63.5mm ( 2.5 inches ) wide in a vertical position .
This smaller Xbox looks almost out of place next to the towering PS5 and bulky Xbox Series X .
While Microsoft ’ s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles don ’ t have removable stands , Sony has opted for a stand that you ’ ll need to move based on orientations .
The PS5 stand is disc-shaped , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the console .
The stand also has claws that fit into a recessed part of the PS5 when it stands vertically , or you simply remove the stand from the bottom and use these claws to clip it to the back of the console to rest it horizontally .
The Xbox Series X has its own stand , but it ’ s non-removable .
When you lay the Xbox Series X horizontally , it almost looks like it has fallen over as the stand stays attached .
The Xbox Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for any stand , and it ’ s clearly designed to fit inside TV cabinets easily .
We ’ ll have a full review of all three next-gen consoles in the coming weeks .
Stay tuned .

Part of / The Verge guide to the PS5 and Xbox Series X
Microsoft and Sony have both created rather bulky next-gen consoles. We’ve known for weeks that the PS5 is the biggest game console in modern history, but Microsoft’s Xbox Series X isn’t exactly small. Now that we have both consoles to compare side by side, the design decisions and differences are immediately obvious.
Microsoft and Sony have both taken different approaches to console design for this next generation. These design choices are apparent when you place both side by side vertically or horizontally. The PS5 is bigger than the Xbox Series X is almost every way possible.
While the PS5 towers over the Xbox Series X when stood vertically, it’s thinner when you lay it down. That will mean you can slot the PS5 into TV stands where you can’t squeeze an Xbox Series X. That's something you’ll have to consider ahead of the full reviews.
Placement of the consoles is important since both require adequate ventilation to ensure there’s no heat or dust building up inside or around the devices that could potentially affect performance and noise in the months ahead.
The PS5 measures approximately 390mm (15.4 inches) tall, 260mm (10.24 inches) deep and 104mm (4.09 inches) wide, while the Xbox Series X is 301mm (11.8 inches) tall, and 151mm (5.9 inches) wide or deep.
Sony and Microsoft’s designs also differ when it comes to accessing internals. Sony is allowing PS5 owners to open up the console and clean out dust, or even expand its storage capabilities through an M.2 SSD slot. The Xbox Series X doesn’t invite or allow you to open it up, and storage expansion is handled by proprietary expansion cards.
The differences between next-gen Xbox and the PS5 consoles get even more apparent when you look at the smaller Xbox Series S. Microsoft has managed to squeeze most of the components from the Xbox Series X into a far smaller package, without the same GPU power found on the larger console.
Comparing the Xbox Series S to the PS5 is like comparing apples and oranges based purely on overall specs, but physically they’re also very different. The Xbox Series S is just 275mm (10.8 inches) tall, 151mm (5.9 inches) deep, and 63.5mm (2.5 inches) wide in a vertical position. This smaller Xbox looks almost out of place next to the towering PS5 and bulky Xbox Series X.
While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles don’t have removable stands, Sony has opted for a stand that you’ll need to move based on orientations. The PS5 stand is disc-shaped, and it attaches using a flathead screwdriver to the bottom of the console. The stand also has claws that fit into a recessed part of the PS5 when it stands vertically, or you simply remove the stand from the bottom and use these claws to clip it to the back of the console to rest it horizontally.
The Xbox Series X has its own stand, but it’s non-removable. When you lay the Xbox Series X horizontally, it almost looks like it has fallen over as the stand stays attached. The Xbox Series S looks good in either position without the need for any stand, and it’s clearly designed to fit inside TV cabinets easily.
We’ll have a full review of all three next-gen consoles in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Photography by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Sony PlayStation 5 / Sony’s next-gen console launches November 12th, starting at $399.99 for the Digital Edition Preorder on Amazon


theverge--2020-10-27--PS5 in photos: our first look at Sony’s next-gen console

The PlayStation 5 is big .
This was never a secret , but I was still surprised by just how huge the console looks in person .
A few weeks ahead of the next-gen console ’ s launch on November 12th , we ’ ve finally been able to check out the hardware for ourselves .
And while I can ’ t talk much about the PS5 experience just yet — stay tuned for more on that— I can tell you what the actual console and its new controller look and feel like .
Standing 15.4 inches tall and 10.24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and feel absolutely massive .
To put it in perspective , it ’ s not as big as your average PC tower , but it ’ s edging close to it .
Having it positioned vertically next to a 55-inch TV does take away from some of its size , but I ’ m still shocked every single time I look at it .
I will say that the ... let ’ s call it unique design grew on me quickly .
Ever since the hardware was officially unveiled back in June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a next-gen console : intimidating , futuristic , and definitely a device meant for playing games .
And I ’ m glad the dominant color is white instead of the overused black we ’ ve been seeing for decades .
Once you get over the sheer size of the console , I think most people will enjoy how it sits on their media stand .
And that ’ s a good thing , because you may have to keep it out in the open — it ’ s very hard to hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning ahead of time .
This might not be the kind of console you can just stow away inside your entertainment center .
Lastly , the black plastic on this console has a very shiny finish and you ’ ll want to keep your hands away from it .
It ’ s a real fingerprint and dust magnet .
You likely won ’ t have a reason to move it once you set it up , but I can tell you that taking these photos of the console involved a lot of wiping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not just the console itself that marks a major change .
The PS5 also comes with a brand-new controller , the DualSense , which updates the iconic DualShock setup that Sony has used since midway through the original PlayStation ’ s life .
The DualSense has a familiar layout , but it ’ s slightly larger and heavier and features a textured grip on the back .
In a nice touch , the texture is actually made up of extremely tiny versions of the classic PlayStation controller icons .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cut-out PlayStation logo .
Basically , it feels more like a streamlined take on the original design , rather than a dramatic departure .
That said , some of the controller ’ s most notable features — like the improved haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers — are things that will only be apparent once we start playing some PS5 games .
It ’ s hard to say much more about the PS5 until we can actually turn it on and play around with it , but the look and feel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You won ’ t confuse this with any other gaming device : this is the next-generation PlayStation .
Hopefully it ’ s as exciting to play as it is to look at .

Part of / The Verge guide to the PS5 and Xbox Series X
The PlayStation 5 is big. This was never a secret, but I was still surprised by just how huge the console looks in person.
A few weeks ahead of the next-gen console’s launch on November 12th, we’ve finally been able to check out the hardware for ourselves. And while I can’t talk much about the PS5 experience just yet — stay tuned for more on that— I can tell you what the actual console and its new controller look and feel like.
Standing 15.4 inches tall and 10.24 inches deep, the PS5 does look and feel absolutely massive. To put it in perspective, it’s not as big as your average PC tower, but it’s edging close to it. Having it positioned vertically next to a 55-inch TV does take away from some of its size, but I’m still shocked every single time I look at it.
I will say that the... let’s call it unique design grew on me quickly. Ever since the hardware was officially unveiled back in June, it always looked like what I expected from a next-gen console: intimidating, futuristic, and definitely a device meant for playing games. And I’m glad the dominant color is white instead of the overused black we’ve been seeing for decades.
Once you get over the sheer size of the console, I think most people will enjoy how it sits on their media stand. And that’s a good thing, because you may have to keep it out in the open — it’s very hard to hide anywhere else. Seriously, do some planning ahead of time. This might not be the kind of console you can just stow away inside your entertainment center.
Lastly, the black plastic on this console has a very shiny finish and you’ll want to keep your hands away from it. It’s a real fingerprint and dust magnet. You likely won’t have a reason to move it once you set it up, but I can tell you that taking these photos of the console involved a lot of wiping with a microfiber cloth.
It’s not just the console itself that marks a major change. The PS5 also comes with a brand-new controller, the DualSense, which updates the iconic DualShock setup that Sony has used since midway through the original PlayStation’s life. The DualSense has a familiar layout, but it’s slightly larger and heavier and features a textured grip on the back. In a nice touch, the texture is actually made up of extremely tiny versions of the classic PlayStation controller icons. Meanwhile, the circular home button has been replaced with a cut-out PlayStation logo.
Basically, it feels more like a streamlined take on the original design, rather than a dramatic departure. That said, some of the controller’s most notable features — like the improved haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers — are things that will only be apparent once we start playing some PS5 games.
It’s hard to say much more about the PS5 until we can actually turn it on and play around with it, but the look and feel of the hardware itself still makes a statement. You won’t confuse this with any other gaming device: this is the next-generation PlayStation. Hopefully it’s as exciting to play as it is to look at.


theverge--2020-10-27--What we’re voting for: democracy

What we’re voting for: democracy

In the week leading up to Election Day , The Verge is running a series of editorials about what we ’ re voting for — not candidates but the ideas that move us to engage with the electoral process in the first place .
A week before the election , American democracy is not in great shape .
At least 14 states have reported some kind of voter intimidation , ranging from inconveniences to outright felonies .
In Florida , armed security guards appeared outside a polling station , claiming to be working for the Trump campaign .
( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has encouraged supporters to “ go into the polls and watch very carefully.
” ) In North Carolina , a Republican county commissioner was charged with misdemeanor assault after shoving a poll worker .
In Boston , a ballot drop-off box was set on fire in an apparent act of political arson .
Other forms of vote suppression are entirely legal .
Early voters have faced hours of waiting in Atlanta , Indianapolis , Milwaukee , and Houston — as always , centered mostly on Black and Latino neighborhoods .
The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania are still unclear , pending an appeal to the Supreme Court .
A growing chorus of analysts expects that election results will be disputed , if not outright resisted .
That lack of legitimacy has alarming consequences .
Actual violence against politicians is growing more common , with two separate assassination attempts against members of Congress in the past 10 years .
A plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan was revealed earlier this month and has already faded from the collective memory .
The idea of a democratic mandate — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , must be respected as the will of the people — seems impossibly quaint .
At the same time , the world of politics has never felt further away from everyday life .
Even in the midst of twin economic and public health crises , the political conversation has never strayed far from the president — what he wants , how he feels , who he ’ s angry at today .
It can feel like a TV drama , with intense stakes for the players but no real consequence for folks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As more of the government descends into polarization and gridlock , the meaningful benefits of political action have receded , and the stakes of government have gotten further and further away .
These are two sides of the basic bargain of democracy : power for accountability .
Politicians can rule us as long as they work for us .
The government can wield legitimate power only so long as it ’ s accountable to the public .
As the organs of government get less accountable , it ’ s no surprise its power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire project starts to come apart at the seams .
It doesn ’ t have to work this way .
We ’ ve neglected the mechanisms of democracy , but they ’ re still there if you look for them .
You can start by looking down-ballot , away from the national circus and toward the candidates who answer directly to your local communities .
Demand town hall appearances ( even if they ’ ll be virtual for now ) , and ask hard questions .
If you want to take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful to win 3,000 district attorney races than one presidential race — and the only way to make it happen is one district at a time .
If you want to take on climate change , think about the fossil fuel infrastructure that ’ s being built within 50 miles of where you ’ re sitting right now .
Even the push and pull of local zoning rules can have huge consequences .
Then , there ’ s the right to vote itself .
The promise of democracy is that everyone gets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts equally — but it ’ s increasingly difficult to take that promise at face value .
We can no longer afford to ignore voter intimidation and disenfranchisement , whether it ’ s an armed rally at a polling place or a county election board shifting resources away from certain communities .
That could start with expanding and restoring the protections of the Voting Rights Act , but it shouldn ’ t stop there .
We should go further , recognizing this kind of thuggish electioneering as an existential threat to democracy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rethink the way we relate to our government .
Politics isn ’ t a TV show , and it ’ s not a debating society .
The more we focus on the daily circus , the harder it is to keep an eye on what the government is actually doing and hold it accountable for the ways it ’ s falling short .
We need to focus less on which leaders are rising or falling in power and more on how their actions are impacting the world at large .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people ’ s lives — all of us , as a country , together .
Facing an ongoing pandemic , ecological crisis , and economic collapse , the stakes have rarely been higher .
So for the next week , we ’ ll be running down some of the things we want from politics .
In concrete terms , this is what we ’ re voting for — the ideas , values , and projects that move us to engage with the bewildering hairball that is the US electoral process .
Unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next week , this won ’ t be about the presidential race .
These fights are bigger than Donald Trump and Joe Biden , and they won ’ t end on November 3rd .
And in the background of everything is the fight I ’ ve laid out here , the fight for a functioning political system .
Like so much else , democracy only works if you use it .

Video
In the week leading up to Election Day, The Verge is running a series of editorials about what we’re voting for — not candidates but the ideas that move us to engage with the electoral process in the first place.
A week before the election, American democracy is not in great shape.
What we’re voting for
Other forms of vote suppression are entirely legal. Early voters have faced hours of waiting in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Houston — as always, centered mostly on Black and Latino neighborhoods. The rules for how ballots will be counted in Pennsylvania are still unclear, pending an appeal to the Supreme Court. A growing chorus of analysts expects that election results will be disputed, if not outright resisted.
That lack of legitimacy has alarming consequences. Actual violence against politicians is growing more common, with two separate assassination attempts against members of Congress in the past 10 years. A plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan was revealed earlier this month and has already faded from the collective memory. The idea of a democratic mandate — a platform that, having won enough votes, must be respected as the will of the people — seems impossibly quaint.
At the same time, the world of politics has never felt further away from everyday life. Even in the midst of twin economic and public health crises, the political conversation has never strayed far from the president — what he wants, how he feels, who he’s angry at today. It can feel like a TV drama, with intense stakes for the players but no real consequence for folks on the other side of the screen. As more of the government descends into polarization and gridlock, the meaningful benefits of political action have receded, and the stakes of government have gotten further and further away.
These are two sides of the basic bargain of democracy: power for accountability. Politicians can rule us as long as they work for us. The government can wield legitimate power only so long as it’s accountable to the public. As the organs of government get less accountable, it’s no surprise its power starts to feel less legitimate, and the entire project starts to come apart at the seams.
It doesn’t have to work this way. We’ve neglected the mechanisms of democracy, but they’re still there if you look for them. You can start by looking down-ballot, away from the national circus and toward the candidates who answer directly to your local communities. Demand town hall appearances (even if they’ll be virtual for now), and ask hard questions. If you want to take on police violence, it’s more powerful to win 3,000 district attorney races than one presidential race — and the only way to make it happen is one district at a time. If you want to take on climate change, think about the fossil fuel infrastructure that’s being built within 50 miles of where you’re sitting right now. Even the push and pull of local zoning rules can have huge consequences.
Then, there’s the right to vote itself. The promise of democracy is that everyone gets to vote, and everyone’s vote counts equally — but it’s increasingly difficult to take that promise at face value. We can no longer afford to ignore voter intimidation and disenfranchisement, whether it’s an armed rally at a polling place or a county election board shifting resources away from certain communities. That could start with expanding and restoring the protections of the Voting Rights Act, but it shouldn’t stop there. We should go further, recognizing this kind of thuggish electioneering as an existential threat to democracy.
Underneath it all, we need to rethink the way we relate to our government. Politics isn’t a TV show, and it’s not a debating society. The more we focus on the daily circus, the harder it is to keep an eye on what the government is actually doing and hold it accountable for the ways it’s falling short. We need to focus less on which leaders are rising or falling in power and more on how their actions are impacting the world at large. We’re making real moral choices with real impacts on people’s lives — all of us, as a country, together. Facing an ongoing pandemic, ecological crisis, and economic collapse, the stakes have rarely been higher.


theverge--2020-10-27--Zoom’s end-to-end encryption has arrived

Zoom ’ s end-to-end encryption ( E2EE ) has arrived , letting both free and paid users secure their meetings so that only participants , not Zoom or anyone else , can access their content .
Zoom says E2EE is supported across its Mac , PC , iOS , and Android apps , as well as Zoom Rooms , but not its web client or third-party clients that use the Zoom SDK .
E2EE has launched in technical preview , which means Zoom is asking for feedback on the feature for 30 days .
However , the company says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this period .
Instructions on how to enable it can be found in Zoom ’ s help center .
Zoom has previously offered encryption for its calls , but the data was only encrypted between each meeting participant and Zoom ’ s servers , rather than being end-to-end encrypted between participants .
Once E2EE is enabled , you can check Zoom is using the more secure kind of encryption using the green shield at the top left of a meeting window .
The shield will show a padlock rather than a checkmark if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ E2EE meetings are more secure , they don ’ t work with a few of Zoom ’ s features .
These include its cloud recording , live transcription , polling , meeting reactions , and join before host features .
Participants also won ’ t be able to join using “ telephone , SIP/H.323 devices , on-premise configurations , or Lync/Skype clients , ” as Zoom says these can ’ t be end-to-end encrypted .
Zoom ’ s E2EE meetings support a maximum of 200 participants .
That won ’ t affect users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans , which max out at 100 participants , but it could be a problem for Business or Enterprise subscribers which would otherwise allow for up to 300 or 500 participants .
End-to-end encryption is available for both free and paid users , but Zoom says free accounts will need to verify their phone number using SMS and also need a valid billing option associated with their account .
Initially Zoom said end-to-end encryption wouldn ’ t be available for free users to prevent the service from being used for unlawful activity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be available for everyone later that month .
This initial launch is just the first of four phases Zoom is planning for its end-to-end encryption offering .
The next phase , which is scheduled to include better identity management and support for single sign-on , is currently planned to launch next year .

Zoom’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE) has arrived, letting both free and paid users secure their meetings so that only participants, not Zoom or anyone else, can access their content. Zoom says E2EE is supported across its Mac, PC, iOS, and Android apps, as well as Zoom Rooms, but not its web client or third-party clients that use the Zoom SDK.
E2EE has launched in technical preview, which means Zoom is asking for feedback on the feature for 30 days. However, the company says that E2EE will continue to be available after this period. Instructions on how to enable it can be found in Zoom’s help center.
Zoom has previously offered encryption for its calls, but the data was only encrypted between each meeting participant and Zoom’s servers, rather than being end-to-end encrypted between participants. Once E2EE is enabled, you can check Zoom is using the more secure kind of encryption using the green shield at the top left of a meeting window. The shield will show a padlock rather than a checkmark if the meeting is encrypted end-to-end.
Although E2EE meetings are more secure, they don’t work with a few of Zoom’s features. These include its cloud recording, live transcription, polling, meeting reactions, and join before host features. Participants also won’t be able to join using “telephone, SIP/H.323 devices, on-premise configurations, or Lync/Skype clients,” as Zoom says these can’t be end-to-end encrypted.
Zoom’s E2EE meetings support a maximum of 200 participants. That won’t affect users on Zoom’s Basic or Pro plans, which max out at 100 participants, but it could be a problem for Business or Enterprise subscribers which would otherwise allow for up to 300 or 500 participants.
End-to-end encryption is available for both free and paid users, but Zoom says free accounts will need to verify their phone number using SMS and also need a valid billing option associated with their account. Initially Zoom said end-to-end encryption wouldn’t be available for free users to prevent the service from being used for unlawful activity, but the company quickly backtracked and announced it would be available for everyone later that month.


theverge--2020-10-27--Google is partnering with the Associated Press for election results

Google is partnering with the Associated Press to provide authoritative results for next week ’ s election alongside other voting-related features .
Searching for election results will bring up a dedicated feature with up-to-date information , either on the web or through Google Assistant on smart speakers .
This is the latest of several attempts to prepare for a potentially chaotic voting and vote-counting process .
Google announced last month that it would ban US election-related ads after the polls close on November 3rd , attempting to forestall candidates prematurely claiming victory .
It ’ s published updates on potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added panels on YouTube addressing voting-related misinformation , and introduced a Google News hub for the 2020 elections , among other changes .
As of earlier this month , users can also find polling places with Search or Maps .
The company has offered these kinds of features in previous elections , and it partnered with the AP in 2016 for an “ election buzz ” tool .
But digital platforms are under particular pressure to offer accurate information during the 2020 election .
Many votes may be received by mail days after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of time to spread across sites like YouTube and Google Search .
Other web platforms are introducing similar informational tools for the election .
Yesterday , Twitter added a banner telling users that election results might be delayed and offering information about mail-in voting .
Facebook is also adding an alert to its apps .

Google is partnering with the Associated Press to provide authoritative results for next week’s election alongside other voting-related features. Searching for election results will bring up a dedicated feature with up-to-date information, either on the web or through Google Assistant on smart speakers.
This is the latest of several attempts to prepare for a potentially chaotic voting and vote-counting process. Google announced last month that it would ban US election-related ads after the polls close on November 3rd, attempting to forestall candidates prematurely claiming victory. It’s published updates on potential hacking campaigns relating to the election, added panels on YouTube addressing voting-related misinformation, and introduced a Google News hub for the 2020 elections, among other changes. As of earlier this month, users can also find polling places with Search or Maps.
The company has offered these kinds of features in previous elections, and it partnered with the AP in 2016 for an “election buzz” tool. But digital platforms are under particular pressure to offer accurate information during the 2020 election. Many votes may be received by mail days after the polls close, giving unverified stories plenty of time to spread across sites like YouTube and Google Search.


theverge--2020-10-27--Anker’s custom wireless charger for the unannounced second-gen Amazon Echo Buds leaks in full

Just yesterday , we found FCC filings for a new Anker PowerWave wireless charging pad that mentioned an unannounced second generation of Echo Buds with wireless charging right in the name .
That charger has since leaked in full in a Wireless Power Consortium ( WPC ) listing spotted by GizmoChina .
The now-pulled WPC listing included the render of the product at the top of this post that gives us a few hints about what the Echo Buds ’ case might look like and some of the features of the pad .
The charger appears to have an oblong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charging case to rest in , indicating the case will have a much different shape than more rectangular one used with the original Echo Buds .
( We observed a similar oblong shape in a diagram of the pad included with the FCC filings . )
The charger also looks to have different charging indicators for the case and the earbuds , which could be a handy way to know at a glance if your Echo Buds are fully charged but the case isn ’ t , for example .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” which will presumably light up when you place a phone on the pad .
It ’ s unclear when this charging pad might come out , but the fact that it appeared both on the WPC and in FCC filings hints that it could be released soon .
And if this charging pad for a new set of Echo Buds is seemingly on the way , that suggests the headphones themselves could be announced imminently as well .

Just yesterday, we found FCC filings for a new Anker PowerWave wireless charging pad that mentioned an unannounced second generation of Echo Buds with wireless charging right in the name. That charger has since leaked in full in a Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) listing spotted by GizmoChina.
The now-pulled WPC listing included the render of the product at the top of this post that gives us a few hints about what the Echo Buds’ case might look like and some of the features of the pad. The charger appears to have an oblong indentation for the Echo Buds’ wireless charging case to rest in, indicating the case will have a much different shape than more rectangular one used with the original Echo Buds. (We observed a similar oblong shape in a diagram of the pad included with the FCC filings.)
The charger also looks to have different charging indicators for the case and the earbuds, which could be a handy way to know at a glance if your Echo Buds are fully charged but the case isn’t, for example. There’s also a charging light labelled “Phone,” which will presumably light up when you place a phone on the pad.


theverge--2020-10-27--Microsoft Internet Explorer users may be surprised when they get redirected to Edge next month

Microsoft has been slowly weaning users off its legacy Internet Explorer browser for a very long time , recently going so far as to use a forced Windows update to install its new Chromium Edge browser on your Windows PC .
But next month , Microsoft ’ s planning to force your computer to automatically launch some 1,156 websites in Edge , too — if you try to launch an “ incompatible ” site in IE .
That ’ s the report from ZDNet , which also recorded a video showing how it works : There ’ s a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , a number of Google products , Microsoft Teams , and quite a few banks and other big brands .
According to a Microsoft FAQ , the change will roll out in Microsoft Edge version 87 , which is set to arrive the week of November 19th , and that Edge will automatically try to migrate your browsing data from IE unless you uncheck a box ( see the image below ) .
Given that older versions of Internet Explorer have been the bane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , and given that even generous estimates suggest Internet Explorer counts for no more than 5 percent of today ’ s web traffic , this isn ’ t a particularly frustrating move .
I personally haven ’ t touched IE in years , and I ’ m happy to hear it might become less of a security risk .
But I also understand that some people still use the browser , and those people might be confused when their computer suddenly launches Edge instead .
This post is for them .

Microsoft has been slowly weaning users off its legacy Internet Explorer browser for a very long time, recently going so far as to use a forced Windows update to install its new Chromium Edge browser on your Windows PC. But next month, Microsoft’s planning to force your computer to automatically launch some 1,156 websites in Edge, too — if you try to launch an “incompatible” site in IE.
That’s the report from ZDNet, which also recorded a video showing how it works:
There’s a lot of big-name sites on the automatically-launch-in-Edge list, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, a number of Google products, Microsoft Teams, and quite a few banks and other big brands.
According to a Microsoft FAQ, the change will roll out in Microsoft Edge version 87, which is set to arrive the week of November 19th, and that Edge will automatically try to migrate your browsing data from IE unless you uncheck a box (see the image below).
Given that older versions of Internet Explorer have been the bane of web developers for a very long time, and given that even generous estimates suggest Internet Explorer counts for no more than 5 percent of today’s web traffic, this isn’t a particularly frustrating move. I personally haven’t touched IE in years, and I’m happy to hear it might become less of a security risk.


theverge--2020-10-27--Wildfires tear through Colorado’s beetle-bitten forests

Record-setting wildfires in Colorado are wreaking havoc on forests that have already been devastated by outbreaks of another kind : infestations of beetles that burrow beneath tree bark and eventually kill their hosts .
State officials last week mentioned that the East Troublesome Fire was burning through an abundance of “ beetle-killed ” pine trees , boosted by dangerous weather conditions .
That fire grew to become the second largest fire in Colorado ’ s history and was only 20 percent contained as of Tuesday .
Three of the largest wildfires on record in the state have burned this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forests hard-hit by beetle infestations .
But researchers warn against blaming the beetles for the unprecedented fire season Colorado is having .
There ’ s growing evidence that beetles play a negligible role in the spread and severity of fires .
Our changing climate is likely a bigger culprit behind the destruction of Colorado ’ s forests .
Hotter , drier conditions are fueling wildfires and bark beetle infestations .
If the planet continues to heat up unchecked , both problems are expected to get worse .
“ Recent [ beetle ] outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is that we should get used to living with fires , ” says Dominik Kulakowski , a professor at Clark University who has studied the effects of bark beetles on wildfire behavior .
“ Large fires are going to keep occurring , and the exact condition of the forest is going to matter less [ the more extreme weather and climatic conditions are ] .
” The beetle has become a boogeyman It ’ s easy to see why the beetle has become a sort of boogeyman in Colorado and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bark to lay their larvae , slowly killing the tree as they chew tunnels through it .
Winter used to keep beetle populations in check , but milder temperatures have allowed their numbers to boom for decades .
“ It takes a native insect and makes it behave as if it were invasive , ” Mike Lester , the Colorado state forester says .
A drought in Colorado from 2001 to 2002 made things worse in the lodgepole pine forests that the East Troublesome Fire is burning through now .
Healthy trees can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the invaders , but trees stressed by drought have a harder time doing this , leaving swaths of weak trees for the beetles to prey on .
In Colorado and other Western states , bark beetles have left behind millions of acres of forest scarred with dead trees .
That ’ s led to concern that all those dead trees make the perfect fuel for megafires .
But the relationship between beetles , trees , and fires gets pretty complex .
Lester recalls a joke from a friend : “ Forestry isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s much more complicated.
” Research over the last five years has made it more clear that crown fires — which race from treetop to treetop — don ’ t spread as easily between trees that have lost their needles .
When beetles attack , they dry out the trees ’ needles , turning them red , and eventually causing them to fall .
There still isn ’ t scientific consensus on whether the dried up needles pose a greater fire risk while they ’ re still attached to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that canopy fires , like the East Troublesome Fire , have a harder time jumping around among trees that have already lost their foliage .
When needles do fall , they become fuel along the forest floor and could ignite into a surface fire .
Surface fires tend to be less devastating and easier to control , according to Kulakowski , compared to crown fires .
But even if beetle infestations aren ’ t leading to more intense blazes , they ’ re still changing the dynamics of wildfires .
As the beetles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wildfire behavior in Colorado and other beetle-ridden states is becoming harder to predict .
That unpredictability can ultimately make wildfires more challenging to fight .
Firefighters might need to deal with more downed trees in stretches of wood that beetles have decimated .
And they ’ ll be forced to switch up strategies based on whether they ’ re dealing with surface or crown fires .
There is one prediction that experts are already making : whether or not the beetles are making the forest more vulnerable to fires , the fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bark beetles .
“ Bark beetles love trees that are moderately scorched or that are weakened by these fire events , ” says Colorado State Forest Service entomologist Dan West .
Making matters worse , Colorado is also in another drought , and temperatures globally are still rising .
Once the blazes die down , the trees that survived will need to prepare to fight old foes : beetles and a warming world .

Record-setting wildfires in Colorado are wreaking havoc on forests that have already been devastated by outbreaks of another kind: infestations of beetles that burrow beneath tree bark and eventually kill their hosts.
State officials last week mentioned that the East Troublesome Fire was burning through an abundance of “beetle-killed” pine trees, boosted by dangerous weather conditions. That fire grew to become the second largest fire in Colorado’s history and was only 20 percent contained as of Tuesday. Three of the largest wildfires on record in the state have burned this year, and they’ve preyed on forests hard-hit by beetle infestations.
But researchers warn against blaming the beetles for the unprecedented fire season Colorado is having. There’s growing evidence that beetles play a negligible role in the spread and severity of fires. Our changing climate is likely a bigger culprit behind the destruction of Colorado’s forests. Hotter, drier conditions are fueling wildfires and bark beetle infestations. If the planet continues to heat up unchecked, both problems are expected to get worse.
“Recent [beetle] outbreaks can distract us from the big picture, which is that we should get used to living with fires,” says Dominik Kulakowski, a professor at Clark University who has studied the effects of bark beetles on wildfire behavior. “Large fires are going to keep occurring, and the exact condition of the forest is going to matter less [the more extreme weather and climatic conditions are].”
The beetle has become a boogeyman
It’s easy to see why the beetle has become a sort of boogeyman in Colorado and other Western states. Beetles burrow beneath tree bark to lay their larvae, slowly killing the tree as they chew tunnels through it. Winter used to keep beetle populations in check, but milder temperatures have allowed their numbers to boom for decades. “It takes a native insect and makes it behave as if it were invasive,” Mike Lester, the Colorado state forester says.
A drought in Colorado from 2001 to 2002 made things worse in the lodgepole pine forests that the East Troublesome Fire is burning through now. Healthy trees can typically make enough sticky resin to deter the invaders, but trees stressed by drought have a harder time doing this, leaving swaths of weak trees for the beetles to prey on.
In Colorado and other Western states, bark beetles have left behind millions of acres of forest scarred with dead trees. That’s led to concern that all those dead trees make the perfect fuel for megafires. But the relationship between beetles, trees, and fires gets pretty complex.
Lester recalls a joke from a friend: “Forestry isn’t rocket science,” he says. “It’s much more complicated.”
“Forestry isn’t rocket science, it’s much more complicated.”
Research over the last five years has made it more clear that crown fires — which race from treetop to treetop — don’t spread as easily between trees that have lost their needles. When beetles attack, they dry out the trees’ needles, turning them red, and eventually causing them to fall. There still isn’t scientific consensus on whether the dried up needles pose a greater fire risk while they’re still attached to the trees. But most experts agree that canopy fires, like the East Troublesome Fire, have a harder time jumping around among trees that have already lost their foliage.
When needles do fall, they become fuel along the forest floor and could ignite into a surface fire. Surface fires tend to be less devastating and easier to control, according to Kulakowski, compared to crown fires. But even if beetle infestations aren’t leading to more intense blazes, they’re still changing the dynamics of wildfires.
As the beetles’ damage redistributes fuel throughout the forest, wildfire behavior in Colorado and other beetle-ridden states is becoming harder to predict. That unpredictability can ultimately make wildfires more challenging to fight. Firefighters might need to deal with more downed trees in stretches of wood that beetles have decimated. And they’ll be forced to switch up strategies based on whether they’re dealing with surface or crown fires.


theverge--2020-10-27--Microsoft Teams usage jumps 50 percent to 115 million daily active users

Microsoft saw some big growth in Microsoft Teams at the beginning of the pandemic , and it has kept accelerating over the past six months .
During an earnings call with investors today , Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reveled Microsoft Teams now has 115 million daily active users .
That ’ s a more than 50 percent rise from the 75 million that Microsoft reported almost six months ago .
It ’ s difficult to compare Microsoft ’ s numbers to its rivals , though .
Both Zoom and Google report daily active participants , which means a single user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings during a day .
Google revealed it has 100 million daily active participants earlier this year , and Zoom said it had 300 million daily active participants .
Slack also saw some growth earlier this year .
Microsoft has been steadily improving Teams throughout the pandemic .
A new Together Mode was designed specifically for pandemic-era meetings , allowing participants to sit virtually next to each other .
The NBA used the Teams feature for basketball games over the summer .
Microsoft has also opened Teams ’ doors to third-party apps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promised features like breakout rooms by the end of the year .
Nadella also revealed today that LinkedIn now has 722 million users .
LinkedIn has been gradually growing and adding to Microsoft ’ s revenues since the company acquired the social network for $ 26 billion back in 2016 .

Microsoft saw some big growth in Microsoft Teams at the beginning of the pandemic, and it has kept accelerating over the past six months. During an earnings call with investors today, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reveled Microsoft Teams now has 115 million daily active users. That’s a more than 50 percent rise from the 75 million that Microsoft reported almost six months ago.
It’s difficult to compare Microsoft’s numbers to its rivals, though. Both Zoom and Google report daily active participants, which means a single user could be counted multiple times through different meetings during a day. Google revealed it has 100 million daily active participants earlier this year, and Zoom said it had 300 million daily active participants. Slack also saw some growth earlier this year.


theverge--2020-10-27--Temperature sensors will help keep COVID-19 vaccines potent

When scientists and pharmaceutical companies clear the hurdle of developing a safe , effective , COVID-19 vaccine , they won ’ t be able to rest on their laurels .
Instead , they ’ ll face another enormous challenge — making millions of doses and keeping those doses extremely cold .
They ’ ll get an assist , though , from temperature-monitoring tech that ’ s advanced dramatically in the past few years .
Vaccines , like most pharmaceuticals , have to be stored within a certain temperature range in order to stay potent .
During a future COVID-19 vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , small temperature sensors will monitor the conditions that the vaccines will encounter en route and at their final destination .
They ’ ll be embedded in packaging , freezers , and refrigerators at nearly every point of the vaccines ’ journey , and some will constantly transmit the vaccines ’ temperature to the officials tracking their path — a technological advancement that wasn ’ t there five years ago .
“ The industry has just expanded on a crazy level , ” says Michal Chojnacky , a member of the Thermodynamic Metrology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Technology .
“ All of that has kind of been , whether we knew it or not , preparing us for this moment.
” We ’ ll need billions of doses of an effective vaccine to make a dent in the COVID-19 pandemic , but early on , shots will be limited .
Every single one matters and could keep someone from setting off a new chain of coronavirus infections .
But vaccines are fragile : by some estimates , around a quarter of vaccines show some signs of degradation by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office .
That doesn ’ t mean they ’ re unsafe , but it could mean they don ’ t trigger a strong enough immune reaction to protect people from disease .
If vaccines warm up , it contributes to that breakdown .
For two of the COVID-19 vaccines furthest along in the development process , it ’ s even trickier — they have to be stored at ultracold temperatures , as cold as negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit .
Just a decade ago , a large-scale effort to distribute these vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , most temperature monitoring of pharmaceuticals was done manually , says Kevin Riley , the president of the sensor company SmartSense .
“ Every few hours , someone would have to go and record that temperature .
They were doing it on a pen and paper and clipboard , ” he says .
For products like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine candidates that have to be stored at ultracold temperatures , that more traditional process could actually introduce damaging amounts of heat to the freezers .
“ You ’ d have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then the temperature changes — and a small percentage of product integrity goes away , ” says Joe Mundell , the chief revenue officer at the wireless monitoring company Sonicu .
Many pharmacies , drug companies , and doctors ’ offices have started switching to automated data loggers , which sit inside of a freezer or transport container to continuously monitor the temperature inside .
But that data still has to be physically downloaded off the device .
“ You ’ d have to plug it into a computer to download @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records , ” says Mark Sawicki , chief commercial officer of Cryoport Systems , which makes cold chain products .
Companies like SmartSense and Cryoport make the next generation of internet-connected cold chain sensors .
The small devices slot inside transport devices and freezers and continuously transmit data on the temperature to pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy managers .
“ We can actually see now when there is an event that occurs in the field that compromises the integrity of the packaging , ” Sawicki says .
In some cases , that lets companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to keep the product at the right temperature .
Part of the most recent push to automate temperature sensors actually started with a completely different development in medical technology that left no room for error .
Gene therapies are made specifically for each patient , and they ’ re irreplaceable — losing a product because of a temperature issue isn ’ t an option .
“ It forced the industry to create platforms that are more suitable to supporting those types of things , ” Sawicki says .
Gene therapies and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still pretty rare , at least compared to vaccines , so there are still plenty of companies that haven ’ t adopted the new tech yet .
“ There are still a lot of manual data loggers out there , ” says Mundell .
Still , the pharmaceutical industry is a bit ahead of other industries in adopting digital and internet-connected monitors , he says .
In 2018 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mandated that vaccines in the Vaccines for Children Program , which distributes vaccines to low-income children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That pushed a lot of doctors and pharmacies to make the switch , Chojnacky says .
Riley says many SmartSense customers , like pharmacies and drug distribution centers , have upped their freezer capacity in anticipation of both a COVID-19 vaccine and higher flu vaccine demand .
They ’ ve been preparing since the summer .
Temperature-monitoring devices have to be regularly calibrated to make sure that they ’ re taking accurate temperature measurements , and that process happens on a regular cycle .
Many of the customers went through that calibration earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wouldn ’ t have to calibrate over the winter when they ’ d be working to distribute a vaccine .
“ We ’ ve been rolling that out , over the summer , and for some of them in an accelerated fashion , ” Riley says .
Distributing COVID-19 vaccines still won ’ t be easy — officials need to manage the logistics of millions of doses and figure out how to get people to show up at a vaccination site .
But as the search for a vaccine heats up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ready to help keep the final products cold .

When scientists and pharmaceutical companies clear the hurdle of developing a safe, effective, COVID-19 vaccine, they won’t be able to rest on their laurels. Instead, they’ll face another enormous challenge — making millions of doses and keeping those doses extremely cold. They’ll get an assist, though, from temperature-monitoring tech that’s advanced dramatically in the past few years.
Vaccines, like most pharmaceuticals, have to be stored within a certain temperature range in order to stay potent. During a future COVID-19 vaccine’s journey from factory to pharmacy, small temperature sensors will monitor the conditions that the vaccines will encounter en route and at their final destination. They’ll be embedded in packaging, freezers, and refrigerators at nearly every point of the vaccines’ journey, and some will constantly transmit the vaccines’ temperature to the officials tracking their path — a technological advancement that wasn’t there five years ago.
“The industry has just expanded on a crazy level,” says Michal Chojnacky, a member of the Thermodynamic Metrology Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “All of that has kind of been, whether we knew it or not, preparing us for this moment.”
We’ll need billions of doses of an effective vaccine to make a dent in the COVID-19 pandemic, but early on, shots will be limited. Every single one matters and could keep someone from setting off a new chain of coronavirus infections. But vaccines are fragile: by some estimates, around a quarter of vaccines show some signs of degradation by the time they end up at a doctor’s office. That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but it could mean they don’t trigger a strong enough immune reaction to protect people from disease. If vaccines warm up, it contributes to that breakdown. For two of the COVID-19 vaccines furthest along in the development process, it’s even trickier — they have to be stored at ultracold temperatures, as cold as negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just a decade ago, a large-scale effort to distribute these vaccines would be far more difficult. Back then, most temperature monitoring of pharmaceuticals was done manually, says Kevin Riley, the president of the sensor company SmartSense. “Every few hours, someone would have to go and record that temperature. They were doing it on a pen and paper and clipboard,” he says.
For products like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine candidates that have to be stored at ultracold temperatures, that more traditional process could actually introduce damaging amounts of heat to the freezers. “You’d have to open the door for a temperature check, and then the temperature changes — and a small percentage of product integrity goes away,” says Joe Mundell, the chief revenue officer at the wireless monitoring company Sonicu.
Many pharmacies, drug companies, and doctors’ offices have started switching to automated data loggers, which sit inside of a freezer or transport container to continuously monitor the temperature inside. But that data still has to be physically downloaded off the device. “You’d have to plug it into a computer to download the data to look at the temperature records,” says Mark Sawicki, chief executive officer of Cryoport Systems, which makes cold chain products.
Companies like SmartSense and Cryoport make the next generation of internet-connected cold chain sensors. The small devices slot inside transport devices and freezers and continuously transmit data on the temperature to pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy managers. “We can actually see now when there is an event that occurs in the field that compromises the integrity of the packaging,” Sawicki says. In some cases, that lets companies make changes (like adding dry ice) to keep the product at the right temperature.
Part of the most recent push to automate temperature sensors actually started with a completely different development in medical technology that left no room for error. Gene therapies are made specifically for each patient, and they’re irreplaceable — losing a product because of a temperature issue isn’t an option. “It forced the industry to create platforms that are more suitable to supporting those types of things,” Sawicki says.
Gene therapies and other treatments with extremely tight temperature ranges are still pretty rare, at least compared to vaccines, so there are still plenty of companies that haven’t adopted the new tech yet. “There are still a lot of manual data loggers out there,” says Mundell. Still, the pharmaceutical industry is a bit ahead of other industries in adopting digital and internet-connected monitors, he says. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mandated that vaccines in the Vaccines for Children Program, which distributes vaccines to low-income children, be tracked using digital data loggers. That pushed a lot of doctors and pharmacies to make the switch, Chojnacky says.
Riley says many SmartSense customers, like pharmacies and drug distribution centers, have upped their freezer capacity in anticipation of both a COVID-19 vaccine and higher flu vaccine demand. They’ve been preparing since the summer. Temperature-monitoring devices have to be regularly calibrated to make sure that they’re taking accurate temperature measurements, and that process happens on a regular cycle. Many of the customers went through that calibration earlier than they had to, so that they wouldn’t have to calibrate over the winter when they’d be working to distribute a vaccine. “We’ve been rolling that out, over the summer, and for some of them in an accelerated fashion,” Riley says.
Distributing COVID-19 vaccines still won’t be easy — officials need to manage the logistics of millions of doses and figure out how to get people to show up at a vaccination site. But as the search for a vaccine heats up, the tech innovations over the past decade are ready to help keep the final products cold.


theverge--2020-10-27--Mophie’s new wirelessly charging battery pack clips onto the back of your phone

Mophie is one of the oldest names in the business when it comes to smartphone battery packs , but its latest release puts a new spin on the approach .
Instead of a battery case that can only be used with a single phone , the new Juice Pack Connect uses a modular system to clip a battery pack onto the back of your phone , where it can wirelessly charge it .
It ’ s a creative solution that solves a lot of problems of both bespoke battery cases and more modern Qi battery packs .
The Juice Pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports wireless charging , not just a single device .
And the clip mechanism allows for Qi charging to be used even when out on the go , without resorting to solutions like a weird suction cup array to keep the charger and phone together .
Plus , Mophie ’ s system is modular , so if your clip-on battery dies , you can just slide on another Mophie pack and keep charging .
There ’ s also the possibility for future expansion here : the company is already including a phone grip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main anchor point when you ’ re not charging , and it ’ s easy to imagine it could release other products that take advantage of the setup , too .
The battery pack itself features a 5,000mAh battery and offers both a USB-C port and Qi support , both of which can be used to either recharge the Juice Pack Connect or to charge a second device .
Mophie isn ’ t saying what kind of wattage the Juice Pack Connect offers in terms of charging speeds , though .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the $ 79.95 price tag — a hefty price to pay for a 20,000mAh USB-C battery pack these days , much less a 5,000mAh one .

Mophie is one of the oldest names in the business when it comes to smartphone battery packs, but its latest release puts a new spin on the approach. Instead of a battery case that can only be used with a single phone, the new Juice Pack Connect uses a modular system to clip a battery pack onto the back of your phone, where it can wirelessly charge it.
It’s a creative solution that solves a lot of problems of both bespoke battery cases and more modern Qi battery packs. The Juice Pack Connect works with basically any phone that supports wireless charging, not just a single device. And the clip mechanism allows for Qi charging to be used even when out on the go, without resorting to solutions like a weird suction cup array to keep the charger and phone together.
Plus, Mophie’s system is modular, so if your clip-on battery dies, you can just slide on another Mophie pack and keep charging. There’s also the possibility for future expansion here: the company is already including a phone grip stand that can be attached to the main anchor point when you’re not charging, and it’s easy to imagine it could release other products that take advantage of the setup, too.
The battery pack itself features a 5,000mAh battery and offers both a USB-C port and Qi support, both of which can be used to either recharge the Juice Pack Connect or to charge a second device. Mophie isn’t saying what kind of wattage the Juice Pack Connect offers in terms of charging speeds, though.


theverge--2020-10-27--Jon Stewart will return to TV with an Apple TV Plus series

Apple is bringing Jon Stewart back to TV .
Stewart will host a new series for Apple TV Plus that will feature focused looks at his advocacy work and “ topics that are currently part of the national conversation , ” Apple said in a press release announcing the series .
The show sounds a bit like John Oliver ’ s Last Week Tonight : each episode will run for an hour and focus on a single topic .
Apple refers to it as a “ current affairs series.
” There ’ ll also be a companion podcast , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosting the audio show .
Stewart ’ s new series doesn ’ t currently have a name or a release date .
The Hollywood Reporter says the show is expected to start next year , and it says the episodes won ’ t come out on a nightly or weekly basis .
Apple says the show will run for multiple seasons , but it doesn ’ t say how many episodes will be included in each run .
The deal could be a big one for Apple .
Stewart became a political and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Show and launched the careers of a host of other comedians .
There ’ s likely an audience for his return — although he ’ ll face a very different media landscape today : one where he ’ s competing with many of his former colleagues and where the type of sarcastic political humor he pioneered is much easier to come by .
Apple also signed a first-look deal with Stewart and his production company , meaning other films or shows involving Stewart could come to the service in the future .

Apple is bringing Jon Stewart back to TV. Stewart will host a new series for Apple TV Plus that will feature focused looks at his advocacy work and “topics that are currently part of the national conversation,” Apple said in a press release announcing the series.
The show sounds a bit like John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight: each episode will run for an hour and focus on a single topic. Apple refers to it as a “current affairs series.” There’ll also be a companion podcast, though Apple declined to say who would be hosting the audio show.
Apple also signed a first-look deal with Stewart’s production company
Stewart’s new series doesn’t currently have a name or a release date. The Hollywood Reporter says the show is expected to start next year, and it says the episodes won’t come out on a nightly or weekly basis. Apple says the show will run for multiple seasons, but it doesn’t say how many episodes will be included in each run.
The deal could be a big one for Apple. Stewart became a political and comedic icon during his run at The Daily Show and launched the careers of a host of other comedians. There’s likely an audience for his return — although he’ll face a very different media landscape today: one where he’s competing with many of his former colleagues and where the type of sarcastic political humor he pioneered is much easier to come by.


theverge--2020-10-27--Microsoft gets a pandemic boost thanks to Surface, Xbox, and cloud services

Microsoft posted the first quarter of its 2021 financial results today , reporting revenue of $ 37.2 billion and a net income of $ 13.9 billion .
Revenue is up 12 percent , and net income has increased by 30 percent .
While the ongoing pandemic continues to force many to work remotely during an economic downturn , Microsoft is benefiting from the shift in the way people are now working , playing games more , and connecting to others through videoconferencing .
Cloud services are the biggest boost to Microsoft ’ s revenues from the pandemic shift in behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , with Office 365 Commercial revenue growth up by 21 percent .
Server products and cloud services revenue has also increased 22 percent as more businesses rely on cloud services for remote working .
Azure revenue itself grew 48 percent .
The biggest news here from a consumer point of view is that Microsoft 365 Consumer subscribers have also increased to 45.3 million .
That ’ s a jump of 27 percent year-over-year , and likely thanks to Microsoft ’ s renewed focus on consumers with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the only products driving Microsoft ’ s growth , though .
Surface revenue has jumped by 37 percent this quarter to $ 1.5 billion .
That ’ s a big increase for a quarter that hasn ’ t seen any new Surface devices introduced .
Microsoft only just introduced a new Surface Laptop Go device and updated Surface Pro X earlier this month , but those will count to next quarter ’ s revenue .
Over on the gaming side , Xbox content and services revenue has also increased significantly by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
A number of consumers have turned to gaming and services like xCloud or Game Pass during the pandemic , and it ’ s clear there ’ s an increased demand for Microsoft ’ s gaming services .
Microsoft notes that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and strength in third-party and first-party titles helped with revenue .
Microsoft is now gearing up to launch its next-gen Xbox Series X and Series S consoles on November 10th .
The consoles complement Microsoft ’ s xCloud game streaming service that launched last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Xbox Game Pass .
Microsoft revealed it has 15 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers last month , but the company hasn ’ t provided any fresh numbers today .
Microsoft appears to be bullish about demand for the Xbox Series X and S consoles .
“ We expect very strong demand following the launch of our next-generation Xbox Series X and S consoles , ” said Microsoft CFO Amy Hood during a call with investors .
This demand should drive “ supply constrained hardware revenue growth of approximately 40 percent ” next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windows usage earlier this year after lockdowns throughout many parts of the world led to remote working for many .
This jump in usage hasn ’ t resulted in increased Windows OEM revenue during this quarter , though .
Windows OEM revenue has dropped 5 percent , and Microsoft blames lower commercial demand for the dip .
While commercial demand for PCs might be softening , Windows OEM non-pro revenue has grown by 31 percent , thanks to consumer PC demand .
It ’ s likely that students and families are driving this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PCs to help support remote learning .
During an earnings call with investors , Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said “ PCs have become mission critical , ” and that Microsoft is seeing double digit growth in monthly active devices for Windows 10 .
Elsewhere , LinkedIn revenue has also grown by 16 percent year-over-year with 722 million users .
Search revenue has decreased by 10 percent , though .
Microsoft splits its various businesses into three buckets : productivity and business processes , intelligent cloud , and more personal computing .
The more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Windows , and Microsoft says gaming and Surface drove its revenue growth of 6 percent for this quarter .
Azure drove the intelligent cloud revenue growth , and Office 365 and LinkedIn helped the productivity and business processes bucket .
It ’ s clear that these main revenue drivers — Azure , gaming , Surface , and Office — have been influenced by the pandemic .
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said at the beginning of this pandemic that the company had witnessed “ two years ’ worth of digital transformation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be continuing for many businesses , students , and consumers .
Update , October 27th 6:10PM ET : Article updated with comments from Microsoft ’ s investor call .

Microsoft posted the first quarter of its 2021 financial results today, reporting revenue of $37.2 billion and a net income of $13.9 billion. Revenue is up 12 percent, and net income has increased by 30 percent. While the ongoing pandemic continues to force many to work remotely during an economic downturn, Microsoft is benefiting from the shift in the way people are now working, playing games more, and connecting to others through videoconferencing.
Cloud services are the biggest boost to Microsoft’s revenues from the pandemic shift in behavior. Both Office commercial and consumer are up, with Office 365 Commercial revenue growth up by 21 percent. Server products and cloud services revenue has also increased 22 percent as more businesses rely on cloud services for remote working. Azure revenue itself grew 48 percent.
The biggest news here from a consumer point of view is that Microsoft 365 Consumer subscribers have also increased to 45.3 million. That’s a jump of 27 percent year-over-year, and likely thanks to Microsoft’s renewed focus on consumers with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams earlier this year.
Cloud and Office aren’t the only products driving Microsoft’s growth, though. Surface revenue has jumped by 37 percent this quarter to $1.5 billion. That’s a big increase for a quarter that hasn’t seen any new Surface devices introduced. Microsoft only just introduced a new Surface Laptop Go device and updated Surface Pro X earlier this month, but those will count to next quarter’s revenue.
Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox consoles. Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge
Over on the gaming side, Xbox content and services revenue has also increased significantly by 30 percent compared to the same quarter last year. A number of consumers have turned to gaming and services like xCloud or Game Pass during the pandemic, and it’s clear there’s an increased demand for Microsoft’s gaming services. Microsoft notes that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and strength in third-party and first-party titles helped with revenue.
Microsoft is now gearing up to launch its next-gen Xbox Series X and Series S consoles on November 10th. The consoles complement Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming service that launched last month, and the company’s ongoing efforts with Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft revealed it has 15 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers last month, but the company hasn’t provided any fresh numbers today.
Microsoft appears to be bullish about demand for the Xbox Series X and S consoles. “We expect very strong demand following the launch of our next-generation Xbox Series X and S consoles,” said Microsoft CFO Amy Hood during a call with investors. This demand should drive “supply constrained hardware revenue growth of approximately 40 percent” next quarter.
Microsoft reported a jump in Windows usage earlier this year after lockdowns throughout many parts of the world led to remote working for many. This jump in usage hasn’t resulted in increased Windows OEM revenue during this quarter, though. Windows OEM revenue has dropped 5 percent, and Microsoft blames lower commercial demand for the dip.
While commercial demand for PCs might be softening, Windows OEM non-pro revenue has grown by 31 percent, thanks to consumer PC demand. It’s likely that students and families are driving this growth during the pandemic, turning to PCs to help support remote learning. During an earnings call with investors, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said “PCs have become mission critical,” and that Microsoft is seeing double digit growth in monthly active devices for Windows 10.
Surface Laptop Go. Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge
Elsewhere, LinkedIn revenue has also grown by 16 percent year-over-year with 722 million users. Search revenue has decreased by 10 percent, though. Microsoft splits its various businesses into three buckets: productivity and business processes, intelligent cloud, and more personal computing. The more personal computing bucket includes Surface, Xbox, and Windows, and Microsoft says gaming and Surface drove its revenue growth of 6 percent for this quarter.
Azure drove the intelligent cloud revenue growth, and Office 365 and LinkedIn helped the productivity and business processes bucket. It’s clear that these main revenue drivers — Azure, gaming, Surface, and Office — have been influenced by the pandemic.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said at the beginning of this pandemic that the company had witnessed “two years’ worth of digital transformation in two months.” That transformation appears to be continuing for many businesses, students, and consumers.


theverge--2020-10-27--Amazon is turning Audible into a true podcast app, but it’s got a long way to go

Audible is turning into more of a podcast app .
The company announced today that its catalog now contains 100,000 free podcasts that are already available on other streaming platforms , including Pod Save America , This American Life , and Conan O ’ Brien Needs a Friend .
The shows are now available through the app and will soon show up on Audible ’ s podcast landing page .
Listeners won ’ t need a subscription to access these shows .
This move sets Audible up to compete more earnestly against Spotify and Apple Podcasts , the two biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other , smaller competitors .
Audible , which is owned by Amazon , launched a new subscription plan called Audible Plus in August , which gives listeners access to Audible ’ s original audio content at a cheaper monthly cost .
The catch is that they don ’ t receive credits to download audiobooks that aren ’ t already free in Audible ’ s catalog .
With these additional , freely available shows , Audible is bulking up its podcast offerings and making its app a place where its listeners can fulfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other services ’ exclusive shows .
Still , Audible has a long way to go to reach the scale of Spotify and Apple Podcasts .
Spotify says it has at least a million podcasts available to listeners , and Apple says it has 1.5 million .
Although Audible ’ s original pieces of content number around 11,000 , it ’ s still significantly behind in the amount of content it offers .
This is a start , though , and presumably the company will continue growing what its listeners can access as its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Correction 10/27 , 6:15 PM ET : This article mistakenly referred to Audible ’ s content as ebooks instead of audiobooks .
We ’ ve changed the wording to account for the error .
We regret the mistake .

Audible is turning into more of a podcast app. The company announced today that its catalog now contains 100,000 free podcasts that are already available on other streaming platforms, including Pod Save America, This American Life, and Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. The shows are now available through the app and will soon show up on Audible’s podcast landing page. Listeners won’t need a subscription to access these shows. This move sets Audible up to compete more earnestly against Spotify and Apple Podcasts, the two biggest names in the space, as well as other, smaller competitors.
Audible, which is owned by Amazon, launched a new subscription plan called Audible Plus in August, which gives listeners access to Audible’s original audio content at a cheaper monthly cost. The catch is that they don’t receive credits to download audiobooks that aren’t already free in Audible’s catalog. With these additional, freely available shows, Audible is bulking up its podcast offerings and making its app a place where its listeners can fulfill all their podcast needs, other than other services’ exclusive shows.
Still, Audible has a long way to go to reach the scale of Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify says it has at least a million podcasts available to listeners, and Apple says it has 1.5 million. Although Audible’s original pieces of content number around 11,000, it’s still significantly behind in the amount of content it offers. This is a start, though, and presumably the company will continue growing what its listeners can access as its journey to audio content domination continues.


theverge--2020-10-27--Wyze adds weather resistance to its new security camera, keeps $20 price

Smart home gadget maker Wyze has a new version of its flagship product : the Wyze Cam v3 , the company is calling it .
The redesigned security camera will still cost just $ 20 , in line with Wyze ’ s aggressively low-cost smart home strategy , and preorders start today with a ship date of mid-November .
Beyond the new design , the Wyze Cam v3 has a few key differences from its predecessor .
The new camera can be used as both an indoor and outdoor model , thanks to its IP65 weather resistance .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night vision and to support its use in the home and outside .
The new model comes with a new color night vision option , thanks to a new lower-aperture sensor that allows it to take in 40 percent more light .
Wyze says the option will be enabled on Wyze Cam v3 by default , unless users enable classic black / white night vision instead .
There are some other subtle changes worth mentioning .
For instance , Wyze Cam v3 captures five extra frames per second than the prior model , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at night .
It also has a wider field of view by 20 degrees for a max of 130 degrees and a built-in 80-decibel siren to use an automatic alarm that can be triggered when the camera detects a person in its field of view .
New to version three is simultaneous two-way communication ( without needing to press a push-to-talk button ) for speaking through the camera if you want to , say , mount it outside next to your front door or use it as a baby monitor .

Smart home gadget maker Wyze has a new version of its flagship product: the Wyze Cam v3, the company is calling it. The redesigned security camera will still cost just $20, in line with Wyze’s aggressively low-cost smart home strategy, and preorders start today with a ship date of mid-November.
Beyond the new design, the Wyze Cam v3 has a few key differences from its predecessor. The new camera can be used as both an indoor and outdoor model, thanks to its IP65 weather resistance. It also has double the infrared LEDs for improved night vision and to support its use in the home and outside.
The new model comes with a new color night vision option, thanks to a new lower-aperture sensor that allows it to take in 40 percent more light. Wyze says the option will be enabled on Wyze Cam v3 by default, unless users enable classic black / white night vision instead.
Photo : Wyze
There are some other subtle changes worth mentioning. For instance, Wyze Cam v3 captures five extra frames per second than the prior model, at 20 during the day and 15 at night. It also has a wider field of view by 20 degrees for a max of 130 degrees and a built-in 80-decibel siren to use an automatic alarm that can be triggered when the camera detects a person in its field of view.