theverge--2020-05-22--The Verge Guide to Windows 10

The Verge Guide to Windows 10

Microsoft ’ s Windows operating system has been a major presence in the computer industry for decades .
Currently , PCs loaded with Windows 10 are being manufactured and sold by a variety of companies in an even wider variety of models .
This abundance of choice has its advantages and disadvantages .
While on the one hand , it means that you can get a system that is exactly tailored to your needs , it also means that you need to do some research before deciding on which Windows 10 device is right for you .
And while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage , especially if you ’ re tech savvy or business oriented , it also means that finding features — and fixing problems — can be a complicated process .
The Verge Guide to Windows 10 is where you can find info and opinions from our expert reviewers on what devices to buy .
We also offer advice on topics such as how to change your sign-in settings or how to use the Windows Edge browser to protect your privacy .
So if you ’ re a confirmed Windows maven or new to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed and up to date on the latest OS devices and techniques .

The Verge Guide to Windows
All about PCs and Microsoft’s OS
Microsoft’s Windows operating system has been a major presence in the computer industry for decades. Currently, PCs loaded with Windows 10 are being manufactured and sold by a variety of companies in an even wider variety of models. But Microsoft’s new Windows 11 is now here — and if your current system is compatible, you will be able to upgrade to the new free OS.
Related The best laptop you can buy in 2021
This abundance of choice has its advantages and disadvantages. While on the one hand, it means you can get a system that is exactly tailored to your needs, it also means you need to do some research before deciding on which Windows device is right for you. And while the operating system’s flexibility is an advantage, especially if you are tech-savvy or business-oriented, it also means finding features — and fixing problems — can be a complicated process.


theverge--2020-05-22--The Oppo Watch isn’t bad, but it does look like an Apple Watch

After I recently wrote about Oppo ’ s “ oddly familiar ” new smartwatch , Oppo got in touch with me to ask whether I ’ d be interested in checking it out for myself , even though it ’ ll only be available in China until later this year .
The company representative suggested that I might find it less familiar in person , so I was interested to try it .
How did that work out ?
Well , it ’ s true that the Oppo Watch looks a little less derivative on my wrist than in press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no universe in which this product looks like this without the Apple Watch coming before it .
From the strap design to the shape of the screen to the visual style of the OS , this is plainly a product that ’ s been made in Apple ’ s shadow .
That doesn ’ t necessarily make it a bad watch , though , and given the sorry state of the Android smartwatch market , it ’ s worth looking into — particularly given that Oppo is now a very good smartphone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to use the Chinese version of the watch , as I mentioned , so this isn ’ t a full review .
All of the onboard services are geared toward the Chinese market .
But I can tell you about the hardware and what Oppo is trying to do with the software .
First up , yep , this looks like an Apple Watch .
The OLED screen , though , is an improvement .
It ’ s a little larger than the 46mm Apple Watch at 1.91 inches across , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Oppo has shrunken the bezels and curved the edges of the screen itself along with the cover glass .
I can ’ t tell whether it uses a Pentile subpixel layout or not — the Apple Watch is notable for using an RGB stripe — but if I can ’ t tell , it doesn ’ t really matter .
The pixel density is the same as the Apple Watch at 326ppi .
The colors are super vibrant , and it ’ s easy to see outside .
The chassis of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s smartphones , with the screen curving into the thin edges in a similar way .
There ’ s no crown-style control here , just two physical buttons on the right edge ; everything else is handled by the touchscreen .
Oppo ’ s watch straps are detachable in a similar way to the Apple Watch , with simple buttons for the release mechanism on the watch ’ s rear , but the straps pop directly in out rather than sliding from the side .
While the Oppo Watch I ’ m using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s polished to a glossy blue-black finish to the point where it looks more like a steel Apple Watch at first glance .
There is a steel variant of the Oppo Watch , too , but it only comes in “ bright silver.
” The included watch strap is black rubber and feels comfortable , if nothing special .
Overall I think this watch looks fine in a vacuum , but there ’ s no getting around it : people are either going to think you ’ re wearing an Apple Watch or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just looks like an Apple Watch .
It ’ s up to you whether that ’ s what you want out of your wristwear .
The Oppo Watch runs a customized version of Android 8.1 called ColorOS Watch .
Like Samsung , Oppo has figured out that Apple was onto something in designing a predominantly white-on-black OS for small OLED screens ; it saves power and is a lot more discreet .
No prizes for originality — this software definitely looks more like watchOS than it needs to — but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchOS , though , ColorOS Watch is extremely simple .
The top button brings up a scrolling app drawer or takes you back to the watch face , and the bottom button gets you to the settings menu .
You can swipe left and right to change faces , there ’ s a quick settings screen accessible with a swipe down , and a swipe up takes you to the notifications shade .
Everything is smooth and responsive .
Notifications can display a lot of content , like full Facebook Messenger messages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
The most interesting thing about the Oppo Watch software is its selection of built-in apps , which are accessible through a scrolling grid that ’ s halfway between the Apple Watch ’ s weird honeycomb and list views .
There are the usual apps for phone calls , fitness tracking , timers , and weather , as well as an on-watch app store and China-specific services like Alipay .
It ’ s a pretty robust feature set , including things like sleep tracking that haven ’ t come to the Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-minute full-body workout app that includes video demonstrations and yells at you through the watch ’ s tiny speaker to help get you sweating , though it ’ s not always easy to actually see the watch mid-exercise .
The Oppo Watch ’ s battery life has not been great for me , even though the screen isn ’ t always on .
This is a watch you will want to charge each and every night , and several times it ’ s died on me in the evening .
I wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draining power by searching for compatible cell networks , since this is an LTE watch and I ’ m using it outside the market it was designed for sale in , but I ’ m not getting close to Oppo ’ s stated 40 hours of regular use .
The watch does fill up pretty quickly on its unusual magnetic charger , however — about 75 minutes for a full charge and 15 minutes to get to 50 percent — and its power-saving mode is much more functional than the Apple Watch ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps , but it still tracks steps , delivers notifications , and turns the screen on when you raise your wrist .
Overall , using the Oppo Watch hasn ’ t exactly changed my mind that it ’ s familiar , but that might be what some people are after .
Starting at around $ 215 in China , it could be an option worth considering if the battery life works better in practice .
We ’ ll take a closer look once it comes to other markets , which is currently set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

After I recently wrote about Oppo’s “oddly familiar” new smartwatch, Oppo got in touch with me to ask whether I’d be interested in checking it out for myself, even though it’ll only be available in China until later this year. The company representative suggested that I might find it less familiar in person, so I was interested to try it.
How did that work out? Well, it’s true that the Oppo Watch looks a little less derivative on my wrist than in press shots. But come on, there is no universe in which this product looks like this without the Apple Watch coming before it. From the strap design to the shape of the screen to the visual style of the OS, this is plainly a product that’s been made in Apple’s shadow.
That doesn’t necessarily make it a bad watch, though, and given the sorry state of the Android smartwatch market, it’s worth looking into — particularly given that Oppo is now a very good smartphone maker. I’ve only been able to use the Chinese version of the watch, as I mentioned, so this isn’t a full review. All of the onboard services are geared toward the Chinese market. But I can tell you about the hardware and what Oppo is trying to do with the software.
First up, yep, this looks like an Apple Watch. The OLED screen, though, is an improvement. It’s larger than the 44mm Apple Watch at 1.91 inches across, but the watch keeps a 46mm size; Oppo has shrunken the bezels and curved the edges of the screen itself along with the cover glass. I can’t tell whether it uses a Pentile subpixel layout or not — the Apple Watch is notable for using an RGB stripe — but if I can’t tell, it doesn’t really matter. The pixel density is the same as the Apple Watch at 326ppi. The colors are super vibrant, and it’s easy to see outside.
The chassis of the watch takes design cues from Oppo’s smartphones, with the screen curving into the thin edges in a similar way. There’s no crown-style control here, just two physical buttons on the right edge; everything else is handled by the touchscreen. Oppo’s watch straps are detachable in a similar way to the Apple Watch, with simple buttons for the release mechanism on the watch’s rear, but the straps pop directly in and out rather than sliding from the side.
While the Oppo Watch I’m using is made of aluminum, it’s polished to a glossy blue-black finish to the point where it looks more like a steel Apple Watch at first glance. There is a steel variant of the Oppo Watch, too, but it only comes in “bright silver.” The included watch strap is black rubber and feels comfortable, if nothing special.
Overall I think this watch looks fine in a vacuum, but there’s no getting around it: people are either going to think you’re wearing an Apple Watch or realize you’re wearing something that just looks like an Apple Watch. It’s up to you whether that’s what you want out of your wristwear.
The Oppo Watch runs a customized version of Android 8.1 called ColorOS Watch. Like Samsung, Oppo has figured out that Apple was onto something in designing a predominantly white-on-black OS for small OLED screens; it saves power and is a lot more discreet. No prizes for originality — this software definitely looks more like watchOS than it needs to — but it’s the right direction.
Unlike Tizen and watchOS, though, ColorOS Watch is extremely simple. The top button brings up a scrolling app drawer or takes you back to the watch face, and the bottom button gets you to the settings menu. You can swipe left and right to change faces, there’s a quick settings screen accessible with a swipe down, and a swipe up takes you to the notifications shade. Everything is smooth and responsive. Notifications can display a lot of content, like full Facebook Messenger messages, though you can’t interact with them.
The most interesting thing about the Oppo Watch software is its selection of built-in apps, which are accessible through a scrolling grid that’s halfway between the Apple Watch’s weird honeycomb and list views. There are the usual apps for phone calls, fitness tracking, timers, and weather, as well as an on-watch app store and China-specific services like Alipay. It’s a pretty robust feature set, including things like sleep tracking that haven’t come to the Apple Watch yet. I particularly like the five-minute full-body workout app that includes video demonstrations and yells at you through the watch’s tiny speaker to help get you sweating, though it’s not always easy to actually see the watch mid-exercise.
The Oppo Watch’s battery life has not been great for me, even though the screen isn’t always on. This is a watch you will want to charge each and every night, and several times it’s died on me in the evening. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of it draining power by searching for compatible cell networks, since this is an LTE watch and I’m using it outside the market it was designed for sale in, but I’m not getting close to Oppo’s stated 40 hours of regular use.
(Update, July 6th, 2:30AM ET: Oppo sent me a second watch after reading this article, and it does seem to get much better battery life. It doesn’t always reach 40 hours, but it has always at least made it through the day without issue.)
The watch does fill up pretty quickly on its unusual magnetic charger, however — about 75 minutes for a full charge and 15 minutes to get to 50 percent — and its power-saving mode is much more functional than the Apple Watch’s. You can’t use apps, but it still tracks steps, delivers notifications, and turns the screen on when you raise your wrist.
Overall, using the Oppo Watch hasn’t exactly changed my mind that it’s familiar, but that might be what some people are after. Starting at around $215 in China, it could be an option worth considering if the battery life works better in practice. We’ll take a closer look once it comes to other markets, which is currently set to happen in the second half of 2020.


theverge--2020-05-22--WhatsApp tests new feature that lets you add contacts via QR codes

WhatsApp ’ s latest beta version lets you add contacts by scanning their QR codes , WABetaInfo reports .
The feature , which is available in beta on both iOS and Android , can be found in the app ’ s settings menu , where there are options to display your own code , as well as to scan other people ’ s .
A QR code can also be revoked if it gets shared with someone who you don ’ t want to have your number .
It ’ s a minor feature , but adding contacts on WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , the service relies on you adding a new contact to your phone ’ s address book , which creates an annoying extra step when you just want to be able to message someone in WhatsApp itself .
QR codes are a much more convenient way of adding someone if you ’ re with them in person , although it won ’ t make the process too much easier if you ’ re doing it online .
Although the feature is currently available in beta , there ’ s no word on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main app .
If you want to join the beta on Android , I was able to sign up using this link and verify that the QR code option can be found in settings , however the iOS beta is reportedly closed .

WhatsApp’s latest beta version lets you add contacts by scanning their QR codes, WABetaInfo reports. The feature, which is available in beta on both iOS and Android, can be found in the app’s settings menu, where there are options to display your own code, as well as to scan other people’s. A QR code can also be revoked if it gets shared with someone who you don’t want to have your number.
It’s a minor feature, but adding contacts on WhatsApp can be a pain. At the moment, the service relies on you adding a new contact to your phone’s address book, which creates an annoying extra step when you just want to be able to message someone in WhatsApp itself. QR codes are a much more convenient way of adding someone if you’re with them in person, although it won’t make the process too much easier if you’re doing it online.
The QR code as seen on iOS. Image: WABetaInfo And on Android. Image: WABetaInfo


theverge--2020-05-22--Microsoft Edge’s latest update can finally sync your extensions

The latest stable version of Microsoft ’ s Edge browser finally adds support for extension syncing , meaning you won ’ t have to manually re-install extensions individually with each new device .
Microsoft teased the feature as part of its Build announcement earlier this week , but the update log for the browser ’ s latest version ( 83.0.478.37 , to be exact ) confirms that it ’ s rolling out now .
Alongside support for extension sync , the latest version of Edge includes a host of other improvements .
You can now exempt certain cookies from automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there ’ s a particular website that you want to stay logged into ) , and Edge ’ s Collections feature now supports drag and drop to make it easier to save web pages and clippings .
The browser can also now prompt you to switch profiles if you ’ re visiting a site that needs to be authenticated using a separate school or work profile .
Check out the full list of improvements on Microsoft ’ s site .
Extension sync was just one of the Edge features teased by Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other highlights include a new sidebar search feature that lets you search the web without leaving your current tab , as well as Pinterest integration for Collections .
Conspicuously missing , however , is full history and tab syncing , which are present in competitors like Chrome .
Although Microsoft ’ s release notes say that the latest version of the browser came out on May 21st , it might be a few days before the update reaches everyone .
Microsoft has announced that it ’ s adopting a progressive rollout for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it will release updates over the course of several days to give it a chance to catch any bugs that might crop up .

The latest stable version of Microsoft’s Edge browser finally adds support for extension syncing, meaning you won’t have to manually re-install extensions individually with each new device. Microsoft teased the feature as part of its Build announcement earlier this week, but the update log for the browser’s latest version (83.0.478.37, to be exact) confirms that it’s rolling out now.
Alongside support for extension sync, the latest version of Edge includes a host of other improvements. You can now exempt certain cookies from automatically clearing when the browser closes (useful if there’s a particular website that you want to stay logged into), and Edge’s Collections feature now supports drag and drop to make it easier to save web pages and clippings. The browser can also now prompt you to switch profiles if you’re visiting a site that needs to be authenticated using a separate school or work profile. Check out the full list of improvements on Microsoft’s site.
Alongside improvements to Collections
Extension sync was just one of the Edge features teased by Microsoft in its Build announcement earlier this week. Other highlights include a new sidebar search feature that lets you search the web without leaving your current tab, as well as Pinterest integration for Collections. Conspicuously missing, however, is full history and tab syncing, which are present in competitors like Chrome.


theverge--2020-05-22--Microsoft Solitaire turns 30 years old today and still has 35 million monthly players

Microsoft ’ s Solitaire game is turning 30 years old today .
Microsoft is celebrating the occasion with a world record attempt of the most games of Microsoft Solitaire completed in one day .
35 million people still play Solitaire monthly , according to Microsoft , with more than 100 million hands played daily around the world .
Microsoft Solitaire was originally included as part of Windows 3.0 back in 1990 , designed specifically to teach users how to use a mouse .
Grabbing virtual cards and dropping them in place taught the basics of drag-and-drop in Windows , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the operating system .
Microsoft Solitaire , originally known as Windows Solitaire , is one of the most played games in the world as it shipped in every version of Windows for more than two decades .
That means it has shipped on more than a billion PCs , and it only stopped being a dedicated part of Windows with the release of Windows 8 in 2012 .
Microsoft intern Wes Cherry initially programmed the game , and pixel art and Mac GUI pioneer Susan Kare designed the original card deck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” into Windows Solitaire , with a fake spreadsheet designed to fool bosses and coworkers .
Microsoft made Cherry remove the boss mode from the game before its release .
If it had remained , it could have saved one man from being fired by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg .
Solitaire is still actively played across the world by millions today , thanks to its broad appeal .
It was even inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame last year .
Microsoft has localized the game into 65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more than 200 markets .
Microsoft Solitaire only got its first major update back in 2012 , coinciding with its removal from Windows 8 into a standalone app .
The new app included five new game modes , daily challenges , competitive events , Xbox Live integration , and even the ability to choose a difficulty .
This standalone app also led to Solitaire returning as part of Windows 10 back in 2015 .
It ’ s also now available across every major OS platform .
If you want to help Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now available across Windows , iOS , Android , and even on the web .

Microsoft’s Solitaire game is turning 30 years old today. Microsoft is celebrating the occasion with a world record attempt of the most games of Microsoft Solitaire completed in one day. 35 million people still play Solitaire monthly, according to Microsoft, with more than 100 million hands played daily around the world.
Microsoft Solitaire was originally included as part of Windows 3.0 back in 1990, designed specifically to teach users how to use a mouse. Grabbing virtual cards and dropping them in place taught the basics of drag-and-drop in Windows, which we still use today in many parts of the operating system.
Microsoft Solitaire, originally known as Windows Solitaire, is one of the most played games in the world as it shipped in every version of Windows for more than two decades. That means it has shipped on more than a billion PCs, and it only stopped being a dedicated part of Windows with the release of Windows 8 in 2012.
Microsoft intern Wes Cherry initially programmed the game, and pixel art and Mac GUI pioneer Susan Kare designed the original card deck. Cherry initially programmed a “boss mode” into Windows Solitaire, with a fake spreadsheet designed to fool bosses and coworkers. Microsoft made Cherry remove the boss mode from the game before its release. If it had remained, it could have saved one man from being fired by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Solitaire is still actively played across the world by millions today, thanks to its broad appeal. It was even inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame last year. Microsoft has localized the game into 65 languages, and it’s played in more than 200 markets. Microsoft Solitaire only got its first major update back in 2012, coinciding with its removal from Windows 8 into a standalone app. The new app included five new game modes, daily challenges, competitive events, Xbox Live integration, and even the ability to choose a difficulty.


theverge--2020-05-22--Judge approves Faraday Future founder’s personal bankruptcy plan

Seven months after he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to deal with $ 3.6 billion in personal debt , the reorganization plan laid out by Jia Yueting — the tycoon founder of troubled EV startup Faraday Future — has been approved by a judge .
In overly simple terms , the majority of the people and companies he owes money to — largely thanks to the collapse of LeEco , the overly-leveraged tech conglomerate he built his fortune with in China — have agreed to swap their debt claims for pieces of Jia ’ s ownership stake in Faraday Future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being made whole if and when the struggling startup successfully completes a public listing on a major stock exchange .
Founded in 2014 , Faraday Future has spent more than $ 1.7 billion ( around $ 900 million of which was Jia ’ s ) on its own and has yet to start manufacturing its first vehicle , a luxury SUV stuffed with screens known as the FF91 .
Instead , the startup is more famous for foibles linked to Jia ’ s penchant for bombast and his financial mismanagement — both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years .
And by its own admission the company needs $ 850 million in order to kickstart production of the FF91 .
Jia repeatedly claimed in court that prolonged uncertainty about his personal debts would hold up any potential funding of Faraday Future , though no evidence was ever given of this .
And since the idea all along has been to swap the the claims of those debt holders with stakes in the startup , he argued it was in their interest to approve his plan as quickly as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , one of Jia ’ s lawyers told the court that Faraday Future did not have the “ financial wherewithal ” to make it another 60 days , according to a transcript .
“ Faraday will basically run out of cash , ” the lawyer said at the time .
One former Faraday Future executive told The Verge last year they felt this was a “ a gun to the head of the creditors .
Lawyers for some of the companies Jia owes millions of dollars to made similar arguments in court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not run out of cash yet , though , thanks to a series of loans from a restructuring firm that it ’ s been working with since early 2019 .
Faraday Future also recently said it received a $ 9 million loan as part of the government ’ s pandemic-related “ Paycheck Protection Program.
” Jia ’ s creditors were left with few other options than to agree to his plan , because he doesn ’ t have nearly enough personal wealth to cover the $ 3.6 billion hole he dug for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few multimillion dollar coastal mansions and land in Los Angeles before he self-exiled himself to the US in 2017 ( to avoid increased pressure from the Chinese government over his debts ) , he told the court he divested himself of the actual ownership of that property .
Even if that ’ s true , their total value is only in the tens of millions of dollars .
Jia ’ s bank accounts are also relatively empty , according to the paperwork he submitted to the court .
In fact , he turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankruptcy in the first place .
Jia borrowed $ 2.7 million from one of Faraday Future ’ s holding companies to launch his bankruptcy in October of last year , and has since taken on another $ 6.4 million loan from that same entity to fund the process .
In a statement released Friday , Faraday Future says the approval of the plan “ has removed the biggest hurdle in [ the company ’ s ] equity financing efforts.
” Earlier this week , the company ’ s new CEO ( and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding efforts are “ a bit delayed ” because of the pandemic .

Seven months after he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to deal with $3.6 billion in personal debt, the reorganization plan laid out by Jia Yueting — the tycoon founder of troubled EV startup Faraday Future — has been approved by a judge.
In overly simple terms, the majority of the people and companies he owes money to — largely thanks to the collapse of LeEco, the overly-leveraged tech conglomerate he built his fortune with in China — have agreed to swap their debt claims for pieces of Jia’s ownership stake in Faraday Future. They now only have a shot of being made whole if and when the struggling startup successfully completes a public listing on a major stock exchange.
Founded in 2014, Faraday Future has spent more than $1.7 billion (around $900 million of which was Jia’s) on its own and has yet to start manufacturing its first vehicle, a luxury SUV stuffed with screens known as the FF91. Instead, the startup is more famous for foibles linked to Jia’s penchant for bombast and his financial mismanagement — both of which The Verge have documented in recent years. And by its own admission the company needs $850 million in order to kickstart production of the FF91.
Jia repeatedly claimed in court that prolonged uncertainty about his personal debts would hold up any potential funding of Faraday Future, though no evidence was ever given of this. And since the idea all along has been to swap the the claims of those debt holders with stakes in the startup, he argued it was in their interest to approve his plan as quickly as possible. In December of last year, in fact, one of Jia’s lawyers told the court that Faraday Future did not have the “financial wherewithal” to make it another 60 days, according to a transcript. “Faraday will basically run out of cash,” the lawyer said at the time.
One former Faraday Future executive told The Verge last year they felt this was a “a gun to the head of the creditors. Lawyers for some of the companies Jia owes millions of dollars to made similar arguments in court that were ultimately unsuccessful.
Faraday Future has not run out of cash yet, though, thanks to a series of loans from a restructuring firm that it’s been working with since early 2019. Faraday Future also recently said it received a $9 million loan as part of the government’s pandemic-related “Paycheck Protection Program.”
Jia’s creditors were left with few other options than to agree to his plan, because he doesn’t have nearly enough personal wealth to cover the $3.6 billion hole he dug for himself. While Jia did buy a few multimillion dollar coastal mansions and land in Los Angeles before he self-exiled himself to the US in 2017 (to avoid increased pressure from the Chinese government over his debts), he told the court he divested himself of the actual ownership of that property. Even if that’s true, their total value is only in the tens of millions of dollars.
Jia’s bank accounts are also relatively empty, according to the paperwork he submitted to the court. In fact, he turned to cash-strapped Faraday Future to fund his bankruptcy in the first place. Jia borrowed $2.7 million from one of Faraday Future’s holding companies to launch his bankruptcy in October of last year, and has since taken on another $6.4 million loan from that same entity to fund the process.


theverge--2020-05-22--Glitch lays off ‘substantial number of employees’ to cut costs

Glitch laid off “ a substantial number of employees ” on Thursday in an effort to cut costs and ensure “ long term viability , ” the company confirmed in an email to The Verge .
Glitch said it had to “ significantly cut operating costs ” due to market conditions .
At least 18 people were laid off , according to two former employees who asked to remain anonymous .
Glitch had about 50 employees before the layoffs , the sources said .
Glitch declined to comment on how many employees were laid off .
The company said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and support in finding new employment ” to employees who were laid off .
Glitch CEO Anil Dash tweeted that the layoffs came as a result of being a “ small company in a fiercely competitive space in a tough economy.
” Glitch is a coding platform that launched in 2017 under what was then known as Fog Creek Software .
The platform has a quirky look and emphasizes its ease of use — anyone is supposed to be able to jump in , remix someone else ’ s code , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Glitch ’ s servers .
The service has been completely free to use nearly all of the past three years , though .
It wasn ’ t until one month ago — about a month into the pandemic — that Glitch launched a subscription service , offering users the ability to pay $ 10 per month for expanded capabilities .
The service had a slow start , according to both sources , with one describing the launch as “ underwhelming.
” In March , Glitch employees voted to form a union under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them one of the first tech companies to organize .
Glitch agreed to voluntarily recognize the union , but the union had not yet negotiated a contract with the company .
The Verge has reached out to the union for comment .
Glitch raised $ 30 million in funding in 2018 .
It said the funding would allow the company to “ build the kind of platform and community that fits ” its ambitious vision .

Glitch laid off “a substantial number of employees” on Thursday in an effort to cut costs and ensure “long term viability,” the company confirmed in an email to The Verge. Glitch said it had to “significantly cut operating costs” due to market conditions.
At least 18 people were laid off, according to two former employees who asked to remain anonymous. Glitch had about 50 employees before the layoffs, the sources said. Glitch declined to comment on how many employees were laid off. The company said it is offering “severance, health insurance, and support in finding new employment” to employees who were laid off.
Glitch CEO Anil Dash tweeted that the layoffs came as a result of being a “small company in a fiercely competitive space in a tough economy.”
Glitch is a coding platform that launched in 2017 under what was then known as Fog Creek Software. The platform has a quirky look and emphasizes its ease of use — anyone is supposed to be able to jump in, remix someone else’s code, and launch a bite-sized app that will run on Glitch’s servers.
The service has been completely free to use nearly all of the past three years, though. It wasn’t until one month ago — about a month into the pandemic — that Glitch launched a subscription service, offering users the ability to pay $10 per month for expanded capabilities. The service had a slow start, according to both sources, with one describing the launch as “underwhelming.”
In March, Glitch employees voted to form a union under the Communications Workers of America, making them one of the first tech companies to organize. Glitch agreed to voluntarily recognize the union, but the union had not yet negotiated a contract with the company. The Verge has reached out to the union for comment.


theverge--2020-05-22--NASA and SpaceX say they are ‘go’ to proceed with historic crewed flight on May 27th

After two days of intense reviews , NASA is giving its commercial partner SpaceX the thumbs-up to launch its first astronauts to space next week .
There ’ s still more work to be done by both the agency and SpaceX , including another review on Monday , but officials decided there were no major issues standing in the way of the launch .
“ It was a good review , great discussion , ” NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said during a press conference .
“ I think everybody in the room was very clear that now ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any challenges.
” Bridenstine noted that many people did speak up , and they had a lot of discussions about various aspects of the mission .
“ At the end we got to a ‘ go , ’ ” he said .
“ So we are now preparing for a launch in five short days.
” On May 27th , SpaceX is slated to launch its first crew of two — NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley — to the International Space Station for NASA .
The flight is the final test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Commercial Crew Program , which enlisted private companies to create vehicles to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS .
SpaceX ’ s vehicle for the program is the Crew Dragon , and after six years of development and testing , the company is less than a week away from finally putting people inside the vehicle .
“ At the end we got to a ‘ go.
’ ” During the review , officials talked over a lot of technical issues that could become a problem during flight , such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have required enormous amounts of testing over the last few years .
They also discussed an unexpected technical issue that arose last year when SpaceX ’ s Crew Dragon capsule exploded during a ground test , as well as concerns about the company ’ s ability to suppress any unexpected fires that might break out on Dragon .
Ultimately , everyone concluded that the risks were manageable .
“ There are no significant open issues , I am happy to report , ” Steve Jurczyk , NASA ’ s associate administrator , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a very , at the end , was a very , very clean review.
” Also this afternoon , SpaceX tested the Falcon 9 rocket that will launch Behnken and Hurley .
At 4:33PM ET , the company ignited the engines on the rocket while holding it down on its launchpad at NASA ’ s Kennedy Space Center , verifying that all the rocket ’ s systems were in working order .
While NASA says SpaceX is “ go ” for launch , there ’ s still quite a bit of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket takes flight .
On Saturday , Behnken and Hurley will do what ’ s called a “ dry dress rehearsal , ” where they ’ ll suit up in SpaceX ’ s custom spacesuits and go through all of the steps leading up to flight , without actually launching .
Then on Monday , SpaceX and NASA officials will do yet another review about whether to proceed with the launch .
That review will incorporate data from today ’ s ignition test , as well as data from the dress rehearsal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , ” Benji Reed , director of crew mission management at SpaceX , said during the press conference .
“ It ’ s really , really important that all of our engineers , they ’ re all on deck and ready to go right now .
And for the next few days through the weekend , they will be analyzing and looking at all the data and all the observations that are made.
” So things are still on track , but it ’ s not “ all systems go ” just @ @

After two days of intense reviews, NASA is giving its commercial partner SpaceX the thumbs-up to launch its first astronauts to space next week. There’s still more work to be done by both the agency and SpaceX, including another review on Monday, but officials decided there were no major issues standing in the way of the launch.
“It was a good review, great discussion,” NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said during a press conference. “I think everybody in the room was very clear that now’s the time to speak up if there are any challenges.” Bridenstine noted that many people did speak up, and they had a lot of discussions about various aspects of the mission. “At the end we got to a ‘go,’” he said. “So we are now preparing for a launch in five short days.”
On May 27th, SpaceX is slated to launch its first crew of two — NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley — to the International Space Station for NASA. The flight is the final test for SpaceX as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which enlisted private companies to create vehicles to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS. SpaceX’s vehicle for the program is the Crew Dragon, and after six years of development and testing, the company is less than a week away from finally putting people inside the vehicle.
“At the end we got to a ‘go.’”
During the review, officials talked over a lot of technical issues that could become a problem during flight, such as the Crew Dragon’s parachutes, which have required enormous amounts of testing over the last few years. They also discussed an unexpected technical issue that arose last year when SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule exploded during a ground test, as well as concerns about the company’s ability to suppress any unexpected fires that might break out on Dragon. Ultimately, everyone concluded that the risks were manageable. “There are no significant open issues, I am happy to report,” Steve Jurczyk, NASA’s associate administrator, said during the press conference. “It was a very, at the end, was a very, very clean review.”
Also this afternoon, SpaceX tested the Falcon 9 rocket that will launch Behnken and Hurley. At 4:33PM ET, the company ignited the engines on the rocket while holding it down on its launchpad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, verifying that all the rocket’s systems were in working order.
While NASA says SpaceX is “go” for launch, there’s still quite a bit of work to do before the company’s rocket takes flight. On Saturday, Behnken and Hurley will do what’s called a “dry dress rehearsal,” where they’ll suit up in SpaceX’s custom spacesuits and go through all of the steps leading up to flight, without actually launching. Then on Monday, SpaceX and NASA officials will do yet another review about whether to proceed with the launch. That review will incorporate data from today’s ignition test, as well as data from the dress rehearsal.
“That’s a ton of data,” Benji Reed, director of crew mission management at SpaceX, said during the press conference. “It’s really, really important that all of our engineers, they’re all on deck and ready to go right now. And for the next few days through the weekend, they will be analyzing and looking at all the data and all the observations that are made.”


theverge--2020-05-22--Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones may let you pair more than one device

A new leak hints at what to expect from Sony ’ s WH-1000XM4 , the upcoming successor to the WH-1000XM3 , one of the best wireless headphones on the market .
The details come from Twitter user justplayinghard , who tweeted out information they obtained from a recent teardown of Sony ’ s Headphones Connect app .
The code hints that the M4 headphones may be able to simultaneously pair with two devices , a feature not present in its predecessor .
On the current model , you have to reconnect if you want to use a different device .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called “ Smart Talking , ” allowing the headphones to detect voices and adjust the ambient sound so you can hear conversations without taking off the headphones .
Its predecessor has something similar called Ambient Sound Mode , which lets you hear ambient sound while wearing the headphones .
Images of what the headphones could look like also surfaced from the teardown , and they appear very similar to the M3 , as previous leaks showed .
Sony ’ s upcoming headphones previously leaked in March through a filing from Anatel , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos of the M4 , which look slightly thicker than the M3 .
They also revealed that the new headphones may include longer battery life , possibly hitting the 40-hour range on a single charge — four hours up from its predecessor ’ s typical battery life .
The teardown does not indicate when the headphones will come out , nor has Sony released any information on the M4 headphones .
A release may be coming soon , as the headphones appear to have passed through the Federal Communications Commission for approval in @ @ @

A new leak hints at what to expect from Sony’s WH-1000XM4, the upcoming successor to the WH-1000XM3, one of the best wireless headphones on the market.
The details come from Twitter user justplayinghard, who tweeted out information they obtained from a recent teardown of Sony’s Headphones Connect app. The code hints that the M4 headphones may be able to simultaneously pair with two devices, a feature not present in its predecessor. On the current model, you have to reconnect if you want to use a different device.
The M4 may also include a feature called “Smart Talking,” allowing the headphones to detect voices and adjust the ambient sound so you can hear conversations without taking off the headphones. Its predecessor has something similar called Ambient Sound Mode, which lets you hear ambient sound while wearing the headphones.
Images of what the headphones could look like also surfaced from the teardown, and they appear very similar to the M3, as previous leaks showed.
Sony’s upcoming headphones previously leaked in March through a filing from Anatel, a Brazilian regulatory agency. The leak included photos of the M4, which look slightly thicker than the M3. They also revealed that the new headphones may include longer battery life, possibly hitting the 40-hour range on a single charge — four hours up from its predecessor’s typical battery life.


theverge--2020-05-22--Xbox Live went down as Microsoft experienced ‘multiple’ service outages

Microsoft ’ s Xbox Live service experienced issues today , marking the fourth time in recent weeks .
Xbox One users were reporting problems earlier today with signing into Xbox Live , accessing friends , and joining parties .
The issues started at around 3:15PM ET , and also affected some multiplayer games .
The outage was not isolated to Xbox Live ; Microsoft says it was an issue persisting throughout its platforms , including Microsoft 365 .
“ We are aware that some users may be experiencing issues when attempting to sign in on Xbox One & Windows 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update put out on Twitter “ Our teams are aware & working on a fix .
Please follow here & on our status page for updates.
” Microsoft said it ’ s was investigating issues affecting “ multiple Microsoft 365 services , ” too , suggesting the outage was broader in scope and went further than just Xbox Live .
Microsoft has experienced multiple outages with Xbox Live recently , and this is the fourth outage in recent weeks .
Xbox Live was down for two hours last month , affecting party chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Microsoft put out an update on its Xbox Support Twitter account saying it had resolved sign-in issues for Xbox Live and Window 10 .
“ We ’ ve resolved an issue that a subset of customers may have experienced trying to sign-in to some services , ” the company later said in statement given to The Verge .
According to the Xbox Live status page , however , the platform is still apparently seeing issues around account creation , management , and recovery , as well as persistent problems joining players in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6:27PM ET : Added a statement from Microsoft saying the company had resolved the sign-in issues and most services should now be operating normally .
The headline has also been updated to reflect this information .

Microsoft’s Xbox Live service experienced issues today, marking the fourth time in recent weeks. Xbox One users were reporting problems earlier today with signing into Xbox Live, accessing friends, and joining parties. The issues started at around 3:15PM ET, and also affected some multiplayer games. The outage was not isolated to Xbox Live; Microsoft says it was an issue persisting throughout its platforms, including Microsoft 365.
“We are aware that some users may be experiencing issues when attempting to sign in on Xbox One & Windows 10,” Microsoft explained in a status update put out on Twitter “Our teams are aware & working on a fix. Please follow here & on our status page for updates.”
Microsoft said it’s was investigating issues affecting “multiple Microsoft 365 services,” too, suggesting the outage was broader in scope and went further than just Xbox Live. Microsoft has experienced multiple outages with Xbox Live recently, and this is the fourth outage in recent weeks. Xbox Live was down for two hours last month, affecting party chat and online multiplayer.
Around 4:50PM ET, Microsoft put out an update on its Xbox Support Twitter account saying it had resolved sign-in issues for Xbox Live and Windows 10. “We’ve resolved an issue that a subset of customers may have experienced trying to sign-in to some services,” the company later said in statement given to The Verge. According to the Xbox Live status page, however, the platform is still apparently seeing issues around account creation, management, and recovery, as well as persistent problems joining players in multiplayer games.


theverge--2020-05-22--New York Auto Show is now fully canceled

They ’ re pulling the plug on the New York Auto Show .
The show , which is typically held in April and draws over 1 million attendants , was delayed until August due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
But organizers are now saying they won ’ t be able to meet that deadline and are focused on reviving the auto show in spring 2021 .
The Javits Center , which houses the auto show , is still being used as a field hospital The Javits Center , which houses the auto show , is still being used as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently there are no patients being treated there , though the convention remains in “ standby mode ” in case of future emergency .
New York City was particularly hard hit by the virus , with over 196,000 confirmed cases and 16,000 deaths .
“ Since the beginning of this pandemic , we have worked closely with the Governor ’ s office and with Javits officials to protect our attendees , ” read a statement from Mark Schienberg , president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association , the organization that owns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are extremely proud of the role the Javits Center has played during this difficult time , and we understand the need for it to remain ready to serve.
” Schienberg also said he anticipates “ enormous pent-up demand for new vehicles in this region and across the country.
” Auto dealers typically count on auto shows big and small to generate excitement for new models .
This year ’ s NYIAS was expected to feature the debut of Volkswagen ’ s ID 4 electric SUV , the production version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Ford ’ s new revamped Bronco , among others .
Like many other auto shows , though , the New York Auto Show lost a bit of its luster , as big names like Mercedes-Benz and Audi previously decided to skip this year ’ s event , and BMW bowed out before the 2019 show .
Indeed , COVID-19 may end up driving more people away from public transportation and ride-sharing and toward personal vehicles .
A recent Harris poll found that over 50 percent of respondents say they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t their own car .

They’re pulling the plug on the New York Auto Show.
The show, which is typically held in April and draws over 1 million attendants, was delayed until August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But organizers are now saying they won’t be able to meet that deadline and are focused on reviving the auto show in spring 2021.
The Javits Center, which houses the auto show, is still being used as a field hospital
The Javits Center, which houses the auto show, is still being used as a field hospital for patients with COVID-19. Currently there are no patients being treated there, though the convention remains in “standby mode” in case of future emergency. New York City was particularly hard hit by the virus, with over 196,000 confirmed cases and 16,000 deaths.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have worked closely with the Governor’s office and with Javits officials to protect our attendees,” read a statement from Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the organization that owns and operates the New York Auto Show. “We are extremely proud of the role the Javits Center has played during this difficult time, and we understand the need for it to remain ready to serve.”
Schienberg also said he anticipates “enormous pent-up demand for new vehicles in this region and across the country.” Auto dealers typically count on auto shows big and small to generate excitement for new models. This year’s NYIAS was expected to feature the debut of Volkswagen’s ID 4 electric SUV, the production version of EV startup Lucid Motors’ first car, and Ford’s new revamped Bronco, among others.
Like many other auto shows, though, the New York Auto Show lost a bit of its luster, as big names like Mercedes-Benz and Audi previously decided to skip this year’s event, and BMW bowed out before the 2019 show.


theverge--2020-05-22--How Ford, GM, FCA, and Tesla are bringing back factory workers

In the last week , factory employees have returned to work across the United States to make cars for the country ’ s four main auto manufacturers : Ford , General Motors , Fiat Chrysler Automobiles , and Tesla .
And each of those companies has published a plan showing how it will try to keep those workers from contracting or spreading COVID-19 .
Those plans largely take the same shape .
They ’ re presented in glossy PDF pamphlets , each starting with a letter to employees from the respective company ’ s highest-ranking executive overseeing workplace safety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get bogged down with platitudes .
But they all largely describe a lot of the same basic precautions , including supplying employees with Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) like masks or enforcing physical distancing of at least six feet .
There are some differences between them , though .
And none have robust in-house testing plans in place , despite the United Auto Workers union ( which represents the workers in all of the factories , save for Tesla ’ s ) agitating for it .
So as each company inevitably starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already has this week at its Chicago assembly plant — it ’ s worth understanding what ’ s in the plans and where they diverge .
Ford operates eight US factories across its main brand and its luxury marque , Lincoln .
At 64 pages , Ford ’ s is the longest of the return-to-work plans released by these four automakers .
No surprise .
Chairman Bill Ford said the company “ put as much care and attention into developing our plan to return to work as anything I ’ ve been involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Some of the playbook ’ s length is the result of Ford ’ s inclusion of sample checklists for managers and factory cleaning teams and also from the company ’ s willingness to repeat itself to hammer home the main points of the plan .
Ford even fills a few pages with puffy corporate speak ( like on page 4 , where it describes one of its company “ truths ” as the ability to “ meet our business challenges head on by being relentless in creating value for our customers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company also takes a handful of pages to lay out its temperature-screening protocol for workers who are entering the factory each day , which is arguably the most involved setup of any of these four automakers .
Ford employees are required to stand in front of an infrared scanner on a tripod as they make their way into the workplace .
They have to remove glasses and hats and must pull down face masks in order to get an accurate reading , all while following markers on the floor and looking directly into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temperature above the threshold Ford has set ( which is not disclosed ) , they have to do one of three things before they can return to work .
They can show that their health care provider has “ determined clinically ” that they don ’ t have COVID-19 .
They can return if they have no fever for 72 hours and 10 days have passed since their symptoms appear .
Or they can return if they no longer have symptoms and have received two negative test results in a row and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a testing regime in place means there are holes in plans even as detailed as this — and the same goes for the other automakers ’ plans — because people can have and spread the coronavirus without showing any symptoms .
For instance , If a health care provider decides a Ford employee ’ s symptoms were related to another illness , that would clear them to return .
But it doesn ’ t mean that employee isn ’ t carrying the coronavirus .
Even detailed plans like Ford ’ s have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all employees complete an online survey each day “ assessing their ability to report to work.
” They ’ re required to show an email or SMS confirmation that they filled out the survey when they arrive for their shift .
And Ford describes a number of other precautions it ’ s taking to mitigate any spread of the coronavirus inside its factories .
It ’ s essentially slicing those factories up by both assigning employees to the entrances and parking lots closest to their work stations .
The company is also restricting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them — even if it ’ s not the one they normally use .
Ford is spreading out those workstations to six feet or more where possible .
Where that isn ’ t possible , the company is putting in plastic barriers or shields .
Workers are being given new masks each day as well as fresh safety glasses , and some will receive full face shields .
All visitors , contractors , and vendors are being required to wear masks as well — unless you ’ re President Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his entire visit on Thursday .
( He was only “ encouraged , ” according to a statement from Bill Ford . )
The company is requiring that all of its factories keep a minimum 30-day supply of PPE ( including surgical gloves , safety glasses and face shields , and disinfectant spray and wipes ) .
Ford has also asked factory managers to stagger workers ’ shift start times where possible and is closing common areas like small meeting rooms and fitness and physiotherapy centers .
Cafeterias will be closed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls and Webex meetings over face-to-face interactions .
Despite all of this , Ford has had three employees test positive for COVID-19 this week .
In the company ’ s published plan , it explains the steps that it ’ s taking when this happens .
First , Ford ’ s human resources department is supposed to perform contact tracing to figure out who else may have been exposed .
Workers who ’ ve had “ close contact ” — defined as being within six feet of an infected employee for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with infectious secretions ” from one — will be sent home for 14 days .
The company will either temporarily close that worker ’ s area of the factory or the whole facility to clean .
Working during a pandemic is stressful , and Ford reminds its employees that they “ are not alone ” if they find themselves worrying about their mental health .
As such , Ford tells employees in the playbook that they should limit “ news consumption , including social media , ” and to “ manage ” their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The company suggests workers “ [ u ] nwind with music or a podcast , ” “ try a new recipe , ” or learn “ a new skill.
” What Ford ’ s plan lacks is a clear strategy for testing its employees .
That work is instead left to the employees themselves and their health care providers .
Unfortunately , the company is not alone .
General Motors ’ “ Returning to the Workplace With Confidence ” plan General Motors ’ 40-page plan is the second-longest of the four .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s guide covers protocol for temperature screenings , cleaning , and physical distancing , but it offers no plan for testing its workers .
GM — which operates 10 factories in the US across its Buick , Cadillac , Chevrolet , and GMC brands — is using a similar temperature screening process to Ford ’ s .
Instead of a scanner on a tripod , though , GM appears to be using a handled infrared scanner .
Instead of making workers fill out a questionnaire online before coming to work , GM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their shift .
GM won ’ t allow homemade masks , but it ’ s allowing workers to reuse the ones they ’ re given Once they arrive , workers are given and are required to wear a face mask except for when eating or drinking .
Employees are not allowed to use “ [ h ] omemade or externally-purchased masks ” because the company says it can ’ t “ verify the adequacy of the design or materials , ” though it will allow the use of N95 respirators in certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reuse their masks , though it advises them to store it in a “ lunch-size paper bag ” to both allow it to dry out and keep it away from potential contaminants .
Inside GM ’ s factories the company is asking that doors be propped open to increase airflow and reduce the number of surfaces workers need to touch .
GM also recommends that workers use body parts other than their hands to open doors when they can .
Employees are being spaced out beyond six feet where possible , though there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plastic dividers or shields .
Where employees must work closely together , GM says “ wearing a face mask and safety glasses provides the necessary protection.
” If an employee feels symptomatic at home , GM asks that they take their own temperature before they come in .
If it ’ s above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit , GM asks that they don ’ t come to work and instead contact their physician .
GM is telling employees who feel symptomatic at work ( or people who encounter someone who ’ s symptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and report “ immediately ” to their factory ’ s health center or call one of two provided hotlines .
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 are being asked to contact their supervisors and call one of those hotlines .
GM will perform contact tracing to determine who else may have contracted the virus .
The company does not go into further detail in its return-to-work plan about how it will handle positive cases .
Like Ford , GM also recommends that employees “ [ a ] void binging on the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good sleep , eat healthy , and avoid alcohol and drugs .
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ’ “ Let ’ s Keep Each Other Safe Return to Work Packet ” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ( FCA ) — which runs six US factories under its Chrysler , Dodge , Jeep , and RAM brands — published a much shorter 11-page return-to-work “ packet ” that covers some of the same bases as Ford ’ s or GM ’ s .
But FCA ’ s plan deviates on how the company is taking temperatures and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail .
Instead of using digital temperature scanners , FCA is providing all employees with a “ reusable temperature strip.
” The company says its factory workers have to take their temperatures with either this strip or their own thermometer less than two hours before each shift .
Workers using the temperature strip have to hold it up to their foreheads and hold it in place for about 15 seconds .
Their foreheads must be “ dry , ” FCA says , and the strip should only be used “ indoors at room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong lamps , ” and at least 30 minutes after eating , drinking , exercising , or being outdoors .
The strip is reusable for 30 days .
Fiat Chrysler is giving employees a “ reusable temperature strip ” to use before they come to work FCA employees must then record that temperature on a “ Daily Health Risk Assessment ” sheet that must be filled out before each shift .
If a worker ’ s temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher ( or they answer “ yes ” to any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ re told not to go to work and must call a company hotline .
While the plan doesn ’ t mention this , FCA said in a press release that it is “ installing thermal imaging cameras to verify what employees and visitors have self-reported ” about their temperatures .
Upon arrival to work , FCA ’ s factory workers have to go through turnstiles where they hand in the completed risk assessment sheet .
FCA asks that workers do not engage in “ small talk ” or ask questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the flow of employees moving.
” The company tells employees to use their forearm to push through the turnstile and offers hand sanitizer immediately after .
They ’ re then given their daily surgical mask .
( Personal masks are not allowed . )
FCA says it has implemented a “ start-of-shift sanitation process ” for each factory workstation and has increased the frequency of cleaning at its facilities .
The company has suspended meetings of more than eight employees and has redesigned some areas to afford more distance .
The plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has altered those workstations , but images on its press website show how some areas now have plastic shields in place .
The automaker ’ s published return-to-work guide does not include any plan for testing employees .
Tesla ’ s playbook clocks in at 38 pages and helps illustrate why CEO Elon Musk was so vociferous about his desire to reopen the company ’ s vehicle factory in Fremont , California .
Tesla dealt with a COVID-19-related shutdown at its China factory earlier this year , which has been back up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company believes it knows what needs to be done to safely bring workers back to the Fremont plant — knowledge that informs Tesla ’ s playbook .
That said , Tesla ’ s playbook covers a lot of the same ground as the other automakers and likewise lacks a testing plan .
Tesla fought hard to reopen its California factory and released its playbook to show why Tesla has increased the cleaning and disinfecting at its Fremont factory , and the company says it ’ s enforcing social distancing , adding barriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifts to help separate workers .
Some common areas are closed , and conference rooms are being capped at one-third capacity .
The company has also reduced the capacity of the shuttles it runs to the factory , and increased the number of total shuttles .
Thermal cameras have been installed at some entrances to measure workers ’ temperatures , and Tesla is making them complete an online health check each day , much like Ford .
Tesla is providing masks , and workers are expected to wear them .
But the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playbook for masks to be optional in some locations .
Tesla lays out a handful of scenarios to show how it will deal with suspected or positive cases of COVID-19 .
If a Tesla employee has symptoms of COVID-19 — or just does not feel well — managers are told in the playbook to direct that worker to go home and consult their medical provider .
Employees who do not show symptoms but have been in contact with someone who tested positive are told the same and will be required to quarantine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have had direct contact with someone who tested positive ( or with someone who is awaiting their own test results ) must stay home for 10 days after getting sick and at least three days after recovery .
But if these employees receive a negative test , they can return to work after not showing symptoms for 24 hours .
Tesla isn ’ t requiring that possibly infected employees receive two negative tests , like Ford .
In the event of positive cases , Tesla will leverage its security team to perform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the playbook that it will also clean the area where that worker is stationed , but does not go into further detail .
Like Ford and GM , Tesla says “ [ h ] earing about the pandemic repeatedly can cause undue stress , ” so it recommends employees take breaks from “ watching , reading , or listening to news stories , including social media.
” The company encourages workers to eat well , avoid alcohol and drugs , connect with others , and make time “ to unwind.
” Taken together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be to get the auto industry in the US back up and running during a pandemic .
Each company ’ s plan is different , and while some are arguably better in certain respects , none are airtight — as we ’ ve seen with Ford already dealing with positive cases .
These four are also nowhere near the only automakers in the US .
Toyota , Volkswagen , Daimler ( the parent company of Mercedes-Benz ) , BMW , Nissan , Honda , Hyundai , Kia , Subaru , and Mazda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Automakers also have to deal with two other problems as they restart production .
One is that many of them are reliant on suppliers that are dealing with their own localized outbreaks .
If the suppliers have to stay shut down or stop production again , it could force US automakers to halt manufacturing .
In fact , it ’ s already happening with GM .
The other is that demand for new vehicles had fallen dramatically during the pandemic .
So even if everything goes according to the plans that these automakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one waiting to buy the cars their workers make .

Part of / A guide to the COVID-19 pandemic
In the last week, factory employees have returned to work across the United States to make cars for the country’s four main auto manufacturers: Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Tesla. And each of those companies has published a plan showing how it will try to keep those workers from contracting or spreading COVID-19.
Those plans largely take the same shape. They’re presented in glossy PDF pamphlets, each starting with a letter to employees from the respective company’s highest-ranking executive overseeing workplace safety. Like any corporate document, they occasionally get bogged down with platitudes. But they all largely describe a lot of the same basic precautions, including supplying employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like masks or enforcing physical distancing of at least six feet.
There are some differences between them, though. And none have robust in-house testing plans in place, despite the United Auto Workers union (which represents the workers in all of the factories, save for Tesla’s) agitating for it. So as each company inevitably starts dealing with infected employees — as Ford already has this week at its Chicago assembly plant — it’s worth understanding what’s in the plans and where they diverge.
Ford operates eight US factories across its main brand and its luxury marque, Lincoln. At 64 pages, Ford’s is the longest of the return-to-work plans released by these four automakers. No surprise. Chairman Bill Ford said the company “put as much care and attention into developing our plan to return to work as anything I’ve been involved in in my 40 years of work.”
Some of the playbook’s length is the result of Ford’s inclusion of sample checklists for managers and factory cleaning teams and also from the company’s willingness to repeat itself to hammer home the main points of the plan. Ford even fills a few pages with puffy corporate speak (like on page 4, where it describes one of its company “truths” as the ability to “meet our business challenges head on by being relentless in creating value for our customers and optimizing our fitness.”)
But the company also takes a handful of pages to lay out its temperature-screening protocol for workers who are entering the factory each day, which is arguably the most involved setup of any of these four automakers. Ford employees are required to stand in front of an infrared scanner on a tripod as they make their way into the workplace. They have to remove glasses and hats and must pull down face masks in order to get an accurate reading, all while following markers on the floor and looking directly into the scanner.
If an employee shows a temperature above the threshold Ford has set (which is not disclosed), they have to do one of three things before they can return to work. They can show that their health care provider has “determined clinically” that they don’t have COVID-19. They can return if they have no fever for 72 hours and 10 days have passed since their symptoms appear. Or they can return if they no longer have symptoms and have received two negative test results in a row and at least 24 hours apart.
Not having a testing regime in place means there are holes in plans even as detailed as this — and the same goes for the other automakers’ plans — because people can have and spread the coronavirus without showing any symptoms. For instance, If a health care provider decides a Ford employee’s symptoms were related to another illness, that would clear them to return. But it doesn’t mean that employee isn’t carrying the coronavirus.
Even detailed plans like Ford’s have holes without robust testing
Ford is making all employees complete an online survey each day “assessing their ability to report to work.” They’re required to show an email or SMS confirmation that they filled out the survey when they arrive for their shift.
And Ford describes a number of other precautions it’s taking to mitigate any spread of the coronavirus inside its factories. It’s essentially slicing those factories up by both assigning employees to the entrances and parking lots closest to their work stations. The company is also restricting those employees to using the bathrooms closest to them — even if it’s not the one they normally use.
Ford has a detailed temperature screening process but no testing plan in place. Image: Ford
Ford is spreading out those workstations to six feet or more where possible. Where that isn’t possible, the company is putting in plastic barriers or shields. Workers are being given new masks each day as well as fresh safety glasses, and some will receive full face shields. All visitors, contractors, and vendors are being required to wear masks as well — unless you’re President Trump, who was not forced to wear a mask during his entire visit on Thursday. (He was only “encouraged,” according to a statement from Bill Ford.) The company is requiring that all of its factories keep a minimum 30-day supply of PPE (including surgical gloves, safety glasses and face shields, and disinfectant spray and wipes).
Ford has also asked factory managers to stagger workers’ shift start times where possible and is closing common areas like small meeting rooms and fitness and physiotherapy centers. Cafeterias will be closed, too, and Ford is encouraging conference calls and Webex meetings over face-to-face interactions.
Despite all of this, Ford has had three employees test positive for COVID-19 this week. In the company’s published plan, it explains the steps that it’s taking when this happens. First, Ford’s human resources department is supposed to perform contact tracing to figure out who else may have been exposed. Workers who’ve had “close contact” — defined as being within six feet of an infected employee for more than 15 minutes or having “direct contact with infectious secretions” from one — will be sent home for 14 days. The company will either temporarily close that worker’s area of the factory or the whole facility to clean.
“Don’t forget to laugh!”
Working during a pandemic is stressful, and Ford reminds its employees that they “are not alone” if they find themselves worrying about their mental health. As such, Ford tells employees in the playbook that they should limit “news consumption, including social media,” and to “manage” their technology by turning off “distracting notifications.” The company suggests workers “[u]nwind with music or a podcast,” “try a new recipe,” or learn “a new skill.”
“Don’t forget to laugh!” Ford writes.
What Ford’s plan lacks is a clear strategy for testing its employees. That work is instead left to the employees themselves and their health care providers. Unfortunately, the company is not alone.
General Motors’ 40-page plan is the second-longest of the four. Much like Ford’s, GM’s guide covers protocol for temperature screenings, cleaning, and physical distancing, but it offers no plan for testing its workers.
GM — which operates 10 factories in the US across its Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands — is using a similar temperature screening process to Ford’s. Instead of a scanner on a tripod, though, GM appears to be using a handled infrared scanner. Instead of making workers fill out a questionnaire online before coming to work, GM is asking them questions as they arrive for their shift.
GM won’t allow homemade masks, but it’s allowing workers to reuse the ones they’re given
Once they arrive, workers are given and are required to wear a face mask except for when eating or drinking. Employees are not allowed to use “[h]omemade or externally-purchased masks” because the company says it can’t “verify the adequacy of the design or materials,” though it will allow the use of N95 respirators in certain cases. GM is allowing employees to reuse their masks, though it advises them to store it in a “lunch-size paper bag” to both allow it to dry out and keep it away from potential contaminants.
Inside GM’s factories the company is asking that doors be propped open to increase airflow and reduce the number of surfaces workers need to touch. GM also recommends that workers use body parts other than their hands to open doors when they can. Employees are being spaced out beyond six feet where possible, though there’s no mention of the use of plastic dividers or shields. Where employees must work closely together, GM says “wearing a face mask and safety glasses provides the necessary protection.”
GM (and others) included a section about managing stress, which advises reducing news and social media consumption. Image: General Motors
If an employee feels symptomatic at home, GM asks that they take their own temperature before they come in. If it’s above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, GM asks that they don’t come to work and instead contact their physician. GM is telling employees who feel symptomatic at work (or people who encounter someone who’s symptomatic at work) to contact their supervisor and report “immediately” to their factory’s health center or call one of two provided hotlines.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 are being asked to contact their supervisors and call one of those hotlines. GM will perform contact tracing to determine who else may have contracted the virus. The company does not go into further detail in its return-to-work plan about how it will handle positive cases. Like Ford, GM also recommends that employees “[a]void binging on the news, social media and television,” get good sleep, eat healthy, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) — which runs six US factories under its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM brands — published a much shorter 11-page return-to-work “packet” that covers some of the same bases as Ford’s or GM’s. But FCA’s plan deviates on how the company is taking temperatures and is generally more limited in its scope and detail.
Instead of using digital temperature scanners, FCA is providing all employees with a “reusable temperature strip.” The company says its factory workers have to take their temperatures with either this strip or their own thermometer less than two hours before each shift. Workers using the temperature strip have to hold it up to their foreheads and hold it in place for about 15 seconds. Their foreheads must be “dry,” FCA says, and the strip should only be used “indoors at room temperature” away from sunlight or “strong lamps,” and at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking, exercising, or being outdoors. The strip is reusable for 30 days.
Fiat Chrysler is giving employees a “reusable temperature strip” to use before they come to work
FCA employees must then record that temperature on a “Daily Health Risk Assessment” sheet that must be filled out before each shift. If a worker’s temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (or they answer “yes” to any of the other questions on the sheet), they’re told not to go to work and must call a company hotline. While the plan doesn’t mention this, FCA said in a press release that it is “installing thermal imaging cameras to verify what employees and visitors have self-reported” about their temperatures.
Fiat Chrysler’s temperature strip instructions. Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Upon arrival to work, FCA’s factory workers have to go through turnstiles where they hand in the completed risk assessment sheet. FCA asks that workers do not engage in “small talk” or ask questions at this point “so as to keep the flow of employees moving.” The company tells employees to use their forearm to push through the turnstile and offers hand sanitizer immediately after. They’re then given their daily surgical mask. (Personal masks are not allowed.)
FCA says it has implemented a “start-of-shift sanitation process” for each factory workstation and has increased the frequency of cleaning at its facilities. The company has suspended meetings of more than eight employees and has redesigned some areas to afford more distance. The plan does not go into detail about how it has altered those workstations, but images on its press website show how some areas now have plastic shields in place.
The automaker’s published return-to-work guide does not include any plan for testing employees.
Tesla’s playbook clocks in at 38 pages and helps illustrate why CEO Elon Musk was so vociferous about his desire to reopen the company’s vehicle factory in Fremont, California. Tesla dealt with a COVID-19-related shutdown at its China factory earlier this year, which has been back up and running for months, and so the company believes it knows what needs to be done to safely bring workers back to the Fremont plant — knowledge that informs Tesla’s playbook.
That said, Tesla’s playbook covers a lot of the same ground as the other automakers and likewise lacks a testing plan.
Tesla fought hard to reopen its California factory and released its playbook to show why
Tesla has increased the cleaning and disinfecting at its Fremont factory, and the company says it’s enforcing social distancing, adding barriers, encouraging videoconferencing, and staggering work shifts to help separate workers. Some common areas are closed, and conference rooms are being capped at one-third capacity. The company has also reduced the capacity of the shuttles it runs to the factory, and increased the number of total shuttles.
Thermal cameras have been installed at some entrances to measure workers’ temperatures, and Tesla is making them complete an online health check each day, much like Ford. Tesla is providing masks, and workers are expected to wear them. But the company leaves room in the language of the playbook for masks to be optional in some locations.
A section of Tesla’s playbook, which hits many of the same beats as Ford and GM’s. Image: Tesla
Tesla lays out a handful of scenarios to show how it will deal with suspected or positive cases of COVID-19. If a Tesla employee has symptoms of COVID-19 — or just does not feel well — managers are told in the playbook to direct that worker to go home and consult their medical provider. Employees who do not show symptoms but have been in contact with someone who tested positive are told the same and will be required to quarantine for 15 days.
Employees who have symptoms and have had direct contact with someone who tested positive (or with someone who is awaiting their own test results) must stay home for 10 days after getting sick and at least three days after recovery. But if these employees receive a negative test, they can return to work after not showing symptoms for 24 hours. Tesla isn’t requiring that possibly infected employees receive two negative tests, like Ford.
In the event of positive cases, Tesla will leverage its security team to perform contact tracing. The company explains in the playbook that it will also clean the area where that worker is stationed, but does not go into further detail.
Like Ford and GM, Tesla says “[h]earing about the pandemic repeatedly can cause undue stress,” so it recommends employees take breaks from “watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.” The company encourages workers to eat well, avoid alcohol and drugs, connect with others, and make time “to unwind.”
Taken together, these plans illustrate how difficult it will be to get the auto industry in the US back up and running during a pandemic. Each company’s plan is different, and while some are arguably better in certain respects, none are airtight — as we’ve seen with Ford already dealing with positive cases. These four are also nowhere near the only automakers in the US. Toyota, Volkswagen, Daimler (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz), BMW, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and Mazda all operate factories here as well.
Automakers also have to deal with two other problems as they restart production. One is that many of them are reliant on suppliers that are dealing with their own localized outbreaks. If the suppliers have to stay shut down or stop production again, it could force US automakers to halt manufacturing. In fact, it’s already happening with GM.


theverge--2020-05-22--Tuca & Bertie revived by Adult Swim following Netflix’s contentious cancellation

Ali Wong and Tiffany Haddish are returning for a new season of Tuca & Bertie , set to air on Adult Swim two years after Netflix ’ s decision to cancel the series .
The network announced on Twitter today that a new season of the animated series , created by former BoJack Horseman producer and artist Lisa Hanawalt , will air in 2021 .
Adult Swim has ordered 10 episodes , according to The Wrap .
The show follows two best friends as they navigate their adult lives , dealing with anxiety , relationship woes , and career struggles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fan of Adult Swim shows since my teens , so I ’ m thrilled to bring my beloved fowl to the party and be a new voice for a fresh decade of absurd , irreverent , yet heartwarming adult animation , ” Hanawalt told The Wrap .
Tuca & Bertie first premiered on Netflix in May 2019 to rave reviews from critics .
Despite the glowing praise the show received , Netflix decided to cancel the show after one season .
In a lengthy tweet thread , Hanawalt noted at the time that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day and vocal outpouring of support on social media , “ none of this makes a difference to an algorithm.
” The implied message seemed to be that viewership numbers weren ’ t what Netflix needed them to be , so the show wasn ’ t renewed .
It ’ s a traditional move for television broadcasters and networks , but cancellations at Netflix still felt like a new phenomenon .
Netflix has only pursued original content for around seven years , seriously upping its commitment to developing original series between 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development years typically meant that shows could take two seasons to find an audience without worrying about being canceled .
BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg ( who also acts as a producer on Tuca & Bertie ) acknowledged as such in past interviews .
“ It was my understanding that that was , at the time , the Netflix model : to give shows time to build , ” Bob-Waksberg told the Los Angeles Times in 2019 .
“ It ’ s a shame that they seem to have moved away from that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were only a handful of Netflix originals ; Tuca & Bertie arrived at a time where a plethora of originals were competing against each other and licensed shows like The Office and Friends for viewers ’ attention , all while relying on an algorithm to surface a show on a subscriber ’ s homepage .
Fans also complained that Tuca & Bertie received little to no marketing compared to other shows like The Witcher , and that may have played a part in the low viewership rate .
Regardless , Adult Swim is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the irony of the move isn ’ t lost .
Netflix has made a name for itself as the streaming service that revives old or canceled shows : Arrested Development , The Killing , Longmire , and Lucifer are just a few .
Now , Adult Swim is picking up one of Netflix ’ s orphaned shows .
Similarly , ViacomCBS ’ s Pop network picked up Netflix ’ s One Day at a Time after the streamer canceled the series .
Today ’ s news acts as a reminder : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encounter similar woes that other traditional TV networks face as it grows into a behemoth .

Ali Wong and Tiffany Haddish are returning for a new season of Tuca & Bertie, set to air on Adult Swim two years after Netflix’s decision to cancel the series.
The network announced on Twitter today that a new season of the animated series, created by former BoJack Horseman producer and artist Lisa Hanawalt, will air in 2021. Adult Swim has ordered 10 episodes, according to The Wrap. The show follows two best friends as they navigate their adult lives, dealing with anxiety, relationship woes, and career struggles.
“I’ve been a fan of Adult Swim shows since my teens, so I’m thrilled to bring my beloved fowl to the party and be a new voice for a fresh decade of absurd, irreverent, yet heartwarming adult animation,” Hanawalt told The Wrap.
Tuca & Bertie first premiered on Netflix in May 2019 to rave reviews from critics. Despite the glowing praise the show received, Netflix decided to cancel the show after one season. In a lengthy tweet thread, Hanawalt noted at the time that despite new people still finding the show every day and vocal outpouring of support on social media, “none of this makes a difference to an algorithm.” The implied message seemed to be that viewership numbers weren’t what Netflix needed them to be, so the show wasn’t renewed.
It’s a traditional move for television broadcasters and networks, but cancellations at Netflix still felt like a new phenomenon. Netflix has only pursued original content for around seven years, seriously upping its commitment to developing original series between 2015 and 2016. Netflix’s early development years typically meant that shows could take two seasons to find an audience without worrying about being canceled. BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg (who also acts as a producer on Tuca & Bertie) acknowledged as such in past interviews.
“It was my understanding that that was, at the time, the Netflix model: to give shows time to build,” Bob-Waksberg told the Los Angeles Times in 2019. “It’s a shame that they seem to have moved away from that model.”
BoJack Horseman premiered when there were only a handful of Netflix originals; Tuca & Bertie arrived at a time where a plethora of originals were competing against each other and licensed shows like The Office and Friends for viewers’ attention, all while relying on an algorithm to surface a show on a subscriber’s homepage. Fans also complained that Tuca & Bertie received little to no marketing compared to other shows like The Witcher, and that may have played a part in the low viewership rate.
Regardless, Adult Swim is taking another chance on Tuca & Bertie, but the irony of the move isn’t lost. Netflix has made a name for itself as the streaming service that revives old or canceled shows: Arrested Development, The Killing, Longmire, and Lucifer are just a few. Now, Adult Swim is picking up one of Netflix’s orphaned shows. Similarly, ViacomCBS’s Pop network picked up Netflix’s One Day at a Time after the streamer canceled the series.


theverge--2020-05-22--An early version of iOS 14 has been floating around the internet for months

Security researchers , hackers , and bloggers have had access to an early version of iOS 14 since “ at least February , ” according to Vice .
There have already been many iOS 14 leaks over the past few months , and it seems possible the information came from this early version of the operating system .
It ’ s common for small tidbits about Apple software updates to leak in the months and weeks before Apple officially unveils them .
But it ’ s quite unusual for an entire pre-release build of iOS to hit the web months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first time it has ever happened this far in advance , according to a source referenced in Vice ’ s report .
This might be the first time iOS has leaked so far ahead of its unveiling Current leaked features for iOS 14 include a new fitness app , a PencilKit API for the company ’ s stylus , updates to iMessage , a new home screen view , the ability to test third-party apps by scanning a QR code , an overhaul to iCloud Keychain , and more .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this leaked iOS 14 build from December , there ’ s always the chance that Apple could delay or scrap any of them before the official unveiling of the new OS .
In previous years , Apple has shared the first developer beta of the next version of iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June , and it seems likely that will be the case again at this year ’ s WWDC , which begins on June 22nd as an online-only event .
“ Now in its 31st year , WWDC20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creative and innovative developers around the world to get early access to the future of iOS , iPadOS , macOS , tvOS , and watchOS , ” Apple said in a recent press release .
Apple typically releases the next version of iOS to the public in the fall alongside new iPhone models .

Security researchers, hackers, and bloggers have had access to an early version of iOS 14 since “at least February,” according to Vice. There have already been many iOS 14 leaks over the past few months, and it seems possible the information came from this early version of the operating system.
It’s common for small tidbits about Apple software updates to leak in the months and weeks before Apple officially unveils them. But it’s quite unusual for an entire pre-release build of iOS to hit the web months before its announcement — and this may be the first time it has ever happened this far in advance, according to a source referenced in Vice’s report.
This might be the first time iOS has leaked so far ahead of its unveiling
Current leaked features for iOS 14 include a new fitness app, a PencilKit API for the company’s stylus, updates to iMessage, a new home screen view, the ability to test third-party apps by scanning a QR code, an overhaul to iCloud Keychain, and more. However, if these leaked features were based on this leaked iOS 14 build from December, there’s always the chance that Apple could delay or scrap any of them before the official unveiling of the new OS.