theverge--2020-12-09--The pandemic turned the volume down on ocean noise pollution

The economic fallout from COVID-19 has temporarily muted some of the noise coming from maritime traffic .
That ’ s given scientists a rare opportunity to study what happens to marine life when humans quiet down .
Humans today pollute oceans with whirring ship propellers and booming air guns searching for oil and gas deposits .
Seeing whales and other creatures ’ behavior now that the pandemic has quieted things down is like a peek into what marine life was like before humans drastically turned up the volume over the past 200 years .
“ Once in a lifetime opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It ’ s like this horrible pandemic confined us humans into really small spaces but gave the whales back a lot of room to grow , both physically and acoustically , ” Christine Gabriele , a wildlife biologist at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , said in a press briefing .
“ I ’ m lucky actually to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to study whale communication in natural quiet.
” Without the presence of cruise ships and tour boats that bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , humpback whales had a chance to take up more space and relax .
Researchers observed them socializing and even taking naps out in the middle of channels that typically would have been loud and busy with vessels .
Median daily sound levels in the bay in 2020 were 50 percent quieter than they were at the same time last year , according to Gabriele .
It was so quiet , Gabriele was able to listen in on what she believed was a long exchange between a mother and calf .
Gabriele and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hydrophones , which are basically underwater microphones , to document these changes .
She was one of several scientists with the National Park Service , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) , and Texas A & M University at Galveston who shared preliminary findings from their research today .
They held a briefing on ocean noise during the annual American Geophysical Union Fall meeting .
Along the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia , ocean noise levels dropped by about 30 percent this spring , thanks to fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of California and Massachusetts also decreased , researchers said during the briefing .
They ’ re still conducting their studies and have yet to publish much of their work .
They plan to collaborate with scientists from other regions of the world to get a better global picture of the pandemic ’ s effects on ocean soundscapes .
The researchers will also continue watching humpback whales closely .
They ’ ll take biopsy samples from the whales to see if there are any differences in their stress hormones this year and next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how the whales ’ communication might change .
They ’ re curious about whether whales ’ vocalizations get more complex when they can hear each other better and vice versa .
Studies in the past have found that whales raise their voices as ambient noise increases — just like humans might in a noisy environment — which doesn ’ t usually make for drawn-out exchanges .
There are plenty of other ways that diverse sea life depends on sound to navigate their worlds , find food , and avoid becoming food for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the most out of this quiet reprieve to better understand all that .
The hope is that some of this research can inform policies and technological advances that might be able to keep the ocean clamor down to bearable levels in the future , even as economic activity picks back up .

The economic fallout from COVID-19 has temporarily muted some of the noise coming from maritime traffic. That’s given scientists a rare opportunity to study what happens to marine life when humans quiet down.
Humans today pollute oceans with whirring ship propellers and booming air guns searching for oil and gas deposits. Seeing whales and other creatures’ behavior now that the pandemic has quieted things down is like a peek into what marine life was like before humans drastically turned up the volume over the past 200 years.
“Once in a lifetime opportunity to study whale communication in natural quiet”
“It’s like this horrible pandemic confined us humans into really small spaces but gave the whales back a lot of room to grow, both physically and acoustically,” Christine Gabriele, a wildlife biologist at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, said in a press briefing. “I’m lucky actually to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to study whale communication in natural quiet.”
Without the presence of cruise ships and tour boats that bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Glacier Bay, Alaska, each year, humpback whales had a chance to take up more space and relax. Researchers observed them socializing and even taking naps out in the middle of channels that typically would have been loud and busy with vessels. Median daily sound levels in the bay in 2020 were 50 percent quieter than they were at the same time last year, according to Gabriele. It was so quiet, Gabriele was able to listen in on what she believed was a long exchange between a mother and calf.
Gabriele and other researchers are tuning into a network of hydrophones, which are basically underwater microphones, to document these changes. She was one of several scientists with the National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Texas A&M University at Galveston who shared preliminary findings from their research today. They held a briefing on ocean noise during the annual American Geophysical Union Fall meeting.
Along the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, ocean noise levels dropped by about 30 percent this spring, thanks to fewer vessels. Human-created noise off the shorelines of California and Massachusetts also decreased, researchers said during the briefing. They’re still conducting their studies and have yet to publish much of their work. They plan to collaborate with scientists from other regions of the world to get a better global picture of the pandemic’s effects on ocean soundscapes.
Research can inform policies and technological advances
The researchers will also continue watching humpback whales closely. They’ll take biopsy samples from the whales to see if there are any differences in their stress hormones this year and next year. And they’re listening in on how the whales’ communication might change. They’re curious about whether whales’ vocalizations get more complex when they can hear each other better and vice versa. Studies in the past have found that whales raise their voices as ambient noise increases — just like humans might in a noisy environment — which doesn’t usually make for drawn-out exchanges.


theverge--2020-12-09--At his last Space Council meeting, Mike Pence announces new cadre of lunar astronauts

On Wednesday , Vice President Mike Pence hosted his last meeting of the National Space Council in Florida , using the opportunity to announce a list of NASA astronauts who will be considered for future missions to the Moon as part of NASA ’ s Artemis program .
This cadre of astronauts — dubbed the Artemis Team — includes 18 astronauts , some with past flight experience and some who have yet to fly to space .
The list includes some notable names , such as Christina Koch and Jessica Meir , the two women who made history by performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the astronauts , Victor Glover and Kate Rubins , are currently living on board the International Space Station .
Five of the 18 made an appearance at the National Space Council meeting today at NASA ’ s Kennedy Space Center in Florida : Meir , Jessica Watkins , Anne McClain , Matthew Dominick , and Joe Acaba .
With no flight assignments made yet , it ’ s unclear which of the nine women in the group will be the first chosen to fly to the Moon — a goal that NASA has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artemis program .
And it ’ s possible that this group will change , according to NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine .
“ This is the first cadre of our Artemis astronauts , ” he said at the meeting .
“ I want to be clear , there ’ s going to be more.
” It ’ s unclear which of the nine women in the group will be the first chosen to fly The meeting didn ’ t just focus on the astronauts .
Pence also announced that President Trump released a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laying out the president ’ s space vision for the executive branch .
“ It emphasizes that space is critical to our security and our way of life , and lays out the fundamental principles to put America first in space , ” Pence said of the policy .
The previous National Space Policy was issued in June 2010 under the Obama administration .
Pence also announced today that the administration would be renaming two Air Force bases — the Patrick Air Force Base and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be named after the pioneering aviator Chuck Yeager , who died at the age of 97 on December 7th .
The astronaut announcement , in particular , is an interesting statement to make as the country prepares for a new administration .
In the past , transitions have resulted in abrupt changes to space policy .
Under the Obama administration , NASA had been focused on putting people on Mars , but in 2017 , President Trump signed a space policy directive tasking NASA with returning people to the Moon .
Ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at work crafting a program to get astronauts to the lunar surface , using a mixture of hardware that ’ s long been in development as well as spacecraft that still needs to be built .
In 2019 , Pence famously challenged NASA with achieving its first lunar landing under the Artemis program by 2024 , an incredibly ambitious deadline that would be difficult to meet .
Bridenstine has worked hard to secure extra funding , lobbying Congress to spend an extra $ 3.4 billion next year to help fund lunar landers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moon .
So far , lawmakers have drafted legislation that would partially fund these landers , but they seem reluctant to provide the full amount .
An interesting statement to make as the country prepares for a new administration With President-elect Joe Biden set to take office in January , the future of the Artemis program is even more uncertain .
No officials associated with the incoming Biden administration have provided any hints of what the new president ’ s space agenda will look like , especially in regards to the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NASA is still working toward its Moon goal .
The Space Launch System — the giant rocket that the space agency plans to use to send people to the Moon — is about to undergo a key test in Mississippi ahead of its first uncrewed flight , scheduled for late 2021 .
Early next year , NASA also plans to select two companies to move forward with creating new lunar landers .
And now , NASA has a distinct group of astronauts it can pick from when it ’ s time to actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With all of these pieces in place , it may make it more difficult for the new administration to cancel the Artemis program .
But it ’ s possible that some significant changes are still in store .

On Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence hosted his last meeting of the National Space Council in Florida, using the opportunity to announce a list of NASA astronauts who will be considered for future missions to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program.
This cadre of astronauts — dubbed the Artemis Team — includes 18 astronauts, some with past flight experience and some who have yet to fly to space. The list includes some notable names, such as Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, the two women who made history by performing the first all-women spacewalk. Two of the astronauts, Victor Glover and Kate Rubins, are currently living on board the International Space Station. Five of the 18 made an appearance at the National Space Council meeting today at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida: Meir, Jessica Watkins, Anne McClain, Matthew Dominick, and Joe Acaba.
With no flight assignments made yet, it’s unclear which of the nine women in the group will be the first chosen to fly to the Moon — a goal that NASA has been touting since the creation of the Artemis program. And it’s possible that this group will change, according to NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. “This is the first cadre of our Artemis astronauts,” he said at the meeting. “I want to be clear, there’s going to be more.”
It’s unclear which of the nine women in the group will be the first chosen to fly
The meeting didn’t just focus on the astronauts. Pence also announced that President Trump released a new National Space Policy, a 32-page document laying out the president’s space vision for the executive branch. “It emphasizes that space is critical to our security and our way of life, and lays out the fundamental principles to put America first in space,” Pence said of the policy. The previous National Space Policy was issued in June 2010 under the Obama administration. Pence also announced today that the administration would be renaming two Air Force bases — the Patrick Air Force Base and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station — to Space Force bases. Another base will also be named after the pioneering aviator Chuck Yeager, who died at the age of 97 on December 7th.
The astronaut announcement, in particular, is an interesting statement to make as the country prepares for a new administration. In the past, transitions have resulted in abrupt changes to space policy. Under the Obama administration, NASA had been focused on putting people on Mars, but in 2017, President Trump signed a space policy directive tasking NASA with returning people to the Moon. Ever since then, NASA has been hard at work crafting a program to get astronauts to the lunar surface, using a mixture of hardware that’s long been in development as well as spacecraft that still needs to be built.
In 2019, Pence famously challenged NASA with achieving its first lunar landing under the Artemis program by 2024, an incredibly ambitious deadline that would be difficult to meet. Bridenstine has worked hard to secure extra funding, lobbying Congress to spend an extra $3.4 billion next year to help fund lunar landers that will take humans to the surface of the Moon. So far, lawmakers have drafted legislation that would partially fund these landers, but they seem reluctant to provide the full amount.
An interesting statement to make as the country prepares for a new administration
With President-elect Joe Biden set to take office in January, the future of the Artemis program is even more uncertain. No officials associated with the incoming Biden administration have provided any hints of what the new president’s space agenda will look like, especially in regards to the human exploration program.
But for now, NASA is still working toward its Moon goal. The Space Launch System — the giant rocket that the space agency plans to use to send people to the Moon — is about to undergo a key test in Mississippi ahead of its first uncrewed flight, scheduled for late 2021. Early next year, NASA also plans to select two companies to move forward with creating new lunar landers. And now, NASA has a distinct group of astronauts it can pick from when it’s time to actually fly people to the Moon again.


theverge--2020-12-10--Amazon boosts renewable energy purchases

Amazon now claims that it is the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world .
The company ’ s investment in wind and solar projects grew to 6.5 GW , enough to power 1.7 million homes in the US for a year .
That surpasses Google , which previously said it held the title as the biggest corporate buyer with 5.5 GW of renewable energy projects under contract .
The move is part of Amazon ’ s commitment to limit the damage it does to the planet .
Last year , it pledged to reach net zero carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take measures to reduce its planet-heating pollution as much as possible and then cancel out the rest with carbon offsets .
It also said its physical infrastructure would run completely on renewables by 2030 , a goal that CEO Jeff Bezos said the company is now on track to meet five years early .
The online retail behemoth announced 26 new solar and wind projects in Australia , France , Germany , Italy , South Africa , Sweden , the UK , and the US .
That brings its total to 127 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I couldn ’ t be more proud of all the teams across Amazon that continue to work hard , smart , and fast to get these projects up and running , ” Bezos said in a statement today .
Bezos has pledged $ 10 billion of his own money to fund action on climate change , while Amazon started a $ 2 billion climate pledge fund .
The company ’ s carbon footprint has continued to rise Despite the big claims Amazon is making about its sustainability goals , the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its greenhouse gas emissions grew by 15 percent in 2019 as sales increased .
With more people shopping online this year , Amazon ’ s profit has skyrocketed during the pandemic — a telltale sign that Amazon ’ s pollution could keep growing , too .

Amazon now claims that it is the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world. The company’s investment in wind and solar projects grew to 6.5 GW, enough to power 1.7 million homes in the US for a year. That surpasses Google, which previously said it held the title as the biggest corporate buyer with 5.5 GW of renewable energy projects under contract.
Amazon surpasses Google
The move is part of Amazon’s commitment to limit the damage it does to the planet. Last year, it pledged to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040, meaning it will take measures to reduce its planet-heating pollution as much as possible and then cancel out the rest with carbon offsets. It also said its physical infrastructure would run completely on renewables by 2030, a goal that CEO Jeff Bezos said the company is now on track to meet five years early.
The online retail behemoth announced 26 new solar and wind projects in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Sweden, the UK, and the US. That brings its total to 127 renewable energy projects around the world.
“I couldn’t be more proud of all the teams across Amazon that continue to work hard, smart, and fast to get these projects up and running,” Bezos said in a statement today. Bezos has pledged $10 billion of his own money to fund action on climate change, while Amazon started a $2 billion climate pledge fund.
The company’s carbon footprint has continued to rise


theverge--2020-12-10--Facebook outage is disrupting Messenger and Instagram DMs

You might run into trouble messaging someone on Facebook or Instagram today .
A service outage seems to have taken down Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs for many users , with new messages failing to send and old messages failing to load .
The outage appears to have started around 4:30AM ET , and it only seem to have gotten worse ( or , at least , more widely noticed ) in the hours since .
The website Downdetector , which monitors website outages , shows a spike in user reports of issues with these services that ’ s continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9AM ET .
Facebook ’ s services aren ’ t broken for everyone — I was able to send a message on Facebook , though there was a delay before the message went through .
But many people have reported being unable to load messages at all on either platform .
It ’ s not clear whether the issue extends to WhatsApp , too .
Service outages happen every now and then , but the breadth of this latest disruption is in many ways Facebook ’ s own doing .
The company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now that they share infrastructure , it seems that an outage for one may mean an outage for the other , as well .
The Verge has reached out to Facebook for comment .

You might have run into trouble messaging someone on Facebook or Instagram this morning. A service outage took down Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs for many users, with new messages failing to send and old messages failing to load.
The outage appears to have started around 4:30AM ET and gotten worse (or, at least, more widely noticed) in the following hours. The website Downdetector, which monitors website outages, showed a spike in users reporting issues with these services that peaked around 8:30AM.
Facebook says the disruptions have since been resolved. “Earlier today, some people have experienced trouble sending or receiving messages on Messenger, Instagram or Workplace Chat. The issue has since been resolved and we apologize for any inconvenience,” a Facebook spokesperson wrote in an email to The Verge.
Service outages happen every now and then, but the breadth of this latest disruption is in many ways Facebook’s own doing. The company has been integrating Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs. Now that they share infrastructure, it seems that an outage for one may mean an outage for the other, as well.


theverge--2020-12-10--Apple AirPods Max first look: lots to prove

I ’ ve been playing with Apple ’ s new $ 549 AirPods Max over-ear headphones since yesterday afternoon , and so far they sound very nice and fit very comfortably .
They also — I have to say this — have a distinct smell , like a funky riff on new-car smell .
I am pretty sure that ’ s a byproduct of the memory foam earpads rolling off the manufacturing line and straight into a shipping box to my house , and I ’ m reliably told it will fade away over time .
I would probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 headphones smells like .
But at $ 550 , I feel compelled to note that the AirPods Max are a multisensory experience out of the box .
Design-wise , the AirPods Max are an interesting blend of classic only-Apple design flourishes and odd incongruities .
The headband is stainless steel covered in white rubbery material , with a “ breathable mesh knit canopy ” across the top ; Apple says this distributes the weight of the headphones more evenly across your head .
( I can ’ t say it feels very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s possible I just have a very large head . )
The headband connects to the earcups with adjustable stainless-steel extensions culminating in a pleasantly spring-loaded hinge , all of which is nicer than any other premium headphones I ’ ve used .
The fairly large earcups are where things get a little messier .
I have the silver AirPods Max , and the vast expanse of flattish aluminum does not look at first glance like $ 550 — it ’ s possible the other colors look more premium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are plastic until you touch them and feel the coldness of metal .
The earcups are not smooth , unbroken surfaces .
There are 10 slots of various shapes and sizes cut into the earcup shells .
Seven of those are microphones : six used for noise-cancellation and another for voice calls .
( There are another two mics inside the earcups . )
These slots are not symmetrical ; the top of the left earcup has one long slot , one short one , and then three more slots on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antenna line .
There are two slots on top of the right earcup , and there are three more on the bottom , in addition to a small status LED and the Lightning port , which Apple chose over USB-C to be more convenient for all the iPhone users out there .
The AirPods Max can be charged to its full 20-hour battery life in two hours from the standard 5W iPhone brick , and run for 90 minutes after just five minutes on the charger .
( There ’ s no fast-charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USB-C to Lightning cable . )
The right earcup also has a button to switch between noise-cancelling and transparency mode , as well as a Digital Crown volume control you can press to play and pause music , and hold to invoke Siri .
( You can also just say “ Hey Siri , ” which worked well enough . )
One note on the crown : it ’ s much bigger than the one that appears on an Apple Watch , so it doesn ’ t feel too awkward to use .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a lot going on visually with the AirPods Max , much more so than you ’ d expect from a pair of $ 550 Apple headphones .
One thing you will not find : a 3.5mm or 2.5mm analog audio input , which is standard issue on noise-canceling headphones at this price point — that ’ s how you plug into an airplane seat-back entertainment system to watch the movie .
Apple knows this is a common use case , because it is selling a $ 35 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 585 for the AirPods Max , which is just $ 15 less than an entire iPhone 11 .
The memory-foam earcups are very comfortable , and attach magnetically — they remain firmly in place , but come out easily when you need them to .
Underneath , there ’ s white plastic , and a window for the sensor that detects your ears — the music automatically stops when you take the headphones off , or even just lift one earcup to talk to someone .
The AirPods Max don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very Apple ; they just go to sleep when they haven ’ t been on your head for a while , and then wake up when you put them back on .
Clever .
I have no idea what ’ s going on with the AirPods Max case , which is a goofy one-piece contraption that ’ s folded and glued over on itself to form a case .
It looks very much like a purse when wrapped around the headphones , which is at once fun and clever and also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to survive in a backpack .
It does not appear very protective , feels like it will get dirty fast , and generally does not hold a candle to the nice hard cases that come with almost every other set of premium headphones .
It is one of the cheaper-feeling things Apple has ever made , in my estimation — the second in a trend that started with the MagSafe Duo Charger .
I hope there is not a third thing .
Sound-wise , I ’ ve had fun listening to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re crisp and bright , with a pleasingly wider soundstage than my Sony headphones , and no distortion at all , even at max volume .
We ’ ll have a full review of these soon , including tests of spatial audio and Apple ’ s claim of Atmos surround sound support , so stay tuned for that .
But for now , rest assured the AirPods Max sound more than good enough to compete with other high-end headphones .
Of course , those competing headphones are all cheaper — much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The newest Sony WH-MX1000M4s are regularly on sale for $ 300 , sound very good , and have a 10-hour-longer battery life .
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are $ 339 , also sound very good , and have brand cachet that ’ s known in first-class cabins the world over .
( They also both have audio-in jacks for those seat-back entertainment systems . )
Whether Apple has actually done enough here to justify the staggering premium over the competition is an open question that it ’ ll take us a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

I’ve been playing with Apple’s new $549 AirPods Max over-ear headphones since yesterday afternoon, and so far they sound very nice and fit very comfortably.
They also — I have to say this — have a distinct smell, like a funky riff on new-car smell. I am pretty sure that’s a byproduct of the memory foam earpads rolling off the manufacturing line and straight into a shipping box to my house, and I’m reliably told it will fade away over time.
I would probably not tell you what a pair of $100 headphones smells like. But at $550, I feel compelled to note that the AirPods Max are a multisensory experience out of the box.
Design-wise, the AirPods Max are an interesting blend of classic only-Apple design flourishes and odd incongruities. The headband is stainless steel covered in white rubbery material, with a “breathable mesh knit canopy” across the top; Apple says this distributes the weight of the headphones more evenly across your head. (I can’t say it feels very much different than my Sony WH-1000XM2s, but it’s possible I just have a very large head.) The headband connects to the earcups with adjustable stainless-steel extensions culminating in a pleasantly spring-loaded hinge, all of which is nicer than any other premium headphones I’ve used.
The fairly large earcups are where things get a little messier. I have the silver AirPods Max, and the vast expanse of flattish aluminum does not look at first glance like $550 — it’s possible the other colors look more premium, but you would be forgiven for thinking these are plastic until you touch them and feel the coldness of metal.
The earcups are not smooth, unbroken surfaces. There are 10 slots of various shapes and sizes cut into the earcup shells. Seven of those are microphones: six used for noise-cancellation and another for voice calls. (There are another two mics inside the earcups.) These slots are not symmetrical; the top of the left earcup has one long slot, one short one, and then three more slots on the bottom along with a long gray plastic antenna line.
There are two slots on top of the right earcup, and there are three more on the bottom, in addition to a small status LED and the Lightning port, which Apple chose over USB-C to be more convenient for all the iPhone users out there. The AirPods Max can be charged to its full 20-hour battery life in two hours from the standard 5W iPhone brick, and run for 90 minutes after just five minutes on the charger. (There’s no fast-charging available, even if you use a USB-C to Lightning cable.)
The right earcup also has a button to switch between noise-cancelling and transparency mode, as well as a Digital Crown volume control you can press to play and pause music, and hold to invoke Siri. (You can also just say “Hey Siri,” which worked well enough.) One note on the crown: it’s much bigger than the one that appears on an Apple Watch, so it doesn’t feel too awkward to use.
All of this is to say: there’s a lot going on visually with the AirPods Max, much more so than you’d expect from a pair of $550 Apple headphones.
One thing you will not find: a 3.5mm or 2.5mm analog audio input, which is standard issue on noise-canceling headphones at this price point — that’s how you plug into an airplane seat-back entertainment system to watch the movie. Apple knows this is a common use case, because it is selling a $35 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable for exactly that purpose. That brings you to $585 for the AirPods Max, which is just $15 less than an entire iPhone 11.
The memory-foam earcups are very comfortable, and attach magnetically — they remain firmly in place, but come out easily when you need them to. Underneath, there’s white plastic, and a window for the sensor that detects your ears — the music automatically stops when you take the headphones off, or even just lift one earcup to talk to someone. The AirPods Max don’t have a power button, which is very Apple; they just go to sleep when they haven’t been on your head for a while, and then wake up when you put them back on. Clever.
The back of the AirPods Max case exposes where the material comes through itself and is glued in place.
I have no idea what’s going on with the AirPods Max case, which is a goofy one-piece contraption that’s folded and glued over on itself to form a case. It looks very much like a purse when wrapped around the headphones, which is at once fun and clever and also not the point of a headphones case that needs to survive in a backpack. It does not appear very protective, feels like it will get dirty fast, and generally does not hold a candle to the nice hard cases that come with almost every other set of premium headphones.
It is one of the cheaper-feeling things Apple has ever made, in my estimation — the second in a trend that started with the MagSafe Duo Charger. I hope there is not a third thing.
Sound-wise, I’ve had fun listening to the AirPods Max for a few hours — they’re crisp and bright, with a pleasingly wider soundstage than my Sony headphones, and no distortion at all, even at max volume. We’ll have a full review of these soon, including tests of spatial audio and Apple’s claim of Atmos surround sound support, so stay tuned for that. But for now, rest assured the AirPods Max sound more than good enough to compete with other high-end headphones.
Of course, those competing headphones are all cheaper — much cheaper — than the AirPods Max. The newest Sony WH-1000XM4s are regularly on sale for $300, sound very good, and have a 10-hour-longer battery life. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are $339, also sound very good, and have brand cachet that’s known in first-class cabins the world over. (They also both have audio-in jacks for those seat-back entertainment systems.)


theverge--2020-12-10--Leica’s SL2-S trades resolution for speed and sensitivity

Leica is expanding its line of full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras with the new SL2-S. As its name implies , the SL2-S is a variation of the SL2 that came out last year and it shares many features and similarities with that camera .
But that S tagged on to the end means it is something different , and it might as well stand for speed .
The SL2-S has the same body , design , build quality , LCD touchscreen , viewfinder , battery , in-body image stabilization , and autofocus system as the SL2 .
What ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high-resolution 47.3-megapixel chip found in the SL2 , the SL2-S has a brand-new , backside illuminated 24-megapixel sensor .
That lower resolution allows it to capture up to 25 frames per second with its electronic shutter ( 9 frames per second with the mechanical ) and the backside illumination gives it a greater ISO range and better low light performance over the SL2 .
It ’ s the first backside-illuminated sensor to be used by Leica .
The SL2-S can shoot at up to ISO 100,000 and the company claims it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at extremely high ISO levels .
The camera ’ s multi shotmode can combine up to 8 shots into a single 96-megapixel image , if you find you ’ re needing more resolution .
Thanks to its 4GB internal buffer , the SL2-S can shoot continuous bursts of JPEG images at 9 frames per second until the SD cards in its two UHS-II slots are full .
Like the SL2 , the SL2-S has separate photo and video modes , allowing you to customize the camera ’ s functions and settings for each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can capture 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 and Cinema 4K ProRES footage up to 30fps to an SD card , or up to 60fps to an external recorder through its full-size HDMI port .
It also has L-log recording with two built-in LUTs to make it easier to see what the edited version will look like .
Leica says it plans to release more LUTs in the future , as well .
Aside from its internal differences , the SL2-S is almost a direct clone of the SL2 , with the same , chunky milled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnesium alloy frame .
Its 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder is only outclassed by the one in Sony ’ s recent A7S III , and the body has IP54 dust and water protection and is guaranteed to work in temps as low as negative 10 Celsius .
Leica says that it is planning to release a firmware update in the first half of 2021 that will add a number of new features , including an improved autofocus algorithm , focus tracking , internal 4K 60p recording , Long-GOP recording , segmented video , automatic follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally mode , color bars , and an enhanced live view for low light shooting .
The SL2-S ( as well as the SL2 and S3 ) are now fully supported in Capture One , allowing photographers another software option for tethered shooting in addition to Lightroom .
The SL2-S is slated to begin shipping immediately for $ 4,895 , about $ 1,100 less than the SL2 .

Leica is expanding its line of full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras with the new SL2-S. As its name implies, the SL2-S is a variation of the SL2 that came out last year and it shares many features and similarities with that camera. But that S tagged on to the end means it is something different, and it might as well stand for speed.
The SL2-S has the same body, design, build quality, LCD touchscreen, viewfinder, battery, in-body image stabilization, and autofocus system as the SL2. What’s different is its sensor: instead of the high-resolution 47.3-megapixel chip found in the SL2, the SL2-S has a brand-new, backside-illuminated 24-megapixel sensor. That lower resolution allows it to capture up to 25 frames per second with its electronic shutter (9 frames per second with the mechanical), and the backside illumination gives it a greater ISO range and better low-light performance over the SL2. It’s the first backside-illuminated sensor to be used by Leica.
The SL2-S has the same design and weatherproofing as the SL2.
The SL2-S can shoot at up to ISO 100,000, and the company claims it has both lower noise and better color when at extremely high ISO levels. The camera’s multi shot mode can combine up to 8 shots into a single 96-megapixel image if you find you’re needing more resolution. Thanks to its 4GB internal buffer, the SL2-S can shoot continuous bursts of JPEG images at 9 frames per second until the SD cards in its two UHS-II slots are full.
Like the SL2, the SL2-S has separate photo and video modes, allowing you to customize the camera’s functions and settings for each task and switch between them. It can capture 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 and Cinema 4K ProRES footage up to 30fps to an SD card or up to 60fps to an external recorder through its full-size HDMI port. It also has L-log recording with two built-in LUTs to make it easier to see what the edited version will look like. Leica says it plans to release more LUTs in the future as well.
Aside from its internal differences, the SL2-S is almost a direct clone of the SL2, with the same, chunky milled aluminum top and bottom connected to a magnesium alloy frame. Its 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder is only outclassed by the one in Sony’s recent A7S III, and the body has IP54 dust and water protection and is guaranteed to work in temps as low as negative 10 Celsius.
The SL2-S has dedicated modes for photo and video settings. Photo: Leica
Leica says that it is planning to release a firmware update in the first half of 2021 that will add a number of new features, including an improved autofocus algorithm, focus tracking, internal 4K 60p recording, Long-GOP recording, segmented video, automatic follow focus, a waveform monitor, tally mode, color bars, and an enhanced live view for low-light shooting. The SL2-S (as well as the SL2 and S3) are now fully supported in Capture One, allowing photographers another software option for tethered shooting in addition to Lightroom.


theverge--2020-12-10--Shopping is coming to Instagram Reels globally, turning the whole app into a catalog

Instagram is covering its app with shopping content .
Today , the company announced that shopping is rolling out to Reels , its TikTok copycat product , around the world .
It announced a test of this feature in October .
Businesses and creators will be able to tag products when they create Reels , and viewers can tap through those tags to buy or save them .
A branded content tag is also available for influencers who are paid for their posts .
With this rollout , Instagram now has shopping available in every format on the app — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Live .
Shopping is important to Instagram , and Facebook more broadly , as it looks to diversify its revenue .
Ads are the primary way both platforms make money , but shopping presents an opportunity to profit off sales fees .
In Instagram ’ s case , people already look for product inspiration , so giving them the option to buy directly from the app streamlines that process .
It even completely redesigned the home screen to emphasize shopping and Reels .
Meanwhile , TikTok is partnering with Shopify to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would let Shopify users tag stores in their videos with a “ shop now ” button .
Reels only widely launched in August and is already being used for shopping , which speaks to just how important commerce is to the company and how badly it wants to beat TikTok to the punch .

Instagram is covering its app with shopping content. Today, the company announced that shopping is rolling out to Reels, its TikTok copycat product, around the world. It announced a test of this feature in October. Businesses and creators will be able to tag products when they create Reels, and viewers can tap through those tags to buy or save them. A branded content tag is also available for influencers who are paid for their posts. With this rollout, Instagram now has shopping available in every format on the app — the Feed, Stories, IGTV, and Live.
Shopping is important to Instagram, and Facebook more broadly, as it looks to diversify its revenue. Ads are the primary way both platforms make money, but shopping presents an opportunity to profit off sales fees. In Instagram’s case, people already look for product inspiration, so giving them the option to buy directly from the app streamlines that process. It even completely redesigned the home screen to emphasize shopping and Reels.


theverge--2020-12-10--Google and Amazon fined €135M over misuse of cookies by French data watchdog

France ’ s data protection regulator , the Commission Nationale de l ’ Informatique et des Libertés or CNIL , has fined Google and Amazon a total of €135 million ( around $ 163 million ) between them for violating the country ’ s data protection laws .
Google was fined a total of €100 million ( around $ 121 million ) , while Amazon was fined €35 million ( around $ 42 million ) .
In both cases , CNIL ’ s complaints were similar .
It said that in the past , when users visited either company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some used for advertising — were placed on their devices without prior consent .
Although both have since updated their websites to require a user ’ s consent before placing cookies , the regulator criticized their cookie information banners for not providing enough information , or for making it clear enough that visitors can turn down these cookies .
The regulator gave both a deadline of three months to fix the outstanding issues , or risk being fined €100,000 ( around $ 120,000 ) per day .
The regulator ’ s complaints about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news of the fine , a spokesperson from Amazon said the company disagreed with CNIL ’ s decision .
“ We continuously update our privacy practices to ensure that we meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers and regulators and fully comply with all applicable laws in every country in which we operate , ” the company said .
Google also pushed back against the regulator , and said it stands by its efforts to provide information about tracking and control to users .
“ Today ’ s decision under French ePrivacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t account for the fact that French rules and regulatory guidance are uncertain and constantly evolving .
We will continue to engage with the CNIL as we make ongoing improvements to better understand its concerns , ” a spokesperson from Google said .
The latest fines provide more evidence that European regulators are serious about enforcing data privacy rules , which have strengthened considerably in recent years .
Bloomberg notes that CNIL ’ s latest fine for Google is double its previous record fine , also levied against Google .
Google has so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of antitrust fines brought by the European Commission .

France’s data protection regulator, the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés or CNIL, has fined Google and Amazon a total of €135 million (around $163 million) between them for violating the country’s data protection laws. Google was fined a total of €100 million (around $121 million), while Amazon was fined €35 million (around $42 million).
In both cases, CNIL’s complaints were similar. It said that in the past, when users visited either company’s French website, cookies — including some used for advertising — were placed on their devices without prior consent. Although both have since updated their websites to require a user’s consent before placing cookies, the regulator criticized their cookie information banners for not providing enough information, or for making it clear enough that visitors can turn down these cookies. The regulator gave both a deadline of three months to fix the outstanding issues, or risk being fined €100,000 (around $120,000) per day.
The regulator’s complaints about the two companies were similar
Responding to news of the fine, a spokesperson from Amazon said the company disagreed with CNIL’s decision. “We continuously update our privacy practices to ensure that we meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers and regulators and fully comply with all applicable laws in every country in which we operate,” the company said.
Google also pushed back against the regulator, and said it stands by its efforts to provide information about tracking and control to users. “Today’s decision under French ePrivacy laws overlooks these efforts and doesn’t account for the fact that French rules and regulatory guidance are uncertain and constantly evolving. We will continue to engage with the CNIL as we make ongoing improvements to better understand its concerns,” a spokesperson from Google said.


theverge--2020-12-10--Apple’s MagSafe wallet now has competition that’s cheaper and packs more features

MOFT is a company that ’ s made iPhone accessories in the past , and it ’ s now releasing a competitor to Apple ’ s $ 50 MagSafe wallet .
MOFT ’ s version , which goes on sale today , costs only $ 30 and holds three cards like Apple ’ s , but it also has a built-in kickstand .
The stand lets users keep their phone upright in portrait , landscape , or what the company is calling “ float mode ” , which you can see in the image below .
It ’ s made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple ’ s “ European leather ” , which makes it an option for people who don ’ t want to use animal-based products .
This new accessory seems to be a tweaked version of MOFT ’ s existing X Phone stand , except now it ’ s using the iPhone 12 ’ s MagSafe system to attach to the phone instead of adhesive .
This means you ’ ll be able to take it on and off whenever you want , without having to worry about wearing out glue .
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wallet-MagSafe charger-iPhone sandwich to prop up your phone while charging .
It also has magnets on both sides , meaning that you could also stick it to any magnetic metal surface ( though if you want to stick it to a non-magnetic surface , MOFT will happily sell you their magnetic sticky pads for $ 10 , or include one with the case for an extra $ 5 ) .
This is something I ’ ve already found myself doing .
For example , I ’ ve stuck my phone to the fridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cook at the same time ( though I ’ d hope the MOFT case would stick better , as my phone slowly drops the longer I leave it on there ) .
The combo wallet/stand is one of the few MagSafe-compatible accessories that have hit the market since Apple announced the iPhone 12 in mid-October , which seems curious as these products should be reasonably easy to make : you take your product and add magnets ( oh , and probably some shielding if it ’ s a wallet ) .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this isn ’ t the wallet for me .
I ’ m just not able to squeeze down to only three cards .
You may also want to check out the Amazon reviews of MOFT ’ s existing case to see if the number of users reporting build-quality issues concerns you .
If you ’ re looking for something that does even more than the Moft accessory , the Peak Design case/accessory system that ’ s currently being crowdfunded may be worth a look ( though it ’ s a much higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whether you decide to wait for that , go with MOFT ’ s or Apple ’ s offerings , or do something else entirely , we probably agree that the introduction of magnets has made the future of the accessories for iPhones pretty interesting ( as long as companies continue to come out with products ) .

MOFT is a company that’s made iPhone accessories in the past, and it’s now releasing a competitor to Apple’s $50 MagSafe wallet. MOFT’s version, which goes on sale today, costs only $30 and holds three cards like Apple’s, but it also has a built-in kickstand. The stand lets users keep their phone upright in portrait, landscape, or what the company is calling “float mode”, which you can see in the image below. It’s made of vegan leather, as opposed to Apple’s “European leather”, which makes it an option for people who don’t want to use animal-based products.
Using magnets instead of adhesive makes the float mode possible. Photo: MOFT
This new accessory seems to be a tweaked version of MOFT’s existing X Phone stand, except now it’s using the iPhone 12’s MagSafe system to attach to the phone instead of adhesive. This means you’ll be able to take it on and off whenever you want, without having to worry about wearing out glue. The company even touts that you can make a wallet-MagSafe charger-iPhone sandwich to prop up your phone while charging.
You can use the wallet as a stand while charging your phone with the MagSafe charger. GIF: MOFT
It also has magnets on both sides, meaning that you could also stick it to any magnetic metal surface (though if you want to stick it to a non-magnetic surface, MOFT will happily sell you their magnetic sticky pads for $10, or include one with the case for an extra $5). This is something I’ve already found myself doing. For example, I’ve stuck my phone to the fridge while trying to talk to someone and cook at the same time (though I’d hope the MOFT case would stick better, as my phone slowly drops the longer I leave it on there).
Technically this is something you can do with Apple’s MagSafe case, but it’s a bit perilous. Photo by Mitchell Clark/The Verge
The combo wallet/stand is one of the few MagSafe-compatible accessories that have hit the market since Apple announced the iPhone 12 in mid-October, which seems curious as these products should be reasonably easy to make: you take your product and add magnets (oh, and probably some shielding if it’s a wallet). As the owner of a MagSafe-compatible phone, though, this isn’t the wallet for me. I’m just not able to squeeze down to only three cards. You may also want to check out the Amazon reviews of MOFT’s existing case to see if the number of users reporting build-quality issues concerns you.


theverge--2020-12-10--Samsung’s Galaxy S21 will reportedly launch on January 14th

Samsung ’ s next flagship smartphone lineup , the Galaxy S21 series , will launch globally on January 14th , Android Authority is reporting .
The date was revealed by Samsung ’ s largest mobile experience store in India , and SamMobile subsequently confirmed the date with a company official at Samsung ’ s local offices .
Although Android Authority reports this as the global launch date , Samsung HQ has yet to confirm it .
Although a January launch is earlier than the February Unpacked events we ’ ve become accustomed to in recent years , this isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rumored .
Earlier this week , Android Police reported a January 14th launch based on its own sources .
The phones will reportedly go on sale on January 29th in India , according to employees at Samsung ’ s Opera House outlet in Bengaluru , Android Authority reports .
The store is taking preorders for three upcoming handsets , the Galaxy S21 , the S21 Plus , and the S21 Ultra , with a Rs 2,000 ( around $ 27 ) deposit .
Full pricing for the lineup is yet to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that month Along with confirming the launch plans , the new report from Android Authority has also revealed some of the upcoming handsets ’ specs .
They ’ ll apparently be powered by Samsung ’ s Exynos 2100 processor in India , and the three models will be available in the following colors : gray , pink , purple , and white for the S21 ; pink , purple , silver and black for the S21 Plus ; and black and silver for the S21 Ultra .
Android Authority says the S21 Ultra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside two additional 10-megapixel sensors , one of which will have a 10x optical zoom .
The latest report adds to a host of leaked details about the new handsets .
Earlier this week we got an early look at the phones through a series of leaked teaser trailers , which show off their redesigned camera bumps .
The trailers appear to confirm that the S21 Ultra will have a total of five cameras , compared to three on the S21 and S21 Plus .
The trailers followed a report in November which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come with 120Hz displays , and will have screens ranging from 6.2 to 6.8-inches in size .
Internally , they ’ ll reportedly have batteries ranging in size from 4,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh , and will be powered by Qualcomm ’ s new Snapdragon 888 processor in regions that don ’ t use Samsung ’ s own processors .
The S21 Ultra is also expected to be compatible with Samsung ’ s S-Pen , which is important considering the rumors that the stylus-equipped Note lineup is being discontinued .

Samsung’s next flagship smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S21 series, will launch globally on January 14th, Android Authority is reporting. The date was revealed by Samsung’s largest mobile experience store in India, and SamMobile subsequently confirmed the date with a company official at Samsung’s local offices. Although Android Authority reports this as the global launch date, Samsung HQ has yet to confirm it, and in response to questions from The Verge said that it does not comment on rumor or speculation.
Although a January launch is earlier than the February Unpacked events we’ve become accustomed to in recent years, this isn’t the first time this date has been rumored. Earlier this week, Android Police reported a January 14th launch based on its own sources.
The phones will reportedly go on sale on January 29th in India, according to employees at Samsung’s Opera House outlet in Bengaluru, Android Authority reports. The store is taking preorders for three upcoming handsets, the Galaxy S21, the S21 Plus, and the S21 Ultra, with a Rs 2,000 (around $27) deposit. Full pricing for the lineup is yet to be announced.
Sales will reportedly start later that month
Along with confirming the launch plans, the new report from Android Authority has also revealed some of the upcoming handsets’ specs. They’ll apparently be powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2100 processor in India, and the three models will be available in the following colors: gray, pink, purple, and white for the S21; pink, purple, silver and black for the S21 Plus; and black and silver for the S21 Ultra. Android Authority says the S21 Ultra will have a 108-megapixel main sensor, alongside two additional 10-megapixel sensors, one of which will have a 10x optical zoom.
The latest report adds to a host of leaked details about the new handsets. Earlier this week we got an early look at the phones through a series of leaked teaser trailers, which show off their redesigned camera bumps. The trailers appear to confirm that the S21 Ultra will have a total of five cameras, compared to three on the S21 and S21 Plus.
The trailers followed a report in November which said that each of the phones will come with 120Hz displays, and will have screens ranging from 6.2 to 6.8-inches in size. Internally, they’ll reportedly have batteries ranging in size from 4,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh, and will be powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 888 processor in regions that don’t use Samsung’s own processors. The S21 Ultra is also expected to be compatible with Samsung’s S-Pen, which is important considering the rumors that the stylus-equipped Note lineup is being discontinued.


theverge--2020-12-10--Google search panels launch to counter vaccine misinformation

Google is launching new vaccine information panels in its search results to counter misinformation and educate people about what ’ s available in their location , the company announced today .
The panels are rolling out starting in the United Kingdom , where the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is approved and is being administered , and will be introduced in more countries as local health authorities begin authorizing vaccines .
The panels include information on each individual vaccine , and aim to address vaccine misinformation , and give guidance about how , when , and where people can receive the shots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ share information about COVID-19 generally , as well as the locations of testing centers .
In addition to search results , Google says it is sharing similar vaccine information via its COVID-19 panels on YouTube .
These were first launched in March to share information about the pandemic , and Google says they ’ ve been viewed over 400 billion times since .
Google has also been cracking down on anti-vax content on YouTube , and announced in October that it would remove videos containing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation .
It now says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to dangerous or misleading COVID-19 medical information.
” Finally , Google has announced it ’ s providing more funds to help health authorities and the media provide useful information about vaccines and debunk misinformation .
The company is providing an additional $ 15 million in ad grants to the World Health Organization to help it promote health initiatives , and it ’ s spending $ 1.5 million to support fact-checking research and fund a COVID-19 Vaccine Media Hub , which is intended to be a resource for journalists to help give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s also funding research into how to counteract vaccine misinformation .
In total , Google says it has launched over 200 products , features , and initiatives in response to the pandemic .

Google is launching new vaccine information panels in its search results to counter misinformation and educate people about what’s available in their location, the company announced today. The panels are rolling out starting in the United Kingdom, where the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is approved and is being administered, and will be introduced in more countries as local health authorities begin authorizing vaccines.
The panels include information on each individual vaccine, and aim to address vaccine misinformation, and give guidance about how, when, and where people can receive the shots. Google has used similar information panels to share information about COVID-19 generally, as well as the locations of testing centers.
The information panels will provide information about approved vaccines. Image: Google
In addition to search results, Google says it is sharing similar vaccine information via its COVID-19 panels on YouTube. These were first launched in March to share information about the pandemic, and Google says they’ve been viewed over 400 billion times since. Google has also been cracking down on anti-vax content on YouTube, and announced in October that it would remove videos containing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. It now says it’s removed over 700,000 videos “related to dangerous or misleading COVID-19 medical information.”
Finally, Google has announced it’s providing more funds to help health authorities and the media provide useful information about vaccines and debunk misinformation. The company is providing an additional $15 million in ad grants to the World Health Organization to help it promote health initiatives, and it’s spending $1.5 million to support fact-checking research and fund a COVID-19 Vaccine Media Hub, which is intended to be a resource for journalists to help give them access to scientific expertise and research updates. It’s also funding research into how to counteract vaccine misinformation.


theverge--2020-12-10--The 14 biggest trailers and announcements from The Game Awards 2020

There weren ’ t any bombshells on the scale of last year ’ s Xbox Series X reveal , but the 2020 edition of The Game Awards was still packed with news and trailers .
There were game reveals like Perfect Dark and Open Roads , more characters for Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. , and a lot more .
If you missed the show , or just need a refresher , here are the biggest moments .
As has been long-expected , Epic revealed that Halo star Master Chief is coming to Fortnite .
He ’ s available today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be characters from The Walking Dead .
Among Us gets a new map The breakout social hit Among Us is getting a bit bigger .
At The Game Awards the development team revealed a brand-new map , which should give you even more ways to mess with your friends .
It ’ s an airship , and it ’ s launching early 2021 .
A better look at It Takes Two A Way Out developer Hazelight showed off its next game , called It Takes Two , which is described as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a purely co-op experience.
” It ’ s slated to launch on March 26th for PS4 , Xbox One , and PC .
One of the night ’ s musical acts was also the announcement of a game .
We Are OFK is an interactive series slated to debut in spring 2021 , covering the rise of an aspiring pop group called OFK , and fans got an early taste with a virtual performance at the event .
A new game from the creators of Gone Home Gone Home developer Fullbright is back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roads , which is slated to launch next year .
It tells the story of a mother and daughter on a road trip through a desolate landscape , and it stars both Keri Russell and Kaitlyn Dever .
The latest fighter for Super Smash Bros. is Sephiroth Another Final Fantasy VII character is joining Cloud in battle : Nintendo made a surprise reveal that the game ’ s villain Sephiroth and his giant sword are coming to Super Smash Bros .
Ultimate .
He may have even killed Mario .
Left 4 Dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a similar zombie-themed co-op shooter , and the developer showed off just what it looks like in a new gameplay trailer .
Really , it ’ s just what it sounds like : Back 4 Blood features four players teaming up to fight off waves of the undead .
Striking Distance Studios , a new team helmed by one of the creators behind the original Dead Space , announced its debut project : The Callisto Protocol .
As you ’ d imagine , it ’ s a horror-themed sci-fi game that looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expected to launch until 2022 .
We ’ ve been waiting to hear what new Xbox studio The Initiative is working on , and the studio finally revealed its debut game : a modern reboot of the classic Perfect Dark series .
No word on when it will be available , nor exactly which Microsoft platforms it will be playable on .
EA and BioWare just can ’ t stop teasing the next Dragon Age , and at The Game Awards the showed the best look yet with a trailer that gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s still missing unimportant details like the release date , though .
If that wasn ’ t enough , BioWare also provided a very brief glimpse at the next Mass Effect .
it doesn ’ t tell us much , but hey , at least we know the game is alive .
The latest trailer for survival game Ark 2 contained a nice surprise : Vin Diesel stars as the lead , so you can control him while taking on monsters and dinosaurs .
He ’ ll even be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ’ s fantastical world .
A peaceful trip to the end of the world The gorgeous-looking Season has a premise that ’ s both peaceful and full of sorrow .
It ’ s described as “ a third-person atmospheric adventure game ” where “ you play as a young woman from a secluded village exploring the world by bike for the first time , collecting artifacts and memories before a cataclysm washes everything away.
” No word on when it will be available .
Flight Simulator is finally coming to console in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest games , Microsoft Flight Simulator , is coming to consoles next year .
Microsoft officially revealed that the game will be on Xbox next summer — though it ’ ll only be on next-gen hardware .

There weren’t any bombshells on the scale of last year’s Xbox Series X reveal, but the 2020 edition of The Game Awards was still packed with news and trailers. There were game reveals like Perfect Dark and Open Roads, more characters for Fortnite and Super Smash Bros., and a lot more. If you missed the show, or just need a refresher, here are the biggest moments.
As has been long-expected, Epic revealed that Halo star Master Chief is coming to Fortnite. He’s available today, and joining him later this season will be characters from The Walking Dead.
Related The Verge gaming holiday gift guide 2020
The breakout social hit Among Us is getting a bit bigger. At The Game Awards the development team revealed a brand-new map, which should give you even more ways to mess with your friends. It’s an airship, and it’s launching early 2021.
A better look at It Takes Two
A Way Out developer Hazelight showed off its next game, called It Takes Two, which is described as “a genre-bending platform adventure game created as a purely co-op experience.” It’s slated to launch on March 26th for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
One of the night’s musical acts was also the announcement of a game. We Are OFK is an interactive series slated to debut in spring 2021, covering the rise of an aspiring pop group called OFK, and fans got an early taste with a virtual performance at the event.
Gone Home developer Fullbright is back with a new release, called Open Roads, which is slated to launch next year. It tells the story of a mother and daughter on a road trip through a desolate landscape, and it stars both Keri Russell and Kaitlyn Dever.
Another Final Fantasy VII character is joining Cloud in battle: Nintendo made a surprise reveal that the game’s villain Sephiroth and his giant sword are coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He may have even killed Mario.
Left 4 Dead has a spiritual successor
Left 4 Dead studio Turtlerock previously revealed it was working on a similar zombie-themed co-op shooter, and the developer showed off just what it looks like in a new gameplay trailer. Really, it’s just what it sounds like: Back 4 Blood features four players teaming up to fight off waves of the undead.
Dead Space also has a spiritual successor
Striking Distance Studios, a new team helmed by one of the creators behind the original Dead Space, announced its debut project: The Callisto Protocol. As you’d imagine, it’s a horror-themed sci-fi game that looks plenty scary, though it’s not expected to launch until 2022.
We’ve been waiting to hear what new Xbox studio The Initiative is working on, and the studio finally revealed its debut game: a modern reboot of the classic Perfect Dark series. No word on when it will be available, nor exactly which Microsoft platforms it will be playable on.
EA and BioWare just can’t stop teasing the next Dragon Age, and at The Game Awards the showed the best look yet with a trailer that gives a good sense of the fantasy world. It’s still missing unimportant details like the release date, though.
If that wasn’t enough, BioWare also provided a very brief glimpse at the next Mass Effect. it doesn’t tell us much, but hey, at least we know the game is alive.
The latest trailer for survival game Ark 2 contained a nice surprise: Vin Diesel stars as the lead, so you can control him while taking on monsters and dinosaurs. He’ll even be in a new animated series set in the game’s fantastical world.
A peaceful trip to the end of the world
The gorgeous-looking Season has a premise that’s both peaceful and full of sorrow. It’s described as “a third-person atmospheric adventure game” where “you play as a young woman from a secluded village exploring the world by bike for the first time, collecting artifacts and memories before a cataclysm washes everything away.” No word on when it will be available.


theverge--2020-12-10--Mass Effect returns with a mysterious new teaser

The Mass Effect franchise isn ’ t done just yet , according to a strange new teaser at The Game @ @ @ @ @ clip , a hooded figure uncovers a piece of equipment bearing the game ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
The teaser closes with words “ Mass Effect will continue.
” On Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ game is now in “ early production.
” Bioware ’ s beloved space series wrapped @ @ @ @ @ Effect 3 in 2012 .
Curiously , the teaser appears to feature Liara — or @ @ @ @ @ a strong resemblance to her — one of the game ’ s Asari shipmates and @ @ @ @ @ live for hundreds of years , however , meaning any future games don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ during the Shepard era of the trilogy .
The last in the series , Mass @ @ @ @ @ game featuring a new cast — was released in 2017 to mixed reviews .

The Mass Effect franchise isn’t done just yet, according to a strange new teaser at The Game Awards. In a short clip, a hooded figure uncovers a piece of equipment bearing the game’s N7 logo from the snow. The teaser closes with the words “Mass Effect will continue.”
On Twitter, BioWare said that the next game is now in “early production.”
Bioware’s beloved space series wrapped its original trilogy with Mass Effect 3 in 2012. Curiously, the teaser appears to feature Liara — or, at least someone bearing a strong resemblance to her — one of the game’s Asari shipmates and possible love interests. Asari live for hundreds of years, however, meaning any future games don’t necessarily have to take place during the Shepard era of the trilogy.


theverge--2020-12-10--The government just blocked another razor startup from getting acquired

The Federal Trade Commission announced it would sue to block Proctor & Gamble ’ s purchase of razor and body care company Billie on December 8th , citing P & G ’ s existing dominance in the wet razor market .
Billie originally launched in 2017 but has grown since , likely prompting P & G ’ s interest and the FTC ’ s concern .
Like Dollar Shave Club ( but aimed more at women ) , Billie tried to pitch its razors as a cheaper direct-to-customer alternative to the pricier razors sold at retail .
It proved successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if P & G added Billie to its existing brands Gilette , Joy and Venus , it could have eliminated one of its fastest growing competitors , something the FTC feared would lead to consumers paying higher prices .
This isn ’ t the first time the FTC has stopped a razor acquisition .
In February 2020 it sued to block Edgewell Personal Care from buying Harry ’ s Razors , with similar concerns over consolidation .
All this recent antitrust action makes the billion dollars Unilever spent on Dollar Shave Club odd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time had no issue with it .
The FTC can try to unwind a deal if it changes its mind , though .
Yesterday , the FTC announced its plans alongside 47 state attorney generals to sue Facebook in an attempt to unwind its purchase of both Instagram and WhatsApp .
Facebook saw rapidly growing competitors in the social media and messaging spaces and chose to swallow them whole , before they could pose a real threat , like P & G might be trying to do with Billie .
Obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products looks very different from companies selling cheap razors .

The Federal Trade Commission announced it would sue to block Proctor & Gamble’s purchase of razor and body care company Billie on December 8th, citing P&G’s existing dominance in the wet razor market. Billie originally launched in 2017 but has grown since, likely prompting P&G’s interest and the FTC’s concern.
Like Dollar Shave Club (but aimed more at women), Billie tried to pitch its razors as a cheaper direct-to-customer alternative to the pricier razors sold at retail. It proved successful, and investors were interested. But if P&G added Billie to its existing brands Gillette, Joy, and Venus, it could have eliminated one of its fastest growing competitors, something the FTC feared would lead to consumers paying higher prices.
This isn’t the first time the FTC has stopped a razor acquisition. In February 2020 it sued to block Edgewell Personal Care from buying Harry’s Razors, with similar concerns over consolidation. All this recent antitrust action makes the billion dollars Unilever spent on Dollar Shave Club odd in retrospect, because the FTC at the time had no issue with it.
The FTC can try to unwind a deal if it changes its mind, though. Yesterday, the FTC announced its plans alongside 48 state attorney generals to sue Facebook in an attempt to unwind its purchase of both Instagram and WhatsApp. Facebook saw rapidly growing competitors in the social media and messaging spaces and chose to swallow them whole, before they could pose a real threat, like P&G might be trying to do with Billie.


theverge--2020-12-10--Dune director Denis Villeneuve blasts AT&T and Warner Bros. for ‘hijacking’ films

Denis Villeneuve ’ s Dune is going to be coming to HBO Max on the same date as its theater release , and the director is not happy .
He ’ s written an article for Variety blasting Warner Brothers and AT & T , saying that the the move to release movies on streaming on the same day as in theaters is “ a desperate attempt to grab the audience ’ s attention.
” “ With this decision AT & T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history , ” he writes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cinema , nor for the audience here .
It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth , one that is currently bearing an astronomical debt of more than $ 150 billion.
” He 's not alone in his anger at WB and HBO Max — last week Christopher Nolan , director of Tenet , also complained about the move , repeating his frequently raised belief that movies “ are meant to be big-screen experiences.
” Villeneuve echoed this sentiment in his piece , saying that Dune ’ s “ image and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in theaters.
” Villeneuve says the original plan was to delay Dune to October 2021 , and he supported that decision for public safety .
Executives for AT & T , NBCUniversal , and ViacomCBS have defended the release strategy , but with directors of the blockbusters starting to voice their disapproval , it ’ ll be interesting to see how Warner Bros. responds , if it does at all .
It will also be interesting to see how audiences respond ; whether they agree with the filmmakers that movies need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly appreciated , or if they ’ re happy watching them from the comfort of their own homes .
You can read Villenueve ’ s full editorial at Variety .
Update December 10th , 9:32PM ET : Corrected the spelling of Christopher Nolan ’ s movie Tenet .
It was previously misspelled as Tenant .

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is going to be coming to HBO Max on the same date as its theater release, and the director is not happy. He’s written an article for Variety blasting Warner Brothers and AT&T, saying that the the move to release movies on streaming on the same day as in theaters is “a desperate attempt to grab the audience’s attention.”
“With this decision AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history,” he writes. “There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here. It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth, one that is currently bearing an astronomical debt of more than $150 billion.”
He's not alone in his anger at WB and HBO Max — last week Christopher Nolan, director of Tenet, also complained about the move, repeating his frequently raised belief that movies “are meant to be big-screen experiences.” Villeneuve echoed this sentiment in his piece, saying that Dune’s “image and sound were meticulously designed to be seen in theaters.” Villeneuve says the original plan was to delay Dune to October 2021, and he supported that decision for public safety.
Executives for AT&T, NBCUniversal, and ViacomCBS have defended the release strategy, but with directors of the blockbusters starting to voice their disapproval, it’ll be interesting to see how Warner Bros. responds, if it does at all. It will also be interesting to see how audiences respond; whether they agree with the filmmakers that movies need to be seen on the big screen to be truly appreciated, or if they’re happy watching them from the comfort of their own homes.
You can read Villenueve’s full editorial at Variety.


theverge--2020-12-10--Master Chief joins the cast of Fortnite

Master Chief joins the cast of Fortnite

Target is hosting a buy one , get one half off deal on some Nintendo Switch games Plus , save @ @ @ @ @ cases and more

At the 2020 edition of The Game Awards, developer Epic revealed the latest character to join the cast of Fortnite: Master Chief from Halo. The news isn’t a huge surprise, as his inclusion was leaked a few days ago. The good news: he’s available tonight. Epic also revealed that characters from The Walking Dead will be in the game this season as well.


theverge--2020-12-10--Among Us developers reveal an all-new map, The Airship, coming early 2021

Indie developer Innersloth revealed its fourth map , The Airship , for the online social deduction game Among Us during @ @ @ @ @ , following the game ’ s win for best multiplayer title of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ for players to accomplish , and is far more elaborate than previous maps , including @ @ @ @ @ will need to use to access different areas of the ship .
The new map @ @ @ @ @ spawn points following a meeting , to allow them to avoid grouping up ( and @ @ @ @ @ by any imposters . )
The map , first teased last month by the official @ @ @ @ @ features a greater level of color and detail than the existing maps the game has @ @ @ @ @ 2018 release , two years before it became a viral sensation amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ coming to Among Us in “ early 2021 .
”

Indie developer Innersloth revealed its fourth map, The Airship, for the online social deduction game Among Us during The Game Awards on Thursday, following the game’s win for best multiplayer title of the year.
The Airship features new tasks for players to accomplish, and is far more elaborate than previous maps, including ladders and elevators that players will need to use to access different areas of the ship. The new map will also offer players multiple spawn points following a meeting, to allow them to avoid grouping up (and avoid being easily picked off by any imposters.)
The map, first teased last month by the official Among Us Twitter account, features a greater level of color and detail than the existing maps the game has had since its quiet June 2018 release, two years before it became a viral sensation amid the coronavirus pandemic.


theverge--2020-12-10--Here are all the new Marvel, Star Wars, and other projects Disney announced at its investor day

Disney just made a deluge of announcements at its 2020 Investor Day , including updates on new Marvel , Star Wars , and Disney Animation studios projects , as well as updates on Disney Plus and Disney ’ s other streaming services .
Here ’ s everything you need to know from the event : • WandaVision , the first Marvel Studios show coming out on Disney Plus , got a new trailer ahead of its upcoming January 15th release date .
• The Falcon and the Winter Solider also finally got a full trailer , along with a March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Loki , Disney ’ s highly anticipated short series based on Tom Hiddleston ’ s god of mischief character .
The show also got a May 2021 release date .
• Hawkeye is premiering on Disney Plus in “ late Fall 2021.
” The studio also confirmed that Hailee Steinfeld will be appearing in the series .
• What If ?
, an animated series from Marvel Studios that features the voice acting cast of many Marvel Cinematic Universe stars , also got a new trailer that offered a first look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced three new series coming to Disney Plus : Ironheart , set to star Dominique Thorne engineering protégé Riri Williams ; Armor Wars , which examines one of “ Tony Stark ’ s biggest fears ” and stars Don Cheadle , who is reprising his role as Colonel James “ Rhodey ” Rhodes ; and Secret Invasion , the previously rumored Nick Fury-led series that will see Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role as the SHIELD director alongside Ben Mendelsohn ’ s Skull shapeshifter Talos .
No release dates for the new projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin Feige also gave some casting updates on the already announced Moon Knight , She-Hulk , and Ms. Marvel .
Notably , Tatiana Maslany will play the lead role in She-Hulk , with Mark Ruffalo ’ s Bruce Banner also set to appear , while Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani ’ s Kamala Khan will appear in Captain Marvel 2 .
Feige noted that the shows will continue to interweave with the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe .
• Marvel Studios is working on a new Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special for Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be directed by James Gunn .
The special will film alongside the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy , Vol .
3 , also directed by Gunn and set for release in 2023 .
There ’ s also I Am Groot , a series of short films starring Groot .
• Feige confirmed that Black Panther 2 will not recast the late Chadwick Boseman ’ s King T ’ Challa .
The film , set to be directed by Ryan Coogler , is still set for July 2022 .
• A third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Quantumania , is officially in development .
Peyton Reed will return to direct , as will Paul Rudd , Evangeline Lilly , Michael Douglas , and Michelle Pfeiffer .
Quantumania will also introduce Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror , one of Marvel ’ s biggest villains .
• Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness will tie in to both the upcoming Wandavision and Sony and Marvel ’ s third Spider-Man movie .
The studio also confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch ’ s Doctor Strange will be appearing in the still unnamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studios is developing a new Fantastic Four movie .
Disney not only announced that roughly 10 Star Wars series are coming to Disney Plus , but it also gave some early details about a few of those series and other Star Wars projects .
Additionally , the final Indiana Jones is now in pre-production and will be released in July 2022 .
• Disney Plus is getting two new Star Wars shows , both spinoffs of The Mandalorian : Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka .
The three shows are planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Star Wars : The Bad Batch , an animated series about the Bad Batch of clones from The Clone Wars , will debut exclusively on Disney Plus • Star Wars : Andor starring Rogue One ’ s Diego Luna is coming to Disney Plus in 2022 • The Acolyte , a new Star Wars series helmed by Russian Doll creator Leslye Headland , set in the “ High Republic ” era of the franchise , is coming to Disney Plus • Hayden Christensen is returning as Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Disney Plus , will feature a new hero alongside R2-D2 and C-3PO • Star Wars : Lando is a new ‘ event series ’ coming to Disney Plus • Star Wars : Visions is an upcoming anime anthology series coming to Disney Plus • Wonder Woman 1984 ’ s Patty Jenkins will be directing the next Star Wars movie , Rogue Squadron , due out in December 2023 .
• Disney also discussed the untitled Taika Waititi Star Wars movie , first announced in May , that had already been in development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects in a blog on Disney ’ s Star Wars website .
Disney Animation has a lot of projects in the works , including : • Raya and the Last Dragon premieres on March 5th , 2021 on Disney Plus via Premier Access and in theaters • Baymax !
, a series based on Big Hero 6 , is arriving in early 2022 • Zootopia Plus , a new series based on Zootopia , is hitting the streaming service in spring 2022 • Tiana , based on The Princess and The Frog , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A longform musical comedy series for Moana , hitting Disney Plus in 2023 • Encanto , a new movie set in Colombia with music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda , is in development • Iwaju , an original longform series made in partnership with Kugali Media , is premiering on Disney Plus in 2022 Pixar also announced some new projects for Disney Plus , including : • The newest SparkShorts episode , Burrow , arrives on Disney Plus on December 25th • Dug Days , a new series featuring the beloved dog Dug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A Cars series , following Lightning McQueen and Mater , is coming to Disney Plus in fall 2022 • Win or Lose , Pixar ’ s first original longform animated series , is about a middle school softball team .
It ’ s coming to Disney Plus in the fall of 2023 And Pixar shared new information about movies in the pipeline , including : • Luca , a movie set in Italy about a boy named Luca , will hit theaters in June 2021 .
• Lightyear , an origin story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiced by Chris Evans ) , is hitting theaters in summer 2022 • Turning Red , about a 13-year old girl going through puberty that transforms into a giant red panda ( yes , really ! )
when she gets excited , is in development Other series in the works Noah Hawley is making an Alien TV series for FX and Hulu Noah Hawley , showrunner of Fargo and Legion , will be making a new series based on the Alien movies for FX and Hulu .
There ’ s no release date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hemsworth will star in series for National Geographic Will Smith and Chris Hemsworth will each star in their own shows for National Geographic .
Welcome to Earth follows Smith as he “ embarks on an awe-inspiring journey to unlock the secrets of this planet ’ s most extraordinary , unexplained phenomena.
” Limitless , starring Chris Hemsworth , explores the limits of the human body .
Disney is making a new Disney Plus spinoff movie starring the weasel character from the movie series , Buck .
The movie , titled Ice Age Adventures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pegg as the voice of Buck .
It ’ s premiering in early 2022 .
Disney Plus is increasing its price to $ 8 a month starting in March 2021 Disney Plus is getting its first price hike in March 2021 .
The per-month price will rise to $ 7.99 per month , a $ 1 increase .
Disney ’ s new bundle will offer ad-free Hulu , Disney Plus , and ESPN Plus for $ 18.99 Disney to offer Disney Plus , ESPN Plus , and ad-free Hulu in one bundle for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
If customers bought those services on their own , the total cost would be $ 5.98 more per month .
Disney Plus now has more than 86 million subscribers as of December 2nd .
The company reached the figure a little over a year after the service launched .
Disney unveils Star , its Hulu replacement for international Disney Plus subscribers Disney unveiled Star , its international replacement for Hulu .
The service is launching in certain European countries , Canada , and New Zealand on February 23rd .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ later in 2021.
” Disney Plus will add 50 new Marvel , Star Wars , Disney and Pixar series and movies ‘ over the next few years ’ Disney Plus will be getting a whole lot of new content over the next few years .
The company is bringing “ roughly ” 10 Marvel series , 10 Star Wars series , 15 Disney live-action , Disney Animation , and Pixar series , and 15 all-new Disney live-action , Disney Animation and Pixar features directly to Disney Plus .

Disney just made a deluge of announcements at its 2020 Investor Day, including updates on new Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Animation studios projects, as well as updates on Disney Plus and Disney’s other streaming services.
Here’s everything you need to know from the event:
Marvel
Disney Plus Series
WandaVision, the first Marvel Studios show coming out on Disney Plus, got a new trailer ahead of its upcoming January 15th release date.
The Falcon and the Winter Solider also finally got a full trailer, along with a March release date.
A first look at Loki, Disney’s highly anticipated short series based on Tom Hiddleston’s god of mischief character. The show also got a May 2021 release date.
Image: Disney
Hawkeye is premiering on Disney Plus in “late Fall 2021.” The studio also confirmed that Hailee Steinfeld will be appearing in the series.
What If?, an animated series from Marvel Studios that features the voice acting cast of many Marvel Cinematic Universe stars, also got a new trailer that offered a first look at the upcoming series.
Feige also announced three new series coming to Disney Plus: Ironheart, set to star Dominique Thorne engineering protégé Riri Williams; Armor Wars, which examines one of “Tony Stark’s biggest fears” and stars Don Cheadle, who is reprising his role as Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes; and Secret Invasion, the previously rumored Nick Fury-led series that will see Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role as the SHIELD director alongside Ben Mendelsohn’s Skull shapeshifter Talos. No release dates for the new projects were announced.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige also gave some casting updates on the already announced Moon Knight, She-Hulk, and Ms. Marvel. Notably, Tatiana Maslany will play the lead role in She-Hulk, with Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner also set to appear, while Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan will appear in Captain Marvel 2. Feige noted that the shows will continue to interweave with the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Studios is working on a new Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special for Disney Plus, due out in 2022, that will be directed by James Gunn. The special will film alongside the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, also directed by Gunn and set for release in 2023. There’s also I Am Groot, a series of short films starring Groot.
Movies
Feige confirmed that Black Panther 2 will not recast the late Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa. The film, set to be directed by Ryan Coogler, is still set for July 2022.
A third Ant-Man film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is officially in development. Peyton Reed will return to direct, as will Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Quantumania will also introduce Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, one of Marvel’s biggest villains.
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness will tie in to both the upcoming Wandavision and Sony and Marvel’s third Spider-Man movie. The studio also confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange will be appearing in the still unnamed Spider-Man sequel.
Finally, Marvel Studios is developing a new Fantastic Four movie.
Lucasfilm
Disney not only announced that roughly 10 Star Wars series are coming to Disney Plus, but it also gave some early details about a few of those series and other Star Wars projects. Additionally, the final Indiana Jones is now in pre-production and will be released in July 2022.
Star Wars Disney Plus series
Star Wars Movies
Wonder Woman 1984’s Patty Jenkins will be directing the next Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron, due out in December 2023.
Disney also discussed the untitled Taika Waititi Star Wars movie, first announced in May, that had already been in development
You can read more about the new projects in a blog on Disney’s Star Wars website.
Image: Disney
Disney Animation and Pixar
Disney Animation
Disney Animation has a lot of projects in the works, including:
Raya and the Last Dragon premieres on March 5th, 2021 on Disney Plus via Premier Access and in theaters
Baymax!, a series based on Big Hero 6, is arriving in early 2022
Zootopia Plus, a new series based on Zootopia, is hitting the streaming service in spring 2022
Tiana, based on The Princess and The Frog, is premiering on Disney Plus in 2023
A longform musical comedy series for Moana, hitting Disney Plus in 2023
Encanto, a new movie set in Colombia with music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is in development
Iwaju, an original longform series made in partnership with Kugali Media, is premiering on Disney Plus in 2022
Image: Disney
Pixar Disney Plus Series
Pixar also announced some new projects for Disney Plus, including:
The newest SparkShorts episode, Burrow, arrives on Disney Plus on December 25th
Pixar Popcorn, shorts featuring iconic Pixar characters, start streaming in January
Dug Days, a new series featuring the beloved dog Dug from Up, premieres in fall 2021
A Cars series, following Lightning McQueen and Mater, is coming to Disney Plus in fall 2022
Win or Lose, Pixar’s first original longform animated series, is about a middle school softball team. It’s coming to Disney Plus in the fall of 2023
Pixar Movies
And Pixar shared new information about movies in the pipeline, including:
Luca, a movie set in Italy about a boy named Luca, will hit theaters in June 2021.
Lightyear, an origin story for Buzz Lightyear (who will be voiced by Chris Evans), is hitting theaters in summer 2022
Turning Red, about a 13-year old girl going through puberty that transforms into a giant red panda (yes, really!) when she gets excited, is in development
Image: Disney
Other series in the works
Noah Hawley, showrunner of Fargo and Legion, will be making a new series based on the Alien movies for FX and Hulu. There’s no release date announced yet.
Will Smith and Chris Hemsworth will star in series for National Geographic
Will Smith and Chris Hemsworth will each star in their own shows for National Geographic. Welcome to Earth follows Smith as he “embarks on an awe-inspiring journey to unlock the secrets of this planet’s most extraordinary, unexplained phenomena.” Limitless, starring Chris Hemsworth, explores the limits of the human body.
Ice Age is getting a spin-off series starring Simon Pegg
Disney is making a new Disney Plus spinoff movie starring the weasel character from the movie series, Buck. The movie, titled Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, will star Simon Pegg as the voice of Buck. It’s premiering in early 2022.
Image: Disney
Disney Plus
Disney Plus is getting its first price hike in March 2021. The per-month price will rise to $7.99 per month, a $1 increase.
Disney to offer Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and ad-free Hulu in one bundle for $18.99 per month starting sometime in January. If customers bought those services on their own, the total cost would be $5.98 more per month.
Disney Plus now has more than 86 million subscribers as of December 2nd. The company reached the figure a little over a year after the service launched.
Disney unveiled Star, its international replacement for Hulu. The service is launching in certain European countries, Canada, and New Zealand on February 23rd. It’s coming to Japan and South Korea “later in 2021.”
Disney Plus will be getting a whole lot of new content over the next few years. The company is bringing “roughly” 10 Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series, 15 Disney live-action, Disney Animation, and Pixar series, and 15 all-new Disney live-action, Disney Animation and Pixar features directly to Disney Plus.


theverge--2020-12-10--Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to next-gen Xbox consoles next summer

Microsoft Flight Simulator was always planned to come to Xbox consoles as well as PCs , and now Microsoft has @ @ @ @ @ its release .
It ’ ll launch at some point in summer 2021 and will @ @ @ @ @ from day one .
Notably , it sounds like the title won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ , One S , or One X — it ’ s described in the trailer @ @ @ @ @ all-new Xbox , ” with Series S and Series X logos .
That would make @ @ @ @ @ next-gen-exclusive Xbox Game Studios title ; the company has pledged to bring other upcoming games @ @ @ @ @ older machines for the time being .
Microsoft Flight Simulator can be very demanding on @ @ @ @ @ well not have been practical to get it running on the original Xbox One ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Flight Simulator head Jorg Neumann told The Verge earlier this year that “ @ @ @ @ @ optimization efforts .
”

Microsoft Flight Simulator was always planned to come to Xbox consoles as well as PCs, and now Microsoft has finally given a timeframe for its release. It’ll launch at some point in summer 2021 and will be available on Game Pass from day one.
Notably, it sounds like the title won’t be coming to the Xbox One, One S, or One X — it’s described in the trailer as “coming to the all-new Xbox,” with Series S and Series X logos. That would make Microsoft Flight Simulator the first next-gen-exclusive Xbox Game Studios title; the company has pledged to bring other upcoming games like Halo Infinite to the older machines for the time being.


theverge--2020-12-10--Vin Diesel is a dinosaur hunter in Ark 2

Ark : Survival Evolved is returning for a sequel with Ark 2 , starring Fast and Furious actor Vin Diesel @ @ @ @ @ today during The Game Awards with a trailer .
Diesel will play a character named @ @ @ @ @ Evolved was released in 2017 by Studio Wildcard .
In the action-adventure game , players @ @ @ @ @ a dinosaur-filled island .
The developer also announced an animated series featuring the voices of @ @ @ @ @ , Elliot Page , Russel Crowe , Gerald Butler , and more .
Diesel will @ @ @ @ @ show as well .
More details , including an expanded look at the game , @ @ @ @ @

Ark: Survival Evolved is returning for a sequel with Ark 2, starring Fast and Furious actor Vin Diesel. The news was announced today during The Game Awards with a trailer. Diesel will play a character named Santiago.
Ark: Survival Evolved was released in 2017 by Studio Wildcard. In the action-adventure game, players find themselves stranded on on a dinosaur-filled island. The developer also announced an animated series featuring the voices of Michelle Yeoh, Jeffrey Wright, Elliot Page, Russell Crowe, Gerard Butler, and more. Diesel will play a part in the show as well.


theverge--2020-12-10--Disney Plus is increasing its price to $8 a month starting in March 2021

Disney Plus is following Netflix and introducing a $ 1 price hike for subscribers in the United States , raising it to $ 7.99 a month .
The move comes after a lengthy presentation showing what Disney is bringing to Disney Plus .
The price hike will begin on March 26 , 2021 , coming in at $ 7.99 per month or $ 79.99 per year .
Also , the Disney Bundle — that has Disney+ , Hulu , and ESPN Plus — will see a $ 1 increase to $ 13.99 a month .
As the company invests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices to recoup that loss .
This is the first time that Disney Plus has received a price hike .
It arrives just a couple of months after Netflix announced it was increasing prices for subscribers in the United States , including raising its most popular plan from $ 13 to $ 14 a month .
Although it seems early for a Disney Plus hike , the announcement comes amidst a flurry of other announcements over TV shows and movies heading to Disney Plus .
The more that Disney spends on content for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to invest .
When Netflix ’ s Greg Peters , chief operating officer and chief product officer , was asked about price hikes , he said Netflix will “ occasionally go back and ask [ customers ] to pay a little bit more to keep that virtuous cycle of investment and value creation going.
” Disney is now doing the same thing .
It ’ s unclear if price hikes are coming to Disney Plus subscribers in other countries or if this will affect the bundle .

Disney Plus is following Netflix and introducing a $1 price hike for subscribers in the United States, raising it to $7.99 a month.
The move comes after a lengthy presentation showing what Disney is bringing to Disney Plus in the next year. The price hike will begin on March 26, 2021, coming in at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Also, the Disney bundle — that has Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus — will see a $1 increase to $13.99 a month.
As the company invests in content, the company has to raise prices to recoup that expense. This is the first time that Disney Plus has received a price hike. It arrives just a couple of months after Netflix announced it was increasing prices for subscribers in the United States, including raising its most popular plan from $13 to $14 a month.
Although it seems early for a Disney Plus hike, the announcement comes in a flurry of other announcements over TV shows and movies heading to Disney Plus. The more that Disney spends on content for its service, the more revenue Disney needs to invest. When Netflix’s chief operating officer and chief product officer, Greg Peters, was asked about price hikes, he said Netflix will “occasionally go back and ask [customers] to pay a little bit more to keep that virtuous cycle of investment and value creation going.” Disney is now doing the same thing.