theverge--2020-01-15--Toyota makes a big bet on secretive flying taxi startup Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation , a California-based aerospace company that has been working on electric aircraft for over a decade , just closed its latest round of financing with $ 590 million in venture capital funding — and a major new partner .
Toyota will work with Joby to design and build a fleet of vertical takeoff and landing ( VTOL ) aircraft for use in a ride-hailing service .
The Japanese auto giant was part of a previous Joby funding round that closed in 2018 , helping the secretive startup raise $ 100 million .
Obviously Toyota liked what it saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this latest round of fundraising , bringing Joby ’ s total raise to $ 720 million .
Joby recently announced a deal with Uber to deploy its air taxis on its ride-hailing network — though its unclear whether Toyota ’ s air taxis will make the cut .
Joby is the brainchild of inventor JoeBen Bevirt , who started the company in 2009 .
The company operated in relative obscurity until 2018 , when Joby announced it had raised a surprising $ 100 million from a variety of investors , including the venture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and JetBlue .
The money helped finance development of the company ’ s air taxi prototype , which has been conducting test flights at Joby ’ s private airfield in Northern California .
Bevirt helps run an incubator outside of Santa Cruz that ’ s been described as a quasi-commune .
Unlike the dozens of other companies that are currently building electric VTOL aircraft , Joby has kept much of its project under wraps .
But as part of the Toyota announcement , Joby decided to share some more details about its aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft has six rotors and seats five , including the pilot .
It can take off vertically , like a helicopter , and then shift into forward flight using tilt rotors .
Joby says it can reach a top speed of 200 mph , can travel 150 miles on a single charge , and is 100 times quieter than a conventional aircraft .
“ We are building a new system for transportation to transform your daily life , at greater safety and , in time , at a similar cost to driving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Toyota as a manufacturing partner , Joby believes it can bring its aircraft to market faster than the rest .
“ Toyota will share its expertise in manufacturing , quality , and cost controls to support the development and production of Joby Aviation ’ s aircraft , ” the company says .
“ This support , along with the capital investment , will accelerate the certification and deployment of this new mode of local transportation.
” It ’ s deal-making season for Joby .
The company formed a partnership with Uber a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and operate the electric air taxis , and Uber will provide air traffic control help , landing pad construction , connections to ground transportation , and , of course , its ride-share network reconfigured to allow customers to hail flying cars ( rather than boring , regular , terrestrial ones ) .
The ride-hailing company also recently showed off a full-scale model of the flying taxi it helped create with Hyundai , and has other manufacturing partners as well .
Of course , many companies — Joby included — have promised revolutionary new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadlines or fail to live up to past promises .
Kitty Hawk , the flying car venture backed by Google co-founder Larry Page , is reorganizing amid reports about breakdowns , battery fires , and returned deposits .
Zunum Aero struggled to raise money and was forced to layoff employees after Boeing backed away as a backer .
After all , the jury is still out on whether an electric vertical takeoff and landing-based air taxi system would make an appreciable contribution to a next-generation transportation system , or whether it would simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid street-level congestion .

Joby Aviation, a California-based aerospace company that has been working on electric aircraft for over a decade, just closed its latest round of financing with $590 million in venture capital funding — and a major new partner.
Toyota will work with Joby to design and build a fleet of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for use in a ride-hailing service. The Japanese auto giant was part of a previous Joby funding round that closed in 2018, helping the secretive startup raise $100 million. Obviously Toyota liked what it saw, because it stepped up to lead this latest round of fundraising, bringing Joby’s total raise to $720 million. Joby recently announced a deal with Uber to deploy its air taxis on its ride-hailing network — though its unclear whether Toyota’s air taxis will make the cut.
Toyota previously helped raise $100 million for Joby
Joby is the brainchild of inventor JoeBen Bevirt, who started the company in 2009. The company operated in relative obscurity until 2018, when Joby announced it had raised a surprising $100 million from a variety of investors, including the venture capital arms of Intel, Toyota, and JetBlue. The money helped finance development of the company’s air taxi prototype, which has been conducting test flights at Joby’s private airfield in Northern California. Bevirt helps run an incubator outside of Santa Cruz that’s been described as a quasi-commune.
Unlike the dozens of other companies that are currently building electric VTOL aircraft, Joby has kept much of its project under wraps. But as part of the Toyota announcement, Joby decided to share some more details about its aircraft — and some images.
The all-electric aircraft has six rotors and seats five, including the pilot. It can take off vertically, like a helicopter, and then shift into forward flight using tilt rotors. Joby says it can reach a top speed of 200 mph, can travel 150 miles on a single charge, and is 100 times quieter than a conventional aircraft.
“We are building a new system for transportation to transform your daily life, at greater safety and, in time, at a similar cost to driving,” Bevirt said in a statement.
With Toyota as a manufacturing partner, Joby believes it can bring its aircraft to market faster than the rest. “Toyota will share its expertise in manufacturing, quality, and cost controls to support the development and production of Joby Aviation’s aircraft,” the company says. “This support, along with the capital investment, will accelerate the certification and deployment of this new mode of local transportation.”
It’s deal-making season for Joby
It’s deal-making season for Joby. The company formed a partnership with Uber a few weeks ago. Joby will supply and operate the electric air taxis, and Uber will provide air traffic control help, landing pad construction, connections to ground transportation, and, of course, its ride-share network reconfigured to allow customers to hail flying cars (rather than boring, regular, terrestrial ones). The ride-hailing company also recently showed off a full-scale model of the flying taxi it helped create with Hyundai, and has other manufacturing partners as well.
Of course, many companies — Joby included — have promised revolutionary new aircraft for years, only to miss deadlines or fail to live up to past promises. Kitty Hawk, the flying car venture backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, is reorganizing amid reports about breakdowns, battery fires, and returned deposits. Zunum Aero struggled to raise money and was forced to layoff employees after Boeing backed away as a backer.


theverge--2020-01-15--Google is finally killing off Chrome apps, which nobody really used anyhow

Today , Google shared an updated timeline for when Chrome apps will stop working on all platforms .
June 2022 is when they ’ ll be gone for good , but it depends on which platform you ’ re on ( via 9to5Google ) .
Previously , we knew that Chrome apps someday wouldn ’ t work on Windows , macOS , and Linux , but today , Google revealed that Chrome apps will eventually stop working on Chrome OS , too .
A Chrome app is a web-based app that you can install in Chrome that looks and functions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d launch from your desktop .
Take this one for the read-it-later app Pocket , for example — when you install it , it opens in a separate window that makes it seem as if Pocket is functioning as its own app .
You probably aren ’ t using Chrome apps anyway You probably don ’ t need to worry about the death of Chrome apps messing up your browsing experience too much .
At this point , most apps on the web are just regular web apps , which is why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pocket without issue in much the same way by navigating to https : //getpocket.com/ .
In rarer cases , you might also be using Progressive Web Apps , which are basically websites that are cached to your device so they can have some offline functionality and be launched like an app .
Some Chrome apps you have installed may already redirect to websites , like many of Google ’ s apps .
And Chrome extensions are also different from Chrome apps , and those will keep working just fine .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not using any real Chrome apps at all , even if you use web apps all the time .
When Google first announced all the way back in 2016 that it would end support for Chrome apps on Windows , macOS , and Linux , it said approximately one percent of users on those platforms were actively using packaged Chrome apps .
That was nearly four years ago , and web developers have moved on .
If you do use Chrome apps , they will stop working much sooner on Windows , macOS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chrome OS .
Here ’ s Google ’ s timeline : March 2020 : Chrome Web Store will stop accepting new Chrome Apps .
Developers will be able to update existing Chrome Apps through June 2022 .
June 2020 : End support for Chrome Apps on Windows , Mac , and Linux .
Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through December 2020 .
December 2020 : End support for Chrome Apps on Windows , Mac , and Linux .
June 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chrome OS .
Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through June 2022 .
June 2022 : End support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS for all customers .
To break that down a bit : • At some point in June 2020 , Chrome apps will stop working on Windows , macOS , and Linux , unless you have Chrome Enterprise or Chrome Education Upgrade , which lets you use Chrome apps for six more months .
• If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work until June 2021 .
Again , if you have Chrome Enterprise or Chrome Education Upgrade , Google says you can use Chrome apps for an additional year .
Originally , Chrome apps were supposed to stop working on Windows , macOS , and Linux in early 2018 , but in December 2017 , when Google removed the Chrome apps section from the Chrome Web Store , it pushed that early 2018 deadline to an unspecified date in the future .
Now , more than three years later , we finally know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on those platforms — and when they won ’ t work on any platform at all .

March 2020: Chrome Web Store will stop accepting new Chrome Apps. Developers will be able to update existing Chrome Apps through June 2022.
June 2020: End support for Chrome Apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through December 2020.
December 2020: End support for Chrome Apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
June 2021: End support for NaCl, PNaCl, and PPAPI APIs.
June 2021: End support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS. Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through June 2022.
June 2022: End support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS for all customers.


theverge--2020-01-15--Senators won’t be trusted to keep eyes off their phones during Trump impeachment trial

President Donald Trump has been impeached , and his trial in the US Senate is expected to begin in earnest on January 21st .
Don ’ t expect to see any Senators tweeting @ Trump from the proceedings , though — because they ’ ll have to leave their phones at the door .
Tablets and laptops can ’ t come along for the ride , either : according to an official sheet of “ Decorum Guidelines ” for Trump ’ s impeachment obtained by CNN , there will be no “ electronic devices ” allowed .
They ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the proceedings , apparently in a special new cabinet for that purpose .
“ I just saw a piece of cabinetry in the cloakroom where we will be required to turn over our iPads and our iPhones , ” said Sen. John Cornyn ( R-TX ) , according to The Hill .
Does that mean Trump will be without his phone and ability to tweet as well ?
That ’ s not clear , as most of the rules seem to apply specifically to senators , including a rule that keeps them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) seems happy with the arrangement : “ Paying attention is significant and important and I ’ m glad that we can put these devices down .
I ’ m glad we will be sitting in our chairs , I ’ m glad that we are going to be focused on what ’ s in front of us at that time .
I think it ’ s important , it ’ s beautifully old fashion , and I think we should stick to it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Senate has a long-standing policy against photos from inside its chambers , but it looks like the press will be getting even less access to senators than usual — they ’ ll reportedly be restricted to a second-floor press gallery without any electronic devices , be swept with a magnetometer every time they enter or exit , and not be allowed to walk with senators in the building : Not every senator approves of the press restrictions , according to Politico , including some Republicans .
My colleague Makena Kelly reminds me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Representatives , too , after members started livestreaming a gun control sit-in in 2016 .
Speaker Paul Ryan proposed harsh penalties at the time .

President Donald Trump has been impeached, and his trial in the US Senate is expected to begin in earnest on January 21st. Don’t expect to see any Senators tweeting @ Trump from the proceedings, though — because they’ll have to leave their phones at the door.
Tablets and laptops can’t come along for the ride, either: according to an official sheet of “Decorum Guidelines” for Trump’s impeachment obtained by CNN, there will be no “electronic devices” allowed. They’ll have to be stored in the cloakroom outside the proceedings, apparently in a special new cabinet for that purpose.
“I just saw a piece of cabinetry in the cloakroom where we will be required to turn over our iPads and our iPhones,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), according to The Hill.
Does that mean Trump will be without his phone and ability to tweet as well? That’s not clear, as most of the rules seem to apply specifically to senators, including a rule that keeps them from talking to their neighbors during the trial.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) seems happy with the arrangement: “Paying attention is significant and important and I’m glad that we can put these devices down. I’m glad we will be sitting in our chairs, I’m glad that we are going to be focused on what’s in front of us at that time. I think it’s important, it’s beautifully old fashion, and I think we should stick to it,” she said, according to CNN.
The Senate has a long-standing policy against photos from inside its chambers, but it looks like the press will be getting even less access to senators than usual — they’ll reportedly be restricted to a second-floor press gallery without any electronic devices, be swept with a magnetometer every time they enter or exit, and not be allowed to walk with senators in the building:


theverge--2020-01-17--Vergecast: Microsoft’s Edge Chromium launches, NBC reveals Peacock details, and our CES takeaways

The Vergecast is back in the studio after the holidays and CES .
The Verge ’ s Nilay Patel , Dieter Bohn , and Paul Miller get together to talk about the big takeaways from the Consumer Electronics Show as well as a few announcements in tech this week .
On Wednesday , we saw Microsoft release its new Chromium-based version of Edge across both Windows and macOS .
The crew discusses whether this is the dawn of — you guessed it — a new round of the browser wars .
Then on Thursday , NBC hosted an event revealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aka another participant in — you guessed it — the streaming wars .
All wars aside , these three friends are back together to put on an enjoyable episode of The Vergecast that you can listen to right now .
• The Verge Awards at CES 2020 : welcome to the land of the concept • These gaming PCs want to compete in the console wars • Laptops were boring at CES , but there ’ s hope for the future • The most important TVs of CES 2020 were finally for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edge Chromium browser launches on Windows and macOS • How to install extensions on Microsoft ’ s new Edge browser • The browser wars are back , but it ’ s different this time • Google is finally killing off Chrome apps , which nobody really used anyhow • Google to ‘ phase out ’ third-party cookies in Chrome , but not for ... • Roomba ’ s robot vacuum could grow arms in the near future • OnePlus confirms its next phone will jump to a 120Hz screen • Latest Galaxy S20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no … • Samsung ’ s Galaxy S20 and its many cameras revealed in leaked photos

The Vergecast is back in the studio after the holidays and CES. The Verge’s Nilay Patel, Dieter Bohn, and Paul Miller get together to talk about the big takeaways from the Consumer Electronics Show as well as a few announcements in tech this week.
On Wednesday, we saw Microsoft release its new Chromium-based version of Edge across both Windows and macOS. The crew discusses whether this is the dawn of — you guessed it — a new round of the browser wars.
Then on Thursday, NBC hosted an event revealing details of its new streaming service Peacock, aka another participant in — you guessed it — the streaming wars.
All wars aside, these three friends are back together to put on an enjoyable episode of The Vergecast that you can listen to right now.
Stories discussed in this episode:


theverge--2020-01-17--Watch Sonos, Tile, and PopSocket testify against tech giants today

After a patent lawsuit against Google last week , Sonos is ready to go after Google ( and potentially other tech giants ) in front of Congress today .
The audio company ’ s CEO is testifying at noon for the House Judiciary Committee , alongside executives from PopSockets , Tile , and Basecamp — all of which have complained about copying , unfair pressure , or even a “ shakedown ” at the hands of big Silicon Valley companies .
The hearing is part of a long string of similar events held by the antitrust subcommittee under the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Previous events have covered the intersection of competition and topics like press freedom , privacy , and entrepreneurship .
This session — the fifth in the series — examines “ Competitors in the Digital Economy.
” It ’ s being held remotely at the University of Colorado Law School , and it ’ s streaming through the law school ’ s channel below .
As The Washington Post explains , the four companies ’ representatives will demonstrate the real costs of powerful potential monopolies .
Tile claims Apple made its location-tracking fobs harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product , creating a “ confusing and frustrating ” experience for the massive iPhone user base .
Project management tool maker Basecamp discovered that Google was putting competitors ’ ads above searches for its name , compelling it to pay for better visibility .
PopSockets says Amazon strong-armed it into unfavorable terms for selling its ubiquitous phone grips .
And Sonos recently filed a lawsuit against Google for allegedly infringing on its patents .
( Apple , Amazon , and Google have denied using their size to unfairly suppress competition . )
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , PopSockets founder and CEO David Barnett , Basecamp co-founder and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson , and Tile vice president and general counsel Kirsten Daru .
In all the cases above , the smaller companies had few other options for selling or promoting their work .
Google controls the vast majority of search traffic , Amazon is a hugely dominant retailer , and Apple runs a big chunk of the phone market .
Facebook is notably absent from the list of targets here , despite being the subject of an antitrust investigation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to see a wide-ranging condemnation of big tech companies — and a continuation of an ongoing backlash against Silicon Valley .

After a patent lawsuit against Google last week, Sonos is ready to go after Google (and potentially other tech giants) in front of Congress today. The audio company’s CEO is testifying at noon for the House Judiciary Committee, alongside executives from PopSockets, Tile, and Basecamp — all of which have complained about copying, unfair pressure, or even a “shakedown” at the hands of big Silicon Valley companies.
The hearing is part of a long string of similar events held by the antitrust subcommittee under the name “Online Platforms and Market Power.” Previous events have covered the intersection of competition and topics like press freedom, privacy, and entrepreneurship. This session — the fifth in the series — examines “Competitors in the Digital Economy.” It’s being held remotely at the University of Colorado Law School, and it’s streaming through the law school’s channel below.
As The Washington Post explains, the four companies’ representatives will demonstrate the real costs of powerful potential monopolies. Tile claims Apple made its location-tracking fobs harder to use after Apple launched a similar product, creating a “confusing and frustrating” experience for the massive iPhone user base. Project management tool maker Basecamp discovered that Google was putting competitors’ ads above searches for its name, compelling it to pay for better visibility. PopSockets says Amazon strong-armed it into unfavorable terms for selling its ubiquitous phone grips. And Sonos recently filed a lawsuit against Google for allegedly infringing on its patents. (Apple, Amazon, and Google have denied using their size to unfairly suppress competition.)
The speakers today include Sonos CEO Patrick Spence, PopSockets founder and CEO David Barnett, Basecamp co-founder and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson, and Tile vice president and general counsel Kirsten Daru.


theverge--2020-01-17--Even pokémon are getting in on the ASMR mukbang trend

The Pokémon Company has released two ASMR videos to kick off your weekend : one featuring a Charmander peacefully snoozing beside a crackling fire , and one with a Chespin munching away on some macarons .
“ This is a ASMR video for those who need a gentle Pokémon touch in everything !
” the description reads .
Headphones are recommended for optimal effect , so you can take in the full sounds of the crunching and crackling .
ASMR and pokémon are really a perfect match , because the tingly sensation I get from listening to soft sounds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warm fuzzies I get from looking at cute pokémon .
The 30-minute video of Charmander ’ s fireside slumber can be found on the official Japanese Pokémon channel .
I ’ m bookmarking this one for next Christmas , so I can have it on in the living room instead of the holiday yule log .
Meanwhile , the eight-minute video of Chespin happily streaming a mukbang session can be found over on Pokémon Kids TV .
Called “ Chespin ’ s Happy Snack Time , ” the title also includes “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no actual singing here , just the sounds of some crunching .
The channel normally posts singalong videos featuring pokémon , so Chespin won ’ t have to worry about violating COPPA laws .
It ’ s been a busy January for The Pokémon Company , as it announced an expansion pack for Pokémon Sword and Shield earlier this month , and released a new animated series this week .
Now it ’ s time for everyone to relax with some soothing ASMR .

The Pokémon Company has released two ASMR videos to kick off your weekend: one featuring a Charmander peacefully snoozing beside a crackling fire, and one with a Chespin munching away on some macarons. “This is a ASMR video for those who need a gentle Pokémon touch in everything!” the description reads. Headphones are recommended for optimal effect, so you can take in the full sounds of the crunching and crackling.
ASMR and pokémon are really a perfect match, because the tingly sensation I get from listening to soft sounds and voices are one and the same as the warm fuzzies I get from looking at cute pokémon. The 30-minute video of Charmander’s fireside slumber can be found on the official Japanese Pokémon channel. I’m bookmarking this one for next Christmas, so I can have it on in the living room instead of the holiday yule log.
Meanwhile, the eight-minute video of Chespin happily streaming a mukbang session can be found over on Pokémon Kids TV. Called “Chespin’s Happy Snack Time,” the title also includes “Kids Song,” but there’s no actual singing here, just the sounds of some crunching. The channel normally posts singalong videos featuring pokémon, so Chespin won’t have to worry about violating COPPA laws.


theverge--2020-01-17--Android users can now experience the joy of being negged by Co—Star

Today I am going to get to the bottom of things and take myself out to dinner because I have an Android phone and there is finally an Android version of the popular Co—Star astrology app .
The FOMO can now come to an end for Android users who have not been able to get the often snarky , always meme-ready insights from one of the most popular iOS lifestyle apps .
The app launched today after much anticipation , adding a huge new audience segment to its loyal following .
“ There were over 120,000 of you on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single one of your DMs and emails , ” the company said in an announcement of the new Android app .
“ The truth is , Co–Star is just eleven humans , and we wanted to get it right.
” For the uninitiated , Co—Star is not your standard feel-good fortune teller .
It ’ s doesn ’ t try to sugarcoat things for you , in other words .
One piece of recent advice : “ You deserve better .
Dump the Aquarius who ghosted you , convince the Capricorn roommate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we ’ ll take care of your horoscope.
” The Verge profiled the company last year after Co—Star raised $ 5.2 million to develop the Android app , and co-founder and CEO Banu Guler said she viewed astrology as a form of “ collective self care … this idea of building relationships with each other and taking care of each other.
” The company is proud of how it differs from other astrology apps : “ Unlike the broad and vague horoscopes you usually read in magazines , we take more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We use a complete picture of the sky when and where you were born to generate hyper-personalized horoscopes.
” And unlike old-fashioned horoscopes from the newspaper , Co—Star says it also incorporates NASA data “ interpreted by humans ” into a mobile-friendly interface that appeals to its target millennial audience .

Today I am going to get to the bottom of things and take myself out to dinner because I have an Android phone and there is finally an Android version of the popular Co—Star astrology app. The FOMO can now come to an end for Android users who have not been able to get the often snarky, always meme-ready insights from one of the most popular iOS lifestyle apps. The app launched today after much anticipation, adding a huge new audience segment to its loyal following.
“There were over 120,000 of you on the waitlist, and yes, we read every single one of your DMs and emails,” the company said in an announcement of the new Android app. “The truth is, Co–Star is just eleven humans, and we wanted to get it right.”
For the uninitiated, Co—Star is not your standard feel-good fortune teller. It’s doesn’t try to sugarcoat things for you, in other words. One piece of recent advice: “You deserve better. Dump the Aquarius who ghosted you, convince the Capricorn roommate to let you adopt a dog, and we’ll take care of your horoscope.”
The Verge profiled the company last year after Co—Star raised $5.2 million to develop the Android app, and co-founder and CEO Banu Guler said she viewed astrology as a form of “collective self care … this idea of building relationships with each other and taking care of each other.”


theverge--2020-01-17--Tesla cars are accelerating without warning, prompting government scrutiny

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday that it is weighing whether to launch an investigation into “ sudden unexpected acceleration ” of 500,000 Tesla vehicles , according to Reuters .
The petition covers Tesla Model S ( 2012-2019 model year ) , Model X ( 2016-2019 ) , and Model 3 ( 2018-2019 ) vehicles , Reuters says .
It also cites 127 consumer complaints , 123 unique vehicles , 110 crashes , and 52 injuries .
A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately reply to a request for comment .
“ As is the agency ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will carefully review the petition and relevant data , ” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement .
Anyone can submit a petition requesting NHTSA to open an investigation into an alleged safety defect .
After conducting a technical analysis , the agency ’ s Office of Defects Investigation informs the petitioner whether it will move forward with an investigation .
This isn ’ t the first time that Tesla has faced accusations of malfunctioning vehicles .
In November 2018 , the electric automaker resolved a class action lawsuit from customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles would suddenly accelerate without warning .
Another lawsuit was filed last year by Mena Massoud , star of Disney ’ s live-action Aladdin , who claimed a faulty suspension caused the wheel of his Model 3 to come off a day after he bought it .
And most recently , NHTSA opened an investigation into complaints about vehicle fires connected to the battery management systems in some Model S and X vehicles .
Tesla has also come under fire over safety concerns involving its advanced driver assistance system , Autopilot .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold a public hearing in February to determine the probable cause of the fatal crash of a Tesla in Mountain View , California in 2017 .
There have been a number of reports of Tesla owners crashing their vehicles while using Autopilot , as well as a handful of people who have been killed while using Autopilot .
Tesla has consistently said that drivers who use Autopilot are safer than those who don ’ t .

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday that it is weighing whether to launch an investigation into “sudden unexpected acceleration” of 500,000 Tesla vehicles, according to Reuters.
The petition covers Tesla Model S (2012-2019 model year), Model X (2016-2019), and Model 3 (2018-2019) vehicles, Reuters says. It also cites 127 consumer complaints, 123 unique vehicles, 110 crashes, and 52 injuries. A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
“As is the agency’s standard practice in such matters, NHTSA will carefully review the petition and relevant data,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement.
127 consumer complaints, 123 unique vehicles, 110 crashes, and 52 injuries
Anyone can submit a petition requesting NHTSA to open an investigation into an alleged safety defect. After conducting a technical analysis, the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation informs the petitioner whether it will move forward with an investigation.
This isn’t the first time that Tesla has faced accusations of malfunctioning vehicles. In November 2018, the electric automaker resolved a class action lawsuit from customers who claimed their Model S and X vehicles would suddenly accelerate without warning. Another lawsuit was filed last year by Mena Massoud, star of Disney’s live-action Aladdin, who claimed a faulty suspension caused the wheel of his Model 3 to come off a day after he bought it. And most recently, NHTSA opened an investigation into complaints about vehicle fires connected to the battery management systems in some Model S and X vehicles.
Tesla has also come under fire over safety concerns involving its advanced driver assistance system, Autopilot. The National Transportation Safety Board announced plans yesterday to hold a public hearing in February to determine the probable cause of the fatal crash of a Tesla in Mountain View, California in 2017.


theverge--2020-01-17--Joe Biden wants to revoke Section 230

Joe Biden wants to revoke Section 230

In an interview with The New York Times on Friday , former Vice President Joe Biden called for tech ’ s biggest liability shield , Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , to be “ revoked , immediately.
” “ The idea that it ’ s a tech company is that Section 230 should be revoked , immediately should be revoked , number one .
For Zuckerberg and other platforms , ” Biden said .
“ It should be revoked because it is not merely an internet company .
It is propagating falsehoods they know to be false.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately should be revoked , number one.
” This wasn ’ t the first time Biden criticized the immensely important internet law .
In previous interviews with outlets like CNN , Biden has said that “ we should be considering taking away [ Facebook ’ s ] exemption , ” but has never ventured as far as saying that it should be completely “ revoked.
” The Verge contacted Biden ’ s campaign to ask if he stands by the statements provided to The New York Times ; the campaign did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 20 years old , but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have started to seek changes to the law as a remedy for all kinds of problems they have with platforms and moderation .
After the live-streamed mass shooting in Christchurch , New Zealand last spring , Democratic lawmakers sought changes to 230 as a method of ensuring that terrorist content is removed from platforms .
They ’ ve responded to Facebook ’ s refusal to remove misinformation peddled by politicians in digital ads with threats to carve holes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar criticisms against companies like Facebook and Twitter in recent months , calling the platforms out for what they believe is bias against conservatives .
Both Sen. Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) and Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) have floated changes to the law to address the alleged censorship .
These criticisms have been flagged by other Democratic presidential contenders as well .
Former Texas representative Beto O ’ Rourke was the first presidential candidate to make changes to 230 an official platform position .
O ’ Rourke has since dropped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans would have gone into effect , internet companies would be stripped of this liability shield unless they heavily policed their platforms for terrorist and hateful content .
No other candidate has called for 230 to be completely revoked .

In an interview with The New York Times on Friday, former Vice President Joe Biden called for tech’s biggest liability shield, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, to be “revoked, immediately.”
“The idea that it’s a tech company is that Section 230 should be revoked, immediately should be revoked, number one. For Zuckerberg and other platforms,” Biden said. “It should be revoked because it is not merely an internet company. It is propagating falsehoods they know to be false.”
“Section 230 should be revoked, immediately should be revoked, number one.”
This wasn’t the first time Biden criticized the immensely important internet law. In previous interviews with outlets like CNN, Biden has said that “we should be considering taking away [Facebook’s] exemption,” but has never ventured as far as saying that it should be completely “revoked.” The Verge contacted Biden’s campaign to ask if he stands by the statements provided to The New York Times; the campaign did not immediately respond.
The Communications Decency Act is over 20 years old, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have started to seek changes to the law as a remedy for all kinds of problems they have with platforms and moderation.
After the live-streamed mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand last spring, Democratic lawmakers sought changes to 230 as a method of ensuring that terrorist content is removed from platforms. They’ve responded to Facebook’s refusal to remove misinformation peddled by politicians in digital ads with threats to carve holes in the law as well.
Republicans have made similar criticisms against companies like Facebook and Twitter in recent months, calling the platforms out for what they believe is bias against conservatives. Both Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) have floated changes to the law to address the alleged censorship.
These criticisms have been flagged by other Democratic presidential contenders as well. Former Texas representative Beto O’Rourke was the first presidential candidate to make changes to 230 an official platform position. O’Rourke has since dropped out of the race, but if his plans would have gone into effect, internet companies would be stripped of this liability shield unless they heavily policed their platforms for terrorist and hateful content.


theverge--2020-01-17--Facebook accused of shutting out mobile competitors in lawsuit

Facebook is facing 20200116_FB Class Action Complaint - Final for Filing ( 1 ) .pdf from mobile app developers that allege the company revoked access to data in an attempt to stifle competition .
The suit , which is seeking class-action status , argues that the company “ identified and categorized potential market threats , then extinguished those threats ” by cutting them off from access to data on its platform .
Facebook , the suit alleges , “ moved aggressively to shut out entirely direct competitors , ” like WeChat , by revoking access to its platform .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen ” “ The net effect of Facebook ’ s anticompetitive scheme is one of the largest unlawful monopolies ever seen in the United States—one protected by a far-reaching and effectively impenetrable barrier to entry arising from feedback loops and powerful network effects , ” reads the suit , which was filed by attorneys representing four developers .
Facebook has faced questions both about its market power and how it has provided data to developers on its platform .
Prominent politicians around the world have suggested the company has gained too much dominance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the past , the company provided data widely to developers , an issue that became contentious in 2018 after it was discovered that data firm Cambridge Analytica had harvested that user data .
In a statement , a Facebook spokesperson pushed back on the allegations in the suit .
“ We operate in a competitive environment where people and advertisers have many choices , ” the spokesperson said .
“ In the current environment , where plaintiffs ’ attorneys see financial opportunities , claims like this aren ’ t unexpected but they @ @ @ @ @

Facebook is facing 20200116_FB Class Action Complaint - Final for Filing (1).pdf from mobile app developers that allege the company revoked access to data in an attempt to stifle competition.
The suit, which is seeking class-action status, argues that the company “identified and categorized potential market threats, then extinguished those threats” by cutting them off from access to data on its platform. Facebook, the suit alleges, “moved aggressively to shut out entirely direct competitors,” like WeChat, by revoking access to its platform.
“One of the largest unlawful monopolies ever seen”
“The net effect of Facebook’s anticompetitive scheme is one of the largest unlawful monopolies ever seen in the United States—one protected by a far-reaching and effectively impenetrable barrier to entry arising from feedback loops and powerful network effects,” reads the suit, which was filed by attorneys representing four developers.
Facebook has faced questions both about its market power and how it has provided data to developers on its platform. Prominent politicians around the world have suggested the company has gained too much dominance through acquisitions of competitors like Instagram. In the past, the company provided data widely to developers, an issue that became contentious in 2018 after it was discovered that data firm Cambridge Analytica had harvested that user data.


theverge--2020-01-17--Bad Boys for Life is the year’s first pleasant surprise

The worst thing about Bad Boys for Life is that it is not heralded with a chart-topping rap collab between Nelly , P. Diddy , and Murphy Lee .
The era of the St. Lunatics is firmly behind us .
The era for Bad Boys seemed to be as well .
But 17 years after Bad Boys II , Bad Boys for Life returns to Miami , where the boys remain bad even though they are both at the age where , as someone awkwardly says in the film , they ’ re trying to be “ good… men.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bad Boys for Life catches up with its heroes Mike Lowrey ( Will Smith ) and Marcus Burnett ( Martin Lawrence ) at what should be the end of their careers .
Burnett ’ s now a grandpa , and wants to retire .
Lowrey , however , still wants to be a Bad Boy : taking down criminals , preferably like a badass , and never settling down romantically .
But when someone tries to assassinate Lowrey , the two have no choice but to get back in the game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ ve got company .
The charmingly named AMMO squad is Miami PD ’ s elite team that specializes in high-tech tactics for bringing down high-profile criminals .
While clearly designed as a bid to build a Fast & Furious style “ family ” around Lowrey and Burnett ( and bring in younger stars like Vanessa Hudgens and Riverdale ’ s Charles Melton ) , the conceit works .
Headed up by Rita ( Paola Núñez ) , AMMO is the primary way by which the film homes in on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old .
And they aren ’ t just old , they ’ re exhausting .
Bad Boys For Life is like a less self-aware Hot Fuzz , a movie about how much of a pain in the ass it is to be cops who work with wannabe action heroes .
Lowrey in particular is hotheaded in a way that would be troubling if he were played by anyone other than Will Smith : bloodthirsty , reckless , and self-interested to the point where he ’ s almost entirely unlikable .
Smith ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Lowrey works at all , and even then it ’ s barely enough because Will Smith , like Mike Lowrey , isn ’ t the firebrand he used to be .
Current slang doesn ’ t roll off his tongue as naturally , and these days the lusty reckless cop act suits him poorly .
Martin Lawrence , though ?
He ’ s perfect , and when the two of them find a groove — like an extended bit where the two merely sit on a plane and razz each other for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun to watch .
Jokes that are just funny enough for you to hope no one dies Unfortunately , the new faces are underutilized .
Its villains , the mother-son team of Isabel Aretas ( Kate del Castillo ) and Armando Armas ( Jacob Scipio ) are terrific but surprisingly absent ; they barely appear in the movie ’ s second act .
The AMMO squad is fun , but seems to waste Hudgens and Melton , two actors who are likely capable of leading a spinoff film .
None of this ruins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been the difference between good and great .
Bad Boys for Life is admirable in its lack of ambition .
It ’ s here to serve action and comedy in roughly proportionate amounts , with big set pieces that are just thrilling enough to hook you and jokes that are just funny enough for you to hope no one dies .
If , reading all this , you think that Bad Boys for Life might be benefiting from low expectations , you ’ d be right !
January has long been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one has been clamoring for a new Bad Boys film ( although if you have , there are plenty of callbacks just for you ) .
But Bad Boys for Life is doing something I deeply appreciate , something that only the Fast & Furious films attempt , despite their tremendous success : making an action movie for brown folks .
I like having a big movie every year that I can watch with a solid hip-hop / urbana soundtrack , where the fades are tight , crisp white Nikes are standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my uncle chew scenery alongside reggaeton stars ( or , in the case of Nicky Jam , reggaeton stars who look like my uncle ) .
Movies where performative masculinity is taken to cartoonish lengths , and women cut them down several pegs while also kicking ass on their own .
Movies that end with a cookout and cheap imported beer , you know what I mean ?
Bad Boys for Life is that movie , and if you ’ ve got a need for one , it ’ ll do the job @

The worst thing about Bad Boys for Life is that it is not heralded with a chart-topping rap collab between Nelly, P. Diddy, and Murphy Lee. The era of the St. Lunatics is firmly behind us. The era for Bad Boys seemed to be as well. But 17 years after Bad Boys II, Bad Boys for Life returns to Miami, where the boys remain bad even though they are both at the age where, as someone awkwardly says in the film, they’re trying to be “good… men.” And you know what? It works.
Bad Boys for Life catches up with its heroes Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) at what should be the end of their careers. Burnett’s now a grandpa, and wants to retire. Lowrey, however, still wants to be a Bad Boy: taking down criminals, preferably like a badass, and never settling down romantically. But when someone tries to assassinate Lowrey, the two have no choice but to get back in the game and crack some skulls.
Unfortunately for them, they’ve got company. The charmingly named AMMO squad is Miami PD’s elite team that specializes in high-tech tactics for bringing down high-profile criminals. While clearly designed as a bid to build a Fast & Furious style “family” around Lowrey and Burnett (and bring in younger stars like Vanessa Hudgens and Riverdale’s Charles Melton), the conceit works. Headed up by Rita (Paola Núñez), AMMO is the primary way by which the film homes in on its obvious-but-effective conceit: Lowrey and Burnett are old. And they aren’t just old, they’re exhausting.
Bad Boys For Life is like a less self-aware Hot Fuzz, a movie about how much of a pain in the ass it is to be cops who work with wannabe action heroes. Lowrey in particular is hotheaded in a way that would be troubling if he were played by anyone other than Will Smith: bloodthirsty, reckless, and self-interested to the point where he’s almost entirely unlikable. Smith’s excessive and undeniable charm is the only reason Lowrey works at all, and even then it’s barely enough because Will Smith, like Mike Lowrey, isn’t the firebrand he used to be. Current slang doesn’t roll off his tongue as naturally, and these days the lusty reckless cop act suits him poorly. Martin Lawrence, though? He’s perfect, and when the two of them find a groove — like an extended bit where the two merely sit on a plane and razz each other for several minutes — it’s still fun to watch.
Jokes that are just funny enough for you to hope no one dies
Unfortunately, the new faces are underutilized. Its villains, the mother-son team of Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo) and Armando Armas (Jacob Scipio) are terrific but surprisingly absent; they barely appear in the movie’s second act. The AMMO squad is fun, but seems to waste Hudgens and Melton, two actors who are likely capable of leading a spinoff film. None of this ruins the movie, it just might’ve been the difference between good and great.
Bad Boys for Life is admirable in its lack of ambition. It’s here to serve action and comedy in roughly proportionate amounts, with big set pieces that are just thrilling enough to hook you and jokes that are just funny enough for you to hope no one dies.
If, reading all this, you think that Bad Boys for Life might be benefiting from low expectations, you’d be right! January has long been a dumping ground for bad movies, and no one has been clamoring for a new Bad Boys film (although if you have, there are plenty of callbacks just for you). But Bad Boys for Life is doing something I deeply appreciate, something that only the Fast & Furious films attempt, despite their tremendous success: making an action movie for brown folks.


theverge--2020-01-17--Google reportedly working on Steam support for Chromebooks

Chrome OS may one day be able to play games from Steam .
In an interview with Android Police , a Chrome OS product leader said that Google is working to allow Chromebooks to run Valve ’ s game platform , seemingly with help from Valve .
No timeline was given on when support might arrive .
It ’ s an intriguing but odd announcement .
Google has been focused on expanding Chrome OS ’ s capabilities over the last few years by allowing it to run native apps from Android , so that it ’ s not entirely reliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push that even further , opening up Chromebooks to the hundreds of games that offer support for Linux , which Chrome OS is based on .
How many games can Chromebooks actually run ?
But Chromebooks are by and large low-power devices , designed to run a web browser and not much more .
It ’ s hard to imagine that games would run well on the vast majority of Chromebooks currently out there , although Steam does offer a wide selection of smaller indie titles that are less graphically demanding .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to the highest-end devices right now .
Kan Liu , the Chrome OS product director who spoke with Android Police , said that more powerful Chromebooks are coming , particularly those that will feature AMD processors .
Even if its usefulness is limited , it still translates to more things you can do on Chrome OS , and that ’ s by no means a bad thing .
As Android Police points out , casual titles and older games could run just fine on some machines .
( Steam also supports streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s possible that ’ s a focus here , too , though the conversation seemed to be around native gameplay . )
At the same time , it ’ s a little surprising to see Google prioritizing native gaming on Chrome OS — its cloud-focused operating system — when Google is also building out Stadia , a game streaming service that doesn ’ t require powerful local hardware .
Stadia still comes with a great number of limitations , though ( a small game library among them ) , so the two offerings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same needs .

Chrome OS may one day be able to play games from Steam. In an interview with Android Police, a Chrome OS product leader said that Google is working to allow Chromebooks to run Valve’s game platform, seemingly with help from Valve. No timeline was given on when support might arrive.
It’s an intriguing but odd announcement. Google has been focused on expanding Chrome OS’s capabilities over the last few years by allowing it to run native apps from Android, so that it’s not entirely reliant on the web. Adding Steam would push that even further, opening up Chromebooks to the hundreds of games that offer support for Linux, which Chrome OS is based on.
How many games can Chromebooks actually run?
But Chromebooks are by and large low-power devices, designed to run a web browser and not much more. It’s hard to imagine that games would run well on the vast majority of Chromebooks currently out there, although Steam does offer a wide selection of smaller indie titles that are less graphically demanding. Still, Steam support will likely be useful only to the highest-end devices right now.
Kan Liu, the Chrome OS product director who spoke with Android Police, said that more powerful Chromebooks are coming, particularly those that will feature AMD processors.
Even if its usefulness is limited, it still translates to more things you can do on Chrome OS, and that’s by no means a bad thing. As Android Police points out, casual titles and older games could run just fine on some machines. (Steam also supports streaming games from other computers. It’s possible that’s a focus here, too, though the conversation seemed to be around native gameplay.)


theverge--2020-01-17--The artist putting tiny Kirby, waffles, and SpongeBob on your mechanical keyboard

Every week , The Verge ’ s designers , photographers , and illustrators gather to share the work of artists who inspire us .
Now we ’ re turning our Art Club into an interview series in which we catch up with the artists and designers we admire and find out what drives them .
One of the most appealing benefits of mechanical keyboards is their customizability , and artisan keycap maker Tiny is on a mission to bring some joy to the keyboard .
Her custom keycaps , made from polymer clay and resin , range from designs like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Kirby , mid-inhale .
Whether it ’ s a lone burger-shaped keycap in place of the escape key or cute characters lining the row of F-keys , her keycaps exude charm and personality .
She ’ s even made one featuring the titular goose from Untitled Goose Game , which works perfectly as a honk button .
Based in San Jose , Tiny first got into mechanical keyboards as a hobby , as she collected keycaps from other artists online .
“ It ’ s a very male-dominated hobby , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were making were guy-ish designs , like robots , skulls , and zombies , ” she says .
“ I like cute stuff , so I just wanted to make my own.
” She began practicing clay sculpting and streaming her process on Twitch as a way to stay consistent , and eventually started taking commissions .
Wanting to turn making keycaps into a sustainable career , she began resin casting , which allows her to create and sell batches of keycaps at a time .
It ’ s now been two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software engineer , and she ’ s since become a Twitch Partner as well as a rising star on TikTok .
I caught up with Tiny to chat with her about the niche mechanical keyboard community , how keycap sales are like streetwear drops , and the business of being a creator .
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity .
You have a huge following on TikTok and you ’ ve been pretty active with it .
How do you think that ’ s helped you with your business ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people , maybe the older generation of people , don ’ t really know about yet .
The audience there , a lot of them are teenagers who don ’ t have money to buy keyboards , let alone a keycap for that .
I ’ m not trying to sell my products on there , I think Instagram is more geared toward that .
TikTok , I just have fun with it and I think it gets my name out there .
I think I ’ ve gotten a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reposting my videos , with or without my consent , on art channels on Instagram and on YouTube .
And then I ’ ll get a bunch of followers on Instagram because of that .
I think it ’ s great to bring awareness to what it is .
I ’ m always interested in telling people about mechanical keyboards and why they ’ re so great .
For some reason , TikTok has been my biggest and best platform , even though I feel like the stuff that I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yeah , it ’ s funny how follow count doesn ’ t really translate to sales .
Yeah , I have over half a million , and I haven ’ t tried selling .
It ’ s hard because [ the process of ] selling artisan keycaps is really weird .
People just do drops , kind of like raffle sales .
Most of the time , artists don ’ t make enough for people to buy it .
It ’ s not like people just have them on stock all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so you can sign up to buy a keycap and you ’ ll get one for sure , but I would say a large part of the community does these raffle-style sales , where people make X amount of keycaps , and you enter to win a spot to buy it .
I personally can not make enough for people that want my designs .
Part of it is it ’ s a tedious process with really detailed shots of resin , or certain colors or whatever .
And because of that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is actually a rise in people buying my stuff because I don ’ t have it available .
People ask me if I have an Etsy or a storefront and I ’ m just like , “ Yeah , whenever I have enough keycaps , I ’ ll just do a sale.
” I ’ ll announce it on Instagram and my newsletter , but I can ’ t tell if TikTok is actually doing anything because I don ’ t have a store with stock .
This raffle sale sounds super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything like it .
Is there a specialized website for this ?
People just do Google Forms .
I think someone tried making a website for it , I don ’ t know if it ’ s launched yet .
But it ’ s a really small community of people and you kind of know all the makers out there , so you follow them and you wait for them to drop .
I feel like it ’ s similar to streetwear , with specialized drops .
Like it ’ s only open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes the raffles are really intense , there ’ s like a two-minute window time , and you have to answer a trivia question .
There ’ s no central system set up for it and people kind of just do their own thing .
A lot of people are hobbyists , even people who make keycaps .
They don ’ t do it full time so some people just make their own websites and run it through there .
However the maker wants to run their sales , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very lucrative for a creator , if you ’ re pretty well-known and you make quality products .
Basically everything you make is going to sell out .
I think if you ’ re one of the big makers , that is true .
It is likely that you will sell out , or there ’ s just people who are wanting to buy your keycaps all the time .
But I think that ’ s still because it ’ s a small thing and you know who the creators are .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , I think that would lessen the cost of the keycaps and the demand for it .
And because it ’ s small amounts of art that someone is releasing .
I think that ’ s why it ’ s kind of lucrative like that .
How much of what you make comes from sales , commissions , or from being a Twitch Partner ?
It used to be split between three sources , so Twitch being one of them , sponsorships , and then sales .
I have cut back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be pretty consistent about streaming to make a decent amount off of Twitch nowadays .
Especially since it ’ s so variable in terms of how many people are subbed to you and if you stop streaming , people just stop subbing , which makes sense .
It ’ s very hard to say , “ This is how much I ’ ll get every month.
” So I mostly rely on sales nowadays just to make sure that I can make enough money .
What are the kinds of companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a company that sponsors me and I ’ ll promote their stuff , it ’ s a mechanical keyboard company .
That one is more like a month-to-month thing .
And then there ’ s one-time sponsorship deals that I ’ ve done and are looking to do .
Companies like Logitech , I worked with last year to do a giveaway .
And I ’ m trying to work with gaming companies to see if I can do small runs of keycaps that are related to their game .
So it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve also worked with in some small capacity , and companies that make keyboards , and gaming companies .
What would you say is your dream sponsorship ?
If I could make , like , official Animal Crossing keycaps , that would be amazing .
I ’ ve made Discord keycaps before — I haven ’ t sold them , just given them to people who work there , but if I can officially make them keycaps , I would love to .
Or for large companies like Riot .
If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that would be pretty awesome .
What ’ s something you wish people knew about mechanical keyboards ?
I just wish people knew how cool they can be .
One of the big things that drew me into it was that I can customize this keyboard however I want to , like I can do different colors for the keycaps , I can make it whatever layout I want it to be .
I worked in an office , I typed on a computer like eight hours a day , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so often , for me to customize it , decorate it , and for it to actually have very practical benefits .
It doesn ’ t only apply to people who are programmers , obviously .
There ’ s a lot of people who sit in an office every day on their computer .
It ’ s a hobby that anyone can really benefit from or enjoy .
And also they don ’ t have to be loud .
I think that ’ s a common misconception .
There are some loud ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pretty loud one once .
( laughs ) And I ’ m sorry for that .
But there are some very quiet switches that are meant to be silent and smooth .
People are like , “ I don ’ t want a mechanical keyboard because it ’ s too loud.
” I ’ m like , “ it doesn ’ t have to be loud.
” What ’ s one of your favorite commissions that you ’ ve done ?
I did one that was of someone ’ s cat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They actually used it as a wedding gift .
So they sent me pictures of them at their wedding , the bride and groom actually opening up the little keycap present .
So they have official pictures of that .
I felt really flattered .
So I do get commission requests like that , as gifts for anniversaries to get a significant other or something .
Those are meaningful to me because it feels like I ’ m making something that is part of their life .

One of the most appealing benefits of mechanical keyboards is their customizability, and artisan keycap maker Tiny is on a mission to bring some joy to the keyboard. Her custom keycaps, made from polymer clay and resin, range from designs like waffles drenched in syrup, Baby Yoda, and Kirby, mid-inhale. Whether it’s a lone burger-shaped keycap in place of the escape key or cute characters lining the row of F-keys, her keycaps exude charm and personality. She’s even made one featuring the titular goose from Untitled Goose Game, which works perfectly as a honk button.
Based in San Jose, Tiny first got into mechanical keyboards as a hobby, as she collected keycaps from other artists online. “It’s a very male-dominated hobby, and a lot of the designs that people were making were guy-ish designs, like robots, skulls, and zombies,” she says. “I like cute stuff, so I just wanted to make my own.” She began practicing clay sculpting and streaming her process on Twitch as a way to stay consistent, and eventually started taking commissions. Wanting to turn making keycaps into a sustainable career, she began resin casting, which allows her to create and sell batches of keycaps at a time. It’s now been two years since Tiny quit her job as a software engineer, and she’s since become a Twitch Partner as well as a rising star on TikTok. I caught up with Tiny to chat with her about the niche mechanical keyboard community, how keycap sales are like streetwear drops, and the business of being a creator.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
You have a huge following on TikTok and you’ve been pretty active with it. How do you think that’s helped you with your business?
TikTok is this new frontier that a lot of people, maybe the older generation of people, don’t really know about yet. The audience there, a lot of them are teenagers who don’t have money to buy keyboards, let alone a keycap for that. I’m not trying to sell my products on there, I think Instagram is more geared toward that. TikTok, I just have fun with it and I think it gets my name out there. I think I’ve gotten a lot of media attention from TikTok because people have been reposting my videos, with or without my consent, on art channels on Instagram and on YouTube. And then I’ll get a bunch of followers on Instagram because of that.
I think it’s great to bring awareness to what it is. I’m always interested in telling people about mechanical keyboards and why they’re so great. For some reason, TikTok has been my biggest and best platform, even though I feel like the stuff that I do there is kind of wacky and weird.
Yeah, it’s funny how follow count doesn’t really translate to sales.
Yeah, I have over half a million, and I haven’t tried selling. It’s hard because [the process of] selling artisan keycaps is really weird. People just do drops, kind of like raffle sales. Most of the time, artists don’t make enough for people to buy it. It’s not like people just have them on stock all the time. Sometimes there are group buys so you can sign up to buy a keycap and you’ll get one for sure, but I would say a large part of the community does these raffle-style sales, where people make X amount of keycaps, and you enter to win a spot to buy it.
I personally cannot make enough for people that want my designs. Part of it is it’s a tedious process with really detailed shots of resin, or certain colors or whatever. And because of that, I can’t really tell if there is actually a rise in people buying my stuff because I don’t have it available. People ask me if I have an Etsy or a storefront and I’m just like, “Yeah, whenever I have enough keycaps, I’ll just do a sale.” I’ll announce it on Instagram and my newsletter, but I can’t tell if TikTok is actually doing anything because I don’t have a store with stock.
This raffle sale sounds super competitive, I’ve never heard anything like it. Is there a specialized website for this?
People just do Google Forms. I think someone tried making a website for it, I don’t know if it’s launched yet. But it’s a really small community of people and you kind of know all the makers out there, so you follow them and you wait for them to drop. I feel like it’s similar to streetwear, with specialized drops. Like it’s only open for like an hour or two hours. Sometimes the raffles are really intense, there’s like a two-minute window time, and you have to answer a trivia question.
There’s no central system set up for it and people kind of just do their own thing. A lot of people are hobbyists, even people who make keycaps. They don’t do it full time so some people just make their own websites and run it through there. However the maker wants to run their sales, it’s pretty up to them.
It sounds very lucrative for a creator, if you’re pretty well-known and you make quality products. Basically everything you make is going to sell out.
I think if you’re one of the big makers, that is true. It is likely that you will sell out, or there’s just people who are wanting to buy your keycaps all the time.
But I think that’s still because it’s a small thing and you know who the creators are. Like if it was commercialized, in a way, I think that would lessen the cost of the keycaps and the demand for it. And because it’s small amounts of art that someone is releasing. I think that’s why it’s kind of lucrative like that.
How much of what you make comes from sales, commissions, or from being a Twitch Partner?
It used to be split between three sources, so Twitch being one of them, sponsorships, and then sales. I have cut back on Twitch a lot, I think you have to be pretty consistent about streaming to make a decent amount off of Twitch nowadays. Especially since it’s so variable in terms of how many people are subbed to you and if you stop streaming, people just stop subbing, which makes sense. It’s very hard to say, “This is how much I’ll get every month.” So I mostly rely on sales nowadays just to make sure that I can make enough money.
What are the kinds of companies and brands that sponsor you?
I have a company that sponsors me and I’ll promote their stuff, it’s a mechanical keyboard company. That one is more like a month-to-month thing. And then there’s one-time sponsorship deals that I’ve done and are looking to do. Companies like Logitech, I worked with last year to do a giveaway. And I’m trying to work with gaming companies to see if I can do small runs of keycaps that are related to their game. So it ranges from companies like Corsair, I’ve also worked with in some small capacity, and companies that make keyboards, and gaming companies.
What would you say is your dream sponsorship?
If I could make, like, official Animal Crossing keycaps, that would be amazing. I’ve made Discord keycaps before — I haven’t sold them, just given them to people who work there, but if I can officially make them keycaps, I would love to. Or for large companies like Riot. If I made like a Teemo keycap or something, that would be pretty awesome.
What’s something you wish people knew about mechanical keyboards?
I just wish people knew how cool they can be. One of the big things that drew me into it was that I can customize this keyboard however I want to, like I can do different colors for the keycaps, I can make it whatever layout I want it to be. I worked in an office, I typed on a computer like eight hours a day, so it made sense for something that I use so often, for me to customize it, decorate it, and for it to actually have very practical benefits.
It doesn’t only apply to people who are programmers, obviously. There’s a lot of people who sit in an office every day on their computer. It’s a hobby that anyone can really benefit from or enjoy. And also they don’t have to be loud. I think that’s a common misconception. There are some loud ones —
I’ve sat next to a pretty loud one once.
(laughs) And I’m sorry for that. But there are some very quiet switches that are meant to be silent and smooth. People are like, “I don’t want a mechanical keyboard because it’s too loud.” I’m like, “it doesn’t have to be loud.”
What’s one of your favorite commissions that you’ve done?
I did one that was of someone’s cat, sitting on top of a keycap. They actually used it as a wedding gift. So they sent me pictures of them at their wedding, the bride and groom actually opening up the little keycap present. So they have official pictures of that. I felt really flattered. So I do get commission requests like that, as gifts for anniversaries to get a significant other or something. Those are meaningful to me because it feels like I’m making something that is part of their life.


theverge--2020-01-17--Lenovo is building another standalone VR headset

Lenovo hasn ’ t made the best bets in virtual reality so far , but it seems like the company ’ s about to try again — according to a new FCC filing for the “ Lenovo VR3030S , ” which company docs identify as an upcoming standalone VR headset .
Standalone means that like Lenovo ’ s previous Mirage Solo or the Oculus Quest , it shouldn ’ t require you to plug in a phone or PC , because the processing power is built right in .
But where the ill-fated Mirage Solo relied on Google ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new headset will presumably run on a different one : perhaps Valve ’ s Steam VR , Microsoft ’ s Windows Mixed Reality , or maybe even Facebook ’ s Oculus ?
Speaking of Lenovo ’ s unlucky bets in virtual reality , it ’ s a little-known fact that the Chinese electronics company was behind the Oculus Rift S headset — you know , the tethered PC one that wound up playing second fiddle to the standalone Oculus Quest .
( Did you also know that a licensing deal between Sony and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically have the same headband as the PlayStation VR ?
Well now you do . )
While the FCC filings don ’ t offer any other details on the new standalone VR headset , we ’ re curious if Lenovo will submit FCC certification documents for a new set of VR controllers , too — the Mirage Solo wound up relying on Google-built wands , although Lenovo did wind up building its own simple two-button sticks for its second-gen Mirage AR headset with Disney .

Lenovo hasn’t made the best bets in virtual reality so far, but it seems like the company’s about to try again — according to a new FCC filing for the “Lenovo VR3030S,” which company docs identify as an upcoming standalone VR headset.
Standalone means that like Lenovo’s previous Mirage Solo or the Oculus Quest, it shouldn’t require you to plug in a phone or PC, because the processing power is built right in. But where the ill-fated Mirage Solo relied on Google’s effectively defunct Daydream VR platform for consumers, it appears this new one will use a proprietary Lenovo platform and is solely for the educational market:
According to the product page, the “Lenovo Mirage VR S3” headset contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and runs on Android, with a 1,920 x 2,160 resolution per eye and a 4200mAh battery inside, USB-C charging, and a simple controller. It appears to be a simple inexpensive 3DoF headset without inside-out tracking, like the Oculus Go, meaning you won’t be able to move around in VR at all beyond turning your body in different directions. A press release says it’s coming in spring 2020.
Speaking of Lenovo’s unlucky bets in virtual reality, it’s a little-known fact that the Chinese electronics company was behind the Oculus Rift S headset — you know, the tethered PC one that wound up playing second fiddle to the standalone Oculus Quest. (Did you also know that a licensing deal between Sony and Lenovo is how the Oculus headset can basically have the same headband as the PlayStation VR? Well now you do.)
The Oculus Rift S. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
While the FCC filings don’t offer any other details on the new standalone VR headset, we’re curious if Lenovo will submit FCC certification documents for a new set of VR controllers, too — the Mirage Solo wound up relying on Google-built wands, and the Explorer shared the same controllers with most other Windows MR headsets, though Lenovo did source its own simple two-button sticks for its second-gen Mirage AR headset with Disney.


theverge--2020-01-17--No, the EU isn’t asking Apple to kill the Lightning cable

You might have read headlines today about how the EU is looking to force Apple to ditch the Lightning cable .
That ’ s not really true .
Since 2009 , the European Commission has been trying to convince tech companies to adopt a single wall charger instead of opting for a proprietary method , one that can power any and all portable devices .
And now , following a recent statement by the Commission at Parliament that calls for stricter enforcement on the matter — possibly to the point of regulation — a few publications have been erroneously convinced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Lightning port and cable disappearing once and for all , and forcing Apple to adopt USB-C across the board .
But that ’ s based on a fundamental misunderstanding of both the EC ’ s intent and how charging actually works .
First , this statement wasn ’ t even about phone cables or connector ports , unlike in previous years .
( At the behest of the Commission in previous years , Apple complied by making a Micro USB to 30-pin adapter for phones predating the iPhone 5 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Micro USB to Lightning adapter ) .
This time , it ’ s about wall chargers .
Vice president of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič shared that when its quest for the common charger began in 2009 , there were over 30 proprietary charging methods in use .
Now , there are apparently just three .
Even so , he shares that old , discarded chargers make up for 51,000 metric tons of e-waste per year .
Apple deserves scrutiny for its 5W USB-A charger , but it ’ s not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products But as hopeful as we are that USB-C will take Lightning ’ s place in 2020 , the European Commission isn ’ t proposing that anything happen to the Lightning port or cable .
Again , it ’ s about chargers — and Apple already makes a charger that probably does what the Commission is asking !
Apple already includes 18W USB-C wall chargers , as well as Lightning to USB-C cables , with its iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max .
The company ’ s 2018 iPad Pro and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chargers and cables as well , and the most powerful USB-C chargers that Apple ships are equally capable of powering a laptop , tablet or phone — they ’ re universal .
Apple might lag behind with the chargers included with some of its products , like the 5W USB Type-A charger that comes with the standard iPhone 11 , but it ’ s making progress toward this common charger initiative , and that progress doesn ’ t seem to be coming to an end .
And even if every charger in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow , that still wouldn ’ t force Apple to remove the Lightning ports from its phones .
Again , Apple already sells and ships a USB-C to Lightning cable .
It makes sense that news outlets are invoking Apple ’ s name when it comes to cables and chargers .
( The EC didn ’ t mention Apple at all . )
It ’ s one of the biggest companies in the world , and thus , defunct Apple chargers likely make up a large part of the e-waste pile .
Until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relied on the tech industry itself to volunteer in making the shift toward a common charger .
Now it ’ s considering regulations to put them in line .
And , if that ’ s what is necessary to force them all to include fast-charging USB-C wall adapters in the box , Apple included , it ’ s hard not to get behind the initiative .

Apple stands for innovation and deeply cares about the customer experience. We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole.
More than 1 billion Apple devices have shipped using a Lightning connector in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers who use Lightning to serve our collective customers. Legislation would have a direct negative impact by disrupting the hundreds of millions of active devices and accessories used by our European customers and even more Apple customers worldwide, creating an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconveniencing users.
We do not believe there is a case for regulation given the industry is already moving to the use of USB Type-C through a connector or cable assembly. This includes Apple’s USB-C power adapter which is compatible with all iPhone and iPad devices. This approach is more affordable and convenient for consumers, enables charging for a wide range of portable electronic products, encourages people to re-use their charger and allows for innovation.
Prior to 2009, the Commission considered mandating that all smartphones use only USB Micro-B connectors which would have restricted the advancement to Lightning and USB Type-C. Instead, the Commission established a voluntary, industry standards-based approach that saw the market shift from 30 chargers down to 3, soon to be two — Lightning and USB-C, showing this approach does work.
We hope the Commission will continue to seek a solution that does not restrict the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers.


theverge--2020-01-17--It’s not just you: Google added annoying icons to search on desktop

Google added tiny favicon icons to its search results this week for some reason , creating more clutter in what used to be a clean interface , and seemingly without actually improving the results or the user experience .
The company says it ’ s part of a plan to make clearer where information is coming from , but how ?
To give you an idea of how minimal the change is , here ’ s what it looked like when Google made the same tweak last year to the browsing experience on phones : In my Chrome desktop browser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary change that doesn ’ t actually help the user determine how good , bad , or reputable an actual search result might be .
Yes , ads are still clearly marked with the word “ ad , ” which is a good thing .
But do I need to see Best Buy ’ s logo or AT & T ’ s blue circle when I search for “ Samsung Fold ” to know they ’ re trying to sell me something ?
The company tweeted that the change to desktop results were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searchers better understand where information is coming from , more easily scan results & decide what to explore.
” But though the logos have been visible in search results on Google ’ s mobile browser since last year , Google ’ s statement doesn ’ t address how successful or irrelevant the favicons might have been for mobile users .
When Google first launched , its sparse , almost blank search page and minimalist results were an extremely welcome change , compared to the detritus on other search home pages at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Adding favicons makes Google ’ s search results look a little cartoonish , and if we think Facebook users who can ’ t determine a reputable news source from their racist uncle ’ s favorite blog are going to be assisted by tiny pictures on Google , well , we ’ re likely to be disappointed .
Google does often make changes to search that actually do improve user experience or results , though .
In the past few months , Google changed its search algorithm so it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag of words , ” improved its results to prioritize reputable news sources , and even added augmented reality results to searches .
If you ’ re intrigued by the new logos in your search results , Google provided instructions on how to change or add a favicon in search results for those who don ’ t know .
Lifehacker also provided instructions on how to apply filters to undo the favicon nonsense and revert back to how the search results used to look .
You can decide which how-to is the more @ @

Google added tiny favicon icons to its search results this week for some reason, creating more clutter in what used to be a clean interface, and seemingly without actually improving the results or the user experience. The company says it’s part of a plan to make clearer where information is coming from, but how?
To give you an idea of how minimal the change is, here’s what it looked like when Google made the same tweak last year to the browsing experience on phones:
In my Chrome desktop browser, it feels like an aggravating, unnecessary change that doesn’t actually help the user determine how good, bad, or reputable an actual search result might be. Yes, ads are still clearly marked with the word “ad,” which is a good thing. But do I need to see Best Buy’s logo or AT&T’s blue circle when I search for “Samsung Fold” to know they’re trying to sell me something?
Search results for “Galaxy Fold” are not clearer for having the favicons
The company tweeted that the change to desktop results were rolling out this week, “helping searchers better understand where information is coming from, more easily scan results & decide what to explore.” But though the logos have been visible in search results on Google’s mobile browser since last year, Google’s statement doesn’t address how successful or irrelevant the favicons might have been for mobile users.
When Google first launched, its sparse, almost blank search page and minimalist results were an extremely welcome change, compared to the detritus on other search home pages at the time (which persists on sites like Yahoo). Adding favicons makes Google’s search results look a little cartoonish, and if we think Facebook users who can’t determine a reputable news source from their racist uncle’s favorite blog are going to be assisted by tiny pictures on Google, well, we’re likely to be disappointed.


theverge--2020-01-17--YouTuber turns the GameCube Switch Joy-Cons of our dreams into reality

For practically as long as the Nintendo Switch and its removable Joy-Con controllers has existed , fans have been mocking up and wishing for Joy-Con-style GameCube controllers to use with the portable console .
But hardware mod YouTuber Shank did more than just dream : he spent months turning the idea into reality , combining Joy-Con internals with original GameCube hardware to build the ultimate Switch accessory .
For the best look at the entire modification process , you should check out the full video on the Shank Mod YouTube channel , which gives a detailed and well-explained breakdown of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple .
To start , Shank took original GameCube WaveBird controller shells , and carefully split them down the middle .
Rail attachments scavenged from original Joy-Cons were added on using customized 3D printed components , along with modifications to the triggers and thumbsticks to accommodate modern controller innovations like clickable joysticks .
Shank also had to drill holes to add additional buttons for the plus , minus , home , and screenshot buttons required by the Switch .
The project also required some help from other modders : Shank commissioned GameCube controller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-side Z button so that the GameCube Joy-Cons could be used to play regular Switch games and also got help from YouTuber Madmorda for both custom resin Joy-Con buttons and a classic GameCube purple paint job .
After that came all the wiring to match the Joy-Con circuit board to the GameCube buttons and sticks , which due to the Joy-Con ’ s complex hardware was apparently particularly challenging .
The best of both worlds But Shank Mod ’ s finished product is nothing short of stunning , offering wireless , detachable GameCube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Switch .
Since Shank used original Nintendo hardware from Joy-Cons , all the Switch functionality , including HD Rumble , Amiibo support , and gyroscopic aiming all still work , but with a gamepad that still feels exactly like an old-school GameCube controller .
Shank even custom designed a center grip piece , allowing the two halves to be used wirelessly as a single regular controller ( just like the normal Joy-Cons can ) .
Unfortunately , Shank warns the mod is likely too complicated for all but the most seasoned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hard to watch his video and not hope that Nintendo would make an official version for the ultimate portable Smash Bros. device .
The only question left is when Shank will take up the ultimate challenge and make the internet ’ s N64 Switch controller dreams a reality , too .

For practically as long as the Nintendo Switch and its removable Joy-Con controllers has existed, fans have been mocking up and wishing for Joy-Con-style GameCube controllers to use with the portable console. But hardware mod YouTuber Shank did more than just dream: he spent months turning the idea into reality, combining Joy-Con internals with original GameCube hardware to build the ultimate Switch accessory.
For the best look at the entire modification process, you should check out the full video on the Shank Mod YouTube channel, which gives a detailed and well-explained breakdown of the process.
The ultimate portable Smash Bros. device
The basic idea is simple. To start, Shank took original GameCube WaveBird controller shells, and carefully split them down the middle. Rail attachments scavenged from original Joy-Cons were added on using customized 3D printed components, along with modifications to the triggers and thumbsticks to accommodate modern controller innovations like clickable joysticks. Shank also had to drill holes to add additional buttons for the plus, minus, home, and screenshot buttons required by the Switch.
The project also required some help from other modders: Shank commissioned GameCube controller expert BassLine to help cut out a left-side Z button so that the GameCube Joy-Cons could be used to play regular Switch games and also got help from YouTuber Madmorda for both custom resin Joy-Con buttons and a classic GameCube purple paint job.
After that came all the wiring to match the Joy-Con circuit board to the GameCube buttons and sticks, which due to the Joy-Con’s complex hardware was apparently particularly challenging.
The best of both worlds
But Shank Mod’s finished product is nothing short of stunning, offering wireless, detachable GameCube controllers that can be affixed right onto a Switch. Since Shank used original Nintendo hardware from Joy-Cons, all the Switch functionality, including HD Rumble, Amiibo support, and gyroscopic aiming all still work, but with a gamepad that still feels exactly like an old-school GameCube controller. Shank even custom designed a center grip piece, allowing the two halves to be used wirelessly as a single regular controller (just like the normal Joy-Cons can).
Unfortunately, Shank warns the mod is likely too complicated for all but the most seasoned of hardware modders to attempt. But it’s hard to watch his video and not hope that Nintendo would make an official version for the ultimate portable Smash Bros. device.


theverge--2020-01-17--Valve says it’s ‘absolutely not working’ on Left 4 Dead 3

Valve has put an end to rumors about Left 4 Dead 3 being in development , by stating that the studio hasn ’ t been working on it for years .
“ We ’ ve seen rumors to this effect for the last couple of months , ” Valve said in a statement to IGN .
“ We did briefly explore some Left 4 Dead next gen opportunities a few years ago .
But we are absolutely not working on anything L4D related now , and haven ’ t for years.
” Earlier today , Alvin Wang Graylin , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images of some slides from a recent presentation to Twitter .
One of the slides , titled “ 2020 VR Trends , ” had a bullet point stating that “ Valve HL Alyx/L4D3 will drive consumer and AAA studio interest.
” The mention of “ L4D3 ” was seen by some as confirmation that HTC was developing Left 4 Dead 3 for VR , but instead led to Valve ’ s new statement today .
Rumors about Left 4 Dead 3 being developed for VR have been circling the internet recently .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel on YouTube posted what it claimed were leaked concept art and screenshots from the game .
“ It ’ s clear some people are having fun creating misinformation to spin up the community and other outlets , ” Valve said .
“ Unfortunately , for now a new L4D game is not something we ’ re working on.
” Left 4 Dead was released in 2008 , followed by Left for Dead 2 in 2009 .
Left 4 Dead 3 was reportedly in development in 2011 or 2012 , according to Valve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
The channel had speculated that the game had recently gone back into development .
The Verge has reached out to HTC and Valve for comment .

Valve has put an end to rumors about Left 4 Dead 3 being in development, by stating that the studio hasn’t been working on it for years.
“We’ve seen rumors to this effect for the last couple of months,” Valve said in a statement to IGN. “We did briefly explore some Left 4 Dead next gen opportunities a few years ago. But we are absolutely not working on anything L4D related now, and haven’t for years.”
Earlier today, Alvin Wang Graylin, president of HTC Vive in China, posted images of some slides from a recent presentation to Twitter. One of the slides, titled “2020 VR Trends,” had a bullet point stating that “Valve HL Alyx/L4D3 will drive consumer and AAA studio interest.” The mention of “L4D3” was seen by some as confirmation that HTC was developing Left 4 Dead 3 for VR, but instead led to Valve’s new statement today.
HTC’s Graylin later admitted the mention of L4D3 was just his own “personal speculation” and apologized to fans.
Rumors about Left 4 Dead 3 being developed for VR have been circling the internet recently. Two days ago, the Valve News Network channel on YouTube posted what it claimed were leaked concept art and screenshots from the game.
“It’s clear some people are having fun creating misinformation to spin up the community and other outlets,” Valve said. “Unfortunately, for now a new L4D game is not something we’re working on.”
Left 4 Dead was released in 2008, followed by Left for Dead 2 in 2009. Left 4 Dead 3 was reportedly in development in 2011 or 2012, according to Valve News Network, and then cancelled in 2017. The channel had speculated that the game had recently gone back into development.
HTC declined to comment, pointing us to Greylin’s later tweets. Valve didn’t respond to a request for comment.


theverge--2020-01-17--Microsoft puts the pressure on Slack with first TV ad for Microsoft Teams

Microsoft is unveiling its first TV commercial for Microsoft Teams this weekend .
A 30-second ad will air during Sunday ’ s NFL playoffs , and will also be shown in the UK , France , and Germany next month .
Dubbed “ The Power of Teams , ” the ad opens with boring business meetings , flip charts , ancient speaker phones , and slidedecks printed on paper before quickly moving on to Teams .
Microsoft has been aligning its Teams software as the hub for the future of its Office suite , and this ad plays into that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Microsoft ’ s latest Surface hardware , is obviously designed to take on Slack in markets that may consider the rival group chat software over Microsoft ’ s alternative .
Microsoft has successfully chased and overtaken its Slack competition during the past year , leading to Teams being used actively by 20 million people daily compared to Slack ’ s 12 million .
The Microsoft and Slack competition has been heating up recently The competition has been tense recently , with Microsoft claiming Slack doesn ’ t have the “ breadth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinvent what it looks like to work together.
” Slack has claimed it ’ s not worried about the reach of Office 365 , and it ’ s focused on how many of its users love its product and the amount of time they spend using the app .
Slack even mocked Microsoft last year , accusing it of ripping off its ads .
Despite the increased competition between both companies , there ’ s likely room for both Slack and Microsoft Teams in the market .
A large number of small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slack , Google , and Dropbox instead of an Office 365 subscription .
Whereas Microsoft is comfortably winning the larger enterprise side of the chat app market , with 91 companies from the Fortune 100 already using Microsoft Teams .

Microsoft is unveiling its first TV commercial for Microsoft Teams this weekend. A 30-second ad will air during Sunday’s NFL playoffs, and will also be shown in the UK, France, and Germany next month. Dubbed “The Power of Teams,” the ad opens with boring business meetings, flip charts, ancient speaker phones, and slidedecks printed on paper before quickly moving on to Teams. Microsoft has been aligning its Teams software as the hub for the future of its Office suite, and this ad plays into that.
This TV commercial, which also includes Microsoft’s latest Surface hardware, is obviously designed to take on Slack in markets that may consider the rival group chat software over Microsoft’s alternative. Microsoft has successfully chased and overtaken its Slack competition during the past year, leading to Teams being used actively by 20 million people daily compared to Slack’s 12 million.
The Microsoft and Slack competition has been heating up recently
The competition has been tense recently, with Microsoft claiming Slack doesn’t have the “breadth and depth that’s really required to reinvent what it looks like to work together.” Slack has claimed it’s not worried about the reach of Office 365, and it’s focused on how many of its users love its product and the amount of time they spend using the app. Slack even mocked Microsoft last year, accusing it of ripping off its ads.