theverge--2020-03-17--How to order takeout safely and ethically

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus , we ’ ve been advised to stay inside and to minimize human contact .
One of the biggest challenges that creates is getting food .
Many states and cities have restricted restaurants to takeout since dining out is no longer considered safe or responsible .
However , ordering delivery is still a viable option .
There is little evidence to support that COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , can be transmitted through food or food packaging , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , nobody is absolutely sure ) .
However , the risk can be much higher for delivery workers who have to travel and interact with people .
During a pandemic like this one , there are always risks , but there are also ways to mitigate those risks .
Here are some current good practices — both in terms of health and ethics — for getting takeout : Avoid meeting the food courier in person .
Several apps have added options to help limit in-person contact .
Instacart rolled out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option and Postmates has also started offering no-contact deliveries .
Grubhub has a contact-free delivery option , which allows you to designate where the food should be left .
If those options aren ’ t available at your favorite takeout place , you can always request ( in the delivery instructions or over the phone ) to have the food left on your doorstep , in the lobby , or somewhere else .
Delivery workers are especially vulnerable to the virus , and they rely on that work for their livelihood The CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the virus by coming into contact with a surface that has the virus on it .
That ’ s why it ’ s best if you discard the packaging your takeout comes in as soon as possible and wash your hands straight after .
Also , it ’ s probably good practice to avoid using the containers and utensils that the food came in ( some experiments indicate that the virus could possibly remain viable on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic for up to three days ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s always a good idea to disinfect your counters and tables before and after eating .
You should always wash your hands before you eat , but it ’ s especially important now .
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds .
Delivery workers are especially vulnerable to the virus , and they rely on that work for their livelihood .
It ’ s important that you tip , and if you are able to , tip generously .
A 20 percent tip is normally the standard .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tip even more ( if you can ) , especially if you have a large order or have ordered a drink as well .
Also , tip electronically , whether online , in the app , or over the phone .
Avoid , if possible , giving the tip in cash because that involves contact with another person .
If you absolutely have to use cash , wash your hands after handling it .
If you ’ re filling out a receipt , use your own pen and then wash your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support a local or family-owned business since they are more likely to be hit harder by the effects of quarantine measures .
Chinese restaurants have been struggling in particular , after misinformation and racism led people to avoid eating Chinese food .
A smaller business also probably means that the workers are also coming into contact with fewer people .
Order Directly from the Restaurant , If Possible It is always better to order directly from the restaurant , as third-party apps can charge commission fees .
Some of these delivery services have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Seamless , and DoorDash were all found to be listing on their sites and apps businesses that they didn ’ t partner with .
Grubhub was also caught setting up dummy websites to look like they come from local businesses , allegedly in order to intercept their orders and then charge those businesses a higher commission .
That ’ s why it ’ s important to verify the contact information by running multiple searches and cross-checking the information against Yellow Pages , Whitepages , or the Better Business Bureau .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to order ethically , pay attention to that particular service ’ s sick leave and benefits plan for their workers .
Postmates has set up a relief fund to help cover employee ’ s medical costs related to the pandemic .
It will also provide two weeks of paid sick leave if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 .
Instacart and DoorDash offer up to two weeks ’ pay if a worker is quarantined or diagnosed , although Instacart ’ s policy is only valid up to 30 days after March 9th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accrue sick leave .
Uber Eats provides financial assistance to drivers and delivery people who may be infected or exposed to the virus for up to 14 days .
Some apps are taking steps to support smaller businesses in the wake of the pandemic .
Postmates has waived delivery fees for businesses in the Bay Area .
Grubhub has deferred commission fees for certain independent restaurants .
Uber Eats is waiving delivery fees for independent businesses and providing 300,000 free meals to first responders and health care workers in the US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often judged by their ratings , which can have an impact on whether they get work , so it ’ s helpful to leave a good rating , and leave a positive review for your restaurant .
It ’ s taking a hit these days , and if you want it to stay in business , a good review can make a difference .

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, we’ve been advised to stay inside and to minimize human contact. One of the biggest challenges that creates is getting food. Many states and cities have restricted restaurants to takeout since dining out is no longer considered safe or responsible. However, ordering delivery is still a viable option.
There is little evidence to support that COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, can be transmitted through food or food packaging, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration (although, of course, nobody is absolutely sure). However, the risk can be much higher for delivery workers who have to travel and interact with people.
During a pandemic like this one, there are always risks, but there are also ways to mitigate those risks. Here are some current good practices — both in terms of health and ethics — for getting takeout:
Practice Social Distancing
Avoid meeting the food courier in person. Several apps have added options to help limit in-person contact. Instacart rolled out a “Leave at My Door Delivery” option and Postmates has also started offering no-contact deliveries. Grubhub has a contact-free delivery option, which allows you to designate where the food should be left.
If those options aren’t available at your favorite takeout place, you can always request (in the delivery instructions or over the phone) to have the food left on your doorstep, in the lobby, or somewhere else.
Delivery workers are especially vulnerable to the virus, and they rely on that work for their livelihood
Throw Out the Packaging
The CDC says that there is a risk of getting the virus by coming into contact with a surface that has the virus on it. That’s why it’s best if you discard the packaging your takeout comes in as soon as possible and wash your hands straight after. Also, it’s probably good practice to avoid using the containers and utensils that the food came in (some experiments indicate that the virus could possibly remain viable on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic for up to three days) and use your own instead.
And it’s always a good idea to disinfect your counters and tables before and after eating.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands
You should always wash your hands before you eat, but it’s especially important now. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Tip Well
Photo: DoorDash
Delivery workers are especially vulnerable to the virus, and they rely on that work for their livelihood. It’s important that you tip, and if you are able to, tip generously. A 20 percent tip is normally the standard. Now, it’s a good idea to tip even more (if you can), especially if you have a large order or have ordered a drink as well.
Also, tip electronically, whether online, in the app, or over the phone. Avoid, if possible, giving the tip in cash because that involves contact with another person. If you absolutely have to use cash, wash your hands after handling it. If you’re filling out a receipt, use your own pen and then wash your hands after.
Support Local Businesses
It’s better to support a local or family-owned business since they are more likely to be hit harder by the effects of quarantine measures. Chinese restaurants have been struggling in particular, after misinformation and racism led people to avoid eating Chinese food. A smaller business also probably means that the workers are also coming into contact with fewer people.
Order Directly from the Restaurant, If Possible
It is always better to order directly from the restaurant, as third-party apps can charge commission fees.
Some of these delivery services have also engaged in unsavory practices. Grubhub, Seamless, and DoorDash were all found to be listing on their sites and apps businesses that they didn’t partner with. Grubhub was also caught setting up dummy websites to look like they come from local businesses, allegedly in order to intercept their orders and then charge those businesses a higher commission. That’s why it’s important to verify the contact information by running multiple searches and cross-checking the information against Yellow Pages, Whitepages, or the Better Business Bureau.
GrubHub is also having restaurants cover the costs of their $10 discount, as well as making those restaurants pay the same commission they would on a full-price order. Restaurants have to opt into this program, but to opt out they need to send in a form for each location, and there’s a two-day processing period.
If You’re Using a Third-Party App
If you have to order from an app but want to order ethically, pay attention to that particular service’s sick leave and benefits plan for their workers.
Postmates has set up a relief fund to help cover employee’s medical costs related to the pandemic. It will also provide two weeks of paid sick leave if an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Instacart and DoorDash offer up to two weeks’ pay if a worker is placed under mandatory quarantine or diagnosed. Initially Instacart’s policy was only valid up to 30 days after March 9th, but they’ve since extended it through May 8th. Instacart also allows all in-store shoppers to accrue sick leave. Uber Eats provides financial assistance to drivers and delivery people who may be infected or exposed to the virus for up to 14 days.
Eater has published a list of food chains offering paid sick leave. Keep in mind that sick leave only applies to employees who tested positive for COVID-19 — these policies don’t include provisions for employees who have symptoms but weren’t able to get tested.
Several companies have been criticized for failing to adequately protect workers during the outbreak. Instacart workers went on strike on March 30th, asking for the company to expand its paid sick leave policy, add a $5 hazard payment for each order, and provide workers with protective supplies such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Workers at Amazon and Whole Foods also went on strike to protest how their companies have handled the coronavirus outbreak.
Some apps are taking steps to support smaller businesses in the wake of the pandemic. Postmates has waived delivery fees for businesses in the Bay Area. Grubhub has deferred commission fees for certain independent restaurants. Uber Eats is waiving delivery fees for independent businesses and providing 300,000 free meals to first responders and health care workers in the US and Canada.
Leave a Good Rating
Gig workers’ performances are often judged by their ratings, which can have an impact on whether they get work, so it’s helpful to leave a good rating, and leave a positive review for your restaurant. It’s taking a hit these days, and if you want it to stay in business, a good review can make a difference.


theverge--2020-03-17--Here’s a list of games you can grab and save some money in the process.

With all of the chaos going on in the world , now is a great time to spend some time relaxing with new games .
Maybe you need a list of games to play during the next few weeks .
Maybe you are looking to purchase some new games , but you ’ re tight on cash .
Look no further , I ’ ve compiled a list of games that are either free or extremely cheap at the moment .
Please note that I will be listing several games available on multiple platforms , however , I am only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these sweet deals available .
We ’ ll update this story if any other great deals come along .
Social distancing and self-isolation can be difficult , so to help those stuck at home , the creator of both Alto ’ s Adventure and Alto ’ s Odyssey is offering both games for free on the App Store for the next few days .
Both are endless runner snowboarding games ( technically sandboarding in the latter title ) , yet you don ’ t have to be a fan of the sport to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmosphere and aesthetics that truly make you feel at ease while you play .
As my colleague Andrew Webster pointed out in his review of Alto ’ s Adventure , it ’ s an “ incredibly relaxing experience.
” Where is it on sale ?
Alto ’ s Adventure : App Store ( free ) , Google Play ( free ) Sure , it is still safe to go outside for a hike , but if A Short Hike is ideal for those wishing to stay indoors , then its plot might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate than ever before .
You play as a bird taking a stroll around the countryside as she works her way up the mountain hoping to get a signal on her phone .
Though it ’ s a rather short game , exploration is the main focus , and it ’ s nice to kick back for a couple of hours as you take in the game ’ s colorful world .
Where is it on sale ?
Epic Games Store ( free ) Like other platforms , mobile devices like smartphones offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with , from Call of Duty Mobile to Tetris .
But Ironhide Game Studio ’ s Kingdom Rush Origins is a fantastic game to pick up for your smartphone or tablet .
Truthfully , I don ’ t play a bunch of tower defense games , but my colleague Casey Newton enjoys it so much that he said Origins is a “ world-class tower defense game.
” Where is it on sale ?
App Store ( free ) , Google Play ( free ) I love the Life is Strange series and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aside from the strong storytelling , I am enamored by the first game ’ s characters ( p.s .
Chloe Price is my favorite ) , setting ( the serene Arcadia Bay ) , and the truly beautiful soundtrack , which captures just the right emotion during certain parts of the game .
You can pick up the complete season for the first game , which includes all five episodes , for under $ 5 on the PlayStation and Xbox digital stores , which is practically giving the game away .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll enjoy the game , the first episode is free on both platforms to get your feet wet .
Where is it on sale ?
PlayStation Store ( $ 4 ) , Microsoft Store ( $ 4 ) There are a ton of games that try to recapture that classic arcade aesthetic of the 1980s , and Super Bit Blaster XL perfectly revives that decade ’ s charm for modern-day gaming .
It originally came out a few years ago as Bit Blaster XL , however , Super Bit Blaster XL launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that includes an overhaul to the game ’ s controls and introduces multiplayer .
Where is it on sale ?
Steam ( $ 3 ) Okay , I know Half-Life : Alyx is coming out really soon , but if you are looking to kill some time with another VR game before it does , might I suggest picking up Space Junkies ?
It ’ s a fast-paced VR arcade shooter that reminds me of great first-person shooters like Halo and Quake but offers its own spin .
It ’ s a surreal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customization .
Where is it on sale ?
Steam ( $ 5 ) The Sims celebrated its 20th anniversary last month .
Throughout the last 20 years , The Sims has been adored by many , thanks to its laid-back , open-ended gameplay .
You can create your own stories and dictate how your Sims live their life ; from raising families , to falling in love , among other things .
Alongside the base game , EA has released a slew of expansion packs that offer new content ranging from in-game items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pets for your Sims .
You can pick up the base game on PC for $ 5 , and the Xbox One version is also on sale for $ 10 .
Of course , if you already own The Sims 4 and are interested in purchasing some additional content , there are discounts on expansion packs for both versions , too .
Where is it on sale ?
Base game : Microsoft Store ( $ 10 ) , Origin ( $ 5 ) Nintendo games rarely go on sale , so when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to capitalize on them .
While there are no first-party games currently on sale on the Nintendo eShop , Ubisoft ’ s tactical RPG game Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is available at a discount right now .
Who would ’ ve thought there would be an XCOM-esque game featuring characters from Super Mario and Raving Rabbids that ’ s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch ?
Yeah , the game is weird in concept , but it ’ s really good .
The game is on sale for $ 20 digitally via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the Gold Edition , which combines the base game and the season pass for exclusive weapons , new co-op maps , and some new story content .
Where is it on sale ?
Nintendo eShop ( $ 20 ) As an added bonus , I wanted to let you all know that a demo for the Resident Evil 3 remake will be available on March 19th , while the open beta for the game ’ s online multiplayer mode , Project Resistance , is slated to launch on March 27th .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , and Steam and are great opportunities for fans to get a glimpse of what they ’ ll have to offer ahead of their April 3rd release date .

With all of the chaos going on in the world, now is a great time to spend some time relaxing with new games. Maybe you need a list of games to play during the next few weeks. Maybe you are looking to purchase some new games, but you’re tight on cash. Look no further! I’ve compiled a list of games that are either free or extremely cheap at the moment.
Please note that I will be listing several games available on multiple platforms. However, I am only mentioning versions of the game that have these sweet deals available. We’ll update this story if any other great deals come along.
Goat of Duty
When people think of multiplayer shooters, games that usually come to mind include Battlefield and Call of Duty. But sometimes, you just get tired of fighting human NPCs. What if I told you there’s a game that offers a similar experience, but you play as a bunch of homicidal goats?
Goat of Duty is a fast-paced multiplayer shooter where you are armed to the horns with lethal weapons. It’s equal parts fun and goofy, offering its own charm in a genre that has a lot of games to choose from.
Where is it on sale? Steam (free)
Mini Metro
It may not be smart to use public transportation right now if you can avoid it, but if you miss taking the metro on your commute to work, Mini Metro just might fill the void. It’s a puzzle strategy game where your objective is to build an adequate rail transit network for your city that is continuously increasing in population.
Where is it on sale? App Store (free), Google Play (Free)
The Stanley Parable
Sure, The Staley Parable is not the most exciting game on this list, but what it lacks in action and combat, it makes up for in excellent writing and humor. You play as Stanley, a white-collared worker who ends up exploring his strangely abandoned workplace.
Throughout the game, a British narrator explains which path you take and how the story plays out. Still, the real strength of this game is you don’t have to listen to what the narrator says; you can choose your own path and stumble across a completely different ending. (The narrator even hilariously berates you if you do.)
Where is it on sale? Epic Games Store (free)
Treasure Adventure Game
Sure, you can still go outside and enjoy Mother Nature, but if you’re an introvert like me and would rather explore the great virtual outdoors, then Treasure Adventure Game just might be what you need right now. It’s a 2D open-world platformer where you venture across the world, taking quests and finding treasure. You are equipped with nothing more than a hat, a parrot, and a boat that instantly appears after you come into contact with water.
The game is being offered by GOG as part of an initiative to encourage people to stay indoors as much as possible. A handful of other games are available for free as well.
Where is It on sale? GOG (free)
Capcom Mega Bundle
Humble Bundle has an excellent deal going on right now, featuring a ton of great games from Capcom. It’s a “Pay What You Want” bundle, so you can choose how much money you want to spend. At a minimum, it’s worth paying at least $11, which grants you a 50% discount to purchase Steam keys to Devil May Cry 5 and Resident Evil 2 remake.
Where is it on sale? Humble Bundle ($1 to $20)
Jak and Daxter Bundle
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was one of the main reasons why I begged my mother to buy me a PlayStation 2. I am a huge fan of the series and will revisit these games whenever I have the time.
It’s one of the few Sony platformers that has evolved with the industry, evolving from a collect-a-thon into an open-world action-focused platformer.
For $20 you can obtain the entire Jak and Daxter trilogy as well as its spinoff title, Jak X: Combat Racing. If you are a PS4 owner, all four of these games will provide you with a ton of hours of content to keep you busy.
Where is it on sale? PlayStation Store ($19.99)
Life is Strange
I love the Life is Strange series and have played through the games multiple times. Aside from the strong storytelling, I am enamored by the first game’s characters (p.s. Chloe Price is my favorite), setting (the serene Arcadia Bay), and the truly beautiful soundtrack, which captures just the right emotion during certain parts of the game.
You can pick up the complete season for the first game, which includes all five episodes, for under $5 on the Xbox digital store, which is practically giving the game away. If you are on the fence about whether you’ll enjoy the game, the first episode is free to get your feet wet.
Where is it on sale? Microsoft Store ($3.99)
Space Junkies
Okay, I know Half-Life: Alyx is out, but if you are looking for a fun VR multiplayer game, might I suggest picking up Space Junkies? It’s a fast-paced VR arcade shooter that reminds me of great first-person shooters like Halo and Quake but offers its own spin. It’s a surreal experience with fast-paced action and detailed weapon customization.
Where is it on sale? Steam ($4.99)
Sims 4
The Sims celebrated its 20th anniversary last month. Throughout the last 20 years, The Sims has been adored by many, thanks to its laid-back, open-ended gameplay. You can create your own stories and dictate how your Sims live their life; from raising families, to falling in love, among other things. Alongside the base game, EA has released a slew of expansion packs that offer new content ranging from in-game items to new career paths, and even to pets for your Sims.
Where is it on sale? Base game: Microsoft Store ($9.99)
Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation
While there are no first-party Nintendo games currently on sale on the Nintendo eShop, Square Enix’s Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation should be on your radar to pick up.
Sure, it’s not the same level of gaming “comfort food” as Dragon Quest XI, but Dragon Quest III Is a fantastic JRPG that’s well worth your time. Compared to its predecessors, Dragon Quest III has aged fairly well for a game released nearly 30 years ago, thanks to a robust class system and a stellar soundtrack.
Where is it on sale? Nintendo eShop ($9.99)
Resident Evil 3 remake demo and Project Resistance open beta
As an added bonus, I wanted to let you all know that a demo for the Resident Evil 3 remake is now available. The open beta for the game’s online multiplayer mode, Project Resistance, is slated to launch on March 27th. Both will be available to download on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam, and they are great opportunities for fans to get a glimpse at what they’ll have to offer ahead of their April 3rd release date.
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Update March 19th, 11:32AM ET: This story has been updated to include Capcom Mega Bundle, Goat of Duty, Mini Metro, and Treasure Adventure Game.
Update March 23rd, 10AM ET: This story has been updated to include The Stanley Parable and remove Super Bit Blaster XL.


theverge--2020-03-17--People with insurance could pay over $1,300 for COVID-19 treatment

Someone with health insurance from their employer could pay $ 1,300 or more out of pocket for treatment if they ’ re hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , according to one analysis .
Health researchers based that prediction off of the costs associated with hospitalization for pneumonia .
“ The thought is , how we treat pneumonia is going to look at lot like how we treat the coronavirus , ” said Matthew Rae , associate director for the Program on the Health Care Marketplace at the Kaiser Family Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Both are respiratory illnesses.
” Rae and his co-authors analyzed a database of insurance claims for people enrolled in employer insurance plans .
They found that the total cost of treatments for people on those insurance plans who were hospitalized with severe pneumonia with complications was , on average , around $ 20,000 — though it ranged from around $ 11,000 to around $ 24,000 .
Insurers covered most of that cost , but the out-of-pocket expense for most people usually reached or exceeded $ 1,300 .
The analysis , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance plan .
“ It doesn ’ t capture out-of-network billing charges , ” Rae says — also known as surprise medical bills , which can happen when a doctor who isn ’ t in a patient ’ s insurance network stops by to see the patient .
Around 18 percent of people with severe pneumonia end up with a surprise medical bill .
The costs for pneumonia treatment may not map exactly onto the costs for COVID-19 treatment .
It doesn ’ t include the costs of protective equipment and isolation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it more expensive , ” Rae says .
It ’ s hard to estimate those costs , he says , because there isn ’ t much data in insurance claims databases that includes them .
This analysis would only apply to patients who are insured through employer plans , which tend to have low deductibles and be fairly generous .
People insured with Affordable Care Act plans may face different out-of-pocket costs , Rae says .
“ It could really range , ” he says .
“ But I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For people who aren ’ t insured , though , the cost could be significantly higher .
Around 8 percent of people in the US don ’ t have insurance .
Policies and legislation enacted in response to the pandemic might affect costs of COVID-19 treatments .
Insurance companies agreed to waive co-pays for testing , and the bill currently before Congress includes free testing , regardless of insurance status .
The White House originally said that insurance companies would cover the cost of treatment in full , but the insurance lobby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
The insurance companies also said there would not be surprise medical bills associated with COVID-19 treatment , but Rae says it ’ s not clear how that would work because those charges are made by hospitals and doctors .
“ It ’ s all an open question , ” he says .
“ We ’ re just trying to take our best guess right now .
”

Someone with health insurance from their employer could pay $1,300 or more out of pocket for treatment if they’re hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to one analysis. Health researchers based that prediction off of the costs associated with hospitalization for pneumonia.
“The thought is, how we treat pneumonia is going to look at lot like how we treat the coronavirus,” said Matthew Rae, associate director for the Program on the Health Care Marketplace at the Kaiser Family Foundation, who worked on the analysis. “Both are respiratory illnesses.”
The new coronavirus is spreading through the US, and several states have made emergency declarations. The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic. Here are the basics: Everything you need to know about the coronavirus
Rae and his co-authors analyzed a database of insurance claims for people enrolled in employer insurance plans. They found that the total cost of treatments for people on those insurance plans who were hospitalized with severe pneumonia with complications was, on average, around $20,000 — though it ranged from around $11,000 to around $24,000. Insurers covered most of that cost, but the out-of-pocket expense for most people usually reached or exceeded $1,300.
The analysis, though, only captured the costs associated with an insurance plan. “It doesn’t capture out-of-network billing charges,” Rae says — also known as surprise medical bills, which can happen when a doctor who isn’t in a patient’s insurance network stops by to see the patient. Around 18 percent of people with severe pneumonia end up with a surprise medical bill.
The costs for pneumonia treatment may not map exactly onto the costs for COVID-19 treatment. It doesn’t include the costs of protective equipment and isolation, for instance. “Those things will make it more expensive,” Rae says. It’s hard to estimate those costs, he says, because there isn’t much data in insurance claims databases that includes them.
This analysis would only apply to patients who are insured through employer plans, which tend to have low deductibles and be fairly generous. People insured with Affordable Care Act plans may face different out-of-pocket costs, Rae says. “It could really range,” he says. “But I wouldn’t say that it would be magnitudes different.”
For people who aren’t insured, though, the cost could be significantly higher. Around 8 percent of people in the US don’t have insurance.
Policies and legislation enacted in response to the pandemic might affect costs of COVID-19 treatments. Insurance companies agreed to waive co-pays for testing, and the bill currently before Congress includes free testing, regardless of insurance status. The White House originally said that insurance companies would cover the cost of treatment in full, but the insurance lobby clarified that they would not be doing so. The insurance companies also said there would not be surprise medical bills associated with COVID-19 treatment, but Rae says it’s not clear how that would work because those charges are made by hospitals and doctors.


theverge--2020-03-17--Distract yourself from coronavirus and watch SpaceX launch the same rocket for the fifth time

As the rest of the world slowly grinds to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic , the US launch industry is still sending rockets into space , with another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket set to take off from Florida on Wednesday morning .
SpaceX is launching its latest batch of 60 satellites for its Starlink constellation , aimed at beaming internet coverage down to Earth .
And the company is using a very special Falcon 9 rocket for the job : a vehicle that ’ s been to space and back four times before .
This is the second launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to get off the ground on Sunday .
SpaceX got all the way to T-0 , but had to abort the mission just before takeoff .
If the vehicle launches successfully today , the rocket will become the first of SpaceX ’ s fleet to go to space for a fifth time .
And it ’ s possible it could become the first to land for a fifth time , too .
SpaceX is aiming to land the Falcon 9 rocket on one of its drone ships in the Atlantic Ocean following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51st landing of a Falcon 9 core for the company .
SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff In fact , SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff .
Two of SpaceX ’ s boats equipped with giant nets will attempt to catch the rocket ’ s nosecone — the bulbous structure on top of the Falcon 9 that shields the satellites during the climb to space .
The nosecone , or payload fairing , breaks in two once the rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Earth , usually hitting the ocean and going unrecovered .
But SpaceX has been trying periodically to catch these pieces following launches in order to use them again on future flights .
All in all , it ’ s an ambitious launch for SpaceX that could contain a lot of firsts for the company .
If each piece of hardware lands or is caught as planned , it would be the first time SpaceX has successfully recovered that many pieces of a rocket following a launch .
So far , SpaceX has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and catch one half of the fairing following a flight ; it hasn ’ t been able to catch both halves on one mission yet .
The enterprising mission comes amid a time of uncertainty for the launch industry , which is just starting to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
While US launches still remain on track , European launch provider Arianespace announced yesterday that it ’ s suspending all launches from its spaceport in French Guiana for the foreseeable future , in order to protect the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
So far , SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance — two of the biggest rocket companies in the US — have not announced any delays to launches due to coronavirus concerns .
And the US Space Force ’ s 45th Space Wing , which oversees launches out of Cape Canaveral , Florida , does not anticipate the need to reschedule any missions out of the spaceport at this time .
“ At this time , there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities.
” “ The DoD ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their families , and the department ’ s civilian work force ; safeguarding and maintaining our ability to defend the nation and its interests ; and supporting our U.S. Government partners in this fight , ” a US Space Force spokesperson tells The Verge in a statement .
“ At this time , there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities due to COVID-19 concerns.
” The spokesperson clarified that rocket launches are considered “ mission-essential.
” But these launches may have less of an audience than past missions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular place to view launches out of Cape Canaveral , is temporarily closed to the public .
Journalists and photographers covering the launch are normally bused to the launchpad to set up their cameras , but they are now caravanning to the site in their own cars .
Other countries are getting even stricter , with Russia ’ s state space corporation , Roscosmos , completely banning media from attending the April flight of its Soyuz rocket , which will send three crew members to the International Space Station .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry right now , with new restrictions changing every few hours .
But for now , SpaceX is flying .
The company is aiming to launch its Falcon 9 at 8:16AM ET on March 18th .
If the rocket doesn ’ t get off the ground on Wednesday , SpaceX has a backup launch date at 7:56AM ET on Thursday , March 19th .
SpaceX plans to live stream the launch , with coverage beginning about 15 minutes before liftoff , so you can watch this mission and continue to social distance at @ @ @ @

Update March 18th, 10:35AM ET: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully took off on time and deployed all 60 satellites into their intended orbit. However, the rocket failed to land as intended on the company’s drone ship in the Atlantic, so there won’t be a sixth launch of this vehicle. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also confirmed that one of the Falcon 9’s engines shut down early on the climb to space and that the company will be doing a thorough investigation into what happened before the next flight. SpaceX was able to catch both halves of the rocket’s nosecone following the launch — the first time two pieces were caught on a single mission.
Original Story: As the rest of the world slowly grinds to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, the US launch industry is still sending rockets into space, with another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket set to take off from Florida on Wednesday morning. SpaceX is launching its latest batch of 60 satellites for its Starlink constellation, aimed at beaming internet coverage down to Earth. And the company is using a very special Falcon 9 rocket for the job: a vehicle that’s been to space and back four times before.
SpaceX originally tried to launch this mission on Sunday, but it was forced to postpone. The countdown got all the way to T-0, but the rocket aborted just before fulling igniting its engines and taking off. If the vehicle launches successfully today, the rocket will become the first of SpaceX’s fleet to go to space for a fifth time. And it’s possible it could become the first to land for a fifth time, too. SpaceX is aiming to land the Falcon 9 rocket on one of its drone ships in the Atlantic Ocean following the launch, which would be the 51st landing of a Falcon 9 core for the company.
SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff
In fact, SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff. Two of SpaceX’s boats equipped with giant nets will attempt to catch the rocket’s nose cone — the bulbous structure on top of the Falcon 9 that shields the satellites during the climb to space. The nose cone, or payload fairing, breaks in two once the rocket is in space and each half falls to Earth, usually hitting the ocean and going unrecovered. But SpaceX has been trying periodically to catch these pieces following launches in order to use them again on future flights.
All in all, it’s an ambitious launch for SpaceX that could contain a lot of firsts for the company. If each piece of hardware lands or is caught as planned, it would be the first time SpaceX has successfully recovered that many pieces of a rocket following a launch. So far, SpaceX has been able to land its Falcon 9 and catch one half of the fairing following a flight; it hasn’t been able to catch both halves on one mission yet.
The enterprising mission comes amid a time of uncertainty for the launch industry, which is just starting to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. While US launches still remain on track, European launch provider Arianespace announced yesterday that it’s suspending all launches from its spaceport in French Guiana for the foreseeable future, in order to protect the company’s personnel and people who live in the area.
So far, SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance — two of the biggest rocket companies in the US — have not announced any delays to launches due to coronavirus concerns. And the US Space Force’s 45th Space Wing, which oversees launches out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, does not anticipate the need to reschedule any missions out of the spaceport at this time.
“At this time, there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities.”
“The DoD’s priorities are the protection of service members, their families, and the department’s civilian work force; safeguarding and maintaining our ability to defend the nation and its interests; and supporting our U.S. Government partners in this fight,” a US Space Force spokesperson tells The Verge in a statement. “At this time, there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities due to COVID-19 concerns.” The spokesperson clarified that rocket launches are considered “mission-essential.”
But these launches may have less of an audience than past missions. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a popular place to view launches out of Cape Canaveral, is temporarily closed to the public. Journalists and photographers covering the launch are normally bused to the launchpad to set up their cameras, but they are now caravanning to the site in their own cars. Other countries are getting even stricter, with Russia’s state space corporation, Roscosmos, completely banning media from attending the April flight of its Soyuz rocket, which will send three crew members to the International Space Station.


theverge--2020-03-18--Apple announces new iPad Pro with trackpad support and a wild keyboard cover

Apple is announcing a new iPad Pro , available online for either $ 799 or $ 949 for 128GB Wi-Fi configurations , depending on the size .
Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes look identical to last year ’ s models , but there ’ s a new processor and new camera system inside them both .
Apple ’ s headline feature is that it has a LIDAR scanner to go along with its camera for depth sensing and AR , but what most people are going to notice is that very new keyboard that you can get with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPad to a more comfortable viewing position , as you can see above .
It also has a trackpad on it .
Apple says , “ Rather than copying the experience from macOS® , trackpad support has been completely reimagined for iPad .
As users move their finger across the trackpad , the pointer elegantly transforms to highlight user interface elements.
” You can see very brief examples of it in use in the video below .
Apple is calling it a “ Magic Keyboard , ” matching the branding it recently used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is backlit and has a “ smooth angle adjustment.
” Unfortunately , it won ’ t be available until May , but it will be compatible with last year ’ s iPad Pros as well .
As for the iPad Pro itself , Apple has historically had a lot of extra power in the processor , and that appears to be no different this time .
Apple calls it the “ A12Z Bionic Chip , ” with eight cores in the GPU , and Apple isn ’ t shy about saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Windows PC laptops.
” The company also made a twee ad for it along the lines of its classic “ What ’ s a computer ” ad .
Battery life is estimated at 10 hours , and it supports gigabit LTE but not 5G .
The three-camera array may look exactly like the three cameras on the iPhone 11 Pro , but on the iPad Pro , it ’ s a different setup .
There ’ s a regular wide-angle and an ultrawide , but the third sensor is LIDAR , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve been expecting a triple-camera system for the iPad Pro for some time now , given the many leaks and rumors about it and its presumed support for more advanced AR features .
There have also been plenty of rumors about support for a trackpad on Apple ’ s Smart Keyboard , something many feel is sorely lacking right now on iPadOS .
The iPad Pro was also due .
Apple has historically released a new one every 500 days or so , and , according to MacRumors , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The regular , low-end iPad has been updated more recently , and there ’ s also the iPad Air sitting in the middle .
It ’ s a somewhat confusing product lineup for the iPad , historically speaking .
The new iPad Pro and the also-announced MacBook Air are just two of the many Apple products that rumors suggest are coming in 2020 — if not the first half of the year .
There ’ s a supposed iPhone 9 ( or iPhone SE 2 , depending on what name you think is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a revision of the Apple TV , more MacBooks with Mini-LED displays , and more — and that ’ s setting aside sure bets like new iPhones in the fall .
How ( or even whether ) Apple intends to announce those products during the pandemic is anybody ’ s guess .
WWDC has converted to an online-only affair , and it ’ s impossible for anybody to say when it might be a good idea to schedule a large press briefing .
We may just end up seeing more press releases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mornings .
The iPads are available

Apple is announcing a new iPad Pro, available online for either $799 or $949 for 128GB Wi-Fi configurations, depending on the size. They’re available to order online now, and Apple says they will ship on March 25th.
Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes look identical to last year’s models, but there’s a new processor and new camera system inside them both. Apple’s headline feature is that it has a LIDAR scanner to go along with its camera for depth sensing and AR, but what most people are going to notice is that very new keyboard that you can get with it.
The keyboard unfolds and elevates the iPad to a more comfortable viewing position, as you can see above. It also has a trackpad on it. Apple says, “Rather than copying the experience from macOS®, trackpad support has been completely reimagined for iPad. As users move their finger across the trackpad, the pointer elegantly transforms to highlight user interface elements.” You can see very brief examples of it in use in the video below.
Apple is calling it a “Magic Keyboard,” matching the branding it recently used on the redesigned and improved MacBook keyboard. It is backlit, supports USB-C passthrough charging, and has a “smooth angle adjustment.” Unfortunately, it won’t be available until May, but it will be compatible with last year’s iPad Pros as well. And speaking of “unfortunately,” it will cost a whopping $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 12.9-inch version.
Image: Apple
As for the iPad Pro itself, Apple has historically had a lot of extra power in the processor, and that appears to be no different this time. Apple calls it the “A12Z Bionic Chip,” with eight cores in the GPU, and Apple isn’t shy about saying that it is “more powerful than most Windows PC laptops.” The company also made a twee ad for it along the lines of its classic “What’s a computer” ad. Battery life is estimated at 10 hours, and it supports gigabit LTE but not 5G.
The three-camera array may look exactly like the three cameras on the iPhone 11 Pro, but on the iPad Pro, it’s a different setup. There’s a regular wide-angle and an ultrawide, but the third sensor is LIDAR, which uses lasers for depth-sensing and augmented reality.
We’ve been expecting a triple-camera system for the iPad Pro for some time now, given the many leaks and rumors about it and its presumed support for more advanced AR features. There have also been plenty of rumors about support for a trackpad on Apple’s Smart Keyboard, something many feel is sorely lacking right now on iPadOS.
Image: Apple
The iPad Pro was also due. Apple has historically released a new one every 500 days or so, and, according to MacRumors, it’s been just over 500. The regular, low-end iPad has been updated more recently, and there’s also the iPad Air sitting in the middle. It’s a somewhat confusing product lineup for the iPad, historically speaking.
The new iPad Pro and the also-announced MacBook Air are just two of the many Apple products that rumors suggest are coming in 2020 — if not the first half of the year. There’s a supposed iPhone 9 (or iPhone SE 2, depending on what name you think is most likely), AirTag tracking tags, a revision of the Apple TV, more MacBooks with Mini-LED displays, and more — and that’s setting aside sure bets like new iPhones in the fall.
How (or even whether) Apple intends to announce those products during the pandemic is anybody’s guess. WWDC has converted to an online-only affair, and it’s impossible for anybody to say when it might be a good idea to schedule a large press briefing. We may just end up seeing more press releases like this one sprung on us in the mornings.
The iPads are available in silver and gray, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options. A fully maxed-out 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 1TB of storage and LTE support costs $1,649. Toss in a Magic Keyboard at $349, and you’re spending $1,998.
Apple iPad Pro (2020) / Shipping March 25th starting at $799 Pre-order from Apple
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (2020) / Shipping March 25th for $299 Pre-order from Apple


theverge--2020-03-18--Apple announces new MacBook Air with improved keyboard, faster performance, and more storage

Apple ’ s 16-inch MacBook Pro is no longer the company ’ s only laptop with a reliable keyboard .
This morning , Apple announced a revamped MacBook Air laptop with an improved scissor-switch keyboard , branded as the “ Magic Keyboard , ” that ditches the controversial butterfly mechanism of the previous-generation model .
It has the same 1mm of keyboard travel as the 16-inch Pro .
The new Air also offers double the performance , according to Apple , featuring 10th-gen Intel processors up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7 .
And it delivers 80 percent improved graphics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intel Iris Plus Graphics .
It comes with twice the storage as the prior machine — now starting with 256GB .
You can configure it all the way up to 2TB .
The 2020 MacBook Air has a base price of $ 999 ( and $ 899 for education customers ) .
It doesn ’ t include the same amazing speakers as the 16-inch MacBook Pro , though Apple says this year ’ s Air has “ advanced stereo speakers for immersive , wide stereo sound for activities like watching Apple TV+ content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s also a three-mic array inside for improved voice capture .
On Friday , MacRumors reported that a credible tipster said new products were inbound this week .
Alongside the new Air , Apple also introduced the long-rumored iPad Pro update and a refreshed Mac Mini .
On Monday , Apple ’ s Beats brand unveiled the new Powerbeats , and we ’ ve already got a full review up .

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is no longer the company’s only laptop with a reliable keyboard. This morning, Apple announced a revamped MacBook Air with an improved scissor-switch keyboard, branded as the “Magic Keyboard” like the Pro, that ditches the controversial butterfly mechanism of the previous-generation model. It has the same 1mm of keyboard travel and inverted-T arrow keys as the 16-inch Pro.
The new Air also offers double the performance, according to Apple, featuring 10th-gen Intel Ice Lake processors (Y-series) up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7. And it delivers 80 percent improved graphics performance, as the Air now features Intel Iris Plus Graphics. It comes with twice the storage as the prior machine — now starting with 256GB. You can configure it all the way up to 2TB.
The 2020 MacBook Air has a base price of $999 (and $899 for education customers). For that price, you’re getting a far better machine than its predecessor, which started at $1,099. This should restore the MacBook Air as the go-to default Mac laptop for anyone who had pause over Apple’s keyboard stumbles.
It doesn’t include the same amazing speakers as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, though Apple says this year’s Air has “advanced stereo speakers for immersive, wide stereo sound for activities like watching Apple TV+ content or playing games in Apple Arcade.” There’s also a three-mic array inside for improved voice capture.
On Friday, MacRumors reported that a credible tipster said new products were inbound this week. Alongside the new Air, Apple also introduced the long-rumored iPad Pro update and a refreshed Mac Mini. On Monday, Apple’s Beats brand unveiled the new Powerbeats, and we’ve already got a full review up.
Apple MacBook Air (2020) / Shipping March 23rd starting at $999 Pre-order from Apple


theverge--2020-03-18--Space startup Lynk uses satellite to send text message to unmodified Android phone

An aerospace startup that plans to launch thousands of satellite “ cell towers ” into space says it has successfully sent a text message to a common Android smartphone using one of its satellites in orbit .
The company claims it ’ s the first time a text message has ever been sent to an unmodified mobile phone from space , and it demonstrates the technology needed to provide global cellphone connectivity from orbit .
The company behind the breakthrough space text is called Lynk , which used to go by the name UbiquitiLink .
Lynk is one of several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a constellation of thousands of satellites to provide some kind of connectivity to individuals on the ground .
But rather than provide broadband internet coverage , Lynk is focused on providing cell service for the average mobile phone with its satellites , without the need for customers to provide any extra hardware .
Lynk has developed software for their satellites that “ trick ” the average cellphone “ No one ever in human history has used a satellite to send a message directly to an unmodified mobile phone on the ground , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lynk , tells The Verge .
In order to get service from a satellite now , people have to either buy a specialized satellite phone or purchase an accessory that allows a typical smartphone to connect to a vehicle in orbit .
The Lynk team say they have developed software for their satellites that “ tricks ” the average cellphone into connecting with the vehicles orbiting overhead whenever the phone is out of range of a regular cell tower .
To test out this technology , Lynk launched its third test payload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket .
Astronauts on board the ISS then attached the payload to a Cygnus cargo spacecraft on the outside of the station .
The Cygnus detached from the ISS on January 31st and has lingered in orbit ever since , allowing the Lynk team to test out their technology .
And on February 24th , Lynk sent its first text with the payload , a message that read “ This is a test ” ( though the first three letters were actually cut off in the message for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an Android phone located on the Falkland Islands while the Cygnus capsule passed overhead .
Miller says it was a crucial technology demonstration that allows Lynk to move forward in building out its constellation .
“ We think if we can get the regulators to sign off , and with the support of our mobile network partners , there ’ s no reason tactically that we can ’ t implement the first global services by the end of the year , ” says Miller .
The plan is to start launching Lynk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 pounds ( 25 kilograms ) and will orbit at about 310 miles ( 500 kilometers ) high .
The company is capable of providing commercial services with just a few dozen satellites , but to provide 4G coverage , Lynk will need to launch thousands of its small vehicles .
Numerous concerns have been raised about the kinds of impacts these constellations will have on the space environment , but Miller says Lynk ’ s footprint will be smaller than other constellations as its satellites are fairly tiny .
Miller ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all existing mobile phones into satellite phones , without requiring consumers to purchase any extra add-ons .
Instead , existing mobile network operators would buy this capability from Lynk and provide it in their purchase plans to customers — making it a seamless process for the average mobile phone user .
It ’ s this strategy that sets Lynk apart from other mega-constellation operators , such as SpaceX or OneWeb .
In order to patch into those mega-constellations , customers will need to buy special equipment called “ user terminals ” to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynk , the mobile phone is the user terminal , says Miller .
Despite these differences , Miller says Lynk isn ’ t in direct competition with these other mega-constellations or even conventional cellular networks .
The goal is to provide global cell service whenever a person is out of range of all these other options .
“ When you walk away from the Wi-Fi in your home or that [ user terminal ] antenna and you ’ re disconnected , then you ’ ll use us , ” says Miller .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t cover.
” But just like other mega-constellations , Lynk ’ s goal is the same : provide connectivity to the world , especially areas where people are out of range of cell towers or don ’ t have many connectivity options .
“ You ’ re talking instantly 5 billion customers who need your service in some amount — some more , some less , ” says Miller .
One major goal of Lynk is to provide “ Everyone Everywhere Emergency ” alerts to anyone on the globe , warning people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurricanes , and more .
Ultimately , Miller argues what Lynk is doing is more critical than racing to 5G .
“ What we ’ re doing is really bringing connectivity to more than a billion people who have zero connectivity ; that ’ s life altering , ” he says .
“ We think that ’ s a really big deal — as big or a bigger deal than 5G .
”

An aerospace startup that plans to launch thousands of satellite “cell towers” into space says it has successfully sent a text message to a common Android smartphone using one of its satellites in orbit. The company claims it’s the first time a text message has ever been sent to an unmodified mobile phone from space, and it demonstrates the technology needed to provide global cellphone connectivity from orbit.
The company behind the breakthrough space text is called Lynk, which used to go by the name UbiquitiLink. Lynk is one of several space companies at the moment planning on building a constellation of thousands of satellites to provide some kind of connectivity to individuals on the ground. But rather than provide broadband internet coverage, Lynk is focused on providing cell service for the average mobile phone with its satellites, without the need for customers to provide any extra hardware.
Lynk has developed software for their satellites that “trick” the average cellphone
“No one ever in human history has used a satellite to send a message directly to an unmodified mobile phone on the ground,” Charles Miller, co-founder and CEO of Lynk, tells The Verge. In order to get service from a satellite now, people have to either buy a specialized satellite phone or purchase an accessory that allows a typical smartphone to connect to a vehicle in orbit. The Lynk team say they have developed software for their satellites that “tricks” the average cellphone into connecting with the vehicles orbiting overhead whenever the phone is out of range of a regular cell tower.
To test out this technology, Lynk launched its third test payload to the International Space Station in December aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Astronauts on board the ISS then attached the payload to a Cygnus cargo spacecraft on the outside of the station. The Cygnus detached from the ISS on January 31st and has lingered in orbit ever since, allowing the Lynk team to test out their technology. And on February 24th, Lynk sent its first text with the payload, a message that read “This is a test” (though the first three letters were actually cut off in the message for some reason). It was received by an Android phone located on the Falkland Islands while the Cygnus capsule passed overhead.
Miller says it was a crucial technology demonstration that allows Lynk to move forward in building out its constellation. “We think if we can get the regulators to sign off, and with the support of our mobile network partners, there’s no reason tactically that we can’t implement the first global services by the end of the year,” says Miller. The plan is to start launching Lynk’s mini-satellites, which weigh about 55 pounds (25 kilograms) and will orbit at about 310 miles (500 kilometers) high. The company is capable of providing commercial services with just a few dozen satellites, but to provide 4G coverage, Lynk will need to launch thousands of its small vehicles. Numerous concerns have been raised about the kinds of impacts these constellations will have on the space environment, but Miller says Lynk’s footprint will be smaller than other constellations as its satellites are fairly tiny.
NASA astronauts Christina Koch (L) and Jessica Meir (R) after attaching the Lynk payload to the Cygnus cargo capsule Image: NASA
Miller’s aim with Lynk is to essentially turn all existing mobile phones into satellite phones, without requiring consumers to purchase any extra add-ons. Instead, existing mobile network operators would buy this capability from Lynk and provide it in their purchase plans to customers — making it a seamless process for the average mobile phone user. It’s this strategy that sets Lynk apart from other mega-constellation operators, such as SpaceX or OneWeb. In order to patch into those mega-constellations, customers will need to buy special equipment called “user terminals” to receive signal relays from the satellites. With Lynk, the mobile phone is the user terminal, says Miller.
turning all existing mobile phones into satellite phones
Despite these differences, Miller says Lynk isn’t in direct competition with these other mega-constellations or even conventional cellular networks. The goal is to provide global cell service whenever a person is out of range of all these other options. “When you walk away from the Wi-Fi in your home or that [user terminal] antenna and you’re disconnected, then you’ll use us,” says Miller. “So we supplement everything that they don’t cover.”
But just like other mega-constellations, Lynk’s goal is the same: provide connectivity to the world, especially areas where people are out of range of cell towers or don’t have many connectivity options. “You’re talking instantly 5 billion customers who need your service in some amount — some more, some less,” says Miller. One major goal of Lynk is to provide “Everyone Everywhere Emergency” alerts to anyone on the globe, warning people of potential disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and more.
Ultimately, Miller argues what Lynk is doing is more critical than racing to 5G. “What we’re doing is really bringing connectivity to more than a billion people who have zero connectivity; that’s life altering,” he says.


theverge--2020-03-18--Viral vigilantes are turning YouTube and TikTok into a weapon

The video begins with an accidental , amateurish lens flare against the window of a car , before the teen ’ s phone camera settles on a supposedly 35-year-old man who has clearly been caught off guard .
His face is clearly visible .
“ What you doing , bro ?
” the cameraman asks , leading a group of at least five other teens .
“ You here to meet a 16-year-old ?
” The man rolls up the window , panicked , and shifts the car into reverse .
The boys jeer as his car pulls out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phones as they chase him .
In the background , you can hear Freddie Dredd ’ s “ Opaul ” playing softly , overdubbed by TikTok .
This is what a “ pedo hunting ” sting looks like .
This particular video came from an account called @ pedohuntinginc , which was later taken down by TikTok for violating community guidelines .
But it ’ s part of a larger and more troubling trend of anti-pedophile vigilantism on platforms like TikTok and YouTube .
At first glance , the videos come across as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DIY version of To Catch a Predator .
But there are troubling similarities to homophobic violence campaigns across the world — particularly Russia ’ s Occupy Pedophilia movement and the ongoing attacks on Grindr users in North Africa , both of which often present themselves as concerned with child abuse .
Most alarming , many of these stings have gone viral , with @ pedohuntinginc ’ s video racking up more than 2 million likes before it was removed .
It has all the makings of a viral sensation — an unusually dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responding to the issue , but they tend to take down the accounts once they become sufficiently high profile .
TikTok seems to view the videos as inherently unsafe , and treats them as violating community guidelines as a result .
“ Promoting a safe and positive app environment is our top priority at TikTok , ” a spokesperson for the company told The Verge , when asked about predator sting videos .
“ As we make clear in our Community Guidelines , we do not allow content that encourages , promotes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not permit users to encourage others to take part in dangerous activities , and we remove reported content or behavior that violates our guidelines.
” The Guardian reported that TikTok recently removed an Australian pedophile hunting account like @ pedohuntinginc for similar reasons .
At the same time , the audience doesn ’ t seem to mind — and the users making these videos see them as a likely path to viral success .
“ TikTok is full of viral videos and we figured it could be popular among the people on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teenagers affiliated with @ pedohuntinginc , said via Instagram message prior to TikTok removing the account .
“ We were very excited to see that it went viral.
” These kinds of sting operations have also found a significant audience on YouTube .
Take Predator Poachers , which is run by soon-to-be 20-year-old Alex and boasts over 160 thousand subscribers .
The channel has dozens of videos in which Alex confronts men in Walmart for seeking out sexual contact with a minor .
All of Predator Poacher ’ s videos ( save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public on YouTube ; the channel received its second strike from YouTube on a video titled “ LGBT couple confronts predator ” on grounds of harassment and bullying , and Alex stated in a live stream on the Predator Poachers side account , PP Pranks , that he had set all of the channel ’ s videos to private to lay low .
According to YouTube , the platform has no policy specifically regarding predator hunting content , but such content may run up against YouTube ’ s community guidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy update , YouTube no longer allows “ content that maliciously insults someone based on protected attributes such as their race , gender expression , or sexual orientation.
” That being said , many predator hunting videos are allowed on the platform .
Sometimes , online stings can lead to actual court cases .
The vigilante channel Hive vs Predator ultimately led to the arrest of a local choir teacher , as well as a 23-year-old who was charged with electronic solicitation of a minor .
Most channels employ the same basic playbook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hookup app ( most frequently Grindr , but sometimes other apps like Skout ) using photos of an underage acquaintance .
They wait for older men to message them , then immediately disclose that they are underage .
When the other man requests a meetup , they show up and confront them with a camera , and usually post the result .
This sort of sting is much older than TikTok or even YouTube .
The trend dates back at least as far as Dateline ’ s controversial To Catch A Predator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of its targets in 2006 .
It was followed by Facebook-rooted vigilantes of the 2010s like POP Squad , a group featured in a January 2019 NBC investigation .
A 2013 report from The Guardian tied the growing phenomenon in the UK to the “ ever increasing speed and reach of online social networks.
” Newer vigilantes like @ pedohuntinginc and Predator Poachers have targeted gay men almost exclusively .
Both of the men exposed by @ pedohuntinginc were seeking contact with male minors , and Predator Poachers ’ videos show almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls , but plenty of scrolling Grindr conversations .
Grindr is a part of the channel ’ s brand as well — its YouTube header features a graphic of an iPhone displaying a Grindr conversation .
Still , Alex of Predator Poachers told The Verge that he doesn ’ t specifically target gay men .
As he sees it , it ’ s a matter of circumstance .
“ The reason why we use Grindr as number one is because when I was getting bored at home one night the first time doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pictures of underage girls on my phone , ” Alex said over the phone .
“ I do have a little brother though , and I did have pictures of him on my phone.
” “ We learn from what we see.
” Zane echoed the statement , stating that his group had tried to use other apps , but Grindr was the simplest choice because it ’ s easy to sign up for and use .
There ’ s also homophobic and racist messaging cutting through the content itself .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content is Alex continuously lobbing racist epithets at the men he meets .
And in one currently private video titled “ I use a sassy voice to catch a predator , ” he adopts a lilting tone clearly intended to mock gay men .
On Instagram , Alex called for his followers to help cancel a drag queen story hour at an Idaho library .
“ I don ’ t think that shit needs to be around kids , because kids are kids .
They can ’ t decide what their preferences are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said when asked about the Instagram post .
In a video reuploaded on a fan ’ s channel that was later removed for violating YouTube ’ s policy on harassment and bullying , Alex physically restrains a target after he attempts to elbow the camera .
Dr. Jennifer Klein , a professor of criminal justice at the University of Texas at Tyler who has researched media responses to sex crimes , said that predator hunting content tends to reinforce previously held beliefs about individuals who are interested in sexual activity with minors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ predator hunting ’ to occur and does not stop the promotion of those types of behaviors , then that sends a message to others that this is acceptable behavior , ” she said over email .
“ We learn from what we see.
” The stings can be lucrative as well .
The Predator Poachers website features Patreon-esque membership tiers and merchandise , over 320 members who subscribe at tiers ranging from $ 3 to $ 100 .
( Member benefits range from exclusive video content to promotion on the main channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Predator Poachers is blocked from making money on YouTube or Patreon .
Alex wasn ’ t sure why his channel was demonetized ( he suspects that it was due to the fact that he was the owner of a previous channel that YouTube had banned ) , but said he was banned from Patreon because the platform felt that it was not equipped to deal with child safety .
Still , experts like Klein worry there ’ s no safe way to do what Predator Poachers is doing .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though law enforcement is reacting quickly enough , but individuals can not be acting as vigilantes and taking this into their own hands , ” she said .
“ Lay people are not trained properly , can put themselves or others at risk , and should not be trying to ambush anyone .
”

The video begins with an accidental, amateurish lens flare against the window of a car, before the teen’s phone camera settles on a supposedly 35-year-old man who has clearly been caught off guard. His face is clearly visible.
“What you doing, bro?” the cameraman asks, leading a group of at least five other teens. “You here to meet a 16-year-old?”
The man rolls up the window, panicked, and shifts the car into reverse. The boys jeer as his car pulls out of the parking lot, holding out their phones as they chase him. In the background, you can hear Freddie Dredd’s “Opaul” playing softly, overdubbed by TikTok.
“You here to meet a 16-year-old?”
This is what a “pedo hunting” sting looks like. This particular video came from an account called @pedohuntinginc, which was later taken down by TikTok for violating community guidelines. But it’s part of a larger and more troubling trend of anti-pedophile vigilantism on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. At first glance, the videos come across as earnest efforts to protect children, a DIY version of To Catch a Predator. But there are troubling similarities to homophobic violence campaigns across the world — particularly Russia’s Occupy Pedophilia movement and the ongoing attacks on Grindr users in North Africa, both of which often present themselves as concerned with child abuse. Most alarming, many of these stings have gone viral, with @pedohuntinginc’s video racking up more than 2 million likes before it was removed. It has all the makings of a viral sensation — an unusually dangerous one.
Platforms have been slow in responding to the issue, but they tend to take down the accounts once they become sufficiently high profile. TikTok seems to view the videos as inherently unsafe, and treats them as violating community guidelines as a result. “Promoting a safe and positive app environment is our top priority at TikTok,” a spokesperson for the company told The Verge, when asked about predator sting videos. “As we make clear in our Community Guidelines, we do not allow content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies risky behavior. We also do not permit users to encourage others to take part in dangerous activities, and we remove reported content or behavior that violates our guidelines.” The Guardian reported that TikTok recently removed an Australian pedophile hunting account like @pedohuntinginc for similar reasons.
At the same time, the audience doesn’t seem to mind — and the users making these videos see them as a likely path to viral success. “TikTok is full of viral videos and we figured it could be popular among the people on TikTok,” Zane, one of the teenagers affiliated with @pedohuntinginc, said via Instagram message prior to TikTok removing the account. “We were very excited to see that it went viral.”
A TikTok from @pedohuntinginc, showing a Grindr conversation
These kinds of sting operations have also found a significant audience on YouTube. Take Predator Poachers, which is run by soon-to-be 20-year-old Alex and boasts over 160 thousand subscribers. The channel has dozens of videos in which Alex confronts men in Walmart for seeking out sexual contact with a minor. All of Predator Poacher’s videos (save one recent upload) are currently unavailable to the public on YouTube; the channel received its second strike from YouTube on a video titled “LGBT couple confronts predator” on grounds of harassment and bullying, and Alex stated in a live stream on the Predator Poachers side account, PP Pranks, that he had set all of the channel’s videos to private to lay low.
According to YouTube, the platform has no policy specifically regarding predator hunting content, but such content may run up against YouTube’s community guidelines. As part of a December 2019 harassment policy update, YouTube no longer allows “content that maliciously insults someone based on protected attributes such as their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation.” That being said, many predator hunting videos are allowed on the platform.
Sometimes, online stings can lead to actual court cases. The vigilante channel Hive vs Predator ultimately led to the arrest of a local choir teacher, as well as a 23-year-old who was charged with electronic solicitation of a minor.
Newer vigilantes have targeted gay men almost exclusively
Most channels employ the same basic playbook: create an account on a dating or hookup app (most frequently Grindr, but sometimes other apps like Skout) using photos of an underage acquaintance. They wait for older men to message them, then immediately disclose that they are underage. When the other man requests a meetup, they show up and confront them with a camera, and usually post the result.
Newer vigilantes like @pedohuntinginc and Predator Poachers have targeted gay men almost exclusively. Both of the men exposed by @pedohuntinginc were seeking contact with male minors, and Predator Poachers’ videos show almost no men seeking out contact with young girls, but plenty of scrolling Grindr conversations. Grindr is a part of the channel’s brand as well — its YouTube header features a graphic of an iPhone displaying a Grindr conversation.
Still, Alex of Predator Poachers told The Verge that he doesn’t specifically target gay men. As he sees it, it’s a matter of circumstance. “The reason why we use Grindr as number one is because when I was getting bored at home one night the first time doing this, obviously I didn’t have pictures of underage girls on my phone,” Alex said over the phone. “I do have a little brother though, and I did have pictures of him on my phone.”
“We learn from what we see.”
Zane echoed the statement, stating that his group had tried to use other apps, but Grindr was the simplest choice because it’s easy to sign up for and use.
There’s also homophobic and racist messaging cutting through the content itself. One of the hallmarks of Predator Poachers’ content is Alex continuously lobbing racist epithets at the men he meets. And in one currently private video titled “I use a sassy voice to catch a predator,” he adopts a lilting tone clearly intended to mock gay men.
On Instagram, Alex called for his followers to help cancel a drag queen story hour at an Idaho library. “I don’t think that shit needs to be around kids, because kids are kids. They can’t decide what their preferences are at that young age,” he said when asked about the Instagram post. In a video reuploaded on a fan’s channel that was later removed for violating YouTube’s policy on harassment and bullying, Alex physically restrains a target after he attempts to elbow the camera.
Dr. Jennifer Klein, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Texas at Tyler who has researched media responses to sex crimes, said that predator hunting content tends to reinforce previously held beliefs about individuals who are interested in sexual activity with minors. “If YouTube or TikTok allows for ‘predator hunting’ to occur and does not stop the promotion of those types of behaviors, then that sends a message to others that this is acceptable behavior,” she said over email. “We learn from what we see.”
The stings can be lucrative as well. The Predator Poachers website features Patreon-esque membership tiers and merchandise, over 320 members who subscribe at tiers ranging from $3 to $100. (Member benefits range from exclusive video content to promotion on the main channel.) The membership system is necessary because Predator Poachers is blocked from making money on YouTube or Patreon. Alex wasn’t sure why his channel was demonetized (he suspects that it was due to the fact that he was the owner of a previous channel that YouTube had banned), but said he was banned from Patreon because the platform felt that it was not equipped to deal with child safety.


theverge--2020-03-18--Distract yourself from coronavirus and watch SpaceX launch the same rocket for the fifth time

As the rest of the world slowly grinds to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic , the US launch industry is still sending rockets into space , with another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket set to take off from Florida on Wednesday morning .
SpaceX is launching its latest batch of 60 satellites for its Starlink constellation , aimed at beaming internet coverage down to Earth .
And the company is using a very special Falcon 9 rocket for the job : a vehicle that ’ s been to space and back four times before .
SpaceX originally tried to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to postpone .
The countdown got all the way to T-0 , but the rocket aborted just before fulling igniting its engines and taking off .
If the vehicle launches successfully today , the rocket will become the first of SpaceX ’ s fleet to go to space for a fifth time .
And it ’ s possible it could become the first to land for a fifth time , too .
SpaceX is aiming to land the Falcon 9 rocket on one of its drone ships in the Atlantic Ocean following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51st landing of a Falcon 9 core for the company .
SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff In fact , SpaceX is trying to recover as much of this rocket as possible post-takeoff .
Two of SpaceX ’ s boats equipped with giant nets will attempt to catch the rocket ’ s nosecone — the bulbous structure on top of the Falcon 9 that shields the satellites during the climb to space .
The nosecone , or payload fairing , breaks in two once the rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Earth , usually hitting the ocean and going unrecovered .
But SpaceX has been trying periodically to catch these pieces following launches in order to use them again on future flights .
All in all , it ’ s an ambitious launch for SpaceX that could contain a lot of firsts for the company .
If each piece of hardware lands or is caught as planned , it would be the first time SpaceX has successfully recovered that many pieces of a rocket following a launch .
So far , SpaceX has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and catch one half of the fairing following a flight ; it hasn ’ t been able to catch both halves on one mission yet .
The enterprising mission comes amid a time of uncertainty for the launch industry , which is just starting to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
While US launches still remain on track , European launch provider Arianespace announced yesterday that it ’ s suspending all launches from its spaceport in French Guiana for the foreseeable future , in order to protect the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
So far , SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance — two of the biggest rocket companies in the US — have not announced any delays to launches due to coronavirus concerns .
And the US Space Force ’ s 45th Space Wing , which oversees launches out of Cape Canaveral , Florida , does not anticipate the need to reschedule any missions out of the spaceport at this time .
“ At this time , there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities.
” “ The DoD ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their families , and the department ’ s civilian work force ; safeguarding and maintaining our ability to defend the nation and its interests ; and supporting our U.S. Government partners in this fight , ” a US Space Force spokesperson tells The Verge in a statement .
“ At this time , there are no impacts to U.S. Space Force mission-essential activities due to COVID-19 concerns.
” The spokesperson clarified that rocket launches are considered “ mission-essential.
” But these launches may have less of an audience than past missions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular place to view launches out of Cape Canaveral , is temporarily closed to the public .
Journalists and photographers covering the launch are normally bused to the launchpad to set up their cameras , but they are now caravanning to the site in their own cars .
Other countries are getting even stricter , with Russia ’ s state space corporation , Roscosmos , completely banning media from attending the April flight of its Soyuz rocket , which will send three crew members to the International Space Station .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry right now , with new restrictions changing every few hours .
But for now , SpaceX is flying .
The company is aiming to launch its Falcon 9 at 8:16AM ET on March 18th .
If the rocket doesn ’ t get off the ground on Wednesday , SpaceX has a backup launch date at 7:56AM ET on Thursday , March 19th .
SpaceX plans to live stream the launch , with coverage beginning about 15 minutes before liftoff , so you can watch this mission and continue to social distance at @ @ @ @


theverge--2020-03-18--Big tech is getting ready to talk about new products again

As we settle in to the new reality of a locked-down , socially distant world , big tech is getting ready to start talking — and maybe even releasing — new consumer tech products .
We ’ ve got rumors of the new flagship Motorola phone , a new speaker operating system from Sonos , and more .
Sony ’ s also going to try to one-up Microsoft ’ s recent Xbox Series X specs reveal with a “ deep dive ” today .
It all feels a little tentative , nobody really knows yet what ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks and — in all likelihood — months .
Will bored people buy more gadgets ?
Will everybody blink and hold their releases for sometime in the future , when things seem a little more predictable ?
I don ’ t know the answer and the question is far , far , far from being the most important one right now .
But as time goes on , we ’ ll start to see a bunch of companies take a shot at answering it anyway .
I ’ d say it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products , but we ’ re all so far into uncharted territory here that it ’ ll be impossible to know what ’ s a one-off and what ’ s a precedent .
Settle in and find yourself a multi-hour video of animals in nature to put on your TV ( we ’ ve got some suggestions below ) .
Here ’ s yesterday ’ s biggest tech stories .
┏ Sony to reveal new PS5 details in a ‘ deep dive ’ today .
It starts at 9am PT / noon ET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app and operating system for its speakers in June .
Chris Welch details the new system .
The big big question for me is Dolby Atmos , and while this update may make it more likely , Sonos still acts like saying the world “ Dolby ” out loud will summon a demon .
┏ New leak is the clearest look yet at the Motorola Edge Plus .
A much better look , and “ it confirms some previous details such as the 108-megapixel camera , curved hole-punch display , and 3.5mm headphone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The headphone jack is back , baby !
I ’ m more worried about that 108-megapixel sensor , though , given my experience with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra .
If Samsung couldn ’ t wrangle the new sensor into focusing quickly , I ’ m not sure Motorola can , either .
┏ Fox buys Tubi for $ 440 million as it attempts to join the streaming wars .
25 million subscribers !
I would have guessed a third of that at best .
No wonder it cost that much .
┏ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature is out now for Android .
This is a genuinely important feature , even if it is arriving just in time for nobody to use it because nobody can travel .
┏ The reMarkable 2 promises a better giant E Ink tablet .
Really great concept and really great feature set .
Unfortunately , still not a really great price , $ 399 .
That ’ s $ 100 cheaper than the first one , but still more expensive than an entry-level iPad and an Apple Pencil .
I love E Ink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I love it that much .
┏ Samsung ’ s PC-to-phone game streaming service will shut down later this month .
Samsung really wants to build its own ecosystem of services , but this absolutely is not the company ’ s core competency .
I don ’ t know what essential service Samsung could provide that isn ’ t better handled by Google or Microsoft or Dropbox or ... whomever ... but this definitely ain ’ t it .
┏ Movies Anywhere ’ s new Screen Pass feature will let you loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can ’ t actually do anything with this yet , but being able to lend movies like this will be a boon when it sees wide release .
Strangely , it doesn ’ t look like they ’ ve created a system so your family can actually see what you have in your library .
...
Which severely limits the utility of this program , and I can ’ t help but wonder if that ’ s by design .
It ’ s such an obvious feature , leaving it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ webcams to watch while you ’ re stuck at home .
I realized this morning that I ’ m a complete idiot because I ’ ve been sitting in a room with a big blank TV all day every day and I could have been WATCHING OTTERS FROLIC .
┏ Popcorn Time , the once-popular Netflix for piracy , is back .
┏ Here ’ s a list of games you can grab and save some money in the process .
┏ Nintendo just announced a bunch of new indie games are coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this doesn ’ t happen again : Nintendo ’ s Switch Online service went down for a bit yesterday .
Nintendo !
If this happens again during the Animal Crossing launch there will be ... well actually there won ’ t be anything but complaining about it on Twitter since we can ’ t leave our homes .
┏ Coronavirus testing shouldn ’ t be this complicated .
Nicole Wetsman gets very deep into the various methods of testing for a virus .
In theory , a fast bedside test is possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece — it ’ s going to be a lot of work to get there .
┏ Apple will keep its retail stores outside China closed indefinitely .
┏ Tesla told to shut down California factory to help fight the coronavirus .
┏ Israel is using cellphone data to track the coronavirus .
Unprecedented times , unprecedented measures .
Still , I would feel better about this if it were some kind of citizen opt-in thing .
Way better .
┏ FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on staying connected during a pandemic .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting data caps , but those caps really shouldn ’ t have been there in the first place .

As we settle in to the new reality of a locked-down, socially distant world, big tech is getting ready to start talking — and maybe even releasing — new consumer tech products. We’ve got rumors of the new flagship Motorola phone, a new speaker operating system from Sonos, and more. Sony’s also going to try to one-up Microsoft’s recent Xbox Series X specs reveal with a “deep dive” today.
It all feels a little tentative, nobody really knows yet what’s going to happen when days cooped inside turn into weeks and — in all likelihood — months. Will bored people buy more gadgets? Will everybody blink and hold their releases for sometime in the future, when things seem a little more predictable?
I don’t know the answer and the question is far, far, far from being the most important one right now. But as time goes on, we’ll start to see a bunch of companies take a shot at answering it anyway. I’d say it will be instructive to see how they announce their products, but we’re all so far into uncharted territory here that it’ll be impossible to know what’s a one-off and what’s a precedent.
Settle in and find yourself a multi-hour video of animals in nature to put on your TV (we’ve got some suggestions below). Here’s yesterday’s biggest tech stories.
Dieter
You are reading Processor, a newsletter about computers, software, and tech by Dieter Bohn. Dieter writes about consumer tech, software, and the most important tech news of the day from The Verge. You can read an archive of Processor newsletters here and subscribe to all of The Verge’s great videos here! Subscribe
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Biggest (non-coronavirus) tech news
┏ Sony to reveal new PS5 details in a ‘deep dive’ today. It starts at 9am PT / noon ET.
┏ Sonos will release a new app and operating system for its speakers in June. Chris Welch details the new system. The big big question for me is Dolby Atmos, and while this update may make it more likely, Sonos still acts like saying the world “Dolby” out loud will summon a demon.
Switching to a new OS will result in expanded capabilities, according to Sonos. Sonos S2 will allow for higher-resolution audio, whereas, right now, the company’s speakers are limited to CD-quality lossless audio. The revamped software underpinnings could let Sonos go hi-fi in the same way as Amazon’s Echo Studio. It could also finally result in Sonos adopting Dolby Atmos for home theater sound in the next Playbar, Playbase, or Beam.
┏ New leak is the clearest look yet at the Motorola Edge Plus. A much better look, and “it confirms some previous details such as the 108-megapixel camera, curved hole-punch display, and 3.5mm headphone jack,” Jon Porter notes. The headphone jack is back, baby! I’m more worried about that 108-megapixel sensor, though, given my experience with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. If Samsung couldn’t wrangle the new sensor into focusing quickly, I’m not sure Motorola can, either.
┏ Fox buys Tubi for $440 million as it attempts to join the streaming wars. 25 million subscribers! I would have guessed a third of that at best. No wonder it cost that much.
The company is also looking to expand the type of content that Tubi can provide to subscribers through national and local news, alongside sports programming. Tubi is not going to suddenly get into the originals business. Essentially, don’t think of it as a competitor to Disney Plus, Netflix, Apple TV Plus, or Hulu.
┏ Google Translate’s real time transcription feature is out now for Android. This is a genuinely important feature, even if it is arriving just in time for nobody to use it because nobody can travel.
┏ The reMarkable 2 promises a better giant E Ink tablet. Really great concept and really great feature set. Unfortunately, still not a really great price, $399. That’s $100 cheaper than the first one, but still more expensive than an entry-level iPad and an Apple Pencil. I love E Ink, but I don’t know if I love it that much.
┏ Samsung’s PC-to-phone game streaming service will shut down later this month. Samsung really wants to build its own ecosystem of services, but this absolutely is not the company’s core competency. I don’t know what essential service Samsung could provide that isn’t better handled by Google or Microsoft or Dropbox or ...whomever... but this definitely ain’t it.
┏ Movies Anywhere’s new Screen Pass feature will let you loan your digital movies to friends. Unfortunately, you can’t actually do anything with this yet, but being able to lend movies like this will be a boon when it sees wide release. Strangely, it doesn’t look like they’ve created a system so your family can actually see what you have in your library. ...Which severely limits the utility of this program, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s by design. It’s such an obvious feature, leaving it out feels intentional.
Verge Deal of the day Apple’s AirPods Pro are $30 off at Amazon Normally $250, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are down to $220 at Amazon. Compared to the standard AirPods, these feature better sound quality and noise cancellation. We’ve seen these drop a bit lower in price before, but that’s a pretty rare occurrence. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy . Prices displayed are based on the MSRP at time of posting.
Stuff to do
┏ Soothing live animal webcams to watch while you’re stuck at home. I realized this morning that I’m a complete idiot because I’ve been sitting in a room with a big blank TV all day every day and I could have been WATCHING OTTERS FROLIC.
┏ ...Pray this doesn’t happen again: Nintendo’s Switch Online service went down for a bit yesterday. Nintendo! If this happens again during the Animal Crossing launch there will be... well actually there won’t be anything but complaining about it on Twitter since we can’t leave our homes.
Pandemic news and reporting
┏ Coronavirus testing shouldn’t be this complicated. Nicole Wetsman gets very deep into the various methods of testing for a virus. In theory, a fast bedside test is possible. In practice, well, read her piece — it’s going to be a lot of work to get there.
┏ Israel is using cellphone data to track the coronavirus. Unprecedented times, unprecedented measures. Still, I would feel better about this if it were some kind of citizen opt-in thing. Way better.
The agency has permission to use the data, which the Shin Bet has collected from Israeli carriers since at least 2002, for the next 30 days. By directing individuals who may have come into contact with the virus to quarantine themselves immediately via text message, the government could greatly speed up the isolation process. The agency has not made public precisely what data it collects, but experts told the Times that the Israeli government can use it to track almost anyone’s location.
┏ FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on staying connected during a pandemic. It’s good that broadband providers are lifting data caps, but those caps really shouldn’t have been there in the first place.