theverge--2020-12-28--12 great apps for your new iPhone in 2020

If you ’ re lucky enough to have unwrapped a new iPhone as a holiday gift this year , you ’ ll probably want to install some new apps on it .
Fortunately , we ’ re here to help with some suggestions .
We ’ ve included great apps that are just generally fun or useful to have on your phone , and apps that you should download to replace the default ones that Apple ships .
We ’ ve rounded up our favorite and most-used games , apps , and entertainment .
Check out our app picks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and M1-equipped Macs ; our favorite mobile games from Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass ; and our top choices for gaming PCs , the PS5 , Xbox One and Series X / S , Nintendo Switch , and VR .
We ’ ve also listed our favorite streaming shows on Disney Plus , Hulu , ESPN Plus , and Netflix ; some great sci-fi books ; and exciting new podcasts .
( Note : pricing was accurate at the time of publishing but may change . )
With iOS 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way your iPhone looks , offering new widgets and easier methods for setting custom application icons .
One of the biggest names around when it comes to iPhone widgets is Widgetsmith , which lets users add photos , text , quotes , and more .
Combine it with some clever icon swaps ( now easier than ever in the latest iOS update ) and the right wallpaper , and you ’ ve got the customized iPhone of your dreams .
It ’ s tough to make it out to libraries right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smartphone , you can get to the next best thing : Libby , which lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free right from your phone .
Plus , the app itself is a great digital reading app in its own right , so you can enjoy books even without a dedicated device like a Kindle .
TikTok has exploded in popularity in 2020 to become one of the biggest social media networks on the planet , with everything from internet memes , comedy sketches , and even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s the most fun place on the internet right now .
Add in an algorithm that seems to almost magically show you videos perfectly tailored to your interests , and you ’ ve got almost endless content to watch .
Twitter is a vaguely terrible way to spend your time these days , but if you ( like me ) can ’ t tear yourself away from the social media service / entryway into hell , you ’ ll want Tweetbot , which actually makes using Twitter far less painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people you follow , in the order that they tweeted them .
There are no ads or promoted tweets , powerful mute filters to block out unwanted noise , and ( thanks to Twitter ’ s unfriendly API changes ) no notifications to constantly ping you to come back to the app .
The internet is basically the best cookbook ever made , with recipes for whatever dish , dessert , or drink you want to create just a click away .
Paprika lets you paste in links for those recipes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , directions , servings ) from the sometimes endless stories and histories that food blogs insist on including , and saves the info in your own digital cookbook to pull up whenever you need it .
The cameras on the new iPhones are better than ever before , and a lot of that is thanks to the helpful AI-powered algorithms that work to perfect your shots .
If you have a little more photographic know-how , though , you might want an app like Halide , which is designed to let you push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also supports all the latest features of Apple ’ s new iPhones , including the iPhone 12 Pro ’ s ProRAW format , perfect for taking your photography to the next level .
With an annual subscription , it ’ s not free , but if you ’ re big on iPhone photography , it ’ s worth the cost .
Of course , photography is only half the equation .
Editing is just as important ( if not more so ) , and Darkroom is one of the best apps around , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with the option to edit photos in batches .
Best of all , it ’ s free , although there ’ s also a monthly subscription option for additional features .
Security time !
Do you secure your internet accounts with two-factor authentication ?
If so , great ; Authy is the app you ’ ll want to use for authentication codes .
If not , go set up two-factor authentication now !
And when you do , use Authy , which does a better job of storing and keeping track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps like Google Authenticator .
Speaking of internet security , you should probably start using a password manager instead of just entering the same password for all your accounts .
LastPass and 1Password are the two best options around , each with different pros , cons , and costs .
Setting up a new phone is the perfect time to set up some more security .
Apple ’ s default Mail app for email is still just plain bad .
The UI is unwieldy , and support for Gmail is still poor enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app instead .
Outlook for iOS is still one of the best options around , with useful features , a fast UI , and Microsoft support that means it ’ ll be around for years to come .
Plus , with iOS 14 , you can even set it to replace Apple ’ s app as the default option .
Apple Maps isn ’ t bad these days , truth be told .
But that doesn ’ t matter .
Odds are that you will move it to a folder and use Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of person who doesn ’ t like getting lost on your way to wherever it is you ’ re going .
Sometimes , you just can ’ t beat the original .
Whether you ’ re splitting the internet bill with roommates or splitting a tab at a bar ( whenever bars are open again ) , everyone has to pay someone else back at some point .
Venmo makes it simple , easy , and secure — and unlike Apple Pay , it works on things that aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the default photo app , and you ’ ll likely never replace it , since that ’ s where all the photos you take automatically go .
Google Photos is ending its unlimited storage starting on June 1st , 2021 , so it won ’ t back up all your pictures and videos for free anymore .
But it ’ ll still offering 15GB ( on top of any pictures and videos you ’ ve already uploaded ) .
That ’ s way more than Apple ’ s default 5GB iCloud storage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backup at all .
And when it comes to all your favorite pictures , why take the risk ?
Apple ’ s default Calendar is fine for basic tasks , but if you want something a little more powerful , get Fantastical .
Now free ( with additional features available for a new subscription ) , you ’ ll get a UI that ’ s far more useful on a phone screen than Apple ’ s own , along with Fantastical ’ s excellent contextual cues that can automatically add details like dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new events .
It also has a truly excellent widget that ’ s far better than the default calendar app ’ s — something that ’ s especially useful with iOS 14 .
This is a bit of a niche category , but if you record a lot of voice notes on your iPhone ( maybe you ’ re a student who wants to play back lectures or a technology reporter who needs to interview people from time to time ) , then you ’ ll want Otter.ai .
It ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you talk and stores it all in the cloud to access from anywhere .
There are a few limits on the free version — you can only record 40 minutes at a time and up to 600 minutes per month — but it ’ s still a useful tool to have .
Correction , December 28th 9:55am : Fantastical 2 ( the former , paid calendar app ) has been replaced by Fantastical ( a free , subscription-based service . )
This article originally referred to the new app as Fantastical 2 .

If you’re lucky enough to have unwrapped a new iPhone as a holiday gift this year, you’ll probably want to install some new apps on it. Fortunately, we’re here to help with some suggestions. We’ve included great apps that are just generally fun or useful to have on your phone, and apps that you should download to replace the default ones that Apple ships.
Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith
With iOS 14, Apple made it easier to customize the way your iPhone looks, offering new widgets and easier methods for setting custom application icons. One of the biggest names around when it comes to iPhone widgets is Widgetsmith, which lets users add photos, text, quotes, and more. Combine it with some clever icon swaps (now easier than ever in the latest iOS update) and the right wallpaper, and you’ve got the customized iPhone of your dreams.
Widgetsmith / Free from the App Store Download now
Libby
Libby
It’s tough to make it out to libraries right now, but if you’ve got a smartphone, you can get to the next best thing: Libby, which lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free right from your phone. Plus, the app itself is a great digital reading app in its own right, so you can enjoy books even without a dedicated device like a Kindle.
Libby / Free from the App Store Download now
TikTok
TikTok
TikTok has exploded in popularity in 2020 to become one of the biggest social media networks on the planet, with everything from internet memes, comedy sketches, and even a full-fledged Ratatouille musical. In other words, it’s the most fun place on the internet right now. Add in an algorithm that seems to almost magically show you videos perfectly tailored to your interests, and you’ve got almost endless content to watch.
TikTok / Free from the App Store Download now
Tweetbot
Tweetbot
Twitter is a vaguely terrible way to spend your time these days, but if you (like me) can’t tear yourself away from the social media service / entryway into hell, you’ll want Tweetbot, which actually makes using Twitter far less painful. Tweetbot shows you the tweets of the people you follow, in the order that they tweeted them. There are no ads or promoted tweets, powerful mute filters to block out unwanted noise, and (thanks to Twitter’s unfriendly API changes) no notifications to constantly ping you to come back to the app.
Tweetbot / $4.99 from the App Store Buy now
Paprika Recipe Manager
Paprika Recipe Manager
The internet is basically the best cookbook ever made, with recipes for whatever dish, dessert, or drink you want to create just a click away. Paprika lets you paste in links for those recipes, pulls out the crucial information (ingredients, directions, servings) from the sometimes endless stories and histories that food blogs insist on including, and saves the info in your own digital cookbook to pull up whenever you need it.
Paprika Recipe Manager / $4.99 from App Store Buy now
Halide Camera
Halide Camera
The cameras on the new iPhones are better than ever before, and a lot of that is thanks to the helpful AI-powered algorithms that work to perfect your shots. If you have a little more photographic know-how, though, you might want an app like Halide, which is designed to let you push the cameras to the limit. It also supports all the latest features of Apple’s new iPhones, including the iPhone 12 Pro’s ProRAW format, perfect for taking your photography to the next level. With an annual subscription, it’s not free, but if you’re big on iPhone photography, it’s worth the cost.
Halide Camera / $11.99 / year from the App Store Buy now
Darkroom
Darkroom
Of course, photography is only half the equation. Editing is just as important (if not more so), and Darkroom is one of the best apps around, with support for RAW and ProRAW photos, along with the option to edit photos in batches. Best of all, it’s free, although there’s also a monthly subscription option for additional features.
Darkroom / Free from the App Store / add-ons available Download now
Authy
Authy
Security time! Do you secure your internet accounts with two-factor authentication? If so, great; Authy is the app you’ll want to use for authentication codes. If not, go set up two-factor authentication now! And when you do, use Authy, which does a better job of storing and keeping track of all those authentication codes than other apps like Google Authenticator.
Authy / Free from the App Store Download now
Lastpass / 1Password
Lastpass / 1Password
Speaking of internet security, you should probably start using a password manager instead of just entering the same password for all your accounts. LastPass and 1Password are the two best options around, each with different pros, cons, and costs. Setting up a new phone is the perfect time to set up some more security.
LastPass / Free from the App Store; $3 / month for premium version Download now
1Password / Free from the App Store; $3.99 for premium version Download now
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Apple’s default Mail app for email is still just plain bad. The UI is unwieldy, and support for Gmail is still poor enough that you should install a different email app instead. Outlook for iOS is still one of the best options around, with useful features, a fast UI, and Microsoft support that means it’ll be around for years to come. Plus, with iOS 14, you can even set it to replace Apple’s app as the default option.
Microsoft Outlook / Free from the App Store Download now
Google Maps
Google Maps Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Apple Maps isn’t bad these days, truth be told. But that doesn’t matter. Odds are that you will move it to a folder and use Google Maps anyway, because you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like getting lost on your way to wherever it is you’re going. Sometimes, you just can’t beat the original.
Google Maps / Free from the App Store Download now
Venmo
Venmo Image: Venmo
Whether you’re splitting the internet bill with roommates or splitting a tab at a bar (whenever bars are open again), everyone has to pay someone else back at some point. Venmo makes it simple, easy, and secure — and unlike Apple Pay, it works on things that aren’t iPhones, too.
Venmo / Free from the App Store Download now
Google Photos
Google Photos
Apple Photos is the default photo app, and you’ll likely never replace it, since that’s where all the photos you take automatically go. Google Photos is ending its unlimited storage starting on June 1st, 2021, so it won’t back up all your pictures and videos for free anymore. But it’ll still offering 15GB (on top of any pictures and videos you’ve already uploaded). That’s way more than Apple’s default 5GB iCloud storage, so it’s better than no backup at all. And when it comes to all your favorite pictures, why take the risk?
Google Photos / Free from the App Store Download now
Fantastical
Fantastical
Apple’s default Calendar is fine for basic tasks, but if you want something a little more powerful, get Fantastical. Now free (with additional features available for a new subscription), you’ll get a UI that’s far more useful on a phone screen than Apple’s own, along with Fantastical’s excellent contextual cues that can automatically add details like dates or locations when you’re adding new events. It also has a truly excellent widget that’s far better than the default calendar app’s — something that’s especially useful with iOS 14.
Fantastical / Free from App Store Buy now
Otter
Otter
This is a bit of a niche category, but if you record a lot of voice notes on your iPhone (maybe you’re a student who wants to play back lectures or a technology reporter who needs to interview people from time to time), then you’ll want Otter.ai. It’s an AI-powered voice recording app that transcribes as you talk and stores it all in the cloud to access from anywhere. There are a few limits on the free version — you can only record 40 minutes at a time and up to 600 minutes per month — but it’s still a useful tool to have.
Otter / Free from the App Store; $9.99 for premium version Download now


theverge--2020-12-27--New trailers: Tiger, Coming 2 America, The Little Things, and more

So I watched Wonder Woman 1984 , and I may need to watch it a second time before I decide what I think , because right now I think it ’ s sort of a parody of 1980s movies that doesn ’ t quite hit the mark despite a fine performance by Pedro Pascal ( The Mandalorian ! )
as the villain .
Also about to wrap season 7 in my binge-watch of Homeland ...
I ’ ve stuck with it this long , so need to find out how it all ends .
Note to self though : pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next binge-watching project .
It ’ s our final trailer wrap-up for 2020 and we have a little bit of everything : a drama , a documentary , a “ psychological thriller , ” and a comedy .
A two-part documentary about the life and career of Tiger Woods — yes , it ’ s being called the Tiger version of the Michael Jordan documentary Last Dance — looks at the golfer ’ s rise , fall , and comeback ( although as Deadline notes , while the trailer teases an interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Woods , his ex-wife Elin Nordegren is conspicuously absent ) .
Tiger is coming to HBO Max January 10th , with part two on January 17th .
The sequel to the 1988 comedy Coming to America sees Eddie Murphy reprise his role as Prince Akeem — or now , King Akeem — of the fictional African country Zamunda , who must return to Queens because something something male heir to the throne something .
Murphy reunites with Arsenio Hall , who plays his loyal sidekick Semmi , and the two reprise their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Earl Jones , Tracy Morgan , Leslie Jones , John Amos , Wesley Snipes , and Shari Headley also star .
Coming 2 America hits Amazon Prime Video on March 5th .
Justin Timberlake takes a dramatic turn as former high school football star Eddie Palmer , who returns home after spending 12 years in prison .
He forms a bond with neglected neighbor child Sam ( Ryder Allen ) , who gets bullied because of his nonconforming gender identity .
I ’ ll be interested to see Timberlake in such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope the film treats the sensitive topic of a child ’ s gender identity with care .
Palmer debuts on Apple TV Plus on January 29th .
Denzel Washington and Rami Malek star as a pair of sheriffs tracking a serial killer ( Jared Leto ) who preys on women .
Naturally , Washington ’ s character has a secret , troubled past which the new case dredges up .
I feel like maybe perhaps I have seen this plot many times already , but , Denzel Washington is a good reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve judgment .
The Little Things premieres in theaters and on HBO Max January 29th .
Anthony Mackie plays Leo , a robot military officer , who pairs up with a drone pilot named Harp ( Damson Idris ) to track down a doomsday device before the bad guys do .
Get ’ em , Falcon .
Outside the Wire hits Netflix January 15th .

So I watched Wonder Woman 1984, and I may need to watch it a second time before I decide what I think, because right now I think it’s sort of a parody of 1980s movies that doesn’t quite hit the mark despite a fine performance by Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian!) as the villain. Also about to wrap season 7 in my binge-watch of Homeland... I’ve stuck with it this long, so need to find out how it all ends. Note to self though: pick something a little less dystopian for the next binge-watching project.
It’s our final trailer wrap-up for 2020 and we have a little bit of everything: a drama, a documentary, a “psychological thriller,” and a comedy.
Tiger
A two-part documentary about the life and career of Tiger Woods — yes, it’s being called the Tiger version of the Michael Jordan documentary Last Dance — looks at the golfer’s rise, fall, and comeback (although as Deadline notes, while the trailer teases an interview with Rachel Uchitel, who had an affair with Woods, his ex-wife Elin Nordegren is conspicuously absent). Tiger is coming to HBO Max January 10th, with part two on January 17th.
Coming 2 America
The sequel to the 1988 comedy Coming to America sees Eddie Murphy reprise his role as Prince Akeem — or now, King Akeem — of the fictional African country Zamunda, who must return to Queens because something something male heir to the throne something. Murphy reunites with Arsenio Hall, who plays his loyal sidekick Semmi, and the two reprise their numerous supporting character roles as well. James Earl Jones, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, John Amos, Wesley Snipes, and Shari Headley also star. Coming 2 America hits Amazon Prime Video on March 5th.
Palmer
Justin Timberlake takes a dramatic turn as former high school football star Eddie Palmer, who returns home after spending 12 years in prison. He forms a bond with neglected neighbor child Sam (Ryder Allen), who gets bullied because of his nonconforming gender identity. I’ll be interested to see Timberlake in such a heavy role, and let’s hope the film treats the sensitive topic of a child’s gender identity with care. Palmer debuts on Apple TV Plus on January 29th.
The Little Things
Denzel Washington and Rami Malek star as a pair of sheriffs tracking a serial killer (Jared Leto) who preys on women. Naturally, Washington’s character has a secret, troubled past which the new case dredges up. I feel like maybe perhaps I have seen this plot many times already, but, Denzel Washington is a good reason to watch any movie, so I will reserve judgment. The Little Things premieres in theaters and on HBO Max January 29th.
Outside the Wire


theverge--2020-12-26--Investor sues CD Projekt over bungled Cyberpunk 2077 launch

The anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 launch wasn ’ t just a disaster for gamers , but for the game ’ s investors , too .
A lawsuit filed yesterday against CD Projekt , the company behind Cyberpunk , claims investors were misled about the game ’ s performance ahead of its release , causing a significant stock price drop and losses .
CD Projekt allegedly failed to convey that the game was “ virtually unplayable , ” the lawsuit states , and instead marketed it as a success with a few issues that would go unnoticed by players .
The plaintiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include other investors in the suit to turn it into a class action .
CD Projekt said in a court filing it would “ vigorously ” defend itself against the investor ’ s claims , Bloomberg reported .
Since the game ’ s launch earlier this month , it ’ s been plagued with bugs , prompting retailers and console makers to offer full refunds .
GameStop is accepting returns , even if people opened the game , which goes against its typical policy , and Sony pulled the game last week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , the game sold more than 13 million copies in the two weeks since its launch , making it one of the best-selling games of the year .
Many of those sales came from preorders after a much hyped marketing campaign , which helped CD Projekt recoup costs from the nearly decade-long process of making the game .

The anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 launch wasn’t just a disaster for gamers, but for the game’s investors, too. A lawsuit filed yesterday against CD Projekt, the company behind Cyberpunk, claims investors were misled about the game’s performance ahead of its release, causing a significant stock price drop and losses. CD Projekt allegedly failed to convey that the game was “virtually unplayable,” the lawsuit states, and instead marketed it as a success with a few issues that would go unnoticed by players. The plaintiff, Andrew Trampe, is looking to include other investors in the suit to turn it into a class action.
CD Projekt said in a court filing it would “vigorously” defend itself against the investor’s claims, Bloomberg reported.
Since the game’s launch earlier this month, it’s been plagued with bugs, prompting retailers and console makers to offer full refunds. GameStop is accepting returns, even if people opened the game, which goes against its typical policy, and Sony pulled the game last week and began processing digital refunds for unsatisfied buyers.
Still, the game sold more than 13 million copies in the two weeks since its launch, making it one of the best-selling games of the year. Many of those sales came from preorders after a much hyped marketing campaign, which helped CD Projekt recoup costs from the nearly decade-long process of making the game.


theverge--2020-12-28--LG’s new ‘QNED’ TVs will have up to nearly 30,000 tiny LEDs behind the screen

LG might be the company that ’ s most synonymous with OLED TVs , but tonight it ’ s announcing what to expect from its LCD-based sets in 2021 .
Like other manufacturers including TCL have already done ( and Samsung is expected to soon join in on ) , LG is adopting Mini LED technology for its premium LCD 8K and 4K TVs coming next year .
LG says Mini LED allows for “ a giant leap forward in LCD TV picture quality.
” The best LCD TVs today have what ’ s called “ full-array local dimming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of them — serve as the backlighting behind the screen .
These can be controlled in zones , and each zone can be dimmed as appropriate for dark scenes , which helps improve black levels and contrast .
Mini LED changes up the strategy a bit by using much smaller LEDs ( but way more of them ) for greater contrast than TVs that might top out at a couple hundred dimming zones .
In LG ’ s case , the company says its new backlight “ comprises up to almost 30,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 when paired with up to 2,500 dimming zones and advanced local dimming zones.
” The end result is better contrast , more dynamic HDR , and improved color accuracy over the company ’ s prior LCD sets .
Like all of LG ’ s 2020 flagships , refresh rates of up to 120Hz are supported .
LG has branded these upper-end LCD TVs as “ QNED , ” with the Q referring to quantum dot color and the N presumably standing for LG ’ s “ NanoCell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little awkward — especially since TV shoppers will have to contend with a mix of OLED , QLED , and QNED TVs when at their local Best Buy .
The closest comparison for LG ’ s QNED TVs would be something like TCL ’ s 8 Series , which contains 25,000 LEDs in around 1,000 control zones .
( LG says the QNED will come in sizes up to 86 inches , which is the one I ’ m guessing those earlier numbers come from . )
TCL ’ s 6 Series also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number is much lower than the pricey 8 Series .
But as the leading OLED TV brand , LG is being careful to underline that OLED is still where the absolute best picture can be had — even with all these advancements on the LCD side .
2020 saw Vizio enter the OLED TV field and try to undercut LG on price , but LG isn ’ t about to easily give up its position at the top .
( Sony also makes high-end OLEDs ; all three companies use panels from LG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t make the mistake of mixing up Mini LED with MicroLED .
Think of Mini LED as another evolution of LCD TVs , whereas MicroLED is a more radical upgrade that removes the backlight from the equation altogether ( just like OLED ) and combines millions of self-emissive LEDs that only light up when they ’ re needed .
MicroLED TVs are still outrageously expensive , and while we won ’ t know pricing for LG ’ s QNED TVs for a few more months , it should be much less eye-popping .

LG might be the company that’s most synonymous with OLED TVs, but tonight it’s announcing what to expect from its LCD-based sets in 2021. Like other manufacturers including TCL have already done (and Samsung is expected to soon join in on), LG is adopting Mini LED technology for its premium LCD 8K and 4K TVs coming next year.
LG says Mini LED allows for “a giant leap forward in LCD TV picture quality.” The best LCD TVs today have what’s called “full-array local dimming,” where LEDs — in some cases hundreds of them — serve as the backlighting behind the screen. These can be controlled in zones, and each zone can be dimmed as appropriate for dark scenes, which helps improve black levels and contrast.
Mini LED changes up the strategy a bit by using much smaller LEDs (but way more of them) for greater contrast than TVs that might top out at a couple hundred dimming zones.
In LG’s case, the company says its new backlight “comprises up to almost 30,000 tiny LEDs that produce incredible peak brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 when paired with up to 2,500 dimming zones and advanced local dimming zones.” The end result is better contrast, more dynamic HDR, and improved color accuracy over the company’s prior LCD sets. Like all of LG’s 2020 flagships, refresh rates of up to 120Hz are supported.
LG has branded these upper-end LCD TVs as “QNED,” with the Q referring to quantum dot color and the N presumably standing for LG’s “NanoCell” branding. It comes off a little awkward — especially since TV shoppers will have to contend with a mix of OLED, QLED, and QNED TVs when at their local Best Buy.
The closest comparison for LG’s QNED TVs would be something like TCL’s 8 Series, which contains 25,000 LEDs in around 1,000 control zones. (LG says the QNED will come in sizes up to 86 inches, which is the one I’m guessing those earlier numbers come from.) TCL’s 6 Series also uses Mini LEDs, though the total number is much lower than the pricey 8 Series.
Shrinking the LEDs allows TV makers to use many more of them for greater contrast and better blacks. Image: TCL
But as the leading OLED TV brand, LG is being careful to underline that OLED is still where the absolute best picture can be had — even with all these advancements on the LCD side. 2020 saw Vizio enter the OLED TV field and try to undercut LG on price, but LG isn’t about to easily give up its position at the top. (Sony also makes high-end OLEDs; all three companies use panels from LG Display.)


theverge--2020-12-28--Coinbase halts trading of XRP following SEC suit against Ripple

Coinbase announced today that it is halting all trades of XRP on its cryptocurrency exchange , according to an official blog post ( via Coindesk ) .
Certain kind of trades became restricted today , and the full suspension will go into place January 19th , 2021 at 10:00AM PT .
Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange , and suspending a currency like XRP naturally casts doubt on the currency ’ s future , even before the SEC lawsuit over it is settled .
Coinbase says it made the decision to suspend XRP “ in light ” of the suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SEC ) filed against XRP ’ s original creator , Ripple .
With the suspension in place , people will no longer be able to trade XRP on Coinbase , though they will still be able to deposit and withdraw from their XRP wallets .
In the suit that started it all , the SEC ’ s main concern is what an XRP actually is .
The SEC claims XRP is a security and should be treated as such .
That means Ripple ’ s former CEO and current CEO should have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information necessary to access the risks of XRP before anyone invested .
Ripple , of course , believes the opposite .
In Ripple ’ s opinion , XRP is a currency , and so it doesn ’ t fall under the jurisdiction of the SEC .
For more on why it matters what XRP is called , check out my colleague Liz Lopatto ’ s piece .
Coinbase is the highest profile exchange to suspend XRP , but other exchanges like Bitstamp and OK Coin have made similar decisions following the SEC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement of a lawsuit , the SEC has already impacted the short-term future of XRP .

Coinbase announced today that it is halting all trades of XRP on its cryptocurrency exchange, according to an official blog post (via Coindesk). Certain kind of trades became restricted today, and the full suspension will go into place January 19th, 2021 at 10AM PT. Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange, and suspending a currency like XRP naturally casts doubt on the currency’s future, even before the SEC lawsuit over it is settled.
Coinbase says it made the decision to suspend XRP “in light” of the suit the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed against XRP’s original creator, Ripple. With the suspension in place, people will no longer be able to trade XRP on Coinbase, though they will still be able to deposit and withdraw from their XRP wallets.
In the suit that started it all, the SEC’s main concern is what an XRP actually is. The SEC claims XRP is a security and should be treated as such. That means Ripple’s former CEO and current CEO should have been responsible for disclosing a variety of additional information necessary to access the risks of XRP before anyone invested. Ripple, of course, believes the opposite. In Ripple’s opinion, XRP is a currency, and so it doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the SEC. For more on why it matters what XRP is called, check out my colleague Liz Lopatto’s piece.


theverge--2020-12-28--Google inexplicably takes away wide-angle astrophotography from Pixel phones

Pixel 5 and 4a 5G users can no longer use their ultra-wide cameras to take pictures of the stars : Google apparently removed the lens ’ s astrophotography capabilities with the Google Camera 8.1 update .
The feature was a selling point of the Pixel 4 , and was available on the regular and telephoto cameras .
When the 4a 5G and 5 were announced with new wide-angle lenses , the feature was added to those as well .
Now it ’ s been taken away .
The astrophotography feature lets users capture the night sky by pointing their phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by balancing it on a nearby object or putting it on a tripod .
The feature is still available on the phones ’ other cameras , but if you go to Night Sight mode and switch to the ultra-wide angle camera you ’ ll now get a warning saying “ Zoom to 1x for astrophotography.
” Before the update it would say “ Astrophotography on.
” Google didn ’ t respond to our request for comment asking why it had made the change , but it did update its low-light photography support document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a look at the Wayback Machine , we can see that this change occurred some time between November 1st and November 7th .
It ’ s slightly odd timing given that the update wasn ’ t released until a couple of days later .
For an explanation as to why the feature may have been cut , you can check out this thread on Google ’ s Pixel Phone Help forum .
It has examples from two users , showing the results astrophotography mode produced on the Pixel 5 ’ s regular camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put out .
I ’ ll let you judge the pictures for yourself .
The forum post , however , is another bit of timing weirdness — it was made days after the update removing the feature had already started rolling out .
Given that the update was out for a month and a half before most people really started noticing that the feature had been removed , it may be obvious why Google thought it could get away without mentioning it in the changelog .
Even if it ’ s a feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , it still stands as a reminder that software features used to advertise a phone may be subject to change ( just like the Pixel ’ s unlimited original quality storage in Google Photos ) .

Pixel 5 and 4a 5G users can no longer use their ultrawide cameras to take pictures of the stars: Google apparently removed the lens’s astrophotography capabilities with the Google Camera 8.1 update. The feature was a selling point of the Pixel 4, and was available on the regular and telephoto cameras. When the 4a 5G and 5 were announced with new wide-angle lenses, the feature was added to those as well. Now it’s been taken away.
The astrophotography feature lets users capture the night sky by pointing their phone up and keeping it still, either by balancing it on a nearby object or putting it on a tripod. The feature is still available on the phones’ other cameras, but if you go to Night Sight mode and switch to the ultrawide camera, you’ll now get a warning saying “Zoom to 1x for astrophotography.” Before the update it would say “Astrophotography on.”
Google didn’t respond to our request for comment asking why it had made the change, but it did update its low-light photography support document to add the following caveat:
Important: On Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5, astrophotography only works on zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.
Taking a look at the Wayback Machine, we can see that this change occurred some time between November 1st and November 7th. It’s slightly odd timing given that the update wasn’t released until a couple of days later.
A Google Pixel Phone forum user’s posted comparisons of the ultrawide (top) and standard angle lenses shooting in astrophotography mode.
For an explanation as to why the feature may have been cut, you can check out this thread on Google’s Pixel Phone Help forum. It has examples from two users, showing the results astrophotography mode produced on the Pixel 5’s regular camera, compared to what the ultrawide lens put out. I’ll let you judge the pictures for yourself. The forum post, however, is another bit of timing weirdness — it was made days after the update removing the feature had already started rolling out.
Given that the update was out for a month and a half before most people really started noticing that the feature had been removed, it may be obvious why Google thought it could get away without mentioning it in the changelog. Even if it’s a feature that won’t be missed by many, it still stands as a reminder that the software features you get used to on your phone may be subject to change.


theverge--2020-12-28--Your car may be recording more data than you know

When we think about privacy and who can access our location data , we ’ re often focusing on our phones , and not on the machine that actually takes us places : our car .
A recent report from NBC News goes into just how much data is collected by our vehicles , and how it can be used by police and criminals alike .
Your car , depending on how new it is and what capabilities it has , could be collecting all sorts of data without your knowledge — including location data , when its doors were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice .
The NBC article uses the example of Joshua Wessel , a man who ’ s been charged with murder because the victim ’ s truck has a recording of his voice at the time of the killing .
The report also looks at a company called Berla Corp. , which has built a business out of extracting that data on behalf of police .
In broad strokes , it ’ s hard to guarantee any kind of data protection , simply because cars collect so much sensitive data .
Berla ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unique IDs of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices that had connected to a car ’ s infotainment system , as well as call logs , contacts , and text messages .
But infotainment data isn ’ t all it can read — it can also look at the logs kept by the car ’ s internal computer , revealing when specific doors were opened , as well as providing a location log from its built-in GPS .
It ’ s not just police that are able to get at this information .
NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app to access live data from his ex-girlfriend ’ s Land Rover .
Not only was he able to access live information about the car , he was also able to control it , remotely turning it on and off and opening windows .
I ’ ve seen firsthand how people don ’ t think about all the information their car keeps .
I recently bought a used one , and it turned out that the dealership hadn ’ t wiped any of the previous owner ’ s information .
I could ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home address if I wanted ( and I had to see what they had named their phone in order to delete it from the system ) .
The heart of the problem is that we ’ re sharing our private data with more and more devices , and the systems we rely on to keep that data safe keep getting more complex .
If we really want to deal with the issue , we may have to take a hard look at our cars , and start thinking about how much data they @ @ @

When we think about privacy and who can access our location data, we’re often focusing on our phones, and not on the machine that actually takes us places: our car. A recent report from NBC News goes into just how much data is collected by our vehicles, and how it can be used by police and criminals alike.
Your car, depending on how new it is and what capabilities it has, could be collecting all sorts of data without your knowledge — including location data, when its doors were opened, and even recordings of your voice. The NBC article uses the example of Joshua Wessel, a man who’s been charged with murder because the victim’s truck has a recording of his voice at the time of the killing. The report also looks at a company called Berla Corp., which has built a business out of extracting that data on behalf of police.
In broad strokes, it’s hard to guarantee any kind of data protection, simply because cars collect so much sensitive data. Berla’s software boasts the ability to read the unique IDs of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices that have connected to a car’s infotainment system, as well as call logs, contacts, and text messages. But infotainment data isn’t all it can read — it can also look at the logs kept by the car’s internal computer, revealing when specific doors were opened, as well as providing a location log from its built-in GPS.
It’s not just police that are able to get at this information. NBC mentions an Australian man who used an app to access live data from his ex-girlfriend’s Land Rover. Not only was he able to access live information about the car, he was also able to control it, remotely turning it on and off and opening windows.
I’ve seen firsthand how people don’t think about all the information their car keeps. I recently bought a used one, and it turned out that the dealership hadn’t wiped any of the previous owner’s information. I could’ve easily seen their phone number and home address if I wanted (and I had to see what they had named their phone in order to delete it from the system).
The heart of the problem is that we’re sharing our private data with more and more devices, and the systems we rely on to keep that data safe are getting more complex. If we really want to deal with the issue, we may have to take a hard look at our cars, and start thinking about how much data they really need.


theverge--2020-12-28--In 2023, you won’t be able to fly most drones in the US without broadcasting your location

If you intend to fly a drone in the US , you ’ re going to want to pay attention : the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) just issued the single biggest set of changes to US drone law since the agency first took an interest in the technology .
With the proper license , you ’ ll soon be able to fly at night and over people .
But the biggest change is this : in 2023 , it may be illegal for you to fly some drones at all unless you retrofit them with their own broadcasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will require every new mass-produced drone weighing over 0.55 pounds ( 0.25kg ) to broadcast your location — and I do mean your location , not just the location of your drone .
You ’ ll also be broadcasting an identification number that law enforcement can cross-reference with your registration number , as well as your drone ’ s speed and altitude .
The FAA is casting it as a digital license plate It ’ s all part of a new “ Remote ID ” standard designed to give the FAA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s actually flying around in the skies , and it makes sense we might want something like that , considering the current system only requires you to slap a sticker on your drone that nobody ’ s going to be able to see while it ’ s flying through the air .
This way , law enforcement can theoretically figure out who ’ s flying any given drone dangerously and shut them down .
But the Remote ID rule doesn ’ t just apply to brand-new drones : in 2023 ; it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drones without that same broadcast .
There ’ s no grandfathering clause for older drones , no exemption for home-built racing drones , and it doesn ’ t matter whether you ’ re flying it for fun or even just flying it indoors .
You ’ ll either need to retrofit it with a new broadcast module or only fly it in a specially designated drone flying zone called an “ FAA-Recognized Identification Area , ” according to the new rules .
No such areas yet exist — the FAA will be accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s also noteworthy the FAA isn ’ t saying precisely how or how far these drones need to broadcast their identity , largely leaving it up to manufacturers to figure out the best way to do so over the next 18-20 months , which is when new drones sold in the US will have to comply .
“ At this time , no means of compliance have been FAA-approved , ” writes a spokesperson .
For a DJI-style drone that already packs plenty of technology and already connects to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy as sending an additional signal every so often , but it depends on what the FAA decides to approve in the end .
DJI declined to comment for this story , which makes me wonder if there ’ s some wrinkle I ’ m missing .
What does “ broadcast ” mean ?
TBD It is worth noting that while DJI railed against the FAA ’ s original proposal that might have required every drone to broadcast their Remote ID over the internet , the final rules explicitly don ’ t require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers might simply use short-range Bluetooth or Wi-Fi .
Here ’ s self-flying drone maker Skydio ’ s statement : “ We are reviewing the FAA ’ s new rule on remote identification , which comes into effect in roughly 30 months .
There is no immediate impact on Skydio customers .
We are working closely with the FAA and taking steps to ensure that our current and future products will be in compliance with the new framework.
” If it does prove difficult to add these broadcasts .
or if people become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could change the way drones are made and sold .
Companies like DJI already try to keep some drones under the 0.55-pound weight limit so buyers don ’ t have to legally register them with the FAA .
Now , more drones are likely to follow suit , and manufacturers of cheaper flying toys might think twice about crossing that weight limit as well .
Even racing drones designed to shed as much weight as possible may now need to factor a possible Remote ID transmitter into their build .
And just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmitter doesn ’ t mean you can take an eye off your drone , by the way .
The Visual Line of Sight rule still applies .
“ Persons operating a drone with a remote ID broadcast module must be able to see their drone at all times during flight , ” writes an FAA spokesperson , who also confirmed to The Verge that there ’ s no exemption for home-built drones .
“ [ FAA-Recognized Identification Areas ] are the only locations unmanned aircraft ( drones and radio-controlled model airplanes ) may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without other authorization from the FAA , ” they wrote .
If you ’ re a professional , licensed drone operator , there is some very intriguing and long-awaited news today alongside the Remote ID rule , though : the FAA has decided to finally allow you to fly drones over people , at night , and in some cases even over moving vehicles without applying for a special exemption .
Flying at night requires additional training and anti-collision lights “ that can be seen for 3 statute miles and have a flash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flying over people depends on how dangerous your drone is in terms of weight and sharp propeller blades .
There are four categories of drone : Category 1 eligible small unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 0.55 , including everything on board or otherwise attached , and contain no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin .
No FAA-accepted Means of Compliance ( MOC ) or Declaration of Compliance ( DOC ) required .
Category 2 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by a transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object , does not contain any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being , and does not contain any safety defects .
Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance .
Category 3 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to or greater than the severity of injury caused by a transfer of 25 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being , and does not contain any safety defects .
Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance .
Category 4 eligible small unmanned aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations .
Must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator .
The operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings .
Must have maintenance , preventive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with specific requirements in the final rule .
You can ’ t fly a small Category 1 or Category 2 drone over people unless it ’ s got a Remote ID transmitter , while Category 3 can ’ t be flown over “ open-air assemblies of human beings , ” only private areas where people are either under covered structures or have been warned that a drone will be flying over .
Regardless , you ’ ll need a Part 107 permit to fly at night or over people at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting licensed .
These specific rules should go into effect in about two months .
Here ’ s the FAA ’ s executive summary ( PDF ) on flying over people , and the full text of the Remote ID rule ( PDF ) so you can read for yourself .
The FAA has addressed loads of public comments and suggestions in there , so it ’ s worth a read if you ’ re wondering why they chose to go this way .

If you intend to fly a drone in the US, you’re going to want to pay attention: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just issued the single biggest set of changes to US drone law since the agency first took an interest in the technology. With the proper license, you’ll soon be able to fly at night and over people. But the biggest change is this: in 2023, it may be illegal for you to fly some drones at all unless you retrofit them with their own broadcasting equipment.
In 2022, the US government will require every new mass-produced drone weighing over 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) to broadcast your location — and I do mean your location, not just the location of your drone. You’ll also be broadcasting an identification number that law enforcement can cross-reference with your registration number, as well as your drone’s speed and altitude.
The FAA is casting it as a digital license plate
It’s all part of a new “Remote ID” standard designed to give the FAA and law enforcement a handle on what’s actually flying around in the skies, and it makes sense we might want something like that, considering the current system only requires you to slap a sticker on your drone that nobody’s going to be able to see while it’s flying through the air. This way, law enforcement can theoretically figure out who’s flying any given drone dangerously and shut them down.
But the Remote ID rule doesn’t just apply to brand-new drones: in 2023; it’ll be illegal to fly your existing drones without that same broadcast. There’s no grandfathering clause for older drones, no exemption for home-built racing drones, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re flying it for fun or even just flying it indoors. You’ll either need to retrofit it with a new broadcast module or only fly it in a specially designated drone flying zone called an “FAA-Recognized Identification Area,” according to the new rules. No such areas yet exist — the FAA will be accepting applications for the new zones in 2022.
It’s also noteworthy the FAA isn’t saying precisely how or how far these drones need to broadcast their identity, largely leaving it up to manufacturers to figure out the best way to do so over the next 18 to 20 months, which is when new drones sold in the US will have to comply. “At this time, no means of compliance have been FAA-approved,” writes a spokesperson.
For a DJI-style drone that already packs plenty of technology and already connects to your smartphone, it might theoretically be as easy as sending an additional signal every so often, but it depends on what the FAA decides to approve in the end. DJI and Skydio couldn’t yet tell me what their paths forward will be, which makes me wonder if there’s some wrinkle I’m missing.
“DJI has long supported the FAA’s Remote ID initiative because it will enhance drone accountability, safety and security. The FAA’s deliberative process of reviewing over 50,000 public comments has resulted in a rule that will serve the whole industry, as operators move on to more complex drone operations that save lives and benefit society. We are reviewing the final rule to understand how DJI can take steps towards complying with the FAA’s upcoming requirements,” reads a statement from DJI.
What does “broadcast” mean? TBD
It is worth noting that while DJI railed against the FAA’s original proposal that might have required every drone to broadcast their Remote ID over the internet, the final rules explicitly don’t require an internet connection, and suggest that manufacturers might simply use short-range Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Here’s self-flying drone maker Skydio’s statement: “We are reviewing the FAA’s new rule on remote identification, which comes into effect in roughly 30 months. There is no immediate impact on Skydio customers. We are working closely with the FAA and taking steps to ensure that our current and future products will be in compliance with the new framework.”
If it does prove difficult to add these broadcasts. or if people become worried about revealing their location, it could change the way drones are made and sold. Companies like DJI already try to keep some drones under the 0.55-pound weight limit so buyers don’t have to legally register them with the FAA. Now, more drones are likely to follow suit, and manufacturers of cheaper flying toys might think twice about crossing that weight limit as well. Even racing drones designed to shed as much weight as possible may now need to factor a possible Remote ID transmitter into their build.
And just because you’ve got a Remote ID transmitter doesn’t mean you can take an eye off your drone, by the way. The visual line of sight rule still applies. “Persons operating a drone with a remote ID broadcast module must be able to see their drone at all times during flight,” writes an FAA spokesperson, who also confirmed to The Verge that there’s no exemption for home-built drones. “[FAA-Recognized Identification Areas] are the only locations unmanned aircraft (drones and radio-controlled model airplanes) may operate without broadcasting remote ID message elements without other authorization from the FAA,” they wrote.
If you’re a professional, licensed drone operator, there is some very intriguing and long-awaited news today alongside the Remote ID rule, though: the FAA has decided to finally allow you to fly drones over people, at night, and in some cases even over moving vehicles, without applying for a special exemption.
Flying at night requires additional training and anti-collision lights “that can be seen for 3 statute miles and have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.” Flying over people depends on how dangerous your drone is in terms of weight and sharp propeller blades. There are four categories of drone:
Category 1 eligible small unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 0.55, including everything on board or otherwise attached, and contain no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin. No FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC) or Declaration of Compliance (DOC) required. Category 2 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to or greater than the severity of injury caused by a transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object, does not contain any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being, and does not contain any safety defects. Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance. Category 3 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to or greater than the severity of injury caused by a transfer of 25 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object, does not contain any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being, and does not contain any safety defects. Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance. Category 4 eligible small unmanned aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations. Must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. The operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings. Must have maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, or inspections performed in accordance with specific requirements in the final rule.
You can’t fly a small Category 1 or Category 2 drone over people unless it’s got a Remote ID transmitter, while Category 3 can’t be flown over “open-air assemblies of human beings,” only private areas where people are either under covered structures or have been warned that a drone will be flying over. Regardless, you’ll need an FAA Part 107 permit to fly at night or over people at all, which means taking a test and getting licensed. These specific rules should go into effect in about two months.
Here’s the FAA’s executive summary (PDF) on flying over people, and the full text of the Remote ID rule (PDF) so you can read for yourself. The FAA has addressed loads of public comments and suggestions in there, so it’s worth a read if you’re wondering why they chose to go this way.


theverge--2020-12-28--TikTok’s one-night Ratatouille musical will star some of Broadway’s biggest names

Ratatouille : The TikTok Musical has some big Broadway talent on board for its January 1st streaming performance .
Adam Lambert , Wayne Brady , Kevin Chamberlin , Mary Testa , and Priscilla Lopez will play key roles , with Tituss Burgess starring as Remy , the sophisticated rat who loves fine food .
The one-time only performance will benefit the Actors Fund .
Based on the 2007 Disney-Pixar movie Ratatouille , the musical came together on TikTok , with creators composing songs based on the original film , building the “ show ” piece by piece .
Emily Jacobsen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Remy the Ratatouille ” song for TikTok , and composer Daniel Mertzlufft , created the very Broadway-esque arrangement of Jacobsen ’ s song that really started the ball rolling for a full-blown show .
Honestly it ’ s so good .
“ The Rat ’ s Way of Life ” and “ Ratatouille Tango ” created by TikToker Blake Rouse will be featured in the musical , and the Playbill program created by TikToker Jess Siswick is the musical ’ s promotional artwork .
TodayTix , which is the ticket vendor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , indeed , being compensated and credited !
Our teams are collaborating with them to make this the show of all your dreams.
” Disney isn ’ t directly involved with development but has apparently given its blessing to the project .
As has actor Patton Oswalt , the original voice of Remy .
The show will stream via TodayTix on January 1st at 7PM ET , with ticket prices ranging from $ 5 to $ 50 .
Ratatouille : The TikTok Musical will be available on demand for 72 hours after @

Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical has some big Broadway talent on board for its January 1st streaming performance. Adam Lambert, Wayne Brady, Kevin Chamberlin, Mary Testa, and Priscilla Lopez will play key roles, with Tituss Burgess starring as Remy, the sophisticated rat who loves fine food.
The one-time only performance will benefit the Actors Fund. Based on the 2007 Disney-Pixar movie Ratatouille, the musical came together on TikTok, with creators composing songs based on the original film, building the “show” piece by piece. Emily Jacobsen (@e_jaccs) made the original “Remy the Ratatouille” song for TikTok, and composer Daniel Mertzlufft created the very Broadway-esque arrangement of Jacobsen’s song that really started the ball rolling for a full-blown show. Honestly it’s so good.
TodayTix, which is the ticket vendor for the show, tweeted that “creators are, indeed, being compensated and credited! Our teams are collaborating with them to make this the show of all your dreams.”
Disney isn’t directly involved with development but has apparently given its blessing to the project. As has actor Patton Oswalt, the original voice of Remy.


theverge--2020-12-28--New York Post’s Hunter Biden laptop source sues Twitter for defamation

A computer repair shop owner cited in a controversial New York Post story is suing Twitter for defamation , claiming its content moderation choices falsely tarred him as a hacker .
John Paul Mac Isaac was the owner of The Mac Shop , a Delaware computer repair business .
In October , the New York Post reported that The Mac Shop had been paid to recover data from a laptop belonging to Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter , and it published emails and pictures allegedly from a copy of the hard drive .
After the Post ’ s sourcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter both restricted the article ’ s reach , and Twitter pointed to its ban on posting “ hacked materials ” as an explanation .
Mac Isaac claims Twitter specifically made this decision to “ communicate to the world that [ Mac Isaac ] is a hacker.
” He says that his business began to receive threats and negative reviews after Twitter ’ s moderation decision , and that he is “ now widely considered a hacker ” because of Twitter .
Unlike many suits against social media companies , Mac Isaac isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content — a choice that would be likely protected by the First Amendment .
Nor is he claiming other people defamed him through Twitter , a strategy unsuccessfully pursued by Rep. Devin Nunes of California .
His suit loosely mirrors that of conservative activist Laura Loomer , who sued Facebook for banning her under a “ dangerous individuals ” policy .
( Loomer ’ s case was dismissed voluntarily in August . )
Basically , his argument rests on the fact that Twitter said the New York Post report was based on hacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maliciously implied he was a hacker .
Twitter defines “ hacking ” loosely to include obtaining documents without authorization , and it didn ’ t name a specific individual as a “ hacker.
” The Post said it indirectly obtained its files via Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani ’ s attorney , who in turn obtained them from Mac Isaac .
Some critics of the Post speculated that Russian disinformation operatives had planted the emails , which wouldn ’ t place the blame on Mac Isaac .
( These critiques have not been corroborated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business reviews that criticize Mac Isaac based on the facts of the Post story — but it ’ s unclear why Twitter should be held liable for those reviews .
Twitter also declared a day later that the Post ’ s reporting didn ’ t violate its “ hacked materials ” policy , part of a rapid series of policy shifts around the saga .
Mac Isaac is nonetheless demanding $ 500 million and a public retraction from Twitter .
Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

A computer repair shop owner cited in a controversial New York Post story is suing Twitter for defamation, claiming its content moderation choices falsely tarred him as a hacker.
John Paul Mac Isaac was the owner of The Mac Shop, a Delaware computer repair business. In October, the New York Post reported that The Mac Shop had been paid to recover data from a laptop belonging to Joe Biden’s son Hunter, and it published emails and pictures allegedly from a copy of the hard drive. After the Post’s sourcing and conclusions were disputed, Facebook and Twitter both restricted the article’s reach, and Twitter pointed to its ban on posting “hacked materials” as an explanation.
Mac Isaac claims Twitter specifically made this decision to “communicate to the world that [Mac Isaac] is a hacker.” He says that his business began to receive threats and negative reviews after Twitter’s moderation decision, and that he is “now widely considered a hacker” because of Twitter.
Unlike many suits against social media companies, Mac Isaac isn’t specifically complaining that Twitter removed content — a choice that would be likely protected by the First Amendment. Nor is he claiming other people defamed him through Twitter, a strategy unsuccessfully pursued by Rep. Devin Nunes of California. His suit loosely mirrors that of conservative activist Laura Loomer, who sued Facebook for banning her under a “dangerous individuals” policy. (Loomer’s case was dismissed voluntarily in August.) Basically, his argument rests on the fact that Twitter said the New York Post report was based on hacked materials, and by extension, it maliciously implied he was a hacker.
Twitter defines “hacking” loosely to include obtaining documents without authorization, and it didn’t name a specific individual as a “hacker.” The Post said it indirectly obtained its files via Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s attorney, who in turn obtained them from Mac Isaac. Some critics of the Post speculated that Russian disinformation operatives had planted the emails, which wouldn’t place the blame on Mac Isaac. (These critiques have not been corroborated.)
The complaint cites several negative business reviews that criticize Mac Isaac based on the facts of the Post story — but it’s unclear why Twitter should be held liable for those reviews. Twitter also declared a day later that the Post’s reporting didn’t violate its “hacked materials” policy, part of a rapid series of policy shifts around the saga.
Mac Isaac is nonetheless demanding $500 million and a public retraction from Twitter. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


theverge--2020-12-28--Trump administration appeals yet another TikTok ruling

The Trump administration has gained some experience losing in court recently , and has suffered setback after setback in its stance that TikTok should be banned in the US .
Still , its pursuit of the video sharing app continues .
On Monday , the Department of Justice filed an appeal of a judge ’ s order that blocked restrictions on TikTok in the US from taking effect .
US District Judge Carl Nichols issued an order December 7th that blocked the Commerce Department ’ s restrictions on TikTok , which would have prevented new downloads of the app from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed an October order from US District Judge Wendy Beetlestone in Pennsylvania , who issued an injunction against the ban .
In that case , three content creators had argued that a TikTok ban would have a negative effect on their income .
And on Monday , the DOJ appealed Nichols ’ decision to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit .
A US ban on TikTok seems less and less likely The TikTok-Trump saga began back in August , when President Trump issued an order saying the security concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , constituted a national emergency .
He invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( IEEPA ) , which allows the president to ban transactions between US and foreign entities .
President Trump then issued an order August 14th giving parent company ByteDance 90 days to either sell or spin off its TikTok business in the US .
That order was set to go into effect on November 12th and would have halted the app ’ s US operations .
On September 18th , the US Commerce Department issued an order to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But a day later , the president said he had approved “ in concept ” a bid from cloud computing giant Oracle to become TikTok ’ s “ trusted tech partner.
” That deal called for creating a new entity , TikTok Global , which would be based in the US and take over processing and storage for all US-based TikTok users .
But then the Trump administration ... kind of forgot about the whole thing , it seemed .
TikTok filed a petition November 10th seeking a 30-day extension of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had received “ no substantive feedback ” from the Trump administration for some time .
The administration gave an extension until November 27th , and again until December 4th .
Then the government said it would not enforce its own deadline .
What shape the appeal will take in the waning days of a lame duck administration is still to be determined , but a US ban on the app seeks less and less likely to happen .
TikTok did not immediately reply to a request for comment Monday .

The Trump administration has gained some experience losing in court recently, and has suffered setback after setback in its stance that TikTok should be banned in the US. Still, its pursuit of the video sharing app continues. On Monday, the Department of Justice filed an appeal of a judge’s order that blocked restrictions on TikTok in the US from taking effect.
US District Judge Carl Nichols issued an order December 7th that blocked the Commerce Department’s restrictions on TikTok, which would have prevented new downloads of the app from US app stores. Nichols’ order followed an October order from US District Judge Wendy Beetlestone in Pennsylvania, who issued an injunction against the ban. In that case, three content creators had argued that a TikTok ban would have a negative effect on their income. And on Monday, the DOJ appealed Nichols’ decision to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit.
A US ban on TikTok seems less and less likely
The TikTok-Trump saga began back in August, when President Trump issued an order saying the security concerns about TikTok and WeChat, both China-based apps, constituted a national emergency. He invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which allows the president to ban transactions between US and foreign entities. President Trump then issued an order August 14th giving parent company ByteDance 90 days to either sell or spin off its TikTok business in the US. That order was set to go into effect on November 12th and would have halted the app’s US operations.
On September 18th, the US Commerce Department issued an order to block downloads of the app in the US. But a day later, the president said he had approved “in concept” a bid from cloud computing giant Oracle to become TikTok’s “trusted tech partner.” That deal called for creating a new entity, TikTok Global, which would be based in the US and take over processing and storage for all US-based TikTok users.
But then the Trump administration... kind of forgot about the whole thing, it seemed. TikTok filed a petition November 10th seeking a 30-day extension of the November 12th deadline, and the company said it had received “no substantive feedback” from the Trump administration for some time. The administration gave an extension until November 27th, and again until December 4th. Then the government said it would not enforce its own deadline.


theverge--2020-12-28--You can get a OnePlus 7T for $300 at B&H

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
The T-Mobile variant of the OnePlus 7T is on sale at B & H for $ 300 , undercutting OnePlus ’ s own sale at $ 350 .
This matches the lowest price the phone has ever been , so if you ’ ve been looking for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this deal may be worth checking out .
This being the T-Mobile variant , there are some caveats that B & H lists on its site : The OnePlus 7T is an unlocked T-Mobile variant .
It may be used in other parts of the world ; however , LTE access may be limited or unsupported , depending on the network .
Please choose your country/carrier above to confirm the network compatibility of this phone .
This phone may also be T-Mobile branded and come pre-loaded with T-Mobile firmware and applications .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-Mobile , but T-Mobile has since unlocked it for resale .
The phone is new and not pre-owned , though the box has been opened in order to unlock the phone .
The phone may be used on any compatible carrier ; however , certain features like Wi-Fi tethering may not work on other carriers .
The phone is also dependent on T-Mobile for software updates .
If you don ’ t like the idea of the phone having previously been opened , you can also get a fully unlocked version for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the T-Mobile locked variant for $ 350 from OnePlus themselves .
The 7T was a good deal when it launched at $ 599 , and has only improved after a year of updates ( though it ’ s worth remembering that you ’ ll be reliant on T-Mobile for those with this version ) .
When compared to the market now , it does lack some features : it doesn ’ t have 5G , and it ’ s screen is slower at 90Hz than its successor ’ s , which runs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than those features , you may want to hop on the deal — it expires this Wednesday , December 31 at 11:59PM ET .

The OnePlus 7T is an unlocked T-Mobile variant. It may be used in other parts of the world; however, LTE access may be limited or unsupported, depending on the network. Please choose your country/carrier above to confirm the network compatibility of this phone.
This phone may also be T-Mobile branded and come pre-loaded with T-Mobile firmware and applications. The phone was originally manufactured and locked for T-Mobile, but T-Mobile has since unlocked it for resale. The phone is new and not pre-owned, though the box has been opened in order to unlock the phone. The phone may be used on any compatible carrier; however, certain features like Wi-Fi tethering may not work on other carriers. The phone is also dependent on T-Mobile for software updates.


theverge--2020-12-28--After stumbling with one film universe, DC is trying for two

There are about to be way , way , way more DC movies — and some will be released as HBO Max exclusives .
Following the release of Wonder Woman 1984 last week , DC Films president Walter Hamada sat down with the New York Times to talk about the studio ’ s more aggressive release strategy .
Starting in 2022 , DC Films plans to release up to four films theatrically every year , with one or two extra as HBO Max exclusives .
Currently , DC releases about one or two movies a year , and seen mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
failed to perform well , while Aquaman and Wonder Woman saw impressive box office return .
In 2019 , Warner Bros. also saw tremendous success with Joker — a movie not tied into the greater DC universe that nonetheless became an unexpected hit .
Under the new strategy , there will be two cinematic universes under the DC banner : the DC Extended Universe ( DCEU ) and the DC Films multiverse .
Films like Joker and The Batman will exist as part of DC Films ’ multiverse , which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characters that do not tie into a bigger narrative arc .
Under the new strategy , there will be two cinematic universes , essentially , under the DC banner Movies like Wonder Woman , Shazam !
, Aquaman , Flash , and likely future Superman and Green Lantern movies will fall under the DCEU .
Wonder Woman and the gang will have their own stories and then come together in some kind of Justice League setting again .
This means there can be two different Batman ( Batmen ? )
around the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own adventure in Matt Reeves ’ The Batman and Ben Affleck or a new actor can play Bruce Wayne in the DCEU .
It ’ s a familiar concept in comic books , where standalone series like Superman : Superman : Red Son can offer a new take on a popular character without affecting overall continuity .
And of course , different universes can cross over whenever DC wants , like how Affleck ’ s Batman might encounter Michael Keaton ’ s Batman in the upcoming Flash movie in 2022 .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understandable .
In comics , multiverses play out over several issues and series , so there ’ s more room to get used to the idea .
They also tend to work better on TV because the medium allows for longer-form storytelling that can navigate the intricacies of multiverse mechanics .
As Hamada told the Times , no one “ else has ever attempted this.
” “ But audiences are sophisticated enough to understand it , ” Hamada said .
“ If we make good movies , they will go with it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two movies directly onto HBO Max .
These are considered to be riskier projects , which may not generate the necessary revenue needed to justify a $ 200 million production budget and another $ 100 million on marketing .
They will , however , help bolster HBO Max subscribers if they work as intended .
The Times notes that Batgirl or Static Shock are possible candidates for the straight-to-streaming treatment , but those aren ’ t confirmed yet .
The studio will also use theatrical releases to launch spinoff TV shows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GCPD will stem from The Batman , while Peacemaker is a John Cena-led spinoff based on his character of the same name in James Gunn ’ s Suicide Squad .
“ With every movie that we ’ re looking at now , we are thinking , ‘ What ’ s the potential Max spinoff ?
’ ” Hamada told the Times .
“ What ’ s the potential Max spinoff ?
” is a fun sentence to read about a film studio ’ s development plans for the next decade , and Hamada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that line of thinking .
Studio heads Kevin Feige and Kathleen Kennedy are employing the strategy with their respective studios , Marvel and Lucasfilm , over on Disney Plus .
“ With every movie that we ’ re looking at now , we are thinking , ‘ What ’ s the potential Max spinoff ?
’ ” It ’ s an ouroboros strategy : a never ending cycle of content based on popular characters and IP company executives think can drive people to theaters , then streaming services , and back again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s strategy : Doctor Strange as a character ties into WandaVision , which ties back into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness .
The same for Yelena in Black Widow ( theatrical release ) appearing in Hawkeye ( Disney Plus show ) .
There are a lot of questions about how this will all work .
What about Greg Berlanti ’ s Arrowverse , for example ?
And all those other DC shows on the CW ?
Will they just continue existing in their own space the same way DC Universe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrol , Harley Quinn ) do on HBO Max ?
What if DC Films decides it wants to make a Batgirl spinoff — do two Batgirl TV shows just co-exist alongside each other ?
Remember when Jeph Loeb created an entire Marvel universe on Netflix , Hulu , and ABC — and then Marvel Studios effectively scrapped all of it ?
All we know for certain is there are going to be way more DC films and TV shows than what we currently have .
Include Marvel ’ s ramped-up production on Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fans will be facing a sea of superhero titles practically every month .

There are about to be way, way, way more DC movies — and some will be released as HBO Max exclusives.
Following the release of Wonder Woman 1984 last week, DC Films president Walter Hamada sat down with The New York Times to talk about the studio’s more aggressive release strategy. Starting in 2022, DC Films plans to release up to four films theatrically every year, with one or two extra as HBO Max exclusives.
Currently, DC releases about one or two movies a year, and has seen mixed success. Birds of Prey and Shazam! failed to perform well, while Aquaman and Wonder Woman saw impressive box office returns. In 2019, Warner Bros. also saw tremendous success with Joker — a movie not tied into the greater DC universe that nonetheless became an unexpected hit.
Under the new strategy, there will be two cinematic universes under the DC banner: the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the DC Films multiverse. Films like Joker and The Batman will exist as part of DC Films’ multiverse, which will be comprised of individual stories based on DC characters that do not tie into a bigger narrative arc.
Under the new strategy, there will be two cinematic universes, essentially, under the DC banner
Movies like Wonder Woman, Shazam!, Aquaman, Flash, and likely future Superman and Green Lantern movies will fall under the DCEU. Wonder Woman and the gang will have their own stories and then come together in some kind of Justice League setting again. This means there can be two different Batmans (Batmen?) around the same time: Robert Pattinson can have his own adventure in Matt Reeves’ The Batman and Ben Affleck or a new actor can play Bruce Wayne in the DCEU.
It’s a familiar concept in comic books, where standalone series like Superman: Red Son can offer a new take on a popular character without affecting overall continuity. And of course, different universes can cross over whenever DC wants, like how Affleck’s Batman might encounter Michael Keaton’s Batman in the upcoming Flash movie in 2022.
If you’re confused, it’s understandable. In comics, multiverses play out over several issues and series, so there’s more room to get used to the idea. They also tend to work better on TV because the medium allows for longer-form storytelling that can navigate the intricacies of multiverse mechanics. As Hamada told the Times, no one “else has ever attempted this.”
“But audiences are sophisticated enough to understand it,” Hamada said. “If we make good movies, they will go with it.”
DC Films also plans to release one or two movies directly onto HBO Max. These are considered to be riskier projects, which may not generate the necessary revenue needed to justify a $200 million production budget and another $100 million on marketing. They will, however, help bolster HBO Max subscribers if they work as intended. The Times notes that Batgirl or Static Shock are possible candidates for the straight-to-streaming treatment, but those aren’t confirmed yet.
The studio will also use theatrical releases to launch spinoff TV shows, which will stream on HBO Max. GCPD will stem from The Batman, while Peacemaker is a John Cena-led spinoff based on his character of the same name in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad. “With every movie that we’re looking at now, we are thinking, ‘What’s the potential Max spinoff?’” Hamada told the Times.
“What’s the potential Max spinoff?” is a fun sentence to read about a film studio’s development plans for the next decade, and Hamada isn’t the only studio executive with that line of thinking. Studio heads Kevin Feige and Kathleen Kennedy are employing the strategy with their respective studios, Marvel and Lucasfilm, over on Disney Plus.
“With every movie that we’re looking at now, we are thinking, ‘What’s the potential Max spinoff?’”
It’s an ouroboros strategy: a neverending cycle of content based on popular characters and IP company executives think can drive people to theaters, then streaming services, and back again to theaters. Think of Marvel’s strategy: Doctor Strange as a character ties into WandaVision, which ties back into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The same for Yelena in Black Widow (theatrical release) appearing in Hawkeye (Disney Plus show).
There are a lot of questions about how this will all work. What about Greg Berlanti’s Arrowverse, for example? And all those other DC shows on the CW? Will they just continue existing in their own space the same way DC Universe’s original series (Titans, Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn) do on HBO Max? What if DC Films decides it wants to make a Batgirl spinoff — do two Batgirl TV shows just co-exist alongside each other? Remember when Jeph Loeb created an entire Marvel universe on Netflix, Hulu, and ABC — and then Marvel Studios effectively scrapped all of it?
All we know for certain is there are going to be way more DC films and TV shows than what we currently have. Include Marvel’s ramped-up production on Disney Plus series alongside its film slate, and fans will be facing a sea of superhero titles practically every month.


theverge--2020-12-29--Beats Powerbeats Pro are selling for just $90 refurbished at Best Buy

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
You can snag a refurbished set of the Beats Powerbeats Pro , the company ’ s latest truly wireless earphones , for $ 90 at Best Buy .
This deal is exclusive to the green “ moss ” color variant shown in the picture above .
Looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 130 to $ 180 depending on the color you want , so today ’ s deal is worth jumping on if you don ’ t care as much about what the headphones look like .
And hey , if this shade of green happens to vibe with your look , then even better .
Though these are refurbished , they ’ ve been cleaned and tested by Best Buy .
They come with a 90-day warranty , as well as all original accessories including ear tips and the charging case .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest iPad with 128GB of storage is $ 50 off of its usual $ 430 price .
This isn ’ t the first time we ’ ve seen this discount , but it ’ s worth checking out now if you need to pick one up .
Amazon is offering the same deal , but at the time of publishing , it ’ s sold out of the silver color and all 128GB models won ’ t ship until February .
This iPad model is visually identical to the previous generation , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processor to make it more future-proofed .
If you ’ re in need of speedy portable storage , SanDisk ’ s Extreme 1TB NVMe USB-C SSD is down to the same price we saw during Black Friday .
Best Buy and Amazon offer it for $ 140 , down from the $ 160 price it has been selling for in late 2020 .
Though it ’ s designed for USB-C devices like laptops and phones , it has a USB Type-A adapter that makes it a good option for gaming consoles and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it features IP55 dust and water resistance and drop protection .

You can snag a refurbished set of the Beats Powerbeats Pro, the company’s latest truly wireless earphones, for $90 at Best Buy. This deal is exclusive to the green “moss” color variant shown in the picture above. Looking at new options, the price ranges from $130 to $180 depending on the color you want, so today’s deal is worth jumping on if you don’t care as much about what the headphones look like. And hey, if this shade of green happens to vibe with your look, then even better.
Though these are refurbished, they’ve been cleaned and tested by Best Buy. They come with a 90-day warranty, as well as all original accessories including ear tips and the charging case.
Beats Powerbeats Pro $ 200 $ 250 20 % off $ 200 $ 200 $ 250 20 % off The Beats Powerbeats Pro provide up to nine hours of battery life, with 24 hours provided by the case. They’re IPX4 sweat- and water resistant, too, and feature Apple’s H1 chip for easy pairing and hands-free Siri commands. $200 at Amazon$200 at Target
Also at Best Buy, Apple’s latest iPad with 128GB of storage is $50 off of its usual $430 price. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this discount, but it’s worth checking out now if you need to pick one up. Amazon is offering the same deal, but at the time of publishing, it’s sold out of the silver color and all 128GB models won’t ship until February.
This iPad model is visually identical to the previous generation, but it has a much faster A12 Bionic processor to make it more future-proofed.
If you’re in need of speedy portable storage, SanDisk’s Extreme 1TB NVMe USB-C SSD is down to the same price we saw during Black Friday. Best Buy and Amazon offer it for $140, down from the $160 price it has been selling for in late 2020. Though it’s designed for USB-C devices like laptops and phones, it has a USB Type-A adapter that makes it a good option for gaming consoles and other devices alike. What sets it apart is that it features IP55 dust and water resistance and drop protection.