Friday, 31 July 2020
Sony PS5 State of Play event date leaked: What to expect
The PS5 is slated to launch towards the end of 2020 and Sony has done a decent job of surprising fans with information about the console. The company took to a blog post to show off the DualSense controller before it could be leaked. At an event in June, Sony also showed off the PS5 and PS5 all-digital edition before it could be leaked as the console was expected to enter production. However, a lot of information like the date of Sony’s events has leaked online multiple times and has generally been on point. However, we do suggest you take the following information with a grain of salt.
According to Jeff Grubb’s Summer Game Mess, it looks like Sony will hold a PS5 state of Play in August 2020. He doesn’t mention a date but information circulating the internet suggests that it could be between the 5th and 11th of August. There is no information on what could be showcased at the event but speculations are high for rumoured games like Silent Hill remake and many more that are yet to be announced.
I have found the obelisk hidden within Jeff Grubb's Summer Game Mess, and I now travel the universe reborn in the light of video games. It kinda sucks. pic.twitter.com/Q1rS5baY3K
— grubbsnax is back (@JeffGrubb) July 31, 2020
There is a lot we do not know about the console including the UI, where is the expansion slot, the ports at the back of the console and most importantly, a price and launch date. Getting all the above information at one go may be asking for too much as Sony and Microsoft are both waiting for the other to reveal the price first. Microsoft is also expected to hold an Xbox Showcase in August.
We did get some hints of the PS5 UI during the June showcase, but nothing that gives us any details. Both Sony and Microsoft have shown us what the next-gen consoles look like and you can check out our comparison of the 2 consoles here. You can also check our comparison of the specifications of the PS5 and Xbox Series X here.
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7 of the best reality shows from around the world
Scripted shows are great, but sometimes you just want to binge some good reality TV. Long-running reality television series such as The Bachelor, Survivor, and Say Yes to the Dress are popular options for scratching that unscripted drama itch, with all of them easy to flick on and devour. However, if you're looking for a change of pace, consider casting your hungry eyes farther afield — like across an ocean.
Reality TV shows are deliciously addictive regardless of where they're from, but different countries' fresh approaches can make familiar formulas exciting and new. There's also a ton of engrossing reality formats that haven't yet found popularity in the U.S., offering a whole new world of engaging unscripted television to explore. Read more...
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Stimulus check requirements: Who qualifies for the new $1,200 payment? What we know now - CNET
Would you meet the requirements for the next payment under the Senate's proposed HEALS Act? Here's how your income, marital status, dependents and citizenship could affect whether you get more money.from CNET https://ift.tt/3gjMZ07
Netflix will let users speed up or slow down playback on Android smartphones
It looks like Netflix customers will be able to control the playback speed of the content they watch. According to The Verge, “Netflix will allow anyone on an Android mobile device to stream at either 0.5x or 0.75x speeds for slowed-down viewing and 1.25x or 1.5x speeds for faster watching”. For those that consume content at a fast speed on YouTube will be familiar with these playback options. It looks like Netflix is testing the feature on the web browsers and iOS but there is no information on whether this will come to the Smart TV platform or to streaming devices like the Fire TV stick or Mi Box.
Playing content faster or slower isn’t something new and the feature has been available on YouTube for some time now. The options on YouTube to control playback speed are more than what Netflix is offering. If you are binge-watching a show, there are times when you want to watch a certain section faster just to run through it without actually skipping 10 seconds ahead in case you miss something and the ability to control the playback speed will help with this.
“We’ve also been mindful of the concerns of some creators,” a spokesperson told The Verge. “It’s why we have capped the range of playback speeds and require members to vary the speed each time they watch something new — versus fixing their settings based on the last speed they used.”
If you are someone that is looking to subscribe to Netflix, we caution you to be careful as a new Netflix phishing scam has come into light that attempts to steal your personal and credit card information. Moreover, the phishing email is able to bypass mail security measures in place to block such scams in the first place. You can read more about it here.
In other Netflix news, it looks like the streaming service is currently testing a new Mobile+ plan in India priced at Rs 349 monthly that offers HD streaming for phone, tablet or PC. It does not include streaming on TV and follows the basic mobile plan which costs Rs 199. You can read more about it here.
If you would like to take a break from Netflix, know that you can pause your subscription for 10 months. You can read all the details here.
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Nokia launches 65-inch 4K HDR TV in India with support for Dolby Vision at Rs 64,999
Nokia entered the TV market with the launch of the 55-inch TV and subsequently launched the 43-inch TV as well. Just like the other 2 TVs in the Nokia TV family, the 65-inch variant runs on Android TV bringing with it access to the Google Play Store. It also boasts of a 4K resolution along with support for Dolby Vision and has audio powered by JBL speakers. Let’s take a look at the specifications of the TV in detail.
Nokia 65-inch TV specifications and featuresAs the name suggests, the 65-inch Nokia TV brings with it a 65-inch 4K (3840 x 2160 pixel resolution) panel with support for HDR and Dolby Vision. The peak brightness of the TV is 480 nits which is more than what we get on the 43-inch and 55-inch TV. To put things into perspective, the Thomson 4K 65-inch TV with support for Dolby Vision has 550 nits of peak brightness.
For connectivity, the Nokia 65-inch 4K TV has 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports. It also supports Wi-Fi but 2.4GHz band only. It has an optical port as well. The TV has a refresh rate of 60Hz. Under the hood, it has a quad-core processor, 2.25 GB RAM and 16GB storage. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.0. Running on Android the TV supports Chromecast built-in.
As mentioned above, the Nokia 65-inch TV runs on Android TV and brings with it support for apps like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Videos and many more from the Play Store. Coming to the audio from the TV, it has speakers powered by JBL with a sound output of 24W. It supports Dolby Audio and DTS TruSurround.
Nokia 65-inch TV price and availabilityThe 43-inch Nokia TV is priced at Rs 64,999 and will go on sale August 6. When it comes to offers, customers can avail 10% instant discount with Standard Chartered credit card EMI transaction, 10% off with Axis Bank Buzz credit card, 5% unlimited cash back on Flipkart Axis Bank credit card and more.
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First mention of Google “Pixel 5a” appears in AOSP
Google has finally confirmed that a Google Pixel 4a would be arriving on August 3 and even teased the device on Thursday. On Friday, 9to5Google’s own Dylan Roussel spotted a mention of Google’s Pixel 5a. This was spotted in a code change on Google’s Android Open Source Project or AOSP. We are still waiting for the Google Pixel 5, which may not be released until later this year, but now we know that the 5a is now in development. The code change mentions devices since the Pixel 2, along with the version of Android they (launched/will launch) with. The Pixel 4/4a are listed with...
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Wannabe DevOps engineers can save 95% on this class bundle
TL;DR: The Ultimate DevOps Mastery bundle is on sale for £25.41 as of August 1, saving you 95% on list price.
In its 2017 State of DevOps Report, Puppet.com found that DevOps engineers are considered "a significant attribute to businesses". Those that hire people with DevOps skills deploy code with 30 times the frequency of their competitors, with 50% fewer failures.
Despite this, only 18% of those surveyed claimed that their organisations had a DevOps engineer at their company. What's that sound? That my friends is the sound of opportunity.
SEE ALSO: Learn to grow your business by mastering these digital marketing secrets Read more...
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This physics course teaches you everything you should have learned in school
TL;DR: The Fundamentals of Physics course is on sale for £7.69 as of August 1, saving you 94% on list price.
When you were a kid, being forced to learn things was the worst. You coasted through school doing the least amount of work possible and filled your free time with mindless nonsense.
When you became an adult, you suddenly realised that you don’t know half of what you thought you did. Fortunately, it’s never too late to learn something, and a great place to start is by taking a course in physics. Yes, physics. Stick with us here.
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Trump told reporters he will use executive power to ban TikTok
President Donald Trump said he could act to ban the world’s most popular short video app TikTok from the US as early as Saturday, according to The Hill.
The president said he could use “emergency economic powers or an executive order” to bar TikTok from the US, he told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday.
The news came hours after reports broke that Microsoft was in talks to buy TikTok. In his remark on Friday, Trump signaled he was not supportive of allowing an American company to acquire TikTok.
On the same day, Bloomberg reported that Trump could order ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok.
Trump’s announcement confirmed weeks of speculation that US regulators planned to block TikTok, which is immensely popular among American teens, over concerns that it could be a spying tool for Beijing.
The question is how a divestment or ban of TikTok will take shape. TikTok is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, which has emerged as the most promising tech startup in China in recent times, reportedly valued at a staggering $100 billion. It operates Douyin, the popular Chinese version of TikTok, separately for China-based users.
ByteDance has sought various ways to shed TikTok’s Chinese association. Efforts in the past few months range from appointing former Disney executive Kevin Mayer as TikTok’s CEO, claiming the app’s data is stored on American land, through to promising to create 10,000 jobs in the US.
The story is updating.
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4 men lose Rs 21 lakh to e-SIM fraud: Here’s how it works
4 people in Hyderabad lost Rs 21 lakh in e-SIM activation fraud. Criminals made victims activate their e-SIMs and stole money from their bank accounts. It all started with a simple message warning them of their SIM card getting blocked or KYC update or something similar. The cybercrime wing of Maharashtra Police too recently issued an advisory against eSIM scams. Here’s how they work.from Gadgets Now https://ift.tt/2PbbiBF
via IFTTT
How to download and send WhatsApp stickers for friendship day
Friendship day is here the Facebook-owned Messenger app is also giving users the option to send Friendship day stickers apart from the usual stickers available. So, if you want to wish Friendship day on WhatsApp using stickers just follow the below-mentioned steps…from Gadgets Now https://ift.tt/2DqwT6g
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The best meal kit delivery service for 2020: Home Chef, Sun Basket, Blue Apron and more - CNET
These convenient meal kit services deliver weekly menus and preportioned ingredients to enthusiastic but time-poor home cooks. And with shelter-in-place lockdowns, they're more useful than ever.from CNET https://ift.tt/39sLYjF
Best prepared meal delivery services for 2020: Freshly, Daily Harvest, Home Bistro and more - CNET
No-fuss, oven-ready meal kits.from CNET https://ift.tt/2ZSYk0p
How much stimulus check money would you get? Here are potential calculations - CNET
If Congress does approve the Senate-backed HEALS Act, will you get the full $1,200? We walk you through the possible determining factors.from CNET https://ift.tt/3k2X1oy
Netflix gains playback speed settings on Android
Netflix will add playback speed controls to its Android app tomorrow. Once you get the new update, you will be able to choose 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, and 1.5x, aside from 1x of course, which has been the only option up until now - and will remain the default. So if you're a fan of sped-up or slowed-down playback on Netflix, you will need to manually pick your favorite speed for every single title you want to watch. On the flip side, the playback speed options will be available regardless of whether you're streaming something or watching a show or movie that you have previously...
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This massive cosmic butterfly is pure galactic eye candy
- Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory have captured the most detailed images yet of a planetary nebula that looks like a brightly colored butterfly.
- The impressive shape is made of gasses in space, surrounding a pair of stars.
- Scientists believe one of the stars recently blew its top, sending gasses flying and creating the unique symmetrical pattern.
Celestial objects come in all shapes and sizes, and most are a real treat to look at. Still, some are more breathtaking than others, and the massive blob of gas known to astronomers at NGC 2899 is in a class of its very own. The massive bubble is in the shape of a butterfly with its wings spread, and scientists as the European Southern Observatory just snapped the most detailed image of it to date.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO for short) says the object is somewhere between 3,000 and 6,500 light-years from Earth. A pair of stars sits near its center, and as one of them died it blasted surrounding gasses into space. The other star acted upon the gas as it was pushed away, and the result is a nearly symmetrical shape.
Today's Top Deals
- Save $60 on the greatest Instant Pot accessory ever made
- Today’s best deals: 3M face masks, Lysol wipes, one-day Anker sale, Purell in stock, Bose blowout, Fire TV deals, more
- Get 3M face masks and NIOSH-approved filters before Amazon remembers they’re only for hospitals
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- Waiting on a new stimulus check? Here’s when it might arrive
- Internal CDC document reveals the 10 biggest coronavirus hotspots in the country
- Fauci says coronavirus cases in these 4 states are finally ‘coming back down’
This massive cosmic butterfly is pure galactic eye candy originally appeared on BGR.com on Fri, 31 Jul 2020 at 21:09:10 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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OnePlus reclaims the throne in India’s premium smartphone market
- OnePlus has reclaimed the top spot in India’s premium smartphone market, according to estimates.
- It still faces stiff competition from Apple and Samsung.
- The OnePlus 8 is also India’s most popular high-end handset.
OnePlus has taken back the lead in India’s hotly contested premium smartphone market, according to an estimate — if only just.
Counterpoint Research has determined that OnePlus just edged past Samsung to claim the most market share for premium (over Rs 30,000 or $400) phones in the second quarter of 2020, snapping up 29% of the space versus just under 29% for Samsung. That’s less than a point difference, but it’s no mean feat when OnePlus is a relative newcomer and still considered a niche brand in most parts of the world.
Not surprisingly, the OnePlus 8 series played a large role in the comeback. The design and performance “attracted consumers’ attention,” Counterpoint said, while OnePlus’ ability to cultivate a loyal fan base also helped its chances.
See also: The best smartphones in India under 40,000 rupees
Apple sank to third in the country due to fiercer competition, the researchers said, although it dominated the “ultra-premium” (over Rs 45,000 or $600) segment with 42% share. It also had the most phones in the premium top five. While the OnePlus 8, Vivo V19, and Samsung Galaxy A71 occupied the top three spots, the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 filled out the remaining spots. The iPhone 11 could gain share now that Apple is making the device locally and might lower the price.
Counterpoint stressed that these phones represented just a small sliver of India’s smartphone base. The devices only represented slightly over 4% of the country’s smartphone shipments — the vast majority of customers are buying budget devices. It’s no wonder that OnePlus is aiming at budget buyers with the Nord, then. While it may be happy to rule the premium phone space, it has been ignoring a massive potential audience until now.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra is $400 off this weekend, other Samsung phones on offer too
If you're in the US and have been eyeing Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra but haven't bought one yet, and if you don't mind using it on Verizon, this is definitely one for you. This weekend, Best Buy is taking $400 off the price of the device, if you activate it with Verizon. As usual with these types of deals, you'll have to grab the smartphone on the carrier's monthly installment plan. You will be paying $36.66 each month for two years, bringing the grand total to $879.84, which is the best price we've seen for the S20 Ultra so far. It's not the only Samsung handset that's on offer,...
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Disrupt 2020 early-bird savings extended until next week
Even the hard-charging world of early-stage startups has its share of procrastinators, lollygaggers, slow-pokes, wafflers and last-minute decision makers. If that’s your demographic, today is your lucky day.
You now have an extra week (courtesy of Saint Expeditus, the patron saint of procrastinators), to score early-bird savings to Disrupt 2020, which takes place September 14-18. Buy your pass before the new and final deadline — August 7 at 11:59 p.m. (PT) — and save up to $300. Who says prayers (or secular entreaties) go unanswered?
Your pass opens the door to five days of Disrupt — the biggest, longest TechCrunch conference ever. Drawing thousands of attendees and hundreds of innovative early-stage startups from around the world, you won’t find a better time, place or opportunity to accelerate the speed of your business.
Here are four world-class reasons to attend Disrupt 2020.
World-class speakers. Hear and engage with leading voices in tech, business and investment across the Disrupt stages. Folks like Sequoia Capital’s Roelof Botha, Ureeka’s Melissa Bradley and Slack’s Tamar Yehoshua — to name just a few. Here’s what you can see onstage so far.
World-class startups. Explore hundreds of innovative startups exhibiting in Digital Startup Alley — including the TC Top Picks. This elite cadre made it through our stringent screening process to earn the coveted designation, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more varied and interesting set of startups.
World-class networking. CrunchMatch, our AI-powered networking platform, simplifies connecting with founders, potential customers, R&D teams, engineers or investors. Schedule 1:1 video meetings and hold recruitment or extended pitch sessions. CrunchMatch launches weeks before Disrupt to give you more time to scout, vet and schedule.
World-class pitching. Don’t miss Startup Battlefield, the always-epic pitch competition that’s launched more than 900 startups, including big-time names like TripIt, Mint, Dropbox and many others. This year’s crop of startups promises to throw down hard for bragging rights and the $100,000 cash prize.
Need another reason to go? Take a page out of SIMBA Chain founder Joel Neidig’s playbook:
Our primary goal was to make people aware of the SIMBA Chain platform capabilities. Attending Disrupt is great way to get your name out there and build your customer base.
It’s time for all you last-minute lollygaggers to get moving and take advantage of this second, final chance to save up to $300. Buy your pass before August 7 at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Disrupt 2020? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.
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Dr. Fauci fires back amid allegations he’s mishandled the response to the coronavirus
- Dr. Anthony Fauci recently defended himself amid complaints that he's mishandled the coronavirus pandemic.
- President Trump recently lamented that Fauci has a higher approval rating.
- Trump supporters have suggested that Fauci's coronavirus response strategy has been flawed.
For reasons that still don't make much sense, the manner in which people view the coronavirus has become something of a heated and divisive political issue. So while it would clearly be beneficial for people in the U.S. to come together and get on the same page when it comes to combatting the coronavirus, that's not how things have played out over the past few months.
Part of the problem is that many of our country's leaders can't even get on the same page when it comes to the coronavirus. Case in point: President Trump and Dr. Anthony Fauci have seemingly been at odds for weeks on end in regards to the country's coronavirus response. The tension between the two reached a new level of absurdity recently when Trump lamented the fact that Fauci has a higher approval rating than he does. Even before that, Trump would on occasion espouse COVID-19 theories and dispense advice that was counter to what Fauci was saying.
Today's Top Deals
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- Save $60 on the greatest Instant Pot accessory ever made
- Get 3M face masks and NIOSH-approved filters before Amazon remembers they’re only for hospitals
Trending Right Now:
- Waiting on a new stimulus check? Here’s when it might arrive
- Internal CDC document reveals the 10 biggest coronavirus hotspots in the country
- This might be the best coronavirus vaccine news you’ve ever heard
Dr. Fauci fires back amid allegations he’s mishandled the response to the coronavirus originally appeared on BGR.com on Fri, 31 Jul 2020 at 20:07:50 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Merck to start ‘pivotal’ study of controversial remdesivir alternative in September
- Work on coronavirus treatments continues at a rapid pace, with Merck readying several clinical trials for vaccines and an antiviral alternative to remdesivir.
- Formerly known as EIDD-2801, the MK-4482 drug was at the center of the Rick Bright whistleblower complaint controversy in mid-May. Bright was removed as head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in mid-April.
- Bright worried about the potential side effects of EIDD-2801, as some studies suggested it could cause harmful mutations.
- Merck said it would conduct “large pivotal studies” involving the drug in September, without disclosing any results from previous phases of human trials.
As promising as vaccines may seem right now, they can't help patients who are already infected with the novel coronavirus. The world still lacks a COVID-19 cure that can speed up recovery, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of death. Remdesivir helps in some cases, but it’s expensive, scarce, and difficult to make. Dexamethasone is cheap, but isn't enough to save every patient's life either. Blood thinners can reduce the risk of coagulation and eliminate some complications, but they’re not a COVID-19 cure by themselves.
Several other promising antibody therapies are in the works, and some of them are already being studied in human trials. Merck has an antiviral drug in testing, and the company is expected to start “large pivotal” studies in September for an oral medicine to rival remdesivir. However, there’s some controversy around this potential coronavirus treatment.
Today's Top Deals
- Today’s best deals: 3M face masks, Lysol wipes, one-day Anker sale, Purell in stock, Bose blowout, Fire TV deals, more
- Save $60 on the greatest Instant Pot accessory ever made
- Get 3M face masks and NIOSH-approved filters before Amazon remembers they’re only for hospitals
Trending Right Now:
- Waiting on a new stimulus check? Here’s when it might arrive
- Internal CDC document reveals the 10 biggest coronavirus hotspots in the country
- This might be the best coronavirus vaccine news you’ve ever heard
Merck to start ‘pivotal’ study of controversial remdesivir alternative in September originally appeared on BGR.com on Fri, 31 Jul 2020 at 19:05:59 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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How to clean your sex toys, according to three experts
Whether you've just purchased your first vibrator or are a seasoned dildo user, it's important to learn how to properly care for it. One major safety precaution you need to take — before both solo and partner play — is to clean your sex toy.
While it may not sound sexy, cleaning your toys is essential. "Pleasure products can help you embrace confidence, help navigate intimate desires and boundaries and boost self-love," said Kristin Fretz, co-founder and CMO of Emojibator. "But having an experience like getting a UTI from a vibrator is not just uncomfortable and can be extremely painful if left untreated, but it perpetuates the shame around masturbation and can create individual resistance to self-pleasure." Read more...
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Rent assistance for August? The current update on eviction moratoriums and relief laws - CNET
Eviction protections have lapsed, but you still may have one protection left until Aug. 24. Here's what we know.from CNET https://ift.tt/2XfDmIe
Thursday, 30 July 2020
Facebook boasts that ad boycott won't make a dent
Boycott, schmoycott.
Despite over 1,000 major advertisers participating in a July advertising boycott over the way Facebook handles hateful content, the company said in its Q2 2020 earnings report that its advertising business is doing fine and dandy.
Last quarter, Facebook made $18.3 billion in advertising revenue, which blew past investor expectations. While the company didn't give numbers for July (when the boycott began), it said its ad revenue growth rate for the first three weeks of July tracked with the rest of its 2020 year-over-year ad revenue growth rate of 10%. Meaning, despite companies from Ben & Jerry's to Unilever pulling their advertising dollars, things are basically the same for Facebook's bottom line, and Facebook expects it to stay that way. Read more...
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The pandemic has been very good business for Apple
Apple has pandemic work-from-home orders and stimulus checks to thank for setting new all-time sales records across a number of its product categories.
Starting with the iPhone, which saw a decrease in sales last quarter, Apple revealed revenue for that product category grew by two percent during the third quarter.
"In April, we expected year-over-year performance to worsen, but we saw better than expected demand in May and June," said CEO Tim Cook during the company's earnings call. "We attribute this increase in demand to several interactive causes, including a strong iPhone SE launch, continued economic stimulus, and potentially some benefit from shelter-in-place restrictions lifting around the world," he explained. Read more...
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Help save Space Camp! Crowdfunding campaign started to prevent shutdown - CNET
The Space Camp at U.S. Space & Rocket Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center needs help from space fans to stay afloat during the quarantine.from CNET https://ift.tt/39F01TA
Can coronavirus live on your clothes and shoes? Here's what we know right now - CNET
Should you leave your shoes outside and immediately wash your clothes when you get home? We answer these questions and more.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fg8q0E
The best tower fans for 2020 (and 4 you should skip) - CNET
Tower fans are the unsung heroes of a summer stuck at home, so we tested a bunch of them out to find our favorites. Here's what we recommend.from CNET https://ift.tt/2VV6J2a
15 best movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video - CNET
A heap of gems can be found on Amazon. Let's round them up.from CNET https://ift.tt/3feE1Qs
15 best TV shows to watch on Amazon Prime Video - CNET
From superhero actioners to irreverent comedies, here are some of the best shows Amazon has to offer.from CNET https://ift.tt/39HQ9bs
50 of the best TV shows to binge on Netflix - CNET
Need something great to watch? Here are the best TV shows Netflix has to offer.from CNET https://ift.tt/3feE4vC
How to watch or stream Bill & Ted Face the Music online - CNET
The next installment of Bill & Ted's time-traveling, world-saving adventures is heading to theaters and on demand in September.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fcgbVv
Facebook announces internet nostalgia app E.gg - CNET
The Geocities look is back.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fbOZX7
10 of the most relaxing games for Android
A lot of people play video games for the excitement. Games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Pokemon Go stimulate the senses. Players get super into them and enjoy the intensity. However, not everybody likes that or wants that. Sometimes people just want to relax and take their mind off of the day. Luckily, there are tons of excellent games that are super chill.
The anatomy of a chill game is easy enough to identify. There are usually no time limits or energy systems to get in the way. Additionally, players have infinite attempts to figure out a puzzle or an objective. In some cases, the game even includes a relaxing mode specifically to chill out and do what you want. In any case, you have some great options. Here are the best relaxing games for Android.
Try these games out as well:
Alto’s Adventure and Alto’s Odyssey
Price: Free to play
Alto’s Odyssey and Alto’s Adventure are 2D infinite runner games. Players ski down a hill while avoiding obstacles and collecting various items. The game features beautiful, minimal graphics and a smooth, satisfying game play style. The main game probably isn’t the most relaxing because it does involve some split second decision making. However, both games feature a zen mode where you can ski down the hill, do tricks, and enjoy the view without all of those pesky obstacles in the way. You can get Alto’s Odyssey at the button below or Alto’s Adventure here on Google play.
Grand Mountain Adventure
Price: Free / $4.99
Grand Mountain Adventure is another relaxing ski game. This one uses 3D graphics rather than 2D like the Alto’s games. In addition to its above average graphics, the game play is super smooth and satisfying. There are objectives and such, but you can totally ignore them if you want to. There are no time limits or energy counters. The game also includes controller support, a rudimentary trick system, and multiple mountains to ski down. The first mountain is free with the download and the premium version is $4.99.
I Love Hue and I Love Hue Too
Price: Free / $4.99
I Love Hue and I Love Hue Too are two truly relaxing games with a neat premise. The first game has you mixing colors to create an entire color palette. It contains 900 levels and none of them have time limits or anything like that. The second game adds a geometry aspect to everything along with an optional challenge system. Both of them are premium games so there are no micro-transactions to worry about. You can get the first game here on Google Play and the second one at the button below.
Minecraft
Price: $6.99 with in-app purchases
Minecraft is a sneakily relaxing game. There are two modes and honestly, neither are stressful in the slightest. The first is creative mode where you can literally do whatever you want with no restrictions. The second mode is survival mode. You would think survival mode would be stressful, but as soon as you find food and build your first shelter, everything is super easy and chill from there. The game has a bunch of different ways to spend time. You can mine, craft, build, or adventure as much as you want to. Plus, the multiplayer aspect lets you play with friends.
Monument Valley 1 and 2
Price: $3.99 (with in-app purchases) and $4.99, respectively
Monument Valley is the most iconic relaxing puzzle game on mobile. The game uses Escher style puzzles and pleasant graphics to draw the player in. From there, you move around the levels, warping them until you find your exit. There is no point system or time limit to get in the way so you can take your time. The first game price includes the base game and you can get DLC for an extra free. The second game runs for $4.99 and has no DLC right now. Both games play basically the same and you can’t go wrong with either of them. You can play them both for free via Google Play Pass as well. You can get the first game here on Google Play and the second game at the button below.
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My Oasis Season 2
Price: Free to play
My Oasis Season 2 is an idle game with a focus on relaxing. It’s an island builder where you take a blank slate island and build it up with various things like trees, flowers, animals, etc. Players tap their screens to upgrade their island and add more upgrades as they unlock. Even the soundtrack is pretty relaxed. This one is a free to play game so there are micro-transations. You don’t really need any of them so it’s no big deal. This developer also made Buff Knight, an old favorite of ours.
Prune
Price: $3.99
Prune is one of the classic relaxing games for Android. You basically grow and prune a tree until it’s healthy. It starts as a little seedling. You cut the plan by swiping with your finger and the plant grows in that direction. You win when the plant reaches light and flowers bloom. The game features 48 levels, a chill soundtrack, and simple, effective graphics. There is a bit of speed involved but you can retry levels as many times as you want. The game runs for $3.99 with no in-app purchases or ads.
Shadowmatic
Price: Free / Up to $7.99
Shadowmatic is a neat little puzzle game. It uses lights and shadows to create puzzles for the player. The game drops in various shapes. Your goal is to move and rotate those shapes until the shadow represents a picture of something. It’s like an advanced mobile game version of shadow puppets. The game includes over 100 levels, surprisingly good graphics, and a hint system if things get too out of hand. This one is a premium game and you can play it for free if you use Google Play Pass.
Stardew Valley
Price: $7.99
Stardew Valley is a farming simulator and arguably the best one. Players are dropped in on a dilapidated farm and they must restore it to a functioning state. There are also a bunch of other things to do, like get married, fish, and complete tasks for nearby villagers. Thus, you get some life simulator aspects as well. The whole game is super relaxing because there is no rush to get anything done. Stardew Valley is a bit expensive at $7.99, but it boasts over 50 hours of game play so we think it’s worth it.
Zenge
Price: $0.99
Zenge is another atmospheric puzzle game that people seem to like for relaxing. The developers boast no points, stats, tutorials, move counters, or any other in-game distractions. You simply pick up and play. It’s a rather classic puzzle game. Players start a level out with a bunch of various shapes and they must make everything fit together in the right way. The game also has a delightful soundtrack. This one is fairly cheap compared to most of its competitors and it’s a good, relaxing game.
The classics
Price: Free / Varies
People did things to relax long before mobile phones came around. A lot of those leisure activities exist on mobile today. For instance, you can play chess, complete a crossword puzzle, play checkers, or even play stuff like Sudoku. There are plenty of excellent mobile versions of each game so you can do the stuff you used to do, just on your phone this time. The prices vary depending on the game and there are a metric ton of options. We have a few linked up in the paragraph and below at the button as well.
Thank you for reading! Try these too:
If we missed any great relaxing games for Android, tell us about it in the comments. You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists.
from Android Authority https://ift.tt/337IrX7
Google confirms Pixel 4a reveal coming on August 3
Google's Pixel 4a, initially rumored to become official at the Google I/O conference in May - which didn't happen because of the coronavirus - is finally close to launch, it seems. A few days ago a new rumor gave what seems like the umpteenth presumptive unveiling date, namely August 3. And now Google has confirmed this, though in the most convoluted way possible. If you head to a new special page on the Google Store website, you'll get a puzzle based on 'lorem ipsum', a famous describer of placeholder web pages. If you solve the puzzle, you'll get the August 3 date, as well as a...
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Self-driving startup Argo AI hits $7.5 billion valuation
Autonomous vehicle technology startup Argo AI is valued at $7.5 billion, just a little more than three years after the company burst on the scene with a $1 billion investment from Ford.
The official valuation was confirmed Thursday nearly two months after VW Group finalized its $2.6 billion investment in Argo AI. Under that deal, Ford and VW have equal ownership stakes, which will be roughly 40% each over time. The remaining equity sits with Argo’s co-founders as well as employees. Argo’s board is comprised of two VW seats, two Ford seats and three Argo seats.
Ford’s announcement in February 2017 that it was investing in Argo AI surprised many. The startup was barely six months old when it was thrust into the spotlight. Its founders, Bryan Salesky and Peter Rander, were known in the tight knit and often overlapping autonomous vehicle industry; prior to forming Argo, Salesky was director of hardware development at the Google self-driving project (now Waymo) and Rander was the engineering lead at Uber Advanced Technologies Group. But even those insiders who knew Salesky and Rander wondered what to make of the deal.
Since then, Argo has focused on developing the virtual driver system — all of the sensors, software and compute platform — as well as high-definition maps designed for Ford’s self-driving vehicles.
That mission now extends to VW Group as well. Ford and VW will share the cost of developing Argo AI’s self-driving vehicle technology under the terms of the deal. The Pittsburgh-based company also has offices in Detroit, Palo Alto and Cranbury, N.J. It has fleets of autonomous vehicles mapping and testing on public roads in Austin, Miami, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.
The investment by VW expands its workforce and operations to Europe. Autonomous Intelligent Driving (AID), the self-driving subsidiary that was launched in 2017 to develop autonomous vehicle technology for the VW Group, is being absorbed into Argo AI. AID’s Munich offices will become Argo’s European headquarters. In all, Argo now employs more than 1,000 people.
While the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles will be a long journey — a remark shared Thursday by Ford CEO Jim Hackett — the Argo investment has already provided the automaker with a short-term and timely gain.
The automaker said Thursday it netted $3.5 billion in the second quarter from selling some of its Argo equity to Volkswagen. That gain gave the automaker a one-time boost in its second-quarter earnings.
Ford posted a $1.1 billion profit in the second quarter, if the Argo transaction is counted. Ford lost $1.9 billion in the quarter before interest and taxes and one-time items. Ford reported a revenue of $19.4 billion, a 50% decrease from the same period in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused the company to idle its factories for weeks.
Still, the result could have been far worse. Ford had previously warned that it could post as much as a $5 billion net loss in the second quarter.
Despite these COVID-19 headwinds, Hackett said Ford is still committed to the long-term pursuit of AVs, a point reiterated by CFO Tim Stone, who said the automaker continues to make investments to commercialize its autonomous vehicle business, including product development, engineering and testing.
“The AV journey will be a long one, but Ford is now well positioned to run this race and compete like few others can,” Hackett added.
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Rakuten is shuttering the online shop formerly known as Buy.com
Japanese conglomerate Rakuten has pulled the plug on its U.S. online retail store, originally known as Buy.com, and will wind down its operations over the next two months, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The shutdown means that the US headquarters will lay off its staff as well, meaning 87 people will lose their jobs, according a source familiar with the developments.
“We have decided to sunset the U.S. Rakuten Marketplace,” a company representative said in an email to TechCrunch. They clarified, however, that the “cash back rewards” referral business the company operates at Rakuten.com (formely Ebates, which it bought for $1B in 2014) “is definitely not shutting down and is stronger than ever.”
Rakuten bought Buy.com for $250M back in 2010 in an attempt to expand its retail business out of its stronghold of Japan. Unfortunately the evolving market, aggressive growth (and targeting of rivals) at Amazon, and likely the choice to rebrand the once well-known site under the Rakuten name, all led to declining business. The original CEO and COO left in 2012.
Customers of the Rakuten US store will be able to place orders for the next two months, after which the site will shutter completely. Users of the rewards and commission business shouldn’t see any major changes, and other businesses (like the Kobo e-reading division) aren’t affected either.
It’s a blow to Rakuten, but hardly one that can have taken them by surprise. The company has diversified and invested in a large number of businesses and verticals around the world (even launching a cryptocoin), so the failure of a marketplace like this, while unfortunate (especially for those laid off), won’t be affecting their bottom line much at this point.
from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2P9PB4R
Federal report lists 21 states where the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate
- A new federal report has designated 21 states as "red zones" where the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate.
- The report includes a number of suggestions to help keep the coronavirus from spreading further.
- The number of coronavirus cases in the United States recently surpassed 4 million.
Back in March, when many states implemented widespread lockdown measures, it was widely assumed that life would go back to normal in just a few months. Summer 2020, it was assumed, would be just like any other -- crowded beaches, busy barbecues, and packed baseball stadiums.
In reality, the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is just as grave today as it was a few months ago, if not more so. As a direct result of states not taking the virus seriously, along with many folks choosing to ignore basic safety guidelines like wearing a mask in public, the number of coronavirus cases in dozens of states has skyrocketed in recent weeks.
Today's Top Deals
- You can only score these 10 killer Amazon deals if you have Prime
- Clorox hand sanitizer that’s even stronger than Purell is in stock at Amazon
- Build the ultimate home gym for less than you think with these 5 Amazon deals
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Federal report lists 21 states where the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 30 Jul 2020 at 20:08:36 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Here’s how long the Perseverance rover could actually live on Mars
- NASA's Mars 2020 mission is slated to last roughly two years, but the Perseverance rover may last a great deal longer.
- The rover is equipped with a nuclear powerplant that could keep its wheels moving for as long as 14 years.
- The rover is also equipped with batteries to store extra power if needed.
NASA launched its Mars 2020 mission today which includes the Perseverance rover and the Mars helicopter Ingenuity. Against all odds and in the face of a global pandemic, NASA managed to pull off the near-impossible and squeezed in the launch at the very tail end of the seasonal Mars launch window.
As with all of its missions, NASA has an expected mission duration. In this case, Perseverance is expected to last at least one Martian year, which is roughly two Earth years from the date the rover lands on Mars. So, from the expected landing date of February 18th, 2021, we can expect the rover to be carrying out research on the red planet until early 2023... but how long could the rover really last?
Today's Top Deals
- You can only score these 10 killer Amazon deals if you have Prime
- Clorox hand sanitizer that’s even stronger than Purell is in stock at Amazon
- Build the ultimate home gym for less than you think with these 5 Amazon deals
Trending Right Now:
- Dr. Fauci wants you to wear something else with your face mask
- Fauci says coronavirus cases in these 4 states are finally ‘coming back down’
- These cells were dormant for 100 million years, but they’re alive again
Here’s how long the Perseverance rover could actually live on Mars originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 30 Jul 2020 at 19:06:51 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Anti-masker wonders if he got coronavirus from the mask he rarely used
- Wearing a face mask can reduce the risk of infection with the novel coronavirus, but anti-maskers refuse to wear face covers in public settings.
- The list of face mask protestors includes high-profile politicians who oppose face masks and mask mandates.
- One such person is Rep. Louie Gohmert, who tested positive for COVID-19 during a White House screening.
- In an interview that followed, the anti-maskers wondered if rarely wearing a mask got him infected.
No object or treatment can offer 100% protection against the novel coronavirus. If you wear a face mask when in the presence of others, if you keep practicing social distancing and avoid crowds, and if you wash your hands often, you decrease the risk of getting COVID-19. The virus spreads via droplets and microdroplets that allow it to reach other people and surfaces and linger in the air. The closer you are to someone who has been infected, the more likely you are to get the virus as well. Because many people remain asymptomatic for the entire duration of their COVID-19 infection, you won't even know where you got it from.
Sadly, many people oppose face masks for the silliest reasons, choosing to ignore the simple precaution that could save their lives. It's not just average Americans who ignore face masks either, but also the high-ranking officials. One of these well-known anti-maskers was just given a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and he's now wondering whether the mask he rarely used may have been the culprit behind his coronavirus infection.
Today's Top Deals
- You can only score these 10 killer Amazon deals if you have Prime
- Clorox hand sanitizer that’s even stronger than Purell is in stock at Amazon
- Build the ultimate home gym for less than you think with these 5 Amazon deals
Trending Right Now:
- Dr. Fauci wants you to wear something else with your face mask
- Fauci says coronavirus cases in these 4 states are finally ‘coming back down’
- These cells were dormant for 100 million years, but they’re alive again
Anti-masker wonders if he got coronavirus from the mask he rarely used originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 30 Jul 2020 at 18:04:43 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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