Saturday, 25 January 2020

Vine is back, but now it's Byte

Engadget Email Newsletter

Now available on your smart speaker and wherever you get your podcasts

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | iHeart Radio

It's Saturday, January 25, 2020.

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

This week took some interesting turns between a possible peek at the Xbox Series X back panel and rumors of an iPhone SE2. Among the stories below that you might have missed, we’ve also launched a series of smart home articles that should have something for everyone. Well, they should right up until frustrations over early-obsolescence schemes like the Sonos Legacy program drive us to shut off the WiFi and go analog all over again.

The biggest surprise came on Friday afternoon, however, with the launch of Byte. The product of Vine co-founder Dom Hoffman, this free app brings back the six-second looping video concept in a format that’s usable for people (like yours truly) who are a little too old and stuck in their ways to get on TikTok.

-- Richard

(View in browser.)

The SUV and sedan are about due for a hardware update.

Tesla update leaks some upcoming changes for Model S, Model X

The first new Tesla software update of 2020 just started rolling out, and @Greentheonly has taken a look at the files to get a peek at features that are on the way. According to his analysis, the Model S and Model X could be due for changes soon that include a built-in wireless phone charging setup, new battery configurations and more. We’re already expecting a triple-motor “Plaid” Model S later this year with a larger battery, so maybe this is a hint of a broader redesign for the sedan.

Mesh might be an answer.

My quest to fix my terrible home WiFi

Chris Velazco’s duplex has a problem that some of you might be able to relate to: bad WiFi signal. He swapped out his cable company-provided setup for a few different routers and mesh setups to find a fix, and now has some suggestions for anyone else in a similar situation.

Meet your new high-tech sous chef.

How Weber used decades of expertise to improve smart grilling

The addition of WiFi means you don't have to physically walk to your grill to check the status of your 12-hour brisket cook. And during the winter months, that's a huge perk. Billy Steele went in-depth with Weber about some of its new designs.

5 massage gadgets to help you relieve stress

Hmm...

This is the logo for ‘Space Force’

Wait, doesn’t that look like the Starfleet icon? Yes. It also looks like the old Air Force Space Command logo.

One app creates a printable envelope to put your phone in.

Google's experimental apps shame you into taming phone addiction

Activity Bubbles, Screen Stopwatch and Envelope are all part of the latest push from Google to get you to put your phone down (after you finish reading this, of course). The first two add on-screen reminders of how much time you’ve spent staring at a screen, while Envelope creates some physical separation. Do the apps go too far? Do they not go far enough? I can’t stay off my phone for long enough to check.

But wait, there's more...

1. Watch Google's upcoming AirDrop-style file sharing in action

2. Google is getting rid of the Search favicons that everyone hated

3. Germany has to pay Microsoft $887,000 for failing to upgrade from Windows 7

4. DirecTV satellite is at risk of explosion due to battery issues

5. Sci-fi series 'Altered Carbon' returns to Netflix on February 27th

6. Qualcomm's new mobile chipsets pack more features for the non-5G crowd

7. Google helps publish the largest high-res map of brain connectivity

8. Google I/O 2020 starts May 12th

9. Sprint will fix anyone's cracked Samsung Galaxy screen for $49

10. How I smart-homed my tiny studio apartment

11. Sonos CEO: Don't worry, 'legacy' devices will still work after May

The Morning After is a new daily newsletter from Engadget designed to help you fight off FOMO. Who knows what you'll miss if you don't subscribe.

Now available on your smart speaker and wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | iHeart Radio

Craving even more? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Have a suggestion on how we can improve The Morning After? Send us a note.

You are receiving this email because you opted in at engadget.com.

Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe from this newsletter.

Friday, 24 January 2020

E-Commerce Minute

E-Commerce Minute: Friday -- January 24, 2020

The E-Commerce Times -- E-Business Means Business
https://www.ecommercetimes.com
Part of the ECT News Network

Headline Scan
Could Ads Become Potent Weapons Against Streaming Piracy?
Report: FBI Got Apple to Roll Over on iCloud Encryption
Uber Tests Plan to Let Drivers Set Their Own Fares
Google CEO Adds His Voice to AI Regulation Debate
6 Simple Steps to Improve Your B2B Customer Retention

Message From Our Sponsor
3 Ways Agent Experience is Boosting Customer Experience
Join NICE inContact on Wednesday, Feb 12th at 1pm EST in a webinar
with agent experience expert Lori Bocklund of Strategic Contact where
we will be discussing how you can empower your agents to provide a
5-star experience to every customer. Register Today:
http://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=10309/NICE_inContact_Webinar

Today's Story Highlights

Could Ads Become Potent Weapons Against Streaming Piracy?

Though it no longer grabs many headlines, video piracy remains a major
issue for pay-TV services, according to consumer research firm Parks
Associates. If just 10 percent of pay-TV subscribers should discontinue
paying for services by 2023, the loss in revenue to operators could
approach $6 billion, according to the firm's report, "Video Piracy:
Ecosystem, Risks, and Impact."
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/86474.html

Report: FBI Got Apple to Roll Over on iCloud Encryption

Apple shelved plans to give iPhone users control over encrypted backups
stored on the company's iCloud service over concerns raised by the FBI
and internal sources, according to a report. The company made the
decision to retain control over iCloud encryption around two years ago,
but it came to light just recently. The plan would have removed Apple's
ability to decrypt users' backups.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/86473.html

Uber Tests Plan to Let Drivers Set Their Own Fares

Uber has launched a pilot program in California that lets drivers in
Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Sacramento set their own fares for
airport rides. Drivers can set a fare multiple on Uber's base, time, and
distance rates for UberX and UberXL trips, according to the company.
Drivers can increase the fare in 10 percent jumps up to five times
Uber's base price.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/86469.html

Google CEO Adds His Voice to AI Regulation Debate

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and parent company Alphabet, called for
government regulation of artificial intelligence technology in a speech
at Bruegel, a think tank in Brussels, and in an op-ed. There is no
question in Pichai's mind that AI should be regulated, he said. The
question is what will be the best approach. Sensible regulation should
balance potential harm with potential good.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/86465.html

6 Simple Steps to Improve Your B2B Customer Retention

The business-to-business buyer's journey is often difficult and long.
The typical buying group for a complex B2B solution involves six to 10
decision makers, each of them bringing information they independently
gathered to share with the group before making a decision. This
information often opens the door for new suggestions, creating an even
longer buying process.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/86468.html

News Alerts From ECT News Network
Get the day's top business and technology news delivered
to your inbox as stories break. Sign up today -- it's free!
http://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=2202/News_Alerts

How to Advertise in This Newsletter
To advertise in this newsletter or elsewhere on ECT News Network,
please call our sales department toll-free at (877) 328-5500, or view
our online media kit at
https://www.ectnews.com/advertising/

Subscribing and Unsubscribing
You are receiving this newsletter in response to your request on
the E-Commerce Times Web site for our daily newsletter. If you wish
to make changes to your newsletter subscription, or if you wish to
receive other free newsletters from the ECT News Network, please click
here: Newsletter Management Wizard

If this e-mail was forwarded to you and you wish to subscribe to
this FREE newsletter, please use our newsletter sign-up wizard:
https://www.ectnews.com/perl/newsletter_registration.pl/

Feedback
We welcome your feedback. Contact us online at
https://www.ectnews.com/perl/contact_form.pl?to=editorial

Follow Us

Sonos tries again, and Tinder's new tools

Engadget Email Newsletter

Now available on your smart speaker and wherever you get your podcasts

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | iHeart Radio

It's Friday, January 24, 2020.

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Tinder decided the end of January was the best time to add several new features to its app, aimed at security and the end of catfishing. It’s not exactly your typical Valentine's Day preamble, is it?

First, it’s equipping those in search of love with some safety features, including location-based check-ins and a panic ‘button’ for if a user feels in danger. This would summon emergency services through Noonlight. With Tinder becoming a ubiquitous dating tool, these sound like genuine safety improvements.

On the other side, Tinder is offering anyone the chance to be verified -- something most might struggle to be proud of. This is less about celebrity signalling and more about lessening the catfishes in the dating pool. It’s never been easier for hollowed-out users to create their own photogenic profile to reel in someone (anyone!) for digital flirting and a date that will probably never happen. Everyone’s been catfished at least one time. I was once used to lure folks by some anonymous profile on "Yellow Facebook."

Tinder’s new Photo Verification feature will compare a series of real-time posed selfies to existing profile photos. If your photos match and pass a (human-assisted) AI review, you’ll get a blue checkmark on your profile. Maybe it’ll lead to love? Or at least a middling date at some Korean fusion place where your companion looks like you thought they would.

-- Mat

(View in browser.)

Take two.

Sonos CEO tries to calm worried owners

In a blog post, the CEO of Sonos tried to explain what’s really going on with the company’s products. While the information he offered is the same as in the announcement earlier this week (several older devices will no longer receive updates; it plans to release info in May about ways to split your setup so newer hardware on the network can still get updated), he had to respond after backlash grew.

The company’s messaging has left a lot to be desired, and people still aren’t happy to hear that some of their expensive speakers are going to be left behind, but hopefully everyone at least has their facts straight now.

The show is set two decades after Trek’s ‘The Next Generation’ movie.

'Picard’ is the Star Trek show we’ve been waiting for

In this story, Picard is in a very different situation than we last saw him. The man is the same, but the world has changed. Swapna Krishna spoke to Patrick Stewart and other people behind the new CBS All Access show and explains more about what we can expect over the next two seasons.

The first Nintendo theme park will open this summer in Japan.

Super Nintendo World won't open in Orlando until at least 2023

NBCUniversal parent company Comcast revealed in an earnings call that Super Nintendo World will be part of the Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. That's scheduled to open in 2023, and it's not yet clear whether Super Nintendo World will open then.

6 unique health and wellness gadgets on sale today

The Engadget Podcast

Sonos and the inevitable death of connected gadgets

This week, Devindra, Cherlynn and Deputy Managing Editor Nathan Ingraham dive into Sonos' plans, and what it says about the future of every connected device. (How's that Pebble treating you?) Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or Google Play Music.

That was fast.

New ‘Tetris’ apps are ready to replace EA’s mobile games

One day after EA announced it's shutting down its mobile Tetris games, N3TWORK's Tetris app is available for download. Right now, it only features solo gameplay, but the developer is also apparently working on a battle royale Tetris game for phones.

How do you like this laptop?

We want your Dell XPS 15 reviews

If you purchased the XPS 15, how do you feel about its bulk? Would you agree that the laptop is a bit clunky in design, or does it work for you? Is the keyboard comfortable? And how are you liking that 4K OLED display? Dish all the details on this PC with a user review on our Dell XPS 15 product page.

Amazon and Google are all over this category.

How to buy a smart display in 2020

Plenty of people already like smart speakers because of how easy it is to get weather reports, control your smart home and update your calendar simply by using your voice. Smart displays add a visual element to that, making them a little more useful.

While we do have our favorite overall picks, we've also compiled a list of smart displays that would suit specific uses and preferences.