Another day, another canceled event. This time it's BlizzCon -- although we do have a likely online-only event to look forward to next year. Still, after last night's HBO Max debut, the big highlight on today's schedule is the planned SpaceX Crew Dragon launch. Set to go off at 4:33 PM ET -- if the weather holds up, at last check, there was a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions -- it will be a major step forward for the long-delayed Commercial Crew Program.
-- Richard
Switzerland pilots a contact-tracing app using Apple and Google's tech
Several thousand people are now testing SwissCovid.
According to the Swiss university EPFL, the country's tracing app, SwissCovid, is the first in the world to put the Apple–Google model to use.
SwissCovid will use Bluetooth to exchange keys between phones. If a user tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, they can inform the app, which will alert other users if they were in close proximity (less than six feet) to the infected person for a prolonged period (more than 15 minutes).
In this pilot scheme, employees at EPFL, ETH Zurich, the army and select hospitals and government agencies will be the first to test the Swiss app. The pilot is expected to last a few weeks. Continue reading.
South Korea has robot baristas for social distancing
And what do we have?!
In South Korea, COVID-19 infection numbers are flattening out, and the service industry is figuring out what to do in times of social distancing. One cafe's answer? Robots. In Daejeon, one establishment has a robot arm preparing drinks, while other robot drones deliver said drinks to customers. The system can communicate with other devices, contains self-driving tech to determine the best route around people and tables and communicates with customers via voice controls. You can choose from 60 drink options, but they'll still probably spell Mat's name with two 't's. Continue reading.
Philips Hue leaks show new versatility for Lightstrip Plus and Bloom
The Bloom is getting brighter and cut Lightstrips can be reconnected.
HP's latest monitors cut blue light levels to help you sleep
And a 4K monitor with wireless sharing.
Alongside a new series of EliteBook laptops, HP has launched a new family of E-Series monitors that always function with low levels of blue light. The aim is to ensure that working for extended hours on these monitors doesn't affect your sleep -- which we've all heard before. However, color accuracy and yellow shift aren't affected on these monitors, making them different to the usual nightshift software features we've seen on PCs and smartphones.
The E-Series monitors, ranging from 21.5 inches through to 27 inches, won't arrive until August, when they'll sell starting at $159. Continue reading.
LG's first 48-inch 4K OLED TV is starting to roll out
The $1,500 display will arrive in the US in late June.
The 48CX model is the first time LG has sold an OLED in this size, and it comes with features that could make it perfect to rely on as a super-sized gaming monitor. With its small size and high resolution, LG claims its pixel density compares to a 96-inch 8K display.
Like other 2020 4K OLEDs from LG, it includes NVIDIA's G-Sync tech for tear-free high frame rate PC gaming (the website states FreeSync support will arrive with a software update). It can handle up to 120 fps 4K content using Dolby Vision or HDR10, plus it has enhanced audio return channel (eARC), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR). Continue reading.
The new macOS Catalina update wrings more life from your MacBook's battery
And there's additional fine tuning for the Pro Display XDR.
Wondering what's in the new macOS update? A new Battery Health Management toggle will lower the peak charge of your laptop's battery, which should help it last longer before you need to replace it. Of course, if you're on the go and need every bit of battery life you can get at the moment, then you can disable it. Continue reading.
Twitter fact checks Trump's false tweets about election fraud
Twitter urges users to 'get the facts' in response to Trump's 'misleading' tweets.
Maybe you never thought it would happen, but Twitter's new fact check feature is being used on some of Donald Trump's latest tweets, noting that they might contain false information. Twitter has appended a link urging users to "get the facts" about mail-in ballots. Clicking through, Twitter further notes that fact checkers say there is no evidence to support Trump's tweeted claims about fraudulent mail-in ballots. It added that voting by mail is already used in a number of states, and it linked to stories from CNN, The Washington Post and other outlets debunking these claims.
In the same 24 hours, however, the social network said it isn't going to remove other false tweets from the US president, namely unfounded conspiracy theories about MSNBC host Joe Scarborough murdering a woman who died nearly 19 years ago. Continue reading.
One of the exciting things that came out of Microsoft Build was that the company has been working to create virtual court solutions. If done right, a virtual system could fix a lot of court-related problems. It would allow judges to work around their schedules better and give attorneys improved access to online resources. It also might provide a way for jurors to improve their understanding.
From Hobby to Career Path: Tech-Savvy HS Sophomore Learns by Doing
What started out as a 13-year-old's hobby to feed his passion for technology has turned into a business for Skyler Ficklin, operator of the QuitZoom website and iSkyler YouTube video channel. TechNewsWorld recently met with Ficklin on a Skype conference call to discuss his interest in helping both his peers and tech-curious adults understand today's world of mobile gadgetry.
How to Soup Up Your Home WiFi With Multiple Repeaters and Access Points
Does flaky Internet connectivity have you scrounging for solutions? The COVID-19 pandemic increased our demand for Internet service due to working from home, online learning for kids, and video conferencing with colleagues and family members. For many people stuck at home, Internet connectivity issues became more troublesome in recent months. Use these tips to improve your WiFi performance.
Linux Foundation Joins Ranks of International Standards Submitters
The Linux Foundation has achieved a major milestone: formal status on the international standards front. Its Joint Development Foundation received approval as an ISO/IEC JTC 1 Publicly Available Specification Submitter.
Will Apple's AR Glasses Be Ready for Spring 2021 Debut?
Apple may launch a line of AR smart glasses in the spring of 2021. The new peepers will be called "Apple Glass" and sell for $499, with prescription lenses costing more, based on the latest leaks.
In theory, all you need is a shiny new router for hassle-free wireless connections in your home or small office. Yet in practice, your wireless reception often will be plagued with interference issues. Interference can cause slow delivery, higher ...
HP's COVID-19 Response: There Should Be an Award for This
Some of the troubling reports of corporate responses to COVID-19 include forced work in unsafe areas, not enough -- or any -- protection gear, massive layoffs and furloughs, and the sense that a critical mass of well-paid CEOs and politicians...
If your contact center agents are working from home, download this Remote Agent Checklist to ensure they can provide exceptional customer experience, no matter where they're based.
Calculate how much time you could save if you had a PIM (product information management) tool to do the work for you. Start building your business case today - it’s quick and easy.
2020 Online Shopping Habits and Retailer Strategies
Episerver surveyed over 4,000 global online shoppers to learn about their ecommerce expectations and habits. Download Reimagining Commerce to get an exclusive look at successful retail strategies in 2020.
Get the day's top e-business and technology news from ECT News Network delivered to your inbox as stories break. Sign up today.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback. To share your thoughts or ideas, please use our online form.
Manage Subscriptions
This newsletter was sent in response to your request on an ECT News Network website. To update your settings, or to receive other newsletters from ECT News Network: Manage My Subscriptions.
BUSINESS SERVICES
How to Advertise
To advertise in this newsletter or elsewhere on ECT News Network, please call our sales department (818) 461-9700 or follow these links: