You Can Now Order Food From Papa John’s, Five Guys, and More Within Facebook on iOS

Facebook today announced that you can now order food directly from within the Facebook app on iOS. Alex Himel, Facebook’s vice president of local, explained that food ordering and delivery has “gotten complicated” within other apps and services, so the company aims to streamline that process by adding it to Facebook.

Like other newly added services — including local weather and jobs search — “Order Food” will now be on the Explore tab of the Facebook iOS app. Facebook said this section of its app combines options from “a number of food ordering services” and accumulates them into one place. This way, you’ll be able to browse restaurants near you that take orders from EatStreet, Zuppler, Slice, Delivery.com, DoorDash, ChowNow, and Olo.

You’ll also be able to order food directly from Jack in the Box, Five Guys, Papa John’s, Wingstop, TGI Friday’s, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Chipotle, Jimmy John’s, and Panera, as well as some “local spots.”

Ordering food for takeout or delivery is supposed to be simple. That’s the point. But somehow it’s gotten complicated. First you need to decide what to eat, then you have to sift through a bunch of options and services.

Today, we’re taking the time out of finding what you want to eat by officially launching the ability to order food for pick-up or delivery, directly on Facebook. People already go to Facebook to figure out what to eat by reading about nearby restaurants, and seeing what their friends say about them. So, we’re making it even easier.

Using Facebook’s social aspects, you can check out restaurant reviews on their pages, and see if your own friends have left reviews before you order. Once you find the restaurant you want to order from, it’ll say if it has takeout or delivery, and from there you can choose which of the food ordering services that the location supports.

Facebook said existing accounts with these services will be supported, and if you don’t yet have an account you can sign up for Delivery.com, DoorDash, or any of the previously listed services without leaving Facebook.

Facebook’s Order Food option in the Explore tab is rolling out now to everyone in the United States on iOS, Android, and desktop.

Tag: Facebook
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Apple Still Offering Free Delayed Battery Repairs for Some 2012 and Early 2013 MacBook Pros

If you own a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display released in Mid 2012 or Early 2013, and your notebook qualifies for battery service, the repair should be free if you are willing to wait for around one month.

Apple has advised Genius Bar employees and Apple Authorized Service Providers to offer these customers a free battery repair if they are willing to wait until November 15 or later for the service to be completed.

Apple has offered this option since August 25 due to a continued shortage of the aluminum enclosure that the battery is glued into on the aforementioned MacBook Pro models, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors.

Top case with glued-in battery for Mid 2012 15-inch MacBook Pro via iFixit
If a customer does not wish to delay the repair, Apple says that standard out-of-warranty prices for battery service apply: $199 in the United States, £199 in the United Kingdom, $289 in Australia, or $259 in Canada.

The policy doesn’t apply to any other Mac, including the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 12-inch MacBook, MacBook Air, or models without Retina displays.

To check if your qualifying MacBook Pro needs battery service, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar. Then, click on About This Mac > System Report > Power. In the Health Information section, the condition should say “Service Battery.”

Apple will confirm if the MacBook Pro qualifies for battery service by performing a diagnostic test at the Genius Bar at most Apple Stores. Repairs are allowed for failed, consumed, and swollen batteries.

Apple is no longer offering customers the option to exchange their MacBook Pro for a functionally equivalent model, as it did for repairs initiated between March 2 and July 25 due to the same part shortage.

During that time, many customers were able to exchange a 2012 MacBook Pro for a much newer model, such as a maxed-out refurbished 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, for just the cost of an out-of-warranty battery repair.

Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer’s Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
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WD is developing 40TB hard drives powered by microwaves

Western Digital (WD) may have lost a bid to buy Toshiba’s flash memory technology, but is still hard at work on its bread-and-butter hard drives. The company has unveiled a breakthrough called microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) that will allow ever-higher disk capacities, up to 40TB by the year 2025. “Commercialization of MAMR technology will pave the way to higher recording densities and lower cost per terabyte hard disk drives,” said VP of research John Rydning in a statement.

If you’re wondering what microwaves have to do with hard drives, WD has a developed a new type of drive head called a “spin torque oscillator” that generates a microwave field. That allows data to be written to magnetic media at a lower magnetic field than with conventional disks, making it possible to pack more bits into the same space.

“As a result, Western Digital’s MAMR technology is now ready for prime time, and provides a more cost-effective, more reliable solution,” the company said in a technical brief, adding that “MAMR also has the capability to extend areal density gains up to 4 Terabits per square inch.” As with its current enterprise drives, WD’s MAMR drives will use helium instead of air to reduce internal turbulence.

So how “ready for prime time” is it? Western Digital says MAMR-based drives for data centers will appear in the market starting in 2019, and it will produce 40TB 3.5-inch disks by 2025, with “continued expansion beyond that timeframe.” WD didn’t say what capacity early MAMR drives would pack, but it recently released its first 14TB drive via its HGST (formerly Hitachi) subsidiary, so we’d expect the MAMR variants to go beyond that.

Mechanical hard disk don’t have nearly the speed or reliability of SSDs, but the cost per gigabyte is multiple times lower. That’s crucial for data centers and cloud storage firms, especially since data-hungry AI software is becoming more and more pervasive. Don’t expect to see MAMR drives in your local media backup (NAS) drives right away, but it should trickle down fairly soon, giving you enough storage for future 8K HDR videos.

Source: Western Digital

Why I kicked my morning Twitter habit

Up until a week ago, the first thing I did every morning after waking up was reach for the nightstand and grab my iPhone. Then, after hitting the snooze on the alarm a couple of times, I’d open Twitter or Instagram and scroll through my feeds for 10-15 minutes before getting ready for work. Once dressed and prepared to face another day, I’d walk to the train, hop on, take my phone out and check social media again. For 40 minutes, almost the entire length of my commute, I scrolled through people’s posts for what felt like an eternity. Wash, rinse, repeat — save for the weekends. And I imagine many people can relate.

Liking posts on Twitter and Instagram before my day really started became routine; it was a way to catch up with what the world had been up to for the six or seven hours I was asleep. What news did I miss? What were my friends doing? You know, the usual. Some call that FOMO (fear of missing out), but I’d say it’s just a bad habit. I’d even go as far as calling it an addiction. I feel the need to be glued to my phone, particularly social-media apps, as if my brain is wired to open them every chance I get.

Recently though, it’s all become too much — especially on Twitter, where oftentimes the first thing I’d see were tweets about politics and how the world is basically falling apart. It wasn’t just Trump’s questionable tweets, either, or people’s reactions to them, but also things like the discussions around the Las Vegas Route 91 mass shooting. (Instagram is less toxic, because my feed is made up mostly of friends at bars, fashion and sports.)

Don’t get me wrong: I love Twitter and Instagram, and I might even say the same about Facebook if I had an account (but probably not). However, that negativity eventually took a toll on me mentally. I noticed that by the time I got to the Engadget office in the morning, I was already in a bad mood. Things that were out of my control sometimes made it hard to focus on my work. And who wants to start the day like that?

That’s why I decided to impose a social media diet on myself, in hopes of sparing me a few hours of dealing with the world’s problems. No more Twitter or Instagram until after I’m in the office, at my desk and I’ve had time to settle into the day. Instead, I spend my commute playing games on my Nintendo Switch or reading a book.

I’m not alone in wanting to break from the shackles of social media. Celebrities like Solange Knowles have taken digital sabbaticals recently, citing the need to stay away from “racist ugly ass fuck bois who reek of citronella” on Twitter and Instagram. She made that decision three days after the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 15th. As a reporter, it’s hard for me to completely tune out, given that my job requires me to stay informed with what’s happening around us. But if anything needs my immediate attention, I have notifications for breaking news set up, and I still check my work email at home and on the train.

A couple of friends have suggested wiping the slate clean on Twitter — unfollowing everyone and starting from scratch. Thing is, that probably wouldn’t change much — I’d just end up just following most of the same people and media accounts. My colleague Dan Cooper took a break from Twitter for an entire week, but I just can’t bring myself to do that. Where else am I going to get live reactions to sporting events? Especially right now that the Yankees are on their way to snag another World Series pennant. (Editor’s note: Cubs, two years in a row!)

Honestly, I wish I could go back to last year, when the majority of New York City’s subway lines didn’t have cell service. That said, I also understand there are people out there who need to stay connected for more important reasons, not just to check Twitter constantly. Plus, it’s not the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) fault I have no self-control.

I’ve enjoyed my experiment so far, and now my mornings feel more pure and free from bad vibes. I’m less disappointed in humanity when I get to work, and it’s great not starting my day by worrying whether or not Trump has started World War III. Sure, that all changes as soon as I check Twitter at the office, or when I absent-mindedly break my diet for a brief second, but there’s no way to avoid reality. The only thing I can do is change the way I use social media, at least if I want to stay sane.

Amazon suspends studio head over sexual harassment allegations

Amazon has suspended the exec in charge of its film and TV unit after a producer accused him of sexual harassment. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Isa Dick Hackett (daughter of sci-fi author Phillip K. Dick) claimed Roy Price made inappropriate sexual advances towards her at Comic-Con two years ago. Hours after the article went live, Amazon said its exec “is on leave of absence effective immediately.” Hackett serves as the producer on two of Amazon’s adaptations of her late father’s works: TV show The Man in the High Castle and anthology series Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams.

In the article, she revealed that Price repeatedly propositioned her in the back of a cab en route to an Amazon staff party on July 10, 2015. He allegedly said “You will love my dick.” Although she made it clear to Price that she wasn’t interested, Hackett claims he later yelled “anal sex” in her ear. Others were allegedly witness to this behaviour, which Hackett promptly reported to Amazon. She claims the company informed her that it was conducting an internal investigation into the matter, but that she was never made aware of its outcome. Although, she did note the exec was conspicuously absent from future events involving her shows.

The scandal comes in the wake of sexual harassment and assault revelations about Harvey Weinstein. Multiple victims, including celebs, have shared their stories about the Hollywood mogul. One of them, actress Rose McGowan, has now taken to Twitter to denounce both Price and Amazon. Across a series of tweets, McGowan revealed that when Weinstein was suggested as a producer for one of her shows, she told Price that he had raped her, only to be ignored. McGowan, who has been outspoken about Weinstein, was briefly blocked from Twitter on Thursday for tweeting a personal phone number.

1) @jeffbezos I told the head of your studio that HW raped me. Over & over I said it. He said it hadn’t been proven. I said I was the proof.

— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 12, 2017

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Lends Nickname to New ‘Woz U’ Online Institute Offering Coding Lessons

Apple co-founder Steve “Woz” Wozniak has lent his nickname to Woz U, a new online learning institute aimed at educating and training people in coding and other digital skills through a subscription-based curriculum.

“Our goal is to educate and train people in employable digital skills without putting them into years of debt,” said Wozniak, who co-founded Apple in 1976 alongside Steve Jobs. “People often are afraid to choose a technology-based career because they think they can’t do it. I know they can, and I want to show them how.”

While the announcement suggests that Wozniak founded the institution himself, a footnote at the bottom says it is part of the Southern Careers Institute, a private, for-profit school with seven locations across Texas.

Woz U said it aims to get people into the workforce quickly and affordably with the technology-based career best suited for them. Programs launching today train computer support specialists and software developers; data science, mobile applications, and cybersecurity programs are coming soon.

“My entire life I have worked to build, develop, and create a better world through technology and I have always respected education,” Wozniak said. “Now is the time for Woz U, and we are only getting started.”

In addition to its website and app, Woz U says it plans to open physical campuses in more than 30 cities across the United States and around the world.

Tag: Steve Wozniak
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Apple’s Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad Now Ships in 6-7 Weeks as Refresh Possible Alongside iMac Pro

Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad is now estimated to ship in 6-7 weeks in the United States and several other countries, fueling speculation that a refreshed model could be released alongside the iMac Pro in December.

The extended wireless keyboard was just released alongside WWDC 2017 in June, so any possible update could be relatively minor.

The eject key could be replaced with a dedicated Siri key, for example, given the iMac hasn’t had a built-in SuperDrive for CDs/DVDs since the Mid 2011 model. Siri is located in the same position above the delete key on the Touch Bar.

Apple will be releasing the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2 in Space Gray exclusively for the iMac Pro as well, so the shipping estimate could be related to the new color being on the horizon.

Last year, a report claimed Apple was exploring a standalone keyboard with a Touch Bar and Touch ID for desktop computers like the iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini, but it’s unclear if the product is still on the company’s roadmap.

It’s common for Apple products to face lengthy shipping estimates when they are due for an upcoming refresh, but it could also be nothing more than routine fluctuations in supply, especially given how niche this keyboard is.

(Thanks, Keir Ansell!)

Tag: Magic Keyboard
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The Morning After: Friday, October 13th 2017

Good morning! Yesterday, we got a date for a giant robot battle, the chance to win tickets (and gadgets) for the Engadget Experience, and Virgin joined the Hyperloop… hype.

I don’t recognize myself on social media anymore.
Fear of the US government led me to censor myself on Twitter

Reviews Editor Cherlynn Low discusses the Department of Homeland Security’s modified system of records, and how it would allow the DHS, Border Patrol and other immigration authorities to collect social media handles as part of an individual’s official record. Working in the US on a visa, she was immediately worried about how it would affect her standing — and it’s already changed how she uses social media.

Free tickets, travel and gadgets.Win a trip to LA and two tickets to the Engadget Experience

Next month we’re hosting a series of futuristic art installations and panels, bringing together the brightest minds in art and technology. To make the Engadget Experience happen, we gave out $100,000 apiece to five visionaries making art out of VR, artificial intelligence and even search results. We are so excited to showcase our winners at LA’s Ace Hotel on November 14th. Tickets are on sale now, but one lucky reader can win two free tickets — plus a boatload of other stuff. We’re also throwing in a two-night stay at the Ace Hotel, a $1,000 airfare stipend and a collection of gadgets that includes a Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Gear VR and more. Enter here to win — good luck!

It wasn’t a hack, but it wasn’t good either.
Malicious code spotted on Equifax’s website

As if the company didn’t have enough problems, a malicious Flash pop-up appeared on its customer site. An Equifax rep said the company’s website was not compromised, and the errant Flash downloader came from one of its vendors’ code — but it raised concerns of another hacker attack. According to Equifax: “Since we learned of the issue, the vendor’s code was removed from the webpage and we have taken the webpage offline to conduct further analysis.”

Moving forward.
Richard Branson and Virgin join forces with Hyperloop One

Hyperloop One is now Virgin Hyperloop One, thanks to a new investment from Sir Richard Branson. In a recent demo, one of its pods hit a top speed of 192 mph, faster than Category 1 high-speed rail, but not quite matching Japan’s bullet train. There’s no word on how much cash Branson plugged into the outfit, but hopefully the “world’s most revolutionary train service” works out better than the UK’s Virgin Trains.

Epic giant robot battle scheduled for October 17th
The MegaBots vs. Suidobashi fight will be streamed live on Twitch

Are you ready for the world’s first giant robot fight? We finally have a date.The fight will take place on October 17th, 2017, at 10:00 PM ET, streamed worldwide on Twitch. If you miss the live stream, you can catch it on YouTube and Facebook immediately after the event.

Going cord-free is worth the drop in audio quality for fitness fanatics.
Jaybird Run review: the perfect truly wireless earbuds for workouts

The Jaybird Run are exactly what you’d expect from a company that’s been working on wireless headphones for years. They’re comfortable, easy to use and they sound great. You’ll pay a bit more than similar headphones — even Apple’s Airpods — but it’s worth it for fitness fanatics.

Moving beyond the panels.
Square Enix’s Project Hikari makes a good case for VR comics

For its first big VR project, Square Enix’s Advanced Technology Division is putting the spotlight back on manga. Project Hikari feeds you the story mostly with floating comic panels, but also adds spoken dialogue, sound effects and music. The big difference here is its use of 3D animation that Kris Naudus said looks smooth from every angle. It should be available next year on all major VR platforms.

But wait, there’s more…

• Kansas City mayor tries to snag Amazon’s new HQ by reviewing 1,000 products
• #WomenBoycottTwitter protest spreads across social media
• The NBA will broadcast every game in VR this season
• EA rebuffs ‘pay to win’ loot criticism of ‘SW Battlefront 2’
• Sony’s Xperia Touch projector arrives in the US priced at $1,700

Microsoft Edge browser preview makes its way to Android

Windows Phone is on its way out. To no one’s surprise, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore recently confirmed its demise. In its place, the company has adopted a more pragmatic approach that embeds pieces of its Windows experience in iOS and Android. You can trace this strategy back to 2014, when Microsoft released a trio of Office apps for iOS. More recently, it’s been ramping up with the launch of Cortana and an Android launcher. Now, on the heels of its iOS beta, we’re getting Microsoft Edge for Android preview.

Starting today we’re in preview in the Google Play store. Microsoft Edge, now on your Android device — woo! https://t.co/nz8858IDyI

— Lauren Cascio (@lcascio) October 12, 2017

The company’s default browser for Windows 10 is an uncluttered Internet Explorer replacement. It brings those design traits with it to mobile, along with its core desktop features (including the Hub and reading view). Best of all, Windows users can sync their browsing data, and open mobile web pages on a PC with a tap. Like the Launcher before it, Edge’s synchronization perks should prove a boon for Windows diehards.

You can grab the app by signing up for the preview on the Google Play Store. Expect an official launch on iOS and Android later this year, which may also include support for tablets.

Source: Microsoft

Uber formally appeals the loss of its London licence

In what should come as no surprise to anyone, Uber has today appealed Transport for London’s decision to deny the ride-hailing company a renewed private hire licence. Uber’s licence actually expired on September 30th, but it had until today (21 days later) to challenge TfL’s verdict. Uber has filed its appeal with Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and can continue to operate as normal in London while the legal business plays out, which is expected to take several months.

“While we have today filed our appeal so that Londoners can continue using our app, we hope to continue having constructive discussions with Transport for London. As our new CEO has said, we are determined to make things right,” an Uber spokesperson commented this morning.

TfL concluded last month that Uber was not “fit and proper” to hold a private hire licence. “TfL considers that Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications,” the regulator’s statement read. Specifically, TfL isn’t happy with how Uber reports serious criminal offences and conducts driver background and medical checks. Uber’s controversial ‘Greyball’ tool, which helped the company track and deliberately evade authorities, was also mentioned, though Uber claims it has never been used “for those purposes” in the UK.

While Uber will contest TfL’s decision in court, legal proceedings are also buying the ride-hailing outfit much-needed time. It’s possible Uber could address the regulator’s concerns before it even exhausts the appeals process. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi met with TfL ten days ago to open a dialogue, and in an unrelated UK government committee session investigating the gig economy as a whole, Uber this week revealed it was testing a system that would automatically log off UK drivers working excessive, unsafe hours — similar to the 12-hour logged-in limit imposed on drivers in New York City.

Via: The Guardian