Apple Orders New ‘Central Park’ Animated Comedy From ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Creator

Apple has picked up its first animated TV series, a new show called “Central Park” developed by Loren Bouchard, well-known for popular cartoon “Bob’s Burgers.”

According to Variety, the animated series is a “musical comedy” written by Bouchard, Josh Gad, and Nora Smith. It’s said to tell the story of how a family of caretakers who live in Central Park in New York City end up saving the park and the world.

Apple has ordered 26 episodes of the show in total, split into two 13-episode seasons. “Central Park” is produced by 20th Century Fox and stars Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Titus Burgess, Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, Daveed Diggs, and Kathryn Hahn.

This marks the 12th known television show that Apple has invested in so far.

Other TV shows Apple is working on include an untitled morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, an “Amazing Stories” reboot from Steven Spielberg, an untitled space drama from Battlestar Galactica creator Ronald D. Moore, a series written by “La La Land” creator Damien Chazelle, a Kristen Wiig comedy series, See, an epic world-building drama, Home, a docuseries focusing on incredible homes, “Little America,” an anthology series from “The Big Sick” creators Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, Swagger, a drama based on the early life and career of NBA star Kevin Durant, and a psychological thriller produced by M. Night Shyamalan.

Additional detail on all of Apple’s TV projects can be found in the original content section of our Apple TV roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: Apple’s Hollywood ambitionsBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

Spring cleaning for your PC: How to tame the tangle of wires under your desk

Technology companies often advertise their gadgets and gizmos as devices that will simplify your life, but they sometimes cause their own problems. This is particularly true of the PC, which can still be a mess of cords, hardware, and peripherals that can eat up your space. Here’s how to cut through the clutter like a samurai, and restore order to a messy office.

Cord routing and cutting

Even a basic home PC usually introduces five or more cords to keep track of, and often necessary extras like speakers and a printe, add to the mess as well. This looks bad, and can make connecting hardware more difficult, as you must first weave you way through a mess of cables to find an open port.

Cords don’t have to run wild and untamed, however. Simple and inexpensive tools like a label maker, Velcro ties and cable raceways can help you organize them. While they won’t go away, they will be contained, making them far less likely to cause trouble.

Routing and bundling cables can be useful, but it doesn’t always help – or help enough to satisfy your tastes. Those who truly despise wires may want to get rid of them entirely, and there’s numerous ways to do so.

Let’s start with your keyboard and mouse. Switching from wired to wireless will knock out two cables that are likely to get in your way, and it’s not expensive to do so. Logitech sells wireless bundles with a keyboard and mouse for less than $20. Enthusiasts who love mechanical keyboards have fewer options, but there are a few available.

The next step is to replace your printer with a wireless model. Most printers now have Wi-Fi connectivity, with even the best printers under $100 including it. Going wireless with your printer cuts an extra cord, and makes your printer easily available to multiple PCs and smart devices.

Do you have an array of external hard drives tangling you up in their cables? Don’t worry – they also can go wireless. Many modern Wi-Fi routers have a USB port that can be used to connect an external drive, which automatically turns it into a wireless network drive. Alternatively, you could grab a Wi-Fi hard drive with a built-in battery, though you’ll have to frequently plug it in to recharge.

Still feeling cord-crazy? Go wireless with your monitor. Intel’s Wi-Di tech is available on laptops and desktops and can be used in lieu of HDMI. You’ll first need to check your system’s compatibility before buying buy an adapter like Microsoft’s Wireless Display Adapter.

Hubs and docks, oh my

Wireless is great for reducing clutter but, as you may have already noticed, it can be an expensive choice if you try to replace everything. Thankfully, there’s another way – the humble, but effective, USB hub.

USB hubs can be great for charging multiple portable devices, and they can also be used to expand the number of ports available on a PC and help organize systems with lots of USB-compatible clutter. Simply sit the hub somewhere on (or under) your desk, and then connect devices to it rather than your computer. This reduces the length of cord runs, and concentrates them, which makes organization less daunting.

Hubs have become especially important with the advent of USB Type-C, and though the reversible standard is versatile, it doesn’t cater to many Type-A legacy devices. Hubs can give you that functionality while decluttering your desk.

The downside to this approach is a potential loss of performance. If you have multiple hard drives connected to a hub, and they’re used simultaneously, their speed may be reduced. Still, as long as you get yourself a hub that supports the latest high-speed USB standards, you shouldn’t notice too much of a drop-off.

Laptop owners should consider a dock if one is available for your particular model. A dock can improve organization by providing a permanent base to which other peripherals are connected. While cords will still exist, they’ll be easier to manage because you’ll no longer have to unplug them each time you remove the laptop from your desk. Docks also often face their ports toward the rear, rather than the right or left, which provides a more direct route to the edge of your desk.

Change your monitor’s stand

Chances are good that your monitor has a simple, static stand. Perhaps it tilts – perhaps not. Whatever the case, your monitor likely takes up desktop space that could be used for other tasks.

That doesn’t have to be the case. Most monitors come with a VESA mount, and a set of four screw holes arranged in a box formation on the rear. This can be used to attach your monitor to any VESA monitor mount, including those that are highly adjustable.

Picking up such a stand will let you move the monitor out of the way when you don’t need it, freeing up the space for paperwork, reading, or whatever else you might want to use your desk for. Choosing an adjustable stand can also have ergonomic benefits, as you’ll be able to move your monitor to the exact position where you find it most comfortable to use.

Switch to a smaller desktop

A desktop computer can be a source of clutter by itself. A standard mid-tower is generally eight inches wide, and fourteen to eighteen inches long, which is a sizable footprint. The system can be placed beneath a desk, but this common solution increases the length and complexity of cord runs.

Zotac

Switching to a smaller desktop can be helpful, because it can be placed where its name suggests (on top of your desk), making organization easier. It doesn’t even necessarily mean sacrificing power either, as there are many microcomputing systems produced now that pack in high-end processors and even powerful graphics cards and chips too.

Zotac’s latest range of ZBox PCs are tiny and yet fit both an Intel Core i7 CPU and an Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics chip. There’s also purpose-built Intel NUC (next unit computing) systems, which are some of the smallest complete PCs around. They, too, come in a variety of guises, including powerful gaming systems. For more mainstream functionality, a simple Chromebox may be enough.

If you want to go super-trim though, there are always stick PCs. No bigger than a chunky USB-drive, these plug and go systems offer decent performance in a package that would have been thought impossible just a few years ago.

Many small computers are Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) compatible, which means that they can be attached to a monitor with a VESA mount, hiding them from view completely. This makes cable routing easier. Choosing this option will make the use of a VESA monitor stand impossible, however, so you’ll have to decide between them. We generally recommend the monitor stand, due to its ergonomic benefits, but mounting a small PC to your monitor can make sense if you find your current stand comfortable.

Conclusion

As you can see, the options you have for tidying up your computer space go well beyond organizing cables. Going wireless can eliminate almost every cord beyond those that provide power, and choosing a different monitor stand or a smaller PC will increase the desk space you have available for other tasks. Eliminating wires can become an expensive endeavor, but it may be necessary if cord creep has made your desktop useless for anything besides computing.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Explore a galaxy of S8 accessories for your Samsung smartphone
• How to calibrate your monitor
• The best password managers for protecting your data online
• Shadow is a cloud gaming service that wants to make your gaming PC obsolete
• How to change your username on a Mac

Check out our favorite Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus accessories

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

If you’re like us, your smartphone is probably one of your most prized, and most used, pieces of tech. While you’ll definitely want to get a case and maybe a screen protector for your new Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus, you may want to check out some cool alternative accessories as well. We’ve rounded up some of the best Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus accessories, from earbuds to Samsung’s new Dex Pad, to show you the possibilities.

Gear VR Headset and Controller ($100)

If you’re not interested in investing a small fortune in the Oculus Rift, Samsung’s Gear VR headset is a good place to try out a light virtual reality experience. While we’ve not seen a 2018 update for the Gear VR just yet, last year’s model will work just fine with the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus.  Although you can use your eyes to navigate, the included controller tends to make things a lot easier. Right now there are well over 600 different apps, games, and experiences to immerse you into an all-new VR world.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Samsung

Samsung Wireless Charger Convertible ($90)

While the Samsung Wireless Charger is definitely one of the more expensive wireless charging pads on the market, it’s a good bet because it’s optimized to charge your Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus quickly. The faux leather pad comes in several colors and is a nice alternative to the cookie cutter chargers you typically see. In addition to the traditional charging pad design, the Samsung Wireless Charger can also be positioned at a 65-degree angle, making it easy to use your phone while it’s on the pad. If Samsung’s wireless charging pad isn’t your cup of tea, check out one of the other great wireless chargers that provide many of the same features.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Samsung

Belkin Pocket Power 15K Power Bank ($50)

While there are plenty of battery packs to choose from for your Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus, we chose Belkin’s Pocket Power 15K Power Bank for its quick-charging capabilities, hefty 15,000mAh battery, and small form factor. At $50, it’s definitely not the cheapest option available, but Belkin’s quality and excellent warranty make it a great option.

Amazon Belkin

Belkin USB-C Car Charger + Cable ($45)

We also went with Belkin for all your Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus car-charging needs. At $45, the Belkin USB-C Car Charger is pricey, however it offers up to 27W of charging power, ensuring you can use it for both your new Galaxy S9 as well as tablets and computers that charge via USB-C. A USB-C to USB-C cable is also included with Belkin’s car charger, which is a nice touch.

Buy one now from:

Belkin

Samsung Gear 360 ($170)

Les Shu/Digital Trends

If you want to collect 360 degree photo or video for Facebook or other social media, the Gear 360 is an inexpensive option to get your foot in the door. With the Gear 360, it’s easy to capture 4K 360-degree videos and photos with your Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus. While the Gear 360 does all the heavy lifting in terms of photos, it connects to an app on your phone, allowing you to review your content and upload it to whatever platform you fancy. There’s even a live-stream option if you want to share those special moments as they happen. The Gear 360’s tiny size makes it easy to stash in your pocket or bag for everyday use. And fear not, the MicroSD card slot accepts cards up to 256GB in size, making it easy to capture plenty of footage.

Buy one now from:

Samsung

Samsung Dex Pad ($99)

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While we definitely liked the Dex Station, first introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S8, the smartphone manufacturer managed to improve on a few niggling features to introduce this year’s Dex Pad. The Dex Station allows you to use your Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus as a makeshift computer when attached to an external monitor. Unlike its predecessor, the Dex Pad lets you access the headphone jack and you can even use your Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus screen as a mouse or keyboard.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Samsung Gear S3 ($294)

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

If you’re looking for an excellent smartwatch to pair with your Samsung Galaxy S9, why not give the Samsung Gear S3 a shot? The Gear 3 offers a stylish design with a clever rotating bezel making it simple to use on the go. Instead of Android Wear, you’ll find Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS on board, which is fast and accessible, but lacking the same number of apps found on Android Wear or Watch OS. It also offers more than a day of battery life, is water resistant, and its standard-size 22mm bands are easy to switch out.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Samsung EVO Plus 128 GB MicroSDXC Card ($50)

It was a bit of a disappointment to see storage remain at 64GB on the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. While many smartphones are offering 128GB or 256GB options, Samsung is stubbornly sticking with a single 64GB option. However, if you’re willing to give up your secondary SIM slot, you can easily add up to 400GB of external storage with a MicroSD card. Try Samsung’s Evo Plus MicroSD card if you want to add 128GB of storage to your new Galaxy S9 within seconds. While you can surely find cheaper MicroSD cards, Samsung’s Evo Plus line offers high performance for 4K video recording and is extremely reliable.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Samsung

Google Pixel Buds ($159)

Sure the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus come with a pretty sweet pair of AKG tuned earbuds, but what if you’re looking for something wireless? Google’s Pixel Buds are an excellent option and provide great sound, good battery life, as well as most of the interactive features available when paired with the Pixel 2. While Samsung makes a similar wireless earbud, we definitely prefer Pixel Buds.

Buy one now from:

Google

Samsung USB-C to HDMI Adapter ($32)

If you want to stream 4K videos from your Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus on your big TV with ease, you’ll need to invest in Samsung’s USB-C to HDMI adapter. At $32, we definitely feel it’s a little pricey, but it’s one of your best options for a seamless 4K experience. Simply stick the USB-C end into your phone and attach an HDMI cable into the other end to connect with your TV, projector, or monitor. While you may be tempted to use a wireless solution, this adapter is a great option to carry along for trips or just when you’re looking for an absolutely lag-free experience.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Mobile Fun

Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick ($16)

While Samsung absolutely blew us away with its best-in-class camera sensors on the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, it won’t be able to make your arms longer for the perfect selfie or usie. If you’re looking to capture absolutely awesome shots with the front-facing camera, might we suggest Anker’s selfie stick? You can quickly connect the Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick to your Galaxy S9 using, what else, Bluetooth. Unlike some selife sticks, Anker’s option is sturdy and extends to an impressive 32 inches in length. There’s a Micro USB charging cable included though you’ll rarely need it since the Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick gets about 20 hours of use from a single charge.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

iOttie Car Mount Holder ($25)

While there are thousands of smartphone mounting options available, we prefer the iOttie Car Mount Holder. It has a strong, sticky, gel suction cup that will attach to your dashboard or windshield without causing any damage or discoloration. It’s easy to tell when your Galaxy S9 is in the perfect place with the iOttie car mount as you’ll feel it snap into place. Once you’re ready to remove your phone, simply tap the quick release button. Since the iOttie Car Mount Holder has a telescopic arm and swivels to 225 degrees, you’ll never have a problem finding the perfect placement for every driver.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Editors’ Recommendations

• Here’s how to buy the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus
• Guard your Galaxy with the best Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus screen protectors
• Samsung Galaxy S9 review
• The best Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus cases to keep your titan safe
• Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review

‘The Sims Mobile’ puts a fun, millennial spin on a popular classic

App Attack is a weekly series where we search the App Store and Google Play Store for the best apps of the week. Check out App Attack every Sunday for the latest.

Ever wish you could dig up some of those old PC games you spent hours playing as a kid? This week, we have an app that will bring back the nostalgia and doesn’t require firing up that old desktop.

The Sims Mobile — available on iOS and Android — is a portable take on the classic game, but with more of a millennial spin to it. For starters, the characters are far more customizable than in the past, with tons of different style options and distinguishing features. They still speak their familiar gibberish, but their thought bubbles now include emojis, which make it a bit easier to follow along.

In the beginning, I started with one Sim and a “fixer-upper” home that I could add to little by little as I earned more rewards by completing different tasks. After choosing how I wanted my Sim to look and setting up my home with some furniture, I was prompted to then land a job —  as a barista at a local coffee shop.

This time around, you can also choose different traits you want your Sim to have. This includes generous, ambitious, flirty, lucky, and more. As you progress through “life” in the game, your Sim will be able to earn more traits along the way. The same type of customization applies to friendships you make. When my Sim made a new friend, I was able to choose the type of friendship they would have and what they would bond over. For example, one friendship my Sim had was centered around their love for music — known as “Soundtrack of Soul.”

While I haven’t actually played the Sims since I was in elementary school, I realized playing it as an adult who was now controlling another adult felt weird. When you’re a kid, it’s easy to enjoy a game that doesn’t mirror your reality — such as finding a job, earning enough money to support your lifestyle, socializing even though you’re extremely exhausted, and well, you get the point. Rather than playing haphazardly, I was suddenly thinking far more into the decisions I made for my Sim than ever before.

Regardless, The Sims Mobile is still as enjoyable and addicting as all of the versions that came before it. While it felt a bit weird to use a touch-screen instead of a mouse to click around for each action, the game still mimics the same controls. You’re able to tap on each Sim to pull up specific actions, and you’re also able to move around furniture and choose different colors as you normally would.

As far as plot, there’s no new point to the game — you’re still there to simply help your Sim truly flourish. But with different actions on your To Do List that refresh each day, it definitely kept me coming back to play more. As you cross each one off the list, you’re granted with more rewards that range from currency like Simoleons to SimCash. The game is free to play, but if you do start to get impatient there’s in-app purchases to get you further along.

In addition to your To Do List, your Sim has Quests it can complete as well. Some of the Quests include attending an event, adding a new piece of furniture to your home, or even switching up your appearance. By completing these, you’ll be able to earn more Sim money in order to purchase specific items.

Since the game is meant specifically for mobile, this does mean that you have the luxury of playing whenever and wherever. So if your Sim starts an event like a work shift or a birthday party, it’ll let you know that they can continue on their own and you can take a break for a bit — trust me, you might need it. Otherwise, you can make the break go by quicker by completing different actions and earning more rewards.

As I continued to advance through the levels, I eventually got to add a roommate to the roster. With your second Sim, you basically go through the exact same motions — find a job, settle in, make friends, and attend events. Before you know it, you’ll be juggling the lives of two different Sims, which can be a bit overwhelming at first but it also means the opportunity to earn double the rewards.

When it comes to graphics, The Sims Mobile still stays true to its quirky style but with a brighter and more refreshing upgrade. Even though the new version isn’t groundbreaking, it has the right amount of new customization features to make it exciting enough that you won’t feel like you’re playing mindlessly or endlessly. Coupled with the fact that it’s now available conveniently on your smartphone, you’ll find yourself checking more on your Sims than you do your social media feeds.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best apps to sell clothes will turn your unused wardrobe into cash
• It’s cocktail o’clock with the best bartending apps
• With Mosaic, you can redesign your Instagram grid without the commitment
• Find out how to track a phone with these helpful tracking tips
• The history of home audio systems

FBI arrests CEO of Phantom Secure for allegedly aiding organized crime

The FBI has arrested Vincent Ramos, the CEO of Phantom Secure, an established maker of custom smartphones. Ramos allegedly aided criminal organizations by providing devices that were modified to hide their illegal activities, Motherboard reported.

According to a complaint filed in Southern District of California, Ramos stands accused of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and aiding and abetting. Most importantly, the complaint alleges that Ramos and Phantom Secure’s products were not simply used by criminals, in the way a criminal might use a Samsung device or secure messaging service, but were specifically made to help criminal organizations carry out illegal acts.

According to the complaint, Phantom Secure modifies Blackberry phones by removing the web browser, GPS, and standard messaging services. The company then installs Pretty Good Privacy software in order to facilitate the sending of secure messages. The messages are then routed through overseas services. The complaint specifically mentions Hong Kong and Panama as two countries which are “believed by PHANTOM SECURE to be uncooperative with law enforcement.”

The complaint, which was written by FBI  Special Agent Nicholas Cheviron, says that Phantom Secure’s devices have been used by various criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa cartel. The “upper echelons members” of international criminal organizations have also made use of the hardware. Cheviron estimates that about 20,000 Phantom Secure devices are currently in use around the world. Another source familiar with the industry told Motherboard that Phantom’s hardware has been sold to numerous criminal organizations such as the Hell’s Angels, and were particular popular in Latin America.

During a sting operation, the Canadian Royal Mounted Police purchased a number of Phantom phones and were told by the company’s representatives that the devices were safe to use for drug trafficking. In fact, Ramos allegedly said that they made the phones specifically with drug traffickers in mind. They also claimed that a co-conspirator that had been arrested requested that Phantom remotely wipe his device.

In addition to the evidence gathered by the Mounties’ sting operation, authorities did have one cooperating witness in the form of a former Sinaloa drug trafficker. The unnamed witness stated that he used a Phantom device while working to transport five kilograms of cocaine.

As of the time of this writing, neither the FBI nor Ramos’s attorney have commented on the case.

Editors’ Recommendations

• ‘Metal Gear Survive’ contains a secret tribute to Hideo Kojima
• DJI creates no-fly zones for Winter Olympics to prevent rogue drone flights
• Konami says ‘Metal Gear Solid V’ nuclear event was triggered by mistake
• Vision Research Phantom camera captures 1080p video at 11,750 frames per second
• Drone-operating gang’s prison delivery service lands its members in jail

Googling your fave musician will soon surface personal posts in search results

Google

If you want to know something about your favorite music artist, chances are you do what most people do and tap your inquiry into Google.

Helping to bring musicians closer to their fans, the web giant is now allowing artists to post their own responses that appear alongside regular search results.

Similar to Twitter, there will be a blue verification checkmark beside the tweet-like posts so you can be confident it’s coming directly from the artist you’re searching for.

Those already signed up include Lorde, Steve Aoki, Sia, Son Little, Sofi Tukker, Shakira, and Kygo, with the web giant inviting musicians around the world to sign up to the free service so they can more easily reach out to their fans via Google Search.

“When you look up one of these musicians, you’ll find updates from them in their Search results,” Google’s Lauren Clark explains in a blog post outlining the feature. “There, you can find images, videos, GIFs, and text posted directly by the artist you’re searching for.”

The posts appear toward the top of the search results and are easy to spot inside the Knowledge Panel — the snippet of information dedicated to a celebrity or business in Google search results. If the artist has posted multiple times, the most recent message appears on the far left of your smartphone display, and scrolling left will bring older messages onto the screen.

A search for Son Little, for example, surfaces responses from the artist via the new feature that include the message: “Hey all, I’ve been enjoying a little break from touring but it’ll soon be time to hit the road once again. Starting …” To read on, you simply tap the card where the message appears and you’ll be taken to the rest of the message, which includes information on tour dates. You can also see when the content was posted, and there are share buttons too, in case you want to spread the word.

“This feature is live for all musicians who show up on Google worldwide, so put on your headphones and search away,” Clark writes. But if the new cards fail to appear then it simply means the artist you’re looking for hasn’t signed up yet, in which case you’ll have to make do with the regular results until they do so.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Computers saw Jesus, graffiti, and selfies in this art, and critics were floored
• HP Z38c ultrawide curved monitor review
• No batteries. No wires. No friction. These bike lights are powered by physics
• DJI Mavic Air review
• LG 32UD99-W review

Twitter looks to score a goal with new deal for Major League Soccer games

The social media giants are continuing with efforts to bring live sports action to their users, with both Twitter and Facebook announcing deals in recent days.

While Facebook focuses on Major League Baseball with live coverage of 25 games starting this year, Twitter has inked a three-year deal with Major League Soccer to show at least 24 games live on its platform. The first kicked off on Saturday and featured Real Salt Lake’s clash with LAFC. (The expansion LAFC hammered hosts RSL 5-1.)

Twitter’s live soccer action is viewable only within the United STates, but fans around the world can enjoy regular highlights and special features by following top American soccer teams and players via MLS’s Twitter handles @MLS and @FutbolMLS. The two outfits will also work together to produce exclusive content for the league’s big events, including the MLS All-Star Game, Heineken Rivalry Week, Decision Day, and the MLS Cup, according to Variety.

The MLS website shows all of the upcoming games lined up for Twitter. The feed comes from the Spanish-language Univision TV network, though on Twitter the games will be shown with English commentary.

The deal is a win for soccer fans interested in the domestic league, while Twitter will be hoping the partnership can draw more people to its platform as it continues to diversify its offerings and further explore live video content. The strategy also has the potential to increase engagement with the platform — important for Twitter if it’s to attract advertisers to the platform and maintain current contracts.

“We are excited to collaborate with Major League Soccer to bring live soccer matches and video highlights to Twitter,” said Kay Madati, global head of content partnerships at Twitter, adding, “Passionate MLS fans will now have live match day action alongside real-time commentary from experts and fellow fans all in one place.”

Chris Schlosser, senior vice president of media at MLS, said his organization “constantly strives to connect with fans in new and innovative ways. Our fans are the youngest and most socially engaged in pro sports, which is why we are excited to partner with Twitter to feature live matches on their platform.”

As we mentioned at the top, Twitter’s deal comes just as Facebook announced a partnership with the MLB for 24 live games, starting in April. Digging a little deeper, we also see that Facebook actually had the rights to the MLS games last season, but this year Twitter has stepped in to score a new deal.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Major League Soccer and ‘FIFA 18’ team up to create an esports league
• Facebook Watch to get exclusive rights to 25 MLB games
• Soccer giant Manchester United finally gets its own YouTube channel
• Microsoft’s revival of ‘Inside Xbox’ news show kicks off on March 10
• After Warner Music deal, Facebook is in league with all three major labels

A consumer drone crashed and burned, and then caused a wildfire

Some of the damage caused by the wildfire.

Coconino National Forest

Consumer drones have been causing problems for air-based firefighters tackling wildfires over the last few years, with a number of rogue operators determined to use their camera-equipped flying machines to capture dramatic footage of burning land.

Earlier this month, however, there was an unusual incident in Arizona where a drone actually caused a wildfire. Local media reports suggest the blaze started accidentally when the drone crashed on a dry patch of land.

The March 6 fire began close to Kendrick Park, about 15 miles north of Flagstaff, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It burned more than 200 acres of forest land but fortunately was contained within a day through the efforts of around 30 firefighters. No injuries or significant property damage was reported.

Law enforcement hasn’t released details about the make of the drone or precisely how the fire started, though it has identified the pilot who flew it, according to the Arizona Daily Sun.

Punishment for causing a wildfire varies, but the apparently accidental nature of this particular incident should give the pilot hope that any penalty won’t be too severe.

The incident appears to be the first reported case of a consumer drone causing a wildfire. And as we mentioned at the top, when it comes to such blazes, the machines are more often in the news for hampering firefighting efforts rather than actually causing a wildfire itself.

The drones pose a risk to manned aircraft tackling the blaze, and in some cases have caused air-based firefighting efforts to be suspended until the drone flies away from the scene or the pilot is caught.

During devastating fires in northern California last October, for example, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant told CNBC that “over the years … this problem [has] become a trend.”

The Federal Aviation Administration warns drone pilots they could face “significant” fines if they disrupt emergency response efforts with their machines.

Officials in Canada, meanwhile, have embraced the technology for wildfire investigations, with the government of Alberta working with drone company Elevated Robotic Services in 2016 to fly the machines over a burned area in the province to assess the damage and determine how the fire started.

Elevated’s quadcopters use regular HD cameras together with infrared and ultraviolet devices to gather images that are later stitched together as part of a so-called “fire mapping” process. The imagery is analyzed and can place the location of a fire’s origin to within 9-meters, a far more focused area than can be achieved using helicopters, which have to fly at a higher altitude for safety as well as to prevent the blades from fanning any remaining flames and causing additional disturbance to the scene.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Drone-catching drones to bolster security at this week’s Winter Olympics
• A drone and helicopter reportedly tangled in South Carolina. The helicopter lost.
• SkyFire Consulting is helping firefighters use drones to save lives
• It is now an offense in New Jersey to fly a drone while drunk
• The DroNet algorithm teaches drones to navigate city streets like cars

This bug-like robot is learning to improvise on the go

In the world of robotics, one of the most commonly studied types of creatures are insects, and there are lots of of robots attempting to replicate the movement patterns of various creepy crawlies. One thing that even the most advanced A.I. currently has trouble with is improvisation. Insects might not be the most intelligent creatures to inhabit this planet, but they can still adapt to new situations, which is something that a lot of A.I. has trouble with. And now a new robot from Tokyo Tech provides a fresh look at how robotics is taking cues from nature.

“Perhaps the most exciting moment in the research was when we observed the robot exhibit phenomena and gaits which we neither designed nor expected, and later found out also exist in biological insects,” lead researcher Ludovico Minati said in a press release.

Theoretically, you could program an A.I. with a way to respond to one of thousands of pre-programmed situations. The Tokyo Tech team believes that there must be a simpler way, since insects are capable of responding to new situations despite being less than intelligent.

The insectoid machine does make use of a pattern generator, but it is still a simpler approach than than the one used by a lot of robotics. The pattern generator sends a master signal to the oscillators, which control the legs. From there, the robot simply needs to tweak one of its five pre-programmed responses to create something new.

“An important aspect of the controller is that it condenses so much complexity into only a small number of parameters. These can be considered high-level parameters, in that they explicitly set the gait, speed, posture, etc.,” said Yasaharu Koike. “Because they can be changed dynamically, in the future it should be easy to vary them in real-time using a brain-computer interface, allowing the control of complex kinematics otherwise impossible to dominate with current approaches.”

Aside from simply being an interesting development in the field of robotics, this technology could have practical applications as well. The team is hopeful that this will make it easier to use robots for tasks that involve traversing unfamiliar terrain, since they can more easily adapt to their surroundings.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Meet the cannibalistic ‘cyberslug’ that just might make robots self-aware
• Science fiction’s 5 most haunting A.I. villains, ranked
• The key to next-gen 3D vision for autonomous cars is … praying mantis goggles?
• Virtual reality training ground helps robots prepare for the real world
• Smart home tech is booming, but we’re far from the age of The Jetsons

Audiophiles belong on Android. Here’s what I learned from switching over

For audio geeks like myself, September 9, 2016 is a day that will live in infamy. Apple’s presentation that morning was supposed to be about the iPhone 7, but all I heard was “no more headphone jack.” Apple’s choice to go all wireless for headphones forged a new mold and cemented a headphone-jackless future for the iPhone. Was the company nuts? Of course not. Apple doesn’t make mistakes, it innovates … and never looks back.

While most of the world looked on in relative apathy, sound enthusiasts like myself saw the writing on the wall: Nixing the heaphone jack was the latest move in Apple’s feature-evisceration strategy.

Beginning with its laptops, I’ve watched hard connectivity options evaporate, from audio-focused ports like Firewire (which interfaces with legacy recording studio gear), to universal options like HDMI outputs, ethernet, and even power ports.

With each move, Apple basically said, “We’re Apple, deal with it. Where you gonna go? You’re one of us.”

The answer was: “I’m going to the competition.” Time to switch to Android.

A speedy switch

My transition didn’t happen immediately. Apart from the prohibitive cost of a new phone (and the warm, lazy waters of procrastination), the fact that Apple gave me a replacement iPhone 6 due to a screen issue gave me time to reflect. But, as more and more Android phones followed suit and cut the jack, I was forced to make a move. Ultimately, a (somewhat) gently used LG V30 fell in my lap — and if any phone could supplant my trusty iPhone, this glass-backed beauty boasting high-end audio components had to be it, right? I dove for the V30, and prepared myself for the plunge.

Leaving the so-called walled garden for the open expanses of Android is easier said than done.

Jumping ship wasn’t nearly as difficult as I expected; Google helped. Android (in the V30 version, at least) makes it simple to backup iPhone wares into Google’s own cloud, perfectly aligned with the many other Google products in my life like Gmail, Google Drive, and Hangouts (formerly Gchat). Google Maps has always been better than Apple Maps, and the wide variety of other available apps helped fill in the gaps quickly.

When it comes to daily use, though, leaving the so-called walled garden for the open expanses of Android is easier said than done. We’re talking about floating over to a whole new cloud (on the surface anyway), migrating contacts, notes, apps, etc. And, of course, there’s the whole issue of teaching a 38-year-old dog new tricks. There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to replace her. I’ve only had my Android for a few weeks now, and I’m still adjusting.

The perils of going green

The biggest “hardship” for me (as expected) has been ditching iMessage, in which virtually every Apple-loving friend and family member in my circle (including my wife) is deeply invested. I had to immediately take my phone number off my iMessage account so I didn’t miss messages, and while Hangouts makes for a great replacement, especially on a computer, when it comes to texting I’m now an outlier. Picture messages and videos come in as downloads (which take forever), and people continue asking me if I switched phones weeks later as my green SMS messages roll into their blue-patterned screens.

The notification system has also taken some getting used to – it took a while for me to realize I could quickly double-tap my lock screen for the latest messages, and I’m still learning to interpret the myriad tea-leaf icons in the info bar up top. Many app icons, from Slack to Gmail, don’t show an on-screen message count, which I find vexing. I’m told this may change with Android Oreo, but that’s another issue; Android doesn’t update all at once. Unlike the Pixel 2 and Samsung Galaxy 9, my V30 doesn’t yet have Oreo.

There are other V30-specific issues, as well. Visual voicemail isn’t built in, which is just weird. Instead, I get a basic notification that points me to a number to call like some outpost answering service. There are, of course, third-party apps offering feature-packed visual voicemail, but I’m somehow reluctant to give them access (and besides, who leaves voicemails these days?). For now I’ve decided to go without it.

The screen dimmer doesn’t work as well as my iPhone’s either, and while I love the big, bezel-less display, it doesn’t look as clean or clear as my iPhone’s screen. Though the phone feels skinny in my pocket, it feels massive in my hand, forcing me to deploy both hands while browsing. It’s a pretty big phone.

Other than these stumbling blocks, the adjustment has been about the little things — call it new-phone culture shock. Just the other morning, running late for work, I realized I hadn’t yet download Lyft or Uber (I know, I sometimes use Uber!), forcing me to dig up my iPhone and hail one via Wi-Fi in a scramble.

Glorious sound, uncharted ground

Most of those quibbles fade away, however, when I pull out my go-to headphones — currently my 3D form-fitted UE18+ from Ultimate Ears Pro — and plug in. Even for those well versed in hi-res music players, listening to the V30 with good headphones is a phenomenal experience. Clean, clear, warm, and dynamic sound pours from the jack — no adapter required. Instruments are brilliantly separated, and expertly reproduced. In short, it’s the kind of sound I used to expect from Apple products, and always hoped for in an iPhone.

Nixing the headphone jack was the latest move in Apple’s feature-evisceration strategy.

It’s not just the sound quality, either. Unlike Apple phones (and most others) the V30’s high-end DAC also allows for a wide, 100-point swath of volume gradients. This means, while plugged in, you’re no longer beholden to Goldilocks volume issues (this one’s too loud, that one’s too quiet). Instead, you’ve got dozens of granular points at your disposal, just like you would with hi-res player from Sony or Astell & Kern. On the other end, I can even record in high resolution.

My new Android companion has other cool tricks up its sleeve, too. You may have noticed I haven’t once mentioned the lack of a home button (which the iPhone X also cut). That’s because the V30’s back button is a solution so brilliant, I barely noticed the change. I even find myself fumbling for the back button along my iPhone whenever I pick it up. In addition, while it may not match the iPhone X, my new camera is a noticeable step up, and there are other upgrades that come with a new flagship phone, like wireless charging, and (say it with me) waterproofing.

One of the biggest advantages of going Android, though, is much more basic: Choice. I’m all about the sound, so the V30 is right for me, but that may not be your thing. Luckily, there are dozens of Android phones, many of which come with their own specialties and stunning designs that rival anything from Apple. And while some hardware and apps are iOS-only, Android offers a cacophony of apps outside the iOS lair, many of which provide control and customization in ways I’m just beginning to explore. This new territory comes with setbacks and annoyances, but also a chance to gaze upon exciting new horizons.

Breaking free

Of course, I still miss my iPhone sometimes, and who knows? I may even go back someday. Apple pulled the plug far too early, but improvements in wireless audio like aptX HD and LDAC (neither of which the iPhone currently supports, by the way) prove that fidelity can be part and parcel with wireless convenience. Jackless or not, the fact is that Apple has always made products with gorgeous style and exciting features in the past, and it will continue to do so.

Clear, dynamic sound comes pouring from from the V30 — no adapter required.

Still, the company’s penchant for removing features as it adds new ones — from its port-less laptops to its jack-less phones — is unfortunate and, in some cases, inexplicable. Whether you’re steeped in legacy home studio gear, annoyed by the demands of multiple dongles, or simply unable to spend up for wireless headphones, your part of a crew who prove that a need for these simple connection options still exists. With each move to eliminate these features, Apple is basically saying to us, “Yeah, sorry about that. Now give us more money.”

A company’s decision to kill a technology affects all of us. It isn’t about “courage,” it’s about selling $150 AirPods and born-to-break lightning-jack dongles.

I had to leave the iPhone and I only occasionally look back. For now, I’m happier for it.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone 8 review
• The LG V30: Everything you need to know about LG’s flagship smartphone
• Navdy head-up display review
• OnePlus 5T review
• Learn how to set up voicemail on an iPhone