Facebook’s focus on local news goes global

Back in January, Facebook announced that it was prioritizing local news sources in the US. Today, in a blog post, the company’s Head of News Product, Alex Hardiman, and Head of News Partnerships, Campbell Brown, announced that these changes are being applied internationally, in all languages. Soon, Facebook users around the world will see more news from local sources in their news feeds.

The timing of this announcement probably isn’t a coincidence. The social network is currently mired in a scandal involving Cambridge Analytica, which is a data company that mined the Facebook profiles of over 50 million people without consent. It’s understandable that the company would want to release some good news to take some of the pressure off.

This move to highlight more local news is part of Facebook’s update to promote “high quality, trusted” sources and combat the rampant fake news problem on the social network. The question is whether relying more on local news outlets will help with that. After all, exposing people to the news they already see on a daily basis, rather than injecting more national news into their feed, might reinforce existing biases.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Facebook

Apple’s New Slate of Original Programming May Launch as Early as March 2019

Apple is on track to outspend Facebook and YouTube on original content for the launch of its TV series and movie platform, which could debut as early as March next year.

Additional details of Apple’s aggressive push into original programming were revealed on Monday in a New York Times article titled Apple Goes to Hollywood. Will Its Story Have a Happy Ending?

According to the report, Apple’s strong brand name and its willingness to write big checks have quickly made it a top draw for show creators and stars. Furthermore, to underline its ambitions in the original content space, the company is said to be building a 128,000-square-foot headquarters for its new entertainment division in Culver City, California.

The location will likely be home to a 40-person team working on Apple Worldwide Video, whose portfolio of shows will include adult dramas, children’s shows, and programming for Latin America and Europe. The planned rollout of the new slate of original content is expected to be sometime between March 2019 and summer 2019.

Last August it was reported Apple would spend $1 billion acquiring and producing original TV shows and Hollywood content over the next year. However, today’s report suggests Apple will plough a lot more money into programming than that amount, having outbid Netflix in negotiations for some shows and exceeded Facebook’s and YouTube’s original content spend in recent months.

According to NYT, entertainment executives who met with Apple say the company is looking for TV shows that align with its “bright, optimistic” brand. That accords with previous rumors suggesting Apple wants to produce shows with broad appeal that are also inoffensive enough to be shown in an Apple Store. For example, Bryan Fuller, who was set to be the showrunner for Apple’s upcoming “Amazing Stories” reboot, reportedly cut ties with the company after it requested family friendly content only. Today’s report notes that Apple still hasn’t found a replacement for Fuller.

Meanwhile, the delivery mechanism for the original content still remains unclear – the shows could be accessed through Apple’s TV app or another standalone wrapper as part of a separate subscription streaming service.

Apple is known to have invested in at least 12 television shows so far. They include include a new animated TV series called “Central Park” an untitled morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon (which is said to be still waiting on a script), 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)
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iOS 11 QR Code Vulnerability in Camera App Could Lead Users to Malicious Websites

A new vulnerability within iOS 11 was uncovered over the weekend, this time centering upon the QR code scanner in the iPhone camera app. With the new scanning feature in iOS 11, users can open the Camera app on iPhone or iPad, point the device at a QR code, and tap a notification to access whatever the code contains.

In a new report by Infosec, the researchers discovered that QR codes related to website links can potentially trick users by displaying an “unsuspicious” website link in the notification, while actually leading them to a completely different site. Infosec showed this off by creating a QR code that generates a notification to “Open ‘facebook.com’ in Safari”, but then leads to its own website.

Infosec explained that the Camera app isn’t properly parsing URLs in QR codes, and appears to be tricked by simply editing URLs with a few extra characters:

The URL embedded in the QR code is: https://xxx@facebook.com:443@infosec.rm-it.de/

But if you tap it to open the site, it will instead open https://infosec.rm-it.de/

The URL parser of the camera app has a problem here detecting the hostname in this URL in the same way as Safari does. It probably detects “xxx” as the username to be sent to “facebook.com:443”. While Safari might take the complete string “xxx@facebook.com” as a username and “443” as the password to be sent to infosec.rm-it.de. This leads to a different hostname being displayed in the notification compared to what actually is opened in Safari.

iOS 11 has faced a number of bugs and issues since its launch last September, most notably the “Meltdown” and “Spectre” vulnerabilities that affected all iOS and Mac devices. Meltdown and Spectre were serious hardware-based vulnerabilities that took advantage of the speculative execution mechanism of a CPU, allowing hackers to gain access to sensitive information.

Apple iOS camera app doesn’t properly parse URLs in QR codes. It shows a different host in the notification than it really opens. As of now still unfixed: https://t.co/EMQk7uBQ9i pic.twitter.com/KE6EwYhj7s

— @faker_ Roman (@faker_) March 24, 2018

For the QR code issue, Infosec said that it reported the problem to the Apple security team on December 23, 2017, and as of March 24, 2018 it has not yet been fixed.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
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This Year’s iPhone X and iPhone X Plus Could Start at $899 and $999 Respectively Says RBC Analyst

Apple’s second-generation iPhone X and so-called iPhone X Plus could be priced from $899 and $999 respectively in the United States, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani.

iPhone X and iPhone X Plus dummy models via Ben Geskin
Daryanani said the current iPhone X has experienced “limited success” at $999 and up, leading him to believe that lowering the base price by $100 could reinvigorate sales of the 5.8-inch model. A widely rumored 6.5-inch model, dubbed iPhone X Plus, would then fill the $999 price point.

While this is merely a prediction from one analyst, the strategy could make sense if iPhone X sales have slowed significantly, as a series of supply chain reports have suggested. We won’t know for sure until Apple’s next earnings report, likely to be released around late April or early May.

At this point, all we know is that the iPhone X was likely a key contributor to Apple’s record-breaking revenue of $88.3 billion last quarter, easily topping its previous all-time high of $78.4 billion set in the year-ago quarter. Whether that momentum carried forward to the current quarter remains to be seen.

Based on Daryanani’s research note, obtained by MacRumors, here’s how the next iPhone lineup could look in terms of pricing:

• 6.5-inch second-generation iPhone X Plus: $999
• 5.8-inch second-generation iPhone X: $899
• 6.1-inch mid-range iPhone X with LCD: $799
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: $549 and $669
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: $449 and $569
• iPhone SE: $349

Here’s how the next iPhone lineup could look if Apple maintains its current pricing strategy instead:

• 6.5-inch second-generation iPhone X Plus: $1,099
• 5.8-inch second-generation iPhone X: $999
• 6.1-inch mid-range iPhone X with LCD: $799
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: $549 and $669
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: $449 and $569
• iPhone SE: $349

Apple will likely unveil its next iPhones in September as usual, and presumably only the company’s top executives are privy to pricing plans.

Related Roundup: iPhone XTags: RBC Capital Markets, Amit DaryananiBuyer’s Guide: iPhone X (Buy Now)
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Is hardware or software a bigger determining factor when buying a phone?

If you could only choose one, which would it be?

It’s time to buy a new phone. You walk into your nearest carrier store and take a look at the walls of options, surrounded by glowing screens and logos. The phones are sorted by their price and brand, and you probably already have an idea of what you’re after. But what ultimately makes up your mind? Is it the shiny hardware? Or did something about the software grab your attention?

Most people buy the Pixel 2 for the software experience, but its hardware isn’t without its flaws.

Ideally, your phone will nail both the hardware and software, but that’s rarely how it goes. For a lot of Android enthusiasts, the Pixel 2 XL was supposed to be that perfect marriage … until it had those wild display issues and a laundry list of other problems. It’s mostly fine now, but despite still being one of the best phones you can buy, the Pixel 2 XL definitely isn’t perfect on all fronts.

One of the reasons I held off on last year’s Pixels was because they lacked waterproofing. This year, I was disappointed that the Pixel 2 still doesn’t have wireless charging. It’s not essential or even important for a lot of people, but I’ve started using wireless charging almost exclusively in my daily routine and it’s just been nice to not have to mess with cables.

Other users refuse to buy the Pixel (and most other phones these days) because it doesn’t support microSD expansion, and some still hold out for replaceable batteries — though sadly, their options are nearly nonexistent at this point. Maybe you wish the Pixel 2 had the wide-angle lens of the LG V30, or a physical camera button. Whatever your preference, you almost definitely have some minimum requirements to the hardware of your phone.

On the flip side is a phone like the Galaxy S9. From a hardware standpoint, the Galaxy S9 topples over the Pixel 2 in almost every way. It has the wireless charging I long for, a more powerful processor, more widely accepted mobile payments through MST and Samsung Pay, and significantly smaller bezels while retaining (admittedly lesser) stereo speakers.

Every phone does basically the same things these days, so is great hardware enough?

I don’t think many people will argue against the S9 being one of the most beautiful and finely crafted phones around, but the software is bound to cause a bit more disagreements. Though it offers more features, the Samsung Experience software on the Galaxy S9 is vastly different from stock Android on the Pixel 2, with forked menus and duplicate apps galore — nearly every Google app has a Samsung counterpart, from the web browser to the email client and even the app store.

For me, that’s easy enough to look past these days, especially with how easy it is to install a third-party launcher or even just hide the offending apps. I enjoy some of the added benefits that Samsung brings, namely Samsung Pay and some of the new camera tricks like 960fps slow-motion video, but if you just can’t get along with the software experience then the Galaxy S9 might not be for you.

Likewise, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro is a great phone with outstanding battery life and beautiful hardware, but its EMUI software can be a huge pain point for users more accustomed to traditional Android experiences.

The good news is that these days, even bad software is still pretty good, and even budget hardware can accomplish a lot of what you used to only find in flagships. So what’s your stance? Do you go for hardware features first, or is the core software experience more important to you? Let us know in the comments below!

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Google Pixel 2: Which should you buy?
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

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Nissan is using recycled Leaf batteries to power street lights

Nissan is using old Leaf batteries in a very meta way: To power streetlights that will make roads safer for vehicles and pedestrians. Called “The Light Reborn,” it uses a solar panel that charges up a battery, which can then power the LED at night with no external connection required. Nissan is testing the product today in Namie, Japan — a city that was abandoned after the Fukushima nuclear disaster — and plans to do a full-scale installation in the town later this year.

Nissan has been testing the idea of used Leaf batteries for awhile with its Tesla Powerwall-like xStorage program. The idea of using the batteries in an off-grid streetlight, however, is new and appears to be just the start of Nissan’s new push into grid and off-grid storage.

Much like its alliance-mate Renault, Mercedes and others, Nissan also has a grand plan to use batteries from old and destroyed EVs in several ways. One is for residential homes and buildings that use solar or wind energy, storing energy and releasing it at night or if the power goes out. Another is to use the batteries for “smart booths” that could power cellphones and other devices. Finally, Nissan unveiled a whimsical scheme, “a park converting the bursting energy of children into electricity while they play. Children’s energy during the day keeps the park bright and safe at nighttime.”

Much like Renault’s “Smart Island,” Nissan’s Light Reborn project is more a small-scale test and way to market its green credentials. Namie, Japan, is a particularly poignant location for a test, as the nearby Fukushima nuclear plant lost power during an earthquake and tsunami, causing a partial meltdown of the core.

So far, only Tesla has truly made a big push into the consumer market with its Powerwall batteries and solar panels. By the time 2020 rolls around, however, and large companies like VW release mainstream EVs, the idea of recycling car batteries for the grid will be a lot more feasible — and necessary.

Via: Clean Technica

Source: Nissan

The Morning After: Homemade rockets and Facebook apologizes again

Welcome back! This morning: What is the best way to clean your touchscreen? How well did Huawei’s new ultrabook fare in our review? Oh, and a guy that thinks the world is flat launched his own homebrew, steam-powered rocket.

How about that pop-up webcam?
Huawei MateBook X Pro review: A polished-yet-quirky laptop

Huawei’s latest laptop might look like a MacBook Pro clone, but it adds in features that make it better for pros on the go. A traditional USB A port and a 14-inch display in a 13-inch body are both big pluses, plus it has excellent audio that makes it a cut above some others. You may not be so thrilled with the pop-up webcam, or the fact that it’s hard to pick up in the US.

Except it’s missing a key feature.
Hyundai’s Kona is ready for almost anything

The Kona is a great little SUV that hits all the right marks. It looks better than the rest of the pack of small crossovers, and it’s chock full of the tech you crave. That said, it’s missing something pretty important.

He’s proved he can launch a rocket, but the Earth is as round as ever.
Flat Earth advocate finally launches his homemade rocket

For years, “Mad” Mike Hughes has not only insisted that the Earth is flat but has maintained he could prove it by launching himself into space with his own rocket. He even claimed to have launched a homebrew rocket in 2014 but didn’t have evidence of it besides his recovery from the landing. However, he finally did it — not that he’s about to change scientists’ minds. Hughes’ steam-powered vessel launched near Amboy, California, climbing to about 1,875 feet before coming down in the Mojave Desert. Despite his clear lack of safety measures, paramedics determined that Hughes should be fine.

They’re decidedly more affordable than last year.
Sony’s 2018 OLED TV starts at $2,800

To call Sony’s original OLED TV expensive would be an understatement — when it started at $5,000 brand new, you had to be a huge fan of the design and image processing to ignore the affordable alternatives from brands like LG. That won’t be quite such a problem in 2018. Sony has outlined the pricing for this year’s A8F sets, which start at $2,800 for a 55-inch model and climb to $3,800 for the 65-inch variant. That’s still more expensive than the competition (the LG C8 starts at $2,500), but it’s considerably easier to justify if you crave the A8F’s screen-as-speaker technology.

But wait, there’s more…

• Facebook apologizes for privacy breach with full-page newspaper ads
• Tesla Model X driver dies in Mountain View crash
• Mondaine’s second smartwatch finally adds notifications
• Ask Engadget: What’s the best way to clean my touchscreen?

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.

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

Ford vending machine begins dispensing cars in China

It is no longer enough simply to test-drive a vehicle by riding around the block while a salesperson gives you their well-rehearsed patter. Now, there needs to be some sort of theater around the purchase, or else how will you trick yourself into thinking that buying a car is fun? It’s why Ford and Alibaba leapt into bed together to build a vending machine for cars that you can try before you buy.

The Super Test-Drive Center in Guangzhou was announced at the tail-end of 2017, although the real thing doesn’t look as nice as the original renders. The job it does is the same, however, with the vending machine, which has a capacity of 42 cars, spitting out rides for prospective buyers. All they need to do is pay the necessary fees using Alibaba’s Tmall app and share a selfie to get their hands on the vehicle.

Users will have the pick of 10 different models, running from the Mondeo through to the Explorer and even an imported Mustang. They can then spend the next three days tooling around town before returning it to the machine for someone else to have a go. Users with specific Tmall profiles can even be offered discounts based on their shopping profiles as a way to get ’em to buy.

Unfortunately, the stunt is a limited-time deal, and according to Gasgoo, will only run between now and April 23rd. It’ll be interesting to see if the issue of avoiding salespeople and the neato vending machine will spark more purchases. Or, maybe, there are other things stopping us from all running out and snagging a brand new Mustang.

Source: Alibaba

Japanese Report Claims Apple Planning ‘Gold’ iPhone X Color Option, With a Refreshed 9.7-inch iPad to Launch in Q3 2018

Apple plans to introduce a new gold iPhone X color option in an effort to boost sales of the Face ID equipped smartphone, while a new revamped 9.7-inch iPad is set to drop in the third quarter of 2018, according to tech blog Mac Otakara.

Apple offered the iPhone X only in Silver and Space Gray at launch, so the prevailing rationale behind a new color is that it could perhaps lure new upgraders during a typically sluggish mid-season.

Image via Benjamin Geskin
As for the 9.7-inch iPad refresh, the Japanese-language tech blog reckons the sixth-generation device will go on sale in the third quarter.

Mac Otakara doesn’t provide any clues as to the sources of its information, but the iPhone X rumor tallies with another one that emerged just last week, courtesy of Benjamin Geskin. Responding to online chat about a possible new colorway, the parts leaker shared pictures of an alleged “Blush Gold” iPhone X.

With regards to the 9.7-inch iPad claim, it’s unclear if Mac Otakara is referring to an imminent low-cost 9.7-inch iPad refresh, which may include support for the Apple Pencil, or another model entirely. In December, for example, DigiTimes claimed Apple was planning to release its most affordable 9.7-inch iPad yet in late 2018.

However, Bloomberg claims the low-cost iPad refresh device will be announced at Apple’s first event of the year on Tuesday, March 27, which the company has indicated will have an educational focus. Given the theme, the launch of new iPhone colors at this event seems unlikely, though not impossible.

In March of last year, Apple introduced a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and it’s possible the company could be planning to do the same thing this year, with a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and perhaps X.

Click here for the MacRumors roundup of everything to expect at Apple’s “Let’s Take a Field Trip” educational event on March 27.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPhone XBuyer’s Guide: iPad (Don’t Buy), iPhone X (Buy Now)
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Tidal Adds Pre-Save to Library Feature for New Album Releases

Tidal has added the ability for users of the music streaming service to automatically add new albums to their music library as soon as they become available.

The new “pre-save” feature ensures albums are displayed in album collections the moment they’re uploaded to Tidal servers on the official release day. The feature is launching in tandem with Deadmau5’s new album Where’s the Drop?, which can be pre-saved in advance of its official release next week.

Apple Music already offers a similar feature for pre-ordered albums purchased through iTunes. Spotify also has an equivalent feature, but so far it’s only been used in artist/label marketing campaigns and requires a direct link to the album to use it, as noted by The Verge.

Tag: Tidal
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