Netflix Confronted by US Republican Senators Over Chinese Sci-Fi Show Three-Body Problem - Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3j6ddVt Five Republican US senators have confronted Netflix over the streaming giant's plan to adapt a Chinese sci-fi book trilogy, expressing concern over the original author's comments about claims of forced labor in Xinjiang. Liu Cixin's bestselling "The Three-Body Problem," which tells the story of humanity's first contact with aliens, is set to become a major Netflix series co-written by the creators of Game of Thrones. In a letter to content boss Ted Sarandos, the senators accused Liu of "parroting dangerous [Communist Party] propaganda" and suggested Netflix was "providing a platform to Mr Liu in producing this project." They highlighted a New Yorker article from last year in which Liu is quoted defending mass internment in China's northwestern Xinjiang region, where activists say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslim Turkic-speaking people have been incarcerated in camps. "Would you rather that they be hacking away at bodies at train stations and schools in terrorist attacks?" Liu told the magazine. "If anything, the government is helping their economy and trying to lift them out of poverty." According to the senators' letter, adapting Liu's work would represent "the normalisation of, or apologism for, these crimes." "We ask Netflix to seriously reconsider the implications of providing a platform to Mr Liu in producing this project," it concluded. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment. President Donald Trump's administration has ramped up pressure on China on a wide range of issues, imposing sanctions over policies in Xinjiang. With Trump's reelection bid looming closer, Republicans recently pulled Netflix into the US election fray with a separate row over French film "Cuties," accused of sexualizing little girls. Conservative activists say the drama is a by-product of an overly liberal culture often associated with Hollywood — and that it promotes pedophilia. Its director denied the charges and said the movie is a critique of the over-sexualisation of young girls. Republicans have also pointed out that Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings is a significant Democratic donor. Liu's father joined the Communists during China's civil war, but was later sent to work in coal mines in the country's north, while the author himself is described as "no dissident" in the New Yorker profile. The trilogy by Liu — whose famous fans include former president Barack Obama — imagines an alternate history in which a female Chinese astrophysicist makes contact with an alien civilisation, prompting global fears of an invasion. Netflix announced its adaptation earlier this month, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson serving as an executive producer, along with Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment company. Game of Thrones duo David Benioff and DB Weiss will co-write the series. In an official statement at the time, Liu said the apocalyptic series "transcends time and the confines of nations, cultures and races." Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 26, 2020 at 08:52AM
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Use Chopsticks to Aerate the Soil of Your Houseplants https://ift.tt/36fy45b Whether you’re more of a casual houseplant owner who’s happy if you remember to water it, or are so serious about your plants that it’s part of your personality, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve. This one comes courtesy of Emma Loewe at MindBodyGreen, and involves something you probably already have in your kitchen drawers: chopsticks. Here’s what to do. Why aerate the soil?Over time, your plants’ soil can get heavy and compacted with regular watering. According to Loewe:
Outdoors, worms are able to work their magic and break up the dirt, adding air as they go. But inside, you probably don’t have worms. And that’s where chopsticks come in. G/O Media may get a commission How to use chopsticks to aerate soilFirst of all, figure out if your plant is one that thrives in hard soil, or prefer their dirt on the softer side. Succulents tend to do well in compacted soil, but leafy plants (like philodendrons, monsteras, pothos, etc.) like some air with their dirt. Darryl Cheng, plant pro and author of New Plant Parent, tells MindBodyGreen that he uses a chopstick to determine how compacted—and in some cases, dry—the soil has become. If a leafy plant’s dirt has gotten hard, Cheng will gently poke the soil with the chopstick until it reaches the bottom of the pot, and then swirl it around to add some air. Two or three chopstick prods around the perimeter of the plant is plenty. But if you find that the chopstick is getting caught on something, find a new spot, because you may have hit the roots. If that happens, don’t worry about it too much, because roots are pretty sturdy. After you’ve introduced some air, it’s time to water the plant. Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:36AM
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Windows XP had secret theme that looked like Apple's Aqua https://ift.tt/3j76TwK The source code for Windows XP was recently leaked online! What you need to know
Earlier this week it emerged that the source code from Windows XP had leaked online.
Digging through the code, The Verge has found that Microsoft actually had a secret, unreleased Microsoft XP theme that looked exactly like Apple's Aqua interface from 2000.
The theme was never released to the public and may have been used as a placeholder for the theme engine. The only description for the theme says "Whistler skin with eye candy". The theme was marked for internal use only. Gadget News via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/ September 26, 2020 at 08:31AM
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How to Apply for a Job That Pays You to Test Fall Scented Candles https://ift.tt/3kR51Ja Are you the type of person who can’t pass a candle display in a store without lifting the lid off at least one and sniffing it? Do you look forward to the sights—and more importantly, smells—of autumn all year? Do you actually keep the candles you were given as gifts instead of regifting them? If so, have we got a job for you. Well, it’s more of a contest than a job, but however you look at it, the three people selected will get paid to smell fall scented candles. Here’s some more information on the job, how to apply. What the job entailsLifestyle platform Wishlisted.com is behind the job/contest, and is looking for three people to smell and review fall scented candles. They’ll get to keep the candles they’re sent, get paid $250 for their time and feedback, and get a signing bonus of a $50 Starbucks gift card and a cozy blanket to enhance their candle-sniffing experience. Plus, as we’re all getting ready to hunker down for the fall and winter, and whatever else this pandemic and flu season brings, this is an ideal indoor activity. “A little extra cash is always nice, especially when times could be tough,” Dayne Ford, founder and CEO of Wishlisted.com tells Lifehacker. “We also felt people are enjoying the little things at home right now, more than ever.” And, in case you need more convincing, you can think of it as a service for your fellow candle enthusiasts. “Candle scents are so subjective that we felt what better way to review them than to get help from our audience,” Ford says. G/O Media may get a commission How to applyThe application process is pretty easy: fill out this form with your information, answer a few questions about your candle preferences, and what makes you perfect for the job. Just make sure you do so before October 14th, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. If you’ve been selected, Wishlisted.com will let you know within the next week. Applicants must be U.S. residents ages 18 and older. According to Ford, any personally identifiable information the company receives through their secure Google form will be used solely to select their winning applications, and the personal portion of that data will be discarded immediately afterwards. “We do give anyone completing the application the opportunity to subscribe to our email newsletters but that’s entirely optional,” he says, “and will have no impact on their odds of being selected.” Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:07AM
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Avoid Germs With These Handy Door-Opening Multi-Tools, 40% Off With Promo Code https://ift.tt/3kSE1bY Social Distancing Multi-Tool | $6 | Amazon | Promo code 40USDX3Q No-Touch Door Opener Tool 2-Pack | $9 | Amazon I don’t know about you, but I hate touching any public surfaces— for obvious reasons, I hope. Unfortunately, it can’t be completed avoided at the grocery store or at the ATM or while running other necessary errands. These multi-tools can help you go touch-free as much as possible, and we found a few good deals. They can pull many types of door handles open, and they also include a bottle opener, and a stylus so you don’t have to touch public keypads. This 2-pack of the tool is at its lowest price in 30 days for $9, normally $14. If you just want to give one a try, you can get $4 off of this highly-rated multi-tool in rose gold or in silver for only $6. To get the $4 discount, use promo code 40USDX3Q at checkout. G/O Media may get a commission Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:07AM
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Safari can translate web pages without an extension in iOS 14 https://ift.tt/2GRJFac Here's how you can translate web pages in Safari, both in iOS 14 and in earlier releases. If you're running iOS 14 or later, Safari now comes with a translation feature baked into the browser, making it easier than ever to translate a web page on iPhone. Once activated, text is translated in-line on the webpage that you're viewing. It's a handy tool if you want to read websites that are written in different languages, and it's available right in the address bar in Safari. If you're on iOS 13 and earlier, you can use Microsoft's Translator app and its extension to quickly translate web pages that you visit into your native language. Microsoft Translator is a universal app for iPhone and iPad, and can be downloaded from the App Store for free. Here's how you can translate web pages in Safari on iPhone and iPad. How to translate a web page on iPhone in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14In iOS 14, the ability to translate a web page's language to your native language is now a built-in part of Safari. As such, you no longer need a third-party app to translate. Here's how to use built-in language translation in Safari in iOS 14.
Your page will then be translated into the primary language that you've set on your device. If you want to revert back to the page's original language, take the following steps.
The page will revert to its original language. How to activate the Microsoft Translator extension in SafariIf you're running a version of iOS 13 or earlier on your device, then a third-party app with a translation extension is what you'll want to use. Microsoft's Translator extension is an excellent tool for the task, as it translates the web page in place when activated. Microsoft TranslatorMicrosoft Translator is a great third-party solution for translating web pages, and its translations take place in-line on the web, rather than taking you to another, translated version of the page like some other apps. Once you've got it downloaded, you can set up the action extension for translation web pages.
How to translate a web page on iPhone with Microsoft TranslatorNow that you have the app installed, you can use it in Safari from the share menu.
Questions?If you have any further questions how to translate a web page on iPhone and iPad, let us know in the comments. Updated September 2020: Added information instructions for the translation feature in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. Gadget News via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/ September 26, 2020 at 08:03AM
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Top Stories: iOS 14 Feature Tour, 'iPhone 12 mini' Rumors, Apple Watch Band Controversy https://ift.tt/2HAb5Y7 Things started to calm down a bit this week following last week's rush of media event, Apple Watch and iPad launches, and the release of iOS 14 and other operating updates. But that doesn't mean there wasn't still a lot of news, from digging deeper into iOS 14 to more iPhone 12 rumors to the uproar over trying to exchange band sizes on the new Apple Watch. On top of all of that, we heard some more about Apple's efforts to adopted advanced mini-LED display technology in future products, and we even saw new iOS 14.0.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.7 releases to fix some rather annoying bugs. Read on below for details on these stories and more! iOS 14: A Quick Tour of All the New FeaturesiOS 14 has been out for a little over a week, and there's a lot to learn about the latest major update for Apple's mobile devices, so check out our quick tour of everything that's new. We've got some handy videos and a full list of all of our in-depth feature guides and useful how-tos. The iOS 14 feature that has generated the most interest by far is widgets, with some users using them to not only add useful information to their Home Screens but also undertake extreme customization. We came up with our own take on the fad, envisioning what an "Aqua" interface from the early days of Mac OS X might look like on an iPhone, so check out our video on that. iPhone 12 Lineup Rumored to Be Named 'iPhone 12 mini,' 'iPhone 12,' 'iPhone 12 Pro,' and 'iPhone 12 Pro Max'Apple is expected to launch four new phones in its upcoming iPhone 12 family, and while there's been some general consensus that the higher-end models will get the typical iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max names, there's been debate about how Apple will differentiate the two lower-end flagship devices. Some new rumors and alleged Apple case packaging stickers suggest that the smallest version may be called "iPhone 12 mini." Rumors from several carrier partners and others suggest that Apple could hold another virtual event on Tuesday, October 13 to introduce the new iPhones, but we'll have to see if that pans out. UK carrier EE recently told employees in an internal broadcast that the new iPhones will indeed support 5G and that their debut is just "days away," with Apple's services chief Eddy Cue also making a video appearance during the event. Hands-On With the New Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SEApple's two new Apple Watch models have started making their way into buyers' hands, so we took a quick look at the new models and shared some early impressions. We've also put together some in-depth comparisons of the various models to help you decide which one is right for you. The biggest topic of discussion about the new Apple Watch Series 6 has been the new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop band options, which come in numerous sizes for a perfect fit without the need for clasps or buckles. Unfortunately, many buyers have found that the bands they ordered don't quite fit right and have needed to exchange for different sizes. Incredibly, Apple was initially requiring that users return not just the band but also the associated watch for online orders if they wished to get a new band size, with replacements not expected to ship for up to two months in some cases. Fortunately, it looks like Apple has just updated its policies and is now making it much easier to return only the ill-fitting band and receive a new one in a different size. If you've yet to place an order, make sure to check out our detailed guide to accurately measuring your band size to hopefully avoid the hassle of a return entirely. Mini-LED Displays to Debut in Apple's Next iPad ProWe've been hearing for some time that Apple is looking to use mini-LED display technology in a number of its upcoming products, offering a number of advantages over traditional LED displays. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's supply chain partners are gearing up to start producing mini-LED display chips in the fourth quarter of this year, with the initial batches going into a new iPad Pro. Kuo also says that Apple is accelerating its adoption of mini-LED technology, as a secondary supplier looks to be ahead of schedule in moving toward full-scale production. That will provide more capacity and lower prices for Apple as it looks to expand mini-LED across many of its iPad and Mac products. Apple Releases iOS 14.0.1 With Fix for Bug That Resets Default Apps After RebootingWhile one of the new features in iOS 14 is the ability to set select third-party apps as default apps for mail and browser functions, the initial release had a bug where the defaults would revert to Apple's stock Mail and Safari apps after every reboot. A new iOS 14.0.1 update released this week fixes that issue as well as a few others. On the Mac side, Apple has released macOS Catalina 10.15.7, which fixes a few annoying issues including one where Macs wouldn't automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks, and a graphics problem experienced by owners of the new 27-inch iMac with Radeon Pro 5700 XT. MacRumors NewsletterEach week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
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This article, "Top Stories: iOS 14 Feature Tour, 'iPhone 12 mini' Rumors, Apple Watch Band Controversy" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums Gadget News via MacRumors https://ift.tt/1ZNziIk September 26, 2020 at 08:02AM
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The Polestar Precept, an electric sedan powered by Android, is going into production https://ift.tt/3328oa3 In February, Chinese electric vehicle company Polestar revealed a gorgeous sedan concept called the Precept that featured a stunning design along with an interior chock-full of sustainable material. But as with most concepts, it wasn’t clear whether the Precept would ever be a real car. Today, Polestar sweeps away that uncertainty by announcing that the seductive sedan will indeed be going into production. Polestar started out as the performance sub-brand of Volvo and now has emerged as one of the more interesting Chinese EV companies on the market. The company, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Volvo’s parent company Geely, recently started delivering the Polestar 2, its electric sedan with native Android Automotive, to customers in Europe and North America. Its next car was supposed to be an SUV, the Polestar 3. But now it seems the automaker will be making another sedan first — which is totally fine. One of the best things about the Polestar 2 (which I got to drive last month and thoroughly enjoyed) is that it isn’t an SUV. It may be based on the Volvo XC40 platform, but unlike the Audi E-tron or the Mercedes EQC, the Polestar is essentially a hatchback disguised as a sedan. But the fact that Volvo went with a vehicle that wasn’t a pickup truck or SUV as its first battery-electric car is encouraging. Also encouraging is Polestar’s commitment to sustainability. When it was first released in concept form, the company laid out the Precept’s environmental bona fides: interior panels and seat backs are made out of “flax-based composites”; seats that have been “3D-knitted from recycled PET [or polyethylene terephthalate] bottles”; bolsters and headrests made from recycled cork vinyl; and carpets made out of reclaimed fishing nets. “Consumers want to see change from this industry – not just dreams,” Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said in a statement. “Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.” Polestar also has teased a deeper integration of Android Automotive, Google’s native infotainment system, in the Precept. The sedan will recognize the driver as they approach the car and automatically ready their favorite applications and settings. Google Assistant would recognize more languages, including local accents, and be capable of more natural conversations. Polestar also imagines video streaming becoming a bigger component of the in-car experience — while parked or during charging, of course. No word yet on when the Precept will go into production. Polestar also declined to release relevant specs such as price, battery size, range, and motor configuration. Gadget News via The Verge https://ift.tt/1jLudMg September 26, 2020 at 07:29AM Google, US Government Prepare for Battle Over Market Power - Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Hn7oEW The US Justice Department is expected to file a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google as soon as next week, kicking off a long legal slog over whether the online search and advertising company uses its outsized market power unfairly. What are the allegations against Google?One set of allegations has to do with Google's search engine. Google is accused of looking to disadvantage rivals such as Microsoft's Bing, depriving them of the scale, and thus the data about user preferences and users themselves, that they need to improve and to advertise to users. Google is also accused of using its popular search function to favour its products, like YouTube, as well as big advertisers, like eBay. For example, a recent search for a "Saturday Night Live" video resulted in several choices from Google's YouTube before NBC, which makes the show. Companies such as Yelp have argued they are better than Google at helping consumers find certain services but that they often appear below a box of Google recommendations, resulting in fewer clicks. Another allegation has to do with advertising. In advertising, Google dominates the interlocking businesses which connect advertisers with newspapers, websites and other firms looking to host them. Google has been accused of being opaque in revealing its revenues from transactions, using "bundles" of products to disadvantage smaller rivals and of rigging auctions. Of particular interest is "search advertising," the ads that show up under a search box if a person searches for a consumer item like "dishwasher." Google controls the sale of the space under these searches, as well as the tools to make those sales. With its smartphone operating system Android, Google is alleged to have abused its dominance by requiring mobile phone makers to pre-install Google's Chrome and search if they wanted access to Google's Play Store, among other steps. What does Google say about these allegations?Google has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Regarding search, Google has said that users have access to other information sources, like Twitter for news and Amazon for products. And it says that people use Google for quick answers, which has spurred the company to develop new ways to organise results. In terms of advertising, it argues that it competes with a large array of companies, including giants like Oracle and Verizon. And it argues that online advertising prices have steadily declined over the past decade. As for Android, Google has said that phone makers that use its smartphone system do not have to include Google apps and may pre-install competing apps. What will the Justice Department allege in its lawsuit?The Justice Department lawsuit is expected to focus on allegations regarding search but may also highlight complaints about advertising and Android. What role do state attorneys general have?A large group of attorneys general are also investigating Google. A group headed by Texas is focused on Google's advertising practices, while other states are looking at search and Android. These may also result in lawsuits. What remedies might the Justice Department request the judge impose?The Justice Department has broad leeway in requesting a remedy. It can ask the court to require that Google sell or break up its assets, including all or part of its advertising business, or simply ask for illegal behaviour to be stopped. How long would a trial and appeals take?It's in Google's interest to drag out the legal fight, and antitrust experts say that it would take at least six to nine months to get to trial, with a decision coming several months after the trial's end. It would likely be appealed. Are the allegations against Google politically motivated?Separately from antitrust, President Donald Trump's administration has been angry with several Silicon Valley companies for allegedly silencing conservatives. That said, Democrats such as Senator Elizabeth Warren have expressed support for the Google probes. © Thomson Reuters 2020 Are Apple Watch SE, iPad 8th Gen the Perfect ‘Affordable' Products for India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below. Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 25, 2020 at 01:41AM SKT to subsidize employees in their gadget purchases for remote working - Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea - Pulse News https://ift.tt/3i2OQGA
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South Korea’s leading wireless carrier SK Telecom Co. is subsidizing its entire work force of around 5,000 in their purchase of gadgets to support their remote working. SK Telecom will introduce a new system that provides employees funds to buy work-use IT devices. The move comes to support employees to buy digital devices necessary to create a better working environment at home. Under the scheme, each of all 5,000 SK Telecom employees will receive 400,000 mileage next month, which is equivalent to 400,000 won ($341.8) in cash. The company plans to provide 200,000 mileage to employees every year from 2022. The latest idea is known to have reflected the work spirit pursued by the company’s chief executive and president Park Jung-ho who has been up front in promoting innovation to prepare for post COVID-19 era. The CEO has made the decision to provide mileage to employees after recent discussion with the labor union. The move is aimed at accelerating its digital transformation efforts by shifting not only operations but also operation method after the COVID-19 outbreak. It would also improve overall work satisfaction of employees. Under the system, employees can purchase IT devices needed for work such as tablets, mouse, monitor, and keyboard. The mileage – which will not be registered as company asset – will be accumulated in each employee’s account during years of service. The mileage will be distributed to employees via its own mobile platform such as through SK Pay. SK Telecom, meanwhile, has been putting out efforts to bring innovation through digital transformation since the outbreak of COVID-19. The company was the first in all industry sectors to introduce remote working system in the end of February. In June, it also announced plans to expand base offices after a company-wide management meeting. SK Telecom has also developed several non-face-to-face services such as T Group Call which enables conference calling of up to 100 employees and group-based virtual meeting service Meet Us to enhance IT infrastructure. The company was also the talk of the town when it carried out an untact study session on cloud transformation for the group. By Lim Young-sin and Lee Eun-joo [ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved] Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 25, 2020 at 01:41AM |
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