Month: February 2023
Some Pixel phones are crashing after playing a certain YouTube video
Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
A specific YouTube video is causing some Pixel phones to crash, as reported by Android Authority. When those who are affected by the problem try to watch the video, their phone instantly reboots. Some, including Android Authority, have also said their phones present cellular network issues afterward. (Android Authority said those issues were fixed after another reboot.)
In a Reddit thread, some users report running into the issue with their Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6A phones, and one Verge staffer’s Pixel 6 crashed when they tried to watch the video. However, the issue doesn’t seem to be affecting everyone; Android expert Mishaal Rahman says it didn’t crash his Pixel 6 Pro, while others in the Reddit thread say their Pixels can watch the video as well.
The video itself, which is two years old, is a scene from the classic sci-fi horror film Alien that’s available in 4K HDR. While we don’t recommend watching it if you’re on one of the potentially affected phones, here is the link to the video. It’s unclear what’s causing the crash, and we’ve reached out to Google for comment. However, some have speculated it comes down to the way the Pixels handle color, which is what apparently caused a certain wallpaper to crash some Android phones.
Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
A specific YouTube video is causing some Pixel phones to crash, as reported by Android Authority. When those who are affected by the problem try to watch the video, their phone instantly reboots. Some, including Android Authority, have also said their phones present cellular network issues afterward. (Android Authority said those issues were fixed after another reboot.)
In a Reddit thread, some users report running into the issue with their Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6A phones, and one Verge staffer’s Pixel 6 crashed when they tried to watch the video. However, the issue doesn’t seem to be affecting everyone; Android expert Mishaal Rahman says it didn’t crash his Pixel 6 Pro, while others in the Reddit thread say their Pixels can watch the video as well.
The video itself, which is two years old, is a scene from the classic sci-fi horror film Alien that’s available in 4K HDR. While we don’t recommend watching it if you’re on one of the potentially affected phones, here is the link to the video. It’s unclear what’s causing the crash, and we’ve reached out to Google for comment. However, some have speculated it comes down to the way the Pixels handle color, which is what apparently caused a certain wallpaper to crash some Android phones.
Kindle Scribe update adds new brushes and better organization
Amazon is adding new features to the Kindle Scribe. A new update gives the e-reader / digital notebook new brush types, including a fountain pen, marker and pencil — each with five thickness settings. The new tools respond to various pressures and angles, and you can use them anywhere you can write on the device. The update is scheduled to roll out today.
The Scribe update also enhances notebook organization, now letting you create subfolders you can move in and out of standard folders. After receiving the update, you’ll see a new “+” option when viewing a folder; press that to add a subfolder. To move one, tap on the three-dot contextual menu when viewing a folder or subfolder, select “move,” and drop it someplace new.
AmazonFinally, the update adds the ability to navigate to specific pages. You can do that by clicking on the three-dot menu, selecting “Go to page,” and typing the page you want.
The Kindle Scribe arrived last November. In Engadget’s review, Cherlynn Low found the large-screened device to have a premium design while providing a natural writing experience better than paper. However, we found the Remarkable 2 to offer slightly better syncing and writing software (although Remarkable is far inferior as an e-reader). The Kindle Scribe starts at $370 for 16GB of storage.
Amazon is adding new features to the Kindle Scribe. A new update gives the e-reader / digital notebook new brush types, including a fountain pen, marker and pencil — each with five thickness settings. The new tools respond to various pressures and angles, and you can use them anywhere you can write on the device. The update is scheduled to roll out today.
The Scribe update also enhances notebook organization, now letting you create subfolders you can move in and out of standard folders. After receiving the update, you’ll see a new “+” option when viewing a folder; press that to add a subfolder. To move one, tap on the three-dot contextual menu when viewing a folder or subfolder, select “move,” and drop it someplace new.
Finally, the update adds the ability to navigate to specific pages. You can do that by clicking on the three-dot menu, selecting “Go to page,” and typing the page you want.
The Kindle Scribe arrived last November. In Engadget’s review, Cherlynn Low found the large-screened device to have a premium design while providing a natural writing experience better than paper. However, we found the Remarkable 2 to offer slightly better syncing and writing software (although Remarkable is far inferior as an e-reader). The Kindle Scribe starts at $370 for 16GB of storage.
Here’s where you can buy a PS5
The great PlayStation 5 shortage is over — well, at least according to Sony. Thanks to the increased availability of Sony’s next-gen console, there are now multiple options for bringing home a PS5, none of which are an uphill battle. While availability is occasionally limited to bundles that come packaged with a game, specifically God of War Ragnarök, it’s nowhere near as difficult to find a standalone console as it once was. We’re keeping an eye out for where you can buy either the PS5 (with a disc drive) or the PS5 Digital Edition as well as any bundles.
Obviously, there’s no guarantee that inventory will remain available for long, but we’ll do our best to keep this article updated with the latest in-stock alerts and tell you where to look.
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
If you’re looking to take a PS5 home today, Walmart, Sony, and Target all currently have the disc-based PlayStation 5 in stock, though the latter is only offering it via in-store pickup at select locations. If you’re looking for the $559.99 bundle that packages the disc-based version with a digital copy of God of War Ragnarök, it’s available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and direct from Sony as well as in-store at select GameStop locations.
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
Above, we’ve collected the PS5 landing pages for various retailers if you want to check the available stock for standalone consoles or bundles.
Most major retailers restock consoles and bundles both online and in physical stores on an intermittent basis, but availability can fluctuate based on your local store. It’s important to note that some retailers won’t ship your console, too, so make sure the store you select is within a reasonable distance if you’re planning to pick one up. You’ll also need a verified account with these retailers in order to check out.
Restocks can happen at any time. Note, however, that if you’re trying to get a standalone console through Amazon, you’ll need to sign up for an invitation first. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to do so.
Opting for a bundle that includes a game like God of War Ragnarök is a perfectly viable option for getting a console without having to pay a premium. Bundles are made available through the PlayStation Direct store and other retailers, with new bundles becoming available alongside the release of new PlayStation exclusives. Whether it’s due to their higher price or that they’re packaged with a game someone may not want, bundles tend to sell out less quickly than standalone consoles.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Every PS5 comes with one DualSense controller. You can use the DualShock 4 controller, but it’ll only work when you’re playing PS4 games on the next-gen console.
What accessories do I need to buy for the PS5?
The PlayStation 5 includes all the basic things you need to get started (minus games, of course). However, you might want to consider picking up a few additional accessories if you’re looking to get the most out of your new console.
First, there’s the controller. Every PS5 includes one DualSense Wireless Controller, but there are a few benefits to owning at least one additional controller, such as if you plan to play local co-op games with a friend or family member. Or, if you’re like us and want to keep playing your game but don’t want to be tethered to the charging cable, a second controller lets you continue playing while the other charges.
If you’re looking for a pro-grade controller for your PlayStation 5, we recommend you turn your attention to Sony’s modular DualSense Edge. At $199.99, it’s substantially more expensive than the standard DualSense; however, like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the premium accessory features a wealth of customization options that make it a good fit for anyone who wants more control over how they game.
The DualSense Edge features a hardshell case and some added grip as well as four back paddles, swappable analog stick modules, and function keys that let you swap controls and adjust the volume on the fly. It offers worse battery life than the standard DualSense, sure, but that’s the price you pay for the ability to execute trigger patterns with ease. Read our review.
Sony’s official gaming headphones are a fantastic way to experience the spatial audio of the PlayStation 5. The Pulse 3D sports a clean, minimalist aesthetic and is still one of our favorite gaming headsets thanks to its comfortable fit and solid sound quality.
The PS5 HD Camera is a neat accessory for people interested in using their PS5 to livestream video games or broadcast their gameplay with friends. It includes dual 1080p lenses and allows you to remove the background of your camera’s feed and replace it with something else.
We recommend subscribing to PlayStation Plus if you have not already done so; outside of taking advantage of exclusive discounts and online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus provides a ton of additional incentives. Most notably, PS5 owners will have access to the PlayStation Plus Collection through May 8th, which is essentially a digital library of some of the most impactful titles to have ever been released on the PlayStation 4, including God of War, Persona 5, and The Last of Us Remastered. Best of all, once you’ve claimed the games, you can still access them after May 9th as long as you have a PlayStation Plus subscription.
PlayStation Plus has changed substantially since the service launched in 2010 and now offers tiered memberships with different pricing. An annual membership to PlayStation Plus Essential, the lowest tier, costs $59.99 and provides you with free games each month, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for saved games, and access to the PlayStation Plus Collection on the PS5. A year of PlayStation Plus Extra, on the other hand, will run you $99.99 and grants you all the Essential benefits in addition to even more free games by way of the PlayStation Game Catalog.
At the top of the heap, we have PlayStation Plus Premium, which costs $119.99 for an annual subscription. It offers all of the same benefits as lower tiers but provides access to the PlayStation Classics catalog in addition to the ability to stream games to your PC and mobile devices. Premium subscribers also get the perk of game trials for eligible titles, allowing for time-limited access to games for free.
The PS5 looks pretty sharp on its own, but if white isn’t your color, Dbrand and Sony both make custom covers for personalizing your console. Sony’s console covers are available in the same six shades as its DualSense controllers, and like Dbrand’s Darkplates, clip onto either side of your console. Dbrand’s alternatives aren’t available in as many colors as Sony’s apt-titled console covers but can be combined with Dbrand vinyl skins, which can be applied to the middle of your PS5 to create something a little more unique.
The PS5 comes with 825GB of storage out of the box but is compatible with a variety of M.2 SSDs if you need more space. There’s no shortage of M.2 SSDs on the market, but they can vary wildly in terms of their performance. Also, not all M.2 SSDs come packaged with a heatsink, which is necessary if you’re planning to use this drive with your PS5. Here are a couple of options we can recommend based on their performance and price point.
Update February 27th, 3:55PM ET: Article updated with new availability and pricing information as well as info regarding the newly released DualSense Edge.
The great PlayStation 5 shortage is over — well, at least according to Sony. Thanks to the increased availability of Sony’s next-gen console, there are now multiple options for bringing home a PS5, none of which are an uphill battle. While availability is occasionally limited to bundles that come packaged with a game, specifically God of War Ragnarök, it’s nowhere near as difficult to find a standalone console as it once was. We’re keeping an eye out for where you can buy either the PS5 (with a disc drive) or the PS5 Digital Edition as well as any bundles.
Obviously, there’s no guarantee that inventory will remain available for long, but we’ll do our best to keep this article updated with the latest in-stock alerts and tell you where to look.
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
If you’re looking to take a PS5 home today, Walmart, Sony, and Target all currently have the disc-based PlayStation 5 in stock, though the latter is only offering it via in-store pickup at select locations. If you’re looking for the $559.99 bundle that packages the disc-based version with a digital copy of God of War Ragnarök, it’s available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and direct from Sony as well as in-store at select GameStop locations.
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
Above, we’ve collected the PS5 landing pages for various retailers if you want to check the available stock for standalone consoles or bundles.
Most major retailers restock consoles and bundles both online and in physical stores on an intermittent basis, but availability can fluctuate based on your local store. It’s important to note that some retailers won’t ship your console, too, so make sure the store you select is within a reasonable distance if you’re planning to pick one up. You’ll also need a verified account with these retailers in order to check out.
Restocks can happen at any time. Note, however, that if you’re trying to get a standalone console through Amazon, you’ll need to sign up for an invitation first. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to do so.
Opting for a bundle that includes a game like God of War Ragnarök is a perfectly viable option for getting a console without having to pay a premium. Bundles are made available through the PlayStation Direct store and other retailers, with new bundles becoming available alongside the release of new PlayStation exclusives. Whether it’s due to their higher price or that they’re packaged with a game someone may not want, bundles tend to sell out less quickly than standalone consoles.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Every PS5 comes with one DualSense controller. You can use the DualShock 4 controller, but it’ll only work when you’re playing PS4 games on the next-gen console.
What accessories do I need to buy for the PS5?
The PlayStation 5 includes all the basic things you need to get started (minus games, of course). However, you might want to consider picking up a few additional accessories if you’re looking to get the most out of your new console.
First, there’s the controller. Every PS5 includes one DualSense Wireless Controller, but there are a few benefits to owning at least one additional controller, such as if you plan to play local co-op games with a friend or family member. Or, if you’re like us and want to keep playing your game but don’t want to be tethered to the charging cable, a second controller lets you continue playing while the other charges.
If you’re looking for a pro-grade controller for your PlayStation 5, we recommend you turn your attention to Sony’s modular DualSense Edge. At $199.99, it’s substantially more expensive than the standard DualSense; however, like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the premium accessory features a wealth of customization options that make it a good fit for anyone who wants more control over how they game.
The DualSense Edge features a hardshell case and some added grip as well as four back paddles, swappable analog stick modules, and function keys that let you swap controls and adjust the volume on the fly. It offers worse battery life than the standard DualSense, sure, but that’s the price you pay for the ability to execute trigger patterns with ease. Read our review.
Sony’s official gaming headphones are a fantastic way to experience the spatial audio of the PlayStation 5. The Pulse 3D sports a clean, minimalist aesthetic and is still one of our favorite gaming headsets thanks to its comfortable fit and solid sound quality.
The PS5 HD Camera is a neat accessory for people interested in using their PS5 to livestream video games or broadcast their gameplay with friends. It includes dual 1080p lenses and allows you to remove the background of your camera’s feed and replace it with something else.
We recommend subscribing to PlayStation Plus if you have not already done so; outside of taking advantage of exclusive discounts and online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus provides a ton of additional incentives. Most notably, PS5 owners will have access to the PlayStation Plus Collection through May 8th, which is essentially a digital library of some of the most impactful titles to have ever been released on the PlayStation 4, including God of War, Persona 5, and The Last of Us Remastered. Best of all, once you’ve claimed the games, you can still access them after May 9th as long as you have a PlayStation Plus subscription.
PlayStation Plus has changed substantially since the service launched in 2010 and now offers tiered memberships with different pricing. An annual membership to PlayStation Plus Essential, the lowest tier, costs $59.99 and provides you with free games each month, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for saved games, and access to the PlayStation Plus Collection on the PS5. A year of PlayStation Plus Extra, on the other hand, will run you $99.99 and grants you all the Essential benefits in addition to even more free games by way of the PlayStation Game Catalog.
At the top of the heap, we have PlayStation Plus Premium, which costs $119.99 for an annual subscription. It offers all of the same benefits as lower tiers but provides access to the PlayStation Classics catalog in addition to the ability to stream games to your PC and mobile devices. Premium subscribers also get the perk of game trials for eligible titles, allowing for time-limited access to games for free.
The PS5 looks pretty sharp on its own, but if white isn’t your color, Dbrand and Sony both make custom covers for personalizing your console. Sony’s console covers are available in the same six shades as its DualSense controllers, and like Dbrand’s Darkplates, clip onto either side of your console. Dbrand’s alternatives aren’t available in as many colors as Sony’s apt-titled console covers but can be combined with Dbrand vinyl skins, which can be applied to the middle of your PS5 to create something a little more unique.
The PS5 comes with 825GB of storage out of the box but is compatible with a variety of M.2 SSDs if you need more space. There’s no shortage of M.2 SSDs on the market, but they can vary wildly in terms of their performance. Also, not all M.2 SSDs come packaged with a heatsink, which is necessary if you’re planning to use this drive with your PS5. Here are a couple of options we can recommend based on their performance and price point.
Update February 27th, 3:55PM ET: Article updated with new availability and pricing information as well as info regarding the newly released DualSense Edge.
West Virginia, Florida make moves to undermine science education
WV Senate OKs intelligent design bill; Florida’s assault on education continues.
Enlarge (credit: Aleksandar Nakic)
Two recent bills introduced at the state level could spell trouble for science education. One of them is in West Virginia, where the state Senate has approved a bill that would allow teachers to tell students that the Universe is the result of intelligent design, an idea that was developed to avoid prohibitions on teaching creationism. While a court held that teaching intelligent design was an unconstitutional imposition of religion, a recent Supreme Court decision weakened the legal foundations of that ruling.
Meanwhile, Florida’s thinking much bigger, with the State House considering a bill that would say the legislature disapproves of college courses that cover “theoretical or exploratory” topics being used to fulfill general education requirements. That would seemingly rule out most science classes.
First, the second Virginia
The bill under consideration in West Virginia, Senate Bill 619, is a truly bizarre hybrid. Two of its provisions are basic housekeeping functions regarding the role of teachers in changing final grades and determining whether students are promoted to the following grade level. But then there’s the third provision: “Teachers in public schools, including public charter schools, that include any one or more of grades kindergarten through 12, may teach intelligent design as a theory of how the universe and/or humanity came to exist.”
‘Ethereal’ Fairy Lantern Plant Thought to Be Extinct Rediscovered in Japan – CNET
The plant is helping botanists better understand a fairy lantern that once grew in the US.
The plant is helping botanists better understand a fairy lantern that once grew in the US.
Google Pixel Alert: This ‘Alien’ Clip on YouTube Is Crashing Some Devices – CNET
The issue appears to be affecting Pixel 7, 6 and 6A devices.
The issue appears to be affecting Pixel 7, 6 and 6A devices.
Telus found source code and other data up for sale on dark web
It’s investigating the scope of the incident but researchers are worried it could be highly disruptive.
Telus has confirmed it recently discovered a database being sold on the dark web that apparently contained employee contact information as well as other sensitive data.
The comms giant is currently investigating the matter to see how big the potential breach is, but preliminary reports suggest that no corporate or retail customer data was taken.
Still, whoever buys the database could wreak serious havoc.
SIM swapping API
The company confirmed the news in a statement to The Register: “We are investigating claims that a small amount of data related to internal Telus source code and select Telus team members’ information has appeared on the dark web,” Telus spokesperson Richard Gilhooley said.
“We can confirm that to this point our investigation, which we launched as soon as we were made aware of the incident, has not identified any corporate or retail customer data.”
So what data was taken? As per the ad posted on BreachForums, the attacker is selling 76,000 unique employee emails, and “internal information” on the employees pulled from the company’s API. Only one entity can purchase the database, for a sum subsequently agreed upon.
However in another, seperate post, the publication found the same threat actor offering the entire email database for $7,000, and a payroll database (counting 770 staff members, including high-ranking individuals) for $6,000.
Perhaps more interestingly, the hacker is also selling Telus’ entire private source code and GitHub repositories, including the SIM swap API, for $50,000.
This one, experts agree, is particularly worrying. Speaking to The Register, Emsisoft threat analyst Brett Callow explained how the buyer could use the data to run dangerous SIM-swapping attacks: by transferring the phone number associated with an account to a SIM card in their possession, the attackers would be able to bypass multi-factor authentication and other one-time security codes, to gain access to even most protected accounts.
These are the best endpoint protection software right now
iPhone SE 4 Reportedly Back in Development With Apple-Built 5G Modem – CNET
A noted Apple analyst says the iPhone maker has a new plan for its next mid-range phone.
A noted Apple analyst says the iPhone maker has a new plan for its next mid-range phone.