verge-rss

A pedestrian stands in the shade of a small tree during a heatwave in New York on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. | Photo: Getty Images

Nearly 34 million people across 65 US cities — roughly one in 10 Americans — live in a place where the built environment makes temperatures feel at least 8 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than it would without that urban sprawl. That’s according to a new study by the nonprofit Climate Central, which mapped the impact of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect in major cities in the US.
Dark, paved surfaces with little greenery tend to absorb heat. Hot exhaust from heavy traffic and industrial facilities can also make certain neighborhoods warmer than others. That’s how the urban heat island effect can make a heatwave feel even worse for some communities. In the US, a history of segregation and redlining that resulted in chronic underinvestment in many neighborhoods of color also created heat islands in cities.
It’s a problem that often flies under the radar because a typical weather forecast for a city misses these hyperlocal nuances. To get a better picture of how heat impacts a city from neighborhood to neighborhood, Climate Central documented the urban heat island effect down to a more granular level.
“When you look across the country, this is everywhere.”
“When you look across the country, this is everywhere. This is not a big city problem. This is a big development problem. And that can happen anywhere,” says Climate Central senior data analyst and research manager Jennifer Brady.
Brady and her team scrutinized 37,094 census block groups in the US. A single block group might be home to between 600 to 3,000 residents, an even smaller range than a census tract. “The finer and finer detail you can get, the more accurate the estimates are going to be because what we’re looking at are land cover type,” Brady says.
They compared maps of those census block groups with an existing National Land Cover Database to assess what the makeup of the neighborhood was — whether it was crowded with tall or low-rise buildings or any tree cover.
They used methods previously published in the journal Scientific Reports to estimate how much those factors might warm or cool a neighborhood. That allowed them to calculate an urban heat island (UHI) index for each block group, a measure of how much hotter these areas are because of what the built environment looks like.
The average per capita UHI index for all the locations studied was 8 degrees Fahrenheit, but some places can feel even hotter. You can explore Climate Central’s interactive map online to see how this plays out nationally and at the census block group level in each city.
In New York City, for instance, the per capita average UHI index reached 9.7 degrees — meaning the way many neighborhoods were built makes them feel close to 10 degrees hotter than they would without the same urban sprawl. NYC’s main weather observation station happens to be located in Central Park, where tree cover and greenery can have a cooling effect in comparison. In 2021, The Verge explored New York City with thermal cameras and similarly found big differences in temperatures from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Why some city neighborhoods are hotter than others

The good news is that we know how to undo the urban heat island effect. Simple measures like painting rooftops and other surfaces lighter colors, planting trees, and greening roofs can all help neighborhoods cool down. That can make an even bigger difference in the future as climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and intense.
“It’s very easy to go out and say, ‘Oh, this area’s hotter.’ But I think the logic behind this is very explicitly: why is it hotter?” Brady says. “I think then that leads to your solution.”

A pedestrian stands in the shade of a small tree during a heatwave in New York on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. | Photo: Getty Images

Nearly 34 million people across 65 US cities — roughly one in 10 Americans — live in a place where the built environment makes temperatures feel at least 8 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than it would without that urban sprawl. That’s according to a new study by the nonprofit Climate Central, which mapped the impact of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect in major cities in the US.

Dark, paved surfaces with little greenery tend to absorb heat. Hot exhaust from heavy traffic and industrial facilities can also make certain neighborhoods warmer than others. That’s how the urban heat island effect can make a heatwave feel even worse for some communities. In the US, a history of segregation and redlining that resulted in chronic underinvestment in many neighborhoods of color also created heat islands in cities.

It’s a problem that often flies under the radar because a typical weather forecast for a city misses these hyperlocal nuances. To get a better picture of how heat impacts a city from neighborhood to neighborhood, Climate Central documented the urban heat island effect down to a more granular level.

“When you look across the country, this is everywhere. This is not a big city problem. This is a big development problem. And that can happen anywhere,” says Climate Central senior data analyst and research manager Jennifer Brady.

Brady and her team scrutinized 37,094 census block groups in the US. A single block group might be home to between 600 to 3,000 residents, an even smaller range than a census tract. “The finer and finer detail you can get, the more accurate the estimates are going to be because what we’re looking at are land cover type,” Brady says.

They compared maps of those census block groups with an existing National Land Cover Database to assess what the makeup of the neighborhood was — whether it was crowded with tall or low-rise buildings or any tree cover.

They used methods previously published in the journal Scientific Reports to estimate how much those factors might warm or cool a neighborhood. That allowed them to calculate an urban heat island (UHI) index for each block group, a measure of how much hotter these areas are because of what the built environment looks like.

The average per capita UHI index for all the locations studied was 8 degrees Fahrenheit, but some places can feel even hotter. You can explore Climate Central’s interactive map online to see how this plays out nationally and at the census block group level in each city.

In New York City, for instance, the per capita average UHI index reached 9.7 degrees — meaning the way many neighborhoods were built makes them feel close to 10 degrees hotter than they would without the same urban sprawl. NYC’s main weather observation station happens to be located in Central Park, where tree cover and greenery can have a cooling effect in comparison. In 2021, The Verge explored New York City with thermal cameras and similarly found big differences in temperatures from neighborhood to neighborhood.

The good news is that we know how to undo the urban heat island effect. Simple measures like painting rooftops and other surfaces lighter colors, planting trees, and greening roofs can all help neighborhoods cool down. That can make an even bigger difference in the future as climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and intense.

“It’s very easy to go out and say, ‘Oh, this area’s hotter.’ But I think the logic behind this is very explicitly: why is it hotter?” Brady says. “I think then that leads to your solution.”

Read More 

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Marvel’s movies don’t always tie directly into the series that came before them, but the new trailer for Captain America: Brave New World definitely makes it seem like something you’ll need to revisit The Falcon and The Winter Soldier for.
After years of providing air support to his predecessor, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is the Captain in Brave New World’s first trailer, which opens up at a time when Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has become president of the United States. It gives Sam pause to hear that Ross is keen on making Captain America part of the American government once again in response to new mysterious threats. But when Sam witnesses a seemingly mind-controlled Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) — one of the first supersoldiers — attack the president, he has no choice but to reluctantly spring into action.
Though it’s tough getting a read on what Captain America will be fighting against this time around, it’s clear that the film is following in Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s footsteps by leaning into political intrigue. It’s also fairly obvious that a lot of Brave New World is going to feel like an expansion of the new normal established in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which makes some sense given that this is Marvel’s first film with Wilson as a lead. But that could easily wind up being a bit much to ask audiences for when Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on January 14th, 2025.

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Marvel’s movies don’t always tie directly into the series that came before them, but the new trailer for Captain America: Brave New World definitely makes it seem like something you’ll need to revisit The Falcon and The Winter Soldier for.

After years of providing air support to his predecessor, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is the Captain in Brave New World’s first trailer, which opens up at a time when Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has become president of the United States. It gives Sam pause to hear that Ross is keen on making Captain America part of the American government once again in response to new mysterious threats. But when Sam witnesses a seemingly mind-controlled Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) — one of the first supersoldiers — attack the president, he has no choice but to reluctantly spring into action.

Though it’s tough getting a read on what Captain America will be fighting against this time around, it’s clear that the film is following in Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s footsteps by leaning into political intrigue. It’s also fairly obvious that a lot of Brave New World is going to feel like an expansion of the new normal established in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which makes some sense given that this is Marvel’s first film with Wilson as a lead. But that could easily wind up being a bit much to ask audiences for when Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on January 14th, 2025.

Read More 

Illustration: The Verge

AT&T revealed Friday morning that a cybersecurity attack had exposed call records and texts from “nearly all” of the carrier’s cellular customers (including people on mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs, that use AT&T’s network, like Cricket, Boost Mobile, and Consumer Cellular). The breach took place during the period between May 1st, 2022, and October 31st, 2022, in addition to an incident that impacted a “very small number” of customers on January 2nd, 2023.
AT&T spokesperson Alex Byers confirmed to The Verge the threat actor accessed the information through the company’s account on a third-party cloud platform, Snowflake, similar to data breaches that have affected Ticketmaster and Santander Bank. AT&T first learned of the breach in April, but as reported by TechCrunch, an FBI spokesperson confirmed “AT&T, the FBI and the Department of Justice agreed to delay notifying the public and customers on two occasions, citing ‘potential risks to national security and/or public safety.’”
The stolen data includes which phone numbers customers interacted with, and Byers tells The Verge that the breach also includes “counts of those calls/texts and total call durations for specific days or months.”
Here’s the information AT&T says is not included in the breach:
The downloaded data doesn’t include the content of any calls or texts. It doesn’t have the time stamps for the calls or texts. It also doesn’t have any details such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other personally identifiable information.
While the data doesn’t include customer names, there are often ways to find a name associated with a phone number using publicly available online tools.
In a blog post, AT&T said “we do not believe that the data is publicly available” and that it has “taken steps to close off the illegal access point.” The company is working with law enforcement to “arrest those involved” and says one person has already been apprehended.
“We will provide notice to current and former customers whose information was involved along with resources to help protect their information,” AT&T writes. “We sincerely regret this incident occurred and remain committed to protecting the information in our care.”
This new incident comes just months after a leak exposed the information belonging to over 70 million current and former AT&T customers.

Illustration: The Verge

AT&T revealed Friday morning that a cybersecurity attack had exposed call records and texts from “nearly all” of the carrier’s cellular customers (including people on mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs, that use AT&T’s network, like Cricket, Boost Mobile, and Consumer Cellular). The breach took place during the period between May 1st, 2022, and October 31st, 2022, in addition to an incident that impacted a “very small number” of customers on January 2nd, 2023.

AT&T spokesperson Alex Byers confirmed to The Verge the threat actor accessed the information through the company’s account on a third-party cloud platform, Snowflake, similar to data breaches that have affected Ticketmaster and Santander Bank. AT&T first learned of the breach in April, but as reported by TechCrunch, an FBI spokesperson confirmed “AT&T, the FBI and the Department of Justice agreed to delay notifying the public and customers on two occasions, citing ‘potential risks to national security and/or public safety.’”

The stolen data includes which phone numbers customers interacted with, and Byers tells The Verge that the breach also includes “counts of those calls/texts and total call durations for specific days or months.”

Here’s the information AT&T says is not included in the breach:

The downloaded data doesn’t include the content of any calls or texts. It doesn’t have the time stamps for the calls or texts. It also doesn’t have any details such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other personally identifiable information.

While the data doesn’t include customer names, there are often ways to find a name associated with a phone number using publicly available online tools.

In a blog post, AT&T said “we do not believe that the data is publicly available” and that it has “taken steps to close off the illegal access point.” The company is working with law enforcement to “arrest those involved” and says one person has already been apprehended.

“We will provide notice to current and former customers whose information was involved along with resources to help protect their information,” AT&T writes. “We sincerely regret this incident occurred and remain committed to protecting the information in our care.”

This new incident comes just months after a leak exposed the information belonging to over 70 million current and former AT&T customers.

Read More 

Illustration by The Verge; Photo by Emmanuel Dunand / AFP via Getty Images

As the rest of the tech industry seems to mostly shift to overproduced infomercials for their product launches, Samsung is holding fast to its love for giant live events in huge arenas. This year, at Unpacked in Paris, the company announced a whole lineup of new gadgets. The new Fold and Flip look nice but also a bit uninspired; the Watch Ultra and Buds 3 look almost too familiar; and the Galaxy Ring might be the beginning of something really cool.
On this episode of The Vergecast, we talk through all of Samsung’s announcements and try to figure out whether “Apple products but for Android” is actually a winning strategy. It might be! Plus, we debate what to make of Samsung’s somewhat lackluster upgrades for the Flip and Fold phones — maybe these just aren’t the smartphone shapes of the future. Or at least not yet.

After that, we talk about a weird week in the streaming biz, from the maybe-finally-really-happening Paramount / Skydance deal to the looming end of Redbox to Instagram’s somewhat surprising plan to not try and do longform video.
Finally, in the lightning round, we talk Nothing’s awesomely cheap new phone, the latest in the AI copyright lawsuit world, and the sad current state of TUAW.

If you want to know more about everything we talk about in this episode, here are some links to get you started, first on Samsung:

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: all the news on the Galaxy Ring, Fold, Flip, Watch, and AI
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are pricier with minor updates
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring could be the one ring to rule an ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on: ultra déjà vu
Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds are blatant AirPod clones in both form and function
Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm are, uh, still doing that XR thing.
Motorola’s 2024 Razr Plus is a fun and flawed flip phone

And in streaming news:

Paramount agrees to sweetened Skydance merger deal
Redbox shuts down as its parent company declares Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Sling TV is the latest streamer to get those pesky pause ads
Instagram is sticking to short videos, says Adam Mosseri

And in the lightning round:

David Pierce’s pick: Nothing’s CMF launches new supercheap earbuds and a smartwatch

Nilay Patel’s pick: The developers suing over GitHub Copilot got dealt a major blow in court

Alex Cranz’s pick: Early Apple tech bloggers are shocked to find their name and work have been AI-zombified

Illustration by The Verge; Photo by Emmanuel Dunand / AFP via Getty Images

As the rest of the tech industry seems to mostly shift to overproduced infomercials for their product launches, Samsung is holding fast to its love for giant live events in huge arenas. This year, at Unpacked in Paris, the company announced a whole lineup of new gadgets. The new Fold and Flip look nice but also a bit uninspired; the Watch Ultra and Buds 3 look almost too familiar; and the Galaxy Ring might be the beginning of something really cool.

On this episode of The Vergecast, we talk through all of Samsung’s announcements and try to figure out whether “Apple products but for Android” is actually a winning strategy. It might be! Plus, we debate what to make of Samsung’s somewhat lackluster upgrades for the Flip and Fold phones — maybe these just aren’t the smartphone shapes of the future. Or at least not yet.

After that, we talk about a weird week in the streaming biz, from the maybe-finally-really-happening Paramount / Skydance deal to the looming end of Redbox to Instagram’s somewhat surprising plan to not try and do longform video.

Finally, in the lightning round, we talk Nothing’s awesomely cheap new phone, the latest in the AI copyright lawsuit world, and the sad current state of TUAW.

If you want to know more about everything we talk about in this episode, here are some links to get you started, first on Samsung:

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: all the news on the Galaxy Ring, Fold, Flip, Watch, and AI
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are pricier with minor updates
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring could be the one ring to rule an ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on: ultra déjà vu
Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds are blatant AirPod clones in both form and function
Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm are, uh, still doing that XR thing.
Motorola’s 2024 Razr Plus is a fun and flawed flip phone

And in streaming news:

Paramount agrees to sweetened Skydance merger deal
Redbox shuts down as its parent company declares Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Sling TV is the latest streamer to get those pesky pause ads
Instagram is sticking to short videos, says Adam Mosseri

And in the lightning round:

David Pierce’s pick: Nothing’s CMF launches new supercheap earbuds and a smartwatch

Nilay Patel’s pick: The developers suing over GitHub Copilot got dealt a major blow in court

Alex Cranz’s pick: Early Apple tech bloggers are shocked to find their name and work have been AI-zombified

Read More 

Image: Jackson Gibbs for The Verge

The FCC’s new broadband labels make it easier to compare internet plans, if you’re lucky enough to have options. Moving is complicated, and comparing internet plans can be, too. Combine the two, and it can be even more complex.
But if you want internet and don’t want to rely solely on your phone’s data plan in your new home, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a professional work-from-home couple spending all day on Zoom calls while raising three YouTube- and Spotify-happy teenagers or a thrifty single who spends little to no time streaming or scrolling in favor of reading books and raising chickens, you probably need home internet — at least for the chicken cam.
How to find ISPs
You probably have a rough idea of the kind of internet plan you’ll need in your new home based on what you had at your old place and how you felt about it. The first step is to see which internet service providers (ISPs) are available in your new area and what plans they offer.
Unfortunately, depending on where you’re moving, you may not have a lot of options — and you’ll need to know what they are before you go under contract. Websites like HighSpeedInternet.com, Allconnect.com, InMyArea.com, and WhistleOut let you find providers by ZIP code, though you may want to try more than one since they each offer slightly different results and they’re not always up to date.

Just because ISPs allegedly serve your ZIP code doesn’t mean all of it — they may serve all homes in an area, some, or just one. Check with each ISP you’re interested in (whether on their website or via direct contact) to make sure the company can connect to the street address of your new home — not just the neighborhood. Even in relatively built-up areas, you may find homes where the cable or fiber run stops just a couple hundred feet away with an ISP unwilling to extend it. If you live in a big-box “luxury” apartment building, a condo, an HOA, or something similar, you might be limited to only one or two ISPs. Check with your property manager or board.
Understanding your options
Keep in mind that the more people and internet-connected devices in your home, the more bandwidth you’ll need, since it has to be shared. Most people should opt for fiber or cable if available, especially if you stream a lot, work from home all or some of the time, game online, regularly take video calls, or have streaming cameras. Wi-Fi devices will be further limited by their radios, and anything on a mesh network will have further slowdowns the further it is from the main node. BroadbandNow and Consumer Reports both offer calculators to help you estimate your bandwidth needs.
Your options will generally fall among the following types of internet service, in rough order of speed and preference:
Fiber: Fiber is the best speed by far, if you can get it. In neighborhoods where fiber is available, it’s not uncommon to see gigabit (1000Mbps) plans for $100 a month or less. And unlike cable internet, it’s often symmetrical, with upload speeds nearly as fast as download. (Cable upload speeds are often capped at a fraction of their capabilities.) But it’s not as prevalent as cable, it’s more complicated to set up service, and it’s not compatible with equipment like cable modems, if you already own one and were hoping to save some cash.
Cable internet: Cable is widely available, low latency, and can usually be bundled with other services (including phone, cable, streaming bundles, and smart home / security options). In areas where cable ISPs have to compete with fiber, they tend to offer competitive gigabit-plus plans, at least for the first couple of years.
Fixed wireless: Since fixed wireless uses 4G and 5G cell networks, it’s good for areas that don’t have fiber or cable infrastructure, and it’s often much faster than satellite or DSL. But inclement weather and line-of-sight obstructions can hinder connectivity, data can be capped, and it’s only as good as the cell reception. It can be up to 1Gbps or as low as 25Mbps.
Satellite: Satellite is good for off-grid and rural areas. While it’s slower and more expensive than cable, fiber, or fixed wireless, it’s more resilient in natural disasters since it doesn’t rely on ground-based infrastructure, which can be damaged or lose power.
DSL: DSL is widely available and affordable; if you have landline service, you can probably get DSL. It’s often the slowest option — 50Mbps if you’re lucky, and even slower as you get farther from the service provider’s facilities.
Features and drawbacks to look out for
Speed: This is an obvious one. The advertised number represents download speed. The second number, representing upload speed, has become more important in the age of cloud storage, always-on cloud cameras, and video content creation for social networks.
Data caps: Not all plans are unlimited. And some plans may be “unlimited” in name only. Compare any applicable data caps with your anticipated usage, and understand the consequences of going over. (Will your service be throttled? Will you be subject to additional charges? If so, how much?)
Equipment pricing: Does the ISP let you buy your own equipment instead of using theirs (e.g., modem, routers, wireless mesh signal extenders)? If so, will they waive the monthly leasing fee on the equipment they would otherwise rent out to you? What’s the cost of that when you compare the upfront capital expenditure of buying versus leasing?
It may also help to check reviews of the ISP’s equipment against reviews of third-party equipment to see if it’s even worthwhile to buy your own. Sometimes the ISP’s equipment is functionally competitive, and nowadays it’s common for companies to throw in whole-home Wi-Fi instead of a single access point.
Contracts and introductory pricing: The best deal you can get is a low price with no contract. But that’s not always doable. Some internet plans offer introductory pricing that expires after a certain number of months. Others require you to sign a contract for a year or two to get attractive pricing. Always ask how long pricing is guaranteed for, what the price will go up to after that period, and how long — if at all — you’ll be contractually obligated to stick around to avoid a penalty. (Also, find out what that penalty is.)
Installation fees: There’s not a lot of DIY in the land of ISPs; you’ll almost certainly have to have a technician come out to set you up. If installation isn’t free, you can sometimes talk the sales rep into waiving part or all of the fee. Just ask. (That’s how I always get my installation fees waived.)
Check the nutrition label — and the neighbors
Things have gotten a bit easier since the Federal Communications Commission mandated that fixed and mobile ISPs post user-friendly broadband “nutrition labels.” The labels outline many of the items discussed in this article, including pricing information, data caps, and speeds — as well as a lot of other important information, like taxes, early termination fees, privacy policy links, customer support information, etc.
To better understand the packages you’re considering, look for the nutrition label on an ISP’s website or in any of their retail locations, i.e., at any of their points of sale.

The real experts on your local ISPs are current and former customers. Find online reviews on sites like HighSpeedInternet.com or Trustpilot. Poke around forums and social networks like Reddit to look for common complaints. If feasible, talk to people in the neighborhood directly about their own ISP and their experiences.
And my favorite trick: join the most popular community Facebook group(s) for people in the neighborhood — and just ask. (A few such groups require actual residency and will verify, but many others won’t mind if you haven’t moved to the area yet.) This works especially well in the suburbs and exurbs; Gen X townies often love to dish on who the best and worst companies to do business with in the area are, ISPs included.
Pick up the phone — yes, really
Yes, you can often sign up for an internet plan on the internet without ever talking to a human being. But unless you have enough money to swim around in, Scrooge McDuck-style, I don’t recommend it. No hate to you introverts out there, but bargains travel with empathy — and empathy happens in conversation. If you want the best deal, you’re going to have to dial and talk.
Once you and the sales rep have identified the package you’re targeting and the pricing, your two goals are (1) to sweet-talk the rep into giving you a better deal and (2) to discover the “fine print” and any details you don’t like. For the first, break out the charm and your best negotiation tactics (mentioning any other ISP that you’re considering never hurts, for example). For the second, grill the rep on all the “things to look for” points above.
Rinse and repeat for other ISPs you’re considering (making sure you get the sales rep’s name, their direct line / extension, and a reference number each time). And don’t forget your current ISP if you haven’t ruled them out; if they offer service in your area, they may be willing to sweeten your deal with them in exchange for your continued business, especially if there are promotions you qualify for (which an ISP’s phone rep can find more easily than you can on your own).
When all is said and done, you’ll be equipped to pick the deal that works best for you. Happy internetting!
P.S. If you’re switching, don’t forget to break up with your current ISP (and return any equipment of theirs).

Image: Jackson Gibbs for The Verge

The FCC’s new broadband labels make it easier to compare internet plans, if you’re lucky enough to have options.

Moving is complicated, and comparing internet plans can be, too. Combine the two, and it can be even more complex.

But if you want internet and don’t want to rely solely on your phone’s data plan in your new home, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a professional work-from-home couple spending all day on Zoom calls while raising three YouTube- and Spotify-happy teenagers or a thrifty single who spends little to no time streaming or scrolling in favor of reading books and raising chickens, you probably need home internet — at least for the chicken cam.

How to find ISPs

You probably have a rough idea of the kind of internet plan you’ll need in your new home based on what you had at your old place and how you felt about it. The first step is to see which internet service providers (ISPs) are available in your new area and what plans they offer.

Unfortunately, depending on where you’re moving, you may not have a lot of options — and you’ll need to know what they are before you go under contract. Websites like HighSpeedInternet.com, Allconnect.com, InMyArea.com, and WhistleOut let you find providers by ZIP code, though you may want to try more than one since they each offer slightly different results and they’re not always up to date.

Just because ISPs allegedly serve your ZIP code doesn’t mean all of it — they may serve all homes in an area, some, or just one. Check with each ISP you’re interested in (whether on their website or via direct contact) to make sure the company can connect to the street address of your new home — not just the neighborhood. Even in relatively built-up areas, you may find homes where the cable or fiber run stops just a couple hundred feet away with an ISP unwilling to extend it. If you live in a big-box “luxury” apartment building, a condo, an HOA, or something similar, you might be limited to only one or two ISPs. Check with your property manager or board.

Understanding your options

Keep in mind that the more people and internet-connected devices in your home, the more bandwidth you’ll need, since it has to be shared. Most people should opt for fiber or cable if available, especially if you stream a lot, work from home all or some of the time, game online, regularly take video calls, or have streaming cameras. Wi-Fi devices will be further limited by their radios, and anything on a mesh network will have further slowdowns the further it is from the main node. BroadbandNow and Consumer Reports both offer calculators to help you estimate your bandwidth needs.

Your options will generally fall among the following types of internet service, in rough order of speed and preference:

Fiber: Fiber is the best speed by far, if you can get it. In neighborhoods where fiber is available, it’s not uncommon to see gigabit (1000Mbps) plans for $100 a month or less. And unlike cable internet, it’s often symmetrical, with upload speeds nearly as fast as download. (Cable upload speeds are often capped at a fraction of their capabilities.) But it’s not as prevalent as cable, it’s more complicated to set up service, and it’s not compatible with equipment like cable modems, if you already own one and were hoping to save some cash.

Cable internet: Cable is widely available, low latency, and can usually be bundled with other services (including phone, cable, streaming bundles, and smart home / security options). In areas where cable ISPs have to compete with fiber, they tend to offer competitive gigabit-plus plans, at least for the first couple of years.

Fixed wireless: Since fixed wireless uses 4G and 5G cell networks, it’s good for areas that don’t have fiber or cable infrastructure, and it’s often much faster than satellite or DSL. But inclement weather and line-of-sight obstructions can hinder connectivity, data can be capped, and it’s only as good as the cell reception. It can be up to 1Gbps or as low as 25Mbps.

Satellite: Satellite is good for off-grid and rural areas. While it’s slower and more expensive than cable, fiber, or fixed wireless, it’s more resilient in natural disasters since it doesn’t rely on ground-based infrastructure, which can be damaged or lose power.

DSL: DSL is widely available and affordable; if you have landline service, you can probably get DSL. It’s often the slowest option — 50Mbps if you’re lucky, and even slower as you get farther from the service provider’s facilities.

Features and drawbacks to look out for

Speed: This is an obvious one. The advertised number represents download speed. The second number, representing upload speed, has become more important in the age of cloud storage, always-on cloud cameras, and video content creation for social networks.

Data caps: Not all plans are unlimited. And some plans may be “unlimited” in name only. Compare any applicable data caps with your anticipated usage, and understand the consequences of going over. (Will your service be throttled? Will you be subject to additional charges? If so, how much?)

Equipment pricing: Does the ISP let you buy your own equipment instead of using theirs (e.g., modem, routers, wireless mesh signal extenders)? If so, will they waive the monthly leasing fee on the equipment they would otherwise rent out to you? What’s the cost of that when you compare the upfront capital expenditure of buying versus leasing?

It may also help to check reviews of the ISP’s equipment against reviews of third-party equipment to see if it’s even worthwhile to buy your own. Sometimes the ISP’s equipment is functionally competitive, and nowadays it’s common for companies to throw in whole-home Wi-Fi instead of a single access point.

Contracts and introductory pricing: The best deal you can get is a low price with no contract. But that’s not always doable. Some internet plans offer introductory pricing that expires after a certain number of months. Others require you to sign a contract for a year or two to get attractive pricing. Always ask how long pricing is guaranteed for, what the price will go up to after that period, and how long — if at all — you’ll be contractually obligated to stick around to avoid a penalty. (Also, find out what that penalty is.)

Installation fees: There’s not a lot of DIY in the land of ISPs; you’ll almost certainly have to have a technician come out to set you up. If installation isn’t free, you can sometimes talk the sales rep into waiving part or all of the fee. Just ask. (That’s how I always get my installation fees waived.)

Check the nutrition label — and the neighbors

Things have gotten a bit easier since the Federal Communications Commission mandated that fixed and mobile ISPs post user-friendly broadband “nutrition labels.” The labels outline many of the items discussed in this article, including pricing information, data caps, and speeds — as well as a lot of other important information, like taxes, early termination fees, privacy policy links, customer support information, etc.

To better understand the packages you’re considering, look for the nutrition label on an ISP’s website or in any of their retail locations, i.e., at any of their points of sale.

The real experts on your local ISPs are current and former customers. Find online reviews on sites like HighSpeedInternet.com or Trustpilot. Poke around forums and social networks like Reddit to look for common complaints. If feasible, talk to people in the neighborhood directly about their own ISP and their experiences.

And my favorite trick: join the most popular community Facebook group(s) for people in the neighborhood — and just ask. (A few such groups require actual residency and will verify, but many others won’t mind if you haven’t moved to the area yet.) This works especially well in the suburbs and exurbs; Gen X townies often love to dish on who the best and worst companies to do business with in the area are, ISPs included.

Pick up the phone — yes, really

Yes, you can often sign up for an internet plan on the internet without ever talking to a human being. But unless you have enough money to swim around in, Scrooge McDuck-style, I don’t recommend it. No hate to you introverts out there, but bargains travel with empathy — and empathy happens in conversation. If you want the best deal, you’re going to have to dial and talk.

Once you and the sales rep have identified the package you’re targeting and the pricing, your two goals are (1) to sweet-talk the rep into giving you a better deal and (2) to discover the “fine print” and any details you don’t like. For the first, break out the charm and your best negotiation tactics (mentioning any other ISP that you’re considering never hurts, for example). For the second, grill the rep on all the “things to look for” points above.

Rinse and repeat for other ISPs you’re considering (making sure you get the sales rep’s name, their direct line / extension, and a reference number each time). And don’t forget your current ISP if you haven’t ruled them out; if they offer service in your area, they may be willing to sweeten your deal with them in exchange for your continued business, especially if there are promotions you qualify for (which an ISP’s phone rep can find more easily than you can on your own).

When all is said and done, you’ll be equipped to pick the deal that works best for you. Happy internetting!

P.S. If you’re switching, don’t forget to break up with your current ISP (and return any equipment of theirs).

Read More 

Image: Jackson Gibbs for The Verge

The Verge’s favorite methods for keeping our tech in reasonable order. One of the great things about moving is the chance to remake your workspace — or your gaming space, depending on what you use your computer for. It’s easy, after several years, to be content with a desk that’s not quite right, a chair that’s not quite comfortable, or cables that have spread all over the floor. But when a move forces you to reorganize that space, it’s a chance to make a better place for yourself.
We asked the staff of The Verge what they did when they were either moving into a new workspace or making over their old one. Here are some of their answers; we hope that one or two will be useful for you.
Cable management
Clear cord clips
Emilia David, reporter

I suffer from a disease common in New York City called “not enough outlets in convenient spots,” so I have to stretch wires and extension cords in risky areas around my apartment. But while I haven’t quite figured out how to fix the mess of wires underneath my desk, all the extension cords and other wires I use around my home are nicely tucked away thanks to these clear cord clips I found on Amazon.
The clips come with an adhesive you can stick to the wall and a hook that holds the wire in place. I have them in two different widths: one that holds wires up to 0.3 inches in diameter and a thick boi for wider cords. And they’re clear, so they manage to blend into my walls. I used the clips to tuck my microwave cord against the backsplash molding, so it’s away from water. They’re also holding the extension cord for my toaster / air fryer on the baseboard to avoid it becoming a tripping hazard. I haven’t used the clips for the wires under my desk, but I’m sure I’ll find a way soon enough.

Magnetic cables
Sean Hollister, senior editor

Why keep a drawer full of tangled cables when you can have perfectly coiled cords always within reach? Try a tangle-free magnetic USB cable like these SuperCalla ones instead. I keep mine stuck to a metal filing cabinet right next to my desk, and while many manufacturers cheap out on this type of cord, I’ve found the SuperCalla to have excellent magnet strength. I just wish the company had a six-foot USB-C to USB-C cable with 100W charging and 10Gbps data — only the three-foot one does that. I’m eager to try some of the braided magnetic ones soon, too.

Cable organizing box
Kaitlin Hatton, senior audience manager

Last year, I went on a journey to organize my desk in the most efficient way possible while still remaining stylish. I stumbled on a set of these organizers online and gave them a shot.
I was surprised at how nice the products were given the price. I use one of the two included organizers for my various cords, SD cards, pens, and small notebooks. I also keep an extra phone charger and wall plug in there so I can just grab the whole case and toss it in my bag as I head out. I use the second organizer from the set to catch all of my stray office supplies, like rubber bands, paper clips, and even a small sewing kit. (The sewing kit is mostly there because I have no idea where else I would put it.) They’re not the best organizers I’ve ever used, and the compartments are small, but they get the job done.

Moldable glue
Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

I’ve never been all that handy, although it isn’t for want of trying. However, even I can manage to create a useful cable management system using Sugru Mouldable Glue (their spelling). This is sort of a Play-Doh for adults; it comes in several basic colors, which can be combined to make other colors. You open the packet, take out the Sugru, mold it into the shape you want, stick it to another surface (if you need to), and let it dry.
I’ve used it to make hooks for my kitchen curtains and my headphones, to mend the handle of a faucet in the bathtub, and to repair the worn covering of a cable. But the coolest thing I did was create a series of indented attachments on the side of my old desk that would hold my various cables and keep them in order. (Sugru knows this is a major issue as well; it actually has a video showing how to create cable holders.)
Do they look professional? Not really. But they work. And next time, I may use Sugru to mold something a little more imaginative, just for fun.

Desks
A standing desk
Victoria Song, senior reviewer

I think of my Kostival standing desk as the final form of all the desks I’ve had over the years. I’ve always had a combo of a desk with built-in shelving and a separate monitor stand, but something was always slightly off. Either the monitor stand wasn’t tall enough or there wasn’t enough storage for all my knickknacks and stationery supplies. My previous desk was similar to this one but was way too narrow. I took moving as an opportunity to start fresh and get a standing desk. Now, I try to stand for at least two hours per day, mostly when I’m doing passive tasks like responding to emails.
What I like about this desk is that I can tuck my keyboard away and still have a spot for my journals. The drawers on each side house 90 percent of my stationery supplies, and there’s enough space for me to plop my laptop on its stand. I went from having two bookshelves in my office to only needing one.
(By the way, while my specific desk is no longer available, you can find similar desks like the one in the product box above.)

Standing desk extension
Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

When we moved to our current home, I realized that it would be a lot healthier for me to have a standing desk. However, at that point (and especially after spending for the move), I didn’t want to invest in one — they do tend to be a bit pricey). Eventually, though, I found a great substitute: the Vivo height-adjustable standing desk converter.
It sits on a small table next to my desk (in a sort of “L” formation) and has a handle that lets me smoothly raise the surface to exactly the right height. Now, whenever I want to spend some time standing rather than sitting, I just shift my laptop over to the Vivo, adjust its height (if I need to), and work away. When I want to sit again? I just move my laptop back to my desk. I can even adjust the Vivo so that the laptop camera is a better height for video meetings.

Other strategies
Monitor arms
Sean Hollister, senior editor

It’s hard to fit three monitors on a 48-inch desk — unless you go all Doctor Octopus to keep ’em off the table. My articulating monitor arm of choice is the Dell MSA14, which I use to float a pair of Dell U2412M monitors that I found off Craigslist for something like $50 each. (I use the pair as vertical monitors for websites and various messengers, not movies or games.)
If you’re going with another brand of monitor, you’ll likely want a standard VESA mount instead. Just make sure the arm is rated for the weight of your monitor, don’t cheap out too much, and watch a video or something to make sure they articulate in all the ways you need.
Oh, and don’t forget to leave space on or around the desk for the arms to turn: I learned the hard way that putting my desk in a corner greatly restricted their freedom of movement.

USB switcher
Antonio G. Di Benedetto, commerce writer

My secret weapon in bouncing back and forth between work and personal machines is a USB switcher. It’s basically just a small button beneath my monitor with some cables and dongles going in and out of it. I have four peripherals plugged into it: an Insta360 Link webcam, a fancy-schmancy Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (fourth-gen) audio interface for the fancy-schmancy mic I have no business owning, a 2.4GHz USB dongle for whatever mechanical keyboard I’m currently using, and another USB wireless receiver for my mouse.
I press the button on the switcher, and all four devices swap from my laptop to my desktop and vice versa. I find it super handy for keeping work and play separate while using the same peripherals.

Pegboard plus pegs from 3D printer
Sean Hollister, senior editor

Pegboards aren’t just for garages. A classy one covered with your favorite gadgets might look perfect on your office wall. I use the $28 Ikea Skådis, but not with Ikea’s own generic pegs — because 3D printing websites like Printables, Thingiverse, and MakerWorld are filled with perfect-fit hangers for just about anything. I’ve got a headset hook, a AA and AAA battery dispenser, and custom mounts for my old Steam and Stadia controllers, my VR headset, and more. I might even start designing my own.

A file cart
Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor

If you’re someone like me whose organizational strategy tends to devolve into “I’ll just put this in a pile and deal with it later” — and whose later never seems to arrive — I recommend an open filing system. Files are like piles but easier to label and sort through. I used to just have a couple of desktop file holders, but since my last move, I keep an Elfa mesh filing cart under my desk. It fits scads of hanging files for in-progress projects while keeping my desktop free, and it has a couple of pull-out mesh drawers for the stuff that would go into my desk drawers if I had any. And it has wheels.

Image: Jackson Gibbs for The Verge

The Verge’s favorite methods for keeping our tech in reasonable order.

One of the great things about moving is the chance to remake your workspace — or your gaming space, depending on what you use your computer for. It’s easy, after several years, to be content with a desk that’s not quite right, a chair that’s not quite comfortable, or cables that have spread all over the floor. But when a move forces you to reorganize that space, it’s a chance to make a better place for yourself.

We asked the staff of The Verge what they did when they were either moving into a new workspace or making over their old one. Here are some of their answers; we hope that one or two will be useful for you.

Cable management

Clear cord clips

Emilia David, reporter

I suffer from a disease common in New York City called “not enough outlets in convenient spots,” so I have to stretch wires and extension cords in risky areas around my apartment. But while I haven’t quite figured out how to fix the mess of wires underneath my desk, all the extension cords and other wires I use around my home are nicely tucked away thanks to these clear cord clips I found on Amazon.

The clips come with an adhesive you can stick to the wall and a hook that holds the wire in place. I have them in two different widths: one that holds wires up to 0.3 inches in diameter and a thick boi for wider cords. And they’re clear, so they manage to blend into my walls. I used the clips to tuck my microwave cord against the backsplash molding, so it’s away from water. They’re also holding the extension cord for my toaster / air fryer on the baseboard to avoid it becoming a tripping hazard. I haven’t used the clips for the wires under my desk, but I’m sure I’ll find a way soon enough.

Magnetic cables

Sean Hollister, senior editor

Why keep a drawer full of tangled cables when you can have perfectly coiled cords always within reach? Try a tangle-free magnetic USB cable like these SuperCalla ones instead. I keep mine stuck to a metal filing cabinet right next to my desk, and while many manufacturers cheap out on this type of cord, I’ve found the SuperCalla to have excellent magnet strength. I just wish the company had a six-foot USB-C to USB-C cable with 100W charging and 10Gbps data — only the three-foot one does that. I’m eager to try some of the braided magnetic ones soon, too.

Cable organizing box

Kaitlin Hatton, senior audience manager

Last year, I went on a journey to organize my desk in the most efficient way possible while still remaining stylish. I stumbled on a set of these organizers online and gave them a shot.

I was surprised at how nice the products were given the price. I use one of the two included organizers for my various cords, SD cards, pens, and small notebooks. I also keep an extra phone charger and wall plug in there so I can just grab the whole case and toss it in my bag as I head out. I use the second organizer from the set to catch all of my stray office supplies, like rubber bands, paper clips, and even a small sewing kit. (The sewing kit is mostly there because I have no idea where else I would put it.) They’re not the best organizers I’ve ever used, and the compartments are small, but they get the job done.

Moldable glue

Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

I’ve never been all that handy, although it isn’t for want of trying. However, even I can manage to create a useful cable management system using Sugru Mouldable Glue (their spelling). This is sort of a Play-Doh for adults; it comes in several basic colors, which can be combined to make other colors. You open the packet, take out the Sugru, mold it into the shape you want, stick it to another surface (if you need to), and let it dry.

I’ve used it to make hooks for my kitchen curtains and my headphones, to mend the handle of a faucet in the bathtub, and to repair the worn covering of a cable. But the coolest thing I did was create a series of indented attachments on the side of my old desk that would hold my various cables and keep them in order. (Sugru knows this is a major issue as well; it actually has a video showing how to create cable holders.)

Do they look professional? Not really. But they work. And next time, I may use Sugru to mold something a little more imaginative, just for fun.

Desks

A standing desk

Victoria Song, senior reviewer

I think of my Kostival standing desk as the final form of all the desks I’ve had over the years. I’ve always had a combo of a desk with built-in shelving and a separate monitor stand, but something was always slightly off. Either the monitor stand wasn’t tall enough or there wasn’t enough storage for all my knickknacks and stationery supplies. My previous desk was similar to this one but was way too narrow. I took moving as an opportunity to start fresh and get a standing desk. Now, I try to stand for at least two hours per day, mostly when I’m doing passive tasks like responding to emails.

What I like about this desk is that I can tuck my keyboard away and still have a spot for my journals. The drawers on each side house 90 percent of my stationery supplies, and there’s enough space for me to plop my laptop on its stand. I went from having two bookshelves in my office to only needing one.

(By the way, while my specific desk is no longer available, you can find similar desks like the one in the product box above.)

Standing desk extension

Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

When we moved to our current home, I realized that it would be a lot healthier for me to have a standing desk. However, at that point (and especially after spending for the move), I didn’t want to invest in one — they do tend to be a bit pricey). Eventually, though, I found a great substitute: the Vivo height-adjustable standing desk converter.

It sits on a small table next to my desk (in a sort of “L” formation) and has a handle that lets me smoothly raise the surface to exactly the right height. Now, whenever I want to spend some time standing rather than sitting, I just shift my laptop over to the Vivo, adjust its height (if I need to), and work away. When I want to sit again? I just move my laptop back to my desk. I can even adjust the Vivo so that the laptop camera is a better height for video meetings.

Other strategies

Monitor arms

Sean Hollister, senior editor

It’s hard to fit three monitors on a 48-inch desk — unless you go all Doctor Octopus to keep ’em off the table. My articulating monitor arm of choice is the Dell MSA14, which I use to float a pair of Dell U2412M monitors that I found off Craigslist for something like $50 each. (I use the pair as vertical monitors for websites and various messengers, not movies or games.)

If you’re going with another brand of monitor, you’ll likely want a standard VESA mount instead. Just make sure the arm is rated for the weight of your monitor, don’t cheap out too much, and watch a video or something to make sure they articulate in all the ways you need.

Oh, and don’t forget to leave space on or around the desk for the arms to turn: I learned the hard way that putting my desk in a corner greatly restricted their freedom of movement.

USB switcher

Antonio G. Di Benedetto, commerce writer

My secret weapon in bouncing back and forth between work and personal machines is a USB switcher. It’s basically just a small button beneath my monitor with some cables and dongles going in and out of it. I have four peripherals plugged into it: an Insta360 Link webcam, a fancy-schmancy Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (fourth-gen) audio interface for the fancy-schmancy mic I have no business owning, a 2.4GHz USB dongle for whatever mechanical keyboard I’m currently using, and another USB wireless receiver for my mouse.

I press the button on the switcher, and all four devices swap from my laptop to my desktop and vice versa. I find it super handy for keeping work and play separate while using the same peripherals.

Pegboard plus pegs from 3D printer

Sean Hollister, senior editor

Pegboards aren’t just for garages. A classy one covered with your favorite gadgets might look perfect on your office wall. I use the $28 Ikea Skådis, but not with Ikea’s own generic pegs — because 3D printing websites like Printables, Thingiverse, and MakerWorld are filled with perfect-fit hangers for just about anything. I’ve got a headset hook, a AA and AAA battery dispenser, and custom mounts for my old Steam and Stadia controllers, my VR headset, and more. I might even start designing my own.

A file cart

Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor

If you’re someone like me whose organizational strategy tends to devolve into “I’ll just put this in a pile and deal with it later” — and whose later never seems to arrive — I recommend an open filing system. Files are like piles but easier to label and sort through. I used to just have a couple of desktop file holders, but since my last move, I keep an Elfa mesh filing cart under my desk. It fits scads of hanging files for in-progress projects while keeping my desktop free, and it has a couple of pull-out mesh drawers for the stuff that would go into my desk drawers if I had any. And it has wheels.

Read More 

Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge; Photo: Getty Images

The European Union has warned X that its blue checkmark verification system violates rules under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), finding it to be deceptive for users and against established industry practices. Following its investigation into the platform, the EU also found that X is failing to comply with transparency obligations regarding advertising and providing public data to researchers.
It’s the first time a company has been formally accused of breaching the DSA under the EU’s so-called preliminary findings. X now has the opportunity to defend itself in response.

In its press release, the EU says that changes made to X’s blue check system — which allows any user to pay to be “verified” — prevent users from determining the authenticity of other accounts they interact with. There is also evidence that malicious actors are abusing the system to intentionally deceive users, according to the EU’s findings.
In her statement, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said:
“In our view, X does not comply with the DSA in key transparency areas, by using dark patterns and thus misleading users, by failing to provide an adequate ad repository, and by blocking access to data for researchers. The DSA has transparency at its very core, and we are determined to ensure that all platforms, including X, comply with EU legislation.”
If X fails to address the European Commission’s three grievances, the company could face formal action and fines of up to six percent of its global revenue. Since X is a private company — purchased by Elon Musk for $44 billion in October 2022 — it’s unclear how much it potentially stands to lose in financial penalties. X qualifies as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA since it reaches more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU.

Back in the day, #BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources of information✔️ Now with X, our preliminary view is that:❌They deceive users❌They infrige #DSAX has now the right of defence —but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines & require significant changes. pic.twitter.com/M9tGA5pYQr— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) July 12, 2024

The Commission opened a multifaceted DSA investigation into X on December 18th, 2023. In addition to examining deceptive practices, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers — the subject of today’s findings — the investigation was also exploring the dissemination of illegal content on the platform and its moderation practices in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. The Commission says that part of the investigation is still ongoing.
The crackdown on X comes as the EU ramps up enforcement of its strict rules for big tech companies. Separate DSA probes have been launched to assess whether Meta has done enough to moderate political, deceptive, or illegal content on Facebook and Instagram or safeguard children who use the platforms.

Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge; Photo: Getty Images

The European Union has warned X that its blue checkmark verification system violates rules under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), finding it to be deceptive for users and against established industry practices. Following its investigation into the platform, the EU also found that X is failing to comply with transparency obligations regarding advertising and providing public data to researchers.

It’s the first time a company has been formally accused of breaching the DSA under the EU’s so-called preliminary findings. X now has the opportunity to defend itself in response.

In its press release, the EU says that changes made to X’s blue check system — which allows any user to pay to be “verified” — prevent users from determining the authenticity of other accounts they interact with. There is also evidence that malicious actors are abusing the system to intentionally deceive users, according to the EU’s findings.

In her statement, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said:

“In our view, X does not comply with the DSA in key transparency areas, by using dark patterns and thus misleading users, by failing to provide an adequate ad repository, and by blocking access to data for researchers. The DSA has transparency at its very core, and we are determined to ensure that all platforms, including X, comply with EU legislation.”

If X fails to address the European Commission’s three grievances, the company could face formal action and fines of up to six percent of its global revenue. Since X is a private company — purchased by Elon Musk for $44 billion in October 2022 — it’s unclear how much it potentially stands to lose in financial penalties. X qualifies as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA since it reaches more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU.

The Commission opened a multifaceted DSA investigation into X on December 18th, 2023. In addition to examining deceptive practices, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers — the subject of today’s findings — the investigation was also exploring the dissemination of illegal content on the platform and its moderation practices in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. The Commission says that part of the investigation is still ongoing.

The crackdown on X comes as the EU ramps up enforcement of its strict rules for big tech companies. Separate DSA probes have been launched to assess whether Meta has done enough to moderate political, deceptive, or illegal content on Facebook and Instagram or safeguard children who use the platforms.

Read More 

These photographs of a discarded H-2A rocket upper stage were taken at a distance of just 50 meters. | Image: Astroscale

We’re getting a close look at some of the space junk that’s floating in space thanks to Tokyo-based company Astroscale Japan. New images taken from a distance of just 50 meters, show the discarded upper stage of a Japanese H-2A rocket that’s currently trapped in Earth’s orbit. They were taken by Astroscale’s Active Debris Removal (ADRAS-J) satellite following the spacecraft’s first fly-around observation of the debris.
ADRAS-J was launched on February 18th with the goal of collecting observational data that can be used to eventually remove large-scale space junk from orbit. The satellite has been monitoring the rocket’s upper stage for several months. The images were released after a test of the craft’s autonomous collision avoidance system designed to allow ADRAS-J to safely approach debris at close distances.

Image: Astroscale
This really is a gorgeous photograph of what’s essentially “massive garbage.”

Photographs taken during the fly-around maneuver give us the closest look at the discarded H-2A upper stage rocket body since it was used to launch the GOSAT Earth-observation satellite in 2009. The object, seen floating above the Earth, weighs approximately 3 tons, and measures at around 11 meters (around 36 feet) long and 4 meters (around 13 feet) in diameter – a smidge smaller than an average city bus.

Astroscale says ADRAS-J successfully maintained a distance of approximately 50 meters (about 164 feet) during the fly-around, before an “unexpected attitude anomaly” triggered an autonomous abort after completing around one-third of the maneuver. ADRAS-J then moved away from the debris as intended and “remains in good health” according to Astroscale. The anomaly has since been identified, and Astroscale engineers are now preparing to approach the discarded upper stage again.
Phase two of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J mission, which aims to actually capture and deorbit some large space junk, is scheduled to begin no earlier than 2026.

These photographs of a discarded H-2A rocket upper stage were taken at a distance of just 50 meters. | Image: Astroscale

We’re getting a close look at some of the space junk that’s floating in space thanks to Tokyo-based company Astroscale Japan. New images taken from a distance of just 50 meters, show the discarded upper stage of a Japanese H-2A rocket that’s currently trapped in Earth’s orbit. They were taken by Astroscale’s Active Debris Removal (ADRAS-J) satellite following the spacecraft’s first fly-around observation of the debris.

ADRAS-J was launched on February 18th with the goal of collecting observational data that can be used to eventually remove large-scale space junk from orbit. The satellite has been monitoring the rocket’s upper stage for several months. The images were released after a test of the craft’s autonomous collision avoidance system designed to allow ADRAS-J to safely approach debris at close distances.

Photographs taken during the fly-around maneuver give us the closest look at the discarded H-2A upper stage rocket body since it was used to launch the GOSAT Earth-observation satellite in 2009. The object, seen floating above the Earth, weighs approximately 3 tons, and measures at around 11 meters (around 36 feet) long and 4 meters (around 13 feet) in diameter – a smidge smaller than an average city bus.

Astroscale says ADRAS-J successfully maintained a distance of approximately 50 meters (about 164 feet) during the fly-around, before an “unexpected attitude anomaly” triggered an autonomous abort after completing around one-third of the maneuver. ADRAS-J then moved away from the debris as intended and “remains in good health” according to Astroscale. The anomaly has since been identified, and Astroscale engineers are now preparing to approach the discarded upper stage again.

Phase two of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J mission, which aims to actually capture and deorbit some large space junk, is scheduled to begin no earlier than 2026.

Read More 

The Verge

Microsoft is preparing to enable Copilot in OneNote to read and analyze handwritten notes. The feature entered beta testing late last month, and will allow OneNote users to write handwritten notes using a stylus and then summarize them, ask questions, or even generate to-do lists based on the notes.
The AI-powered Copilot feature in OneNote will even be able to convert your handwritten notes into text for easy editing and sharing. Microsoft first launched Copilot inside OneNote in November, and this upgrade will be available to existing Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscribers and Copilot Pro users once it rolls out more broadly.

Image: The Verge
Copilot can quickly convert your handwritten notes into easier to read text.

I’ve been briefly testing Copilot’s ability to read my handwriting, and I’m impressed that it’s even able to decipher it. Summarization works well across small handwritten notes and even larger ones. I asked Copilot to rewrite an entire paragraph of handwritten notes which it managed to format into easy to read text that was true to the original but also a bit more jovial. That’s impressive given generative AI models have a tendency to just make stuff up half the time.
If you use OneNote for handwritten to-do lists, then this feature definitely makes it easier to convert those into text at a later stage. I created a handwritten list and Copilot was able to accurately convert this into a text list within seconds.

Image: The Verge
A to-do list that’s been converted from handwritten notes.

I’m not sure how Copilot will handle even worse handwriting, though. Samsung’s Galaxy AI has a similar feature that can automatically format handwritten lists, but it struggles with some of the worst handwriting I’ve ever seen (sorry, Allison!).
If you want to test Copilot’s handwritten note recognition you’ll need to be a Microsoft 365 Insider running the latest OneNote on Windows build (17628.20006 or later) and have a Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription.

The Verge

Microsoft is preparing to enable Copilot in OneNote to read and analyze handwritten notes. The feature entered beta testing late last month, and will allow OneNote users to write handwritten notes using a stylus and then summarize them, ask questions, or even generate to-do lists based on the notes.

The AI-powered Copilot feature in OneNote will even be able to convert your handwritten notes into text for easy editing and sharing. Microsoft first launched Copilot inside OneNote in November, and this upgrade will be available to existing Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscribers and Copilot Pro users once it rolls out more broadly.

Image: The Verge
Copilot can quickly convert your handwritten notes into easier to read text.

I’ve been briefly testing Copilot’s ability to read my handwriting, and I’m impressed that it’s even able to decipher it. Summarization works well across small handwritten notes and even larger ones. I asked Copilot to rewrite an entire paragraph of handwritten notes which it managed to format into easy to read text that was true to the original but also a bit more jovial. That’s impressive given generative AI models have a tendency to just make stuff up half the time.

If you use OneNote for handwritten to-do lists, then this feature definitely makes it easier to convert those into text at a later stage. I created a handwritten list and Copilot was able to accurately convert this into a text list within seconds.

Image: The Verge
A to-do list that’s been converted from handwritten notes.

I’m not sure how Copilot will handle even worse handwriting, though. Samsung’s Galaxy AI has a similar feature that can automatically format handwritten lists, but it struggles with some of the worst handwriting I’ve ever seen (sorry, Allison!).

If you want to test Copilot’s handwritten note recognition you’ll need to be a Microsoft 365 Insider running the latest OneNote on Windows build (17628.20006 or later) and have a Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription.

Read More 

Would you confront Ganondorf ten times over to acquire such a relic? | Image: Nintendo

Preorders have just opened for the ‘Hyrule Edition’ Nintendo Switch Lite, which commemorates the forthcoming launch of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Best Buy is currently accepting orders for the limited edition console for $209.99 ahead of its September 26th release date. You’ll still have to purchase Echoes of Wisdom separately, but the special edition console does include a 12-month individual subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (a $49.99 value).

The console comes dipped in a golden hue with black trim — an iconic combo befitting Hylian royalty. The noble house’s signature crest graces the rear, and you’ll find a smaller Triforce symbol stamped on the front in the lower-right corner. There’s not much more setting it apart from any other Switch Lite, but considering Echoes of Wisdom is the first Zelda title to actually star Princess Zelda as the primary character, the occasion may move you to pick it up even if you already own Nintendo’s dedicated handheld.
Nintendo’s premium subscription tier, meanwhile, provides access to online play, cloud-based saves, and the ability to play older classics from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, N64, and even the Sega Genesis eras. This includes heralded Zelda titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Needless to say, it’s a great way to revisit the series’ roots whenever you’re feeling nostalgic.

Would you confront Ganondorf ten times over to acquire such a relic? | Image: Nintendo

Preorders have just opened for the ‘Hyrule Edition’ Nintendo Switch Lite, which commemorates the forthcoming launch of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Best Buy is currently accepting orders for the limited edition console for $209.99 ahead of its September 26th release date. You’ll still have to purchase Echoes of Wisdom separately, but the special edition console does include a 12-month individual subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (a $49.99 value).

The console comes dipped in a golden hue with black trim — an iconic combo befitting Hylian royalty. The noble house’s signature crest graces the rear, and you’ll find a smaller Triforce symbol stamped on the front in the lower-right corner. There’s not much more setting it apart from any other Switch Lite, but considering Echoes of Wisdom is the first Zelda title to actually star Princess Zelda as the primary character, the occasion may move you to pick it up even if you already own Nintendo’s dedicated handheld.

Nintendo’s premium subscription tier, meanwhile, provides access to online play, cloud-based saves, and the ability to play older classics from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, N64, and even the Sega Genesis eras. This includes heralded Zelda titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Needless to say, it’s a great way to revisit the series’ roots whenever you’re feeling nostalgic.

Read More