Technology 75
IRS suggests game currencies are not taxable; tax experts say don’t believe it
A change to the IRS website suggests that game currencies are not taxable, despite an earlier statement that they are – but tax experts say ...
Coronavirus May Live up to 9 Days on Surfaces, New Study Finds
It turns out the coronavirus can be spread by touching infected surfaces now. A new study has found that the virus can live for up to nine days on surfaces, exacerbating the issue.
UK police deny responsibility for poster urging parents to report kids for using Kali Linux
Updated: Using Discord, too, is apparently a warning sign that your child is turning into a naughty hacker.
Tech event calendar 2020: Upcoming shows, conferences and IT expos
Our sortable chart offers information, dates and locations for a variety of IT-focused events coming up over the next year.
Why the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best iPhone yet
It's a lot of money, but it's worth it for this one life-changing feature alone.
Meet the community still obsessing over Mass Effect 2 10 years later
From cosplay and podcasts to mods and speedruns, the ME2 community rolls on.
It’s Time for Encrypted Messaging app Signal to go Mainstream
Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike is growing the Signal Foundation and adding new features to the app thanks to a big investment.
Shitty Person Wins Case Against UK Police Who Warned Him About His Transphobic Tweets
A high court in the UK ruled on Friday that police should not have visited a man who sent out transphobic tweets at his place of work and that they had a “substantial chilling effect” by doing so, the Guardian reported.
Microsoft says more than 25 percent of Office 365 licenses now sold through Microsoft 365
Microsoft has a multi-pronged plan to try to move customers of Windows, Office and enterprise mobility = security point products to its M365 bundle.
Report: Waylaid by Daydream VR & focused on Lens, Google far from AR glasses
Augmented reality is arguably the next big thing for its potential to replace the smartphone and change how people interact with tech. Google AR glasses...
Tech firms must do more on child abuse, European police chiefs say
Cites "extreme level" of offending.
9to5Mac Daily: February 14, 2020 – Apple adds new AR Quick Look features, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Chargeasap: Preorder the new Flash 150W USB-C Powerbank for $139 (Reg $299) & enter […]
Report: YouTube grabs 70% of total time spent watching streaming services on mobile
A new report suggests that YouTube accounts for over 70% of the total time we spent using streaming services on mobile throughout 2019.
Netflix goes full spoiler with short teaser for Stranger Things S4
We’re still wondering how this casting decision plays out, of course.
You Can Stream on Pandora Directly From Your Apple Watch
Pandora users Apple Watch can now stream directly from the wearable device, without needing their iPhone thanks to an update.
Facebook Stealthily Launched a Pinterest-Esque App Called Hobbi
Facebook’s at it again. While everybody knows the company for its eponymous app, it also regularly plays around with launching new ones on the down-low. Remember Lasso? How about Whale, Bump, or Aux? Well, the latest experimental app from Facebook is a Pinterest-like app called Hobbi.
Judge grants Amazon bid to pause Pentagon's JEDI cloud contract
After claims deal reflected undue influence by President Trump.
How Wollongong Uni beefed its tech to handle new 1t, 10GB/s microscopes
That's microscope, not telescope: Benchmark Awards 2020 finalist.
Four Shortlisted NASA Missions Would Explore the Nastiest Places in the Solar System
As part of its ongoing Discovery Program, NASA has selected four possible missions that would involve some of the most hostile and enigmatic places in the solar system.
How to charge 30, 50, or even 100 smartphones or tablets simultaneously
If you have a lot of devices to keep charged up, then this solution is far superior to using dozens of chargers.
Google ordered to reveal identity of anonymous reviewer
Federal court rules in favour of Melbourne dentist.
Google calls out Samsung for ‘unnecessary’ changes to Android’s kernel
In a security-focused post, Google has called out Samsung, one of the biggest Android OEMs, for "unnecessary" changes to the Linux kernel core.
HomeKit Weekly: How Apple’s smart home platform compares to Amazon Alexa
What is the best smart home platform to build upon in 2020? Alexa and HomeKit are popular choices, and they both have benefits for consumers.
Apple quietly builds the business case for AR
Apple has introduced new AR features that should help the company push adoption of the technologies more into the mainstream.
Pandora now lets you stream music on the Apple Watch without iPhone
Pandora is out with an update that brings a highly requested feature, streaming support for Apple Watch. This offers more flexibility to listen to your favorite music even if it’s not downloaded to your watch when away from your iPhone. Update: Pandora says that the updated Apple Watch app is rolling out to a small group […]
China Using Drones in Increasingly Dystopian Ways to Combat Coronavirus Outbreak
Authorities in China have deployed drones to combat the spread of coronavirus in a variety of ways since the outbreak began, including disinfectant drones and drones that fly around with a loudspeaker to tell people they should keep their masks on. But there’s another way that police in China have started to use drones, and it makes you feel like we live in the future. But maybe not the future we were hoping for.
Appeals court seems poised to reverse landmark Qualcomm antitrust ruling
"What would be anticompetitive about that?" one judged asked.
Canada's Telus to launch 5G network with Huawei gear - Financial Post
Will use Chinese gear "out of the gate".
Comment: Apple is wrong in the staff bag search case, and should fix it today
We learned yesterday that the California Supreme Court ruled against Apple in a bag search case: deciding whether or not the company has to pay ...
Some Pixel owners appear to have lost the ability to save Call Screen audio
It appears that some Pixel owners have lost the ability to save the audio from any calls blocked using the Call Screen feature.
Oh Yeah, Betelgeuse Is Definitely Looking Weirder
At this point, we’re all crossing our fingers that the dying star Betelgeuse will hurry up and explode already, because who doesn’t love a good show? The red giant star (visible in the constellation Orion) has been growing dimmer since late last year, leading many to speculate it could soon go supernova. Scientists operating the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope have released new images of the supergiant star—and yep, it looks weird.
NASA Will Communicate with Mars Astronauts through Lasers
NASA's astronauts heading to Mars will be able to communicate with Earth thanks to new lasers, the huge dish is currently being built in California.
Microsoft: Chromium Edge is about to get even faster, as these speed tests show
Microsoft's new speed benchmarks suggest it's no longer about Edge versus Chrome.
4 data center spending trends you need to know
Data center spending is likely to be feast or famine as enterprises pull back and hyperscale cloud providers build out infrastructure only to hit pause and digest.
The Sony PS5 Is Making the PS4 Look Cheap
Bloomberg is reporting that Sony is having a problem driving the price down on this year’s PS5. The console is expected to launch later this year, but Sony is struggling to get the cost of manufacturing below $450 per unit.
Australia's First Hospital's Construction Was Paid for Exclusively through Rum Sales
In the early 1800s, Australia was faced with a lack of infrastructure, so one British general hatched an interesting idea to pay for the country's first hospital.
Yes, you can keep using Google Stadia for free if you cancel Pro after trial
If you cancel your Google Stadia Pro membership after its trial period ends, Google has confirmed you'll be put on the unreleased free tier a bit early.
NASA Former High-Ranking Spaceflight Official Moves across to SpaceX Team
One of NASA's foremost experts in spaceflight has left the agency to join SpaceX, just in time for its upcoming launches into space.
Open access journals get a boost from librarians—much to Elsevier’s dismay
Move to cut fees adds pressure to funding model already under strain.
Ming-Chi Kuo casts doubt on 2×2 MIMO uplink support for 5G iPhone 12
Apple’s iPhone 12 may not support 2×2 uplink as initially expected, according to the latest report from Ming-Chi Kuo. TF Securities’ analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in June 2019 that the 5G iPhone rollout would benefit WIN SEMI and Broadcom significantly, with the devices featuring six power amplifiers for 5G networking. However, Kuo has now scaled […]
Medical triage? Deactivating landmines? Now you can train in VR
On the job training is a major problem when it comes to dirty and dangerous jobs like deactivating land mines. Is VR adequate?
Boston Dynamics' Robot Dog Spot Will Soon Start Working on Oil Rigs
Spot, Boston Dynamics' robot dog, is going to begin work on Aker BP's Skarv oil rig. As an attempt to move away from the dangerous roles on oil rigs, the companies are working together to find a safe solution.
These are the latest Apple Arcade games for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV
Apple Arcade launched with over 100 titles in September 2019 and more exclusive titles are being added weekly. Read on for the latest Apple Arcade games.
Flashback Friday: Hero for a day
The name’s familiar but I can’t place anything else.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip selling out quickly in the US due to limited stock
Just hours after going on sale, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip sold out, likely a result of intentionally limited stock. If you wanted one, you'll have to wait.
Best Buy Presidents’ Day sale highlights the best deals, plus up to $300 off MacBook Pro and iPad Pro
Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale highlight the best deals, plus up to $300 off MacBook Pro and iPad Pro and more on sale today.
MOBE ’six-figure income from home’ swindlers to pay FTC $17m, hand over tropical island real estate
21 steps, thousands of dollars, and the secret to easy cash was revealed.
Rocket Report: Demo-2 launch this spring, concerns about Firefly’s backer
"You've got to make sure you've done everything you need to do."
Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth prototype to go under the hammer
A rare example of the classic racing icon is set to change hands at auction this year.
Renault sales and earnings drop in tough market
France's Renault saw its sales and earnings drop last year and says 2020 will be tough due to the need for investment in new technologies just as the market is shrinking.
Apple Shipped Just 2.6 million HomePods During the 2019 Holiday Quarter
Apple Shipped 2.6 Million HomePods during the last three months of 2019, leaving it a long way behind its competitors, especially Amazon.
Four data center spending trends you need to know
Data center spending is likely to be feast or famine as enterprises pull back and hyperscale cloud providers build out infrastructure only to hit pause and digest.
Netflix: JPEG needs replacing and AV1 Image File Format is our best option
Netflix highlights growing support for new image file format AVIF.
Blueprints Website Builder Lifetime Subscription: $39
We have a deal on Blueprints for Mac, a prototyping tool for website ideation that will help you burn through your wire-framing time: $39
Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
Apple TV+ is Apple's new streaming service for original TV shows and movies. Here's the entire TV guide, everything you can watch for your $4.99 per month subscription. New Apple originals are added every month.
US accuses Huawei of stealing trade secrets, assisting Iran
Tracking of protesters alleged in latest indictment against, escalating tensions.
This Cube Is Not Moving: Optical Illusions That Bend Your Brain
Optical illusions have been around for a while, boggling people's brains into trying to figure out what they're seeing. Here, an optical illusionist shares his creations on his Twitter account.
Skoda Enyaq: Brand's new EV crossover named
The Czech brand loves its unusual model names, and its vital new EV takes the cake
AT&T Blocks Encrypted Email App Tutanota
In certain areas of the U.S. some AT&T users found they couldn’t access their inboxes in encrypted email app Tutanota.
7 Audio Tools For Engineers Interested In Music Production
We have listed 7 of the audio tools you might need if you're looking to set up a music production studio at home.
Apple TV+ Documentary ‘Visible – Out on Television’ Now Live
The Apple TV+ docuseries 'Visible - Out on Television' is avaialble now, exploring the history of American LGBTQ movement.
Am I the only one who doesn't want an SUV?
There's room for all body types in 2020, but my heart lies on the road less travelled.
Pixel 3 XL is $399 unlocked in today’s top deals, plus Best Buy’s Presidents’ Day sale, more
Friday's best deals include the unlocked Pixel 3 XL at $399. You can also save during the Best Buy Presidents' Day sale, and more.
Google Labs brings Doodles to home screen of non-Pixel Android phones
The latest of these Labs has brought Google Doodles to the home screen search widget of more Android phones, once a Pixel exclusive feature.
7 Highlights of Foldable Smartphones: A Brief History of Foldable Design
Foldables: either the future of mobile or a very expensive fad consumer product.
Gordon Murray Design reveals autonomous quadricycle
Gordon Murray Design wants to make autonomous driving an easy pill to swallow with its capsule-shaped Motiv.
Latest Updates on Wuhan's Deadly Coronavirus
The impact and infections of the Wuhan coronavirus are spreading rapidly each day, here is a comprehensive list of the latest news on the outbreak.
UK carrier Three deploying 5G in time for ‘critical’ launch of new iPhones
UK carrier Three is launching 5G service at the end of the month, saying that this year's flagship iPhones will be a 'critical' point in demand ...
As capable as a Jeep, as reliable as a Toyota—it’s the 2020 4Runner SUV
New infotainment and driver assists make the 4Runner more fit for suburbia.
7 Real Cars That Happen to Look like the Batmobile
If money was no object, you could probably grab yourself some of these real-life Batmobile-looking cars! Of course, with enough cash, you could just buy one of the film versions? Your call.
China Reports 6 Health Workers Dead and 1,716 Sickened by Coronavirus
Health officials in China announced on Friday that the new coronavirus has sickened at least 1,716 health care workers and killed six. Roughly 87 percent of those health workers infected with COVID-19 were in Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak, according to Chinese state media outlet China Daily.
Microsoft's Windows Terminal: This is the final preview of its new command-line tool
Microsoft's Windows Terminal developers take a leaf from GNU terminal tmux.
5G: 2020 is when it gets real, but not for everyone
Some countries are forging ahead with 5G, but some are already hitting hurdles, says Ericsson.
Valentine credit data crackdown delivers kiss of death for online fraud
User-initiated bans bite from today.
Coronavirus cruise treated with 2000 iPhones deployed to everyone stuck on board
In a more curious example of how iPhone is involved with the coronavirus outbreak, the Japanese Ministry of Health is set to hand out over 2000 iPhones to passengers stuck onboard a Princess cruise ship near Japan. Reported by Macotakara, Japan is giving out the iPhones so that “there will be one unit of phone […]