T

AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have all either launched or are about to launch their respective 5G networks. One carrier that has been quiet, however, is T-Mobile.  While the self-proclaimed “Un-carrier” has been quiet about its exact 5G launch plans, the first signs of the new network seem to have popped up in New York.  Milan Milanović, …

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Intel’s Project Athena aims for laptops with both power and battery life

PCs are dogged by tradeoffs. It’s hard to use your laptop all day on battery, get real work done during a two-minute break waiting for your train, or work hard when you’re not plugged into an electrical outlet. Intel noticed. The giant chipmaker is leading a multi-company, multiyear effort called Project Athena to address those tradeoffs. Athena’s goal: Make us …

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Google Play outlines new rules to make app store safer for kids

Google Play is working to make its app store more family friendly. Kanika Sachdeva, the store’s product manager, said it considered input from users and developers to fine-tune protections for kids and families on Google Play. In a blog post Wednesday, Sachdeva said the latest policy changes will strengthen existing efforts to make sure apps designed for kids contain appropriate content …

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Qualcomm’s 5G phone

VR and AR headsets are going to be powered by phones, via USB-C, in the near future. At least, that’s Qualcomm’s plan. And those headsets could be a lot more capable than you might expect. Eye tracking, full 6DoF positional tracking like Oculus Quest and even controller-free hand gestures are part of the picture. Qualcomm already announced USB-C compatible VR and …

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Democrats criticize FCC broadband report

The Federal Communications Commission signed off on a report declaring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a “timely fashion.” But not everyone agrees. On Wednesday, the FCC voted 3-2 to certify a revised draft of its 2019 Broadband Deployment Report. The three Republicans on the FCC, Chairman Ajit Pai, Brendan Carr and Michael O’Rielly supported the conclusions of …

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A CNET

Quick housekeeping note, friends: I’ll be off the next two days, but have no fear, the cheapness will continue. You’re in good hands with my fellow deal-finders here at CNET. See you back here on Monday! As it happens, I’m about to hop a train — not as noisy a mode of transportation as a plane, but I still want …

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7 things to buy instead of the new iPod Touch

Apple updated the iPod Touch for the first time in years by adding Apple’s A10 Fusion chip and a new 256GB model. The new chip allows for Group FaceTime calls, better gameplay and the ability to run augmented reality apps. The 32GB model costs $199, the 128GB model costs $299 and the new 256GB model costs $399. But as an …

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Apple launches App Store explainer page as it faces fire over its policies

Apple’s defending its App Store — by publishing an explainer site that breaks down its approval process and guidelines.  “We created the App Store with two goals in mind: that it be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers,” Apple said on its new site. “We take …

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Apple Pay’s now your ticket to ride New York’s subways

Goodbye swipes. Starting Friday, you’ll be able to access the New York subway and bus system by scanning your iPhone or Apple Watch.  The New York Metro Transportation Authority that day is turning on contactless payments in some subway stations and buses in the city as part of its new OMNY system. You’ll be able to pay for single rides using your …

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Apple patents foldable screen tech that bends multiple ways

As Samsung continues its figure out its Galaxy Fold problems, a recent patent suggests we might be getting closer to seeing Apple’s version of a foldable device.  On Tuesday, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Apple for a “foldable cover and display for an electronic device.” There are no specifics on whether this display will be …

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Uber is now kicking low

Uber has long deactivated drivers who get low ratings. Now the ride-hailing company is turning the tables. Uber announced Wednesday that those passengers who receive bad marks from drivers will be booted from the platform. But, Uber said, they’ll have to “develop a significantly below average rating.” If a passenger’s rating starts to slip, the company will send tips on …

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Gogo plans to launch in

In-flight Wi-Fi provider Gogo plans to launch a 5G network for business and commercial aircraft in 2021. Gogo will build the new air-to-ground network on top of the company’s existing web of towers and use unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4GHz range, the in-flight internet provider said Wednesday. “We expect to launch Gogo 5G at the same time as the terrestrial …

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Disney CEO says Georgia anti

Production of Disney movies in Georgia could come to a halt if a new state anti-abortion law takes effect, Disney CEO Bob Iger told Reuters on Wednesday. Signed on May 7 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, the bill would prohibit abortions from being performed in the state after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The law is set to take effect …

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Twitter lets you add guests to a live video

Live videos on Twitter are about to get more interactive. The tech company on Wednesday said it’s adding a way for Twitter users to invite up to three guests to join their live broadcasts. Twitter first introduced the feature in February on its live video streaming app Periscope and decided to add it to the main social media site.  Viewers of …

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