May, 2019

• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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• 29 May

  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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