Meteorites older than Earth discovered in Eastern Arizona
Remember the light in the sky from a few weeks ago? Well, it produced a find of a lifetime for some Arizona State University researchers.
After a four-day search, a team of meteorite hunters found pieces of the asteroid that lit up the sky. The search team was huddled around literal pieces of history Wednesday afternoon as they discussed a remarkable find.
"We were lucky to find that one; had we not we might have found nothing," said Laurence Garvie, curator of ASU's Center for Meteorite Studies.
The crusade launched after theenormous fireball crossed eastern Arizona skies in early June.
"What we had was tantalizing information that indicated there was meteorites on the ground in the form of doppler radar," Garvie said."The big fireball comes in at 40,000 mph, explodes in the atmosphere and, if we're lucky, dropped stones onto the ground."
Not knowing what they might find, the team embarked on the journey in the remote landscape of the White Mountain Apache Tribe territory.
"I was actually screaming Laurence's name, saying, 'Come here! I think I found a meteorite!'" Pragkta Mane, an ASU graduate student said. "It was crazy. I did not think that I would do (sic); it's very hard to study these things in the lab and it's very hard to envision how it will look in a natural environment."
In all, they discovered 15 meteorites, all of which are now being preserved in tiny plastic cases and handled only with rubber gloves. The team's search for answers has only just begun.
"We don't know anything about where it came from; the rock, it was sitting apart, so what can these little pieces tell us about the larger object as a whole," said Daniel Dunlap, an ASU graduate student.
It's not clear how much the meteorites are worth; ASU researchers say they're on loan and are property of the Apache Tribe.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Trump to hold Friday rally in The Woodlands
Trump to hold Friday rally in The Woodlands
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will hold rallies at a Woodlands hotel and a Dallas nightspot when he returns to the Lone Star State this week for a series of private fundraisers, his campaign has announced.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, Trump is scheduled to attend public rally at The Woodlands Marriott Hotel and Convention Center after he concludes a private fundraiser at the River Oaks home of prominent attorney Tony Buzbee.
On Thursday, Trump has scheduled a 7 p.m. rally at Gillley's Southside Ballroom in Dallas that will pair with a previously scheduled private fundraiser the same day at the Highland Park home of investor Ray Washburne, who is Trump's national finance director.
Houston Chronic
The visits will be Trump's first since he appears to have cinched the GOP presidential nomination to face Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November general election.
A statement by Trump's campaign on Wednesday indicated that security at both public events will be tight, as it has been at previous appearances since protesters have been showing up en masse at events in other states to disrupt Trump's speeches over his statements about immigration and other issues.
Anti-Trump protests already are had been announced in Dallas and Houston, outside of where the private fundraisers were to be held.
"Please limit personal items and arrive early to expedite entrance into the venue - please note, NO homemade signs, banners, professional cameras with a detachable lens, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, back packs or large bags will be permitted into the venue," the campaign announcementstates.
Trump campaign officials offered no additional details on either public event.
While in Texas, Trump also is slated to appear at a private fundraiser on Friday in San Antonio, the same day the state convention of Texas Democrats will begin at the Alamodome. On Saturday, he is to fly to rallies in Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Wednesday's announcements of the two rallies came within hours after various Texas media outlets in Austin and Dallas had reported that Trump had scrubbed plans for a public events while in Texas because he had been unable to find venues, an unusual twist for the presumptive GOP nominee in one of the most-Republican states in America.
Officials at large-capacity civic centers in Fort Worth, Irving and Garland said they were unable to accommodate Trump because they would not adequately plan security and logistics for the crowds his visit was expected to attract, with just 48 hours' notice.
Convention center officials in Houston and surrounding cities said Wednesday they had not been contacted or did not have availability to accommodate a Trump rally without additional planning time that would be needed.
Venues for this week's two public rallies have a much smaller crowd capacity than the location of his last visit in February, which drew more than 10,000 people to the Fort Worth Convention Center.The Woodlands center says on its website that it can seat about 5,000, and Gilleys said its capacity is about 3,800.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will hold rallies at a Woodlands hotel and a Dallas nightspot when he returns to the Lone Star State this week for a series of private fundraisers, his campaign has announced.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, Trump is scheduled to attend public rally at The Woodlands Marriott Hotel and Convention Center after he concludes a private fundraiser at the River Oaks home of prominent attorney Tony Buzbee.
On Thursday, Trump has scheduled a 7 p.m. rally at Gillley's Southside Ballroom in Dallas that will pair with a previously scheduled private fundraiser the same day at the Highland Park home of investor Ray Washburne, who is Trump's national finance director.
Houston Chronic
The visits will be Trump's first since he appears to have cinched the GOP presidential nomination to face Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November general election.
A statement by Trump's campaign on Wednesday indicated that security at both public events will be tight, as it has been at previous appearances since protesters have been showing up en masse at events in other states to disrupt Trump's speeches over his statements about immigration and other issues.
Anti-Trump protests already are had been announced in Dallas and Houston, outside of where the private fundraisers were to be held.
"Please limit personal items and arrive early to expedite entrance into the venue - please note, NO homemade signs, banners, professional cameras with a detachable lens, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, back packs or large bags will be permitted into the venue," the campaign announcementstates.
Trump campaign officials offered no additional details on either public event.
While in Texas, Trump also is slated to appear at a private fundraiser on Friday in San Antonio, the same day the state convention of Texas Democrats will begin at the Alamodome. On Saturday, he is to fly to rallies in Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Wednesday's announcements of the two rallies came within hours after various Texas media outlets in Austin and Dallas had reported that Trump had scrubbed plans for a public events while in Texas because he had been unable to find venues, an unusual twist for the presumptive GOP nominee in one of the most-Republican states in America.
Officials at large-capacity civic centers in Fort Worth, Irving and Garland said they were unable to accommodate Trump because they would not adequately plan security and logistics for the crowds his visit was expected to attract, with just 48 hours' notice.
Convention center officials in Houston and surrounding cities said Wednesday they had not been contacted or did not have availability to accommodate a Trump rally without additional planning time that would be needed.
Venues for this week's two public rallies have a much smaller crowd capacity than the location of his last visit in February, which drew more than 10,000 people to the Fort Worth Convention Center.The Woodlands center says on its website that it can seat about 5,000, and Gilleys said its capacity is about 3,800.
WhatsApp's latest feature allows users to 'quote and reply' messages
WhatsApp's latest feature allows users to 'quote and reply' messages
To use the feature, users are required to select the desired message bubble until options pop up.
Then select "reply", which will quote the message onto your keyboard and provide space below it for you to type your message.
The feature works for both one-on-one chats as well as group chats. It also works with media files.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp is trying to make its app simpler for users by adding the ability to refer to old messages, or messages that are deep in the rapid fire banter.
On top of this new feature, it is also fully encrypted end-to-end, which means that your messages will no longer be prone to third-party interception.
WhatsApp is also looking into adding video-calling, GIFs and file-sharing features.
To use the feature, users are required to select the desired message bubble until options pop up.
Then select "reply", which will quote the message onto your keyboard and provide space below it for you to type your message.
The feature works for both one-on-one chats as well as group chats. It also works with media files.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp is trying to make its app simpler for users by adding the ability to refer to old messages, or messages that are deep in the rapid fire banter.
On top of this new feature, it is also fully encrypted end-to-end, which means that your messages will no longer be prone to third-party interception.
WhatsApp is also looking into adding video-calling, GIFs and file-sharing features.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Apple to offer new features for watch, Siri
Apple to offer new features for watch, Siri
Apple kicked off its annual software developers conference with new software features for its smartwatch, following a moment of reflection for the Sunday mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Saying that Apple offered its "deepest sympathies to everyone whose lives were touched by this violence," CEO Tim Cook called the shooting a "senseless, unconscionable act of terrorism and hate aimed at dividing and destroying."
He noted that Apple makes a point of celebrating its diversity, before asking the crowd to rise and take part in a moment of silence.
As usual, Apple will use the conference to tout software improvements for iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and watches. A possible overhaul of its music service also could be in the mix. After Apple's dust-up with the FBI earlier this year over iPhone security, it might also announce new security measures to protect users' data.
Apple's watch, the company's first new product since Cook replaced co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, is getting an upgrade in September that will bring fitness tracking to wheelchair-bound users . The retooled watch software will include an "SOS" feature that will automatically call for help in emergencies and the ability to share exercise activities with other people.
MAKING SIRI SMARTER
Artificial intelligence, and Apple's wisecracking digital assistant Siri, may play a larger role in Apple's future plans.
AI is emerging as a major new tech battleground, one where Apple may have some ground to make up. Siri made a big splash when it debuted five years ago. But as other tech giants jockey to build intelligent "chat bots" and voice-controlled home systems capable of more challenging artificial-intelligence feats, Siri at times no longer seems cutting edge.
On Monday, Apple announced that Siri will work on Mac computers, and may demonstrate further upgrades to Siri's smarts. The main question is whether it will be enough to keep up with rivals like Amazon, Google, Facebook and others who are racing to create digital services that consumers will find indispensable for shopping, chatting, controlling other appliances and simply getting through their daily lives.
"Google Now has kind of eaten their lunch," said Chris Monberg, co-founder of Boomtrain, a startup that makes artificial intelligence software used by online retailers. Monberg argues that Google's proactive digital assistant provides more useful reminders, recommendations and tips on local weather or traffic, largely because it reads his email and other data from his Android phone and crunches it with sophisticated algorithms on Google's powerful servers.
Amazon's Echo home speaker likewise has its fans; it recognizes informal voice commands and can order flowers, pizza or a ride to the airport. Facebook, Google and Microsoft are also working to incorporate intelligent "bots" into the voice- and text-messaging services that people use to chat with their friends.
In some respects, Siri remains plenty competitive, at least so long as you stick with Apple's other services. Jan Dawson, a tech analyst at Jackdaw Research, notes that Siri can volunteer helpful reminders from the Apple calendar, offer suggestions based on a user's location, or search for images stored in Apple's photo app.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Apple, however, has been largely unwilling to pry too deeply into your personal information. And some experts say that puts it at a disadvantage compared to Google, which has compiled vast quantities of data — about both individual users and consumer trends — from its search engine, Gmail, maps and other well-liked online services. (Many of those Google services remain popular on the iPhone, despite Apple's best efforts to replace them.)
With AI, "systems get much better the more they know about the user," said Alan Black, an expert in voice-enabled technology at Carnegie Mellon University. Apple collects plenty of data from its users, but hasn't "focused on connecting all the dots," said Raj Singh, co-founder of Tempo AI, an artificial intelligence startup acquired by Salesforce.com last year.
Google, of course, makes money from advertising that's keyed to individual interests. Apple, which makes most of its money from iPhones, says its software respects customer privacy by working with an individual's data on the iPhone or iPad, while anonymizing information that's uploaded to its servers.
"We don't mine your email, your photos, or your contacts in the cloud to learn things about you," Apple VP Craig Federighi said at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference last year. "We honestly just don't want to know."
Apple declined comment on plans for Siri. Last fall, however, Apple acquired a startup that makes AI software specifically for mobile devices, and another that helps computers carry on extensive voice conversations
Apple kicked off its annual software developers conference with new software features for its smartwatch, following a moment of reflection for the Sunday mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Saying that Apple offered its "deepest sympathies to everyone whose lives were touched by this violence," CEO Tim Cook called the shooting a "senseless, unconscionable act of terrorism and hate aimed at dividing and destroying."
He noted that Apple makes a point of celebrating its diversity, before asking the crowd to rise and take part in a moment of silence.
As usual, Apple will use the conference to tout software improvements for iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and watches. A possible overhaul of its music service also could be in the mix. After Apple's dust-up with the FBI earlier this year over iPhone security, it might also announce new security measures to protect users' data.
Apple's watch, the company's first new product since Cook replaced co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, is getting an upgrade in September that will bring fitness tracking to wheelchair-bound users . The retooled watch software will include an "SOS" feature that will automatically call for help in emergencies and the ability to share exercise activities with other people.
MAKING SIRI SMARTER
Artificial intelligence, and Apple's wisecracking digital assistant Siri, may play a larger role in Apple's future plans.
AI is emerging as a major new tech battleground, one where Apple may have some ground to make up. Siri made a big splash when it debuted five years ago. But as other tech giants jockey to build intelligent "chat bots" and voice-controlled home systems capable of more challenging artificial-intelligence feats, Siri at times no longer seems cutting edge.
On Monday, Apple announced that Siri will work on Mac computers, and may demonstrate further upgrades to Siri's smarts. The main question is whether it will be enough to keep up with rivals like Amazon, Google, Facebook and others who are racing to create digital services that consumers will find indispensable for shopping, chatting, controlling other appliances and simply getting through their daily lives.
"Google Now has kind of eaten their lunch," said Chris Monberg, co-founder of Boomtrain, a startup that makes artificial intelligence software used by online retailers. Monberg argues that Google's proactive digital assistant provides more useful reminders, recommendations and tips on local weather or traffic, largely because it reads his email and other data from his Android phone and crunches it with sophisticated algorithms on Google's powerful servers.
Amazon's Echo home speaker likewise has its fans; it recognizes informal voice commands and can order flowers, pizza or a ride to the airport. Facebook, Google and Microsoft are also working to incorporate intelligent "bots" into the voice- and text-messaging services that people use to chat with their friends.
In some respects, Siri remains plenty competitive, at least so long as you stick with Apple's other services. Jan Dawson, a tech analyst at Jackdaw Research, notes that Siri can volunteer helpful reminders from the Apple calendar, offer suggestions based on a user's location, or search for images stored in Apple's photo app.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Apple, however, has been largely unwilling to pry too deeply into your personal information. And some experts say that puts it at a disadvantage compared to Google, which has compiled vast quantities of data — about both individual users and consumer trends — from its search engine, Gmail, maps and other well-liked online services. (Many of those Google services remain popular on the iPhone, despite Apple's best efforts to replace them.)
With AI, "systems get much better the more they know about the user," said Alan Black, an expert in voice-enabled technology at Carnegie Mellon University. Apple collects plenty of data from its users, but hasn't "focused on connecting all the dots," said Raj Singh, co-founder of Tempo AI, an artificial intelligence startup acquired by Salesforce.com last year.
Google, of course, makes money from advertising that's keyed to individual interests. Apple, which makes most of its money from iPhones, says its software respects customer privacy by working with an individual's data on the iPhone or iPad, while anonymizing information that's uploaded to its servers.
"We don't mine your email, your photos, or your contacts in the cloud to learn things about you," Apple VP Craig Federighi said at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference last year. "We honestly just don't want to know."
Apple declined comment on plans for Siri. Last fall, however, Apple acquired a startup that makes AI software specifically for mobile devices, and another that helps computers carry on extensive voice conversations
Who are the Ultras? Evil Russian football hooligans spreading fear throughout Euro 2016
Who are the Ultras? Evil Russian football hooligans spreading fear throughout Euro 2016
Russian football thugs known as the “Ultras ” are some of the most feared football hooligans in the world.
The hardcore groups of thugs are renowned for plaguing games with sickening racist chants, displaying neo-Nazi banners and launching violent attacks on rival fans.
Their origin was developed out of admiration for violent football gangs in England and Italy during the 1980s and 90s.
But now experts fear with support and even funds from the Russian government they are planning more attacks during Euro 2016.
Ultras groups are usually centred on a core group leaders who direct gangs of thugs to launch attacks on rival “firms”.
They each have notorious styles and put up banners and flags bearing the name and symbols of their group at games.
Saint Petersburg FC Zenit ultras are considered to be the most feared, with more than 5,000 local supporters.
They are well organised and experts say their barbaric actions are “tolerated” by Government officials and even sponsored by the Russian state.
A 2015 report by FARE - an organisation made up of NGO’s and charities - found violence and racism was rife in Russian football.
Hundreds of hooligans clashed with England fans on Saturday, leaving scores bloodied and at least two men fighting for their lives in hospital.
Security consultant Bruce Jones said: “It is very likely that members of state supported and Kremlin tolerated Russian nationalist and ultra-right groups were involved in Saturday night’s violence against England fans at in Marseilles.
Marseille
“Some of the groups are coordinated directly through the FSB (Federal Security Service) Moscow’s successor to the KGB.
“The smart biker gang the “Night Wolves” which President Vladimir Putin has ridden with, which proposed to ride to Berlin to mark the 70th VE Day last year is stated subsidised.
“At a grass roots’ level it also operates side-by-side with armed pro-Kremlin separatists in eastern Ukraine, in places like Lugansk, near where MH17 was shot down. ‘Self-made’ younger Russians can be very violent. Some go to the gym just to be good at it.
Russian fans attack England fans
“Next to the USA, the United Kingdom in NATO is ‘public enemy number 1’ to Russians who believe, after years of being told by state-controlled media, that the West is about to attack them.”
The black-shirted hooligans have mocked English fans on social media, likening them to “women and children” and saying they were “too old, drunk and fat” to fight.
Russian fan groups have posted pictures of their match tickets and “zombie” knives, long serrated blades inspired by horror films. Numerous postings on social media have issued a rallying call for more sickening behaviour during the tournament.
Monday, June 13, 2016
iOS 9.3.3 And iOS 9.3.2 Jailbreak Chances Decrease
There were a lot of speculation and rumors at the beginning of the month that a jailbreak for the upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update was going to be released on June 10. However, the date has come and gone with the jailbreak not releasing and the team associated with it being reportedly discredited. Ultimately, there is another round of rumors saying that it will not be released soon since iOS 10 has now been revealed by Apple.
The intense speculation on the Internet started around the beginning of this month and said that a jailbreak for iOS 9.3.3 was in the making by a new team called GSMagic. This particular team even released a statement via its social media accounts that it would make the jailbreak available on June 10. At that time, they even pointed out that jailbreaks made by several other reputed sources were fake. Even though many doubted the credentials of this new team, the news that they had a jailbreak was spread quickly on the Internet. However, websites
note that ever since June 10 passed and GSMagic did not reveal a jailbreak, many have labeled the site and its jailbreak as fake.
However, after they failed to release the jailbreak, the GSMagic team changed the status of its social media accounts and made them only accessible to subscribers. They have also been saying that they are not responsible for any Trojans or malware that people may have downloaded by following links from their social media accounts. Meanwhile, other reputed jailbreak teams like Pangu or TaiG team have not indicated if they have one for iOS 9.3.2, which has been released, or for iOS 9.3.3, which is in its beta phase.
This means that even though developers like Luca Todesco have jailbreaks for the upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update and also for iOS 9.3.2, they are not going to be released anytime soon. In fact, all pointers are indicating that since Apple just showcased its iOS 10 at its WWDC 2016 event this week, the hopes for a jailbreak for any version of iOS 9.3 are diminishing very fast.
There were a lot of speculation and rumors at the beginning of the month that a jailbreak for the upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update was going to be released on June 10. However, the date has come and gone with the jailbreak not releasing and the team associated with it being reportedly discredited. Ultimately, there is another round of rumors saying that it will not be released soon since iOS 10 has now been revealed by Apple.
The intense speculation on the Internet started around the beginning of this month and said that a jailbreak for iOS 9.3.3 was in the making by a new team called GSMagic. This particular team even released a statement via its social media accounts that it would make the jailbreak available on June 10. At that time, they even pointed out that jailbreaks made by several other reputed sources were fake. Even though many doubted the credentials of this new team, the news that they had a jailbreak was spread quickly on the Internet. However, websites
note that ever since June 10 passed and GSMagic did not reveal a jailbreak, many have labeled the site and its jailbreak as fake.
However, after they failed to release the jailbreak, the GSMagic team changed the status of its social media accounts and made them only accessible to subscribers. They have also been saying that they are not responsible for any Trojans or malware that people may have downloaded by following links from their social media accounts. Meanwhile, other reputed jailbreak teams like Pangu or TaiG team have not indicated if they have one for iOS 9.3.2, which has been released, or for iOS 9.3.3, which is in its beta phase.
This means that even though developers like Luca Todesco have jailbreaks for the upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update and also for iOS 9.3.2, they are not going to be released anytime soon. In fact, all pointers are indicating that since Apple just showcased its iOS 10 at its WWDC 2016 event this week, the hopes for a jailbreak for any version of iOS 9.3 are diminishing very fast.
Bonucci shines in big night for Italy's back three
On a night when Italy showed it is still a force to be reckoned with at the European Championship, Leonardo Bonucci put on a masterly performance from the heart of its defense to show that defense is still the heart of the team.
The 29-year-old center back did it all on Monday, excelling both in defense and attack to lead Italy to a 2-0 victory over Belgium as he and his two partners at the back hit a milestone.
"We showed some typical Italian qualities," said Bonucci. "Sacrifice, humility, physical fitness, desire."
Bonucci and Juventus teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli reached a combined 200 appearances for the Italian national team, and they did so by keeping in check the world's second-ranked team famous for its attacking flare.
Standing tall at the center of Italy's defense, Bonucci intervened on several occasions to disrupt Belgium attackers who were already sizing up Gianluigi Buffon's goalmouth.
It may not be catenaccio, the smothering defensive tactic perfected by Italian defenders in the 1970s. Bonucci showed this with attacking darts out of defense, not a tradition often practiced by Italian defenders.
He made timely tackles to stop Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku before he provided an inch perfect assist for Emanuele Giaccherini to score the opening goal.
With Belgium dictating the pace early on, Bonucci caught them off-guard when he approached midfield. Instead of laying the ball off, he took a quick glance up and spied Giaccherini starting his darting move around defender Toby Alderweireld.
Bonucci lofted the sweetest of lobs 40 meters ahead, landing his pass just over Alderweireld and before Thibaut Courtois could come out to challenge.
Giaccherini did the rest with a deft control with his left boot before using the other foot to slot the ball home.
Belgium had been picked as a pre-tournament favorite based on its oodles of attacking talent.
But Bonucci set the tone for an exhaustive team effort to stymie Belgium's lauded playmaking pair of Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne and pull off what coach Antonio Conte agreed was an upset.
"We were excellent today at preparing for the game and overturning the odds," Conte said. "Because the odds were against us and that is what great about football. They odds can be overturned with passion and commitment."
The back line of three allowed Conte to overcome Italy's lack of quality in attack by getting numbers forward.
The formation paid dividends, especially on the second goal. Belgium was searching desperately for an equalizer and was outnumbered when Graziano Pelle sealed Italy's win in stoppage time, sending Conte and his bench into wild celebrations that spilled onto the field.
"I really liked my player's attitude," Conte said. "They created chances to hurt Belgium and to dig in, and while we were digging in we came up with chances to double our lead."
Bonucci earned his 58th cap, while the 31-year-old Chiellini reached his 85th and Barzagli hit No. 57.
They did so in a performance that flew in the face of the team's critics, who said this side was Italy's worst in recent memory and without a chance to repeat the finalist appearance four years ago.
Italy now leads Group E after Sweden and Ireland drew 1-1 also on Monday.
Bonucci and company will get another challenge on Thursday when they face Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden.
On a night when Italy showed it is still a force to be reckoned with at the European Championship, Leonardo Bonucci put on a masterly performance from the heart of its defense to show that defense is still the heart of the team.
The 29-year-old center back did it all on Monday, excelling both in defense and attack to lead Italy to a 2-0 victory over Belgium as he and his two partners at the back hit a milestone.
"We showed some typical Italian qualities," said Bonucci. "Sacrifice, humility, physical fitness, desire."
Bonucci and Juventus teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli reached a combined 200 appearances for the Italian national team, and they did so by keeping in check the world's second-ranked team famous for its attacking flare.
Standing tall at the center of Italy's defense, Bonucci intervened on several occasions to disrupt Belgium attackers who were already sizing up Gianluigi Buffon's goalmouth.
It may not be catenaccio, the smothering defensive tactic perfected by Italian defenders in the 1970s. Bonucci showed this with attacking darts out of defense, not a tradition often practiced by Italian defenders.
He made timely tackles to stop Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku before he provided an inch perfect assist for Emanuele Giaccherini to score the opening goal.
With Belgium dictating the pace early on, Bonucci caught them off-guard when he approached midfield. Instead of laying the ball off, he took a quick glance up and spied Giaccherini starting his darting move around defender Toby Alderweireld.
Bonucci lofted the sweetest of lobs 40 meters ahead, landing his pass just over Alderweireld and before Thibaut Courtois could come out to challenge.
Giaccherini did the rest with a deft control with his left boot before using the other foot to slot the ball home.
Belgium had been picked as a pre-tournament favorite based on its oodles of attacking talent.
But Bonucci set the tone for an exhaustive team effort to stymie Belgium's lauded playmaking pair of Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne and pull off what coach Antonio Conte agreed was an upset.
"We were excellent today at preparing for the game and overturning the odds," Conte said. "Because the odds were against us and that is what great about football. They odds can be overturned with passion and commitment."
The back line of three allowed Conte to overcome Italy's lack of quality in attack by getting numbers forward.
The formation paid dividends, especially on the second goal. Belgium was searching desperately for an equalizer and was outnumbered when Graziano Pelle sealed Italy's win in stoppage time, sending Conte and his bench into wild celebrations that spilled onto the field.
"I really liked my player's attitude," Conte said. "They created chances to hurt Belgium and to dig in, and while we were digging in we came up with chances to double our lead."
Bonucci earned his 58th cap, while the 31-year-old Chiellini reached his 85th and Barzagli hit No. 57.
They did so in a performance that flew in the face of the team's critics, who said this side was Italy's worst in recent memory and without a chance to repeat the finalist appearance four years ago.
Italy now leads Group E after Sweden and Ireland drew 1-1 also on Monday.
Bonucci and company will get another challenge on Thursday when they face Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden.
Euro 2016: Italy v Belgium
Euro 2016: Italy v Belgium
25 min: Plenty of possession for Belgium but they can't find the killer pass at the moment. Italy keeping De Bruyne very quiet as well, doubling up on him most of the time.
23 min: Corner for Belgium on the far side, but it's a poor delivery from De Bruyne and easily cleared.
21 min: A shot form Nainggolan form the edge fizzes wide of Buffon's right post. The Roma midfielder wants a corner but Clattenburg isn't interested.
Giaccherini gets to the byline and cuts back onto his right and hits the deck as Laurent Ciman slides in. Rash tackle and looked like there was contact, but there aren't many protestations from Italy and Clattenburg gives a goal kick.
20 min: Belgium have grown into this and they're keeping the ball well now and Italy are struggling to get out of their half. Teasing cross from Nainggolan but Lukaku can't get across his man.
17 min: First glimpse of Hazard as he slaloms inside and slips it to Lukaku, but Chiellini slides in with a strong challenge to win it. Unstoppable force immovable object etc etc.
16 min: Giaccherini crosses from the left but it's cleared and Belgium can break. De Bruyne's pass is poor but so is the Italian clearance and Lukaku sends in a low cross, but Bonucci strolls across to intercept and the danger is over,
14 min: Great ball from de Bruyne into Lukaku in the box but Bonucci reads it and outmuscles the Everton striker. That will be a serious battle today.
12 MIN: BELGIUM 0 ITALY 0
11 min: Barzagli plays it in to Pelle's feet and he plays a cute ball round the corner which is just too strong for Eder. For all their defensive strengths Italy are looking good going forward here.
10 min: Buffon forced into a sharp save after the ball drops nicely for Nainggolan to shoot from the edge of the box. Kevin de Bruyne's corner finds Fellaini but his header is well wide of the far post.
9 min: After a nervy opening Italy have settled into this well and look very solid. Eder finds Candreva out wide and he jinks both ways before a low cross is cleared by Belgium.
7 min: Eder goes in on Thomas Vermaelen with his studs raised and earns himself a talking to from Mark Clattenburg but excapes an early booking.
5 min: plenty of zip in the surface in Lyon after a lot of rain. Daniele De Rossi challenges with Lukaku in the air and ends up on his backside.
4 min: Eder has a shot from the edge but it's half blocked and bounces through to Courtois harmlessly. A bit of space for Italy on the right and a low cross is well cleared by Belgium.
3 min: A few nervy passes early on from Italy. Neither side have really settled so far. Great noise in Lyon though.
1 min: Some early, rather robust centre forward play from Graziano Pelle, dumping his marker onto the turf as he challenged for a long ball.
Here we go.....
BEEEEEEEEEEP!
Marouane Fellaini what have you done?! The big man has gone all Carlos Valderrama on us and his perm is now peroxide blonde.
There's the lyrics of the Italian national anthem, if you fancy singing along.
The teams are out for the anthems at the impressive new Stade de Lyon.
Seems improbable that despite their consistent dominance on the international stage Italy have won the European Championships just the once back in 1968.
Plenty of familiar faces in Belgium's star-studded line-up. They're strong throughout but it's going forward they look particularly impressive, with captain Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne playing off Romelu Lukaku. Marouane Fellaini starts as well to offer another dimension to the Belgian's.
As ever Italy's strength comes from their defence, with Buffon behind a back three of Chiellini-Bonucci-Barzagli. It's the same defence which has seen Juventus win five Serie A titles on the bounce.
Good evening!
Top spot in Group E is up for grabs after Ireland's draw with Sweden at the Stade de France.
Tonight Belgium's golden generaiton have the chance to finally shine in Lyon and show the world they can be the sum of their very impressive parts.
But standing in their way tonight are Italy. This Italian side are probably the anthithesis of Belgium in that Antonio Conte's side are without the stellar names of years gone by.
But still, this is Italy. It's impossible to write the Azzurri off, and if you do you'll probably end up with egg on your face after they've won every game 1-0 en route to the final.
We'll be bringing you all the action from the Stade de Lyon, so time to sit back and enjoy the third instalment of a Monday football trilogy.
Come on!!!!
25 min: Plenty of possession for Belgium but they can't find the killer pass at the moment. Italy keeping De Bruyne very quiet as well, doubling up on him most of the time.
23 min: Corner for Belgium on the far side, but it's a poor delivery from De Bruyne and easily cleared.
21 min: A shot form Nainggolan form the edge fizzes wide of Buffon's right post. The Roma midfielder wants a corner but Clattenburg isn't interested.
Giaccherini gets to the byline and cuts back onto his right and hits the deck as Laurent Ciman slides in. Rash tackle and looked like there was contact, but there aren't many protestations from Italy and Clattenburg gives a goal kick.
20 min: Belgium have grown into this and they're keeping the ball well now and Italy are struggling to get out of their half. Teasing cross from Nainggolan but Lukaku can't get across his man.
17 min: First glimpse of Hazard as he slaloms inside and slips it to Lukaku, but Chiellini slides in with a strong challenge to win it. Unstoppable force immovable object etc etc.
16 min: Giaccherini crosses from the left but it's cleared and Belgium can break. De Bruyne's pass is poor but so is the Italian clearance and Lukaku sends in a low cross, but Bonucci strolls across to intercept and the danger is over,
14 min: Great ball from de Bruyne into Lukaku in the box but Bonucci reads it and outmuscles the Everton striker. That will be a serious battle today.
12 MIN: BELGIUM 0 ITALY 0
11 min: Barzagli plays it in to Pelle's feet and he plays a cute ball round the corner which is just too strong for Eder. For all their defensive strengths Italy are looking good going forward here.
10 min: Buffon forced into a sharp save after the ball drops nicely for Nainggolan to shoot from the edge of the box. Kevin de Bruyne's corner finds Fellaini but his header is well wide of the far post.
9 min: After a nervy opening Italy have settled into this well and look very solid. Eder finds Candreva out wide and he jinks both ways before a low cross is cleared by Belgium.
7 min: Eder goes in on Thomas Vermaelen with his studs raised and earns himself a talking to from Mark Clattenburg but excapes an early booking.
5 min: plenty of zip in the surface in Lyon after a lot of rain. Daniele De Rossi challenges with Lukaku in the air and ends up on his backside.
4 min: Eder has a shot from the edge but it's half blocked and bounces through to Courtois harmlessly. A bit of space for Italy on the right and a low cross is well cleared by Belgium.
3 min: A few nervy passes early on from Italy. Neither side have really settled so far. Great noise in Lyon though.
1 min: Some early, rather robust centre forward play from Graziano Pelle, dumping his marker onto the turf as he challenged for a long ball.
Here we go.....
BEEEEEEEEEEP!
Marouane Fellaini what have you done?! The big man has gone all Carlos Valderrama on us and his perm is now peroxide blonde.
There's the lyrics of the Italian national anthem, if you fancy singing along.
The teams are out for the anthems at the impressive new Stade de Lyon.
Seems improbable that despite their consistent dominance on the international stage Italy have won the European Championships just the once back in 1968.
Plenty of familiar faces in Belgium's star-studded line-up. They're strong throughout but it's going forward they look particularly impressive, with captain Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne playing off Romelu Lukaku. Marouane Fellaini starts as well to offer another dimension to the Belgian's.
As ever Italy's strength comes from their defence, with Buffon behind a back three of Chiellini-Bonucci-Barzagli. It's the same defence which has seen Juventus win five Serie A titles on the bounce.
Good evening!
Top spot in Group E is up for grabs after Ireland's draw with Sweden at the Stade de France.
Tonight Belgium's golden generaiton have the chance to finally shine in Lyon and show the world they can be the sum of their very impressive parts.
But standing in their way tonight are Italy. This Italian side are probably the anthithesis of Belgium in that Antonio Conte's side are without the stellar names of years gone by.
But still, this is Italy. It's impossible to write the Azzurri off, and if you do you'll probably end up with egg on your face after they've won every game 1-0 en route to the final.
We'll be bringing you all the action from the Stade de Lyon, so time to sit back and enjoy the third instalment of a Monday football trilogy.
Come on!!!!
E3: A guide to all the announcements
E3: A guide to all the announcements
takes with the thousands of other fans on Twitter, so here's our one-stop guide to all the major events of next week, what you're likely to see and where you can watch it live. (All times in NZT.)
Gears of War 4 will be one of Xbox's big exclusives at the show.
MICROSOFT
Surprisingly — given the latest consoles are only a few years old — this E3 could be a big one for hardware, with Microsoft leading the charge.
Rumour has it that the company has not one but two new Xbox One consoles in the pipeline, including a more compact model this year and a more powerful model in 2017. This could be the place for Microsoft to explain the rationale behind its move to more frequent hardware updates, as well as the increasing parity between Xbox and Windows.
The company is also long-rumoured to be introducing some kind of direct support for the Oculus Rift VR headset for Xbox, which would help combat Sony's PlayStation VR. In terms of games, look for updates on co-operative horror shooter Gears of War 4, strategy title Halo Wars 2, open-world destruction simulator Crackdown 3, as well as more details on intriguing artsy stuff like ReCore, Sea of Thieves, Below and Tacoma. New announcements are also on the cards (yes, car fans, Forza is a good bet).
Microsoft takes the stage on Tuesday at 4.30am. You can tune in live at xbox.com/en-AU/e3.
SONY
Rumours of a more powerful PlayStation 4 predate the Xbox rumours, and it's possible that Sony forced Microsoft's hand in developing a more powerful machine (with Nintendo also launching a next-generation machine next year).
If Sony has a new PlayStation, possibly with 4K capabilites or closer ties to PlayStation VR, it's possible we'll see it at E3. Then again they might prefer to reveal it on home turf at PlayStation Experience later on.
Speaking of VR, expect it to dominate Sony's conference as the new headset comes out this October. Launching in Australia at $550, it will be the most accessible game-focused VR product on the market, and Sony will want to drive awareness.
Beyond lots of VR game announcements, expect quite a few surprise game reveals as well as new looks at caveman-meets-robot-dinosaurs RPG Horizon: Zero Dawn, android dystopia story Detroit: Become Human, the long-awaited The Last Guardian. Gravity Rush 2, Gran Tourismo Sport and possibly No Man's Sky would be good picks to get fresh details. Final Fantasy may have a presence here as well.
Sony's briefing kicks off on Tuesday at 1pm, and you can see it live on YouTube right here.
NINTENDO
Once the mighty third pillar of big E3 announcements, Nintendo has backed away in recent years, preferring to reach fans on its own terms through streamed video presentations throughout the year.
In 2016 it is not having a conference, will not be talking about next year's mysterious NX console, and claims it is only bringing one game to the E3 show floor. But that doesn't mean the company isn't planning to make an impact, inexplicably booking more floor space at the convention centre even than Microsoft.
All of it will be for just one game: the brand new Legend of Zelda title last seen in 2014. Press have been told to put aside 90 minutes for the Zelda demo, so expect a huge amount of new details and the massive game expected to launch next year on both Wii U and the brand new unreleased console.
A day-long livestream dedicated to Zelda will begin on Wednesday at 4am. On Thursday, the stream will continue with new details on other upcoming Nintendo games. You can tune in at e3.nintendo.com.
Bethesda showcase, Monday at 2pm: Dishonored 2 should show up, as well as new content for DOOM and Fallout 4. A Skyrim remaster is rumoured, as is a new Wolfenstein and Evil Within. twitch.tv/bethesda.
Ubisoft conference, Tuesday at 8am: Watch Dogs 2, For Honor, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands will all be there. Expect at least one completely new game too. twitch.tv/ubisoft
Activision has opted out of the E3 conference stakes, but will have new Call of Duty, Destiny and Skylanders content on the show floor.
Of course ther are many other game-makers which will reveal titles at the show but don't have their own conferences, and they will instead ally themselves with Microsoft or Sony to make the announcement. Rockstar for example, of Grand Theft Auto fame, is rumoured to be unveiling Red Dead Redemption 2, and we know thanks to leaks that a newInjustice game — the fighter based on DC Comics superheroes — is on the way
takes with the thousands of other fans on Twitter, so here's our one-stop guide to all the major events of next week, what you're likely to see and where you can watch it live. (All times in NZT.)
Gears of War 4 will be one of Xbox's big exclusives at the show.
MICROSOFT
Surprisingly — given the latest consoles are only a few years old — this E3 could be a big one for hardware, with Microsoft leading the charge.
Rumour has it that the company has not one but two new Xbox One consoles in the pipeline, including a more compact model this year and a more powerful model in 2017. This could be the place for Microsoft to explain the rationale behind its move to more frequent hardware updates, as well as the increasing parity between Xbox and Windows.
The company is also long-rumoured to be introducing some kind of direct support for the Oculus Rift VR headset for Xbox, which would help combat Sony's PlayStation VR. In terms of games, look for updates on co-operative horror shooter Gears of War 4, strategy title Halo Wars 2, open-world destruction simulator Crackdown 3, as well as more details on intriguing artsy stuff like ReCore, Sea of Thieves, Below and Tacoma. New announcements are also on the cards (yes, car fans, Forza is a good bet).
Microsoft takes the stage on Tuesday at 4.30am. You can tune in live at xbox.com/en-AU/e3.
SONY
Rumours of a more powerful PlayStation 4 predate the Xbox rumours, and it's possible that Sony forced Microsoft's hand in developing a more powerful machine (with Nintendo also launching a next-generation machine next year).
If Sony has a new PlayStation, possibly with 4K capabilites or closer ties to PlayStation VR, it's possible we'll see it at E3. Then again they might prefer to reveal it on home turf at PlayStation Experience later on.
Speaking of VR, expect it to dominate Sony's conference as the new headset comes out this October. Launching in Australia at $550, it will be the most accessible game-focused VR product on the market, and Sony will want to drive awareness.
Beyond lots of VR game announcements, expect quite a few surprise game reveals as well as new looks at caveman-meets-robot-dinosaurs RPG Horizon: Zero Dawn, android dystopia story Detroit: Become Human, the long-awaited The Last Guardian. Gravity Rush 2, Gran Tourismo Sport and possibly No Man's Sky would be good picks to get fresh details. Final Fantasy may have a presence here as well.
Sony's briefing kicks off on Tuesday at 1pm, and you can see it live on YouTube right here.
NINTENDO
Once the mighty third pillar of big E3 announcements, Nintendo has backed away in recent years, preferring to reach fans on its own terms through streamed video presentations throughout the year.
In 2016 it is not having a conference, will not be talking about next year's mysterious NX console, and claims it is only bringing one game to the E3 show floor. But that doesn't mean the company isn't planning to make an impact, inexplicably booking more floor space at the convention centre even than Microsoft.
All of it will be for just one game: the brand new Legend of Zelda title last seen in 2014. Press have been told to put aside 90 minutes for the Zelda demo, so expect a huge amount of new details and the massive game expected to launch next year on both Wii U and the brand new unreleased console.
A day-long livestream dedicated to Zelda will begin on Wednesday at 4am. On Thursday, the stream will continue with new details on other upcoming Nintendo games. You can tune in at e3.nintendo.com.
Bethesda showcase, Monday at 2pm: Dishonored 2 should show up, as well as new content for DOOM and Fallout 4. A Skyrim remaster is rumoured, as is a new Wolfenstein and Evil Within. twitch.tv/bethesda.
Ubisoft conference, Tuesday at 8am: Watch Dogs 2, For Honor, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands will all be there. Expect at least one completely new game too. twitch.tv/ubisoft
Activision has opted out of the E3 conference stakes, but will have new Call of Duty, Destiny and Skylanders content on the show floor.
Of course ther are many other game-makers which will reveal titles at the show but don't have their own conferences, and they will instead ally themselves with Microsoft or Sony to make the announcement. Rockstar for example, of Grand Theft Auto fame, is rumoured to be unveiling Red Dead Redemption 2, and we know thanks to leaks that a newInjustice game — the fighter based on DC Comics superheroes — is on the way
Pulse Is Not alone: A brief History Of Attacks On Hay Clubs
Pulse Is Not alone: A brief History Of Attacks On Hay Clubs
A gunman opens fire in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing approximately 20 people and sending 42 to the hospital.
Dec. 31, 2013 – Musab Masmari poured gasoline in a stairway at a decades-old gay nightclub, and lit it. There were about 750 people in the Seattle club for a New Year's Eve celebration at the time, but the fire was extinguished with no injuries. An associate of his "reported that Masmari confided in him that he 'burned a gay club' and that he did it because 'what these people are doing is wrong,'" an assistant U.S. attorney said in court documents. Masamari was sentenced to 10 years on federal arson charges.
Items carried out of suspect's home connected to Orlando shootings | Photos
March 1, 2009 – Brothers Lawrence Henry Lewis and Lawrneil Henry Lewis and their cousin Alejandro Sam Gray hurled chunks of concrete at patrons of a gay bar in Galveston, Texas. One of the victims, Marc Bosaw, required twelve staples in his head.
Sept. 22, 2000 – Ronald Gay opened fire in a gay bar in Roanoke, Va., killing 43-year-old Danny Overstreet and injuring six others. Gay told police he didn't like being teased about his last name. Several of his sons had changed their last name. And his fifth ex-wife had a same-sex relationship before their marriage. Gay told authorities it was his mission to make all gays move to San Francisco, which he thought would end AIDS.
Feb. 21, 1997 – Eric Rudolph sets off a nail-laden explosive device at the Otherside Lounge, a nightclub in Atlanta with a mostly gay and lesbian clientele. The lounge was crowded with about 150 people when the device went off on a rear patio. Five people are wounded. Rudolph, better known for targeting the 1996 Summer Olympics, said he was striking back at a "morally corrupt government" that allows abortion and homosexuality.
June 24, 1973 – An arsonist sets fire to the Upstairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans' French Quarter, killing 32 people.
WWDC 2016 reflections: Five iPhone 6s features that won me over this year
WWDC 2016 reflections: Five iPhone 6s features that won me over this year
Each year, Apple's developer conference marks the beginning of the next cycle in operating system updates. David Gewirtz looks back on five iPhone 6s features that proved unexpectedly helpful this year.
There is a cadence to announcements and updates in the Apple world. New iPhones come out in the fall. Other new devices are introduced in the March timeframe. And then, around June, Apple peels back the curtain and shows a bit of its future plans at WWDC, the Worldwide Developers Conference.
This week, at WWDC 2016, we're bound to get a peek at features in the new Mac operating system update (which may wind up being renamed Mac OS), as well as new features coming in iOS. But for me, WWDC is often a time to look back and reflect on the past eight or nine months, and to think about what rewards I've had in my past year's journey with Apple.
This year marked a big switch for me. Imoved back to the iPhone after spending nearly four years as an avid Android user. My favorite features of Android are well-documented, but there are five features I found after I moved to the iPhone last fall that have pleasantly surprised me. These are features I didn't expect to wow me (or even matter to me all that much), and yet they've turned out to be incredibly compelling.
4K VIDEO
When my wife and I bought our iPhone 6s Plus phones in October, I had absolutely no expectation of using the 4K video capability. I did not have a 4K TV and wasn't planning on getting one. And while I wanted to capture some video of my puppy, I saw no reason that I'd need 4K resolution.
But when I started working on the 3D Printing Discovery Series here, I had an epiphany. I needed to pan and zoom to shoot the accompanying videos, and because 3D printing takes a long time, it wasn't always easy to schedule the time to shoot those videos for when my wife was around and could operate the camera.
But then I remembered the iPhone shoots 4K video. What, I wondered, if I shot in 4K, and then cropped my video to what would be, essentially, a virtual viewport? Could I use the phone to give me operator-free pan and zoom?
The answer, as my article How to use iPhone 4K video to provide operator-free pan and zoom explains and demonstrates, was a resounding yes. I now use the 4K video feature on the iPhone almost every week.
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY QUALITY
One of the reasons I wanted to upgrade to an iPhone from my old Android Galaxy S4 was for an increase in photographic quality. I wanted to take better pictures of my puppy, Pixel, and the Galaxy S4 never was able to get the level of clarity I wanted.
While newer Android phones were purported to have better cameras, I'd seen the iPhone 6s Plus in action and I liked the result of the camera. So that was one of the reasons we got the phone.
But I didn't really pay too much attention to macro photography. I wanted to take some product shots, sure, but I didn't expect or think I'd need to get into tiny little details. And, certainly, without a macro lens on a DSLR, I didn't expect a phone would be able to take those pictures.
As it turns out, I was wrong about that. The iPhone takes exceptional macro images, as the image below shows. What you're looking at is a very tiny 2mm fastener on MakerBot 3D printer, and I was able to take the picture, and send it to one of the MakerBot engineers to discuss the design.
Close-up of MakerBot control cable connection point, a very high quality macro image taken with an iPhone 6s Plus
There are a couple of things I want to point out about this picture. It was taken in a garage, in a very challenging position. I had to tap the screen and let the phone do the focusing because I couldn't actually see where I was shooting the image. It's also a black-on-black image, from the bottom of a carriage, in an area normally in shadow.
The quality is amazing. Once again, I find myself unexpectedly taken with a feature of the phone.
BATTERY LIFE
I won't lie to you. I was very concerned about going back to a phone without a replaceable battery. Frankly, had the new Galaxy S6 come with a replaceable battery, I never would have considered switching back to Apple. But when Samsung nerfed one of the most compelling features of their product, it opened the door to their competition.
My wife and I bought our 6s Pluses for the larger screen, mostly, but also because we wanted a bigger battery. We were hopeful that the larger size of the battery wouldn't be completely consumed by the increased power needs of the larger screen. Frankly, given our old phones never made it through a whole day, we were hoping that, at the least, the new phones would get us from morning to night.
On average, the iPhone 6s Plus battery holds for almost 48 hours. I used to switch off phones at night for reading and other non-phone service related activities because my working phone just couldn't make it through the late evening. To have it ready for the next morning, it needed to be on the charger and untouched for most of the night.
Not the iPhone. This bad boy makes it all the way through the day, all the way through the night, and pretty much all the way through the next day and night.
TOUCH ID
I have been using PINs (personal identification numbers) on my devices for years. Decades, even, if you go back to the days when old alarm systems used PIN codes. I'm good at memorizing PINs. I've got the finger dexterity to type them quickly. Over the years, they've become so second nature that I don't even notice when I'm typing them in.
Well, at least until I got this iPhone.
That's because the new iPhone also includes the iPhone 6s' super-fast Touch ID. Touch ID has been around for a few iPhone cycles, but until the 6s and 6s Plus came out, there was still a noticeable delay in processing. With these two new models, Touch ID processing is so close to instantaneous that I don't notice any delay at all.
What makes Touch ID so valuable, though, is not its speed. It's that Apple actually opened it up so developers can make use of it. So, for many apps I have on my phone that I want to keep locked or the data encrypted, all I need to do is tap the home button and Touch ID unlocks them.
For me, then, Touch ID has made it easy to just go ahead and lock everything I use. Yes, when I had PIN codes for everything, I locked most items, but there was still a cognitive delay between needing to get at my data and actually getting at my data. That's gone with Touch ID.
One note: my wife is not as enamored of Touch ID. She has delicate fingers and for some reason, has a difficult time registering fingerprints. So Touch ID is somewhat hit-and-miss for her.
Finally, while the Macs prior to WWDC '16 don't support Touch ID (there's a rumor that will change with the next Macs released), you can still use Touch ID to unlock your Macs with a product called MacID. I wrote about that in March.
LOCK SCREEN FUNCTIONALITY
Although there are other features of the iPhone I like, this one has a definite productivity benefit in how notifications are implemented on the lock screen. Although Android also has lock screen notifications, the feature there never seemed as smooth and easy to use as it is on the iPhone.
There are two different buttons to get used to. If you press the Home button, the locked screen lights up and you very (very, very) briefly see notifications, but because Touch ID is so fast, you really can't see anything that's there before you're dropped right into the iPhone's environment.
But if you tap the power button on the right side, the screen will light up and notifications are displayed. I have notifications set up so only the most important email messages are displayed, and only Hangouts and texts. As a result, if something is important, it will show up on my lock screen.
That means any time I want to know if anything needs my attention, I can just tap the power button and see, at a glance, what's going on. This is particularly useful first thing in the morning. After my alarm goes off, I tap the power button. If there are important messages, I see them in one spot. If there are no important messages, a cute picture of my puppy is on screen, and I know I can take my time waking up.
Also hugely helpful is the ability to reply to texts, iMessages, and Hangouts straight from the home screen. I don't have to open the app display, fumble for the right app, or otherwise dig around. If a message comes in, I just swipe and reply.
WRAP-UP
So there you are. Each of these features was announced or shown at a previous WWDC and so I'm sure this week's event will show new features we're going to come to value (and a few, like live pictures, we're going to ignore).
Enjoy your week, and in September, we'll get a chance to take the new features for a ride after they're released
Each year, Apple's developer conference marks the beginning of the next cycle in operating system updates. David Gewirtz looks back on five iPhone 6s features that proved unexpectedly helpful this year.
There is a cadence to announcements and updates in the Apple world. New iPhones come out in the fall. Other new devices are introduced in the March timeframe. And then, around June, Apple peels back the curtain and shows a bit of its future plans at WWDC, the Worldwide Developers Conference.
This week, at WWDC 2016, we're bound to get a peek at features in the new Mac operating system update (which may wind up being renamed Mac OS), as well as new features coming in iOS. But for me, WWDC is often a time to look back and reflect on the past eight or nine months, and to think about what rewards I've had in my past year's journey with Apple.
This year marked a big switch for me. Imoved back to the iPhone after spending nearly four years as an avid Android user. My favorite features of Android are well-documented, but there are five features I found after I moved to the iPhone last fall that have pleasantly surprised me. These are features I didn't expect to wow me (or even matter to me all that much), and yet they've turned out to be incredibly compelling.
4K VIDEO
When my wife and I bought our iPhone 6s Plus phones in October, I had absolutely no expectation of using the 4K video capability. I did not have a 4K TV and wasn't planning on getting one. And while I wanted to capture some video of my puppy, I saw no reason that I'd need 4K resolution.
But when I started working on the 3D Printing Discovery Series here, I had an epiphany. I needed to pan and zoom to shoot the accompanying videos, and because 3D printing takes a long time, it wasn't always easy to schedule the time to shoot those videos for when my wife was around and could operate the camera.
But then I remembered the iPhone shoots 4K video. What, I wondered, if I shot in 4K, and then cropped my video to what would be, essentially, a virtual viewport? Could I use the phone to give me operator-free pan and zoom?
The answer, as my article How to use iPhone 4K video to provide operator-free pan and zoom explains and demonstrates, was a resounding yes. I now use the 4K video feature on the iPhone almost every week.
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY QUALITY
One of the reasons I wanted to upgrade to an iPhone from my old Android Galaxy S4 was for an increase in photographic quality. I wanted to take better pictures of my puppy, Pixel, and the Galaxy S4 never was able to get the level of clarity I wanted.
While newer Android phones were purported to have better cameras, I'd seen the iPhone 6s Plus in action and I liked the result of the camera. So that was one of the reasons we got the phone.
But I didn't really pay too much attention to macro photography. I wanted to take some product shots, sure, but I didn't expect or think I'd need to get into tiny little details. And, certainly, without a macro lens on a DSLR, I didn't expect a phone would be able to take those pictures.
As it turns out, I was wrong about that. The iPhone takes exceptional macro images, as the image below shows. What you're looking at is a very tiny 2mm fastener on MakerBot 3D printer, and I was able to take the picture, and send it to one of the MakerBot engineers to discuss the design.
Close-up of MakerBot control cable connection point, a very high quality macro image taken with an iPhone 6s Plus
There are a couple of things I want to point out about this picture. It was taken in a garage, in a very challenging position. I had to tap the screen and let the phone do the focusing because I couldn't actually see where I was shooting the image. It's also a black-on-black image, from the bottom of a carriage, in an area normally in shadow.
The quality is amazing. Once again, I find myself unexpectedly taken with a feature of the phone.
BATTERY LIFE
I won't lie to you. I was very concerned about going back to a phone without a replaceable battery. Frankly, had the new Galaxy S6 come with a replaceable battery, I never would have considered switching back to Apple. But when Samsung nerfed one of the most compelling features of their product, it opened the door to their competition.
My wife and I bought our 6s Pluses for the larger screen, mostly, but also because we wanted a bigger battery. We were hopeful that the larger size of the battery wouldn't be completely consumed by the increased power needs of the larger screen. Frankly, given our old phones never made it through a whole day, we were hoping that, at the least, the new phones would get us from morning to night.
On average, the iPhone 6s Plus battery holds for almost 48 hours. I used to switch off phones at night for reading and other non-phone service related activities because my working phone just couldn't make it through the late evening. To have it ready for the next morning, it needed to be on the charger and untouched for most of the night.
Not the iPhone. This bad boy makes it all the way through the day, all the way through the night, and pretty much all the way through the next day and night.
TOUCH ID
I have been using PINs (personal identification numbers) on my devices for years. Decades, even, if you go back to the days when old alarm systems used PIN codes. I'm good at memorizing PINs. I've got the finger dexterity to type them quickly. Over the years, they've become so second nature that I don't even notice when I'm typing them in.
Well, at least until I got this iPhone.
That's because the new iPhone also includes the iPhone 6s' super-fast Touch ID. Touch ID has been around for a few iPhone cycles, but until the 6s and 6s Plus came out, there was still a noticeable delay in processing. With these two new models, Touch ID processing is so close to instantaneous that I don't notice any delay at all.
What makes Touch ID so valuable, though, is not its speed. It's that Apple actually opened it up so developers can make use of it. So, for many apps I have on my phone that I want to keep locked or the data encrypted, all I need to do is tap the home button and Touch ID unlocks them.
For me, then, Touch ID has made it easy to just go ahead and lock everything I use. Yes, when I had PIN codes for everything, I locked most items, but there was still a cognitive delay between needing to get at my data and actually getting at my data. That's gone with Touch ID.
One note: my wife is not as enamored of Touch ID. She has delicate fingers and for some reason, has a difficult time registering fingerprints. So Touch ID is somewhat hit-and-miss for her.
Finally, while the Macs prior to WWDC '16 don't support Touch ID (there's a rumor that will change with the next Macs released), you can still use Touch ID to unlock your Macs with a product called MacID. I wrote about that in March.
LOCK SCREEN FUNCTIONALITY
Although there are other features of the iPhone I like, this one has a definite productivity benefit in how notifications are implemented on the lock screen. Although Android also has lock screen notifications, the feature there never seemed as smooth and easy to use as it is on the iPhone.
There are two different buttons to get used to. If you press the Home button, the locked screen lights up and you very (very, very) briefly see notifications, but because Touch ID is so fast, you really can't see anything that's there before you're dropped right into the iPhone's environment.
But if you tap the power button on the right side, the screen will light up and notifications are displayed. I have notifications set up so only the most important email messages are displayed, and only Hangouts and texts. As a result, if something is important, it will show up on my lock screen.
That means any time I want to know if anything needs my attention, I can just tap the power button and see, at a glance, what's going on. This is particularly useful first thing in the morning. After my alarm goes off, I tap the power button. If there are important messages, I see them in one spot. If there are no important messages, a cute picture of my puppy is on screen, and I know I can take my time waking up.
Also hugely helpful is the ability to reply to texts, iMessages, and Hangouts straight from the home screen. I don't have to open the app display, fumble for the right app, or otherwise dig around. If a message comes in, I just swipe and reply.
WRAP-UP
So there you are. Each of these features was announced or shown at a previous WWDC and so I'm sure this week's event will show new features we're going to come to value (and a few, like live pictures, we're going to ignore).
Enjoy your week, and in September, we'll get a chance to take the new features for a ride after they're released
Sunday, June 12, 2016
20 dead, 42 taken to hospital in Florida nightclub shooting
20 dead, 42 taken to hospital in Florida nightclub shooting
Gunfire erupted at a gay nightclub in Orlando early on Sunday, killing approximately 20 people. 42 people were taken to hospital.
Officers said in a Twitter message that there were “multiple injuries” at the Pulse nightclub.
The dance club urged patrons to “get out” and “keep running” in a post on its Facebook page.
According to the police chief John Mina, an Orlando police officer engaged in a gun battle with the suspect. Around 20 people have been killed and about 42 people were taken to hospital. Mina described the shooting as a “domestic terrorism” incident. Law enforcement are investigating whether the shooter was a “lone wolf,” or if there were more gunmen.
Several patrons had posted on social media that a gunman was holed up inside and holding hostages. One man who said he was inside the club posted that the shooting broke out around 2 a.m. and that he heard about 40 shots being fired.
Javer Antonetti, 53, told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper that he was near the back of the dance club when he heard the gunfire.
“There were so many (shots), at least 40,” he said. “I saw two guys and it was constant, like ‘pow, pow, pow,’.”
Police said they had carried out a “controlled explosion” at the club hours after the shooting broke out, but did not say why that was done. They described the scene as a “fluid situation.”
Video posted online showed a large number of police and emergency vehicles outside the nightclub. Bomb sniffing dogs were also on the scene, CNN reported.
It was the second deadly shooting at an Orlando night spot in as many nights. Late Friday a man thought to be a deranged fan fatally shot Christina Grimmie, a rising singing star and a former contestant on “The Voice,” while she was signing autographs after a concert in the Florida city.
Gunfire erupted at a gay nightclub in Orlando early on Sunday, killing approximately 20 people. 42 people were taken to hospital.
Officers said in a Twitter message that there were “multiple injuries” at the Pulse nightclub.
The dance club urged patrons to “get out” and “keep running” in a post on its Facebook page.
According to the police chief John Mina, an Orlando police officer engaged in a gun battle with the suspect. Around 20 people have been killed and about 42 people were taken to hospital. Mina described the shooting as a “domestic terrorism” incident. Law enforcement are investigating whether the shooter was a “lone wolf,” or if there were more gunmen.
Several patrons had posted on social media that a gunman was holed up inside and holding hostages. One man who said he was inside the club posted that the shooting broke out around 2 a.m. and that he heard about 40 shots being fired.
Javer Antonetti, 53, told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper that he was near the back of the dance club when he heard the gunfire.
“There were so many (shots), at least 40,” he said. “I saw two guys and it was constant, like ‘pow, pow, pow,’.”
Police said they had carried out a “controlled explosion” at the club hours after the shooting broke out, but did not say why that was done. They described the scene as a “fluid situation.”
Video posted online showed a large number of police and emergency vehicles outside the nightclub. Bomb sniffing dogs were also on the scene, CNN reported.
It was the second deadly shooting at an Orlando night spot in as many nights. Late Friday a man thought to be a deranged fan fatally shot Christina Grimmie, a rising singing star and a former contestant on “The Voice,” while she was signing autographs after a concert in the Florida city.
Several injured in shooting at a Florida nightclub
Several injured in shooting at a Florida nightclub
Florida: Orlando Police say they are responding to a shooting at a nightclub in southern Florida.
A post on the department's official Twitter account early Sunday morning says "multiple injuries" have been reported following the incident at the Pulse Orlando nightclub near Orange and Kaley avenue. The department also advises people to "stay away from area."
"Officers are going in to search the building and to get people out," a police dispatcher told AFP. He said "There are injuries. I am not sure if there are any deceased at this time," the dispatcher said, describing it as an "active shooting."
Local media reported that from seven to as many as 20 people had been shot in the incident, but had no further detail. The nightclub urged patrons in a post on its Facebook page to "get out" and "keep running."
Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded. Several patrons have also posted on social media that a gunman was holed up inside and holding hostages.
Video posted online showed a large response by police and emergency vehicles outside the nightclub.
Pulse Orlando's earlier posted a note to its own Facebook page that said: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."
Florida: Orlando Police say they are responding to a shooting at a nightclub in southern Florida.
A post on the department's official Twitter account early Sunday morning says "multiple injuries" have been reported following the incident at the Pulse Orlando nightclub near Orange and Kaley avenue. The department also advises people to "stay away from area."
"Officers are going in to search the building and to get people out," a police dispatcher told AFP. He said "There are injuries. I am not sure if there are any deceased at this time," the dispatcher said, describing it as an "active shooting."
Local media reported that from seven to as many as 20 people had been shot in the incident, but had no further detail. The nightclub urged patrons in a post on its Facebook page to "get out" and "keep running."
Multiple emergency vehicles have reportedly responded. Several patrons have also posted on social media that a gunman was holed up inside and holding hostages.
Video posted online showed a large response by police and emergency vehicles outside the nightclub.
Pulse Orlando's earlier posted a note to its own Facebook page that said: "Everyone get out of pulse and keep running."
Google search isn’t racist, society is
The computer brain learns everything from its human users—and so it learns all the stereotyping too.
An 18-year-old high school senior from Virginia, Kabir Alli, shared a video on Twitter showing the discrepancy between searching for “three black teenagers” versus “three white teenagers” on Google. While the former pulled up police mugshots, changing one word—”black” to “white”— yielded smiling, youthful photos.
The video generated a tweetstorm, with over 67,000 retweets and comments from people calling Google out on the racial bias. This isn’t the first time Google search results have irked people. Another Twitter user had noticed similarly discriminatory results when searching for professional and unprofessional hairstyles for work.
The search giant was also criticized for allowing an anti-semitic Chrome plugin to exist, as discovered by Mic. In the past, Google Photos had alsoincorrectly categorized black people as gorillas.
Alli does not believe Google is racist but he does expect the company to bear some responsibility. “I understand it’s all just an algorithm, based on most visited pages, but Google should be able to have more control over something like that,” he told USA Today.
The Silicon Valley behemoth maintains that its search results have very little to do with the company and its programmers—it’s all about the algorithm. “Algorithms rely on more than 200 unique signals or ‘clues’ that make it possible to guess what you might really be looking for,” the company says in a blog post, listing things like the freshness of content, your region and page rank as factors.
“Our image search results are a reflection of content from across the web, including the frequency with which types of images appear and the way they’re described online,” a Google spokesperson said. “This means that sometimes unpleasant portrayals of sensitive subject matter online can affect what image search results appear for a given query. These results don’t reflect Google’s own opinions or beliefs–as a company, we strongly value a diversity of perspectives, ideas and cultures.”
Google is a mirror: The algorithm works with what it’s given—a persistent bias in society manifests itself in the online landscape in the form of meta-tagged images.
Alli acknowledged the shortcomings in his interview with USA Today. “It shouldn’t be so difficult to find normal non-offensive pictures of three black teenagers. That search sort of portrays us as a whole and those pictures are not us. We have a lot to offer and that search does not do us any kind of justice.”
The computer brain learns everything from its human users—and so it learns all the stereotyping too.
An 18-year-old high school senior from Virginia, Kabir Alli, shared a video on Twitter showing the discrepancy between searching for “three black teenagers” versus “three white teenagers” on Google. While the former pulled up police mugshots, changing one word—”black” to “white”— yielded smiling, youthful photos.
The video generated a tweetstorm, with over 67,000 retweets and comments from people calling Google out on the racial bias. This isn’t the first time Google search results have irked people. Another Twitter user had noticed similarly discriminatory results when searching for professional and unprofessional hairstyles for work.
The search giant was also criticized for allowing an anti-semitic Chrome plugin to exist, as discovered by Mic. In the past, Google Photos had alsoincorrectly categorized black people as gorillas.
Alli does not believe Google is racist but he does expect the company to bear some responsibility. “I understand it’s all just an algorithm, based on most visited pages, but Google should be able to have more control over something like that,” he told USA Today.
The Silicon Valley behemoth maintains that its search results have very little to do with the company and its programmers—it’s all about the algorithm. “Algorithms rely on more than 200 unique signals or ‘clues’ that make it possible to guess what you might really be looking for,” the company says in a blog post, listing things like the freshness of content, your region and page rank as factors.
“Our image search results are a reflection of content from across the web, including the frequency with which types of images appear and the way they’re described online,” a Google spokesperson said. “This means that sometimes unpleasant portrayals of sensitive subject matter online can affect what image search results appear for a given query. These results don’t reflect Google’s own opinions or beliefs–as a company, we strongly value a diversity of perspectives, ideas and cultures.”
Google is a mirror: The algorithm works with what it’s given—a persistent bias in society manifests itself in the online landscape in the form of meta-tagged images.
Alli acknowledged the shortcomings in his interview with USA Today. “It shouldn’t be so difficult to find normal non-offensive pictures of three black teenagers. That search sort of portrays us as a whole and those pictures are not us. We have a lot to offer and that search does not do us any kind of justice.”
Your cell phone number could be hijacked unless you add a PIN to your carrier account
Your cell phone number could be hijacked unless you add a PIN to your carrier account
DeRay Mckesson is a widely known activist in the Black Lives Matter movement and a former candidate in the race for mayor of Baltimore. He’s a high-profile target, and someone finally figured out a way to crack his popular Twitter account—by hijacking his cell phone number, and getting it reassigned to a phone under their control. This was used to push out a message in his account in support of a candidate who he says represents the antithesis of his beliefs. Those tweets have since been deleted and Twitter has restored account access to Mckesson.
A recent acquisition by a site of what’s alleged to be 32 million Twitter passwords, coupled with other breaches, password-stealing malware, and other techniques may have led to his password being compromised.
Even though Mckesson said in a tweetthat he has two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on all his accounts, Twitter included, once someone has your password and can receive texts sent to your phone number, they’ve obtained two factors: something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone). That part, a phone being something you have, has long been understood to be tenuous, and Mckesson’s situation helps prove just how fragile that assumption is.
Set a PIN on your carrier account
The three biggest American phone carriers don’t require anything but knowledge of what is sadly easily obtainable information in 2016: the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). That can be obtained through phishing attempts, any of the large leaks of SSNs from various sites and government agencies that crackers can access, or through reports from “background check” sites that don’t verify who is requesting information.
Some carriers may ask for additional personal or present and past address details for verification, most of which can be found paired with the same leaked SSN or through the background check—which relies in part on the same credit reports that the carriers use to ask the questions.
However, you can add a PIN or password to your AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon account that reduces the chance of this happening. (Sprint requires a PIN alongside security questions when setting up an account.) It seems clear that the companies and resellers may have enough leeway for a smooth talker to bypass the PIN or password requirement, but that hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet. After this hijack of Mckesson and the recent identity crime against the FTC’s chief technologist, Lorrie Cranor, carriers may be instructing their customer-service representations to better resist social engineering.
With AT&T, you enable Extra Security, a feature so hidden I was unaware it existed. It can be set via AT&T’s website or its mobile app; follow AT&T’s instructions. When you’re logging in again you’ve set the code, you should also refuse the offer to bypass the code on subsequent logins.
T-Mobile requires that you call customer service or visit one of its retail stores. It texts you a one-time use PIN that, when verified with a representative, lets you set up a password, which is then required in the future to get information about or make changes to your account.
Verizon can add a PIN to an account through your account controls on its website, via phone support, or in one of its retail stores.
What use is a phone number?
Most 2FA systems designed for consumers and business users (as opposed to those managed by IT departments in enterprises for intranet and network services) either rely entirely on a code sent via SMS, offer that as an option, or use SMS as a backup. That works as long as it’s assumed that the phone itself, a physical item, has to be stolen, not the phone number, which is effectively an end point handled by the public switched telephone network’s call routing system.
While you can use authentication appsthat generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), like Authy, Google Authenticator, and several others, so long as SMS is also an option, it’s the weakest link. Pair that with password and SSN breaches, and the general availability of background information about us to answer common security questions, and that second factor has no value at all. (Biometrics, “something you are,” are a different matter—while people have faked fingerprints, it’s a vastly, vastly higher bar to clear.)
So long as SMS is an option for 2FA, it’s the weakest link.
Companies retain SMS as an option because of the customer-support burden: it’s easier to get someone to type in a code sent as a text message than to download, install, configure, and use an authenticator app. But you would think the time is ripe for companies to allow expert users to disable SMS as a backup option, especially since many sites pair turning on 2FA with creating a set of backup, one-time use passwords intended to restore access if one loses access to the authentication app that can generate the appropriate code.
You may look at the FTC’s Cranor and DeRay Mckesson, and think, “I’m not important enough to have someone go to these lengths.” Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. Identity theft is valuable against nearly anyone with a balance in their bank account or enough credit for a thief to purchase new phones using their account information, which is what happened in Cranor’s case—it’s unlikely the criminals knew they were compromising someone at the FTC.
Because we can’t control the flow of our fixed, identifying information, like SSN and a past address, nor even our passwords, make sure to turn on extra protection at your carriers right away. Even with 2FA, an account PIN or password can be the only thing keeping a thief from using your identity.
Your cell phone number could be hijacked unless you add a PIN to your carrier account
DeRay Mckesson is a widely known activist in the Black Lives Matter movement and a former candidate in the race for mayor of Baltimore. He’s a high-profile target, and someone finally figured out a way to crack his popular Twitter account—by hijacking his cell phone number, and getting it reassigned to a phone under their control. This was used to push out a message in his account in support of a candidate who he says represents the antithesis of his beliefs. Those tweets have since been deleted and Twitter has restored account access to Mckesson.
A recent acquisition by a site of what’s alleged to be 32 million Twitter passwords, coupled with other breaches, password-stealing malware, and other techniques may have led to his password being compromised.
Even though Mckesson said in a tweetthat he has two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on all his accounts, Twitter included, once someone has your password and can receive texts sent to your phone number, they’ve obtained two factors: something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone). That part, a phone being something you have, has long been understood to be tenuous, and Mckesson’s situation helps prove just how fragile that assumption is.
Set a PIN on your carrier account
The three biggest American phone carriers don’t require anything but knowledge of what is sadly easily obtainable information in 2016: the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). That can be obtained through phishing attempts, any of the large leaks of SSNs from various sites and government agencies that crackers can access, or through reports from “background check” sites that don’t verify who is requesting information.
Some carriers may ask for additional personal or present and past address details for verification, most of which can be found paired with the same leaked SSN or through the background check—which relies in part on the same credit reports that the carriers use to ask the questions.
However, you can add a PIN or password to your AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon account that reduces the chance of this happening. (Sprint requires a PIN alongside security questions when setting up an account.) It seems clear that the companies and resellers may have enough leeway for a smooth talker to bypass the PIN or password requirement, but that hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet. After this hijack of Mckesson and the recent identity crime against the FTC’s chief technologist, Lorrie Cranor, carriers may be instructing their customer-service representations to better resist social engineering.
With AT&T, you enable Extra Security, a feature so hidden I was unaware it existed. It can be set via AT&T’s website or its mobile app; follow AT&T’s instructions. When you’re logging in again you’ve set the code, you should also refuse the offer to bypass the code on subsequent logins.
T-Mobile requires that you call customer service or visit one of its retail stores. It texts you a one-time use PIN that, when verified with a representative, lets you set up a password, which is then required in the future to get information about or make changes to your account.
Verizon can add a PIN to an account through your account controls on its website, via phone support, or in one of its retail stores.
What use is a phone number?
Most 2FA systems designed for consumers and business users (as opposed to those managed by IT departments in enterprises for intranet and network services) either rely entirely on a code sent via SMS, offer that as an option, or use SMS as a backup. That works as long as it’s assumed that the phone itself, a physical item, has to be stolen, not the phone number, which is effectively an end point handled by the public switched telephone network’s call routing system.
While you can use authentication appsthat generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), like Authy, Google Authenticator, and several others, so long as SMS is also an option, it’s the weakest link. Pair that with password and SSN breaches, and the general availability of background information about us to answer common security questions, and that second factor has no value at all. (Biometrics, “something you are,” are a different matter—while people have faked fingerprints, it’s a vastly, vastly higher bar to clear.)
So long as SMS is an option for 2FA, it’s the weakest link.
Companies retain SMS as an option because of the customer-support burden: it’s easier to get someone to type in a code sent as a text message than to download, install, configure, and use an authenticator app. But you would think the time is ripe for companies to allow expert users to disable SMS as a backup option, especially since many sites pair turning on 2FA with creating a set of backup, one-time use passwords intended to restore access if one loses access to the authentication app that can generate the appropriate code.
You may look at the FTC’s Cranor and DeRay Mckesson, and think, “I’m not important enough to have someone go to these lengths.” Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. Identity theft is valuable against nearly anyone with a balance in their bank account or enough credit for a thief to purchase new phones using their account information, which is what happened in Cranor’s case—it’s unlikely the criminals knew they were compromising someone at the FTC.
Because we can’t control the flow of our fixed, identifying information, like SSN and a past address, nor even our passwords, make sure to turn on extra protection at your carriers right away. Even with 2FA, an account PIN or password can be the only thing keeping a thief from using your identity.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Latest Lenovo smartphone uses Google’s Tango
Latest Lenovo smartphone uses Google’s Tango
A report on Wired features the latest smartphone to enter the market. Made by Lenovo, the Phab2 Pro is the first device to incorporate Google’s Tango technology.
The Phab2 Pro is a huge 6.4-inch Android device with a 2560 x 1440 screen. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor and 4GB of RAM, plus an internal storage of 64GB with options for expansion. It also comes with two SIM slots, 3 microphones, Dolby audio, an 8-megapixel front camera, and the 16-megapixel Tango array.
Lenovo hopes that through Google’s Tango, users will be able to utilize the Phab2 and its succeeding Tango-equipped devices for advanced navigation within stores as well as artistic and entertainment endeavours through VR and AR.
The Phab2 is just the beginning and Google is thinking up more ways of applying their all-seeing camera tech. Alfred Bayle
A report on Wired features the latest smartphone to enter the market. Made by Lenovo, the Phab2 Pro is the first device to incorporate Google’s Tango technology.
The Phab2 Pro is a huge 6.4-inch Android device with a 2560 x 1440 screen. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor and 4GB of RAM, plus an internal storage of 64GB with options for expansion. It also comes with two SIM slots, 3 microphones, Dolby audio, an 8-megapixel front camera, and the 16-megapixel Tango array.
Lenovo hopes that through Google’s Tango, users will be able to utilize the Phab2 and its succeeding Tango-equipped devices for advanced navigation within stores as well as artistic and entertainment endeavours through VR and AR.
The Phab2 is just the beginning and Google is thinking up more ways of applying their all-seeing camera tech. Alfred Bayle
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Destiny: Rise Of Iron Release Date And Trailer Leaked
Destiny: Rise Of Iron Release Date And Trailer Leaked
The next big expansion for Destiny will be out in September, and it includes a new raid, a new zone, and a new version of Gjallarhorn.
It’s not supposed to be officially revealed until this evening but there’s already been three separate leaks today, about Destiny’s latest expansion.
The first one was by Bungie themselves, who managed to accidentally reveal the release date of September 20 on their own website.
After that the following description was put up early on Xbox.com:
Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated expansion to the Destiny universe. The wall which stood for centuries along the southern border of Old Russia has collapsed. Fallen mutants now scavenge the tombs of the Golden Age, and the plague they have unearthed in the wastes is more dangerous than even they understand. Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late.
Includes: • New Story Campaign & Quests • New Armor and Gear • New Weapons • New Raid • Maximum Light Increase • New Strike • New Plaguelands Zone & Social Space • New Crucible Mode & Maps • New Enemy Faction.
And then, finally, the trailer above leaked via SnapChat. Although Destiny fans will be most interested to learn that the expansion will reintroduce the Gjallarhorn weapon to the game – but only if you pre-order.
Gjallarhorn is a super-powerful heat-seeking rocket launcher that many consider to be the best weapon in the game. But it didn’t get upgraded as part of the big ‘year two’ update, which rendered it considerably less useful.
The one downside to Rise Of Iron though, is that it looks like it’s going to be the first expansion that is not being released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Bungie have yet to confirm that, but presumably will tonight.
The next big expansion for Destiny will be out in September, and it includes a new raid, a new zone, and a new version of Gjallarhorn.
It’s not supposed to be officially revealed until this evening but there’s already been three separate leaks today, about Destiny’s latest expansion.
The first one was by Bungie themselves, who managed to accidentally reveal the release date of September 20 on their own website.
After that the following description was put up early on Xbox.com:
Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated expansion to the Destiny universe. The wall which stood for centuries along the southern border of Old Russia has collapsed. Fallen mutants now scavenge the tombs of the Golden Age, and the plague they have unearthed in the wastes is more dangerous than even they understand. Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late.
Includes: • New Story Campaign & Quests • New Armor and Gear • New Weapons • New Raid • Maximum Light Increase • New Strike • New Plaguelands Zone & Social Space • New Crucible Mode & Maps • New Enemy Faction.
And then, finally, the trailer above leaked via SnapChat. Although Destiny fans will be most interested to learn that the expansion will reintroduce the Gjallarhorn weapon to the game – but only if you pre-order.
Gjallarhorn is a super-powerful heat-seeking rocket launcher that many consider to be the best weapon in the game. But it didn’t get upgraded as part of the big ‘year two’ update, which rendered it considerably less useful.
The one downside to Rise Of Iron though, is that it looks like it’s going to be the first expansion that is not being released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Bungie have yet to confirm that, but presumably will tonight.
Mark Zuckerberg To Hold Facebook First Live Q&A
Mark Zuckerberg To Hold Facebook First Live Q&A
In this March 25, 2015 file photo, Mark Zuckerberg talks about the Messenger app during the Facebook F8 Developer Conference in San Francisco.
Mark Zuckerberg is conducting the first ever Facebook Live Q&A with users next week.
The entrepreneur announced in an online post that he will hold the session on June 14 at 11:30 a.m. PT, to interact with online fans on a variety of topics. Potential subject include "connecting the world, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, live video, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and more."
Anyone can ask a question by commenting on the post, and the ones with the most ‘likes' will be addressed during the session.
In this March 25, 2015 file photo, Mark Zuckerberg talks about the Messenger app during the Facebook F8 Developer Conference in San Francisco.
Mark Zuckerberg is conducting the first ever Facebook Live Q&A with users next week.
The entrepreneur announced in an online post that he will hold the session on June 14 at 11:30 a.m. PT, to interact with online fans on a variety of topics. Potential subject include "connecting the world, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, live video, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and more."
Anyone can ask a question by commenting on the post, and the ones with the most ‘likes' will be addressed during the session.
How Microsoft Wooed A Long-Time Apple User
How Microsoft Wooed A Long-Time Apple User
Microsoft’s Surface Book not only had features I wanted, but also, is simply a beautiful piece of hardware. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
This week, I bought a Windows-based computer, my first in 15 years.
I’ve been a Mac user since 1986 and have long preferred that universe. But this time when I needed a new primary computing device, I willingly left the Apple orchard and went not just for a Windows machine, but one that Microsoft, unusually, developed and sells.
Like many longtime Mac users, I never anticipated making such a choice. But I made it for good reasons: design, innovation and features.
Usually that’s been the hallmark of Apple devices. Smart, sexy design coupled with cool things you could do – easily – that the Win world hadn’t even thought of yet. But this time around, Microsoft’s Surface Book, a hybrid laptop/tablet (a fast-growing product sector), not only had features I wanted, but also, is simply a beautiful piece of hardware in which form marries impressively with function.
Hence I found myself walking through Stanford Shopping Center inPalo Alto, the Silicon Valley city associated not just with technology and innovation but the super-trendy, lugging a great, big, alarmingly untrendy Microsoft-branded carrier bag from the Microsoft Store.
The shame. A minimalist white plastic Apple bag has long been an accoutrement of style. A Microsoft bag, even for the Windows user (and the majority of the world’s computer users run Windows) errs greatly on the side of dorky.
And oh, the Microsoft Store. It has always formed an ironic contrast with the flagship glass box Apple Store about 200 yards away, one of Steve Jobs’s own last big store projects. The Apple Store is always packed. The Microsoft Store, not so much.
The reasons for this are not really the Microsoft Store’s fault. Windows machines are ubiquitous and available from many makers and vendors. So is Windows software. Apple stuff can be found in a more limited number of places but the whole sweep of the range is tastefully showcased in Apple Stores. They have a nice feel (the stores and the hardware).
But there I was in the Microsoft Store.
I was only vaguely aware of the Surface Book until I started looking at Windows machines, to run the preferred version of the voice software from Nuance that I need, due to severe repetitive strain injury.
Writing options
I’d also researched writing options that could help me avoid keyboards, mice and touchpads.
That’s when I discovered the Surface Book, an excellent, top-reviewed flip-top tablet/laptop that has plenty of full Windows power for voice software and has an interactive pen/stylus for controlling the operating system plus other activities like notetaking, marking up documents, drawing and so on.
Write in print or even cursive, and the software will convert it to a word-processed document, or to type in a website form or comments box. In the Apple Store, I asked about doing text conversion with the iPad Pro. “Oh, well, it can’t do that. Yet, anyway,” said a sales assistant.
When it can, I’ll get a new iPad as well, to replace my ageing MacBook Air – I don’t intend to go Windows-only. But an iPad, for me, is still not as useful, nor as attractive in multiple ways, as a hybrid like the Surface Book with a proper, but detachable, keyboard.
And here’s the intriguing bit. Before I bought my Surface Book, I had a chat with a friend, an ex-Apple employee and a hardware, software and design junkie who worked closely for years with Steve Jobs. He’s seriously impressed with the Surface Book. He thinks it out-designs, out-functions anything Apple has done for a while.
A lot of people must agree, as sales of the Surface Book and its tablet relative, the Surface, have outstripped Microsoft’s initial expectations, pushing sales revenue up 61 per cent and hitting $1.1 billion as of Q3 despite some operation system glitches that now seem to have been addressed with various firmware and operating system updates (I’ve encountered such issues regularly with Apple devices too).
As I was buying my Surface Book, I recalled that some 15 years ago, on a trip to Microsoft headquarters in Washington, I interviewed one of the leading researchers working on a new device called a tablet, on which users could take notes that would be converted to type.
It was the star demo in a keynote byBill Gates. Now here it is, weighing about half a kilo more that the demo device. So Microsoft didn’t rush into production. I wonder where they might go with this surprising success now.
As my ex-Apple friend noted, Microsoft is turning into an interesting company to watch. Thinking different, perhaps.
Microsoft’s Surface Book not only had features I wanted, but also, is simply a beautiful piece of hardware. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
This week, I bought a Windows-based computer, my first in 15 years.
I’ve been a Mac user since 1986 and have long preferred that universe. But this time when I needed a new primary computing device, I willingly left the Apple orchard and went not just for a Windows machine, but one that Microsoft, unusually, developed and sells.
Like many longtime Mac users, I never anticipated making such a choice. But I made it for good reasons: design, innovation and features.
Usually that’s been the hallmark of Apple devices. Smart, sexy design coupled with cool things you could do – easily – that the Win world hadn’t even thought of yet. But this time around, Microsoft’s Surface Book, a hybrid laptop/tablet (a fast-growing product sector), not only had features I wanted, but also, is simply a beautiful piece of hardware in which form marries impressively with function.
Hence I found myself walking through Stanford Shopping Center inPalo Alto, the Silicon Valley city associated not just with technology and innovation but the super-trendy, lugging a great, big, alarmingly untrendy Microsoft-branded carrier bag from the Microsoft Store.
The shame. A minimalist white plastic Apple bag has long been an accoutrement of style. A Microsoft bag, even for the Windows user (and the majority of the world’s computer users run Windows) errs greatly on the side of dorky.
And oh, the Microsoft Store. It has always formed an ironic contrast with the flagship glass box Apple Store about 200 yards away, one of Steve Jobs’s own last big store projects. The Apple Store is always packed. The Microsoft Store, not so much.
The reasons for this are not really the Microsoft Store’s fault. Windows machines are ubiquitous and available from many makers and vendors. So is Windows software. Apple stuff can be found in a more limited number of places but the whole sweep of the range is tastefully showcased in Apple Stores. They have a nice feel (the stores and the hardware).
But there I was in the Microsoft Store.
I was only vaguely aware of the Surface Book until I started looking at Windows machines, to run the preferred version of the voice software from Nuance that I need, due to severe repetitive strain injury.
Writing options
I’d also researched writing options that could help me avoid keyboards, mice and touchpads.
That’s when I discovered the Surface Book, an excellent, top-reviewed flip-top tablet/laptop that has plenty of full Windows power for voice software and has an interactive pen/stylus for controlling the operating system plus other activities like notetaking, marking up documents, drawing and so on.
Write in print or even cursive, and the software will convert it to a word-processed document, or to type in a website form or comments box. In the Apple Store, I asked about doing text conversion with the iPad Pro. “Oh, well, it can’t do that. Yet, anyway,” said a sales assistant.
When it can, I’ll get a new iPad as well, to replace my ageing MacBook Air – I don’t intend to go Windows-only. But an iPad, for me, is still not as useful, nor as attractive in multiple ways, as a hybrid like the Surface Book with a proper, but detachable, keyboard.
And here’s the intriguing bit. Before I bought my Surface Book, I had a chat with a friend, an ex-Apple employee and a hardware, software and design junkie who worked closely for years with Steve Jobs. He’s seriously impressed with the Surface Book. He thinks it out-designs, out-functions anything Apple has done for a while.
A lot of people must agree, as sales of the Surface Book and its tablet relative, the Surface, have outstripped Microsoft’s initial expectations, pushing sales revenue up 61 per cent and hitting $1.1 billion as of Q3 despite some operation system glitches that now seem to have been addressed with various firmware and operating system updates (I’ve encountered such issues regularly with Apple devices too).
As I was buying my Surface Book, I recalled that some 15 years ago, on a trip to Microsoft headquarters in Washington, I interviewed one of the leading researchers working on a new device called a tablet, on which users could take notes that would be converted to type.
It was the star demo in a keynote byBill Gates. Now here it is, weighing about half a kilo more that the demo device. So Microsoft didn’t rush into production. I wonder where they might go with this surprising success now.
As my ex-Apple friend noted, Microsoft is turning into an interesting company to watch. Thinking different, perhaps.
Facebook's apps dominate the App store: Report
Facebook's apps dominate the App store: Report
Facebook not only rules the roost when it comes to social media, but apparently, it also rules the roost when it comes to app downloads as well.
A study conducted in the US concluded that Americans spend at least half their time on only one app and 80 percent of their time on three. The study was conducted in 2015 and the most used app was found to be Facebook, with second and third places going to YouTube and Facebook Messenger respectively. Keep that in mind when referring to the following study.
A study conducted by SensorTower, again in the US, has discovered that 94 percent of app revenue is provided by 1 percent of top developers. What’s more, these top developers account for 70 percent of app downloads. This is interesting news. What’s even more interesting is Facebook’s apps accounted for 62 percent of all app downloads (in May). These apps include Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.
In hindsight, Facebook’s dominance of the App store makes perfect sense. They do, after all, offer access to the largest social network and messaging tools in the world. The report does add that Facebook’s app downloads have been steadily declining, however.
Facebook not only rules the roost when it comes to social media, but apparently, it also rules the roost when it comes to app downloads as well.
A study conducted in the US concluded that Americans spend at least half their time on only one app and 80 percent of their time on three. The study was conducted in 2015 and the most used app was found to be Facebook, with second and third places going to YouTube and Facebook Messenger respectively. Keep that in mind when referring to the following study.
A study conducted by SensorTower, again in the US, has discovered that 94 percent of app revenue is provided by 1 percent of top developers. What’s more, these top developers account for 70 percent of app downloads. This is interesting news. What’s even more interesting is Facebook’s apps accounted for 62 percent of all app downloads (in May). These apps include Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.
In hindsight, Facebook’s dominance of the App store makes perfect sense. They do, after all, offer access to the largest social network and messaging tools in the world. The report does add that Facebook’s app downloads have been steadily declining, however.
UN chief lauds India, US for backing Paris Climate Pact
UN chief lauds India, US for backing Paris Climate Pact
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has lauded a joint statement on climate change made by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama announcing their support for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement, and encouraged all countries to accelerate their domestic processes to join or ratify it.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the domestic steps being undertaken by both countries to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, including in 2016, and their collaborative efforts to address climate change,” a statement issued by the secretary-general’s spokesperson said.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the UN climate change conference in Paris last December, where all countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
On 22 April, 175 countries signed the Agreement, which according to the UN was by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement in one single day. For it to enter into force, 55 countries accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions need to implement the accord at the national level. As of today, 177 Parties have signed, and 17 have ratified it.
“[The UN chief] is further encouraged by the resolve of India and the United States to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and successful outcomes this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Montreal Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and the G20,” the statement added, noting that the joint announcement by India and the United States also follows on the heels of the G7 Ise-Shima Leaders’ Declaration
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has lauded a joint statement on climate change made by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama announcing their support for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement, and encouraged all countries to accelerate their domestic processes to join or ratify it.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the domestic steps being undertaken by both countries to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, including in 2016, and their collaborative efforts to address climate change,” a statement issued by the secretary-general’s spokesperson said.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the UN climate change conference in Paris last December, where all countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
On 22 April, 175 countries signed the Agreement, which according to the UN was by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement in one single day. For it to enter into force, 55 countries accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions need to implement the accord at the national level. As of today, 177 Parties have signed, and 17 have ratified it.
“[The UN chief] is further encouraged by the resolve of India and the United States to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and successful outcomes this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Montreal Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and the G20,” the statement added, noting that the joint announcement by India and the United States also follows on the heels of the G7 Ise-Shima Leaders’ Declaration
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Google accused of being 'racist' after viral video reveals that search result for 'black teenagers' brings up mug shots while search for 'white teenagers' shows clean-cut young people
Google accused of being 'racist' after viral video reveals that search result for 'black teenagers' brings up mug shots while search for 'white teenagers' shows clean-cut young people
Google image search 'three black teenagers' and 'three white teenagers'The surprising results have made a Twitter video go hugely viral For the former some pictures of mugshots and inmates come upBut for the latter mostly stock photos of happy white teens are shown User @iBeKabir posted a clip of him typing in the searches with friends His Tweet now has now been liked and shared over 100,000 times Now the Tweet has gone so viral the results themselves are being skewed
Google image search 'three black teenagers' and then 'three white teenagers'.
A Twitter video of a man typing in this supposedly unremarkable search has gone massively viral since it was uploaded yesterday afternoon.
That's because his clip shows the results for the former almost exclusively show mugshots, or at least pictures posed to look like them, and the latter reveals mostly stock photos of happy white teens.
But since @iBeKabir posted his tweet it has become so popular, with favourites and retweets reaching over 100,000 shares combined, the image results themselves are being skewed.
In the footage the man, from Virginia U.S.A, scrolls through the results for 'three black teenagers', which in his words is mainly 'inmates'.
He then says: 'Now let's just change the colour,' before he and his friends laugh in amazement at the surprising outcome for such a simple adjustment in the search.
'What the f***!' exclaims the American man.
Commenters have also expressed their shock, one writing: 'What the fox! that is just shameful! most white people I know don't even look like that but there's no excuse for that, sorry man.'
Google image search 'three black teenagers' and 'three white teenagers'The surprising results have made a Twitter video go hugely viral For the former some pictures of mugshots and inmates come upBut for the latter mostly stock photos of happy white teens are shown User @iBeKabir posted a clip of him typing in the searches with friends His Tweet now has now been liked and shared over 100,000 times Now the Tweet has gone so viral the results themselves are being skewed
Google image search 'three black teenagers' and then 'three white teenagers'.
A Twitter video of a man typing in this supposedly unremarkable search has gone massively viral since it was uploaded yesterday afternoon.
That's because his clip shows the results for the former almost exclusively show mugshots, or at least pictures posed to look like them, and the latter reveals mostly stock photos of happy white teens.
But since @iBeKabir posted his tweet it has become so popular, with favourites and retweets reaching over 100,000 shares combined, the image results themselves are being skewed.
In the footage the man, from Virginia U.S.A, scrolls through the results for 'three black teenagers', which in his words is mainly 'inmates'.
He then says: 'Now let's just change the colour,' before he and his friends laugh in amazement at the surprising outcome for such a simple adjustment in the search.
'What the f***!' exclaims the American man.
Commenters have also expressed their shock, one writing: 'What the fox! that is just shameful! most white people I know don't even look like that but there's no excuse for that, sorry man.'
Destiny: Rise of Iron Expansion Details Leaked, Features New Raid, Faction And More
Destiny: Rise of Iron Expansion Details Leaked, Features New Raid, Faction And More
Menu Destiny: Rise of Iron Expansion Details Leaked, Features New Raid, Faction And More Khurram ImtiazJune 8, 20160 Destiny: Rise of Iron expansion release date has already leaked thanks to a mistake on the official website. Along with the release date, the full expansion details have also made their way online after getting listed on the Xbox Store and removed quickly, but not before users were able to to save the information. Destiny: Rise of Iron expansion will include a new raid, new story content and quests, new faction and bosses among a whole other host of additions. You can read the full store description below.
Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated expansion to the Destiny universe. The wall which stood for centuries along the southern border of Old Russia has collapsed. Fallen mutants now scavenge the tombs of the Golden Age, and the plague they have unearthed is more dangerous than even they understand. Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late. Includes: * New Story Campaign & Quests * New Armour and Gear * New Weapons * New Raid * Maximum Light Increase * New Strike * New Plaguelands Zone & Social Space * New Crucible Mode & Maps * New Enemy Faction and Bosses Bungie will officially reveal the full expansion tomorrow on June 9th at 10 AM PST. Rise of Iron expansion will launch on September 20th for the PS4 and Xbox.
Menu Destiny: Rise of Iron Expansion Details Leaked, Features New Raid, Faction And More Khurram ImtiazJune 8, 20160 Destiny: Rise of Iron expansion release date has already leaked thanks to a mistake on the official website. Along with the release date, the full expansion details have also made their way online after getting listed on the Xbox Store and removed quickly, but not before users were able to to save the information. Destiny: Rise of Iron expansion will include a new raid, new story content and quests, new faction and bosses among a whole other host of additions. You can read the full store description below.
Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated expansion to the Destiny universe. The wall which stood for centuries along the southern border of Old Russia has collapsed. Fallen mutants now scavenge the tombs of the Golden Age, and the plague they have unearthed is more dangerous than even they understand. Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late. Includes: * New Story Campaign & Quests * New Armour and Gear * New Weapons * New Raid * Maximum Light Increase * New Strike * New Plaguelands Zone & Social Space * New Crucible Mode & Maps * New Enemy Faction and Bosses Bungie will officially reveal the full expansion tomorrow on June 9th at 10 AM PST. Rise of Iron expansion will launch on September 20th for the PS4 and Xbox.
Faulty update breaks Lexus cars' maps and radio systems
Faulty update breaks Lexus cars' maps and radio systems
A faulty software update is causing problems for Lexus car owners in the US.
The buggy code - which was delivered via a wireless transmission - is causing affected vehicles' infotainments systems to stop working.
This prevents drivers from getting navigation directions, climate controls and digital radio.
The Toyota division has acknowledged the problem saying it was "working round the clock to find a solution".
The firm added "many" vehicles had been affected. It is not yet clear whether Lexus vehicles in any other countries have been sent the code.
"As far as I am currently aware this does not affect cars in the UK," a spokeswoman for Toyota told the BBC.
She added that the issue appeared to be related to Enform, a data-transmitting subscription service that is not available in Europe.
Several motorists have posted videosshowing the cars' screens booting up, flashing purple and then crashing. The fault repeats whether the vehicles are stationary or moving.
At least one car owner believed their car had been "hacked".
'Glitchy line'
Some owners have reported that when they disconnected their car battery, it reset the unit and made it work again. But others have said this only provides a temporary fix as the problem returns several hours later.
Although Lexus itself has yet to provide more detail, one of its US-based dealers suggested it could repair the fault if car owners brought their vehicles in.
"One of our media providers that sends information to your Lexus sent an update to the system that contained a bad line of code," said a message posted by Illinois-based Woodfield Lexus.
"The programming issue is resolved but Lexus needs to reset your system. The repair is simple and no appointment [is] necessary. Please visit our service department for assistance."
Toyota markets Lexus as being its luxury brand
The firm suggested the problem affected 2014, 2015 and 2016 models.
The issue threatens to tarnish Lexus's reputation. It had been ranked as the "most reliable" car brand in Consumer Reports'survey of the automobile industry last year.
"Lexus has an excellent reputation for reliability, but these days that's not just about having trustworthy mechanical parts but its also electronics and software," commented Prof David Bailey from Aston Business School.
"There are typically more lines of code in a car than an aircraft, and you only have to get one part wrong for it to cause these types of problems."
A faulty software update is causing problems for Lexus car owners in the US.
The buggy code - which was delivered via a wireless transmission - is causing affected vehicles' infotainments systems to stop working.
This prevents drivers from getting navigation directions, climate controls and digital radio.
The Toyota division has acknowledged the problem saying it was "working round the clock to find a solution".
The firm added "many" vehicles had been affected. It is not yet clear whether Lexus vehicles in any other countries have been sent the code.
"As far as I am currently aware this does not affect cars in the UK," a spokeswoman for Toyota told the BBC.
She added that the issue appeared to be related to Enform, a data-transmitting subscription service that is not available in Europe.
Several motorists have posted videosshowing the cars' screens booting up, flashing purple and then crashing. The fault repeats whether the vehicles are stationary or moving.
At least one car owner believed their car had been "hacked".
'Glitchy line'
Some owners have reported that when they disconnected their car battery, it reset the unit and made it work again. But others have said this only provides a temporary fix as the problem returns several hours later.
Although Lexus itself has yet to provide more detail, one of its US-based dealers suggested it could repair the fault if car owners brought their vehicles in.
"One of our media providers that sends information to your Lexus sent an update to the system that contained a bad line of code," said a message posted by Illinois-based Woodfield Lexus.
"The programming issue is resolved but Lexus needs to reset your system. The repair is simple and no appointment [is] necessary. Please visit our service department for assistance."
Toyota markets Lexus as being its luxury brand
The firm suggested the problem affected 2014, 2015 and 2016 models.
The issue threatens to tarnish Lexus's reputation. It had been ranked as the "most reliable" car brand in Consumer Reports'survey of the automobile industry last year.
"Lexus has an excellent reputation for reliability, but these days that's not just about having trustworthy mechanical parts but its also electronics and software," commented Prof David Bailey from Aston Business School.
"There are typically more lines of code in a car than an aircraft, and you only have to get one part wrong for it to cause these types of problems."
'Injustice 2' will make more dream superhero brawls reality
'Injustice 2' will make more dream superhero brawls reality
If you enjoyed watching your favorite DC superheroes and villains duke it out in NetherRealm Studios'Injustice: Gods Among Us, get ready to do it all over again. A sequel, simply titled Injustice 2, is ready to swoop in and deliver a swift beatdown.
Fresh off the momentum of the superbly gory Mortal Kombat X, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm have teamed up to deliver another dose of the fighter with a set of new characters, features and other additions that should please DC Comics fans. Taking place in a world shattered by Superman's actions in the previous game, players will take up the mantle of heroes like Batman and Superman to rally against newly-included villains like Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd.
The newly-unveiled Gear System should be a step up from the previous game as well. The new mechanic utilizes RPG-lite mechanics that offer loot drops each time you play so you can customize the hero of your choice with the equipment you see fit. This way, you're able to create a wholly different Aquaman or Supergirl than your opponent. You know, if there ever happened to be two versions of Aquaman in battle for some reason.
Injustice 2 is scheduled to drop for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2017.
If you enjoyed watching your favorite DC superheroes and villains duke it out in NetherRealm Studios'Injustice: Gods Among Us, get ready to do it all over again. A sequel, simply titled Injustice 2, is ready to swoop in and deliver a swift beatdown.
Fresh off the momentum of the superbly gory Mortal Kombat X, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm have teamed up to deliver another dose of the fighter with a set of new characters, features and other additions that should please DC Comics fans. Taking place in a world shattered by Superman's actions in the previous game, players will take up the mantle of heroes like Batman and Superman to rally against newly-included villains like Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd.
The newly-unveiled Gear System should be a step up from the previous game as well. The new mechanic utilizes RPG-lite mechanics that offer loot drops each time you play so you can customize the hero of your choice with the equipment you see fit. This way, you're able to create a wholly different Aquaman or Supergirl than your opponent. You know, if there ever happened to be two versions of Aquaman in battle for some reason.
Injustice 2 is scheduled to drop for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2017.
Google Store posts up Father’s Day deals
Google Store posts up Father’s Day deals
We hope you haven’t forgotten about Father’s Day. It’s June 19th and you have less than two weeks to pick up a gift for the father figure in your life! Google has your back, though, as the Google Store has put up a post for the upcoming holiday with some deals and suggestions.
The Nexus 6P is discounted $50, bringing it down to $449. Google Cardboard has been discounted to $10, while Chromecast and Chromecast Audioare discounted $5 apiece, bringing them both down to $10. The rest of the products are not on sale, but rather suggestions for gifts. Everything from smartwatches to routers are shown off.
There’s also free shipping on all orders, so buying something from the Google Store for Father’s Day isn’t a bad idea. Let us know what you end up getting, even if it’s not Android related!
We hope you haven’t forgotten about Father’s Day. It’s June 19th and you have less than two weeks to pick up a gift for the father figure in your life! Google has your back, though, as the Google Store has put up a post for the upcoming holiday with some deals and suggestions.
The Nexus 6P is discounted $50, bringing it down to $449. Google Cardboard has been discounted to $10, while Chromecast and Chromecast Audioare discounted $5 apiece, bringing them both down to $10. The rest of the products are not on sale, but rather suggestions for gifts. Everything from smartwatches to routers are shown off.
There’s also free shipping on all orders, so buying something from the Google Store for Father’s Day isn’t a bad idea. Let us know what you end up getting, even if it’s not Android related!
Two F-16s collide over Georgia
Two F-16s collide over Georgia
The South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing says two F-16 fighter jets collided above a military operating area in Jefferson County, Georgia Tuesday night,reports CBS Augusta, Georgia affiliate WRDW-TV.
The National Guard says the pilots of both single-seat planes ejected safely.
According to the Guard, the aircraft were performing routine night-flying operations.
The Guard says the Air Force will be conducting a safety investigation.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says a Georgia State Patrol helicopter was to help in the search for the jets' wreckage Wednesday morning.
According to deputies, both pilots were at a hospital. The military was flying a doctor in to examine them and release them after the review.
The South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing says two F-16 fighter jets collided above a military operating area in Jefferson County, Georgia Tuesday night,reports CBS Augusta, Georgia affiliate WRDW-TV.
The National Guard says the pilots of both single-seat planes ejected safely.
According to the Guard, the aircraft were performing routine night-flying operations.
The Guard says the Air Force will be conducting a safety investigation.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says a Georgia State Patrol helicopter was to help in the search for the jets' wreckage Wednesday morning.
According to deputies, both pilots were at a hospital. The military was flying a doctor in to examine them and release them after the review.
Withings' latest scale can gauge your cardiovascular health
Withings' latest scale can gauge your cardiovascular health
Nokia recently bought Withings for $191 million and immediately put it in charge of its entire digital health business. The Finnish company may have been persuaded in part by the Body Cardio, Withings' new flagship scale that launched today. On top of measuring your body mass index (BMI) and composition, it can judge your cardiovascular health by measuring how quickly blood pumps through your body. "It's the most advanced product we've ever made and the product that most represents Withings' DNA," co-founder Eric Carreel tells Engadget.
I had a look at the Body Cardio at Withings' French headquarters, and the minimalist, Apple-esque design (created in conjunction with Paris design studio Elium), is certainly striking. The scale is just 0.7 inches (18 mm) thick, and has a flat base with no feet. That allows it to work on any surface, whether it be a carpet or hardwood floor. You only need to charge the internal battery every year or so, and using it is a simple matter of standing on the scale.
From there, you can read your stats off the accompanying smartphone app or on the scale directly. As before, you can see -- and track over time -- your weight, BMI, body composition (including fat, muscle, water and bone mass), and standing heart rate. The key new measurement, however, is the "pulse wave velocity" (PVW), or speed at which blood circulates in your body.
Withings says the pulse wave velocity gives you a snapshot of your heart health. If you have an overly fast PVW and therefore "stiff" arteries, it means you could be at risk for hypertension or cardiovascular incidents. If your blood flow speed is slower, it generally indicates more flexible arteries and good health.
So how can a scale discern all that just from your feet? It measures a very subtle change in weight that happens when you're aortic valve opens, according to the company. The scale also has embedded electrodes, allowing it deduce when the blood arrives to your feet. By measuring the time it takes for the blood to go from your heart to your feet, and knowing your height, it can calculate the PVW.
While the scale doesn't measure your blood pressure per se, Carreel says the PVW is a better gauge of heart health. "This blood velocity measurement normally requires an expensive device [called a sphygmometer) that only cardiologists usually have, and now it's available to anyone as a household device." Withings says the BodyCardio scale measurements provide a "good correlation" with medical-grade sphygmometers based on testing at two French hospitals. (The company says it will release the results of its study on Friday at the European Society of Hypertension'sParis meetup.)
As a result, Carreel believes the scale goes beyond personal fitness monitoring and into medical health territory. "Simply by standing on the scale every morning, I can track the evolution and the average value of my PVW, which is going to represent in the long-term, my cardiovascular health. So [the product can] detect these signs and warn me of any health risk, and advise me to see a doctor if necessary."
In addition, Withings will anonymously collect health data from users (provided they consent) to refine its data analysis. It will then share it with researchers, hospitals and cardiologists to see how PVW influences cardiovascular risk factors on a large scale. "We seek to understand all of the factors that influence the changes in arterial rigidity and blood flow speed (PVW), whether they be nutrition or whatever. So the question is, how can we positively influence these factors?"
Such data and research will no doubt form a big part of Nokia's newborn health business. As with Apple's HealthKit, the idea is to get data from millions of users into the hands of doctors and researchers, who can see how it relates to future health problems. That means you'll theoretically get, on top of the usual fitness stats like heartbeat and body fat composition, something more valuable as you age: A decent idea as to whether you're at risk for serious cardiovascular problems.
The Body Cardio is now available at Apple and Withings stores in black and white for $180, and will arrive to other retailers by July 7th. A cheaper version without the PVW measurement, the Body, is available at a variety of retailers for $130.
Nokia recently bought Withings for $191 million and immediately put it in charge of its entire digital health business. The Finnish company may have been persuaded in part by the Body Cardio, Withings' new flagship scale that launched today. On top of measuring your body mass index (BMI) and composition, it can judge your cardiovascular health by measuring how quickly blood pumps through your body. "It's the most advanced product we've ever made and the product that most represents Withings' DNA," co-founder Eric Carreel tells Engadget.
I had a look at the Body Cardio at Withings' French headquarters, and the minimalist, Apple-esque design (created in conjunction with Paris design studio Elium), is certainly striking. The scale is just 0.7 inches (18 mm) thick, and has a flat base with no feet. That allows it to work on any surface, whether it be a carpet or hardwood floor. You only need to charge the internal battery every year or so, and using it is a simple matter of standing on the scale.
From there, you can read your stats off the accompanying smartphone app or on the scale directly. As before, you can see -- and track over time -- your weight, BMI, body composition (including fat, muscle, water and bone mass), and standing heart rate. The key new measurement, however, is the "pulse wave velocity" (PVW), or speed at which blood circulates in your body.
Withings says the pulse wave velocity gives you a snapshot of your heart health. If you have an overly fast PVW and therefore "stiff" arteries, it means you could be at risk for hypertension or cardiovascular incidents. If your blood flow speed is slower, it generally indicates more flexible arteries and good health.
So how can a scale discern all that just from your feet? It measures a very subtle change in weight that happens when you're aortic valve opens, according to the company. The scale also has embedded electrodes, allowing it deduce when the blood arrives to your feet. By measuring the time it takes for the blood to go from your heart to your feet, and knowing your height, it can calculate the PVW.
While the scale doesn't measure your blood pressure per se, Carreel says the PVW is a better gauge of heart health. "This blood velocity measurement normally requires an expensive device [called a sphygmometer) that only cardiologists usually have, and now it's available to anyone as a household device." Withings says the BodyCardio scale measurements provide a "good correlation" with medical-grade sphygmometers based on testing at two French hospitals. (The company says it will release the results of its study on Friday at the European Society of Hypertension'sParis meetup.)
As a result, Carreel believes the scale goes beyond personal fitness monitoring and into medical health territory. "Simply by standing on the scale every morning, I can track the evolution and the average value of my PVW, which is going to represent in the long-term, my cardiovascular health. So [the product can] detect these signs and warn me of any health risk, and advise me to see a doctor if necessary."
In addition, Withings will anonymously collect health data from users (provided they consent) to refine its data analysis. It will then share it with researchers, hospitals and cardiologists to see how PVW influences cardiovascular risk factors on a large scale. "We seek to understand all of the factors that influence the changes in arterial rigidity and blood flow speed (PVW), whether they be nutrition or whatever. So the question is, how can we positively influence these factors?"
Such data and research will no doubt form a big part of Nokia's newborn health business. As with Apple's HealthKit, the idea is to get data from millions of users into the hands of doctors and researchers, who can see how it relates to future health problems. That means you'll theoretically get, on top of the usual fitness stats like heartbeat and body fat composition, something more valuable as you age: A decent idea as to whether you're at risk for serious cardiovascular problems.
The Body Cardio is now available at Apple and Withings stores in black and white for $180, and will arrive to other retailers by July 7th. A cheaper version without the PVW measurement, the Body, is available at a variety of retailers for $130.
Siri helps save baby's life
Siri helps save baby's life
Siri, AI personal assistant, helped save a baby's life, the BBC reported on its website.
Stacey Gleeson of Cairns, Australia, said when her one-year-old daughter, Giana, stopped breathing, she shouted at her iPhone 6S to activate Siri and call an ambulance while she administered CPR.
Giana, who had been battling a chest infection and bronchiolitis, was breathing again when the ambulance arrived.
Although the averted tragedy happened in March, the story went viral when Gleeson contacted Apple, who in turn alerted Australian news outlet 7 News.
"As cheesy as it sounds I wanted to say thank you," she reportedly said.
Siri, AI personal assistant, helped save a baby's life, the BBC reported on its website.
Stacey Gleeson of Cairns, Australia, said when her one-year-old daughter, Giana, stopped breathing, she shouted at her iPhone 6S to activate Siri and call an ambulance while she administered CPR.
Giana, who had been battling a chest infection and bronchiolitis, was breathing again when the ambulance arrived.
Although the averted tragedy happened in March, the story went viral when Gleeson contacted Apple, who in turn alerted Australian news outlet 7 News.
"As cheesy as it sounds I wanted to say thank you," she reportedly said.
Google bans plug-in that picks out Jews
Google bans plug-in that picks out Jews
Google has banned an extension of its Chrome browser which was being used to identify Jewish names on the internet by surrounding them with three sets of brackets, or parentheses.
Those identified were then subjected to anti-semitic abuse via social media.
The symbol has been described as a secret signal because punctuation does not show up in ordinary web searches.
Google said that the extension was blocked from its store because it broke its hate speech rules.
The tech giant declined to comment further.
It was called the "coincidence detector" - a reference to a conspiracy theory about Jewish people and global control.
The extension was developed by a far-right group called alt-right.
It had around 2,500 users and a database of 8,800 common Jewish names which it could pick out on websites reported tech site Mic.
The symbol stems from a right-wing group called the Right Stuff, who told Mic it was "a critique of Jewish power".
Jonathan Weisman, deputy Washington editor of the New York Times, wrote about his experience of receiving a tweet with his name wrapped around with brackets.
When he asked what it meant the tweeter replied that he was "belling the cat".
"The anti-Semitic hate hasn't stopped since," wrote Mr Weisman, who has now altered his name on Twitter to include the brackets himself. Others are doing the same in support.
"Nobody's telling us to self-identify. We are showing strength and fearlessness," he tweeted in response to a journalist who said it made her uncomfortable.
He also said that much of the hate appeared to come with "self-identified Donald J Trump supporters" - and many had Twitter names which included the US presidential candidate's name.
Google has banned an extension of its Chrome browser which was being used to identify Jewish names on the internet by surrounding them with three sets of brackets, or parentheses.
Those identified were then subjected to anti-semitic abuse via social media.
The symbol has been described as a secret signal because punctuation does not show up in ordinary web searches.
Google said that the extension was blocked from its store because it broke its hate speech rules.
The tech giant declined to comment further.
It was called the "coincidence detector" - a reference to a conspiracy theory about Jewish people and global control.
The extension was developed by a far-right group called alt-right.
It had around 2,500 users and a database of 8,800 common Jewish names which it could pick out on websites reported tech site Mic.
The symbol stems from a right-wing group called the Right Stuff, who told Mic it was "a critique of Jewish power".
Jonathan Weisman, deputy Washington editor of the New York Times, wrote about his experience of receiving a tweet with his name wrapped around with brackets.
When he asked what it meant the tweeter replied that he was "belling the cat".
"The anti-Semitic hate hasn't stopped since," wrote Mr Weisman, who has now altered his name on Twitter to include the brackets himself. Others are doing the same in support.
"Nobody's telling us to self-identify. We are showing strength and fearlessness," he tweeted in response to a journalist who said it made her uncomfortable.
He also said that much of the hate appeared to come with "self-identified Donald J Trump supporters" - and many had Twitter names which included the US presidential candidate's name.
A Brief History of iOS
A Brief History of iOS
Apple launched iOS—then called iPhone OS—on June 29, 2007, with the very first iPhone. Since then, the mobile operating system has gone through some major upgrades. But it didn’t happen overnight. Ever year in the summer, Apple has reinvented the OS, adding new features and redefining what’s possible on all its iDevices.
In 2016, we’re probably going to see the tenth version of iOS. But to really appreciate the new stuff Apple’s about to trot on stage at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco next Monday, remembering the software’s history gives some much-needed perspective. Here’s a look at every version of iOS, the features they introduced, and how it changed the computers in our pockets—year after year.
iPhone OS 1
What was new: In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone and iPhone OS 1 along with it. During the press conference, Jobs referred to the operating system as OS X because it shared a similar Unix core compared to the full-fledged desktop version of the operating system. When Apple launched the iPhone SDK one year later, the name changed to iPhone OS.
Why it was important: The first iPhone is one of the most important gadgets of all time. It took ideas from within the budding mobile industry and made them more people-friendly. The candy bar-sized display defines smartphone design to this day (sorry BlackBerry). It also created the basic “SpringBoard” app—a grid of apps on a screen—that hasn’t changed much in nine years.
Sure, iPhone OS introduced multi-touch and the general underpinnings of Apple’s ideas for mobile computing, but the operating system’s greatest triumph was selling the idea that an iPod, camera, phone, and internet machine could really be packed into one device that fits inside your pocket—and that’d you’d actually want to use it.
Apple launched iOS—then called iPhone OS—on June 29, 2007, with the very first iPhone. Since then, the mobile operating system has gone through some major upgrades. But it didn’t happen overnight. Ever year in the summer, Apple has reinvented the OS, adding new features and redefining what’s possible on all its iDevices.
In 2016, we’re probably going to see the tenth version of iOS. But to really appreciate the new stuff Apple’s about to trot on stage at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco next Monday, remembering the software’s history gives some much-needed perspective. Here’s a look at every version of iOS, the features they introduced, and how it changed the computers in our pockets—year after year.
iPhone OS 1
What was new: In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone and iPhone OS 1 along with it. During the press conference, Jobs referred to the operating system as OS X because it shared a similar Unix core compared to the full-fledged desktop version of the operating system. When Apple launched the iPhone SDK one year later, the name changed to iPhone OS.
Why it was important: The first iPhone is one of the most important gadgets of all time. It took ideas from within the budding mobile industry and made them more people-friendly. The candy bar-sized display defines smartphone design to this day (sorry BlackBerry). It also created the basic “SpringBoard” app—a grid of apps on a screen—that hasn’t changed much in nine years.
Sure, iPhone OS introduced multi-touch and the general underpinnings of Apple’s ideas for mobile computing, but the operating system’s greatest triumph was selling the idea that an iPod, camera, phone, and internet machine could really be packed into one device that fits inside your pocket—and that’d you’d actually want to use it.
Clinton claims historic victory in Democratic primary
Clinton claims historic victory in Democratic primary
Claiming her place in history, Hillary Clinton declared victory Tuesday night in her bruising battle for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first woman to lead a major American political party and casting herself as the beneficiary of generations who fought for equality.
“This campaign is about making sure there are no ceilings, no limits on any of us,” Clinton said during an emotional rally in Brooklyn, eight years to the day after she ended her first failed White House run. As she took the stage to raucous cheers, she paused to relish the moment, flinging her arms wide and beaming broadly.
Clinton had already secured the delegates needed for the nomination, according to an Associated Press tally. She added to her totals with victories in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, three of the six states voting Tuesday.
Clinton faces a two-front challenge in the coming days. She must appeal to the enthusiastic supporters of her rival Bernie Sanders — who insists he still has a narrow path to the nomination — and sharpen her contrasts with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
She sought to make progress on both, using her own loss in 2008 to connect with Sanders’ backers.
“It never feels good to put our heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in and come up short,” she said. “I know that feeling well. But as we look ahead to the battle that awaits, let’s remember all that unites us.”
She was biting and sarcastic as she took on Trump, accusing him of wanting to win “by stoking fear and rubbing salt in wounds — and reminding us daily just how great he is.”
Even as the Democratic race was ending, new turmoil broke out among the Republicans. GOP leaders recoiled at Trump’s comments about a Hispanic judge, with one senator even pulling his endorsement.
Trump capped his difficult day with victories in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana. But he was muted his victory rally, saying he understands “the responsibility” of leading the Republican Party. He also made a direct appeal to dejected Sanders supporters and other Democrats.
“This election isn’t about Republican or Democrat, it’s about who runs this country: the special interests or the people,” he said. Trump promised a major speech next week on Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Clinton’s win in New Jersey came a day after she secured the 2,383 delegates she needed to become the first female presumptive nominee of a major political party, according to an Associated Press tally. Her total includes pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, as well as superdelegates — the party officials and officeholders who can back a candidate of their choosing.
President Barack Obama called both Clinton and Sanders late Tuesday. The White House said Obama congratulated Clinton for “securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic nomination for president” and praised her “historic campaign,” though he did not formally endorse her.
The White House said Obama and Sanders will meet at the White House on Thursday, at the Vermont senator’s request
Clinton and Sanders were both pressing for victory in California, each eager to effectively end their primary battle on a high note.
Sanders picked up a win in North Dakota, where a handful of delegates were up for grabs.
Sanders hoped a victory would help in his so-far-unsuccessful bid to get Clinton superdelegates to switch their support. Asked on NBC whether he was continuing that effort, he said, “We are. We’re on the phone right now.”
Clinton and Sanders are also expected to connect in the coming days, Clinton’s spokesman said late Tuesday. The candidates’ campaign managers spoke earlier in the day, signaling that conversations were underway about the road ahead.
Republicans had appeared unified after Trump vanquished his last opponents about a month ago. But the real estate mogul has continued to make controversial statements, frustrating party leaders.
The latest cause for GOP concern was his insistence that a judge handling a legal case involving the businessman was being unfair in his rulings. Trump has said U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel can’t be impartial because the jurist’s parents were born in Mexico and Trump wants to build a wall along the border.
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, who is locked in a close re-election fight, became the first lawmaker to pull his endorsement of Trump. House Speaker Paul Ryan said the businessman’s assertion was the “textbook definition of a racist comment” but he would continue to support Trump.
Trump released a statement saying he does “not feel one’s heritage makes them incapable of being impartial.” But he still questioned whether he was receiving fair treatment in the case involving the now-defunct Trump University.
Sanders’ achievements have been remarkable for a candidate who was unknown to most Americans before the campaign. He has drawn massive crowds to rallies around the country and built a fundraising juggernaut based largely on small donations online. The Vermont senator has been particularly popular with young voters, an important piece of the Democratic coalition.
Still, Clinton’s victory has been broadly decisive. She leads Sanders by more than 3 million cast votes.
After her win in New Jersey, Clinton had 2,469 delegates to Sanders’ 1,637. That count includes both pledged delegates and superdelegates.
Pace reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas in Los Angeles, and Hope Yen, Stephen Ohlemacher, Chad Day and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
Claiming her place in history, Hillary Clinton declared victory Tuesday night in her bruising battle for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first woman to lead a major American political party and casting herself as the beneficiary of generations who fought for equality.
“This campaign is about making sure there are no ceilings, no limits on any of us,” Clinton said during an emotional rally in Brooklyn, eight years to the day after she ended her first failed White House run. As she took the stage to raucous cheers, she paused to relish the moment, flinging her arms wide and beaming broadly.
Clinton had already secured the delegates needed for the nomination, according to an Associated Press tally. She added to her totals with victories in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, three of the six states voting Tuesday.
Clinton faces a two-front challenge in the coming days. She must appeal to the enthusiastic supporters of her rival Bernie Sanders — who insists he still has a narrow path to the nomination — and sharpen her contrasts with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
She sought to make progress on both, using her own loss in 2008 to connect with Sanders’ backers.
“It never feels good to put our heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in and come up short,” she said. “I know that feeling well. But as we look ahead to the battle that awaits, let’s remember all that unites us.”
She was biting and sarcastic as she took on Trump, accusing him of wanting to win “by stoking fear and rubbing salt in wounds — and reminding us daily just how great he is.”
Even as the Democratic race was ending, new turmoil broke out among the Republicans. GOP leaders recoiled at Trump’s comments about a Hispanic judge, with one senator even pulling his endorsement.
Trump capped his difficult day with victories in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana. But he was muted his victory rally, saying he understands “the responsibility” of leading the Republican Party. He also made a direct appeal to dejected Sanders supporters and other Democrats.
“This election isn’t about Republican or Democrat, it’s about who runs this country: the special interests or the people,” he said. Trump promised a major speech next week on Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Clinton’s win in New Jersey came a day after she secured the 2,383 delegates she needed to become the first female presumptive nominee of a major political party, according to an Associated Press tally. Her total includes pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, as well as superdelegates — the party officials and officeholders who can back a candidate of their choosing.
President Barack Obama called both Clinton and Sanders late Tuesday. The White House said Obama congratulated Clinton for “securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic nomination for president” and praised her “historic campaign,” though he did not formally endorse her.
The White House said Obama and Sanders will meet at the White House on Thursday, at the Vermont senator’s request
Clinton and Sanders were both pressing for victory in California, each eager to effectively end their primary battle on a high note.
Sanders picked up a win in North Dakota, where a handful of delegates were up for grabs.
Sanders hoped a victory would help in his so-far-unsuccessful bid to get Clinton superdelegates to switch their support. Asked on NBC whether he was continuing that effort, he said, “We are. We’re on the phone right now.”
Clinton and Sanders are also expected to connect in the coming days, Clinton’s spokesman said late Tuesday. The candidates’ campaign managers spoke earlier in the day, signaling that conversations were underway about the road ahead.
Republicans had appeared unified after Trump vanquished his last opponents about a month ago. But the real estate mogul has continued to make controversial statements, frustrating party leaders.
The latest cause for GOP concern was his insistence that a judge handling a legal case involving the businessman was being unfair in his rulings. Trump has said U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel can’t be impartial because the jurist’s parents were born in Mexico and Trump wants to build a wall along the border.
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, who is locked in a close re-election fight, became the first lawmaker to pull his endorsement of Trump. House Speaker Paul Ryan said the businessman’s assertion was the “textbook definition of a racist comment” but he would continue to support Trump.
Trump released a statement saying he does “not feel one’s heritage makes them incapable of being impartial.” But he still questioned whether he was receiving fair treatment in the case involving the now-defunct Trump University.
Sanders’ achievements have been remarkable for a candidate who was unknown to most Americans before the campaign. He has drawn massive crowds to rallies around the country and built a fundraising juggernaut based largely on small donations online. The Vermont senator has been particularly popular with young voters, an important piece of the Democratic coalition.
Still, Clinton’s victory has been broadly decisive. She leads Sanders by more than 3 million cast votes.
After her win in New Jersey, Clinton had 2,469 delegates to Sanders’ 1,637. That count includes both pledged delegates and superdelegates.
Pace reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas in Los Angeles, and Hope Yen, Stephen Ohlemacher, Chad Day and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Meryl Streep Takes Stage Dressed As Donald Trump At NYC Gala
Meryl Streep Takes Stage Dressed As Donald Trump At NYC Gala
Meryl Streep has made use of a spray tan, a fake belly and an oversized red tie to get in character for her latest role, Donald Trump.
The New York Times reports that the three-time Oscar winner took the stage Monday in New York as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee during a gala benefit for the Public Theater.
A Times reporter has posted video of the performance on Twitter showing Streep impersonating Trump while performing a duet alongside actress Christine Baranski’s pantsuit-clad Democrat Hillary Clinton. The pair sang “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from Cole Porter’s musical “Kiss Me, Kate.”
Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis tells the newspaper that the performance was Streep’s idea and “she was absolutely sure she could do it.”
Streep is a supporter of Clinton.
Meryl Streep has made use of a spray tan, a fake belly and an oversized red tie to get in character for her latest role, Donald Trump.
The New York Times reports that the three-time Oscar winner took the stage Monday in New York as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee during a gala benefit for the Public Theater.
A Times reporter has posted video of the performance on Twitter showing Streep impersonating Trump while performing a duet alongside actress Christine Baranski’s pantsuit-clad Democrat Hillary Clinton. The pair sang “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from Cole Porter’s musical “Kiss Me, Kate.”
Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis tells the newspaper that the performance was Streep’s idea and “she was absolutely sure she could do it.”
Streep is a supporter of Clinton.
Copa America 2016: Pitbull Plays Over Chile Anthem
Copa America 2016: Pitbull Plays Over Chile Anthem
Chile's players and fans had to compete with the music of rapper Pitbull, as it was played over the final bars of their national anthem before a Copa America match against Argentina.
It was the second time in two days that the country's national anthem was subject to a mix-up at the tournament.
Organisers apologised for playing the Chile anthem instead of Uruguay before their game against Mexico on Sunday.
Chile went on to lose Monday's game 2-1 to the 2014 World Cup finalists.
Fans and players were still singing as the the pre-recorded anthem music ended, and, according to reports, the Pitbull track was next on the tracklist at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
American Pitbull has sold more than 60 million records globally - leading to his nickname 'Mr Worldwide'.
Chile's players and fans had to compete with the music of rapper Pitbull, as it was played over the final bars of their national anthem before a Copa America match against Argentina.
It was the second time in two days that the country's national anthem was subject to a mix-up at the tournament.
Organisers apologised for playing the Chile anthem instead of Uruguay before their game against Mexico on Sunday.
Chile went on to lose Monday's game 2-1 to the 2014 World Cup finalists.
Fans and players were still singing as the the pre-recorded anthem music ended, and, according to reports, the Pitbull track was next on the tracklist at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
American Pitbull has sold more than 60 million records globally - leading to his nickname 'Mr Worldwide'.
'Today' host Savannah Guthrie pregnant, skips Rio Olympics
'Today' host Savannah Guthrie pregnant, skips Rio Olympics
"Today" show co-hostSavannah Guthrie says she's pregnant and will be skipping the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro because of the Zika virus.
Guthrie made the announcement on theNBC program Tuesday morning. She cited doctors' advice in deciding to skip the Olympics. NBC had announced in April that Guthrie would co-host the opening ceremony of the Rio Games on Aug. 5.
Zika is known to cause birth defects, including microcephaly, in which the baby's head is smaller than expected because the brain hasn't developed properly. The virus is now in 60 countries, with Olympic host Brazil the hardest-hit nation.
Guthrie says her second child with husband Michael Feldman is due in December. The couple's first child, a girl, was born in August 2014.
"Today" show co-hostSavannah Guthrie says she's pregnant and will be skipping the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro because of the Zika virus.
Guthrie made the announcement on theNBC program Tuesday morning. She cited doctors' advice in deciding to skip the Olympics. NBC had announced in April that Guthrie would co-host the opening ceremony of the Rio Games on Aug. 5.
Zika is known to cause birth defects, including microcephaly, in which the baby's head is smaller than expected because the brain hasn't developed properly. The virus is now in 60 countries, with Olympic host Brazil the hardest-hit nation.
Guthrie says her second child with husband Michael Feldman is due in December. The couple's first child, a girl, was born in August 2014.
James Corden just did an epic Broadway version of Carpool Karaoke His previous Carpool Karaoke guests have included the likes of Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez and Adele, but James Corden has gone for a Broadway theme this time round. The Late Late Show host is joined by the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Broadway musical Hamilton, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson this time round and it’s pretty show-stopping stuff. James is hosting this year’s Tony Awards, which recognises achievement in live Broadway theatre, for the first time on Sunday, so his choice of car companions are pretty fitting. He and Lin-Manuel kick things off by belting into a rendition of Alexander Hamilton from the hugely-popular Hamilton, which is coming to London’s West End next year. The pair then pick up three other Broadway stars, Audra McDonald from Shuffle Along, Jesse from Fully Committed (as well as TV show Modern Family), and former Ally McBeal star Jane Krakowski, who’s currently appearing in She Loves Me. James, Lin-Manuel, Audra, Jesse and Jane promptly team up to perform some classic Broadway tunes including One Day More from Les Miserables and Seasons of Love from Rent while driving through New York. But the stand out moment is probably when the fivesome launch into a very energetic version of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. James, who won a Tony in 2012 for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors, recently admitted to being ridiculously excited about presenting the Tony Awards ceremony, which airs on US network CBS on Sunday at 8pm, He also revealed that his opening number has been written by none other than Gary Barlow.
James Corden just did an epic Broadway version of Carpool Karaoke
His previous Carpool Karaoke guests have included the likes of Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez and Adele, but James Corden has gone for a Broadway theme this time round.
The Late Late Show host is joined by the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Broadway musical Hamilton, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson this time round and it’s pretty show-stopping stuff.
James is hosting this year’s Tony Awards, which recognises achievement in live Broadway theatre, for the first time on Sunday, so his choice of car companions are pretty fitting.
He and Lin-Manuel kick things off by belting into a rendition of Alexander Hamilton from the hugely-popular Hamilton, which is coming to London’s West End next year.
The pair then pick up three other Broadway stars, Audra McDonald from Shuffle Along, Jesse from Fully Committed (as well as TV show Modern Family), and former Ally McBeal star Jane Krakowski, who’s currently appearing in She Loves Me.
James, Lin-Manuel, Audra, Jesse and Jane promptly team up to perform some classic Broadway tunes including One Day More from Les Miserables and Seasons of Love from Rent while driving through New York.
But the stand out moment is probably when the fivesome launch into a very energetic version of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
James, who won a Tony in 2012 for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors, recently admitted to being ridiculously excited about presenting the Tony Awards ceremony, which airs on US network CBS on Sunday at 8pm,
He also revealed that his opening number has been written by none other than Gary Barlow.
His previous Carpool Karaoke guests have included the likes of Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez and Adele, but James Corden has gone for a Broadway theme this time round.
The Late Late Show host is joined by the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Broadway musical Hamilton, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson this time round and it’s pretty show-stopping stuff.
James is hosting this year’s Tony Awards, which recognises achievement in live Broadway theatre, for the first time on Sunday, so his choice of car companions are pretty fitting.
He and Lin-Manuel kick things off by belting into a rendition of Alexander Hamilton from the hugely-popular Hamilton, which is coming to London’s West End next year.
The pair then pick up three other Broadway stars, Audra McDonald from Shuffle Along, Jesse from Fully Committed (as well as TV show Modern Family), and former Ally McBeal star Jane Krakowski, who’s currently appearing in She Loves Me.
James, Lin-Manuel, Audra, Jesse and Jane promptly team up to perform some classic Broadway tunes including One Day More from Les Miserables and Seasons of Love from Rent while driving through New York.
But the stand out moment is probably when the fivesome launch into a very energetic version of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
James, who won a Tony in 2012 for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors, recently admitted to being ridiculously excited about presenting the Tony Awards ceremony, which airs on US network CBS on Sunday at 8pm,
He also revealed that his opening number has been written by none other than Gary Barlow.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Supergirl: Superman to appear in season 2
Supergirl: Superman to appear in season 2
It’s finally happening: Superman is coming to Supergirl!
EW has learned the iconic superhero will first be seen visiting his cousin Kara (Melissa Benoist) in National City at the beginning of season 2. Further details on the role, which is currently being cast, were not yet available.
“Greg [Berlanti], Ali [Adler] and I are beyond thrilled to welcome Clark Kent and his slightly-more-famous alter ego to the world of Supergirl,” says executive producer Andrew Kreisberg. “Superman will be appearing in the first two episodes of the new season we cannot wait to see who next dons the red cape!”
Producers have previously stressed this isSupergirl’s story, but they left open the possibility of seeing the Man of Steel on the series. “It will always be a dream of ours to be able to have Clark or Superman on the show,” Kreisberg previously told EWahead of the season 2 renewal. “Hopefully with continued success, that opportunity will one day present itself.”
Though this will be the first time the viewers will truly see Superman, his presence has been felt on the show. The Man of Steel has kept up a relationship with his cousin via online correspondence, and even appeared as a child when Kara suffered from the Black Mercy. He also appeared in the final episodes of the season when Non set off the doomsday device Myriad – or at least his boots did.
The news comes as Supergirl is movingfrom CBS to The CW, where it will live alongside other Berlanti series Arrow, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow – all of which will cross over for an epic eventslated for December.
Supergirl will return Mondays this fall at 8 p.m. ET on The CW. In the meantime, get scoop on season 2 here.
It’s finally happening: Superman is coming to Supergirl!
EW has learned the iconic superhero will first be seen visiting his cousin Kara (Melissa Benoist) in National City at the beginning of season 2. Further details on the role, which is currently being cast, were not yet available.
“Greg [Berlanti], Ali [Adler] and I are beyond thrilled to welcome Clark Kent and his slightly-more-famous alter ego to the world of Supergirl,” says executive producer Andrew Kreisberg. “Superman will be appearing in the first two episodes of the new season we cannot wait to see who next dons the red cape!”
Producers have previously stressed this isSupergirl’s story, but they left open the possibility of seeing the Man of Steel on the series. “It will always be a dream of ours to be able to have Clark or Superman on the show,” Kreisberg previously told EWahead of the season 2 renewal. “Hopefully with continued success, that opportunity will one day present itself.”
Though this will be the first time the viewers will truly see Superman, his presence has been felt on the show. The Man of Steel has kept up a relationship with his cousin via online correspondence, and even appeared as a child when Kara suffered from the Black Mercy. He also appeared in the final episodes of the season when Non set off the doomsday device Myriad – or at least his boots did.
The news comes as Supergirl is movingfrom CBS to The CW, where it will live alongside other Berlanti series Arrow, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow – all of which will cross over for an epic eventslated for December.
Supergirl will return Mondays this fall at 8 p.m. ET on The CW. In the meantime, get scoop on season 2 here.
'Star Wars' Star John Boyega Can Help Make 'Pacific Rim 2' A Hit
'Star Wars' Star John Boyega Can Help Make 'Pacific Rim 2' A Hit
As the press release heard around the world proclaimed, John Boyega has joined the cast of the next Pacific Rim. Of note, the press release does not contain the word “Maelstrom,” which was thought to be the sequel’s subtitle, so maybe that’s going to change. The Legendary sequel, a follow-up to Guillermo del Toro’s kinda-sorta successful “robots v monsters: dawn of nerdy” sci-fi spectacular, has yet to be slated but it is presumed that Universal/Comcast Corp. will distribute the film (in every market save China) sometime in late 2017.
And now the movie, which will be directed Steven S. DeKnight, has a viable name at the helm. Now this doesn’t mean that Charlie Hunnam won’t be back, nor is it a guarantee that Boyega’s character (the son of Idris Elba’s character) will be the de-facto lead. Heck, Walt Disney’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens marketing campaign arguably sold the idea that Boyega’s Finn would be the new hero only for the film itself to turn into Daisy Ridley’s arc.
But it does presume that the Attack the Block breakout will have a significant role in the upcoming sequel. Boyega is unquestionably a media-friendly star, we nerd reporters all love Attack the Block, and this inclusion will get the press on the film’s side heading into production. But will Boyega’s inclusion help the movie at the worldwide box office? That’s a trickier question, but I have to presume a qualified “yes.”
First of all, with all this talk about underperforming sequels, Pacific Rim 2 (or whatever it ends up being called) feels like a prime candidate for “second time ain’t the charm.” The first film, which was distributed by Warner Bros./Time Warner in the summer of 2013, earned $101.8 million domestic. With a $190m budget, the only reason we’re getting a sequel is that it earned $111.9m in China and thus $411m worldwide.
I have discussed before the inherent dangers of “Okay, but next time it’ll break out!” sequel-izing, especially when the original film wasn’t insanely leggy and hasn’t necessarily amassed a devoted following (beyond the initial converts), and this may be another casualty. But whether it helps a little or helps a lot, casting Boyega as (I hope) the new lead is a smart play.
It distinguishes the sequel from the countless other big-budget fantasy spectaculars that star somewhat generic “Oh, I kinda liked him in that one TV show” young white males with no real box office draw. All due respect, but that’s Charlie Hunnam (currently carrying the weight of Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur on his shoulders next year for Warner Bros.). The perception, at least regarding certain proverbial “powers that be,” is that a young (known or unknown) white guy is a safer bet globally than even a somewhat well-known actress or minority actor.
That may be true, but we don’t know because of how infrequently that thinking is put to the test. I have discussed in the past about how maybe Hollywood should try more big-budget vehicles with actors (and actresses) who aren’t young Caucasian males who are trying to be the next Channing Tatum. Will it help? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s not like casting Armie Hammer and Henry Cavill in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. turned that film into a smash. So if you want to start casting John Cho or Michelle Rodriguez as leads in somewhat risky big-budget movies, you have nowhere to go but up. And at the very least, you’re going to create a lot of excitement in certain demographic circles.
Geek-friendly audiences who aren’t white men are desperate for relative representation. If you saw the online excitement at every bit of Black Panther news (and a mere cameo from Florence Kasumba in Captain America: Civil War, it was both exciting and a little depressing. We all know what a big deal Rinko Kikuchi’s starring role in the firstPacific Rim mean to Japanese audiences, Asian fans, and just those of us who like more onscreen diversity.
For those who want to see themselves onscreen, it was a life raft in an otherwise barren ocean. A Pacific Rim 2 that stars John Boyega may or may not be an event to the world as a whole, but it’s going to be an event to audiences who look like John Boyega. And while an excited black film community may not single-handedly turn the movie into a hit, it will make at least one demographic a lot more excited to see the film, for pleasure and to “support” it, than they otherwise would be.
And for a dicey sequel like Pacific Rim 2, that’s not remotely nothing.
As the press release heard around the world proclaimed, John Boyega has joined the cast of the next Pacific Rim. Of note, the press release does not contain the word “Maelstrom,” which was thought to be the sequel’s subtitle, so maybe that’s going to change. The Legendary sequel, a follow-up to Guillermo del Toro’s kinda-sorta successful “robots v monsters: dawn of nerdy” sci-fi spectacular, has yet to be slated but it is presumed that Universal/Comcast Corp. will distribute the film (in every market save China) sometime in late 2017.
And now the movie, which will be directed Steven S. DeKnight, has a viable name at the helm. Now this doesn’t mean that Charlie Hunnam won’t be back, nor is it a guarantee that Boyega’s character (the son of Idris Elba’s character) will be the de-facto lead. Heck, Walt Disney’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens marketing campaign arguably sold the idea that Boyega’s Finn would be the new hero only for the film itself to turn into Daisy Ridley’s arc.
But it does presume that the Attack the Block breakout will have a significant role in the upcoming sequel. Boyega is unquestionably a media-friendly star, we nerd reporters all love Attack the Block, and this inclusion will get the press on the film’s side heading into production. But will Boyega’s inclusion help the movie at the worldwide box office? That’s a trickier question, but I have to presume a qualified “yes.”
First of all, with all this talk about underperforming sequels, Pacific Rim 2 (or whatever it ends up being called) feels like a prime candidate for “second time ain’t the charm.” The first film, which was distributed by Warner Bros./Time Warner in the summer of 2013, earned $101.8 million domestic. With a $190m budget, the only reason we’re getting a sequel is that it earned $111.9m in China and thus $411m worldwide.
I have discussed before the inherent dangers of “Okay, but next time it’ll break out!” sequel-izing, especially when the original film wasn’t insanely leggy and hasn’t necessarily amassed a devoted following (beyond the initial converts), and this may be another casualty. But whether it helps a little or helps a lot, casting Boyega as (I hope) the new lead is a smart play.
It distinguishes the sequel from the countless other big-budget fantasy spectaculars that star somewhat generic “Oh, I kinda liked him in that one TV show” young white males with no real box office draw. All due respect, but that’s Charlie Hunnam (currently carrying the weight of Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur on his shoulders next year for Warner Bros.). The perception, at least regarding certain proverbial “powers that be,” is that a young (known or unknown) white guy is a safer bet globally than even a somewhat well-known actress or minority actor.
That may be true, but we don’t know because of how infrequently that thinking is put to the test. I have discussed in the past about how maybe Hollywood should try more big-budget vehicles with actors (and actresses) who aren’t young Caucasian males who are trying to be the next Channing Tatum. Will it help? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s not like casting Armie Hammer and Henry Cavill in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. turned that film into a smash. So if you want to start casting John Cho or Michelle Rodriguez as leads in somewhat risky big-budget movies, you have nowhere to go but up. And at the very least, you’re going to create a lot of excitement in certain demographic circles.
Geek-friendly audiences who aren’t white men are desperate for relative representation. If you saw the online excitement at every bit of Black Panther news (and a mere cameo from Florence Kasumba in Captain America: Civil War, it was both exciting and a little depressing. We all know what a big deal Rinko Kikuchi’s starring role in the firstPacific Rim mean to Japanese audiences, Asian fans, and just those of us who like more onscreen diversity.
For those who want to see themselves onscreen, it was a life raft in an otherwise barren ocean. A Pacific Rim 2 that stars John Boyega may or may not be an event to the world as a whole, but it’s going to be an event to audiences who look like John Boyega. And while an excited black film community may not single-handedly turn the movie into a hit, it will make at least one demographic a lot more excited to see the film, for pleasure and to “support” it, than they otherwise would be.
And for a dicey sequel like Pacific Rim 2, that’s not remotely nothing.
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