03 October 2019

Kitty Hawk reveals its secret project, Heaviside


Sebastian Thrun is waving a device in his hand with an excited, almost gleeful expression on his face as he trots from a makeshift aircraft hangar toward the secret project that Kitty Hawk Corp. has been working on for nearly two years.

The serial entrepreneur and co-founder of X, the Alphabet moonshot factory, isn’t trying to contain his excitement as he presents what appears to be a decibel meter.

Thrun, the CEO of aviation startup Kitty Hawk, and Damon Vander Lind, the physicist and electrical engineer who has been leading the project, are standing in an expanse of grasslands and low-lying, oak-dotted hills that can only be described as cattle country. But there are no cows to be found here. Instead, a low-slung, orange and black aircraft with eight rotors and a 20-foot wingspan sits on a small asphalt pad.

It’s called Heaviside. Vander Lind’s pink-hued T-shirt, the letters HVSD emblazoned across it, suddenly makes more sense than it did an hour before.

HVSD, which is named after renowned physicist and electrical engineer Oliver Heaviside, is Kitty Hawk’s third act.

The first is Flyer, a single-seater, all-electric, vertical take-off and landing vehicle powered by 10 independent lift fans that operates between 3 to10 feet off the water. Then there’s Cora, a two-person, autonomous taxi that Kitty Hawk unveiled in 2018. Kitty Hawk, which is backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, recently formed a strategic partnership with Boeing to collaborate on urban air mobility, particularly around safety and how autonomous and piloted vehicles will co-exist. The partnership will focus on Cora.

HVSD is an electric aircraft designed to go anywhere and land anywhere fast and quietly, Vander Lind says.

“If you build an aircraft that can land anywhere and then say actually, oh wait it can’t just land anywhere, no I need a big helipad and I need to build a bunch of structure and all that — you miss the point,” said Vander Lind.

And indeed, HVSD isn’t parked on a large runway or giant helipad. The aircraft, which weighs about one-third of a Cessna, is on a section of asphalt much bigger than its wingspan. Just beyond this manmade parking spot are acres of grassland and the occasional tree. There is no runway to be found.

The big promises that Thrun and Vander Lind are trying to deliver on here are speed, silence and ease of use.

Vander Lind, who earned his pilot’s license, commutes part of the way to work in a single-engine piston aircraft he fixed up. He takes a bicycle for the remainder of the journey. The physicist and electrical engineer, who was a lead engineer at the Alphabet-owned airborne wind turbine company Makani Power, notes that his commute, while fun, is hardly practical.

HVSD aims to deliver both an enjoying ride and practicality, Vander Lind said.

Kitty Hawk Heaviside starry night

The aircraft is 100 times quieter than a helicopter, the pair said. And it’s faster. Thrun says HVSD, which has a range of about 100 miles, can travel from San Jose to San Francisco in 15 minutes. The aircraft can be flown autonomously or manually, but even then most of the tasks of flying are handled by the compute, not the human.

Moments after walking around HVSD, the decibel meter, still in Thrun’s grasp, gets put to work. A helicopter that is stationed about 150 feet from where we’re standing is fired up. After two minutes, the helicopter lifts off, it’s whop whop whop lingering even as the craft is more than 600 feet in the air and begins its circular flight path around the testing area. The meter pops above 85 decibels and stays there for several minutes. The decibels go beyond 88 decibels at landing.

Later, after the helicopter lands and the engine slowly winds down, the test turns to HVSD.

An engineer, who is standing in an open air tower, brings HVSD suddenly to life. Unlike a helicopter, the HVSD starts and lifts off in just seconds. There is sound as it lifts off — hitting about 80 decibels — but what’s striking is the brevity. The take off sound lasts fewer than 10 seconds. As HVSD gains altitude and then circles above us, the only sound is a few engineers and technicians talking nearby.

Once Thrun quiets the crew, the noise falls below 40 decibels, which is what a typical, quiet residential neighborhood registers at. HVSD is nearby at about 600 feet of altitude, but it is barely audible as it circles above us. An office with an air conditioning running might be about 50 decibels, Thrun says for comparison.

“The calculus here is that this has to be socially acceptable for people,” Thrun says. “There’s a reason why helicopters are not: they’re for rich people and they’re noisy.”

It took just a year to take HVSD from a concept and some sketches to building a prototype and conducting the first test flights. This past year has been spent testing and refining the aircraft and, as Vander Lind puts it, “trying to make it crash.” It’s a goal that they have yet to accomplish.

“This thing is really robust,” Vander Lind says pointing to HVSD before turning his sights onto the nearby helicopter. “On the helicopter, there’s a little bolt on top, and if you unscrew that, you take the cotter pin out, we all die.”

Kitty Hawk is testing HVSD with and without a pilot inside, which allows the company to push the aircraft and look for flaws and vulnerabilities. “We want to do everything we can to break it in the air, so when you get in it, it’s safe,” Vander Lind says.

It might be awhile before the public gets in HVSD. The Federal Aviation Administration allows Kitty Hawk to test its aircraft as long as it stays within view of the company’s engineers and test crew on the ground. And Thrun and Vander Lind acknowledge there’s more refinement to be done.

For instance, the cockpit, which fits just one person, is still just carbon fiber. Sitting snugly inside, and kicked back like one would be riding a recumbent bicycle, it’s not quite cozy. Vander Lind, who says engineers have slept in it as “one aspect of the testing,” reminds me I’m sitting on bare carbon. He wants to add a lumbar support, arm rests and other comfort features.

The interface of the aircraft at Kitty Hawk’s secret testing area has been stripped out. But Thrun tells me the interface will be simple to use like “pushing a button.”

The idea is for HVSD to be accessible to more than just the super rich and those who have a pilot license, Thrun says. And, of course, to make commuting easier and faster.

The average commute time in the United States is 53 minutes, according to the US Census Bureau. Looking just at the weekday commute, an individual still manages to log 231 hours a year commuting. On Heaviside, Thrun says, it comes to 21 hours a year commuting. “That’s 10 times faster.”

Thrun and Vander Lind are squarely in the visionary and dreamer category. But even they understand there is work left to be done if they ever hope to bring HVSD to the public. Safety is paramount and the team is working on the compute that will handle the flying as well as redundancies.

And then there is the regulatory piece. Thrun has tapped Mike Huerta, who served as FAA Administrator from 2013 to 2018, as an adviser to Kitty Hawk to help the company get closer to its goal.


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Google’s Password Checkup Helps You Stay Safe Online


Google has launched the Password Checkup. This is a new tool built into Google’s Password Manager, which is built into your Google account. The Password Checkup is designed to keep you safe online by checking the strength and security of your passwords.

Research suggests that as many as one in four Americans use common passwords. Things like ABC123 and Password1111. Furthermore, many people use the same password across multiple sites. So if it’s involved in a breach, multiple accounts are vulnerable.

In an effort to help people stay safe online, Google has launched the Password Checkup.

How Does Google’s Password Checkup Work?

Google unveils the Password Checkup in a post on The Keyword. The company explains that it has developed the tool to help educate people with “poor password habits,” and inform victims whose passwords are exposed in data breaches.

Google’s Password Checkup will inform you whether:

Your passwords have been compromised in a known security breach. Google maintains a list of 4 billion usernames and passwords that have been “exposed due to third-party breaches”. And the Password Checkup will tell you if your details are among them.

Any of your passwords are being used across multiple sites. If Google detects that you are using the same password to log in to different sites it will advise you to change things up. This is to avoid hackers being able to take advantage of your laziness.

Your passwords are so weak that they need strengthening. If Google identifies that any of your passwords are too weak to be effective it will advise you to create stronger passwords. This is because weak passwords can be easily guessed by attackers.

Create Stronger Passwords With a Password Generator

The Password Checkup obviously only works on passwords you have saved in your Google account. So if you want Google to check that your passwords are strong and secure you’ll have to start using Google’s built-in Password Manager.

If Google does detect an issue it may be time to rethink your approach to passwords. And if you struggle to think of strong and secure passwords you should try one of the best online password generators. All of which generate random strings of characters.

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Which iPad Should You Buy? Find the Best iPad for You


which-ipad

When the iPad first launched in 2010, there was only one model available. Now, there are five different iPad models to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks to consider.

What makes the iPad Pro different to the iPad Air? Which is the most affordable iPad? Which iPad should you buy? Let’s take a look at the lineup and help you find the best iPad for you.

Best iPad Overall: iPad Air

iPad Air iPad Air Buy Now On Amazon $469.99

The iPad Air is the Apple tablet with the broadest appeal. The iPad Air provides the right balance between value and power to suit most users. It features a 10.5-inch display and is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip which was first introduced alongside the iPhone XS and XR in late 2018.

That means the Air can handle most tasks you throw at it, including demanding 3D games and resource-intensive digital audio workstations. The 10.5-inch display is large enough to provide clear benefits over a smaller smartphone display, without being so large that it’s unwieldy.

Compatibility with Apple’s Smart Keyboard attachment is a bonus for students or anyone who anticipates using their tablet for writing purposes. There’s also support for the first generation of Apple Pencil which is perfect for handwritten notes, annotating PDFs, or doodling and sketching.

There are some limitations placed on the Air that defies its broad appeal. It uses a dated chassis that first appeared when the original iPad Air was released in 2013. You can unlock it with the slightly outmoded Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and it’s only available in capacities of up to 256GB.

Anyone considering the pricier iPad Pro should first look at the iPad Air. Its A12 Bionic chip doesn’t quite meet the dizzying heights of its more expensive counterparts, but overall the iPad Air provides a tremendous amount of bang for your buck in a neat little package.

Best iPad for Artists: iPad Pro 12.9-Inch

iPad Pro 12.9-inch iPad Pro 12.9-inch Buy Now On Amazon $949.00

By virtue of the larger screen it’s hard not to recommend the iPad Pro 12.9-inch to anyone looking at using their tablet for artistic purposes. Coupled with the second generation Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro is a force to be reckoned with for digital artists who want to sketch, paint, and refine their ideas on a tablet.

The Apple Pencil is an optional addition, but it’s an essential purchase for anyone looking to use a stylus with their tablet. When not in use the magnetic Pencil clips to the iPad’s chassis for safe keeping. If you later decide that you want to use the tablet for heavy typing sessions, the Smart Keyboard attachment can be picked up for this pupose.

But for most other users, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will likely feel a bit big. It’s too large to hold with one hand comfortably, so it’s not ideal for browsing Facebook on the couch. Its size also makes it a little harder to transport in a small bag. One of the reasons consumers turn to tablets is for their superior portability, so this is worth keeping in mind.

The brains of the operation is Apple’s A12X Bionic processor, which offers 35 percent faster single core performance and 90 percent faster multi-core performance over the A12 Bionic found in the iPad Air. In essence, this means the iPad Pro will be able to handle more intensive processes, though much of the extra grunt is put to use simply driving the larger display.

When you buy an iPad Pro, you’re paying for a flagship user experience. The redesigned iPad Pro features the smallest bezel on any Apple tablet ever and also incorporates Face ID biometrics first seen on the iPhone X.

Best Workhorse iPad: iPad Pro 11-Inch

iPad Pro 11-inch iPad Pro 11-inch Buy Now On Amazon $888.92

The iPad Pro 11-inch might be able to replace your laptop when coupled with the Smart Keyboard folio. While iPadOS isn’t as powerful as macOS or Windows, the vast selection of apps available helps make up for it. The iPad Pro costs as much as a mid-range laptop—a price that doesn’t include the optional keyboard or stylus accessories.

While your own experience may vary, typing on the Smart Keyboard folio is a pleasant experience. Despite sitting almost flat against the desk, the keyboard is comfortable and allows you to type at speed as a comparably-sized MacBook would. This wasn’t the case with Apple’s original 9.7-inch iPad Pro folio, which felt cramped.

Furthermore, the A12X Bionic chip found inside the iPad Pro outshines many laptops in terms of raw power and overall system performance. You’ll have no problems editing 4K videos in iMovie, playing intensive 3D games, or using two apps side-by-side with all that power at your disposal.

Ultimately your decision to choose the 11-inch iPad Pro over the more reasonably priced iPad Air comes down to the user experience. The iPad Pro has a redesigned chassis and tiny bezel. It includes Face ID for unlocking your tablet with a glance, rather than a fingerprint. It also comes in sizes of up to 1TB, compared to the iPad Air’s 256GB.

Best iPad for Tight Budgets: iPad

Seventh-generation iPadApple’s entry-level tablet is known simply as the iPad. The main attraction here is the iPad’s price; it is significantly cheaper than Apple’s other tablets. The iPad received a refresh in 2019, evolving the iconic device to its seventh generation.

The iPad comes with a 10.2-inch display and is powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip. This was first introduced in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7. However, despite not being a cutting edge device, the iPad is still a capable tablet for everyday tasks. It will give you no problems browsing the web, checking social media, responding to email, streaming videos and music, and even playing most games.

The seventh-generation iPad was also the first device to ship with Apple’s latest tablet-specific operating system, iPadOS. In many other respects, the iPad is similar to the iPad Air, albeit 0.07 pounds heavier. They both feature an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera and have up to 10-hour battery life. The iPad is somewhat lacking in the front-facing camera, taking 1.7-megapixel photos compared to the iPad Air’s 7-megapixel captures.

The tablet is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and also supports the Smart Keyboard, as well as third-party Bluetooth keyboards. While Face ID is available for iPhone and iPad Pro users, the iPad ships only with Touch ID. Like many Apple products, the iPad is available in a variety of storage capacities up to 128GB.

Best Portable iPad: iPad mini

iPad mini iPad mini Buy Now On Amazon $519.00

In March 2019, Apple updated the iPad mini line which hadn’t seen a refresh since 2015. The updated tablets feature the same A12 Bionic chip found in the iPad Air and iPhone XS. That means they’ve got enough power under the hood to chew through most apps and processes.

But the main reason to choose the iPad mini is its form factor. With a 7.9-inch display, the iPad mini can fit into a small handbag or large pocket. Its width and height resemble many hardback books, and so it makes a compelling e-reader too.

Apple’s smallest tablet fits inside the same chassis as its predecessor. There’s also a Touch ID fingerprint scanner for unlocking and making purchases. You can get the iPad mini in sizes of up to 256GB. Ultimately, the main reason to pick up a Mini is that you want a very small tablet.

Which iPad Should You Buy?

You might think the best iPad would be the most expensive; the iPad Pro. However, the iPad Air is probably the best tablet on this list. Not only is it compatible with the first generation Pencil and Smart Keyboard folio, it’s decent value too.

Whatever you buy, make sure you buy with future use in mind because Apple tablets tend to last. By far one of the most important things to consider is how much storage you need. Chose the wrong size, and you’ll be locked into a battle of creating free space on iOS.

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Kodibuntu Is Dead? Turn Any Linux PC Into an HTPC Without It


kodibuntu-kodi-htpc

Kodi is a great open-source home theater system, and thanks to its wide availability is the top DIY media center software.

You can install Kodi on Linux as an application, but what if you wanted to build a dedicated HTPC? Once, a solution like Kodibuntu, combining Kodi with the key elements of the Ubuntu operating system, was ideal. But Kodibuntu is no longer available, so how can you turn your Linux PC into a dedicated media center?

Time to meet LibreELEC, the ultimate Kodibuntu replacement for building a Linux media center.

What Happened to Kodibuntu?

For many years the number one destination for anyone wanting a Linux-based Kodi media center, Kodibuntu is discontinued. A fusion of Kodi and the lightweight Ubuntu derivative Lubuntu, Kodibuntu has been discontinued since around 2016.

Legal Kodi media library

So if you’re looking for a fresh version of Kodibuntu for 2019 or later, you’re out of luck. It’s done.

The key advantage of Kodibuntu was the ability to switch into Linux’s desktop mode. In truth, however, this is the advantage of any Linux installation running manually installed software. Kodi runs on almost any Linux version, so if you need occasional desktop access, simply install it yourself.

If you don’t want desktop access, however, there’s a smart option for Kodi: LibreELEC. Not only is this the best option going forward for most users, it avoids the potential security issues that come from using an operating system over four years old.

Meet LibreELEC for Linux HTPCs

Kodi originated as Xbox Media Center, or XBMC, and has since evolved into Kodi. Thanks to support for most media formats and the bonus of add-ons, a Kodi media center can handle almost anything. This might be stored locally or elsewhere on your network.

Kodi add-ons are much like apps. The Plex for Kodi add-on, for example, provides access to media stored on your Plex media server. Similarly, the Funimation Now add-on streams Funimation content from Kodi.

Whether you’ve used Linux before is irrelevant. You probably won’t see Linux—with LibreELEC installed your media center will simply boot straight into Kodi.

Download: LibreELEC media creator tool

Everything should look familiar. Learn more about Kodi with our complete A-Z of Kodi guide!

How to Turn Linux Into an HTPC With LibreELEC

LibreELEC is installed with a built-in USB or SD card creator tool. This enables you to write the installation media to a USB or SD card device. You’ll then be able to boot your media center with the installation media and begin the process of installing LibreELEC.

Note that there is no ISO option. LibreELEC cannot be installed from CD-ROM, DVD, or any other optical disc. The LibreELEC install is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Other versions of LibreELEC are available. We’re focusing on PC-based systems in this guide, but LibreELEC can be installed on Raspberry Pi, ODroid, WeTek, and other devices.

For PC installation (32-bit or 64-bit Intel and AMD-based systems), LibreELEC requires a decent sized HDD. While it will run on a modest system, it’s a good idea to have at least 32GB of storage.

Meanwhile, your computer should be hooked up to a HDMI display, have a keyboard attached (for installation purposes) and an internet connection.

Install LibreELEC on Your Linux Media Center PC

Before proceeding, ensure that your formatted USB memory stick or SD card is inserted in your PC.

Installing LibreELEC begins with the creator tool. Once downloaded, start the LibreELEC USB-SD Creator and choose the target platform with Select version.

Select a platform for your LibreELEC download

At this stage, you could, if you wanted, simply select a previously downloaded image file from the LibreELEC downloads page. This would be chosen with the Select file option.

For simplicity, however, we recommend simply setting the correct version, then Download, and selecting a destination for the data.

The LibreELEC creation tool will download a LibreELEC image and write it to USB or SD card

Once this is downloaded, ensure that the USB or SD card is selected then click Write. This will write the installation image to your chosen media. When done, click Close to exit the LibreELEC USB-SD Creator, and safely remove the newly created installation media.

With the destination device (your media center PC) powered off, insert the installation media, and boot up. If you don’t see the option to boot from the LibreELEC installer, restart the computer to access the UEFI/BIOS. Here, alter the boot order (you may need to consult the computer’s documentation) and restart again.

The LibreELEC installation tool should launch. Use your keyboard to select the option to Install LibreELEC, then OK. Follow any on-screen prompts for regional settings and accessing your wireless network if necessary. Otherwise, it’s a largely painless installation, taking up to 15 minutes.

Hands-On With LibreELEC

With LibreELEC installed, it’s a simple matter to start enjoying media. Kodi is a robust open-source Linux media center. At the core of its function is media playback from a variety of sources.

There is a caveat, however. Linux isn’t great for playing Blu-ray discs. The solution, therefore, is to rip the video in h264 format at 1080p, then play the ripped file.

Beyond this, everything else should be effortless. Kodi add-ons can be installed, media played locally, or streamed from a network location or via an add-on. So many are available, from Plex and Netflix to Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Check our guide to the best legal Kodi add-ons for more suggestions.

Who Should Switch From Kodibuntu to LibreELEC?

Kodibuntu featured both Kodi and Lubuntu, making it one of the easiest ways to get started with Kodi.

LibreELEC Kodi media library
Image credit: Pierra Lecourt via Flickr

If you previously used Kodibuntu (or are still) and have concerns about its suitability long-term without security updates, LibreELEC is the smart option. Sure, other Linux media center platforms are available but LibreELEC is the best all in one solution.

For those with major concerns about security (particularly issues posed by add-ons) then a standard Linux OS with Kodi installed as an app is your best recourse.

Should You Switch to LibreELEC?

If you’re building a home theater PC, consider LibreELEC for an all-in-one Kodi solution. It’s a quick way to get started with Kodi, without the intricacies of configuring the app.

Arguably the best use for LibreELEC is to install it on a lightweight, low-power device like the Raspberry Pi. However, it remains perfect for desktop computers too—the ultimate Linux-based Kodi solution, in fact.

Overall, LibreELEC is a functional Kodi HTPC distro running on a stable Linux distro.

It’s ideal for a DIY HTPC and media center. Even if you don’t wish to overhaul your home theater PC with LibreELEC, it is a more secure option than Kodibuntu. That ship has sailed and it’s time to move on.

For a slick Kodi experience on your Linux media center PC, LibreELEC is the answer. If you’re just getting started with Kodi, check out these essential Kodi tips for new users.

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13 Creepy and Disgusting Websites to Share With Friends


Looking for something out of the ordinary to spice up your travels around the web? Whether you love grossing yourself out or are looking for weird links to send to your friends, take a look at some of the most disgusting websites we’ve collected here for you.

Of course, the internet is home to some truly vile content, but we won’t share anything grotesque here. To fill in the gaps, we’ve also included some creepy websites so you can scare yourself in different ways.

1. The Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education

Pathology Gross Site

You don’t have to look beyond the human body itself for some disgusting imagery. Our first gross site catalogs human organs in various states of health and disease.

Have a look at the System Pathology section for organs in the systems of the body, or General Pathology for types of diseases and injuries.

2. Skinsight

Feeling itchy? Have a look at Skinsight to view pictures of rashes and other skin conditions. Enter an age group, sex, and body location, and you’ll see images of common rashes for that area.

3. Insect Images

Insect Images Site

Hate creepy crawlers? This website provides plenty of pictures of insects for you to peruse. You’ll find beetles, ants, cockroaches, termites, and much more.

If you’re feeling especially daring, check the bottom for images of spiders, scorpions, and other frightening creatures.

4. Number Two Guide

There’s truly a page on the internet for every topic, as this nasty website proves. Number Two Guide provides you with all the poop-related content you could want, including a poop dictionary, poop stories, and a poop calculator to figure out how much you’ve pooped in your life.

If you dare, visit the Ratings section, where people upload pictures of their poop for others to rate (for some strange reason).

5. Texas Department of Criminal Justice Death Row Information

Texas Justice Last Words

The state of Texas publishes the last words of all inmates that it executes. You can read a basic profile of the offender and their crime, then click Last statement to read what they said before their death.

This one falls more under the creepy banner than disgusting. It’s definitely unsettling to read the final statements of those who committed heinous acts.

6. PlaneCrashInfo

Continuing with the “last words” theme, this site collects information about planes that crashed due to mechanical issues, sabotage, or human error. You can browse the 100 worst plane fatalities of all time, read about unusual incidents, or browse a map of crashes.

The creepiest content on the site, however, is on the Last Words page. This collects transcripts (and audio files, in some cases) of the dialog exchange spoken in the cockpit shortly before the crashes.

7. Death Date

Ever wonder how long you’ll live for? This page claims it can predict the date of your death. Enter your name, date of birth, sex, height and weight, and whether you use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Using this, it will “figure out” how much longer you have left to live.

Of course, there’s no way that a simple web form like this could know when you’re going to pass. But it is a bit creepy seeing exactly how much time you supposedly have left.

8. Heaven’s Gate

Heaven's Gate Website

Heaven’s Gate was a well-known religious cult, mostly due to the group’s mass suicide in 1997. They believed that by “leaving their bodies” as Comet Hale–Bopp approached, they would be able to board a UFO trailing behind the comet and ascend to a higher level.

As it turns out, the Heaven’s Gate website is still up and running. Two unknown surviving members of the cult maintain the website, though it hasn’t changed since 1997 when it received an update right before the suicide.

It’s weird to read through the material on the site decades later, knowing how its followers met their end. You can read excerpts from the cult’s book, as well as transcripts of speeches made by the leader just days before they all died. The contact email from the site still sends responses, too.

9. A Columbine Site

Another unsettling site, this resource collects all sorts of info about the massacre at Columbine High School that happened in April 1999. You’ll find data on the victims and shooters, along with surveillance photos, audio logs, details of the aftermath, and much more.

It’s horrifying to read the gritty details of such a deadly event, but it’s worth a look if you can stomach it.

10. World Births and Deaths

World Births and Deaths

This page acts as a visualization of all the births and deaths occurring around the world. After it loads up, you’ll see an icon pop up on the globe to represent every birth and death.

Of course, this is an estimation based on trends, not a real-time feed of actual events. But it’s uncomfortable to see death popping up so many times right in front of you, especially if you uncheck Show births and only watch deaths.

11. YYYYYYY

Looking for strange links to send your friends? This bizarre website is a strong contender. It’s not a particularly gross site like some of the others but gets points for being outright weird. Every time you refresh it, the page loads all kinds of random images and text, along with sounds in the background. It’s a great page to send to a buddy to mess with them a bit.

12. The Skyway Bridge

Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of the largest sites for suicides in the United States. Strangely, you can find an entire website dedicated to this.

It holds information on each suicide attempt that’s happened on the bridge, stills from security cameras, and resources about what people are doing to stop the deaths. It’s oddly specific and sad to peruse just like the other death-related pages listed here.

13. CreepyPasta

Creepypasta Site

If you’re well-traveled on the internet, you may have heard of creepypastas. These are made-up horror stories that people create to scare others. Slender Man is a well-known example.

Suspend disbelief for a while and browse creepypastas to your heart’s content on this site. You’ll find something to shock and disgust you.

Disgusting Websites and Creepy Links to Enjoy

We hope you enjoyed these gross website links, whether to satisfy your own curiosity or trick a friend. There are certainly many more disgusting websites online, but they’re so repulsive that we didn’t want to include them here. Search at your own risk!

If you enjoyed these pages, you might want to dig deeper and check out the best dark web sites.

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How to Use Multitasking and Text Editing Gestures on iPadOS


multitasking-ipados

When Apple decided to implement iPadOS as its own entity for iPad, the company rolled out some new features that make both working and playing on iPad even better than before.

You have a new Home screen that can fit more apps, a cool floating keyboard, and new tools for the Apple Pencil. In addition, Apple upped the game with more robust ways to multitask and work with text. Those multitasking features and text editing gestures can be overwhelming to remember, so we’ve compiled a helpful reference for you.

Enhanced iPad Multitasking Features

Most iPad users can agree that the device is equally useful for business and pleasure. And when it comes to those business tasks, having more real estate on your screen to work with lets you complete those tasks more quickly and easily.

Slide Over and Split View were features that Apple introduced for multitasking on iPad years ago. But with iPadOS, those features have received enhancements to give you more options and flexibility.

Open Multiple Apps in Slide Over

If you like using the Slide Over feature to quickly view an app on the side while keeping your current one open, then you’ll love this. You can work with multiple apps in Slide Over and simply swipe between them. On iPadOS, Slide Over remembers the apps you’ve recently used, so just follow these steps:

  1. With an app open in full-screen view, swipe from the right edge of the screen and you’ll see the Slide Over interface.
  2. On the bottom of the Slide Over app, you’ll see a line. Hold and swipe it to the right and you’ll see the next app in Slide Over.

Multiple apps in Slide Over iPadOS

Use the Slide Over Switcher

The above steps let you quickly swipe between Slide Over apps to the one you want. But there’s another way to move from one to another; the Slide Over Switcher. To use it:

  1. Open your app and Slide Over apps as described above.
  2. Hold the line on the bottom of one of the Slide Over apps and slide it up about halfway.
  3. When the other Slide Over apps appear, release your finger.
  4. From here, you can make an app full-screen by dragging it to the top, or remove it by flicking it up and off the screen.

Slide Over Switcher iPadOS

Open Multiple Windows of the Same App

For an expanded view of an app, you can open multiple windows of it at the same time. This is great for setting up simultaneous views of your Calendar, Maps, or Mail apps.

  1. Open the app you want multiple windows for and gently swipe up to view your Dock.
  2. Tap the icon for that same app in the Dock (don’t forget about these iPad Dock tricks, by the way).
  3. On the following screen, tap the plus sign on the top right.
  4. The app will open a new window.

Multiple windows of the same app iPadOS

You can open subsequent instances of the same app using the same steps. So you could, for instance, have your Calendar app open to today, this week, this month, and this year, all at once.

Use Split View for Multiple Instances of the Same App

Not only can you have two apps on the screen at the same time in Split View, but now you can have two windows of the same app open in Split View.

  1. Open the app you want in Split View and swipe up to see your Dock.
  2. Select and drag the icon for that same app to the right of the first window.
  3. Wait a second or two for the black screen on the right and then release.

Same app in Split View iPadOS

If you’d like, you can resize the apps in Split View by dragging the center line left or right. To exit Split View, swipe the window on the right off of the screen or press your Home button.

Other Multitasking Tips

That’s not all you can do in iPadOS. Here are a few miscellaneous multitasking tricks:

  • Create new windows: Drag an item to an empty spot to open a new window. This works for a location to open in Maps, an email address to open in Mail, or a link to open in Safari.
  • App Switcher: An update to the App Switcher lets you see all windows, even those in Split View, as well as title windows.
  • App Exposé: Tap an app icon in your Dock to see all open windows for it in App Exposé.

Improved Text Editing With Gestures

Along with these terrific enhancements to the iPad’s multitasking features are easier ways to work with text.

Using simple gestures, you have quick ways to select words, sentences, or paragraphs and then cut, copy, or paste them. Plus, the undo and redo gestures are just as handy. These text editing features are also available on iOS 13 for your iPhone.

Select Text Elements

You can select the following text elements using quick gestures:

  • Word: Double-tap the word.
  • Sentence: Triple-tap the sentence.
  • Paragraph: Quadruple-tap the paragraph.
  • All text on a page: Double-tap at the beginning and drag two fingers through the text.

Selecting text on iPadOS

Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, and Redo

Once you select your text using one of the methods above, you can perform these next actions or use the undo or redo gestures if needed:

  • Cut: Squeeze (or pinch) inward with your thumb and two fingers quickly two times.
  • Copy: Squeeze (or pinch) inward with your thumb and two fingers.
  • Paste: Spread outward with your thumb and two fingers.
  • Undo: Swipe from right to left with three fingers.
  • Redo: Swipe from left to right with three fingers.

Cut, paste, and undo on iPadOS

These gestures may be a bit difficult to remember at first, and may take a little practice. But the more you use them, the more routine they will become. You’ll end up manipulating your text without a second thought, just like typing on a keyboard without looking.

iPadOS Features for Increased Productivity

With all of these new features for multitasking and text editing on iPad, you’ll be able to complete your tasks faster than before. Apple’s iPadOS takes advantage of your screen space to help you see more and do more.

Also, be sure to check out the basic tips, tricks, and features of iPadOS.

Read the full article: How to Use Multitasking and Text Editing Gestures on iPadOS


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Which File Transfer Method Is Best for Your Home Network?


file-transfer-home-network

When you create your own file server or network-attached storage, you might be surprised how much thought you need to give to moving your files around.

To the human eye, each approach looks the same (as in invisible), but on the technical level, your computers are talking in very different ways. Which approach you take will depend on what operating systems and types of devices you intend to connect.

1. FTP

You can access a hard drive plugged into a router via FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It’s a standard method for moving files around between a client and a server. Your laptop, for example, is the client. Your home server is, well, the server.

FTP is versatile in that your operating system really doesn’t matter. The protocol has been around since before any of them had graphical user interfaces. Your router may even come with a USB port and support transferring data to an external hard drive via FTP (which is an easy way to create a home server, albeit nowhere near as robust as setting up a dedicated machine for the job).

You can protect your data by requiring a username and password, but by default FTP will transfer your credentials unencrypted. This may be okay on your home network, but you will want something more secure when operating on a larger network or transmitting files over the internet.

That doesn’t mean you need to abandon FTP. You can try FTPS, a variation that encrypts your connection.

2. SMB

Personal File Sharing in Linux using Samba

SMB stands for Server Message Block. Though it began as an IBM project, it became a means for computers running Microsoft Windows to communicate over a local network. When you create a folder using Windows Explorer and expand access to other users, you’re doing so via SMB.

SMB is not limited to Windows users. You can also access these files from macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems. Apple calls its implementation SMBX, while on Linux the implementation is known as Samba. In either case, your laptop can serve as either the server or the client.

SMB is great for spreading files between machines on a local network in a cross-platform way. Users don’t need any technical knowledge to start sharing folders and downloading files, aside from awareness of the network section in a file manager’s sidebar.

3. AFP

AFP, or Apple Filing Protocol, is Apple’s proprietary system for connecting different macOS computers. If you have a household filled with Apple products, or you run a company that uses Apple hardware, then this may be the most relevant file transfer protocol for you.

While AFP is specific to Apple devices, you can buy home media systems that support the protocol. You can also set up your own FreeNAS or OpenMediaVault box with an old PC and use AFP to share files with your iMacs, MacBooks, and iPads.

On the other hand, if you aren’t working exclusively with Apple hardware, there’s little reason to concern yourself with AFP. This protocol is rather specialized. Other options offer better cross-platform compatibility or communication between servers.

4. NFS

The Network File System, known as NFS, is a protocol in use on Unix and Unix-like computers (such as Linux). Its strength lies in the ability for many machines to access the same server regularly. NFS can offer faster speeds on computers that support the protocol.

One drawback of NFS is that, even if you use a Linux-based desktop, setup isn’t obvious. Instructions will generally point you toward the command line, with you needing to tell your computer to mount network shares like it mounts physical hardware. As the name suggests, you’re treating a shared folder on a network as though it were part of your file system.

Again, setting up NFS is not hard if you’re comfortable with the command line, but the process is not something intuitive you can discover and set up from your desktop’s file manager.

5. SSH/SFTP

SFTP manual open in a Linux terminal

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a method of connecting to and managing a remote machine. If you want to run commands on a server, whether it lives in your basement or on a server farm thousands of miles away, you can turn to SSH to get the job done.

On its own, SSH is not a file transfer protocol. That’s where SFTP comes in, otherwise known as the SSH File Transfer Protocol or Secure File Transfer Protocol. This is a way of transferring files over an encrypted connection. Despite the similarity in name, SFTP does not refer to using FTP over SSH, which is a complicated affair.

SFTP is a different method of transferring data using the same technology as SSH.

SFTP is not necessary for a home server unless you’re concerned that someone has access to your Wi-Fi network and is snooping on your traffic. SFTP is a better option for transferring files from or to locations outside of your home. But that doesn’t mean you must use SSH when you’re moving files around remotely.

If you have an active VPN connection encrypting your web traffic, then you can use FTP or mount NFS shares knowing your data has some protection. Using SFTP in conjunction with a VPN is somewhat redundant.

6. DLNA

DLNA is short for Digital Living Network Alliance. It’s a certification standard rather than a file transfer protocol, but it’s still an acronym you may need to know when setting up a home media server. If you intend to stream files to a Smart TV or video game console, you will need a server with DLNA support.

To stream content via DLNA, you don’t open your file manager to share or access files. You’re not accessing files via a method known as DLNA.

Instead, you need dedicated software. Plex is one of the most popular examples, with Emby being an open source alternative. Such programs take your raw files and transmit them in a format that DLNA-compatible devices understand.

You can stream music and video from a desktop, laptop, or a dedicated NAS. What matters is that you’re running the necessary software on both the device that’s sending and the device that’s receiving.

The Best Way to Transfer Files on a Home Network

Every bit of software or code on your computer ultimately exists somewhere as a file, so it’s no surprise that there are many ways to move files around. But this need not be complicated. Depending on your use-case, some protocols are easy to recommend.

  • Use Windows and want to share files with family members? SMB
  • Have an Apple household instead? AFP
  • Want to share files between two Linux-based desktops? SMB
  • Want an ongoing connection between a Linux-based desktop and server? NFS
  • Want something that really doesn’t care what OS you prefer? FTP
  • Need security when you’re away from home? SFTP
  • Stream music and videos to a TV? DLNA

Don’t want to bother with a network? You can always stick to using flash drives instead. Or if you’re working with large media files, you may want to go with a portable hard drive.

Read the full article: Which File Transfer Method Is Best for Your Home Network?


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How to Fix the DistributedCOM Error 10016 in Windows 10


distributedcom-error-fix

The DistributedCOM Error 10016 is a common Windows issue found on almost every Windows version since Windows XP. The error doesn’t immediately crash your system. You won’t suffer a sudden blue screen of death. In fact, the DCOM Error 10016 is benign.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t fix it. So, here’s how to fix the DistributedCOM Error 10016 on your Windows 10 system.

What Is DistributedCOM?

First up, what is DistributedCOM, and why is it showing an error?

The Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is an integral aspect of networked communication on Windows computers. It is a proprietary Microsoft technology which whirs into action every time an application makes a connection to the internet. A traditional COM can only access information on the same machine, whereas DCOM can access data on remote servers.

For example, many websites and services use scripts that access a remote server. When your system makes a request using a script or otherwise, DCOM forwards the request to the specific script object. Given how frequently modern applications use a network connection and our general use of computers, you can see how frequently DCOM comes into use.

A DCOM error usually occurs when an application or service attempts to use DCOM but does not have the proper permissions. Most of the time, DCOM errors won’t affect your system, other than clogging up your Event Viewer. Given most Windows 10 users do not check the Event Viewer regularly, DCOM errors are nothing to worry about. Still, an error-free system is better than the alternative.

With that in mind, here is one easy method for fixing DCOM Error 10016, and one slightly more long-winded fix.

1. Edit the Windows Registry to Fix DCOM Error 10016

The first port of call is the Windows Registry. A simple registry tweak can sometimes fix the DCOM Error 10016 immediately.

Before editing the registry, I recommend taking a backup.

Type registry in your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match. Head to File > Export, set the Export Range to All, then Save the Windows Registry to a handy location. The following fix won’t damage your computer, but it is best to take a backup to restore from in the event of an unexpected error.

dcom error 10016 windows registry ole

Now, let’s attempt the fix.

  1. Type registry in your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole. You can copy and paste the address into the Registry Editor address bar.
  3. Delete the following four registry keys:
    DefaultAccessPermission
    DefaultLaunchPermission
    MachineAccessRestriction
    MachineLaunchRestriction
  4. Close the Windows Registry Editor, then reboot your system.

Your system should remain DCOM Error 10016 free from now on.

2. Enable DCOM Permissions for Specific Error

If that doesn’t work, there is a substantially longer workaround that you can follow. However, if you have several individual applications all providing DCOM errors, the following process will take some time as you have to repeat the majority of it for each error.

The DCOM Error 10016 error message in the Event Viewer contains information regarding the specific application or process creating the issue.

Input event viewer in your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match.

Head to Windows Logs > System and locate your most recent DCOM Error 10016. Double-click the error message to expand it.

The General tab explains the reason for 10016 error, listing the CLSID (Class ID) and APPID (Application ID). The CLSID and APPID character strings look random. However, you can use them to identify which application or service is the route of the 10016 error.

dcom error 10016 event viewer

Locate CLSID and APPID in the Registry Editor

Here’s how you locate the service in the Registry Editor.

First, highlight the CLSID in the Event Viewer, then press CTRL + C to copy. Then, open the Registry Editor. Search the registry for the following:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{Paste Your CLSID Here}

For me, that looks like HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2593F8B9-4EAF-457C-B68A-50F6B8EA6B54}.

Remember, you can copy and paste the address into the Registry Editor address bar. Once the CLSID search finishes, you can cross-reference the APPID from the error message with the AppID listed under the CLSID.

In my case, the DCOM Error 10016 stems from the Runtime Broker, which is one of the most common causes of this error.

dcom error 10016 windows registry match APPID

Edit the CLSID Permissions

In the left-hand list of registry entries, right-click the CLSID relating to the error, then select Permission > Advanced. From here, you can edit the Permissions of the service. (Changing file permissions can fix a bunch of other Windows 10 issues, too.)

Highlight Administrators and select Edit. Switch the Basic Permissions to include Full Control, then hit OK > Apply > OK.

dcom error 10016 change permissions

Now, restart your system.

Once the restart completes, input Component Services in your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match. Head to Computers > My Computer > DCOM Config.

You will see a long list of service that uses DCOM in some manner. Locate the service using the name and APPID, right-click and select Properties > Security.

dcom error 10016 component service viewer

Under Launch and Activation Permissions, select Edit > Add > Add a Local Service > Apply. Now, tick the Local Activation box, hit OK, and reboot your system again.

Whew! All done, the process is complete.

Note: Unfortunately, if you have multiple 10016 error causes, you’ll have to complete this process for each CSLID/APPID combination.

DCOM Error 10016 Solved

Hopefully, that has alleviated your Distributed COM 10016 error. I must emphasize that a DCOM 10016 error is highly unlikely to affect your system performance. In the very old days, when Microsoft first introduced “Distributed” to the Component Object Model, there were vulnerabilities. However, these vulnerabilities have been patched and DCOM is safe now.

Of course, DCOM error 10016 is far from the only error Windows 10 throws up. If you have a different issue, here are fixes for the most common Windows errors.

Read the full article: How to Fix the DistributedCOM Error 10016 in Windows 10


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Unfriended or Unfollowed? How to Handle Rejection on Social Media


handle-rejection-social

Social media is a place where people make new friends. But for some, it’s also the place where people leave old friends.

Being unfriended or unfollowed by someone feels horrible. And while most social media platforms won’t inform you when someone leaves you, you might find out anyway when you notice no recent activity from them. They just dumped you like that—without any goodbyes, broken up on social media.

Here are some things you can do when you face social media rejection.

Confirm If They Really Unfollowed You

Before you feel bad, make sure they indeed unfollowed or unfriended you.

On Instagram, you can visit their profile and click on their Following count. If your account appears in their list, they are still following you.

On Facebook, visit their profile. If it shows “Friends” then you’re still friends with them. If they have unfriended you, you’ll see an “Add friend” button instead.

Checking if you’re unfollowed on Facebook is a bit trickier. There is no direct way to know that. If they are still on your friends list and are active on Facebook but aren’t interacting with your posts, there’s a chance they have unfollowed you—but there’s no way to be sure.

Analyze Why They Might Have Unfollowed You

Do you make crude comments on posts? Do you share too much information on the public platform? You might be posting too many selfies that nobody cares about.

You need to analyze your own behavior—or ask a close friend for the honest truth—to figure out what might be irking your social media friends and causing them to unfollow you.

If there’s nothing you can find, perhaps the reason is as simple as you not paying their posts enough attention, such as not commenting on their baby pics or their vacation photos. In that case, the problem isn’t you and you shouldn’t feel too bad about it.

Be Direct and Ask Why They Unfollowed You

If they were someone important to you and you noticed that they have unfriended you without giving any explanation, try to talk to them.

Ask them if you have done something that might have hurt them. Sometimes, the sensitivities of people don’t match. What you posted as a joke might have sounded offensive to someone else.

If you know them personally or their friendship is important to you, it’s best to discuss things and sort the matters.

Did You Two Have an Argument?

If someone unfollowed you because of an argument you had with them, discuss the matter and sort the problem out. However, don’t bring up the fact that they unfollowed you and don’t ask them to re-follow you. Discuss the issue at hand, come to a resolution, and if they appreciate your gesture of maturity, they will re-follow you when they are ready.

Don’t Stalk Them

If you start stalking the person that unfriended you, you will only hurt yourself more. It’s best to move on and not dwell on the reasons why they unfriended you.

And the reasons aren’t always about you. Maybe your friend reached their friends limit and removed a handful of old acquaintances to make space for new acquaintances. You might have been one of those people they didn’t know so well.

Stalking them will consume your time and increase your obsession. If you cannot gently confront them, just let them go.

Continue Being Nice to Them

If this is a person you know outside social media, continue being nice to them. If their behavior towards you hasn’t changed, don’t ask them why they unfriended you.

It could be anything. Maybe they didn’t want you to know about something they’re trying to hide from their family or colleagues.

If their online friendship meant a lot to you, you can bring up the topic but in a friendly way. Don’t be angry at them or it might jeopardize your real life relations as well.

Consider Doing a Social Media Detox

If you are obsessing far too much over being unfriended, take a break from social media and make some friends in the real world.

Stop checking your account frequently. Or temporarily deactivate your account for some time. If you find yourself checking the app again and again, uninstall it from your phone. You need a break to gain some perspective.

Try to make some friends in the real world. Join some fun classes and soon you won’t be dependent on social media friends as much. Learn more about how to do a social media detox the right way.

Don’t Dwell on It

Sure, it burns to think that someone doesn’t like you. After all, you’re just minding your own business on social media and suddenly you notice you that you have one fewer follower than before.

Before you start feeling bad, did you really like them? If not, you’re just feeling bad that they didn’t like you either. If you weren’t close to that person, try not to dwell on that thought too much.

People become social media friends and then they stop being friends. It’s part of the normal ebb and flow of digital socialization.

Take Social Media Rejection With a Pinch of Salt

Being unceremoniously defriended by a social media friend is painful. If you’re going to lose hope over a small experience, you might lose trust in friendships.

However, this is not how all friendships are going to be. Some people start from being social media friends and they meet and become close friends in real life. Don’t let a small bad experience bring you down. Go ahead and add some new friends.

It’s not very difficult to find new friends on the internet. It could be an old classmate or a colleague at the office. You can also join social media pages and groups and mingle with others there.

Read the full article: Unfriended or Unfollowed? How to Handle Rejection on Social Media


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The 10 Best iOS 13 Features You Should Try Out


ios13-features

In September 2019, Apple finally rolled out its highly anticipated iOS 13 and iOS 13.1 updates to millions of iPhone users across the globe. And as with every major iOS refresh, there’s a barrage of exciting new features and changes designed to further perfect Apple’s mobile OS formula.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the very best of the new features you should take advantage of in iOS 13.

1. Dark Mode

The long-awaited Dark Mode has finally arrived in Apple’s latest software update. Not only does it breathe new life into your device by giving it an elegant, shadowy look, but it also helps to save battery if you have an OLED iPhone, like the iPhone X and up. In addition, it’ll help you avoid burning your eyes while using your phone in the dark.

On top of all this, it’s also system-wide, which means all of your favorite apps will accommodate the Dark Mode toggle. Speaking of toggles, you can also set Dark Mode to turn on and off according to a certain schedule, like Light Mode after sunrise and Dark Mode after sunset.

2. Silence Unknown Callers

Tired of those pesky robocalls? Wish you could get rid of them? Well, fortunately for you, Apple’s got you covered. With the Silence Unknown Callers setting in iOS 13, you can send any unknown callers straight to your voice-mail box by ignoring them in the background. No more robocalls, and best of all, no need to pay for a third-party service.

Keep in mind that while this feature will certainly be helpful in thwarting unwanted spam callers, it might lead you to unintentionally ghost important calls, like a call for your job interview. With that in mind, be sure to check your schedule before you decide to enable Silence Unknown Callers.

3. QuickPath Keyboard

Over the years, apps like Gboard and SwiftKey have helped many iOS users to enable Android-like gesture-based swipe typing on their devices. With iOS 13, these kinds of apps seem doomed to no longer serve any purpose, as Apple has created its own swipe-to-type mechanism within its default keyboard.

It even has a cool, fitting, and very Apple-esque name: QuickPath. You don’t have to install any separate app, and it is very easy and convenient to use especially with one hand. So why not save storage space and use QuickPath instead?

4. Video Editing

The days of having to install third-party applications to crop and rotate your videos are long gone. With the latest iOS update, you can edit videos to your heart’s content, all from the new-and-improved Photos app. You can add striking filters, easily rotate and flip content, modify brightness and saturation—the list goes on and on and on!

5. Reworked Apple Maps

The new Maps app in iOS 13 is leagues beyond the original one. Maps now show much richer detail and the UI has been completely overhauled. You can also save collections of your favorite places. Not to mention, there’s an awesome new Look Around feature, which is super smooth and fast. Looks like Google Maps finally has some competition after all these years.

6. iMessage Profiles

Much like Instagram or Facebook, iOS 13’s iteration of the Messages app allows you to create a profile that either just you, your contacts, or everybody can see. You can now set whatever information you like, and it will appear all across iMessage on millions of iOS devices. This means no more, or at least way less, messages from completely unknown people. You can even set your own custom profile picture, or, even better, your Memoji as your profile picture!

7. New Memoji Features

If you have an iPhone 8 or below and you’re running iOS 13, you can finally use Memoji! Say hello to Memoji Stickers, which are essentially traditional, non-animated versions of Memoji for devices without the TrueDepth camera system.  The really neat thing is that you can use them all across your apps, like regular emoji.

Also, there’s way more Memoji customization across all devices. If you’ve been waiting for your Memoji to rock AirPods, makeup, spunky new hairstyles, and much, much more, iOS 13 is meant for you!

8. Siri Messages

With the latest version of iOS, you’ll no longer have to pull out your phone to read your messages. Headphones with the Apple-designed H1 chip, like AirPods and PowerBeats Pro, get Announce Messages with Siri support. With this feature on, Siri can read any incoming messages out loud as soon as they come in. Does that sound intrusive? Well, don’t worry, because you can have Siri only announce messages from certain senders, like your recents, or just your contacts.

9. Audio Sharing

With iOS 13.1 and iPhone 8 and up, you can now connect two pairs of AirPods to one device. This is bound to be a hit with couples. And it’s not just AirPods that you can use with this feature. You can also use headphones with W1 and H1 chips, like PowerBeats Pro, PowerBeats3 Wireless, BeatsX, and more. Basically, less earwax sharing, more audio sharing.

10. Sign In With Apple

We’ve all seen and used Sign In With Google and Sign In With Facebook before. The thing is, using these two fast-sign-in buttons may expose your private personal data to companies. Sign In With Apple is the complete opposite; it actually goes out of its way to prevent companies from acquiring sensitive data. So no more sharing your name, gender, or age. Furthermore, Sign In With Apple will create a custom, encrypted iCloud email address for each sign-in, so there’s no need to share your email anymore, either. Privacy! It’s important.

iOS 13 Is a Solid Upgrade

All in all, iOS 13 provides users with great new features, protections, and options which help to further enhance Apple’s beloved mobile platform. Thanks to months of open and closed beta testing, we have received a wonderful final product which is a very solid upgrade, and certainly one big step forward for iOS.

From large features like Dark Mode to little additions like new Memoji hairstyles, all of it was put together with a lot of care and precision at Cupertino. But there’s a lot more we didn’t touch on here.

To keep your iOS experience flourishing, be sure to check out our favorite iPhone features that’ll help you stay productive. And if you haven’t updated yet, see our guide on how to update your iPhone successfully.

Read the full article: The 10 Best iOS 13 Features You Should Try Out


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Europe’s top court sets new line on policing illegal speech online


Europe’s top court has set a new line for the policing of illegal speech online. The ruling has implications for how speech is regulated on online platforms — and is likely to feed into wider planned reform of regional rules governing platforms’ liabilities.

Per the CJEU decision, platforms such as Facebook can be instructed to hunt for and remove illegal speech worldwide — including speech that’s “equivalent” to content already judged illegal.

Although any such takedowns remain within the framework of “relevant international law”.

So in practice it does not that mean a court order issued in one EU country will get universally applied in all jurisdictions as there’s no international agreement on what constitutes unlawful speech or even more narrowly defamatory speech.

Existing EU rules on the free flow of information on ecommerce platforms — aka the eCommerce Directive — which state that Member States cannot force a “general content monitoring obligation” on intermediaries, do not preclude courts from ordering platforms to remove or block illegal speech, the court has decided.

That decision worries free speech advocates who are concerned it could open the door to general monitoring obligations being placed on tech platforms in the region, with the risk of a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

Facebook has also expressed concern. Responding to the ruling in a statement, a spokesperson told us:

“This judgement raises critical questions around freedom of expression and the role that internet companies should play in monitoring, interpreting and removing speech that might be illegal in any particular country. At Facebook, we already have Community Standards which outline what people can and cannot share on our platform, and we have a process in place to restrict content if and when it violates local laws. This ruling goes much further. It undermines the long-standing principle that one country does not have the right to impose its laws on speech on another country. It also opens the door to obligations being imposed on internet companies to proactively monitor content and then interpret if it is “equivalent” to content that has been found to be illegal. In order to get this right national courts will have to set out very clear definitions on what ”identical” and ”equivalent” means in practice. We hope the courts take a proportionate and measured approach, to avoid having a chilling effect on freedom of expression.”

The legal questions were referred to the CJEU by a court in Austria, and stem from a defamation action brought by Austrian Green Party politician, Eva Glawischnig, who in 2016 filed suit against Facebook after the company refused to take down posts she claimed were defamatory against her.

In 2017 an Austrian court ruled Facebook should take the defamatory posts down and do so worldwide. However Glawischnig also wanted it to remove similar posts, not just identical reposts of the illegal speech, which she argued were equally defamatory.

The current situation where platforms require notice of illegal content before carrying out a takedown are problematic, from one perspective, given the scale and speed of content distribution on digital platforms — which can make it impossible to keep up with reporting re-postings.

Facebook’s platform also has closed groups where content can be shared out of sight of non-members, and where an individual could therefore have no ability to see unlawful content that’s targeted at them — making it essentially impossible for them to report it.

While the case concerns the scope of the application of defamation law on Facebook’s platform the ruling clearly has broader implications for regulating a range of “unlawful” content online.

Specifically the CJEU has ruled that an information society service “host provider” can be ordered to:

  • … remove information which it stores, the content of which is identical to the content of information which was previously declared to be unlawful, or to block access to that information, irrespective of who requested the storage of that information;
  • … remove information which it stores, the content of which is equivalent to the content of information which was previously declared to be unlawful, or to block access to that information, provided that the monitoring of and search for the information concerned by such an injunction are limited to information conveying a message the content of which remains essentially unchanged compared with the content which gave rise to the finding of illegality and containing the elements specified in the injunction, and provided that the differences in the wording of that equivalent content, compared with the wording characterising the information which was previously declared to be illegal, are not such as to require the host provider to carry out an independent assessment of that content;
  • … remove information covered by the injunction or to block access to that information worldwide within the framework of the relevant international law

The court has sought to balance the requirement under EU law of no general monitoring obligation on platforms with the ability of national courts to regulate information flow online in specific instances of illegal speech.

In the judgement the CJEU also invokes the idea of Member States being able to “apply duties of care, which can reasonably be expected from them and which are specified by national law, in order to detect and prevent certain types of illegal activities” — saying the eCommerce Direction does not stand in the way of states imposing such a requirement.

Some European countries are showing appetite for tighter regulation of online platforms. In the UK, for instance, the government laid out proposals for regulating a board range of online harms earlier this year. While, two years ago, Germany introduced a law to regulate hate speech takedowns on online platforms.

Over the past several years the European Commission has also kept up pressure on platforms to speed up takedowns of illegal content — signing tech companies up to a voluntary code of practice, back in 2016, and continuing to warn it could introduce legislation if targets are not met.

Today’s ruling is thus being interpreted in some quarters as opening the door to a wider reform of EU platform liability law by the incoming Commission — which could allow for imposing more general monitoring or content-filtering obligations, aligned with Member States’ security or safety priorities.

“We can trace worrying content blocking tendencies in Europe,” says Sebastian Felix Schwemer, a researcher in algorithmic content regulation and intermediary liability at the University of Copenhagen. “The legislator has earlier this year introduced proactive content filtering by platforms in the Copyright DSM Directive (“uploadfilters”) and similarly suggested in a Proposal for a Regulation on Terrorist Content as well as in a non-binding Recommendation from March last year.”

Critics of a controversial copyright reform — which was agreed by European legislators earlier this year — have warned consistently that it will result in tech platforms pre-filtering user generated content uploads. Although the full impact remains to be seen, as Member States have two years from April 2019 to pass legislation meeting the Directive’s requirements.

In 2018 the Commission also introduced a proposal for a regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online — which explicitly included a requirement for platforms to use filters to identify and block re-uploads of illegal terrorist content. Though the filter element was challenged in the EU parliament.

“There is little case law on the question of general monitoring (prohibited according to Article 15 of the E-Commerce Directive), but the question is highly topical,” says Schwemer. “Both towards the trend towards proactive content filtering by platforms and the legislator’s push for these measures (Article 17 in the Copyright DSM Directive, Terrorist Content Proposal, the Commission’s non-binding Recommendation from last year).”

Schwemer agrees the CJEU ruling will have “a broad impact” on the behavior of online platforms — going beyond Facebook and the application of defamation law.

“The incoming Commission is likely to open up the E-Commerce Directive (there is a leaked concept note by DG Connect from before the summer),” he suggests. “Something that has previously been perceived as opening Pandora’s Box. The decision will also play into the coming lawmaking process.”

The ruling also naturally raises the question of what constitutes “equivalent” unlawful content? And who and how will they be the judge of that?

The CJEU goes into some detail on “specific elements” it says are needed for non-identical illegal speech to be judged equivalently unlawful, and also on the limits of the burden that should be placed on platforms so they are not under a general obligation to monitor content — ultimately implying that technology filters, not human assessments, should be used to identify equivalent speech.

From the judgement:

… it is important that the equivalent information referred to in paragraph 41 above contains specific elements which are properly identified in the injunction, such as the name of the person concerned by the infringement determined previously, the circumstances in which that infringement was determined and equivalent content to that which was declared to be illegal. Differences in the wording of that equivalent content, compared with the content which was declared to be illegal, must not, in any event, be such as to require the host provider concerned to carry out an independent assessment of that content.

In those circumstances, an obligation such as the one described in paragraphs 41 and 45 above, on the one hand — in so far as it also extends to information with equivalent content — appears to be sufficiently effective for ensuring that the person targeted by the defamatory statements is protected. On the other hand, that protection is not provided by means of an excessive obligation being imposed on the host provider, in so far as the monitoring of and search for information which it requires are limited to information containing the elements specified in the injunction, and its defamatory content of an equivalent nature does not require the host provider to carry out an independent assessment, since the latter has recourse to automated search tools and technologies.

“The Court’s thoughts on the filtering of ‘equivalent’ information are interesting,” Schwemer continues. “It boils down to that platforms can be ordered to track down illegal content, but only under specific circumstances.

“In its rather short judgement, the Court comes to the conclusion… that it is no general monitoring obligation on hosting providers to remove or block equivalent content. That is provided that the search of information is limited to essentially unchanged content and that the hosting provider does not have to carry out an independent assessment but can rely on automated technologies to detect that content.”

While he says the court’s intentions — to “limit defamation” — are “good” he points out that “relying on filtering technologies is far from unproblematic”.

Filters can indeed be an extremely blunt tool. Even basic text filters can be triggered by words that contain a prohibited spelling. While applying filters to block defamatory speech could lead to — for example — inadvertently blocking lawful reactions that quote the unlawful speech.

The ruling also means platforms and/or their technology tools are being compelled to define the limits of free expression under threat of liability. Which pushes them towards setting a more conservative line on what’s acceptable expression on their platforms — in order to shrink their legal risk.

Although definitions of what is unlawful speech and equivalently unlawful will ultimately rest with courts.

It’s worth pointing out that platforms are already defining speech limits — just driven by their own economic incentives.

For ad supported platforms, these incentives typically demand maximizing engagement and time spent on the platform — which tends to encourage users to spread provocative/outrageous content.

That can sum to clickbait and junk news. Equally it can mean the most hateful stuff under the sun.

Without a new online business model paradigm that radically shifts the economic incentives around content creation on platforms the tension between freedom of expression and illegal hate speech will remain. As will the general content monitoring obligation such platforms place on society.


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