Facebook Merges DMs for Instagram and Messenger
One of the last major firewalls standing between Facebook’s family of apps is no more: Starting today, Instagram users can message people on Facebook, and vice versa. How? Messenger, the…
In an Odd Twist, Cleaner Air in China May Mean a Warmer Earth
Over the past 15 years, Chinese officials saved the lives of an estimated more than 200,000 residents by reducing the air pollution from coal-fired power plants. But this public health…
How to Watch Google’s Pixel Event Today—and What to Expect
Google has taken a reserved approach to its hardware and software launches since the pandemic began. Unlike Apple, which has held two, highly-engineered and slick virtual events (and is expected…
Spotify’s exclusive Michelle Obama podcast will be available on other platforms starting tomorrow
Spotify made major headlines last year when it announced an exclusive podcast deal with the Obamas’ production studio Higher Ground. Today, the company made a perplexing about-face. The company says…
Here’s what the new Chromecast’s Google TV software looks like
All indications point to Google announcing its latest Chromecast during tomorrow’s hardware event. And I managed to buy one yesterday even before the “official” unveiling. So I can now confirm…
Amazon starts offering virtual classes and sightseeing tours via new Explore platform
Amazon has launched Explore, a new platform which it promises will let you “explore anything from lessons to landmarks.” It works via a video stream, with tour guides, instructors, and…
Why Coinbase will struggle to ban politics from the workplace
Programming note: There’s a presidential debate tonight! Here’s how to watch it online. And here’s Politico’s handy “pre-bunk” of 10 lies you’re likely to hear at the debate. If there…
The West’s Infernos Are Melting Our Sense of How Fire Works
Even as Knapp cranked the spigot, the swirling smoke he’d seen was fast accelerating, transforming much of the Carr Fire’s enormous lower plume into the biggest fire tornado ever observed,…
Google Maps finally has a dark mode Dark mode in Google Maps
It seems like forever since Google first gave us a glimpse of a dark theme for Google Maps. While so many of Google apps and services have been given a…
Last-minute Pixel 5 photo leaks show off Google’s new phone from all angles Google Pixel 4a
It’s a big day for fans of Google hardware, as we’re expecting new Pixel phones, a Chromecast device and a smart speaker at Google’s online launch event later today –…