Facebook to discontinue Nearby Friends and other location-based features
Facebook on Thursday began informing users that Nearby Friends and other location-based features will soon be discontinued at the end of the month. While the reasons are currently unclear, the company claims that all information related to these features will be deleted from Facebook’s servers.
Hyperlocal users have received a notification from Facebook about the discontinuance of Nearby Friends. This feature allows people to share their location with friends on Facebook. At the same time, Facebook also says that Time Alerts, Location History, and Background Location are also “going away soon.”
According to the company, Nearby Friends and other location-based features will no longer be available to users after May 31, 2022.
Nearby Friends and Weather alerts will no longer be available after May 31, 2022. Information you shared that was used for these experiences, including Location History and Background Location, will stop being collected after May 31, 2022, even if you have previously enabled them.
Some of the data, such as the user’s location history (which automatically uses your location to create a map of places you have visited, will be available for download by August 1, 2022. After that, Facebook says that this data will be deleted.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that Facebook’s app will stop collecting users’ location. The company states that location data will still be collected “for other experiences.” Of course, you can always disable the Facebook app’s access to your location by going into the iOS Privacy settings.
Google Pixel 7 Pro leaked case renders confirm the camera visor is here to stay
Based on Google’s usual release schedule, the Pixel 7 Pro is still quite a ways off, expected to be introduced around October. That however hasn’t prevented the leaks about it to start pouring in – we’ve already seen it in leaked CAD-based renders back in February, and today the looks portrayed in those images are pretty much confirmed by a set of newly outed renders showing the phone in a case.
Generally these “phone in a case” renders originate at the various case makers, which are given the exact dimensions of upcoming devices in advance, along with some important details for the manufacture of a case – like the positions of buttons and camera islands, that sort of thing.
So what we can glean from these new images is that, as the CAD-based renders made clear previously, the camera visor on the back is here to stay. It wasn’t just a one-off for the Pixel 6 family. Actually, the entire design of the Pixel 7 Pro seems eerily reminiscent of its predecessor, down to the curved screen and triple rear camera system and placement of the LED flash.
Despite a front camera not being part of these renders, rumor has it there will be a centered hole-punch affair on the Pixel 7 Pro, just like on the Pixel 6 Pro. According to past rumors, the Pixel 7 Pro will sport a 6. 7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and embedded fingerprint sensor. The device will likely be powered by the second generation of Google Tensor chipsets.
Top 10 kitchen appliances designed to help you prepare the best breakfast
Mornings are probably the most hectic part of our daily routine! Mornings are the most hectic part of our day. You need to wake up and get dressed up. Breakfast is the most important meal in the day, but it also happens to be the one I am the least excited about making. Thank you so much for the coffee! However, I am making more efforts to ensure I have a healthy and balanced breakfast every morning, and a set of handy kitchen appliances that perfectly meet my breakfast requirements make my mornings much easier! From a refreshing slide-out toaster to a smart tea maker – here are a collection of nifty kitchen gadgets that are sure to help you start off your morning in the most fun, hassle-free and efficient manner possible.
1. The Slide Toaster
The toasting process begins in the Slide toaster with an LED ring indicating the toasting level and completion. The slide-up tray has a translucent design element to it so that you can keep an eye on the toast turning perfectly brown to your delight Level of the toast crispness can be set with an adjustment dial like all other toasters we’ve seen countless times. This is ably aided by audio indications to keep the user well informed.
Why is it noteworthy?
Harry Rigler aims to reimagine the traditional image of the toaster, while also introducing a soft-form design to this kitchen appliance. This is all while keeping current users in mind and future kitchen design trends. This Slide toaster is not a traditional pop-up oven like many others. Instead, it rolls the grill sideways like a smartphone. The tray slides out – you put in the bread and slide it back in.
What we like
Audio indications to update the user on their toast
Unique slide-up tray
What we dislike
The radically changed design may not be easily accepted in households
2. Origin Coffee Maker
Whenever I take my first sip of coffee in the morning, I am always thankful to whoever it was that first developed coffee and the farmers who harvested this particular blend I’m drinking. While some of the world’s best coffee is generally known to come from Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam (my country, the Philippines, will hopefully someday be included in that list), one of the unsung heroes of the industry is Ethiopia where coffee beans have been thriving since the 7th century. The East African nation is honored in this design concept for a coffeemaker.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Origin coffee maker concept wants to bring “meaningful coffee” to your cup by reminding you of its origins. The shape of the coffee maker is inspired by the map of Ethiopia, although of course it’s not in the exact shape but is modeled after the basic outline. The designer can “honor the origin” of coffee by doing this, even though historians don’t know if the people who grew these beans actually cultivated them or consumed them.
What we like
There are just a few buttons you need to press including the on/off and open/close buttons
You have the option to make an espresso or an americano and there’s also a button or level for the water and the beans
What we dislike
The finishing is not smooth though as it intentionally makes it look like it has corrosions and scratches – which may not be liked by everyone
3. The Cheat Sheets
The Cheat Sheets are basically, and this reference couldn’t be more relevant, social distancing containers for your ingredients. You use the same baking tray, but the Cheat Sheets silicone containers sit ON the tray, giving you miniature compartments to cook your food in. Veggies like asparagus that need shorter cook times can be added in the same tray as salmon, which needs more time in the oven. Once you feel like the asparagus is done, just reach in with your baking mitten and pull just the asparagus container out of the oven and let the salmon still cook inside. This is a simple and straightforward process. And the best thing? Your baking tray will never get dirty.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed for better control, the Cheat Sheets don’t just allow you to segregate separate ingredients for the same dish, they let you simultaneously cook two separate dishes together too, separating them according to flavor. This is especially true for desserts where many people are picky. For example, I am an avid fan of vanilla and fruits, but others gravitate to rich chocolate desserts. The Cheat Sheets allow you to simultaneously cook two separate dishes in their respective containers – as opposed to using rudimentary aluminum foil dividers or running your oven for two separate cycles.
What we like
Made from high-quality food-grade silicone
Allow you to simultaneously cook two separate dishes in their respective containers
What we dislike
No Complaints!
4. CucinaPro Building Brick Electric Waffle Maker
The CucinaPro Building Brick Electric Waffle Maker gives the humble breakfast food a new twist, turning the large square waffle into a series of stackable bricks! Its heat plate looks like a LEGO mold. The resulting waffles have studs and hollow surfaces on the bottom to enable the bricks to be locked into one another. The patent-pending design lets you make 14 bricks of different sizes with each serving, allowing you to explore quite literally a new dimension when it comes to food. Stacked pancakes have nothing on these brick waffles!
Why is it noteworthy?
Each CucinaPro Building Brick Electric Waffle Maker also comes with 2 serving plates designed to provide the perfect stacking/eating experience. These plates have studs to provide the base for the build. Two small containers at the sides let you keep your condiments, such as maple syrup or sliced fruits or butter cubes.
What we like
Gives the waffle an interesting makeover
Lets you make 14 bricks of different sizes with each serving
What we dislike
The redesign may not go well with those who love traditional style waffles
5. DADO
This minimalist-looking capsule tea machine is a concept design that can maybe someday fulfill my wish. The DADO is a name that refers in East Asia to the formal preparation of tea. Although the device isn’t what one would expect to see in a tea ceremony, its designer has created something that looks like it. This kettle is inspired from traditional tea-making equipment. The minimalist design seeks to create a feeling of tranquility and peace that is not usually associated with this caffeinated drink.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you’ve used a coffee capsule machine then this follows pretty much the same procedure. There is a kettle and two cups placed on top of a “heating pad” that looks like an induction stovetop or a wireless charger. You need to fill the kettle with water in the bucket part located at the back. Next, heat the cups or cups located beside the kettle. Then press the button. The traditional DADO cup is pre-heated and part of the ceremony. This modern addition to the DADO concept is quite nice.
What we like
A mix of traditional + minimal aesthetics
Different flavors for the tea capsules
What we dislike
Disposable capsules with a substantial carbon footprint
6. Goldie
Fabian turned to Jennifer Yoko Olson, industrial designer, and fellow baking enthusiast. Together, they designed Goldie, an incubation chamber for your sourdough starter. Designed to hold virtually any container you’d normally culture your starter in, Goldie creates the perfect temperature and environment for your sourdough to grow, giving you an active yeast culture that results in the tastiest sourdough loaves.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to almost look like a glass bell jar for your sourdough starter, Goldie is a nifty electric temperature-controlled chamber that incubates your sourdough to its fullest potential. Much more compact than your oven (and requiring just a fraction of its energy), Goldie elegantly warms your starter, bringing it up to the “Goldilocks Zone” of 75-82oF – not too hot, not too cold.
What we like
Helps you grow the perfect sourdough starter
An LED indicator on the platform lets you know if the incubation chamber is too cool or too hot
What we dislike
The Sourhouse glass jars are available as add-ons
7. The Bariseur
In its second edition, the beverage-brewing alarm clock comes with an updated design featuring a better brewing system using a one-of-a-kind immersion brewer that works equally well with tea or coffee. Rather than brewing your drink right into the cup, the immersion brewer keeps your beverage contained in a chamber, allowing you to pour yourself a cuppa whenever you need it. However, the smell wafts out quite easily, so you can enjoy aromatic teas or coffee beans.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bariseur has the ability to transcend into multisensory world, making waking up a treat. It wakes you with sounds and also entices your nose with fresh coffee aroma, giving you something to look forward too.
What we like
Comes with a mini-fridge to keep a small glass of milk refrigerated for you to pour into your coffee or tea
The immersion brewer is detachable, so you can brew multiple cups in a day
What we dislike
No Complaints!
8. USM-inspired Kettle
One thing that a lot of product designers like doing is to imagine and re-imagine what other products famous brands can come up with. They bring the original aesthetic of these design-focused brands and then think of what other furniture, appliances, or basically related (sometimes even unrelated) products they can come up with. We’ve seen some pretty interesting concepts out there. If you’re a fan of the Swiss modular furniture brand USM, this is something you’d like to take a look at.
Why is it noteworthy?
The handle and the base of the kettle are made from circles. Triangle is the place where water comes out of the spout. The 3D renders also show the various colors that the kettle can have, which are the basic colors that the USM Haller line has: blue, orange, red, yellow, and white. The end product concept seems to be something I would like to have in my kitchen. It’s minimalist but sleek and really embodies the idea of form following function.
What we like
Clean + minimal aesthetics
Variety of USM-inspired colors
What we dislike
It’s still a concept!
9. The Flair 58
Created to let you manually brew your own coffee, the Flair 58 is an espresso maker that requires a bit of elbow grease. A lever-operated design lets you physically ‘pump’ your espresso, while a pressure gauge lets you know whether you’re hitting the exact 9 bars needed to make a delightfully brewed cup.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Flair 58, as its name suggests, comes outfitted with an industry-standard 58mm portafilter, allowing you to use existing filters/tampers with your device. If you’re the kind of person to obsess over the coffee they drink (as are a lot of people), the Flair 58 is the perfect addition to your coffee-making ritual, giving you the ability to make a cup that’s as artisanal and fresh as it gets!
What we like
The aluminum, complete with a black anodized finish, withstands years upon years of constant and consistent use, so your coffee tastes stunning even a decade from when you buy the Flair 58
The Flair 58 offers 3 temperature settings to choose from
What we dislike
No Complaints!
10. The Morphy Richards multi-oven
Move over the conventional ovens that we all have got so bored of, as the Morphy Richards multi-oven has arrived on the scene breaking the monotony of the same old cooking methods. The silver lining here is the unique design evolution of the similar-looking ovens while bringing an element of classic feel to one of the most important kitchen appliances on the planet. To put it lightly, even the most talented chefs over the years wouldn’t be able to express their creativity without the oven.
Why is it noteworthy?
The designer lets his imagination run wild with the Morphy Richards oven, while keeping practicality in mind. This oven is capable of making delicious, fresh cookies or crisp toasts. This Morphy Richards multi oven is good for any cooking regimen and fits into any kitchen countertop design – be it conventional or ultra-modern.
What we like
The nostalgic dials and slider buttons bring back the cherished memories of robust appliances of the golden era
What we dislike
Not suited for those who prefer modern + sleek appliances
It’s 2022, so why is Apple still selling these products?
Exactly a year ago, I wrote an opinion piece saying why Apple should discontinue the Apple Watch Series 3. Well, it turns out, Series 3 is still part of Apple’s lineup for some reason – but it’s not the only product that the company should leave behind. It’s 2022, so why is Apple still selling these products?
Apple Watch Series 3
Yes, Apple is still selling the Apple Watch Series 3. I understand that it is now an entry-level model for people who may never have had an Apple Watch before, as the $199 price point definitely sounds attractive. However, the experience you get with Series 3 in 2022 is far from being the best.
Unlike the Apple Watch SE, with which you give up just a few premium features like the always-on display and ECG, Apple Watch Series 3 is quite outdated by today’s standards. It is the exact same display as the original Apple Watch. The screen has large bezels and the square design of the watch face.
But more than just the display and watch faces, Series 3 has another huge problem: its 32-bit S3 chip. Series 3 is the only Apple Watch currently available that is still based on an older architecture, as Series 4 and later have 64-bit chips. Although Series 3 runs watchOS 8, it’s unclear whether it will survive for another year of updates.
And when it comes to the GPS version, it only has 8GB of internal storage, which makes the user’s life a nightmare, especially when trying to install software updates on the watch. It shouldn’t be the first Apple Watch experience for a user.
iPod touch
Remember the days of Apple releasing a new iPod touch each year in order to compete with the iPhone? These days are over. The seventh generation iPod touch was introduced in 2019 with the same A10 chip as the iPhone 7 and no design changes. It has not been updated in the past.
I don’t see any reason why Apple would continue to sell the iPod touch model. It has a four inch screen and a poor chip. The battery life is also very low. Apple Pay doesn’t have Touch ID at the home button. Apple might be able to make the iPod touch a gaming device if they wanted, I wrote once.
Some may argue that the iPod is still there for kids or new iOS users, but why would anyone buy it? The 128GB version costs $299, and you can find the iPhone SE for similar prices with special offers – and it comes with a slightly larger screen, Touch ID, better cameras, Apple’s latest chip, and a whole phone inside.
Not to mention that a $329 entry-level iPad is much better than an iPod touch for someone curious about using iOS for the first time.
Apple TV HD
The fourth-generation Apple TV HD, also called Apple TV HD, is last but not least. The situation here is similar to the Apple Watch Series 3 – You have a product from five years ago that isn’t exactly cheap but also doesn’t deliver the best experience.
In fact, Apple doesn’t know whether it wants Apple TV to be a streaming device, a gaming device, or both. Apple TV costs a lot for a streaming device. For a gaming device, Apple TV doesn’t have triple-A games.
But specifically talking about the Apple TV HD, $149 is a bit pricey for a 2017 device that could be discontinued at any time (did you know it still runs on the same A8 chip as the iPad Air 2)? Apple could either discontinue its Apple TV HD or make it cheaper to appeal to those who only want streaming devices.
Even Apple doesn’t want you to buy these devices
Do you know what is the funniest thing? These products are not even offered by Apple. Guess what, I was surprised to find out when I visited the Apple Store. None of these products are displayed in the stores. There is no mention of them. If you want an Apple Watch Series 3 or an iPod touch, you need to ask an employee.
Apple is aware that the products they sell are obsolete, and so it should stop supporting these brands. I don’t have an answer about Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple TV HD, but I do think that Apple doesn’t want to give up the iPod brand, even if that means selling an outdated product that no one cares about.
But what do you think? Are you a believer that these products should be discontinued? Let me know in the comments below.
Apple no longer accepts credit and debit cards for subscriptions and app purchases in India
Indian customers are now unable to use their Apple ID’s debit/credit card to purchase subscriptions or app purchases. They are no longer able to purchase App Store apps, subscribe for Apple services or buy Apple media using credit or debit.
Customers now have to add money to their Apple funds like they would a prepaid card. According to The News Minute, money will be deducted from their account each month as their subscription renews. All new Apple users must add their bank details during the device setup.
Apple stops accepting credit, debit card payments for app purchases, subscriptions in India. Here’s what to do https://t.co/nxOVvFMije
Regulatory requirements in India apply to the processing of recurring transactions. If you hold an Indian debit or credit card and you have a subscription, these changes impact your transactions. Some transactions might be declined by banks and card issuers. To continue enjoying your subscriptions, you can pay with your Apple ID balance. You can add to your Apple ID balance using App Store Codes, Net Banking, and UPI.
Twitter users have been complaining – some even receiving error messages stating, “This card type is no longer supported”. User @kgvarunkanth shares a screenshot of the remaining three ways to add funds to your account.
So @Apple@AppleMusic India silently took out credit card payment for Indian users and android users can no longer pay other than iTunes on a PC!
This news comes after last year’s new auto-debit rules from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Due to the new stipulations, banks now need approval from customers through “Additional Factors of Authentication (AFA)” for recurring transactions like subscriptions. If not approved via AFA, the transaction will then be denied.
The new rules also state that Apple has to set up an e-mandate for customer cards. Apple customers in India will need to use two-factor authentication and set up a new e-mandate when issuing recurring payments. They will also need to give consent for each purchase above Rs 5,000.
After that announcement, Apple had warned developers that their best way of promoting payments through their apps is with a customer’s Apple ID balance. To give customers the time they need to correct their payment details, developers can allow for a billing grace period.
9to5Mac’s Take
This feels like an inconvenience for customers in India. Although I am glad that they have Apple media access, the process is not as easy as it used to be. These stipulations from RBI aside, I believe Apple will be able to simplify this process for them in the near future.
Remember the Trashcan Mac? It was turned into a concept for a coffee machine.
While comparing the 2013 Mac Pro to a trashcan may have been a little mean in hindsight, its shiny cylindrical exterior translates well to a coffee machine, as per this concept by Young Geon Ahn.
Meet Apple Drip – a conceptual caffeine distributing machine that brews “the best coffee Apple’s ever made” if Tim Cook had to ever take to the stage to introduce such an appliance. It flips Jony Ive’s unique design over and turns an ill-received desktop computer into a tabletop brewer, complete with a dispenser nozzle that slides out to dispense coffee, and slides back into the machine, sitting flush against the cylindrical surface when non-operational.
Designer: Young Geon Ahn
The Apple Drip is officially the first Apple product that was designed specifically for kitchen use. Truth be told, Apple’s brand of minimalism fits pretty much anywhere, after all, a HomePod looks pretty darn good in a kitchen, right?
The Apple Drip is a design similar to the Ember Mug. (Fun fact: Robert Brunner, Ember’s chief designer, worked extensively with Apple). It has a sleek, black design which looks equally mysterious and approachable. Uncomplicated, yet professional. The black cylinder comes with a touchscreen interface on its upper rim, with just three buttons – a power button, a temperature button, and a coffee dispensing button. Designed to work (one assumes) with an app or even with Siri, the Drip dispenses coffee into a sleek looking mug that sits in its designated place on a larger rectangular platform. The Drip looks like it has a home button, but we don’t know what that does.
While clearly conceptual, the Apple Drip is a fun design prompt for hackers and YouTubers, giving them an opportunity to turn existing (and obsolete) products into fun alternatives. Anyone planning on building this? If you do, just fo me a favor and call it something clever like the iCedLatte Pro or something…
Twitter testing new conversation thread button for Spaces
Twitter is continuing to improve its Spaces audio platform by adding new features. Now, the social network announced another feature that will allow users to communicate with each other. The company is testing a new conversation thread button that will be available for Spaces.
Soon after a host has opened a space, a Space card will be sent to them as a tweet. Then, other users will be able to send tweets directly from that Space.
The thread will be accessible by a new chat button shown right next to the reactions button within a Space, and it will also show the number of interactions in that thread. By tapping the new button, users will see only the tweets sent as a reply to that Space, so they can quickly interact with others during the audio conversation.
Tweets sent from within a Space will be linked to that room so that other users can identify what the conversation is about. Tweets that are sent to a Space can still be shared on the normal timeline and retweeted.
Earlier this year, Twitter had already announced an option for sharing audio clips from Spaces with anyone who has a link to the live audio chat. According to reports, the company is also working on a podcast platform.
The new Conversation Thread for Spaces is being launched to users of Twitter on iOS and Android.
we’re testing a feature you’ve been asking for
when some Hosts start a Space, a Space card will be sent as a Tweet so listeners can reply, engage, and share…straight from the Space! We hope that it will make it more easy to participate and see the conversation. Now testing for iOS and Android pic.twitter.com/ioB6xpSwZA
5G home internet comparison: How T-Mobile and Verizon stack up with price, speed, incentives
5G home internet competition in the US is heating up and providers like T-Mobile and Verizon are offering some big incentives to attract customers. Follow along for speed, pricing, and fine details for each provider in our 5G home internet comparison.
It’s been just about a year since Verizon and T-Mobile launched their 5G home internet services and they’re both building momentum.
T-Mobile recently said its 5G home internet is available for 40 million households and Verizon shared in January that its 5G home internet is available for 20 million.
While Verizon upped its incentives in January with deals like 50% off for existing customers, T-Mobile announced its own similar promotions in early May.
AT&T doesn’t have 5G home internet, but it does offer a 4G home internet for rural customers and businesses. While it lags far behind Verizon and T-Mobile across the board, we’ll include it in the comparisons below for reference.
5G home internet comparison: T-Mobile vs Verizon
Speeds
Verizon offers the fastest potential speeds for both downloads and uploads, while T-Mobile’s service is more widely available.
With both, keep in mind that your average 5G speeds will vary based on your location and coverage. And yeah, AT&T’s 4G home internet is abysmally slow.
5G home internet
Download speeds
Upload speeds
One more detail, to get access to the 300-1,000 Mbps download speeds with Verizon, you’ll need to pick its 5G Home Plus plan.
Pricing, setup, fine details
Both T-Mobile and Verizon are offering very affordable pricing, particularly for customers who bundle an eligible cellular plan. That brings T-Mobile’s 5G home internet down to $30/month and Verizon’s is even cheaper at $25/month.
Even if you don’t have your smartphone service through either of them, the plans are still affordable with T-Mobile and Verizon both at $50/month with autopay.
5G home internet details
Price with cellular plan
Price without cellular plan
Contract
Taxes and fees
Data cap
Self-setup
Installation fee
Price lock
AT&T’s offering is not only more expensive, but much slower, has a data cap, and requires a $99 installation.
Incentives
Both T-Mobile and Verizon have a tempting list of incentives to get customers to leave traditional broadband providers.
Both make it free to switch by covering up to $500 in early termination fees, have free trials, and are throwing in extra perks like free streaming devices and streaming services.
5G home internet incentives
Free trial
Up to $500 for early term fees
Free streaming device
T-Mobile Tuesday perks
Free Disney+ bundle up to 1 year
Free Paramount+ for a year
Verizon is offering its own Stream TV set-top box for free while T-Mobile is offering $50 that can be used for any streaming device including Apple TV.
5G home internet comparison wrap-up
With T-Mobile and Verizon both working hard on compelling 5G home internet service, consumers benefit with affordable pricing, free trials, no contracts, and more.
Hopefully, with the launch of more C-band 5G coverage this year, we’ll see AT&T officially enter the 5G home internet space which will bring more choice and competition.
At this point, if you’re unhappy with your broadband provider, doing a risk-free trial with T-Mobile or Verizon’s 5G home internet is easy, and you can even try it out alongside your existing internet.
It is difficult to determine if T-Mobile or Verizon has the clear winner. T-Mobile receives points to get more availability and a lifetime price guarantee. Verizon has a better price on bundles, and offers faster speeds overall.
Check out if T-Mobile or Verizon‘s 5G home internet is available in your area.
Read more 9to5Mac tutorials:
Best affordable iPhone plans for 2022
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Which should you buy in 2022?
Apple Watch: Four advanced health features you’re probably not using
Union organizers from the games industry met with President Biden
The fight to unionize the games industry made it all the way to the White House on Thursday. That’s where Alex Speidel, one of the lead organizers from the United Paizo Workers met with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and secretary of labor Marty Walsh inside the Oval Office. A photo on President’s Twitter account . confirmed the meeting.
Present in the Oval Office with Speidel were members of Titmouse Productions (The Legend of Vox Machina), who are organized under the IATSE. Amazon Labor Union president Chris Smalls was also there. The most high-profile labor leader on hand for the event, Smalls was asked to testify before the Senate Budget Committee by its chairman, Senator Bernie Sanders.
“This is not a left or right thing,” said Smalls, speaking about the right to unionize without illegal interference from management. “This is a working-class issue, and it’s the workers at the bottom that make these corporations go.”
Sanders took the opportunity to slam what he called Amazon’s union-busting activity. He stated that “Amazon did everything legal and illegal to defeat the efforts of union organizing.”
While workers at Amazon distribution centers around the country have had a difficult time organizing their workplaces, workers at Paizo had much smoother sailing on their way to voluntary recognition — that is, to being formally recognized as a collective bargaining unit by Paizo management. According to Speidel, the final push was made with the help of a contingent of freelance writers who simply stopped accepting new work.
According to a news release issued by the Paizo Workers, Speidel shared with President Biden how those freelancers “began to refuse assignments from the company in solidarity with the workers’ request for voluntary recognition of their union.” That collective action, Speidel said, was key in bolstering the full-time workers’ position.
“It was a privilege to be able to talk about the campaign of the CWA to organize tech and game workers and to also share the amazing work done by United Paizo Workers as well as our freelance writers,” Speidel stated in the news release. I hope the administration will continue to support workers organizing for unions in all sectors and that this momentum can be taken back to CWA so that they can carry the CODE–CWA campaign forward. Every worker deserves a union!”
CODE-CWA was spun up in 2020 with the help of Emma Kinema, co-founder of Game Workers Unite, a grassroots organization working to unionize the video game industry. Ironically, it’s the workers at a company best known for its pen-and-paper role-playing games like Pathfinder and Starfinder who helped lead the way. Other unionization initiatives have also been initiated at Raven Software, part of Activision Blizzard, and Keywords Studios. Keywords Studios works closely with BioWare as well as other publishers and developers to offer quality assurance (QA).
Overwatch 2 beta update reworks Roadhog, nerfs Soldier: 76, and more
Blizzard’s PvP beta for Overwatch 2 has been live for a little more than a week, but the developer is already making changes to the game, including substantial tweaks for heroes Roadhog, Soldier: 76, and Zenyatta, who can kick better now. On top of bug fixes and balance changes made in response to player feedback, Overwatch 2 is adapting because of broader changes to Overwatch 2 heroes and its new 5v5 team structure.
One of the bigger, likely most welcome tweaks, is to Soldier: 76. According to Blizzard’s patch notes for the Overwatch 2 beta, ol’ Jack Morrison had his Pulse Rifle damage lowered (“we are seeing fewer counters to him with one less tank per team,” Blizzard says) and had his sprint speed reduced (on account of damage heroes already having a passive speed boost), but got a buff to his Ultimate, which can now deal critical damage. Overall, that should be good news for players who currently see Soldier as overpowered.
Roadhog got a whopper of a change to his Ultimate ability: Whole Hog no longer auto-fires his scrap gun, and he can’t be stunned out of his Ult. Here’s Blizzard’s explanation of the new Whole Hog, which previously put Roadhog in a very vulnerable position:
This ability is now a Channeled’ final (e.g. Pharah, Reaper, Cassidy), into a ‘Transform’ ultimate (e.g. Soldier: 76, Genji, Winston). This is what that means:
The weapon does not fire automatically. To use the ultimate
, you will need to press Primary Fire.
You can use normal abilities during Whole Hog without canceling the ultimate
Stuns will no longer cancel the ultimate
There are a host of other tweaks to healing rates, movement speeds, and ammo counts, but two other changes stand out. Zenyatta received a firmware upgrade to her kicking leg and Sojourn has an alt fire for her railgun that can project a larger projectile. Blizzard gave the Omnic monk a new passive, Snap Kick, which increases his quick melee damage by 50% and “significantly increases” knockback from kicks.
“Zenyatta struggles at close range fighting, which meant he was vulnerable to being flanked by an enemy or jumping on him,” Blizzard said. “His new passive, Snap Kick, will help him create space and put enemies at his fighting range.”
Blizzard has promised further changes throughout the Overwatch 2 PvP beta, including new heroes and reworks for support heroes. If you haven’t gotten into the PC-only beta yet, this weekend’s Overwatch League games offer another chance to get in via drops.
