Christmas
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Apple closes stores in California and the UK as COVID-19 cases soar
Apple has closed all 53 stores in California and up to 16 across the UK, Tennessee, Brazil and Mexico due to soaring COVID-19 cases in those regions.
The Queen's Christmas message will be available on Alexa for the first time
Queen Elizabeth will deliver her Christmas Day message on smart speakers for the first time through Alexa.
Recommended Reading: A year later, the CRISPR babies are still a mystery
Why the paper on the CRISPR babies stayed secret for so long Antonio Regalado, MIT Technology Review A year has passed since Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui presented work on editing the DNA of two girls while they were still embryos. Ethical issues with his actions abound, and even after all this time, there's still missing details on exactly what did/didn't happen. MIT Technology Review has several pieces on the story this week. Those include unpublished portions of the research manuscript and an explanation of why it hasn't been published by either of the two influential scientific journals He sent it to.
The best Christmas lights
By Doug Mahoney and Thom Dunn This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to christmas lights. Christmas lights bring a unique glimmering warmth to your holiday season—or your backyard, your favorite dive bar, or really anywhere else, for that matter. After more than 100 hours of researching, interviewing experts, and testing more than 25 different string light sets since 2014, we believe GE's Energy Smart Colorite LED Miniature Lights (available in strands of 100 bulbs in multicolor or warm white) offer a combination of light quality, color accuracy, and wide availability that has been unmatched among competitors since we began recommending GE's Colorites five years ago. Like all LED models, the GE Colorite lights are safer, more durable, and longer lasting than traditional incandescent lights, and they barely draw any electricity at all. Among the LEDs we looked at, we found that the GE Colorites' hues of warm white and especially multicolor closely matched those of traditional incandescents. They also have a tidy wire that doesn't curl or twist, simplifying the task of draping them through a tree or storing them in the off-season. The bulbs should last for at least 10 holiday seasons, and you can replace individual bulbs if they go out (or you can just leave those; the rest of the strand will stay lit). Although you can use the Colorites outdoors, we think they're best for indoor use, since the bulbs aren't completely watertight. Overall, these lights offer better benefits and have fewer drawbacks than any other indoor lights we tested. The GE lights have sold out quickly the past few years, so if that happens again, we recommend the Christmas Designers T5 Smooth LED Christmas Lights (available in warm white, multicolor, or solid color). In our tests the multicolor lights looked as good as the GEs, while the warm white lights had a cooler tone that was a little further from the coziness of an incandescent. For outdoor use, we recommend the Christmas Lights Etc Kringle Traditions Wide-Angle 5mm Outdoor LED Christmas Tree Lights, available in white, multicolor, or single color in a variety of lengths and bulb spacings. These lights offer all of the benefits of LEDs as well as a design that makes each bulb impervious to moisture for weeks in the snowy, sleety, rainy outdoors—we confirmed that by leaving a lit set submerged in a water-filled bucket all day. We liked the warmth of the color, the bright light output, and the manageable wires. Due to the unusual design of the wide-angle bulb, the brightness of each changes dramatically depending on where you're standing, giving the lights texture and depth when they're draped over a tree or twisting around a porch post. Because they're likely to be exposed to harsh exterior conditions, these lights have a shorter lifespan than indoor LEDs, but you can still expect six or seven seasons out of them. The only major drawback is that they're a bit too bright for indoor use. Pro lighting designers and other experts have consistently named this particular type of bulb as the ideal choice for outdoor holiday-lighting displays. If the Christmas Lights Etc lights aren't available, Christmas Designers makes a similar string light that's just as good but a little less bright. Last, if you're not ready to give up the unique warm twinkle of incandescents for an indoor tree, Christmas Lights Etc's Clear Christmas Tree Mini Lights are our favorites. These mini-light sets emit the warmest overall light, and like our other picks, they have an easy-handling wire. They also cost less than an LED strand, but they're not as durable, they're less efficient, and they won't last as long—you can expect 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, versus an average life of 20,000 hours for our pick. That's just the bulb life, too, not even taking into account how fragile and easily breakable an incandescent filament is. If you can't decide between white or multicolor lights, the GE Color Choice Multi or Warm White Multi Function LEDs offer the best of both worlds. A small control box near the plug lets you choose white, multicolor, or both, in a variety of flashing and steady lighting options. The colors aren't as good as what you get with a dedicated white or multicolor string light set, though; the white in particular is more neutral and bland than warm, and the green is somewhat lime-like. But we think that's a fair trade-off for their flexible usage. One thing to keep in mind: Although the lights themselves are generally safe for outdoor use, the control box can malfunction in the wrong conditions, so try to plug it in somewhere that's safe and dry.
Apple's first TV+ holiday special will star Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds
If Apple TV+ is going to take Netflix and streaming rivals head-on, it's going to need a key weapon in its arsenal: star-laden holiday specials. And sure enough, its first special appears to be on the way. Hollywood Reporter sources say Apple is finalizing a deal to acquire a musical reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. This might not be a cinematic masterpiece when it's directed by the team behind the Daddy's Home movies (also starring Will Ferrell). However, Apple was reportedly very interested -- tipsters said it "moved aggressively" on the production.
Nintendo sends Toad to ruin your Christmas with a terrible carol
When it comes to Nintendo characters who you might expect to sing Christmas carols, Toad probably isn't at the top of the list. As adorable as he is in general, the Mushroom Kingdom resident doesn't exactly have a voice best suited to holiday songs.
Amazon extends its free US shipping period to December 18th
Amazon recently got in the Christmas spirit by offering free shipping with no minimum purchase to everyone. It had reason to celebrate, coming off the back of its biggest shopping day ever on Cyber Monday. But that bit of goodwill is going to last longer than we originally thought. In an effort to target last-minute shoppers, Amazon is extending the free shipping promotion until December 18th for orders that arrive in time for Christmas in the US.
The best tech gifts under $50
It's no secret that the season of goodwill to all is expensive, especially for those with tech-savvy loved ones lusting after the latest kit that comes with eye-watering price tags. But gift-giving doesn't have to break the bank. Our 2018 holiday gift guide comes with a handy price filter that recommends brilliant present ideas for all budgets, including a bunch under $50. From smart home voice assistants and clever TV Bluetooth adapters to the latest games, Blu-rays, toys and apps, our budget bucket represents just about every product category in the guide. Take a look.
'Fortnite' season seven adds planes, custom weapons and lots of ice
I don't want to undersell this, but if you've been looking to play as a swole Father Christmas, Epic Games' latest Fortnite update has got you covered. Season seven of the battle royale shooter has arrived, bringing with it weapon customization, a brand new icy biome, a bunch of new skins and even a new vehicle: planes.
Netflix will drop a ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ holiday episode
If you've already watched the first season of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which debuted last month, you might be pleased to learn that Netflix has a holiday episode of the series in the works. The streaming giant will release Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale on December 14th, and it will focus on the Spellman crew as they and their coven celebrate the winter solstice.
Intel's stunt drones will join the Rockettes at Radio City
Fireworks? Pah. These days, it's all about armies of drones creating majestic aerial displays over national sporting events. Intel, which is making a name for itself in the space, is bringing an army of mini drones to New York for the holidays. Specifically, the UAVs will be the backing act for the Rockettes at this year's Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Amazon will sell full-size, live Christmas trees this holiday season
During the holidays, you may turn to Amazon for hassle-free gift shopping or for some festive decorations, but this year you'll be able to get one more item to deck your home out for Christmas -- a full-size Christmas tree. Come November, Amazon will begin selling full-size trees, which will ship to customers within 10 days of being cut down, according to the Associated Press. The trees, which will include varieties like Douglas firs, Norfolk Island pines and Frasier firs, will be eligible for Prime free shipping.
Kanye West bought Kim Netflix and Apple stock for Christmas
It's Christmas morning in the Kardashian-West household. The family, possibly wearing Final Fantasy-inspired pyjamas, gathers under an enormous blinged-out tree. "Can we listen to Christmas songs?" North might ask, with the hopeful glee of a small child during the holidays. "Maybe later," says Yeezy, as he once again hits play on The Life of Pablo, which is definitely not streaming through Tidal. Kim chooses a gift from the mountains of presents piled up in their living room, and unwraps it to find a Disney toy, Apple headphones, Adidas socks and gift cards for Netflix and Amazon.
Tesla 'Santa Mode' Easter egg turns your EV into a winter wonderland
Tesla is no stranger to offering Easter eggs that get you into the holiday spirit, but its latest is particularly... festive. Dive into the Easter egg section on your EV and you'll discover a reindeer button that invokes a Santa Mode. To say it brings a Christmas vibe to your car would be an understatement. It turns your car into Santa's sleigh on the dash display (and other cars into reindeer), but that's really just the start of the flourishes.
We're listening to: Sia, Tove Lo and 'Where Should We Begin?'
Welcome back to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers have been playing, using, watching and listening to. This week we're focusing on music and podcasts, from Sia's Christmas album through to Rihanna's stunning Anti. First up, executive editor Dana Wollman on the joy of listening to other people's problems.
Send Santa your Christmas gift requests on Link’s WiFi kiosks
For the second year running, LinkNYC is giving you a direct line to Father Christmas. Just track down a WiFi kiosk (there's over 1,200 scattered across all five New York boroughs, so it shouldn't be hard), and use the new app on the built-in tablet to get in touch with the big man himself. Of course, Santa's too busy to reach the phone (what with Christmas a week away), so you'll have to settle for his answering machine. But, maybe one of the minions he has manning the phone lines will pass along your last minute gift request. The Santa hotline is open to Brits this year, too, via the InLink kiosks in London and Leeds. And, if the kids want to monitor their inbound gifts, there's always Google's Santa Tracker app -- that's if you can tear them away from snapping elfies.
How the 'Grinch bots' stole Christmas
Resellers have existed since way before the internet. But with the surge of online shopping, they have found the perfect weapon to aid their business: bots, automated software that can add products to a virtual cart and purchase them faster than any human. Even if your browser autofills personal information, like your address and credit card, and it only took you one minute to get to the checkout page -- that's too slow. Bots can buy almost anything in a matter of seconds, which is why they've become the ideal tool for people who make money by snatching up coveted items and selling them on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist for a profit.
Netflix tries out a Christmas movie with Kurt Russell as Santa
Netflix is handing Kurt Russell the role he was born to play: Santa Claus. The streaming giant is about to start rolling cameras on a festive flick, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with filmmaker Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter and Home Alone fame) producing. Child actors Judah Lewis (last seen on Netflix's The Babysitter) and Big Little Lies' resident DJ Darby Camp will round out the cast of the as-yet untitled project.
Google's Santa hub has you taking 'elfies' around the world
Google has brought back Santa's Village for another year, and this time it's particularly trendy. Fire up the Santa Tracker app on your Android phone and you can play Santa Snap, a game that has you flying around Google Maps to take "elfies" at famous landmarks around the world. Basically, it's Amélie with Santa's helpers in place of gnomes. Other activities will pop up daily between now and December 24th, including a equally of-the-moment AI drawing game (a festive take on Quick, Draw), an elf dance coding game and a virtual snowball fight.
If you ask Alexa, Tim Curry will read you 'A Christmas Carol'
The Amazon Echo might be sold out everywhere this holiday season, but those who've picked one of the smart speakers up prior have a treat in store. From now through January 3rd, saying "Alexa, read A Christmas Carol from Audible" will do exactly as the command suggests -- for free. And not only that, the Dickens classic is read by none other than Tim Curry -- the dastardly hotel manager from Home Alone 2 and voice of Ebeneezer Scrooge in the animated version of the story, from 1997. Pair this with the Eye of Sauron yule log, a glass of (boozy) egg nog and you'll be all ready for the big day.
