COVID-19
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WhatsApp and WHO create a chatbot to share reliable coronavirus info
In an attempt to help users find accurate coronavirus information, WhatsApp and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a chatbot that will answer questions about the pandemic. When users text "hi" to the new WHO Health Alert (+41 79 893 1892), the service will respond with a series of prompts, the latest data and a few emojis. In addition to fighting misinformation on the platform, this could also help government decision-makers find the latest numbers and situation reports, WhatsApp says.
F1 drivers will compete in a virtual grand prix series
With their season on hold because of coronavirus fears, Formula 1 drivers will surely be desperate for a competitive outlet to keep them (and their fans) occupied. So, just like soccer players and NASCAR drivers, they're diving into a virtual version of their sport.
Entertainers pivot to video as coronavirus shutters clubs
The Coronavirus pandemic is quickly converting America into a nation of shut-ins, resulting in the closing of nightclubs, dance halls and comedy rooms. Like many other professions, this has put thousands of performers, musicians and stand-up comics in dire financial straits. But as the classic adage states, "the show must go on" -- especially for entertainers whose livelihoods depend on them getting onstage in front of a crowd. As the Dropkick Murphys (DKM) showed the world on Tuesday, the show can go on, even if there's no audience around.
Waymo suspends all services until at least April 7th
Waymo put most of its services on hold earlier this week, except for fully driverless rides in Phoenix and some testing, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Just a few days later, the Alphabet company has opted to suspend all of its services until April 7th at the very least.
Pixar's 'Onward' hits Disney+ on April 3rd amid theater closures
Just like every other line of business right now, the entertainment industry is scrambling to figure out how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Several blockbusters, including the latest James Bond adventure No Time To Die and Marvel's Black Widow have been delayed, while production on many others has been suspended. Some studios have decided to make recent movies available as digital rentals only a few weeks after hitting theaters or even on the same day they arrive in cinemas.
Amazon is cutting Prime Video streaming bitrates in Europe
Amazon has begun lowering streaming bitrates for Prime Video viewers in Europe. In a statement, the company said it agreed with the notion that telecom services need to be managed carefully during the coronavirus pandemic, otherwise people won't be able to work from home and minimize economic turmoil. "Prime Video is working with local authorities and Internet Service Providers where needed to help mitigate any network congestion, including in Europe where we've already begun the effort to reduce streaming bitrates whilst maintaining a quality streaming experience for our customers," a Prime Video spokesperson added.
Yelp is adding a 'contact-free' delivery option to its apps
Yelp is doing its part to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The company has promised to update its iOS and Android apps next week with a "contact-free" delivery option at checkout, thanks in part to its partnership with Grubhub. It's also working on "new functionality" that will allow business owners to signal through the app that customers can still order food for takeout, delivery or both.
Engadget Podcast: Can telehealth save us?
On this week's episode, Cherlynn and Devindra explore the rise of telehealth during the global coronavirus pandemic. With Medicare expanding coverage to include telehealth, as well as the attention around Verily's efforts to launch a screening site, the industry is gaining momentum. This outbreak could make telehealth mainstream, and we need to understand its limits and challenges so that proper legislation can be drawn up in a timely manner. It's not all serious conversation; our hosts also dive into the gaming hardware news from this week, as well as fun recommendations on how to retain your sanity in these trying times. Listen below, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News! Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Play Music Links Medicare expands US telehealth coverage in response to COVID-19 Ro aims to bring its online COVID-19 screenings to all of the US this week Senators ask Alphabet how it will protect COVID-19 screening site data WhatsApp debuts coronavirus fact-checking hub Microsoft unveils a ton of Xbox Series X hardware details PlayStation 5 will feature a 10.2-teraflop GPU and a speedy custom SSD Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien
YouTube follows Netflix by reducing video stream quality in Europe
YouTube is joining Netflix in reducing streaming quality in Europe to reduce strain on the internet, Reuters has reported. "We are making a commitment to temporarily switch all traffic in the EU to standard definition by default," it said in a statement. On top of that, the Alphabet company has also launched a hub in 16 countries dedicated to verified, factual stories about the coronavirus outbreak.
GameStop tells employees it's 'essential' and can stay open during lockdowns
GameStop insists it can remain open even if its stores' locations are under lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. According to Kotaku and Vice, it sent a memo to employees, telling them that its stores don't have to shut down because it believes its business is classified as "essential retail." Local government units across the US are issuing orders to close non-essential retail businesses -- shops like grocery stores, gas stations and drugstores are considered essential and therefore won't have to cease operations.
GDC could return to San Francisco as a 3-day event in August
When GDC's organizers cancelled the annual conference due to the coronavirus outbreak, they said they were hoping to host another even in the summer. Now, they've officially announced GDC Summer, a three-day "celebration of all things game development." It'll be some sort of GDC lite event that would still feature expert-led talks and a two-day expo show. The organizers are promising a new series of microtalks and fireside chats, as well as dedicated space for comprehensive career development sessions for new developers.
Snapchat adds mental health tools to ease coronavirus anxiety
Snapchat is updating its app with a set of mental health tools meant to help users combat anxiety and depression. The feature, called "Here For You," was first previewed in February, but the company says it opted to speed up its release in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
NASCAR is replacing canceled races with esports featuring pro drivers
Sports leagues and broadcasters are scrambling to fill the void now that many live competitions are cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for NASCAR and Fox Sports that means venturing into relatively uncharted territory. They've announced an inaugural eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series that will replace canceled NASCAR races with "simulation-style" esports competitions. These will involve top-tier competitors, too -- you can expect Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin among other racers and luminaries from various NASCAR series.
Tesla suspends work at Fremont plant, will comply with shelter in place order
Wide swaths of the Bay Area have been under semi-lockdown since Tuesday when seven counties issued shelter in place orders, barring residents from travel unless in need of essential supplies and effectively shuttering many businesses. Come March 24th, that will include Tesla's plant in Fremont, California, the company announced on Thursday.
Amazon suspends Prime Pantry to handle its backlog of orders
If you're looking to order food online while you're holed up at home amid the COVID-19 outbreak, you won't be able to do so through Amazon's Prime Pantry for now. The company has paused new orders through the service, which offers household and non-perishable pantry items, for now as it fulfills its backlog.
Netflix will reduce streaming bitrates in Europe to ease congestion
Following reports this morning, Netflix confirmed it will reduce the bitrate of videos it streams in Europe for the next 30 days. The company says the move will reduce its footprint on European networks by approximately 25 percent.
Amazon, DOJ ask consumers to report coronavirus price gouging
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, Amazon has seen a "significant increase in demand," especially for medical and cleaning supplies. It has also seen third-party retailers raising prices on things like masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant sprays. Now, Amazon is asking consumers to cooperate with a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into coronavirus price gouging.
Serif discounts Affinity creative apps during the COVID-19 pandemic
Life as a digital creative might be a little easier if you're working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Serif is trotting out a number of deals for its Affinity apps to help out artists and photographers (and, of course, encourage them to buy software). Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher are now free to try for 90 days. There's no requirement to buy, but you'll get a 50 percent discount for both computer and iPad versions of the apps if you'd prefer to purchase them. Both deals end on April 20th.
Instagram won’t approve new AR effects 'until further notice’
It could be a long time before any new augmented reality effects are published on Instagram. The company is no longer approving new filters because the reviewers who normally sign off on user-created effects have been sent home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
What's coming to Netflix in April: 'Community' and a ton of originals
It's been a while since we've published one of these, but present circumstances being what they are, we thought people would appreciate knowing what's coming to Netflix next month. Thankfully, there are a lot of new originals and back catalog additions to look forward to while stuck at home.
