Electronics gadgets: COVID Says No More Phones This Year

jueves, 27 de agosto de 2020

COVID Says No More Phones This Year

AUGUST 27, 2020

Everything worth knowing in tech today, August 27, 2020. Today's tech history note: Fairbanks, AK connected to the world's largest backup battery in 2003.

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

316 Articles, 9 Podcasts, 18 Press Releases, 536 Tweets, & 7 YouTube videos

1. COVID Pandemic Causes Huge Drop in Smartphone Sales

Smartphone sales dropped a whopping 20.4% during the current pandemic. Apple's iPhone sales decline was only 0.4%, which is pretty interesting. Samsung reports a 27.1% drop this quarter compared to last year. Maybe we don't need a new phone, after all.

2. Apple TV+ Could Get Augmented Reality Soon

We're big fans of augmented reality (AR), and we'd love to see Apple's take on it if they ever come out with their version of AR glasses. Until then, we'll have to be happy with the idea of more AR features coming to Apple TV+.

3. Mac and iOS Gamers Won't Get New Fortnite Season

Surprise! Another data point in the Apple vs. Epic Games fiasco: The developer confirmed that, thanks to the ban of Fortnite in the App Store, gamers on iOS and macOS won't get the new season update, leaving them in the cold. Posturing or real threat? Probably both.

🦑 Go Deeper

We're seeing the same market fragmentation in podcasts as we did in streaming television. This time it's Audible and Spotify that are trying to wall off their version of podcasts. Our very own Charlie Sorrel calls the practice out right here, the way you expect us to.

🎱 By the Numbers

You didn't need a new smartphone, anyway

Data: Gartner

Massive losses in the smartphone space are a big deal... for the companies affected. Apple seems to be riding this one out, while Samsung is the biggest loser. What does that mean for you? Probably that you have more cash in your pocket.

🤓 Nerd Out

"Support your local post office." - Molly McLaughlin, Content Strategist

Ain't no nerd like a post office nerd, and with the current struggles around funding the national agency, it might be time to grab some of these toys and costumes for kids from the USPS secret store. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

"Mission start!"

Image: Gstone Group

Gamers! Check this out—a full-sized arcade cabinet filled to the gills with NeoGeo games like Art of Fighting, King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Super Sidekicks. There are 50 games to play and it's only... wait for it... $500.

🎮 Up-Down-A-B-Start

Even virtual Black lives matter

Black players have been fighting for better representation in the super-popular Sims 4 video game for years. It's paid off, maybe, as EA has committed to help non-white players better match skin tones and facial features in the game. It's about freakin' time, tbh.