< < Web3 and the Metaverse: Shaping the Future of the InternetThe digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and two concepts are at the forefront of this revolution: Web3 and the Metaverse. These buzzwords are not just passing trends; they represent significant shifts in how we interact with technology, data, and even reality itself. Let’s delve into what Web3 and the Metaverse are and how they are shaping the future of the internet.What is Web3?Web3, or Web 3.0, is the next generation of the internet. Unlike Web 2.0, which is dominated by centralized platforms like Google and Facebook, Web3 aims to decentralize the web. Built on blockchain technology, Web3 enables peer-to-peer interactions without the need for intermediaries. This decentralization enhances privacy, security, and user control over data.Key features of Web3 include:Decentralization: No single entity controls the network; power is distributed among users.Smart Contracts: Automated agreements that execute when predefined conditions are met.Cryptocurrencies: Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate transactions without traditional financial institutions.What is the Metaverse?The Metaverse is a virtual universe that combines augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the internet. It’s a shared digital space where users can interact with each other and digital objects in real-time. Think of it as an immersive internet experience, where you can attend meetings, play games, shop, or even build a digital home—all in a virtual environment.Key characteristics of the Metaverse include:Immersive Experiences: Utilizing VR and AR to create lifelike interactions.Interoperability: Seamless movement of assets and identities across different virtual worlds.Persistent and Shared: The Metaverse exists continuously and is accessible to multiple users simultaneously.How Web3 and the Metaverse IntersectWeb3 and the Metaverse are complementary technologies. While the Metaverse provides a virtual space for interaction, Web3 ensures these spaces are decentralized, secure, and user-centric. For example:Digital Ownership: Blockchain enables true ownership of digital assets in the Metaverse, such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) representing virtual real estate or artwork.Interoperable Economies: Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) create a unified economic system across multiple Metaverse platforms.User Governance: Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) allow users to collectively manage virtual communities and platforms.Real-World ApplicationsGaming: Games like Decentraland and Axie Infinity integrate blockchain to offer players real ownership of in-game assets.E-Commerce: Virtual stores in the Metaverse allow customers to browse, try, and purchase items with cryptocurrencies.Education: Virtual classrooms offer interactive learning experiences, accessible from anywhere in the world.Social Interaction: Platforms like Horizon Worlds provide spaces for socializing, collaborating, and hosting events.Challenges and CriticismsDespite their promise, both Web3 and the Metaverse face significant challenges:Scalability: Current blockchain technology struggles with handling massive user bases.Environmental Impact: The energy consumption of blockchain networks raises sustainability concerns.Regulation: Governments are still grappling with how to regulate decentralized systems.Accessibility: High costs of VR equipment and lack of universal internet access can limit participation.ConclusionWeb3 and the Metaverse are reshaping the internet into a more immersive, decentralized, and user-focused ecosystem. While they are still in their early stages, the potential they hold for innovation across industries is undeniable. As these technologies mature, they promise to create a digital world where users have greater control, freedom, and opportunities.The journey to this new era of the internet is just beginning, and it’s an exciting time to explore and participate in this transformation.

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Web3 and the Metaverse: Shaping the Future of the Internet

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and two concepts are at the forefront of this revolution: Web3 and the Metaverse. These buzzwords are not just passing trends; they represent significant shifts in how we interact with technology, data, and even reality itself. Let’s delve into what Web3 and the Metaverse are and how they are shaping the future of the internet.

What is Web3?

Web3, or Web 3.0, is the next generation of the internet. Unlike Web 2.0, which is dominated by centralized platforms like Google and Facebook, Web3 aims to decentralize the web. Built on blockchain technology, Web3 enables peer-to-peer interactions without the need for intermediaries. This decentralization enhances privacy, security, and user control over data.

Key features of Web3 include:

• Decentralization: No single entity controls the network; power is distributed among users.

• Smart Contracts: Automated agreements that execute when predefined conditions are met.

• Cryptocurrencies: Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate transactions without traditional financial institutions.

What is the Metaverse?

The Metaverse is a virtual universe that combines augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the internet. It’s a shared digital space where users can interact with each other and digital objects in real-time. Think of it as an immersive internet experience, where you can attend meetings, play games, shop, or even build a digital home—all in a virtual environment.

Key characteristics of the Metaverse include:

• Immersive Experiences: Utilizing VR and AR to create lifelike interactions.

• Interoperability: Seamless movement of assets and identities across different virtual worlds.

• Persistent and Shared: The Metaverse exists continuously and is accessible to multiple users simultaneously.

How Web3 and the Metaverse Intersect

Web3 and the Metaverse are complementary technologies. While the Metaverse provides a virtual space for interaction, Web3 ensures these spaces are decentralized, secure, and user-centric. For example:

• Digital Ownership: Blockchain enables true ownership of digital assets in the Metaverse, such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) representing virtual real estate or artwork.

• Interoperable Economies: Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) create a unified economic system across multiple Metaverse platforms.

• User Governance: Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) allow users to collectively manage virtual communities and platforms.

Real-World Applications

1. Gaming: Games like Decentraland and Axie Infinity integrate blockchain to offer players real ownership of in-game assets.

2. E-Commerce: Virtual stores in the Metaverse allow customers to browse, try, and purchase items with cryptocurrencies.

3. Education: Virtual classrooms offer interactive learning experiences, accessible from anywhere in the world.

4. Social Interaction: Platforms like Horizon Worlds provide spaces for socializing, collaborating, and hosting events.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite their promise, both Web3 and the Metaverse face significant challenges:

• Scalability: Current blockchain technology struggles with handling massive user bases.

• Environmental Impact: The energy consumption of blockchain networks raises sustainability concerns.

• Regulation: Governments are still grappling with how to regulate decentralized systems.

• Accessibility: High costs of VR equipment and lack of universal internet access can limit participation.

Conclusion

Web3 and the Metaverse are reshaping the internet into a more immersive, decentralized, and user-focused ecosystem. While they are still in their early stages, the potential they hold for innovation across industries is undeniable. As these technologies mature, they promise to create a digital world where users have greater control, freedom, and opportunities.

The journey to this new era of the internet is just beginning, and it’s an exciting time to explore and participate in this transformation.

< < StackCommerceMicrosoft Azure is a leading cloud computing platform in today's business world, and it looks like it might even become the cloud solution to help the space industry with projects on and off this planet. While time will tell if Microsoft's competitors attempt to do the same, it's clear that learning how to work with Azure on earth in 2020 is a helpful set of skills.You can save hundreds on The Complete Microsoft Azure eBook & Video Course Bundle, which includes six detailed eBooks and four educational video courses that teach you everything you need to know about working with Azure.This bundle quickly catches you up to speed on everything Azure with six eBooks and more than 15 hours of video instruction. That means you learn Azure's fundamentals, discover how to work with its advanced features and understand how to help companies, both small and large, make the most of this cloud computing platform. Throughout the bundle, you get guidance on building Azure solutions, learn how to use PowerShell to initiate and execute daily Azure tasks, implement DevOps with Azure and more. Included materials:Implementing Azure Solutions [eBook] ($40 value)Serverless Integration Design Patterns with Azure [eBook] ($40 value)Azure Networking Cookbook [eBook] ($28 value)Azure PowerShell Quick Start Guide [eBook] ($24 value)Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure [eBook] ($28)Mastering Identity & Access Management with Microsoft Azure [eBook] ($48)DevOps with Azure [Video] ($125 value)Modernize Node.js Web Apps with Azure App Service [Video] ($125 value)Azure Platform as a Service, Web & API Application Deployment [Video] ($125)Azure Cognitive Services for Developers [Video] ($125 value)Cloud computing drives innovation and business around the world. Learning how to work with a leading cloud solution like Azure gives you tangible skills companies need today. Normally $703, The Complete Microsoft Azure eBook & Video Course Bundle is on sale for $30, 95% off its original price tag.Prices are subject to change.

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StackCommerce

Microsoft Azure is a leading cloud computing platform in today's business world, and it looks like it might even become the cloud solution to help the space industry with projects on and off this planet. While time will tell if Microsoft's competitors attempt to do the same, it's clear that learning how to work with Azure on earth in 2020 is a helpful set of skills.

You can save hundreds on The Complete Microsoft Azure eBook & Video Course Bundle, which includes six detailed eBooks and four educational video courses that teach you everything you need to know about working with Azure.

This bundle quickly catches you up to speed on everything Azure with six eBooks and more than 15 hours of video instruction. That means you learn Azure's fundamentals, discover how to work with its advanced features and understand how to help companies, both small and large, make the most of this cloud computing platform. Throughout the bundle, you get guidance on building Azure solutions, learn how to use PowerShell to initiate and execute daily Azure tasks, implement DevOps with Azure and more. 

Included materials:

• Implementing Azure Solutions [eBook] ($40 value)

• Serverless Integration Design Patterns with Azure [eBook] ($40 value)

• Azure Networking Cookbook [eBook] ($28 value)

• Azure PowerShell Quick Start Guide [eBook] ($24 value)

• Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure [eBook] ($28)

• Mastering Identity & Access Management with Microsoft Azure [eBook] ($48)

• DevOps with Azure [Video] ($125 value)

• Modernize Node.js Web Apps with Azure App Service [Video] ($125 value)

• Azure Platform as a Service, Web & API Application Deployment [Video] ($125)

• Azure Cognitive Services for Developers [Video] ($125 value)

Cloud computing drives innovation and business around the world. Learning how to work with a leading cloud solution like Azure gives you tangible skills companies need today. Normally $703, The Complete Microsoft Azure eBook & Video Course Bundle is on sale for $30, 95% off its original price tag.

Prices are subject to change.

< < Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesFacebook regularly deals with accusations of anti-conservative bias, but a new report suggests it may have been particularly forgiving. Washington Post sources say Facebook has limited punishment for Donald Trump allies who repeatedly violate rules against misinformation, in some cases removing strikes that could have led to reduced News Feed distribution or even bans. The social network pulled a repeat infraction claim against Donald Trump Jr. on Instagram due to fear of a “backlash” from the penalties that would follow, according to the reported insiders.Other Trump family members also had strikes removed, the sources said. A pro-Trump PAC (America First Action) and other organizations that have repeatedly posted known false information also appeared to have escaped consequences. Facebook said it would label some posts that break its rules, but the Post found examples of clearly false claims from Rush Limbaugh, Gateway Pundit and others that hadn’t received those disclaimers.Facebook spokeswoman Andrea Vallone didn’t directly challenge the report, noting the social media giant wouldn’t penalize accounts in “rare cases” when a rating wasn’t “appropriate or warranted.” The representative stressed that “many” pages the Post found had been punished for spreading falsehoods, but declined to say how or what the thresholds were to avoid opportunities for “gaming the system.”If accurate, the exceptions wouldn’t be surprising. Like Twitter and other internet heavyweights, Facebook is aware that Trump and Republicans currently hold power that could lead to regulation and other legal action. Trump’s order demanding a rethink of the Communications Decent Act’s Section 230 is widely considered retaliation against Twitter for fact-checking one of his posts, and Facebook itself caught flak from Senate Republicans for limiting a New York Post story making hotly disputed allegations against Joe Biden’s son Hunter.Stlll, this isn’t going to help quiet accusations that Facebook has separate standards for different people and groups. Critics have contended that Facebook is allowing misinformation to spread as a consequence, and that it shouldn’t have to fear retaliation when allegations of free speech violations haven’t held up in court. Its bid to please both sides of the American political discourse may have ultimately stoked tensions.

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Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Facebook regularly deals with accusations of anti-conservative bias, but a new report suggests it may have been particularly forgiving. Washington Post sources say Facebook has limited punishment for Donald Trump allies who repeatedly violate rules against misinformation, in some cases removing strikes that could have led to reduced News Feed distribution or even bans. The social network pulled a repeat infraction claim against Donald Trump Jr. on Instagram due to fear of a “backlash” from the penalties that would follow, according to the reported insiders.

Other Trump family members also had strikes removed, the sources said. A pro-Trump PAC (America First Action) and other organizations that have repeatedly posted known false information also appeared to have escaped consequences. Facebook said it would label some posts that break its rules, but the Post found examples of clearly false claims from Rush Limbaugh, Gateway Pundit and others that hadn’t received those disclaimers.

Facebook spokeswoman Andrea Vallone didn’t directly challenge the report, noting the social media giant wouldn’t penalize accounts in “rare cases” when a rating wasn’t “appropriate or warranted.” The representative stressed that “many” pages the Post found had been punished for spreading falsehoods, but declined to say how or what the thresholds were to avoid opportunities for “gaming the system.”

If accurate, the exceptions wouldn’t be surprising. Like Twitter and other internet heavyweights, Facebook is aware that Trump and Republicans currently hold power that could lead to regulation and other legal action. Trump’s order demanding a rethink of the Communications Decent Act’s Section 230 is widely considered retaliation against Twitter for fact-checking one of his posts, and Facebook itself caught flak from Senate Republicans for limiting a New York Post story making hotly disputed allegations against Joe Biden’s son Hunter.

Stlll, this isn’t going to help quiet accusations that Facebook has separate standards for different people and groups. Critics have contended that Facebook is allowing misinformation to spread as a consequence, and that it shouldn’t have to fear retaliation when allegations of free speech violations haven’t held up in court. Its bid to please both sides of the American political discourse may have ultimately stoked tensions.

< < Biden for PresidentIf you’re running Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and want to make a last-minute push for the youth vote, what do you do? Set up a Fortnite island, apparently. Mashable reports (via Kotaku) that the Biden-Harris campaign has introduced a “Build Back Better with Biden” island map that aims to inform and motivate you through mini games. You add solar panels and efficient air conditioning to an EV factor, install 5G towers to improve broadband, and build a research facility.To no one’s surprise, there are also conspicuous efforts to rally the vote, including a virtual polling station and signs asking you to make a voting plan. You’ll also find nods to the public images of Biden and Harris, such as a “No Malarkey Station” and a quest to collect Harris’ sneakers.You can try the Fortnite map yourself using the code 0215-4511-1823.This isn’t the first game-based campaign effort from Biden and Harris. They already have their own Animal Crossing campaign signs. Other Democrats are using gaming to get out the vote, too — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently used a high-profile Among Us stream to inspire voters.Will this work? It’s hard to say. It’s coming extremely late in an election when many have voted early. And let’s be honest: it’s hard to escape the whiff of a “how do you do, fellow kids?” attempt at relevancy from candidates who’ve likely never touched Fortnite. Still, this shows the extent to which Biden’s crew is trying to court voters during a pandemic when safe in-person rallies are difficult or impossible. Don’t be surprised if candidates try more game-based voter rallies going forward, at least when they think younger voters will be receptive.

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Biden for President

If you’re running Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and want to make a last-minute push for the youth vote, what do you do? Set up a Fortnite island, apparently. Mashable reports (via Kotaku) that the Biden-Harris campaign has introduced a “Build Back Better with Biden” island map that aims to inform and motivate you through mini games. You add solar panels and efficient air conditioning to an EV factor, install 5G towers to improve broadband, and build a research facility.

To no one’s surprise, there are also conspicuous efforts to rally the vote, including a virtual polling station and signs asking you to make a voting plan. You’ll also find nods to the public images of Biden and Harris, such as a “No Malarkey Station” and a quest to collect Harris’ sneakers.

You can try the Fortnite map yourself using the code 0215-4511-1823.

This isn’t the first game-based campaign effort from Biden and Harris. They already have their own Animal Crossing campaign signs. Other Democrats are using gaming to get out the vote, too — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently used a high-profile Among Us stream to inspire voters.

Will this work? It’s hard to say. It’s coming extremely late in an election when many have voted early. And let’s be honest: it’s hard to escape the whiff of a “how do you do, fellow kids?” attempt at relevancy from candidates who’ve likely never touched Fortnite. Still, this shows the extent to which Biden’s crew is trying to court voters during a pandemic when safe in-person rallies are difficult or impossible. Don’t be surprised if candidates try more game-based voter rallies going forward, at least when they think younger voters will be receptive.

< < Anut21ng via Getty ImagesIt’s easy to be worried when you cough these days — is it COVID-19, or are you just clearing your throat? You might get a clearer answer soon. MIT researchers have developed AI that can recognize forced coughing from people who have COVID-19, even if they’re otherwise asymptomatic. The trick was to develop a slew of neural networks that can distinguish subtle changes indicative of the novel coronavirus’ effects.One neural network detects sounds associated with vocal strength. Another listens for emotional states that reflect a neurological decline, such as increased frustration or a “flat affect.” A third network, meanwhile, gauges changes in respiratory performance. Throw in an algorithm that checks for muscular degradation (that is, weaker coughs) and it provides a more complete picture of someone’s health.The AI is highly accurate in early tests. After the team trained its model on tens of thousands of cough and dialog samples, the technology recognized 98.5 percent of coughs from people with confirmed COVID-19 cases. It identified 100 percent of people who were ostensibly asymptomatic, too.There are clear limits. The technology isn’t meant to diagnose symptomatic people, as they might have other conditions that produce similar behavior. And while it’s quite capable, you wouldn’t want to use this for a definitive verdict on whether or not you’re infected.This isn’t a theoretical exercise, though. The scientists are developing a “user-friendly” app that could be used as a prescreening tool for the virus. You might only have to cough into your phone each day to determine if it’s safe for you to head outside. The researchers even suggest this could put an end to pandemics if the tool was always listening in the background, although that’s a big “if” when it would likely raise privacy issues.

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Anut21ng via Getty Images

It’s easy to be worried when you cough these days — is it COVID-19, or are you just clearing your throat? You might get a clearer answer soon. MIT researchers have developed AI that can recognize forced coughing from people who have COVID-19, even if they’re otherwise asymptomatic. The trick was to develop a slew of neural networks that can distinguish subtle changes indicative of the novel coronavirus’ effects.

One neural network detects sounds associated with vocal strength. Another listens for emotional states that reflect a neurological decline, such as increased frustration or a “flat affect.” A third network, meanwhile, gauges changes in respiratory performance. Throw in an algorithm that checks for muscular degradation (that is, weaker coughs) and it provides a more complete picture of someone’s health.

The AI is highly accurate in early tests. After the team trained its model on tens of thousands of cough and dialog samples, the technology recognized 98.5 percent of coughs from people with confirmed COVID-19 cases. It identified 100 percent of people who were ostensibly asymptomatic, too.

There are clear limits. The technology isn’t meant to diagnose symptomatic people, as they might have other conditions that produce similar behavior. And while it’s quite capable, you wouldn’t want to use this for a definitive verdict on whether or not you’re infected.

This isn’t a theoretical exercise, though. The scientists are developing a “user-friendly” app that could be used as a prescreening tool for the virus. You might only have to cough into your phone each day to determine if it’s safe for you to head outside. The researchers even suggest this could put an end to pandemics if the tool was always listening in the background, although that’s a big “if” when it would likely raise privacy issues.

< < Xander Bogaerts #2 and Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox join NESN anchor Tom Caron on set during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox via Getty ImagesAt the end of September, a dispute with Sinclair cut off YouTube TV’s deal for Fox regional sports networks across the country, and as October comes to an end it’s also dropping Boston network NESN. NESN broadcasts games for the Red Sox and Bruins, as well as local college sports.An first reported by The Streamable, an email just went out to subscribers notifying them of the change, saying “Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a new agreement to continue offering you this network. Starting Saturday, October 31st, 2020, NESN will no longer be available on YouTube TV, and you will no longer have access to any previous recordings from NESN.”In a statement posted to Twitter, NESN described its side claiming that “Despite offering our most favorable rates and terms for carriage, YouTube TV chose to deny fans our top-rated programming on October 30th.” NESN notes that the options for internet TV access to the network are now limited to AT&T TV Now or Fubo TV, as it also doesn’t have a deal with Sling TV or Hulu.It’s the latest tough break for subscribers who want those channels, particularly after YouTube TV raised its prices this summer. However, with most of the sports in between their seasons, there’s time for a new agreement to be reached before the leagues figure out when and where they’ll play next.

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Xander Bogaerts #2 and Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox join NESN anchor Tom Caron on set during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox via Getty Images

At the end of September, a dispute with Sinclair cut off YouTube TV’s deal for Fox regional sports networks across the country, and as October comes to an end it’s also dropping Boston network NESN. NESN broadcasts games for the Red Sox and Bruins, as well as local college sports.

An first reported by The Streamable, an email just went out to subscribers notifying them of the change, saying “Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a new agreement to continue offering you this network. Starting Saturday, October 31st, 2020, NESN will no longer be available on YouTube TV, and you will no longer have access to any previous recordings from NESN.”

In a statement posted to Twitter, NESN described its side claiming that “Despite offering our most favorable rates and terms for carriage, YouTube TV chose to deny fans our top-rated programming on October 30th.” NESN notes that the options for internet TV access to the network are now limited to AT&T TV Now or Fubo TV, as it also doesn’t have a deal with Sling TV or Hulu.

It’s the latest tough break for subscribers who want those channels, particularly after YouTube TV raised its prices this summer. However, with most of the sports in between their seasons, there’s time for a new agreement to be reached before the leagues figure out when and where they’ll play next.

< < Earnings week seems to arrive just a little bit sooner every fall — or it could just be the nonstop cheering from Big Tech who had a banner quarter thanks to the COVID quarantine turning many of us into a captive audience for their products and services. Here are some headlines from the week that was.EngadgetThe first Alexa-connected toy kitchen goes on sale for $300What, you thought your child was just going to indoctrinate themselves to life within the surveillance state? For free? In this economy? Not a chance. Not when Jeff Bezos can ding you for a trio of Benjamins on the way out.EngadgetWhile we were staying home, Amazon amassed $96.1 billion in salesSpeaking of Jeff Bezos getting even more wealthy, Amazon made an extra $26 billion in sales during Q3 2020 thanks to our shelter in place rules and everybody embracing delivery for, well, everything.EngadgetTesla's $500 'Radio Upgrade' restores FM and Sirius XM accessOh the woes of Tesla ownership. First the company offered a $2,500 infotainment system upgrade that gave customers access to YouTube, Netflix, Hulu — none of which should be watched while operating a motor vehicle mind you, unless you spring for the $10,000 FSD mode (though it’s being called is a “distant second” to GMC’s SuperCruise) — but had to ditch the existing AM, FM and Sirius functions. Now the company is offering to restore the FM and Sirius capabilities that used to be there with the addition of a new tuner and antenna for the low, low discount price of $500.EngadgetNetflix is raising the price of standard and premium plans in the USNetflix is yet again getting a little more expensive. The company announced last week that its standard plan will now cost $14, a dollar increase, and its premium plan will rise two dollars to $18 a month. I’m old enough to remember when cord cutting actually saved people money.EngadgetUnder Armour is selling MyFitnessPal for $345 millionUnder Armour is looking to shed some weight, namely its MyFitnessPal and Endomondo apps. The former is being put up for sale with a $345 million price tag, the latter is simply being shut down, all so that the company can achieve a greater degree of “investment flexibility.”

<

 Earnings week seems to arrive just a little bit sooner every fall — or it could just be the nonstop cheering from Big Tech who had a banner quarter thanks to the COVID quarantine turning many of us into a captive audience for their products and services. Here are some headlines from the week that was.

Engadget

The first Alexa-connected toy kitchen goes on sale for $300

What, you thought your child was just going to indoctrinate themselves to life within the surveillance state? For free? In this economy? Not a chance. Not when Jeff Bezos can ding you for a trio of Benjamins on the way out.

Engadget

While we were staying home, Amazon amassed $96.1 billion in sales

Speaking of Jeff Bezos getting even more wealthy, Amazon made an extra $26 billion in sales during Q3 2020 thanks to our shelter in place rules and everybody embracing delivery for, well, everything.

Engadget

Tesla's $500 'Radio Upgrade' restores FM and Sirius XM access

Oh the woes of Tesla ownership. First the company offered a $2,500 infotainment system upgrade that gave customers access to YouTube, Netflix, Hulu — none of which should be watched while operating a motor vehicle mind you, unless you spring for the $10,000 FSD mode (though it’s being called is a “distant second” to GMC’s SuperCruise) — but had to ditch the existing AM, FM and Sirius functions. Now the company is offering to restore the FM and Sirius capabilities that used to be there with the addition of a new tuner and antenna for the low, low discount price of $500.

Engadget

Netflix is raising the price of standard and premium plans in the US

Netflix is yet again getting a little more expensive. The company announced last week that its standard plan will now cost $14, a dollar increase, and its premium plan will rise two dollars to $18 a month. I’m old enough to remember when cord cutting actually saved people money.

Engadget

Under Armour is selling MyFitnessPal for $345 million

Under Armour is looking to shed some weight, namely its MyFitnessPal and Endomondo apps. The former is being put up for sale with a $345 million price tag, the latter is simply being shut down, all so that the company can achieve a greater degree of “investment flexibility.”