Daily updates: January 2019

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Apple Shows Facebook Who Has the Power in an App Dispute

After two days of disruptions, the iPhone maker restored the social network’s access to internal apps that its employees rely on in their jobs.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2sXslMa

Amazon’s Sales Growth Slows, Even as Cloud Business Stays Hot

The company is compensating for slowing growth in e-commerce by expanding its fast-moving, highly profitable cloud and advertising businesses.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2t0D2h4

Twitter Says False Content Is Evolving, and More Comes From the U.S.

The social media service said on Thursday that disinformation on its platform now includes more domestic and foreign sources — and not just Russia.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2GbpLKs

Critic’s Pick: An 1840s Road Trip, Captured on Lustrous Silver

An exquisite show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art recalls travel before digital maps, when photography was the hottest of new media.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2TnJ1rR

It’s Not the Stuff of a Playful BuzzFeed Quiz

For the 220 people laid off recently at the digital publisher, a harsh reality hit this week that included a fight for better severance pay and attacks from trolls.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2G1J6P6

Chip Giant Intel Picks Interim Leader as Permanent C.E.O. After Long Search

Robert Swan takes the helm at a time when the Silicon Valley company is financially strong but facing questions about its future.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2SaSR3d

Hindu temple vandalised in US with hate messages on walls

Hindu temple vandalised in US with hate messages on walls

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2HIRSmz

Stripper-turned sales executive gives doctor lap dance to get him to prescribe addictive drugs

Stripper-turned sales executive gives doctor lap dance to get him to prescribe addictive drugs

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2SeY2z0

Corner Office: Julia Hartz Founded Eventbrite With Her Fiancé. Then She Took His Job.

The California native is “an energy person” who worked in TV and then did a little of everything at the couple’s start-up. It all prepared her to take it public.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RWcuwt

Could You Last 11 Days Without the Internet? Tonga Finds Out the Hard Way

Since a fiber-optic cable was severed on Jan. 20, contact with the outside world has been difficult for residents of the remote island nation.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2Sc90W0

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

US unveils new H-1B visa rules to attract best talent

US unveils new H-1B visa rules to attract best talent

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Ux3s62

US unveils new H-1B visa rules to attract best talent

US unveils new H-1B visa rules to attract best talent

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Ux3s62

Releasing Earnings, Microsoft Stays in Stride, With Cloud Powering the Way

The company reported revenue of $32.5 billion in the last quarter, and it made a profit of almost $8.6 billion, big increases over the same period a year ago.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2S0pH7k

The Shift: Maybe Only Tim Cook Can Fix Facebook’s Privacy Problem

The cold war between Facebook and Apple over data use and privacy is heating up. How far should Mr. Cook take it?

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2DKXdWw

Firm That Sold Social Media Bots Settles With New York Attorney General

The company, Devumi, was exposed as a leading wholesaler of fake Twitter followers in a New York Times investigation last year.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CXBBVp

Amazon Users in India Will Get Less Choice and Pay More Under New Selling Rules

Under pressure from small merchants, the Indian government is prohibiting Amazon and Walmart from selling products on their own sites.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MHzZDE

Facebook Gains More Users as Revenue and Profits Climb

Despite a painful year of scandals, the social network reported Wednesday that it continued to grow in the fourth quarter.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2sTNerL

How to Make Your Office More Ergonomically Correct

If your office leaves you with pain in your wrists, back or neck, it doesn’t have to be that way — in fact, it shouldn’t. Here’s how to fix it.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2sXB3u2

Foxconn Is Reconsidering Plan for Manufacturing in Wisconsin

The Taiwan-based company’s intent to build a $10 billion plant with 13,000 jobs was hailed by President Trump. It now sees a shift toward research.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MH5YDX

Tech We’re Using: An Arsenal of Skype, Voice Recorders and FOIAs

Emily Bazelon, an investigative reporter at The New York Times Magazine, craves easy-to-use tools, whether for interviews, Freedom of Information Act records or her home TV.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2FYbzW2

Foxconn Is Reconsidering Plan for Manufacturing in Wisconsin

The Taiwanese company’s 2017 announcement that it would build a $10 billion plant with 13,000 jobs had been hailed by President Trump.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2HFo2Q6

Does Facebook Really Know How Many Fake Accounts It Has?

The social network has disclosed an estimate for years, but a closer look raises lots of questions.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2WnWqlE

Tesla Outlook: 5 Questions for Elon Musk on Earnings Day

The electric-car maker needs to cut costs, ramp up production, improve service and increase demand. But can its chief executive deliver?

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RqZBp5

Critic’s Notebook: Our Never-Ending ‘Scam Season’

The conditions that produced Billy McFarland, Anna Delvey and Elizabeth Holmes show no signs of abating.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MGPSKy

Alibaba, an Icon of China’s Growth, Now Reflects Its Slowdown

The e-commerce giant posted numbers that pale in comparison to earlier surging figures, as a result of its size and the country’s economic slowdown.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2GcGiO7

Tech Fix: How to Save on Your Next Apple Purchase

If recent increases are any indication, chances are your next iDevice will cost even more. We analyzed how prices have shot up and offer ways to buy for less.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RofCMs

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Molest, kill, dismember: Toronto Gay Village monster who murdered 8 was also a loving dad

Molest, kill, dismember: Toronto Gay Village monster who murdered 8 was also a loving dad

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2SdHOWH

Chicago to be colder than Antarctica today as polar vortex freezes US Midwest

Chicago to be colder than Antarctica today as polar vortex freezes US Midwest

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Sa9Anf

British lawmakers instruct May to change Brexit deal, EU says No

British lawmakers instruct May to change Brexit deal, EU says No

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CTAaHj

iPhone FaceTime Bug That Allows Spying Was Flagged to Apple Over a Week Ago

A teenager in Arizona discovered the flaw, which allows eavesdropping, on Jan. 19, and his mother contacted Apple the next day. But the company was slow to reply.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2UrhUfw

Pakistan-supported terror groups will continue attacks in India: US

Pakistan-supported terror groups will continue attacks in India: US

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2MJFv8U

White House warns against harm to Venezuela's Juan Guaido

White House warns against harm to Venezuela's Juan Guaido

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Si7PEk

19-year-old pleads guilty of trying to steal aircraft, says wanted to attend rap concert in Canada

19-year-old pleads guilty of trying to steal aircraft, says wanted to attend rap concert in Canada

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2sSK7Aa

Apple Says Profits Were Flat, Citing Slump in China

The iPhone maker, which reported quarterly earnings, faces a number of issues, from consumer demand in China to an unusual security bug in its iPhone software.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2UoOkr9

British lawmakers vote against bid to prevent no-deal Brexit

British lawmakers vote against bid to prevent no-deal Brexit

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CVu5Kw

Qureshi-Mirwaiz reflects Pakistan's duplicity, says India

Qureshi-Mirwaiz reflects Pakistan's duplicity, says India

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CRDWB6

Huawei and China Have Limited Ways to Answer U.S. Charges

Slowing growth and the trade war could restrict Beijing’s ability to get tough. Huawei has shuffled its Washington staff, apparently seeking a reset in relations.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RmmtWF

How to Disable FaceTime to Avoid Eavesdropping Bug

Apple has disabled Group FaceTime, the feature that enabled the eavesdropping, while it works on a fix. But for extra security, follow these steps.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CUwSnv

Jamal Khashoggi case: Saudi authorities yet to permit UN investigator to enter consulate in Istanbul

Jamal Khashoggi case: Saudi authorities yet to permit UN investigator to enter consulate in Istanbul

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2B8ksYM

Pakistan Supreme Court upholds Asia Bibi's blasphemy acquittal

Pakistan Supreme Court upholds Asia Bibi's blasphemy acquittal

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Gamk6D

Data Breaches Dent Singapore’s Image as a Tech Innovator

Experts say security concerns are a pitfall for countries that are pushing to make vast troves of data more accessible and centralized.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2DHanE4

Huawei and China Have Limited Ways to Answer U.S. Charges

Trump asks 'Global Waming' to come back. Twitter heats up

Trump asks 'Global Waming' to come back. Twitter heats up

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2DH8SWA

At Surf Camp 2.0, Data Rules

At the new Surf Simply resort in Costa Rica, guests are videotaped as they catch a wave, and that’s only the beginning of the tech-based coaching.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2Roptlg

Can Technology Help Fix the Housing Market?

A lot of start-ups have promising ideas, but the fundamental problem of affordability seems beyond their reach.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RXV5Dy

Suman Kumari becomes Pakistan's first Hindu woman judge

Suman Kumari becomes Pakistan's first Hindu woman judge

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2FTAKJf

Monday, January 28, 2019

US charges Chinese tech giant Huawei with stealing trade secrets

US charges Chinese tech giant Huawei with stealing trade secrets

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2TizHp7

FaceTime Bug Lets iPhone Users Eavesdrop, in a Stumble for Apple

A glitch in the video and audio calling app can transform the smartphone into a device perhaps better suited for espionage.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CSIQxA

Uh Oh, Apple. An iPhone Bug Lets FaceTime Callers Eavesdrop.

A glitch in Apple’s video and audio calling app FaceTime can transform iPhones into eavesdropping mechanisms.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2FVkNSP

U.S. Formally Accuses Huawei Executive of Helping Evade Iran Sanctions

The Justice Department unveiled sweeping charges against Huawei and its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested last year in Canada.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2TjEVBc

A Tiny Screw Shows Why iPhones Won’t Be ‘Assembled in U.S.A.’

Apple decided several years ago to produce a high-end Mac in Texas. The problems that surfaced illustrate the challenges of domestic manufacturing.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2TnMA1v

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Lyft’s C.E.O. Is Nudged Into the Spotlight in a Time of Need

Logan Green is known to be reserved, letting his second-in-command speak for their ride-sharing service. But now he’s in a race with Uber to take the companies public.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MzSFoK

Banksy's mural mourning Paris terror attack gets stolen

Banksy's mural mourning Paris terror attack gets stolen

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Umhmb2

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Louisiana shooting leaves 5 dead; suspect at large

Louisiana shooting leaves 5 dead; suspect at large

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CLoqXB

40 dead, many feared buried in mud after Brazil dam collapse

40 dead, many feared buried in mud after Brazil dam collapse

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2UjMmbr

I failed to see the car coming: Prince Philip apologises to woman injured in car crash

I failed to see the car coming: Prince Philip apologises to woman injured in car crash

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2FR2YEm

Girls subjected to breast-ironing in UK to protect them from sexual harassment, rape

Girls subjected to breast-ironing in UK to protect them from sexual harassment, rape

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2S82jE9

American Airlines makes Jewish couple, 19-month-old daughter, deplane over body odour

American Airlines makes Jewish couple, 19-month-old daughter, deplane over body odour

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2DCn96R

Why Are Young People Pretending to Love Work?

I saw the greatest minds of my generation log 18-hour days — and then boast about #hustle on Instagram. When did performative workaholism become a lifestyle?

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CLQSbE

Stuff and Things: The Secret World of Amazon’s Power Reviewers

A clandestine society receives an unending stream of products. They create Amazon’s reality. Is there such a thing as too much free stuff?

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RPXRe3

Friday, January 25, 2019

Broken man: Right wing rips Trump over no-wall shutdown deal

Broken man: Right wing rips Trump over no-wall shutdown deal

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Mxa55u

The Shift: The Hidden Automation Agenda of the Davos Elite

In public, executives wring their hands over automation’s negative consequences for workers. In private, they talk about how they are racing to automate.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2S6pJdj

BuzzFeed’s First Round of Layoffs Puts an End to Its National News Desk

“I know it’s been a hard day,” Ben Smith, the editor in chief of BuzzFeed News, said in a note to the staff.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2TkKBLn

Vodafone, One of World’s Largest Cell Carriers, Halts Buying of Huawei Gear

The British company said it would no longer use the Chinese telecommunications giant’s equipment in some parts of its network in Europe because of political factors.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2S64UPb

‘Hamlet’ in Virtual Reality Casts the Viewer in the Play

A joint production by a Boston theater company and Google hopes to bring high-quality Shakespeare to wider audiences, and new audiences into theaters.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2S6XtqS

Indian growth muddled, no clear vision in foreign policy: Fareed Zakaria tells India Today at Davos

Indian growth muddled, no clear vision in foreign policy: Fareed Zakaria tells India Today at Davos

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CJTc2U

13 brick kiln workers killed as truck overturns in Bangladesh

13 brick kiln workers killed as truck overturns in Bangladesh

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Uj2sCu

Zuckerberg Plans to Integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger

Facebook’s chief executive has asserted control over its sprawling divisions and mandated the social network’s messaging services be knitted together.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2FNIOLo

YouTube Moves to Make Conspiracy Videos Harder to Find

The online service has long been criticized for promoting videos that are full of misinformation but don’t necessarily conflict with its rules.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2UeKcKc

Extending the Stage With Technology

A brief sampling of productions that use augmented reality, smartphone mapping and motion capture, blurring the line between the live and the virtual.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2Dzonji

Bits: The Week in Tech: Silicon Valley Hobnobs in Davos

Controversy over a video uploaded to Twitter over the weekend revealed old fault lines, and why social media is so good at exposing them.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RSRaYD

Among princes & couturiers

A new book on 40 of the country’s spectacular hotels has its share of restored palaces, but it is the intimate homes that make you long for a sleepover

from The Hindu - Luxury http://bit.ly/2Rb8oLP

Work Friend: When Your Meat Suit Is Angry With Some Other, Louder Meat Suit

Life is just enacting feelings until we expire. And nothing else matters.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2UelRUQ

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Davos: South Korea looks for Kim nuclear dismantling pledge at next Trump summit

Davos: South Korea looks for Kim nuclear dismantling pledge at next Trump summit

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2RONIOV

No-deal Brexit would betray 2016 promises: UK finance minister at Davos

No-deal Brexit would betray 2016 promises: UK finance minister at Davos

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2RP07SH

Venezuela's military backs Maduro, as standoff hardens with US

Venezuela's military backs Maduro, as standoff hardens with US

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Mwbd9A

Cut on motorcycle tariffs by India fair deal: Trump

Cut on motorcycle tariffs by India fair deal: Trump

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2S8zB6m

Amazon Is Pushing Facial Technology That a Study Says Could Be Biased

In new tests, Amazon’s system had more difficulty identifying the gender of female and darker-skinned faces than similar services from IBM and Microsoft.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2B2IJiZ

Intel Searches (and Searches) for a New C.E.O.

Since Brian Krzanich, who was chief executive for five years, was forced out in June, the chip maker has been looking for a new boss.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2G08BiP

How to Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ on Your Phone (While Still Letting Important Calls Through)

The bliss of turning off all notifications on your phone doesn’t have to come with the anxiety of potentially missing an important call or text. Here’s how you can have it all.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CHJtdl

Microsoft’s Bing Back Online in China After Apparent Blockage

Users in parts of China were unable to access Bing on Wednesday and Thursday, and it remains unclear what led to the shutdown.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MzcaxW

Shutdown Leaves Uninflated Space Sculpture Circling in Orbit

Trevor Paglen’s “Orbital Reflector” is waiting for F.C.C. clearance before it can be activated. The artist says it might not survive the wait.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2CG0LHW

‘Businesses Will Not Be Able to Hide’: Spy Satellites May Give Edge From Above

With 2,200 observation satellites going into orbit in the next decade, start-ups are trying to use them to churn out financially useful information that could help companies track their rivals.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2Whn1Rf

Hindu girl abducted, forcibly married off to Muslim man in Pakistan

Hindu girl abducted, forcibly married off to Muslim man in Pakistan

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2TbH3uu

Angela Merkel at Davos: India, China changing how global financial systems work

Angela Merkel at Davos: India, China changing how global financial systems work

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2B0uBqF

Pakistan SC to hear petition against Aasia Bibi's acquittal

Pakistan SC to hear petition against Aasia Bibi's acquittal

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2U7vHI6

Blair urges second Brexit vote to bring closure

Blair urges second Brexit vote to bring closure

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2T5FkHm

Move on from Jamal Khashoggi, let us do business: Saudis to Davos

Move on from Jamal Khashoggi, let us do business: Saudis to Davos

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Tc6pbF

The Hard Part of Computer Science? Getting Into Class

Student demand for computer science courses is outstripping the supply of professors, creating a student divide of computing haves and have-nots.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MsdhPO

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Trump says will give State of the Union address when shutdown is over

Trump says will give State of the Union address when shutdown is over

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2CEEgmQ

Do not lose patience: Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah amid talk of US troops withdrawal

Do not lose patience: Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah amid talk of US troops withdrawal

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2RapfhH

China Appears to Block Microsoft’s Bing, Despite Company’s Own Censorship

A block, if permanent, would signal that foreign companies can do little to get in Beijing’s good graces as it tightens its grip on online content.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2T5gbfW

Who Posted Viral Video of Covington Students and Protester? Congress Wants to Know

Lawmakers are investigating the Twitter account that first shared the video that has caused an explosive political moment.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2U7RYp6

World Leaders at Davos Call for Global Rules on Tech

Leaders from Japan, China, Germany and South Africa say that international rules are needed for tech, but there is no consensus on details.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2RYYOA7

Five killed in Florida bank shooting, accused surrenders

Five killed in Florida bank shooting, accused surrenders

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2Tb4qEy

Tycoon of the Pre-Owned

Can Silicon Valley survivor Julie Wainwright’s luxury consignment company, the RealReal, save retail?

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2sGsvrr

Tech We’re Using: He Reported on Facebook. Now He Approaches It With Caution.

Nick Confessore, an investigative reporter who has written about social media and data privacy, has changed his tech habits after what he has learned.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2DuwLAe

Tech Fix: How to Declutter and Organize Your Personal Tech in a Few Simple Steps

Accessories and data may not take up much physical space, but they contribute to frustration and anxiety. Here are ways to keep e-junk at bay, Marie Kondo-style.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2MrEVMS

Pro-Khalistan group to burn Indian flag on Republic Day in Washington

Pro-Khalistan group to burn Indian flag on Republic Day in Washington

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2FV3NLv

US police arrest nurse for rape after woman in vegetative state gives birth

US police arrest nurse for rape after woman in vegetative state gives birth

from India Today | World http://bit.ly/2MtWTy0

The Art of the Internet, Restored and Out in the World

A show at the New Museum celebrates the completion of Rhizome’s Net Art Anthology, a two-year project to preserve and archive digital artworks that were in danger of disappearing.

from NYT > Technology https://nyti.ms/2S0X6y6