Google sets baseline standards for temp workers after outcry
Google is once again responding to complaints about working conditions and strategic decisions. The search firm is implementing “minimum standards” for temporary staff in the wake of 900-plus workers signing a letter criticizing the company’s polici… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Boston Dynamics’ acquisition will help its robots see in 3D
While Boston Dynamics’ robots make for fascinating — sometimes disturbing — internet videos, they haven’t quite crossed into everyday life. That could change sooner rather than later. Boston Dynamics took a big step toward bringing its box-moving (… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Open Curbs database could make it easier to catch an Uber
Curb data can be intensely useful to city planners and transportation companies alike, but it’s usually fenced off. What if everyone had access to it? They will now. Alphabet spinoff Coord has launched Open Curbs, a public repository for curb info li… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Oscars limits for streaming movies may violate antitrust law
If the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ever wants to limit the eligibility of streaming services for the Oscars, it might have to contend with the US government first. The Department of Justice has warned the Academy that rule changes lim… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Lego’s Spike Prime kits give kids the confidence to code
STEM has a bit of an image problem: Despite efforts to make it colorful and friendly, it’s still intimidating to a lot of students. When there are parents shoving electronics kits at them while offering no help and teachers insisting that learning to… …read more
Source:: Engadget
2020 Ford Escape debuts with a complete redesign and a PHEV variant
By Zac Palmer
The 2020 Ford Escape is arguably Ford’s most important product that isn’t a truck. Compact crossovers continue to destroy in sales, and Ford needs a good one now that it’s dropping sedans and small cars from its U.S. lineup. We got to… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Microsoft closes its e-book store
Did you build your e-book library through the Microsoft Store? You’ll need to make a change in plans. Microsoft has not only removed books from its online portal, but plans to remove access to existing purchases and rentals in early July. It’s not… …read more
Source:: Engadget
YouTube execs reportedly shrugged off warnings about toxic videos
YouTube leaders ignored proposals to alter recommendations to stamp out toxic videos and to tackle conspiracy theories, several former and current employees told Bloomberg. Executives were more concerned with keeping viewers engaged, according to the… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Apple Clips adds support for custom soundtracks
It’s been a while since there was a big upgrade to Apple Clips, but it might be worth the wait if you’re a budding mobile auteur. An update to the iOS app has introduced support for custom soundtracks — if you’re tired of the royalty-free tunes, yo… …read more
Source:: Engadget
Walmart to offer online grocery shopping with Google Assistant
Walmart customers once again will be able to voice-order their groceries with Google Assistant, another bid by the brick-and-mortar store to compete with Amazon. The retailer announced the partnership on Tuesday, and said it would gradually roll out… …read more
Source:: Engadget