Last year, in an effort to fill outstanding positions, Meta stopped requiring job seekers to hold a four-year university or college degree to apply for some roles. At the time, the company said it hoped the move would encourage employers to see that a …
Rivian will receive up to $1.5 billion in state incentives to build Georgia production facility
Georgia will provide Rivian with up to $1.5 billion in local incentives and tax credits in support of the automaker’s plan to build a new manufacturing plant outside of Atlanta. When Rivian announced late last year it would build its second production …
Apple Store workers in Atlanta will hold union vote in June
Workers at the first US Apple Store to file for a union election will decide whether to unionize next month. According to an agreement obtained by The Verge, employees at Apple’s Cumberland Mall retail location in Atlanta will begin voting on June 2nd, with the ballot box open until June 4th. All approximately 100 regular full- and part-time staff at the store will be able to participate in the election.
Citing “a source familiar with the situation,” The Verge reports Apple wanted the vote held in July. That was a move the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the union that seeks to represent the employees at the Cumberland Mall location, reportedly opposed on account the later date would have afforded Apple more time to attempt to dissuade workers from unionizing. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
Apple hasn’t explicitly come out against its frontline workers organizing, but those involved in the union drive at the company’s Grand Central Terminal location in New York have accused Apple of employing “union-busting” tactics, including messaging that has tried to convince employees that unionization isn’t in their best interests.
“We are fortunate to have incredible retail team members and we deeply value everything they bring to Apple,” the company said when news of the Grand Central Terminal drive first broke. “We are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits for full time and part time employees, including health care, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits.”
Among other concessions, workers at the Cumberland Mall location hope to push Apple to compensate them better, offer more opportunities for career advancement and build a safer workplace. “One of the biggest things that we’re fighting for is going to be for fair pay and a livable wage, because with Atlanta being such a huge city, it’s just getting more and more expensive to live here,” Elli Daniels, an employee at the store, told Engadget. “Everybody deserves the opportunity to be able to not worry about whether they can afford food or pay their bills. Everybody deserves to be able to afford to live in the city that they work in.”
Like the recent vote at Amazon’s JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the Cumberland Mall election could have historic ramifications. If workers vote in favor of organizing with the CWA, it would become the first unionized Apple Store in the US. That’s an outcome that could inspire Apple workers at other retail locations.
Paramount+ has nearly 40 million subscribers
A lot of people are paying for Paramount+ to watch Halo and Star Trek: Picard, even if neither series has been particularly outstanding. On Tuesday, Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) announced that it added 6.8 million new Paramount+ subscribers in…
Google Docs adds new table tools for easier project management
Last year, Google announced smart canvas, a suite of tools the company promised would make it easier for people to collaborate across its productivity apps. Since then, it has consistently introduced new “smart chips,” small modular features designed t…
The best travel gear for graduates
With summertime right around the corner, you may want to see your new grad off on a trip. After all, your child might have finished school, but that doesn’t mean they’re done learning. And one of the best ways for them to find out both about themselves and different cultures is to experience a new place first hand. When they’re ready, see them off with a few of our travel essentials that will help them stay connected — and have more fun — while on the road.
Twelve South PlugBug Duo
Twelve South
None of the gadgets we recommend in this list are of much use if your grad can’t charge them when they’re away from home. If they own a MacBook, you can save them money and headaches dealing with different electrical standards by getting them an all-in-one charger like PlugBug Duo from Twelve South. It works with all existing MacBook power adapters and comes with five different electrical plugs, providing coverage for Australia, Canada, China, continental Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the US. It also features two built-in USB-A ports, making it possible to charge three devices at the same time. If your grad doesn’t need the extra USB-A connections, another option is the $29 World Travel Adapter Kit from Apple. Either way, you’re giving them something that will serve them on many trips to come.
Buy PlugBug Duo at Amazon – $60
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony
Crying babies, turbulence and rowdy passengers — there are so many sounds that can make an already trying travel experience even more tiresome. Speaking from experience, comfortable and capable noise-canceling headphones can go a long way toward making all of that easier. Thankfully, you don’t have to look far to find the best option in the field: Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM4.
Outside of masterful noise canceling you can customize to your preferences, the M4 has one feature that makes it especially suited for traveling: You can get up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, and another five hours after just 10 minutes of charging. In other words, they’ll easily get your adult child through a marathon of flights and layovers. If the $348 M4 are outside of your budget, Sony still sells their excellent predecessor, the WH-1000XM3 for about $249.
Buy WH-1000XM4 at Amazon – $348
Topo Designs Daypack Original
Topo Designs
There’s no such thing as the perfect backpack, but if there’s one that gets close, it’s the Daypack Original from Topo Designs. Made in the US with Cordura fabric and YKK zippers, it’s built to last. I’ve had one since 2017 that I’ve taken on trips to Europe, Hawaii, South Korea, Japan and parts of the mainland US and Canada. I’ve returned each time without any frayed stitching on my backpack. Topo’s trademark classic styling is complemented with details that make it particularly fit for traveling. A 21.6-liter capacity will allow your grad to carry a surprising amount of stuff with them when they land on the ground. Internally, there’s a sleeve big enough to accommodate most 15-inch laptops, and high contrast fabric makes it easy to see inside when you need to find a specific item. It also has dedicated pockets for water bottles and plush shoulder straps.
If you want to get your new grad a backpack they’ll be able to take with them to any workplace, we like the Classic Backpack from Bellroy. It features a 20-liter capacity, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, water-resistant fabric and a chic design that won’t stand out when they’re wearing professional attire.
Buy Topo Designs Daypack at Backcountry – $169Buy Classic Backpack at Bellroy – $179
Fujifilm X-E4
Fujifilm
The Fujifilm X-E4 is the successor to the X-E3, a camera I’ve packed on every trip I’ve taken since 2017. What I love about the X-E3 is its unimposing exterior and size. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and image quality. The X-E4 makes an already ideal travel camera even better by adding a tilting 3-inch LCD touchscreen, USB-C connectivity and Fujifilm’s latest 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor. Oh, and did I mention it’s the company’s smallest interchangeable lens camera and weighs less than a pound? Add to that Fujifilm’s film simulations and Bluetooth connectivity, and you have a camera that will allow your kid to take great photos and easily transfer them to their phone to share over social media.
What’s more, you can buy the X-E4 with a 27mm prime lens. Don’t judge this lens by its small size, though: It’s sharp across its entire aperture range and has a field of view that will make composing shots easy. It’s worth noting Fujifilm has one of the best and most comprehensive lens ecosystems of any camera manufacturer. For almost every expensive piece of glass like the 56mm f/1.2, the company offers a more affordable f/2 alternative that is light, compact and weather sealed. That makes the X-E4 the perfect starter camera.
Buy Fujifilm X-E4 at B&H – $1,049
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon
Every trip involves some amount of downtime. Between long flights and train rides, as well as lengthy layovers, there are plenty of opportunities to do some reading and last-minute research. For that reason, an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect travel companion. Not only is the Paperwhite the weight and size of a small paperback, but even the 8GB model can hold thousands of books and it now has an adjustable warm light, too. If the trip your grad plans to take involves the beach, the latest version is waterproof as well. Best of all, with the Paperwhite’s battery good for up to six weeks on a single charge, there’s one less cable and charger for them to carry on their trip.
Buy Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon – $140
GoPro Hero10 Black
GoPro
You’ll notice there’s more than one photography-related item on this list. The reason for that is that no one camera is perfect for every task. The X-E4 I just mentioned is great for stills, but if your grad is on the more adventurous side, an action camera like the GoPro Hero 10 Black will be a better fit. While GoPro didn’t give this model a huge overhaul compared to the previous, the new GP2 processor makes a huge difference when it comes to image quality, interface speed and general performance. It also has a bunch of new slow-mo and frame rate options that will give your grad more ways to line up the perfect shot.
Buy GoPro Hero 10 Black at Amazon – $500
Peak Design Tech Pouch
Peak Design
Peak Design is known for making some of the most practical camera bags and accessories you can buy. But over the last few years, it has also made a name for itself in the travel bag space. If you want to help your grad organize all their cables and gadgets before they leave for their next trip, look no further than the company’s Tech Pouch. It has a handful of nifty features that separate it from the competition. Exterior handles make it easy to open and hold the pouch, even on a plane flying through turbulence. Meanwhile, inside you’ll find loops and Peak’s signature origami dividers there to make it easy to organize things like pens, SD cards and batteries. Another handy detail is a cable passthrough that allows you to keep a power bank within its interior and connect it to your phone in the front pocket. Oh, and the nylon exterior is water-resistant, so your grad can relax knowing all their electronics are secure from any accidental water damage.
Buy Tech Pouch at Peak Design – $60
Mophie Powerstation XXL
Mophie
At some point during their trip, the battery on your grad’s phone is likely to run low or even die at a critical moment. It could happen when they’re trying to navigate a complex subway, for example. That’s a stressful moment, especially if you’re in a place where you don’t speak the language. Help them avoid situations like that with a power bank. There are a lot of capable models out there, but we like the ones Mophie makes. Specifically, the Powerstation PD XXL with its 20,000mAh cell, 18W PD fast charging, and a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports. It will allow your grad to quickly charge three devices simultaneously, so that they can easily avoid that dreaded moment when their lifeline to the internet dies.
Buy Powerstation PD XXL at Mophie – $70
MiiR Insulated bottle
MiiR
I never leave my house, let alone travel anywhere, without a water bottle. There are so many reasons to bring one with you on a trip, not the least of which is that you’ll avoid needing to buy any plastic ones. Seattle-based MiiR makes some of the best reusable bottles in the business, with one of my favorites being the company’s 23-ounce, insulated, narrow-mouth style. It’s perfect for travel because it can keep liquids either hot or cold for long periods of time, and it won’t sweat or transfer any flavors to a drink thanks to the medical-grade stainless steel that coats its interior. It also looks great and comes in a variety of vibrant colors, so there should be one that will appeal to your grad.
Buy MiiR bottle at Amazon – $30
Manta Sleep Mask
Manta
Between flying and the eventual jet lag that sets in after hopping countries and continents, getting a full night’s sleep can be a challenge. That’s where a sleep mask can help and one I’ve found to be better than the rest is made by a company called Manta. At this point, it makes a lot of different models, so take a look at their website to find the one that will best suit your kid. That said, the original Sleep model is a best place to start. What makes it stand out is that the eyecups aren’t sewn into the mask. Instead, they’re attached to it using velcro, allowing you to reposition them to make the mask as comfortable as possible. The company says they’re also 100 percent effective at blocking out any light, a claim I’ve found to be accurate.
While we’re on the subject of masks, why not also get your grad some extra face ones? After all, even if they’re vaccinated, you’ll want the peace of mind that they’re taking care of both their own personal safety and that of the people around them.
Buy Manta sleep mask at Amazon – $35
DJI OM5
DJI
If your grad has a relatively recent phone like the iPhone 13 or Galaxy S22, they don’t need a dedicated camera to take great-looking video during their trip. But what can help is a smartphone gimbal like the OM5 from DJI. Making some of the best commercial drones in the world, DJI knows a thing or two about camera stabilization. The OM5 will help your grad film smooth and cinematic footage while they’re on their trip. The latest gimbal has a magnetic mechanism that makes attaching your phone to the gimbal much easier than a traditional clamp mount, plus it weighs 100 grams less than the previous model.
Apple sues chip startup for alleged theft of trade secrets
Apple has accused a company of stealing its trade secrets. In a complaint filed Friday, the tech giant claims Rivos, a “stealth-mode” startup based out of Mountain View, California, led a recent “coordinated campaign” to poach employees from Apple’s chip design division.
According to Reuters, the first publication to report on the lawsuit, Apple alleges at least two former employees took gigabytes of confidential data with them to Rivos. Among the information those individuals allegedly stole are presentations that detail unreleased chip designs, reports Bloomberg.
“Apple has reason to believe that Rivos instructed at least some Apple employees to download and install apps for encrypted communications (e.g., the Signal app) before communicating with them further,” the company says in the complaint. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
Should the case move forward, it’s likely to draw a significant amount of attention, much like Waymo’s suit against Uber for stealing confidential information about its self-driving technology did in 2017. After years of litigation, that case ended with Uber agreeing to settle for $245 million, and with a court sentencing Anthony Levandowski, the engineer at the center of the dispute, to 18 months in prison before former President Donald Trump issued a pardon.
Google’s latest Pixel 6 and 6 Pro update fixes weak haptic feedback for notifications
Google’s recent Pixel software updates haven’t always landed flawlessly. At the end of last year, for instance, the company was forced to pause the release of an OTA after reports that the software caused the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to drop calls. More recen…
Amazon workers at second Staten Island warehouse vote against unionization
Amazon won’t have to contend with two unionized warehouses in the US, at least for the time being. Workers at the company’s LDJ5 facility in Staten Island have voted overwhelmingly against unionization. Of the 1,633 employees who were eligible to cast a ballot in the election, 618 said no to unionization and only 380 workers voted in favor of the bid. There were no contested ballots. In the end, 61 percent of eligible workers voted.
Despite todays outcome I’m proud of the worker/organizers of LDJ5 they had a tougher challenge after our victory at JFK8.Our leads should be extremely proud to have given their coworkers a right to join a Union @amazonlabor will continue to organize and so should all of you
— Christian Smalls (@Shut_downAmazon) May 2, 2022
“We’re glad that our team at LDJ5 were able to have their voices heard,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told Engadget following the vote count. “We look forward to continuing to work directly together as we strive to make every day better for our employees.”
The failed vote comes after the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), led by former employee Christian Smalls, won a historic victory at the start of the month at JFK8, a facility just across the street from LDJ5. Despite its initial upset victory against the country’s second-largest employer, Monday’s defeat is likely to slow momentum for the ALU. Going into the election, there was hope a second victory would help build momentum toward a nationwide labor movement, but the union had to overcome some of the same obstacles it ran into at JFK8.
Following that vote, Amazon reportedly intensified its anti-union efforts. The ALU told Motherboard the company mandated daily anti-union meetings at LDJ5 and began distributing literature that attempted to cast the organization in a negative light. “Right now, the ALU is trying to come between our relationship with you,” Amazon said on a website it launched to discourage workers from voting in favor of unionization. “They think they can do a better job advocating for you than you are doing for yourself.”
Following the vote, the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that oversaw the election, said both parties have until May 9th to file objections. The Amazon Labor Union told Vice News it would contest the result. Moving forward, the ALU has a tough road ahead of itself. Amazon recently challenged the JKF8 result, alleging that the group pressured workers into voting to organize. The company has called for a redo of the election.
Update 5:19PM ET: Added comment from Amazon.
Peacock’s latest update includes a ‘Key Plays’ feature for Premier League games
Alongside the news that Peacock will begin streaming Lionsgate movies in 2024, NBCUniversal announced a new update for the platform. The next time you open the app on your TV, you’ll notice the company has moved the navigation bar to the left-hand side of the interface.
NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal says the tweak will help users more quickly and easily access all the content you can find on Peacock. At the same time, the company has refreshed the browser interface so that every catalog entry includes a synopsis and trailer. You can also start watching something without leaving the page.
But the most significant change is the addition of a feature called Key Plays tied to Peacock’s offering of Premier League games. When you start watching a match late, the platform will show highlights so that you can quickly catch up with what happened on the pitch before you tuned in. Ultimately, it’s not the most exciting update, but if you find yourself using Peacock frequently, you’ll appreciate the improvements all the same.