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Forget Zoom: Use these private video-chatting tools, instead

Zoom is so last week — which, in the time of coronavirus, might as well be last year.  The videoconference tool that's captured the nation's attention as it socially distances and shelters in place has won legions of converts for its easy-to-use interface and fun backgrounds . It also happens to be a privacy nightmare . Thankfully, there are other options that cybersecurity and privacy experts say will get the job done — without the baggage.  And yes, Zoom has a lot of baggage. Let's start with the fact that the company has misrepresented the security of its videoconferencing service The Intercept reported today that, despite telling users that "Zoom is using an end to end encrypted connection," the company does not in fact end-to-end encrypt calls on its platform.  Read more... More about Privacy , Cybersecurity , Zoom , Coronavirus , and Tech from Mashable https://ift.tt/2UQBROL via IFTTT

Video chat app Houseparty blames 'smear campaign' for hacking controversy, offers $1 million bounty

You've heard a lot about Zoom in recent weeks as people work out how to video chat with as many people as possible while social distancing. Plenty of folks are opting for its more "fun" competitor Houseparty instead, especially as Zoom's faced criticism over privacy concerns , from it corporate policies to new users' increased vulnerability to phishing attacks (not to mention careless Star Trek cast members ).  Now Houseparty is under fire itself, as users have leveled accusations that the app has been hacked and used to gain access to their Netflix, Spotify, PayPal, and other online accounts, and urged others to delete the app. Read more... More about Zoom , Data Privacy , Houseparty , Tech , and Big Tech Companies from Mashable https://ift.tt/2wOKYHS via IFTTT

'You got this': Stephen Colbert's perfect coronavirus pep talk for Americans stuck at home

Americans are going stir crazy cooped up at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, especially because nobody knows when it might end. Studio production for the Late Show also remains shut down indefinitely. Still, host Stephen Colbert remains optimistic, relaying a message of hope and resilience from his home on Monday. "I have a simple message for all of you: America, you got this," said Colbert. "You have been training for this moment your whole lives. Every cancelled plan, every 2 a.m. Netfix binge, every GrubHub order from the restaurant across the street. It was for this. We're Americans. There's nothing we do better than not doing things." Read more... More about Dogs , Stephen Colbert , The Late Show With Stephen Colbert , Coronavirus , and Covid 19 from Mashable https://ift.tt/2yoV3vL via IFTTT

Qarnot raises $6.5 million for its computer servers that heat buildings

French startup Qarnot has raised a $6.5 million (€6 million) funding round. The company manufactures heaters and boilers with a special trick — they pack computers as computers tend to generate a lot of heat. Qarnot then lets companies leverage that computing power by running tasks on those unusual servers. Banque des Territoires, Caisse des Dépôts, Engie Rassembleur d'Énergies, A/O PropTech and Groupe Casino are participating in today’s funding round. When you design a data center, you transform electricity into computing resources and heat. Data centers always have to find clever new ways to get rid of heat with powerful cooling mechanisms. Qarnot is designing alternative data centers by taking advantage of heat instead of fighting heat. The company first started with computing heaters , an electrical heater with a server. The company sells those devices to construction companies looking for heaters for their new buildings. People living or working in those buildings can ...

10 things in tech you need to know today

Good morning! This is the tech news you need to know this Tuesday. Amazon fired a New York warehouse worker who helped lead a protest on Monday against its coronavirus response . The worker, Chris Smalls, said he was fired in retaliation for his activism. Electric scooter startup Bird laid off 30% of staff as it tries to keep enough cash to last until the end of 2021 . Bird said it is providing four weeks of pay, three months of health coverage and an extended time frame of 12 months for laid-off workers to exercise their stock options.  Zoom is under scrutiny from the New York Attorney General for its privacy practices . The NY attorney general's office sent a letter to Zoom asking what new security measures the company has put in place, if any, to handle its huge surge in usage.  Apple has broken with convention and is allowing some employees to take home prototypes of its newest devices . According to Bloomberg, the company has famously shunned home working to ens...

I went to a sneaker launch in VR because of the coronavirus

If you're launching a new product, you normally want to put on a show with a sprinkling of razzle and plenty of dazzle. That means getting journalists and fans into a big room, trotting out your wares and letting everyone play with the new toys. Unfo... from Engadget RSS Feed https://ift.tt/2UtlEjC via IFTTT

Watch BTS perform in sweatpants on James Corden, deliver sweet message to fans

South Korean boy group and unstoppable force BTS joined Papa Mochi James Corden via video on Monday, performing hit song 'Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)' from their shared social distance. The coronavirus pandemic may have suspended studio production, but the Late Late Show must go on. "I think it's quite a difficult time for everyone in the world right now," leader RM told Corden from Big Hit Entertainment in South Korea. All Corden's guests on HomeFest: A Late Late Show Special appeared via video, while he recorded from his home. "It may seem like we're isolated but we're still connected through our shared experiences, courage, and laughter." Read more... More about Music , James Corden , Bts , The Late Late Show With James Corden , and Bangtan Boys from Mashable https://ift.tt/3arvAQe via IFTTT

The Joy of Sharing! New Wisdom On an Age-Old Cycle

We invest years of our lives figuring out what we actually enjoy doing; dedicating countless hours to hone our skills and learn the ins and outs of our craft from our teachers in an effort to inch closer to mastery. But when we feel that we’ve gotten there… what’s next? Well, why not keep that teaching cycle going! Whether you’re still mapping out what brings you joy or you’ve been embracing it for a while now, the funny little farm we’re heading to gives us a peek at the impact that introducing others to what we love—and seeking out teachers who have that passion—can have on our journeys! Source: Fresh Food Hub “Our idea is: let’s give people the opportunity to try something. You learn the most from failing, but if you aren’t encouraged to try, then you won’t.” —Kris Holstrom, owner of Tomten Farm Most of us aren’t born into the world knowing exactly what we want to do, we need a little help figuring it out. We spend a large chunk of our lives peering under rocks and explori...

NBA reportedly plans 'players-only' 2K tournament that will air on ESPN

The NBA already has an official esports league with various teams represented, but with the live basketball season on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, it's reportedly about to put real NBA players on the sticks. Yahoo Sports reporter Chris Hay... from Engadget RSS Feed https://ift.tt/2QXqbc0 via IFTTT