Month: October 2024

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Reddit Unveils Contentious Policy Shift Following Worries About Possible User Backlash
    Reddit Unveils Contentious Policy Shift Following Worries About Possible User Backlash

    ## Reddit’s Updated Community Type Guidelines: A Reaction to User Dissent and Platform Regulation

    In a notable change in Reddit’s operations, the platform has unveiled fresh limitations on how subreddit moderators can modify their community settings. Following extensive user dissent last year, which led to thousands of subreddits going private or transitioning to not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content, Reddit has now enacted a mandate requiring moderators to obtain the platform’s approval prior to implementing such alterations. This initiative is part of Reddit’s wider strategy to avert future disturbances and retain authority over the platform’s functionalities.

    ### The Updated Guidelines: What’s New?

    Reddit’s Vice President of Community, known by the username **Go_JasonWaterfalls**, shared the news in a post on [r/modnews](https://www.reddit.com/r/modnews/comments/1fsyzjd/a_change_to_community_type_settings/). The updated guidelines, impacting what Reddit calls “Community Types,” state that subreddit moderators are now required to seek Reddit’s consent before enacting specific changes to their communities. In particular, moderators must acquire approval for:

    – Making a subreddit private.
    – Transitioning a subreddit from safe-for-work (SFW) to not-safe-for-work (NSFW) or the opposite.
    – Limiting a subreddit’s content.

    Reddit has committed to addressing these requests within a 24-hour timeframe. However, notable exceptions exist: subreddits with fewer than 5,000 members or those younger than 30 days will have their requests pre-approved. Moreover, moderators can still impose temporary restrictions on posts or comments for a maximum of seven days using Reddit’s [Temporary Events](https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/articles/27018580066708-Temporary-events) feature.

    ### The Trigger: Protests from Last Year

    This policy alteration arrives in the aftermath of last year’s large-scale user protests, which were ignited by Reddit’s decision to [charge for API access](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/05/reddits-api-pricing-results-in-shocking-20-million-a-year-bill-for-apollo/). This choice resulted in the closure of numerous beloved third-party Reddit applications, triggering fury among both users and moderators. In protest, many subreddit moderators privatized their communities or limited access, while others inundated their subreddits with NSFW material, complicating Reddit’s advertising efforts.

    Reddit reacted swiftly and decisively to these protests. The platform [removed several moderators](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/reddit-calls-for-a-few-new-mods-after-axing-polarizing-some-of-its-best/) and restored access to previously privatized subreddits. Although the protests eventually calmed, they underscored the significant influence unpaid moderators hold over the platform and the considerable financial ramifications of large-scale user actions.

    ### A Proactive Approach to Avert Future Dissent

    Reddit has made it clear that the updated guidelines are a direct consequence of the protests. In comments to [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/30/24253727/reddit-communities-subreddits-request-protests), Laura Nestler, also known as Go_JasonWaterfalls, recognized that the protests “accelerated” the rollout of this policy. Nestler indicated that Reddit had been contemplating these modifications since 2021, but the protests acted as a prompt, showing that moderators’ capabilities to privatize subreddits “could be utilized to harm Reddit on a large scale.”

    In a post on r/modnews, Reddit elaborated on its rationale:

    > “The ability to instantly modify Community Type settings has been exploited to disrupt the platform and breach [our rules](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy). We bear the responsibility of safeguarding Reddit and ensuring its long-term viability, and we cannot permit actions that intentionally inflict damage.”

    This new policy is crafted to prevent a recurrence of last year’s protests, which Reddit has conceded could

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Verizon Outage Underscores the Significance of Satellite Connectivity and ‘Emergency Roaming’ Solutions”
    “Verizon Outage Underscores the Significance of Satellite Connectivity and ‘Emergency Roaming’ Solutions”

    # You May Still Have Means to Communicate: Managing Communication During Emergencies

    Following natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted regions of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, communication becomes essential. Sadly, these areas, often not ready for such significant disasters, experience lengthy and challenging recovery efforts. To compound the situation, Verizon has encountered an unexpected outage across a large part of the United States, further hindering communication in regions already dealing with the hurricane’s aftermath.

    Although Verizon’s outage isn’t directly associated with the hurricane, it has magnified the difficulties for individuals attempting to connect with family members or emergency services. In such circumstances, it is vital to consider alternative communication options, particularly when conventional cellular networks are unavailable. Here are two important technologies that can assist: satellite messaging and disaster roaming.

    ## Satellite Messaging: A Crucial Resource in Crises

    If you are lucky enough to possess a smartphone with satellite messaging features, like the latest iPhones or the Google Pixel 9 series, you have an essential tool at hand. Satellite messaging enables you to send emergency SOS messages even in areas lacking cellular reception. This capability can truly be a lifesaver in disaster-affected regions where cell towers might be non-functional or overwhelmed.

    ### How to Activate Satellite Messaging on iPhone and Pixel 9

    – **For iPhone users**: You can utilize satellite services not just for emergencies but also for regular communication. This allows you to send texts to friends and family, assuring them of your safety. To activate and utilize satellite messaging on your iPhone, follow [this guide from Apple](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/text-via-satellite-iphb9262f4dd/ios#:~:text=and%20Canada%20website.-,Use%20iMessage%20via%20satellite,Tap%20Use%20Messages%20via%20Satellite.).

    – **For Google Pixel 9 users**: The Pixel 9 series also provides satellite SOS features. To enable and operate this function, visit [Google’s support page](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/15254448?hl=en).

    These satellite services are particularly advantageous when cellular networks are down, facilitating communication with emergency responders or family members. If you find yourself in a disaster area or know someone affected, sharing these tools can significantly help.

    ## Disaster Roaming: A Contingency Plan for Non-Satellite Phones

    Not everyone can access satellite-capable phones, especially in rural regions severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. For those lacking satellite connectivity, disaster roaming can serve as a vital alternative. North Carolina has put into effect the **disaster roaming rule**, which allows any device to connect to any available cellular provider, regardless of the user’s existing carrier.

    ### How to Activate Disaster Roaming

    To utilize disaster roaming, simply navigate to your phone’s network settings and ensure that roaming is enabled. This option permits Verizon customers, for instance, to connect to AT&T or T-Mobile networks if Verizon’s infrastructure is compromised. The best aspect? It incurs no additional charges, and it might be key to making that urgent call or sending an important message.

    ## The Significance of Satellite Connectivity in Future Emergencies

    While satellite connectivity is currently limited to a select few devices, companies like T-Mobile and Starlink are striving to broaden access to this feature. Motorola has even debuted a device, the **Motorola Defy Satellite Link**, which enables satellite connectivity for any phone. This innovation could serve as a revolutionary solution in disaster situations, offering a dependable communication alternative when standard networks fail.

    In the meantime, it’s crucial to maximize the resources at our disposal. Whether enabling disaster roaming or utilizing satellite messaging, maintaining communication during a disaster can significantly impact survival.

    ## Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Stay Connected

    As Verizon works to rectify its network issues, it’s essential to remember that your smartphone’s primary role is to keep you linked with those who are most important. Whether you’re engaged in games or browsing social media, the capacity to communicate during a disaster is priceless.

    If you are affected by Hurricane Helene or know someone who is, we sincerely wish for everyone’s safety. Material items can be replaced, but human lives cannot. In the upcoming weeks and months, there will be many chances to assist those in need, whether through donations or volunteering.

    For now, if you can access satellite messaging or disaster roaming, use these to keep in contact with loved ones and emergency services. And if you have the means to help, consider contributing to organizations like the [Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/) to aid disaster relief initiatives.

    —

    **Topics Covered**:
    – [Verizon](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/carriers/verizon-wireless)
    – [Satellite Connectivity](https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/satellite-connectivity)
    –

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Insta360 X4: The Premier 360 Camera Compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods
    Insta360 X4: The Premier 360 Camera Compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

    # Unveiling the Insta360 X4: The Premier 360-Degree Action Camera for Apple Enthusiasts

    The **Insta360 X4**, the newest member of the Insta360 range, is an innovative 360-degree action camera crafted specifically for flawless compatibility with Apple devices. This state-of-the-art gadget amplifies content creation, editing, and management, positioning itself as the perfect selection for creators entrenched in the Apple environment. By harnessing the functionalities of devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods, the X4 delivers a robust and seamless experience for its users.

    ## Notable Attributes of the Insta360 X4

    The Insta360 X4 is brimming with features that set it apart from conventional action cameras:

    – **FlowState Stabilization**: This sophisticated stabilization system guarantees smooth and balanced footage, featuring a 360° horizon lock, ensuring professional-looking shots every time.

    – **Me Mode**: This distinctive function records at 4K and 30 frames per second while maintaining the subject in the frame without the need for reframing, streamlining the shooting experience.

    – **Bullet Time**: Creators can produce breathtaking slow-motion orbit shots at resolutions reaching 5.7K at 120 frames per second, infusing videos with dramatic energy.

    – **Invisible Selfie Stick**: The camera ingeniously eliminates the selfie stick from the footage, producing a whimsical floating camera effect that enriches the viewing experience.

    Equipped with dual 1/2″ sensors, the X4 captures stunning 8K 360-degree video at 30 frames per second and 72MP photographs, making it a remarkable upgrade for creators in search of extraordinary clarity and detail. Essentially, the X4 is the action camera that Apple would likely have engineered if they ventured into this domain.

    ## Flawless Integration with iPhone and iPad

    One of the remarkable aspects of the Insta360 X4 is its flawless compatibility with iPhone and iPad. The **Insta360 app** empowers users to operate the camera, preview shots in real-time, and modify settings effortlessly. The app also incorporates AI editing tools that facilitate rapid reframing and enhancement of footage.

    Transferring content between the X4 and Apple devices is uncomplicated, featuring options for wireless transfer via Wi-Fi or a direct cable connection for editing on the move. Users can swiftly condense extensive footage into captivating clips, thus simplifying the editing process for those with minimal expertise.

    For example, during a recent trial ride on an electric motorcycle, the X4 made capturing energetic footage a breeze. The app’s AI capabilities enabled quick edits, transforming hours of riding into engaging highlights with just a few taps.

    ## Superior Editing on Mac

    For those who seek advanced editing functions, the Insta360 X4 integrates effortlessly with Macs. The **Insta360 Studio app** for macOS presents robust editing tools particularly tailored for 360-degree content. Users can benefit from advanced features such as keyframing and color grading, enhancing the editing experience further.

    Moreover, for users of Final Cut Pro, Insta360 provides a plugin that allows for seamless editing of 360-degree videos within Apple’s professional video editing framework, thereby improving post-processing capabilities with native support for 360-degree content.

    ## Remote Control via Apple Watch

    The X4 also connects with the Apple Watch, offering remote control features that remove the requirement for dedicated hardware. The Insta360 app for Apple Watch empowers users to initiate and halt recording and adjust settings without physically interacting with the camera, making it perfect for hands-free shooting.

    ## Enhanced Audio with AirPods

    Another groundbreaking feature of the Insta360 X4 is its compatibility with AirPods. This functionality enables users to capture premium audio directly through their AirPods, offering a convenient solution for vloggers and creators. The X4 further supports built-in voice control functionalities for hands-free recording, extending this capability to AirPods input when linked.

    ## Summary

    The **Insta360 X4** delivers an impressive integration with the Apple ecosystem, presenting a streamlined and efficient workflow for content creators. From robust AI editing tools on the iPhone to effortless control from the Apple Watch and high-fidelity audio capture through AirPods, the X4 is engineered to harness Apple’s technology to enhance the content creation process.

    Whether you are an experienced creator or a newcomer, the X4’s integrated and powerful toolkit is an essential asset for anyone operating within the Apple ecosystem. With a starting price of $499, the Insta360 X4 is available at retailers including

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