The Morning After: Swiss contact tracing app uses Google & Apple tech

Another day, another canceled event. This time it’s BlizzCon -- although we do have a likely online-only event to look forward to next year. Still, after last night’s HBO Max debut, the big highlight on today’s schedule is the planned SpaceX Crew Dragon launch. Set to go off at 4:33 PM ET -- if the weather holds up, at last check, there was a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions -- it will be a major step forward for the long-delayed Commercial Crew Program.

-- Richard

Switzerland pilots a contact-tracing app using Apple and Google's tech

Several thousand people are now testing SwissCovid.

According to the Swiss university EPFL, the country’s tracing app, SwissCovid, is the first in the world to put the Apple–Google model to use.

SwissCovid will use Bluetooth to exchange keys between phones. If a user tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, they can inform the app, which will alert other users if they were in close proximity (less than six feet) to the infected person for a prolonged period (more than 15 minutes).

In this pilot scheme, employees at EPFL, ETH Zurich, the army and select hospitals and government agencies will be the first to test the Swiss app. The pilot is expected to last a few weeks.
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South Korea has robot baristas for social distancing

And what do we have?!

In South Korea, COVID-19 infection numbers are flattening out, and the service industry is figuring out what to do in times of social distancing. One cafe’s answer? Robots. In Daejeon, one establishment has a robot arm preparing drinks, while other robot drones deliver said drinks to customers. The system can communicate with other devices, contains self-driving tech to determine the best route around people and tables and communicates with customers via voice controls. You can choose from 60 drink options, but they’ll still probably spell Mat’s name with two ‘t’s.
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Philips Hue leaks show new versatility for Lightstrip Plus and Bloom

The Bloom is getting brighter and cut Lightstrips can be reconnected.

You know you could use some new lighting.
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HP's latest monitors cut blue light levels to help you sleep

And a 4K monitor with wireless sharing.

Alongside a new series of EliteBook laptops, HP has launched a new family of E-Series monitors that always function with low levels of blue light. The aim is to ensure that working for extended hours on these monitors doesn’t affect your sleep -- which we’ve all heard before. However, color accuracy and yellow shift aren’t affected on these monitors, making them different to the usual nightshift software features we’ve seen on PCs and smartphones.

The E-Series monitors, ranging from 21.5 inches through to 27 inches, won’t arrive until August, when they’ll sell starting at $159.
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LG's first 48-inch 4K OLED TV is starting to roll out

The $1,500 display will arrive in the US in late June.

The 48CX model is the first time LG has sold an OLED in this size, and it comes with features that could make it perfect to rely on as a super-sized gaming monitor. With its small size and high resolution, LG claims its pixel density compares to a 96-inch 8K display.

Like other 2020 4K OLEDs from LG, it includes NVIDIA’s G-Sync tech for tear-free high frame rate PC gaming (the website states FreeSync support will arrive with a software update). It can handle up to 120 fps 4K content using Dolby Vision or HDR10, plus it has enhanced audio return channel (eARC), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR).
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The new macOS Catalina update wrings more life from your MacBook's battery

And there’s additional fine tuning for the Pro Display XDR.

Wondering what’s in the new macOS update? A new Battery Health Management toggle will lower the peak charge of your laptop’s battery, which should help it last longer before you need to replace it. Of course, if you’re on the go and need every bit of battery life you can get at the moment, then you can disable it.
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Twitter fact checks Trump’s false tweets about election fraud

Twitter urges users to 'get the facts' in response to Trump’s 'misleading' tweets.

Maybe you never thought it would happen, but Twitter’s new fact check feature is being used on some of Donald Trump’s latest tweets, noting that they might contain false information. Twitter has appended a link urging users to “get the facts” about mail-in ballots. Clicking through, Twitter further notes that fact checkers say there is no evidence to support Trump’s tweeted claims about fraudulent mail-in ballots. It added that voting by mail is already used in a number of states, and it linked to stories from CNN, The Washington Post and other outlets debunking these claims.

In the same 24 hours, however, the social network said it isn't going to remove other false tweets from the US president, namely unfounded conspiracy theories about MSNBC host Joe Scarborough murdering a woman who died nearly 19 years ago.
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But wait, there’s more...

Google's work from home strategy includes a $1,000 allowance, rotating office workers

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Microsoft Edge has a built-in game that will remind you of 'SkiFree'

Drone deliveries are making their case in a crisis

Toxic coast: Cleaning up a century of industrial waste in New Jersey

Formula E racer disqualified for using an esports ringer in a virtual race

T-Mobile customers can send RCS messages to Android users worldwide

Lenovo Chromebook Duet review: A surprisingly solid tablet experience