Entries in COVID-19 (49)

Wednesday
Apr292020

Netflix picks up 'Orange is the New Black' team's 'Social Distance' anthology

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Expect to see a new Netflix original that reflects the times courtesy of the Orange is the New Black production team. The new show will be called Social Distance, and it will be produced remotely. As you might have guessed, the focus is on the "new, bizarre, bewildering reality we are all experiencing" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We feel passionate about finding connection as we all remain at a distance," the production team wrote in a press release. "We've been inspired to create an anthology series that tells stories about the current moment we are living through—the unique, personal, deeply human stories that illustrate how we are living apart, together. We are challenging ourselves to do something new: To create and produce virtually so that our cast and crew can stay healthy and safe."

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Saturday
Apr182020

SkipTheDishes commits $10 million more to help Canadians during COVID-19 pandemic

Food delivery service SkipTheDishes vows to help more Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The company is giving an additional estimated $10 million to communities and restaurant partners through different commitments. The company initially directed over $5 million for a 30-day support package. Now, SkipTheDishes is extending the support package, which includes a rebate of 25% to assist local and independent restaurant partners whose dining rooms remain closed. The additional money will be given through direct rebates and marketing support.

The service also previously launched an option for customers to support local restaurants by directly leaving tips, with 100% of the contributions going to the restaurant of their choice. The customers managed to raise over $200,000 for neighbourhood eateries. It is with this generosity that the company launched a $1 million partnership with Food Banks Canada. SkipTheDishes immediately matched the $200,000 that the customers gave, with additional contributions to be made throughout the year to help relieve hunger during these trying times.

Friday
Apr172020

Wear OS will now remind you to wash your hands

Now more than ever, it's necessary to wash your hands frequently. And if you need a reminder, Google is here to help. The Clock application on Wear OS will now send periodic alerts reminding you to wash your hands. When you open the alarm, a timer for 40 seconds will be started along with a reminder to use soap for handwashing. When you're done, the app will let you know that another alert will come in another three hours. If you can do without the reminder, then head to its notification channel. Hold down the notification to disable it. The feature comes with v5.4.0 update of Wear OS, so check your Wear OS's Play Store to see if you have it. 

Source: Android Police

Thursday
Apr162020

A portion of Apple's (PRODUCT)RED proceeds will go to COVID-19 response efforts

While Apple's (PRODUCT)RED proceeds usually go to HIV/AIDS assistance, the company plans to allocate a portion of the proceeds to COVID-19 response efforts from now until September 30. Apple hasn't said how much of the donations will go to Global Fund's COVID-19 Response. Still, it will apply to all (PRODUCT)RED gadgets and accessories, including the soon-to-be-available (PRODUCT)RED variant of the new iPhone SE.

(PRODUCT)RED is an ongoing partnership between RED and major companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Nike to help raise funds, spread awareness, and eradicate HIV/AIDS in African countries. Apple doesn't disclose how much money it redirects to the charity. But this isn't the first COVID-19-related assistance the tech giant is offering. Right now, it's working with Google to develop a contact-tracing system for mobile devices.

Source: 9to5Mac