Lyft is preparing to launch a couple of new features designed to improve the experience for drivers: default tipping and default five-star ratings in certain instances. The company also plans to make some adjustments to its rating system, which is a vital part of a driver's ability to continue operating on the platform. As well, drivers will soon have access to tools that help them plan their schedule.
Kyocera has updated its DuraForce Pro rugged smartphone, announcing the launch of its new DuraForce Pro 2. This updated handset sports the same high level of durability as the original model, making it suitable for construction zones, remote locations, and other potentially damaging environments. The new model is exclusive to Verizon and includes a 5-inch Sapphire Shield Display.
Final Cut Pro X has received an update that brings workflow extensions for popular third-party services and apps, including Shutterstock and Frame.io. The new support brings the extensions to the editing interface with a design that matches, the end result being a tight integration for rapid access to popular tools. In addition, the update adds new features targeted at professional users.
A large, active supervolcano near Naples, Italy, may be transitioning into a pre-eruption state, according to a new study. Called Campi Flegrei, this supervolcano has a colorful history, having produced a super-colossal eruption about 40,000 years ago. The location's most recent eruption was in 1538, though it was far less substantial in size. A new study has found that the supervolcano may be once again accumulating magma.
Uber has launched a new rewards program called Uber Rewards. The program is designed to reward customers for using the ride-sharing service and comes only days after Lyft unveiled its own similar plan. Uber Rewards applies to both Uber and Uber Eats, enabling riders to unlock perks across a total of four membership levels.
Netflix has started testing a mobile-only plan in Malaysia, where users are offered access for the equivalent of only about $4/month. The test follows a recent interview with company CEO Reed Hastings, who stated that Netflix was interested in experimenting with different, cheaper pricing plans in select markets as a way to bring in new customers.
Sony has emailed PlayStation owners with a notice impacting the PlayStation 3: some game servers will be shutting down in January 2019. The decision to shut down the servers only applies to a handful of games, none of which are likely to have a large number of players at this point. Other game servers will continue to operate for now.
Facebook's anticipated Messenger "unsend" feature is finally rolling out to users. The feature was promised seven months ago following a report revealing that Facebook had quietly removed some private messages sent by Mark Zuckerberg. The company was quiet about the project until recently; screenshots of the "unsend" option surfaced a few weeks back followed by an update preview last week.
Astronomers have announced the discovery of a frozen Super-Earth orbiting Barnard's star, a single star closest to the Sun. According to the study, which included a handful of researchers with the Carnegie Institution for Science, the Super-Earth has a mass that is at least 3.2 times greater than our own planet; the orbit around its star lasts only 233 days and its surface temperature is estimated to be a frigid -150 degrees Celsius.
NASA has announced the discovery of a massive meteorite impact crater hidden deep beneath the Greenland ice. The crater measures over 19 miles wide and 1,000ft deep, making it one of the top 25 largest impact craters on the planet. The discovery was made by a team of researchers led by the University of Copenhagen's Centre for GeoGenetics at the Natural History Museum of Denmark.
Ford has announced a new collaboration with Walmart to explore the use of autonomous vehicles for goods delivery. The delivery service itself would be made possible by Postmates, according to Ford, which has worked with the companies to establish a pilot program. Walmart's existing delivery service is expected to cover 800 stores by the end of the year.
V-MODA has unveiled its new BassFit sports earbuds, a wireless model designed for use during workouts. This is the maker's first set of wireless earbuds designed specifically for fitness users, expanding V-MODA's lineup of classy, high-end audio products. Among other things, the new model boasts a TriFit design that includes hooks and fins for a secure fit.