This Week in Tech and Science: November 4, 2015
Facebook rethinks real names, free roaming in Europe, Twitch beyond gaming and more.
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If you’re an adult in the United States, chances are that you own a smartphone. In fact, Pew reports that 68 percent of us now do, up from 35 percent just four years ago. Curiously, there has been no meaningful percentage growth in device ownership within other categories (except for tablets).
Roam Free, Europe
Those backpacking around Europe will finally be able to buy a single SIM upon arrival and travel throughout the European Union sans roaming charges. Said charges will be capped starting in April of 2016, and abolished entirely in mid-2017.
Twitch Beyond Gaming
The Internet moves fast, and evidently, so does Twitch. The site known for live streaming in-action gaming will soon host artists and musicians in an effort to expand its footprint and diversify its audience.
Reviews and Guides
Advice from the Crew
Acura’s Triumphant Return to NSX
The supercar finally reveals itself on Honda’s Tochigi Proving Ground. Read the Review
Noteworthy Reads
Stories from Around the Web
As promised, Amazon has yanked all mentions of Apple TV and Chromecast from its site — including those from third-party resellers — in a bid to act like a tyrannical toddler while drawing attention to its own Fire TV lineup.
Reportedly, Google will work to fold Chrome OS into Android by 2017, reducing the amount of operating systems it has to support and almost certainly making the latter a more complicated, power-hungry beast.
After nearly two years of dips, Samsung’s mobile division recorded a 37 percent profit rise in its most recent financial quarter. When Sir Galaxy was pinged for comment, an automated reply reading “Don’t Call It A Comeback” was received.
Looking Ahead
What We’re Testing Now
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