Google's new Sodar AR tool helps enforce social distancing

While establishments try to help customers maintain social distancing, sometimes the markers and signs used aren't where they should be (like people can walk over them or get blown over). And so, Google released a new augmented reality-based tool called Sodar to mark what two metres away from you is like—this distance is the recommended minimum for social distancing. Sodar doesn't need an app to run; users just need to head to sodar.withgoogle.com or goo.gle/sodar in their Chrome browsers on their Android devices. Tap through different permission dialogues, and then the site will load the AR experience.

You need to give the tool a view of the ground to calibrate and give you a clear curved line of what two metres of space in all directions look like. It's not entirely accurate, though, so treat it as an estimation. You must know that it doesn't work on iOS and some Android devices. As Android Police points out, your phone might need to be ARCore-compatible. But if it does work on your device, it's a handy tool to have these days.

Xbox Series X is designed for backwards compatibility and inclusion

Microsoft's next generation console, the Xbox Series X will usher in a new era of console gaming that pushes the envelope in performance and graphics. It will also inherit a large library of games from previous consoles thanks to built-in bakcwards compatibility and an openness to retrofitting older titles. Jason Ronald, Partner Director of Program Management for the Xbox Platform Team, published an Xbox Wire post that details the Xbox team’s journey to make Xbox Series X the most compatible console ever, which required significant innovation in the design of the custom processor and Xbox operating system.

"Thousands of developers from across the globe are currently creating the next generation of transformative games, many of which can only be realized through the power and innovation of the Xbox Series X. Led by Halo Infinite, our 15 Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work creating the biggest and best line up of exclusives in Xbox history. We are incredibly excited to show many of the new games in development for Xbox Series X soon," Ronald said in the post.

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Freedom Mobile reportedly offers COVID-19 relieft discounts for customers who reach out

Freedom Mobile is reportedly helping out some of its customers through COVID-19 relief discounts. MobileSyrup discovered posts on RedFlagDeals talking about the discounts some of the received. And all you need to do is reach out to the telecom either through live chat or via a phone call asking about the offer. The discounts seem to vary, though. A user received $20 off three of their lines for six months, another received $5 off for the next several months, and others got either three- or six-month discounted periods. If you need help, it's definitely worth asking, though.

Twitter flags Trump's tweet on Minneapolis riots for glorifying violence

Twitter has flagged another one of US President Donald Trump's tweets, this time for glorifying violence in the wake of riots taking place in Minneapolis where citizens are protesting against the police for the death of George Floyd at the hands of his arresting officer who was fired, but still walks free. Riots escalated for the third day in a row and resulted in the burning of a police station and various injuries to both police and protesters. 

Trump fired off a series of tweets condemning the protests by "thugs," and threatening to send in the National Guard to "get the job done right." Another tweet from Trump included, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," but was hidden by Twitter because it violated their terms of service for inciting violence. 

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