FCC Sets Date for Net Neutrality Pullback

Mark your calendars: Net neutrality’s death has been set for April 23.

The Federal Communications Commission filed its revoke order on Thursday, with the “Restoring Internet Freedom” order set to pull back on Obama-era regulations against internet service providers. The current rules, in place since 2015, prevent ISPs from playing favorites by charging more for access to certain sites or “throttling,” or slowing down, access to content.

In its Thursday filing, the FCC said its decision “returns to the light-touch regulatory scheme that enabled the internet to develop and thrive for nearly two decades. The Commission restores the classification of broadband internet access service as a lightly-regulated information service and reinstates the private mobile service classification of mobile broadband internet access service.”

Also Read: FCC Strikes Down Net Neutrality

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has argued stripping away net neutrality will propel businesses forward, that the internet thrived before the 2015 rules were put in place. The new rules force telecom giants to disclose which content they’re prioritizing — something Pai and his defenders say will prevent businesses from running wild.

Detractors, however, view this as a move that hurts consumers, and that it helps friends of Pai — a former Verizon attorney. After April 23, there will be little in the way of ISPs charging more for access to Netflix or content from competitors, if they desire. Bundle plans, allowing companies to charge customers a certain amount for social media and another price for streaming sites, are now on the table.

And there are a lot of detractors. Leading up to the FCC’s decision in December, an overwhelming majority of U.S. consumers didn’t support changing net neutrality. A University of Maryland study found 83 percent of Americans — including three out of four Republicans — were against lifting the 2015 rules. And a record near-22 million comments were submitted to the FCC over the summer, with 60 percent pushing back against plans to repeal.

Also Read: Hollywood Wants to Press Delete Button on Net Neutrality Repeal: 'Nobody Is Asking for It'

In the meantime, the attorney general of New York is set to file a lawsuit against the FCC’s decision, and several major media companies, including Netflix, have openly pushed back against the measure. Expect more to follow leading up to the FCC’s April 23 rollout.

8 Eye-Popping Gadgets at CES 2018, From Storytelling Robots to Augmented Reality Glasses (Photos)

Tech companies have gathered at CES in Las Vegas to show off their newest gadgets for 2018. From Samsung's massive 146' TV to the first fingerprint sensor smartphone, check out what has caught our eye so far.
Vivo
Samsung has taken the big screen to a whole new level. "The Wall" is literally bigger than most walls, coming in at 146' wide. The picture is just as eye-catching, with its MicroLED display representing a major step up from the LED screens found on most TVs. If you're looking to cover your living room wall with "The Wall," it's coming out sometime in 2018, although the company hasn't put even a ballpark price tag on it yet.
TheWrap
Rokid's AR Glasses highlight the main reason TheWrap continues to be bullish on AR compared to VR. In short: functionality. Throw on a pair of these wi-fi enabled glasses, look someone in the face, and you'll be hit with their social media profiles and contact information. It's a bit Terminator-esque. The glasses, manufactured out of San Diego, will be arriving later in 2018. Rokid wouldn't put a price on it, yet, but said it'll be "competitive" with VR headsets like Oculus, which run for roughly $400.
TheWrap
Dolls are out, robots are in. That's what AvatarMind wants parents to believe, at least. The China-based company was showing off its three-foot robot, aimed as a 21st century educational toy for kids. The bot will sing lullabies and read stories, among other features. They'll cost around $1,600 to $2,000 when they come out in the U.S. later this year.
TheWrap
Samsung and Apple lost the race to fingerprint sensors to Vivo. The Chinese smartphone maker has put th scanner right on the front of its unnamed phone. Similar to signing in at the gym, simply place your finger on a blue dot at the bottom of your locked screen, and it'll open up. It's the first smartphone to integrate the tech.
VIvo
XYZ's 3D Da Vinci printer shows you can make nearly anything in minutes... even a bust of President Trump, if you want.
Getty Images
Sony is showing off its three new "extra bass" SRS speakers, running between $100 and $250. The Bluetooth-enabled speakers have 24-hours of battery life.
Sony
Japan-based Omron's electronic censors can mirror human movement by building an artificial intelligence-powered ping-pong partner. Unfortunately, you can't buy this for practicing in your basement. But the global company's tech is being used at U.S. companies like Tesla, where it helps assemble its cars.
TheWrap
Saving the adult content for last. Mashable recently pointed out porn accounts for 60 percent of the top virtual reality sites, and the industry is now betting on augmented reality as well. Naughty America, a San Diego-based studio, is displaying an upcoming AR app that'll allow fans to superimpose themselves right next to their favorites adult performers.
TheWrap

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The first fingerprint sensor-enabled smartphone is also on display

Tech companies have gathered at CES in Las Vegas to show off their newest gadgets for 2018. From Samsung's massive 146' TV to the first fingerprint sensor smartphone, check out what has caught our eye so far.

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8 Eye-Popping Gadgets at CES 2018, From Storytelling Robots to Augmented Reality Glasses (Photos)

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