How did the U.S. botch its stimulus check rollout so badly?

Coronavirus stimulus payments arrive in the U.S. — for some

By Paul Squire, News Editor

Americans waiting anxiously for their stimulus checks may have to wait longer. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled its website for taxpayers and nontaxpayers alike to monitor the status of their checks and started sending money out as part of a $2-trillion initiative to limit the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

But almost immediately, the site was plagued with glitches and errors. Users became locked out of the web portal, found their information wasn’t available, and — in some cases — reportedly saw checks deposited in the wrong bank account or mailed to dead relatives. Millions are still waiting for their checks.

So how was the U.S. rollout so badly botched? Experts told Digital Trends that antiquated technology, an underfunded agency, and a lack of clear communication doomed the plans of the IRS from the start. Meanwhile, similar programs in other countries like Canada and New Zealand have launched without a hitch.

Making sure the IRS has the funding it needs isn’t exactly an exciting topic, but after all the confusion around these stimulus checks, maybe it’s a conversation we need to have.

Apple’s iPhone SE makes an old phone new again

By Matthew S. Smith, Senior Editor

The iPhone SE, Apple’s newest phone, is also Apple’s oldest phone. The phone, which Apple announced on Wednesday, maintains the look and feel of the now ancient iPhone 8 while upgrading the internals. The iPhone SE has the same A13 Bionic processor as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. It also has a 12MP camera with six lens elements and optical image stabilization. 

That’s excellent hardware for a $400 phone. The iPhone SE might be the budget model, but its performance will fall right in line with its larger siblings, and they’re already the quickest phones on the market. 

You must accept a big compromise, however. A 4.7-inch Retina HD display is the only option, and it’s surrounded by large bezels. Android phones often deliver 6-inch (or larger) displays for $400, and Samsung has several models, such as the Galaxy A51, with an OLED screen. 

Despite that, the response to Apple’s phone is positive so far. That speaks to the strength of Apple’s iOS operating system. Potential owners seem ready to put up with a small screen if it means access to iOS for just $400.

Pre-orders for the iPhone SE are available now. The phone launches on April 24.

Who to follow on Twitter for reliable COVID-19 information

By Jenny McGrath, Senior Writer

With so many questions around COVID-19, it can be difficult to know where to turn for reliable information. Usually, social media is a bit like waltzing on a floor strewn with mousetraps: One wrong step, and you’ll regret it. But Twitter is also where a lot of experts go to communicate directly with the public. 

Trying to wade through clinical trials or scientific papers isn’t exactly layperson-friendly, but when tweeting, many people do try to communicate a little more plainly. On our list of epidemiology and public health experts, you’ll find Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist who’s conducting clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine; Dr. Benhur Lee, a professor of microbiology who has a page on his lab’s site dedicated to explaining COVID-19; and many more.

Bill Gates becomes a target of coronavirus conspiracy theories

By Mathew Katz, Associate Managing Editor

Bill Gates has become something of a leading voice in the fight against coronavirus. The philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder has years of experience fighting illnesses through his Gates Foundation, so he knows what he’s talking about. Gates has been vocal about the pandemic, calling it “uncharted territory” and criticizing the U.S. for its stilted shutdown -- even going so far as to denounce President Donald Trump’s decision to stop funding for the World Health Organization.

Gate’s outspokenness about the virus has put a target on his back: A new analysis found that he’s the single-largest target of bogus coronavirus conspiracy theories on Facebook, including ludicrous claims that Gates somehow created COVID-19. It’s ironic -- and sad -- considering Gates’ long history of trying to make the world more prepared for pandemics like the one we’re facing now. Just goes to show: Don’t believe everything (or anything) you read on Facebook, and always check the source of any outrageous-sounding claims. 

What we’re reading:

• Coronavirus will influence horror movies for years to come, Digital Trends’ Andy Boxall writes. 
• Have you listened to Fiona Apple’s new album? Either way, read this fantastic profile of the singer in Vulture. 

What we’re watching: Taskmaster

By Jenny McGrath, Senior Writer

Taskmaster is a delightful, hilarious British TV series where comedians compete in ridiculous tasks, like trying to make a meal using ingredients that start with every letter of the alphabet. (X is especially rough.) Each person tackles tasks like popping balloons in his or her own way, and you get to watch (and critique) their thought processes. It’s actually the perfect show to watch on lockdown, because it can inspire you to come up with challenges you can do at home. Luckily, you don’t even have to do that, because the show’s creator, Alex Horne, is releasing home tasks -- quick videos that get people to do creative things around their houses, like silently re-creating a movie moment. Even if you don’t want to participate, you can see the results on Twitter by searching #HomeTasking.

Watch the first five seasons of home tasks on YouTube.