Technology

Since the beginning of the franchise, Game Freak has expressed a desire for the ability to bring your Pokémon forward into future games. While that process has not been without its hiccups and headaches, apps like the Poké Transporter and the Pokémon Bank for 3DS were designed with that function in mind. Now, Switch users finally have a way to bring creatures forward into Sword & Shield, as well as future mainline Pokémon RPGs through Pokémon Home, which is now available.

Pokémon Home links to Pokémon Bank to allow you to carry forward stored creatures into current games. While a free version exists, players who are serious about bringing their Pocket Monsters forward are probably going to want to look at the $15.99/year (or $2.99/month if you just want to do this once) Premium plan, which bumps your storage capacity up from 30 Pokémon to 6,000, as well as higher capacity in Wonder Box and GTS.

In addition, just for downloading the app and linking it to your Nintendo Account, you get a free Pikachu, as well as your choice of one of the Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle). In addition, Serebii reports 35 Pokémon previously not available in Sword & Shield are available if you transfer from an older game using Pokémon Bank. You can see the full list here.

Pokémon Home is available now for Switch, iOS, and Android.

If you’ve suited up to battle the raging infection in Washington D.C., in The Division 2, it’s time to go back – back to New York, where players first battled the Green Poison plague in the original game. The Division 2’s first full-blown expansion features large system overhauls, a new level cap of 40, and a new antagonist. This expansion hopes to reinvigorate agents that have been playing forever – as well as attract newcomers.

Haven’t played The Division 2 yet or are way behind? No problem. While you need to own the base game to play, the expansion comes with the option to create a character at level 30, suited and booted for the new content. There’s a serious threat on the horizon: Aaron Keener, a Division agent gone rogue. From his stronghold in lower Manhattan, Keener seeks to destroy everything the rebuilding efforts have accomplished, harnessing a new strain of the virus to take down what he perceives as establishment forces by unleashing an even more virulent plague. Forget looking for bounties in museums and subways around D.C. – it’s time to go back to where it all began and battle this twisted opponent.

Keener has turned other Division agents to his cause, with NYC under siege by these rogue agents. Players must discover their whereabouts in the city and take them on before attempting to take on Keener himself. These manhunts take players around new areas of the city such as the Civic Center, Battery Park, Two Bridges, and the Financial District. These zones contain Keener’s four lieutenants, five main missions, eight side missions, and other activities to explore as you break through fogged areas on the map and uncover content.

If the Green Poison wasn’t enough to level NYC as we know it, a catastrophic hurricane has also altered the landscape and changed the environment on a massive scale. In addition to leveling your character up to 40, Warlords of New York also features an infinite “post-leveling” system called SHD (Strategic Homeland Division) level, which means you can continue to develop by completing activities forever even after you’ve achieved the level cap. This system hopes to keep engagement high as players hit the endgame along with a deluge of variable tasks and hunts. The item system has been simplified and streamlined – you’ll be able to easily identify upgrades immediately instead of spending valuable time scrolling through your bag and stash for powerful gear.

New skills are available for unlocking alongside exotic options for your equipment, with the goal of increasing build diversity and options along the way – far greater than the ones available in the base game. Not only will players participate in a continuous and growing endgame as they increase their SHD level, but the expansion also marks the beginning of seasons coming to The Division 2. These provide new story beats, objectives, unique rewards, and essentially create an evolving content model at a regular cadence, addressing the lack of activity concerns that players may have had with The Division 2’s core content. I had a blast playing with my crew in The Division 2 when it launched, but found myself falling off hard due to the endgame offerings and content drop schedule, so hopefully this journey to New York brings me back and keeps me there for an extended session as an agent of The Division. 

Samsung’s claim that the new Galaxy Z Flip uses “Ultra Thin Glass” sounded like a true breakthrough when the foldable phone was announced last week. Until now, foldable screens have used plastic displays, which can be easily scratched with even a fingernail. The Z Flip making the switch to glass, however thin it might be, had us hopeful that it would hold up better to long-term use.

But it seems that might not be the case.

Zack Nelson has gotten his hands on Samsung’s second attempt at a foldable phone, and the results of his JerryRigEverything durability test do not inspire confidence.

The Z Flip’s display starts showing permanent marks and scratches far earlier than actual glass would. Part of the tried and true JerryRigEverything test is putting phones through a gauntlet of Mohs hardness picks to test when the display glass starts showing damage. If you’ve watched Zack’s videos before, you’ve likely heard that modern smartphones have “scratches starting at a level 6, with deeper grooves at a level 7.”

The Z Flip starts picking up damage at level 2 and more significantly at 3, which is on par with the plastic screens of the Galaxy Fold and more recent Motorola Razr. “This screen is in no way scratch resistant whatsoever,” Nelson says near the end of the video. At the end of the clip, he begins poking holes in the screen that make the OLED panel go on the fritz — but there’s no sign of any glass fracturing.

At the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung was categorical that it was glass. My colleague Dieter Bohn pressed Samsung representatives for more information on who Samsung’s partner is for manufacturing it, how it was made to bend, and what processes were applied to the glass. At the time, Samsung declined to comment on all those questions. But the company offered a response when we asked for comment on this story.

Galaxy Z Flip features an Infinity Flex Display with Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) to deliver a sleek, premium look and offer an immersive viewing experience,” a spokesperson said by email. “Samsung’s first-of-its-kind UTG technology is different from other Galaxy flagship devices. While the display does bend, it should be handled with care. Also, Galaxy Z Flip has a protective layer on top of the UTG similar to Galaxy Fold.

Is Samsung trying to say that we’re only seeing scratches on the outer protective layer? Those look pretty deep and permanent, but it’s possible. This is the layer Samsung is talking about:

We asked Samsung if it planned to offer a screen replacement service for the Z Flip as it did with the Galaxy Fold. It will. Z Flip buyers can get a one-time screen replacement for $119, Samsung says. In addition, you can also get a specialized screen protector designed for the Z Flip for free one time. Here’s the company’s statement on that:

As part of Premier Service, we will offer a one-time free application of a screen protector for the Z Flip at select UBIF [U Break I Fix], Samsung branded locations or by sending it to Samsung Premier Service via mail,” the company added. “The screen protector will be applied by a specialist with the proper equipment to align and apply it. The program is rolling out soon.

Nelson thinks Samsung could be using a hybrid plastic polymer (with microscopic bits of glass mixed in) so it can advertise this display as “glass.” But if it really can be scratched this easily, what seemed like a significant selling point for the $1,380 Galaxy Z Flip is starting to look like overblown marketing.

Crystal Dynamics’ Avengers game was recently on the receiving end of a delay from May to September, but those excited to suit up as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes can now pre-order a few different versions and set themselves up to receive various bonuses. While both the PS4 and Xbox One versions have different editions to choose from that come with several bonuses, PS4 players get a few extra things, including first access to a beta test.

Pre-ordering the standard edition gives you a Marvel Legacy Nameplate, the Marvel Legacy Outfit Pack, featuring costumes from each of the heroes’ early days, and online beta access. The Deluxe Edition gives you 72-hour early access to the full game, the Obsidian Nameplate Pack, and the Obsidian Outfit Pack for the heroes. The physical version of the Deluxe Edition also includes a one-month subscription to Marvel Unlimited. The Earth’s Mightiest Edition includes all the perks of the other editions, plus a steelbook case, a 12-inch statue of Captain America, a Hulk bobblehead, a Mjölnir keychain, Black Widow’s belt buckle, Iron Man’s prototype armor blueprint, Kamala Khan’s Avenger pin, and a group photo of the team.

Those who pre-order the Exclusive Digital Edition on PS4 can play the beta before Xbox One players, and receive an Avengers-themed dynamic theme for their system. PS4 players also get a special Ms. Marvel emote. You also get 1,000 credits to spend on customization items, as well as a Ms. Marvel nameplate.

Avengers launches on PS4 and Xbox One on September 4. To learn more, check out our hands-on impressions of the opening sequence.

[Source: PlayStation Blog, Square Enix]

Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving, faster than walking, and cheaper than a few months’ worth of MetroCards. But getting started can be intimidating. If you’re interested in riding to work, you may wonder how you’ll carry your stuff, where you’ll store your bike, what to do if it rains, and, most importantly, what type of bike you should buy.

To demystify the process, we spoke with bike store owners, retailers, and bike commuting advocates. They explained what features to look for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend. While a top-of-the-line, aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand, the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting bike in the $350–$750 range. But be wary of anything much cheaper, as they’ll likely have lower-quality parts that will wear out more quickly. Read on for their 16 picks for the best commuter bikes (most are available in men’s and women’s versions) on the market. Because these bikes are all so different, and each rider will have their own specific needs, we organized the suggestions by category — hybrid, upright, and folding — as opposed to choosing one best overall model.

Best hybrid commuter bikes

Jamis Coda S3

The experts we spoke with recommend “hybrids” as the best commuting bikes for most people because they offer some of the speed of a road bike, along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright bike (more on uprights to come). Alex Gonzalez, a sales specialist in action sports at REI Soho, describes hybrids as “a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike.” The tires are somewhere in between the narrow, smooth tires of a road bike and the wide, nubby tires of a mountain bike, and the frame is going to let you sit upright, in a more “relaxed” position than if you were sitting on a road bike. Susi Wunsch, the founder of bicycling lifestyle website Velojoy, says that “a hybrid will be more versatile, especially if you’re riding for both commuting to work and fitness on weekends. It’ll also be a little bit lighter and faster.” Instead of the wide handles you’d find on an upright bike, hybrids generally have a flat handlebar that allows for a more active riding position, and the ability to accommodate add-ons like fenders and racks (if they don’t already come with these attached).

The Coda, a sport hybrid, comes recommended by Rich Conroy, the director of education at Bike New York, who says it’s a commuting bike that’s durable enough for city streets. The steel frame won’t be as lightweight as that of an aluminum-frame bike, but he says that for the price, you’ll get a solid bike strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting.

Giant Escape 3

The least expensive hybrid on our list (by about $20), this Giant bicycle is another simple but solid commuter bike that won’t break the bank, according to Andrew Crooks, the owner of bike shop NYC Velo, who says it’s a “really good value.” Notably, it’s got the lighter-weight aluminum frame you’d find on more expensive racing bikes, and also comes with 21 gears, so you’ll have a lot of options for customizing the ride and adapting to the terrain.

Specialized Alibi

Due to potholes and bumpy roads, flat tires are one of the most common issues city commuters face — and one that can mean showing up to work late. The eight-speed Alibi, which also has an aluminum frame, was a top pick for both John Keoshgerian of Zen Bike and Bicycle Habitat’s Charlie McCorkell because of one very cool feature: its semi-solid tires never go flat. “This resonates with new commuters,” according to Keoshgerian. “If they don’t want to be bothered with pumping a tire, a flatproof bike is pretty darn good.”

Pure Cycles Urban Commuter Bike

Gonzalez says this eight-speed bike from Pure Cycles is a “great bike for commuters,” mainly because it’s so hard to find a solid bike with disk brakes at this price point. “Disk brakes are much smoother than traditional rim brakes, and great for stopping,” he says, adding that disk brakes generally require less maintenance. This bike uses mechanical disk brakes as opposed to hydraulic disk brakes, which are more advanced but also more expensive. It has a steel frame, so it won’t be as lightweight as an aluminum-frame bike, but Gonzalez and the other experts told us that many commuters prefer steel because it’s better at bearing weight and more durable.

Kona Dew

Crooks told us that Kona makes some great commuter bikes, and for a midpriced option, he recommends a bike from its Dew line. “Kona is an old-school mountain-bike company,” he says, adding that he likes how it has “translated a lot of the durability of their mountain bikes over to the hybrid.” Like the Pure Cycles bike above, this one is an eight-speed with mechanical disk brakes. But the Kona has a lighter-weight aluminum frame.

Specialized CrossTrail — Hydraulic Disc

For a slightly higher price, you can get an aluminum-frame hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes, which work to stop the wheel with a pressurized fluid. “It’s the same fluid that your car uses to brake,” explains Jonnie Ling of the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon. Ling told us that while either form of disc brake is going to be better than a rim brake, hydraulic discs are “more powerful and responsive,” and don’t require as much pressure to activate. Hydraulic disc brakes are also fully sealed, which is one reason why Keoshgerian calls them a “crucial, New York City must-have” for dealing with bad weather and uneven roads. He likes that the CrossTrail incorporates this feature while still being a relatively affordable bike.

Cannondale Quick CX 3

Unlike mountain bikes, hybrids don’t typically feature shock absorbers. That’s why Gonzalez is a fan of the aluminum-frame Cannondale Quick CX 3. “The front shocks are good if you aren’t riding on smooth pavement; they absorb the imperfections of the road.” He adds, “It would be great for people who need to take trails or cut through a park” on their way to work. (It also has 16 gears to help “climb bridges and hills.”) Between the front shocks, gear range, and wide textured tires, this hybrid should be able to keep up with most mountain bikes.

Surly Cross-Check

It might seem counterintuitive for a steel-frame hybrid to be the most expensive option on this list, especially considering that another steel-frame hybrid in the roundup is the least expensive. But, echoing some of his fellow experts, Crooks told us that most hardcore city bikers actually prefer steel. “Steel bikes are basically universal among the employees at NYC Velo,” he says, noting that the material is more “flexible” than aluminum, making it naturally shock absorbent and, as we discussed before, extremely durable. For shorter distances and light-to-average use, the comparatively lower maintenance and lighter weight of aluminum will be better, but if you want something truly built to last, you might be better off with steel. Crooks says that while this model is expensive, the price is justified by the especially “high-quality steel and components.” It’s also “super utilitarian,” he says, adding that it “has a bunch of mounts for any bag or rack.”

Best upright commuter bikes

Public Bikes V7 seven-speed city bike

Generally called “upright” bikes or “cruiser” bikes, this style prioritizes comfort, so many of the bike commuters we spoke to say people prefer them for shorter trips. As Crooks explains, with these bikes “you’re sitting in a position that is comfortable. You’re fairly upright and not straining your back or your neck to look at traffic signals, cars, or other road users.” When it comes to choosing an upright bike, Wunsch recommends one with multiple gears, like this classic-looking seven-speed bike from Public, to give you some options when you hit any hills.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3

Opting for a single-speed bike may save you some cash, but since most commutes involve hills or bridges, Conroy agrees that a multiple-gear style would be better for regular commuting. If seven speeds seem like too many, the Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike with an internally geared hub that he recommends. According to Conroy, it “looks like a single speed, but all the gears are inside the hub. The chain doesn’t move when you switch gears, so it’s easy to operate and maintain, and it looks nice.”

Linus Dutchi 1

Wunsch likes step-through upright bikes with low top tubes because she says the design allows for more modesty and comfort — especially for those wearing skirts or dresses to work. If you’re looking for a step-through, she says this “Dutch-style upright bike is the most basic, sturdy, and least complicated [type]; best for riding on mostly flat terrain and shorter distances.”

Linus Roadster Sport

The Linus Roadster is a stylish upright bike that McCorkell likes for riders who want to prioritize comfort and style over speed. He recommends upright bikes for those seeking what he calls the “retro urban style” — or bikes resembling the European models of the ’60s and ’70s that have been updated and modernized so they aren’t as heavy. The Roadster Sport also comes fully decked out with a rack for carrying your stuff and fenders to protect you and your bike from dirty, wet streets.

Best folding commuter bikes

Brompton M6L folding bike

City commuters love the convenience of space-saving folding bikes, but a smooth and easy-to-use folding mechanism can be an investment. When it comes to folding commuting bikes, Brompton makes the hands-down favorite among our experts, four of whom recommend its top-of-the line model. It was also the top pick of Streetsblog editor Gersh Kuntzman, who tested out a variety of folding bikes for us. While the Brompton is pricey, Kuntzman found that it was truly the best around. As he puts it, “Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness.” Conroy agrees: “If money is no object, go with a Brompton. They’re really well-made folding bikes that fold up to nothing.” Crooks, also a Brompton fan, says the bike’s “utility allows a much easier way to do a multi-modal commute: You can take a folding bike on the train during rush hour without bothering your commuting peers and then unfold the bike in a matter of seconds and complete your commute.” And McCorkell says that watching it seamlessly fold up is “a visual experience.”

Made in England, Brompton bikes are extremely well-constructed, according to Crooks, who says that “all the things that typically fail [on other folding bikes], like hinges, are bombproof on the Brompton.” He adds that, unlike other folding bikes that “typically still need an additional bag or strap” to carry around, “Bromptons fully fold into themselves and are designed with miniature wheels so you can glide them along even while folded up.” One more convenient feature is the fact that the bike can support itself when folded. “You fold it halfway and it becomes its own kickstand,” says Gonzalez.

Dahon Launch D8

For a less expensive alternative to the Brompton, Wunsch recommends Dahon folding bikes, and Kuntzman’s testing backed that up: the Dahon Launch D8 was his “runner-up.” In his review, Kuntzman describes the D8 as pared down, without fenders or a rear rack, but says it has a “sexy yet sturdy aluminum frame” and performs well where it counts most. Notably, it “folds up smoothly and compacts to half its size with magnets that hold the wheels together,” and it was the only model he tested with disc brakes.

Tern Link C8 folding bike

Generally known for their folding electric bikes, manufacturer Tern also makes regular folding bikes. For something even more budget-friendly, Keoshgerian recommends Tern’s entry-level models like this C8. While still not cheap, it is nearly half the price of the Brompton.

Giant Expressway folding bike

The least expensive folding bike for commuting recommended by our experts is the Giant Expressway. Crooks says that “by nature of the frame design — the top tube is very low — most people can ride them, so it’s good for people who have trouble fitting on other bikes.” It also made our list of the best folding bikes. Of it, Kuntzman says “it performed the most like a real bike” of all the models tested, and that it has a “strong, proprietary Aluxx aluminum frame that provides extra support when riding up a steep incline.”

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With the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s newest season comes a bounty of new maps, guns, and more fun for fans looking to extend their time with Infinity Ward’s multiplayer suite. Join me as I test out all the new additions to Season 2 and attempt to balance killstreaks with talking with the chat.

We went live earlier today, but fear not, for you can still watch the archive of the show above. Enjoying the streams? You can subscribe over on YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, Twitter, or Facebook to get notified when we go live in the future! Thanks for watching!

The faculty at the University of Michigan’s computer science and engineering department wrote a letter calling for professor Jason Mars to take a leave of absence, following an investigation from The Verge into his behavior as CEO of Clinc, an AI startup with ties to the school.

“On behalf of the entire CSE community, we vehemently condemn the alleged conduct, which violates not only the high standards to which we hold ourselves at Michigan but basic tenets of human decency,” they wrote. “The Computer Science and Engineering faculty calls on Professor Mars to immediately take a leave of absence, until a full account of his behavior can be known.”

Michigan’s School of Information also said it was suspending its recruiting relationship with Clinc due to Mars’ alleged conduct. In a separate email Friday morning, a school administrator wrote “…our judgement is that Clinc does not meet UMSI’s expectations as a professional work environment.” The administrator also said the department would “periodically evaluate conditions at Clinc” to see if it made sense to reopen the recruiting relationship.

The allegations outlined in The Verge’s investigation centered on Mars’ role as CEO of Clinc, an AI company in Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to 13 current and former employees, Mars has allegedly engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct with Clinc employees and clients. Two of these allegations resulted in employees filing legal claims against the company. Clinc investigated these claims, and while they concluded that “certain events that were alleged did not happen as claimed,” Mars stepped down as CEO.

In his resignation letter, Mars admitted to drinking too much, partying with employees, and failing to set proper boundaries. “I’ve learned a hard lesson about seeing my employees as friends,” he said.

The Verge’s article highlighted one instance where Mars’ lack of boundary setting prompted a PhD student to complain to the school. In 2017, while the student was interning at Clinc, Mars allegedly made inappropriate sexual comments about the student’s girlfriend, who was a recent graduate of the University of Michigan and an employee at the company. According to the PhD student’s notes, Mars said she had a “nice ass” and asked if she “shaved.” He also said, “She can sit on my face.”

The student brought these allegations to the head of the computer science department, yet ultimately decided not to file an official complaint for fear that Mars would learn he was involved. He later dropped out of his PhD program, and the following year Mars got tenure.

When The Verge initially asked the University of Michigan about whether it would going to take disciplinary action against Mars in light of these allegations, the school said “Jason Mars is an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering. His employment status has not changed.”

On Friday, the dean of the college of engineering, Dr. Alec D. Gallimore, wrote a letter to the department, saying: “We have been and continue to review these matters carefully…Although I do not have details to share today, I want to assure you that we will address these matters and take action as appropriate. We are working toward solutions to not only address immediate issues, but that also support a culture of respect within the entire College.”

Today’s full statement from the computer science faculty is below:

The faculty of the Computer Science and Engineering division is shocked and outraged by the alleged behavior of our colleague Jason Mars in his role as CEO of Clinc, which was reported yesterday by The Verge. On behalf of the entire CSE community, we vehemently condemn the alleged conduct, which violates not only the high standards to which we hold ourselves at Michigan but basic tenets of human decency.

The Computer Science and Engineering faculty calls on Professor Mars to immediately take a leave of absence, until a full account of his behavior can be known.

Should students or anyone else have information that is relevant to the faculty’s understanding of Professor Mars’s conduct at Michigan, or any similar misconduct by others, we urge them to come forward. Avenues for reporting, including anonymously, are available at https://cse.engin.umich.edu/about/reporting-concerns-and-misconduct/

Update February 14th, 7:00PM ET: This article has been updated to include a statement from the dean of the college of engineering at the University of Michigan.

HQ, which made the once-popular HQ Trivia app, is shutting down and laying off its 25 employees, according to CNN Business.

HQ CEO Rus Yusupov reportedly sent a note to employees announcing that HQ would cease operations. In the note, he said that there had been an offer “from an established business” to acquire HQ that had a closing date of tomorrow, but that the potential acquirer “suddenly changed their position.” You can read the full note below:

The HQ Trivia app launched in 2017 and quickly became a huge hit in part due to the novel live nature of the game, its real cash prizes, and because of popular host Scott Rogowsky. Over time, though, the app slowly started to lose popularity and even its host: Rogowsky announced last April that he would be leaving to host a baseball show on sports streaming service DAZN.

HQ also tried a variety of ideas to keep users engaged with HQ Trivia, such as extra lives for playing multiple games in a row and an in-person event with a $10,000 prize. And in 2018, HQ released a second live game, a Wheel of Fortune-style game called HQ Words. But it seems the company’s efforts weren’t enough to keep users interested in its games after the novelty wore off.

The company was founded by two co-founders of Vine, Yusupov and Colin Kroll. Kroll, who was formerly HQ’s CEO, died of an accidental drug overdose in December 2018.

Welcome to the newest episode of The Game Informer Show aka the Leocast! This week, Leo Vader takes the reins and is joined by Jeff Cork, Joe Juba, and I to chat about why the new third-person shooter Outriders had them buzzing after visiting People Can Fly’s studio in Poland.

After dissecting Outrider’s gaming goodness, we examine the latest Anthem news out of Bioware and discuss if it can become the game we were all hoping it would with the studio going dark to create a clearer vision of the sci-fi shooter.

Wrapping up the show, we rope Dan Tack into the madness and tackle a huge community email section that had us in stitches and questioning our sanity all the way through.

Thanks for listening! Please make sure to leave feedback below, share the episode if you enjoyed it, and follow @therealandymc, @leovader, or me at @Studnik76 to let us know what you think. 

You can watch the video above, subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes or Google Play, listen on SoundCloud, stream it on Spotify, or download the MP3 at the bottom of the page. Also, be sure to send your questions to podcast@gameinformer.com for a chance to have them answered on the show.

Our thanks to the talented Super Marcato Bros. for The Game Informer Show’s intro song. You can hear more of their original tunes and awesome video game music podcast at their website.

To jump to a particular point in the discussion, check out the time stamps below.

Outriders: 2:02
Anthem: 25:30
Community Emails: 35:17

Facebook has canceled its upcoming global marketing conference out of caution for the coronavirus outbreak, according to Reuters. The conference was set to take place in March at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, and 4,000 people were expected to attend.

“Our priority is the health and safety of our teams, so out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled our Global Marketing Summit due to evolving public health risks related to coronavirus,” said a Facebook spokesperson in a statement to The Verge.

Facebook canceling its global marketing conference comes on the heels of this week’s cancellation of Mobile World Congress, also due to coronavirus concerns. In the days leading up to MWC’s cancelation, several vendors, including LG, Ericsson, Nvidia, Intel, Vivo, Sony, Amazon, NTT Docomo, Cisco, Nokia, BT, and HMD, all pulled out from the show over fears of endangering attendees.

Coronavirus has infected more than 49,000 people to date, and 1,383 people have died so far from the disease. It has had wide-ranging effects on the tech industry, including store closures, production shortages, and manufacturing delays. Right now, the virus does not seem to be spreading widely in other countries besides China, and the World Health Organization has not made a recommendation to cancel meetings outside of China.

You can read all of The Verge’s coverage of coronavirus right here.

Update February 14th, 8:59PM ET: Added statement provided by Facebook.