Police are hunting the driver of the lorry that ploughed into a busy Christmas market in Berlin as Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
The terrorist group said one of its "soldiers" carried out Monday evening's deadly crash "in response to calls for targeting citizens of the crusader coalition".
It comes as officers released without charge the only person arrested over the atrocity - a Pakistani asylum seeker.
Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to link him to the rampage in which 12 people were killed in the German capital.
The decision to free him means the main suspect, who is believed to be armed, is still on the loose.
Witnesses were able to follow the truck's driver from the scene but lost track of the perpetrator.
The arrested man, who denied any involvement, matched descriptions of the driver, according to prosecutors.
But investigators have not been able to prove he was in the truck's cab at the time of the crash.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Berlin lorry attack: Italian woman feared to be among victims
There are fears that a missing Italian woman could have been one of the victims of the deadly Berlin lorry attack.
Relatives and friends of 31-year-old Fabrizia Di Lorenzo have appealed on social media for information about her.
The woman's mobile phone and travel card were found at the scene of Monday evening's Christmas market atrocity in which 12 people were killed and 48 wounded.
She did not turn up for work on Tuesday and her mother and brother have reportedly travelled to the German city to give their DNA to authorities.
The woman's tearful father, Gaetano, was reported as saying: "There should be no doubt, waiting for confirmation, but I have no illusions."
Ms Di Lorenzo, who comes from the Italian town of Sulmona in Abruzzo, works for a transport company in Berlin.
Her cousin, who uses the name @thebitstreamer on Twitter, put out an appeal for help after the crash.
She said: "#Berlin. my cousin (Fabrizia Di Lorenzo) not replying to us since yesterday night. Some1 found her phone and metro pass on the site. #help."
The Italian ambassador to Berlin, Pietro Benassi, reportedly said: "We are looking for a person and have reasons to be concerned."
A manhunt is under way for the driver of the lorry after a suspect - a 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker - was released due to lack of evidence.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Six of the victims were German, while the nationalities of the others have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
A Polish man, who was thought to be the original driver of the truck before it was reportedly hijacked, was found shot dead in the cab.
Meanwhile, there are fears for an Israeli woman who is still missing. Her husband, aged in his 60s, was injured in the attack.
Relatives and friends of 31-year-old Fabrizia Di Lorenzo have appealed on social media for information about her.
The woman's mobile phone and travel card were found at the scene of Monday evening's Christmas market atrocity in which 12 people were killed and 48 wounded.
She did not turn up for work on Tuesday and her mother and brother have reportedly travelled to the German city to give their DNA to authorities.
The woman's tearful father, Gaetano, was reported as saying: "There should be no doubt, waiting for confirmation, but I have no illusions."
Ms Di Lorenzo, who comes from the Italian town of Sulmona in Abruzzo, works for a transport company in Berlin.
Her cousin, who uses the name @thebitstreamer on Twitter, put out an appeal for help after the crash.
She said: "#Berlin. my cousin (Fabrizia Di Lorenzo) not replying to us since yesterday night. Some1 found her phone and metro pass on the site. #help."
The Italian ambassador to Berlin, Pietro Benassi, reportedly said: "We are looking for a person and have reasons to be concerned."
A manhunt is under way for the driver of the lorry after a suspect - a 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker - was released due to lack of evidence.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Six of the victims were German, while the nationalities of the others have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
A Polish man, who was thought to be the original driver of the truck before it was reportedly hijacked, was found shot dead in the cab.
Meanwhile, there are fears for an Israeli woman who is still missing. Her husband, aged in his 60s, was injured in the attack.
Review: Apple’s AirPod Wireless Earbuds
The good: Easy setup, comfortable, Automatically pauses music when you remove a bud
The bad: Expensive, Looks awkward when you’re wearing them, Limited playback controls
Who should buy: Applefans willing to splurge on tangle-free earbuds
When Apple launched the iPhone 7 this year, one controversial move stood out: The Cupertino, Calif.’s flagship smartphone no longer features a headphone jack. Instead, users connect older headphones to the phone’s port via an adapter, use the included earbuds that connect the same way, or opt for wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Using Bluetooth headphones, however, can be a pain. Pairing them can be a nightmare, and signals sometimes drop in the middle of a call or a song. Apple’s attempt to fix those problems is now available in the form of AirPods, $159 wireless headphones that, thanks to the company’s unique technology, instantly pair with a nearby iPhone. AirPods also have sensors allowing them to automatically mute a song when one bud is removed, while two taps on the side activate Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
After an uncharacteristic delay that lasted over a month, Apple’s AirPods went up for sale in early December. I’ve been using them for several days, and have found that they offer a reliable and consistent wireless experience, but little else that make them worth the price.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to use Apple’s AirPods:
Setup, Comfort, and Design
The AirPods’ most compelling feature, as I wrote in September, is how simple they are to set up. As soon as I opened the case’s lid, a small window appeared on my iPhone’s home screen indicating that the earbuds had successfully paired with my phone. This pop-up also shows the remaining battery life in each bud, as well as in their case, which has an internal battery that extends the AirPods’ lifespan. The graphic appeared almost instantly whenever I flipped open the AirPod’s case while on the home screen, but I noticed some sluggishness when my iPhone was locked. Still, the near-instant pairing makes Apple’s AirPods stand out from the other Bluetooth earbuds on the market today.
Apple’s new headphones are just about as comfortable as its traditional wired buds, save for one important difference: they’re actually enjoyable to wear during a run. I usually hate wearing any type of earbud while exercising — no matter how tightly I insert them, they always feel loose and tend to pop out. This wasn’t the case with the AirPods, which I wore during a 40-minute run without having to adjust a single time. I also find them to be more comfortable for extended use than most in-ear headphones, which are meant to be worn deeper in the ear canal and block more external noise.
As with Apple’s traditional buds, the AirPods don’t include multiple tips in different sizes. That means buyers can’t adjust their fit to match their ear size and shape — so if Apple earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for you, the AirPods probably won’t work well either. If that’s a deal breaker, try checking out the Powerbeats3, which also include the Apple chip that allows for instantaneous connections. (Read our list of alternative wireless earbuds here.)
Comfort is important, of course, but when it comes to anything worn on your body, so are aesthetics. That’s where the AirPods fall short. The bottom portion of the AirPods stem out from the ear when being worn, resulting in an awkward look that you might find uncomfortable. If AirPods take off and become more common, of course, this weirdness factor may wear off.
Audio Quality, Siri, and Battery Life
Of course, sound is the most important quality for any audio equipment. Apple’s AirPods are sure to please casual listeners looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds. Unless you’re a hardcore audiophile, the rich, clear sound quality will be more than satisfactory. Through the AirPods, music sounded well-balanced, with just enough bass to add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Importantly, the sound never cut out, which is a problem reviewers have cited with other wireless headphones. This also held true whenever I answered a phone call wearing the AirPods, even if my iPhone was stored in a back pocket. This could be thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, the tech that also enables the lightning-fast pairing.
Still, the audio quality wasn’t much better than what Apple’s wired EarPods offer, which come included with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus for no extra charge. In fact, the standard EarPods sounded a bit louder than the AirPods during my testing. I also noticed that the Apple’s wireless headphones produce some white noise when the microphones are activated, which can be distracting during a phone conversation.
Still, the audio was loud enough to efficiently drown out most of the noise on a crowded subway platform. These aren’t true noise-cancelling headphones, so look elsewhere if you’d like that kind of experience. But I didn’t find myself struggling to hear music in crowded spaces while wearing the AirPods.
A common knock against Apple’s wired EarPods is that they don’t last very long. After a few months of heavy use, one of the buds will sometimes stop working. Hopefully, more premium and costly earbuds like the AirPods shouldn’t have that issue, but I haven’t used them long enough to find out.
A big advantage the AirPods have over Apple’s standard wired buds is in their ability to detect when they’re in an ear, and when they’re taken out. This makes it possible to automatically pause music by removing a single bud, which can be handy when you need to quickly listen to what’s happening in your environment, whether it’s an unexpected announcement from your train conductor or a tourist asking for directions.
Two quick taps of either AirPod, meanwhile, will activate Siri, Apple’s digital aide. I found that two quick taps often worked best; if there’s a longer pause in between presses, Siri wouldn’t answer. You can ask Siri the same types of questions and issue similar commands as you would using EarPods, such as skipping a song, getting directions home, and asking it to play a specific playlist. Microphones on the AirPods help Siri hear your requests while your phone is tucked away. This double tap command can also be configured to play or pause music instead of summoning Siri, but unfortunately, you can’t have both.
The AirPods’ carrying case, which is about the same size as a pack of dental floss, charges the buds, meaning I didn’t have to worry about them running out of juice. After four full days of use, the case was down to 12%. I never listened to the AirPods for more than an hour at a time without returning them to their charging holster, so the headphones’ battery level was usually between 90 and 100% during my testing. Apple claims the AirPods should be able to offer five hours of playback before their battery depletes.
Conclusion
With the AirPods, Apple has created a pair of wireless headphones without significant compromises, provided you’re not obsessed with top-quality sound. Certain features, like the quick-pairing and removing a bud to pause audio, show that Apple focused on practical ways to improve the earbud experience.
But I wish the AirPods did more for the price. It’s asking a lot to pay $159 for headphones that offer a similar experience in terms of audio quality and Siri functionality as the EarPods that come with every new iPhone. (Apple will charge you another $69 for a replacement AirPod if you happen to lose one.) Yes, $159 is cheaper than most wireless earbuds, like Samsung’s Gear Icon X($199.99), and the Bragi Dash ($299). But both of those devices offer more functionality, like fitness tracking, more playback controls, and internal storage for playing music when your phone isn’t nearby. While I enjoyed using the AirPods, I would have loved them if I could tap them to skip a track or adjust the volume. That small addition would make the AirPods just about perfect, especially for the price.
The bad: Expensive, Looks awkward when you’re wearing them, Limited playback controls
Who should buy: Applefans willing to splurge on tangle-free earbuds
When Apple launched the iPhone 7 this year, one controversial move stood out: The Cupertino, Calif.’s flagship smartphone no longer features a headphone jack. Instead, users connect older headphones to the phone’s port via an adapter, use the included earbuds that connect the same way, or opt for wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Using Bluetooth headphones, however, can be a pain. Pairing them can be a nightmare, and signals sometimes drop in the middle of a call or a song. Apple’s attempt to fix those problems is now available in the form of AirPods, $159 wireless headphones that, thanks to the company’s unique technology, instantly pair with a nearby iPhone. AirPods also have sensors allowing them to automatically mute a song when one bud is removed, while two taps on the side activate Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
After an uncharacteristic delay that lasted over a month, Apple’s AirPods went up for sale in early December. I’ve been using them for several days, and have found that they offer a reliable and consistent wireless experience, but little else that make them worth the price.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to use Apple’s AirPods:
Setup, Comfort, and Design
The AirPods’ most compelling feature, as I wrote in September, is how simple they are to set up. As soon as I opened the case’s lid, a small window appeared on my iPhone’s home screen indicating that the earbuds had successfully paired with my phone. This pop-up also shows the remaining battery life in each bud, as well as in their case, which has an internal battery that extends the AirPods’ lifespan. The graphic appeared almost instantly whenever I flipped open the AirPod’s case while on the home screen, but I noticed some sluggishness when my iPhone was locked. Still, the near-instant pairing makes Apple’s AirPods stand out from the other Bluetooth earbuds on the market today.
Apple’s new headphones are just about as comfortable as its traditional wired buds, save for one important difference: they’re actually enjoyable to wear during a run. I usually hate wearing any type of earbud while exercising — no matter how tightly I insert them, they always feel loose and tend to pop out. This wasn’t the case with the AirPods, which I wore during a 40-minute run without having to adjust a single time. I also find them to be more comfortable for extended use than most in-ear headphones, which are meant to be worn deeper in the ear canal and block more external noise.
As with Apple’s traditional buds, the AirPods don’t include multiple tips in different sizes. That means buyers can’t adjust their fit to match their ear size and shape — so if Apple earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for you, the AirPods probably won’t work well either. If that’s a deal breaker, try checking out the Powerbeats3, which also include the Apple chip that allows for instantaneous connections. (Read our list of alternative wireless earbuds here.)
Comfort is important, of course, but when it comes to anything worn on your body, so are aesthetics. That’s where the AirPods fall short. The bottom portion of the AirPods stem out from the ear when being worn, resulting in an awkward look that you might find uncomfortable. If AirPods take off and become more common, of course, this weirdness factor may wear off.
Audio Quality, Siri, and Battery Life
Of course, sound is the most important quality for any audio equipment. Apple’s AirPods are sure to please casual listeners looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds. Unless you’re a hardcore audiophile, the rich, clear sound quality will be more than satisfactory. Through the AirPods, music sounded well-balanced, with just enough bass to add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Importantly, the sound never cut out, which is a problem reviewers have cited with other wireless headphones. This also held true whenever I answered a phone call wearing the AirPods, even if my iPhone was stored in a back pocket. This could be thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, the tech that also enables the lightning-fast pairing.
Still, the audio quality wasn’t much better than what Apple’s wired EarPods offer, which come included with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus for no extra charge. In fact, the standard EarPods sounded a bit louder than the AirPods during my testing. I also noticed that the Apple’s wireless headphones produce some white noise when the microphones are activated, which can be distracting during a phone conversation.
Still, the audio was loud enough to efficiently drown out most of the noise on a crowded subway platform. These aren’t true noise-cancelling headphones, so look elsewhere if you’d like that kind of experience. But I didn’t find myself struggling to hear music in crowded spaces while wearing the AirPods.
A common knock against Apple’s wired EarPods is that they don’t last very long. After a few months of heavy use, one of the buds will sometimes stop working. Hopefully, more premium and costly earbuds like the AirPods shouldn’t have that issue, but I haven’t used them long enough to find out.
A big advantage the AirPods have over Apple’s standard wired buds is in their ability to detect when they’re in an ear, and when they’re taken out. This makes it possible to automatically pause music by removing a single bud, which can be handy when you need to quickly listen to what’s happening in your environment, whether it’s an unexpected announcement from your train conductor or a tourist asking for directions.
Two quick taps of either AirPod, meanwhile, will activate Siri, Apple’s digital aide. I found that two quick taps often worked best; if there’s a longer pause in between presses, Siri wouldn’t answer. You can ask Siri the same types of questions and issue similar commands as you would using EarPods, such as skipping a song, getting directions home, and asking it to play a specific playlist. Microphones on the AirPods help Siri hear your requests while your phone is tucked away. This double tap command can also be configured to play or pause music instead of summoning Siri, but unfortunately, you can’t have both.
The AirPods’ carrying case, which is about the same size as a pack of dental floss, charges the buds, meaning I didn’t have to worry about them running out of juice. After four full days of use, the case was down to 12%. I never listened to the AirPods for more than an hour at a time without returning them to their charging holster, so the headphones’ battery level was usually between 90 and 100% during my testing. Apple claims the AirPods should be able to offer five hours of playback before their battery depletes.
Conclusion
With the AirPods, Apple has created a pair of wireless headphones without significant compromises, provided you’re not obsessed with top-quality sound. Certain features, like the quick-pairing and removing a bud to pause audio, show that Apple focused on practical ways to improve the earbud experience.
But I wish the AirPods did more for the price. It’s asking a lot to pay $159 for headphones that offer a similar experience in terms of audio quality and Siri functionality as the EarPods that come with every new iPhone. (Apple will charge you another $69 for a replacement AirPod if you happen to lose one.) Yes, $159 is cheaper than most wireless earbuds, like Samsung’s Gear Icon X($199.99), and the Bragi Dash ($299). But both of those devices offer more functionality, like fitness tracking, more playback controls, and internal storage for playing music when your phone isn’t nearby. While I enjoyed using the AirPods, I would have loved them if I could tap them to skip a track or adjust the volume. That small addition would make the AirPods just about perfect, especially for the price.
Security reviewed across UK after Berlin Christmas market attack
One of London's most popular tourist attractions will be protected by strict road closures as police in the UK react to the attack in Berlin.
Twelve people died after a lorry ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital on Monday night in what is assumed to be a terror attack.
It came just hours after Russia's ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov was shot dead at a photography exhibition in Ankara.
On Tuesday evening, London's Metropolitan Police announced that planned road closures for the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace would take place from Wednesday.
In a statement, police said that due to the event's "high profile" in an "iconic location", and because it had "a substantial military presence" and attracted large crowds, "the closures were a necessary precaution".
Police added that the road closures were "a precautionary measure and not in relation to any specific intelligence".
The three-month trial will see Constitution Hill, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Spur Road, Link Road and The Mall up to the junction with Marlborough Road closed to vehicles between 10.45am and 12.30pm on the days of the Changing of the Guard at the palace.
Police said security at other events in the UK over Christmas and New Year is also being reviewed following the attacks in Berlin and Ankara, saying there are "detailed plans for protecting public events over the Christmas and New Year period".
:: Merkel believes it was 'terror attack'
The force said: "These already recognise that the threat level is at 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, and have considered a range of threats, including the use of large vehicles.
"As a matter of routine, as a precaution, we review our plans after attacks overseas, and we are doing so at present following the awful incidents in Berlin and Ankara."
Twelve people died after a lorry ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital on Monday night in what is assumed to be a terror attack.
It came just hours after Russia's ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov was shot dead at a photography exhibition in Ankara.
On Tuesday evening, London's Metropolitan Police announced that planned road closures for the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace would take place from Wednesday.
In a statement, police said that due to the event's "high profile" in an "iconic location", and because it had "a substantial military presence" and attracted large crowds, "the closures were a necessary precaution".
Police added that the road closures were "a precautionary measure and not in relation to any specific intelligence".
The three-month trial will see Constitution Hill, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Spur Road, Link Road and The Mall up to the junction with Marlborough Road closed to vehicles between 10.45am and 12.30pm on the days of the Changing of the Guard at the palace.
Police said security at other events in the UK over Christmas and New Year is also being reviewed following the attacks in Berlin and Ankara, saying there are "detailed plans for protecting public events over the Christmas and New Year period".
:: Merkel believes it was 'terror attack'
The force said: "These already recognise that the threat level is at 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, and have considered a range of threats, including the use of large vehicles.
"As a matter of routine, as a precaution, we review our plans after attacks overseas, and we are doing so at present following the awful incidents in Berlin and Ankara."
Berlin market lorry attack: Only suspect held released
The only suspect held after Monday's deadly lorry attack on a Berlin Christmas market has been released, prosecutors say.
They say they do not have sufficient evidence to pursue the case against the man, who has been identified by media only as Pakistani national Naved B.
The man earlier denied any involvement. He was captured in a park after reportedly fleeing the scene.
The lorry attack left 12 people dead and nearly 50 injured.
They say they do not have sufficient evidence to pursue the case against the man, who has been identified by media only as Pakistani national Naved B.
The man earlier denied any involvement. He was captured in a park after reportedly fleeing the scene.
The lorry attack left 12 people dead and nearly 50 injured.
Christmas strikes by airport staff are cancelled
A 48-hour strike planned by baggage handlers and check-in staff at 18 airports from Friday has been cancelled, says Unite.
Members of Unite employed by Swissport had been due to walk out for the two days before Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year for travellers.
They had voted for industrial action in protest at a 4.65% pay rise over three years but the strikes were called off after Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said a better pay offer had been received.
He said: "I am delighted to report that we have reached an agreement which our shop stewards will recommend to our members."
The airports affected were to include Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Stansted, East Midlands and Belfast.
Aberdeen, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, Luton, Newcastle and Southampton had also expected to be disrupted.
British Airways cabin crew are due to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and talks regarding their dispute - also over pay - are continuing.
Mr McCluskey described progress in those talks as "painfully slow".
The airline has said it still expects to run a full service, however.
Meanwhile, thousands of rail and postal workers continued with industrial action on Tuesday and the discontent could soon spread.
Strikes could spread to London Underground in the New Year, with the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union considering action to protest savings that it says have led to 800 job losses.
Members of Unite employed by Swissport had been due to walk out for the two days before Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year for travellers.
They had voted for industrial action in protest at a 4.65% pay rise over three years but the strikes were called off after Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said a better pay offer had been received.
He said: "I am delighted to report that we have reached an agreement which our shop stewards will recommend to our members."
The airports affected were to include Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Stansted, East Midlands and Belfast.
Aberdeen, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, Luton, Newcastle and Southampton had also expected to be disrupted.
British Airways cabin crew are due to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and talks regarding their dispute - also over pay - are continuing.
Mr McCluskey described progress in those talks as "painfully slow".
The airline has said it still expects to run a full service, however.
Meanwhile, thousands of rail and postal workers continued with industrial action on Tuesday and the discontent could soon spread.
Strikes could spread to London Underground in the New Year, with the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union considering action to protest savings that it says have led to 800 job losses.
Michelle Obama Offers to Help Melania Trump
Michelle Obama’s door is open for incoming First Lady Melania Trump despite their political differences.
In her final White House interview, which aired Monday night on CBS, Obama revealed to Oprah Winfrey what she told Trump in their post-election meeting last month.
“My offer to Melania was, you really don’t know what you don’t know until you’re here, so the door is open, as I’ve told her and as Laura Bush told me and as other first ladies told me,” Obama said. “I’m not new in this ‘going high’ thing. I’m modeling what was done for me by the Bushes. And Laura Bush was nothing but gracious and helpful, and her team was right there for my team all throughout this entire eight-year process.”
Obama and Trump don’t have the smoothest history. Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention plagiarized parts of a speech Obama delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 2008 — a gaffe Obama later joked was “tough.” But Obama says her priority now is helping her successor adjust to her new role.
“We will do whatever they need to help them succeed,” Obama said. “That’s one of the things I said to Melania: ‘When you get to a place where you can digest all of this and you have questions… my door is open.'”
In her final White House interview, which aired Monday night on CBS, Obama revealed to Oprah Winfrey what she told Trump in their post-election meeting last month.
“My offer to Melania was, you really don’t know what you don’t know until you’re here, so the door is open, as I’ve told her and as Laura Bush told me and as other first ladies told me,” Obama said. “I’m not new in this ‘going high’ thing. I’m modeling what was done for me by the Bushes. And Laura Bush was nothing but gracious and helpful, and her team was right there for my team all throughout this entire eight-year process.”
Obama and Trump don’t have the smoothest history. Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention plagiarized parts of a speech Obama delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 2008 — a gaffe Obama later joked was “tough.” But Obama says her priority now is helping her successor adjust to her new role.
“We will do whatever they need to help them succeed,” Obama said. “That’s one of the things I said to Melania: ‘When you get to a place where you can digest all of this and you have questions… my door is open.'”
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