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Nintendo’s Stock Drops After Nintendo Switch Announcement

Reginald Edward
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0
Nintendo’s Stock Drops After Nintendo Switch Announcement

On Friday, Nintendo debuted Nintendo Switch, a new video game system that is a hybrid mix – part tablet and part video game console.

How much does Nintendo Switch cost, you ask? $299. While some Nintendo fans may be excited about the possibility of a portable gaming console, investors are a little bit more skeptical. In fact, following the announcement of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s stock dropped by 6.34%.

Nintendo’s previous video game console launch was the Wii U. The Wii U only sold 13 million units over the course of 5 years, which is a fraction of Wii units sold in the same time period. In fact, when the Wii debuted it was a hit, selling over 100 million units over time.

But, it is worth pointing out that this is just the latest Nintendo announcement that has investors pessimistic about the future of the company. Last December, Nintendo released Super Mario Run. It was essentially a modern day mobile gaming version of the classic “Super Mario” video games. Analysts initially predicted that the company will earn $100 million in the app’s first couple of weeks. However, by mid-December Nintendo’s stock price dropped nearly 8%.

What is the Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo.com

Nintendo’s Switch is the latest video game console following the WiiU. The main features of Nintendo Switch include a tablet that can work as both the gaming console and a portable gaming device, two attachable “Joy-Con” controllers and a docking station to charge the device. All of which making Nintendo Switch a mixture between Nintendo’s classic Game Boy and the Wii. At launch The new gaming system will come with several video games including a new version of The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart, albeit sold separately. 

Nintendo’s future rests highly in preorders and sales. Optimistic investors will have to wait until Switch’s release in March to see if fans are willing to pay $299 for a hybrid gaming device.

Nintendo Reveals Nintendo Switch Pricing, Video Games and More

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Nintendo Reveals Nintendo Switch Pricing, Video Games and More

While Nintendo is still reeling from the release of Super Mario Run, Nintendo announced this week their latest gaming system, Nintendo Switch. The company first announced their new video game console in 2015 under the codename NX. Then on Friday, Nintendo held a live-event revealing intricate details about Switch including upcoming video games, pricing, and how the gaming system will work.

About Nintendo Switch

Following Nintendo’s Wii and then WiiU, the next video game console is a mixture between a tablet computer and a gaming console. The main features included in Nintendo’s Switch includes tablet and “Joy-Con” controllers. These detachable controllers can be attached to the side of the tablet, which allows for the video game console to be played like a modern-day version of their world famous Game Boy. Or, the controllers can be used like an updated version of the Wii-U.

Pricing

Nintendo Switch will be hitting stores on March 3rd and will cost $299. Switch will come with a tablet, two Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con grip and a dock that can connect to a TV and charge the tablet.

Features

While the Nintendo Switch tablet is placed inside the dock, the tablet will be charged and users can play video game system like any traditional video game console like Xbox One or Playstation 4. However, the biggest difference between Nintendo Switch and its competitors is that if a user is interested in playing the video game console on the go, then they can easily remove the tablet from the dock along with the controllers and they are good to go.

In addition, the controllers can also allow for two people to play at one time. Not to mention, Nintendo explains that the battery life for the Nintendo Switch tablet is approximately between two to six hours, depending upon the game. Nintendo also explains that the Switch can also network with other Switch consoles as long as they are connected under the same Wi-Fi network.

Nintendo Switch Games

A video game console could be amazing but, meaningless if there are no games available on the console. To fix that, Nintendo will be releasing two main games this March. The two video games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of Wild and a new video game franchise called 1 2 Switch. 1 2 Switch is described as a reaction based game that allows for two people to play at a time. (You can check out a trailer of 1 2 Switch below.)

In addition, Nintendo will be releasing a video games role-playing fans. I Am Setsuna, a Japanese role-playing game, from Square Enix will also be released this March. It is worth noting that, I Am Setsuna was already released for Playstation 4 last year. Moreover, Ubisoft will be releasing a Just Dance video game for Nintendo Switch.

Then in April, Nintendo revealed that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be released for Switch. Skyrim, NBA2k18 are also expected to become Switch compatible. Nintendo also announced that they will be releasing a paid subscription program to allow for multiplayer service, however, the company the did not reveal how much that service would cost.

32 video games are expected to be released for Nintendo Switch but, presumably more games will be announced as Switch’s release date draws nearer.

Star Wars Will Not “Digitally Recreate” Carrie Fisher

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Star Wars Will Not “Digitally Recreate” Carrie Fisher

Lucasfilm wants to make it clear about the future of their Star Wars movies. In a press release on Friday, Lucasfilm announced that they will not be digitally recreating Carrie Fisher image, likeness or acting performance in future Star Wars movies.

“We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa,” Lucasfilm explained.

“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss,” Lucasfilm added.

Last month, Carrie Fisher died from an apparent stroke. But, following the release of the Star Wars spin-off, Rogue One, controversy was sparked after Carrie Fisher’s character was digitally resurrected in the final moments of the movie. While, Fisher praised the final scene before her death, many fans questioned whether Disney would continue to digitally recreate scenes without Carrie Fisher.

Carrie Fisher Star Wars
Carrie Fisher at the European premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in Leicester Square, London. December 16, 2015 London, UK Picture: James Smith / Featureflash

In addition, many questioned whether actors should protect their image and likeness to prevent other film studios from digitally resurrecting their likeness in future movies. In a report from Daily Mail, celebrities are contacting attorneys to protect their intellectual property rights to prevent their likeness from being digitally recreated as CGI images in feature films, movies or even commercials.

With that being said, Fisher had completed her scenes on Episode VIII before she passed away. In turn, this announcement by Lucasfilm means that either Fisher’s character will no longer appear in future movies or, casting directors will be looking for an actress to replace Fisher.

It is worth noting that Disney cherishes their leading lady who unfortunately passed away. In the final parts of their press release Lucasfilm added, “We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.”

Microsoft Ending Security Bulletins Next Month

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Microsoft Ending Security Bulletins Next Month

Weeks after Microsoft signed a $927 million contract with the US government, the tech company announced that they will be ending their security bulletins next month. Instead, Microsoft will be using Security Updates Guide, an online database featuring security guides.

Microsoft announced last November their move towards a Security Updates Guidance center. But, this week Microsoft revealed that the system will go live starting this February.

Microsoft explains that the new portal will allow for users to search through security vulnerability information, filter out products that do not apply to users, and a new RESTful API that will make it easier for Microsoft users to apply vulnerability updates. In addition, Microsoft explains that users can benefit enhanced security features by enabling automatic updates.

Windows Updates
MONTREAL, CANADA – FEBRUARY, 2016 – Microsoft Update on the web under magnifying glass. (Image Credit: dennizn / Shutterstock, Inc.)

This news comes after an email scam was targeting Microsoft users to turn computers into bots via the Neutrino exploit virus. According to researchers at Malwarebytes, hackers are pretending to be from the Microsoft Security Office and asking for people to download a document, which in turns out to be a virus. Once a computer is infected, the virus then has the ability to launch DDoS attacks, track keyboard inputs, and take screenshots.

In other Microsoft news, Microsoft announced the acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Maluuba. On Friday, Microsoft explained that their new software has invented the technology that can understand natural language and in turn can learn and make decisions. Microsoft’s executive VP of the Artificial Intelligence Group explained that Maluuba’s mission is to implement artificial intelligence that “think, reason and communicate like humans”.

In addition, last December, the Defense Information Systems Agency revealed that Microsoft signed a contract with the Pentagon to provide a “Blue Badge Cardholder support”, which is the highest level of sales support. Essentially, the new type of support will give the Pentagon access to Microsoft’s source code, which had some industry experts worried.

Sony Pictures CEO Leaves Company to Join Snapchat

Reginald Edward
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0
Sony Pictures CEO Leaves Company to Join Snapchat

On Friday, Sony announced that Michael Lynton the Corporate Executive Officer of the Sony Corporation and the CEO of Sony Entertainment including their music and pictures division is stepping down from the company.

So where does one of the most powerful person in the entertainment industry go next? Apparently, Lynton is headed to Snapchat. That’s right, the most popular social media app among teenagers just landed the former CEO of Sony Entertainment.

According to the press release, Lynton will become the Chairman of the Board of Snap Inc. He explained in a statement, “I have been involved with Evan and Snapchat since its early days, and given its growth since then, decided the time was right to transition and focus on my role as Chairman of the Board of Snap Inc.”

Lynton added, “I leave Sony with great pride in all we have accomplished together, and confidence that the broad changes we have made and new management team we have assembled over the last few years will strengthen the company overall.”

Michael Lynton
Michael Lynton at the 44th Annual ICG Publicists Awards. Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA. 02-07-07 (Image Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock, Inc.)

What’s next for Snapchat?

Last November, it was revealed that Snapchat confidentially filed for an IPO with analysts valuing the company at $25 billion. In turn, Snap inc has the possibility of becoming the one of the highest IPOs since Alibaba Group’s $168 billion valuation. Reports estimate that Snap’s IPO is expected as early as March 2017.

But, Snap inc is more than just a social media company. Last last year, Snap released Snapchat Spectacles for $129. The device allowed for people to easily capture video with sunglasses, which could in turn be posted on the Snapchat social media app. The company also acquisitioned Israeli start-up, Cinimagine. Cinimagine is an augmented reality company that allows for people to instantly see how products they want to buy look like in a specific location in real time. Ultimately, Snapchat is a behemoth in the video industry with studies asserting the company generates 10 billion video views every day.

Microsoft Acquires Artificial Intelligence Startup Maluuba

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Microsoft Acquires Artificial Intelligence Startup Maluuba

Microsoft announced on Friday their acquisition of an artificial intelligence startup, Maluuba.

Microsoft boasts in an announcement posted on their website that Maluuba is a “deep learning research” laboratory company with technology that can understand “natural language”.

Microsoft reveals in a press release that the Maluuba specializes in artificial intelligence that has the ability to learn and make decisions. In addition, Microsoft explains that they are going to “democratize” artificial intelligence by making it more accessible to Microsoft users.

Microsoft
Amsterdam, Netherlands-may 5, 2016: Microsoft Corporation, an American company. Microsoft develops computer-related products (JPstock / Shutterstock, Inc.)

“Maluuba’s vision is to advance toward a more general artificial intelligence by creating literate machines that can think, reason and communicate like humans — a vision exactly in line with ours,” Harry Shum, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of their Artificial Intelligence Group, explained in a statement. “Maluuba’s impressive team is addressing some of the fundamental problems in language understanding by modeling some of the innate capabilities of the human brain, from memory and common sense reasoning to curiosity and decision making.”

Microsoft also explains that they will be using their Maluuba’s machine to provide additional benefits for a wide range of applications ranging from organizing information to answering questions using an organization’s documents, emails and other personal details.

“We believe that together, we can achieve greater scale for Maluuba’s groundbreaking work and accelerate our ability to develop software so computers can read, write and converse naturally,” Shum added.

More and more tech companies are investing in artificial intelligence. Last July, research firm CB Insights discovered more than $1 billion dollars was invested into Artificial Intelligence companies in 2015. Then, last month Apple released their first AI paper and just last week, Wikileaks revealed their plan to use AI software to track verified Twitter accounts. Not to mention, IBM’s Watson is now working with genomics companies and oncologists to develop individualized treatment options for cancer patients.

Homeless Man Reveals How to Live Inside a Storage Locker

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Homeless Man Reveals How to Live Inside a Storage Locker

More and more companies are starting to layoff their employees. Earlier this month, Macy’s announced that 10,000 people are going to lose their jobs, Pandora Music reveals that they are firing 7% of their work force, and the hardware store Lowes revealed that they will be decreasing their workforce by around 1%. At the end of the day, many people may be looking for a new job and a small percentage may become homeless.

While, this YouTuber’s solution to rising house costs is not legal, nor living inside a Penthouse apartment, it does show how someone can live in a storage room for only $200/month.

In the video above, YouTuber 007craft nearly built an entire studio apartment out of a 10x10x6 storage unit after becoming homeless. The YouTuber documented his storage unit that he lived in for approximately two months. The unit includes electricity, shelves, and a water system. In a statement, 007craft explains how he made it work.

“Still super small, I managed to build shelves and organize it in a way where everything is accessible. But why stop there! I decided to build shelves and a water system and setup my actual apartment so I could live there,” he explained. “The cost of rent on my unit was $205 a month (which included insurance). A bargain, considering an apartment in the area was $1000+ a month,” he added.

This is not the first time this YouTuber redesigned his living space. Last year 007Craft revealed that he turned his Honda Civic into a home. In the civic he was able to include many amenities with his goal to show people how to live inside their cars.

While the YouTuber no longer lives in the storage facility, he probably could have made a lot of money especially with YouTube’s new feature Super Chat. YouTube’s Super Chat allows for subscribers to pay money for their message to be featured during a live-stream. The feature is expected to increase engagement between YouTubers and their fans.

‘Family Tree Now’ Shares a Large Amount of Your Personal Info

Jonathan Antonio
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0
‘Family Tree Now’ Shares a Large Amount of Your Personal Info

Since before Facebook existed, websites have existed on the inter-webs that compiled personal information and allowing users to search through it.

Nowadays, hackers work in groups to break into websites to collect personal information such as passwords, e-mail address and security questions. But, what if I told you that a website one website is making international headlines because it is making it easier for anyone to search personal information of people for free without ever making an account.

According to the Washington Post, FamilyTreeNow.com collects personal information from public records, then the website compiles that information creating profiles on people that includes a large array of personal details including their age, date of birth, family members, phone numbers and addresses. Because the website is so easily accessible and provides so much information, there have been privacy concerns about the website.

How to opt-out from Family Tree Now:

If you are interested in opting out of Family Tree Now here’s what you have to do:

  1. Search for your name and profile
  2. Click the opt-out button

While the website allows people to opt-out, the Washington Post reports that getting your request through to the website owners is not that easy.

It’s important to note that Family Tree Now is not the only website that shares personal information with their users. Other websites have the same features but, the main difference is that Family Tree Now does not require a membership, subscription or login to use their features.

This is not the first time privacy concerns have drawn a lot of controversy. Earlier this year, there have several websites have been hacked including Yahoo, which led to one of the biggest hacks in history with over 1 billion accounts breached.

Holiday Sales Report Reveals New Record Highs

Reginald Edward
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0
Holiday Sales Report Reveals New Record Highs

Consumer sentiment is at an all time high just days before Donald Trump becomes inaugurated. In addition, Amazon revealed their holiday sales were a Christmas miracle as sales for the Amazon Alexa virtual assistants increased by over 900%. Now, a new report by the National Retail Foundation reveals a holiday sales increase that is higher than expectations.

According to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales from November and December have increased by 4% in comparison to 2015, resulting in a total of $658.3 billion. The Retail Federation explained that the rise in holiday shopping illustrates consumers were more encouraged to spend their money than before. Ultimately, $112.9 billion were spent in non-store sales, resulting in a near 13% percent rise from 2015’s numbers. In addition, the National Retail Foundation revealed that the holiday sales shopping numbers were higher than they initially expected.

 

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay explained that these numbers show that America’s economic recovery is picking up. “Retail mirrors the economy. And while there might have been some bumps in the road for individual companies, the retail industry overall had a solid holiday season and retailers will work to sustain this in the year ahead.”

NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a statement, “Economic indicators were up, retailers offered great deals, confidence improved and all of that empowered consumers to spend more.”

However, it is important to point out that electronics and appliance stores suffered a 2.3% decrease in sales in comparison to 2015. Also, department stores decreased by 7.0% unadjusted from last year.

The drop in department store sales is not that surprising. Earlier this month, Macy’s announced that they were going to cut 10,000 jobs after suffering weak holiday sales. The company explained that it was part of their plan to cut costs and close 100 stores after that their sales dropped 2.1% in comparison to last year’s holiday season.

YouTube Announces a New Feature: Super Chat

Jonathan Antonio
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0
YouTube Announces a New Feature: Super Chat

In an effort to make it easier for YouTube content creators to share and connect with their audience, YouTube has announced a new tool called Super Chat.

What is YouTube’s Super Chat feature?

According to the website, Super Chat allows for anyone watching a live-stream broadcast the ability to purchase a highlighted message in the chatroom that stand out from the rest of the other chat messages. The goal of this new feature is to make that Super Chat message stand out and capture the live-streamer’s attention. In addition, Super Chat messages remained pinned to the top of the page for up to 5 hours.

Super Chat
(Image Credit: Youtube.com)

YouTube explains that this new feature allows for more meaningful connections between YouTuber’s and their community of followers. The program has already launched for popular YouTubers including iHasCupquake, Great Library (buzzbean11) and Alex Wassabi. In addition, the program will be launched across the YouTube app starting January 31st for content creators in 20 different countries.

Live-Streaming is becoming a big business model. Earlier this week Facebook announced their Journalism Project, which included a set of initiatives that will help stop fake news and benefit journalists. One of the programs included rolling advertisements in between video content published by journalists. Something Mark Zuckerberg’s social media company has yet to offer to their billion users.

In addition, one of YouTube’s competitors, Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, announced a plan to expand their business. At the moment, Twitch is targeted towards video gamers with live-streams of popular video games taking place 24 hours a day. However, Twitch is looking to take over the live-streaming market with a new section called “IRL”. In this section, streamers can share the live real-life experiences in real time with their followers. That means, for example, when a Twitch streamer is on vacation they can easily broadcast their experiences live with the world. In the process, followers can tip, donate, or even pay to subscribe to the Twitch user.

Update (Tuesday, January 17, 2017): Updated the story to reflect that Twitch is a subsidiary of Amazon and not Microsoft.

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