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Microsoft Xbox prices to go up big time in October. Check new rates for Series S, X, X 2TB, claims report
The Economic Times· 2025-09-19 19:45
Group 1: Microsoft and Xbox Developments - Microsoft has introduced its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, the "ROG Xbox Ally" models, in partnership with ASUS, set to launch by the year-end holiday season [1] - The Xbox Ally handhelds are designed to allow users to access Microsoft's extensive game library anywhere, featuring elongated designs similar to Xbox controllers [1][2] - Microsoft is planning to raise the prices of its Xbox consoles on October 3, with the Xbox Series S increasing by $20, Series X by $50, and Series X 2TB by $70 [7][8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics - The announcement of Xbox handhelds follows the recent release of Nintendo's Switch 2, which is expected to achieve record early sales due to its enhanced features [2] - Sony has raised the prices of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the U.S. by approximately $50, with the PS5 Pro version expected to retail at $749.99, amid a slow recovery in the video game market [3][6] - Price hikes across major console brands, including Xbox and Sony, are occurring in response to U.S. tariffs on imports, raising concerns about supply chain disruptions and increased material costs [5][9] Group 3: Industry Growth Projections - The video game market was anticipated to grow significantly this year, driven by the launch of premium titles like "Grand Theft Auto VI" and Nintendo's Switch 2 [6][9] - However, the combination of console price increases and the delay of "GTA VI" to next year has introduced uncertainty regarding the industry's growth trajectory [6][9]
The New Baseline ‘Destiny 2’ Playercount Is A 50% Drop, So Far
Forbes· 2025-09-19 13:30
Core Insights - Destiny 2 is experiencing a significant decline in player engagement following the release of The Final Shape, with a notable drop in both peak and average player counts [4][6][9] Player Engagement Metrics - The peak player count for the launch of Edge of Fate was 108,000, while the recent Ash and Iron update peaked at 54,000, indicating a more than 50% drop in player engagement [4][5] - Average peak player counts during season launches were around 200,000, with lows at approximately 85,000. Post-The Final Shape, average peaks dropped to around 85,000 and lows to about 40,000 [7] Content Production and Workforce - The company is producing at least 50% less content than in previous years, attributed to layoffs and a reduced workforce, which is also estimated to be down by 50% [8] - The shift to two smaller expansions per year is expected to lower production costs, but it remains uncertain if this will align with the declining player counts [8] Financial Viability - The profitability of Destiny 2 is in question, as the player count has significantly decreased, raising concerns about whether the game can remain viable under current conditions [6][9] - Increased microtransactions have not compensated for the reduced content offerings, leading to a potential mismatch between costs and player engagement [8]
Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is taking over the globe. Watch out, Disney.
MINT· 2025-09-19 12:30
Core Insights - The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has become Netflix's most-watched English language film, achieving 314.2 million views globally as of September 14 [1] - The film has consistently ranked among the top 10 most-watched movies for 13 weeks in both the U.S. and South Korea, and is currently the No. 1 movie in 39 countries, with over 523.6 million hours viewed cumulatively [2] - The film's soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, earning 128,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending September 11 [3] Netflix's Competitive Position - "KPop Demon Hunters" positions Netflix as a potential competitor to Disney, with merchandise and branding opportunities emerging from the film's success [4] - Analysts view this as a growth catalyst for Netflix, with the company's stock up nearly 36% this year compared to Disney's 3.2% gain [5] Financial Aspects - Netflix paid Sony Pictures $20 million in addition to a nearly $100 million production budget for streaming rights, with an extra $5 million for perpetual rights [14] - The film generated an estimated $18 million in ticket sales during a single weekend of limited theatrical screenings [8] Merchandise and Brand Expansion - Netflix has begun selling KPop Demon Hunters merchandise, including clothing and accessories, with items priced from $14.99 to $89.95 [15] - The film's branding has extended to food products, with Nongshim releasing limited-edition instant noodles that sold out quickly [19][20] Cultural Impact - The film incorporates Korean pop culture and traditions, appealing to a global audience and reflecting a shift away from Western media tropes [24] - The positive themes and engaging storytelling have contributed to its cultural resonance and popularity [25]
When Is ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ Coming To Streaming?
Forbes· 2025-09-19 11:00
Group 1 - The film "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey," starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is a romantic drama that explores themes of past and future through a fantastical adventure [2][3] - The film is directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss, featuring a storyline where two strangers meet at a wedding and embark on a journey that allows them to relive significant moments from their pasts [3] - The film is rated R and also stars Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge [3] Group 2 - "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" will first be available on digital streaming via premium video on demand (PVOD) approximately one month to six weeks after its theatrical release [4] - Following the release patterns of previous Sony films, the film is expected to arrive on PVOD between October 21 and November 4 [5] - The film will debut on Netflix first due to a Pay 1 window deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment, likely arriving between December 20 and January 17, 2026 [7][8]
BlackBuck CEO says company not moving out of Bengaluru after heated debate over ‘pothole’ post
MINT· 2025-09-19 00:57
Core Viewpoint - BlackBuck Logistics Solutions is not leaving Bengaluru but is relocating parts of its operations within the city, countering previous media reports [1] Group 1: Company Operations - BlackBuck began operations in 2015 from a small office in Koramangala, Bengaluru [2] - The company moved to a larger office on Bellandur Outer Ring Road (ORR) in 2016 to accommodate its expanding operations and teams [2] - Bengaluru and the state of Karnataka have provided essential resources, infrastructure, and talent density, enabling BlackBuck to grow significantly within the trucking ecosystem in India [2]
Bob Iger got it right suspending Jimmy Kimmel: It’s what Walt would have done
Fortune· 2025-09-19 00:07
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's comments and the subsequent decision by Disney CEO Bob Iger to pull Kimmel off the air, emphasizing that this move is not a capitulation to political pressure but rather a reflection of Disney's brand values and commitment to family-friendly content [1][9][11]. Group 1: Disney's Brand Management - Disney is facing criticism from both political sides regarding the decision to suspend Kimmel, with concerns about the potential damage to the Disney brand [2][4]. - Iger's approach is characterized as a strategic navigation of the brand, aiming to maintain its family-friendly image while avoiding divisive programming [5][9]. - The decision to remove Kimmel is framed as consistent with Iger's long-standing vision for Disney, which prioritizes decency and respect over political commentary [10][20]. Group 2: Political Context and Freedom of Expression - The article highlights the broader implications of President Trump's threats against media outlets and the chilling effect on freedom of expression [3][12]. - Critics argue that the current political climate has blurred the lines between corporate decisions and political bullying, complicating the narrative around Kimmel's suspension [12][20]. - Iger's history of standing against political pressures, including his past decisions regarding controversial figures and content, is presented as evidence of his commitment to maintaining Disney's corporate character [17][19]. Group 3: Kimmel's Comments and Public Reaction - Kimmel's remarks about Trump's mourning process and the associated political violence are described as insensitive, prompting calls for an apology [14][15]. - The article suggests that Kimmel's failure to acknowledge the inappropriateness of his comments could jeopardize his future on broadcast television [15]. - There is a recognition that while Kimmel's humor is valued, it must align with the standards of responsible broadcasting, especially in sensitive contexts [13][14].
Top 5 Tech Gadgets You Should Buy in 2025
Medium· 2025-09-18 20:03
Top 5 Tech Gadgets You Should Buy in 2025BYO Marketer3 min read·1 hour ago1 hour ago--Press enter or click to view image in full sizeTechnology is crowded with options, but not all products are created equal. The gadgets below don’t just perform well — they outperform their competitors in key areas, making them worth your investment in 2025.1. 💻 Apple MacBook Air M2Apple MacBook Air M2Why it stands out vs competitors (Dell XPS, Surface Laptop):M2 chip → Delivers better performance-per-watt than Intel/AMD la ...
Tensor to unveil world’s first personal Level 4 Robocar in Dubai
Gulf Business· 2025-09-18 10:38
Core Insights - Tensor is set to unveil the Tensor Robocar, the world's first personally owned Level 4 autonomous vehicle, at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's mission to transform mobility [2][3] Product Development - The Tensor Robocar has been developed over a decade, utilizing proprietary engineering and advanced AI, redefining personal transportation by emphasizing freedom, privacy, and true ownership of AI [3] - Unlike conventional electric vehicles, the Robocar is designed natively as an autonomous robot, integrating over 100 sensors for full 360° visibility, including 37 cameras, 5 lidars, and 11 radars [4] Safety and Reliability - The vehicle's advanced electrical and electronic system ensures full-stack redundancy across power, communications, and control, providing fail-operational performance in all scenarios [5] - Tensor's design meets or exceeds various safety standards, including FMVSS, UN/ECE, and GSO, and aims for IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Euro NCAP, and US NCAP 5-Star ratings [8] AI and Navigation - Powered by the Tensor Foundation Model, the Robocar learns from extensive real and simulated datasets, enabling navigation in challenging conditions such as desert glare, dust, fog, and heavy rain [6] - The dual AI system mimics human cognition, with System 1 for reflexive responses and System 2 for handling complex edge cases [6] User-Centric Features - Designed for individual ownership rather than fleet use, the Robocar includes features like intelligent sensor-cleaning, autonomous parking, and continuous self-diagnosis [7] - Privacy is a core focus, with all data processed and stored locally, and physical safeguards in place to protect owners from risks associated with connected vehicles [9] Innovations and Partnerships - Key innovations include the first personal Robocar, agentic AI vehicle, and a foldable steering wheel with a sliding display [10] - Tensor has partnered with major companies like Nvidia, Sony, and Oracle to enhance its technology and manufacturing capabilities [10] Market Launch - Customer deliveries of the Tensor Robocar are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 [11]
India Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 match: Check match date and live streaming details
The Economic Times· 2025-09-18 06:39
Asia Cup 2025 India vs Pakistan Super 4 September 21: India vs Pakistan – Dubai International StadiumTBC: Sri Lanka vs Group A runner-up – Venue to be announcedTBC: Bangladesh/Afghanistan vs India – Fixture details after Group B conclusionTBC: Remaining Super 4 games will be scheduled once Group B is completedIndia vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Live StreamingThe India vs Pakistan Super 4 Asia Cup match will be live telecast on Sony Live channels. The matches will also be live streamed on Sony Live apps. ...
'Just a joy': Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell on their movie A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Abc.Net.Au· 2025-09-18 05:33
Core Insights - The film "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" is a love story that emphasizes the importance of self-love before loving others, as stated by Margot Robbie [1] - The narrative involves characters revisiting their past to understand their present, focusing on themes of forgiveness and emotional commitment [3] - Colin Farrell highlights that the film delicately addresses universal human experiences such as grief, loss, and loneliness [4] Character Dynamics - The chemistry between Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell is evident, with both actors expressing joy in their collaboration [7][12] - Farrell shares his personal connection to Australia, noting a lack of culture shock when he arrived, which adds depth to their on-screen relationship [9] Cultural References - The actors joke about their shared cultural background, including drinking habits and Australian delicacies, which enhances their rapport [10][11] Film Release - "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" is set to open in cinemas on September 18 [13]