The latest updates from the realms of PlayStation, Nintendo, Pokemon, and The Last of Us Part 2 have stirred excitement among enthusiasts.
PlayStation Portal Global Release and Australian Launch Date Revealed
The PlayStation Portal, which debuted in select regions like the US and UK on November 15th, has garnered positive reviews for its innovative features. This device allows users to play their PS5 and PS4 games on an 8-inch LCD screen via a Wi-Fi connection with the PS5 console. Exciting news for Australian gamers— the PlayStation Portal is set to release in Australia on February 2nd, 2024, with pre-orders currently available through local retailers.
Early Black Friday Gaming Deals: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Offers
Black Friday gaming and tech deals have kicked off early, presenting exciting opportunities for enthusiasts. For those seeking a PlayStation 5 console, a special bundle featuring Spider-Man 2 is on sale for $679. Additionally, the DualSense controller, now available in Cobalt Blue and Volcanic Red, is discounted to $79. Xbox Series X enthusiasts can grab a console for $649. Stay tuned for more deals in the lead-up to Black Friday by checking major retailers.
Pokemon Concierge: A New Animated Series on Netflix
A new stop-motion animated series, Pokemon Concierge, has been unveiled through an enchanting trailer. The show revolves around Haru, responsible for caring for guests and Pokemon at the Pokemon Resort. Scheduled for release on Netflix on December 28th, the series promises stunning animation and a captivating storyline.
Nintendo Indie World Showcase Highlights Exciting Indie Games
Nintendo’s Indie World showcase featured a diverse array of indie games, ranging from farming simulations to cozy adventures. Notably, the Shantae series introduced Shantae Advance Risky Revolution, a game completed after 20 years. The release is set for 2024, offering unique features and a four-player local battle mode, contributing to an exciting lineup of creative indie games for Nintendo Switch in 2024.
Last of Us fans received big news with the announcement of a full remaster for The Last of Us Part 2, scheduled for release on January 19th, 2024. Despite being only three years old, the remaster will include enhancements for the PlayStation 5, along with new content such as outfits, lost levels, Guitar Free Play, and a rogue-like survival mode named “No Return.”
It’s evident that the industry is buzzing with innovation, anticipation, and nostalgia. From the cutting-edge technology of the PlayStation Portal to the delightful surprises in Pokemon Concierge and the rekindling of the Shantae series, gamers have much to look forward to. The allure of Black Friday deals further sweetens the pot, while The Last of Us Part 2 remaster signals a fresh journey for fans.
In Short:
– Apple has postponed the iPhone Air’s launch due to poor sales of the current model.
– Production of the iPhone Air will stop, with Foxconn and Luxshare ceasing manufacturing by November and October respectively.
Apple has delayed the launch of its second-generation iPhone Air, which was scheduled for fall 2026, due to disappointing sales of the current model that debuted two months ago, as reported by The Information.Engineers and suppliers have been informed that the iPhone Air will be removed from the production schedule without a new release date.
The decision coincides with a significant reduction in the production of the existing model. Foxconn is expected to cease all manufacturing by the end of November, while Luxshare will stop production by the end of October.
Sales for the iPhone Air have not met Apple’s expectations since its launch in September. Foxconn has limited its production lines for the device, and future orders are projected to decrease significantly. A survey indicated nearly no demand for the iPhone Air, with consumers instead choosing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.
Production Challenges
The underperformance of the iPhone Air continues a trend of failed attempts by Apple to add a fourth model to its lineup.
The iPhone mini was previously discontinued after poor sales, followed by the larger Plus models, which faced similar challenges.
Apple had intended to develop a lighter second-generation iPhone Air with improved specifications but may now reconsider its design approach. The company also has plans for a staggered launch of the iPhone 18 lineup set for 2026 and early 2027.
In Short:
– Wall Street started November mixed as AI deals boosted tech stocks, especially Amazon’s share price after a major agreement.
– OpenAI plans $1.4 trillion investment for computing resources, with Big Tech predicting over $250 billion AI infrastructure spending this year.
Wall Street began the month with mixed performances as major artificial intelligence deals influenced tech stocks positively, while broader market indices diverged.
Amazon’s shares rose over 5% following a significant $38 billion cloud services agreement with OpenAI, contributing to gains for the Nasdaq despite a decline in the Dow.The seven-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services marks OpenAI’s first major partnership with AWS, offering access to Nvidia graphics processing units essential for its AI expansion.
Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.
Microsoft also sealed a $9.7 billion agreement with IREN, highlighting the industry’s insatiable need for cloud capacity.
The collaborations depict Big Tech’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at catering to the escalating demand for computing resources.
Investment Perspective
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intentions to invest $1.4 trillion to create 30 gigawatts of computing resources.
Major players, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have adjusted their capital expenditure forecasts for 2025, anticipating AI infrastructure spending to surpass $250 billion this year.
Despite market caution regarding inflated valuations, analysts remain optimistic about growth in the sector. Even amidst fears of an AI bubble, industry leaders assert ongoing investments will continue to bolster market performance through 2026.
In Short:
– Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence at the APEC leaders’ meeting.
– The proposed organisation aims to enhance AI collaboration and benefit international development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence during the APEC leaders’ meeting, aiming to establish China as an alternative to the United States in trade cooperation.This marked Xi’s first major comments on the initiative announced earlier this year. The United States has so far rejected the idea of regulating AI through international bodies.
Xi suggested that a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could create governance rules and enhance collaboration, framing AI as a “public good for the international community.” He emphasized the importance of AI for future development, stating it should benefit people across all nations.
Chinese officials indicated that the proposed organization could be based in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the summit but left after a meeting with Xi, amidst ongoing tensions regarding trade and technology controls between the two countries.
AI Governance
Analysts expected Xi to leverage the summit to promote China as a leader in multilateral trade and economic development.
California-based Nvidia plays a crucial role in the AI sector, while China-based developer DeepSeek has introduced cost-effective AI models to support Beijing’s goals for algorithmic independence.
Xi called on APEC to facilitate the free circulation of green technologies, reflecting China’s dominance in this sector. APEC members agreed on a joint declaration addressing AI and ageing populations during the summit. The 2026 summit will take place in Shenzhen, a city transformed from a fishing village into a manufacturing powerhouse since the 1980s.
APEC represents 21 nations, accounting for half of global trade.