 |
|
|
|||||
If you didnt know, Tencent (which is, among other things, the worlds biggest video game vendor) is the one that brought the Nintendo Switch to China in 2019. These Chinese versions of the console have access to fewer games, and they also cant connect with consoles from outside China. Before long, these consoles will get significantly less useful: Nintendo announced that owners won't be able to buy any games from the eShop starting March 31, 2026. Downloads and code redemption services will end on May 15, 2026. Fortunately, all other online features wont be affected, and Nintendo is throwing in a bonus for owners. Between November 27, 2024 and March 31, 2026, all verified Chinese Nintendo Switch consoles can use WeChat to redeem up to four games, including Mario: Kart 8 Deluxe, Kirby: Star Allies, Pokemon: Lets Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Lets Go, Eevee! Just in case youre looking to get a cheap Chinese Switch for games, you likely wont be able to buy or redeem any in the first place. Youll need WeChat Pay from China to buy games, and most non-China residents dont have access to the mainland version of the service. There isnt a concrete reason given for this decision. According to Reuters, its likely due to how Chinese gamers are opting for international versions of the Nintendo Switch. It may or may not be related to the upcoming Switch 2 console, which we wont hear about until next year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-chinese-version-of-the-nintendo-switch-wont-be-able-to-access-the-eshop-in-2026-163246531.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
Google is running a short test in Germany, Belgium and Estonia that removes more detailed results from Google Search when users look for hotels and lodgings in these countries. Results will instead appear in a simple blue link that older users may recall from years past. The primary reason behind this test is pressure from the European Union, which is calling for more Google compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). According to a blog post, Google has been working hard over the past year with the European Commission and various industries, particularly hotels, airlines and small retailers. The company claims these three business types are experiencing 30 percent less traffic due to changes to comply further with the DMA. However, comparison sites are asking for more. For the uninitiated, comparison sites gather various results for users to pick between. Therefore, Google is now proposing three more changes to Search. The main change is expanded and equally formatted units that let users choose between comparison sites or supplier websites. This change only applies to searches for products, hotels, flights and restaurants. Another change is new formatting that allows comparison sites to show more information when they appear in Google Search, such as pictures and prices. The final change is the introduction of new ad units for comparison sites. TechCrunch received a statement from the European Commission regarding the enforcement of DMA. Lea Zuber, an EU spokesperson, didnt say much besides confirming that theyre assessing Googles compliance proposals. The hotel-specific test is temporary, but Google still says its very reluctant to do so, as these changes and more will hurt Google and businesses in Europe. The tech giant is trying to balance trade-offs and find a solution where both the law, European consumers and businesses, and the company will be happy.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-testing-plan-blue-link-search-results-for-hotels-in-a-few-european-countries-155417020.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its latest set of premium earbuds. The Beoplay Eleven earphones are the successor to the Beoplay EX from 2022. The brand says the latest model is inspired by its new Beoplay H100 headphones as well as fine jewelry, as it has a "gem-like shine." The earbuds retain the AirPods-style stem design of their predecessors and they're available in two colorways, Natural Aluminium and Copper Tone. They feature B&O's signature polished aluminium. The charging case is said to be durable and light, while it supports Qi wireless charging. According to B&O, the Beoplay Eleven has the most advanced active noise cancellation tech in any earbuds to date. It says this model delivers double the level of noise reduction at low frequencies compared with the Beoplay EX, along with more optimization for various ear sizes and shapes. The brand claims that the earbuds have a "natural" transparency mode aided by an upgraded array of six microphones that are said to have significantly reduced hiss. Bang & Olufsen B&O added extra holes to the stem and fine mesh padding to ease wind pressure and offer more open sound. Using the accompanying app, you can activate a wind guard feature to filter out wind noise and help you remain more aware of your surroundings. The earphones have an IP57 rating for water resistance too. The earbuds are slated to run for up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC off and six hours with the feature on. The charging case adds up to 14 or 20 hours of listening time respectively for each mode, per B&O. It claims that charging for 20 minutes will add about 1.75 hours of listening time. Meanwhile, the batteries are replaceable. That's a welcome touch, though it's to make the Beoplay Eleven compliant with EU sustainability regulations that will come into force in 2027. Of course, since they're from B&O, the earbuds won't come cheap. The Beoplay Eleven earphones cost $499. The Natural Aluminum model is available today, while the Copper Tone variant is expected to be in stock by late December. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bang--olufsen-reveals-its-latest-premium-earbuds-the-499-beoplay-eleven-154913102.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
All news |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||