Google is reportedly bolstering its hardware division by shifting resources away from its Assistant

Google has warned employees about impending changes for months, and it has more recently started cutting costs across the company. In September, the firm canceled projects and began winding down its internal incubation project Area 120, and perhaps the biggest story was it shutting down Stadia, its online game streaming service. While more changes are undoubtedly on the horizon, a new report states that Google is shifting its strategy so that it can double down on its hardware division.

The Information by way of Ars Technica reports that while there have been sizeable cuts within the company, but it looks like most of the hardware divisions are safe. In fact, Google has recognized that the tide is turning in the Android market, with even its top competitor, Samsung, slowly losing market share to Apple. Furthermore, Google thinks that it can occupy this space by leveraging its own hardware and doubling down on its Pixel hardware lineup.

Apparently, in order to accomplish this, the firm will shift labor from non-Google devices to focus more on its own products. As for what areas are seeing shifts internally, the report states that there might be adjustments with staff working on Google TV, reassigning them to work on Wear OS and the Pixel Tablet. Furthermore, the report also seems to discuss cuts to teams working on Google Assistant for devices such as TVs, headphones, speakers, and more. As stated before, the bulk of the change will have to do with third-party manufacturers of these kinds of devices.

While this certainly looks bad for manufacturers, some will apparently be supported, like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. Unfortunately, that’s a really small number when compared to all of the manufacturers around the world that produce Android products. Of course, these are just reports, so it remains to be seen whether we will see the ramifications of these actions in the near future.

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Source: The Information
Via: Ars Technica

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Netflix eyes cloud gaming service, opens new game studio

Today, Netflix announced its quarterly earnings, and the results were actually pretty impressive. The company has made a turnaround, exceeding its goals, adding more subscribers, and also generating more revenue. While it looks to the future, the company has started to make new moves, as it will debut a new ad-supported tier in November, and it will also be committing more to its gaming segment with plans to bring even more titles to the platform. Apparently, the company has plans to dive even deeper into gaming, announcing during the TechCrunch Disrupt conference that it was looking at cloud gaming and, most surprising, that it was opening up a new game studio.

During the TechCrunch Disrupt, Nike Verdu, who is the VP of Gaming at Netflix, shared that the company was “seriously” looking at offering a cloud gaming service. While most companies currently offer the service as a standalone product, if Netflix were to offer such a service, it would be part of the current subscription service, or as Verdu put it, a “value-add.” Competitors like Amazon have already started dabbling, with it currently offering Luna, its own game streaming service. Just recently, Google announced it would shut down its service because it hadn’t been able to attract subscribers. From what we can see, clearly, this space is not an easy one, so if Netflix were to engage, it would have to be extremely cautious.

In addition to its cloud gaming ambitions, Verdu also revealed that Netflix was going to open a brand new game development studio in Southern California. Previously, Netflix purchased game studios, but this will be the firm’s first from the ground up. The new studio will be helmed by industry veteran Chako Sonny, who was previously the executive producer of Overwatch. While this is tremendous news, it will be interesting to see just how far Netflix’s gaming journey goes.

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Source: TechCrunch

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Xbox Design Lab offers customization options for Elite Series 2 controllers

Xbox Design Lab has offered customization options for Xbox controllers since 2016. But the Elite Series 2 controller was never part of the offering, leaving many gamers out of luck. Now, for the first time, Microsoft is including the ability to customize Elite Series 2 controllers, along with new customization options.

Starting today, gamers can head to the Xbox Design Lab website to customize their own Elite Series 2 Controller. The customization part is quite detailed, with the option to change the color of the body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumb sticks, and more. You can take things even further by swapping the D-Pad for a cross-shaped version if you want. Also, for the first time in Xbox Design Lab history, customers will have the option to customize the thumb stick base and ring, which definitely adds a nice accent of color. If you want the complete package, you can also add an engraving on the front of up to 16 characters.

The Elite Series 2 Controller is one of the best from Microsoft, constructed of high-grade materials and components and featuring numerous customization options. The rubberized grips and tensioned thumb sticks provide maximum control, especially when paired with short hair trigger locks. You can even enable a custom button mapping option and expect the controller to last up to 40 hours on a single charge. Best of all, the new Core model is quite a bit cheaper than the standard Elite Series 2 model, coming in at $50 less. Microsoft was able to accomplish this by removing some of the accessories that come packaged with the original model. But the good thing is that you can still purchase these accessories separately if you want. Microsoft offers the accessory bundle through its Complete Component Pack costing $59.99.

As a final touch to the customization process, users will be able to change the color of the Xbox button using the Xbox Accessories app as long as they also have the Xbox September update. This option will expand beyond color, giving users the option to set the brightness level as well. While you have the option to customize an Elite Series 2 controller, Microsoft still offers the ability to customize a standard Xbox Wireless controller as well. The Elite Series 2 Controller will cost $129.99, but if you want to customize it, you can pick up the controller with customization service for just $20 more. If you’re looking to customize an Xbox Wireless controller, it will cost substantially less, coming in at $69.99. If interested, be sure to head to the source link down below.

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Source: Xbox Design Lab
Via: Xbox News

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Xbox Design Lab offers customization options for Elite Series 2 controllers

Xbox Design Lab has offered customization options for Xbox controllers since 2016. But the Elite Series 2 controller was never part of the offering, leaving many gamers out of luck. Now, for the first time, Microsoft is including the ability to customize Elite Series 2 controllers, along with new customization options.

Starting today, gamers can head to the Xbox Design Lab website to customize their own Elite Series 2 Controller. The customization part is quite detailed, with the option to change the color of the body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumb sticks, and more. You can take things even further by swapping the D-Pad for a cross-shaped version if you want. Also, for the first time in Xbox Design Lab history, customers will have the option to customize the thumb stick base and ring, which definitely adds a nice accent of color. If you want the complete package, you can also add an engraving on the front of up to 16 characters.

The Elite Series 2 Controller is one of the best from Microsoft, constructed of high-grade materials and components and featuring numerous customization options. The rubberized grips and tensioned thumb sticks provide maximum control, especially when paired with short hair trigger locks. You can even enable a custom button mapping option and expect the controller to last up to 40 hours on a single charge. Best of all, the new Core model is quite a bit cheaper than the standard Elite Series 2 model, coming in at $50 less. Microsoft was able to accomplish this by removing some of the accessories that come packaged with the original model. But the good thing is that you can still purchase these accessories separately if you want. Microsoft offers the accessory bundle through its Complete Component Pack costing $59.99.

As a final touch to the customization process, users will be able to change the color of the Xbox button using the Xbox Accessories app as long as they also have the Xbox September update. This option will expand beyond color, giving users the option to set the brightness level as well. While you have the option to customize an Elite Series 2 controller, Microsoft still offers the ability to customize a standard Xbox Wireless controller as well. The Elite Series 2 Controller will cost $129.99, but if you want to customize it, you can pick up the controller with customization service for just $20 more. If you’re looking to customize an Xbox Wireless controller, it will cost substantially less, coming in at $69.99. If interested, be sure to head to the source link down below.

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Source: Xbox Design Lab
Via: Xbox News

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Netflix doubles down on gaming, has 55 games in development

Today, Netflix released its third-quarter financial results, and it would be an understatement to say there was a lot of good news. In addition to exceeding its expected revenue for the term, the company also added over a million new subscribers, again exceeding expectations. With today’s positive news, the company also shared some of the things that it will do moving forward, like investing in more shows and movies and also expanding its gaming lineup.

While that last part might have you scratching your head, it appears that Netflix is doubling down on its game offerings. The company stated that in its first year of gaming, it was about learning the lay of the land and how its audience would react to the company’s new initiative. The service currently offers 35 games as part of its subscription plans, and it is apparently seeing “encouraging signs” of gaming leading to higher subscription retention. Because of this, the company is going deeper with gaming and currently has 55 games in development, with some of them being based on original Netflix properties. The firm states that it will be investing in games for the next few years, so it will be interesting to see where this takes us.

The company also discussed its new ad-supported tier of service, stating that it will arrive on November 1 in Canada and the United States. It will be expanding to nine other countries over the first two weeks of November, giving users around the world a new and less costly option for service. Netflix did hint that there could be an expansion of plans in the future but stated that it wanted to keep it simple for the initial launch. Furthermore, it also reiterated its plans to allow users sharing accounts to branch out to new accounts with its recently announced transfer service. What’s clear is that Netflix seems to understand its landscape, citing social media, YouTube, and other more traditional forms of media as competition to its own service. It will be interesting to see how it handles things moving forward.

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Source: Netflix (Investors page)

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Netflix doubles down on gaming, has 55 games in development

Today, Netflix released its third-quarter financial results, and it would be an understatement to say there was a lot of good news. In addition to exceeding its expected revenue for the term, the company also added over a million new subscribers, again exceeding expectations. With today’s positive news, the company also shared some of the things that it will do moving forward, like investing in more shows and movies and also expanding its gaming lineup.

While that last part might have you scratching your head, it appears that Netflix is doubling down on its game offerings. The company stated that in its first year of gaming, it was about learning the lay of the land and how its audience would react to the company’s new initiative. The service currently offers 35 games as part of its subscription plans, and it is apparently seeing “encouraging signs” of gaming leading to higher subscription retention. Because of this, the company is going deeper with gaming and currently has 55 games in development, with some of them being based on original Netflix properties. The firm states that it will be investing in games for the next few years, so it will be interesting to see where this takes us.

The company also discussed its new ad-supported tier of service, stating that it will arrive on November 1 in Canada and the United States. It will be expanding to nine other countries over the first two weeks of November, giving users around the world a new and less costly option for service. Netflix did hint that there could be an expansion of plans in the future but stated that it wanted to keep it simple for the initial launch. Furthermore, it also reiterated its plans to allow users sharing accounts to branch out to new accounts with its recently announced transfer service. What’s clear is that Netflix seems to understand its landscape, citing social media, YouTube, and other more traditional forms of media as competition to its own service. It will be interesting to see how it handles things moving forward.

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Source: Netflix (Investors page)

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These are the updated cases for the new iPad and iPad Pro

Today, Apple introduced some new products, refreshing its iPad, iPad Pro, and Apple TV lineup. In addition to announcing the new iPad and iPad Pros, Apple also announced new accessories, with new Magic Keyboard Folio, Smart Folio, and Smart Magic Keyboards. So without further ado, let’s go ahead and check out all of the new accessories available.

Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad ($249)

Magic Keyboard Folio

The Magic Keyboard Folio offers protection and added functionality with its keyboard and trackpad attachment.

Buy at Apple

The Magic Keyboard Folio case is a great option for anyone that wants good protection for their new iPad. The cover comes in two pieces that protect the front and the back. In addition to protection, you also get a keyboard and trackpad. For the latest iPad, the Magic Keyboard Folio only comes in one color, white, and is priced at $249.

Smart Folio for iPad ($79)

Smart Folio

The Smart Folio comes in a variety of colors, attaches magnetically, and protects the display.

Buy at Apple

The Smart Folio is an iPad classic, offering a svelte design that attaches magnetically and protects the front display. The cover can also fold in two different ways, offering different stand configurations. The new Smart Folio comes in new colors that pop like White, Lemonade, Watermelon, and Sky. As for price, it comes in at $79.

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch ($299) and 12.9-inch ($349)

Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard offers protection, keyboard and trackpad.

Buy at Apple

The Magic Keyboard case is a great option for anyone that wants the best of what Apple has to offer for their new iPad Pro. The cover offers protection on the front and the back and also has a keyboard and trackpad. The cover also has a floating cantilever design, enabling adjustment of the iPad for the best viewing angles. The Magic Keyboard also offers a USB‑C port for pass-through charging and comes in black and white. All of this doesn’t come cheap however, with the 11-inch model coming in at $299 and the 12.9-inch model costing $349.

Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch ($179) and 12.9-inch ($199)

Smart Keyboard Folio

The Smart Keyboard Folio offers protection and the tools that you need to be productive on the go.

Buy at Apple

The Smart Keyboard Folio provides great protection for the front and back of the iPad Pro. The viewing angle can be adjusted in two positions, and it also has a comfortable keyboard but no trackpad. The Smart Keyboard Folio only comes in black and costs $179 for the 11-inch model and $199 for the 12.9-inch model.

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch ($79) and 12.9-inch ($99)

Smart Folio

The Smart Folio for the iPad Pro offers protection for the display and can transform into a stand.

Buy at Apple

The Smart Folio is an iPad classic and makes for the perfect protective cover for the iPad Pro. The cover attaches magnetically and protects the front display. It can also convert into a stand, offering two different configurations. The new $79 Smart Folio comes in a variety of colors like Black, White, English Lavender, and Marine Blue for the 11-inch model. The $99 Smart Folio for the 12.9-inch model is available in the same colors but also adds Mallard Green and Electric Orange. If interested in any of the cases mentioned above, be sure to hit the links where you’ll find the most up to date pricing.

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