Last week, Nintendo announced that Mario Kart World would be sold for $80 in the US, setting a new high price for the game industry. Adjusting for inflation, $80 for a baseline game in 2025 is comparable to prices from 10 to 15 years ago, indicating a consistent increase in nominal prices over time. Historical data shows that game prices have steadily risen, with examples like Centipede on the Atari 2600 costing the equivalent of $90 today.
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The Republican-led Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to approve Omnicom's $13.5 billion merger with Interpublic Group, contingent upon a ban on steering ad spending based on political viewpoints. This unusual provision addresses concerns raised by Congress and Elon Musk regarding past advertiser boycotts against platforms like X, ensuring advertisers can still request avoidances without Omnicom enforcing political bias. Need More Context? 🔎
Read moreTesla has launched its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, featuring 10 vehicles with a human safety driver amid scrutiny of its self-driving technology. While shares have risen 50% since April, the initial launch was low-key, limited to select social media influencers, as the company seeks to revitalize sales amid challenges and backlash against Elon Musk's activism. Need More Context? 🔎
Read moreJLab has launched its new Party line of wireless speakers, featuring customizable RGB lighting and four models ranging from the budget-friendly $19.99 Pop Party to the high-end $149.99 Epic Party. The lineup emphasizes portability, sound quality, and synchronized sound and lighting effects through "LabSync technology," allowing up to 100 speakers to connect simultaneously. Need More Context? 🔎
Read moreDeath Stranding 2 follows Sam, a delivery man in a post-apocalyptic world, as he connects Mexico and Australia while uncovering the mysteries of the death stranding. The sequel improves on gameplay variety and introduces new characters like Dollman and Rainy, while maintaining its unique, surreal narrative style. Need More Context? 🔎
Read moreThe all-electric VW ID Buzz has been upgraded to an autonomous driving version, the ID Buzz AD, designed for commercial fleets with Level 4 autonomy. Equipped with advanced sensors, it aims to provide sustainable public transit solutions, starting with Hamburg and expanding to rideshare services with Uber in Los Angeles by 2026, while facing high initial costs for transport companies. Need More Context? 🔎
Read moreUnited Launch Alliance (ULA) has initiated the countdown for the deployment of Amazon's second batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites, as showcased in a time-lapse video of the Atlas V rocket's movement to the launchpad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. ULA chief Tory Bruno highlighted the significance of this launch in advancing satellite internet connectivity. Need More Context? 🔎
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