• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Trailer Showcases Neo City Stage

    Sega and Streets of Rage 4 developer LizardCube’s upcoming Shinobi revival, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, has consistently looked promising in all that we’ve seen of it in the lead-up to its release not long from now, and new footage continues to emerge as we get closer to its release.
    Sega has, for instance, released a new gameplay trailer that showcases Neo City, one of several locations that players will explore in the upcoming sidescrolling action-platforming. The trailer shows off several of the neon-lit city’s futuristic environments, as well as new glimpses of combat and traversal gameplay. Check out the trailer below. 
    Earlier in the month, Sega showcased another in-game location in the form of Oboro Village. Check out the trailer through here. 
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will be able to play three days early, starting August 26.
    #shinobi #art #vengeance #trailer #showcases
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Trailer Showcases Neo City Stage
    Sega and Streets of Rage 4 developer LizardCube’s upcoming Shinobi revival, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, has consistently looked promising in all that we’ve seen of it in the lead-up to its release not long from now, and new footage continues to emerge as we get closer to its release. Sega has, for instance, released a new gameplay trailer that showcases Neo City, one of several locations that players will explore in the upcoming sidescrolling action-platforming. The trailer shows off several of the neon-lit city’s futuristic environments, as well as new glimpses of combat and traversal gameplay. Check out the trailer below.  Earlier in the month, Sega showcased another in-game location in the form of Oboro Village. Check out the trailer through here.  Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will be able to play three days early, starting August 26. #shinobi #art #vengeance #trailer #showcases
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Trailer Showcases Neo City Stage
    gamingbolt.com
    Sega and Streets of Rage 4 developer LizardCube’s upcoming Shinobi revival, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, has consistently looked promising in all that we’ve seen of it in the lead-up to its release not long from now, and new footage continues to emerge as we get closer to its release. Sega has, for instance, released a new gameplay trailer that showcases Neo City, one of several locations that players will explore in the upcoming sidescrolling action-platforming. The trailer shows off several of the neon-lit city’s futuristic environments, as well as new glimpses of combat and traversal gameplay. Check out the trailer below.  Earlier in the month, Sega showcased another in-game location in the form of Oboro Village. Check out the trailer through here.  Shinobi: Art of Vengeance launches on August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will be able to play three days early, starting August 26.
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Astar Network raises funding to take blockchain content to Japan

    Astar Network, a gateway to take blockchain projects to Japan and more, announced a strategic investment from Animoca Brands.Read More
    #astar #network #raises #funding #take
    Astar Network raises funding to take blockchain content to Japan
    Astar Network, a gateway to take blockchain projects to Japan and more, announced a strategic investment from Animoca Brands.Read More #astar #network #raises #funding #take
    Astar Network raises funding to take blockchain content to Japan
    venturebeat.com
    Astar Network, a gateway to take blockchain projects to Japan and more, announced a strategic investment from Animoca Brands.Read More
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer

    Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer
    "My role is to shape a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further"

    Image credit: Fireshine Games

    News

    by Sophie McEvoy
    Staff Writer

    Published on May 21, 2025

    UK-based publisher Fireshine Games has appointed Jasper Tanner-Barnes as its chief portfolio officer.
    The newly established role will see Tanner-Barnes secure and maintain partnerships and oversee Fireshine's portfolio strategy in addition to its acquisitions and business development.
    "Fireshine has already proven it can spot breakout opportunities," Tanner-Barnes tells GamesIndustry.biz.
    "As CPO, my role is to build on that momentum: shaping a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further."
    He adds: "Beyond strategy, I take pride in a highly authentic leadership style – grounded in accountability to both our Fireshine team and our development partners – and I'm proud to join a company that lives with these same values."
    Tanner-Barnes will also focus on enhancing the distribution of Fireshine's digital portfolio.
    "Alongside our rich history of supporting the physical distribution of some of the greatest titles in recent indie gaming, we're now focused on scaling our digital publishing impact with the same care and precision," he explains.
    "With Pulsatrix Studios' A.I.L.A and Weird Beluga's Duskfade on the horizon, and a sharper focus on our portfolio, we're setting out to define what modern publishing can look like."
    Tanner-Barnes previously worked at Team17 as talent acquisition manager and head of game scouting.
    He also worked at Ubisoft Leamington as talent acquisition specialist and Sega Hardlight as technical recruitment manager.
    "We're delighted to be able to welcome Jasper to Fireshine Games," said Fireshine CEO Brian Foote.
    "The knowledge, passion and experience he brings will help us build deeper relationships with developers and partners and take Fireshine Games towards the next chapter in our journey."
    Fireshine Games was founded in 2014, following a rebrand from Sold Out Games. Foote was appointed CEO earlier this year following the retirement of former CEO James Cato.
    #jasper #tannerbarnes #joins #fireshine #games
    Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer
    Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer "My role is to shape a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further" Image credit: Fireshine Games News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on May 21, 2025 UK-based publisher Fireshine Games has appointed Jasper Tanner-Barnes as its chief portfolio officer. The newly established role will see Tanner-Barnes secure and maintain partnerships and oversee Fireshine's portfolio strategy in addition to its acquisitions and business development. "Fireshine has already proven it can spot breakout opportunities," Tanner-Barnes tells GamesIndustry.biz. "As CPO, my role is to build on that momentum: shaping a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further." He adds: "Beyond strategy, I take pride in a highly authentic leadership style – grounded in accountability to both our Fireshine team and our development partners – and I'm proud to join a company that lives with these same values." Tanner-Barnes will also focus on enhancing the distribution of Fireshine's digital portfolio. "Alongside our rich history of supporting the physical distribution of some of the greatest titles in recent indie gaming, we're now focused on scaling our digital publishing impact with the same care and precision," he explains. "With Pulsatrix Studios' A.I.L.A and Weird Beluga's Duskfade on the horizon, and a sharper focus on our portfolio, we're setting out to define what modern publishing can look like." Tanner-Barnes previously worked at Team17 as talent acquisition manager and head of game scouting. He also worked at Ubisoft Leamington as talent acquisition specialist and Sega Hardlight as technical recruitment manager. "We're delighted to be able to welcome Jasper to Fireshine Games," said Fireshine CEO Brian Foote. "The knowledge, passion and experience he brings will help us build deeper relationships with developers and partners and take Fireshine Games towards the next chapter in our journey." Fireshine Games was founded in 2014, following a rebrand from Sold Out Games. Foote was appointed CEO earlier this year following the retirement of former CEO James Cato. #jasper #tannerbarnes #joins #fireshine #games
    Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer
    www.gamesindustry.biz
    Jasper Tanner-Barnes joins Fireshine Games as chief portfolio officer "My role is to shape a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further" Image credit: Fireshine Games News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on May 21, 2025 UK-based publisher Fireshine Games has appointed Jasper Tanner-Barnes as its chief portfolio officer. The newly established role will see Tanner-Barnes secure and maintain partnerships and oversee Fireshine's portfolio strategy in addition to its acquisitions and business development. "Fireshine has already proven it can spot breakout opportunities," Tanner-Barnes tells GamesIndustry.biz. "As CPO, my role is to build on that momentum: shaping a strategic roadmap that balances creative bets with smart, disciplined investment to develop and grow our label further." He adds: "Beyond strategy, I take pride in a highly authentic leadership style – grounded in accountability to both our Fireshine team and our development partners – and I'm proud to join a company that lives with these same values." Tanner-Barnes will also focus on enhancing the distribution of Fireshine's digital portfolio. "Alongside our rich history of supporting the physical distribution of some of the greatest titles in recent indie gaming, we're now focused on scaling our digital publishing impact with the same care and precision," he explains. "With Pulsatrix Studios' A.I.L.A and Weird Beluga's Duskfade on the horizon, and a sharper focus on our portfolio, we're setting out to define what modern publishing can look like." Tanner-Barnes previously worked at Team17 as talent acquisition manager and head of game scouting. He also worked at Ubisoft Leamington as talent acquisition specialist and Sega Hardlight as technical recruitment manager. "We're delighted to be able to welcome Jasper to Fireshine Games," said Fireshine CEO Brian Foote. "The knowledge, passion and experience he brings will help us build deeper relationships with developers and partners and take Fireshine Games towards the next chapter in our journey." Fireshine Games was founded in 2014, following a rebrand from Sold Out Games. Foote was appointed CEO earlier this year following the retirement of former CEO James Cato.
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absence

    TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceFortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceThe lengthy hiatus was the result of a protracted legal battle between developer Epic and platform holder Apple.Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, NewsMay 21, 20252 Min ReadImage via Epic GamesFortnite has returned to the iOS App Store in the United States roughly five years after it was yanked from the marketplace by platform owner Apple.Epic Games confirmed the news in a brief social media post that was also shared by CEO Tim Sweeney."Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon," reads the statement.It's a landmark moment for Epic, which has been embroiled in a legal battle with Apple for almost half a decade after the iPhone maker pulled the popular shooter from the App Store in 2020.The removal came after Epic added a third-party payment method to Fortnite in a bid to circumvent what Sweeney branded "exploitative" platform fees.That protracted skirmish eventually resulted in a major court ruling that forced Apple to open up its platform to third-party payments.Following that ruling, Sweeney said Fortnite would be returning to the U.S. App Store imminently and tabled what he called a "peace proposal.""If Apple extends the court's friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we'll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic," he said, outlining his terms.Related:Epic submitted Fortnite for review to Apple shortly after but once it failed to receive swift approval claimed the company was still dragging its heels.After referring the issue back to the judge who oversaw the Epic v. Apple case, Apple was told to resolve the matter or risk having the person "responsible for ensuring compliance" summoned to a hearing.Fortnite subsequently returned to the App Store in the United States and both Apple and Epic filed a joint notice to confirm they have "resolved all issues" from their previous filing.The popular battle royale shooter is also available on iOS in E.U. territories through third-party storefronts and is expected to return to Japan soon. about:Epic GamesEpic Games StoreAppleTop StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like
    #fortnite #returns #app #store #after
    Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absence
    TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceFortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceThe lengthy hiatus was the result of a protracted legal battle between developer Epic and platform holder Apple.Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, NewsMay 21, 20252 Min ReadImage via Epic GamesFortnite has returned to the iOS App Store in the United States roughly five years after it was yanked from the marketplace by platform owner Apple.Epic Games confirmed the news in a brief social media post that was also shared by CEO Tim Sweeney."Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon," reads the statement.It's a landmark moment for Epic, which has been embroiled in a legal battle with Apple for almost half a decade after the iPhone maker pulled the popular shooter from the App Store in 2020.The removal came after Epic added a third-party payment method to Fortnite in a bid to circumvent what Sweeney branded "exploitative" platform fees.That protracted skirmish eventually resulted in a major court ruling that forced Apple to open up its platform to third-party payments.Following that ruling, Sweeney said Fortnite would be returning to the U.S. App Store imminently and tabled what he called a "peace proposal.""If Apple extends the court's friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we'll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic," he said, outlining his terms.Related:Epic submitted Fortnite for review to Apple shortly after but once it failed to receive swift approval claimed the company was still dragging its heels.After referring the issue back to the judge who oversaw the Epic v. Apple case, Apple was told to resolve the matter or risk having the person "responsible for ensuring compliance" summoned to a hearing.Fortnite subsequently returned to the App Store in the United States and both Apple and Epic filed a joint notice to confirm they have "resolved all issues" from their previous filing.The popular battle royale shooter is also available on iOS in E.U. territories through third-party storefronts and is expected to return to Japan soon. about:Epic GamesEpic Games StoreAppleTop StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like #fortnite #returns #app #store #after
    Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absence
    www.gamedeveloper.com
    TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Fortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceFortnite returns to the App Store in the U.S. after five year absenceThe lengthy hiatus was the result of a protracted legal battle between developer Epic and platform holder Apple.Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, NewsMay 21, 20252 Min ReadImage via Epic GamesFortnite has returned to the iOS App Store in the United States roughly five years after it was yanked from the marketplace by platform owner Apple.Epic Games confirmed the news in a brief social media post that was also shared by CEO Tim Sweeney."Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon," reads the statement.It's a landmark moment for Epic, which has been embroiled in a legal battle with Apple for almost half a decade after the iPhone maker pulled the popular shooter from the App Store in 2020.The removal came after Epic added a third-party payment method to Fortnite in a bid to circumvent what Sweeney branded "exploitative" platform fees.That protracted skirmish eventually resulted in a major court ruling that forced Apple to open up its platform to third-party payments (thanks The Verge).Following that ruling, Sweeney said Fortnite would be returning to the U.S. App Store imminently and tabled what he called a "peace proposal.""If Apple extends the court's friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we'll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic," he said, outlining his terms.Related:Epic submitted Fortnite for review to Apple shortly after but once it failed to receive swift approval claimed the company was still dragging its heels.After referring the issue back to the judge who oversaw the Epic v. Apple case, Apple was told to resolve the matter or risk having the person "responsible for ensuring compliance" summoned to a hearing.Fortnite subsequently returned to the App Store in the United States and both Apple and Epic filed a joint notice to confirm they have "resolved all issues" from their previous filing.The popular battle royale shooter is also available on iOS in E.U. territories through third-party storefronts and is expected to return to Japan soon.Read more about:Epic GamesEpic Games StoreAppleTop StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Microsoft blames Apple for its delayed Xbox mobile store

    A year ago Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that Microsoft was planning to launch a new Xbox mobile web store in July 2024. That never happened. I’ve been wondering what the hold up has been over the past year, and it seems we might have an answer: Apple.Microsoft filed an amicus brief late on Tuesday, in support of Epic Games’ ongoing fight with Apple’s control over the App Store. The brief takes issue with Apple’s attempt to overturn the injunction that allows Epic and other developers to freely advertise alternative payment methods in their apps, and not have to pay Apple additional fees for purchases made outside of apps.It’s a key ruling that has already allowed Fortnite to return to the App Store in the US, complete with the ability for Epic Games to link out to its own payment system inside the game. Microsoft has wanted to offer a similar experience for its Xbox mobile store, but it says its solution “has been stymied by Apple.” Here’s how Microsoft explains it:The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out paymentsbecause of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.The court ruling makes it possible for Microsoft to now launch its Xbox mobile store, but it’s clear that the software giant also wants to ensure Apple’s appeal against the ruling isn’t successful. If Microsoft did launch its Xbox mobile store and then Apple won a temporary stay, it may have to pull that store pending the appeal process.Microsoft even notes in its filing that “Apple makes no argument that the technical or policy changes cannot be undone,” so it’s urging the ruling to be enforced pending Apple’s appeal. “Microsoft’s own experience managing app stores confirms that Apple’s policies could be restored if Apple ultimately prevails on appeal.”The court ruling also impacts Microsoft’s main Xbox mobile app. “Similarly, Microsoft has long sought to enable Xbox app users on iOS to both buy and stream games in the app from the cloud or their other devices,” says Microsoft in its filing. “Apple’s policies have restricted Microsoft’s ability to offer these functionalities together; the injunction allows Microsoft to explore this possibility.”Microsoft started rolling out the ability to purchase games and DLC inside the Xbox mobile app last month, but it had to remove the remote play option to adhere to Apple’s App Store policies. You can’t currently buy an Xbox game in the Xbox mobile app on iOS and then stream it inside that same app. You have to manually navigate to the Xbox Cloud Gaming mobile website on a browser to get access to cloud gaming.Sarah Bond also announced plans to let players purchase and play games within the Xbox app on Android in October, just days after a court ruled that Google must crack open Android to third-party app stores. The feature was supposed to arrive in November, but Bond then blamed a “temporary administrative stay” for holding it back.See More:
    #microsoftblames #apple #its #delayedxboxmobile #store
    Microsoft blames Apple for its delayed Xbox mobile store
    A year ago Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that Microsoft was planning to launch a new Xbox mobile web store in July 2024. That never happened. I’ve been wondering what the hold up has been over the past year, and it seems we might have an answer: Apple.Microsoft filed an amicus brief late on Tuesday, in support of Epic Games’ ongoing fight with Apple’s control over the App Store. The brief takes issue with Apple’s attempt to overturn the injunction that allows Epic and other developers to freely advertise alternative payment methods in their apps, and not have to pay Apple additional fees for purchases made outside of apps.It’s a key ruling that has already allowed Fortnite to return to the App Store in the US, complete with the ability for Epic Games to link out to its own payment system inside the game. Microsoft has wanted to offer a similar experience for its Xbox mobile store, but it says its solution “has been stymied by Apple.” Here’s how Microsoft explains it:The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out paymentsbecause of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.The court ruling makes it possible for Microsoft to now launch its Xbox mobile store, but it’s clear that the software giant also wants to ensure Apple’s appeal against the ruling isn’t successful. If Microsoft did launch its Xbox mobile store and then Apple won a temporary stay, it may have to pull that store pending the appeal process.Microsoft even notes in its filing that “Apple makes no argument that the technical or policy changes cannot be undone,” so it’s urging the ruling to be enforced pending Apple’s appeal. “Microsoft’s own experience managing app stores confirms that Apple’s policies could be restored if Apple ultimately prevails on appeal.”The court ruling also impacts Microsoft’s main Xbox mobile app. “Similarly, Microsoft has long sought to enable Xbox app users on iOS to both buy and stream games in the app from the cloud or their other devices,” says Microsoft in its filing. “Apple’s policies have restricted Microsoft’s ability to offer these functionalities together; the injunction allows Microsoft to explore this possibility.”Microsoft started rolling out the ability to purchase games and DLC inside the Xbox mobile app last month, but it had to remove the remote play option to adhere to Apple’s App Store policies. You can’t currently buy an Xbox game in the Xbox mobile app on iOS and then stream it inside that same app. You have to manually navigate to the Xbox Cloud Gaming mobile website on a browser to get access to cloud gaming.Sarah Bond also announced plans to let players purchase and play games within the Xbox app on Android in October, just days after a court ruled that Google must crack open Android to third-party app stores. The feature was supposed to arrive in November, but Bond then blamed a “temporary administrative stay” for holding it back.See More: #microsoftblames #apple #its #delayedxboxmobile #store
    Microsoft blames Apple for its delayed Xbox mobile store
    www.theverge.com
    A year ago Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that Microsoft was planning to launch a new Xbox mobile web store in July 2024. That never happened. I’ve been wondering what the hold up has been over the past year, and it seems we might have an answer: Apple.Microsoft filed an amicus brief late on Tuesday, in support of Epic Games’ ongoing fight with Apple’s control over the App Store. The brief takes issue with Apple’s attempt to overturn the injunction that allows Epic and other developers to freely advertise alternative payment methods in their apps, and not have to pay Apple additional fees for purchases made outside of apps.It’s a key ruling that has already allowed Fortnite to return to the App Store in the US, complete with the ability for Epic Games to link out to its own payment system inside the game. Microsoft has wanted to offer a similar experience for its Xbox mobile store, but it says its solution “has been stymied by Apple.” Here’s how Microsoft explains it:The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out payments (or even inform customers that alternative purchase methods exist) because of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.The court ruling makes it possible for Microsoft to now launch its Xbox mobile store, but it’s clear that the software giant also wants to ensure Apple’s appeal against the ruling isn’t successful. If Microsoft did launch its Xbox mobile store and then Apple won a temporary stay, it may have to pull that store pending the appeal process.Microsoft even notes in its filing that “Apple makes no argument that the technical or policy changes cannot be undone,” so it’s urging the ruling to be enforced pending Apple’s appeal. “Microsoft’s own experience managing app stores confirms that Apple’s policies could be restored if Apple ultimately prevails on appeal.”The court ruling also impacts Microsoft’s main Xbox mobile app. “Similarly, Microsoft has long sought to enable Xbox app users on iOS to both buy and stream games in the app from the cloud or their other devices,” says Microsoft in its filing. “Apple’s policies have restricted Microsoft’s ability to offer these functionalities together; the injunction allows Microsoft to explore this possibility.”Microsoft started rolling out the ability to purchase games and DLC inside the Xbox mobile app last month, but it had to remove the remote play option to adhere to Apple’s App Store policies. You can’t currently buy an Xbox game in the Xbox mobile app on iOS and then stream it inside that same app. You have to manually navigate to the Xbox Cloud Gaming mobile website on a browser to get access to cloud gaming.Sarah Bond also announced plans to let players purchase and play games within the Xbox app on Android in October, just days after a court ruled that Google must crack open Android to third-party app stores. The feature was supposed to arrive in November, but Bond then blamed a “temporary administrative stay” for holding it back.See More:
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Create an AI agent with Google ADK

    Agent Development Kitis an open-source Python framework that helps developers build, manage, and deploy multi-agent systems. It’s designed to be modular and flexible, making it easy to use for both simple and complex agent-based applications.
    In this tutorial, we’ll create a simple AI agent using ADK. The agent will have access to two tools:

    get_company_overview
    get_earnings

    Step 1: Setting up the dependencies
    Google API Key
    To use Google’s AI services, you’ll need an API key:

    Visit
    Sign in and generate your API key
    Copy and store it securely — we’ll use it later in the tutorial.

    AlphaVantage API Key
    For accessing financial data, we’ll use the Alpha Vantage API:

    Go to /
    Click “Get your free API key” or visit this direct link
    Enter your email and follow the instructions
    Once you receive your API key, copy and save it securely. We’ll use it to authenticate requests to financial endpoints.

    Python Libraries
    We only need one package:
    pip install google-adk
    Step 2: Creating the Folder structure
    Set up your project folder with the following structure:
    parent_folder/

    └───multi_agent/
    ├── __init__.py
    ├── agent.py
    └── .env
    __init__.py
    Paste the following code into multi_agent/__init__.py:
    from . import agent
    .env
    Create a .env file inside the multi_agent folder and paste the following:
    GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=FALSE
    GOOGLE_API_KEY="<YOUR_GOOGLE_API_KEY>"
    ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY="<YOUR_ALPHA_VANTAGE_KEY"
    Replace the placeholders with your actual API keys
    agent.py
    Paste the following code in the agent.py file:
    from google.adk.agents import Agent
    import requests
    import os
    from typing import Optional

    ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY = os.getenvdef get_company_overview-> dict:
    """
    Get comprehensive company information and financial metrics

    Args:
    symbol: Stock ticker symbolReturns:
    dict: Company overview data or error
    """
    if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY:
    return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"}

    base_url = ";
    params = {
    "function": "OVERVIEW",
    "symbol": symbol,
    "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY
    }

    try:
    response = requests.getresponse.raise_for_statusdata = response.jsonif "Error Message" in data:
    return {"status": "error", "error": data}

    # Filter key metrics
    key_metrics = {
    "Description": data.get,
    "Sector": data.get,
    "MarketCap": data.get,
    "PERatio": data.get,
    "ProfitMargin": data.get,
    "52WeekHigh": data.get,
    "52WeekLow": data.get}

    return {
    "status": "success",
    "symbol": symbol,
    "overview": key_metrics
    }

    except Exception as e:
    return {"status": "error", "error": str}

    def get_earnings-> dict:
    """
    Get annual and quarterly earningsdata with analyst estimates and surprises

    Args:
    symbol: Stock ticker symbolReturns:
    dict: Earnings data with estimates or error message
    """
    if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY:
    return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"}

    base_url = ";
    params = {
    "function": "EARNINGS",
    "symbol": symbol,
    "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY
    }

    try:
    response = requests.getresponse.raise_for_statusdata = response.jsonif "Error Message" in data:
    return {"status": "error", "error": data}

    # Process annual and quarterly earnings
    annual_earnings = data.get# Last 5 years
    quarterly_earnings = data.get# Last 4 quarters

    # Format surprise percentages
    for q in quarterly_earnings:
    if "surprisePercentage" in q:
    q= f"{q}%"

    return {
    "status": "success",
    "symbol": symbol,
    "annual_earnings": annual_earnings,
    "quarterly_earnings": quarterly_earnings,
    "metrics": {
    "latest_eps": quarterly_earningsif quarterly_earnings else None
    }
    }

    except Exception as e:
    return {"status": "error", "error": str}

    root_agent = Agent,
    instruction=,
    tools=,
    )
    In this script, we define a financial analysis agent using the Google Agent Development Kit. The agent is designed to answer user queries by accessing real-time financial data through the Alpha Vantage API. Specifically, it exposes two tools: get_company_overview and get_earnings. The get_company_overview function retrieves key company details such as sector, market capitalization, P/E ratio, and 52-week high/low values. The get_earnings function provides both annual and quarterly earnings data, including reported EPS and surprise percentages.To create the agent, we use the Agent class from the google.adk.agents module, giving it a name, a model, a description, and an instruction prompt. The agent is then equipped with the two tools mentioned above, allowing it to respond to questions related to company financials.
    Step 3: Running the Agent
    To run the agent, navigate to the parent directory of your agent projectparent_folder/ ← Navigate to this directory in your terminal

    └───multi_agent/
    ├── __init__.py # Initializes the module
    ├── agent.py # Contains the agent logic and tools
    └── .env # Stores your API keys securely
    After navigating, run the following code:
    adk web
    Open the URL provideddirectly in your browser. You’ll see a simple chat interface where you can interact with your agent using the input textbox.

    Additionally, you can inspect each step of the agent’s reasoning by clicking on Actions. This allows you to view:

    The tools being called
    The inputs and outputs of each function
    The responses generated by the language model

    GitHub Link
    You can find the entire code along with folder structure at this link:
    Arham IslamI am a Civil Engineering Graduatefrom Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and I have a keen interest in Data Science, especially Neural Networks and their application in various areas.Arham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an LLM Agent with Tool Access Using MCP-UseArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an AgentQL Model Context ProtocolServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing An Airbnb and Excel MCP ServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/How to Create a Custom Model Context ProtocolClient Using Gemini
    #stepbystep #guide #create #agent #with
    Step-by-Step Guide to Create an AI agent with Google ADK
    Agent Development Kitis an open-source Python framework that helps developers build, manage, and deploy multi-agent systems. It’s designed to be modular and flexible, making it easy to use for both simple and complex agent-based applications. In this tutorial, we’ll create a simple AI agent using ADK. The agent will have access to two tools: get_company_overview get_earnings Step 1: Setting up the dependencies Google API Key To use Google’s AI services, you’ll need an API key: Visit Sign in and generate your API key Copy and store it securely — we’ll use it later in the tutorial. AlphaVantage API Key For accessing financial data, we’ll use the Alpha Vantage API: Go to / Click “Get your free API key” or visit this direct link Enter your email and follow the instructions Once you receive your API key, copy and save it securely. We’ll use it to authenticate requests to financial endpoints. Python Libraries We only need one package: pip install google-adk Step 2: Creating the Folder structure Set up your project folder with the following structure: parent_folder/ │ └───multi_agent/ ├── __init__.py ├── agent.py └── .env __init__.py Paste the following code into multi_agent/__init__.py: from . import agent .env Create a .env file inside the multi_agent folder and paste the following: GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=FALSE GOOGLE_API_KEY="<YOUR_GOOGLE_API_KEY>" ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY="<YOUR_ALPHA_VANTAGE_KEY" Replace the placeholders with your actual API keys agent.py Paste the following code in the agent.py file: from google.adk.agents import Agent import requests import os from typing import Optional ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY = os.getenvdef get_company_overview-> dict: """ Get comprehensive company information and financial metrics Args: symbol: Stock ticker symbolReturns: dict: Company overview data or error """ if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY: return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"} base_url = "; params = { "function": "OVERVIEW", "symbol": symbol, "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY } try: response = requests.getresponse.raise_for_statusdata = response.jsonif "Error Message" in data: return {"status": "error", "error": data} # Filter key metrics key_metrics = { "Description": data.get, "Sector": data.get, "MarketCap": data.get, "PERatio": data.get, "ProfitMargin": data.get, "52WeekHigh": data.get, "52WeekLow": data.get} return { "status": "success", "symbol": symbol, "overview": key_metrics } except Exception as e: return {"status": "error", "error": str} def get_earnings-> dict: """ Get annual and quarterly earningsdata with analyst estimates and surprises Args: symbol: Stock ticker symbolReturns: dict: Earnings data with estimates or error message """ if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY: return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"} base_url = "; params = { "function": "EARNINGS", "symbol": symbol, "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY } try: response = requests.getresponse.raise_for_statusdata = response.jsonif "Error Message" in data: return {"status": "error", "error": data} # Process annual and quarterly earnings annual_earnings = data.get# Last 5 years quarterly_earnings = data.get# Last 4 quarters # Format surprise percentages for q in quarterly_earnings: if "surprisePercentage" in q: q= f"{q}%" return { "status": "success", "symbol": symbol, "annual_earnings": annual_earnings, "quarterly_earnings": quarterly_earnings, "metrics": { "latest_eps": quarterly_earningsif quarterly_earnings else None } } except Exception as e: return {"status": "error", "error": str} root_agent = Agent, instruction=, tools=, ) In this script, we define a financial analysis agent using the Google Agent Development Kit. The agent is designed to answer user queries by accessing real-time financial data through the Alpha Vantage API. Specifically, it exposes two tools: get_company_overview and get_earnings. The get_company_overview function retrieves key company details such as sector, market capitalization, P/E ratio, and 52-week high/low values. The get_earnings function provides both annual and quarterly earnings data, including reported EPS and surprise percentages.To create the agent, we use the Agent class from the google.adk.agents module, giving it a name, a model, a description, and an instruction prompt. The agent is then equipped with the two tools mentioned above, allowing it to respond to questions related to company financials. Step 3: Running the Agent To run the agent, navigate to the parent directory of your agent projectparent_folder/ ← Navigate to this directory in your terminal │ └───multi_agent/ ├── __init__.py # Initializes the module ├── agent.py # Contains the agent logic and tools └── .env # Stores your API keys securely After navigating, run the following code: adk web Open the URL provideddirectly in your browser. You’ll see a simple chat interface where you can interact with your agent using the input textbox. Additionally, you can inspect each step of the agent’s reasoning by clicking on Actions. This allows you to view: The tools being called The inputs and outputs of each function The responses generated by the language model GitHub Link You can find the entire code along with folder structure at this link: Arham IslamI am a Civil Engineering Graduatefrom Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and I have a keen interest in Data Science, especially Neural Networks and their application in various areas.Arham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an LLM Agent with Tool Access Using MCP-UseArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an AgentQL Model Context ProtocolServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing An Airbnb and Excel MCP ServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/How to Create a Custom Model Context ProtocolClient Using Gemini #stepbystep #guide #create #agent #with
    Step-by-Step Guide to Create an AI agent with Google ADK
    www.marktechpost.com
    Agent Development Kit (ADK) is an open-source Python framework that helps developers build, manage, and deploy multi-agent systems. It’s designed to be modular and flexible, making it easy to use for both simple and complex agent-based applications. In this tutorial, we’ll create a simple AI agent using ADK. The agent will have access to two tools: get_company_overview get_earnings Step 1: Setting up the dependencies Google API Key To use Google’s AI services, you’ll need an API key: Visit https://aistudio.google.com/apikey Sign in and generate your API key Copy and store it securely — we’ll use it later in the tutorial. AlphaVantage API Key For accessing financial data, we’ll use the Alpha Vantage API: Go to https://www.alphavantage.co/ Click “Get your free API key” or visit this direct link Enter your email and follow the instructions Once you receive your API key, copy and save it securely. We’ll use it to authenticate requests to financial endpoints. Python Libraries We only need one package: pip install google-adk Step 2: Creating the Folder structure Set up your project folder with the following structure: parent_folder/ │ └───multi_agent/ ├── __init__.py ├── agent.py └── .env __init__.py Paste the following code into multi_agent/__init__.py: from . import agent .env Create a .env file inside the multi_agent folder and paste the following: GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=FALSE GOOGLE_API_KEY="<YOUR_GOOGLE_API_KEY>" ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY="<YOUR_ALPHA_VANTAGE_KEY" Replace the placeholders with your actual API keys agent.py Paste the following code in the agent.py file: from google.adk.agents import Agent import requests import os from typing import Optional ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY = os.getenv("ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY") def get_company_overview(symbol: str) -> dict: """ Get comprehensive company information and financial metrics Args: symbol: Stock ticker symbol (e.g., IBM) Returns: dict: Company overview data or error """ if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY: return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"} base_url = "https://www.alphavantage.co/query" params = { "function": "OVERVIEW", "symbol": symbol, "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY } try: response = requests.get(base_url, params=params) response.raise_for_status() data = response.json() if "Error Message" in data: return {"status": "error", "error": data["Error Message"]} # Filter key metrics key_metrics = { "Description": data.get("Description"), "Sector": data.get("Sector"), "MarketCap": data.get("MarketCapitalization"), "PERatio": data.get("PERatio"), "ProfitMargin": data.get("ProfitMargin"), "52WeekHigh": data.get("52WeekHigh"), "52WeekLow": data.get("52WeekLow") } return { "status": "success", "symbol": symbol, "overview": key_metrics } except Exception as e: return {"status": "error", "error": str(e)} def get_earnings(symbol: str) -> dict: """ Get annual and quarterly earnings (EPS) data with analyst estimates and surprises Args: symbol: Stock ticker symbol (e.g., IBM) Returns: dict: Earnings data with estimates or error message """ if not ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY: return {"status": "error", "error": "Missing API key"} base_url = "https://www.alphavantage.co/query" params = { "function": "EARNINGS", "symbol": symbol, "apikey": ALPHA_VANTAGE_API_KEY } try: response = requests.get(base_url, params=params) response.raise_for_status() data = response.json() if "Error Message" in data: return {"status": "error", "error": data["Error Message"]} # Process annual and quarterly earnings annual_earnings = data.get("annualEarnings", [])[:5] # Last 5 years quarterly_earnings = data.get("quarterlyEarnings", [])[:4] # Last 4 quarters # Format surprise percentages for q in quarterly_earnings: if "surprisePercentage" in q: q["surprise"] = f"{q['surprisePercentage']}%" return { "status": "success", "symbol": symbol, "annual_earnings": annual_earnings, "quarterly_earnings": quarterly_earnings, "metrics": { "latest_eps": quarterly_earnings[0]["reportedEPS"] if quarterly_earnings else None } } except Exception as e: return {"status": "error", "error": str(e)} root_agent = Agent( name="Financial_analyst_agent", model="gemini-2.0-flash", description=( "Agent to give company overviews with key financial metrics." ), instruction=( "You are a helpful AI agent that provides company overviews and earnings information" ), tools=[get_company_overview, get_earnings], ) In this script, we define a financial analysis agent using the Google Agent Development Kit (ADK). The agent is designed to answer user queries by accessing real-time financial data through the Alpha Vantage API. Specifically, it exposes two tools: get_company_overview and get_earnings. The get_company_overview function retrieves key company details such as sector, market capitalization, P/E ratio, and 52-week high/low values. The get_earnings function provides both annual and quarterly earnings data, including reported EPS and surprise percentages.To create the agent, we use the Agent class from the google.adk.agents module, giving it a name, a model (e.g., Gemini 2.0 Flash), a description, and an instruction prompt. The agent is then equipped with the two tools mentioned above, allowing it to respond to questions related to company financials. Step 3: Running the Agent To run the agent, navigate to the parent directory of your agent project (e.g. using cd ..) parent_folder/ ← Navigate to this directory in your terminal │ └───multi_agent/ ├── __init__.py # Initializes the module ├── agent.py # Contains the agent logic and tools └── .env # Stores your API keys securely After navigating, run the following code: adk web Open the URL provided (usually http://localhost:8000 or http://127.0.0.1:8000) directly in your browser. You’ll see a simple chat interface where you can interact with your agent using the input textbox. Additionally, you can inspect each step of the agent’s reasoning by clicking on Actions. This allows you to view: The tools being called The inputs and outputs of each function The responses generated by the language model GitHub Link You can find the entire code along with folder structure at this link: https://github.com/mohd-arham-islam/ADK-demo Arham IslamI am a Civil Engineering Graduate (2022) from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and I have a keen interest in Data Science, especially Neural Networks and their application in various areas.Arham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an LLM Agent with Tool Access Using MCP-UseArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing an AgentQL Model Context Protocol (MCP) ServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/Implementing An Airbnb and Excel MCP ServerArham Islamhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/arhamislam/How to Create a Custom Model Context Protocol (MCP) Client Using Gemini
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Helldivers 2 Players Are Ready For Revenge After Illuminate Invasion Razes Mars

    An invasion of Super Earth is underway in Helldivers 2's latest update, bringing the once-distant frontlines of conflict close to home. Amid the chaos of the invasion, Helldivers were informed that the Illuminate have razed the neighboring planet of Mars, and players are already eager for some payback over it.In-universe news reports detailed the specifics, declaring that Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. The Helldiver Training Sites on Mars were part of the destruction, and the facility operators who were running the training have perished in defense of the planet.Opening the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2 right now shows a destroyed, but still present, mass of rock.Mars was, until a recent update, the training facility for Helldivers preparing to take part in the galactic spread of democracy. The sudden switch of tutorial zones already set off alarm bells a week or so ago, but now, the drive was clear: as part of the invasion, the Illuminate have taken something all Helldivers 2 players had a sentimental stake in.The official Helldivers 2 account posted some promotional art to X/Twitter, urging players to "Avenge Mars."The attempt to stir up the hearts and emotions of Helldivers 2 players seems to have worked, too. Already, Helldivers players are leaning into the bit; one posts a GIF from Starship Troopers, referencing Rico's determination to squash the bugs after his hometown is destroyed, and another shares the closed fist meme that's become ubiquitous in record time. Helldivers 2 players will always lean into the universal storytelling.Still, alongside all the kayfabe Helldivers posts, some can't resist having some fun with it. "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" wrote one user. And references to DOOM and various other media are pretty solid, too.The invasion of Super Earth by Illuminate forces is well underway in Helldivers 2's Heart of Democracy update, which went live today. Players can currently drop onto the planet to defend it against the extraterrestrial squids, and even with some new SEAF back-up, the situation seems chaotic. We'll see how this pans out over the next few Major Orders, but I'm not ruling out a few more gut-punches from Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios.Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
    #helldivers #players #are #ready #revenge
    Helldivers 2 Players Are Ready For Revenge After Illuminate Invasion Razes Mars
    An invasion of Super Earth is underway in Helldivers 2's latest update, bringing the once-distant frontlines of conflict close to home. Amid the chaos of the invasion, Helldivers were informed that the Illuminate have razed the neighboring planet of Mars, and players are already eager for some payback over it.In-universe news reports detailed the specifics, declaring that Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. The Helldiver Training Sites on Mars were part of the destruction, and the facility operators who were running the training have perished in defense of the planet.Opening the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2 right now shows a destroyed, but still present, mass of rock.Mars was, until a recent update, the training facility for Helldivers preparing to take part in the galactic spread of democracy. The sudden switch of tutorial zones already set off alarm bells a week or so ago, but now, the drive was clear: as part of the invasion, the Illuminate have taken something all Helldivers 2 players had a sentimental stake in.The official Helldivers 2 account posted some promotional art to X/Twitter, urging players to "Avenge Mars."The attempt to stir up the hearts and emotions of Helldivers 2 players seems to have worked, too. Already, Helldivers players are leaning into the bit; one posts a GIF from Starship Troopers, referencing Rico's determination to squash the bugs after his hometown is destroyed, and another shares the closed fist meme that's become ubiquitous in record time. Helldivers 2 players will always lean into the universal storytelling.Still, alongside all the kayfabe Helldivers posts, some can't resist having some fun with it. "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" wrote one user. And references to DOOM and various other media are pretty solid, too.The invasion of Super Earth by Illuminate forces is well underway in Helldivers 2's Heart of Democracy update, which went live today. Players can currently drop onto the planet to defend it against the extraterrestrial squids, and even with some new SEAF back-up, the situation seems chaotic. We'll see how this pans out over the next few Major Orders, but I'm not ruling out a few more gut-punches from Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios.Eric is a freelance writer for IGN. #helldivers #players #are #ready #revenge
    Helldivers 2 Players Are Ready For Revenge After Illuminate Invasion Razes Mars
    www.ign.com
    An invasion of Super Earth is underway in Helldivers 2's latest update, bringing the once-distant frontlines of conflict close to home. Amid the chaos of the invasion, Helldivers were informed that the Illuminate have razed the neighboring planet of Mars, and players are already eager for some payback over it.In-universe news reports detailed the specifics, declaring that Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. The Helldiver Training Sites on Mars were part of the destruction, and the facility operators who were running the training have perished in defense of the planet.Opening the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2 right now shows a destroyed, but still present, mass of rock.Mars was, until a recent update, the training facility for Helldivers preparing to take part in the galactic spread of democracy. The sudden switch of tutorial zones already set off alarm bells a week or so ago, but now, the drive was clear: as part of the invasion, the Illuminate have taken something all Helldivers 2 players had a sentimental stake in.The official Helldivers 2 account posted some promotional art to X/Twitter, urging players to "Avenge Mars."The attempt to stir up the hearts and emotions of Helldivers 2 players seems to have worked, too. Already, Helldivers players are leaning into the bit; one posts a GIF from Starship Troopers, referencing Rico's determination to squash the bugs after his hometown is destroyed, and another shares the closed fist meme that's become ubiquitous in record time. Helldivers 2 players will always lean into the universal storytelling.Still, alongside all the kayfabe Helldivers posts, some can't resist having some fun with it. "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" wrote one user. And references to DOOM and various other media are pretty solid, too.The invasion of Super Earth by Illuminate forces is well underway in Helldivers 2's Heart of Democracy update, which went live today. Players can currently drop onto the planet to defend it against the extraterrestrial squids, and even with some new SEAF back-up, the situation seems chaotic. We'll see how this pans out over the next few Major Orders, but I'm not ruling out a few more gut-punches from Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios.Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
    1 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·0 Aperçu
  • Apple’s Deirdre O’Brien among Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Business

    Today, Fortune revealed its 2025 list of the Most Powerful Women in Business, and Apple’s SVP of Retail + People, Deirdre O’Brien, has once again secured her spot.

    This is O’Brien’s seventh consecutive appearance on the list, which features “only 20 Fortune 500 CEOs” out of the more than 50 women who lead Fortune 500 companies. According to Fortune, this highlights “just how competitive it has become.”
    O’Brien ranks 67th on this year’s list. Here’s what Fortune had to say:

    An Apple veteran of over 35 years, Deirdre O’Brien manages the tech giant’s retail teams as senior vice president, leading the way on its global retail expansion, including in emerging markets. She oversees a diverse range of functions, from training and development at Apple University to diversity and inclusion, compensation, benefits, and more. In March, O’Brien added Apple’s top people manager spot to her retail duties, returning to a role she’d held from 2017 to 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from San Jose State University.
    Over the past year, O’Brien has overseen store openings in the U.S., China, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the launch of Apple’s first-ever retail location in Malaysia; further openings in India, the U.S., Japan, and the UAE are slated for later in 2025.

    As Fortune notes, O’Brien’s path has been quite eventful. After taking over the role previously held by Angela Ahrendts, she inherited the task of reinvigorating iPhone sales through Apple’s global retail presence, while also navigating shifting labor dynamics, including increased unionization efforts at retail stores and the long-term workplace changes brought on by the pandemic.
    More recently, after a brief period in which Apple appointed its first Chief People Officer, Carol Surface, O’Brien resumed leadership of the People team following Surface’s departure in late 2024.

    Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. 

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
    #apples #deirdre #obrien #among #fortunes
    Apple’s Deirdre O’Brien among Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Business
    Today, Fortune revealed its 2025 list of the Most Powerful Women in Business, and Apple’s SVP of Retail + People, Deirdre O’Brien, has once again secured her spot. This is O’Brien’s seventh consecutive appearance on the list, which features “only 20 Fortune 500 CEOs” out of the more than 50 women who lead Fortune 500 companies. According to Fortune, this highlights “just how competitive it has become.” O’Brien ranks 67th on this year’s list. Here’s what Fortune had to say: An Apple veteran of over 35 years, Deirdre O’Brien manages the tech giant’s retail teams as senior vice president, leading the way on its global retail expansion, including in emerging markets. She oversees a diverse range of functions, from training and development at Apple University to diversity and inclusion, compensation, benefits, and more. In March, O’Brien added Apple’s top people manager spot to her retail duties, returning to a role she’d held from 2017 to 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from San Jose State University. Over the past year, O’Brien has overseen store openings in the U.S., China, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the launch of Apple’s first-ever retail location in Malaysia; further openings in India, the U.S., Japan, and the UAE are slated for later in 2025. As Fortune notes, O’Brien’s path has been quite eventful. After taking over the role previously held by Angela Ahrendts, she inherited the task of reinvigorating iPhone sales through Apple’s global retail presence, while also navigating shifting labor dynamics, including increased unionization efforts at retail stores and the long-term workplace changes brought on by the pandemic. More recently, after a brief period in which Apple appointed its first Chief People Officer, Carol Surface, O’Brien resumed leadership of the People team following Surface’s departure in late 2024. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel #apples #deirdre #obrien #among #fortunes
    Apple’s Deirdre O’Brien among Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Business
    9to5mac.com
    Today, Fortune revealed its 2025 list of the Most Powerful Women in Business, and Apple’s SVP of Retail + People, Deirdre O’Brien, has once again secured her spot. This is O’Brien’s seventh consecutive appearance on the list, which features “only 20 Fortune 500 CEOs” out of the more than 50 women who lead Fortune 500 companies. According to Fortune, this highlights “just how competitive it has become.” O’Brien ranks 67th on this year’s list. Here’s what Fortune had to say: An Apple veteran of over 35 years, Deirdre O’Brien manages the tech giant’s retail teams as senior vice president, leading the way on its global retail expansion, including in emerging markets. She oversees a diverse range of functions, from training and development at Apple University to diversity and inclusion, compensation, benefits, and more. In March, O’Brien added Apple’s top people manager spot to her retail duties, returning to a role she’d held from 2017 to 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from San Jose State University. Over the past year, O’Brien has overseen store openings in the U.S., China, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the launch of Apple’s first-ever retail location in Malaysia; further openings in India, the U.S., Japan, and the UAE are slated for later in 2025. As Fortune notes, O’Brien’s path has been quite eventful. After taking over the role previously held by Angela Ahrendts, she inherited the task of reinvigorating iPhone sales through Apple’s global retail presence, while also navigating shifting labor dynamics, including increased unionization efforts at retail stores and the long-term workplace changes brought on by the pandemic. More recently, after a brief period in which Apple appointed its first Chief People Officer, Carol Surface, O’Brien resumed leadership of the People team following Surface’s departure in late 2024. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Elon Musk’s Companies Just Hit Rock Bottom in New Reputation Rankings

    Today, in metrics that Elon Musk's enterprises are fully eating dirt: A new Axios Harris Poll of the US's 100 most visible companies showing Tesla and SpaceX, collapsing in reputation. The poll seeks to divine positive consumer sentiment and trust among large companies — and Musk's are crashing, due in no small part to widespread disapproval of Musk's role in the Trump administration, a sentiment that continues to grow across all political affiliations. This isn't a shocking development, but even so, the numbers paint an astonishingly swift fall from grace. In the 2021 poll, Tesla was eighth place in reputation ranking, putting it ahead of brands like Costco, Apple, and Toyota. But along the way, the automaker has since tripped on the staircase up, and come crashing backwards. Last year, Tesla fell all the way down to 63rd place — and now, in 2025, it's plunged to rock-bottom-95th, where it's keeping company with the likes of Meta, Wells Fargo, and UnitedHealth Group. Toyota, it's worth mentioning, has leapfrogged Tesla to 4th place, with five other car companies ahead of the EV automaker. Per Axios, Tesla also placed dead last in "character," and ranked nearly as poorly in areas like "ethics" and "citizenship."SpaceX is hardly better off. In 2021, Musk's aerospace company was sitting pretty at 5th place, but this year it tumbled to 86th. That puts it right alongside a scandal-plagued Boeing, at 88th.SpaceX isn't a consumer facing company like Tesla, so the reputation hit theoretically isn't so material to their future. But the polling data showed a worrying 28.7 percent difference between Republican and Democrat respondents, the outlet reported, which could certainly be a liability down the line if political fortunes swing out of their favor.Xalso features here — embarrassingly — with a 98th place finish — but it's always done poorly, even before Musk's takeover.Again, this astonishing fall from consumers' good graces can be laid at the feet of Musk, who has alienated consumers on both sides of the aisle with his role in the Trump administration. Through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has laid waste to the federal government by firing tens of thousands of government employees, cutting off hundreds of billions of dollars in spending, and tampering with American's Social Security. His personal conduct was likely no less repulsive to those same consumers, including his willingness to engage inperformative Nazism, and his regular sharing of racist conspiracy theories.Beyond poor polling numbers, these actions have had material consequences for his businesses. Musk's actions catalyzed a global "Tesla Takedown" protest movement, with Tesla dealerships and cars regularly targeted with vandalism. The automaker's annual sales declined for the first time in 2024, and have fallen in the first quarter of 2025 by 37 percent in Europe and 9 percent in the US. Its net income during this period, meanwhile, has slid by 71 percent. In a rare moment of self-reflection, Musk himself has admitted that his time in DOGE has incurred some pretty nasty blowback on his businesses. And if this new poll is anything to go by, their reputations are going to need feats of veritable necromancy to recover.More on Musk's business acumen: A Longtime Tesla Bull Dumped His Stock, Predicting a Total CollapseShare This Article
    #elon #musks #companies #just #hit
    Elon Musk’s Companies Just Hit Rock Bottom in New Reputation Rankings
    Today, in metrics that Elon Musk's enterprises are fully eating dirt: A new Axios Harris Poll of the US's 100 most visible companies showing Tesla and SpaceX, collapsing in reputation. The poll seeks to divine positive consumer sentiment and trust among large companies — and Musk's are crashing, due in no small part to widespread disapproval of Musk's role in the Trump administration, a sentiment that continues to grow across all political affiliations. This isn't a shocking development, but even so, the numbers paint an astonishingly swift fall from grace. In the 2021 poll, Tesla was eighth place in reputation ranking, putting it ahead of brands like Costco, Apple, and Toyota. But along the way, the automaker has since tripped on the staircase up, and come crashing backwards. Last year, Tesla fell all the way down to 63rd place — and now, in 2025, it's plunged to rock-bottom-95th, where it's keeping company with the likes of Meta, Wells Fargo, and UnitedHealth Group. Toyota, it's worth mentioning, has leapfrogged Tesla to 4th place, with five other car companies ahead of the EV automaker. Per Axios, Tesla also placed dead last in "character," and ranked nearly as poorly in areas like "ethics" and "citizenship."SpaceX is hardly better off. In 2021, Musk's aerospace company was sitting pretty at 5th place, but this year it tumbled to 86th. That puts it right alongside a scandal-plagued Boeing, at 88th.SpaceX isn't a consumer facing company like Tesla, so the reputation hit theoretically isn't so material to their future. But the polling data showed a worrying 28.7 percent difference between Republican and Democrat respondents, the outlet reported, which could certainly be a liability down the line if political fortunes swing out of their favor.Xalso features here — embarrassingly — with a 98th place finish — but it's always done poorly, even before Musk's takeover.Again, this astonishing fall from consumers' good graces can be laid at the feet of Musk, who has alienated consumers on both sides of the aisle with his role in the Trump administration. Through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has laid waste to the federal government by firing tens of thousands of government employees, cutting off hundreds of billions of dollars in spending, and tampering with American's Social Security. His personal conduct was likely no less repulsive to those same consumers, including his willingness to engage inperformative Nazism, and his regular sharing of racist conspiracy theories.Beyond poor polling numbers, these actions have had material consequences for his businesses. Musk's actions catalyzed a global "Tesla Takedown" protest movement, with Tesla dealerships and cars regularly targeted with vandalism. The automaker's annual sales declined for the first time in 2024, and have fallen in the first quarter of 2025 by 37 percent in Europe and 9 percent in the US. Its net income during this period, meanwhile, has slid by 71 percent. In a rare moment of self-reflection, Musk himself has admitted that his time in DOGE has incurred some pretty nasty blowback on his businesses. And if this new poll is anything to go by, their reputations are going to need feats of veritable necromancy to recover.More on Musk's business acumen: A Longtime Tesla Bull Dumped His Stock, Predicting a Total CollapseShare This Article #elon #musks #companies #just #hit
    Elon Musk’s Companies Just Hit Rock Bottom in New Reputation Rankings
    futurism.com
    Today, in metrics that Elon Musk's enterprises are fully eating dirt: A new Axios Harris Poll of the US's 100 most visible companies showing Tesla and SpaceX, collapsing in reputation. The poll seeks to divine positive consumer sentiment and trust among large companies — and Musk's are crashing, due in no small part to widespread disapproval of Musk's role in the Trump administration, a sentiment that continues to grow across all political affiliations. This isn't a shocking development, but even so, the numbers paint an astonishingly swift fall from grace. In the 2021 poll, Tesla was eighth place in reputation ranking, putting it ahead of brands like Costco, Apple, and Toyota. But along the way, the automaker has since tripped on the staircase up, and come crashing backwards. Last year, Tesla fell all the way down to 63rd place — and now, in 2025, it's plunged to rock-bottom-95th, where it's keeping company with the likes of Meta, Wells Fargo, and UnitedHealth Group. Toyota, it's worth mentioning, has leapfrogged Tesla to 4th place, with five other car companies ahead of the EV automaker. Per Axios, Tesla also placed dead last in "character," and ranked nearly as poorly in areas like "ethics" and "citizenship."SpaceX is hardly better off. In 2021, Musk's aerospace company was sitting pretty at 5th place, but this year it tumbled to 86th. That puts it right alongside a scandal-plagued Boeing, at 88th.SpaceX isn't a consumer facing company like Tesla, so the reputation hit theoretically isn't so material to their future. But the polling data showed a worrying 28.7 percent difference between Republican and Democrat respondents, the outlet reported, which could certainly be a liability down the line if political fortunes swing out of their favor.X (formerly Twitter) also features here — embarrassingly — with a 98th place finish — but it's always done poorly, even before Musk's takeover.Again, this astonishing fall from consumers' good graces can be laid at the feet of Musk, who has alienated consumers on both sides of the aisle with his role in the Trump administration. Through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has laid waste to the federal government by firing tens of thousands of government employees, cutting off hundreds of billions of dollars in spending, and tampering with American's Social Security. His personal conduct was likely no less repulsive to those same consumers, including his willingness to engage in (ostensibly) performative Nazism, and his regular sharing of racist conspiracy theories.Beyond poor polling numbers, these actions have had material consequences for his businesses. Musk's actions catalyzed a global "Tesla Takedown" protest movement, with Tesla dealerships and cars regularly targeted with vandalism. The automaker's annual sales declined for the first time in 2024, and have fallen in the first quarter of 2025 by 37 percent in Europe and 9 percent in the US. Its net income during this period, meanwhile, has slid by 71 percent. In a rare moment of self-reflection, Musk himself has admitted that his time in DOGE has incurred some pretty nasty blowback on his businesses. And if this new poll is anything to go by, their reputations are going to need feats of veritable necromancy to recover.More on Musk's business acumen: A Longtime Tesla Bull Dumped His Stock, Predicting a Total CollapseShare This Article
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  • Researchers Expose PWA JavaScript Attack That Redirects Users to Adult Scam Apps

    May 21, 2025Ravie LakshmananMobile Security / Browser Security

    Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new campaign that employs malicious JavaScript injections to redirect site visitors on mobile devices to a Chinese adult-content Progressive Web Appscam.
    "While the payload itself is nothing new, the delivery method stands out," c/side researcher Himanshu Anand said in a Tuesday analysis.
    "The malicious landing page is a full-blown Progressive Web App, likely aiming to retain users longer and bypass basic browser protections."
    The campaign is designed to explicitly filter out desktop users, primarily focusing on mobile users. The activity has been described as a client-side attack that uses third-party JavaScript and only triggers on mobile devices.

    The use of PWAs, a type of application built using web technologies that provide a user experience similar to that of a native app built for a specific platform like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, or iOS, is seen as an attempt to sidestep security protections.

    The attacks involve injecting websites with JavaScript code that acts as a loader to trigger the redirection when the site is visited from devices running on Android, iOS, and iPadOS, among others.
    The redirections are designed to lead the users to adult content websites or other intermediary redirect pages advertising apps for viewing adult content. The pages subsequently take the victims to a fake app store listing for the supposed Android and iOS apps in question.
    "The use of PWAs suggests attackers are experimenting with more persistent phishing methods," Anand said. "The mobile-only focus allows them to evade many detection mechanisms."

    Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

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    #researchers #expose #pwa #javascript #attack
    Researchers Expose PWA JavaScript Attack That Redirects Users to Adult Scam Apps
    May 21, 2025Ravie LakshmananMobile Security / Browser Security Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new campaign that employs malicious JavaScript injections to redirect site visitors on mobile devices to a Chinese adult-content Progressive Web Appscam. "While the payload itself is nothing new, the delivery method stands out," c/side researcher Himanshu Anand said in a Tuesday analysis. "The malicious landing page is a full-blown Progressive Web App, likely aiming to retain users longer and bypass basic browser protections." The campaign is designed to explicitly filter out desktop users, primarily focusing on mobile users. The activity has been described as a client-side attack that uses third-party JavaScript and only triggers on mobile devices. The use of PWAs, a type of application built using web technologies that provide a user experience similar to that of a native app built for a specific platform like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, or iOS, is seen as an attempt to sidestep security protections. The attacks involve injecting websites with JavaScript code that acts as a loader to trigger the redirection when the site is visited from devices running on Android, iOS, and iPadOS, among others. The redirections are designed to lead the users to adult content websites or other intermediary redirect pages advertising apps for viewing adult content. The pages subsequently take the victims to a fake app store listing for the supposed Android and iOS apps in question. "The use of PWAs suggests attackers are experimenting with more persistent phishing methods," Anand said. "The mobile-only focus allows them to evade many detection mechanisms." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE     #researchers #expose #pwa #javascript #attack
    Researchers Expose PWA JavaScript Attack That Redirects Users to Adult Scam Apps
    thehackernews.com
    May 21, 2025Ravie LakshmananMobile Security / Browser Security Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new campaign that employs malicious JavaScript injections to redirect site visitors on mobile devices to a Chinese adult-content Progressive Web App (PWA) scam. "While the payload itself is nothing new (yet another adult gambling scam), the delivery method stands out," c/side researcher Himanshu Anand said in a Tuesday analysis. "The malicious landing page is a full-blown Progressive Web App (PWA), likely aiming to retain users longer and bypass basic browser protections." The campaign is designed to explicitly filter out desktop users, primarily focusing on mobile users. The activity has been described as a client-side attack that uses third-party JavaScript and only triggers on mobile devices. The use of PWAs, a type of application built using web technologies that provide a user experience similar to that of a native app built for a specific platform like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, or iOS, is seen as an attempt to sidestep security protections. The attacks involve injecting websites with JavaScript code that acts as a loader to trigger the redirection when the site is visited from devices running on Android, iOS, and iPadOS, among others. The redirections are designed to lead the users to adult content websites or other intermediary redirect pages advertising apps for viewing adult content. The pages subsequently take the victims to a fake app store listing for the supposed Android and iOS apps in question. "The use of PWAs suggests attackers are experimenting with more persistent phishing methods," Anand said. "The mobile-only focus allows them to evade many detection mechanisms." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    
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