YouTube looking to kill unskippable 30-second ads starting 2018

YouTube is finally taking away the unskippable 30-second video ads we see on its service. The downside is it’ll be happening starting next year. The streaming service acknowledges how unpopular these ads are, especially for data-capped mobile users, and are pushing towards new shorter format ads. One example is the six-second unskippable ad it launched last year.

The move, which won’t appease advertisers, is seen as one way to keep people on its service. According to Callum McCahon, strategy director for Born Social, "I’m reading this as a signal that YouTube is very worried about Facebook. We know that video is right at the very core of Facebook’s roadmap. Their video offering is becoming ever more attractive to brands by the day, and YouTube is panicking."

Source: Campaign

MotherBox offers a more convenient way to wirelessly charge

A new Indiegogo campaign gets rid of the point-to-point contact of wireless charging completely. Called the MotherBox, what you get is simply an angular contraption that makes use of 3D antenna system to send the power to your device. Of course, for your smartphone to charge you’ll need to place a paper-thin receiver at the back of your device and just be near the MotherBox. Afterwards, just download the accompanying app and charge away. There is even a MotherBox Mini version for charging while you’re on the move.

According to Yank Technologies, the team behind the device, the MotherBox can charge around three to four devices at a time, while the Mini can handle one to two devices. The MotherBox needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. Meanwhile, the Mini comes with a rechargeable battery, which the team says should be around 7,000mAh. If you want to back the project, the Early Bird discount for the MotherBox is at US$79, for the MotherBox Mini Early Bird discount is at US$89, and if you want both, the MotherBox Pack Early Bird is priced at US$159. Regular prices are at US$89 for the MotherBox, US$99 for the MotherBox Mini, and US$179 for the MotherBoxPack. You can purchase extra MotherBox Receivers for US$12. Shipping for the product is expect in September 2017.

Halo Wars 2 launches globally today

The anticipated worldwide launch of early access for Halo Wars 2. Available now for players who purchased Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition, 343 Industries and Creative Assembly have crafted an action-packed, strategic gameplay experience for both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC via Xbox Play Anywhere. The studios hosted a celebratory livestream event yesterday at 343 Industries in Redmond, sharing new details on post-launch content and other updates on Halo Wars 2.

Airbnb acquires Montreal-based luxury vacation rental site

It’s being reported that home rental service Airbnb dropped around US$300 million in cash and stock to buy upscale vacation site Luxury Retreats. Airbnb won’t disclose financial terms of the deal, though. The figures mentioned above were from a report by Bloomberg. Airbnb has over three million homes for rent in over 50,000 cities and has expanded its business bit by bit. In the past year, it started letting travelers book day trips and excursions through the site. Now, they’re moving into the luxury space with this acquisition.

Luxury Retreats has over 4,000 homes in 100 locations around the world. They offer more upscale villas for the affluent crowd and include a concierge service. The company will stay in Montreal at the moment and act as a standalone brand but over time their listings will be integrated and highlighted in Airbnb’s own platform.

Source: CNET