Nintendo won't be at E3 2023

Photo: Alvaro Reyes/Unsplash

Nintendo is the latest of the big gaming companies to bow out of E3 this year. The company said this year's show "didn't fit into our plans," so they've opted out of having a presence on the show floor. We might get a Nintendo Direct event in June, but it won't be connected with the expo. 

Microsoft hasn't confirmed that it would be part of this year's show. But Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently hinted that the company plans its annual showcase in Los Angeles this summer around the same time as E3 (which runs between June 13 and 16). Meanwhile, Sony hasn't had a presence since 2018. And there are rumours it plans to host a major showcase ahead of E3.

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LumaFusion rolls out for Android, ChromeOS

Image: LumaTouch

LumaFusion, a popular Apple iOS and macOS video editing app, has finally rolled out to Android and ChromeOS, following an early access beta in November 2023. You can expect editing features like a green screen and chroma key VFX effects, colour correction tools, a magnetic timeline, and more.

LumaTouch didn't just port the app over to Android. The developer noted that it assembled a team of "experienced Android developers" to recreate the LumaFusion specifically for the platforms. It's been optimized to take advantage of the unique capabilities of Chromebooks and Android phones and tablets. LumaFusion costs $39.99. If you bought the cheaper beta version, you won't need to pay extra for this full release.

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Netflix slashes prices in over 30 countries

Image: Netflix

Unfortunately, that doesn't extend to Canada. Netflix is trying to find what it calls the right balance between global revenue and subscriber growth as viewer habits change post-lockdowns. The streaming service has cut prices for some of its tiers by as much as half in parts of Europe (Croatia, Slovenia and Bulgaria), the Middle East (Yemen, Jordan, Libya and Iran), Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines), Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya), and Latin America (Nicaragua, Ecuador and Venezuela).

In Netflix’s January earnings call, co-CEO Greg Peters said the company wants to find areas where it can raise prices to help fund new content investments. The regional price increases allow the service to add subscribers to global markets where its share could be higher. As mentioned, though, Netflix has been raising fees in this part of the world, including that new monthly fee for those password sharing. In Canada, this fee has rolled out and costs $8 a month.

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Spotify has an AI-driven DJ for a built-for-you radio station

Spotify joins many other companies using artificial intelligence for its service. The app beta tests its new DJ feature in Canada and the US for Premium users. With an AI-generated voice, the app can create a customized radio station built around your musical taste. It isn't too far off what it's doing now with algorithmically-generated playlists. But now, you'll hear a voice intro and commentary we've typically only gotten from the radio experience. If you aren't feeling the recommendations it offers, there's the DJ button you can switch to change up the tracks.

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