Facebook close to hitting 2 billion users, earns 50% more in 2016

If you thought there wasn’t more room for Facebook to grow on the internet, then you’re wrong, the social network is getting really close to hitting the two billion user mark. At the end of 2016, the company has over 1.86 billion people checking Facebook at least once a month. As Quartz reports, that greater than the population of North and South America as well as Europe combined. The number of users is up from 1.79 in the previous quarter and up from 1.59 billion from the previous year.

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Developer finds way to have a ‘shared reality’ with the HoloLens and Vive

A new proof of concept setup from software developer Drew Gottlieb reminds us that we’re no longer just limited to having a virtual or augmented reality experience. It’s possible to have a “shared reality” and he’s done this with the Microsoft HoloLens and HTC Vive. Having this setup brings the VR experience beyond just one user. The video above shows how he gets it to work with a 3D painting app similar to Tilt Brush. Aside from thinking about the possibilities this’ll bring into the gaming space, Gottlieb also demonstrates what this’ll mean for work collaboration in areas like the creative space.

Source: Engadget

Amazon.ca showcases the latest products for Canadians for summer

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Amazon.ca continues to expand its product offerings as well as services tied to its Prime memberships in Canada.

On the heels of making Amazon Prime Video to existing Amazon Prime subscribers in Canada, the company also has made Twitch Prime available.

Amazon also continues to bring its own white label products under the Amazon Essentials label. These are items like rechargeable batteries, smartphone plugs and cables, as well as other affordable yet quality products. On display at their showcase were yoga mats, notebook PC cases as well as blankets.

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Nintendo makes US$53 million from 'Super Mario Run'

Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

For a game that asks users to pay US$10 to get most of its levels, Super Mario Run has done quite well for its first two months out on the market. It hasn't even launched on the Android platform yet. Out of the 78 million total downloads, more than five percent paid to unlock all the levels. Games consultant Serkan Toto told the Wall Street Journal that this was an "amazing" feat for a game with a high in-app purchase rate. Most of Nintendo's rivals couldn't hit that even with just $1 or $2 in-app purchase rate.

But Nintendo is disappointed with the result. The gaming company was hoping to hit a double-digit conversion rate with this game, considering it is such a recognizable brand. But with just a couple of titles out of the gate, Nintendo shouldn't write off the mobile gaming market jut yet. Super Mario Run will be coming to Android in March and there are big name franchises like Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem coming to the mobile space soon. Better fortune might be heading their way.

Source: Engadget