New Apple TV ad tugs at heartstrings to promote new iOS messaging features

Apple has long since mastered the art of creating an emotionally powerful ad. Its latest ad isn’t an exception. Promoting the new messaging features in iOS 10, the new video shows a solitary bright red balloon flying from a farmhouse window, over mountains and seas, to fly into the window in the city (where it’s already joined by many balloons) to a girl celebrating her birthday.

What Apple is trying to convey with the ad is there are a lot of new ways to send messages that carry more emotions in them. These include being able to change sizes of the text and make them animated, have color backgrounds, and even swap in emojis for words.

Source: Fast Company

Laurene Powell Jobs invests in studio behind ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Spotlight’

Mr. Robot (USA Network)

Philanthropist and Silicon Valley investor Laurene Powell Jobs is entering into Hollywood with an investment into Anonymous Content, the studio behind movies such as Spotlight and TV shows like Mr. Robot. The widow of Steve Jobs is investing via her Emerson Collective fund. The two sides won’t disclose the size of the deal but it is said to be a “substantial minority investment.” Powell Jobs said in a press release that she’s interested in “expanding the firm’s efforts in producing socially relevant content aimed at inspiring change.” She is considered one of the wealthiest women in the world with her net worth pegged by Forbes at US$17.6 billion, which is derived from large stakes in Apple and Disney.

Source: Recode

Logitech's C922 Pro Stream webcam brings new video messaging capabilities to PCs

Logitech's C922 Pro Stream Webcam lets you stream and record vibrant, true-to-life HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second (fps) or 720p at 60fps, features dynamic background replacement software, powered by Personify, and a 3-month XSplit recording and streaming premium license.

“Social video platforms such as Twitch have exploded in the past few years, and with more than 2 million streamers on that platform alone, the way this new generation of gamers play and learn about games has forever changed,” said Guillaume Bourelly, portfolio and product manager of webcams at Logitech. “With the C922 Pro Stream Webcam, we are taking game casting to the next level so you can easily broadcast your gameplay like a pro, better engage with your community, and stand out from the crowd.” 

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Nintendo launches Family Computer Mini console in Japan

Nintendo is not done releasing “mini” versions of its retro consoles. The Japanese consumer electronics and gaming company announced the “Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer.” This is based on the 1983 Famicom, which was released two years earlier than the NES. Like the recently released NES Mini, the Famicom Mini is pre-loaded with 30 8-bit games such as River City Ransom (which isn’t on the NES Mini), Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and many more. The Famicom Mini, unlike the NES Mini, has its controllers hardwired to the console. It’s coming out in Japan on November 10 for 5,980 yen or around CA$77.

Source: The Verge