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

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

Google Pixel and Pixel XL get new Android beta builds

If you're part of Android's beta program and have a Google Pixel or Pixel XL, well an update should be making its way to you. The beta version of Android Nougat 7.1.2 brings some minor bug fixes to the phones. This build is expected to get released publicly in the coming months. Other eligible Google-branded phones to get the update include the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. No sign of the 2014 Nexus 6 phone and Nexus 9 tablet, though.

Source: The Verge