Skillz Weekly News Recap – Microsoft Announces Xbox Series X
Microsoft announced Xbox Series X, its next-generation console. It will arrive in late 2020. (TechCrunch)
Digital/Mobile News
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Microsoft announced Xbox Series X, its next-generation console. It will arrive in late 2020. (TechCrunch)
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Google announced a new update for its Pixel phones, which includes robocall screening and new portrait mode features. The newest update allows users to decline detected robocalls and add portrait mode to any photo. (The Verge)
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Opera launched a new gaming-specific browser called Opera GX. The browser improves the desktop video gaming experience and is available for free download. (Digital Trends)
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Google released an interpreter translation mode for mobile devices. Working with Google Assistant, the feature offers a real-time translated transcript and audio. (TechCrunch)
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Podcasts are now available on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. Both Spotify and Apple Podcasts are now available through Alexa devices by voice command. (The Verge)
Gaming News
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Resolution Games launched a level-builder tool for “Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs,” which allows players to customize the game. Users can design and play various custom levels with the tool. (VentureBeat)
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Twitch, Epic Games, and the NFL Players Association announced a partnership for the Twitch Rivals Streamer Bowl. The tournament will allow active NFL players to compete in a $250,000 “Fortnite” charity tournament. (The Esports Observer)
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Sony’s baseball game “The Show” will be coming to additional platforms outside of PlayStation as early as 2021. The title is recognized as one of the most successful baseball games ever launched. (The Verge)
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Slightly Mad Studios is bringing “Fast & Furious Crossroads” to PCs and consoles in 2020. The game will feature a single-player story mode, including the actors from the franchise films. (Polygon)
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Microsoft is bringing a new battle royale mode to “Forza Horizon 4.” Titled “The Eliminator,” the mode allows up to 72 players to engage in competitive races. (VentureBeat)
Business News
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2K Games founding a new Take-Two Interactive development studio called Cloud Chamber. Led by gaming veteran Kelley Gimore, the studio will develop the next “BioShock” game. (VentureBeat)
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G2 Esports raised $10 million in its latest financing round led by Alibaba co-founder and Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai. This marks the second investment round raised by G2 Esports this year, and will be used to help the organization expand globally. (The Esports Observer)
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Voodoo has acquired London-based mobile game studio Gumbug. The acquisition will help Voodoo expand into hypercasual games. (VentureBeat)
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The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced that esports will be recognized at this year’s Sports Emmy Awards. The award, Outstanding Esports Coverage, will recognize outstanding presentation and coverage in esports. (Esports Insider)
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Game.tv has raised $25 million in funding for Tourney, an artificial intelligence esports tournament platform for mobile games. The funding will help expand the platform’s tournaments and plug-ins. (VentureBeat)